tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4823822322146874932024-03-13T07:05:02.349-04:00Classic Realms of Adventure<center>A Guide For The Fantasy Gaming Enthusiast & Home Base For The Classic Realms of Adventure guide.</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-83166145598519332772012-09-09T18:34:00.003-04:002012-09-09T18:43:26.504-04:00First Steps On A New Path-New Website LiveAs some may have already noticed the Classic Realms of Adventure website is now up. Lot of work to do but every great journey, first step, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.classicrealmsofadventure.com">http://www.classicrealmsofadventure.com</a><br /><br />So...what does all this mean?<br /><br />All output for this blog, the Darkness over Dunwich blog and the new Counter Strike Wargame Journal Companion blog will now be sharing a single location.<br /><br />A single blog will be used for announcements on those items as well as the new YouTube Game channel and all announcements on WLH Productions.<br /><br />I hope you check out the new digs and find something useful. As mentioned the site is now live and the content has to start migrating but give it a bit and goodness will ensue.<br /><br />See ya there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-68155033778056361652012-08-11T12:56:00.003-04:002012-08-11T13:37:52.464-04:00Just The OneSo this time I'm just posting the update here. I hope that by the time I'm posting again it will be on the website. It's just been one of those summers.<br /><br />But a lot of good things have happened as well. My return to wargaming has been a bumpy one but I must say I have truly missed it and am involved in several related projects including reconstruction/ restoration of several classic SPI magazine games and look forward to playing a couple I never thought I would see (like Operation: Olympic-the planned invasion of Japan at the end of WWII had the bombs not been used).<br /><br />Currently waiting on delivery of a back up external hard drive to arrive so I can begin to sort through all the material I have gathered for the first editions of Classic Realms of Adventure and Darkness over Dunwich. With Kickstarter getting a lot of attention I am still considering using that for the launch and backing it up with a Youtube channel on gaming to help promote them.<br /><br />Having been a wargamer far longer than an RPG player it has been good revisiting items from that period of my life. As I told someone the other day 'you know how certain things, like the smell of fresh baked cookies, can invoke a flashback in your life?...well, that's what returning to wargaming has felt like to me'. Having become addicted to them at the age of 9 I have always loved the hex and counter games of that golden age in wargaming (from the late '60s through the mid '80s) when, for the cost of a magazine, you could play a new game. I didn't realize that all my favorites were designed by Jim Dunnigan until recently. Learn something new everyday.<br /><br />It seems that the shipping demons have attacked all my inbound packages and here I am ready to crank things up. GOGOGO!<br /><br />Ok, more coffee...good gaming all :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-24872687729386276472012-07-26T13:07:00.001-04:002012-07-26T13:10:01.366-04:00Summer Heat & Gaming MadnessOk…first off I’m posting this update in three places so if you see the title more than once or go ‘wait a minute-I just read this’ you’ll know why.<br /><br />Wow, long time no post…but that doesn’t mean I haven’t worn all the markings off my keyboard…again…<br /><br />First, all the projects are cooking so I’m back to 20 hour days again. It has been a wild summer so far, re-entering the wargame scene with a vengeance (and a battle cry) and sorting out all the custom content for the Arkham Horror boardgame that is floating around the interwebs…and a word of warning-back up your backups and then make a back up of that back up…seriously…this Megaupload fiasco (which is BS like most nonsense these days-invalid search warrants, whole thing gets tossed anyway, never even slowed down the pirates and the communities that use file hosting legitimately have to suffer…f*** heads…) has managed to eat up the time I had slotted for getting the first major articles for Darkness over Dunwich finished. Now I have to stop what I’m doing and get re-focused on things that make your skin crawl after sweeping through the history of wargaming (wow...lots to catch up on).<br /><br />And, speaking of wargaming, GMT games recent release of Red Winter is getting high marks. I brushed it off as a minor title to start with but after further study I must say they seem to have hit the target (pun? No pun?...whatever) with this one.<br /><br />I am trying to bring my A-game with these first two outings of the journals. I have plenty of material…almost too much…it’s just getting everything right that drags things down. These are not intended as one-shot publications. As I believe I have mentioned I’m trying to do (for now) 3 of each a year on an alternating schedule. That leaves plenty of time for those ‘oh s***’ moments that are inevitable.<br /><br />Still exploring Kickstarter for these projects but not quite decided yet. And then there is that pesky website to finish.