Witch Hunter 2e: A kickstarter by PCI

You know me by now. I am a consumate and avid devoted of history. Most books I read have a strong historical tint to them. I define anything in my game worlds. I am particularly interested in the 16th through 19th century European history. As a French descendant, I have a strong penchant towards history of France.

However, history is something that does not exist in a vaccuum. To understand what France does, you need to know what was happening in England, Spain and Italy. To watch the repercussions of a decision, of a victory, one cannot simply look at a single factor or location.

A long, roundabout way to introduce my subject... I was talking to the guys at PCI about Arcanis when Peter mentioned to me about their latest kickstarter. This time for their Witch Hunter: The Invisible World 2nd Edition game. I have, in the past glanced at the game but never got a chance to play it. And I rarely spend any time on games I know I have limited opportunity to play... (one of the reason I give little love to Rifts and Robotech on this blog, I would give them more, but alas I don't get to play)...

Though I have not played it yet (isn't that a common theme these days?), I am really psyched about this new edition of Witch Hunter. I talked a little with the PCI people and I cannot wait for this to land at my door..

Witch Hunter is set in the world of Solomon Kane, in the 1690. OMG! Just during one of the periods of history that thoroughly fascinate me! The PCs take on the role of hunters trying to hunt down the horrors of the world. Quite interesting...

To sweeten the deal, PCI is offering an organized play option for the game! I spoke with them and that has really sealed the deal for me. I really hope we get to see games of it here in the Front Range... Please chip into this one if you can. The rewards are just too cool. There are just a few hours left... So don't delay too long!

Here is a direct link to the kickstarter.

JP

Early Announcements for Denver Comic Con!

With Denver Comic Con just two weeks away, things are starting to take shape.

First, the NeoExodus adventure is nearing the end (I need to re-tweak a few stat blocks and clean up some text). This adventure will be the first one to be set in the Confederacy.

I know, I know, the Free RPG Day adventure is in the Confederacy - sort of, so that's our second one set in the sweltering jungles. After all these cold-based adventures (like my beloved B1 Cold Visitor and this year's first adventure: 92-LC-01 Bloody Ice) writing about the heat and the humidity is a welcomed relief. Different problems, really. I will post about Temple of the Forbidden God and NeoExodus Legacies altogether as we get closer to Free RPG Day. Yes, I have a few comments and advice for GMs wishing to run the adventure.

One of the big firsts for me is that I will be part of a panel on RPGs with guys I really esteem. I must thank the tireless efforts of Linda W-R who got us a spot on Saturday afternoon for our panel.

The panel will include Darrell Hardy, Justin Suzuki (one of the minds behind Thanksgaming and Roleplay DNA), and others (whom I can't remember right now). It will be Saturday 2-3pm in room 109, come and hear us out. I fully expect it will be extremely entertaining.

The topic of our talk will be (at least I think it will be) "How to break into the RPG/Publishing business". If you ever wanted to know how we did it, that is a great way to learn. I'm always looking for adventure writers for Legacies...

I'm really looking forward to doing this panel. It should be very interesting. I'll "secretly" admit that I am very curious myself as to how the other guys got into the industry.

More on Comic Con as we get closer. Now I have to work on my NeoExodus home game and Thanksgaming...

JP

Sunday Funnies: Tie-Thulhu a workplace horror

This is not new, but I still got a chuckle out of it.

JP

Is OSR the problem child? [Rant, Response]

The internet is abuzz with the recent posting of a certain Peter Bebergal's post on boingboing.net. You can read the full article here.

Everyone got their shield and holy shields raised with a case of "oh no! not me". And they went off rants of their own.

I am NOT a fan of this OSR, even if a lot of the things I do and like would put me in league with the old schoolers. However, I have a profound dislike for the rules set of these old games.

I think he has pros and cons in his post.

