Humor, often gaming-related,
to start the week with a chuckle.
to start the week with a chuckle.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Sunday Funnies - The Big Bang Theory Trek Figures
The Big Bang Theory has had a lot of fun with geek culture over the years and now you can get the gang dressed up in the Star Trek finest. See more here.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup - KC Game Fair, Evil Hat, Fright Night, & Max Mayhem Kickstarters
The KC Game Fair 2014 Kickstarter needs just a little bit of help getting over the top in its final week, so check it out here.
The already extremely well-funded Kickstarter project, Designers & Dragons by Fred Hicks / Evil Hat Productions has a free preview PDF of the first of four books. See more here.
Fright Night by David Guyll of Awful Good Games has a modest goal for its rules-lite horror role-playing game so see what he is up to here.
Maximum Mayhem Dungeon #2: Secret Machines of the Star Spawn by Mark Taormino of Freak Show Games is just getting under way and has already exceeded its modest goal. See more here.
The already extremely well-funded Kickstarter project, Designers & Dragons by Fred Hicks / Evil Hat Productions has a free preview PDF of the first of four books. See more here.
Fright Night by David Guyll of Awful Good Games has a modest goal for its rules-lite horror role-playing game so see what he is up to here.
Maximum Mayhem Dungeon #2: Secret Machines of the Star Spawn by Mark Taormino of Freak Show Games is just getting under way and has already exceeded its modest goal. See more here.
Keeping an eye on those Kickstarter & IndieGoGo
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Friday, August 29, 2014
The Friday Grab Bag - Madness at Gardmore Abbey: The Patrons at Winterhaven
This post is about a post at the the-forsite-irregulars.obsidianportal.com that has aspects that could put it anywhere on the CMG Blog Triad, so I thought I'd put it up as part of The Friday Grab Bag. It's part playthrough report, part adventure and setting, and part model and minis making, so you can understand my dilemma for where best to share it. The blog post title over there was "Madness at Gardmore Abbey: The Patrons at Winterhaven" and it went up back in July of 2103. It's a real treat when you stumble across a GM who puts so much effort into running a game, so follow the link here to have a look for yourself.
Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics not covered
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Throwback Thursday - Dungeons & Dragons Park
Originally set up as a memorial for a fallen gamer in 1993, Dungeons & Dragons Park opened to the public in 2005. Read more here then go and pay your respects in Carbondale, IL.
A look back at early tabletop hobby gaming
or gaming-adjacent topics of the past.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Events & Play Wednesday - Upcoming Conventions, Gamedays. and Misc Gaming, Sept & Onward
Focusing on September, there are many events around the country. I know I'll be attending a couple here in the Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois, so check to details out below.
In September, and I mention this ta the top because of my own connection to it, you can join in on the 39th EN World Chicago Gameday (three happen each year). It will take place in Mount Prospect, IL, at the excellent Games Plus gamestore on September 13th, mostly RPGing but sometimes other gaming types. I've scheduled to run an afternoon slot of 1E AD&D from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm and I am working on the details of likely running a miniatures battle in the morning slot.
Overlapping the end of August and into the first weekend of September, Fremont, CA is the place for CelestiCon. Online, beginning September 1st through the 7th, you can also participate in the free Let Us Game Convention (L.U.G. Con). More details are here. September 12 through the 14th at the Masonic Lodge No. 43 in Lancaster, PA, check out Save Against Fear, a fundraising for which there are details here. The Boston Festival of Indie Games takes place on Sept 13 from 10 am to 8 pm in Cambridge, MA.
Don't forget that September 18th, the "Thor'd Thors'day" of September, is the monthly Game Like a Viking Day! It's a chance, no matter where you are, to break out your Viking-themed tabletop games and have at it. See more of this ongoing monthly day of fun on the Facebook page here.
Sibcon Gaming Convention & Expo takes place from September 19th to 21st in Butler, PA. September 20th, at the Newport Centre, in Newport, Wales, UK, the Dragondaze (one-day) Games Convention raises money for Barnardos Young Carers. September 19th through 21st, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, hosts the Queen City Conquest. The HMGS South is heralding Hurricon September 25-28 with more info here.
