tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86152532838190945162024-02-07T18:57:05.865-08:00Heroes & Other WorldsBecome a Hero, Other Worlds await!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger373125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-26691211751677922872021-06-13T07:50:00.001-07:002021-06-13T07:50:10.662-07:00O.G.R.E. RPG<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJg42AbnkKNWe8BREnF-Ea6QSjymhnXsCH1Rc0aKddwP7-ro2knvfUOkVbN4fFyfXJvAZv91uBUiINx_2rQXGM1etLXzUEH2aWTlk16211OAK2IjQGSSTbOoJBkiccqhbGNVL_9_o8gQ/s482/ogre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJg42AbnkKNWe8BREnF-Ea6QSjymhnXsCH1Rc0aKddwP7-ro2knvfUOkVbN4fFyfXJvAZv91uBUiINx_2rQXGM1etLXzUEH2aWTlk16211OAK2IjQGSSTbOoJBkiccqhbGNVL_9_o8gQ/s320/ogre.jpg" /></a></div> A rough collection of notes, lists and scribbles of ideas is slowly taking some sort of shape. O.G.R.E. stands for Occultists, Grunts, Rogues and Ecclesiastics. It uses only d20 dice but is not a standard d20 system.<br /><p></p><p>Character creation is fast and simple. In essence you roll (or choose) your background, roll some characteristics<br /> and then pick a class. This will be a heavy and broad class based system. Lots of different specialized classes that provide certain abilities and spells are predetermined/fixed by class. No attributes to roll up-- characters of class are considered to be pretty much the same. <br /></p><p>Combat is quick and damage is fixed based on class or modified slightly by specialized ability.</p><p>Inspirations are drawn broadly from Roguelike computer games, Car Wars, Knave, Tiny Dungeon and the usual RPG suspects. </p><p><br /></p><p>I would also intend O.G.R.E. to be more of an open source game you could make/publish your own adventures and additions--though I am considering imposing a page limit. Maybe 12 or 24, the key is keeping things for the system quick to digest, simple to get into and very focused on a specific topic. </p><p>I want the rules to be short and playable. Then optional topic add-ons like Dungeons, Barrow mounds, Mountains, Demi-Humans, Cities and more. Bolt on or delve into topics you want, ignore the stuff you don't care about. </p><p>One more idea and draft in progress...<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-50553538510963508332021-05-31T09:56:00.006-07:002021-05-31T09:56:38.913-07:00Hello, its been awhile<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYYQNvElnO-cWUahI7dF1Pp5IXaquh4NSxGJkhFqrkNvSDRPrSf8JbHBRuEo9R2RojbEd8_4rJEs79j8twvfDK_VueAOR6AUeE3EaPoo67AJNYkQFyC597wPNSI34NQGj2qD5-cFNhC4/s648/hiker.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="648" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYYQNvElnO-cWUahI7dF1Pp5IXaquh4NSxGJkhFqrkNvSDRPrSf8JbHBRuEo9R2RojbEd8_4rJEs79j8twvfDK_VueAOR6AUeE3EaPoo67AJNYkQFyC597wPNSI34NQGj2qD5-cFNhC4/w474-h235/hiker.png" width="474" /></a></div>No doubt, like yourself, a lot has happened in the last year--and not all of it good. Wherever you would in an ideal situation like or want to go, life has a way of guiding you to different places. So here I am a year later, still struggling through things, like you are, without a lot of time for creative focused writing or even time to game. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Okay all the being said, where do things stand. Well not too much further from where they were. I have scribbled notes for:</p><p>--a word based magic system: Each word used to cast a spell takes 1 ST. Fire (1d6) is 1 ST to create-Throw is another 1 ST--- then you modify it further based on longer range or more damage or length of effect (per turn).</p><p>You can know a number of power based on your IQ--so this gives the player the ability to craft spells or get creative with them. Good for an experienced player to shape spells in concert with the experienced Referee--but hell for a new player/ new referee to sort out and causes game delay. When you have to stop and--discuss---the spell cost or player spell concept vs what Referee thinks it should be? Kind of derails and leads to potential rules lawyer paralysis. No quicker way for me to walk away from a gem then pedantic arguments over gaming a system.<br /></p><p>Magic and Miracles--philosophy: I wrestle with the idea of clerics v wizard but feel there needs to be basic philosophic difference between the two to create a "WHY?" they are different beyond--this one learned a spell--and this one follows a god. For me it comes down to magic is selfish (protect yourself, material gain, your won power)vs. miracles are selfless (protect others, provide guidance, heal/feed/rest). Now how to rule that conundrum mechanically and does it make sense in a world with pantheist beliefs based on human foibles? It may not exactly. I have some thoughts on how to make it work mechanically and it could be as simple as the god provides a limited set of power words that serve them/their aspects. The level of a clerics devotion influences the ST cost of casting. </p><p>Beyond this--I am intrigued with MOTHERSHIP RPG and have an adventure outline kicking around as well as some scribbles for a d20 system called OGR.</p><p>I hope all is well with you and yours--I am still alive and kicking, I continue wander through challenges one step at a time, ever forward and appreciate your patience as I make my way.<br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-41591328608942579552020-05-04T10:36:00.002-07:002020-05-04T11:15:35.846-07:00The Void<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmogj4xxGIEUAY4KatO3zMkcSgXwb1PUxAuiFoqDLoeajOuJoh6lEake5dREm6O6Hgw70IUZAtAO7wKE_HFBfI_8itBXnfhLGMcEISOF-CPiuiuei_qqnkpyKS4-d6V2-3gkqq_bVFIno/s1600/void.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="589" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmogj4xxGIEUAY4KatO3zMkcSgXwb1PUxAuiFoqDLoeajOuJoh6lEake5dREm6O6Hgw70IUZAtAO7wKE_HFBfI_8itBXnfhLGMcEISOF-CPiuiuei_qqnkpyKS4-d6V2-3gkqq_bVFIno/s640/void.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Void, the spaces between galaxy filaments that contain no
galaxies. Void, a pore that remains unoccupied in a composite material. Void,
synonym for vacuum, a space containing no matter.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In <b>Black Magic</b>, the void is the mutating, magical, unliving
force that creates the power of spells in this setting. Maybe it is sentient in
a way a human cannot understand. It is not necessarily malevolent; it simply
does not care. All that is known about the void for sure is, it can grant
