Price Seems Right For DC's New Subscription Service

Took the last couple weeks off from blogging. During that time SDCC occurred as well as the announcement of DC's new subscription service's, DC Universe, price point. The latter is the topic for tonight's entry.


If you recall, I expressed my excitement for the new subscription service. So much, I was probably going to give it a try. After reading what the price will be, it's practically a given.


For the curious, you can read up on prices along with DC Universe's contents here.


Not bad. Not bad at all. I already pay $7.99 a month for Hulu and $10.99 a month for WWE Network. So $7.99 is well within my comfort zone for the time being. Heck CBR did a price comparison with a streaming services, cause DC Universe is primarily a streaming service, here.


For the most part I agree with CBR. The depth of backlist isn't huge. Quite frankly, it's still unknown how much DC television and film will be available. However, all the other bells and whistles along with the possibility for no commercials improves the package.


Plus there's the comics and community forum. While the latter isn't important to me, the former is pretty much the deal maker for me. If DC Universe truly has a rotating selection of a thousand comics, it'll be worth it for the digital comics alone.


Heck, one could potentially make comparisons to Marvel's Digital Unlimited. The price is a little less than Marvel's monthly subscription but on par for the annual subscription. Which is kind of weird because the annual subscription for DC Universe is cheaper than its monthly... Goes to show Marvel Digital Unlimited is better purchased on annual basis as opposed to monthly...


Yes, Marvel Digital Unlimited has an ever expanding back catalog. While DC Universe's rotating catalog troubles me, the rotation may force me to actually read the comics as opposed to adding them to my watchlist indefinitely.


Plus, unlike Marvel Digital Unlimited, the meat and potatoes of DC Universe is the television and film media. One isn't just using DC Universe to read comics.


So all things considered, the price point practically secures my purchase of a subscription. In fact, the extra three months added to pre-ordered annual subscription calls to me. Fifteen months for annual subscription prices? Hello! I've had an annul subscription to Marvel Digital Unlimited on and off for years. Saves quite a bit of hassle; and I'm not pressure to "use a month's worth" each month to get my money's worth.


There you have it. Consider me a pre-order adopter of an annual subscription holder to DC Universe.


Next time.

WWE Extreme Rules 2018 PPV Thoughts

Today is WWE's 2018 Extreme Rules PPV; and I am watching it the day of! So I will be quasi-live 'blogging' my thoughts as the show proceeds. Quasi because technically the PPV has been on for an hour or two when I started watching. However, I am providing my opinions as the show proceeds; and it's before any 'replay'. Of course, I am not posting until the PPV finishes.


Spoilers...


Kickoff show

Sin Cara vs Cien Almas

Almas wins in heelish fashion. A decent opener. Would love to see these two given more time. Given Almas is ascending the card and Sin Cara isn't, I don't believe we'll ever get the match these two could bring. 2.5 out of 5 stars

Sanity vs New Day Tables March

Sanity wins when Young puts Kofi through a table. A meh match. I've seen both groups wrestle better matches. 1.5 out of 5 stars.

Extreme Rules 

Woken Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt (c) v Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas for Raw Tag Team Championship

 Marked out when both Bray & Bo were both inside the ring.  Bo pins Hardy. New champions! Solid match. 3 out of 5 stars because of the significance of the B Team not only winning a match but becoming champions. No longer jobbers!

Kurt Angle threatens to strip Lesnar of the Universal Championship!

Finn Balor v Constable Baron Corbin

Big man vs little man match. Corbin dominated the match in the early going. Balor wins with an inside cradle. Match slow plodding, which the crowd did not get into until Balor won. 2 out of 5 stars.

Carmella (c) vs Asuka for Smackdown Women's Championship with Ellsworth suspended above within a cage.

Ellsworth dropped items to Carmella... Match plods along as Ellsworth picks the lock and escapes... but is caught and suspended. Easy prey for Asuka. Match ends mercifully when Carmella KOs Asuka while Asuka's distracted by kicking the hapless Ellsworth. Terrible match. Only the suspended shark cage made it worthy of PVP. 1 out of 5 stars.

Jeff Hardy (c) v Shinsuke Nakamura for U.S. Championship 

Before the match begins, Nakamura low blows Hardy. Hardy waves okay and Nakamura nails his finisher to become the new U.S. Champion! Can't really call it a match... 2 out of 5 stars for its historical significance although it'll be replayed enough (for storyline reasons) that one doesn't need to watch the PPV for this match. Crowd cheered. I like the outcome...

Randy Orton is back! Attacks Hardy! Three way feud?

