Posts
A couple of weeks back, a friend of mine got a hankering to run some old-school D&D using the Labyrinth Lord retro-clone rules. I started gaming with 2nd edition AD&D, so it was an interesting and fun experiment to try an earlier incarnation of the rules. With five of us each playing two characters simultaneously, we had a large but not particularly well-rounded party: heavy on Elves and Halflings, but not a single Fighter or Cleric! Still, there was some great role-playing to along with the the kicking of some kobold- and giant rat- ass, and we even managed to make it through the session without any serious casualties (there was an embarassing moment where we all panicked and ran frantically to escape the giant rats, but maybe that part gets left out of any Bardic verses about our epic adventures).
Hopefully we'll get to pick up the game in September, but in the meantime here are my two characters: Tallossin Trailmarker (a talkative and somewhat starry-eyed Halfling) and Sarabian Drowslayer (a would-be general, out to restore her family's honour).
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Tallossin Trailmarker is the only son of the legendary halfing sheriff Tobias Trailmarker. When Tallossin was just five years old, Tobias heroically died defending the village from a marauding ban of orcs. Ever since, Tallossin has wanted to live up to his father's image--but there's a catch. Tallossin's mother has her eyes set on a bride, Trethia, for her son, along with steady employment in his Uncle's cheesemaking shop. In order to escape a sedate and (to his mind) boring life, Tallossin has fled the village without authorization, carrying his father's shield and sword, in order to make a name for himself as an adventurer. He knows the only way he can return to the village is by having such amazing exploits that all will be forgiven, and he'll be named the next sheriff.
Level 1 Halfling (Lawful)
Hit Points: 7
Armor Class: 2 (Chain Mail, Dexterity, Shield)
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 17
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 13
Charisma: 14
Saving Throws: Breath (13), Poison/Death (7), Paralyze/Petrify (9), Wands (9), Spells (12) [last four include +1 Wisdom bonus against magic]
Special Abilities: 90% Hide Outdoors, 1-2 on d6 to Hide Underground, +1 Initiative if alone or with other halflings, +1 Missile Attacks, -2 AC vs. creatures larger than human sized.
Melee THACO: 18 (short sword, 1d6+1 damage)
Missile THACO (short range): 15 (sling, 1d4 damage)
Equipment: Shield, Sling, Sling Bullets (x30), Short Sword, Chainmail, Backpack, Bedroll, Map Case, Flint & Steel, Ink, Quill Pen, Parchment, Trail Rations (x10), Iron Spikes (x6), Torches (x4), Waterskin, Pony ("Stinky")
Coins: 10 gp, 1 sp, 5 cp
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Sarabian Drowslayer comes from a long and distinguished house of Elven adventurers, but the House has fallen on hard times--evidence has been brought forward alleging that its members have been trading with dwellers in the Underdark. In order to regain her family's honor and clear its name, Sarabian plans to amass sufficient wealth and power to lead an invasion of the Underdark and clear out the hated Drow once and for all . . .
Level 1 Elf (Neutral)
Hit Points: 6
Armor Class: 1 (Splint Mail, Dexterity)
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 18
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 13
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 11
Saving Throws: Breath (15), Poison/Death (12), Paralysis/Petrify (13), Wands (13), Spells (15)
Special Abilities: 60' Infravision, Actively Find Hidden Doors on 1-2 on d6, Immune Ghoul Paralysis
Melee THACO: 18 (longsword, 1d8+1 damage)
Missile THACO (short range): 15 (shortbow, 1d6 damage)
Equipment: Longsword, Shortbow, Arrows (x20), Splint Mail, Waterskin, Trail Rations, Spellbook, Backpack
Spells Known: Read Magic, Sleep, Invisibility
Coins: 4 gp, 5 sp
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sporting News Pro Football 2010 Yearbook
Ouch, they predict the Browns to go 2-14--a full three games worse than last year's pathetic showing. It'll be a fun experiment to review these predictions in about six months, so here's who they picked for division winners:
AFC East: Jets
AFC North: Ravens
AFC South: Colts
AFC West: Chargers
NFC East: Cowboys
NFC South: Atlanta
NFC North: Vikings
NFC West: 49ers
Now, since there are four teams in each division, pure random chance would result in about a 25% success rate. If the Sporting News can significantly exceed that, we'll know they have some idea what they're talking about. (for those interested, they predict the Jets beating the Cowboys in the Super Bowl).
