Gaming goals for 2014

Kapcon always nicely book-ends the gaming year for me, so it's generally about this time I start thinking about what I would like to accomplish gaming-wise in the upcoming year.

Goals

Run an RPG campaign for my Monday night group

Last year was pretty crazy for me work-wise, which meant my plans to run a campaign didn't get off the ground.  I am hopeful that this year will be different, especially as this week I start running a D&D 4E Dark Sun campaign for my Monday night group.  

The boys have created a bunch of interesting characters, so I think this will be a really fun campaign, and I feel I can apply much of what I learnt from running 4E in 2012.  I did give serious thought to running one of the epic Call of Cthulhu campaigns for the group instead, but I thought this would be a better match with my busy work schedule.

Likely completion: Q2 2014.

Play in 'Horror on the Orient Express'

Dale is planning to run the recently re-released 'Horror on the Orient Express', so I'm keen to get my ticket and hop on board.  These epic Call of Cthulhu campaigns are always great fun and, depending on how it goes, it could also be a trial for me running it for the Monday group in the future.

Likely completion: Q4 2014.

Paint my Chinese Federation Dystopian Wars force

I am a slow painter.  A really slow painter.  I have started playing Dystopian Wars with Dale and some others from my Thursday night group, and have really been enjoying it.  I have made a good start with painting my Chinese Federation fleet but, while I enjoy painting, it just takes me so long.  I'm hopeful that by giving myself the year in which to do it, I can have it completed. Hopefully I'll least get a portion of it done soon so I can get it on the table and start playing with them.

Likely completion: Q4 2014.

Write another EPOCH scenario

2013 was a great year for me from a writing point of view, as it saw my first RPG writing published in the form of two scenarios for EPOCH.  I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get another one of these turned out this year, even though I know writing one of them is a pretty large commitment.

It's unlikely I'll get it done in time for the EPOCH companion, but I have some interesting ideas rattling around involving either vikings and a plague pit, or a tropical island holiday resort on the cusp of a violent storm.

Likely completion: Q3-4 2014.

Help organise Fright Night 8

I have volunteered to help organise Fright Night 8 for October 2014, which is a one night, two session convention that focuses on horror gaming.  I'll also probably end up writing and running a game for it as well. 

It's a pretty competitive RPG convention scene out there, but I'm convinced that the people involved with Fright Night 8 have the ability to pull off something pretty special, so it's exciting to be part of it.

We're in the early stages of planning for the con at the moment, but keep an eye on the website, facebook page and twitter account for more information and regular updates.

Likely completion: Q3 2014.

Start developing my own RPG product

I would like 2014 to be the year where I start working towards my own independent RPG release.  I don't think I'll get it released this year, but I would like to be in a position by the end of the year where I have a game that's ready for play-testing and release in 2014.

I'm not quite sure what yet this product will yet be, but I have a couple of ideas in mind and, with rise of print-on-demand printing and e-publishing, I really have no excuse not too.  More information about this project will come in future blog entries.

Likely completion: Q4 2014.

So these are my goals.  I've tried to keep them as manageable and realistic as possible, but I'll have to wait and see what 2014 brings me to see if I can get across the line on all of them.  

I'll be providing regular updates on these projects here (if I keep to blogging regularly), so keep an eye out on my progress.

I...still...function....

I sure know the feeling Megatron

It has been a long time since I have dusted off the blog. It has been missing my love, and while I hope to post more regularly (as I always say), I won't make any bold statements for the moment.

However I am still here and playing games. Here is a quick snapshot. 

I am playing:

• Mountains of Madness with Dale and our regular Thursday night Cthulhu group. It's going really well, and I am enjoying playing the supercilluous, creepy, seed-eating Professor Hoyle. We've game has just stepped up with our first big discovery, so we'll see how long he lasts in his quest for academic glory. Mountains is one of those legendary Cthulhu campaigns, so I'm very stoked to be finally playing it.
• Descent with Vom-Krieg and the Monday guys is about to reach the climax of the Road to Legend campaign. It has been a long and epic 6 months so far, with lots of ups and downs along the way. I'm looking forward to the final battle in what is sure to be a titanic clash. You can read more about our exploits here.
• Warmachine! Not strictly an RPG (though I could argue the point), but it has certainly captured my attention of late, mostly due to Vom-Krieg laying his mind eggs in my skull. I'm actually really enjoying both playing and painting in a way I didn't expect to, and while I plan to try and keep this blog focused on RPGs, it may feature from time to time.

I am running:

• My 4E D&D campaign is still going slowly but strongly, despite our cleric skipping town for a while. I am enjoying running it, especially when we can get a bit of momentum behind it. I will admit it has suffered a bit from irregular play and scheduling problems, but that is mainly on me. Tomorrow night will feature a big boss fight, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they respond when I throw something a little more at them.

That's all for now. I hope to start running some more games in the future, and perhaps I can convince the Monday night guys to playing something once the dust around Descent has settled.