Where we agree

Recent editions are only for money I mean really. Yes. But it's not unique to WotC. *EVERY* company is in it to make money. While a few guys may seek to "just put out stuff", the time it takes to produce something is non-negligible. Yes, they all want money. Is WotC more money-grubbing than say, Paizo, or LPJ Design is a WHOLE other debate.

WotC missed the boat on the PDF/PoD ship I think that is also given. While their competition embraced the digital age, WotC isolated themselves from the RPG world. I cannot quite fault them for that. By doing so, they really supported local game stores.

WotC published on a "Magic: The Gathering" model I think 4e in particular was build with that in mind: change your whole stock every 3-4 years rather than the 15+ years of 1e, 11 years of 2e, 8/5 years of 3/3.5. 4e had a life of what 2 years before 4.5 came out? And I think they felt the whiplash from that one. Many friends of mine left 4e at that time.

WotC's republishing their old material is a good thing I will admit that I had no interest in buying any of them, but I saw the wisdom and the good sense. For them, it is "free money" in that they do not have to spend a dime on re-design. The sales of PDFs of old products is also a windfall of freebies for them. Since they have no cost to themselves: only PDF sales.

Where we disagree

OSR promotes character development That is a common reason given by the OSR crowd to why their game is/was better. In my experience a good player will be good whether he plays OSR, 1-tru-4e, Pathfinder, Warhammer, Gurps or Fate. I've seen "cardboard players" in all of the above and I've played with awesome people also in all of the above. The ability to play a role is more dependant on the PLAYER rather than the background/ campaign/ character/ setting/ rules. For some - even in the "olden days" - it was all about leaving a trail of bodies behind them. I remember that all people wanted to do was kill stuff and become known for brutality and lovely elf maidens.

Ah.... Elf maidens... I haven't forgotten you...

Sigh.

OSR had fewer rules Just because there were fewer rule books in those days does not mean fewer rules. Going from one group to another in those days meant you had to learn how each DM had house ruled everything. Even things like hit points, AC calculations, ability checks could be massively different. If you had the change of getting a stable group - I didn't until I was MUCH older - then you were constantly learning the rules.

While interesting and fun, I never felt I could have a good handle on the rules (something the then-future-wargamer in me had difficulty adapting to).

OSR is all about nostalgia Though I disagree with him on this, there is a measure of truth. Many have gone to OSR as a way to "play something different". But to state that OSR as a whole appeals mostly to old nerds who refuses change... I disagree. Those guys have never stopped playing their BECMI edition or the books from the original Greyhawkbox. OSR for them is "Only School". Doesn't matter what, they would not move away from their prevered holy version.

Then there is a new phenomena, one of players going to try it to "see what the buzz is about".

OSR games were all about the plot No. No. and OH HELL NO. While a given GM may have put the focus on the plot, most adventures' plot involved you breaking down a door and beating up some poor schmuck for his gold.

Like OSR = character development, this affirmation is equally as false. For given groups/GMs, yes, but a blanket statement cannot be made.

What he does not say

One thing I have learned in my years of gaming is that gamers are a mixed lot and no two are alike. Making blanket statements on gamers as a group is difficult to hold to any scrutiny.

Similarly, assuming one person means you cannot derive a rule is wrong. "Nobody plays elf these days." "Not true! I have an elf character! You are generalizing." Touchy subject.

... Still thinking about the elf maidens...

Sigh.

JP

GatorCon: Mini-Con report

This past Saturday, I attended GaterCon at Standley Lake High School in Westminster, CO. I woke up early, fought off the urge to return to sleep. Even if the kids had already ruined any such attempt... I had already packed my car the night before to limit what I would have to carry on-site. I had my dangling poster, my maps, my minis, my little trolly and my enormous map...

As I got there, I met with Jacque (CO-VC), Bill, Russ-B and Michael-D who got there same time as I did. The RPGs were set in the school library. It brought me back to my own high school's library: it was in the basement, dank, scary and generally unwelcoming (my HS was built in the 19th century and expanded in the 50s).