Oddly, though, their prediction of teams' final season records is often at odds with their evaluations of whether the same teams are getting better or worse. For example:
The Bills are predicted to go 3-13, a three game drop from last year's 6-10 record. Yet their "stock report" is "up."
The aforementioned Browns are also receiving an "up" grade, and are also predicted to lose three more games than last year.
The Titans, on the other hand, are predicted to win three more games than last year and make the playoffs, but have only a "steady" stock report.
The Broncos, predicted to lose a whopping four more games than last season, also receive a "steady" stock report.
Does this make any sense?
And for the sake of posterity, the biggest jump the magazine predicts is the Chiefs, who they think will win five more games than last year to jump from 4-12 to a winning 9-7 record.
The Buffy Comic Project: "Hey, Good Lookin', Part 2"
Buffy the Vampire Slayer # 10
(Dark Horse) (Volume 1, 1998-2003)
Creators: Andi Watson (writer), Joe Bennett (penciller), Rick Ketcham (inker)
Setting: Season Three
T.V. Character Appearances: Buffy, Giles, Willow, Oz, Cordelia, Xander, Joyce, Angel,
Major Original Characters: Selke, Dr. Flitter, Rouleau (demon gangster)
Summary: Giles' research pins down the corpse-eating demons as a pack of ghouls. Completely coincidentally, Buffy is harassed by a tight-knit group of models when she decides to take a modelling scout up on her offer. Could it be that these models are actually the ghouls, and that eating human flesh is the way they stay young and attractive? Yes, yes it could be. They set a trap for Buffy, but she fights her way out of it with Angel's help and the ghouls are killed. Meanwhile, the still-disfigured Selke has a meeting with a man named Rouleau, who seems to be a demon mobster leader. Rouleau humiliates Selke, and she vows revenge.
Review
I could complain about Buffy's main supernatural threat (the ghouls) and her main social threat (the models) converging completely by coincidence, but the show could often be just as ham-fisted in tying its plotlines together. I actually wouldn't have minded seeing the Buffy-as-model subplot go on longer, as it was at least something we hadn't really seen before, and tied in well to Buffy's fear of growing older while Angel remained the same. As villains, the ghouls weren't particularly interesting, as their fighting style seemed exactly the same as vampires. And as for the Selke story-line, I'm still not really sure what her plans are or how this Rouleau character ties in.
Notes
* I thought the demon that Buffy killed last ish was the one responsible for the corpse-eating, but apparently not.
* The inside cover labels this both "Hey, Good Lookin' Part 2" and "Bad Blood Part 2". I'm not sure why the double subtitles.
* The artist has returned to drawing Xander with a stubble-goatee. I really have no recollection of this from the show, but then I have no idea why the artist would invent it.
* I love the art cover to this issue--the only time I can think of where they played around with the logo and trade dress to come up with something really original.
* This scene just killed me: we see Angel feasting on a dead ghoul, which is gross enough as it is, but then on the next page he's slipping Buffy the tongue! At least pause for a breath-mint in between!
Next Issue
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Clone Wars Campaign: Siege Commander Korg
Siege Commander Korg was an NPC that ended up with a far better personality and more "air-time" than I had originally intended. In his first incarnation, he served as the "big bad" for the first story-arc of the campaign, in his role as leader of the Separatist forces on Mongui. A MagnaGuard droid given additional responsibilities as a reward for meritorious (bloodthirsty!) services, Korg first clashed with the PCs on the roof of the Mongui Royal Palace. They managed to turn the tables on him and steal his shuttle, but not before an exciting and cinematic battle between Korg and Jedi Tarn Tamarand in the open bay doors of the shuttle as it lifted off. Instead of falling to his apparent destruction, however, Korg used his magnetic grapplers to stow away on the outer hull of the shuttle and survive to plan his revenge. Months later, he lured Arresta, Daal, and a poor bureaucrat disguised as Tarn to a remote, icy planet in Both Sector. In a one-on-duel with Arresta, however, Korg was decapitated and sank beneath icy waters.
