tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59226950376130749682024-03-20T19:05:44.119-04:00Hawk's plateauBlack holes don't work like that!!!Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-15453435188365472142024-02-18T09:59:00.001-05:002024-02-18T10:01:02.076-05:00SCA-Pinata in Period <p style="text-align: center;"> Pinatas in period</p><p>Origin</p><p>The origin of the pinata is difficult to determine. Some theorize that it came from China because Marco Polo wrote about similar items he observed on his travels, people crafting figures of cows, oxen or buffaloes of straw or earth and decorating them with colored paper, filled them with seeds and hitting them with sticks. This was to celebrate the beginning of spring and the plating season. 1 This celebration was called Dachunniu.</p><p>However, we do have to take with a grain of salt as there are many myths to what Marco Polo broght back, such as pasta. In the paper “From the Dachunniu to the Piñata: Tracing the Alleged Chinese Origin of a Mexican Tradition” Yong Chen goes over the possible connections. 2</p><p>Another origin could be the Lenten almsgiving by the rulers of Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies. These alms were placed in simple cookware known as pignatta, an Italian word meaning “earthenware cooking pot”, and derived from the Latin word pinea, “pine cone” based on their shape. These pots would be broken open and the poor would receive their alms. Thus, the first Sunday of Lent became known as “Pignatta Sunday”.</p><p>The European piñata tradition was brought to Mexico in the 16th century by missionaries. The Aztec has a similTió de Nadalar tradition to celabrate the birth of the god Huītzilōpōchtli. Augustinian monks there modified European piñatas and created the Las Posadas tradition in 1585 to co-opt the celebration in efforts to convert the local populace.</p><p>Pinata-like Traditions</p><p>This is a list of traditions that are similar to the pinata, along with any holiday association and simple description. Further research is needed to see if there is any connection to the pinata.</p><p>Slå katten af tønden in Denmark-Christmas- in which a wooden barrel is struck to release candy.</p><p>Tió de Nadal in Catalonia-Chrismas-A log is hit to release candy.</p><p>Dahi Handi in Maharashtra India-Krishna Janmashtami-Clay pots filled with buttermilk, money or treats are hung in public squares or on streets at a height implicitly challenging youngsters to break them </p><p>Uri adithal-Southern India- Pot breaking with blindfold</p><p>Suikawari-Japan- splitting a watermelon with a stick while blindfolded</p><p>hampas-palayok or pukpok-palayok – Philippines - played during Filipino fiestas and traditional parties (e.g., birthdays), in which a clay pot filled with treats and/or prizes is used. </p><p>đập nêu (pot-hitting) Vietnamese.</p><p>Sources</p><p>https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/47OO0LcyEs3</p><p class="sdfootnote">https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40647-017-0179-6</p><p class="sdfootnote">https://ucatholic.com/blog/how-the-first-sunday-of-lent-inspired-the-pinata/</p><p>https://lateenz.com/a-smashing-success-the-surprising-origins-and-history-of-the-pinata/</p>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-52158295856940196212023-02-18T13:05:00.002-05:002023-02-18T13:09:30.855-05:00Avatar : Legends, my thoughts after a few sessions<p>I Kickstarted this project after it appeared on line and here are some of my thoughts. Note that this isn't a review, but just my experiences running this for the Friday night gaming group I'm in and moving from D&D 5E to this.</p><p>I did explain before starting that this isn't like D&D. Playbooks aren't character classes but more of how you PC looks at and interacts with the world. You play out what you want to do, not just say it.</p><p>Before I started session one, I shared all of the books, playbooks, and associated pdfs with my players, hoping they would read them. Alas, when I got to the table most hadn't. For some it was the format, for others it was the overwhelming number of things I sent.</p><p>Then on to session one, as many didn't get through the rules there was a misunderstanding of how the campaign and the choices they had to make. This lead to confusion and detachment from the game as I as GM made choices that the players should of. Next time I will give them the quick start rules, giving a lot less material to go over. </p><p>When I came to the choosing and customizing playbooks, everyone had a good time and felt connected with their PCs. This I liked but question section had one drawback that came out later, what happens when a player quits. This happed between session 1 and 2, leading to detachment from the group and the guardian to pick a new ward. This is a my table problem, not something that the rules can nor should account for.</p><p>The balance track and combat exchanges are confusing at first, but after a few sessions it made sense. The combat cards, sold separately from the main book, really are a help. Id recommend picking them up if you're running the game.</p><p>All in all, its a good RPG with a few quirks. I'd run it again in a heart beat.</p><p>Some suggestions for the Magpie Games, put the balance and fatigue tracks on the side of the playbooks. That way players can slide paper clips up and down, much like the bullet and wound tracking in Classic Deadlands.</p><p>Here's a link to the publisher's page on the game</p><p>https://magpiegames.com/pages/avatarrpg</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-68197668832282149932022-08-07T16:37:00.002-04:002022-08-07T16:37:57.141-04:00Online RPG resources <p>Making a list for myself of what tools I use when I GM.</p><p>VTT</p><p>Owlbear Rodeo at https://www.owlbear.rodeo/</p><p><br /></p><p>Maps</p><p>Dyson’s Dodecahedron at https://dysonlogos.blog/</p><p>Wizard of Jersey at https:ko-fi.com/wizardofjersey</p><p>Other</p><p>https://donjon.bin.sh/</p><p>https://watabou.itch.io/</p><p>https://5e.tools/</p><p>https://www.dndbeyond.com/</p><p>https://www.kassoon.com/</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-14344034932142693742022-03-07T17:58:00.003-05:002022-03-07T17:58:52.091-05:00Critical Role<p> In February, I started watching Critical Role season 1 hoping to up my DM game a bit and steal some ideas. I've come to some realizations.</p><p>1. I'm not half bad at being a DM and every game I've played in was fled well.</p><p>2. I'm no Matt Mercer and I don't want to be him. I have my own styles and I like it.</p><p>3. Planning and combat just takes that long. I shouldn't rush my players.</p><p>4. I can up my descriptions and voices a bit.</p><p>Maybe I'll post more on this latet.</p>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-1387560738699075162022-01-30T19:30:00.001-05:002022-01-30T19:30:18.217-05:00D&D Homebrew World Lore-Orcs<p>What if I were told you everything you knew about orcs was wrong?</p><p>Sit and listen to my tale...</p><p>Far removed from the nomadic raiders that the bards tell of, exists the city state of Ag Mushnudh. During the Age of Rebirth the Gnomish god Garl Glittlergold made a wager with Gruumsh, the orc god of conquest, survival, strength, and territory, that he could steal a tribe of his worshipers from him.</p><p>The proud god accepted and told Garl he had a year, Garl smiled and said "I don't need a year, as I already have them." With a snap of Garl's fingers the god were transported to s secluded valley filled with gnomes and orcs, There was laughing and singing but not from the gnomes.</p><p>"My people has taught them farming and irrigation. The bounty of the land has softened their need for conquest. No longer raiding as their hunger was no concern, they have turned to music, art and emotion."</p><p>The orc god vowed revenge but that is tale another for a time</p><p><br /></p><p>Orcs in my world are ruled by their emotions. In the savage tribes they follow anger and envy but ones raised in other civilizations feel a tempest of strong emotions. The don't have a crush on a sweetheart but a torrent of passion, they don't get irritated but go into a white hot incandescent rage and the saying "Even an orc would not know my grief" speaks for its self.