Edition whoring; fifth and seventh; and things unseen

So we've lived to see a fifth D&D and a seventh 40K. Who'd have thought it, back in 1974 or '87?

I've been reflecting. The more editions, the more I think the magic, and the truer quality, was in the first, in OD&D and Rogue Trader; and the more I think that after any new thing appears, if we love it, the way to honour what it represents is to carry on truly developing, to push the limits in corresponding ways, not just rework.

Magical madness, misfires and beer

There's a new community table up over at Gorgonmilk, for spellcaster madness. I kept forgetting, but I've remembered for long enough today to put some entries up. There are still 18 slots left if you have some ideas of your own and it could well get made a pdf.

Initially I though the table was for magical misfires, so here's one of those to use if you can. If you want to get a list going, feel free to drop any weird ideas in the comments.

• Existential laceration: The caster rends one or more layers of reality with the path or area of effect of the spell. The regions in question are now riven with sheets or tendrils of a number of alternate existences. The caster and anyone touched by a region must save vs. death with a negative modifier equal to the level of the spell or have 1D3 existences each pierce a random major body part. Roll 1D6 for each such body part. It is: 1) permanently fixed in place; 2) cut cleanly if moved; 3) infused from within the existence, with the consequences dependent on the existence's nature; 4) massively distorted, perhaps extended or looped in on itself infinitely; 5) wondrously transmuted to an otherworldly nature; 6) lost into the existence permanently, but still an essential part of its owner, who now perceives the space beyond.

The beer table could also have a few slots left if you have an idea for a fictional brew, and here's a video with the great Frank Zappa to lend a hand. More of his thinking here.

Update: Gorgonmilk has moved here and the beer table is now here, and almost done.

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Do you like shellfish and potatoes?

I have a guest post over at Hereticwerks today, on a creature called the Manitrude - a 'molluscotuberoid'.

I put it together on the basis of one of their pieces of artwork, the same piece they've used to make up the paper miniature here on the right. The mini is one of a series of three so far, with the Iron Pig and Toader.

The stats are for Labyrinth Lord, which is an old-school tactical roleplaying game like Mutant Future, and also free to download, but the info in the stats and write-up should be enough to adapt it to pretty much any game.

I recommend taking a look round the rest of the blog too, and saving the URL if you haven't yet, especially if you read the older NetherWerks or Objects of Chance.

They have a very distinctive style which mixes fantasy, sci-fi and horror in together, several settings and lots of pdfs in the sidebar, and the material just keeps coming.

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Lock, stock, barrels, kegs, their contents and more

Here's an idea that struck me earlier, and it could well be a rotten one. Those are puns. It's offbeat.

Paul's Bods is one source of inspiration - he has some pics of a set of model pots and the like, as well as sacks of fruit and veg. They look great, and are just asking to be knocked over or thrown.

The other source are the comments on hugging walls, where Chris of Vaults of Nagoh mentioned improvisation and NetherWerks breakables and movables - both of them well worth reading.

Thinking of wargaming now then, what does a unit do when it runs out of ammo? Would desperate warriors pick up pomegranates if they had them to hand? Would they reach for and wield nearby earthenware, swing sacks or fend off attackers with handy urns?
 
Some general wargaming rule suggestions - they'll need adaptation to specific systems.

• Low ammo - A unit is out if a given proportion of rolls are minimums to hit.

• Impromptu weapons - Each terrain piece is assumed to be scattered with potentially useful items; in the open there is a 50% chance of availability.

• Fending off - A unit with access to impromptu weapons may use them, either at range or in melee; they are assumed to be of the minimum quality possible. A unit attacked in this way suffers a penalty to hit of one degree.

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Mary, Mary, quite contrary...

This is the first of two loosely linked posts, inspired by other blogs, real world events and Ms Shelley. This post has the short forms and the next will have some ideas for gaming.

Number one is for this week's Flash Fearsday, an attempt at horror in 140 characters.

Orchards, greenhouses and potting sheds; warm earths and leafy beds... 

As they stalk freezer drawers, of what do Frankenstein foods dream..?

The second is for the last Expansion Joints, which is 15 words, one of them shock.

Shock! Sparks fly; a monster born. Doomed to destruction!

But how if made of men?

It could be taken as scathing commentary, but if The Telegraph got there first, is it..?

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Hello, little beastie... - Living table (1) - Entries 74-80

If you read my recent post on spectral creatures, you might have thought of something I didn't, that the ideas would make good entries for the table of small creature concepts.

You can find the full table here at DM Muse, ready for rolling. It's a living table, meaning anyone can add entries. There are 11 living tables so far, and new can easily be started.

Here are the latest seven then, making 80 in total.

