tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38280147623641694852024-02-18T20:10:49.214-08:00Alchemy Gaming BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-45769072171623803782017-01-29T09:49:00.000-08:002017-01-29T09:49:19.892-08:00New Digs!Hi everyone!<br />
<br />
It seems like an age since I was last here, but boy does it feel good to be back in the blogging game.<br />
<br />
But where did I go?<br />
<br />
Not far really. I just decided that I needed a break as the writing wasn't coming easy, and I felt that I was pushing myself too hard. Something I think that we've all done at some point in our life. It also certainly didn't help that there were a lot of outside influences exerting pressure upon me. Again, something that I think many of us can relate to. Sometimes life just gets in the way of what you want to do!<br />
<br />
But I'm back again.<br />
<br />
Full of fresh ideas, and with a brighter, breezier outlook on life in general.<br />
<br />
There has however been a change of address. I am now located over at <a href="http://meeple-merson.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Meeple Merson</a>, where I hope that you will join me.<br />
<br />
The format is going to be much the same as it was here, but with a few additions. There will still be plenty of Tunnels & Trolls content, but I've also decided to take up the 10 x 10 Challenge; which I am currently blogging about. I've also decided to go with a much wider scope for the new blog; talking about life, better living, and some of the technical skills I've picked up since I last put finger to keyboard here.<br />
<br />
There will also be additional content about movies, TV, video games, book, and anything else that piques my interest.<br />
<br />
It should make for a much richer tapestry, and hopefully; some interesting reading. :0).<br />
<br />
Hope to see you all there!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-2146679720560988622013-06-17T08:25:00.001-07:002013-06-17T08:25:15.188-07:00Print And Play Gaming: My New PassionOkay, passion may be a bit of a strong word, but I am certainly getting a kick out of it. It's not exactly new to me either.<br />
<br />
I have been playing them in dribs and drabs for sometime, but the effort that it took to actually produce some of them didn't seem worth it in the return that you got from gameplay. Don't get me wrong, these are free print and play games that we are talking about but, free shouldn't mean poor quality.<br />
<br />
For clarity though, I'm not using quality as a measure of a games aesthetics, but rather the quality of the game overall. Has it been well thought out? Do the mechanics work? Does the game still have bugs? These are all things I consider when weighing up whether or not to print out a print and play project.<br />
<br />
As well as quality, design is also a big consideration when I'm looking at a print and play project. I don't think that anyone wants to be sitting there printing and trimming reams of paper / card and, preparing specialised components (I certainly don't).<br />
<br />
So when designing a game, keeping it brief and the use of common components (such as standard D6 etc) are big pluses in the print and play arena. They are big considerations for me at least. Also as I plan to start reviewing the print and play games that I play, it seems only fair to have a set of common considerations to measure them by. Factors that I think matter to the player. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-7197361737620027752013-06-14T04:21:00.002-07:002013-06-14T04:26:07.776-07:00An Amazing Month!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfdxs-BCjF_YslU2e71Oql6yOsc_Cwef_hSAQWKx3bky_L1UVvypwZCQJNmKLfQ6ptixS_3BO9MFC1QCa_98a8-3VADyD28dDqux9_TzgBpdanZZeC1q-LRlNMiQlhgU8wL4mcOoz-_Y/s1600/Smiley.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfdxs-BCjF_YslU2e71Oql6yOsc_Cwef_hSAQWKx3bky_L1UVvypwZCQJNmKLfQ6ptixS_3BO9MFC1QCa_98a8-3VADyD28dDqux9_TzgBpdanZZeC1q-LRlNMiQlhgU8wL4mcOoz-_Y/s200/Smiley.gif" width="200" /></a>It's taken a while to get around to this, but a short break before work is plenty <br />
enough to report back that last month, was an amazing month for the blog :0).<br />
<br />
In fact, we broke all previous records for the number of folks visiting us by a clear 600 visits, over which I am quite stoked. Veteran bloggers may think, "well, that's not much" but, when you put that in the context of the relative youth of this blog and the previous record of 1,435; it's pretty damn impressive!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>So, as ever, a big thank you to everyone that's dropped by. :0).</b></span></div>
<br />
By this point, I imagine that at least a few of you are beginning to wonder, why exactly I am so obsessed with the figures? Let me say, it's more than a measure of success. Sure, I love to see that hit counter running up, it's a sign that I'm delivering content that you want, but it's also through the figures that I get a good idea of what's not working. Knightmare Re-Run being the most recent example.<br />
<br />
Personally, I quite enjoy the show but, the subject as a whole has garnered little to no interest here. So, I figure, why waste space? If there's no audience for the content, then there's very little point in continuing to run it. The figures (and of course any comments you leave) are very important with this kind of trending, especially when I consider that the blogs remit is as wide a field as "gaming".<br />
<br />
That's a whole lot of subject matter, and I only want to deliver the best.<br />
<br />
As a result things are pretty much always up in the air here. It's not a bad thing. It just means that we're still feeling our way. Eventually we'll likely settle into a few regular features.. Once we work out what they should be.<br />
<br />
So have your say! If there's something you like, dislike, would like to see or, like to see consigned to oblivion. Feel free to drop us a comment, they're always welcome. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-73719570157796616442013-06-13T04:54:00.000-07:002013-06-14T03:23:09.524-07:00Another Break<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
The 13th of the month and, only just getting the first post in.. Oh dear.<br />
<br />
In fairness it was pretty much unavoidable though. All the rabid running around of the past month or so (both in and out of work) took it's toll, and facing absolute burn-out I took some downtime.<br />
<br />
In truth, I am still physically pretty exhausted but I have enough steam about me to carry on (not to mention the fact that doing nothing drives me up the wall, being "somewhat" of a workaholic) and, am ready to take my blogging to task.. Although it'll likely be a couple of days yet before I provide any real updates, as work beckons, and lengthy shifts loom on the horizon.<br />
<br />
Briefly though, my immediate plans for blogging are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>An update and run down on last months achievements (we did good!).</li>
<li><b>Print and play gaming:</b> my new passion.</li>
<li><b>Feature Abandon:</b> Knightmare Re-run (It wasn't popular, it had to go).</li>
<li><b>Print And Been Playing:</b> A new feature, replacing Knightmare Re-Run. A review section for the print and play games that I have been playing, with a positive bias towards free print and play games. </li>
</ul>
Hope to see you all there! :0). Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-5854917202958181962013-05-27T07:16:00.001-07:002013-05-27T07:16:45.334-07:00Fighting The Power Creep: Part The Second<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BP31F5GOxPESJbT_yX9ce1-J66EtccEJbcamYbmvlYFi-3St0NP0TpuT5XJzUAl7vEikC3ZlYjMQ2HOybZeByFm-U9dy6NJFK4tdMw5WoP2QI_cm1YmOTUwPiN97TbFjopJX1Vm3zOM/s1600/Great_battle_by_CG_Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BP31F5GOxPESJbT_yX9ce1-J66EtccEJbcamYbmvlYFi-3St0NP0TpuT5XJzUAl7vEikC3ZlYjMQ2HOybZeByFm-U9dy6NJFK4tdMw5WoP2QI_cm1YmOTUwPiN97TbFjopJX1Vm3zOM/s200/Great_battle_by_CG_Warrior.jpg" width="200" /></a>Carrying on from <a href="http://alchemygaming.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/fighting-power-creep-part-1.html">my last Tunnels & Trolls post</a>, where I set out to slay the power creep; an evil creature from the Mountains of Dice, and with attributes running into the thousands; I have created a couple of more house rules that can significantly help alter the tempo of game play..</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have also come to notice that what initially started out as a series of quick fixes is fast becoming / may well become its own rulebook! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>AP scaling and the "Goldilocks Zone"</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">One of the biggest problems with the 7.x rules as they are written is the amount of AP it takes to raise any one attribute, a mere 10 times the current value of the attribute. This seems way too generous to me and, takes a lot of challenge out of the delving experience. Especially when you compare this to older editions, for example 5.5.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Example: A truly average character, Generic Erik has a score of 10 in each and every attribute. The 1000 AP that it would ordinarily take to raise one attribute under 5.x by at best two could equally raise five separate attributes by one point a piece using 7.x.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