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-4480546992268974172022-01-16T12:09:00.007-05:002022-01-16T12:09:42.537-05:00DMing D&D<p> This are some notes about the Friday night game that is on hiatus.</p><p><br /></p><p>Dangling story hooks</p><p>1. The goblins being paid in electrum pieces. The agent that hired the goblins paid for their service in a strange coinage of electrum. No one has ever seen this minting nor currently used electrum coins.</p><p>2. The Shattered Crown of Fallen Kingdom of Elgad. When put thogeter and placed on some one's head all the "Stones of the Crown" will call out the name of the wearer and proclaiming them as the one true king. They found two of the three pieces but the agent that hired the goblins is looking for the pieces as well.</p><p>3. As a reward the party received a deed from MacCeardadh trading company for a townhouse.</p>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-4388485237864398402022-01-01T18:11:00.000-05:002022-01-01T18:11:03.903-05:00From the depths of Lj-Aug. 19th, 2009<p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Since someone's blog keeps mentioning Zombies, I have decided to generate a campaign idea around it.</span></span></span></p><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Paris, France-1890 A.D.</span><div><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Three months ago the gates of the city were shut to stop the Grey Death spreading to the rest of Europe. Observation towers were built outside to make sure none of the infected escaped. A week ago, a light appeared at the Eiffel Tower. The light signaled in Morse Code, "We have the cure. Extraction needed." Since then no signal has appeared. Your patron wants you to go and find who signaled and retrieve the cure. He will provide an airship that can dock at the Tower and will retrieve you when you signal.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">So there you have it. Zombies, zeppelins, steampunk and the City of Lights. <strike>Feel free to use it if you want, I currently don't have the time to develop it.</strike></span></div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-5713165598975753742022-01-01T18:08:00.004-05:002022-01-01T18:08:46.684-05:00From the depths of Lj-Apr. 30th, 2009<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">I have the perfect idea "Teddy Roosevelt, Hunter of the Unnatural". The fictionalised story of T.R.'s life using real events and having him defend humanity from the paranormal and unatural. Example: Leading the rough riders in battle against a pack of chupacabra or stalking the misty streets of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood hunting vampires.</span></p><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Pity, I can't draw to save my life.</span>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-24415399480530452862022-01-01T18:00:00.002-05:002022-01-01T18:00:20.222-05:00From the depths of LJ-Nov. 7th, 2005<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">This weekend was fun. I went down to Maryland to be the besy man in a buddy's wedding. It seemed like all of the SCA household that I'm in was there, along with many other people that I haven't seen in years.</span></p><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">I must say that being the best man is a strange experience. But I can't put my finger on why.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Here's the toast that I gave. It isn't 100% original but I thought it was good.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br />Before beginning, I'd like to offer my sincerest gratitude to J and M for allowing me to be part of this special occasion. Also, I would like to say thank you to Mr. L for all that you've done to make this the special day that it is. And, of course, my gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. L for all of your support and all that you've done to make this, by all accounts, the perfect day.<br /><br />In our lifetimes, we are gifted a small number of truly "landmark moments". They start small enough, say, riding a two-wheeler bicycle or throwing your graduation cap high into the air.<br /><br />They grow in power and significance; some of you have seen the moment when a doctor tells you, "it's a girl," or, "it's a boy," and then hands you that perfect little life that you created. And it must be a perfect moment when you look into the eyes of the most loving, caring, giving, individual that you've ever known and realize you've found true love.<br /><br />A moment like this and the commitment which follows should be celebrated to its fullest. And so, I contend to all present that it is our duty to ensure that this moment in the lives of J and M does not pass unrecognized.<br />And in celebrating their happiness we might just make this one of the landmark moments of our own lives.<br /><br />Here's to J and L, a life of years, free of tears, bottoms up and lots of luck.</div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-79932054653976566802022-01-01T17:57:00.001-05:002022-01-01T17:57:15.578-05:00From the depth of LiveJournal- Jun. 22nd, 2005<p>Moving some stuff over for my old Lj account, but just the quality stuff. </p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Does this make me geek or a famious game designer?</span></p><a href="http://www.sjgames.com/sjgames/in-nomine/articles/new/Gallery/demons/nelson.wedgies.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">http://www.sjgames.com/sjgames/in-nomine/articles/new/Gallery/demons/nelson.wedgies.html</a>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-56250950129722176882020-07-11T20:46:00.001-04:002020-07-11T20:46:39.976-04:00The Eight of Clubs -The BoxcarI went into the office this week and will be going in next week as well. I don't really understand why. I can do my job from my desk at home and most of the building is closed. I'm not going to argue though, I have a job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW52q_OBntmD_FUskF5n3A6o3KvBsN0RvyBw0fY0OyLE1AaU0hKMVIWgmqG6Nrte-91kX8i6LC9dvigY1AUIDJj86qMr_0cfsnV5_BYq8wbg1WghHpYEq2T7CRWS2kw3uZVcxz72KXMY8/s1600/KIMG0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW52q_OBntmD_FUskF5n3A6o3KvBsN0RvyBw0fY0OyLE1AaU0hKMVIWgmqG6Nrte-91kX8i6LC9dvigY1AUIDJj86qMr_0cfsnV5_BYq8wbg1WghHpYEq2T7CRWS2kw3uZVcxz72KXMY8/s320/KIMG0126.JPG" width="180" /></a>The Boxcar<br />
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This recipe calls for 2 oz of Gin, 1/2 oz of orange liqueur, 1/2 oz lime juice and an egg white. Shake with cracked ice and serve in a cocktail glass rimmed with sugar.<br />
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I'm beginning the think the guy wrote these drink recipes never tried them. The shaking makes the drink much too cold and dulls the taste of the ingredients. After it warmed up to was more favorable but I couldn't taste much flavor. I might also need to upgrade my ingredients from bottom self to mid level at least.<br />
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Next time- The Boomerang. <br />
(It has nothing to do with New Jersey)<br />
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<br />Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-32102651434681032020-06-14T17:58:00.003-04:002020-06-14T17:58:50.571-04:00The Seven of Hearts or Gin Ricky <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTs2IgvmWZKge04px8f3nQhRGsVitIKeBiBHPPBVPmAqQAs3_l5-7lO7X3-Gu7OhBF-pzEd9X3FxQCq2Vpd5icrgpRnV8pLUX7nnWBS7fkz9Wjhv2sF-FxIm0avgfqBOVNwnUFdMUlZQ/s1600/KIMG0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTs2IgvmWZKge04px8f3nQhRGsVitIKeBiBHPPBVPmAqQAs3_l5-7lO7X3-Gu7OhBF-pzEd9X3FxQCq2Vpd5icrgpRnV8pLUX7nnWBS7fkz9Wjhv2sF-FxIm0avgfqBOVNwnUFdMUlZQ/s200/KIMG0120.JPG" width="112" /></a>The drink for today was the Gin Ricky. </div>
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1 1/4 oz of Gin</div>