As things began to settle, it became clear that either my or Russ's PFS table wasn't going to happen. When suddenly a group of people arrived and Russ's game went off. Having played the adventure (and having no interest in replaying PFS scenarios), I asked Michael Dulock if he could squeeze me in. Luck would have it, he could!

So I played my first game of Hollow Earth with the Ubiquity System. I enjoyed myself a lot. The characters were quite flavorful for iconic/ default characters. I played the truth-obsessed Irish freelance reporter, Ursula McManaman. A fun character. Michael is a great and very dynamic GM, which really increased my enjoyment of the game.

The table had a number of memorable players and people with whom I hadn't played with in a while - such as Jonathan, Ron, and Marc-G. (Shout out to you guys!)

Not really holding my breath, the next slot had no one show up for my game again. *sigh* A group of us GMs looked at each other and decided to play a Buffy-like Savage Worlds run by Liam.

Before I go any further, Liam is 14 and I believe he attends SLHS (but I'm not sure). I know a lot of older guys are worried about "the next generation", well I am not. He did a FANTASTIC job throwing curve balls to us old guys and keeping us guessing with a plot I would've loved to come up with myself. The plot started very Buffy-esque "you go to this town in Oregon where a bunch of bloodless bodies were found... Oh look vampires!" Type thing to a zoned-out ghost-demons-and-witches-fest. And the whole thing made sense!

And there I was worried about sparkly vampires.

How wrong was I!

I strongly recommend playing with this super-imaginative kid. Give the new guys a chance and you can be greatly rewarded. I certainly was!

I played Ebenezer McLure, a 66 year old grumpy, bossy and mean man. Is it me or are those secret ingredient NOT to gibe me? I did things like: drive 5mph UNDER the speed limit, be rude to all the young 'uns, tell stories of "in my days" or "back during the war". Too much fun for my own good. I was surrounded by a group of dangerously unstable hunters with a propensity for shooting first.

For final slot, I again had no one to play, so I packed up and went home. I was somewhat disappointed about not getting to GM any NeoExodus, but the two games I got to play were of very good quality and extremely fun. So good things came out from a "bad" situation.

I got home early on Saturday and got to watch Doctor Who and Orphan Black without the kids running around. Another plus!

I am definitely planning on attending next year - whether as a player or a GM. Hopefully it won't fall on the same weekend as Free Comic Book Day.

JP

Of Hockey, Kronea, Legacies, and Pathfinder Society

It has been way too long since I've sat down and posted something. I won't be the first - or last - blogger to post how much they miss it when. I seemed to have an endless string of things to write about. But no time to actually WRITE it. I write this entry because I have so much to share and I just *HAVE* to.

Trip to Montreal

For those of you who did not know, I spent two weeks in April in my hometown of Montreal. Gripped in the throes of pre-play-off hockey. Yes, my team, the Montreal Canadiens are in the playoffs again! There will be intense hockey-watching at my house for the next few week.

GO! HABS! GO!

It was fun, much colder than Colorado (and I say this as there might be snow tomorrow with near freezing temperatures). While I plan on writing a more elaborate gamer's view of the trip, I will let you know this: I got to play great games and renew with old friend I haven't seen for years.

Thanks to Alain, Alex FG, Eric-A, ET, Isabelle, Steve, & Yves especially. It was great fun! Next time in 3 years???

New Writing Project: Kronea

A few weeks ago now, I was contacted by Venus/ Lady Ophelia from California about doing a little freelance work for her upcoming Pathfinder setting: Kronea. When asked what I'd prefer to write, deities and religion came on the topic. Then as I was sitting down at my parents' home in Phoenix, my inbox lit up with actual requirements...

This project is a huge collaborative effort between many people whom I have met in the past. (I'm not sure if I can reveal their names so I'll keep quiet). I can say however, that many of the names on the list are very impressive and I'm very pleased to add my name to that list.