The other end of the scale that I have seen amongst the rulebooks (7.0 I believe), costs increasing any attribute at 100 times its current value in AP. This seems way too harsh to me. It bogs down character development, and can detract from fun and spontaneous play. Players need a measure of their progress and, their characters are it.<br />
<br />
My solution would be to set the AP cost of increasing any given attribute by one at 50 times the current attribute value. You can of course set the value to whatever you wish but, I find that 50 works best for me. It keeps play moving, but doesn't remove the element of challenge from the game.<br />
<br />
Whatever value decide to elect though should be carefully considered, as it will have a HUGE impact on your game.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
<b>Modified Modifiers</b><br />
Not a big problem but, a common criticism of Tunnels & Trolls is how the modifiers massively effect play and, player choice. Let's face it, you'd have to be mad to play as a Human off the bat, especially in solo land where survival is the name of the game.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
It's not that Humans are a bad choice (an extra Talent is nothing to be sneezed at) but, when the modifiers given to a Dwarf make them excellent Warriors, and Warriors are the only character Type that can play through most solo's, it's clear to see why most players pick them.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
This also creates a problem with the way that level is measured in 7.x. Whilst it makes more sense to me to have level measured against your actual ability (your attributes), the scale used to measure your level is set to a "Human Average". So starting play as a Dwarf in 7.x can often mean that you roll up a second level character, which just doesn't "feel" right.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
My solution, convert the multipliers in the rulebook into more manageable modifiers, akin to those in the "other game". Here's what I have for the Common Kindreds so far:</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>New
Common Kindred Modifiers</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Dwarf</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>CON:</b> +3, <b>LK:</b> -1, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>STR:</b>
+3 </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Elf</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>CON:</b>
-1, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>CHR:</b> +3,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>INT:</b> +2, <b>LK:</b> +2, <b>WIZ:</b> +3</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Fairy</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>CON:</b> -3, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>CHR:</b> +3,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>DEX:</b> +3, <b>LK:</b> +3, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>STR:</b>
-3,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>WIZ:</b> +3</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Hobbit</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>CON:</b> +3, <b>DEX:</b> +2, <b>LK:</b> +2, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>STR:</b>
-2</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Leprechaun</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>DEX:</b> +2, <b>INT:</b> +2, <b>LK:</b> +2, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>STR:</b>
-2</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm still working on few further house rules to accompany the new system but my current thoughts are that no attribute should ever drop below three at creation. If it does, it's value becomes three. The alternative to this is to say that if the modifier would drop an attribute to below three, that character cannot become that Kindred. Favoring freedom though, I much prefer the former.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm also considering a number of other options related to Kindred, including inherent powers, where for example a Minotaur may be better at charging his foe, whilst Skeletons take less damage from slashing weapons (but more from smashing ones). There's also the matter of drawing a line between "natural" and "created" Kindreds, along with any number of other loose ends..</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Yup, there's a lot more in the power creep yet but, that's all for now folks.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-5665013237405648242013-05-26T13:00:00.001-07:002013-05-26T13:05:29.380-07:00Knightmare Re-Run #3: One Level Down, Two To Go.<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 1</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gb86IE1KpeI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 2</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SE5Af5M-XOM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 3</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/r-MX-0De4kg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-64188176753427550932013-05-23T06:56:00.000-07:002013-05-23T06:59:36.762-07:00A Short Break.. Sort Of<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUUXVA8WAR20R7LB3N1YUHFMFZxPhv6sAgBJA13TEK8CrrASVoPoAE1eSd89JXY5tzriMWn01FVpHQFufv7F8IbpEdIV0piEX8H2-l3vEJUWwlx0-z2k9WFbpGkJzq5lpOr18SBV0PmE/s1600/Gremlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUUXVA8WAR20R7LB3N1YUHFMFZxPhv6sAgBJA13TEK8CrrASVoPoAE1eSd89JXY5tzriMWn01FVpHQFufv7F8IbpEdIV0piEX8H2-l3vEJUWwlx0-z2k9WFbpGkJzq5lpOr18SBV0PmE/s1600/Gremlin.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Property Of Monster-madness.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I say short break it conjures up images of days spent by the seaside, candy floss and, fairgrounds.. Well, it does for me, but alas this is nothing of the sort (not that I actually like fairgrounds, with the exception of hook-a-duck).<br />
<br />
Nope, my working week begins in about an hours time, which with the long hours that I actually work (9 hour stints without a break) leaves me little time for anything else that isn't eating or sleeping. So it's not likely that I'll get another post in till late Saturday / mid-afternoon Sunday at the earliest.<br />
<br />
Still, we are going great guns for the month so far, and I still have pages worth of notes to make tangible and post.<br />
<br />
So, we're looking at a couple of days break as it stands, maybe an extra day or so as I catch up on my sleep, but that's all it is. A break.. Of sorts, and I look forward to seeing you all on the flip side. :0).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-30645454453151869772013-05-21T09:38:00.000-07:002013-05-21T09:40:28.529-07:00Fighting The Power Creep: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BP31F5GOxPESJbT_yX9ce1-J66EtccEJbcamYbmvlYFi-3St0NP0TpuT5XJzUAl7vEikC3ZlYjMQ2HOybZeByFm-U9dy6NJFK4tdMw5WoP2QI_cm1YmOTUwPiN97TbFjopJX1Vm3zOM/s1600/Great_battle_by_CG_Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BP31F5GOxPESJbT_yX9ce1-J66EtccEJbcamYbmvlYFi-3St0NP0TpuT5XJzUAl7vEikC3ZlYjMQ2HOybZeByFm-U9dy6NJFK4tdMw5WoP2QI_cm1YmOTUwPiN97TbFjopJX1Vm3zOM/s200/Great_battle_by_CG_Warrior.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">My most <a href="http://alchemygaming.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/further-thoughts-on-combat.html">recent Tunnels & Trolls post</a> looking at different ways of handling </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Personal Adds and Talents has given me food for thought. Primarily about Talents in general and, how they are handled in-game but, also how far can I "push" my new way of handling Personal Adds? How much of the game can it re-write?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Progressive Talents</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">In my original post, I wrote: </span><br />
<div style="color: orange;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: orange; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: orange;">My solution is to open up the option of weapon Talents, something that
was also discussed in during the Talents conversation over at the
Google+ group. Instead of rolling a dice for the bonus though, I would
simply set the value of the bonus granted by the Talent to the number of
character levels that the weapon has been continually wielded for plus
one.</span><br style="color: orange;" /><br /><b style="color: orange;">Example: Bobby the Barbarian takes a Weapon Talent in
"Clubs" as he loves to bash things over the head and take their stuff.