1. This creature exists in this particular stream of light and will defend itself by striking at the visual organs of any individual observing it.
2. This creature inhabits the current light conditions at this specific location, and as the conditions change, it will follow, vanishing if they cease to exist; if an observer can manoeuvre closer, roll again on this table, treating the same result as the creature transferring to another set of these conditions elsewhere.
3. This creature exists only at the edge of sight, and maintaining it in the peripheral vision requires concentration; any individual approaching will seem to move to the edge of sight too, and if such an approach is made, roll again on this table.
4. This creature appears to exist within a reflective surface, such as a mirror, window or puddle, which is in fact a portal of some kind; if physical contact is attempted, roll again on this table, with the same result indicating the individual attempting physical contact is drawn through the portal.
5. This creature ordinarily inhabits the shadow of the individual discovering it, but has become briefly disoriented; it will attempt immediately to reenter the shadow; if prevented, the individual will undergo minor personality changes.
6. This docile creature navigates darkness by emitting light from an unusual organ.
7. This creature is in fact a colony of sparks of light inhabiting a precious stone.

I've added them to DM Muse, so they'll be visible a little later. Go ahead and add more.

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Royale with cheese wedding?

Here's this week's entry for Saturday Centus challenge at Jenny Matlock's blog. The idea is to write a story in 100 words, not including the phrase given, which today is:

Although the traditional gift for a first anniversary is paper...

I've adapted it slightly at the end. I warn you now - it's wacky, maybe unsettling, even by the standards of the last, the contribution to the Worldboat project.

- - - - - -

They call themselves Leftovers, and they are, remnants of meals uneaten, or eaten messily, and dust, stray hairs and receipts left behind.

They first meet as they are mopped up, slopped into bins and sealed in plastic, then dumped, crushed and buried in landfill.

Unsuprisingly given the ordeal, they grow together over time. They miss us, try to relive that short span as tasty food by attracting seagulls, rodents, bugs.

They marry in tiaras of ringpulls, give gifts, recycling the best of our worst. Time is unkind too... Although the traditional gift for a first anniversary is paper towels, or even scraps, they appreciate anything.

A second anniversary is rare.

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Hello, little beastie... - Living table (1) - Entries 51-70

A few more entries for the Small Creatures table here at the Expanse and over at DM Muse. They're ideas for small creatures in gaming and writing, non-system-specific.

There are 20 more, making 70 in total. Again, rolling a D70 isn't practical, but DM Muse can do the random bit. Remember, this is a living table, meaning you can add to it.

1. As a defence, this creature expands to immense size; if an attempt is made at capture or harm, it will deflate, releasing a cloud of noxious gas.
2. This elongated creature is slow-moving and muscular, and will attempt to constrict a nearby organism if ignored.
3. This creature is magnetic and exerts a strong pull on metal items.
4. As a defence, this creature produces a flash of light through its outer tissues.
5. This creature is able to focus any light falling on its body, and will defend itself by unleashing a blast of as much heat as it can muster by this means.
6. This creature has a terrifying appearance likely to cause shock upon discovery.
7. This ornately-horned or tusked creature attempts to gore any perceived threats.
8. This creature has a fungal biology and will release spores upon discovery; these will produce rapidly-maturing offspring in clothing and among possessions at a later date, at which point roll again on this table for the nature they exhibit.
9. This creature secretes a lubrication making it extremely difficult to grip.
10. This multipedal creature will respond to danger by fixing itself to the ground with its sharp claws.
11. This telepathic creature will attempt to plant suggestions in the minds of nearby organisms, encouraging its support and protection.
12. This insubstantial creature will attempt to possess the body of a nearby organism, and will be difficult to evict once in.
13. This creature is covered in a great mass of silken hair, which it will shed and attempt to abandon unnoticed; if pursued, roll again on this table, treating the same result as no additional effect.
14. This creature has the ability to pass through solid materials; if approached, it will do so, leaving an opening icy to the touch.
15. This flying creature catapults away when discovered to circle or hover far overhead, remaining there for some time, a sign for all able to read it.
16. This creature is in fact mechanical, a collection of highly advanced technologies; if approached, roll twice more on this table to determine its immediately notable systems.
17. This shapeshifting creature is able to mimic the appearance of other organisms, even those of greatly differing size, and defends itself by duplicating a threat.
18. As a defence, this creature will break itself down into increasingly small component organisms which scatter in every direction.
19. This creature is in fact a vehicle for another; if approached, roll again on this table, treating the same result as immediate emergence; upon emergence, also brought about through the death of the vehicle or attempts at friendly communication, roll once again to determine the nature of the pilot.
20. This highly-intelligent creature controls a network of other creatures spanning a vast area; if threatened, it will call upon them, at which point roll again on this table for each new arrival to determine its nature.

I've fed them in at DM Muse, but it may take a little while for them to appear. If you want to add your own ideas, or even a completely new table, go right ahead.

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Hello, little beastie... - Living table (1) - Entries 31-50

Here are some more entries for the Small Creatures table at the Expanse and DM Muse. They're ideas for using wee beasties in gaming and writing, non-system-specific.

There are 20 extra, making a total of 50. Rolling a D50 isn't practical, but DM Muse can handle that. The tables are alive so you can add your own ideas.

There are two more tables up now as well, Nasty Mutations and Stronghold Favors, nine altogether. If you want to create a completely new table of your own, you can.

I've also added a small creature to the 'blog your own adventure' project. The scene is here, and the beginning of the adventure here. I'll write a later instalment today...

