Endings and Beginnings...

So 2014 comes to a close.  The last few years have been very full with many many changes, personal, work related and gaming.  This year , while I have enjoyed playing many wonderful games and told some cool stories with many players and friends old and new this year I said goodbye to my longest standing player.  Dave started way back in the beginning in 80/81, playing Moldvay /Cook.  One of my three original players.  33 odd years aint bad in anyones book! Well times change, life takes us on different paths.  I'll just say thanks for all the fun, games, stories and most importantly friendship. Its been a great experience and thanks for sharing so much of your life with me matey.
2015 looks like an interesting year.  Several things planned on the horizon, both personal , like that trip to Europe ( after five years saving! lol), as well as letting my game of 25 some years of Barra have a rest and seeing what we can create with a new group of players in KAAtooM. Hopefully the Traveller group will continue to play from strength to strength and it will be satisfying to get a superhero game off the ground and sustained.  Those are a few of my goal/anticipations for '15.  Once I return from the annual camping trip I will start to record my take on an Original/1st ed  AD&D mix for KAAtooM over on the PHB blog as well as post the Players Handbooks to their respective locales in KAAtooM.  Well if I think of anything else before going off I'll put it up here, if not hope everyone out there has a happy and safe hoilday season and an awesome new year too!
Cheers and Game On!
Steve

TRAVELLER STARLIGHT 3.2 Hmmmmmm....

And so our group complete another year of gaming , this time the adventure costs them in the wallet as well as they gain some very important information about things for next year..portends of 2015... watch on and enjoy, see you all next year!  Have a happy and safe Holiday season, all the best for 2015!

Round up

So we are almost at the end of the year- have a few sessions to post..enjoy...


Firstly from the Monday night group there last few encounters...Barra 1.6 Adventure Ho!

Barra 1.7 Adventure Down

Barra 1.8 Adventure forth

Barra 1.9 Adventure wet

and lastly the final for this year and story in Barra 1.10 Adventures End

Our Tuesday group had many difficulties in being able to meet and play so we have changed somewhat.  Next year, with a third player we will continue the Marvels Age in the fifties and sixties under the ICONS rules.  Also welcome back Matt!

The Wednesday group managed a few more sesions before game close and here they are...

Elderlor 1.12 The Manor shows its Mysteries...

Elderlor 1.13 More and more mysteries...

And finally Elderlor 1.14 Closing Time...

The Saturday group of Traveller players goes on from strength to strength , here are the few final bar one for 2014...

Traveller: Starlight 3.0 1:Baku crew 2:Flash New Ship 3: $$$$$$$ 4:New Sector - What could possibly go wrong?

Traveller: Starlight 3.1 The Rescue

So one more game and that's it done for 2014. 

So the group end victorious against a small part of the Barracuda Hoard, they return to Gomel with a handsome reward, and experience to boot! Now they can rest and wait until they are needed once more...

Mon Falstaff- Owner of the Nor'Keepin Inn

Mon Falstaff- Owner of the Nor'Keepin Inn

Musings in a dwarfs mind .................

Musings in a dwarfs mind .................
{I have not seen this much intensity, this much hatred for life since.....since the forest............the bloodshed, the running..........I thank the gods that I found respite and the friendship of Mon. Without that, I would hate to think I might have become something like the blind fools we face}

Helja's thoughts...............

Helja's thoughts...............
I am feeling so alive and rejuveniled now. ... and it really pays to be the one watching the backs of others ............. wonder how much gold or gems I managed to pocket? Must be enough to experience some luxery living for a change ........ I mean, if the rich folk can why can't I? 

We are so close to figuring this puzzle out too. Hope the village will be happy cos then I can start finding out a bit more of my deed maybe.......

Change, the one constant...

