Gosh Adventurer's League Modules Run Far Longer than Advertised!

Picture Sean Bean's Boromir stating: 'One simply does not finish in Adventurer's League module in the time allotted!'


Sums up my feelings whenever I see the words "a two-hour module" or "a four-hour module".


Sure, some modules finish within the allotted time. Most often that's not the case. I've played two hour mods that ran three hours. Four hour mods that ran five or six hours. Heck, the two hour module I played last Monday ran for four hours!


Yes, you read that correctly. A two hour module ran for four hours.


To be fair, we had seven players. You know the more players, the more turns there are. Seven players also means a stronger table. Ok, sounds about right. Which means the module increases the number and/or strength of opponents. A seventh player increases the difficulty exponentially. So the Balrog - Gandalf bridge encounter? Too many PCs. Boromir's death? Sorry, Boromir but those four low level hobbits (halflings) means there has to be twice as many opponents. Couldn't resist the LOTR references but I swear the Adventurer's League authors take their cue from that. They also have a fondness for Fireball...


Except unlike LOTR PCs can't cover vast distances to escape. Often they're forced to fight those numbers.


Fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons is simpler than Third but it's not that much faster.


Also doesn't help that the modules don't scale well. The module played on Monday was intended for 2nd level characters. We were... well above that.


So here's my thoughts on how to truly speed up modules:


1) Run them at their intended character level. Strong parties will simply crush through them. Kind of like in real life. Just scale XP or don't. Either that or gradually scale the encounters to where the PC's are at. Players don't mind a tough end battle.


2) Don't increase the number of foes. The players will have superior numbers and the fight will end soon. Only in Organized Play is a six or seven member party a disadvantage. You could also scale up with each encounter.


I know some purists will scoff; but frankly the modules simply aren't well-timed for all levels and party sizes.


Till Next Time,


Happy Gaming.

Why Marvel's Diversity Initiative Failed

By now, we've all seen the hype for Marvel's next new initiative, Legacy. A key cornerstone of Legacy is what appears to be bringing back the old characters to dialing back the diversity initiative.


What's the diversity initiative? If you're asking that, you haven't paid much attention to the world of comics. One thing Marvel Comics has tried over the last several years is enhancing the ethnic and gender diversity of the starring characters of the titles it publishes.


First, Marvel tried minor approaches such as titles starring Sif and the like using minor characters. However, unless such a title has A-list talent or receives tremendous accolades, ie critical acclaim such that sales increase massively, the comics market is far too competitive for such a title to survive. Marvel's constant new initiatives, major events, and unforgiving sales floor didn't help much either.


So what's a publisher to do if one really wants to show they're series about bringing more diversity to their line-up? In the case of Marvel, replace some of their long-standing heroes, whom also have spotty sales history, with a non-white or female replacement! It even culminated in the short-lived All-New, All-Diverse (er I meant Different) Avengers. Alas, the thirty-something plus fanbase that buys the comic books that amortizes the trades basically saw it as the publishing gimmick that it was. They didn't embrace it whole-heartedly. Neither, did the new fans Marvel hoped to attract flock to comic stores to purchase those comics to foster the sales numbers Marvel desired.


The latter is really my theory why Marvel's Diversity Initiative failed. Not sexist fanboys. Not racist fanboys. One must realize there's only so many comic readers out there. Many of them are thirty-plus. They've seen the characters they've followed for years be replaced, changed, butchered, etc. When I learnt of Sam Wilson Cap or Jane Foster Thor, I didn't scream out oh no they've changed races and genders! I went 'Oh no, not again!' like toward the end of the movie Spaceballs. This won't last was my first thought. The heavy hype only made it worse to my mind. I am betting other comic buyers thought same thing.


You can only ask long time readers to support short-term gimmicks for so long before they either fail to support the title or become very critical. Unfortunately, all those new readers whom sought such diversity (ie a female Thor, a black Captain America) were probably waiting to hear if the books were any good before buying trade. Irate comics readers aren't going to provide the solid reviews to foster that.


I give Marvel credit. They tried to expand their market. Alas, they did so expecting their current, much abused market to do what they always do. The market said no as did the potential market. So that's my theory why the diversity initiative failed.


Next Time.

So Maybe the 2017- 2018 Television Season Will Be the Charm?

Last fall, I decided I would do something different. I had realized that I couldn't recall enough of a given television episode to blog about afterwards. The 2015 -2016 season had started out relatively strong with quick snippets of a show's episode that week. Then I befall behind, which led me to the conclusion notes were needed. Took notes I did.


Taking notes worked... I covered the Flash's Christmas episode. The Ghost Rider arc for Marvel's Agents of SHIELD received steady coverage from me. I actually did take notes for shows that I didn't blog about. Got to the point when enough episodes for various shows aired that I decided to wait to lump them together.


Yeah, it is mid-July now.


Most if, not all, those shows are available on Netflix now. Not exactly current or tied to the 2016 - 2017 season anymore.


Plus, I would delay watching entire shows.


Once I started watching shows on Hulu I decided that I preferred not taking notes as it removed me from the experience too much.


On the other hand, I do like providing my two cents on specific episodes.


So the notes I took for 2016 - 2017 will vanish into the aether. Once I re-watch a show or catch up I may blog about it. In fact, I may follow my approach with movies and not blog until I've seen it a second time.


I'm sure I'll think of something. Or who knows? Maybe I'll actually follow the format this 2017 - 2018 television series and provide weekly updates.


Next Time.

