Does the Threat of Imminent TPK Define Cyberpunk Gaming?

This is it. Tonight should conclude the Chicago arc for Shadowrun Missions at my FLGCS.


After playing four seasons of the Chicago arc, roughly five to six modules per, tonight those of us who've been playing the same character for years will play those characters for the final time tonight. Except as Prime Runners in Prime Runner-only mods - ideally... Next month, we create brand new characters for the Neo-Tokyo arc.


Sure, we received forewarnings the final season would be rough and the conclusion BRUTAL. As we began playing season 8, it certainly HAS. While previous seasons contained rough patches, overall there was sense of coasting. Season 8 has been 'will this frag my character?'


The visuals of each encounter have become quite the sight too! Like how some of the photos turned out too. While I was planning on blogging the session events sooner, I will actually blog them chronologically. Will be a fitting memorandum. Telling the adventures of Nox the Combat Mage and Co from their beginnings to their fiery end.


Cause I don't know if, let alone how, our PCs will survive the final module. Heck, the entire module feels like you're in the drek now. May you not get fragged.


If we were playing a level-based game, we'd just run away or avoid until we level up to confront the threat. Or we'd be level appropriate. In a storytelling game, this would be climax. Will our protagonists emerge victorious?


In Shadowrun, or any cyberpunk game, it's pretty much  you're hip-deep in drek. Accomplish your mission chummers and don't get fragged in the process. Oh, by the way, some poor PC will get geeked (i.e. killed). Can't have a dystopic future without PC deaths. Plus, TPK (total party kill) does fit the neo-noir vibe of Shadowrun.


Without the TPK vibe. If the gaming experience was more rose-colored, it wouldn't be cyberpunk.


Honestly, I wouldn't have realized this important revelation about cyberpunk gaming if I didn't feel my Shadowrun Missions Chicago PC along with the other PCs would ride into the sunset after tonight.


Now excuse me. I've got to update my player character.


Happy gaming!


Next time.

Marvel Should Follow DCs Lead With Variant Covers

The culmination of a 20-plus movies series, Avengers: Endgame officially opens tomorrow. As such as it doesn't quite feel right to pass along criticism to the House of Ideas that they should copy their Distinguished Competition. However, I heard today marked the deadline for comic book orders. See, comics are solicited three months ahead of their release. When I compiled my Previews Order (the name of said catalog), I noticed something while browsing through DC Previews.


DC provides a small image of the variant cover with the solicitation.


Marvel's not new to variant covers. They've been incredibly strong in offering them since the mid-00's. Marvel Previews include a list of variant covers along with samples of them. Whether or not a customer can order the variant shown within Marvel Previews is another matter. Quite often the order form doesn't include ANY of the variants. Sometimes, it'll include the variant shown such as was the case with Savage Avengers #1 with the Deodato variant. However, there are times a variant will be available for solicitation within the order form that wasn't shown in Marvel Previews. The Deodato variant for Savage Avengers #2 was available within this month's order form; but Marvel Previews did not show it.


What if a variant isn't on the order form? Well, you're going to have to request a copy from your FLGCS. Unfortunately, they may not be able to provide that copy to you. Many of those variant covers have conditions attached to them. Let's not get into comics shop politics here.


As for DC, they haven't really been good actors regarding variants either. Heck, for awhile they were worse than Marvel! Sure, a customer could order a variant from Previews. However, one had to order it blindly based on the artist listed. There was no picture of the variant was available among the solicitation!


I suppose the advent of DC Previews along with the decision to reduce its comics line by 10% led to the change. With titles to occupy pages within DC Previews, DC could provide a full page to an issue's solicitation. Granted, not every title can receive its own page. Just the better sellers. The one's that would have variants published.


Finally, I can make an informed decision on variant cover (cause I can see what it looks like) on whether or not to order.


Thanks DC!


Just wish Marvel would extend the same courtesy to Marvel readers with the variants they can order, which don't depend on the comics shop jumping through hoops.


Next time.

The Shield's Final Chapter Was Ho Hum

If follow WWE, tonight was the night it finally happened.


The Shield's Final Chapter was written.


Well, until next the final chapter. Not counting the match that was dubbed the final match of the Shield cause tonight was the FINAL match the Shield will wrestle together as one in the WWE.


Yeah, never say never in pro wrestling/sports entertainment.


Although if rumors are true and Dean Ambrose turned down a great deal of money; because of creative differences, it may not be until Vince McMahon.


Instead of jobbing Ambrose on his way out, which the typical way of pro wrestling, the WWE aired an event called The Shield's Final Chapter on the WWE Network. Ambrose would wrestle a final match. The WWE would commemorate one of its few new ideas that truly got over with the fans. Plus, a bunch of wrestlers not wrestling the Shield would be on the card. Oh, and Ambrose would be provided a chance to say goodbye.


Only the last segment was worth watching in my opinion. The Shield's Final Chapter felt more like a so-so Raw or Smackdown.


Finn Balor defended his IC belt for the first time as member of the Smackdown roster against Elias. The latter who gets squashed so often he should be glad his mic skills are top-notch.


The women's tag match was a little better with the storyline that "deserted" member of the Riot Squad inadvertently cost her former team the match - due to her hair color. Hey, Ember Moon might be someone again!


As for the Shield's final match? If you thought they might lose, you haven't been watching long. Overall, it was decent as much as it could be. I'm not surprised the departing Ambrose didn't get the pin. Rollins is the champ of the red brand after all...


The mere highlight was the Independent-like "Please don't go" chants followed by Rollins & Ambrose's speeches. Ironically, Rollins was the more retrospective speech. Dean Ambrose's speech was motivational. Maybe WWE will take heed of it?


Overall: If you want to see a rare moment, a wrestler whose departure receives its own show, The Shield's Final Chapter is an alright hour and a half. Otherwise, there's always clips.


Next time.

Wrestlemania 35 Thoughts

What better way to mark my 400th blog entry than by blogging my thoughts on Wrestlemania 35 as it happens?

Yep, time for one of my 'doesn't fit the theme of my blog' posts!

Should point out this isn't exactly a live-blog as I didn't begin watching 'Mania 5
35 until 38 minutes in. So I've been spoiled on the outcome of one match. Grrr....

Also, the kickoff show isn't included. Wouldn't post until Monday morning!

On to my thoughts:

Liked the helicopters during the National Anthem!

Hulk Hogan - Alexa Bliss moment was unexpected. Very fitting to begin WrestleMania with the Hulkster.

Nice AEW reference, Heyman! Surprising, Lesnar vs Rollins for the Universal Championship opens the card. Btw, this is the outcome I was spoiled on...

 Nice Beast Slayer opener!

Really liked the story of Lesnar not allowing the match to begin by demolishing Rollins outside the ring. Story-wise, the low blow was the only believable way to change the durection of the match. Three stomps to defeat Lesnar is nice symmetry with how Lesnar match typically ends. Is it hoping too much the comment about Lesnar departing for AEW was a shoot?

Jerry the King Lawler announcing!

A.J. Styles versus Randy Orton:

Awesome match! Nice counters mixed with impact moves. Both Orton & Styles had excellent ring chemistry. Liked the story of AJ figuring out how to counter the RKO. Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Usos vs The Bar vs Shinsuke Nakamura/Rusev vs Ricochet/Aleister Black for Smackdown Tag Team Championship:

Usos retained the belts in an action-packed, wrecking derby match. Main roster newbies Black and Ricochet were spotlighted as they wrestled much of the match. Highlight was when Cesaro swung Ricochet while Sheamus made the circuit pounding on hapless wrestlers caught on the ring ropes. Match slowly built to groups of four men inside the ring at once. Highlight 2: Ricochet rolling through a mob super plex off the top rope!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Hall of Fame (Class of 2019) roundup was touching as always.

