Bye Bye 2017, Hello 2018!

For some, 2018 is here. For me 2017 is almost over, while for others 2017 will last a little longer. Regardless a New Year is upon us.


I was going to provide a Top 5 or Top 10 blog entries of 2017, but I am not quite sure what criteria to use! None received any comments. Sure, I could consult Google Analytics; but how many were hits generated from actual readers? Furthermore, timing is everything. Some entries received more attention than others due to luck of the draw.


A couple that I will highlight was the two that pertained to the old Fox Kids (Spider-Man, Spider-Man Unlimited, X-Men) shows plus Iron Man Armored Avenger and X-Men Evolution and whether they were leaving Hulu or not. As fate would have it, those vintage Marvel cartoons only remained for a month longer than when notice was originally given. Since that time, it was announce Disney would buy a ton of Fox properties including an additional 30% stake in Hulu. So will those cartoons return to Hulu, be reserved for the Disney's announced streaming service, or both? Guess time will tell.


A New Year means New Year's Resolutions! Here are 10 comic strips from GoComics concerning the annual promises! You can read them here.


Those strips basically sum up my approach to New Year's Resolutions this year. So you failed your 2017 resolution didn't you, Matt? Sigh, I didn't read anywhere as much as I intended to read when I made that resolution. Old new habits are hard to break.


So I wouldn't call these New Years Resolutions per se as they're mainly things I want to do but I won't cry if I don't.

1. Read more. Yes, yes, that was last year's resolution. Some folks pledge to exercise, I plan to read more.
2. Read more comic strips. A little more redundant but I consider reading strips very light pleasure reading, which I've ignored because I've been reading news instead.
3. GoComics and DailyInk - Signed up for premium membership of GoComics about a month ago. Just have to get back into the habit of reading the strips. As for DailyInk (King Features Sydicate's version of GoComics), I plan on subscribing tomorrow. Yep, as of January 1st, I will finally get a subscription. May even cover the Amazing Spider-Man newspaper strip.
4. Watch Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. Missed last years. Would like to see this years. Still up in the air about subscribing to the WWE Network though...
5. A Britbox account - going through some British TV and Doctor Who withdrawal. However, it is another streaming service. So who knows? Okay, that is rather punny.
6. Learn how to include cover images on this blog. Since I've taken the plunge and started inserted videos, there's no reason not to include cover images for any comic book reviews I may do. Just need to learn how...

So that's my obligatory New Years post.


Happy New Year 2018!

Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging: Watched Some Star Wars on Christmas Day

Before I begin, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!


Took Christmas Eve off from blogging and considered doing the same for Christmas Day. However, I ended up by doing do something blog-related and that was watch some Star Wars I never watched before!


Now I didn't consider what I watched as a waste of time although I felt it inconsequential. Nor did I feel it was an affront to all things Star Wars. Pretty much something I would only watch once a year for the holidays.


No I am not talking Last Jedi nor the prequels. 'Holiday' is a clue.


If you guessed the Star Wars Holiday Special, you guessed right!


For those, like me, who had never seen the Star Wars Holiday Special it is available online such as Youtube.


Heck, for easy viewing if you have a little more than 90 minutes to watch the only Star Wars Holiday Special here it is:

There is a higher video quality version available to but this is the version that came up when I performed a quick search.


I can now cross the Star Wars Holiday Special off my Star Wars bucket list. While I appreciate the attempt to flesh out a galaxy far, far away, I am rather glad it's not canonical. Does contain the first appearance of Boba Fett and worth watching for that reason alone.


Think I am ready to see The Last Jedi soon now...


Since the holiday season lasts longer than today as the Christmas season doesn't end until January 6th, I may very well continue my Not Quite 12 Days until either the 6th or I hit the twelfth installment. However, I'll reserve such distinction for X-Mas or Star Wars related fare. Will be just another blog entry otherwise.


Happy Holidays!


Next time.

Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging: My Decision on Digital Palladium Christmas Surprise Package

Time for my fifth installment of my Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging. Not going to do a song format this time as it really doesn't apply. If you haven't read the previous entries, here are: Day One, Day Two, Day Three, and Day Four. Today's entry concerns my decision regarding Palladium Book's first ever Digital Christmas Surprise Package.


If you didn't see an earlier entry I made this month, the digital surprise package is submitting a wish list of Palladium Book RPG sourcebooks available as PDFs (and maybe EPUB too) on Drive Thru RPG. The surprise package would be a great way for me to get books I already own in print form. Plus, for games I don't actively play, I'm moving toward digital books as opposed to physical ones. So unless the book is extra spiffy, digital is my preferred.


Well, the deadline for the digital surprise package is midnight the 24th. So time zone-wise, you may still have time.


As I blog this, I am mere minutes away.


Unfortunately, I have not ordered anything from Palladium Books in years. During that time, they changed their storefront. While my log in works for the megaversal forums, it does not for the storefront. I don't know if they have an old email address or if I would need to recreate my account from scratch.


I am not troubling myself to create an account - complete with mailing address - for digital books. I already have an account with Drive Thru. If I could fill out a wish list through Drive Thru, I would be regaling you all with my wish list right now.


Therefore, I won't be participating in the first Digital Christmas Surprise Package from Palladium Books this year. I am actually flummoxed.


Suppose I shouldn't have waited until the very last hour before trying my old account.


That being said, I may very well order a traditional surprise package with the new year. I consider that worthy of creating a new account.


So maybe next year I will participate in the second.


Regardless, Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging: Six Christmas and Winter Solstice Links

On the first day of my Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging, I gave to thee one Superman/Batman Advent Calendar. On the second day of my Not quite 12 Days of Blogging, I gave to thee my 5 takeaways from my final Shadowrun Missions session. You: Uh, Matt, the song doesn't go like that... Me: I am not following the numerical order of the song? You:.... On the third day of my Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging, I gave to thee three Star Wars Radio Plays! Me: Happy now?


And...


On the fourth day of my Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging, I gave to thee... six Christmas and Winter Solstice/Yule related links! Me: Take that proper countdown of the song!


Today, December 21st marks the Winter Solstice, which many cultures celebrate including the holiday know as Yule.


Time Magazine published an article (so no clue how long this will be freely available...) on how four distinct cultures celebrate the winter solstice. They are the Krampus run in Austria, the Newgrange lottery in Ireland, fruit baths of Japan, and at Stonehenge. You can read it here.


Puzzled by the Newgrange tomb and its connection to the Winter Solstice? Fret not, National Geographic published a lengthy piece on megaliths and solstices. Here is the link.


Now on the Christmas-related links!


Here is twenty, yes 20, Peanuts Christmas comic strips courtesy of GoComics. Time for some comic strip content albeit via a link on this blog!


I love reading how different cultures spend the holidays. For example, here is how modern-day Icelanders celebrate Christmas from Christmas Eve to the Feast of the Epiphany.


Speaking of other cultures, Poland has not one, not two, but six Santa-type figures! You can read about the six different gift-givers and 16,000+ ways a Polish child can, or not if deemed naughty, by read this article.


What better way to conclude this collection of Christmas and Winter Solstice links than one that examines where Santa is buried! Okay, okay. Not Santa. The man who inspired the character, Saint Nicholas. Rather, where is bones may be scattered across the globe. You can read the National Geographic article here.


Happy Winter Solstice!


Next time.

Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging: All 3 Star Wars Radio Dramas for OT are Online!

On the third day of my Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging I give to thee, three Star Wars radio dramas! If I had a time machine, I wish I could go back to yesterday a couple hours sooner when I made my discovery on Youtube. Now, I had been meaning to include a Star Wars post among my Not Quite series since we can pretty much expect a new Star Wars movie every holiday season. I got busy and the next thing I knew it The Last Jedi was out... and reactions were... polarized. My original intent yesterday was to do a Star Wars themed blog entry. All the mixed reactions to the latest Star Wars movie made me... less enthused to blog about Star Wars.