As Bobby is new to adventuring his bonus is +1, meaning that he'll roll
an extra dice when wielding any sort of club in combat. The bonus only
applies to one weapon, so even if he were wielding two clubs, he'd still
only roll one extra dice.</b></span></i></span></div>
<div style="color: orange; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />For every level of his career that
Bobby from the previous example uses a club predominantly as a weapon,
he can boost his Clubs Talent by one as he increases in level (going
from 2 to 3, 3 to 4 etc), in addition he still gets to pick a new
Talent.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After further deliberation, I have come to think of this as an example of what I have termed a "Progressive Talent". Talents that only initially give a small bonus but, can improve with time and practice. Which made me think, isn't that EVERY talent?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">People don't get better at something without practice, so why should characters? So my new take on Talents is that they should all be considered progressive, granting the delver an initial bonus of +1, which goes up as the character goes up in level, IF they effectively used the Talent at that level.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Example: Bobby the Barbarian has been adventuring for a while now, and as much as he loves his club, he has found that the two-handed sword that he recovered from the body of a fallen foe is much more effective in hacking and slashing his way to fame and glory. In fact, Bobby who is not far from advancing to level 3 has little else in combat of late.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Bobby's player realises this, and also that as he doesn't have a Talent relating to the two-handed sword. So when he advances in level shortly he will receive no bonus to his Clubs Talent and even if he took a Two-Handed Sword Talent it would only begin at +1.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As you can imagine, this massively down plays the power of Talents, which now all begin at the lowest possible result of a D6 roll (but do increase over time). I have given this thought though, and balanced it out with two other house rules.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Professionals</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Calling back upon my previous idea of <a href="http://alchemygaming.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/professionals.html">professionals within Tunnels & Trolls</a>, it is my thought that they could be introduced here to help offset the power drain created by the introduction of Progressive Talents.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Instead of the +1 bonus normally granted by a Progressive Talent, Professionals begin with that same Talent at +2 but, only if it is a Talent that is within their stable. This represents foreknowledge of the skill at hand before actually bringing it into practice, so even if a Talent from that Professions stable is selected later on in the delvers career, it still begins at +2.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Knowledge</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Also in <a href="http://alchemygaming.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/further-thoughts-on-combat.html">my previous post</a> looking at combat, I created a new system for handling Personal Adds.. Well, doing away with them completely, and replacing them with something that I felt better represented the effects of various attributes on combat:</span></div>
<div style="color: orange; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: orange; text-align: left;">
<b>Strength Adds:</b> Each point of STR beyond 12 adds +1 to your combat total.<br />
<b>Dexterity Adds:</b> Roll 1 extra dice in combat for every point of DEX you have beyond 12, and then drop that many.<br />
<b>Speed Adds:</b> Each point of SPD beyond 12 grants you one hit of "natural armor".<br />
<b>Luck Adds:</b> Re-roll up to 1 dice for every point of LK you have beyond 12, once per combat round. You must accept the second result.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Applying a similar logic to Intelligence, I have decided that the number of Talents a character begins with should be equal to their INT bonus (1 for every point of Intelligence beyond 12) plus their level, and that languages should be considered Talents (because being a skilled linguist certainly is a Talent). So a new 1st level character with an INT of 14 would begin with 3 Talents.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The big issue (problem) that I can see arising from the relation between Intelligence and Talents is that Kindreds with significant modifiers in that area could begin the game as walking, talking, encyclopedias. Which really isn't what I set out to achieve.. So I've had to house rule on this one too in my efforts to fight back the power curve.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More to follow...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-84362263756859799222013-05-20T13:13:00.003-07:002013-05-20T13:46:30.817-07:00The Bard's TaleLast night / early this morning I finally got to completing The Bard's Tale, a video game that has taken me the better part of a few months to best. Not because it was difficult (although it certainly had it's moments), not even because it was all that long. No, thew reason it took so long to complete was because the second-hand disc that I had bought let you play 80-85% of the way through the game before crashing...<br />
<br />
This was suffice to say infuriating as by this point you've probably contributed about 10 hours of play-time. So, it sat there incomplete, which also deeply annoyed me, but as you say no cloud is without a silver lining and, mine came in the form of a friend kindly lending me his copy when I raised the problem I'd had in passing conversation. Cheers Phil. :0).<br />
<br />
So, being a little concerned that I was too rusty just to jump in where I left off, I started over and about 10 hours later I again reached the problem area, this time powering through without incident.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">None of this is the point of the post though!</span></b></div>
<br />
It's all just back-story before I discuss point at hand, and we're still not quite there but bear with me.<br />
<br />
The plot of The Bard's Tale is a mix and match of your standard clichés. Save the damsel in distress, wizards in towers, darkness sweeping the land.. Yada yada yada. The game makes good use of this though to subvert player expectations before delivering the twist in the tale.<br />
<br />
You've battled your way through three remote towers, slain their guardians at the summits and, upon confronting the final wizard who holds the Princess Caleigh captive, he tries to reason with you..<br />