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1/4 oz of Lime Juice</div>
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Club Soda</div>
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Pour the Gin and Lime over ice in a highball glass and fill with club soda. It's ok. The gin and lime are very diluted, making the flavor much more subtle then I want in a cocktail. Maybe I need an actual highball glass for measurement or a Gin with a bolder flavor.</div>
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I don't know if I try it again.</div>
Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-22375981373884639012020-06-03T20:06:00.002-04:002020-06-03T20:06:44.634-04:00The Six of Hearts-The Dry Martini<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJOjxK3oWi6BDmuh1EJ_nxL20TqQAK8Oldo_zoZma0RIdoxT4GOioR2OjAkeeit6MRBICClh2XFVet8aTz8ElWds3-FdtPvNVJ4CRMvlrttkYorkU-kgehRpRb7z2QiVQvfQYGTIa9Rw/s1600/KIMG0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJOjxK3oWi6BDmuh1EJ_nxL20TqQAK8Oldo_zoZma0RIdoxT4GOioR2OjAkeeit6MRBICClh2XFVet8aTz8ElWds3-FdtPvNVJ4CRMvlrttkYorkU-kgehRpRb7z2QiVQvfQYGTIa9Rw/s320/KIMG0117.JPG" width="180" /></a>The Dry Martini, the classic drink. Simple and elegant yet misunderstood.<br />
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The original was the Martinez cocktail from 1887 that evolved in to the three note drink of today. I prefer them bone dry, that is little to no vermouth, and stirred because if its too cold you don't get the full favor.<br />
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But today I used the recipe on the card. 1 1/3 oz of gin and 1/3 oz of vermouth. Shaken and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. It's not my thing, the vermouth overwhelms the gin and I am not able to make a lemon twist. I'll finish it but I won't use these ratios for my next cocktail<br />
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Variations: To make a sweet martini substitute sweet vermouth for the dry To make a vodka martini substitute vodka for the gin. To make a Gibson substitute a cocktail onion for the olive<br />
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Oh and while we're on the subject of martinis, just because its served in a cocktail glass does not mean its a martini or -tini. You're drinking a cocktail be it apple, ginger, or mint chocolates. There are not in anyway related to the martini.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-46105988293496713912020-05-31T19:06:00.002-04:002020-05-31T19:08:06.899-04:00Cocktail Project-5 of Hearts, New Orleans BuckThe last week has rocked the US with strife. Protests across the nation, some turning into riots and looting. As a white male, I will never fully understand what African Americans are going through.<br />
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Black lives matter. Don't let anyone dilute this with all lives matter, or anything like that.<br />
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I can understand is their anger and thirst for justice. Most of the protests are peaceful but some valid reports of agitators disturb me. I pray for everyone to stay safe, and for a peace and justice to come out of this. <br />
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Enough about that, on the the cocktail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs4BOM8LcbSJyN_1nnhHXv6nR3WFK1C54IcxV15ZHcpqgRFKpdsTZklbLPm6dVGsRkGFTeDvDjlJ1yPGrksr4Rw4EdqWpr-fAhvzQ2TdojZgs3jm92NHlXNwUN98jMZOwBXVD0WtK-so/s1600/KIMG0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs4BOM8LcbSJyN_1nnhHXv6nR3WFK1C54IcxV15ZHcpqgRFKpdsTZklbLPm6dVGsRkGFTeDvDjlJ1yPGrksr4Rw4EdqWpr-fAhvzQ2TdojZgs3jm92NHlXNwUN98jMZOwBXVD0WtK-so/s200/KIMG0115.JPG" width="112" /></a>5 of Hearts- New Orleans Buck<br />
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A buck is the same family as the trendy Moscow Mule. This one is made with light rum, orange juice, lime juice and bitters. It's shaken and served over ice and mixed with ginger ale.<br />
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This is a good looking and tasty drink. My only criticism is I would like more of a ginger flavor. I can easily correct that with another brand of ginger ale. I will drink this again.<br />
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The exact recipe that I used is available by request.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-4996819231263907372020-05-29T18:22:00.001-04:002020-05-29T18:22:17.130-04:00The 4 of hearts: the Jockey club cocktail and the coming of TROGDOR!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Wpb7hdFNbcwIxWFHxSEEh0i4Lsqqd16DAFXzyU4ZtTmkgNtQiE0YBP_ovZU2FLE8JO-3P7NML9_XdHF1VkOvR41TE_F3anKSdyKizOFB0gLzyMb1OVtYWqaEF5LhrTakxFFlh0sg1zk/s1600/KIMG0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Wpb7hdFNbcwIxWFHxSEEh0i4Lsqqd16DAFXzyU4ZtTmkgNtQiE0YBP_ovZU2FLE8JO-3P7NML9_XdHF1VkOvR41TE_F3anKSdyKizOFB0gLzyMb1OVtYWqaEF5LhrTakxFFlh0sg1zk/s200/KIMG0111.JPG" width="112" /></a>This week has been interesting, I've had a recruiter call me and I have to go into work on Monday. Like physically into an office...how bizarre.<br />
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I'm waiting for the recruiter to call me back but I'm also not holding my breath. It's another call center job oh, this time in Jersey but with higher pay. It has something to do with mortgages, so my work at the Title Agency is a plus. <br />
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(BTW- Shout out to the folks at <a href="http://stanj.net/">Sterling Title Agency</a> They are good folks that will do you right.)<br />
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Yesterday, I was left a voice mail by my manager asking for a call back. In this economy this worried me. She advised me that the email group had to be in the office. I haven't been there since the third week in March. I need to get conformable wearing a mask for hours. I'm making that into a weekend chore.<br />
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Today's cocktail is the Jockey Club<br />
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Made with gin, triple sec, bitters, lemon juice and amaretto. This version is shaken and served with an old fashioned glass with cracked ice. <br />
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It tasted, how should I put it? It tastes dated, like something old timey but not retro. Maybe i'll try it again at a bar but I won't make it again,<br />
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As for the origins, I'm guessing that this one is either English or French. Both have Jockey Clubs but the French one is also a club for gentlemen. If I was to bet on it, I'd bet for France<br />
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You read all of that for Trogdor, didn't you? Well, I am now the proud owner of <a href="https://trogdorboardgame.homestarrunner.com/">Trogdor the Boardgame.</a> Yes, Trogdor comes in the mail! (Really it was FedEx but that doesn't matter)<br />
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<br />Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-71847266175920037602020-05-24T19:18:00.000-04:002020-05-24T19:18:43.143-04:00Two of Hearts-Blackeye Martini<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3JpO8J4DKTjmya7us5oa4PZdbzZGxrmELzSHEZJozsDcov8v7VqYtxSEDUANIWHDJiHpX_B9wJ0Lk1Dhx4eICwYP5l6mSaNb8TSJClli37zgRJFV_FT6XTh3AdkapUQGk1sZ2LtAhKQ/s1600/KIMG0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3JpO8J4DKTjmya7us5oa4PZdbzZGxrmELzSHEZJozsDcov8v7VqYtxSEDUANIWHDJiHpX_B9wJ0Lk1Dhx4eICwYP5l6mSaNb8TSJClli37zgRJFV_FT6XTh3AdkapUQGk1sZ2LtAhKQ/s200/KIMG0110.JPG" width="112" /></a>Things seem to be opening up here in the Delaware Valley region, with New Jersey permitting small gatherings and Bucks County set to go into the yellow phase of reopening. It gives me a little hope that we can start to return to some state of normal, but I am also aware of the possibility of a second wave of the virus hitting the US harder then before.<br />