Mustering on Social Media Simplifies Organized Play

A decade and half ago, sheesh has it been so long, when I first participated in organized role-playing games via the RPGA's Living Greyhawk, we used an email group to sign up for modules. We knew the module, who was playing, who was running, and the PCs. A very nice set up if you ask me.


When LFR roared upon the scene, things were less formal. However, it was circle of friends and acquaintances. Word of mouth sufficed in gathering all the information above.


Flash forward to Adventurer's League and Shadowrun Missions. The Shadowrun Missions table has been fairly consistent. Generally one table progressing through the storyline and occasionally a second table of replays aimed at newer players. We've had the same players and while a character may be switched out it feels like an ongoing campaign within an organized play framework.


Adventurer's League is the Wild West in comparison. While the module is posted on social media, there have been times a DM was not known until the day of. Players and prospective DMs would arrive unaware of the module and tier. Last year, the store that runs the events attempted mustering via social media. Initially, I felt it worked well. I signed up. Stated character and level and then showed up. Still some players simply didn't use the social media page to sign up in advance. Gradually, the situation advanced to the Wild West situation describe. The store would have to muster table come start time. Delaying the game considerably.


Finally, the store decided a minimum sized table was required or else there would be no organized D&D or Shadowrun that week. First week was a learning lesson. Game was cancelled. Second week, we had a table. The store treated those signees, of which I was one, as one mustered table and anyone who just showed up as another. This upcoming session, it appears we have our minimum table so we shall see.


It's too early to tell if more players and DMs will adopt the new social media mustering approach. Would be very nice if it wasn't just 'oh so-and-so plus myself have signed up so we'll be one table'. A larger pool allows more interactivity such that the players and their character choices can influence the table mustering. Plus, one can prep for the 'familiarity' with each other the modules often presume. Too often I have sat at a table and not known the name, race, or class of a fellow PC! Given time constraints that does dampen play quite a bit. Heck, playing continuing modules with same characters create such familiarity! That's one of the hallmarks of the Shadowrun Missions events. Would be nice if the D&D 5E Adventurer's League could achieve similar results.


Till Next time,


Happy Gaming!

Geek Culture Sure Relies on the Net Quite a Bit

A blog entry or two I mentioned that I was finally able to watch wrestling again. Why? I didn't have cable; and the internet was subject to data caps. Sure, I could watch a wrestling match now and then. However, my available data would be significantly less. Rationing internet use isn't fun at all. Curiously, the amount of data consumed for what would be considered the simplest things, not talking watching wrestling matches here, would become more and more over the years...


Ah, what does this have to do with geek culture as I ascribe within the title, you may ask? Wrestling fans are geeks of sort as one does not just simply watch one or two hours of wrestling a week. Following geek culture requires quite a bit of data. Just think of how much one streams a week! From trailers to television shows to movies, not to mention video games, the internet is the realm of the geek. Thus to follow geek culture one must use the internet quite a bit. Besides, I frequently said I would explain my absence from wrestling one day. Here it is.


Instead of following wrestling bit by bit on social media, I can watch shows on Hulu, Netflix, or the WWE Network (or insert wrestling promotion). Also don't need to stock up on wrestling DVDs although there are some I'll still pick up.


Speaking of DVDs, remember when one can walk into a brick and mortar store and see aisles brimming with quite a variety? Yeah, not so much now. Nowadays, one is lucky if one can find a show past a certain season! Has Marvel's Agents of SHIELD had more than one season available on DVD? If it has I must have missed it.


You know where I can find seasons of Marvel's Agents of SHIELD? Netflix. While I waited what seems like years, cause it has, for Daredevil Season One to come out on DVD, I can watch both seasons plus all the other Netflix Marvel shows as well. Without hoping for a long, long time that it will soon arrive on DVD. Can also watch the new Voltron, Inspector Gadget, and Danger Mouse as well. So without the internet, reliable, non-rationed high speed internet, one simply does not have access to segments of geek culture.


Sometimes I wait quite a long time before watching a show. Too long. Plus, it's nice if my viewing of show attracts attention similar to a Nielsen family. That's what Hulu is for. Legion is great adaptation inspired by the X-men character Legion. The show does a terrific job reflection the unstable nature of the main character's mental state as each episode shifts in tone from one episode to the next. Although I think there's one character that's more Morrison than Claremont. Furthermore, Legion is very dark compared to all the other comic book based shows on the air in a very sophisticated fashion. Don't have cable so I couldn't have watched it. Plus thanks to Hulu the powers-that-be have another measurement of support. Same goes true for the NBC show Timeless. While I DVR'd Timeless, I fell behind that I eventually gave up and deleted my recordings. However, I was able to watch the show about a time travel show that illustrates how much one act can have profound effect on the timeline. All under the backdrop where the black hats aren't necessarily black hats. Really enjoy. While I may not like how Hulu goes about expiring shows, it does motivate me to watch it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have marathoned Timeless and discovered how much I greatly enjoyed it.


Video games - in the age of DRM do people actually truly own their video game? And it's a complete game? Nope. Heck, PC games are rarer in stores than DVDs! After years, Steam finally stopped working for me. Steam works again now.


The role-playing game industry is almost as bad. As much as I championed 4th edition D&D, WOTC's ill-advised 4th ed version of the OGL, the GSL (?), practically killed any variety of the RPG market in stores. As such, many RPG product are generally available primarily in ebook form. Plus there's software support and gaming via online.