C'nor at Lunching at Lamias has also combined a few rolls on the table to create some more complex creatures, which you can find here.

And re tables, check this out - some ideas there for the What's in the Tome project. Desert Scribe also has this fun table for non-critical hit damage in starship combat.

The new entries then.

Hello, little beastie... - Living table (1) - Entries 1-30

This ties in loosely with yesterday's post on a new way of playing miniatures wargames in heavier terrain, but is also very relevant to roleplaying games of all or most kinds.

In dense alien jungles and rubble-strewn post-apocalyptic cityscapes it's quite possible player characters and units will bump into strange new creatures, many of which will be small and relatively insignificant, but still able to influence the game and add colour...

Here then is the first table at the Expanse - 'Hello, little beastie...' - and it's being donated to the Living Table project at DM Muse, an excellent site full of good ideas for games and fiction. Old School Heretic gives a batch of stats here. Impressive.

I'll feed in the entries now and the table should be up soon. Once it is, just head across and add your own whenever the Muse calls.

Until then, it's a mighty D30 table. Yes, D30. Learn about the Order of the D30 here.

The idea is simple. When an individual or group takes cover, explores a hidden space or moves an item, a roll may be made on the table. The creatures are deemed too small to warrant stats and are at the mercy of the characters if they can be caught. System-specific details are not given - these can be set in advance or, better still, improvised.

Beyond Valhalla

If you've been following the build-up to Valhalla, you might like to know that Shawn at Blue Table Painting has been posting and put the first video up at the channel. Relief all round - it did work out after all. The message from here is very clear: live the dream.

If it's your kind of weekend, this post has details of the next, for more than just 40K.

Triffles (4) - A field kitchen

A simple one today - the search which is the third might well need catering.

    improved                contamination /
    morale                     infestation  

\             /

a field kitchen

|

terrain hindering access, to caterers, diners and supplies,
even health and safety inspectors and exterminators

Another possible wargaming terrain piece or roleplaying location. In sci-fi and fantasy those pests could be weird, or big. With that and the various parties attempting to gain access, there might be some comedy value in this one.

Triffles (1) - A makeshift bridge

A series for possible inspiration I'll try to keep coming regularly, even daily if I can.

These are simple, hopefully useful ideas sniffed out - 'truffles' - but with three elements to them - Triffles - for use in in any kind of fiction, whether wargaming, roleplaying or writing. Today's for example could be inspiration for a terrain piece in wargaming, a geomorph in roleplaying or a scene in a story, and might work well in a mystery of sorts.

I've given options to better fit it to either fantasy or a sci-fi / modern setting. It builds on recent or reactivated subjects at the Expanse, in this case portals, the choppa and food.

a felled tree / transmission pylon,
lying across a barrier

|

a makeshift bridge

/             \

loosed arrows/bolts /             gathered fungus /
   spent rounds                      salvaged cable

Here the uncertainty relates to the type of barrier, whether a watercourse, a fence or a wall - or something stranger - and the order of events. Is anyone still around?

Wargaming Workshop has a photo up now of something a little more advanced. If you want to model that pylon, try this post at Nesbet Miniatures.

Repelling boarders

I've been pondering control of spaces. In wargaming and roleplaying we could well be encouraged to invade, occupy and steal, and how we rationalise this is a big subject. Big Lee at his Miniature Adventures has a real life example, which is what set me off.

The problem has reared its head at the Expanse too. One follower showed surprising contempt for everyone else by manipulating a mechanism for his or her own ends. I don't like the idea of diversity suffering for limited personal gain, as I suggested here a while back on the subject of tournaments. With no means of contact, I've blocked the person, but will happily review the decision. If any Blogger blogger has a need to do this, they can click the green 'Followers' icon on the dashboard, then the given avatar, then select the option under the name. I feel unhappy for having done it, but better than I did before.

All of this reminded me of two movies featuring similar situations, one of which you probably know and the other quite possibly not. It's a common problem, but in both help comes from an unlikely quarter, from aliens, possibly those quogwinkles again.

Gold struck

On the subject of gifts, a brief look at wealth, specifically mining in games. One of the three wise men gave gold and mining is a real ghost of past, present and future.

The past we know about - 2010 was a year the human cost really made the news. In the present we have the battle for rare earth metals, a big one - you could easily have some of these in whatever you're using to read this. For the future, if you think Branson et al are interested only in tourism and lifting, think again - a smart investor would be growing the technology to mine the moon and asteroids. There's money in them thar belts.

How to fit all of this into a game?

Discussing terms (1) - Beer and pretzels

Since I started keeping up with the hobby online, I've come across plenty of terms and trends in language use I'd never seen before. Many of the regional differences and the markers of a different approach are a source of interest and pleasure. Unfortunately not all of them. The language of violence sometimes gets a bit out of hand for example.

I'm not especially thin-skinned or prudish, but I do think that we underestimate the power of words. I'll mention George Orwell here yet again, for his Newspeak. If you haven't already thought about it, I'd say take a good look and consider how the concept applies to us. For argument's sake, I'm going to play devil's advocate occasionally and be a pedant about hobbyspeak. Those who know Porky know this side of him well.