His head was retrieved by Jocasta soon after, however, and that's when Korg 2.0 began. With his maniacally destructive personality installed in a massive war-bot chassis (seen above), he became the Sun Runners enforcer. With rocket launchers, twin E-webs, and more, Korg could destroy a small town in minutes. Still, it wasn't enough to keep him from being torn apart by a pack of Haruun Kal Akk dogs, but enough of him was scraped together by Daal to allow him to be shipped back to the Sun Runners in more-or-less operative condition.
When you add up his win-loss record, Korg turns out to be a lot like a comic book supervillain such as the Rhino or the Blob--intimidating as hell, but never actually winning a fight!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Secret Ninja Druid
In my goofy-idea department of past role-playing game characters, this one is right up there. When I was a teenager, we had been playing second edition AD&D for quite a while when everyone decided to roll up first-level characters for a new sword-and-sorcery campaign. I must have recently purchased The Complete Ninja Handbook or something, because I decided I had to play a ninja, which were kind of like fighter-thieves with a lot of special rules. Except, I didn't want any of the other players to know I was going to be playing a ninja. So I created an elaborate (to my mind) deception, in which I would purport to be a druid. Now, this Cunning Masquerade of Staggering Genius involved the following elements:
1. I wrote DRUID at the top of my character sheet in large caps, so anyone casually glancing at my character sheet would think that I was, in fact, playing a druid.
2. I had my character carry around a scimitar, since that was one of the few bladed weapons druids were allowed to wield under the rules.
3. I scoured dozens of optional rulebooks until I found a Nonweapon Proficiency named Cantrips that allowed a non-spellcaster to throw a handful of zero-level spells.
4. I told everyone I was playing a druid.
Now, you're probably thinking "Wow, with a disguise that perfect, no one would ever figure out that this purported druid was actually a ninja. And also, you, Jeremy, should move to Hollywood and work in movies because you are a master of illusion." Au contraire, believe or not, my veil of druid-ness (druidity?) was pierced!
I don't think I even made it through the first session before the others were all "Why don't you cast some freakin' healing spells?" That, and the fact that I couldn't have actually performed any cool ninja stuff unless it was through secret notes, rendered the whole concept pretty ridiculous.
I think the character lasted maybe two sessions before dying. My character sheet for him shows him at the sad state of -10 hit points, but only a few hundred XP from reaching the heights of Level 2. And I guess because I was so concerned with writing DRUID at the top of his character sheet, I never even wrote down his name.
Goodbye, unnamed Secret Ninja Druid, may you live on in some Valhalla-like realm full of idiots who never realize your hidden identity . . .
DRUID
AC: -1
THACO: 20
Hit Points: -10
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Level: 1 (XP: 880/1250)
Height: 6'1, Weight: 180, Age: 18
Strength: 17
Dexterity: 18
Constitution: 17
Intelligence: 14
Wisdom: 11
Charisma: 13
Saves: PPD 13, RSW 14, PP 12, BW 16, SP 15
Languages: Common, Special [Was "Special" my code for ninja handtalk or something?]
Weapon Proficiencies: Broadsword, Cutlass, Katana/Bokken, Khopesh, Longsword, Ninja-to, Scimitar, Chaise [What the hell is a "Chaise"? Isn't that French for "couch"? Was I proficient in couch-fighting?]
Nonweapon Proficiencies: Aki-Jitsu, Persuasion, Acting, Disguise, Cantrips
Base Thief Skills: Pick Pockets 10, Open Locks 15, Find/Remove Traps 5, Move Silently 60, Hide in Shadows 60, Detect Noise 10, Climb Walls 40, Read Languages 0
Backstab
1. I wrote DRUID at the top of my character sheet in large caps, so anyone casually glancing at my character sheet would think that I was, in fact, playing a druid.