powers and it is always hungry. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The void thrives and grows by consuming the light and life
of everything it can touch. By feeding the void—whether by chance, unfathomable sentient decision making, or simply as an excretion from being fed it gives strange abilities to
those who know how to feed it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Pulling beings from distant planets, or strange dimensions, filling the space between worlds and
hungrily gnawing on the edges of your own world, the void takes away life in equal portion to the strange powers it grants.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>WHY THE VOID?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, (YMMV) I want my games to have some reason for what happens. Most fantasy games just have magic because 'the world is magical" Some have "life pays for life" and though life force or blood or health or fatigue spells happen. That's part way to my thinking that there needs to be some sort of player give (a painful payment) to be able to take (cast a spell).</div>
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<br /></div>
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That;s good enough, but for me I wanted an actual force that is consuming the payment.Now here is where "pacts" with strange or demonic beings come into play. <b>Black Magic </b>does allow some sort of servant pact like that to gain access to powers--but what about"the guy behind the guy?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here in <b>Black Magic,</b> I wanted (<i>needed</i>) something that corrupts but is incorruptible and cannot be reasoned with. It is just sort of there, everywhere around you. Something you know but is unknowable. The night, the dark of your room, the deep black of caves under mountain. That strange feeling that something is moving around your but you cannot see it--but you sense it is there--and it is not at all kind. It is as primal a force that has haunted humanity from the beginning of time, FEAR OF THE DARK.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So the void represents that. The absence of light, the absence of life, that moving living inky blackness that owns the world for 8+ hours a day. By feeding the void you can gain some strange weird abilities or powers. Feeding the void unlocks things humans were not meant to know or see, and you allow them entry into your world. The void eats away at the barriers that keep our worlds or dimensions separate.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Feeding the void makes it stronger, hungrier for more and in doing so, for the strange spells and abilities it grants-- you are robbing your world of light and life until with enough power the void simply becomes a massive black hole draining your whole galaxy of light and life.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
...and that's the reasoning behind the void being the power behind magic in <b>Black Magic.</b></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-35649503000322629302020-04-04T06:02:00.000-07:002020-04-04T06:02:25.164-07:00And now for something sort of different...DIE 20!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx3KQJQRbpMpy_7m6nG6bYw58VtsAj7YDiDWmWya3XcacD01fooRlhw17kHZanMh64vm56EOdhE-VmUQ5tKW0gTmm28cazWkIYB0SL0-dxwhKYT0EffYpSGwDkkKrR68rCd2msdNiguI/s1600/war20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="287" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx3KQJQRbpMpy_7m6nG6bYw58VtsAj7YDiDWmWya3XcacD01fooRlhw17kHZanMh64vm56EOdhE-VmUQ5tKW0gTmm28cazWkIYB0SL0-dxwhKYT0EffYpSGwDkkKrR68rCd2msdNiguI/s400/war20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Blame the stay at home order if you like. Well you cannot blame it for
what this is. I guess the social distancing and stay at home order gave
me uninterrupted time to think.<br />
<br />
I have very much enjoyed reading streamlined games like Microlite, Searchers of the Unknown, Knave, Maze Rats, the Black Hack, Tiny Dungeons and Swords & Six-Siders. <br />
<br />
Part of the appeal are the quick play mechanics and simplified rules which let you quickly create and go after the action. For anyone that has read this kind of game before it is intuitive and easy to understand. <br />
<br />
For a number of years, in the background, I have tinkered away on something similar/inspired by these other games. Somehow this week it all sort of crystallized and become <b>DIE 20!</b> Now that thing is here as a 1 page brochure for you to download and play.<br />
<br />
<b>DIE 20!</b> is a spin on what's come before and the brochure format level 1 rules give you a feel for the simple and quick game system. Culling the core down to a double sided brochure to cover Level 1 characters was quite a challenge. Thanks to some constructive criticism, eagle eye edits and suggestions from my lovely wife, Jeffery Vandine, Marc Tabyanan and Bill Burdick--the level 1 intro to <b><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/kzhypzkh08pkd9y/DIE20%2521_pamphlet_v6.51.pdf/file" target="_blank">DIE 20!</a> </b>is now ready for public consumption.<br />
<br />
In addition, there is a Level 1 adventure <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/3ceeicu4ggcuals/DIE_20%2521_DROTHGAR_v3.pdf/file" target="_blank">available for download</a> to give the game a spin. It is a reworking of a 1 pg dungeon by Daniel F. Walthall.<br />
<br />
So is here more beyond the brochure? Indeed there is! There are demi-human races. At Level 2 you get to pick a specialized class like Ranger, Cavalier, Cleric, Necromancer, Ranger, Assassin etc. More spells, more monsters, more bits and bobs that add on to the range of options but maintain the simplified rule set. I am still construcitng and tinkering so let me know what you think.<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-37378447999376790992020-03-19T08:54:00.002-07:002020-03-19T08:56:39.743-07:00PRIMAL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Genndy Tartakovsky is a freaking genius.<br />
<br />
Samurai Jack is such an incredible work of philosophy, action, art and story telling that nothing else animated (save the recently redone Star Blazers series 2199 and 2202) has grabbed me and made me want to binge every episode.<br />
<br />
Well Mr. Tartakovsky has a new series on Adult Swim (I just discovered) called PRIMAL.<br />
<br />
For anyone playing BLADES it is filled with inspirational content and I want to write up a whole supplement for BLADES set in this sort of PRIMAL setting.<br />