Went from being avid anime watcher to barely watching any anime. Anime is too expensive for me to buy it completely unseen. So once I could watch anime on Hulu once more, I watched the anime Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation. Yeah, that was another reason I had hankering to play some Phantasy Star when I downloaded Phantasy Star 2 for my phone... Great series. Not my Phantasy Star but it had enough Phantasy Star elements. Kind of wish the game would become available to play here in the States after watching it... Heck, I've even started watching a couple 'new' series that are airing on Hulu, Chronos Ruler and In Another World with My Smartphone. Been a very long time since I last watched an anime series on a weekly basis and not had the option to binge it. Heck, it's nice to watch anime regularly again!


So there you go. My rather long-winded account on how I can now fully experience geek culture (while arguing why the internet is necessary) as my internet experience is no longer constrained.


Next time

Happy 15 Years TNA, er I mean Global Force Wrestling

When TNA (Total Non-stop Action, so don't go there) debuted on the wrestling scene, it was a weekly PPV show. Back in 2002, I didn't watch WWE PPVs. Paying to see the equivalent of weekly wrestling product was a non-starter. I became more interested in TNA around 2004-2005 as my interest in the independents grew but particularly because of its connection to the NWA. So I read up on the flagship of the NWA. They did put on series of PPVs, which were PPVs but I didn't see them until they were on DVD. Considerably after. So once NWA-TNA's Impact show was available on the 'Net and then TV, I made sure to watch.


The NWA connection didn't last long. I continued watching though. Total Non-stop Action wasn't just a fancy name. While the selling and story-telling could have used improvement, the action was top-notch. For a television show, Impact put on matches of a caliber that WWE reserves for PPV. I bought a bunch of DVDs. Some I still haven't watched.


Anyways, the company went through several phases but drifted away from the fast action pace into WWE lite. I'd like to say I stopped watching because of that. Really, it was for the same reason as WWE. Unlike WWE, TNA was, and far as I know currently is, a difficult product to follow. WWE has its network and Hulu streams some of WWE's shows. TNA has had... difficulties. Aces & Eights was the primary storyline when I last watched the promotion.


During the years since, TNA has had problem after problem. Occasionally, I would see a snippet on Social Media on go Hmmm. Jeff Jarret formed a new promotion called Global Force Wrestling (GFW). Both promotions would have cross-overs?


In any case, TNA was hyping up toward its big PPV of the year, what they call their anniversary PPV Slammiversary. As I still had yet to get back fully into wrestling, you could guess I wasn't planning on ordering it. You'd be correct. Still it was nice to see the underdog promotion was still ticking.


Then I discovered today, TNA was no more. Instead, it is becoming Global Force Wrestling. Turns out all troubles led to a new owner and that new owner liked how Jeff Jarret thinks. They also didn't want folks minds going into the gutter every time 'TNA' popped up. Ergo both of Jarret's promotions are merged into one, ala GFW. There's talks about expanded markets and entering the world of streaming television. The latter being a good thing as it would be nice to actually, you know, watch a full program of Global Force Wrestling.


So in two days time, at Slammiversary, TNA will officially become Global Force Wrestling. As an old fan, I wish it the best. Happy 15 years GFW.


Next Time.

First Impressions on Sega Frontier ala Phantasy Star II

The 8-bit and 16-bit video game consoles where a huge part of my childhood and adolescence. While I played quite a bit of NES and SNES, it was the Sega Genesis that I could play on a regular basis. I have many fond memories of playing Sonic the Hedgehog along with JRPGs such as the Shining Force and Phantasy Star series. While I do have a retro Genesis player, I don't use it as often as I would like; and I don't have immediate access to the aforementioned JRPGs. The urge to play them has become strong with this one.


Needless to say, Sega unveiling its Sega Frontier has me quite excited!


A quick primer is Sega will be releasing its library of games as apps for both iOS and Android under the umbrella of Sega Frontier over, hopefully, the next couple years. They are free although I guess they're will be in-game app purchases and one can pay in order to due a local save instead of saving via the cloud. More on that in a bit.


Remember how I stated the Phantasy Star series I had hankering to play? Well, Phantasy Star II was among the initial releases. To cut the suspense, I downloaded the game, like, yesterday.


Without further ado, here are my first impressions:


While I played Phantasy Stars 3, 4, and 1, I never really played 2. So there's that. I can now cross Phantasy Star 2 off my to-play list. There is/was a bit of a learning/remembering curve as I try remember some elements of the series as well become familiar with an older set up. Haven't gotten to far into the game, although I did add the third member to my party. But I suppose that's a subject for a later blog post.


Anyway, the console emulator is adequate enough. I can play the game just fine on my smartphone. More than occasionally I will accidentally press a button on my phone, which causes the screen to minimize and the game pauses. Probably because my hands are too big for the console emulator on my smartphone. A tablet may have sufficient size that such errors don't occur. One day I may investigate the possibility of a Bluetooth controller further down the road as pressing buttons does get distracting and the "control pad" isn't quite a precise. Yes, it works enough for PS2. However, controlling the characters is jerky enough that one can trigger more fight encounters than otherwise. Granted, that could just be me.


Phantasy Star 2 is also the first game I've played on my smartphone so it requires some getting used to. I find I don't have a desire to play for long periods of time. That can make grinding (ie seeking random combats for more xp and currency) difficult. Fortunately, Sega Forever allows Cloud Saves that unlike the original game can occur at any time.


The catch with the cloud saves is that one needs to watch ads and there's a bit of lag. So you're going to want to a good Wi-Fi connection. As I wasn't using data, I have no idea how data saving on the cloud consumes.