Continuing with September, and of particular interest to me, there is the Fall Gaming Hoopla. It has tons of boardgaming plus a fair amount of RPGs, card games, and some wargames, from Sept 26-28, at the Johnstown Community Center, in Janesville, WI, with more information on their Facebook event here. Their kitchen and excellent menu is always a highlight for me and make it possible to get there early and stay until the wee hours! I've scheduled to run three slots of 1E AD&D for Friday and Saturday at 6 pm - 10 pm (possible to run later), and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
In October, from the 3rd to the 5th, it's Xenocon in the Quad Cities with more info found here. Also, check out Con on the Cob, on the 16th through the 19th in Hudson, Ohio, "a Four Day Celebration of Games, Art, Freaks, & Fun!". October 11, 12, and 13th, including Columbus Day, which is that Monday, you can game at Trident Con in Odenton, MD, the details of which can be located here. BobCon happens in Kansas City, MO, and more info is found here. October 24-26 Look for more info, hopefully forthcoming soon, for Dan's Con of the Vale 15 for October in Brookfield, WI.
In November, check out U-Con in Ann Arbor, MI, and GameHole Con in Madison, WI. November 7-9 at the Killington Grand Resort, Canage on the Mountain present A Fist Full of Carnage. TsunamiCon 2014, happening November 7th-9th, has hit their Kickstarter goal (and has a few days left to get on board here) and takes place at the Hotel at Old Town in Wichita, KS. The HavenCon Games Day is being held at the Urbana Volunteer Fire Department Banquet Hall in Frederick, MD, Saturday, November 15, from 10 am to 10 pm.
The Gaming Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania has monthly gamedays but their annual GASPCon meant to happen in November is still ironing out details. Check out their site for gamedays information and to keep informed for GASPCon here.
Some of this information is gleaned from the excellent lists (which you can check for even more event information!) on upcomingcons.com/gaming-conventions, GameConventionCentral.com, HMGS (the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society), and as well as many, many gamers on Facebook and Google Plus, to whom I am grateful for the help in this compilation. Thanks so much and great gaming to you!
In September, and I mention this ta the top because of my own connection to it, you can join in on the 39th EN World Chicago Gameday (three happen each year). It will take place in Mount Prospect, IL, at the excellent Games Plus gamestore on September 13th, mostly RPGing but sometimes other gaming types. I've scheduled to run an afternoon slot of 1E AD&D from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm and I am working on the details of likely running a miniatures battle in the morning slot.
Overlapping the end of August and into the first weekend of September, Fremont, CA is the place for CelestiCon. Online, beginning September 1st through the 7th, you can also participate in the free Let Us Game Convention (L.U.G. Con). More details are here. September 12 through the 14th at the Masonic Lodge No. 43 in Lancaster, PA, check out Save Against Fear, a fundraising for which there are details here. The Boston Festival of Indie Games takes place on Sept 13 from 10 am to 8 pm in Cambridge, MA.
Don't forget that September 18th, the "Thor'd Thors'day" of September, is the monthly Game Like a Viking Day! It's a chance, no matter where you are, to break out your Viking-themed tabletop games and have at it. See more of this ongoing monthly day of fun on the Facebook page here.
Sibcon Gaming Convention & Expo takes place from September 19th to 21st in Butler, PA. September 20th, at the Newport Centre, in Newport, Wales, UK, the Dragondaze (one-day) Games Convention raises money for Barnardos Young Carers. September 19th through 21st, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, hosts the Queen City Conquest. The HMGS South is heralding Hurricon September 25-28 with more info here.
Continuing with September, and of particular interest to me, there is the Fall Gaming Hoopla. It has tons of boardgaming plus a fair amount of RPGs, card games, and some wargames, from Sept 26-28, at the Johnstown Community Center, in Janesville, WI, with more information on their Facebook event here. Their kitchen and excellent menu is always a highlight for me and make it possible to get there early and stay until the wee hours! I've scheduled to run three slots of 1E AD&D for Friday and Saturday at 6 pm - 10 pm (possible to run later), and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
In October, from the 3rd to the 5th, it's Xenocon in the Quad Cities with more info found here. Also, check out Con on the Cob, on the 16th through the 19th in Hudson, Ohio, "a Four Day Celebration of Games, Art, Freaks, & Fun!". October 11, 12, and 13th, including Columbus Day, which is that Monday, you can game at Trident Con in Odenton, MD, the details of which can be located here. BobCon happens in Kansas City, MO, and more info is found here. October 24-26 Look for more info, hopefully forthcoming soon, for Dan's Con of the Vale 15 for October in Brookfield, WI.