2. I had my character carry around a scimitar, since that was one of the few bladed weapons druids were allowed to wield under the rules.
3. I scoured dozens of optional rulebooks until I found a Nonweapon Proficiency named Cantrips that allowed a non-spellcaster to throw a handful of zero-level spells.
4. I told everyone I was playing a druid.
Now, you're probably thinking "Wow, with a disguise that perfect, no one would ever figure out that this purported druid was actually a ninja. And also, you, Jeremy, should move to Hollywood and work in movies because you are a master of illusion." Au contraire, believe or not, my veil of druid-ness (druidity?) was pierced!
I don't think I even made it through the first session before the others were all "Why don't you cast some freakin' healing spells?" That, and the fact that I couldn't have actually performed any cool ninja stuff unless it was through secret notes, rendered the whole concept pretty ridiculous.
I think the character lasted maybe two sessions before dying. My character sheet for him shows him at the sad state of -10 hit points, but only a few hundred XP from reaching the heights of Level 2. And I guess because I was so concerned with writing DRUID at the top of his character sheet, I never even wrote down his name.
Goodbye, unnamed Secret Ninja Druid, may you live on in some Valhalla-like realm full of idiots who never realize your hidden identity . . .
DRUID
AC: -1
THACO: 20
Hit Points: -10
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Level: 1 (XP: 880/1250)
Height: 6'1, Weight: 180, Age: 18
Strength: 17
Dexterity: 18
Constitution: 17
Intelligence: 14
Wisdom: 11
Charisma: 13
Saves: PPD 13, RSW 14, PP 12, BW 16, SP 15
Languages: Common, Special [Was "Special" my code for ninja handtalk or something?]
Weapon Proficiencies: Broadsword, Cutlass, Katana/Bokken, Khopesh, Longsword, Ninja-to, Scimitar, Chaise [What the hell is a "Chaise"? Isn't that French for "couch"? Was I proficient in couch-fighting?]
Nonweapon Proficiencies: Aki-Jitsu, Persuasion, Acting, Disguise, Cantrips
Base Thief Skills: Pick Pockets 10, Open Locks 15, Find/Remove Traps 5, Move Silently 60, Hide in Shadows 60, Detect Noise 10, Climb Walls 40, Read Languages 0
Backstab
Sunday, August 1, 2010
What I Read (2008)
For a few years now I've been keeping a book log--one or two short lines about each book I read. I don't expect this to be of widespread interest to anyone, but I figure by placing it here I can recycle my paper copy and reduce a tiny bit of clutter. So without further ado, I present the unedited . . .
What I Read (2008)
Jan. 15, 2008 Disappearing Nightly by Laura Resnick
A light-hearted supernatural mystery about disappearing acts. Congenial but not creative enough to warrant a second look.
Jan. 15, 2008 The Dungeon: The Black Tower by Richard A. Lupoff
Shaggy-dog tale of Major Clive Folliott's search for his brother Neville in the Dungeon. A nice beginning with a strong air of mystery.
Jan. 18, 2008 J'etais un Rat! by Phillip Pullman
My first French novel! I was able to follow the plot, even if a lot of details eluded me.
Jan. 24, 2008 Galactic Campaign Guide by Peter Schwaghofer & J.D. Wiker
A helpful GM's guide to Star Wars gaming.
Jan. 31, 2008 Monster Island by Christopher Golden & Thomas Sniegoski
A really great Buffy book about a pureblood invasion of a half-blood demon island. Good mingling of both show's casts.
Jan. 31, 2008 Replaced by Emma Harrison
A pretty good Alias book about a biochemical threat.
Feb. 11, 2008 L'île de l'enfer by Ellen Miles
A "Christer Sisters" mystery about an arsonist at a vacation resort. My second French novel.
Feb. 13, 2008 The Dark Abyss by Bruce Coville
The second book in the Dungeon series, as Clive and his band continue to follow his brother's trail. Pretty good and intriguing mystery.
Feb. 13, 2008 Tales From the Empire by Peter Schweighofer (editor)
Short stories from the Empire & New Republic era, including first Mara Jade appearance. Not half bad.