<br />
There are so many scenes that recall CONAN to me within PRIMAL that my poor mind was just gobsmacked by inspiration and entranced by the animation. I binged all 5 episodes last night and am still mentally swimming in the PRIMAL landscapes Mr. Tartakovsky and team have created.<br />
<br />
Oh and one other note--THERE IS NO DIALOGUE. 100 animated minutes within 5 episodes and outside of grunts, growls, roars and yowls--NO DIALOGUE and it is an EPIC STORY because of it.<br />
<br />
The music and sound are so critical to pulling off a story like this. The mood, the rise and fall of action and the intensity created are so well done through the visuals and sound and music that it all bleeds into your spirit simultaneously.<br />
<br />
Most movies and studios never achieve this same level of spirit or involvement--so doing it through an animated story with no dialogue but music and sound is an unbelievable achievement.<br />
<br />
Did I say Tartakovsky is a genius? Sorry I meant supra-genius.<br />
<br />
Judge for yourself.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.adultswim.com/videos/primal" target="_blank">WATCH IT HERE</a> <br />
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-13477849971316009662020-03-14T08:33:00.001-07:002020-03-14T08:33:08.935-07:00Adversity = Opportunity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Due to COVID 19 concerns my final business trip (for the next few weeks) occurred this past week. In short I saw things I have not seen since 9/11 including aircraft less than half full. At the local airport where TSA lines are many and always long-- absolutely NO ONE was waiting--there were no lines! I had to take pictures as I do not know if I will something that odd ever again. In addition my office is currently having everyone work from home for the next few weeks. I am blessed and lucky enough to be able to do my job remotely so will be home for a couple weeks.<br />
<br />
Now despite the challenges and difficulties that are going to be upcoming for the next few weeks managing business via emails+calls, it is also an opportunity for me to try and finish all the spells for Black Magic game book.<br />
<br />
I am my own worst critic in that, there are "enough" spells to make the book work as is. Even so, I am not happy as I know I can do more and add more interesting spells so that you do not need to own any other spell books. You could work right from the Black Magic book and (ideally) be happy. <br />
<br />
Now of course I'd love it if you bought other stuff I make (and thanks VERY MUCH for doing so!), but I hope you do it because you like it and want it--<b>not</b> because I short changed you when you invested in the original work.<br />
<br />
Adding on to a game is a choice you make because you like it, not one I should force you into because I short changed you in the original work.<br />
<br />
Shakespeare wrote King Leer while quarantined, so if he can produce a masterpiece in a time of quarantine I am hopeful my little scribbles can simply be completed during our own difficult times.<br />
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My sincerest best wishes for good health to you and yours during this challenging time. I hope you too find some silver lining during a difficult period of time. Turn these challenges and obstacles into new and unexpected ways of continuing your own journey.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-14044588560249387372020-01-14T08:17:00.001-08:002020-01-14T08:21:45.092-08:00Not Necromancy...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am indeed alive! AN incredibly busy year of travel just got more crazy as the year ended. In between I continued to work and play-test a different magic system based on power words. Sadly it was a lot of time and effort that did not come together as I hoped.<br />
<br />
In a short take, what was fun for an experienced gamer was confusing and off putting for new or "lite" gamers. Gaming is very much changing and to make it as enjoyable as possible to as many people as possible, there is an element of ease of play that takes precedence.<br />
<br />
So to get Black Magic back on track and completed, I am going back to just include a fixed/preset spell list (like HOW)<br />
<br />
That is not to say that "alternate magics" is not still an opportunity for BBM I want to create--it just means I can't make it work and serve the needs of a new player and an advanced player. Trying to do so is<br />
<br />
1) Delaying Black Magic<br />
2) Making me crazy<br />
<br />
So the black ship is changing course to be spell list only so I can work to get it done.<br />
<br />
When?--This year is the best I can provide for now. Often my time is not my own (went from 2 trips scheduled in Q1 to 5 in the span of a day--and more are in discussion. So I write where I can when I can.<br />
<br />
Appreciate your kind patience, I too want this done and out there as soon as possible!!<br />
<br />
Keep the faith true believers, and happiest of New Year to you and yours! <br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-46714246383246491042019-08-05T11:17:00.001-07:002019-08-05T11:17:54.361-07:00Wizard's work continued: ANIMALIA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhboxhaxmihr6iHbn7TUh9evjULChawdLNNO82mDrJ_z8E-YWJnRJbDjyRA2sJR3hwV4w42Pl56pHOUvT1ZeF6VOYFWd3W0ePqkF9Gla3o9h6iWcmK0DvBSGO4DLL0RnjrkynSG-PG1TE/s1600/Matt+Cavotta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="620" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhboxhaxmihr6iHbn7TUh9evjULChawdLNNO82mDrJ_z8E-YWJnRJbDjyRA2sJR3hwV4w42Pl56pHOUvT1ZeF6VOYFWd3W0ePqkF9Gla3o9h6iWcmK0DvBSGO4DLL0RnjrkynSG-PG1TE/s400/Matt+Cavotta.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist Matt Cavotta</td></tr>
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Following up on the post from last week, I though it would be good to provide a short and broad snapshot of how this Black Magic spell system could work.<br />
<br />
First I'll start with the ANIMALIA spell concepts. There are two basic header columns to start. The first is a TYPE and the second column is the EFFECT.<br />
<br />
The TYPE choice will be limited/ impacted by the sorcerer's IQ. Insects and rodents require a low IQ to manipulate and it gets harder to effect (requiring higher sorcerer IQ) these animals as the Animalia types get smarter and or larger.<br />
<br />