Overall, as a nostalgic gamer who isn't going to game for hours at a time, my first impressions on playing Phantasy Star II via Sega Frontier app umbrella on my phone has been quite positive. There's quite a bit of Phantasy Star II in my future; and I look forward to future Sega Frontier releases.


Happy Gaming!

Hmm, Guess Watching Wrestling is More of a Habit...

Once upon a time, I was an avid watcher of pro-wrestling.


Okay, sports entertainment. Happy WWE?


I would watch Monday Night Raw, Smackdown, TNA Impact, and ECW/NXT/Tough Enough and would record shows to ensure I wouldn't miss an episode. In retrospect, I watched a lot of wrestling. A lot. Needless to say that took quite a bit of time...


Well, then I went from being able to watch all that wrestling programming to just one show a week, WWE's Main Event. The advent of WWE Network meant no Main Event for me.


So for years, I wasn't watching any regular wrestling shows. Otherwise, there'd be much more wrestling coverage on this blog. Much more.  Cause there's more to gripe about...


Then I regained the ability to watch regular wrestling programming (to be covered in a future post). A week's worth of WWE programming.


Loved the focus on the IC belt on RAW. Cause Brock Lesnar works as often as a politician...


WWE NXT reminded of wrestling shows of old; and I liked the focus on new talent. Meanwhile, 205 Live was the cruiserweight show, which cruiserweights long needed. Greatly liked the toast Austin Aries received. Main Event isn't quite as good if you've seen Raw. Really didn't need to see Samoa Joe beat up on Seth Rollins after winning the match due to an exposed turnbuckle again.


Never thought Jinder Mahal would become #1 contender...


What? All that is month's old stuff, you say? Well, yeah, those events occurred on WWE shows that aired the week of May 8th 2017. Procrastinated about blogging my thoughts on those shows and since it is almost July it feels pointless now what with WWE's weekly new content. Maybe if I took notes about more memorable day stuff for an On this Day feel...


I also haven't watched any wrestling since then. Not because I didn't enjoy those programs. It's been so long a one star match would be at least two or three star match in my eyes. Which is kind of why I procrastinated blogging my thoughts for so long...


Upon reflection, my avid, weekly wrestling habit was broken. I didn't feel an overriding need to watch 5 hours of wrestling. Oops sports entertainment. I watched other things instead. Plus it doesn't help that for every 5 hours of WWE programming, there's really only one or two hours that are truly must see. So the lack of 5 hours, more like 6 or 7, that are must see really isn't conducive to habitual watching. Kind of like comic book reading and collecting. Sure, you may read an issue or two here and buy four issues there but then go months without reading and/or collecting. Feeling that with pro wrestling. It was because I would avidly watch pro wrestling week to week that I avidly watched sports entertainment week to week.


So yeah, I finally understand first-hand why other lapsed hardcore pro wrestling fans have a hard time being hardcore sports entertainment fans they once were.


Not saying I am gonna watch some good ole wrasslin' avidly again but it's probably going take time. Then expect more male soap opera stuff on this blog.


Next time.

Forgot about Darths & Droids!

First of June so figured it was high time to blog once more. Hadn't blogged more during May simply because I couldn't pick subject matter to focus on first! Good thing I don't write or blog for a living hehe


Must admit it would be June (insert date); and I would still be deciding which idea I've been procrastinating over to blog about. Decided what the heck I'll scroll through the blog as if I am visitor. Don't really do that all that much anymore when I glanced at the left hand header Webcomics and saw the Webcomic Darths &Droids.


'Ah, Darths & Droids, that is a webcomic I have not read in very, very long time.' Pardon the Obi-Wan reference pun.


Okay, to be fair, I had been thinking about Darths and Droids since I learned via social media that they completed the story from Episode I to Episode VI! Yeah, I know and they know Disney has released a couple more but back when the strip debuted back in the 2000s we were led to believe the prequels were the last of the Star Wars movies.


What is Darths and Droids you ask?


Darths and Droids is a webcomic inspired by the webcomic DM of the Rings, which uses photo scans from the movies to create a comic page. The story told with each comic page captures what would have happened during each scene if it was the result of a role-playing game. Both the in-character and out-of-character chatter is included. As any gamer would tell you the dialogue would be very different...


I stopped reading Darths and Droids simply because it fell out of habit. In fact, regular webcomic reading dropped to non-existence. Didn't help that I began collecting significantly more comics and my gaming became non-existent. Last time I followed the strip they were still on the Phantom Menace. Yep, that long.


So if you want to mix role-playing games, comics, and the Star Wars movies, there's Darths and Droids. Speaking of which, I should probably catch up!


Happy Reading!

SR5: Object Resistance Doesn't Apply to Direct Combat Spells?!

Gosh, It's been quite a long time since my last installment! Wasn't intending for such a long hiatus but that is story for another time. Right now, I want to get back into the swing of blogging with a quick, easy blog post.


Been playing Shadowrun 5th edition more regularly now. As I remarked in a prior post, the more I game, the more I read. As such as a the resident mana slinger player, I decided to try and make sense of the object resistance table and how it may apply toward combat spells. After all, the table is toward the back the sorcery section. Quite the separation from the combat spells!


Why the inquisitive search you may ask?


Well, back during heyday of Third Edition, an object's object resistance made the object more resistant toward spells. Direct Combat spells included. The more technologically-advanced an object was, the less one could effect it with, say, a powerbolt. If magician desperately needed to damage a vehicle or drone, an indirect elemental manipulation spell was the best chance even if you had to deal with armor and such.


So perused the spellcasting section. General rules. Combat spells. The Object Resistance Table. Near as far as I can tell, an object's object resistance simply doesn't apply to combat spells.