Braun Strowman c Kevin Owens - Steel Cage Match

Strowman breaks out of handcuffs and then chases KO up the cage to chokelsam Owens onto the announce table! Holy Toledo! Technically, Kevin Owens is the winner... Because of the big moment leading to an unusual steel cage victory I give 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs Team Hell No (Kane & Daniel Bryan) for Smackdown Tag Team Championship 

Storyline-wise there was pre-match ambush leaving Team Hell No in poor shape. Bryan arrives alone... followed by the tag champs. Not a squash as Daniel Bryan holds his own. Then the numbers game reverses the match not in his favor. Kane limps out. Not enough. Bludgeon Brothers retain. So far the best match of the night. Hopefully the match quality continues improving in quality. 3 out of 5 stars.

Roman Reigns v Bobby Lashley

Lashley begins by putting on a wrestling clinic. Nice to see. Then, the usual WWE striking style asserts itself. Roman then plods along... Lashley is carrying the match. Too soon for him to be wrestling Reigns as the crowd simply isn't into him much. They dislike Reigns though. Lashley suplexed Reigns onto the announce table to counter Reigns charge! Superman Punch to Lashley while standing on the top rope! Then Lashley counters a charging Reigns with a spear for the win! Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Alexa Bliss (c) v Nia Jax Raw Women's Championship under Extreme Rules

Jax snaps Bliss's kendo stick. Tosses all weapons Bliss attempts to use into the ring. Alexa slams Nia repeatedly with a trash can lid! Natalya beats up on Mickie James. Then Alexa takes out Natalya. Rhonda Rousey runs in and unleashes on Mickie James! Later, James takes out Rhonda with a kendo stick. Alexis Bliss retains by DDTing Nia Jax into a chair! The carnage saved and made this match. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

A.J. Styles (c) v Rusev Smackdown WWE World Heavyweight Title

My attention was riveted to the match. Nothing resembling play-by-play here. Excellent action, story-telling, and ring psychology. A.J. Styles retains in a competitive match. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars although on this particular card I could easily give the match 4.5 out of 5 stars - a 5 rating within reach.

Dolph Ziggler (c) v Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match Intercontinental Championship 

Drew McIntyre is at ringside. At the 25:20 mark - Rollins first pinfall. Rollins achieved a 2nd fall by pin at around the 22 minute mark. Then acquires a 3rd fall at the 21 minute mark by DQ when McIntyre assaults him. Afterwards, Drew devastes Rollins until the referee ejected. No DQ though. Ziggler gets a fall by pinfall at around19 minute mark then a second at the 18:48 mark with superkick followed by pin. Tied 3 for 3 when Dolph scores a pin following the Zig Zag at roughly the 18:00 mark. 15:45 Dolph score a 4th fall with feet on the ropes. Done counting falls as they happen now. Ziggler demonstrates excellent endurance! The time runs out when both men are tied. Match is draw. Ziggler retains!

As Ziggler struts victoriously, GM Kurt Angle walks on stage and invokes Sudden Death rules. McIntyre runs in from ringside distracting Rollins. Ziggler with the Fameasser for the win!

Excellent match dampened because I've seen better Iron Man matches. However, I am a sucker for the Hart-Michaels Iron Man match homage. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.




Overall: Extreme Rules 2018 is a byproduct of the WWE Network. Combined with the Kickoff show, Extreme Rules ran for roughly four hours. Four hours of wrestling isn't too shabby especially considering thousands saw it the day of. Who knows how many will watch the PPV on the WWE Network? So there's the extra gravitas that comes from such a shared viewing experience. However, if you rate Extreme Rules 2018 on its own, a different story. Why was it called Extreme Rules if only a minority of matches fit the theme? A sad of affairs in today's WWE wrestling environment when an Iron Man match as the main event could only be slotted for this PPV. We'd have to wait months for similar space on a PPV card. Match quality? While Extreme Rules 2018 improved with the Team Hell No tag match on, many matches would have to rank in the four-plus star category to balance out the earlier portion of the card. The booking was mediocre. I would've been angry if bought this during the old PPV days. If you come upon it as a rental, sure. Own on DVD/Blu-ray? Only if you're a completest, a fan of the wrestlers who hit milestones, and/or greatly enjoyed the later matches. Otherwise, not worth the shelf space.


Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars. Feeling my WWE Network subscription cost was satisfied influences me greatly.


Next time.

My 2018 Christmas in July Palladium Surprise Package Arrived!

Last Christmas I hyped the Palladium X-Mas Surprise Package heavily. If you recall, I lamented how I hadn't ordered one in years. I also, ahem, missed out and didn't order a Surprise Package for another Christmas once again...

Every now and then, Palladium will do a Christmas in July Surprise Package. Sporadically. Not an annual event by any means. When I ordered Surprise Packages regularly, they didn't offer autographs for the July special. Autographs are the primary reason I order them.

Well, this year, they offered the Christmas in July Surprise Package - and there were autographs. Honestly, I wasn't going to order. Took advantage of the Drive Thru RPG deal (topic of a later blog - maybe?); but it wasn't until literally the midnight hour I made my decision.

Ordered my first Surprise Package in YEARS.

A handful of days later, I arrive home and there it is. Waiting for me.