So the base ST of a spell is 1 ST to cast. Then it becomes more expensive with the spell shaping (range, time, power of effect). You can cut the cost and time of casting by writing it all down in a scroll or spell book and then casting from it, but of course scrolls and spell books can be stolen or destroyed. That sort of arcane knowledge would be very valuable...the work continues.<br />
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<td align="CENTER" height="17"><b>TYPE</b></td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Insect</td>
<td align="CENTER">Calm</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Rodent</td>
<td align="CENTER">Enrage</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Avian</td>
<td align="CENTER">Shrink</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Aquatic</td>
<td align="CENTER">Grow</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Bovine</td>
<td align="CENTER">Banish</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Reptile</td>
<td align="CENTER">Summon</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Canine</td>
<td align="CENTER">Speak with</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Feline</td>
<td align="CENTER">Silence</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Equine</td>
<td align="CENTER">Control</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Ursine</td>
<td align="CENTER">Sense</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Pachyderm</td>
<td align="CENTER">See like</td>
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<td align="CENTER" height="17">Simian</td>
<td align="CENTER">Shape Of </td>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-18052728004411331742019-08-02T06:03:00.002-07:002019-08-02T06:48:26.322-07:00Wizard's work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>May or may not be actual photo from my writing and game room</i></td></tr>
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Well I hope with your BLADES you have done a little FROSTCRAWLing. Behind the scenes I have been noodling the BLACK MAGIC.<br />
<br />
Some very fine suggestions have been sent to me regarding looking at some unique magic systems that offer some creativity to spell casting. Notably the ZERFS system, but I also looked at Fantasy Hero which sort mimics CHAMPIONS for Fantasy.<br />
<br />
Herein lies the struggle though, as to my knowledge none of the "make your own spell" systems have had much traction. Absolutely they have fans and are good and creative systems--yet with the standard set by D&D and its follow on clones--it seems more player friendly to simply pre-create the spell lists.<br />
<br />
This has all been in my mental blender for months and I have read multiple RPG book magic systems to the point where my lovely wife is finding 4 or more RPG books open on the kitchen table at a time like place settings for warlocks. Except it is just me jumping chair to chair reading them and scribbling notes.<br />
<br />
In the end I think I have determined I like both concepts. I think it is necessary to have a predefined list of ready made (common) spells. I also like the creativity of the player in the moment giving rise to something unique--and thus memorable.<br />
<br />
I can hear it now, "Okay fantasy heart breaker game dumb-ass nerd--how do you plan to do it?"<br />
<br />
Glad you asked! (Though your manners could use a little refresh my friend!)<br />
<br />
First I am looking at there being 3 broad schools of magic (working names not final):<br />
<br />
Animal (spells targeting/effecting natural living creatures: growth, speed, healing, increased ST, etc)<br />
<br />
Elemental (spells using & effecting water, fire, wind, earth, wood and metal)<br />
<br />
Spectral (spells effecting the strange, undead and space/time like teleport, raise dead, speak to dead, mutations, etc.)<br />
<br />
In BLACK MAGIC a Sorcerer can learn and use spells from all 3 schools--BUT One spell school is advantaged when rolled to cast, one is normal and one is disadvantaged when rolled to cast.<br />
<br />
A Mercenary could learn a spell from any school, but all rolls are always done (regardless of school) as disadvantaged. <br />
<br />
Within each school is a list of common spells, plus a list of power words or power symbols for a sorcerer to get creative with in conjuring their own unique spells. The cost of casting a unique spell is based on a combination of power words used and desired effect (time/range/power) <br />
<br />
I am working to make this as EASY and fast playable as possible and not devolving figuring out the cost to cast a spell "on the fly" into a Squad Leader consultation of charts, tables and modifiers. I know that some of you LOVE that idea, bless your hearts, but that's not what I am making.<br />
<br />
So for better or worse, that's where the magic system currently stands in structure. Filling in the details is the challenge, but nothing good came from anything easy--so the work continues.<br />
<br />
As always your feedback is welcome--even if you think I am way off base, that's no problem <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Side note:</b> My lovely wife is working on her own covers for both BLADES book and for BLACK MAGIC book--and has a unique idea for a cover for the eventual "one book to rule them all" BLADE + BLACK MAGIC hardback<br />
<br />
When Black Magic is finished and up for purchase then both of her covers (BLADES book + BLACK MAGIC book) will be made available simultaneously.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-20838347668171948822019-05-20T06:11:00.000-07:002019-05-20T06:15:19.729-07:00Entombed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/004/830/711/large/chris-mcgill-balins-tomb-01.jpg?1486580353" target="_blank">Chris McGill</a></td></tr>
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And like that, the pocketbook Frostcrawl guide is gone for now. I may offer a different version sometime in the future but for now, you can still <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/732ewz912l8p9mz/CRBRANDON_FROSTCRAWL_PG_SIZE_v3.pdf/file" target="_blank">download Frostcrawl</a> as a free PDF! I do intend to include Frostcrawl in the hardback combined version of Blades & Black Magic.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-7757893131842907562019-05-18T06:21:00.001-07:002019-05-20T06:15:44.522-07:00THIS WEEKEND ONLY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Now is your chance to purchase a printed pocketbook version of the freely available FROSTCRAWL PDF. This is made available at print production cost, I make absolutely NO profit/money from your purchase. Keeping my word to make FROSTCRAWL free to you as a thanks for your patience and support! </div>