Major change.


Know what that means? No using Fireball and hoping for the best. Well, you can, chummer, but armor can easily render your spell not doing drek. Nah. Direct Combat spells which effect objects, ie physical spells, such as Powerbolt and Powerball just received an upgrade in the eyes of this former Third Edition player. Got to love edition-based cognitive dissonance, eh?


Think my combat mage is gonna have to learn both power bolt and power ball now...


Happy Gaming!

SR5: Smuggler Template complete?

Time for another installment where I analyze the templates in Shadowrun, Fifth Edition Core Rule book to determine how ready for play they actually are.


If you frequent theaters or pay much attention to movie trailers, you're probably aware the next installment in the Fast and the Furious franchise is coming. Must admit, I really have not seen any of the movies of that franchise to completion. Watching the trailers has me itching to play a crackshot driver such as depicted in those films. In Shadowrun terms, the classic vehicle rigger.


The Fifth Edition book doesn't include a vehicle rigger template...


But wait... aha! The Smuggler template is practically the classic vehicle rigger in all but name.


So how ready-to-play is it?


Brief sidenote: I miss how the templates would break down the priority codes, which if I recall correctly, they did in third. Could be wrong though...


Priority codes:


A - Resources, it is a rigger...
B - Race - Troll.
C - Skills, more later
D - Attributes
E  - Magic


Skills - Based on the skills listed, the Smuggler is missing a skill group. The template also has one extra skill point. So Karma must've been spent. It's also missing two points of free Knowledge/Language skills.


Attributes - Karma must've been spent to raise an attribute.


Karma spent - After taking Positive and Negative qualities into account, the Smuggler has 19 unspent karma. Since there's two extra points of Contacts, two karma were probably spent there. Another 14 were probably spent to raise Logic by one and to pick up navigation. So that leaves 5 unspent Karma.


Resources - I had tallied 423,000-ish nuyen of goods before I realized I may have goofed on ammo. Still, even if one accounts for an extra 1,000 nuyen, the Smuggler has roughly 26,000 unspent nuyen. Considering a PC can only save 5,000 nuyen  past character creation that's 21,000 lost nuyen! Yeah, it's this sort of nuyen balancing is why I prefer Awakened characters with low resource priority...


 Verdict - The Smuggler is virtually ready to play. One just has to pick a skill group as well as another language or knowledge skill or two. The five unspent karma could be used to pick up some more skills or banked for character advancement. My focus would be on raising Edge... Resources is probably the biggest pain as one will have audit the template's ammo. The Smuggler is missing a Fake Sin or two as well as Fake Licenses. So that would probably require some accounting work. I'd consider the Smuggler pretty much ready for quick one-shot but in organized play such as Shadowrun Missions you will be exercising the free first module tinkering rule else that's quite a bit of nuyen left on the table chummer.


Happy gaming chummers!

SR5: Not the Same Mana/Stunbolt

Believe I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I started playing Shadowrun and understanding the magic rules with Third Edition. Recently, I played my ninth session of Shadowrun using the fifth edition rules playing a magician.


The Fifth Edition stunbolt-manabolt-manaball-stunball isn't your daddy's stunbolt-manabolt-manaball-stunball!


Pardon the hyberbole but SR5 direct combat spells are not like the way they were in third (and probably previous) edition.


The magician isn't likely to drop a single opponent let alone a group of opponents with a powerful stunbolt or stunball. Part of that is because SR5 doesn't use damage codes so there's no deadly damage to resist. Granted, the silver lining is the magician doesn't have to worry about the drain of spell knocking the caster out!


However, a major reason the magician was dangerous in earlier editions was because the magician could cast a direct combat spell at a power level that most opponents couldn't resist most of the damage. In SR5, direct damage spells will at best deal the Force of the spell in damage with the advantage being that the defender has only body or willpower to resist. One nice thing about SR5 is that a spell's Force means more whereas in the editions I recall the Force really only affected the difficulty resist damage/drain.


Since I am referencing the direct combat spells that target Willpower, the SR5 equivalents are more effective against magicians than their 3rd edition counterparts. In SR3, a magician really didn't lop a stunbolt off against an opposing magician expecting much in success. SR5 magicians have as much of a reason to fear the manabolt as the Street Samurai.


While SR5 manabolts won't take out an opponent, it has a very good chance of damaging any opponent - magicians included. Instead of being the fearsome opponent of taking out opponents at the risk of knocking oneself out with a single spell, SR5 direct combat spells are virtual damage dealer. Unless of course, you don't receive enough hits, that is, chummer.


Till next time, happy gaming!

Interesting News: March 2017

Back during January, I did an installment of 'interesting news', which was a collection of links I found of interest. Never did do a part two although my Rebirth entry included some of what I would have included. As March comes to close, I figured I'd do a March installment. While much of it will be from March, I may include links to comics, role-playing, games, and wrestling news stories as far back as January. Or until I get tired as I am blogging stream-of-conscious and all...


Classic D&D modules return! - Tales of the Yawning Portal whetting your appetite for classic Dungeons & Dragons modules? The classic modules not enough but want 5E stats as well? Well, if you checked out the link, Goodman and WotC are collaborating to do exactly that in glorious hardcover editions. Really hope these are available at FLGCS everywhere because I want 'em!


Marvel's Generations - Okay, the concept of Marvel's Generations has me intrigued - 10 rookie heroes partnered (somehow) with the hero that inspired them has the potential to be a groundbreaking work. Would be cool if Alex Ross provided the art but don't think that will happen. Don't think any resurrections (Logan, Bruce, Mar-Vell) will occur or last but I may be wrong. As Secret Empire will be raging, I may wait for the trade instead. Although, my attitude toward the series may change by then...