Feb. 28, 2008 Carnival of Souls by Nancy Holder
Average Buffy novel about a seductive carnival coming to town.
Mar. 5, 2008 The Cestus Deception by Steven Barnes
A good Star Wars novel, as Obi-Wan & Kit Fisto are sent to a planet producing bio-droids.
Mar. 2008, The Dark Side Sourcebook by Slavicsek & Wiker
Not especially interesting or helpful Star Wars sourcebook
Mar. 2008 Valley of Thunder by Charles de Lint
3rd volume of The Dungeon as the group is split into two before reuniting. Solid.
Mar. 23, 2008 Blindsight by Peter Watts
An interesting book with some thought-provoking ideas on consciousness; should check out his others.
Apr. 10, 2008 The Lost Slayer by Christopher Golden
Strong Buffy novel where she sees an alternate future where Giles is a vampire.
Apr. 12, 2008 Tales From the New Republic by Peter Schweighofer & Craig Carey (eds.)
Short stories set in various time periods after Endor. Some really nice stories.
Apr. 22, 2008 Night Watch by Terry Pratchett
Decent Guards book featuring Vimes going back in time to encounter his younger self.
Apr. 29, 2008 The Lake of Fire by Robin W. Bailey
Volume 4 of The Dungeon, the group travels through an inferno landscape and then discovers elaborate cloning facilities. Still retains my interest.
May, 2008 Medstar I: Battle Surgeons by Reaves & Perry
A Clone Wars novel about a MASH unit; oddly plotless, but I-5 is fun.
May 4, 2008 The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
A pretty fun novel about a "Literary Detective" in an alternate world where space & time are flexible.
May 12, 2008 Child of the Hunt by Golden & Holder
A Buffy novel about the Erl King & the Wild Hunt, with a theme about runaways. Really good actually.
May, 2008 X-Wing: Rogue Squadron by Michael Stackpole
A pretty interesting Star Wars novel set about seven years after Endor. A real sense of hope and progress.
May 28, 2008 Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers by J.K. Rowling
The French version of the first book--some odd name changes, like Snape is now Rogue, but fun to read.
May, 2008 Jedi vs. Sith
A really good reference book that has some great artwork and info.
June 1, 2008 Restless Gods by Reginald W. Bibby
A theist-oriented sociological study of religion in Canada, finding that the churches are resilient.
June 5, 2008 The Hidden City by Charles de Lint
Book Five of The Dungeon, as we receive the first intro to the Ren and the Chaffri, and learn about the ganine.
June 7, 2008 Medstar II: Jedi Healer by Reaves & Perry
Slow moving. I'm glad I-5 and Den Dhur were there.
June 15, 2008 One Thing or Your Mother by Kirsten Beyer
An interesting Buffy novel featuring Snyder's mom.
June 16, 1008 The Last Hero by Terry Pratchett
Cohen the Barbarian tries to kill the gods which will destroy the world.
July 1, 2008 X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble
The Rogues infiltrate and bring down Coruscant. Logic a bit hard to follow in places.
July 1, 2008 The Final Battle by Richard A. Lupoff
The last book in The Dungeon series. Disappointing, with too little time spend on supporting characters.
July, 2008 Democracy's Discontent by Michael Sandel
Argues that civic virtue should re-emerge as a pre-eminent value. Good on historical analysis, poor on modern implications.
July, 2008 The Comic Book Killer by Richard Lupoff
An enjoyable mystery with an insurance adjuster protagonist.
July, 2008 Résumé with Monsters by William B. Spencer
An interesting, light-hearted but well-written take-off of the Cthulhu mythos.
July 31, 2008 The Tail of the Tip-Off by Rita Mae Brown
An insipid, underwritten mystery novel w/ talking cats.
Aug. 8, 2008 Boba Fett: The Fight to Survive by Terry Bisson
Pretty fun kids' book tells of 10 year old Fett seeing Pops get whacked on Geonosis.
Aug. 18, 2008 The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
As great as ever.