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<b>Sorry, this opportunity has expired you can still <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/732ewz912l8p9mz/CRBRANDON_FROSTCRAWL_PG_SIZE_v3.pdf/file" target="_blank">download the PDF</a> of Frostcrawl for free!</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-88110424499294434232019-05-15T13:47:00.003-07:002021-06-27T06:55:37.480-07:00FROSTCRAWL Updates (again)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX3BOYslLevVtNY7lFPO_-LLhe8cZm5tiwi-s-vrT-VHsVqNz8oEzSUGDdf-LExLe6nk6P04TH_JpSJHjJ6bBo43JUggJWW2wvk0AQCJejwKCnOcLVbzfCxtJfexEvg0Px7DASg9raro/s1600/FROSTCRAWL+COVER.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX3BOYslLevVtNY7lFPO_-LLhe8cZm5tiwi-s-vrT-VHsVqNz8oEzSUGDdf-LExLe6nk6P04TH_JpSJHjJ6bBo43JUggJWW2wvk0AQCJejwKCnOcLVbzfCxtJfexEvg0Px7DASg9raro/s400/FROSTCRAWL+COVER.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/732ewz912l8p9mz/CRBRANDON_FROSTCRAWL_PG_SIZE_v3.pdf/file" target="_blank">UPDATED DOWNLOAD</a></td></tr>
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Thanks to some kind feedback, I have gone through and tried to fix some wonky text issues as well as adding a terrain key.<br />
<br />
Hopefully these are minor but important improvements, <b>thanks to Jeff V and to Pastor Beau </b>for the constructive criticism and for providing editing opportunities to improve FROSTCRAWL!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-20420389367751523782019-05-12T05:06:00.000-07:002019-05-20T06:15:03.399-07:00FROSTCRAWL AVAILABLE NOW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/df3l1a0ugv1z2a0/CRBRANDON_FROSTCRAWL_PG_SIZE.pdf/file" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGnZLd595neUjDePwxLsiOV0n8jRRyV8hJN35DRRQHIHplRSx5p-V7mqSDPwezBzDM_qhLuLci-tA2kSPTLNCF8TtbASE2hBZkCz39x3jEJG2LtK9RChjrQ9ME5w0yXzI5jI_9wnDkwY/s400/skel.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/732ewz912l8p9mz/CRBRANDON_FROSTCRAWL_PG_SIZE_v3.pdf/file" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD FROSTCRAWL</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Frostcrawl is a hexcrawl for use with Heroes & Other Worlds or Blades & Black Magic. The map coves 441 hexes to explore, and I put in an entry of some sort for all 441 hexes.<br />
<br />
<b>NEXT WEEKEND</b>: I will make a pocket book version of FROSTCRAWL available to order at cost, it will only be available next weekend so set your reminder!! (Pocketbook size is the same as the BLADES rule book)<br />
<br />
Frostcrawl is my small way of saying THANK YOU for supporting this one knucklehead endeavor and sticking with me while life kept throwing curve balls. My hope is Frostcrawl is a solid base hit, and not a foul tip!<br />
<br />
Next up, I'm working to complete the BLACK MAGIC book!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-58418915360974111282019-05-11T17:15:00.002-07:002019-05-11T17:15:45.879-07:00TOMORROW IS FROSTCRAWL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm91kVmP1ElxQ-ExMsyP6zrUZft4ba8C0IvK7jkLXcOcUp08pTBPSmSlz0Ffppniawc8AczNlHzgdvac1x2aCS3ecs_WCKbxZ8d3DZ0EbZodmo4-J6OsScJroSs3XFmkf22AujRoRtNOQ/s1600/frstcrwal+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="824" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm91kVmP1ElxQ-ExMsyP6zrUZft4ba8C0IvK7jkLXcOcUp08pTBPSmSlz0Ffppniawc8AczNlHzgdvac1x2aCS3ecs_WCKbxZ8d3DZ0EbZodmo4-J6OsScJroSs3XFmkf22AujRoRtNOQ/s320/frstcrwal+image.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
IT IS DONE!<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I will release the free PDF of FROSTCRAWL: A hexcrawl for use with Heroes & Other Worlds and Blades & Black Magic.<br />
<br />
The PDF will be standard US page size 8.5x11<br />
<br />
The following weekend you will have a chance to purchase at cost a pocketbook sized (Think BLADES book sized) version of FROSTCRAWL.<br />
<br />
I plan to make it only available for purchase (at cost) next weekend. The PDF will always be available.<br />
<br />
I may fold FROSTCRAWL into the combined BBM hardback book when that is complete.<br />
<br />
I might also do a limited boxed set with 3 pocket books: BLADES+ BLACK MAGIC+FROSTCRAWL--but there si a lot to do between now and the future.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, it is done and I will see you tomorrow!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-75184874285004216732019-05-11T09:12:00.003-07:002019-05-11T09:12:31.084-07:00A sense of wonder and survival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSHUCy7DX-Rzdz_n515aQ63pQuLq7qyTulHI9LDzXP7p0lmYddkhv5RrfhB5AaLUA3eZtVwGhrUR6FcYS0S-USNv9OXEiYaUZJ_GZVWC0bF_0_nBxamPhouGbJsmZhGTixN5cQPTgIx4/s1600/temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSHUCy7DX-Rzdz_n515aQ63pQuLq7qyTulHI9LDzXP7p0lmYddkhv5RrfhB5AaLUA3eZtVwGhrUR6FcYS0S-USNv9OXEiYaUZJ_GZVWC0bF_0_nBxamPhouGbJsmZhGTixN5cQPTgIx4/s400/temple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Nothing too important here, just a morning philosophical ramble. <br />
<br />
Gamers, like people, are as different as leaves on a tree. We may all come from a similar set of "game tree" roots, but the branches go all over and the leaves grow out from there. In other words, I think we are all sort of similar but through our own experiences, likes and dislikes, we kind of branch out.<br />
<br />
From the outset then, whatever I like + do is different from you and how you do it..and frankly that's great. So, in advance, my goal is not to say if you like GAME X and not mine you suck. That's never me nor do I to get strident about stuff like that. Please like what you like and ignore the stuff you don't.<br />
<br />
With that preamble out of the way, let me talk about characters in HOW/BLADES and B/X fits here too. The rules of these games are a framework and guideline, giving you a basic understanding of how to create a character, play the game and provides the necessary core elements to build a game from. The basic information needed for both Players and Referee are contained in one book. (Yes the Black Magic (wizard/spells) portion of BBM is still in work.)<br />
<br />