<br />
That's right, reason with you. Up until this point Caleigh through her magic and followers has been feeding you information to the effect that she is being held captive and that should you rescue her, you'll be rewarded with wealth beyond your wildest dreams. By and large, the story adds up and, Fionnaoch, the head of the druidic order that has been hounding you since you found your way to the first tower, with a clear view to see you dead.<br />
<br />
He however, tells quite a different story. Caleigh, he claims is a demon queen whom he and three other wizards bound after her attempt to throw the land into darkness 1000 years ago. There is also plenty of evidence to support this case. From the point that the first guardian fell, undead have been sweeping the land in their droves, getting worse as each subsequent guardian fell. There is also the fact that the magical transport Caleigh sent to rescue The Bard was a giant flaming stingray with the power of flight. Even before Fionnaoch's plea this had me suspicious.<br />
<br />
This is where the game throws you a curve ball however, you can CHOOSE who to side with!<br />
<br />
<b>Which brings me to the whole point of this post, who would you choose to side with?</b> On one hand you could remain loyal to Caleigh. Fionnaoch's tale does have a ring of truth about it but he has spent the better part of your journey plotting your demise. His pet killed your pet and, his moves have been calculated if not successful. Even if Caleigh is a demon queen, responsible for the undead legions, they've not been attacking you directly.. They've just been plaguing the land in general.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, if Fionnaoch is telling the truth it doesn't seem unreasonable that he would do everything in his power to stop the towers falling to Caleigh and her followers, even to the point of killing a hapless adventurer. Siding with him however does make financial reward unlikely, and death at the hands of a demon queen in battle highly likely. Fionnaoch is by no means the combatant a demon would likely prove to be.<br />
<br />
The game also offers a third choice.. Walk away. Yup, after all you have been through, you can decide it's really not your problem, call it a day and head to the nearest tavern instead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNJ52WQQWId7yx0vX4gvMq147udcRCx84ylMuiPUlOSu0oSzz8WDl2DsqQDfokSXHA-QdzAsRMVm3U-3wslBBJ58oWRpFxl-8ykqpRePs0RpP3Gz35Q-EXVYgZmoxYEnhpkOBCD2_JUk/s1600/BTFC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNJ52WQQWId7yx0vX4gvMq147udcRCx84ylMuiPUlOSu0oSzz8WDl2DsqQDfokSXHA-QdzAsRMVm3U-3wslBBJ58oWRpFxl-8ykqpRePs0RpP3Gz35Q-EXVYgZmoxYEnhpkOBCD2_JUk/s400/BTFC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleigh, Fionnaoch, The Bar. Which gets your vote?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So my question is simply, what would you do? Side with </b><b>Caleigh</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>, </b><b>Fionnaoch</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> or, head down the pub instead? </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-90194696703090879912013-05-18T02:12:00.002-07:002013-05-18T08:49:38.120-07:00Geeks Do It Better #6: Papers And Paychecks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPNBElYDymAU5sPV731prlHt_nvj0WmxhE4d11Aze5NwAKJzRBjvOkfrji7eAYY6Wp2bETXjn7kmEyJ1Nz0f2e1wFles-FMMJHke2uLKsaoyf5FG1lSHrTwacSdnxYBDKiLi5ijNW0pw/s1600/Papers_And_Paychecks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPNBElYDymAU5sPV731prlHt_nvj0WmxhE4d11Aze5NwAKJzRBjvOkfrji7eAYY6Wp2bETXjn7kmEyJ1Nz0f2e1wFles-FMMJHke2uLKsaoyf5FG1lSHrTwacSdnxYBDKiLi5ijNW0pw/s400/Papers_And_Paychecks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What better way to follow-up on my favorite Will McLean piece than with Jerry's. So who's up for a game of Papers and Paychecks? ;0).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-52656403560497586332013-05-18T02:06:00.001-07:002013-05-18T02:06:37.827-07:00Tim Strikes Again!Tim Shorts of <a href="http://gothridgemanor.blogspot.co.uk/">Gothridge Manor</a> has put up another great post for the aspiring GM, this time focusing on building a small campaign.<br />
<br />
Having never actually run a game that's ever lasted beyond a one-shot, Tim's advice both in his <a href="http://gothridgemanor.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/6-steps-to-starting-small-campaign.html">new post</a> and <a href="http://gothridgemanor.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-quick-adventure-construction.html">the one before it</a> have given me plenty of ideas to work with, helping me bring form to ideas I already had and, all being well, allowing me to put together a campaign of my very own.<br />
<br />
Now if I can only get beyond the root of all my GMing based headaches, mapping.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-54226321763990031292013-05-18T01:50:00.001-07:002013-05-18T01:50:55.735-07:00Knightmare Re-Run #2: Bad Hair Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 1</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/WOGn_PqwvNw/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/WOGn_PqwvNw&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/WOGn_PqwvNw&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 2</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ouXwFFYJdc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 3</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mZhAlX5vGhc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-78516476826774861932013-05-15T10:46:00.000-07:002013-05-15T10:46:20.672-07:00Further Thoughts On Combat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BP31F5GOxPESJbT_yX9ce1-J66EtccEJbcamYbmvlYFi-3St0NP0TpuT5XJzUAl7vEikC3ZlYjMQ2HOybZeByFm-U9dy6NJFK4tdMw5WoP2QI_cm1YmOTUwPiN97TbFjopJX1Vm3zOM/s1600/Great_battle_by_CG_Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BP31F5GOxPESJbT_yX9ce1-J66EtccEJbcamYbmvlYFi-3St0NP0TpuT5XJzUAl7vEikC3ZlYjMQ2HOybZeByFm-U9dy6NJFK4tdMw5WoP2QI_cm1YmOTUwPiN97TbFjopJX1Vm3zOM/s200/Great_battle_by_CG_Warrior.jpg" width="200" /></a>Recently I looked into an alternative way of handling combat in Tunnels and <br />
Trolls, which involved using <a href="http://alchemygaming.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/saving-throws-as-combat-not-just-in_13.html">saving rolls as the combat mechanic and, not just as a mechanic within combat</a>.<br />
<br />
Since then Dan over at <a href="http://danhemsgamingblog.blogspot.co.uk/">The Lone Delver</a> has really taken the idea (which was inspired by an <a href="http://danhemsgamingblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/alternative-t-combat-methods.html">earlier post</a> of his) and, run with it. It's looking great too. So setting my original idea to one side (as too many cooks spoil the broth) I have been thinking about what else I can do with combat system to take it to new and interesting places, and I have a couple of ideas.<br />