Miz vs Shane McMahon Falls Count Anywhere Match:

Omg the superplex off the scaffolding! Excellent hardcore/former friends/involving family match. Could of done without Miz's dad becoming physically involved in the match. The twist ending of Shane landing atop Miz and winning the match prevented the match from becoming special though.
Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Women's tag team championship match: Boss and Hug Connection vs Nia Jax/Tamina vs IIconics vs Natalya/Beth Phoenix

Marked when Bret Hart appeared! Nice sneak victory by the IIconics to win the belts. Beth Phoenix still has it. Loved the homage yo the Hart Foundation. Double sharpshooter was cool. The champions being heavily involved felt refreshing compared to the prior four way. Nice blend of styles. Overall, it felt like an iconic, pardon the pun, Mania match.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars.

Daniel Bryan vs Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship:

Two wrestlers I've liked for a long time locked up. Huge Bryan mark. As for Kofi, it's been far, far past due for him to wrestle in such a high profile match in my opinion. I wasn't disappointed as Bryan and Kofi wrestled a stellar match that felt different from the WWE norm. Despite Bryan being a dominant champion, he elevated Kofi to the next level in grueling match that finished dramatically with victory for Kofi. Kofi Kingston has finally become WWE champion!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Hey, Hall & Nash!

Booker T announcing!

Rey Mysterio (coming out as the Spider-Man villain Mysterio!) vs Samoa Joe for U.S. Championship:

Wow, quick match! A 619 was nailed by Rey; but Joe followed quickly with a Kaukina Clutch to beat Mysterio and retain the belt.

Drew McIntyre vs Roman Reigns:

Scottish band welcomes McIntyre to ring with our first big entrance of the night. And... fireworks for Roman...
Despite some impressive moments from Drew in a power match, this was welcome back from leukemia, Roman!
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Wouldn't be a PPV without Elias... John Cena Thuganomics! Nice trip down nostalgia lane.

Batista vs Triple H No Holds Barred, Triple H's in-ring career on the line:

Uh, wasn't Triple H retired before? Okay, the Mad Max Fury Road entrance for Triple H is very cool. Brutal match. Never saw a nose ring yanked out before! Triple H spearing Batista through the German Announce Table! Sledge (Game) Hammer! Ric Flair for the distraction and Triple H finally lands a blow with the GameHammer for the win.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Ron Simmons followed by JBL announcing!

Kurt Angle's final match vs Baron Corbin:

Nice Angle highlight reel; however he put Corbin over in his final match. Classy exit.

Bobby Lasley vs The Demon Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Championship:

The Demon descending from the air was quite the sight! Finn Balor beat Lashley to win the IC belt in a decent match meant to pump up the crowd.

R Truth & Carmella dance break  - meh

Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey vs Becky Lynch for the Women's Championship (both Raw & Smackdown):

Flair arriving via helicopter - talk about a grand entrance! Meanwhile, Rousey receives the live band entrance. All three women put on a clinic during their historic main event. Furthermore, Lynch's pin of Rousey is subjective enough that the match hints strongly at whom the Winner-Take-All (Lynch) feuds with next. For the very first women's main event at WrestleMania this match set a very high bar that would be hard to top.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.


Overall:
Yes, WrestleMania ran LONG. Didn't start watching until over a half hour in and took several intermissions. Plus, transcribing my thoughts on my blog adding more time. Hence, why I am finishing this close to Monday afternoon instead of Sunday night. However, WrestleMania is the pinnacle of Sports Entertainment; and quite frankly, the best matches WWE puts on during the course of the year. On those two scores, it didn't disappoint. Furthermore, WrestleMania 35 ran long because there was lots of wrestling. Lots of it. High quality matches too. Plus, milestone after milestone. 35 was full of them. Overall, a more than solid WrestleMania with excellent booking despite some hiccups.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Discussion Question Answers: Torchwood - Ghost Mission Audio Drama

There's a story behind why I am holding a photo of a shrink-wrapped copy of the Torchwood: Ghost Mission Audio Drama CD. Will get to that in a moment...

Over on a social media platform, which as part of a lark I'll refer to as the Book of Face, Big Finish the UK producer of audio dramas started a discussion group for a select audio drama. Toward the end of the month Big Finish releases a list of discussion questions. February's selection was the aforementioned drama. I actually listened to Ghost Mission last month; but I have waited until the questions for this month's selection to be released. Funny word 'wait'...

You see living across the pond acquiring Big Finish audios can be... difficult. So I order them from FLCGS. Namely select Doctor Who audios; but when they debuted I bought the Torchwood solos as well. Then, I realized I really wasn't interested in every Torchwood solo so I stopped buying them. Eventually, I cut back on purchasing Big Finish audios all together. I just wasn't listening to them. They're really too pricey not to listen. Besides, I started to purchase digital copies of the audios whenever they're on special. Ergo, no sense in buying the CDs...

Anyway... I discover the Big Finish discussion group on the Book of Face. Why not start with February selection, Ghost Mission? As the audio selection, the digital was on sale. Why not purchase it? After all, I did STOP BUYING the solo Torchwoods...

I'm sure you get where this is headed...

Once I finished downloading my digitial copy of Torchwood: Ghost Mission, I begin listening to it when I scan my collection of Big Finish audios. There, still enshrined within the shrink-wrap it arrived across the pond, is my physical copy. On the bright side, I listed to both copies. I really can't listen to audio once and get everything on the first go.

Honestly, I could probably listen to Ghost Mission a third time and then I would understand how Sergeant Andy Davidson (the main - or is it sole? - protagonist) solves the problem at the end. Fortunately, such understanding is unnecessary to answer the questions.

Overall, I felt Torchwood: Ghost Mission was a solid romp featuring a character who doesn't often embark on such adventures. Heck, this is pretty much Sgt. Andy Davidson's first romp. I'd say his lack of experience is as much a part of the story as his his overcoming it is. His chemistry with his... evaluator... is top-notch. 

I did dislike a couple things. One, the audio is best enjoyed by those who have followed not only much of the Torchwood range but much of Big Finish's output as well. Dusclaimer: I didn't realize what I missing ubtil I read the discussion questions. My second issue was the prevalence of the word 'stalk-y'. While hilarious back when this audio was released several years ago, it comes across as dated in the wake of recent social developments.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Now the discussion questions...

Norton Folgate is a Big Finish created character. Do you want like him? How well do you think he fits the Torchwood universe compared to other Big Finish characters?

I rather liked the smarmy, dapper Norton Filgate. While I can't comment too much on comparisons with other Big Finish characters, Norton Folgate is a perfect example of the morally grey, complex characters that dot the world of Torchwood.

Do you think there's a place for Andy full time in Torchwood?

Heck yeah! I bought Ghost Mission precisely because I am a fan of the character. There's always room for a cgaracter full of naievity and levity whose just beginning to dip their toe.  Besides, Torchwood is quite hazardous so there's always room for someone new...

Does comedy have a place in a Torchwood range?

Yes, especially when characters like Andy are the focus. Not every mission Torchwood needs be grim. 

Do you think the Bad Penny is the same as the Bad Penny from the fourth doctor story or the Torchwood story? Does it add to mythos? What Torchwood elements should return?

