Goth of the Week

The lovely Wednesday Mourning modeling Kambriel's "Blood Countess coatdress".

Done

Just finished up the novel that I was writing for NaNoWriMo. It came in at 50,001 words, and had an actual ending. The setting was a science-fantasy one that I had originally developed as a sketch for a possible gaming setting. There is more fleshed out now! Among other things, I discovered the beginnings of the necromantic city-state of Mardras. The details of that city-state changed somewhat to accommodate the specifics of the Terra Ultima setting, but I can always change even those around to move Mardras to whatever setting I like.

Now, I am going to relax for a couple of days.

Goth of the Week

Cecilia Metelli. Those boots!

Dammit, Joe!

I was hoping to make it out of the year without supporting another gaming Kickstarter. Spears of the Dawn was supposed to be it, the last of them that I would support at least until the Car Wars Kickstarter kicks off next year. But nooooooooo. Along comes Joseph Bloch, of Greyhawk Grognard fame, with his Adventures Dark & Deep project. As he puts it:

"Adventures Dark and Deep™ is an attempt to explore what the world's most popular role-playing game might have looked like if its creator had been allowed to continue developing it, rather than leaving TSR in 1985.

This work is based on extensive research into Gary Gygax's public statements about his vision for the next edition of the game, using the game's 1st edition rules as a jumping off point. It's not a retro-clone, but an entirely new game with a very familiar feel."

Having seen Mr. Bloch's writings on the history of the hobby, I trust that he's done a fine job with figuring out what Gary might have wanted to do with a second edition of AD&D, and so I am looking forward to seeing this project and helping it to be as well-made as possible. The Kickstarter is just to get good art for it, as the game is going to be published regardless. The rules are already written and playtested, so it's just a matter of getting the thing to look pretty.

Anomalous Subsurface Environment

One of the best science fantasy megadungeons out there, Anomalous Subsurface Environment, has just had its second and third levels released. You might want to get it. If you don't have the first level yet, you should probably get that one too. I mean, demonic clowns, ray guns, dungeon elementals, what's not to like?

Anyway, I ordered my copy to go along with the first level, which I already have. It should be here in a week or two. There are PDF versions, if you're the sort of person who can stand that.

Goth of the Week

Sadly, I don't recall where I found this picture. If someone does know, please send me a message or leave a comment so that I can properly attribute it.

He Is The Wizard

I love this short music video, done for the new Looney Tunes Show. It's been around before, but I was just reminded of it. There are plenty of ideas for gamers in the story told, assuming an interest in the gonzo, and be sure to check out the oddly familiar castle at about 3:28.

Goth of the Week

The lovely VictorianKitty from the Sophistique Noir blog.

Quickly Checking In

Well, I'm doing well in the NaNoWriMo writing challenge, ahead of schedule in terms of the number of words I've written as opposed to the number I'd need to write in order to finish 50,000 words in 30 days.

I don't have a lot to say in regard to gaming lately, but that's because my attention is focused on the story. On the other hand, I'm taking my experience of dungeon crawling as an element of the story. It occurred to me as I was writing that the logistical segment of play is not only interesting but essential, and my characters have spent several days (both in the story and in terms of how long I've been writing this section) preparing for their expedition into the hidden temple that lies underneath the city.

I've also managed to throw in some philosophy, and it grew out of the story and characters, rather than being imposed on it and them.

Anyway, that's what I'm doing. Do you have any projects that are occupying your time this month?

Goth of the Week

It's hard to find good pictures of goth men, but there are a few out there. Of course I find this one right after I give up!