<br /><br />Anyway, I hope your gaming is going well this hot and messed up summer and look forward to fall when maybe everyone can take a minute and relax and just enjoy the simple entertainment that gaming is at its best.<br /><br />More soon…Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-76180846439451064182012-07-09T01:09:00.002-04:002012-07-09T01:33:57.274-04:00Still ChurningSo between the heat and the always unexpected...whatever...I continue to chug along at a sluggish rate...but chug nonetheless!<br /><br />The website should be up soon. My domain fees are due and GoDaddy is offering a discount on certain services so it sounds like now is the time.<br /><br />Storms causing me to shut down my gear everyday this past week killed finishing the index page and sub indexes for CRoA but I have had a chance to catch up on some documentaries I have been waiting to watch and I have developed a severe addiction to wargame play through videos so whenever the foul weather kicks in I just power up the beast (a true Frankenbox of a machine) and check out a wargame I have never heard of. It all works out.<br /><br />Speaking of the wargames topic, that has been the focus this weekend for the first issue of CRoA. Classic gaming in my book = wargames so I am working on a column for the CRoA journal (and hope to get another enthusiast involved who is WAAAAY the hell more knowledgeable on the subject than myself) and hope to have a series starting with 3 classic WW2 events - Operation Barbarossa / Battle of Stalingrad / Battle of Kursk - or what I like to call 'Three Strikes and Hitler's out'. I want to cover various game releases of each of the events covering what are considered the best options for play and any free / low budget options as well for those just getting started.<br /><br />Ok...time to knock out another doc-a 'Battle of Stalingrad' that had slipped through the cracks on me (I collect basically any video I find on the the second world war. I have studied it since I was a child).<br /><br />Till next time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-44522395556666109192012-06-21T13:10:00.002-04:002012-06-21T13:29:30.151-04:00June UpdateJust a brief post and status update.<br /><br />So as I wrote over at Darkness over Dunwich it was time to pare down the work load and focus on getting something completed. So I cut away from a few projects and combined a few and came up with three.<br /><br />First off, the Darkness over Dunwich (DoD) pdf journal is on track and I'm waiting for word on a fan expansion so I can complete an article on fan created content in the world of Arkham Horror. The journal will cover HP Lovecraft, gaming in particular, but other coverage as well such as films, books, etc.<br /><br />Second is the pdf version of this blog. Classic Realms of Adventure will cover fantasy gaming for the D.I.Y. / low budget / no budget gamer with information on free and low cost games and gaming material along with content ready for use at the gaming table in each guide.<br /><br />I'm looking at taking those two projects to Kickstarter but need to sit and study all the ins and outs that I have printed out on the subject.<br /><br />And the third item is, well, under wraps.<br /><br />I looked at what I have been working on and no matter how I turned it it was still a fantasy rpg rule set and I have read recently the millionth review of a new game system with the 'do we really need another D&D/fantasy rpg?' and the 'I wouldn't change to (fill in the blank rpg) but I would steal/use/adopt ideas from it into my own game'<br /><br />Since I don't feel like spending hours going over a system just to have it stripped down for spare parts and the system being tied directly to a setting that integrate together I have decided to shelve it for the time being and adapt some of the material for use with systems already on the market. There may be a setting supplement in the works but I want to see how it goes.<br /><br />Instead, I am turning my system design to another area that isn't quite so supersaturated and lies outside my comfort zone. And that's that all there is to say about that. I have a LOT of reading to do and research to compile for this new project so I'm glad I have the two items above as far along as they are.<br /><br />So, three projects that I think I can handle...we'll see...<br /><br />Anyway, hope the weather isn't killing you wherever you may be and may wild fires stay far away...<br /><br />More laterUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-37366162021224930422012-05-31T00:38:00.002-04:002012-05-31T00:58:27.170-04:00News-Views & DuesSo it's been a bit since a post, but it happens when you jump head first into way to many projects not anticipating a mechanical nightmare that lies in wait at the bottom of the pool.<br /><br />Oh, and don't EVER buy ANYTHING with Windows 7 if you can avoid it. I just thought Vista sucked.<br /><br />So, much typing and researching for the two zines in the works, building the new Classic Realms website and preparing to migrate completely over to Tumblr for my short term blogging needs.