The Gaming Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania has monthly gamedays but their annual GASPCon meant to happen in November is still ironing out details. Check out their site for gamedays information and to keep informed for GASPCon here.
Some of this information is gleaned from the excellent lists (which you can check for even more event information!) on upcomingcons.com/gaming-conventions, GameConventionCentral.com, HMGS (the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society), and as well as many, many gamers on Facebook and Google Plus, to whom I am grateful for the help in this compilation. Thanks so much and great gaming to you!
News of Conventions and Gamedays as well as pictures
from those I have attended and games I have played.
from those I have attended and games I have played.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Tech Tuesday - Sweat-Powered eTattoos, Self-Assembling Robots, & Hoverbike Drones
Coming soon as eTattoos that can be powered by your perspiration that in turn can power electronic devices. Read more here.
Next, watch these two following videos to see the continuing development of self-assembling and other complex robots.
Finally, Hoverbike drones are well into development and you can jump in to support them through Mehta Websolution here.
Next, watch these two following videos to see the continuing development of self-assembling and other complex robots.
Finally, Hoverbike drones are well into development and you can jump in to support them through Mehta Websolution here.
News focused on Technology
as it might interest gamers.
as it might interest gamers.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Media News Monday - The Quest (2014- )
There is a new (quasi-)Reality Show being shown on ABC and online called The Quest. Those who know me know that there is but one Reality Show I watch, Survivor. Some might call it a guilty pleasure but I look on it as an exercise in GMing prep for tabletop RPGs. I find the directorial organization of so much recorded footage into discreet episodes and an ongoing story while taking into account the dynamic characters and randomness of contests and rivalries among contestants an interesting study in how to GM a tabletop RPG. The Quest takes a similar tack as Survivor while overlaying the formula with a Medieval Fantasy setting and elements. I've only caught the first episode thus far but will watch the first season in hopes they capture the spirit of Survivor and not fall flat like the pirate-themed effort Pirate Master (2007).
News for Movies, Television, and more
of gamer-relevant Media.
of gamer-relevant Media.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Sunday Funnies - Pottermore-or-less, Wild Thing Walken, & Michael Bay's Up
What if we looked at each year of Harry Potter's schooling through the eyes of a fellow student on the fringes? See how that question is answered on tickld.com here.
Over on the Randumbify YouTube channel, a video uploaded a few years ago features a Walken-ified Where the Wild Things Are written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak . Enjoy.
A recent video uploaded to the MrStratman7 YouTube channel asks "What if Michael Bay Directed "UP"?" Enjoy.
Over on the Randumbify YouTube channel, a video uploaded a few years ago features a Walken-ified Where the Wild Things Are written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak . Enjoy.
A recent video uploaded to the MrStratman7 YouTube channel asks "What if Michael Bay Directed "UP"?" Enjoy.
Humor, often gaming-related,
to start the week with a chuckle.
to start the week with a chuckle.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup - Star Trek, Dungeon Architects, & Pirate Loot
The Kickstarter for the Star Trek: Axanar film is nearly over but you can get in on this already well-funded effort if you move quickly.
Dungeon Architect Cards by Simian Circle Games looks like a neat GMing accessory but has other uses outlined on the Kickstarter here.
Finally, Pirate Loot looks to be a fun dice game by Jason Bulmahn and is well on its way to its goal with nearly four weeks left.
Dungeon Architect Cards by Simian Circle Games looks like a neat GMing accessory but has other uses outlined on the Kickstarter here.
Finally, Pirate Loot looks to be a fun dice game by Jason Bulmahn and is well on its way to its goal with nearly four weeks left.
Keeping an eye on those Kickstarter & IndieGoGo
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Friday, August 22, 2014
The Friday Grab Bag - CMG eBay Sale
Please have a look at the items currently in the Creative Mountain eBay Store. I'm running a sale this weekend to bring in a little extra money *AND* I'll be adding some new items this coming week as I clear out a couple of boxes (from the closet of unused game items) that I keep moving around while looking for things I actually need.
Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics not covered
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Throwback Thursday - Fortune Telling Device
The Retro Dundee blog reminded me of a humorous little device that some folks used to make in grade school. They would fold up some paper, write on some of the exposed faces, then manipulate the device based on an odd numerology. I wonder if it could be used in a tabletop RPG as a puzzle of some kind. See more here.
A look back at early tabletop hobby gaming
or gaming-adjacent topics of the past.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Events & Play Wednesday - Lake Geneva Area Gaming, Late July through Late August
Another month of many gaming opportunities. The RPG group has found it can meet on a weekly basis, at least for a while. Tuesday at Taco Bell continues, with a special guest in town from Colorado just yesterday, and Culver's continues as well. I skipped Gen Con this year as there were full day gaming opportunities all within fifteen minutes of Lake Geneva three out of the four days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as Thursday from mid-afternoon through the late evening. It's hard to justify traveling five hours to spend hundreds of dollars for four days of gaming with 56K people milling around a convention center when the gaming is so good at home the same weekend. I'll probably go next year though when Gen Con takes place earlier in August. Let me show off some of the highlights from this last month but full albums of the photos can be found on Google here and Facebook here.
News of Conventions and Gamedays as well as pictures
from those I have attended and games I have played.
from those I have attended and games I have played.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Tech Tuesday - 3D Scorpion & Hour Glass Lamps
Sergey Kolesnik, an artist in Russia, has created a 3D model scorpion. Read more here.
Also, it appears we are on the verge of having widely available "Kinetic Energy Hourglass Lamps Powered By Sand." Read more here.
Also, it appears we are on the verge of having widely available "Kinetic Energy Hourglass Lamps Powered By Sand." Read more here.
News focused on Technology
as it might interest gamers.
as it might interest gamers.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Monday, August 18, 2014
Media News Monday - ENnies Awards Winners
The winners of the ENnies Awards were announced Friday night at Gen Con Indy 2014. Congrats to all of them, all who were nominated, and everyone who participated! See more here.
News for Movies, Television, and more
of gamer-relevant Media.
of gamer-relevant Media.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Sunday Funnies - Healing Knights, When Pigs Take Flight, & Texting Through the Ages, Right?
First up, a sweet bit of humor when the daughter of a Ren Faire staffer decided to heal the fallen. See more here.
Then someone fashioned some Steam Punk wings for their guinea pig here.
Finally, with a warning that there is some explicit language, some poor drunkard accidentally drunk-texted a Doctor Who fan and went on an adventure here. (I'm not really buying it but still find it funny.)
Then someone fashioned some Steam Punk wings for their guinea pig here.
Finally, with a warning that there is some explicit language, some poor drunkard accidentally drunk-texted a Doctor Who fan and went on an adventure here. (I'm not really buying it but still find it funny.)
Humor, often gaming-related,
to start the week with a chuckle.
to start the week with a chuckle.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Saturday Crowdfunding Roundup - Dice and Minis Kickstarters
First up this week on the Crowdfunding Roundup, Lester Smith has a new dice game in the works and the project is called "SuperPower SmackDown! Battle Dice Game." Looks like great fun!
Next, "Demigods Rising: Strategy Miniature Game" by Demigods Rising has a dozen days to go and is remarkably well-funded. Check out some of those cool minis designs!
Speaking of minis, check out "28mm Fantasy Champions from Around the Ancient World" by Nick Ryan. It's also got some cool designs. I'm guessing you could even put your own character name on the little name plate on the base.
Finally, this time use with dice, "Hrothgar's Hoard Dice Towers" by John Pratt already has double its starting goal and lots of momentum. You really need to scroll down the full Kickstarter page to see all of the design offers available.
Next, "Demigods Rising: Strategy Miniature Game" by Demigods Rising has a dozen days to go and is remarkably well-funded. Check out some of those cool minis designs!
Speaking of minis, check out "28mm Fantasy Champions from Around the Ancient World" by Nick Ryan. It's also got some cool designs. I'm guessing you could even put your own character name on the little name plate on the base.
Finally, this time use with dice, "Hrothgar's Hoard Dice Towers" by John Pratt already has double its starting goal and lots of momentum. You really need to scroll down the full Kickstarter page to see all of the design offers available.