One of the deities I was asked to write was Benae who is, for short "a sort of Sarenrae". I was given more guidelines, but that was a good guideline. So after annoying Venus with a bunch of question-filled emails, I finally sat down and produced my first draft, then edit, then second draft, then edit again. Finally, I was happy with it and I sent it to her. I think I was able to give a different twist to Benae and make her unique .

I am currently waiting on feedback for another part of the project I submitted. That one I liked, but in a different way. I will let you guess what it is about...

NeoExodus Legacies

It was exciting to work on something other than NeoExodus. Don't get me wrong, I love writing for NeoExodus and think it is still one of the best setting out there, but writing something different allowed me to recharge the writing batteries.

I plan on finishing the next Legacies adventure for GatorCon this weekend... It is temporarily named "In sickness and in health", but I may change it. I will say this: this adventure is set in the Confederacy and present some... unique challenges because of that. I really love the Confederacy...

Playing Opportunities

The month of May will be filled with awesome events. On the 4th, I will be attending GatorCon as a charity event for Multiple Sclerosis of Colorado/Wyoming. It's a great cause.

The 11th, I was scheduled to be one of the GMs for my local VL's Year of the Shadow Lodge event, but had to drop to attend my eldest daughter's dance recital. (I'm only sad to have to flake out on Everett).

The 18th is going to be May Thanksgaming up at Total Escape Games (unfortunately, it is also the same day as a later-scheduled event at Gamers' Haven). I will be giving painted minis for the event. I'll post them here...

Then on from the 31st to June 2nd, it will be Denver Comic Con!!!

Yes... that was a roundabout way of telling of the many opportunities to play NeoExodus! There will be NeoExodus Events at *All* of the above events.

Other Projects

Throughout all this, I manage to involve myself in other projects as well. Those I would consider "fun side-opportunities" rather than serious long-term commitments... Though you never know. Nothing much to report just yet.

PFS Retirement Arc

Yesterday, after retiring my character in January of 2011, I completed the retirement arc. I will not spoil the plot, but I really liked it. The adventures finally had some fights that were fun and challenging. I found myself thinking what I would have to do. I played Katharan al-Zawree (yes, the founder of al-Zawree oil).

The final act... did leave me somewhat... unfulfilled. I just expected something MORE (one of my common complaints with Josh Frost-era stuff). Meh... I liked the plot and the arc, so I'll take 75% of what I like/wanted as a win. Kudos to the writing team.

That's it for today folks!

JP

PS: GO! HABS! GO!

Mercenaries: Rhulic Military Expansion!!!

The dwarves of Rhul are my first love in Warmachine. Though I have gone off playing a lot of Legion of Everblight, the stout dwarves are still my go-to people when I want to give a tough game. They have a lot of heavy-hitting guns and great jack. When the Colossal book was announced and that a Mercenary Colossal was coming out and that us stunties were getting a new caster. Then I realized were only got a new caster. Our Colossals were gonna stay at home.

Sucks.

General Ossrun is okay... As usual, I've yet to play him... The model is fine.

I numbered the Blasters V and VI, to continue the numbering of my gunners (I-IV). Same color scheme for a more unified look. I'm not sure how I feel about their short range firepower just yet so I'll have to try them out in a game.

Your fun is not my problem. Wait, it is!

This week I have been reading a number of posts (such as this one and that one) where a GM/Player state that they do not feel responsible for the fun of others at the table.

That gnawed at me. There was both truth and problem in that... And I thought about it.

True, I cannot be held responsible for a player's fun. Each person brings to the table something, and what one may love, another may not. Real-world issues sometimes bleed into the game. There is no way for me to know. I can help, but in the end each player is responsible for his own enjoyment of the game.

So after that, I thought of a number of scenarios when I did not enjoy myself. And I came up with the caveat of the original assessment.

While I cannot be held responsible for your fun/enjoyment, I can must be held responsible for preventing your from enjoying the game.

