Peake and British gaming

A couple of interesting articles on Mervyn Peake, probably best known as the author of the influential Gormenghast series. One has reflections from four writers, among them Michael Moorcock and China Miéville, the other an interview with Peake's children.

Tied in with this are two posts on British gaming and its major influences. The first is by Chris at Vaults of Nagoh and focuses on the dungeon concept; some Gormenghast too. The second, by Coopdevil at Fighting Fantasist, has more emphasis on WD and GW, 

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40K OSR? (2)

This is 40K. What's an OSR? Maybe an Old School Renaissance, maybe an Other School Renaissance, maybe an Optional School Renaissance, maybe something else.

Loquacious posted on the D&D OSR earlier today. Go read. Some passages:

... these guys ... are helping the roleplaying/gaming community simply by having discussions. ... The OSR guys know their stuff, they like to talk about it, and in general, help grow a cottage industry when no one else is doing it. ... Being passionate about what you do, and getting others to join in - whether to agree or find fault- is something we as gamers could do more; and benefit greatly.

Not quite a manifesto, but very nearly, and great encouragement to engage.

Before we get to this week proper, if you haven't seen it, the discussion carried on at last week's post, on a DIY ruleset and the potential in Rogue Trader, i.e. first edition.

There was an update 1.5 on Monday too, here, with a link to the Tales from the Maelstrom battle report using RT rules, and Warp Signal's post on motivation.

Here we go then. Not so much in the way of rules this week, but lots of ideas and discussion. The bold links I recommend at least browsing.

• More support for Killzone in this post at Wolves for the Wolf God, with plenty of info if you'd like to know more, and even video of Brian's AdeptiCon tables.

• Big Jim introduces the second part of the review of the Soul Reapers Fandex by The 11th Company podcast.

• On the modelling front Rictus at Recalcitrant Daze is building a weirdboy tower, blending the early '90s Epic-scale with the new junkyard style.

• Still on minis, Colonel Kane left an interesting comment at a post here not directly related to 40K, re using other models in the game, names and all.

• On the subject of outside influences, at Warp Signal there's an overview of the role of 2000 AD in shaping 40K, the third post in a great series.

• Linked with that earlier Warp Signal post, on motivation, this post at Dark Future Games might be interesting. Old School Terminator asked for readers' 40K gaming histories and got a great response. A trip down memory lanes.

• Also, GMort wondered here at House of Paincakes what might be wrong with fifth edition, and the responses cover a lot of ground.

• Still can't stop thinking about Squats and/or Demiurg? Gyro at Mik' Minis gives us an update on progress with his Squat army, full of classic models.

• If you're after a newer look, more Demiurg, the Ulkans at pegaminidesign are for you, and this one has been partially painted up. Could GW top this?

• Re Warhammer, but still interesting, Shawn Gately at Blue Table Painting mentioned a proposal put at two of the forums, for a net standard rules adjustment. I'll try to find out what's going on with that and update. The Codex Project is an existing approach for 40K of course.

• If we're doing WFB, the Fimir project at Mr Saturday's Mumblings is coming along very well. That's right Fimir.

If I've missed anything, just say so in the comments, and leave any links you think are relevant. If you think anything should be said, just get it out. I'm just trying to help things, but I'm making no claim to any kind of leadership. The discussion at last week's post got to future direction, and for me it looks, and should be, completely open.

My first rules contribution is due on Sunday, the first of a series of guest posts at Roll With It. It's quite small, about as small as could be in fact, a variation on a familiar face often overlooked. Also, if you're having trouble getting excited these days, my first post there tried to get the sparks flying, and ought to be good for an idea or two.

Okay, I'm done - your time. Anything and everything very welcome.

Update: The Warhammer rules adjustment comment at Yes, The Truth Hurts is here,
             one up from the bottom; no response yet. I haven't found it at Beasts of War.

Update: Lantz has just put out a call at Miniature Wargame Conversions for writers
             and artists to help detail the Adeptus Mechanicus and Sons of Horus projects.

Update: Auberon at Digital Waaagh! has put up the latest interview, with Gav Thorpe.

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