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As I was cleaning my barware today, I noticed the water was not hot. Then, I went to look at the heater and found was on a 85 degree angle. So we called our HVAC company who declared it DOA. The bottom line, no hot water til Tuesday. Anyway, on to the drink!<br />
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Two of Hearts-Blackeye Martini<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BMjH7dH1cPs6RD1zkylwUGMM8l2fEB9d4zNVKj-kdfa8aT092bewkQ1L0rqp3P0yS-P2uxC73AsMKbtswty-qugUZE117YH3ZAx97XcowzB7PifJOHrSozFUF6gP4a0zcpBHDw8QVmk/s1600/KIMG0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BMjH7dH1cPs6RD1zkylwUGMM8l2fEB9d4zNVKj-kdfa8aT092bewkQ1L0rqp3P0yS-P2uxC73AsMKbtswty-qugUZE117YH3ZAx97XcowzB7PifJOHrSozFUF6gP4a0zcpBHDw8QVmk/s200/KIMG0109.JPG" width="112" /></a>Made with vodka, dry vermouth, and a black olive; stirred and served in a chilled glass. It's a Vodka Martini with a black olive. If that's your thing great, for me it was just meh.<br />
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I also don't understand why it was stirred. You stir a martini because if it gets too cold the gin looses flavor but a vodka martini doesn't have that problem. I also have a problem with drinks with a '-tini'<br />
suffix but I will save that for another post.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-71783357104762112422020-05-20T18:07:00.000-04:002020-05-20T18:07:01.180-04:00Cocktail Project - Three of Hearts- Planter's PunchAbout a month ago I found out how bad my company is. The CEO did an interview saying things are "Brutal" and out of 700 or so employees only 110 are left. I'm lucky to have a job and privileged to work from home.<br />
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That being said, I am looking for a new job. Its not just because of the layoffs. Before that we were furloughed one day every other week. I can take PTO time to fill in the gaps but that should be for me. But enough about that on to...<br />
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Today's drink, Planter's Punch. <br />
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It's a traditional drink dating back to 1878. This version has rum, orange juice, lemon juice, grenadine and sugar. Shaken with and served with fine ice. It's a bit more sour then sweet and tasty.<br />
I think if it was a warmer day it would be even better.<br />
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It would be even better I didn't have to make it three times. The first time my shaker fell into the sink. The second, I poured it into a glass that had water in it, diluting by about 1/3.<br />
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Oh, and I didn't forget about the two of hearts. I don't have one of the ingredients, so I'm keeping it up my sleeve until I get it.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-22096063000210359932020-05-17T16:59:00.000-04:002020-05-17T17:02:08.349-04:00Cocktail Project - Ace of Hearts- The AmsterdamI've been working from home for nearly 60 days. My standard pastimes of boardgames and RPGs<br />
are on mostly hiatus and the SCA events are canceled for the foreseeable future. I getting bored and irritated. More on the irritation for in another post. <br />
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I thought to myself that I should try doing the cocktails thing again. Unfortunately, the Boston Project was a bit too ambitious. Too many drinks, the combinations were for a late 50's pallet and many of the ingredients were expensive or hard to come by.<br />
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Lucky for me, I have a caring wife. In a trip to get provisions for our lockdown, she spotted <a href="https://playingcarddecks.com/products/cocktail-party-deck-bicycle-playing-cards-poker-size-uspcc-drinking-game-sealed">Cocktail Party Bicycle Playing Cards.</a> Modern recipes with easy to get ingredients, this I can do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmFRONCsr08ABvOeJRiU8hykJ8u2sRuHvchFXVKeQ1bazSdL6ZHXLqRDs_rtGtbrKscQ01PB4pWF2Z_Dw8pL8C9liyuvrsGsZPKUgMHqzQPL0aGluMZL8qg5XpfRow1Rrao2RZIT3vEA/s1600/KIMG0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmFRONCsr08ABvOeJRiU8hykJ8u2sRuHvchFXVKeQ1bazSdL6ZHXLqRDs_rtGtbrKscQ01PB4pWF2Z_Dw8pL8C9liyuvrsGsZPKUgMHqzQPL0aGluMZL8qg5XpfRow1Rrao2RZIT3vEA/s320/KIMG0105.JPG" width="180" /></a>Today's cocktail is the Amsterdam on the Ace of Hearts.<br />
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Made with gin, triple sec and orange juice. shaken over crushed ice but not strained and served in an Old Fashioned glass. At first sip, the flavors were a bit off putting but after the ice melted a bit I came to like it. I would drink it again.<br />
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Next up the Two of Hearts.<br />
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Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-9199638692029277592020-05-10T11:48:00.002-04:002023-04-29T13:10:52.322-04:00Campaign Document <div style="text-align: center;">
Tone of the Campaign </div>
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Heroic fantasy- That sweet spot between personal stories of Sword and Sorcery fiction and the world spanning adventures of Epic Fantasy<br />
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The World</div>
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The name of the planet is Televon. It has 8 major continents, our adventures take place on the continent of Orea, where kingdoms have risen and fallen for thousands of years.<br />
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There is one sun, Solan and one moon, Lunea.<br />
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Time Line</div>
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During what we know now as the Age of Rebirth, the noted historian Publius Junius Dacien codified the system that we use for history today. Ages have no set years, rather they evoke the major influences that happened. Times mark the end of Ages. The 4th Age ended when Emperor Maxen X sundered the runic sigils and brought about 100 years marked by fire, plague and famine.<br />
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The Age of Dreams</div>
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The Time of the Fall</div>
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The Age of the Ancients.</div>
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The Time of the Dawn War</div>
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The Age of Wyrms</div>
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The time of the Sons of Annam.</div>
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The 1st Age of Man, The Age of Glory</div>
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Time of Song</div>
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The 2nd Age of Man, The Age of Heroes</div>
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The Time of Testing</div>
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The 3rd Age of Man, The Age of Rebirth</div>
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The Time of Apotheosis</div>
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The 4th Age of Man, The Age of Turpitude</div>
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The Time of the Sundering</div>
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The 5th Age of Man, The present</div>
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The year is 1487 AS (After the Sundering.)</div>
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God and Deities</div>
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The Young Gods<br />
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Kniha-commonly called Tome, God of Knowledge<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Rueanna-Goddess of Harvest and Fertility. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Tal- God of the Sun<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Actia-Goddess of the Moon<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Grapthar,-God of Storms<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Izara-Goddess of War<br />