So as we come to the close of another year just felt I needed to evaluate the year in gaming.  So far the year has been one about change, we have tried many systems, stories and combinations of groups.  We have welcomed on board new players and seen some old players leave the scene.  Some of the newer players too have had to move on due to life's demands or just personal preference.
We've had many ups and several downs but at the heart endures the love and passion for this wonderful hobby.  I have had the priveledge to referee several games with a wide mix of players, be it age, experience or even time zone/nationality.  To those of you who dial in at those early hours I thank you for your commitment and passion to sit around the virtual table, game and shoot the breeze and open one's eyes to other perspectives.  I think this also part of gaming's allure.  You get the opportunity of not being so insular and develop tunnel vision in both your personal and gaming lives. So that's this year dealt too, many stories, some classic lines and clangers and some thought provoking situations.  Not bad after coming up on 34 years of gaming.  Lastly to those out there who have sat at now vacant chairs thanks for the excellent times of laughter and storytelling.  For those who are still ready and able to hang around for another rotation...watch out - here comes 2015! As always if you have just wandered by and reading this saying what the f...?!?  Contact me on my e-mail or leave a comment or take a punt and ask for an invite to one of the games - who knows - it could be a whole lot of fun!

Cheers and as always...Game on!
Steve

It all changes in '15...

See ya there.

Originally shared by Steve K

Originally shared by Steve K
events/c11d5qensj4laf51q9qad88i0nk?authkey=CLbG1I-g757eGw

Zombies Are Evil. A Shek Hong Styled Poem, by your lovely bard.

Zombies Are Evil. A Shek Hong Styled Poem, by your lovely bard.

Zombies are heinous,
Obeying evil magi,
Malicious devils.

Bereft of all life,
Inclined to wander around,
Eating living flesh.

(Thokk's inner musings)

(Thokk's inner musings)
Hmmmmm, note to self - I wonder if the alcohol content of my fortified cider would make a good zombie flamer..........
Well, better focus on the task at hand: incoming steps moving fast - lets see how quickly this lot can fall, because if they ALSO keep getting back up, I am going to get annoyed!

Our group left Gomel heading to a small coastal town by the name of Gormanghast they seem to have a problem with corpses leaving in the middle of the night, now since corpses don't just go wondering on there own out of a graveyard there must be some outside influence involved.

Our group left Gomel heading to a small coastal town by the name of Gormanghast they seem to have a problem with corpses leaving in the middle of the night, now since corpses don't just go wondering on there own out of a graveyard there must be some outside influence involved.

When we arrived at Gormanghast after talking to the mayor there and sorting out suitable compensation for our troubles (A longbow for me.) we spent the night in the church hoping that someone would try to dig up another corpse.
Unfortunately no one dug anything up except Helja but ill get to that later, Thokk saw some movement in the night and at the location I found tracks that led to the wooden rampart of the town and a hidden door that went outside the walls, the tracks led off to the beach but they were lost in the sand. Searching the caves and both up and down the beach led to no discoveries so we headed back to town.

Just before midday Helja was looking at the centre of the floor in the church and asked if anyone can see that, no one had any idea what she was talking about so she grabbed the floor and ripped it up it was impressive she is as strong as she looks and has good eyes.
Where there is now a gaping hole in the floor is a hidden passageway to somewhere, so tacking a note to the door of the church stating that we are following a lead please do not enter the church we went down the hole.

I hope the town doesn't go into the church it would be a pain having to explain about the damage.

Helja's thoughts.........

Helja's thoughts.........
......(wonderingly)....... I am so strong now! All these things I can do, all the people I can help.........wait ..... what is that? I can hear voices......"helja, come on girl, open your eyes" ...... open? my? eyes? ... oooh but I hurt. What the hell happe.... oh ............ centipedes!

Thankful for the healing is Helja.

But now............. I go to cover a tunnel and I hear ....... everyone is shuffling shuffling................ better get it together if you want to survive down here Helja ol' girl.

Barra 5 1.5 Adventure Away!

So our group decided to investigate deeper and go underground with some nasty surprises and a song regaling us about their escapades...