Aug. 19, 2008 Jedi Trial by Sherman & Cragg
A crappy, boring Star Wars novel about a Separatist takeover of a communications center.
Sep. 3, 2008 Legacy & Secrets of the Jedi by Jude Watson
A pretty good book focussing on Padawans in different time streams.
Sep. 8, 2008 Drowning in Fire by Craig Womack
A novel w/ each chapter focussing on a different character and time period in Oklahoma Creek territory. Mostly okay.
Sep. 12, 2008 Truce at Bakura by Kathy Tyers
Re-read for gaming & still quite enjoyed.
Sep. 22, 2008 America: The Book by Jon Stewart
Hilarious in places.
Sep. 2008 Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow
A demon-hunting "necromancer" in supernatural-filled world. Main character bi. Unsure about reading more.
Sep. 2008 Crossfire by Terry Bisson
Second Boba Fett novel, pretty good, as Boba meets up with Aurra Sing.
Sep. 2008 Harry Potter et la chambre des secrets by J.K. Rowling
A lot of fun.
Oct. 4, 2008 The Krytos Trap by Michael Stackpole
Third X-Wing novel, telling of difficult aftermath of Republic invasion of Coruscant
Oct. 2008 Under Arrest: Canadian Laws You Won't Believe by Bob Tarantino
A very well-written book on obsolete laws.
Oct. 10, 2008 Go Ask Malice by Robert J. Levy
A great Buffy novel, telling of Faith's origin.
Nov. 2, 2008 Yoda: Dark Rendezvous by Sean Stewart
A great Clone Wars novel, introducing a really interesting Padawan named Scout.
Nov. 22, 2008 The Sociology of Religious Movements by William S. Bainbridge
Some fascinating case studies of cults like the Millerites and Processians.
Nov. 2008 Beggars Ride by Nancy Kress
Third & very readable book in the trilogy, featuring the murder of all the Sleepless. Very thought-provoking.
Nov. 2008 Anne Perry's Christmas Mysteries
Two short novels set in the carriage-horse days. Nice characterization, even if plots are a bit dull.
Nov. 2008 Bablyon 5: Betrayals by S.M. Stirling
Another nice entry in the series, detailing a Narn-Centauri peace conference w/ several good subplots.
Nov. 2008 Where's My Cow? by Terry Pratchett
A very short but cute picture book.
Nov. 2008 Maze of Deception & Hunted by Elizabeth Hand
The third & fourth Boba Fett books. Still good.
Dec. 5, 2008 Thud! by Terry Pratchett
Tensions mount between dwarfs & trolls w/ Vimes stuck in the middle. Another quality Discworld story.
Dec. 9, 2008 The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan
What an exciting book! It just gets my blood racing like no other series I've ever read.
Dec. 2008 Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (2nd edition)
A great and useful guide to comics, full of anglicisms like "bog standard" and "kack".
What I Read (2008)
Jan. 15, 2008 Disappearing Nightly by Laura Resnick
A light-hearted supernatural mystery about disappearing acts. Congenial but not creative enough to warrant a second look.
Jan. 15, 2008 The Dungeon: The Black Tower by Richard A. Lupoff
Shaggy-dog tale of Major Clive Folliott's search for his brother Neville in the Dungeon. A nice beginning with a strong air of mystery.
Jan. 18, 2008 J'etais un Rat! by Phillip Pullman
My first French novel! I was able to follow the plot, even if a lot of details eluded me.
Jan. 24, 2008 Galactic Campaign Guide by Peter Schwaghofer & J.D. Wiker
A helpful GM's guide to Star Wars gaming.
Jan. 31, 2008 Monster Island by Christopher Golden & Thomas Sniegoski
A really great Buffy book about a pureblood invasion of a half-blood demon island. Good mingling of both show's casts.
Jan. 31, 2008 Replaced by Emma Harrison
A pretty good Alias book about a biochemical threat.
Feb. 11, 2008 L'île de l'enfer by Ellen Miles
A "Christer Sisters" mystery about an arsonist at a vacation resort. My second French novel.