Took pictures of course. Including the autographed page. They're a little blurry
...

Palladium Fantasy is my favorite setting. Wouldn't normally order the mouse pad. Hey, look at that! The Old Ones cover mouse pad. Will have to try my new mouse pad out some time!

 The latest book for the setting. Love the 'Ice and Fury' sig!

Plus, I received the longest-held contender for newest Palladium Fantasy title. Didn't get it the last time I ordered. Years ago.

Second most recent issue of the Rifter. Been years since my last Rifter. Don't recall the issue.

A grab bag wouldn't be complete without a couple Rifts books. One detailing the Coaltion States defending Rifts Earth against hordes of the Minion War (Think demons and devils) and a book containing a script for a Rifts movie (and stats).

Not bad for roughly $100 worth of product plus autographs for half the price!

This was blogged via smartphone.

Happy Gaming!

Next time.

Hope the Teen Titans 100 Page Giant #1 Isn't A Trend

Back on the first of the month, I expressed my excitement over finding three out of the four initial issues of the DC/Wal-Mart 100 Page Giants that harken back to 100 page Super Spectaculars during the 70s. In fact, July 1st was supposed to be the street date for these magazine-like compilations of three reprints and an original 12 page story. In order to find them, you'd go to where the collectible card games are located by registers. They even have their own display box!


Unfortunately, I heard on the grapevine not all Wal-Marts followed the effective street date. Some displays were on the shelves as early as the Thursday prior!


Worse news, of the four titles (Superman, Batman, Justice League of America, and Teen Titans), the Teen Titans 100 Page Giant was shorted. Thus, they were quick sellouts. Alas, I was one of those who missed out of a copy of Teen Titans 100 Page Giant #1.


Bummer.


Now, I decided not to cruise nearby Wal-Marts in the vain hope I'd find the issue in question. Three of the stories were reprints after all. Heck, they've been reprinted in trade paperback format, hardcover format, and whatchamacallit format. You name it. I can buy a digital copy or track down the back issue itself. Sure, there's the twelve page original story. However, publishers not reprinting stories via trade is a rarity nowadays. If you're patient enough, you'll get ahold of what was exclusive upon release. There's no way DC is NOT reprinting the upcoming twelve-part twelve-page increment Batman story written by Brian Michael Bendis!


Plus, I heard there were re-stocks.


Over the course of twelve days, I would periodically check the diminishing stock. Today, the display was refilled! Not up to full. No Teen Titans 100 Page Giant #1.


Sad.


Hope future quantities are upped when subsequent issues are released.


As I said on July 1st, I am not buying these 100 Page Giants for their collectability and have a complete set. Nostalgia. Plus, perusing my copies, I like the format. Really wish the European album format (of which this mimics) was more prevalent here. Would easily reduce the number of titles I buy at my local FLCGS. Since I don't keep up with reading what I do collect, the reprint nature doesn't bother me as it would've when I was younger. Technically, I own stacks and stacks of comics waiting to be read whom one would dub back issues now.


So I would buy Teen Titans 100 Page Giant #2.


When this project was unveiled, I feared comic book collectors would flock to Wal-Marts and buy up all the stock as many would during the speculator bubble of the 90s. Doesn't appear to be the case as I haven't heard of displays wiped out after a mere day.


However, there are reports of people flipping sets of all four for $60!


C'mon! These are partially intended for NEW readers. Also, there were no Marvel nor DC comics available on newsstands period until this! You read that correctly. A recent development was the cessation of Marvel/DC newsstand comics. A customer had go to comic store for a Marvel/DC comic book or buy a digital copy. The 100 Page Giants retailing at $5 are probably an experiment to re-enter the market.


So I fear more collectors will try to take advantage of buying more and more of these 100 Page Giants. Depriving any future readers in the process. As a consequence, if sales slip too much cause the speculator market dries up, would the full 12 part Bendis Batman story proceed as hyped?


The demise of the DC/Wal-Mart 100 Page Giants due to speculator greed would be a sad state of affairs.


Low unit orders would also have a chilling effect. Can't see shorting quantities of the next Teen Titans (or any other title) not having the same effect either.


So hopefully the quick sell-out due to low order and overzealous collectors does not become a trend.


Next time.

Monk Way-Granted Abilities to Cast Spells Are Weakened By Ruling

In a recent blog entry and second installment of my "Official 5E Rulings by Tweet", one of the rulings clarified by WotC employee/rules guru Jeremy Crawford concerned monks following the Way of the Open Hand. When I read these rulings, I don't verify and tend to treat them as gospel. However, I will probably verify as best as I can in the future because there's a problem with Crawford's ruling...


You can read said ruling by either scrolling down on this blog or clicking here and then clicking on the relevant link.


Okay? Read it?


Crawford references spell casting rules specifically how spell DC's are determined and that if no spell-casting modifier is given it is zero.