So I decided to spend time on Youtube. After all, decent internet is available to me. Again. Why not browse Youtube. Then after midnight this morning, I stumbled upon my discovery.


The Star Wars Radio Dramas for the Original Trilogy are available on Youtube. Some are whole. Others are split into installments. For fans of the Original Trilogy whom are feeling let down from The Last Jedi, here's a taste of yesteryear when Han shot first.


For the uninitiated National Public Radio (NPR) produced two Radio Dramas for the first two Star Wars movies, Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back. Star Wars produced back in 1981 was noteworthy as it included many scenes cut out of A New Hope. During the 90's, transcripts were released in book format for both Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back Radio Plays.


While no radio plays were produced for Return of the Jedi during the 80's. I distinctly remember listening to an audio recording of the film as a kid. Guess, a private company later produced a radio version during the 90s.


Here's the all three radio plays in the their full form. You may want to use these a basis for your own forays on Youtube to listen to these Original Trilogy Radio Plays at your leisure.


Star Wars 1981

Has walloping run time of 4:55:53 so you'll probably want to plan of several intermissions!




Empire Strikes Back 1983

Not quite as long. Only a run time of 3:35:26...




Return of the Jedi 1996

Hey this one has a run time of 2 hours and 55 minutes! It could be a very long movie today!


Happy listening and may the force be with you!


Next time.

Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging: 5 Takeaways from Final Shadowrun Missions Event of 2017

Took yesterday off from blogging but I am back for the second installment of my Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging. Today's won't be Christmas-themed but I never said every post would fit the Yule mold. Tonight, we played our final session of Shadowrun (5E) Missions at my FLCGS. Time for another segment of 'Five Takeways'. Both the first and last for Shadowrun Missions (SRM) during 2017.

• SRM Street cred assisted item availability assumes long-term play - Through the grapevine, I heard the new SRM arc after the Chicago arc will lead to players starting over with new PCs to play non-prime runner modules. However, if you peruse the FAQ, PC can use their adjusted Street Cred to reduce the Availability rating of items. Street Cred mechanic already mandates the PC has been around for a while as it's base equals total karma divided by ten. SRM's adjusted Street Cred used for item purposes rule divides that result by another ten. We're talking runners with total karma in the hundreds here. Prime runners in fact. Going into today's session, I was going to use Nox's Street Cred to reduce the availability of Illusion Spell Formula then buy hits to simplify purchase. Upon discovering the math wouldn't be as simple as I thought, I abandoned the idea.

• Straight Combat PCs suck at non-combat modules - Today's module was pretty much a non-combat module. The parameters of the run were such that any combat would ultimately lead to failure. Both my combat mage and the drone/wheels/decker-assister rigger didn't contribute much...

• Binding Your 1st Spirit in Missions Feels Special - If you've read the rules for binding in Shadowrun 5th Edition, Binding is difficult for PCs well-skilled in it. My combat mage began the Missions with no skill in Binding whatsoever. Going into this session, I finally improved Nox's Binding skill to 5. Before the start of the module, I attempted Nox's very 1st Binding test. He succeeded  Binding a Force 6 spirit. With 4 net hits too!

• Using Spirits in Creative Ways is pretty fun! - Speaking of Nox binding his first spirit, he actually used the spirit this very session. Remember how I said it was a non-combat mod? The spirit wasn't used in a manner where die rolls were needed. Rather intuitively obvious manner too using the elemental's create element power too but one I would never think to do if combat was the option. Other buying a couple minor items that other PCs used to dramatic effect, this was Nox's major and virtually sole contribution to the success of the run during this session.

