Michelangelorc?
Michelangelorc.
That's him on the left:
Named by my cousin for his stylish Renaissance painter hat.
Noted enemy of Raphaelf.
My goodness, this new book is writing itself.
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Michelangorc
Did Marshall say Michelangelorc?
Michelangelorc?
Michelangelorc.
That's him on the left:
Named by my cousin for his stylish Renaissance painter hat.
Noted enemy of Raphaelf.
My goodness, this new book is writing itself.
Michelangelorc?
Michelangelorc.
That's him on the left:
Named by my cousin for his stylish Renaissance painter hat.
Noted enemy of Raphaelf.
My goodness, this new book is writing itself.
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
My next writing project - REVEALED!
Behold!
It's official!
Matt has revealed our top-secret (well, it's a dungeon, so bottom-secret) writing project outline!
It's not 100% accurate, but hey, rough outlines never are. At least he fit in the turkeys, ninjas, and crossover potential.
I'm not sure why the label says (lies). Maybe because the dungeon lies beneath Venice? Who can tell?
Next Project
* Warning: Above post may also not be 100% accurate. Or even 1% accurate. Again, who can tell?
It's official!
Matt has revealed our top-secret (well, it's a dungeon, so bottom-secret) writing project outline!
It's not 100% accurate, but hey, rough outlines never are. At least he fit in the turkeys, ninjas, and crossover potential.
I'm not sure why the label says (lies). Maybe because the dungeon lies beneath Venice? Who can tell?
Next Project
* Warning: Above post may also not be 100% accurate. Or even 1% accurate. Again, who can tell?
Monday, March 29, 2021
X-Com: Apocalypse
Oh, where did the time go?
It went to playing X-Com: Apocalypse.
I finally broke down and put Steam on my best computer, just so I could play this game. I started this playthrough back in 2014 or 2015, but never finished it. I can't recall what difficulty level it is at. I'm not even sure how to tell.
But I have been having fun. My squad is already pretty good, and has some backups that are also good and some high-quality rookies to round us out. I'm a little behind on manufacturing and quantum physics but tapped out on biochemisty. Not my best planned approach, I can see that now, but it works, and I don't need to run around with machine guns and laser sniper rifles and pistols as I have disruptors and personal defense shields and toxiguns.
My first return I played out some combats to get a feel for the commands again. I won those combats but with casualties. I restarted and have done better since - no KIAs, a fair number of WIAs, and generally a better feel for positioning. Little things like how to change facing, change shot types, do player-directed fire - I knew to do them, but had forgotten how to do them quickly.
Anyway, that sucked the free hours out of my one free afternoon this weekend. I don't regret it.
Here are two screenshots, of part of the city and of a combat during an investigation into suspected alien activity. Okay, known activity - I won a battle in a nearby building, and some aliens fled combat. I went next door and found some hyperworms!
It went to playing X-Com: Apocalypse.
I finally broke down and put Steam on my best computer, just so I could play this game. I started this playthrough back in 2014 or 2015, but never finished it. I can't recall what difficulty level it is at. I'm not even sure how to tell.
But I have been having fun. My squad is already pretty good, and has some backups that are also good and some high-quality rookies to round us out. I'm a little behind on manufacturing and quantum physics but tapped out on biochemisty. Not my best planned approach, I can see that now, but it works, and I don't need to run around with machine guns and laser sniper rifles and pistols as I have disruptors and personal defense shields and toxiguns.
My first return I played out some combats to get a feel for the commands again. I won those combats but with casualties. I restarted and have done better since - no KIAs, a fair number of WIAs, and generally a better feel for positioning. Little things like how to change facing, change shot types, do player-directed fire - I knew to do them, but had forgotten how to do them quickly.
Anyway, that sucked the free hours out of my one free afternoon this weekend. I don't regret it.
Here are two screenshots, of part of the city and of a combat during an investigation into suspected alien activity. Okay, known activity - I won a battle in a nearby building, and some aliens fled combat. I went next door and found some hyperworms!
Sunday, March 28, 2021
DF Felltower: Field trip!
Galen and Wyatt headed about a bit under a week ago, seeking the local Drum Circle of Druids.
They're brining the vine suit they found to find out what it is and does.
Wyatt took care to carefully wrap it up in cloth, to protect it from the weather and wear, although he did note it was intact even as it was found with a skeleton. And, to be noted, it does seem to be extremely fresh plant material.