Second these rule sets are slim. I have talked before about my dislike of the college text book "standard" size now of multiple rule books now that seldom excite me. Why? There is little creative imagination needed or required. Every element is now hyper detailed to create an assortment of rule breaks/ game advantages just for your character. Through all the backgrounds, special abilities, birth order, homelands and clans you have a detailed and developed character with a big back story.<br />
<br />
It has turned character creation into its own "pre-adventure" session needing an hour or two to get everyone done. Additionally, after investing that much time into making 1 character, you probably have an expectation that it will be nigh invulnerable! The Referee in these games (in a separate book mind you) is instructed how to make fights and threats even or fair to insure characters survive. I think of this all as something akin to a Disney ride. You get in and while it may feel dangerous here and there, you are totally safe.<br />
<br />
That's not true for HOW/BBM/BECMI. I may have a dwarf fighter and he will have a couple abilities or skills in HOW or BECMI. Probably take about 20 or 30 minutes to create at most. Then its up to me as the player to make that character come to life! The character sheet provides the basic mechanical framework for what the character can do and how well they can mechanically do it in the game system, nothing more. Only through play and adventures do I as the Player begin to develop the character, create a personality and create an attachment. Frankly, because these games are lethal, I may not have too long to be attached anyway!<br />
<br />
Also, since these characters can fit all relevant information on a notecard or a bookmark, it is kind of understood this character's life may be nasty, brutish and short. There is no sense, nor expectations, that a fight or experience will be fair in HOW/BBM/BECMI. Pick a fight with an ogre? Go traipsing down the dark and overgrown steps of the mad kings tomb? Enter an ancient wizards laboratory hidden in Mount Charon? You are likely to get stomped. <br />
<br />
That is how it should be! The reason now one else has gone in to tackle the ogre stealing the town's goats, nor go to loot the mad king's tomb, nor gone to fetch the wizard crown out of Mount Charon is because it IS dangerous, likely to fail and likely to get you STOMPED. Your character is one of the brave (or foolhardy or greedy or insane) to have a go.<br />
<br />
Ladies and gentlemen, going out to loot forbidden vampire tombs,
conquering kingdoms and slaying dragons should be dangerous as hell and
likely to lead to an early grave. Otherwise EVERYONE would be out doing
it!<br />
<br />
Now do you need a 400 page player guide covering every potential skill, feat, advantage or disadvantage possible to min/max your character build to take on these threats? Negative ghost rider. (I mean if you do really NEED that? Cool, there are a dozen games out there to meet your need!) All you really need are the mechanical basics to try things in game and an understanding of how difficult your choices may be. <br />
<br />
For example in HOW, if I a Player's dwarf wants to slam dunk a boulder on dour ogre's head? I allow Players to make a nigh impossible roll (must roll a 3 on 3d6) <b><i>IF</i></b> they can explain HOW they intend to do it! No fancy feats or advantages, just explain it and let the dice decide.<br />
<br />
What this all boils down to is: the fewer structured rules, the more sense of wonder, freedom and possibility a game can provide to your the Referee and to the Players.<br />
<br />
I think often the massive tomes and ranges of feats, advantages and disadvantages--in their wish/drive to try and help you create unique or wondrous characters--they actually end up creating tiny little ivory towers. These make you within the tower "feel special" but actually it walls you off and removes you from the game. Instead of starting out fairly similar (A fighter is similar except stats/weapons/skills) and then during play creating a unique nature for your character that comes from those near misses, foes conquered and tombs looted. <br />
<br />
Those are the things, the adventures undertaken and battles survived that make a character more than a handful of stats and skills on a page. Random creation charts and multi-page character sheets to be filled out can't do that, the play is the thing.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-48264052144018821102019-05-10T14:47:00.002-07:002019-05-10T15:00:54.101-07:00Ghost on the Throne<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF0x_Gt4zcP9Awe9v9kqOg3hsKxCez78ivVzGVQsr0Sl-tHhjfgXbkdY2aAlIfFS2sHWspdXou3YO6n10qXZvxirfeSdm_hvKlUHjxbpwYgy902jMLRZux1c2_AiVTy4I1XYnej8tFPc/s1600/GHOSTTHRONE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="778" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJF0x_Gt4zcP9Awe9v9kqOg3hsKxCez78ivVzGVQsr0Sl-tHhjfgXbkdY2aAlIfFS2sHWspdXou3YO6n10qXZvxirfeSdm_hvKlUHjxbpwYgy902jMLRZux1c2_AiVTy4I1XYnej8tFPc/s400/GHOSTTHRONE.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Throne-Alexander-Bloody-Empire/dp/0307456609/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=ghost+throne&link_code=qs&qid=1557523159&s=gateway&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-2" target="_blank">JAMES ROMM</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So let me talk a bit about what my summer obsession is this year: The Successors. I think most of you have heard of Alexander the Great. A Macedonian cat who succeeded his father Philip II at the age of 20 (336 BC) and conquers much of the known world and dies at the age of 32 (323 BC). Its an unbelievable feat and one that is legendary in the annals of human history.<br />
<br />
Alexander's success is so epic and unprecedented it is why it lives on today!<br />
<br />
Yet it is what happens AFTER his death that is far more thrilling: a messy empire wide chaotic civil war, power grabby men and women, an era of skullduggery that to me is 20x MORE interesting!<br />
<br />
You want epic battles? The era of the Successor has got'em by the dozen! Betrayal, double crosses, rebellions, mercenaries, politics, strong women and strong men each claiming and vying to carve out a slice of Alexander's old empire and make it their own! Let me put it this way, if the struggles between the Houses of Game of Thrones hold any interest to you? Then you need to start diving into the real deal!<br />
<br />