Shutter lens Spidey-eyes! - There will be limited number of emotive shutter lenses for a Spider-Man mask for any cosplay based on the CA: Civil War movie costume! Pretty cool to see them work. Would be cool if more were made in the future.


On the chances of MCU crossovers - Alas, it took the actor of the Falcon to point out explicitly why we haven't seen crossovers between the Marvel television series and films: they are different divisions. Rather sad that none of the heads of both departments could not be a frank with fans. Maybe we'll get an Agents of SHIELD/Inhumans/Defenders crossover someday?


Deadpool 2 Teaser - Did you see the movie Logan? Remember the Deadpool 2 teaser? Thought that it was just for fun and whet one's appetite? Well, you're correct.


100 episodes of The Walking Dead! - When The Walking Dead premiered, I didn't think the show would reach 100 episodes. As I am a couple seasons behind, I didn't know the series will soon reach such a milestone! Like the article writer suggests I bet the next arc is "All Out War!" Would be cool if the show ran another 100 episodes though.


Disney Afternoon 8-bit games return! - I grew up watching the Disney Afternoon block. The NES game DuckTales is one of those games I always wanted to play but never played enough of. As such I eagerly anticipate having the chance to play the DuckTales, Chip 'N' Dale's Rescue Rangers, and Talespin 8-bit games on my PC!


Christian-Angle-Dory Funk Jr-Jeff Hardy - Here's a nice little picture of wrestling history showing Kurt Angle, Christian, and Jeff Hardy being trained by the legendary Dory Funk Jr.


Frank Oz on ABC Muppets Failure - I stopped watching the latest iteration of The Muppets because it felt... off.  The mockumentary format just didn't click for me. In that, I agree with Frank Oz. As for "purity", I had no problem with the adult tones. The muppets weren't very likeable though.


Warpath or Thunderbird on X-men the show? - Well, it seems either John or James Proudstar (aka Thunderbird and Warpath) may be in the upcoming X-men television show. That would be cool although I am concerned about the use of the name 'Sam'. I suppose I would also prefer James (aka Thunderbird II/Warpath) to be the Proudstar in question as I can more easily see him leading such an underground group. Plus think of the eventual comic book tie-ins...


Jean Grey Deleted Scene - There will apparently be a deleted scene in the Logan blu-ray referencing Jean Grey.


Hugh Jackman and Wolverine Mask - Haha! Here's a humorous picture of Hugh Jackman holding a Wolverine mask.


Christopher Daniels Interview - a nice brief interview with the new Ring of Honor World Champion Christopher Daniels. Forgot about his comics collaboration!


Bully Ray on his RoH appearance - I was pleasantly surprised to find out that wrestler Bully Ray appeared in Ring of Honor. Here's the man's words on what he thinks of the RoH product and what he hopes to bring to it. Think he'll bring much to the RoH product


Logan movie influences? - Here's a list of 15 movies that may very well have served as influences for the movie Logan.


Till next time.

RPG Rule/Sourcebook Reading Epiphany

Talk about back-to-back epiphanies! Yesterday, I blogged about my epiphany in accepting $3.99 comics. Well, earlier today I had another concerning reading table-top role-playing game rule books and source books.


Back during my Golden Age of Table-top RPG gaming, I would avidly buy and borrow tomes of gaming lore for a variety of game systems and settings to peruse the contents within. Didn't matter if was actively playing the game or not. If fact, not was more often the case, and like a gaming Prometheus I would, occasionally like Sisyphus try to, introduce those new games and settings to various gaming groups. Admittedly, much of my success hinged on how well I learned the rules and settings and whether or not it fit that particular group's tastes...


Then came the Dark Age when I barely gamed at all. My RPG purchases became more sporadic and impulsive not to mention, following the trend of the industry, more digital. While I have embraced digital, I am at heart a lover of physical books so I don't pore over the digital tomes as much as I did the ink-and-paper variety. Furthermore, as I gamed very infrequently, I read infrequently too.


Then I started gaming again.


First, it was Dungeons & Dragons 5E. I bought the three core books and the Ravenloft-related one. Other than quick glances at the DMG and Monstrous Manual and skimming Curse of Strahd, the only book I have read was the Player's Handbook. What reading I've done has been utilitarian at best. Reading only the most pertinent of subjects. My most recent play experience I decided to play my Cleric instead of my Paladin because my cleric was the one I was most up-to-date on! So yeah, I haven't read all of the 5E Player's Handbook. I read more of 4E's version...


Second, I LARP'd Werewolf: The Apocalypse again. Granted, it was only once. But once was enough to get me to not go 'oh larp is this weekend, oh, okay, I won't be there.' Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to LARP again but it has been enough to get me to buy By Night Studios new MET: Werewolf The Apocalypse. Did a quick once over too. Alas, since I haven't actually made a firm commitment to play, I haven't perused the new rules further. Let alone created a character.


Third, Shadowrun entered my life once more. Shadowrun 5th edition core was a book I picked up on a whim. Did a quick once over yet didn't start reading it until I started play Shadowrun as part of Shadowrun Missions. Here's where the epiphany comes in...


Before each session I would read a little of the Shadowrun book and then read another section afterwards. Much of the time I'd peruse the same section in order to gain familiarity. Mostly, SR5 would receive the most usage, not counting at game, within the week after a game. Specific rule elements that cropped up during a session would induce interest such that I would seek greater familiarity and knowledge. Then, there was a period of about two months during which no Shadowrun was played. I barely cracked open the book. Going into the session, I couldn't even muster the desire to skim the book the freshen up my rule knowledge.