This is tough because no one knows who they are, or what they are doin'.*
They need the council of Warlock, head druid**, and his fellow druids.
Warlock, the Head Druid and Drum Circle Leader
Amusingly, Galen wants Wyatt to "do the talking." Galen has something like a net +4 reaction roll from druids - +5 from Outdoorsman, his Ring of Animal Friendship, and his +1 reputation as a Cleanser of the Garden of Trent Oakheart. Wyatt has a +1 from the same reputation. Even with Galen's -1 for his callous nature, and his -1 for roleplaying (heh, mostly joking), he's the best
They didn't bring anything but the vine suit. I think they're hoping for information in return for information, or the usual PC offer of exchange - "completing a quest." Yes, video games have permanently altered how gamers think of negotiation and personal value. "Are you sure you don't need something killed, or something brought from point A to point B, and way, way, way too much money to give for that?" We'll see how that works - it's a reaction roll at +4, so a 7-22, average 14.5.
We'll resolve their rolls to find the druids (Naturalist), living along the way (Survival), talking to the druids (reaction roll), and getting there and back (Orienteering). It should be routine, given the skill level of Galen.
And we'll quickly, pre-game, sort out the results next Sunday.
* This is official Felltower canon.
** So is this.
They're brining the vine suit they found to find out what it is and does.
Wyatt took care to carefully wrap it up in cloth, to protect it from the weather and wear, although he did note it was intact even as it was found with a skeleton. And, to be noted, it does seem to be extremely fresh plant material.
This is tough because no one knows who they are, or what they are doin'.*
They need the council of Warlock, head druid**, and his fellow druids.
Warlock, the Head Druid and Drum Circle Leader
Amusingly, Galen wants Wyatt to "do the talking." Galen has something like a net +4 reaction roll from druids - +5 from Outdoorsman, his Ring of Animal Friendship, and his +1 reputation as a Cleanser of the Garden of Trent Oakheart. Wyatt has a +1 from the same reputation. Even with Galen's -1 for his callous nature, and his -1 for roleplaying (heh, mostly joking), he's the best
They didn't bring anything but the vine suit. I think they're hoping for information in return for information, or the usual PC offer of exchange - "completing a quest." Yes, video games have permanently altered how gamers think of negotiation and personal value. "Are you sure you don't need something killed, or something brought from point A to point B, and way, way, way too much money to give for that?" We'll see how that works - it's a reaction roll at +4, so a 7-22, average 14.5.
We'll resolve their rolls to find the druids (Naturalist), living along the way (Survival), talking to the druids (reaction roll), and getting there and back (Orienteering). It should be routine, given the skill level of Galen.
And we'll quickly, pre-game, sort out the results next Sunday.
* This is official Felltower canon.
** So is this.
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Writing Update
I can't dicuss the details, but I did end up agreeing to two writing projects in the past week.
- One, the outline is submitted and waiting for approval.
- Another, the general concept is approved and we (I have a co-author) are waiting for some materials before we submit the outline.
They're due relatively soon - one in a month or so, another in two months or so. Quick stuff.
Neither are royalties, which makes me sad. I like royalties. I like my work now turning into a continuous stream of money over the months and years. I still get paid for GURPS Martial Arts and for DF12, my first two books, all these years later. Without being able to turn work now into income later, it's tougher to justify the time away from my main sources of income. Still, I like writing and I dislike saying "No" when someone specifically requests a thing from me that I'm well suited for.
Time to write!
- One, the outline is submitted and waiting for approval.
- Another, the general concept is approved and we (I have a co-author) are waiting for some materials before we submit the outline.
They're due relatively soon - one in a month or so, another in two months or so. Quick stuff.
Neither are royalties, which makes me sad. I like royalties. I like my work now turning into a continuous stream of money over the months and years. I still get paid for GURPS Martial Arts and for DF12, my first two books, all these years later. Without being able to turn work now into income later, it's tougher to justify the time away from my main sources of income. Still, I like writing and I dislike saying "No" when someone specifically requests a thing from me that I'm well suited for.
Time to write!
Friday, March 26, 2021
Random Links for Friday 3/26/2021
- This looks so fun. I love the colorful minis of this era of warfare.