Therefore, Open Hand monks don't receive any bonus to their trip and push abilities, correct?


Not quite.


See, when I originally read the tweet, upon reading the spell-casting section my mind conjured the Way of Four Elements monk. They cast spells. Hence, why I said they were pretty much hosed.


Monks following the Way of the Open Hand do not cast spells. If you read the language, their abilities that mimic spells omit the phrase "cast the spell".


Heck, virtually every Way ability that mimics spells employ language implying such - except when they state 'cast spells'.


So what are the Open Hand DCs? Well, if you turn a page or two within Player's Handbook where Ki abilities are mentioned there is section detailing how a DC is calculated. So most monk abilities using Ki would use Ki Save DC.


Note: I said most. I think Crawford's saying the Ki Save DC calculation doesn't apply to when monks use their ki or a Way ability to cast spells. Alas, the poor monk doesn't receive an ability bonus to the save DCs they impose in such a case.


Based on my Adventurers League mind-set, no ability bonus added to a Save DC is HUGE. However, a zero spell-casting modifier for monk Way abilities granting spell-casting isn't weak within the scope of a home campaign. While monks can't use their Ki Save DC, the spell-casting granted by the tradition is powered by spending Ki points. Unlike spell slots, all Ki points refresh after a short rest. If the players can control the pace, they can take a substantial number of short rests. The monk spending Ki to cast spells could conceivably cast a spell more than any spell-caster spending spell slots can.


So the ruling stating that monks don't have a spell-casting modifier is a game balancing issue. Unfortunately, the original question regarding Way of the Open Hand monks trip or push effects isn't addressed. Unless of course, the Ki Save DC table doesn't apply to them as well. In which case why include the calculation and section?


However, I do stand by original quip. Way of the Four Elements are nerfed within the confines of a module such as an Adventurers League mod. Their spell-casting DCs simply aren't up to par with equivalent level characters.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Official 5E Rulings By Tweet 2nd installment: Five-in-One

Recently, I started my new blogging "column" Official 5E Rulings by Tweet with three such compiled on a site called Sage Advice. If I included only three such rulings, I'd have to do this twice a week to catch up! With that in mind, here's five different rulings courtesy of Jeremy Crawford's Twitter.


So how do I calculate Way of the Open Hand DCs? - As I've only created a Way of the Shadow monk, it hasn't really dawned on me that the Way of the Open Hand doesn't include a spell DC calculation. I'm so used to the class description including them that the notion the magic section contains the rules doesn't ring any bells. No spellcasting modifier? Oofta! Not sure I would want to play an Open Hand monk in Adventurers League in light of that...


Do you pick before or after regarding Chaos Bolt? - Considering prior editions required the player to pick the die before rolling, the question needs asking. We've always played assuming the pick occurs after in 5E. Good to know, we're on the same wavelength here.


You can ignore a Ready actions trigger - Okay, now this is a big deal. We've argued over whether or not this was the case and it's always caused consternation. In many ways, Readied action triggers had to be crafted like Wishes to avoid unforeseen nasty complications. Whether you lose the action is another matter though...


RAW No leading with a shield bash - Not a fan of this ruling. Can't initiate a combat by bashing with a shield first after engaging the enemy? Kind of takes away from the flavor of the combat. So Shield Master feat users in AL must ask a DM if it's okay to do so. Sigh...


Not all magical darkness is equal - Just because a spell creates darkness does not necessarily render darkvision useless. So read the spell description carefully such as regarding the example of the Shadows of Moil spell.


That's all for this installment.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

4th of July Legendary: Captain America Battles Red Skull

Today, July 4th, marks Independence Day in the United States of America. To mark the occasion, I wanted to do something Captain America-related. I conceived of reading the Captain America stories from America's Bicentennial year (Bicentennial Battles & Madbomb) and playing a game of Solo Legendary using the Advanced Solo rules featuring Captain America versus his nemesis the Red Skull over the Cosmic Cube.

Well, Madbomb clocking in at roughly 8 issues is to long of a story for me to read within one day. A read for another time.

When I started reading Bicentennial Battles on Marvel Digital Unlimited, I realized I wasn't going to be able to both read and blog by tonight's end.

Therefore, I settled on the Solo Legendary game. The heroes were: Steve Rogers, Director of SHIELD, Captain America (Steve Rogers), and Captain America 1941 (Steve Rogers) trying to prevent the Red Skull aided by a Sentinel and the forces of Hydra from Unleashing the Power of the Cosmic Cube. Took snapshots until I realized it wouldn't be pragmatic...

Round 1 Started on a horrific note with Master Strike followed a Scheme Twist before I could play my hand.

So had to KO one of my heroes before I began...

Recruited a Captain America 1941 Hero so Turn 1 wasn't a complete loss...

Turn two and Supreme Hydra enters the battlefield but I recruited another Cap 1941!

Three more rounds later and three Scheme Twists later and things aren't looking good for Captain America!