After the session, the Shadowrun 5th edition core rulebook practically became my favorite book. I found a little time each day to do a little reading. Whether it was fluff, simple mechanics, or areas of the rules that we hadn't encountered until then, I poured over said tome in search of answers to questions and immerse myself within the setting once more.


So I have come to the conclusion that what once I would do leisurely, I now do utilitarian. I realize now that only read what immediately relates to my gaming experience. Whether or not it's more of a symptom of my long gaming drought and such narrow focus will eventually be expanded to games and settings that I am currently not playing remains to be discovered. What I understand now is that in order read game rulebooks and settings, I must game.


Till next time, happy gaming.

DC Rebirth: How I Came To Accept $3.99 Comics

When I first learnt that DC was raising cover prices I was enraged. Based on my experiences with Marvel, I assumed it was the popular titles, which ship twice a month, that were being bumped up to $3.99. The decision to drop specific DC Rebirth titles from my buying habits were not yet made. By that point, I had gone back on my decision to only buy the monthly titles due to skepticism over reading a twice-a-month title. Back in January, I was buying virtually every DC Rebirth title. So believing that those same twice-a-month titles would jump in price irked me.


Upon reading this story HERE, I discovered I was wrong and my cynicism was misplaced. It wasn't the popular twice-a-month, the bulk of line group of books being bumped up to $3.99. It was the 15 or so monthly titles that were experiencing price increase. Plus, those same titles would include a digital codes similar to Marvel's old system.


While I avidly purchased Marvel's All-New, All-Different books, I never took advantage of the digital codes. As such I was unfamiliar with what was being proposed. THIS story here explained Marvel's old digital code policy as well as the price increase probably serving to boost the profitability of the monthly and presumably less popular books.


Over the years, I have come to believe that increased price points rarely lead to increased longevity of a title. Maybe in the short term but unless the book's popularity spikes, rarely long-term. However, the digital codes could have potential. Perhaps the digital codes could expand readership? An avid Rebirth purchaser such as myself would be more willing to part with issue via the back issue market as I would then own a digital copy? The latter question begs further exploration on my part. Maybe.


But the major reason why I accept the $3.99 price point for Rebirth titles is because the twice-shipping titles are still $2.99. Once I realized that most of my anger vanished. Then came acceptance. After all, Marvel's titles have been $3.99 for quite some time.


Hey, doesn't Marvel ship titles twice a month too?


Why yes. Oh wait, I have been buying some of those titles too. They sell at $3.99 a copy. Twice a month.


As such when DC eventually raises its twice-a-month books to $3.99, while I will initially be irked, I will grudgingly accept it. I may switch to more trades and digital editions. My pull list and what I purchase of the rack may be reduced.


But I won't declare 'I am dropping such and such a book!'


At the end of the day and after years of disdaining a $3.99 price point for Marvel and DC comics, I realize I have come to accept such a price point. Comic books with a cover price of $4 or more are the new normal.


Till next time, keep reading.

Bray Wyatt - Is he a Transistional Champ and Guardians of Galaxy 2 Trailer Thoughts

What better way to end an impromptu blogging hiatus than blogging on the first of the month, right? To kick off what I hope is a month filled with more frequent blogging is my thoughts on Bray Wyatt becoming a champion in the WWE along with what I thought of the latest Guardians of the Galaxy 2 trailer. See this entry does have a comics related component!


Not bothering to share a link to the latest Guardians of Galaxy 2 trailer. Should be easily findable due to its high trending nature right now. Absolutely loved it! Former WWE Batista, yeah his WWE stage name but that's how I see him, fits the MCU version of Drax like a glove. Baby Groot plays a much, much bigger role in this trailer than Drax but we do see is hella cool with Drax launching himself at what can best described as a space octopus. Was wondering if Baby Groot would have more of a bit role but that doesn't seem to be the case at all. The trailer's reference to family is a nice touch as Guardians are more like a family than a team. With the absence of the X-Men in the MCU, The Guardians of the Galaxy fill that void. Trailer does an excellent job depicting the Guardians along with Yondu and Nebula as the MCU's quarrelsome space family. Music appears to play a heavy role as well. Like the appearance of Ego in Kurt Russel form at the end. The third trailer will probably provide more plot/villain details...


Now on to the main subject of tonight's blog...


Bray Wyatt is now the Smackdown Champion. Okay, that's not the correct name of the belt but I have not watched wrestling in a very, very long time. Remember my post about Cena becoming champion and Orton winning the Rumble? Yeah, still haven't seen it. I find the longer and longer I go without watching wrestling the less I care about the semantics. The brands of split. In theory, both brands are equal but neither brand's championship crosses over to the other. Ok, I could be wrong. That may have happened. I don't know. I am fairly knowledgeable about wrestling though. Enough to give my two cents on whether or not Bray Wyatt is a transitional champion.


Before I start, Bray Wyatt becoming a top champion is simply fantastic. Would rather a Wyatt championship than an umpteenth Cena or Orton reign. The man deserves it. As Bray will, knock on wood, is more of WWE's future than Cena and Orton, it's absolutely pivotal he becomes seen as more of a top talent. Carrying the top Smackdown belt helps that cause. Doesn't guarantee it as I am sure Jack Swagger can attest....