A little bit of DBA
More Medieval HOTT
Honestly, though, I clicked on it because a) I didn't know what DBA stood for, and b) DBA was the short-hand for a band I like - one I saw live a lot right before I moved to Japan - Dirt Bike Annie.
- Can you backstab a shark? Heh, no. Or double yes, according to someone who commented on my comment!
I Need a Ruling
Fun stuff. Don't try this in my DF game, you'll regret it. And I will really, really laugh.
- A short look at initiative in D&D versions:
Initiative in D&D from Original to 3e
Das Schwarze Auge is another game that I'm interested in knowing more about. Sounds like they had fun playing it:
Playing Das Schwarze Auge after 28 years
- I really liked the Elric story that took place in Nadsokor. I assume that story is where ward-pact demons - a tough monster in Wizard's Crown - came from.
I wish I knew who borrowed my copy of "Stealer of Souls," though. It's been gone for a couple years and I don't want to replace it. Or replace my copy of Shadow Blizzard, either, not that we're talking about Pehov books. But yeah, guys, give me my books back.
- Not gaming, but if you're interested in warfare theory you might like this:
AN IRREGULAR UPGRADE TO OPERATIONAL DESIGN
- The weather is getting nice, and we've been getting vaccinated (some of us) - a mix of pre-existing conditions and jobs that are prioritized for distribution. So maybe we're looking at an outdoor, in-person game sometime soon. If not DF, then something else. I think playing online by default might be the new thing, though - it's just so much easier for our guys who live 1-2 hour one-way drives away from game.
A little bit of DBA
More Medieval HOTT
Honestly, though, I clicked on it because a) I didn't know what DBA stood for, and b) DBA was the short-hand for a band I like - one I saw live a lot right before I moved to Japan - Dirt Bike Annie.
- Can you backstab a shark? Heh, no. Or double yes, according to someone who commented on my comment!
I Need a Ruling
Fun stuff. Don't try this in my DF game, you'll regret it. And I will really, really laugh.
- A short look at initiative in D&D versions:
Initiative in D&D from Original to 3e
Das Schwarze Auge is another game that I'm interested in knowing more about. Sounds like they had fun playing it:
Playing Das Schwarze Auge after 28 years
- I really liked the Elric story that took place in Nadsokor. I assume that story is where ward-pact demons - a tough monster in Wizard's Crown - came from.
I wish I knew who borrowed my copy of "Stealer of Souls," though. It's been gone for a couple years and I don't want to replace it. Or replace my copy of Shadow Blizzard, either, not that we're talking about Pehov books. But yeah, guys, give me my books back.
- Not gaming, but if you're interested in warfare theory you might like this:
AN IRREGULAR UPGRADE TO OPERATIONAL DESIGN
- The weather is getting nice, and we've been getting vaccinated (some of us) - a mix of pre-existing conditions and jobs that are prioritized for distribution. So maybe we're looking at an outdoor, in-person game sometime soon. If not DF, then something else. I think playing online by default might be the new thing, though - it's just so much easier for our guys who live 1-2 hour one-way drives away from game.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Otto the Assassin
Here is the half-orc assassin I was considering running in DF Suicide Squad.
I never finished him because I found the unholy warrior more interesting.
Document
Notes:
- My approach was going to be a crossbow and a long knife. I meant him to be a sneak-and-stab type, hence the improved Per and emphasis on Surprise Striking ST.
- I planned to get some poison, and try to four-dose Monster Drool on the knife as a fight-starter. HT-4 and 8 HP of toxic injury is the way to go.
- Given the scenario we played in, I think Otto the Assassin might have done okay, but Otto the Terrible seemed more fun.
I never finished him because I found the unholy warrior more interesting.
Name: Half-Orc Assassin
Race: Half-Orc
Attributes [160]
ST 11 [10]
DX 15 [100]
IQ 11 [20]
HT 13 [20] (HT includes +1 from 'Half-Orc (Dungeon Fantasy)')
HP 12 (Hit Points includes +1 from 'Half-Orc (Dungeon Fantasy)')
Will 11
Per 13 [10]
FP 13
Basic Lift 24
Damage 1d/2d-1
Basic Speed 7
Basic Move 7
Ground Move 7
Water Move 1
Social Background
TL: 3 [0]
Cultural Familiarities:
Languages: Common (Native) [0].