<br /><br />It would seem with all of Bloggers changes they have now decided to offer the very reasons I have stayed to dynamic view pages only and that finally tears it. Half the time the page is blank when I pull one up and the other half I can only see it if I disable the functionality of Noscript which means as soon as Blogger and Google offer me a click jack free surfing experience I will turn off Noscript...and since I don't see that happening, well...you get the idea.<br /><br />One upside to coding your own site means no noise in the code. Super fast html without everyone nosing in your business.<br /><br />So soon my blogs will all point in the same direction and I hope it is a worthwhile trip.<br /><br />With the flexibility of doing my own web design I will be able to offer gaming material for download, videos to watch on all aspects of gaming, the home base for Forsaken Souls, The Dragon's Eye, Darkness over Dunwich and of course Classic Realms of Adventure.<br /><br />Until I am able to put on staff most of my online posting will be of the announcement nature.<br /><br />And since everyone and their brother seems per-occupied with Wizards and their sleight-of-hand routine it's probably a good time to take a break. I just thought I was burned out at the holidays. This computer situation has just about ground me down and it still isn't resolved.<br /><br />So it's time to refuel the tanks, recharge the batteries, enjoy a rather large stack of new films and watch some old favorites. And then there is that Arkham Horror board haunting me over on the main game table...madness only moments away...<br /><br />Ok, just a bit to say still kickin' and hopefully by fall I can have everything fully implemented.<br /><br />Till next time...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-40539412824481591732012-05-19T17:47:00.001-04:002012-05-19T17:49:31.674-04:00Look DownBelow this post is the most recent updates to the CRoA Tumblr feed which is the primary update method.<br /><br />So scroll :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-72718681854204224752012-05-17T01:21:00.002-04:002012-05-17T01:35:42.768-04:00Like Everyone Else I SupposeJust busy staying busy.<br /><br />And learning Win7...god help me...what a freakin' nightmare...I have got to get with Linux soon.<br /><br />Just a bit of what has been progressing here in the land of eternal work :)<br /><br />I'm slowly squaring away the software/hardware issues (and learning 'new' and lots of it...ugh) and catching up back ups (2tb of data is a lot to lose).<br /><br />My batteries are drained. I have pushed myself way past the limit and it has come back to haunt me. Not taking care of yourself properly is a bad idea. I should have learned by now but....<br /><br />So, recharging, resting and still keeping the back end running (coding the front end to the website, getting my notes together for not one but two gaming based pdf based journals, sifting through binders of hand written material,etc), listening to a LOT of music and trying to find something to watch that I can pay attention to for more than 15 minutes. I have a pile of films (mostly 2nd view) that I need to work through. Just good for the mind-Ironclad, Valhalla Rising, S&S Euro B-movies-and lots of reading to catch up.<br /><br />Now back to our regularly scheduled madness...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-75173900060327067552012-05-09T15:35:00.002-04:002012-05-09T15:40:51.324-04:00Kickstarter-CHAMPIONS OF ZED - Zero Edition DungeoneeringThis looks very interesting...<br /><br />In case it hasn't popped up yet:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/280000504/champions-of-zed-zero-edition-dungeoneering">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/280000504/champions-of-zed-zero-edition-dungeoneering</a><br /><br />And this series of articles to learn more:<br /><a href="http://boggswood.blogspot.com/search/label/Beyond%20This%20Point%20Be%20Dragons"><br />http://boggswood.blogspot.com/search/label/Beyond%20This%20Point%20Be%20Dragons</a><br /><br />A single link to the first post:<br /><br /><a href="http://boggswood.blogspot.com/2012/05/beyond-this-point-be-dragons-d.html">http://boggswood.blogspot.com/2012/05/beyond-this-point-be-dragons-d.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-64779257565402904472012-04-13T01:36:00.003-04:002012-04-13T01:39:57.755-04:00RPGs Jonathan Tweet & Rob Heinsoo: Making their own 5th Edition?Things just got interesting...again...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/news/321202-jonathan-tweet-rob-heinsoo-making-their-own-5th-edition.html">http://www.enworld.org/forum/news/321202-jonathan-tweet-rob-heinsoo-making-their-own-5th-edition.html</a><br /><br />(and note that it is OGL)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-66896895187099623832012-04-04T12:25:00.002-04:002012-04-04T12:32:52.207-04:00Kick Starter Project-Pure Steam - Pathfinder Compatible RPG SettingFor those wanting a change of pace from the usual PF:<br /><br />Pure Steam - Pathfinder Compatible RPG Setting<br /><br />Pure Steam is:<br /><br />-Approximately 200 pages of new tech, locations, characters, and classes.