James Romm's book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Throne-Alexander-Bloody-Empire/dp/0307456609/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=ghost+throne&link_code=qs&qid=1557523159&s=gateway&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><i>Ghost on the Throne</i></a> is a fantastically readable, short and comprehensive look at this era. This is where I started my Successor summer reading and if the above sounds interesting to you--do yourself a favor and get it! Anyone who likes Game of Thrones intrigue should devour this history--it would make a FANTASTIC TV series for HBO or someone else to air as well....maybe someday.<br />
<br />
Speaking of someday, I am going through final edits of FROSTCRAWL this weekend and am HOPING (not promising) to make the <b>FREE PDF</b> available for free download Sunday. Again--HOPING not promising.<br />
<br />
Assuming the PDF happens, then I would expect to make a hard copy pocket book version <b>available at cost</b> 1 week later, next weekend and for the weekend only!<br />
<br />
At a later time, I think I will add the entire Frostcrawl work as a bonus section into a combined Blades & Black Magic hardcover.<br />
<br />
So back to editing and thanks very much for your kind patience and continued support.<br />
<br />
I hope to post again with good news and free stuff Sunday! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-15226914007249233032019-04-11T09:38:00.002-07:002019-04-11T16:56:12.403-07:00Is a picture worth 1000 words?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You be the judge!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-J5_fUQYEafJ7a5jQq5qeU2H8bqcOXuu9Xx0n9-5fb0gQy-_uIesxTESlpu9xWLENynW3HSX7LqapIdKarnF5zAbeu-sg185-SvRY2ixRhHku6TiRsxUv0X2ArqjHL54A6tRk5nhfO8/s1600/FSTCL+complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="678" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-J5_fUQYEafJ7a5jQq5qeU2H8bqcOXuu9Xx0n9-5fb0gQy-_uIesxTESlpu9xWLENynW3HSX7LqapIdKarnF5zAbeu-sg185-SvRY2ixRhHku6TiRsxUv0X2ArqjHL54A6tRk5nhfO8/s640/FSTCL+complete.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
All 441 hex descriptions are now complete!!<br />
<br />
Now a question: To Include a foe list with HOW/BBM stats as an appendix or would it be better to hae stats by each relevant entry in the hexcrawl?<br />
<br />
Second I am going to make a<u><b> limited time </b></u>PRINT pocket book sized version of Frostcrawl availble for <br />
purchase at cost. This will be same size/format as the BLADES book.<br />
<br />
The Map will not work in a book that small but you can print it on a normal page, and fold it down to carry with you in the book.<br />
<br />
The PDF of Frostcrawl will be released for free as a thank you for your kind patience and continued support of my work.<br />
<br />
Once Frostcrawl is done completion of the BLACK MAGIC book is next! <br />
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-82663204720543996812019-03-25T14:27:00.003-07:002019-03-25T14:27:52.052-07:00Venture into The Middle Lands!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIUSmhivBbwANxGf_JFpUF-IuMPA6MOv8Ok4yHImlJH963T36HsfIWM8WucuowB1GICW19002klRK9GSfmsbZaXW1_RecP2Bgb4QgdPmUhVW23-hUSSBhtfGGpv_0t5sIhdp8CpHdDy8/s1600/arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIUSmhivBbwANxGf_JFpUF-IuMPA6MOv8Ok4yHImlJH963T36HsfIWM8WucuowB1GICW19002klRK9GSfmsbZaXW1_RecP2Bgb4QgdPmUhVW23-hUSSBhtfGGpv_0t5sIhdp8CpHdDy8/s640/arch.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
Marc Tabyanan has created a terrific NEW SITE to support Blades & Black Magic: <a href="https://middle-lands.com/" target="_blank">The Middle Lands!! </a><br />
<br />
Lots of great material already--and knowing Marc's creativity there will be a lot more to come!!<br />
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-4428037839717700162019-03-09T15:22:00.001-08:002019-03-09T15:22:32.015-08:00UPDATED: Mythic Ireland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHFfucMfL8XFlnw25NKTlUgcZSDvbCPbqAGJyq87YdIOiGn_W17lQiTAzqDI9uv7X_rs6OPfg-aMPKVwt7Tg2np8e4CakXSZicpedL3SBdEQkVHvxrxDtDXcReqCZ7Rw2k8RiOb3IOBE/s1600/beast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHFfucMfL8XFlnw25NKTlUgcZSDvbCPbqAGJyq87YdIOiGn_W17lQiTAzqDI9uv7X_rs6OPfg-aMPKVwt7Tg2np8e4CakXSZicpedL3SBdEQkVHvxrxDtDXcReqCZ7Rw2k8RiOb3IOBE/s400/beast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
John has updated his Mythic Ireland setting! It is available for <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/file/ygykea729bd36c8/Mythic+Ireland+for+BaBM+V1.4.pdf/file" target="_blank">download here!</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-71248386578045383802019-03-01T06:53:00.002-08:002019-03-01T15:30:52.196-08:00FROSTCRAWL update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX3BOYslLevVtNY7lFPO_-LLhe8cZm5tiwi-s-vrT-VHsVqNz8oEzSUGDdf-LExLe6nk6P04TH_JpSJHjJ6bBo43JUggJWW2wvk0AQCJejwKCnOcLVbzfCxtJfexEvg0Px7DASg9raro/s1600/FROSTCRAWL+COVER.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX3BOYslLevVtNY7lFPO_-LLhe8cZm5tiwi-s-vrT-VHsVqNz8oEzSUGDdf-LExLe6nk6P04TH_JpSJHjJ6bBo43JUggJWW2wvk0AQCJejwKCnOcLVbzfCxtJfexEvg0Px7DASg9raro/s400/FROSTCRAWL+COVER.png" width="300" /></a></div>
Progress is steady and sure. the map is numbered 00 through 20 both Horizontally and vertically.<br />
<br />
So that means a total of 441 hexes I have to create a description for to complete the work.<br />
<br />
Yes I know traditionally not every hex requires, is supposed to have, or even needs a description. Still I produce what I play and what I like--and as much work as it is--I really think having every hex accounted for with some sort of description is worthwhile and adds to the overall feel of the setting.<br />
<br />
So --currently I have 00 through 13 (Horizontal) completed: that is 294 hexes down 147 to go!<br />
<br />
As noted I am building FROSTCRAWL based on the KALTVAL map and crowd sourced hexes as a base. It will be released as a free PDF download as a thanks for all your patience as I worked through obstacles in life to start writing again.<br />
<br />
<br />
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Working on US store front (you can change the store on the top bar). Use the coupons ONESHIP and LKAB317CD</div>