I, er, haven't listened to either the Tom Baker or Torchwood Bad Penny stories. Maybe? Guess, it would be cool if it did. I always did love when elements would reoccur. As for which Torchwood elements should return, I haven't the foggiest.

Would you like to see future Norton and Andy adventures? What other situations would you like to see them in?

Future Norton and Andy adventures would be fantastic as they suit each other like a glove. Honestly, I like to see Andy interact with Norton in Norton's time. Although that could be the Doctor Who fan in me thinking. Perhaps a situation stemming from the outcome of the Bad Penny's appearance in Ghost Mission?

Who do you think sent Andy the egg plant emoji?

Uh, really, that's a question??? One of his co-workers whom goes on pub crawls with...

Mayhap, I will provide a review/discussion question answers for the March Big Finish audio selection. I KNOW I don't own a physical copy of that story.

Next time.



After X Years Redeemed My First Bonus Digital Marvel Comic

Hey, did you know if you buy a Marvel comic book you can redeem a bonus Marvel digital comic?


Yes, Matt, bonus digital copies have been standard practice with Marvel Comics for a number of years now.


Okay, got me there. I've been aware of bonus digital copies for awhile now.


I just didn't buy them because I already owned a physical copy of the issue. Plus, there was my on-and-off dalliances with Marvel Digital Unlimited. Frankly, I didn't really see point to redeeming them.


Have to admit, I was also kind of a Luddite regarding them. Ahem. This from the guy who bought Nook copies, bought Dark Horse Digital, and has a subscription for both Marvel Digital Unlimited AND DC Universe?


Eh, maybe I just too lazy to figure out how to. Plus, I wasn't keeping up with reading my physical copies...


So why the change?


First, when a Marvel comic retails for $3.99+ is the bonus digital really a bonus digital?


Second, one of my goals for 2019 is to reduce my bulk. All those comics I bought to sample yet had no intention of keeping. Redeeming a digital version (for those issue in which the deadline hasn't elapsed anyway) is a way to keep a copy while freeing up physical space.


Third, my gift Marvel Digital Unlimited subscription was far more transformative than previous subscriptions. Don't really recall checking Marvel emails regularly when I had a normal subscription before. That changed with the gift subscription I received as part of Christmas 2018. I'd check it weekly. During that time, I stumbled over Marvel Insider. It's kind of hokey; but Marvel Insider got me checking out the Marvel site about as much as I checked out ANY comics site. In the process I discovered...


Fourth, redeeming my bonus digital copies would net Marvel Insider points. Sure, there's a limit. And hokey. Yet, it's the extra carrot that spurred me onto redeeming my very first bonus digital Marvel comic.


So my thoughts:


One: It took me quite a bit of flipping and reading until I found the page with redemption instructions. It was kind of irritating but not quite as irritating as...


Peeling the label off!
If you're not careful, you can peel of both the sticker AND the label off of the page! Plus, the stickers don't peel off equally. It's also best to peel on as flat of a surface as possible so as not to mangle the comic itself. After all, one reason to redeem the bonus digital comic is to preserve the physical comic. I am assuming this is an anti-theft feature as it would be quite noticeable if someone tried doing so in a comics shop!


Third: Will there be back issue market based on whether or not the sticker covering the redemption code has been removed or not? It is a mere sticker after all. The grader or prospective buyer would need to flip through the given issue to notice it missing. On the other hand, the speculation market has been based on plenty curious things. Can't really say the comic is Mint or Near Mint if an issue is missing the sticker, can you? Guess, it depends on how copies of X-Force #1 removed from their non-archival plastic AND missing the card are graded as. Then again, if you're careful enough removing the sticker, the comic isn't really damaged. A question for ten or twenty years down the road, perhaps.


Fourth: Sometimes the redemption process leads to multiple copies of the same issue being "redeemed". Didn't actually redeem these multiple "copies" to see if they were phantom redemptions or not. Therefore, I didn't discover whether multiple digital copies of the same issue would become available. I just deleted them. After all, Marvel Insider has limit on how many Insider points one can accrue so why waste slots on phantom copies? One caveat: the multiple copies available for redemption only occurred before I discovered...


You can only redeem ONE comic at a time
That's right. You can only redeem one comic per redemption. I tried to redeem three separate issues; and only the most recent entry was redeemed. Most of the 'duplicate' occurred during this time. Then again, the phantom issue may have just been a bug. The message is clear: can't skip the process of re-loading the redeem page. Can't just redeem the ten Marvel issues you were planning on redeeming on a given week all in one go.


Now, I haven't read any of my bonus digital copies yet. A blog post for another time? Okay, probably not an entire blog entry. More like a side comment.


Overall, I am surprised I didn't redeem my bonus digital copies sooner. I spent plenty of money after all. Wasn't as bad as I made it out to be.


Happy reading!


Next time.

New Comic Prices Make Antique Store Prices More Amenable

Don't worry folks! Aquaman didn't just lose his hand nor was Jason Mamoa the first time Aquaman had long hair and a beard.

In fact, this is also a 'finally!' post too as I finally acquired a copy of the key issue where Arthur lost his hand!

Don't worry his hand got better. Was a long, strange trip in the most comics way possible!


Anyway, about thirty years ago, I saw a copy of Aquaman #2 on the rack at a comics shop. Ten dollars was the sticker price! The cover price was $1.50; there was no way I would ever pay that much for a back issue comic. After all, I hated the beard and the harpoon hand. About that, my disgruntlement over beard and harpoon hand, which I felt was a slap in the face of my childhood Superfriends nostalagia was overcome pretty quickly. A year or two later, I jumped aboard the tail end of Peter David's Aquaman run and bought the title until its end with the stellar Jurgens/Epting run.


Still, the thought of picking up a copy of Peter David's Aquaman #2 never dawned on me until I picked up a run bag of Aquaman comics at a used book store. Issue 2 wasn't among them. When I did see a copy there, I think it was like 20 bucks... Too rich for me.


Near where I live is an antique store, or two, or three, and you can't call it a good antique store if there are no comic books there. Needless to say, comic books are available. Lots of them.


Now, if you've ever been to antique store, the prices for the comics for the condition they are in can be a bit sketchy. Doubly so if you've been exposed to the ins and outs of comic book collecting and value as I have. Comic looks worse for wear but it's from the 70's? Think I will just write, yes I said write, $10 on the comic ITSELF. Enough to drive a collector mad. Then, there are the dealers who've actually stepped into a comics shop. Those comics are bagged. At least. You can bet they cost more than the original cover price though.


Over the years, I have become bearish on buying back issues. You're unlikely to flip for more than the cover price - if that. If you're buying them at an antique store, chances are you're buying them at price that doesn't correspond with their condition. For years, paying $4 to $10 for an issue, forget about that.


Funny thing is... new comics ARE available within those price ranges. Want to buy the latest issue of Aquaman? Four dollars, please. An annual, likely $8. Heck, I've spent ten dollars on a comic or two as well.


So I browsing through the comics in the antique store, most of them are late 80s to early 00s. Of course, there's the obligatory Silver Age comics with their high sticker prices yet they are in Good condition - at best. Those aren't the topic of this entry. If I want to read those stories, I would just buy the trade or read them digitally. Or become rich. But, I digress.


Anyway, I am browsing through 80s to early 00s comics and the nostalgia bug tingles. These are the comic books that form my early comic book collecting/reading experience. Sure, key issues are few and far between but I can't help getting a little giddy. What's more and the prices fall within that $4 - $10 range. Even, the comics that look worse for wear are drawing a hard 'NO' from me. Those that fall within the $4 - $10 range.