<br />-Pathfinder compatible (core rules at www.paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd)<br />-Set in our world (sorta)<br />-A fresh look at steampunk RPGs<br /><br />Pure Steam offers:<br /><br />-A deep world of politics, history, and adventure seeds<br />-Expanded options for non-magical healing<br />-A plethora of pseudoscience wondrous items<br />-Over a dozen steampunk vehicles<br /><br />Check out the whole shebang at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/714151308/pure-steam-pathfinder-compatible-rpg-setting/">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/714151308/pure-steam-pathfinder-compatible-rpg-setting/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-18523168697375856752012-04-02T00:08:00.002-04:002012-04-02T00:27:20.612-04:00Ahhhh...Nothing Working Right As Usual...Good To Be HomeHey guys (of which there are 22 of you in the 'following' widget that once again has played it's disappearing act) just a quick update to keep the home fires burning.<br /><br />This year has been like a stand up comedian described about being broke. You ever get so broke you just start laughing?<br /><br />Well, that's how things have been around the ranch so far this year. Not so much the broke (but everyday seems to be one more thing draining us).<br /><br />I mean, 4 computers die in less than 2 months all from different causes...wtf?...then the wife breaks a bone in her foot...well...I'll let this Doc quote cover it:<br /><br /><I>The word “avulsion” literally means “tearing.” Avulsion fractures are typically caused when so much force is exerted on a tendon or ligament that it pulls away, tearing off a chunk of bone along the way. In many cases, people have a tough time getting an avulsion fracture, because their muscles send signals to the body telling them to stop before they hurt themselves. Athletes, who push through such signals, are at risk of avulsion fractures.</I><br /><br />WTF?<br /><br />It's like that...everyday...endlessly...<br /><br />Ya just start laughing...<br /><br />Anyway, I'm dragging this damn ship back on course if it kills me and it just might...ya know...for laughs...ugghhh...<br /><br />I keep waiting to see what hideous crap my mail and blogger interface are going to look like but at least they might make Windows 7 look good (GOD I HATE WINDOWS!)....seriously...no quick launch?...I have to hack one together to get a simple yet extremely useful widget for someone who does something more than tweet all day...<br /><br />And just because I'm not posting here doesn't mean that material isn't being worked on. I'm going to go ahead and make the Dragon's Eye blog the site for sales and downloads and such (yes, free ones too) and keep this blog interface clean. That way I can post here that new stuff is up and not clutter up this blog if you're not in a shopping or downloading mood.<br /><br />I've got a ton of research material together, I just have to finalize software on the Win7 beast and then figure out how everything works...again...<br /><br />Ok, the netbook here is smokin' so I'll give it a rest...god, I won't know what to do when I get back to at least a dual core machine again...<br /><br />Soon...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-51969553741220584832012-03-23T14:46:00.002-04:002012-03-23T14:57:27.689-04:00Items I'm UploadingI have several items that I have been trying to get uploaded and linked to (I will be putting them in a sidebar as time permits).<br /><br />This first item would be of interest to anyone who may be playing Eclipse Phase or have an interest in transhumanism. I compiled this from Wikipedia (so it is properly licensed with all CC notifications built in) and be forewarned-this is a 75 meg, 2700+ page encyclopedia on the subject.<br /><br />You will find it at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?taassuqhfalqhe6">http://www.mediafire.com/?taassuqhfalqhe6</a><br /><br />I have a more fantasy gaming upload to do and will then be posting that here as well.<br /><br />Hope this is useful to someone. Even though I'm not playing a system set in the environment I have an interest in the whole concept.<br /><br />More soon (waiting on delivery of a new PC to get back to work on things).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-57467765632399586472012-03-09T17:20:00.001-05:002012-03-09T17:22:47.124-05:00CRoA Returns To BloggerSince I covered most things over at ADD Grognard I will just state that I have returned from the abyss known as WordPre$$ and will be re-starting 4 blogs here on Blogger including the Eternal Keep.<br /><br />More soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-40361283829764229032012-01-29T00:47:00.002-05:002012-01-29T01:01:17.931-05:00WEIGHING OPTIONSYes, still here and pumping. Just a LOT going on right now.<br /><br />But fear not brave reader, your travel to this blog will not be in vain. Just dealing with several home issues (I believe I mentioned preparing for an electrician to visit, add an out of country trip for the wife and mix in a healthy dose of, well...you get the idea).<br /><br />I will be getting some videos up again, but I'm going to use my CRoA Tumblr blog for video. The pages load faster and the video is easier to embed. More on that later.<br /><br />CRoA will be taking on a lot more load in the weeks to come but it will save having to click all around for posts. Plus I own the domain so it can travel, what with Google screwing everything up, is likely to happen.<br /><br />Oh, and I'm resurrecting the zine...