Monsieur Dulac. Edmund Dulac was born in France in 1882. Initially he studied law, but transitioned into art. He subsequently moved to England, eventually becoming a British citizen. For The Dreamer of Dreams. These big black horses are really a thing, aren't they? This one for Sinbad the Sailor. For Andersen's The Snow Queen. For … Continue reading Artist Retrospectives VIII – Edmund Dulac
Review: Cyberpunk Edgerunners
I will attempt to avoid spoilers. If you’re a fan of cyberpunk genre fiction you’re probably aware of the Cyberpunk role-playing game by Mike Pondsmith, first released back in 1988. You’re probably also aware of the related Cyberpunk 2077 video game released in 2020. The licensing keeps expanding, and this year marks the release of … Continue reading Review: Cyberpunk Edgerunners
Gamma World / Metamorphosis Alpha / Orphans of the Sky / Non-Stop
I expect many of you know of the Gamma World role-playing game by James Ward, set in Earth’s post-apocalyptic future world and filled with neon-colored fantastic mutants and humanoid animals with blasters and air cars and killer robots. Homicidal chickens, smart-alec giant badgers, and murderous six-foot-tall rabbits who can turn metal into rubber. It’s not … Continue reading Gamma World / Metamorphosis Alpha / Orphans of the Sky / Non-Stop
Alignment in Role-Playing Games
Lords of Chaos As I understand it, the concept of alignment that the original 1974 D&D (the first modern RPG) uses was inspired by the work of Michael Moorcock and Poul Anderson (both of whom you’ll find in Appendix N). In 1961 Moorcock published the first Elric story. Elric, as you know, was a champion … Continue reading Alignment in Role-Playing Games
Introducing Newbies to Gaming
I've read a few blog posts recently where the author is responding to a somewhat random list of gaming questions that's been making the rounds. I am not and have no desire to be a part of whatever group is behind the list of questions, but I thought it might be fun to use their … Continue reading Introducing Newbies to Gaming
Part Fifty-Two: 2016, Can’t Keep My Hands to Myself. A Historical Overview of Role-playing from the Trenches
It's the theme for this week's blog 2016 was more than a little tumultuous. And of course it's inevitable, but it seemed like we lost quite a few famous people in 2016. Most notably to this blog, astronaut John Glenn slipped from this world at the age of 95. Godspeed, John Glenn. In the world … Continue reading Part Fifty-Two: 2016, Can’t Keep My Hands to Myself. A Historical Overview of Role-playing from the Trenches
Review: Iron Sky, and The Coming Race
If you like pulp adventure, silly sci-fi and space Nazis, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re so sensitive that even lampooning Nazis offends you, just click on by. Back in 2012 some wild and crazy Finns produced a comedy film titled Iron Sky. The premise is simple; some Nazis escaped defeat at the … Continue reading Review: Iron Sky, and The Coming Race
On the Traveller Role-Playing Game’s Third Imperium Setting. Too Hot, Too Cold, or Just Right?
I dunno about you, but I see plenty of empty space I've read posts from three different bloggers recently, and along with my own recent re-reading of classic Science Fiction (Poul Anderson, I’m looking at you) I’ve been prompted to respond with this post about the Traveller RPG, mostly regarding the “Classic” edition as published … Continue reading On the Traveller Role-Playing Game’s Third Imperium Setting. Too Hot, Too Cold, or Just Right?
Traveller and Poul Anderson – A Review of a Future History, and Its Influence on the Classic Traveller Role-playing Game
I’ve been reading a lot of fiction by Poul Anderson recently. The multi-award-winning Grand Master has always been a favorite of mine, but when it comes to reading I’m a grazer. I don’t normally set out to read everything that any one author has ever written. I just grab what looks interesting at the time, … Continue reading Traveller and Poul Anderson – A Review of a Future History, and Its Influence on the Classic Traveller Role-playing Game
Artist Retrospectives VII – Frank Papé
Today's spotlight. Book of Psalms, and would make a great D&D demon. Frank Papé, 1878-1972, was an English artist. He was an art school graduate who went on to success as an illustrator. An "Uncle Ray" illustration. Dr Seuss, right? His career began with illustrating books for children. Does this style remind you of anything? … Continue reading Artist Retrospectives VII – Frank Papé