Why? I spend that on new comic books already. I buy A LOT. Too much, honestly. Which is also why I haven't tried to clear out the antique store... But, anyhoo... Therefore, I've become used to paying a certain cover price for a given issue. Really, doesn't matter how old the comic is or if it's not too worn. Thanks Diamond! A rant for another time...


Back to Aquaman #2. Among the trip to nostalgia lane, I find the copy pictured above. Condition? Not too bad. It's bagged so I don't know how mangled the insides are. However, the covers seem in reasonable condition. Furthermore, as long as it's readable and looks good for its age, I am happy.


Remember, how I said Aquaman #2 can cost more than $10? This copy cost me THREE DOLLARS. $3 dollars! Sure double the original cover price; but a steal compared to how much it would cost in the back issue market. Heck, it was cheaper than the new issue of Aquaman I am buying this month!


The experience has taught me two things. One, you can fill holes in your collection by visiting antique stores. Two, the old price tags no longer induce sticker shock deterring me from purchasing; because I am already spending that much on new comics.


Next time.

WWE 205 Live 1/29/19 Thoughts

Must admit I haven't watched much WWE 205 Live since June. Heck, I've commented on here I really have not made WWE programming must-watch of late. However, this Sunday's Royal Rumble kicked off WrestleMania season. While I didn't watch much of it yet, I did catch the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. It whet my appetite for more WWE programming.


Thus, one can expect more of my thoughts on WWE's latest here. I'm not able to watch both flagship shows (Raw, Smackdown Live) live; but I was able to watch 205 Live er, live for the first time in months. Here's my thoughts:


Kalisto (with Lucha House Party) vs Mike Kanellis (with Maria)

While Maria ranted about about favoritism, Mike Kanellis dominated with stiff strikes. Much like a typical WWE match. Then, Kalisto took the lead with until a sick bump outside the ring. Match takes on a more 205 Live form after both gather their breaths on the mat. The three suplexe were cool; but not enough to prevent Kalisto rolling Kanellis for the pin. Crowd was dead most of the match. Have to agree with the crowd.

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars



There were several promos one of which I missed as I was too busy live-blogging my thoughts on the Kalisto/Mike Kanellis match. No more live-blogging. Buddy Murphy's promo, which aired after the footage of Tony Neese's attack on Noam Dar was... meh. Also wasn't impressed too much with Daivari's promo hyping Itami's match with Tozawa either. Too be fair I haven't watched 205 Live in months...


They hype Saturday's Worlds Collide event on the Network including the rosters from both NXT rosters and 205 Live as they compete in tournament, which will allow the winner to challenge the champion of their choosing from either 205 Live, NXT, or NXT UK. Maybe I'll watch it...



There's also hype for Halftime Heat, which streams during the Super Bowl halftime. It'll be a six-man tag match starring NXT stars. If am able to I'll watch it live...



Akira Tozawa (with Brian Kendrick) vs Hideo Itami (with Ariya Daivari)
Loved the story of this match which the announcers sold as the culmination of a 2018 storyline between the idol and admirer whom were once tag partners but then soured. They really played up Tozawa as the underdog trying to prove himself against the famed Itami. Much more action in this match filled with striking, grappling, high-impact moves, and high flying moves. Both men outside the ring also gradually became more and more involved. Kendrick would encourage Tozawa by doing Tozawa's signature shout, while trying to keep Daivari honest. After several near finishes, Daivari finally succeeded in distracting Tozawa after knocking out Kendricks. Ironically, Daivari ended up becoming a distraction himself enabling the underdog Tozawa to defeat the noted Hideo Itami.


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. A solid match to end the show and end this feud. I may've enjoyed this more if I had followed 205 Live more during 2018.


Afterwards, Ariya Daivari turns on Hideo Itami, So we know who Hideo Itami will be feuding with next! Since I am familiar with Hideo Itami as KENTA, I am more than ready to cheer him on as face. Based on the chants of 'One More Time!', the rest of the crowd may require more convincing.


Overall, it was an okay post-Royal Rumble show. It introduced Mike Kanellis to the 205 Live audience, elevated Akira Tozawa, and kicked off Hideo Itami's next feud.


Next time.

 

Hey, Multiclassed 5E Druids Could You Please Not Wear Metal Armor?

When I was new to Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition, I spotted a potential loophole regarding druids. Back in the old days, druids were prohibited from wearing metal armor such as plate mail. D&D 5E had a curious note regarding armor. Merely, druids choose not to wear metal armor.

One could surmise the taboo would extend to single-classes druids and those from races without armor proficiencies. What about Fighters or Paladins with heavy armor proficiency who later multiclass into druid? After all, they all ready are proficient in plate mail. A fighter-druid clad in plate mail! While in previous editions armor hindered spell-casting, Fifth edition (5E) ties unimpeded spell-casting to proficiency. If the caster is proficient in the donned armor, the caster suffers no ill effects casting spells. Ergo, there really is nothing in the rules mechanically forbidding a druid from wearing plate mail if proficient.


Wait, multi-classing is an optional rule. Must every core class account for character multi-classing into it from another class?


Okay, you've got a point there.


What about dwarven druids wearing metal armor? Mountain dwarves have a history of crafting exquisite metal items, armor among them. Not only do they craft metal armor, they wear it as well. In fact, mountain dwarves are proficient in medium so they can don quite a number of metallic armor. Granted, not plate but you get the gist.




However, someone posed the question to WotC's Jeremy Crawford, the de facto rules guru for 5E, Twitter. His answer is an emphatic no.


Neither multi-classed nor dwarven druids can wear any sort of metal armor; because of the setting of D&D. Should a druid with requisite training buck the taboo, the DM is encouraged to take DM action.


I'm old timey gamer so saying my Fighter-Druid can't wear plate mail; because druids just don't do it is enough of an excuse for me. Furthermore, enough of the DMs I play will enforce the taboo either by fiat or by imposing some form of penalty.


Still, even Paladins suffer a mechanical consequence for violating their oaths significantly enough. Why only an honor system approach to the druid?


I guess I am just grumpy that cunning rules exploit, a druid wearing plate mail, is foiled by fluff without a 'this is what happens if you break taboo'. Fifth edition expands Dungeons & Dragons in  many ways.


Just don't break any of the role-play assumptions.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Nuno and the Crypt of the Dark Kiss Part Two

Way, way, back on the 18th of December, I blogged my final five takeaways of 2018. Then, I concluded my 12 Blog Posts of December on the 31st by blogging Nuno and the Crypt of the Dark Kiss Part One. While I had written game session reports before, I had never included any photos from the action at the D&D gaming table before. Not the first time I've provided play-by-play of my gaming experience, while using photos to enhance my writing. Had done so as recently as when I played the board game Fury of Dracula for the first time.


However, I quickly realized while writing about Nuno and the Crypt of the Dark Kiss (yes, I am writing from my PC's perspective) was that all photos meant the writing the post would consume time.


More time than usual.


So, I decided to split it into parts. Three parts to be precise.


When we last left off, our intrepid band of adventurers were exploring the remnants of a dwarven mine in order to destroy any undead (especially vampires!) and discover the true nature of an earring discovered during a previous module in the trilogy. The firbolg nature cleric Dancer withdrew/became withdrawn (player had to leave the session), while battling some dwarven skeletons working forges. The skeletons were destroyed; and everyone returns to the room with three doors and the four muck-covered statues. During the battle, Grog overcome by his battle-lust failed didn't notice a door. Meanwhile, Nuno had forgotten all about the door during the heat of the battle.