<br /><br />I'm tired. More soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-10785769352136305262012-01-21T20:22:00.002-05:002012-01-21T20:35:30.556-05:00UPDATESo, times flies when you are re-thinking your outlook.<br /><br />Sorry for the disappearing act. And the videos which I didn't realize had turned the page loading into molasses in winter.<br /><br />For anyone who has read any of my personal reactions to recent events concerning the 'industry' end of the gaming world you might note that it has truly disturbed me.<br /><br />I have wanted to consolidate things back into as few blogs as possible and have decided to slim way back and use that time to work on several projects both game related and home related (we've had an electrical issue with part of the house for some time and it is just finally time to address, etc) to get some things finished.<br /><br />This is the one place where you will always find me. I purchased this domain so no matter what I would have one fixed point in the universe. Where ever the server space might be the name shall remain the same.<br /><br />After considering stats on my other blogs, the time involved in them and the results I have decided to just let some rest and let some coast. I have covered a wide variety of topics on the plethora of blogs that I have (tried) to maintain, but I find it time to focus down on the subjects that interest me the most.<br /><br />I hope that readers continue to find the posts worth their time and will update more as time permits.<br /><br />This site will get back on a regular schedule asap but a lot of prep work needs to be done to get ready for the electricians visit so it will be scattered posting for now.<br /><br />I hope this finds all well and as always-play often play hard<br /><br />soonUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-47293607337161088722012-01-11T08:00:00.002-05:002012-01-21T20:20:47.558-05:00MaintenanceOk, will be off the usual schedule for a couple days. Insomniac Theater is already loaded up and ready to go and I HAVE to finish re-arranging my office/man cave or I will lose what little mind I have left.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-80326334146448350772012-01-10T16:37:00.003-05:002012-01-10T16:44:04.673-05:00I Don't Have Jack Squatfor my afternoon post. Still reeling from yesterday.<br /><br />Hmmmm...let's see...what isn't about the topic that will no longer be posted...oh..I know:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The City Indexed</span><br /><br />(from the blog)<br /><br /><I>The Weird Adventures Index is online. It can be reached from this post or the link under "Pages" in the sidebar. It continues to be a work in progress, but there are already a lot of posts in a wide array of topics to review. Which topics got a heading and which ones didn't is a bit arbitrary--and subject to future revision.</I><br /><br /><a href="http://sorcerersskull.blogspot.com/2012/01/city-indexed.html">http://sorcerersskull.blogspot.com/2012/01/city-indexed.html</a><br /><br />And if this is a dupe then it's the post so nice I flagged it twice :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-21337543177007045852012-01-10T08:00:00.002-05:002012-01-10T08:00:05.209-05:00Boromir's Guide to Deck Construction-Part One<span style="font-weight:bold;">Boromir's Guide to Deck Construction-Part One</span><br /><br />A Lord of the Rings: The Card Game spotlight on successful solo play <br /><br /><I>The lone traveler’s journey<br /><br />The game has also found a good measure of success due to its rich solitaire play, but while confronting the challenges of Middle-earth may lead to memorable game experiences, they can also frustrate players with less experience in games with deck construction. The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game is unique among these games in that players compete against the forces of Shadow, as controlled by an encounter deck and its artificial intelligence. Still, the encounter deck has its fair share of devious tricks and an arsenal of deadly weapons. Accordingly, it is no simple thing to master the encounter deck and succeed at your quests.<br /><br />Today, then, we begin a three-part series of deck-building tutorials aimed at the new solo player, but one that should contain helpful information (and reminders) for players of all experience levels. </I><br /><br />Read more:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=2968">http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=2968</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-50428443690656012402012-01-09T17:00:00.005-05:002012-01-09T17:00:03.004-05:00D&D5e - ReactionsNeedless to say this was expected but I was a little surprised when I saw the news. I guess they figured Paizo was going to win this Q in sales as well so they needed to drop some kind of bomb.<br /><br />I, for one, do not believe a word that WotC / Hasbro say anymore and have decided to no longer support their efforts in new D&D editions.<br /><br />This will be the last coverage of this subject, but since it does impact this community I thought it best to seek out the reactions on Day Zero to the announcement.<br /><br />Let's get started:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hack & Slash: On Sheer Idiocy</span><br /><br />New York Times can't keep a secret.<br /><br />This is a sad day for mankind.