• A more liberal use of buying hits would have sped up play considerably - Buying hits is basically dividing a PCs dice pool by 4 to acquire one hit. Doing so foregoes dice-rolling speeds up play. Previous SRM sessions generally lasted quite awhile. Ironically, our final SRM session of 2017 was placed under a serious time constraint compared to previous sessions. Plus, we had a late arrival whom required debriefing. Towards the end, the GM started allowing buying hits, which the sped the game up during crunch time. Think our sessions would proceed much faster if our group incorporated buying hits more. Although I suppose less poker face with challenge difficulties would encourage buying hits more often too...

May blog the session recap before the end of the year; but more likely it will come next year.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging: The Batman (and Superman) Advent Calendar!

Originally, I wasn't going to do a "12ish Days of Blogging" this year as my intent was to blog almost daily. Yeah, that didn't happen. Then I saw author Paul Cornel resumed his annual 12 Days of Blogging. Well, Christmas is less than twelve days away so I really can't do a twelve days of blogging nor do I necessarily want to blog every day. Instead, I'll endeavor to blog every day until Christmas but I am not guaranteeing it. Ergo, the Not-Quite-12 Days of Blogging.


Last year, the column Comics Should be Good on Comic Book Resources did a daily advent calendar counting down Superman Christmas stories. This year, the advent calendar centers on Batman.


My intent was to include a link per each day but then I decided to link to the advent calendar as a whole. Guess what? If you scroll down, the Superman Advent Calendar from last year is available too!


So not only can countdown Batman Christmas stories, you can do Superman stories too! Just save the later days when the Batman Advent Calendar catches up.


Here is the CSBG Advent Calendar.


Hmm, I should read some Christmas comics....


Happy Reading!


Next time.

SRM: Oops, I Bungled The Karma for Nuyen Rule Once

On Monday, my FLCGS will host the final Shadowrun (5E) Missions (SRM) organized play event of the year. In preparation, I need to update my PC's character sheet and timeline. Easy, right?


As it turns out, I forgot there's a cap on the Karma for Nuyen rule (working for the people). Which is kind of bad as it throws off total karma, nuyen, and timeline. In SRM, we track the PCs time each week. In a roundabout fashion of course.


After verifying, I had only over-paid for 5 karma over the course of previous modules.


This last module, we only earned 5 karma.


Fortunately, I only need to spend one week of the PC's calendar to rectify the PC, Nox my human combat mage, having 5 more karma than he should. Been managing a huge karma reserve so no hiccups on the advancement end.


Downside, Nox is now an unplanned week ahead on downtime and lifestyle costs. Sigh.


Happy Gaming.


Next time.

5 Takeaways From Final D&D 5E AL Session of 2017

Monday, December 11th holds the honor of being the final Dungeons & Dragons 5E Adventurers League session that I will participate in at my FLGCS during the year 2017. Not only will this be second of my 5 Takeaways for AL (and in general) but my last such for D&D. Everything goes right, barring winter related hiccups, next week's will be Shadowrun-related.


Five Takeaways for 12/11/2017

• DM Adjudication and Flexibility Made the Session - Was a fun game to play in. Much of that was because of how the DM adjudicated the rules and rules related to the session itself. Plus, the DM altered the nature of one encounter such that it followed the preceding encounter much more organic than otherwise.

• I Love Being a Tortle!- As an example of the first takeaway, the DM allowed my PC's using his tortle ability retreat into his shell to have a much, more positive impact than the encounter's rules would have allowed. Coolest tortle moment for the PC yet!

• Firbolg-Tiefling pile - Following one of the coolest ad hoc moment of the module (all to due PCs except mine coming up with ingenious solutions), the tiefling hanging from an overhead rope bridge dropped down into the arms of the firbolg PC underneath. Both failed their Athletics/Acrobatics checks and tumbled into a pile. Table erupted into laughter. Fun times.

• Tiefling-Demon-hunting Paladin rivalry - This may be the second or third module both the tiefling and paladin adventured together with. The paladin has a problem with tieflings. Meanwhile the tiefling enjoys antagonizing the paladin. At one point, the tiefling tossed a child (who had caused trouble for the paladin) from a rope bridge down toward the paladin to catch. Later on during a combat the tiefling pretty much saved the paladin. During another fight, the paladin dispatched some foes that were battling the tiefling. Swear once I blog the game session re-cap, half the write up will be devoted to these two.