<br />
The first has sprung from the <a href="http://alchemygaming.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/swordplay-you-say-debate-continues.html">Talents conversation</a> that I sparked over at the <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/115623823182509394009">Tunnels and Trolls Google+ group</a>, and seeks to address what I consider the dual-wield issue, where it is almost mandatory for a starting character to take two daggers as their initial weaponry.<br />
<br />
It kind of bugs me if I'm honest but I can't deny the logic of it. On average two daggers are cheaper to buy and, more effective in combat than nearly any other weapon that a new character can realistically afford. Tunnels and Trolls doesn't penalise you for fighting with an off-hand weapon either, so why wouldn't you invest in a pair of daggers?<br />
<br />
Maybe if there was an incentive not to. Notice I say incentive and not penalty, as the easy option would be simply cut down the dice and adds granted by your off-hand weapon.<br />
<br />
My solution is to open up the option of weapon Talents, something that was also discussed in during the Talents conversation over at the Google+ group. Instead of rolling a dice for the bonus though, I would simply set the value of the bonus granted by the Talent to the number of character levels that the weapon has been continually wielded for plus one.<br />
<br />
<b>Example: Bobby the Barbarian takes a Weapon Talent in "Clubs" as he loves to bash things over the head and take their stuff. As Bobby is new to adventuring his bonus is +1, meaning that he'll roll an extra dice when wielding any sort of club in combat. The bonus only applies to one weapon, so even if he were wielding two clubs, he'd still only roll one extra dice.</b><br />
<br />
For every level of his career that Bobby from the previous example uses a club predominantly as a weapon, he can boost his Clubs Talent by one as he increases in level (going from 2 to 3, 3 to 4 etc), in addition he still gets to pick a new Talent.<br />
<br />
Whilst this may not seem to do a lot to offset the benefits of duel-wielding daggers from the word go, it does open up an interesting alternative. Now if a character instead chooses to invest in say your average Short Sword and a Short Sword Talent to go with it, they could be wielding the four dice normally granted by duel-daggers whilst leaving a hand free to take a shield into combat with them. Given that Warriors get to double the hits absorbed by armor that they are wearing, and a shield counts as armor, this is a good deal!<br />
<br />
My second idea does away with Combat Adds completely (but not Missile Adds as of yet), replacing them with a more tangible alternative.<br />
<br />
Whilst I like the simplicity of the Tunnels and Trolls combat system as it stands, I feel that Personal Adds could be so much more if you break them down, or as I have replace them completely with the following:<br />
<br />
<b>Strength Adds:</b> Each point of STR beyond 12 adds +1 to your combat total.<br />
<b>Dexterity Adds:</b> Roll 1 extra dice in combat for every point of DEX you have beyond 12, and then drop that many.<br />
<b>Speed Adds:</b> Each point of SPD beyond 12 grants you one hit of "natural armor".<br />
<b>Luck Adds:</b> Re-roll up to 1 dice for every point of LK you have beyond 12, once per combat round. You must accept the second result.<br />
<br />
Personally I feel that this better represents the effects of the various attributes than the catch all, Personal Adds. Strength inflicts greater wounds, Dexterity allows you aim your blows with greater accuracy, Speed lets you dodge out of the way and, if you're going to rely on Luck, you'd better be lucky!<br />
<br />
Both are just works in progress at the moment but I do think they show promise, if I do say so myself.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-89856270783254209732013-05-15T08:53:00.001-07:002013-05-15T09:17:31.888-07:00First Look: Mag Blast<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrgFy3tabtIn7wMGWZ5fd50t7G0JUani8nnHZTUcZlMk36kfoYDzrVPVpkAnhlKTdjfhvUy1YMHIYAMtyRbF2XOfRkRH7pmYV-Mr-rG4EHDzPU4LNpmvyPqiecN7SAgs4tfpult50wnk/s1600/Mag_Blast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrgFy3tabtIn7wMGWZ5fd50t7G0JUani8nnHZTUcZlMk36kfoYDzrVPVpkAnhlKTdjfhvUy1YMHIYAMtyRbF2XOfRkRH7pmYV-Mr-rG4EHDzPU4LNpmvyPqiecN7SAgs4tfpult50wnk/s1600/Mag_Blast.jpg" /></a> As I mentioned only two post ago, Mag Blast, which I purchased less than 24 <br />
hours ago has already seen table time, and poor pun wholly intended we've had a blast with it.<br />
<br />
It's light, fast-paced and, win or lose highly enjoyable. It's a perfect filler game, with only one major drawback that we have found so far. Your initial draw can make or break your game, with two of the three that we played yesterday lasting all of five minutes from start to finish.<br />
<br />
So we've house ruled our way around this by introducing a mulligan style mechanic:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>House Rule</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>If you are not happy with your initial draw of 6 Fleet cards you may shuffle them into the Fleet deck and draw 5 replacements, of which</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>you must choose 4 for your initial set-up.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If this still doesn't work out for you, you could theoretically drop down to 4 cards using the same method but, no more than that and even then you are really pushing your luck. That really does seem to be the name of the game though, luck.<br />
<br />
You have to be lucky with the initial fleet that you draw, you have to be lucky with the action cards that you draw and, if you want to cause catastrophic damage, you have to be REALLY lucky! This isn't such a bad thing though (particularly in the case of the latter).<b></b><br />
<br />
When I initially looked over the cards prior to the rules I was a little concerned just how easy it seemed to blow a ship out of the sky instantly, which can end a game just like that.<br />
<br />
This was however an error as it's actually very difficult to achieve a "critical hit" along those<b> </b>lines as you need at least three cards to pull it off and, you only draw up to five every turn (unless you draw something that lets you draw more) at the most. There are still plenty of devastating attacks that you can throw out there though, for example the name-sake Mag Blast, which will happily take out the majority of fleet ships.<br />
<br />
Overall, play is of the fast and furious variety, so if a fast-paced space skirmish sounds up your street you can't go far wrong with Mag Blast. If you're looking for deep strategy though, this really isn't going to be the game for you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-17966977062124886222013-05-15T08:31:00.001-07:002013-05-15T08:34:29.843-07:00Let Me Thrill You With Tales Of Mundane AdventureLet me thrill you with tales of mundane adventure.. Said no GM ever.<br />
