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FKATJL & Hawkman Hi all! Here's a few that I've read so far: Hawkman #21: Continuing with the Headhunter story from last month's cliffhanger. Lots of action, but not much story. A fun, albeit light, read. (3.5 out of 5) FKATJL #5: Very silly, but not in a good way. Nothing happens in this...

Hi all! Another week, another new comics thread. So what have you all got this week? Unfortunately, I haven't had the time to read my sequentials just yet. :( I'll get them posted later. Thanks for reading and thanks for writing! ---Merova

Age of Empire Hi all! GMS, what are the chances of seeing an Age of Empire d20 game? :D Regarding the Smoke: London, 1867, it seems that the d20 statements in the solicit may be in error. I sent an e-mail to Heresy Games for more info. I received a response indicating that the book would both...

More Stuff Hi all! I've got some more comics mini-reviews for you. Avengers #72: Part 1 of the "Search for She-Hulk" storyline. Yawn. I'm interested in this plotline, but the "made-for-trade" pacing is tiresome; it's way too slow. Hopefully, next issue will pick up the pace. I'm a big fan of...

Thumb Tacks & Foamcore Hi all! I had a GM do something similar, but with colored thumb tacks and foamcore board. It was amazingly efficient for tactical adjudication. However, I never really liked being the "purple tack." I prefer seeing a representative figure for my PCs, which is why I use...

Solicit in GTM Hi all! Yes, Victoriana is a Fuzion game. However, the setting book, The Smoke: London, 1867, is a d20 book. At least, that's what it says in the most recent Game Trade Magazine. Here's the text: Hope that clarifies matters. :) ---Merova

Hi all! A few questions: Do you use maps in your games? If so, what is their function? Tactical? Establishing mood? Does it help your group get "immersed" in the setting or does it bump them? My thoughts: I normally use a battlemap when GMing a game that includes a tactical element as...

Victoriana: The Smoke Hi all! Not too much in d20 Victorian settings yet. You've mentioned the Ravenloft setting, Masque of the Red Death. That's a good one. There are a few western games, like Deadlands or Sidewinder that can be adapted for the setting. However, you might want to keep your...

Hi all! Another week of new comics is here! So, what did you get? My stuff: Flash #203: I'm really loving the "Ignition" storyline. This issue is filled with excellent storytelling; it's got a cool twist in the "Ice Killings" plotline that took me by surprise. (5 out of 5) Rex Mundi #6: I...

Exploration of Theme Hi all! Thematic exploration can be a rewarding style of gaming. When a GM delineates a requirement like "only good" or "no elves," it is because they want to focus on certain challenge types, which would be diluted if the restriction were not imposed. However, there are...

Storytelling vs. Immersion Hi all! It's my preference as well. I'm totally into explorationist sim, with actor immersive stance. That's my favorite style of gaming. However, it isn't "storytelling." Yes, stories may arise from the games, but that isn't the focus. The focus is in the...

More Stuff Hi all! Got a bit more reading done. ;) Liberty Meadows #34: "Stormy Weather Ahead" collects the picnic by the lake storyline. Bikinis, ants, and a hungry wiener dog make for many laughs as Frank's difficult relationship with Jen comes to a crisis point. Not as good as the...

Hi all! So what are you reading this week? My stuff: Hawkeye #1: This was a darn good issue. It's got a solid plot, kind of like a modern day Western with a noirish feel. Clint's taking a break from the "supers" scene, but his "professional troubleshooter" nature overcomes any hopes for a...

Alan, Another well-written review. However, I've got to disagree with your final grade. This book sets out to offer all the mechanics and techniques necessary to explore the Crane clan in actual play. It's not heavy on "crunch" but it does provide a decent ammount needed to emulate the clan's...

Hi all! So what did you all get this week? I've got the following: Aquaman #11: This issue wasn't quite as horrible as the past few. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to the change in creative team in issue #13. Avengers #71: Well, the big hoopla over the sex scene didn't make me enjoy this...

Fortune-in-the-Middle Hi all! The technique is usually called Fortune-in-the-Middle, FitM for short. The concept is to use a randomizer to set up a vague resolution which is adjudicated in the light of "dramatic" concerns. The randomizer can be anything, from Tarot cards to coin tosses to...

Storytelling Techniques Hi all! You used the "N" word! Now you've done it. ;) I agree with Joshua. I've been involved in numerous Storyteller games over the past decade, including a five year long Mage campaign. I like these games plenty, but they don't "promote" storytelling through...

Hero System Hi all! So, my Hero PC was caught in a sonic entanglement, bypassing my numerous Amazonian damage reductions by targeting my susceptibility to sonic attacks. Curse those GMs who make disadvantages actually disadvantage, rather than the powergaming treat that they are meant to be...

Mechanics and Techniques Hi all! There are three modes of task resolution: karma, drama, and fortune. Each game relies on one or more of these modes in game implementation. FUDGE utilizes "drama" as an explicit means of setting a task difficulty level. Then it uses "fortune," statistically...

Star Wars: Rebellion Era Hi all! When I started prepping a Midnight campaign, I used the Star Wars Rebellion era as a model for scenario type. It was a period in which the players would have no hope of overthrowing the Empire. The best that they could do is harrass and hide. I thought that...