• Feeling better about basic monk abilities but not much the more ninja-related ones - Yep, my tortle is indeed a monk following the way of shadow, ie ninja. Felt I had a better grasp of and utilized the basic uses of Qi during this session. Didn't Flurry of Blows when I should have dodged or any such. Didn't feel I used an unnecessary Step of the Wind. On the other hand, I haven't used any of the Way of Shadow stuff yet. Playing next to a rogue, I feel it pales in the stealth department. Even choosing the Skulker feat, I'm not quite feeling the shadow warrior concept yet...

That's it for now. Happy gaming!


Next time.

D&D 5E: Arcane Trickster Mage Hand Lockpicking

Recently, a question came up during an Adventurers League (D&D 5E) session of why would a player choose Thief over Arcane Trickster? Other than flavor, an Arcane Trickster simply has more options. While a Thief can pick locks as a bonus action, an Arcane Trickster can do so at range with Mage Hand.


Simple, right?


Then during the same session, a druid wild shaped as a bear attempted to pick someone up with bear mouth. Despite nothing in rules outlawing that,  the consensus was a bear picking someone up with its mouth without hurting the creature was too powerful. I admit I didn't have a problem with that ruling.


But a mage hand lock-picking isn't too powerful?! After all, one subclasses 3rd level ability is vastly superior to another subclasses ability. Rather sketchy if you ask me.


If you've ever tried using a paper clip or a nail to pick a lock, it's not as simple as inserting the object into the keyhole. One tactile sense is huge. Or so I'm guessing anyway. Regardless, mage hand lock-picking is essentially inserting the tool sans any tactile sensations.


Whereas, a Thief can pick a lock as bonus action because they are exceptionally well-versed at it. And they are bloody right next to it!


So, an arcane trickster being able to do the same thing strikes me as wrong.


As a DM, I would impose disadvantage but the rules do state that as use of the ability. As a compromise, I wouldn't allow one's tool proficiency to apply. The PC isn't next to the lock. Lock-picking isn't something they excel at as part of the subclass. It's kind of like doing fine mechanical work with gloves on. Not very easy.


But that's just me.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Been A Long Time Since My Last Palladium X-Mas Grab Bag And They're Digital Now Too!

Christmas time rapidly approaches. Meaning snow, Santa, holiday cheer, various religious customs, and presents await! Another tradition going, at, or more than a decade is also underway. What tradition is that you may ask? Why Palladium Books X-Mas Grab Bag, of course!


For those unfamiliar, Palladium Books had a universal role-playing long before the d20 system roared upon the scene. From Fantasy to Rifts to Dead Reign to licensed properties such as Robotech and the defunct TMNT & Other Strangeness, Palladium adapted its rules system to cover a swath of genres. The company is very mom and pop, which strives to give back to its fans.


I'd describe the Palladium Books X-Mas Grab Bag; but Santa Kev (the owner of the company) explains so much better than I can. The ad copy is this.


Once upon a time, I would semi-regularly ask for or purchase a Palladium X-Mas Grab Bag. My budding Palladium collection grew in size. Most of the time, I ordered after Christmas. Another unspoken tradition is Palladium usually decides to extend the special past Christmas. Plus, the autographs were cool too! Unfortunately, with my time away from RPGs, the luster of ordering an annual grab bag faded. Didn't really seem practical either.


This year is different. This year marks a regular year for gaming. My interest in table-top rpgs has increased. Old games and companies are on my radar once more. Would be a nice blast of Christmas past if I were to acquire or ask for an X-Mas Grab Bag from Palladium.