D&D: The Slaying Stone - Session 2

As the late afternoon light started to fade, the group decided to take advantage of the chaos caused by their attack on the goblin patrol in the forest to sneak into down undetected. Most of the goblin forces were in the north of the town and a column of troops was preparing to head into the forest.

After navigating towards to the south of the city, the group crossed silently into the city and headed towards the remains of the library in search of the slaying stone. Sticking to the shadows and avoid goblin patrols, they happen across a lone kobold near column of troops was preparing to head into the forest.

After navigating towards to the south of the city, the group crossed silently into the city and headed towards the remains of the library in search of the slaying stone. Sticking to the shadows and avoid Goblin patrols, they happen across a lone Kobold near the library collecting junk with his mechanical hounds. Sensing a threat that could not be passed by, they attacked from the shadows quickly. As the party quickly overcame his hounds, the Kobold splashed a toxic oil over some of the party causing a Anhkeg to erupt from beneath the earth and attack. As the giant beetle grabbed Cage with its mandibles, the Kobold hoped to make his escape, but was quickly cut down. With assistance from the others, Cage summoned the full power of the dark demonic forces that torment him and killed the creature.

The party made their escape to an abandoned building to recover from their wounds and to remain hidden. While standing guard Zoltan spied a goblin on patrol being grabbed by an orc and carried away down a dark ally. It seems the Party weren't the only strangers in down.

Carrying on with their plan, they headed towards the library and, with a combination of magical cunning and ruthless steel, gained entry. One of the scrolls provided by Treona suggests that there was some trace of the Slaying Stone here. Further exploration of the library saw the party come across a makeshift alchemist laboratory hiding a group of goblins. The group burst into the room and quickly dispatched the goblin guards thanks to getting the jump of them. The goblin alchemist hardly had enough time to summon a gray ozoo like creature before suffering the same fate as his goblin guards. The ozoo fell quickly after, thanks in part to a well placed beaker from Thangobrind's sling.

Using the scroll to further explore the library, the party made their way to an abandoned wing of the library where they discovered the remains of a wall panel cast aside to reveal a hidden alcove. The panel and the alcove featured large claws marks and large, brassy scales littered the floor. Bookshelves were also pushed aside, consistent with a large beast having moved through the area.

After examining the scales and recalling his study, Gabriel revealed that they most likely belonged to a brass dragon. There creatures make their lairs in warn areas and prefer dry and arid environments, though sometimes make exceptions. They often have a merc the library collecting junk with his mechanical hounds. Sensing a threat that could not be passed by, they attacked from the shadows quickly. As the party quickly overcame his hounds, the Kobold splashed a toxic oil over some of the party causing an Anhkeg to erupt from beneath the earth and attack. As the giant beetle grabbed Cage with its mandibles, the kobold hoped to make his escape, but was quickly cut down. With assistance from the others, Cage summoned the full power of the dark demonic forces that torment him and killed the creature.

The party made their escape to an abandoned building to recover from their wounds and to remain hidden. While standing guard, Zoltan spied a goblin on patrol being grabbed by an orc and carried away down a dark ally. It seems the this group weren't the only strangers in down.

Carrying on with their plan, they headed towards the library and, with a combination of magical cunning and ruthless steel, gained entry. One of the scrolls provided by Treona suggests that there was some trace of the Slaying Stone here. Further exploration of the library saw the party come across a makeshift alchemist laboratory hiding a group of goblins. The group burst into the room and quickly dispatched the goblin guards thanks to getting the jump of them. The goblin alchemist hardly had enough time to summon a gray ozoo like creature before suffering the same fate as his goblin guards. The ozoo fell quickly after, thanks in part to a well placed beaker from Thangobrind's sling.

Using the scroll to further explore the library, the party made their way to an abandoned wing of the library where they discovered the remains of a wall panel cast aside to reveal a hidden alcove. The panel and the alcove featured large claws marks and large, brassy scales littered the floor. Bookshelves were also pushed aside, consistent with a large beast having moved through the area.

After examining the scales and recalling his study, Gabriel revealed that they most likely belonged to a brass dragon. There creatures make their lairs in warn areas and prefer dry and arid environments, though sometimes make exceptions. They often have a mercenary streaks and tend to be talkative, though always thinking about their own self-interest above anything else. He also noted that brass dragons also refuse to converse with anyone who exhibits rudeness or disrespect.

Armed with this new knowledge, the group decided to explore Kiris Dahn further and headed silently through the night to the Houses of Revel, the former city temples. Finding the temples abandoned but desecrated, Gabriel began reconsecrating the temple of Bahamut with help from Genevieve, while Cage, Zoltan, Lexonius and Thangobrind went off in search of the slaying stone and headed into the temple of Sehanine.

However the temple of Sehanine was not abandoned as the adventurers first thought. After their eyes adjusted to the light, they noticed a small figuring trying to hide from them. After reassuring him they meant no harm, he introduced himself as Kiris Hoyt, the rightful heir to the Kiris title whose family had abandoned him when they were fleeing the city. His fine clothes now covered in dirt and filth, he confessed to living alone in the temple keeping out of sight of the goblins. When asked about the dragon, he confirmed that he had seen signs of a brass dragon flying across the city at night and that he had overheard some goblins saying that the dragon had dug lair somewhere in the city.