What I mean here is that through action, inaction, nagging, or out-of-game, I can make it so the enjoyment of others is significantly lessened. And that, I can be responsible. I joked that which I cannot be responsible for you breathing, by putting my fingers around your throat, I can make it really hard for you. Yes that's was a little assassin humor! Unlike many players, I like to create characters with a blaring flaw or a built-in problem: whether its lack of melee abilities or a very low attribute. Something. Also my character should be good at what I want to do: melee, spell casting, healing, or ranged attacks. That's the character's role and goal. From that base he can and will florish in the game.

Back in college, I used to do improv-theater, and one of the common penalties was "character refusal". Character refusal was a way of blocking others rather than roll with the punches. It usually had the unfortunate side-effect of stopping or blocking creativity. It wasn't simply saying "No". As you entered play, someone told you "Hey John the Fisherman!" And you replied "I'm not John and I'm not a fisherman" was surefire penalty. However, replying "I'm Bill, John's twin and I'm looking for John" would not. In an RPG, players have their characters pre-established, but players - and I've guilty of this myself - sometimes block each other's actions. Shall I point out the two trapspotting rogue parties? Who disables the traps? "I have +10, you're +9 you help me..."

Yep.

I'm sure of it. While I cannot make it so someone enjoys the game, I can make it so someone does NOT enjoy the game. Not an easy thing.

JP

Mercenary: Alexia Cyannor Necromancer

I finally got my hands on a cheap Alexia on foot. It took months of watching Ebay, but I finally got her! I painted her up to match my mounted version which I posted a while ago... Here they are.

JP

Kaya and Laris: A Circle Orboros Warlock and her wolf

A quick note. Today is Kaya and Laris. I got her for the wolf to use for one of my PFS characters: Wolfina.

The Legion expands for the glory of Everblight

When I learned that the Gargantuan book contained more than the long-awaited Archangel (it is currently sitting in Denver waiting for me to get it), I was excited. When I saw the Warspear chief, I was twice as excited. The warspears have been a staple in my legion armies since I purchased them. They are tough and I really like them.

The other models are the Unit Attachment for the striders, another unit I took a liking to. Their small number (6) prompted me to get a few extra models, thus the officer & musician.

Tales from the Auction: 3 more Khador Jacks

Continuing my painting of the Khador jacks I won at the Auction last year. The first one here is the Decimator now turned into a Black Yvan... Next is the Berzerker and finally the Devastator (a jack I do not like stat-wise).

JP

Tales from the auction: Khador Warjacks

In that same auction from last year, I bought myself a number of Khador Warjacks. Other ones, I traded for - with a fellow auction goer. During the auction seeing we were constantly bidding on the same lots, we decided to split the lots and trade afterwards. He was looking for anything and I wanted jack - a lot of jacks. Unsurprisingly, I managed to get the many jacks I wanted and he ended up with a bunch of infantry I didn't care for. So with both Josh and I having what we wanted, I slowly began to expand my army of Khador jacks.

Again, I used a basic color scheme of silver and red for these guys. I also gave these guys "names" based on Communist countries... Although the decimator didn't. You will see why in a few days... He does have two added flags on its body. You know my weakness for banners and flags!

Banners and flags are like cowbells: you always need more.

JP

Interview with Standard Action's Joanna Gaskell about their Kickstarter

I first came into contact with the team from "Standard Action" as I was web browsing - instead of doing something else I should've been doing. However, I really got to know them in person at PaizoCon 2012. Rob and I were spies and assassins who killed a PC. Yes you can say "JP, this doesn't change much from your every day". I got to do it dressed as a Pirate! That's different! Great fun.

Then last week, Big Kyle (the Seattle Venture Captain) contacts me about this Kickstarter. I immediately said I would be willing to help out (not just for him, but because these guys are really good and they make me laugh).