<br /><br /> "We can't write a game good enough for people to want to buy, so why don't you tell us how?"<br /> -Wizards of the Coast<br /><br /><br />I've got too many good games to play. Thanks though.<br /><br /><a href="http://hackslashmaster.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-sheer-idiocy.html">http://hackslashmaster.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-sheer-idiocy.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Unofficial Games: D&D 5th edition</span><br /><br /><br />Maybe they can put the cat back in the bag, I doubt it though. Part of the problem is, most of the good DIY work, doesn't lend itself well to their current business model, by the nature of "DIY".<br /><br /><a href="http://zzarchov.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-5th-edition.html">http://zzarchov.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-5th-edition.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sorcery & Super Science!: 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons is Here</span><br /><br />Unsurprising, IMO. I've also received confirmation that the announcement could have happened up to a year ago which is, according to my memory, when rumors really started among fellow publishers.<br /><br />UPDATE:<br />According to WotC there will be a first-draft of the new rules available for attendees of the Jan 2012 D&D Experience. Another point of confirmation regarding the duration of 5e development. <br /><br /><a href="http://josephbrowning.blogspot.com/2012/01/5th-edition-dungeons-dragons-is-here.html">http://josephbrowning.blogspot.com/2012/01/5th-edition-dungeons-dragons-is-here.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Knights Of The Black Banner: 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons</span><br /><br />So 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons is officially on the way and Wizards of the Coast want to know how to keep current players happy while bringing back everyone who disliked 4th Edition and hopefully getting some new blood into the hobby too.<br /><br />That's a wonderful idea, but sadly magic isn't real and this isn't going to happen. Wizards of the Coast have a track record of dividing the audience of both Dungeons & Dragons and Star Wars by assuming players are interested in "upgrading" to a new rules system simply because the company decided it was time to release one. Since this is utterly false, Wizards of the Coast needs a new strategy.<br /><br /><a href="http://knightsoftheblackbanner.blogspot.com/2012/01/5th-edition-dungeons-dragons.html">http://knightsoftheblackbanner.blogspot.com/2012/01/5th-edition-dungeons-dragons.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Warlock's Home Brew: D&D Evolutions</span><br /><br />So, now WOTC is going to pass the buck and let the game be designed by a bunch of fickle gamers. WOTC can say don't bitch at us, we gave the community exactly what they wanted. Nice to show some real cajones.<br /><br /><a href="http://warlockshomebrew.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-evolutions.html">http://warlockshomebrew.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-evolutions.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-87626254526597733602012-01-08T17:00:00.002-05:002012-01-08T17:00:01.375-05:00FREE STUFF-THE HORN OF PLENTY2011 was a year overflowing with goodness and badness (and I'm talking about 5 months worth of constant storm warnings and a microburst that capped it off with a hole through the roof in my case). So now that we have driven a stake through its stout heart let's look about the chamber for some missed treasures.<br /><br />Now, I always assume everyone sees the same world that I do so I tend to pass over sharing things things I figure everyone already knows about. So this time I'm just going to dive in head first and apologies for items that may be better known and a few that might truly be hidden treasure.<br /><br />For our expedition we will enter The Caves of DriveThruRpg (and please while you are looting the tomb take time to consider other items that cost a bit of coin, like the release of LEGEND for $1, that are well worth the cost).<br /><br />So, you have done the sign up and away we go:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Cooperative Dungeon Collection (01 - 04)</span><br /><br />Just read the descriptions to these 4...and then click Add To Cart...just do it...<br /><br /><a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28876&it=1&filters=0_0_1100_0_0">http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28876&it=1&filters=0_0_1100_0_0</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">650 Fantasy City Encounter Seeds & Hooks</span><br /><br /><I>Need inspiration for city encounters? With a whopping 650 entries, this PDF will give you ideas for years of urban adventures and campaigns.<br /><br />Gathered from entries in the Roleplaying Tips Celebrates 500 contest, this PDF offers you the creative genius and perspectives of dozens of GMs worldwide.