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Alea-Goddess of Protection and Mercy<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Lydian-commonly called Coin, God of Trade<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<br />
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Bodros-God of Magic<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Zehir,-God of Death and poison<br />
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Eton-God of the forge<br />
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Taxion-God of the grave<br />
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Druids worship nature itself and its personifications. <span style="text-align: center;">Demihumans, Humanoids, and Monsters worship their gods per the PHB. </span><br />
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Known Warlock Patrons</div>
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Manos, the Hand of the Fated</div>
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Vecna, the Whispered One, the Undying King, and the Lord of the Rotted Tower</div>
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The Enchantress of the Willow Tower</div>
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Asmodeus, Ruler of the Nine Hells</div>
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The Blackrazor, Eater of Souls</div>
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Ramiel, Outcast of Mt. Celestia</div>
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Factions.</div>
The Order of the Sundered Sigil- A loose assumption of of individuals that seek to maintain the balance of power by gathering information and intervening when necessary<br />
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The Wolves- An expansive alliance of trader and organized crime seeking to make profit.<br />
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The Imperial Council-The council of the lords of the Most Blessed Empire of Aelsthad. Seeking to maitin the empre while in a period of interregnum and vie to become next emperor<br />
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The Templars of Mt. Modignano - Named after the location of the Apotheosis, they seek to vanquish evil from the world by direct means.<br />
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Races</div>
Dwarves<br />
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Hill dwarves live in independent clan-holds, lead by chiefs There can be one or several clans in a hold<br />
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Mountian- All are ruled by the high king, Morgran Trueblood with Lairds owing him homage.<br />
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Elves<br />
High Elves are civilized and powerful living in city-states each with their own government. They are in a cold war with the Drow. The city of Sylel Shaeras hosts a dark elf embassy. It is believed by many that some residents have converted to her worship.<br />
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Dark eves are rare in the world. Most are some have emigrated to the surface, others have escaped and others are just spies. They are treated with supsiscion.<br />
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Wood Elves come from the wilds, the largest of these is Chandwell Forest on the border of Most Blessed Empire of Aelsthad and the former kingdom of Elgad the west.<br />
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Halflings<br />
Halflings are everywhere a demihuman population is. They don't have a home land, nor rulers.<br />
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Dragonborn<br />
Dragonborn appeared neat in the end of the Age of Reberth, some claiming to be worshipers of the dragon god Bahamut that were transformed by his power. After the time of Apotheosis, others claimed they came from another world that melded for a time with our own. Neither claim has been proven true but they still<br />
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Gnomes<br />
Gnomes have been hunted by kobolds to near extinction. They organize into groups of families keeping to themselves. <br />
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Tieflings<br />
Tieflings were created due to the infernal pacts that were not discouraged of the fourth age. It is a supries to many a human family when their child is born with a tail, red skin and small horns. However this is the exception, most are the children of other Tieflings or even trysts with a devil Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-30534202964408986662019-03-20T16:47:00.000-04:002019-03-20T16:47:02.231-04:00Deadlands - The Great Maze- Captains Personal Lo<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ships log of the maze runner Bella Morte</div>
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Reginald E. Poe - Captain</div>
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Lion's Roar.<br />
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In trying to find out who has decided to put Jonathan out of business, we have encountered one of the famous Earp clan Virgil, now acting as sheriff of the town. Hmmm....first Doc Holiday, now an Earp and our 'former' Pinkerton mentioned he's heard that the Clantons are around. Maybe later on I can ask him about the assailants that tried to attack us on the way back from the pool hall.<br />
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After returning to Vernia D's, I put a cold compress on Ms. <span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">Antonia's as she banged up noggin'. I hope it will help Mindy's attitude, but I doubt it. Is she worth the trouble of keeping around. </span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">Bart tried healing Mr. Charles but something went wrong, Bart hunched over like he got a belly wound. Bear in Moonlight used his hood-do to heal him but it took a lot out of him, No ritual tonight but I am feeling hale and hearty at present. Bart explained he lost a hand of cards to a demon. Must of been a skilled demon, the way that boy can play.</span><br />
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October 15th. Thursday-Lion's Roar.</div>
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Weather overcast-Winds light SSW</div>
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<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">In the morning, we checked with </span></span>Buford <span style="background-color: #f2f3f5;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">on how the repairs to the driveshaft and boiler. Almost done, good. we may have to leave quickly. Then </span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">we left for inquired with a Cajun </span><span style="color: #1c1e21;">captain</span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;"> about some exotic fare for Jonathan to serve, </span></span><span style="color: #1c1e21;">lobstrosites </span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">he called them, and arranged transport of the catch back to the restaurant. Bear snapped at Ms </span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;">Antonia during our negotiations, I am not alone in tiring of her company.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;">Back at </span></span>Vernia D's, I noticed a man who was wrapped in shadow. I think it was a 'hex' like Bart uses or the like, Ms. <span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21;">Antonia</span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"> gave her unasked for opinion that it was a </span>spirit<span style="color: #1c1e21;">. The man was a elderly tribesman, who said he was called Watcher or some such. He spoke in riddles. I explained he could stay, if he was a paying customer. </span></span><br />