More pummeling as more iterations of Captain America are KO'd and another Scheme Twist and Master Strike take their toll...

Managed to clear the board of three Hydra goons before Supreme Hydra escaped...

Unfortunately, none of the different eras of Steve Rogers ever generated enough Attack to combat the Red Skull even once! Before I knew and all 8 scheme twists were drawn and the Cosmic Cube unleashed. 

 

                                     


Rather dour end, eh? Solo play is difficult and Steve Rogers just might not be the ideal hero to be the sole hero in a Solo game. I'm thinking a re-match is in order. Either a solo game of the three different Captain Americas (Steve, Bucky, and Falcon) or solo two-handed game with all three Steves, Falcon-Cap, and Winter Soldier just might beat the Red Skull.


Now to read Bicentennial Battles...


Happy Independence Day America!


Next time.

The DC 100-Page Giant Scavenger Hunt

My childhood is full of vivid memories of checking the magazine racks and toy sections in grocery stores, pharmacies, and general merchandise retailers for comic books. Never knew when a new comic would catch your eye. Heck, titles were assorted so there was little sense of where to go to buy which title.


The thrill of the hunt! Well, the thrill of searching for new comics on the stand anyway.


Then I discovered comic book shops. Didn't have to guess or check if a comic book title was there. Whether or not a given issue of specific title was available was another matter. For awhile, I could also check out the newsstand as well. Unfortunately, the comic book selection outside of comic book shops gradually diminished...


Again the thrill of securing a given issue and the agony of missing any.


So when my local comic shop began using a pull list, I eagerly adopted it. Sure, I have bucked away from pull lists from time to time but the majority of my comic books my FLCGS sets aside for me.


As such the thrill of finding an issue just isn't there. Granted, there's a different thrill but I wouldn't call that a positive...


On another tangential note, while I am old enough to have seen the original 80-page and 100-page Giants DC published years ago, I am not THAT old. However, due to the defunct Comics Buyers Guide, I've read quite a bit about them. Such that, I am nostalgic for them despite never reading any of them. As far as I can recall anyway.


What were the 100-Page Giants you ask? Well, here's 13 covers from the classic 100 page Super Spectaculars from the 70's. Just screams comics to me.


Anyway, DC and Wal-Mart have united to bring the old the tradition. There are four titles: Superman, Batman, Teen Titans, and Justice League of America. Twelve page original stories and the rest reprints all New 52/Rebirth friendly. Details are also available via a link on the covers link.


The rub is it's exclusive Wal-Mart. The display only holds five at a time. Hopefully, they get re-filled at some point.

Unfortunately, the local Wal-Mart was all out of the Teen Titans book. So hopefully I can track down a copy or they re-stock it at some point.

Regardless, it brought back memories of hunting down issues of comic books, while tickling my sense of nostalgia.

Next time.

DC's New Subscription Service Looks Promising

When the news broke over DC starting its own streaming service, I was favorably inclined but leery about paying for another streaming service. The DC fanboy in me was excited at the prospect. However, I don't keep up with Hulu, Netflix, WWE Network, and regular TV. Heck, Britbox and GFW/TNA/Impact/whatever they're calling themselves now are on my radar too. DC's new streaming service's offerings would need to be deep.


New programming I can't get elsewhere.


Old programming I'd really need to scrounge for.


Today, I details and teaser trailer for the new subscription service have been unveiled. Bleeding Cool News reported some details here.


Heck, DC released a teaser trailer for the new DC Universe subscription service as well here.


Titans, Doom Patrol, the next season of Young Justice definitely checks the box for new programming.


Is Swamp Thing a new iteration or the old show?


Snippets from the animated movies, old movies like Supergirl, and the short-lived TV show Constantine certainly satisfy the old material criteria. Okay, okay, Constantine is available on CW Seed. I'm excited for the potential such older shows such as the 90's Flash and Superboy could become available as well. Rights pending of course....


All that? A Hulu-like price is reasonable.


A community forum is a nice touch. How many use message boards nowadays with social media though?


Being able to read older DC Comics. What do we have here now... Depending on the depth and size of the selection this could very well be a DC Digital Comics Unlimited tacked onto streaming service. Although I suppose even if it's limited to more recent offerings along with evergreen stories it wouldn't be so bad.


If DC Universe is *cough* universal in scope and demonstrates signs of expansion with the new content over time ala the WWE Network, I would be willing to pay WWE Network prices.


Verdict: The DC Universe Subscription is mighty tempting. Think I will sign up for the Beta in August.


Next time.

Official D&D 5E Rulings By Tweet: The Inaugural Three

Years ago, one of my fondest message board threads was one in which D&D co-creator Gary Gygax would explains the origin and meaning of various rules of D&D. Flash-forward to today and social media such as Twitter enables the creators of D&D to answer gamers questions like never before. When it comes to general rules questions for the current iteration of the game (5th), Jeremy Crawford is the go to for official rulings. I don't follow his twitter but I do follow a page on Facebook called Sage Advice that collects Tweets involving D&D creators.