However, Bray Wyatt is modern day Mick Foley. He can energize storylines and matches. Get himself and his opponent over despite ultimately losing the match. One could quibble Bray won the belt because the WWE had gone to the well too often that it was starting to dry...


While I don't regularly watch WWE, I am aware that Orton was paired with Bray for a time. So as the winner of the Rumble, Orton will probably challenge Bray WrestleMania. I predict Orton will win. WWE could use a Mania victory to propel Bray to the top. Nah. Orton will probably win the belt. Which in turn will probably lead to Cena and Orton resuming their rivalry. But I digress.


A transitional champion is a wrestler who becomes champion only to lose it to the next (viable) opponent. Bray Wyatt winning the belt in the Elimination Chamber only to lose it to Randy Orton at WrestleMania is textbook transitional champion material. Except, there's WWE Fastlane. If he loses the belt at Fastlane, Bray definitely is a transitional champion. Otherwise, Fastlane will probably serve as a 'big victory' for Bray such that his match with Orton means more.


So is Bray Wyatt a transitional champion? I suppose time and Fastlane/WrestleMania outcomes will tell. If he loses the former, yes. If he wins the latter, no. If he wins the former and loses the latter? Technically, Bray Wyatt would not be a transitional champion in the strictest sense. However, as the point of Bray reign would be transition from Cena reign to an Orton reign beginning with WrestleMania, then, yes, he would be. Personally, I don't want that outcome but it does set Orton up for matching Flair's 16-time reign and renewing his Flair/Steamboat rivalry with Cena...


Till Next Time

Never Thought I Would Intentionally Buy a Gimmick Cover Again

Back during the 90's speculator boom I remember being in awe of the gimmick covers that would grace various comic books on the stands. Either the gimmick cover would sell out or I lacked the money to buy it. Since comic books were then seen as a hot-ticket investment, the general consensus was that surely the gimmick covers would be valuable collector's items like vintage comics!


Flash forward today in a post-speculator market, I could probably collect most gimmick covers for little more than what a modern comic books sells for. Heck, some are probably less!


So I am not particularly fond of gimmick covers as a result. I don't order them or cruise comic book shops looking for them.


Not saying I don't buy them of course. When DC released gimmick variants for its Villains Month during the midway point of the New 52, I bought the gimmick variant when it was pulled for me as well as any purchased copies of any I saw off the rack. Difference between 90's me and the New 52 me was that I bought the cover because I thought it looked pretty. Okay, 90's me thought gimmick covers were pretty too. Just financial instrument pretty. Selling the New 52 Villain gimmick variants never entered my mind. Which is why I didn't mind buying the normal covers too.


With that in mind, I am surprised that I am intentionally ordering, or at the very least buy, the lenticular covers for upcoming "The Button" story arc playing out in both Batman and Flash's 21st and 22nd Rebirth issue.


Okay, to be fair, I love the cover art shown. Seeing both Batman and Flash holding the Comedian's (yes, the character from The Watchmen) bloody smiley face button is simply awesome. My inner geek is excited. Gotta have it. Suppose it also helps that I have no clue what the normal cover looks like nor any of the variants. The one variant I did see struck me as ho-hum. Plus, if I am going to get the pamphlet in lieu of the trade I might as well as purchase the one with the shiny cover.


If there's any consolation to my gimmick cover-hatred, it's that I am not considering the lenticular covers as collectibles. Just something to satisfy my geekdom. Besides, if any cover will be a hot collectible, the international cover will probably be it as I don't imagine too many U.S. shops ordering it. Then again 90's me was awfully certain too...


Anyway,
Happy Reading

Riverdale Won Me Over and Powerless is Okay

Caught the first couple episodes of Riverdale (Chapter One: The Rivers Edge and Chapter Two: A Touch of Evil) as well as the premiere of Powerless (Wayne or Loss). Not going to provide any spoilers just some quick thoughts.


Riverdale - Recall dreading hearing about some of the changes as well as the format (classic CW drama-isms). Then I mellowed out when I heard it would be more like Twin Peaks. Having seen the first couple episodes, I'd say it's a cross between shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210 (had to thrown that it in since Luke Perry is in the show. Kind of weird seeing him as the "responsible, sage adult") and Twin Peaks with a dash of Mark Waid's revamp thrown in. The show is faithful to the Archie characters while presenting them as realistic and modern as possible. Now, the show is much darker than the Waid revamp; but it's not quite Twin Peaks dark. While Riverdale is quirky, the locale and characters are small town quirky and not full-on David Lynch, Twin Peaks quirky. The murder mystery should be interesting. So far I've got four suspects although one is probably a red herring (pardon the pun). Overall, after two episodes, I've been made a fan.


Powerless - Love the opening credit sequence. Probably the closest we'll ever get to four-color, full of optimism, DC Universe on any screen. Think I heard Adam West's voice... While the superhero and super-villain scenes came across as incredibly corny, in part by the CGI, four-color super-heroics is rather corny on screen. Kind of why the Marvel heroes look the way they do. Speaking Marvel, or Marvel's Agents of SHIELD to be precise, remember the anticipation of the appearance of the big guns? Recall your disappointment when they didn't show? Other than the credit sequence, they're probably not going to appear. What is going to appear is nods, one-liners, quick references,  and D-or lower characters. So that DC hero or villain that you can't imagine ever appearing in the movies or Arrowverse? This might be the place. As for characters/actors, I liked Tudyk's and Hudgens acting. If anything, both carried the show (as by design probably). I'm probably going to continue to watch Powerless for Tudyk, the occasional nod to DC lore, and it's a nice lead in to Riverdale.


Till next time.