♫Bravely down the deep dark hole,
Go our adventurers bold!
Down to the bottom the group hath climbed,
Nobody knowing, what we would find!
A dank dirty cavern, what a surprise,
The light cantripp'd stone is blinding our eyes!
Forward we go, Valasca leading the way,
Searching for tracks of our unknown prey!
Across a crumbly bridge, a ramshackle door looms,
And to our side, weak supports that could spell our dooms!
The door is misshapen and is poorly made,
And yet in front of it, our traps are now laid!
Along a side passage, Valasca still in front,
The party moves onward in this big treasure hunt!
Sneakily we move, along this narrow path,
When suddenly three Giant Centipedes appear, bearing much wrath!
They bite and they bite, Valasca and Helja both drop,
But Jerrick shoots fire, and nabs one with a sizzle and pop!
Two more remain, a horrifying sight,
as Valasca and Helja lie unconscious, despite all of their might!
Laurel moves in, whip lashing out from her hand,
Slapping the Centipede with a force that it could not stand!
The last Centipede comes scuttling, up on the wall,
Going for Thokk, but it made a misstep and took a big fall!
Thokk takes aim, and brings his hammer down like a rock,
As he shouts to the heavens "CENTIPEDE GET THOKKED!"
I rush over to our unconscious and poisoned heroes two,
And use my medical prowess, to cleanse both their wounds!
As we all take, a much needed rest,
I use my healing magic to make them feel the best!
Onwards we go, a secret door we do find,
And open it goes with a bump and a grind!
Into the room, Thokk and Helja enter with a grin,
and alert the beasts slumbering within!
Shambling and groaning, appear two abominations ahead,
I KNEW IT ALL ALONG, ITS FREAKIN UNDEAD!♫

Traveller Stardust: 2.18 Welcome to the Bright and Shiney future...

After a rather interesting encounter in assisting some aliens in recovering a kidnapped child the group finally get whats coming to them... ( p.s. who would have thought that shooting the child was a successful way of rescuing them!?!)..enjoy....

Elderlor 1.11 Into the Manor

And so our brave heroes test their mettle and enter  Aethaungors Manor house,  and promptly get stomped on by ants, BIG ants....

The Battle of the Centipedes! By the beautiful and talented Skye!

The Battle of the Centipedes! By the beautiful and talented Skye!
I hope you enjoy!
♫Bravely down the deep dark hole,
Go our adventurers bold!
Down to the bottom the group hath climbed,
Nobody knowing, what we would find!
A dank dirty cavern, what a surprise,
The light cantripp'd stone is blinding our eyes!
Forward we go, Valasca leading the way,
Searching for tracks of our unknown prey!
Across a crumbly bridge, a ramshackle door looms,
And to our side, weak supports that could spell our dooms!
The door is misshapen and is poorly made,
And yet in front of it, our traps are now laid!
Along a side passage, Valasca still in front,
The party moves onward in this big treasure hunt!
Sneakily we move, along this narrow path,
When suddenly three Giant Centipedes appear, bearing much wrath!
They bite and they bite, Valasca and Helja both drop,
But Jerrick shoots fire, and nabs one with a sizzle and pop!
Two more remain, a horrifying sight,
as Valasca and Helja lie unconscious, despite all of their might!
Laurel moves in, whip lashing out from her hand,
Slapping the Centipede with a force that it could not stand!
The last Centipede comes scuttling, up on the wall,
Going for Thokk, but it made a misstep and took a big fall!
Thokk takes aim, and brings his hammer down like a rock,
As he shouts to the heavens "CENTIPEDE GET THOKKED!"
I rush over to our unconscious and poisoned heroes two,
And use my medical prowess, to cleanse both their wounds!
As we all take, a much needed rest,
I use my healing magic to make them feel the best!
Onwards we go, a secret door we do find,
And open it goes with a bump and a grind!
Into the room, Thokk and Helja enter with a grin,
and alert the beasts slumbering within!
Shambling and groaning, appear two abominations ahead,
I KNEW IT ALL ALONG, ITS FREAKIN UNDEAD!♫

Elderlor 1.10 Something in the air...

And so the group reforms, this time with only two of the original members and a new third, he seems to be an elf with an interesting take on interpersonal interaction, all that and a possible adventure that may result in bulging pockets of gold! Enjoy...