Feb. 13, 2008 The Dark Abyss by Bruce Coville
The second book in the Dungeon series, as Clive and his band continue to follow his brother's trail. Pretty good and intriguing mystery.
Feb. 13, 2008 Tales From the Empire by Peter Schweighofer (editor)
Short stories from the Empire & New Republic era, including first Mara Jade appearance. Not half bad.
Feb. 28, 2008 Carnival of Souls by Nancy Holder
Average Buffy novel about a seductive carnival coming to town.
Mar. 5, 2008 The Cestus Deception by Steven Barnes
A good Star Wars novel, as Obi-Wan & Kit Fisto are sent to a planet producing bio-droids.
Mar. 2008, The Dark Side Sourcebook by Slavicsek & Wiker
Not especially interesting or helpful Star Wars sourcebook
Mar. 2008 Valley of Thunder by Charles de Lint
3rd volume of The Dungeon as the group is split into two before reuniting. Solid.
Mar. 23, 2008 Blindsight by Peter Watts
An interesting book with some thought-provoking ideas on consciousness; should check out his others.
Apr. 10, 2008 The Lost Slayer by Christopher Golden
Strong Buffy novel where she sees an alternate future where Giles is a vampire.
Apr. 12, 2008 Tales From the New Republic by Peter Schweighofer & Craig Carey (eds.)
Short stories set in various time periods after Endor. Some really nice stories.
Apr. 22, 2008 Night Watch by Terry Pratchett
Decent Guards book featuring Vimes going back in time to encounter his younger self.
Apr. 29, 2008 The Lake of Fire by Robin W. Bailey
Volume 4 of The Dungeon, the group travels through an inferno landscape and then discovers elaborate cloning facilities. Still retains my interest.
May, 2008 Medstar I: Battle Surgeons by Reaves & Perry
A Clone Wars novel about a MASH unit; oddly plotless, but I-5 is fun.
May 4, 2008 The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
A pretty fun novel about a "Literary Detective" in an alternate world where space & time are flexible.
May 12, 2008 Child of the Hunt by Golden & Holder
A Buffy novel about the Erl King & the Wild Hunt, with a theme about runaways. Really good actually.
May, 2008 X-Wing: Rogue Squadron by Michael Stackpole
A pretty interesting Star Wars novel set about seven years after Endor. A real sense of hope and progress.
May 28, 2008 Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers by J.K. Rowling
The French version of the first book--some odd name changes, like Snape is now Rogue, but fun to read.
May, 2008 Jedi vs. Sith
A really good reference book that has some great artwork and info.
June 1, 2008 Restless Gods by Reginald W. Bibby
A theist-oriented sociological study of religion in Canada, finding that the churches are resilient.
June 5, 2008 The Hidden City by Charles de Lint
Book Five of The Dungeon, as we receive the first intro to the Ren and the Chaffri, and learn about the ganine.
June 7, 2008 Medstar II: Jedi Healer by Reaves & Perry
Slow moving. I'm glad I-5 and Den Dhur were there.
June 15, 2008 One Thing or Your Mother by Kirsten Beyer
An interesting Buffy novel featuring Snyder's mom.
June 16, 1008 The Last Hero by Terry Pratchett
Cohen the Barbarian tries to kill the gods which will destroy the world.
July 1, 2008 X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble
The Rogues infiltrate and bring down Coruscant. Logic a bit hard to follow in places.
July 1, 2008 The Final Battle by Richard A. Lupoff
The last book in The Dungeon series. Disappointing, with too little time spend on supporting characters.
July, 2008 Democracy's Discontent by Michael Sandel
Argues that civic virtue should re-emerge as a pre-eminent value. Good on historical analysis, poor on modern implications.
July, 2008 The Comic Book Killer by Richard Lupoff
An enjoyable mystery with an insurance adjuster protagonist.
July, 2008 Résumé with Monsters by William B. Spencer
An interesting, light-hearted but well-written take-off of the Cthulhu mythos.
July 31, 2008 The Tail of the Tip-Off by Rita Mae Brown
An insipid, underwritten mystery novel w/ talking cats.