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<br />Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-34499280056170504292018-09-27T09:47:00.000-04:002018-09-27T09:47:04.318-04:00Games and expansions: Part I. Board and Card Games Expansions in games have been crossing my mind as of late, including board and card games, DLC for video games, and supplements for RPGs. I feel each one of these should be talked about as their own topic.<br /><br /><b>Card games.</b><br /><br />I like to play a lot of card games. Normally they are fast and easy to learn, except in some cases when expansions are added in. Munchkin, I'm looking at you!<br /><br />The basic set of Munchkin has 168 cards, now add in 9.5 major expansions with 784 cards for a total of 952 cards. That number alone makes the game unwieldy, but then you add in the new rules that come for those expansions. This causes delays to look to rules up, which I don't find fun at all.<br /><br />Munchkin isn't the only game that has this problem. With some it's the number of cards and other its the expansion rules. <br /><br /><b>Board Games</b><br />The same complaint can be made with boardgames. Carcassonne, Catan, Arkham Horror just to name a few all have expansions. The same issues apply, more options and more rules add delays.<br /><br /><b>My Coda</b><br />My advice on expansions is before you purchase one and add it into your game night is, ask yourself "What does this add to my game?" and really think about it before you get it. If you are just getting the expansion because it looks cool but you never play the game, its a waste of your money,<br /><br /><br />Next time, DLCsMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-74739592016320677582018-09-18T12:12:00.001-04:002018-09-18T12:12:17.423-04:00Harry Potter GO or Harry Potter and the Battle of IngressI know some of you out there play the Naintic games and most of them know that there's a Harry Potter one coming out, Harry Potter:Wizards Unite. Here is what I know and what my some of my guesses<br /><br />First, we have the name, Harry Potter:Wizards Unite. The name tells us nothing other then the game is set in the Wizarding World. "But wait" I can hear you say, "doesn't that mean Harry is going to play a role in it?" Nope, because there is another game, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery set in Hogwarts in the years before Harry attends.<br /><br />We have a website, https://www.harrypotterwizardsunite.com/en/ and a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HPWizardsUnite/. The website tells us "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite uses state-of-the-art augmented reality technology to reveal the magic all around us. Explore real-world neighbourhoods and cities to discover mysterious artifacts, learn to cast spells, and encounter legendary beasts and iconic characters along the way!"<br /><br />The only other fact we know is, according to news reports, that it is coming soon. <br /><br /><br />Now for the speculation:<br /><br />1. The maps and important locations will be the same Ingress and Pokemon GO. I'm fairly certainof this. The Ingress maps were used for PkG, so its a pretty safe guess.<br /><br />2. There will be a faction system, but it won't be the Hogwarts Houses. There's too much fandom over the Houses. Maybe a group like the Order of the Phoenix or by the magical schools. <br /><br />3. There will be in-game resources and a currency system. Its in the other ones, HP:WU will too.<br /><br />4. The game is going to be released in conjunction with Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. I'm not sure about this one, but I'm sure the marketing team at Warner Brothers would want it at the same time as the movie.<br /><br />5. The other games communities jump ship, temporally . It happened to Ingress when PkG came out, the same will happen with this release.<div>
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So what are you thoughts and what would you like to see?<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-50573279633542185872018-01-28T17:41:00.000-05:002018-01-28T17:41:02.581-05:00SCA research project A, Part 2- What I know so faSo it make it easier to for me to find later, I'm putting my documentation here so I can find it later. <br />
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<b id="Gutenburg,_Johannes">"Gutenburg, Johannes</b> or <b>Henne</b>, also called <b>Gensfleisch</b>, claimed by the Germans to have been the inventor of the art of printing with movable types, born at Mainz; for some time lived in Strasburg as a polisher of precious stones, mirrors, &c.; he set up his first printing-press at Mainz about 1450 (1400-1468)" -<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nuttall_Encyclop%C3%A6dia" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="The Nuttall Encyclopædia">The Nuttall Encyclopædia</a></i>. 1907.</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Nuttall_Encyclop%C3%A6dia/G#Gutenburg,_Johannes</span></span></div>
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.<b>GUTENBERG, JOHANN</b> (<i>c.</i> 1398-1468), German printer, is supposed to have been born <i>c.</i> 1398-1399 at Mainz of well-to-do parents, his father being Friele zum Gensfleisch and his mother Elsgen Wyrich (or, from her birthplace, zu Gutenberg, the name he adopted). He is assumed to be mentioned under the name of “Henchen” in a copy of a document of 1420, and again in a document of <i>c.</i> 1427-1428, but it is not stated where he then resided. On January 16, 1430, his mother arranged with the city of Mainz about an annuity belonging to him; but when, in the same year, some families who had been expelled a few years before were permitted to return to Mainz, Gutenberg appears not to have availed himself of the privilege, as he is described in the act of reconciliation (dated March 28) as “not being in Mainz.” It is therefore assumed that the family had taken refuge in Strassburg, where Gutenberg was residing later. There he is said to have been in 1434, and to have seized and imprisoned the town clerk of Mainz for a debt due to him by the corporation of that city, releasing him, however, at the representations of the mayor and councillors of Strassburg, and relinquishing at the same time all claims to the money (310 Rhenish guilders = about 2400 mark).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1" style="font-size: 0.75em !important; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Gutenberg,_Johann#cite_note-1" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;">[1]</a></sup> Between 1436 and 1439 certain documents represent him as having been engaged there in some experiments requiring money, with Andreas Dritzehn, a fellow-citizen, who became not only security for him but his partner to carry out Gutenberg's plan for polishing stones and the manufacture of looking-glasses, for which a lucrative sale was expected at the approaching pilgrimage of 1440 (subsequently postponed, according to the documents, although there is no evidence for this postponement) to Aix-la-Chapelle. Money was lent for this purpose by two other friends. In 1438 another partnership was arranged between Gutenberg, Andreas Dritzehn, and Andreas and Anton Heilmann, and that this had in view the art of printing has been inferred from the word “drucken” used by one of the witnesses in the law proceedings which soon after followed. An action was brought, after the death of Dritzehn, by his two brothers to force Gutenberg to accept them as partners in their brother's place, but the decision was in favour of the latter. In 1441 Gutenberg became surety to the St Thomas Chapter at Strassburg for Johann Karle, who borrowed 100 guilders (about £16) from the chapter, and on November 17, 1442, he himself borrowed 80 livres through Martin Brechter (or Brehter) from the same chapter. Of his whereabouts from the 12th of March 1444 (when he paid a tax at Strassburg) to the 17th of October 1448 nothing certain is known. But on the latter date we find him at Mainz, borrowing 150 gold guilders of his kinsman, Arnold Gelthus, against an annual interest of 7½ gold guilders. We do not know whether the interest on this debt has ever been paid, but the debt itself appears never to have been paid off, as the contract of this loan was renewed (<i>vidimused</i>) on August 23, 1503, for other parties. It is supposed that soon afterwards Gutenberg must have been able to show some convincing results of his work, for it appears that about 1450 <a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Fust,_Johann" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Fust, Johann">Johann Fust</a> (<i>q.v.