Barra 5: The Life of an Adventurer

The group get their first break...a 'real' adventuring job outside Gomel.  Oh did we mention it involves dead bodies going missing?   Enjoy

Skye's Notes ♫

Skye's Notes ♫
11th Reepwynd Undey
I've finally learnt how to influence the magical notes I've been playing into physical and mental forms! I knew my ability was strong, but I didnt know that I was this magical! I feel fantastic! I felt like I didnt contribute much, aside from saving Thokk, so hopefully now I can be a help to my "team" now. Harvest Festival is coming up! Today some Laurel Pennsdotta girl came in asking if she can join us, the group decided that we should let her try it out, she looks around my age, I could make a friend. later on some guy named Largard comes up to us and asks us to help his small community. He says a village elder send him to help out with some disappearing dead bodies. He wants us to solve whatever problem they're being afflicted by. I smell black magics. We made it to a small village named Gormanghast. Go figure the town with dead people issues would be called Gorman-GHAST! We ended up in the church, and had a discussion with some dude for terms of payment. I wasn't really paying attention but he allowed us to stay in the church, where all the things have been happening around. We took turns watching out. Nothing seemed to happen.

12th Reepwynd Torsdey
The others found some random secret passage by the church and they started to try and figure out what that was about. I had some free time, so I went  to the tavern and told them the story of the necromancer priest and the brave heroes who stopped him, in an attempt to make the townsfolk a little more at ease with the commotion. Hopefully the others can live up to the hype I created of them, otherwise what good can they possibly be for my stories of grandeur? My story seems to have made the townsfolk happy and full of hope. It's things like that that give me INSPIRATION. I went back to the others, they were about to explore the beach. So we waited on the beach. Went back to the church after nothing happening, thought about what we'd do, and Helja ripped out a trapdoor from the church floor. I have no clue what's down there, but hey, if today is the day I die, so be it. Fates be gentle.

Hey guys I have a question about magic, materials and spell focuses. If a spell cost material to cast, but I have spell focus with my instrument, does that negate the material cost? I've been reading the spell focus thing and I recall somethign from that. This is my first magic using class, so I'd like to make sure

Traveller Stardust 2.17

And so the group edge closer to their ultimate goal..Lilith!

Wow that was fun down in the sewers the smell was not nice but hey who cares we saved the child killed some heretic worshippers and even managed to capture the ones that did not drown in the sewers.

Wow that was fun down in the sewers the smell was not nice but hey who cares we saved the child killed some heretic worshippers and even managed to capture the ones that did not drown in the sewers. 

The townspeople were very thankful and offered to train and give us some basic supply for the rescue, The guard also said we could even keep the gear of the heretics it was a win win situation..... I wonder if there are any bandits around that we could hunt?

Helja's amusings....

Helja's amusings....

Fighting those sorcerers and bad men, rescuing the child. I ... I feel so happy. The hitting, and kicking and smashing of bone, the gurgles as they die ..... was very ............... satisfying.

The child's family are happy and together and the town offered us a reward. Most grateful. It may aid me to visit my old village soon.

I did not enjoy the stink of sewer though. Hung on me for days, even after scrubbing with the soapthistle Mon found.

I am content now, resting here at Mons, talking to the stray dogs that come for scraps...... (not that Mon knows I find what I can for them)

Skye's diary.