<br />
That's because there is a lot of onus on the GM to weave an intricate and engaging story that leaves their players crying out for more. They have to be original, but what of the players?<br />
<br />
There is no real pressure on the players to create fresh and original characters. Obviously those that do get a lot of enjoyment out of the new opportunities that they open up to themselves but by and large it's a lot easier just to stick to the familiar archetypes. The rules are geared that way, so why would you do anything different? Well, because it just doesn't make sense.<br />
<br />
I mean, think about it. Your warrior has just spent days risking life and limb to haul back that sack of gold, and what does he do with it? He spends it on weapons and armor like some kind of survival nut. In real world terms that is the equivalent of someone who works to work, which in my opinion a rather joyless existence but why would the player do anything but? They need those weapons. They need that armor.<br />
<br />
<b>Back to putting the onus on the GM.</b><br />
<br />
So what to do? Well if you're players are the kind that fixate on draining every last copper piece for all that it's worth, I would recommend introducing what I loosely refer to as hobbies and obsessions.<br />
<br />
It's only a work in progress at the moment but, essentially what you are creating is a means of spending gold and time between adventures that helps flesh out the character a little more. Quite how I would implement this I'm not sure as of yet but I would suggest relating the reward given for the activity to the cost, availability and, legality of the hobby in question.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oagWl_A8sDLPqY-vsU8ydSvPOuSemtxDFgq9827dehB7UCRhoZ4ASGlpmbf6nP0hn_QYhKT2jpjOXpYBBGcz8C_4-bxd7ulXjloxtk3kZyIKQk02JCi9CBjXruPhQlF4LwfyOspZ3P4/s1600/Drunk_David_A_Ullery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oagWl_A8sDLPqY-vsU8ydSvPOuSemtxDFgq9827dehB7UCRhoZ4ASGlpmbf6nP0hn_QYhKT2jpjOXpYBBGcz8C_4-bxd7ulXjloxtk3kZyIKQk02JCi9CBjXruPhQlF4LwfyOspZ3P4/s320/Drunk_David_A_Ullery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For example, Olaf The Drunk likes ale. He LOVES ale! So every GP's worth of ale he consumes (which is a fair bit given how cheap it is) gains him 1AP, because his particular is vice cheap, readily available and, generally legal. It's also only a hobby, not an obsession, so Olaf can go without if more pressing needs present themselves.. He just wouldn't be happy about it.<br />
<br />
This is only a quick example of a common activity, turned hobby but it already adds more dimension to the character. No matter the quest at hand he has a reason to delve and, the impairing effects of alcohol gives the GM something to play with in return.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-44664143250987818862013-05-15T07:45:00.000-07:002013-05-15T07:45:41.108-07:00In Space, No-One Can Here You Scream PEW! PEW!It's been a while since I paid a trip to my <a href="http://www.waylandsforge.co.uk/">FLGS</a>, mostly because times are hard in <br />
the UK and, gaming (well professionally produced board and card games) has and have become a luxury that can't always be easily justified.<br />
<br />
Sometimes though you have to treat yourself, and buying new doesn't have to cost you the earth. There are plenty of great games out there that are inexpensive and, nothing I bought yesterday set me back more than £20. Which when you consider the overall cost of gaming in general is more than reasonable.<br />
<br />
The first two items that I picked up were the <a href="http://riograndegames.com/Game/301-RFTG-Rebel-vs-Imperium">Rebel vs Imperium</a> and <a href="http://riograndegames.com/Game/357-RFTG-the-Brink-of-War">The Brink of War</a> expansions for <a href="http://riograndegames.com/games.html?id=240">Race For The Galaxy</a>. Whilst it may seem a little lavish to fork out close to £40 on expansions (for which I could have bought a whole new game), I have been playing a lot of Race For The Galaxy solitaire of late, and getting a lot of enjoyment from doing so. The expansions also bring a lot of new bells and whistles to the party (not to mention close to doubling the number of cards in-play), so if I had to make the choice again; the expansions or a new game; I don't think my decision would be any different...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrgFy3tabtIn7wMGWZ5fd50t7G0JUani8nnHZTUcZlMk36kfoYDzrVPVpkAnhlKTdjfhvUy1YMHIYAMtyRbF2XOfRkRH7pmYV-Mr-rG4EHDzPU4LNpmvyPqiecN7SAgs4tfpult50wnk/s1600/Mag_Blast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrgFy3tabtIn7wMGWZ5fd50t7G0JUani8nnHZTUcZlMk36kfoYDzrVPVpkAnhlKTdjfhvUy1YMHIYAMtyRbF2XOfRkRH7pmYV-Mr-rG4EHDzPU4LNpmvyPqiecN7SAgs4tfpult50wnk/s320/Mag_Blast.jpg" width="176" /></a>This isn't to say that I didn't buy a new game however, as sitting in the corner of an alcove on a low-shelf a little box caught my eye. <a href="http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=44">Mag Blast</a>.<br />
<br />
Without a doubt, the thing that drew me in was the Kovalic art and, upon seeing the price-tag, I was sold. Even if the game was a bust, less than £20 for a game where every card is a full-color Kavolic piece of art is still a win in my book. I think it must be a <a href="http://www.worldofmunchkin.com/game/">Munchkin</a> thing. :0).<br />
<br />
As it turned out though, the game was actually great and in the few games that we have played so far, we have had a hell of a lot of fun. I'll review the game in more detail in a coming post but suffice to say I think it's well worth owning and if you ever happen to see a copy in a <a href="http://www.waylandsforge.co.uk/">FLGS</a> of your very own, it's well worth checking out.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-32665149387998234742013-05-13T12:29:00.001-07:002013-05-13T12:29:38.424-07:00What's In Box 13?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0LVGST1Su1G8ui5kMCMk65If4IXCFQHY2-Dgckvle5WejyK1xZNxAovBuHPfVunomCIckBfXL2oW69wCvOBB0z3dO6lh6WlKzUOifF6DQpdN2erq5-JJl28OF318qY8i_XMxxeDuxvs/s1600/Curse_Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0LVGST1Su1G8ui5kMCMk65If4IXCFQHY2-Dgckvle5WejyK1xZNxAovBuHPfVunomCIckBfXL2oW69wCvOBB0z3dO6lh6WlKzUOifF6DQpdN2erq5-JJl28OF318qY8i_XMxxeDuxvs/s200/Curse_Box.jpg" width="200" /></a>The current play-by-post adventure going on over at <a href="http://gemsandgiants.blogspot.co.uk/">Gems and Giants</a>, combined <br />
with my general Supernatural fandom has set me thinking about curse boxes, and why they might make an interesting addition to your game.<br />
<br />
In the slip of reality that is Supernatural curse boxes are, well, boxes, built with the express intention of binding the magic of the item contained inside.<br />