If either had considered the door further, they may have pondered whether or not it was a side entrance to the chamber laying behind double doors...


Once back inside the original chamber...



Cast of Characters 

Vladis Warlock/Wizard 10th
Grog Half- Orc Champion 6th
Striker dwarf 7th
Nuno Tortle Monk Way of Shadow 5th

We proceed to double doors with crossed battle axes emblazoned upon them. Grog's eyes light up with appreciation at the sight of the axes inscribed upon the doors. He grips his axe and proceeds to hack at the door. Meanwhile, Vladis peers over shoulder and notices the keyhole contains a lock of a quality he has never seen!


In-between swings of Grog's axe,  Striker casts Knock.


There's the pop of an arcane lock being suppressed.


Needless to say, Grog continues pounding away - eventually wrecking the door.


Grog turns to Striker 'I am smart no matter what people say'.


The hacked open double doors are swung open to reveal a room full of sarcophogi. Peering across the room both Grog and Nuno note a door on the opposite end from which the forge room could be reached!


Both in unison: 'Oops!'


Seeing sarcophagi the wily Striker casts Bless on the party. The party enters room with Grog and Nuno in front. Striker and Vladis bring up the rear. No sooner do they enter when three vampire spawn, a shadow mastiff, and vampiric mist pop out from the sarcophagi!

Grog steps forward and swings twice at the vampire spawn who crawled out of the sarcophagus nearest him. His axe bites into the vampire twice! Nuno warily eyes the fearsome foes right in front of him and steps between both the vampire spawn and vampiric mist. Stabs twice with a silver dagger and only hits once. Then centering himself, he expends Qi to disengage from them moving back to casters. Striker breathing a sigh of relief once Nuno is out of the area casts Fireball on baddies!

Vladis upcasts Quickened Conjure Minor Elemental spell to summon four magmen!

 Then, Vladis Eldritch Blasts the vampiric mist after his owl familiar distracts it. To our chagrin, the vampire spawn regenerate. Grog's vampire spawn claws Grog but fails to hold him within its grip! A spawn destroys a magmen ( #4)  Grog saves to avoid some of the fire from the magman's explosion! Another spawn closes with Striker. The far back vampire spawn hits magman #2. Dog misses magmen#1then goes invisible. Mist floats to envelop Grog triggering Opportunity Attacks from the Magmen. Their fiery blows burn the mist away!. Grog crits spawn! Hits a second time! Then Grog action surges to hit again. The vampire spawn is destroyed! Nuno closes with spawn near Striker. After landing multiple blows, Nuno is disheartened when his Stunning strike fails. Number 1 & 3 magmen miss the dog. Magman #2 hits the vampire spawn near it. Starts aflame. Striker moves away from vampire on him provoking an opportunity attack, casting Shield to thwart a grapple attempt. The dwarf proceeds to cast lightning bolt on both the shadow mastiff and vampire spawn. There's collateral damage as  #2 magman blows up from the crossfire. However, the shadow mastiff dies. We are alarmed when we notice that vampire spawn takes minor damage from the fiery explosion.

Vladis casts Phantasmal Force on the worrisome vampire spawn in response. Nuno is clawed and grappled. Bite misses. Other spawn grapples and bites Grog!

Grog strikes and crits! 22 dmg! Strikes again. Miss. Nuno misses then focuses his Qi to disengage away to move next to the casters.  Magmen attack Grog's spawn. One hits.

Striker moves back and around.

Casts Lightning Bolt. A weak 17 damage. The phantasmal forced Grog-grappling vampire spawn dies. Grog isn't badly hurt by the bolt. Vladis quickens a Scorching Ray then Eldritch Blasts the remaining spawn. Spawn closes with Grog. Misses. Grog hits once. Nuno hits spawn all of his attack, twice with silver dagger and once with a kick. 


Finally, the two remaining Magmen swarm the vampire spawn and both their blows slay it!


We catch our breaths and rifle through our defeated foes discovering a magical ring on the finger of the vampire spawn who was strangely resistant to fire... A Ring of Fire Resistance perhaps?


To Be Continued....

12 Blog Posts of December Day 12: Nuno and the Crypt of the Dark Kiss Part One

During my 12 Blog Posts of December I gave to thee: an End-Of-Year Appraisal /Goals for the New Year / a Star Wars Unboxing / a tribute to Stan Lee / a Tribute to Steve Ditko / Converting the Elf class to 5E / A Christmas Day post / A Christmas Eve post / Outside of the Season X-Mas posts and Star Wars radio dramas / Final 5 Takeaways of 2018 / 5 Takeaways from playing a Tier 2 Monk / 5 Takeaways from Final Tier 1 Mod of 2018


As of today, I blogged consecutively for nine days straight! Whew! As I promised yesterday, I am writing the session write-up from Adventures League session that took place during the events hinted at in the Final 5 Takeaways of 2018 post. While this isn't the first time I've blogged the adventures of my PCs, it is the first time I've inserted pictures from the session itself!


However, the process is quite time-intensive. With 2019 minutes away, I've decided to split into serial format. Three parts in fact.


Crypt of the Dark Kiss Part One


Cast of characters
Vladis 10th
 Grog 6th
 Dancer firbolg nature cleric  5th
Striker dwarf 7th
Nuno 5th





Our intrepid band of adventurers were tasked to destroy all undead found within an underground complex while learning everything we can about the silver earing found during the events of the previous mod (hinted at during the 5 take-ways when I played Nuno the Ninja tortle monk at Tier 2 for the first time). All we knew was that earing was composed of shiny blue beads representing the symbol of  the diety of Savras. The dwarf Striker opted to carry the earing.


Sidenote:

DM awarded candy to foster the holiday/Midwinter spirit along with the Midwinter Elk Figurine of Wondrous Power cert Out of Game.



Standing at a doorway inscribed with Dwarven runes, the dwarf Striker reads them aloud while explaining what they mean. He made a 16 Religion Proficiency check and declares it represents the Dwarven God of Celebration. Nuno nods his head. He will recall none of it most likely. As a precautionary measure, Striker ritually casts Detect Magic. To his now enhanced senses, the door glows faintly. Pulling out his flask, he dribbles ale near the door and is greeted by the sound of the door clicking open. With a grin, he sips from his flask.


The door reveals a hallway with walls covered with graffiti praising mistress of the night.

 Grog strides boldly down hallway taking massive steps trying to over entire thing. Ten feet down the hallway...

A sizzle and flash erupts out of the ground when Grog triggers a lightning trap. Fortunately Grog evades some of the blast. Steps forward to the left and triggers another lightning trap. Not quite so lucky this time! Examines the floor.


Grog " I don't see anything."




Steps forward and is hit by another.


Dancer then examines the floor.


Meanwhile,  Striker glancing at the floor can see where each glyph upon the floor radiates with magical auras due to his concentration of Detect Magic ritual.


Proclaims "Hold it! I can see where there is a trap and where there isn't! I will go first. Step where I step.


 Grog second winds, while Striker proceeds down the hallway gesturing where to step to avoid the glyphs.

We follow his steps and enter a room that reduces the effectiveness of our light sources such as bright light becomes dim light. Dim light becomes totally dark! Nuno performs his hand symbols he was taught by his old ninja master to gain the abilities of the spell Darkvision.


Grog looking at the symbols along the walls and readies to smash them. Striker doesn't want such symbols important to his people, stops him.


Striker approaches a statue and removes gunk covering it. Glancing at three doors, he proclaims they have  symbols of Moradin, Flaggedon, and Thermikal placed individually upon them. Casting minor illusion to mimic laser pointer, Striker proceeds to give a boring lecture for each diety. Nuno nods his head. He will remember none of this.