Which brings us to the topic of today's entry and the hopeful start of a semi-regular 'column' on this blog "Official D&D 5E Rulings By Tweet". In which I will provide a link to a given official ruling while providing my own two cents. This inaugural edition will only three such.


Can a centaur become a werewolf? - Short answer for those whom don't want to read the 'tweet thread' for is yes for PCs, no for NPCs. DMs will probably enjoy describing the new werewolf?
Players are like "What do you mean the vertically standing wolf-like creature has four legs?!" Can easily predict players confusing their fellow PC as a demon if meta-gaming is curtailed.


It's all in the language... - Don't believe I've ever sat at a table with another PC with the Shield Mastery feat. As such, I've never had cause to consider when during action order a shield bash occurs. On the other hand, two-weapon fighting is quite common! Reading this ruling, it's good to know proper order matters regarding shield bash but not two-weapon fighting.


Read the chart... - While some rulings are needed as the rules are nuanced, others can be surmised as 'read the book' as the answer to this particular question as whether hand axes and spears can be used in a rogue's sneak attack. Suppose Crawford could have provided a yes or no answer but still sometimes you just have to read the book! Hmm, so can they used? *Cough* *cough* Should take Crawford's advice... Answer: No and no as neither counts as either ranged or finesse.


There you have it. My first installment of Official D&D 5E Rulings by Tweet!


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Five Take-Aways: Shadowrun Missions (5E) 6/26/18

Last Tuesday night organized play gaming event at my FLGCS I attended was back in March. Shadowrun Mission events were cancelled the last couple months. After a two month delay, there finally was another Shadowrun Missions event at my FLGCS. Tonight, not only was able to play Shadowrun, but participate in playing on Tuesday night at my favorite local game and comics store!


Know what that means?


Another installment of my five take-aways!


Experience level gap isn't detrimental - Many among my group of players have been participating in the Chicago for all 4 seasons now. A couple PC's karma totals qualify them for Prime Runner status. Neither of us  (yes, my combat mage is among the two) considers our characters Prime Runners cause of choices made although I could see our characters potentially become unbalancing if they were involved in the Neo-Tokyo arc. There a PC who've been used in multiple modules. Tonight, a new player with a brand new PC not only started this module but thrived. None of the less experienced characters burdened the more experienced ones. Really can't claim that with D&D.


Smoke sucks for human spell-slingers - My human combat mage's attack spells were countered because one combat occurred in a smoke-filled area. Rolling half my dice, or close to, hurt my PC's effectiveness substantially. Unlike previous combat encounters, may character didn't have the time nor was it advantageous to bypass the situation visually by using astral perception.


Couple abilities led to some feel-good impact - Back when I selected the metamagic technique of spell shaping, the table consisted of several close combat fighters. One module afterward and the table shifted to 'bring a gun to a knife fight' crowd. Other circumstances there were too many friendlies. Tonight, spell shaping meant a PC who really couldn't afford any friendly fire didn't catch any. Later on, my hermetic magician used the last service of  his bound water spirit's illusion power of concealment to aid the group sneak by in a tricky situation. The GM adjudicated the power as aiding a test. Otherwise, the situation was written mechanically that the  power's influence was superfluous. Still, the  concealment power boosted our confidence anyway.


Composure was taken for granted - Up until this module, Composure tests were infrequent and the result didn't feel like they made or broke a module for PC or table. After tonight, no more! I suspect Composure rolls will continue to be of importance as the Chicago arc finishes for us. May have to increase the corresponding attributes...


Mages and spirits are truly anime-watch-me-build-up characters - The decker really was ineffective for one pass until he could hop into hot-sim and deal with the more Matrix vulnerable characters. Okay, the opposing decker's failure to mark the decker PC aided substantially so perceptions could be colored. The ranged characters whom are built like snipers lived up to one shot, one kill mantra. Our troll tank could just tank and pull out a LMG to drastically tilt things. Okay, the face adept didn't decisively impact any of the battles but everything meritorious didn't require much time. My magician and summoned/bound spirits required time to buff up so to speak. Visual penalties? Do I have time to spend a pass astrally perceiving? Is it worth the risk? Many spells work best with prep time. Spirits? Did I have the spirit called to me? Is the spirit on the appropriate plane (physical or astral) to engage an opponent in combat? Would the snipers kill the opposing NPCs before I could go through the command protocol or the spirits have time to act? Spell-slinging/spirit commanding magicians are literally like the anime character standing there powering up.


Anyway, those are my Five Take-Aways from tonight's Tuesday Night Game.


Happy Gaming,


Next time.

Really Don't Buy Comics From Flea Markets I Realize

First back issue comics books I collected were acquired from a flea market.