<br />
Usually this is because the item inside is cursed in some manner but, generally speaking it could be said that this has a lot more to do with how magic is portrayed within the Supernatural setting and the mythos surrounding it. It's generally a bad thing, being one of the main paths that leads a human to become a demon.<br />
<br />
It's an interesting idea but, high-fantasy is of course a million miles away from this in it's perspective. Magic being wide-spread and relatively common place. Even settings that are not jammed to seams with spells and incantations are generally populated by a wealth of magical beings. Which, if you think about it, creates an even greater need for curse boxes.<br />
<br />
<b>But why might you introduce them?</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>"Radioactive" Magic:</b> Occasionally a magical item may become unstable and, unable to hold it's own power, leaking it's effects into the surrounding area. Such items, even those with purely beneficial effects would become abhorrent to magic-users in this instance as the chaos created by the radiation would make any magic used within it's vicinity high unpredictable. A curse box in this case would work a lot like a lead container. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>A Fiendish Trap:</b> Delver love nothing more than looting a ruin and finding a magical object. It's their big score. That's probably why cursed objects were invented by GM's in the first place if truth be told.. So why break with tradition? Maybe the next chest that they find contains a dancing sword.. That attacks whosoever is close by, be they friend or foe. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>A Quest Of Duty:</b> This one comes straight out of Supernatural, where hunters often keep such boxes locked away so that the item within can do no harm. Now if we ramp that up to a high-fantasy level of magic, the item within could be truly devastating. What would your party of adventurers do if they came across what is effectively a Pandora's Box? If they're smart, they won't open it but, how will they keep it safe from others? They can lock it away, but thieves may break in. They can drag it to the end of the known world but someone may still find it. It's quite the dilemma!</li>
</ul>
There are obviously many more reasons to introduce such items, but in the interests of time (and not rambling on) I'll just keep to those three, that illustrate a few likely possibilities.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-77112207587885887652013-05-13T10:26:00.003-07:002013-05-13T10:28:20.306-07:00Geeks Do It Better #5: The Helm Of Rodent Enchantment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCYbki5ikWXGIwGK6GJx33yhwpjmUIPw38m3od8sOUYKXmc_czcGDOOz7UfAHEqduwIrViS4t69ybNGWr7ordDWj6agAWvp5hxZITZqjPykh-6Jpj2ePjC5zcK7tN8LXP_1hw0PUsLtY/s1600/HoRE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCYbki5ikWXGIwGK6GJx33yhwpjmUIPw38m3od8sOUYKXmc_czcGDOOz7UfAHEqduwIrViS4t69ybNGWr7ordDWj6agAWvp5hxZITZqjPykh-6Jpj2ePjC5zcK7tN8LXP_1hw0PUsLtY/s400/HoRE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This particular piece of art has to be one of my all-time favorites ever to feature in a roleplaying manual. A big thank you to Jerry over at <a href="http://thedelvingdwarf.blogspot.com/">The Delving Dwarf</a> for both tracking it down and, pointing me in the right direction of much more by the same artist (Will McLean).<br />
<br />
Expect to see much more of his work here, as his superb art combined with his rapier sharp humor really is proof that <a href="http://alchemygaming.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Geeks%20Do%20It%20Better">Geeks Do It Better</a>!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-86855820796526871442013-05-13T09:57:00.000-07:002013-05-13T09:57:44.152-07:00Saving Throws AS Combat, Not Just In Combat: Revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BP31F5GOxPESJbT_yX9ce1-J66EtccEJbcamYbmvlYFi-3St0NP0TpuT5XJzUAl7vEikC3ZlYjMQ2HOybZeByFm-U9dy6NJFK4tdMw5WoP2QI_cm1YmOTUwPiN97TbFjopJX1Vm3zOM/s1600/Great_battle_by_CG_Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BP31F5GOxPESJbT_yX9ce1-J66EtccEJbcamYbmvlYFi-3St0NP0TpuT5XJzUAl7vEikC3ZlYjMQ2HOybZeByFm-U9dy6NJFK4tdMw5WoP2QI_cm1YmOTUwPiN97TbFjopJX1Vm3zOM/s200/Great_battle_by_CG_Warrior.jpg" width="200" /></a>Following on from <a href="http://alchemygaming.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/saving-throws-as-combat-not-just-in.html">my previous post</a>, where I looked at the possibility of <a href="http://danhemsgamingblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/alternative-t-combat-methods.html">long since been picked to the post</a> by Dan over at the <a href="http://danhemsgamingblog.blogspot.co.uk/">Lone Delver</a>.<br />
introducing SR's as a combat mechanic, and not just a mechanic within combat, I soon found that I found that I had <br />
<br />
Despite my being massively behind the times, unearthing the topic has heralded some interesting things as Dan has begun to <a href="http://danhemsgamingblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/fighting-with-saving-rolls-alternate-t.html">explore the topic once more</a>, progressing his earlier work and, creating something very functional that has also been described as pulling missile weapons into a much more even playing field.<br />
<br />
Personally, I like it. Combat becomes a lot more deadly and, especially so if you're not a Warrior. Which makes perfect sense to me. It's still a work in progress, I feel but, one well worth checking out. :0). Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-12397383747780022382013-05-13T09:33:00.001-07:002013-05-13T09:33:36.225-07:00Hiatuses & Hold-ups <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUUXVA8WAR20R7LB3N1YUHFMFZxPhv6sAgBJA13TEK8CrrASVoPoAE1eSd89JXY5tzriMWn01FVpHQFufv7F8IbpEdIV0piEX8H2-l3vEJUWwlx0-z2k9WFbpGkJzq5lpOr18SBV0PmE/s1600/Gremlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUUXVA8WAR20R7LB3N1YUHFMFZxPhv6sAgBJA13TEK8CrrASVoPoAE1eSd89JXY5tzriMWn01FVpHQFufv7F8IbpEdIV0piEX8H2-l3vEJUWwlx0-z2k9WFbpGkJzq5lpOr18SBV0PmE/s320/Gremlin.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Property Of Monster-madness.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just a quick post to say that due to an unexpected bout of food poisoning, <br />
coupled with a bad case of physical exhaustion I'm running a little behind on where I want to be, and what I'd like to have posted up here to the tune of a day or so.<br />
<br />
I am fast on the road to recovery though and, a master at playing the game of catch up. So it shouldn't be too long before we're back in blogness. :0). Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-73876875261851979632013-05-12T04:09:00.001-07:002013-05-18T01:51:47.299-07:00Knightmare Re-Run #1: Bad Things Happen In The DarkThis feature is for anyone who were hoping to catch Knightmare on Challenge the other day but due to time, geography or, prior commitments, were unable to do so.<br />