On the other hand, the Palladium Megaversal System is a rules set I rarely play. Doubt I would find a group that would want to play it either or our schedules would mesh. Furthermore, I own boxes and boxes of unused books bearing the logo Palladium Books. While the nostalgia is nice, storage is an issue. In fact, my most recent purchases from Palladium has been the ebook variety from Drivethru RPG.


I should fret not. For Santa Kevin is on the case! The year 2017 marks the very first Digital X-Mas Surprise Package. INSERT ad copy. Palladium has steadily increased its digital offerings so there's quite a bit to choose from. Bonus: I need to worry duplicating what I already have! Digital back-ups would be nice... Been thinking of expanding my Palladium ebook library anyway...


Although all this talk of digital books aside, browsing through Palladium's catalog, there's a quite a bit of limited hardcovers that are more within my price range than a decade ago. But, I digress. Well, maybe not, they could be grab bag wants from the physical Surprise X-mas Grab Bag...


In any case, time isn't quite of the essence. I will decide all in due time. If I do, you can be sure I will blog about it.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Five Take-aways From Last Night's AL Game 12/4/17

Last night was the most recent session of Adventurers League (organized play) using the fifth edition rules of Dungeons & Dragons at my favorite local game store. A game recap is forthcoming one of these days. Quite the backlog to process! However, I may pull a Robert E. Howard - Conan approach and not worry about chronological dates when each session occurred. Instead, I decided to copy an approach my local newspaper does covering sporting events. Essentially, the article is five take-aways, ie memorable moments/things learned from the event. My hope is to do this as a regular feature. Although I may not use that as a title for every entry. My latest Shadowrun entry about Suppressive Fire and PANs is kind of an early prototype.

1. In-depth note-taking intensifies the feelings one experiences when one's PC is gang-piled - Every time I finish taking notes for a mod, I tell myself next time I will simplify. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't. Last night was the former. Short but sweet, my PC ended up being swarmed by a band of baddies. Didn't go well for my PC. While the PC survived, I quickly became overwhelmed while recording each blow and my exasperation reached its peak when I repeated my PC was dropped to 0. In hindsight, the mere act of recording each blow immersed myself too much in the experience.

1. Became too reliant on minis - I didn't play table-top role-playing games with miniatures until after I had been playing for at least five years. Theater-of-the-mind is an old familiar friend to me. More recent gaming, on the other hand, is very dependent on minis. Last night's game was a theater-of-the-mind session. Alas, I relied too much on my own assumptions and didn't inquire too many details from the DM. As such, my PC got into far too much trouble than I imagined.

1. Familiarity with 5E Monk - Fifth edition difficulty lies within its apparent simplicity. While I am familiar with monks from earlier editions, I have not fully grasped how to play a monk PC in fifth.

1. Offbeat modules - Other than my PC getting into far too much trouble than I at the time could maturely handle, I had been greatly enjoyed how the module deviated from the standard format. Adventurers League modules generally are comprised of three or four combats. This one only had the one. The other two chapters weren't combat encounters per se. First one could've been more for role-playing whereas the second was reminiscent of skill challenges from 4th edition. Without the tedious baggage of skill challenges. Would like more modules like that. Granted without the ramped up combat difficulty to compensate for the lack of combat.

1. Thematic, game mechanic effect regarding zombies - In 5th edition, zombies make a saving throw when reduced to zero. If the zombie saves, the zombie was only reduced to 1 hp instead. Hit points and injuries are abstract in fifth edition. Only being reduced to zero hit points serves as the single arbiter of injury, ie "healthy" to dying. Zombies are extremely resilient and can require special means to dispatch. Since hit points are so abstract, called shots are meaningless. Thus, the mechanic. The DM decided to alter the mechanic. While the zombie wasn't reduced to zero hit points, ie destroyed, the zombie falls prone. Then on its turn, the zombie uses some movement to stand. Very thematic way of demonstrating the zombie's resilience while also providing a clue to PCs/players that the zombie isn't just an impenetrable mound of hit points.

So those are five things I gleaned from my most recent D&D session.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.