Vladis then moves about the room using  prestigidaton to clean the gunk from each of the four statues when...

Stepping on a pressure plate,  Vladis is struck by a 15' necrotic flame emitted by a  nearby statue! Vladis and his owl investigate and find four pressure plates.


Vladis 'Anyone have Thieves Tools?'


Nuno 'I know how to use them.'


Vladis 'You have Thieves Tools on you?'


Nuno '... uh no...'


Vladis 'Sighs.'


 Vladis opens the door bearing Moradin's sigil to see room of forges operated by skeletons.

  x's are pressure plates and the figures around forges are dwarf skeletons. Fire snakes hiding out in corners.


Vladis sends owl into room. Hovering over forge through his owl's eyes, Vladis sees within forges hammers being manufactured. His familiar flies back. After discussion, we decide someone should enter the room. Dancer elects to do so. Striker casts Protection from evil on Dancer. Dancer, in turn, hands Striker her pet squirrel for safe-keeping. Grog stand behind her in case the skeletons attack, while the owl hovers over her head.

Entering the room, Dancer casts Thornwhip. Hitting a skeleton, she brings it toward her. Then Dancer steps aside so others may enter. Grog gleefully enters the room and readies to attack whichever skeleton attacks them. Striker fire bolts the thorn-whipped skeleton, crumpling it to dust. Two skeletons converge on both Dancer and Grog. They miss with their attacks. The readied Grog crits and destroys one!

Vladis enters room, hexes, and Eldritch Blasts a fire snake. Owl aids Grog. Snakes converge on Dancer & Grog. Dancer is crit! Grog is hit by tail. Nuno enters room between Grog and Dancer only to miss the fire snake with every strike except a kick
.

Dancer smacks with staff, casts Spiritual weapon, and hits the fire snake with it. Grog aided by the owl hits the snake with his magical great ax. Striker using his  wand of war mage destroys skeleton with a Fire Bolt.


Remaining skeletons continue working their respective tasks at their respective forges. We remember we are to destroy all undead.


Vladis kills his hexed snake with Eldritch Blast, then Elritch blasts another. Steps back into the romm from which we came. Fire snakes miss Grog. Nuno engages fire snake hitting with his ninjato twice and missing with a kick. Grog kills it then swings into another. Striker reacues doorway. Snake fails Wis Save and dies from his Toll the Dead spell.  Dancer  pops out! (The player had to bow out)


 The other skeletons continue working their forges. Vladis examines forge but is clueless. The dull Nuno does so with a 19 Int roll and deduces they are hammers for hitting chimes. Striker declares the dwarf skeletons should die again. Grog  'Are you sure?'






Grog approaches a forge attracting attention from two. They only land one blow upon him. Striker tolls the dead one of the skeletons destroying it. Remaining skeleton engages Grog and misses. Vladis hexed a far skeleton while his owl aids him. Then hits it with an Eldritch Blast destroying it. Nuno engages the skeleton on Grog, stabbing and then critting with a kick inflirting 14 damage! Gone. Grog moves down toward a far skeleton and destroys it. Moves back to Nuno and hurls a hand ax hitting a skeleton on opposite end.

Striker toll till the dead the hand axed skeleton. It saves. Vladis hexes nearest skeleton then destroys it with an Eldritch Blast. Nuno engages the left skeleton and glances it with ninjato. Grog kills it with great ax then hurls hand ax at the remaining skeleton. Hitting it. Striker fire bolts the skeleton destroying it.


Afterwards, Striker discerns corruption caused the muck.


To Be Continued...


That's it for my 12 Blog Posts of December!


Next time.

12 Blog Posts of December Day 11 - Status of 2018 Goals and Goals for 2019

Tomorrow, Will be the obligatory rundown of all 12 Blog Posts of December. Unlike last year's December 31st post, I won't be doing a Year In Review/New Year's Resolutions entry. More than later. Instead, I am doing that today.


So how'd I do my goals for 2018:


Read more: This one was more of a traditional New Year's Resolution as I started out strong, but finished weak. Unless you don't count topics I wouldn't cover on my blog, then I actually did read more.


GoComics & Comics Kingdom/ read more comics strips: I did indeed buy a Royal subscription to Comics Kingdom. Regarding GoComics/Comics Kingdom, this is another example where I started out strong; but eventually I wouldn't say read hordes of comic strips from both sources daily. Granted, during December I did start reading the Amazing Spider-Man newspaper strip regularly again. Kind of hard not to if you're checking for Stan Lee's credit. However, I did read more comic strips. A LOT more comic strips. Joined a comic strips Facebook strip; and read all sorts of comics strips especially holiday/seasonal such as July 4th and Christmas. Discovered old gems like Captain Easy too.


Watch Royal Rumble & WrestleMania: While I didn't watch the former, I did watch the latter. Next year, I will probably view the Royal Rumble.


Britbox account - Nope. As much as I desire to scratch my Classic Dr, Who itch, I never did sign up for a Britbox account. Frankly, I've discovered I have a limit regarding streaming services and Britbox simply might be one too many. If it happens during 2019, it happens.


Learn how to include pictures of covers within my blog posts - Yep, I did teach myself how to insert photos into my blog posts. Heck, some of my blog posts are basically, 'hey, look at my photos!'


Goals for 2019


I've actually already started on some of these:


Reduce the number of comic titles I purchase:


 Between all the new Marvel publishing initiatives and DC Rebirth, I added WAY more comic titles than I could ever keep up. Because comics are ordered two months out, I've already cut some titles. My plan is to cut even more comic titles from pull list once I...


Read and Review more comics


 I say this every year it seems. However, 2018 demonstrated I need to actually do it to...


Reduce my collection


I've acquired quite the collection. Unfortunately, I've reached the age where I realize I can't keep everything anymore. Plus, much of it bulk..


Watch more wrestling - Do have a WWE Network account...


Actually write my game session reports and insert whatever pictures I took with them


Been taking notes for quite some time. It's about time I start blogging them. In fact, my goal is to start now. Plus, due to the miracle of technology, I have started taking pictures when applicable!


One more day...


Next time.

12 Blog Posts of December Day 10 WEG Star Wars 30th Unboxing

Not writing a clunky version of the 12 gifts of Christmas this time. Suffice it to say, today is the tenth day and after blogging seven days consecutively, I am not doing a '12 Blog Posts of December' next year if I need to blog nine days straight in order to blog 12 times!


2018 marks a milestone in the table-top role-playing games. It's a milestone in Star Wars circles too. Why? This is year is the 30th Anniversary of West End Games Star Wars the Role-Playing Game. In the process, much of what would become known as the Star Wars Expanded Universe had its genesis with this project. In many ways, the WEG SWRPG was the Star Wars bible as it compiled and defined aspects of Star Wars lore that hadn't been defined before. If I recall correctly, Timothy Zahn was given Star Wars RPG books while researching his now famous Thrawn Trilogy.


I have fond memories sitting in a now-defunct book store flipping through the pages of the orginal, i.e. 1st edition, Star Wars RPG Main Book and Source Book. Since the Star Wars Expanded Universe was in its infancy, Dark Force Rising hadn't yet hit stands, the Star Wars fan was excited to hold these tomes of Star Wars lore. More importantly, I had just started playing Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition regularly. As new gamer, I was excited at the prospect of playing the Star Wars equivalent of Dungeons & Dragons! Just didn't have the money to buy them...