</I><br /><br /><a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=83932&filters=0_0_1100_0_0">http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=83932&filters=0_0_1100_0_0</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Players Guide to Castlemourn</span><br /><br /><I>Castlemourn is a post-apocalyptic fantasy setting where kingdoms fight for power through political intrigue and outright warfare; where the brave seek their fortunes in dangerous ruins, and where everyone fears the unspeakable evil that shadows the land.<br /><br />A Player’s Guide to Castlemourn is a 40-page introduction to the lands of Mourna. It will allow you to create and run a character with basic knowledge of the setting using current Third Edition rules. The Guide includes original<br />fiction by Ed Greenwood!</I><br /><br /><a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=12630&it=1&filters=0_0_1100_0_0">http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=12630&it=1&filters=0_0_1100_0_0</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">d20 Modern Collection</span><br /><br />If you want to build something in the way of a modern setting, be it fantastic, scientific or just wherever your imagination takes you then this is THE toolbox. The 6 volumes are available individually but this loads them all at once into your cart.<br /><br />Get it!<br /><br /><a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=515&products_id=58067">http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=515&products_id=58067</a> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Assassin's Amulet - Free Sample</span><br /><br />This recent release I followed through its development phase (and even voted on the winning cover illustration :) and can say that this sample should have you returning for the full release in short order.<br /><br />Check it out:<br /><br /><a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=96557&filters=0_0_1100_0_0">http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=96557&filters=0_0_1100_0_0</a><br /><br />Ok, there are 5 excuses to stay up late reading tonight and when the boss asks why you look like something the cat dragged in you can blame me :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-243003264526616562012-01-08T08:00:00.002-05:002012-01-08T08:00:03.639-05:00The "Ultimate" Fantasy World MapNice find (courtesy of The Weirdlands of Xhuul) :<br /><br /><a href="http://xhuul.blogspot.com/2012/01/ultimate-fantasy-world-map.html">http://xhuul.blogspot.com/2012/01/ultimate-fantasy-world-map.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-57098537307990298212012-01-07T08:00:00.004-05:002012-01-07T08:00:03.215-05:00SATURDAY WRAP-WHERE'S THE SNOW?Ok, if it don't snow and we all have to go about a regular routine then how in the hell are we going to get any blogging done? Who's in charge here? I want to speak to management! :)<br /><br />Ok, enough noise. The Wrap starts a little earlier than usual now that it occupies the 8:00am slot on the CRoA schedule and if you just aren't ready to take on The Wrap yet jump back a day and do some videos with coffee...go ahead, the goodies will still be here when you get back, I promise.<br /><br />So, here we go:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Complete Works of Lovecraft eBook Now in PDF</span><br /><br />If you have been waiting for a real collection here it is and you can't beat the price.<br /><br /><a href="http://cthulhuchick.com/complete-works-lovecraft-pdf/">http://cthulhuchick.com/complete-works-lovecraft-pdf/</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stocking The Dungeon: The Dungeon is under new ownership!</span><br /><br />After a hiatus and a change of authors the blog is back. And before you pass this over you might want to drop in and catch some of the recent posts.<br /><br /><a href="http://stockingthedungeon.blogspot.com/2011/12/dungeon-is-under-new-ownership.html">http://stockingthedungeon.blogspot.com/2011/12/dungeon-is-under-new-ownership.html</a><br /><br />or just drop straight in:<br /><br /><a href="http://stockingthedungeon.blogspot.com/">http://stockingthedungeon.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hideouts & Hoodlums RPG: The Trophy Case #6 is out now! « Steve Lopez's Big Blog o'Fun</span><br />(from the blog)<br /><br /><I>Great Scott Games has released the latest quarterly issue of the official Hideouts & Hoodlums magazine: The Trophy Case #6 is available now, and it’s free for download!</I><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://fourcolorglasses.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/hideouts-hoodlums-rpg-the-trophy-case-6-is-out-now/">http://fourcolorglasses.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/hideouts-hoodlums-rpg-the-trophy-case-6-is-out-now/</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3 Generations After The End: An Introduction - The Gamer Assembly</span><br /><br />(from the blog)<br /><br /><I>The Apocalypse Introduced Magic<br /><br />The sky collapsed. The sun vanished. The moon cracked. Waves plunged the cities into the sea. Airplanes fell from the sky.<br /><br />And the wizards, warlocks, and witches of olden times returned. These may be related.</I><br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.gamerassembly.net/2012/01/3-generations-after-the-end-an-introduction/">http://blogs.gamerassembly.net/2012/01/3-generations-after-the-end-an-introduction/</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Armchair Gamer: Piecemeal System Reviews: Saving Throws in D&D and related systems</span><br /><br />(from the blog)<br /><br /><I>First Encounters<br /><br />To be honest, I didn't hate saving throws at first. D&D was the only RPG I'd ever played, so I figured that saving throws were how you handled certain things.