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<a class="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/fenwayfive?searchTerms=&pageOffset=3" target="_blank">http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/fenwayfive?searchTerms=&pageOffset=3</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-14416749115665094152019-02-28T17:57:00.004-08:002019-02-28T18:03:18.340-08:00Download Mythic Ireland!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvMmM5ij6jPhsnMmk8UIQl6Hh7_IBHfovcDgdNPJCtwHGsST8E96wIVUVJ5bMJpsRuHCDiQWwVWQznuXn4vmJro4-Vi2B7mlJWKj__rL7RnNIQEqTm1Zo3FaeDTIii4qoWnjQsq3SLbM/s1600/celt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvMmM5ij6jPhsnMmk8UIQl6Hh7_IBHfovcDgdNPJCtwHGsST8E96wIVUVJ5bMJpsRuHCDiQWwVWQznuXn4vmJro4-Vi2B7mlJWKj__rL7RnNIQEqTm1Zo3FaeDTIii4qoWnjQsq3SLbM/s400/celt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="dev-title-avatar"></span><a href="https://www.deviantart.com/naiiade/art/Guerriere-celte-142807130" target="_blank">Guerriere Celte by naiiade</a></td></tr>
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Well I am excited to say John Briquelet agreed to let me host a download of his Mythic Ireland work! Lots of inspiration for your BLADES game and if you already have RAEDWALD this is a cool companion piece!<br />
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Download a free copy of Mythic Ireland <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/file/g5exh899jb8nyks/Mythic+Ireland+for+BaBM+V1.1.pdf/file" target="_blank">here</a> and thanks John for sharing your work with everyone!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-87962860130417879282019-02-23T08:47:00.001-08:002019-02-23T08:47:17.401-08:00MYTHIC IRELAND<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Have BLADES and looking for adventure? Love RAEDWALD and want something more? Then <a href="https://mewe.com/group/5c648d6f7e811d2affed5d68" target="_blank">GO HERE NOW</a>! John's put together a GREAT Mythic Ireland setting as a free download! Join the adventure! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-37142362189180096742019-02-22T04:23:00.000-08:002019-02-22T04:30:42.052-08:00BLADES now available as PDF<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_erpfuOGqh57Mop8AJs-AWGlI72iCcJhRMJf93cwhGIAzImPax5wzwZgZDgCaAUWbj7w9SZz7cLoVDAhETaTwKkCS4pMJwStKw7Hwlo7nHZOQMlUZSAGbvARZAwwjZ-IVrcz5n9mvVj0/s1600/blades+covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="646" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_erpfuOGqh57Mop8AJs-AWGlI72iCcJhRMJf93cwhGIAzImPax5wzwZgZDgCaAUWbj7w9SZz7cLoVDAhETaTwKkCS4pMJwStKw7Hwlo7nHZOQMlUZSAGbvARZAwwjZ-IVrcz5n9mvVj0/s400/blades+covers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
BLADES is now available for sale as a PDF!<br />
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<a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/cr-brandon/blades-blades-black-magic-book-1/ebook/product-23995388.html" target="_blank">You can purchase and download your copy now at Lulu.com.</a><br />
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Frostcrawl is living up to its name as I am crawling to finish it, may not make February, but endeavoring to push and try to knock it out.<br />
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Thanks for your support and patience, game on!!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-25250480648820440282019-02-04T03:55:00.005-08:002019-02-04T03:55:37.458-08:00Limited time; 20% off!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For a limited time you can get <a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/fenwayfive?searchTerms=&pageOffset=3" target="_blank">20% off </a>all HOW game books and the new BLADES game book on LULU! Save 20% On All Print Products on LULU Your<b> Promo Code: TWENTY19</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmKN8ZQXIKi_f80iBggxCNR7JmRt2Io4HxPgzjyWRHlQoNB7vnd9opPjALxpaLPYwqXgUS1bo1kZOcQJryDgmGD6JNNTyeEMB66sPry4CBG-F5FNHrLzIm5lwuFbGYBnFCHUgk9cc_r0/s1600/crbblades1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1512" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmKN8ZQXIKi_f80iBggxCNR7JmRt2Io4HxPgzjyWRHlQoNB7vnd9opPjALxpaLPYwqXgUS1bo1kZOcQJryDgmGD6JNNTyeEMB66sPry4CBG-F5FNHrLzIm5lwuFbGYBnFCHUgk9cc_r0/s640/crbblades1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I do not know if code will work in all countries or regions, sorry! <b><br /></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8615253283819094516.post-44572454393745137992019-01-29T06:00:00.002-08:002019-01-29T06:00:43.060-08:00BLADES combat clarification<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhBBrTgY8uUdVsdJYUmL7EuY7GvFBY6Dropj7TsrMzCpeUjKEkq1utME0MXveIqFsRIibEe1tMsCW0sg-f-LWE_HuCotWv77-aS5c2zNlicKCsAPteg7gJUljynluriLUQqxwESCPSsU/s1600/afrz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="610" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhBBrTgY8uUdVsdJYUmL7EuY7GvFBY6Dropj7TsrMzCpeUjKEkq1utME0MXveIqFsRIibEe1tMsCW0sg-f-LWE_HuCotWv77-aS5c2zNlicKCsAPteg7gJUljynluriLUQqxwESCPSsU/s400/afrz.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<i>After getting a question regarding combat clarification elsewhere, I realized there is an error on my part and an opportunity to insure everyone gets the same understanding. </i><br />
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<i>First I apologize for not making things 100% clear in the original writing of the rules, lots of reasons for why, but what matters is fixing the mistake--not the blame</i>.<br />
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In Blades there are 3 skill levels-Inexperienced (I), Trained (T) and Expert (X). How this applies to combat skills & combat:<br />
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A character in combat that is INEXPERIENCED (I) with their weapon can make up to 1 attack <u><i>or</i></u> 1 defense in their turn with the weapon. Each additional action suffers a +1 die DRM, this penalty is cumulative.<br />
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A character in combat that is TRAINED (T) with their weapons can make up to 1 attack <u><i>and</i></u> 1 defense in their turn with the weapon. Each additional action suffer a +1 die DRM,this penalty is cumulative.<br />
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A character that is an EXPERT (X) with their weapons can make up to 2 attacks <u><i>and</i></u> 2 defenses in their turn with the weapon. Each additional action suffer a +1 die DRM, this penalty is cumulative.<br />
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<i>There are some gaps/confusion as currently written--but this is what I meant in the rules. I will re-edit and clarify the rules text later tonight to better call this out. I apologize it was not done so originally. </i><br />
<i>Thanks again for your patience and support!</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2