Keeping an eye on those Kickstarter & IndieGoGo
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.
projects plus other crowdfunding efforts.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Friday, August 15, 2014
The Friday Grab Bag - FFG Gen Con Day 1 & Mearls Interview
Fantasy Flight Games had a terrific first day at Gen Con 2014, so they uploaded a video with some of the Day 1 action to their YouTube channel. Enjoy.
Meanwhile, Gaming Tonic published an interview with Mike Mearls of Wizards of the Coast regarding the ongoing release of 5E Dungeons & Dragons here.
Meanwhile, Gaming Tonic published an interview with Mike Mearls of Wizards of the Coast regarding the ongoing release of 5E Dungeons & Dragons here.
The Friday Grab Bag on CreativeMountainGames.com
Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics not covered
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.
elsewhere or needing a particular focus.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Throwback Thursday - Great Kingdom Injunction
It's being reported on the Examiner that the "'D&D: A Documentary' wins injunction against 'The Great Kingdom.'" It might be until October before we find out more about whether we will have two or just one film on the early history of D&D. Read more here.
Throwback Thursday on CreativeMountainGames.com
A look back at early tabletop hobby gaming
or gaming-adjacent topics of the past.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Events & Play Wednesday - Game Like a Viking Day & Gen Con Exhibit Hall Map
There's a new monthly gaming event for those who enjoy Viking-themed tabletop games called "Game Like a Viking Day" with a devoted Facebook page here. It happens on "The Thor'd Thors'day, Every Month!" What Viking game will you try to play?
Lots of companies at the big show in Indiana, according to the Gen Con Indy 2014 Exhibit Hall Map here. The PDF version here has clickable links for many of them.
Lots of companies at the big show in Indiana, according to the Gen Con Indy 2014 Exhibit Hall Map here. The PDF version here has clickable links for many of them.
Events & Play Wednesday on CreativeMountainGames.com
News of Conventions and Gamedays as well as pictures
from those I have attended and games I have played.
from those I have attended and games I have played.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Tech Tuesday - CRITS or FAILS Coin, LEGO Female Scientist Kit, Cardboard Tech Models
If you're at Gen Con Indy this week, be sure to check out the CRITS or FAILS Coin from the folks at Campaign Coins. Looks very cool to me. So, remember, GM's Day is always right around the corner!
In the world of LEGO, a recent article on Space.com mentioned "LEGO Releases Female Scientist Kit, Sells Out Same Day." That's quite heartening to me.
Finally, over on thisiscolossal.com, there is a new article featuring "Imaginative Industrial Flying Machines Made From Cardboard by Daniel Agdag."
In the world of LEGO, a recent article on Space.com mentioned "LEGO Releases Female Scientist Kit, Sells Out Same Day." That's quite heartening to me.
Finally, over on thisiscolossal.com, there is a new article featuring "Imaginative Industrial Flying Machines Made From Cardboard by Daniel Agdag."
Tech Tuesday on CreativeMountainGames.com
News focused on Technology
as it might interest gamers.
as it might interest gamers.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!
Monday, August 11, 2014
Media News Monday - Marvel, DC, and Hobbit Updates
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns September 23rd at 8 CST. A recent article on tvguide.com discusses some of the details.
An article on The Nerdist last week heralded the release of the Captain America: The Winter Soldier deleted scenes and blooper reel here.
The release schedule for the movies based on DC Comics properties has been significantly adjusted. Details are provided here.
An extended Mirkwood scene from the last Hobbit film has been shared on IMDb.com here.
And speaking of The Hobbit, a panel was convened at Comic Con San Diego 2014 with the many of the folks involved, moderated by Steven Colbert. Enjoy!
An article on The Nerdist last week heralded the release of the Captain America: The Winter Soldier deleted scenes and blooper reel here.
The release schedule for the movies based on DC Comics properties has been significantly adjusted. Details are provided here.
An extended Mirkwood scene from the last Hobbit film has been shared on IMDb.com here.
And speaking of The Hobbit, a panel was convened at Comic Con San Diego 2014 with the many of the folks involved, moderated by Steven Colbert. Enjoy!
Media News Monday on CreativeMountainGames.com
News for Movies, Television, and more
of gamer-relevant Media.
of gamer-relevant Media.
Please Like, Share, Plus, Tweet, Follow, and Comment!