The conversation then turned to the Slaying Stone. Before Hoyt could finish his story, a cry when up and a raiding party of goblins entered from both the north and south of the temple. Surrounded, the party turned to face their attackers with Zoltan using powerful magic to put a number of goblins to sleep while Cage and Thangobrind lined up ready to strike.

To the surprise of all concerned, Hoyt was struck by a crossbow bolt and began to transform into a fearsome half man, half rat creature who attacked those nearest to him in an uncontrollable rage. While Lexonius ran down the temple to take care of the goblins closing in from the south, Cage and Thangobrind traded blows back and forth with the wererat. Zoltan used his magic to keep the rest of the goblins at way. Gabriel and Genevieve ran to their friend's defence to join the fray and helped tipped the balance in favour of the party. After a brief but violent struggle, the battered body of Kiris Hoyt, human once more, and a dozen goblins lay dead around them.

The Nentir Vale reimaged

A little while ago I was casting around for a system to run a fantasy game and received some great suggestions. I checked a few out, but that itch to run a fantasy game never really got scratched, so I decided to throw caution to the wind and pick up some D&D 4E.


I have mentioned before playing D&D was a bit of geek blind spot for me, so I was a little unsure of what to expect. After getting familiar with the material and thinking about it some more, I came to conclusion that I could do what I wanted to do with the game, that being to run a character driven game with a strong story, that also had the essential flavour of D&D. The secret, I came to realise, would be a strong group of players.

D&D and a geek confession

Last week while browsing through Wargames Supply here in Wellington, I picked up a copy of Wizards of the Coast's (WOTC) new starter box for Dungeons & Dragons. This is designed as an introduction to the game for new players and is modelled specifically on the famous 'red box'(right down to the design) of earlier fame. I grabbed a copy due to the fact it is disgustingly cheap and because I am it's target market.

That's right, I have a geek confession to make. I have never really played D&D (or any derivative) before, or had much interest in doing so. Although this means I cannot make a fully informed review of the product, I can add a few thoughts from that fresh perspective.

But first a little background on the lack of D&D in my gaming life. I entered the hobby in the early 1990s through a gateway drug called Warhammer 40,000 and, unlike a lot of other gamers, my first RPG love was not D&D but R. Talsorian Game's Cyberpunk 2020 (which deserves it own write up). I was of course aware of D&D being around (how could I not as it dominated our local comic store), but to be honest it didn't really grab me, in part due to the seemingly impenetrable rules and the overwhelming number of products required ("so wait, I need to buy how many rulebooks?"). The nineties was also the time when that behemoth of the RPG world TSR was going through the doldrums creatively and was taking a huge hit financially trying to compete with WOTC in the collectible card game market (anyone remember Spellfire?)

D&D took a further hit in my development with the emergence of White Wolf's 'World of Darkness' series of games. White Wolf set itself up in opposition to TSR in many ways with its dark focus on edgy, mature themes and preference (at least in theory) for story and narrative over mechanics (this also deserves a post of its own). It seemed far more interesting, vivid and exciting than what I perceived as the formulaic, overly mechanistic and predictable features of D&D.

My friends and I consumed veraciously everything put out by White Wold in the mid-to-late nineties as TSR stumbled and fell, although it is interesting to note how many of the accusations brought against TSR started to become 'business as usual' for White Wolf as its market share grew (more on this another day). 

In hindsight, it is interesting how this experience has shaped me as a gamer. I still prefer strong narrative based games that are character driven, and always put a great deal of stock in the 'mood'(including ambiance and scene painting) of a game. I am also pretty awful at learning new systems and, to be honest, to this day I still have a slight suspicion of anything involving a D20. So as a result of all this, I have tended to avoid D&D as a game. The few experiences I have had have been either unsatisfying or confusing (or both). 

However, the buzz about D&D fourth edition has been positive in some quarters and I have been encouraged to try it, even though I am suspicious of its 'wargamey' feel. But I'm not one to hold a grudge, so I thought I would have a crack in this instance.

So enough history and on to the product itself. The starter box is part of WOTC's D&D 'Essentials' line which is designed to hark back to a simpler, arguably purer form of the game. I can't make a full judgement about product (or the line) given I haven't read it all, but from the little I have looked over, it's good. 

Character creation is pitched like a 'choose your own adventure' game, so it doesn't get bogged town in technical terminology, and it also takes the reader through a basic combat to familiarise him or her (most likely him) with that side of the rules. It also comes with some quite neat extras, like maps, tokens, dice and cards. Although, as one would expect, it focuses heavily on combat, it also provides some options for non-combat related actions during the game and even a little roleplaying.

I plan to keep posting some thoughts here as I (slowly) work my way through it, but I think there is enough here to inflict a night's entertainment on my friends. It may even be enough for me to give D&D a second chance, though I still have my suspicions. 

Any of you out there have any thoughts on the 'red box' or D&D in general? What about formative roleplaying experiences? This is something I think I could write a lot more about...