So I immediately send the team a number of questions. Joanna Gaskell was kind enough to answer my many questions in an exchange I am copying here. There are a couple of nice surprise in here they only hint at in their Kickstarter. But I figure the more information the better. It's the same thing I do with LPJ, where I try to post information here that is not on the KS!

JP: Tell us about "Standard Action"?

JG: Standard Action is the fantasy-comedy webseries for geeks of all kinds! It's the story of four misfit adventurers who find each other and set out on a quest that will test not only their fellowship, but everyone's perceptions of what a hero should be. Think Lord of the Rings meets Hercules: Legendary Journeys, or D&D meets Discworld. It's silly and heartwarming with a touch of self-awareness, and it's chock full of references to all of your favourite nerdities, from Star Trek to Firefly to WoW to Doctor Who to The Princess Bride.

JP: Why do a Kickstarter for season 3?

JG: Making a good-quality webseries takes a bit of cash. We completely self-funded Season 1, and Season 2 was partially fan-funded. For Season 3 we'd really like to aim high enough to not have to put a substantial amount of our own money into the project. It is certainly a labour of love, but Standard Action has grown to a point where I think our audience will support us to make more. Kickstarter is fantastic, because it allows us to give back with great perks, and cuts out the middleman. If the fans want to see more, they can be confident that their money is coming pretty much straight to us to make that happen.

JP: Are there any celebrities involved in the project?

JG: For Season 2 we welcomed Mark Meer, the voice of Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect video games, as well as Brain Lewis, one of the stars of the Gamers movies, to our set. We're following up on some pretty cool leads for bringing interesting nerd celebrities for Season 3, but I can't leak anything about that just yet. Soon, I hope. ;)

JP: I've been involved in a few with LPJ Design and Dreamscarred Press along with backing a number of others. One of the things I get from traditional RPGs is a pdf of a product. But what do you get for a webcast? What will your backers get for backing you?

JG: We have some great perks lined up for our supporters of Season 3 - you can get DVDs, PDFs of character sheets and other gaming supplements based on the show, a copy of our Standard Action card game, limited edition copies of our upcoming Standard Action comic... you can even put yourself IN the card game or the comic, or get yourself in our show for Season 3!

JP: Can you sneak-peek a few possible stretch goals?

JG: For sure! We have some pretty cool stretch goals that could open up, like more episodes in the season, original music from the show, and even some full Standard Action gaming modules. There even might be a musical episode stretch goal in there, if you ever wanted to see Fernando the Bard truly strut his stuff! :)

JP: Any links for people to learn more about you?

JG: Our Standard Action website is at www.standardaction.com, you can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StandardAction, and we're on Twitter at @stndrdaction. And, of course, our Season 3 Kickstarter is on Kickstarter itself.
You can find out more about me specifically at www.joannagaskell.com, or follow me on Twitter at @mightyjoanna.

JP: When can we expect the season to start - assuming it gets funded?

JG: I have a feeling we'll be filming by summer, so likely you will start to see new content by the end of the year! If we completely blow our funding goal out of the water, we may be able to get going even sooner!

JP: That's pretty cool! Thanks Joanna!

A big thanks to Joanna, Big Kyle and the Standard Action team for allowing me some insight into their project before it went live!

Big Kyle also let me know that their Season 1 DVD is available at Paizo.com

Check them out if you can!

JP

Tales from the auction: Two Warlocks

This long coming tale dates back to last January... I purchased a number of Circle Oroboros warlocks and after slowly painting them.

Okay I admit, I started them then I simply abandoned them, partially done on my table.

Why? Because I had little interest in actually finishing them. But I suddenly felt like I should finish them, so I move them from the "on hold" pile to the "paint me now pile". After over a year, I completed them.

The basic color scheme was very simple and "nature-y". I painted them to go with the rest of my Circle models. A base of dark green with gold highlights and basic green color for the coats. Not very original, but I really like Privateer's color scheme. I use bone on the sword instead of metal.

As a side twist, I decided to give them a dark skin tone. I think it gives them an air of uniqueness.

JP