</i>) advanced him 800 guilders to promote it, on no security except that of “tools” still to be made. Fust seems also to have undertaken to advance him 300 guilders a year for expenses, wages, house-rent, parchment, paper, ink, &c., but he does not appear to have ever done so. If at any time they disagreed, Gutenberg was to return the 800 guilders, and the “tools” were to cease to be security. It is not known to what purpose Gutenberg devoted the money advanced to him. In the minutes of the law-suit of 1455 he himself says that he had to make his “tools” with it. But he is presumed to have begun a large folio Latin Bible, and to have printed during its progress some smaller books<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2" style="font-size: 0.75em !important; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Gutenberg,_Johann#cite_note-2" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a></sup> and likewise the Letter of Indulgence (granted on the 12th of April 1451 by Pope Nicholas V. in aid of John II., king of Cyprus, against the Turks), of 31 lines, having the earliest printed date 1454, of which several copies are preserved in various European libraries. A copy of the 1455 issue of the same Indulgence is in the Rylands Library at Manchester (from the Althorp Library).-<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition" style="background: none; color: #0b0080;" title="Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition">Encyclopædia Britannica</a></i> (11th ed.). 1911.</div>
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<b>Gutenberg</b> (<a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_New_Student%27s_Reference_Work/Key_to_Pronunciation" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="The New Student's Reference Work/Key to Pronunciation"><i>gōō′ten-bĕrg</i></a>), <b>Johannes</b>, the inventor of printing with movable type, was born about 1400 in Mainz (Mayence), Germany. His proper name was Gensfleisch or Gansfleisch, which means Goose flesh. In 1434 he lived in Strassburg, teaching stonecutting, mirror-polishing and other similar arts. Between 1444 and 1448 he returned to Mainz, where, in 1449 or 1450, he entered into a partnership with Johannes Faust, who furnished the money to set up a printing-press. This partnership was dissolved in 1455 by Faust bringing a suit against Gutenberg to recover money advanced, and Faust gained control of the press. Gutenberg however, assisted by Dr. Homery, set up another press, at which he wrought until his death in 1468. A bronze monument, the work of Thorwaldsen, has been erected to his memory at Mainz. There are a few copies preserved of books printed by him, which bring enormous prices. See <i>Memoirs of Celebrated Characters</i> by Lamartine.-<i><a class="extiw" href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_New_Student%27s_Reference_Work" style="background: none; color: #663366;" title="s:The New Student's Reference Work">The New Student's Reference Work</a></i>. 1914.</div>
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https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_New_Student%27s_Reference_Work/Gutenberg,_Johannes<br />
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So this seems to prove that he knew how to make metal mirrors and there was a financial venture regarding them around 1440 that flopped. Nothing about periscopes....yet.<br />
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Next up to the library and ILL, to get my next resource.<br />
<br />Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-72176440914244290482018-01-25T20:26:00.000-05:002018-01-25T20:26:10.307-05:00SCA research project ASo there I was, bored in front of a computer browsing Wikipeda. (Yes, I know...as a research tool it sucks, But as a place to start it isn't that bad), when I stumbled on an article on periscopes. There I found it.<br />
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"<span style="color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Johannes Gutenberg, known for his contribution to printing technology, marketed a kind of periscope in the 1430s to enable pilgrims to see over the heads of the crowd at the vigintennial religious festival at Aachen."<br /></span></span><br />
WHAT?!? Periscopes were in use in the 15th Century? That's amazing! Astounding! And on Wikipedia, so not real proof. Looking at the resources used they don't reference anything about Gutenberg. Frustrated, I stopped but kept the idea in the back of my head.<br />
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I remembered it over the weekend, chatted with a friend and the spark is alight again. Looking at Wikipedia again, I find this under Johannes Gutenberg: <br />
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"Around 1439, Gutenberg was involved in a financial misadventure making polished metal mirrors (which were believed to capture holy light from religious relics) for sale to pilgrims to Aachen: in 1439 the city was planning to exhibit its collection of relics from Emperor Charlemagne but the event was delayed by one year due to a severe flood and the capital already spent could not be repaid. When the question of satisfying the investors came up, Gutenberg is said to have promised to share a "secret". It has been widely speculated that this secret may have been the idea of printing with movable type."<br />
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Hmmm, this begs more questions. What was this misadventure? What belief were around mirrors and relics? Could the mirrors be used in periscopes to look over crowds?<br />
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Clearly more research need to be done. I'm going to be emailing the Gutenberg Museum soon and see what I find out. Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922695037613074968.post-39664489641840535802017-12-31T12:30:00.000-05:002017-12-31T12:30:23.178-05:00Star Wars:Saga Edition: Episode VII-Notes for the players.Please raise your characters to Level 13. Any Talents, Feats, Prestige classes and Force Powers from the Core Book may be used without review.<br />
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Talents, Feats, Prestige Classes and Force Powers from Starships of the Galaxy. The Force Unleashed*, Scum and Villainy, Jedi Academy, Galaxy at War, Galaxy of Intrigue , and The Unknown Regions may be used with GM Review. Most likely I will say yes to your requests. No other books will be used. (*Note: No Unleashed abilities will be allowed.)<br />
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Please make sure to know where your equipment is, on your person, waiting on your starship or onboard the Resurgence.<br />
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Synopsis of the game for far.</div>
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Very long.</div>
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Episode I : The Traitor’s Gambit.</div>
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The story of the Dawn of Defiance campaign opens over the Core World
of Brentaal, on a little space station called Sel Zonn Station. After a
brush with some agents of Bail Organa, the heroes find themselves
drawn into a conflict with the Empire. Delivering vital information to the
Senator on Alderaan earns the heroes his trust, and soon Bail Organa
sends them on a mission of his own. It seems that a former Imperial
Admiral by the name of Gilder Varth has been funneling information
about the Empire to the Senator for some months now, though he has
gone silent since being arrested and imprisoned on the planet Felucia.