<br /><br />Sadly, it was the vagueness of what those "certain things" were what initially gave me trouble. Unless it was explicitly stated in the rulebook, I didn't call for saving throws. And because of that it was hard for me to judge when -- in an adventured I'd created -- something would get a saving throw unless such a thing was stated in the monster description, or spell description, or magic item description.</I><br /><br /><a href="http://armchairgamer.blogspot.com/2012/01/piecemeal-system-reviews-saving-throws.html">http://armchairgamer.blogspot.com/2012/01/piecemeal-system-reviews-saving-throws.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Greyhawk Grognard: The Specious Model Railroading Analogy</span><br /><br />(from the blog)<br /><br /><I>Recently, Ryan Dancy was quoted in an article in The Escapist where he repeated the canard that the tabletop RPG industry is "becoming a dead hobby", because it's falling into the same pattern as the model railroading industry:<br /><br /> "Kids stopped playing with trains, and the businesses that remained dedicated to hobbyists who got more disposable income as they grew up, until the price of the hobby was out of reach of anyone except those older hobbyists. Eventually, it became a high-end hobby with very expensive products, sold to an ever-decreasing number of hobbyists. As those folks die, the hobby shrinks. That is what is happening to the tabletop RPG business."<br /><br />The exact same argument (nearly word for word, interestingly), was recently featured in an anonymous guest post over at Wise Fugaros' blog</I><br /><br />Read the rest and reactions at:<br /><br /><a href="http://greyhawkgrognard.blogspot.com/2012/01/specious-model-railroading-analogy.html">http://greyhawkgrognard.blogspot.com/2012/01/specious-model-railroading-analogy.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-55287060542573077172012-01-06T08:00:00.002-05:002012-01-06T08:00:02.305-05:00Breakfast with Paizo-Feature PremiereSo, as I was saying, you got the Paizo Beginners Box for Christmas or maybe lucked out and somebody sprang for the core books for you.<br /><br />And you and your friends have agreed-THIS IS FUN!<br /><br />Then, thump...you are gaming like crazy and wondering what next.<br /><br />I'll help show you...for free no less...and remember, the world of 3.x is huge (3.x referring to the version of the rule set that started with 3.0, then 3.5 and has matured into what is unofficially called 3.75 with Pathfinder).<br /><br />Let's start with a free zine:<br /><br />(from the website)<br /><br /><B>Pathways #1</B><br /><br /><I>Showing you the Rite Pathways for the Taking!<br /><br />How can you say "No" to a collection of Pathfinder Roleplaying Game haunts and templates, high-level foes and minor constructs, feats and domains, and all of it bundled together with a collected view of upcoming third-party products for the Pathfinder RPG? You'd have to be crazy to turn it down.<br /><br />Rite Publishing brings you Pathways, a free 'zine packed with plenty of Open Game Content for you to take to the table. You'll find articles by Jonathan McNulty (Coliseum Morpheuon), T. H. Gulliver (#30 Haunts for Ships and Shores), Robert Emerson,and Steven D. Russell. Also you will find a retrospective look at the best third party products of 2010 by Endzeitgeist and Dark Mistress, and an interview with over 11 different Pathfinder-compatible publishers—including Dreamscarred Press, Open Design, and Super Genius Games!<br /></I><br /><br />Now this zine can be obtained directly from the Paizo site or from RPGnow. You have to sign up at either but it's free and only requires an email address.<br /><br />The RPGnow page is:<br /><br /><a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=88913">http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=88913</a><br /><br />Enjoy your breakfast :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-482382232214687493.post-50866769039277608232012-01-05T17:00:00.001-05:002012-01-05T17:00:05.418-05:00D&D StatisticsFor those who love breaking down the stats these pages should be pure heaven.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="https://klubkev.org/~ksulliva/ralph/dnd-stats.html">https://klubkev.org/~ksulliva/ralph/dnd-stats.html</a><br /><br />(also, at the bottom, are the following links)<br /><br /><B>Dungeons & Dragons Statistics</B><br /><a href="http://www.highprogrammer.com/alan/gaming/dnd/statistics/">http://www.highprogrammer.com/alan/gaming/dnd/statistics/</a><br /><br /><B>D&D Ability Probabilities</B><br /><a href="http://www.darkshire.net/~jhkim/rpg/dnd/abilities.html">http://www.darkshire.net/~jhkim/rpg/dnd/abilities.html</a><br /><br /><B>Modeling Reality in Role-Playing Games</B><br /><a href="http://ptgptb.org/0009/simon.html">http://ptgptb.org/0009/simon.html</a><br /><br /><B>Dungeons and Dragons Mathematics</B><br /><a href="http://www.monkeysushi.net/gaming/DnD/math.html">http://www.monkeysushi.net/gaming/DnD/math.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0