They were two issues of Amazing Spider-Man. One involving the Molten Man's death (don't worry he got better) and another was a chapter in the original Roger Stern written Hobgoblin saga.


Never knew how much they cost. My dad bought them for me. I was younger than 12. Maybe younger than nine years old. More on this later...


From that day forward, I became a life-long fan of flea markets AND a life-long fan of scrounging for comic books. Checking the tables for comics and rifling through them is a must. I rate flea markets on whether comic books were there. No comics. Poor flea market.


Yet I don't recall the last time I bought a comic book from a flea market. Closest I can recall was a trade paperback containing stories from Marvel's Golden Age as Timely. Almost two decades ago.


Still, as recently as today, I attended a flea market. Missed only one booth with comics. Every other table, I scanned through the comic books upon the table. Nada. Zilch. Didn't buy a single one. Despite several catching my eye.


Maybe it's the condition of the comic? My golden age as a collector was during the Speculator Bubble. Condition is important to me - although it shouldn't. Many comics at flea markets are... overpriced for condition.


Not enough cash? Flea markets are a cash economy. My FLGCS doesn't receive cash from me when I buy my comics. Plus, there's opportunity cost inherent. If I buy a comic here, then I can't buy a comic I would've liked more later.


I already buy enough? - Suppose the sheer volume of new material and reprints I purchase deters my zeal.


Easy access to back issues at stores, in trades, digitally? - Digital and trades have replaced my zest for back issues. Very much got to have a specific issue.


Price? - Think this plays a huge role. As I never bought those flea market back issues, the price never was an issue. Nowadays, it very much is. Tables at flea markets cost money. Meaning prices I may be unwilling to subsidize because of cheaper alternatives.


Don't get me wrong. I still love flea markets. Love browsing comics there. In many ways, it replaces browsing for comics inside comic shops for me. The thrill of the hunt!


Perhaps one day I will find the flea market comic book I absolutely must have.


Next time.

First Step Toward a Truly WORLD WWE?

If you follow WWE's (World Wrestling Entertainment) press releases then you'll know they've announced a new brand. NXT UK.


NXT UK will be shot on location. The UK. With wrestlers from the UK.


Huge news indeed.


WWE is known for taking its stars abroad. Sure, locals may be used - as enhancement talent. Unless a wrestler on the roster hails from a given country, they're all foreigners.


Furthermore, WWE is mostly an American production. The predominance of shows occur in the United States. Most of the "stars" are American too.


So yes, the WWE producing a local UK product starring UK wrestlers is a significant development indeed. I'm guessing the show will be on air via local UK stations. Suppose WWE is hoping that too... In any case, I would assume NXT would be available on the WWE Network accessible to subscribers everywhere.


The latter is more important. WWE fans worldwide would be exposed to UK wrestlers in a UK environment. Thus, establishing the wrestling in the eyes of the fans and fostering a sense the wrestler is indeed from another country. Cause every wrestler who claims they from a country is from the country claimed... cough... cough...


Should NXT UK succeed, then the WWE will in all likelihood establish NXT's in other countries. Thereby, creating localized content with said country's wrestlers and flair.


Finally, the WWE would truly become a 'world' wrestling company in fact and not just in name.


Next time.

Added a New Gaming Link: Atlas of Mystara

Anyone whose relatively new to this blog, if look down the page, you'll notice a curious sight. You'll see how one year I posted about a hundred entries on this blog. Astonishing, right? I am amazed too. However, there's a secret to that phenomena.


See, whenever I saw a blog I liked enough. I would add it to my blog roll. Whenever, I discovered a gaming or comics-related link that struck my fancy. I added it to the column 'Comics and Games links'. Not the correct title, but you get my drift.


Heck, awhile back I made reference to the webcomic Darths & Droids. A perfect example of site where a link is provided outside of specific post.


I haven't done such in a long time. Not since I stopped using my blog as a pseudo-homepage. Can make Analytics confusing otherwise...


However, tonight I am making an exception to my hiatus from such a practice.


Because of social media, I learned of Thorfinn Tait's cartography projects, which are posted online. Among those projects is the D&D, BECMI (Basic-Expanded-Companion-Master-Immortal) to be precise, game setting of Mystara.


Don't want to dig out old D&D books or want to peruse maps of one Dungeons and Dragons older settings?


Well, now you can at the Atlas of Mystara!


Pretty cool site!


Happy Gaming


Next time.

The Combined SRM (Chicago & Neo-Tokyo) FAQ is Out

Ahoy, chummers!


The end of the month approaches and the next session/event of Shadowrun Missions (SRM) is upon us. Unfortunately, as circumstances dictate, I will not be there. However, Shadowrun is still on the brain. Okay, maybe not as much as if I was playing...


Why?


For starters, the Season 9 - 12(?) arc set in land of the rising sun, aka Neo-Tokyo is on the horizon. New characters. New story. New setting. New rules.