<br />
<b>The good news:</b> I have been able to find the episode that aired with no great difficulty, and the quality is amazing.<br />
<br />
<b>The bad news:</b> As I'm not actually uploading the episodes myself, this feature could fall flat on it's face at anytime. Good quality also means three links per episode, which does disrupt the flow slightly.<br />
<br />
The (not really that bad) bad news aside however, enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 1</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4bwK5H8Ui-E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 2</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UVj1t5ZU5EQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Part 3</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oo1R75Cjgjo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-88211941247770841402013-05-10T04:45:00.000-07:002013-05-10T04:47:06.672-07:00R.I.P: Ray Harryhausen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfIxzbCnCuBS9A2pQjf6OWWqILWJs7KaT4xYYi2W_KW4H9OLY0ayng5XQNCYQi94poiSfx14-zJBIuVc1y934aNkH_2byDFETGP6Zv2PCu_zjXsTqSHzUoC7X816o9ijmCfjEyGO-5qs/s1600/RHH_Children_of_the_hydras_teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfIxzbCnCuBS9A2pQjf6OWWqILWJs7KaT4xYYi2W_KW4H9OLY0ayng5XQNCYQi94poiSfx14-zJBIuVc1y934aNkH_2byDFETGP6Zv2PCu_zjXsTqSHzUoC7X816o9ijmCfjEyGO-5qs/s200/RHH_Children_of_the_hydras_teeth.jpg" width="200" /></a>Taking a lead from Tim Shorts over at <a href="http://gothridgemanor.blogspot.co.uk/">Gothridge Manor</a> and his idea of a <br />
blogfest in honor of the late, great Ray Harryhausen, I felt I would be amiss not contributing when his work has not only brought such great joy to the masses but, also touched me on a personal level.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What can you say about such a great man in death though that has not already been said in life?</b><br />
<br />
The sad truth is not a lot. Unlike many artists, he was greatly appreciated in his lifetime, and he influenced a great number of people who followed in his footsteps. So I can state with no level of uncertainty that he will not be forgotten and that he was one of the great pioneers within his field. On a personal note, I can say that Ray's interpretation of The Children of the Hydra's Teeth and, the battle that ensued with them was iconic for me. It's why I nearly always include animated skeletons in my adventures, and why only recently I bought a big box of plastic ones with every intention of modeling them in the Ray Harryhausen style.<br />
<br />
You will be missed but never forgotten.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>R.I.P: Ray Harryhausen</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="st">June 29, 1920 – May 7, 2013</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9BEAkY-Ctx0r5-23rAH-jRvdmayh0YQk_0RXO7UNqWSh3SBPu1RXtfSmzAoTyXkLsUpuO4Ya_hAJkNpWJb-NXyl0XCNjbjUnNkg9Bfz3I_RvKmL10IkkofCteZZJBdZHCL-vg9J6iec/s1600/RHH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9BEAkY-Ctx0r5-23rAH-jRvdmayh0YQk_0RXO7UNqWSh3SBPu1RXtfSmzAoTyXkLsUpuO4Ya_hAJkNpWJb-NXyl0XCNjbjUnNkg9Bfz3I_RvKmL10IkkofCteZZJBdZHCL-vg9J6iec/s320/RHH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-58188343266411691792013-05-10T04:21:00.000-07:002013-05-10T04:21:13.273-07:00Knightmare, Now Only Hours Away!Since my last post I have been able to nail down some of the fine detail, thanks in no small part to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Knightmare.CITV">Knightmare fan page over at Farcebook</a>.<br />
<br />
Knightmare will be airing at 10:30 GMT (Challenge only originally gave us a time slot of somewhere between 10 and 11) and, will begin by showing season 1, episode 1. I had expected this but it's great to have it confirmed, making it very likely that they'll be showing all 4 seasons! :0).<br />
<br />
If you're not familiar with Challenge, you can find it on Freeview channel 46, Virgin channels 139 and, Sky channel 145. If you're not lucky to have access to any of these services however, there are a lot of episodes to be found on Youtube, including this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERLLUoZn0mM">parody</a> which I found quite entertaining.. Just don't watch it at work.<br />
<br />
<b>It does contain humor intended for mature audiences, although no actual maturity is needed to appreciate it. ;0). </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ERLLUoZn0mM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-27731733094622097032013-05-09T13:12:00.000-07:002013-05-09T13:12:32.049-07:00Knightmare Returns! Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After much anticipation on my part, Knightmare is only hours away from <br />
returning to the small screen.. And I couldn't be happier!<br />
<br />
For those unfamiliar with this great show that was way ahead of it's time, Challenge, who are also broadcasting the show have been good enough to write up a <a href="http://www.challenge.co.uk/late-zone/knightmare.html">synopsis</a> that bring you up to speed in little to no time. Not that there is really a lot to take in, being essentially poorly acted LARP in a computer-generated environment.. Which granted as descriptions go, doesn't really help sell the show.<br />
<br />
Well not if you're looking for a deep fantasy tale with rich characters. If you take it at face value though, and look at it as being more akin to a child writing dungeon hacks for children, it is quite compelling. It's a piece of nostalgia that takes you back to a simpler time when GM's cared more about the dragons hoard than the social and political implications of a players actions. When dungeoneering was essentially a lot more two-dimensional, being a flight of fantasy and not a book of rules.<br />
<br />
No matter how you choose to look at it though, it certainly had something about it, spawning <a href="http://www.gamebooks.org/kngtmare.htm">several gamebooks</a> and, attracting a large fan base even to this today.<br />
<br />
This fan for one sure can't wait!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828014762364169485.post-44049766806530486622013-05-09T12:05:00.000-07:002013-05-09T14:27:36.176-07:00Geeks Do It Better #4: Who Remembers This Classic?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoy88RW_TV5SYtifKG0Qj_8swHEcvU1lMyLLMQUHtFT8wreBDnuU3YVCUAg153DA8a92ypBXD6wfm1ihgDEsIQhUcn_jJpYfHktuRVKawBnAnKZU_EVrvsNKTRr4nki-n9vtqR7yxAas/s1600/Bigby_Back_Scratcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoy88RW_TV5SYtifKG0Qj_8swHEcvU1lMyLLMQUHtFT8wreBDnuU3YVCUAg153DA8a92ypBXD6wfm1ihgDEsIQhUcn_jJpYfHktuRVKawBnAnKZU_EVrvsNKTRr4nki-n9vtqR7yxAas/s1600/Bigby_Back_Scratcher.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09274323575564614637noreply@blogger.com4