However, as fate would have it, the Second Edition came out as my birthday neared. I was struck by the newness  and glossiness of the book as well as the screenshot of Darth Vader upon the cover. Remember, how I said I was playing AD&D 2E? Well, clearly a second edition is better than a first edition, right? Unlike the defunct book store, this particularly copy I found at my local comic book store. You can kind of guess how this story ends, right?


Still, some part of me always wondered what if I had acquired copies of those two first edition WEG books. Eventually, time eroded my edition snobbery. Playing a revised 2nd ed WEG Star Wars and two or three different versions of Star Wars RPG published by WotC helped too.


Then, I discovered Fantasy Flight Games was releasing a slipcase replica of those two original books. I was excited. A must buy! While browsing through my FLGCS and seeing they had a couple copies, the 30th anniversary edition was on my radar. When only one copy remained, I pounced!


It, uh, sat shrink-wrapped until day... The thought struck me, why not do an 'unboxing via pictures' on my blog as part of my 12 Blog Posts of December! After all, this is the season for unwrapping! Today just so happened to be the day







Here it is shrink-wrapped:

Oh look, the outer layer was just packaging or a dust cover!

Front side of slipcase:

Back side of slipcase:

Really like how they reproduced the cover here!



Front covers from both replicas of the core book and the sourcebook.

Back covers. Pretty confident the '40' wasn't located in the upper-right corner...

Okay, the 40 years is a shout out to forty years of Star Wars: A New Hope.

Hmm, Fantasy Flight Games didn't exist back then!

Yep, a cheap plug for the newest iteration of Star Wars Table-Top Role-Playing Games produced by Fantasy Flight Games.

FFG's insert with the main book:

A Dedication along with all the usual business info on the left and a Foreword explain the project on the right.

I will admit I bought this for nostalgia's sake; and the aesthetics of a slipcase sitting in a bookcase. So maybe someday, I will review the first two books of WEGs SWRPG. A review, what, 30 years after the books were published? I mean why not. Even if it is another 30 years...

Got two more days of blogging to go!

Next time.

12 Blog Posts of December Day 9 - Stan Lee and the Amazing Spider-Man Newspaper Strip

During my 12 Blog Posts of December I gave to thee: Loki as model in D&D 5E, Haste can be a bummer, a Midwinter mood, Star Wars radio dramas, stats for Awgwas, reminiscing about Mickey's Christmas Carol, an Elf class adaptation, and a tribute to Steve Ditko.


Yeah, doesn't flow right without numbers...


Yesterday, I paid tribute to one of Spider-Man's creators who passed away during 2018. Tonight, I am paying tribute to other creator who passed away during 2018.


Really, don't think Stan 'The Man' Lee requires much of an introduction. Stan Lee is pretty much responsible for the Marvel Universe we know today. He not only make comics larger-than-life; but we all became a little more familiar with the Marvel Bullpen each week. His Stan's Soapbox connected Marvel fans to the Marvel community beyond the comics in a day before the Internet.


Today is his birthday.


Many are excited there remains unseen cameos in upcoming Marvel movies. Maybe a small handful?


What many don't realize is Stan Lee still has unpublished work that awaits publication.


One unpublished work I am familiar with is his work on the Amazing Spider-Man Newspaper Strip distributed in newspapers via King Features and published online on Comics Kingdom.


That's right. For a limited time, there remains future Spider-Man comic strips written by Stan Lee published seven days a week. Current storyline involves Luke Cage and Purple Man.


How can that be? Well, Stan wrote in the Marvel style where the writer would submit a plot to the artist, who in turn would draw what the artist envisioned, and then Stan would write the script based on the story within the art. Lee was notorious for simple plots such as: Purple Man takes over Luke Cage and then mind controls Spider-Man.


In that fashion, who knows how many strips authored by Stan Lee await? Sure, there's the question of dialogue. However, the dialogue is much, much simpler than what it was back in 1998. (The archives go back to late 98. You do need to be member to access them.) For all, I know Saviuk, his brother Larry Lieber, or an editor could be scripting the comic strip. Either that, or Stan did provide scripts well in advance. They certainly have his corny approach to dialogue!


So want to read some new Stan Lee? Well, the Amazing Spider-Man newspaper strip is place! Psst... Purple Man just told Luke Cage he switched control to the now hapless (and paralyzed) Spidey!


Only question remains is how long will Stan Lee be credited; and if not, will there be an Amazing Spider-Man newspaper strip.


Only three more days to go!


Next time.

12 Blog Posts of December Day 8: My Tribute to Steve Ditko

On the first day of my 12 Blog Posts of December I gave to thee my excitement over being City Watch. On the second day of my 12 Blog Posts of December I gave to thee, the joy of the mending cantrip. On the third day, I gave to thee my satisfaction being able to cast Darkvision! On the fourth day I gave to thee, a non-seasonal X-mas compilation. On the fifth day, I gave to thee a Christmas Eve full of Baum! On the sixth day, I gave to thee a shoutout to Mickey Mouse's 90th Anniversary! On the Seventh Day of my 12 Blog Posts of December, I gave to thee my adaptation of Elf class in D&D 5E!


That little opening is about as seasonal as I'm getting tonight.


When I declared I would do my 12 Blog Posts of December, I announced it wouldn't all Christmas posts. Among them would be end-of-the-year type posts. The type of posts that lose meaning if posted next year.


For instance, 2018 is year both of Spider-Man's creators passed away.


Sorry, Jack Kirby advocates I don't consider the 'King' a full on creator of Spider-Man. What can I say old habits die hard. I will allow the Kirby may very well have created the initial design for Spider-Man, which is very, very close to Ditko's. However, the soul of Spider-Man. What made him a pop cultural phenomenon was designed by Steve Ditko.


Disclaimer: no pictures will be included so sorry no examples of Steve Ditko art,


Yes, both Stan Lee and Steve Ditko passed away during the year 2018. The creators who were the genesis of the pop cultural juggernaut that was Spider-Man departed mortal coils this year. They also created a little known Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Strange, Perhaps you heard of them.


However, tonight is my tribute to Steve Ditko.


I can blog about Lee in a number of ways.


Really can't with Ditko. A shame really.


I've read the thirty-eight issues of Amazing Spider-Man he co-created. Only read a couple issues of Doctor Strange with Ditko as a creator although I got the impression the Master of the Mystic Arts was more of a product of Ditko than Lee. Read a couple of Speedball stories by him. Did you know Steve Ditko created Speedball?


Steve Ditko also had a hand creating Squirrel Girl, Ted Kord Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, the Creeper, and the Question. Read comics featuring those characters post-Ditko. While I own collection of his Charlton Comics work (Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, and the Question), I have yet to peruse them.


Heck, there's a number of Steve Ditko's creation I only heard about after his passing. How many knew he was creating until his passing? Not this guy.


Only knew Steve Ditko was pushed out of the limelight.


Was it his Objectionist politics? Possibly.


Was it his intense desire for privacy? Possibly.


Was it his desire to let his work speak for itself? Probably.


Was it because his art style was too quirky for its time? A little more than probably.


When I was first exposed to Steve Ditko, I... didn't care for it. The art didn't match the John Romita-influenced art I was accustomed too. Just wasn't glamorous enough. Then I funny thing happened. Over the course of reading 38 issues of Amazing Spider-Man, I realized I had grown to love his art. What really drove the realization home? When I recognized his art in a Speedball story within the pages of an Amazing Spider-Man (we're talking early 90's here) Annual. Then I put two-and-two together and spotted his work on a Solo short within another Spider-Man annual. I didn't go 'hey this art sucks!' Ditko's art had become an art style I embraced.