The heroes travel to Felucia, encounter some of the natives, and
locate the Imperial prison facility where the Admiral is being held. After
making their way through the facility, they rescue Admiral Varth and
take him to a safe location. The rescue not only cements the heroes as
trustworthy agents (earning them more aid and work from Bail Organa)
but also marks the first step in building a resistance against the Empire.<br />
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Episode II: A Wretched Hive </div>
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Freed by the heroes from the Imperial prison facility, Admiral Varth once
again begins revealing valuable information on clandestine activities of
the Empire. In particular, he mentions that he was responsible for
funneling money and resources to something called the “Sarlacc
Project.” Among those he sent funds to was a Hutt crime lord named
Darga, who operates out of a ruined city on Cato Neimoidia.
Traveling to the Neimoidian colony world, the heroes manage to
infiltrate Darga’s palace and step into a den of vile debauchery. While in
the palace, the heroes attempt to obtain more information on the
Sarlacc Project while avoiding the wrath of the Hutt gangster.
The heroes’ searches lead them to a startling discovery: Darga has
been keeping a Jedi Master and veteran of the Clone Wars in a coma in
the dungeons of his palace. After the heroes free Master Denia, she helps
them deal with the Hutt’s majordomo, a Force-sensitive criminal who
has been using the Force to rise in power within Darga’s organization.<br />
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The heroes overhear a conversation between the majordomo and
Imperial Inquisitor Draco, which introduces them to one of the main
villains of the campaign. By the time they handle the majordomo, the
Hutt has fled (not wanting to engage in direct conflict with a Jedi
Master), and the heroes leave Cato Neimoidia. <br />
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Episode III :The Queen of Air and
Darkness </div>
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After dropping Master Denia off with their Alderaanian allies, the heroes
learn that Darga the Hutt has fled to the famous world of Bespin—more
specifically, to Cloud City. Still needing the information the Hutt
possesses, the heroes travel to Cloud City only to discover that their
quarry has vanished. However, in their search for the crime lord, they
discover that another Imperial officer who dealt with the Hutt will be
visiting Cloud City to take part in its annual sabacc tournament.
The majority of the adventure centers around the tournament. The
heroes can choose to enter the tournament, work for the tournament’s
administrator as hired help, or simply observe the tournament in order to
get close to the dirty officer.
After a series of event-based encounters, the tournament ends and
the heroes convince the Imperial officer to reveal the Hutt’s location.
When they go to confront the crime lord, they discover that he’s
attempting to make his getaway. The heroes face Darga in the hangar
bay of his personal luxury yacht and learn the awful truth—the Hutt was
using his contacts in the Tibanna gas industry to funnel large amounts
of the gas to the Empire in exchange for slaves.
3 Chapter
In fact, one such transaction was supposed to take place under the
cover of the tournament, but the heroes’ involvement spoiled those
plans. Now, the Empire is determined to erase any trace of the
transaction by crashing a slave ship into the Tibanna gas hauler in orbit,
destroying them both. The heroes, commandeering Z-95 headhunters,
race against time under fire from Imperial starfighters to stop the crash
and save the slaves’ lives.<br />
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Episode: IV : Echoes of the Jedi </div>
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After a bout of downtime the heroes are gathered by
Master Denia. Their encounter with the slave ship over Bespin indicates
that the Empire is trafficking in slaves, but the slaves were members of a
species that Denia had never encountered. To discover more about these
mysterious slaves (and perhaps unravel the mystery of the Sarlacc
Project), She sends the heroes to the planet Almas in the Cularin System,
once home to a Jedi academy. There, the heroes must retrieve a lost Jedi
holocron that can teach Denia special farseeing techniques, which she
hopes will lead her to the mysterious aliens.
The heroes arrive at Almas to find the academy in shambles, having
been destroyed from orbit when the Empire rose. The heroes dig their
way down through the ruins to reach the academy’s archives. Along the
way, they discover that the dark side has grown strong in the ruins of
the academy, and it has become a domain of evil—much like the cave on
Dagobah where Luke fought the false Darth Vader. The heroes face dark
side spirits and their own fears as they press onward into the wrecked
temple. <br />
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As they approach the archives, they discover that they are not the
first to explore the ruins. A small contingent of Imperial troops has
arrived ahead of them and defends the archives with lethal force.
Eventually, the heroes confront the leader of the Imperial contingent,
Inquisitor Draco. They defeat him and retrieve the holocron, which they
take back to Denia.<br />
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Episode V: The First to Strike
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The holocron taken from the ruins of the Almas academy proves helpful,
and Master Denia is able to use the Force to locate the mysterious alien
slaves. They were members of the Nazren species from the planet Nizon
in the Maldrood Sector. The heroes travel to that world to see if they can
discover more about the Nazren, but they find the planet under Imperial
occupation. Even more troubling, the Empire has allowed Trandoshan
slavers to harvest slaves from the planet at will, provided that they also
transport some of the slaves to Imperial projects. A core resistance group
of Nazren has formed, but they seem to be waiting for some kind of
catalyst to begin their open opposition. The heroes are just the catalyst
they need.
Working with a charismatic Nazren resistance leader in the capital
city, the heroes incite a riot against the Imperial oppressors. The city
erupts into violence, and the heroes assist the Nazren in overthrowing
the Imperial invaders, rescuing Nazren slaves from Trandoshan slavers,
preventing the riots from claiming innocent lives, and seizing Imperial
facilities to help defend the planet. The heroes help the Nazren reclaim
their world for their own.<br />
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Episode VI: The Core of Corruption </div>
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While on Nizon, the heroes discover Imperial transmissions regarding the
Sarlacc Project. The messages indicate that the engineers of the project
are in an Imperial facility on Coruscant—and that is where the heroes
must go. Traveling to Imperial Center, the heroes sneak past the world’s
defenses and take their first steps on the capital planet of the Galactic
Empire. Under the watchful eye of the Empire, the heroes pinpoint the
location of the project’s architects and travel to a massive skyscraper
still under construction.
Moving up through the skyscraper, the heroes soon come face to
face with the engineers of the Sarlacc Project. Unfortunately, they are
all being watched by several members of the Inquisitorius, who fight the
heroes to the death. When their defeat seems imminent, the Inquisitors
detonate explosives at the base of the skyscraper, which begins to
collapse. The heroes must fight their way back out of the collapsing
building and make their way to safety.
However, the heroes finally learn the details of the Sarlacc Project.
The Empire is constructing a massive new starship 12 kilometers long—
many times larger than a Star Destroyer, and an early prototype (though
not the final version) of the Super Star Destroyer. The new vessel will
serve as the flagship of the Imperial fleet, and the Sarlacc Project nears
completion. <br />
<br />Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01431077564671378521noreply@blogger.com0