Aug. 8, 2008 Boba Fett: The Fight to Survive by Terry Bisson
Pretty fun kids' book tells of 10 year old Fett seeing Pops get whacked on Geonosis.
Aug. 18, 2008 The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
As great as ever.
Aug. 19, 2008 Jedi Trial by Sherman & Cragg
A crappy, boring Star Wars novel about a Separatist takeover of a communications center.
Sep. 3, 2008 Legacy & Secrets of the Jedi by Jude Watson
A pretty good book focussing on Padawans in different time streams.
Sep. 8, 2008 Drowning in Fire by Craig Womack
A novel w/ each chapter focussing on a different character and time period in Oklahoma Creek territory. Mostly okay.
Sep. 12, 2008 Truce at Bakura by Kathy Tyers
Re-read for gaming & still quite enjoyed.
Sep. 22, 2008 America: The Book by Jon Stewart
Hilarious in places.
Sep. 2008 Working for the Devil by Lilith Saintcrow
A demon-hunting "necromancer" in supernatural-filled world. Main character bi. Unsure about reading more.
Sep. 2008 Crossfire by Terry Bisson
Second Boba Fett novel, pretty good, as Boba meets up with Aurra Sing.
Sep. 2008 Harry Potter et la chambre des secrets by J.K. Rowling
A lot of fun.
Oct. 4, 2008 The Krytos Trap by Michael Stackpole
Third X-Wing novel, telling of difficult aftermath of Republic invasion of Coruscant
Oct. 2008 Under Arrest: Canadian Laws You Won't Believe by Bob Tarantino
A very well-written book on obsolete laws.
Oct. 10, 2008 Go Ask Malice by Robert J. Levy
A great Buffy novel, telling of Faith's origin.
Nov. 2, 2008 Yoda: Dark Rendezvous by Sean Stewart
A great Clone Wars novel, introducing a really interesting Padawan named Scout.
Nov. 22, 2008 The Sociology of Religious Movements by William S. Bainbridge
Some fascinating case studies of cults like the Millerites and Processians.
Nov. 2008 Beggars Ride by Nancy Kress
Third & very readable book in the trilogy, featuring the murder of all the Sleepless. Very thought-provoking.
Nov. 2008 Anne Perry's Christmas Mysteries
Two short novels set in the carriage-horse days. Nice characterization, even if plots are a bit dull.
Nov. 2008 Bablyon 5: Betrayals by S.M. Stirling
Another nice entry in the series, detailing a Narn-Centauri peace conference w/ several good subplots.
Nov. 2008 Where's My Cow? by Terry Pratchett
A very short but cute picture book.
Nov. 2008 Maze of Deception & Hunted by Elizabeth Hand
The third & fourth Boba Fett books. Still good.
Dec. 5, 2008 Thud! by Terry Pratchett
Tensions mount between dwarfs & trolls w/ Vimes stuck in the middle. Another quality Discworld story.
Dec. 9, 2008 The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan
What an exciting book! It just gets my blood racing like no other series I've ever read.
Dec. 2008 Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (2nd edition)
A great and useful guide to comics, full of anglicisms like "bog standard" and "kack".
Tarmac [Book Review]
In a world of remakes and re-treads, I've gotta hand it to Nicholas Dickner for coming up with an original plot. Tarmac is about Hope Randall, latest descendant of the Randall family, a clan which is remarkable for a distinct trait: each member firmly believes he or she has predicted the apocalyptic end of the world; and each member (at least so far) is clearly proven wrong as the predicted date and comes and passes without incident. The book is set mosty in the early 90s, as Hope predicts July 18, 2001 will be the planet's final day. As the first gulf war rages on, Hope begins to notice other indications her chosen date might be correct: ramen noodles, which should last pretty much forever, with that particular expiry date; a book by a reclusive Japanese author who has also prophesied it as the end, etc. Hope goes off in search of this author, leaving behind a sort-of-boyfriend to pine after her. I won't spoil the end, but there's some nice twists about 3/4 of the way through the book. Definitely worth reading for those interested in something a little different.
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