By the time, I read Amazing Spider-Man 39 within a Marvel Masterwork, I wondered What if Ditko had stayed? A far cry from when I saw his art earlier.


Then there were the stories. Towards the end of his time on Amazing Spider-Man, Steve Ditko was credited as co-plotter. Meaning what you saw visually was created by Steve Ditko. The scene with Spider-Man trapped by debris? Steve Ditko imagined that. One of my favorite scenes in Spider-Man history was created by Steve Ditko.


I could go on; but a better way to appreciate Steve Ditko is by reading his comic book work. After all, he wanted to judged by his work alone.


Hope everyone is having a great season.


Only 4 more days to go!


Next time.

12 Blog Posts of December Day 7 - Adapting the Elf Class to 5E Is Simple

On the first day of my 12 Blog Posts of December... Egad's it's almost midnight by me! I've got to crank out my Day 7 post if I want to achieve twelve blog posts in December! No time for such a holiday related opening.


So what's my topic for Day 7?


Yesterday, I received a copy of D&D Rules Cyclopedia for Christmas.


Of late, the desire to play an Elf, as in the Elf class from BECMI, has been strong. While I do own a digital version, there's nothing quite like holding a physical book in one's hand. Weirdly enough conversion work is easier the physical work as opposed to reading it from a monitor or tablet. Believe there's been studies highlighting the phenomenon too. I'm not the only one!


By conversion, my intention is to emulate the BECMI Elf class in D&D 5E. Flipping through the pages of the Rules Cyclopedia I finally understand how to do it. Like a light bulb being lit!


First, forget everything you've gleaned from the AD&D 1E > AD&D 2E > D&D 3E > D&D 5E tree. Oh, both elf trees fit.


It's just that the BECMI Elf ISN'T a master of stealth. The Elf class isn't a junior ranger. Not by stats anyway. What the DM allowed the Elf PC to do was simply arbitrary. Note: I haven't read the skills section within the Rules Cyclopedia; however, I am sure the Stealth isn't a skill.


Second, select Fighter as class. The Elf class was primarily a fighting type with spell-casting. Ergo, Eldritch Knight will be the Martial Archetype.


Third, or maybe this should be second, select High Elf as the subrace. None of the other options fit the BECMI Elf more. However, the extra language does emulate three extra languages (other than elf) the Elf class knew. Select either orc, gnoll, or goblin.


Fourth, customize a background to acquire a couple more languages if you really want the three.


Fifth: The find secret doors ability can be reflected by having the Investigation skill. So select or customize a background to have said proficiency.


Voila!


A BECMI Elf emulated in D&D 5E.


Really was much, much simpler than I thought!


Happy Holidays!


Only 5 more blog posts to go.


Next time.

12 Blog Posts of December Day 6: Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Yule! Etc...


I'm going to keep this short and sweet, relatively. No on the first day of my 12 Blog Posts of December spiel today. It's Day 6 of my 12 Blog Posts of December AND it's Christmas Day. However, I am not blogging to proclaim Merry Christmas. That would be too easy...


First, recall yesterday's post on adapting the Life & Adventures of Santa Claus to D&D 5E stats? Yesterday, there was a link to suggestions on how to adapt Santa's foes the Angwas to D&D 5E stats. Well, today on En World (an http not an https site), the same author has posted suggestions for his allies. Here are the Immortals. I am not quite satisfied with recommendations on how to convert the Immortals to PC races. It's basically: take this PC race and perform a minor tweak. Really hope the Patreon goes into more detail than what's provided here for free. As NPCs, they're pretty much top-notch conversions. Suppose the Immortals may be too powerful to be PCs... Well, if the conversion is free anyway... However, the suggestions work in a pinch.


Second, I discovered the old D&D Rules Cyclopedia was available Print on Demand from DriveThru RPG. For those new to the hobby, the Rules Cyclopedia compiled the majority of the rules from the Basic, Expert, Companion, and Masters sets of Dungeons & Dragons. With rules for players and DMs along with maps and brief setting information, it is pretty much the closest to a complete game all-in-one book for Dungeons & Dragons that has ever come out.


I remember checking out this book from the library several times and marveling at the completeness of the book. Until I purchased the ebooks for Original Dungeons & Dragons (0E), it's the closest I had come to the EARLY days. When elf and dwarf were a class. Plus, it was my first exposure to Mystara outside of the Red Steel expansion for AD&D 2E. In addition, there were all sort of nifty rules that were new to me. Alas, there were pages torn out. Eventually, the library's copy disappeared. The book was Out of Print. When I purchased a digital copy, the hardcopy fetched collector prices so it would have to do.


Until now.


I was quite excited while unwrapping gifts to discover I now held in my hands my very own copy of the D&D Rules Cyclopedia! Holding the book in my hands, flipping through the pages, and skimming portions the book is as an exact match to my recollections. Plus, no missing pages! For instance, there's the charts from the Weapon Mastery table for each given weapon. Had no memory of those pages. Maps all intact. Book is quite readable too.


The PoD copy does seem larger than I remembered. Hardcover trim ends roughly a quarter of an inch over the trim of the interior pages. Cover looks lovely. Book feels nice to the touch. Know how some books you just want to hold in your hands? This printing of the Rules Cyclopedia matches the feeling. My only complaint is the binding may be fragile to heavy use. If I played BECMI regularly and it was traveling book, I would worry about pages falling out. Fortunately, I don't play BECMI regularly if at all. So the book's durability isn't a pressing concern. The binding does seem durable enough for pleasure reading. Besides, I do own a digital copy, which I could use as my traveling copy if need be.


Not quite sure if I'll provide a full review or review the book in stages.


Third, I read some classic newspaper strips of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates posted on a social media group. Must've missed some strips as I used Facebook's Save feature as I encountered gaps. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates matched my recollection of when I read the colored strips compiled in page form within the pages of a magazine years ago. Only one strip seemed to come out of nowhere. The Joe Kubert art was lovely. As for the Rudolph strip, it seemed like the strip either tried to find new uses for his nose or ways Rudolph could contribute without the use of his nose. There even was a helicopter?! Overall, a pleasant way to spend time on Christmas Day.


Lastly, 2018 marks Mickey Mouse's 90th Anniversary. While I picked up both a DVD celebrating Mickey Mouse and a book from Fantagraphics collecting his early comic strips colorized, I don't know if I'll blog about either them during the remainder of the year. Not to say, I won't spend any homage to Mickey during his 90th on this blog. Why? For the first time in over a decade, I watched Mickey Mouse's Christmas Carol! Fondly recall the rollout to the "movie's" debut all those years ago. There were plushes of the various Disney characters adapted to Dickens's characters available for a limited time. I got the Donald Duck, but I digress. Anyway, when I watched Mickey's Christmas Carol as a kid I absolutely loved it! In fact, it's how I primarily know the Christmas Carol story, which I haven't actually *ahem* read. Like many classic Disney shows featuring their IP, every time Mickey's Christmas Carol aired it was an event. Then I stopped seeing it.


So what better time than during Mickey's 90th then to pick up a copy on Blu ray? Furthermore, what better time than to watch it on Christmas Day? Mickey's Christmas Carol was about as good as when I saw it back as a wee little lad. Plus, after all these years, it felt like watching it for almost the first time! Didn't watch the extras nor the intermission though. Perhaps next Christmas season?


Once again, I hope everyone has a Happy Season!


Only 6 more days of my 12 Blog Posts of December!


Next time.