Advantages [64]
Acute Hearing (1) [2*]
Combat Reflexes [15]
Luck [15]
Night Vision (5) [5*]
Rapid Healing [5*]
Resistant to Metabolic Hazards (+3 to resist) [10*]
Striking ST (2) [10]
Surprise Striking ST (2) (Accessibility (Only on surprise attack); Doesn't give general damage bonus) [4]
* = item is owned by another, point value is included in the other item.
Disadvantages [-45]
Appearance (Unattractive) [-4*]
Bad Temper (12 or less) [-10]
Bloodlust (12 or less) [-10]
Callous [-5]
Greed (12 or less) [-15]
Social Stigma (Criminal Record) [-5]
Social Stigma (Savage) [-10*]
* = item is owned by another, point value is included in the other item.
Quirks [-5]
_Unused Quirk 1 [-1]
_Unused Quirk 2 [-1]
_Unused Quirk 3 [-1]
_Unused Quirk 4 [-1]
_Unused Quirk 5 [-1]
Packages [0]
Assassin (Dungeon Fantasy) [0]
Half-Orc (Dungeon Fantasy) [20]
Skills [76]
Brawling DX/E - DX+0 15 [1]
Broadsword DX/A - DX+1 16 [4]
Crossbow DX/E - DX+3 18 [8]
Disguise/TL3 (Human) IQ/A - IQ-1 10 [1]
Fast-Draw (Knife) DX/E - DX+1 16 [1]
includes: +1 from 'Combat Reflexes'
First Aid/TL3 (Human) IQ/E - IQ+0 11 [1]
Forced Entry DX/E - DX+0 15 [1]
Garrote DX/E - DX+2 17 [4]
Gesture IQ/E - IQ+0 11 [1]
Holdout IQ/A - IQ+1 12 [4]
Knife DX/E - DX+3 18 [8]
Merchant IQ/A - IQ-1 10 [1]
Observation Per/A - Per-1 12 [1]
Poisons/TL3 IQ/H - IQ+1 12 [8]
Search Per/A - Per+0 13 [2]
Shadowing IQ/A - IQ+1 12 [4]
Smuggling IQ/A - IQ+1 12 [4]
Stealth DX/A - DX+2 17 [8]
Streetwise IQ/A - IQ+1 12 [4]
Traps/TL3 IQ/A - IQ+1 12 [4]
Urban Survival Per/A - Per+0 13 [2]
Wrestling DX/A - DX+1 16 [4]
Stats [160] Ads [64] Disads [-45] Quirks [-5] Skills [76] = Total [250]
Hand Weapons
1 Long Knife LC:4|4|4|4 $120 Wgt:1.5
Knife Swing Dam:2d-2 cut Reach:C, 1 Parry:13 ST:7 Skill:SK:Sword!, SK:Knife, ST:DX-4, SK:Force Sword-3, SK:Main-Gauche-3, SK:Shortsword-3
Knife Thrust Dam:1d imp Reach:C, 1 Parry:13 ST:7 Skill:SK:Sword!, SK:Knife, ST:DX-4, SK:Force Sword-3, SK:Main-Gauche-3, SK:Shortsword-3
Shortsword Swing Dam:2d-2 cut Reach:1 Parry:11 ST:7 Skill:SK:Sword!, SK:Shortsword, ST:DX-5, SK:Broadsword-2, SK:Force Sword-4, SK:Jitte/Sai-3, SK:Knife-4, SK:Saber-4, SK:Smallsword-4, SK:Tonfa-3
Shortsword Thrust Dam:1d imp Reach:C, 1 Parry:11 ST:7 Skill:SK:Sword!, SK:Shortsword, ST:DX-5, SK:Broadsword-2, SK:Force Sword-4, SK:Jitte/Sai-3, SK:Knife-4, SK:Saber-4, SK:Smallsword-4, SK:Tonfa-3
Ranged Weapons
Armor & Possessions
Notes:
- My approach was going to be a crossbow and a long knife. I meant him to be a sneak-and-stab type, hence the improved Per and emphasis on Surprise Striking ST.
- I planned to get some poison, and try to four-dose Monster Drool on the knife as a fight-starter. HT-4 and 8 HP of toxic injury is the way to go.
- Given the scenario we played in, I think Otto the Assassin might have done okay, but Otto the Terrible seemed more fun.
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