Oh by the way, gamers can still participate in the Chicago arc (Seasons 5 - 8) so rules differences between arcs require clarification.


Fortunately, the recently released Combined FAQ version 1.0 answers all those questions. Highlighted, in shiny green, blue, and yellow colors too!


The dropbox link for the Combined FAQ version 1.0 can be found HERE. You don't need a dropbox account to access the 80 page PDF document.


Quick thoughts:


There are Missions-related rules changes along with some clarifications. Have an Uncouth PC at the table? Well, you won't be able to avoid the drek any social snafu may cause now, chummer!


More of the Neo-Tokyo setting and rules are fleshed out. Very, very important as new PCs are required. Background count seems to be a situational problem. Despite the prevalence of magic, runners must be subtle as eyes are everywhere...


While I used Nuyen for Karma (Working for the People) frequently during the Chicago arc, it'll be much more expensive in Neo-Tokyo.


So far, I like the changes I see. We'll see what future Combined FAQs bring.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Initial Impression of the WWE Network

Since regaining access to high-speed internet, I have toyed with the idea of signing up for the WWE Network. Was I still into sports entertainment? Could I sit through hours of pro wrestling for it to be worth my while? Enough hours in the day?


Then a couple weeks ago, on the day of WrestleMania, I took the plunge. I signed up for the WWE Network.


So after watching WrestleMania 34 and hours of WWE programming (ironically, I've viewed Hulu-available shows such as 205 Live and NXT on the Network), here's my initial impressions.


Good: PPVs are much, much cheaper than they used to be! Plus, the first month is free to new subscribers.


Bad: Don't seem to be considered a new subscriber as I was charged already. Going to have to call...


Good: Note how I stated how I doubted my pro wrestling watching stamina? Irrelevant. I can pause a program and resume viewing whenever I desire. Kind of like Netflix and better than Hulu in that regard.


Good: Commercials are un-intrusive.


Bad: There doesn't appear to be a home screen. Some sort of programming always starts playing unless you search for a program.


So-So: A watchlist is a must if you don't want to keep searching for a program such as classic programming!


Good: Library is extensive as is. Between PPVs and what's on the WWE Network, I can easily justify the fee.


Overall: I am quite pleased! Bring on the Greatest Royal Rumble on Friday! Which I will watch in segments over the course of several days...


Next time.

Robotech RPG Tactics Unboxing Part Two: Unboxing Snapshots

Friday, I blogged about receiving my copy of the now-defunct Robotech RPG Tactics from Palladium Books and my liberation of the box from the parcel from which it arrived in. At the time, I wasn't sure when I'd blog the snapshots of the unboxing.

For posterity sake and so folks could see what the inside of pristine box looks like.

Saturday night I could resist no longer.

The inner box has artwork!

The rulebook both front and back including a base for something I have no clue yet.

What the box looked like when I opened the box. They weren't kidding about assembly needed!

The RDF 

Zentraedi

Other odds and ends.

Must confess I have no clue when I will assemble the figures. Ever.

My hobby as a modeler ended once I moved from snap on models to those requiring glue. Any models I helped create either required assistance or looked off.

However, never say never. Perhaps one day they'll be assembled! Probably not this year though...

Does this rule out my playing a game of Robotech RPG Tactics (RRT)? Not quite. I can use the bases provided as stand ins like when uses dice and other objects instead of minis while playing a table-top role-playing game. Furthermore, I am unlikely to acquire any of Wave One not included within the set nor the never released Wave Two. Yet I can play with those factions.

How so? Well, Palladium released the stats for the Wave Two mecha along paper minis for free. Before Palladium pulled them from Drive Thru RPG, I "ordered" the freebies. While I haven't downloaded any of the faction cards and paper minis from Drive Thru yet, past experience with expired license products is that purchases remain available to you. Fingers crossed, that'll hold true as well once I check...

So yes, one day, I will play a game of RRT whether it be with paper minis or with imagined mecha. You can understand why  if the latter why no pics will be provided in any future blog entries...

Thus ends my unboxing (via snapshots) of Robotech RPG Tactics!

Happy Gaming!

Next time.



Robotech RPG Tactics Unboxing Part One: Out of the Parcel

Last month, I blogged about receiving the remaining lot of the now defunct post-2000 version of Palladium Books's Robotech RPG. Genesis Pits is the book that got away. At the time, I was undecided about ordering Robotech RPG Tactics.

About that. As March ended, I decided on the spur of the moment my longstanding reluctance would cease.

I ordered a copy.

How can a Robotech fan can say no to what may be the only Robotech miniatures game ever?

A week ago my package arrived.

Since I waited this long to acquire it, why not savor the unboxing? So yesterday, I took it out of the box and took pictures.

For posterity sake of course:

In the box:

Side shots:

Front side:

Back Side:

There you have it. Snapshots of what is now gaming history.

There will be an actual unboxing... 

Maybe not next time...

Happy Gaming!