Skye's diary.
32 Hisun Undey

Super Awesome Adventure Log!
Wow I feel like a real adventurer now! Where to begin?!
So the day started all normal and fine, got to the tavern in the afternoon, and I really rocked the house! During the performance however, Jerrick shouted something about a child gone missing, and Mon went over to the table and dragged Jerick to the wine cellar. I dunno what happened there, but Jerrick comes back out and he starts rousing people to follow him. I knew I smelt adventure! I followed him off to the house of the missing child and Jerrick was talking to the father about possible theft + kidnapping. Thokk made a really bad joke, it hurt my ears. And the Jerrick hit him! Damn men and their testosterone. Helja on the other hand was talking about some penticles, that girl's one string short of a lute.. anyways, Jerrick started picking around with front door lock, checking for scratch marks and stuff, he couldn't find anything so he asked me to have a look, I saw knife marks, but for some reason I was compelled to not tell him they were there. So strange!
Anywho~ The boys went out back to look for tracks, whilst we stayed inside. During the convo though Thokk said to the parents of the child that they deserved to lose thier child! So rude! I promptly slapped him! Such a jerk >:( We ended leaving out into the back alley, and Jerrick was staring at a sewer, they wanted to go in, but apparently humans cant see in the dark, hmph that's something I dont envy about them. We went back to my place to grab some torches off dad, and we returned to the sewer. A man named Sven, son of Sven joined us. Apparently he heard the rousing rabble speech in the tavern that Jerrick created, we all climbed into the sewers. We made some good progress, Valasca leading the way, until we rounded a corner and some goddamned rats attacked us. They got some good bites in but I noticed they were just trying to run past, so I stepped to the side. We needed to rest after that. We rounded some more corners after the rest and encountered a long corridor. Nobody saw the light at the end of the hallway except for me, but I managed to tell them to stop in time and extinguish thier lights. Suddenly Thokk runs across the ledge to get into a better position, and falls into the water and bumped into Sven and alerted two men to our presence! Clumsy oaf! The two men came wading thier way down the tunnel and I recognized them as two of the men I saw the other day! I knew they were up to no good! We took them out pretty easy, even though another came around the corner. Helja took him out, damn that lady is strong! Anyway Thokk ran around the corner and got knocked out by another man! I looked down the corridor and apparently people were casting some dark ritual that involved 'sacrificing' the child! Filthy swines! Helja passed back Thokk to me and I managed to stabilise him. Thank Gaia. The others managed to defeat the evil guys, and we took everyone back. Jerrick and I went to the parents house, and they were ecstatic to have their child return to them! I went home afterwards and mum grounded me! I saved a child's life and she grounded me! The bitch. sigh well I guess I'll have to sneak out again. I dont feel like I did much. All I really did was save Thokks life, and even then, someone else probably could have. sigh I wish I could learn how to focus these magical tunes. Now I think on it, we never did find that damned cat.

33rd Hisun Torsdey
Had a rest today. Mum scrubbed me til I was raw, but we got that sewer smell off of me. Even dad looked unhappy about me going into the sewers without proper protection. Man, did I screw up?

34th Hisun Midsdey

Today the townsfolk rewarded us for saving the child! Apparently word got around of my friends' brave exploits, I feel happy for them. I dont think I really did much, I felt more like a burden. A man came to me however and offered to teach me how to focus my spells, in place of my father. He was from the College of Lore. Maybe now I can become a real adventurer!
I still feel really awkward around the others, I cant help but feel I'm still a burden, they all have such...lack of care for hurting things. I dont really fit in.

Elderlor 1.8 Thump, Thump, Thump

Its gonna leave a mark! The group conclude the little adventure, this is the last we will see of Stanis and his player Shona for a wee while as she moves over to the Barra game.  Its been great!

Elderlor 1.7 Off again

And the group head off for a shorter adventure...

Traveller:Stardust 2.16 Getting to Akorom; getting there is only half the fun

Enjoy those crazy spacers!

Traveller:Stardust 2.15 Guns at Dusk

Seems the group are in a spot of trouble - no surprises there!

More New Oldness: The continuing adventures in Barra: Skagin under 5th D&D Ed.

Set back where the whole Barra story started, on the island of Skagin, this time the group a a small and of pre adventurers in the settlement of Gomel.  Here's to adventure!


One: Ad Initium

 Two: Down, Down Dank and Dark

When it hits the fan

Welcoming a New set of adventures: The MARVELS AGE Book one: The Hongshan Jade Chptr 1, 2 and 3

Welcome Adventure lovers.   The story starts with two new heroes , Black Lightning and Deadpan, two men from the mid thirties, pulp noir heroes where misdirection, a good swift punch and some good ole fashioned Chutzpah will save the day! 

Chptr One

Chptr Two

Chptr Three

Well it turns out that not only was some animals that went missing but some child has been taken as well, Hopefully we find that child before he gets sold or something.

Well it turns out that not only was some animals that went missing but some child has been taken as well, Hopefully we find that child before he gets sold or something.
The tracks around where the child was indicates a travelling boot of someone of medium to heavy build and it led out the back of the building which we got kicked out of after Thokk insulted the parents, the tracks lead down into the sewers.... Great.
Rats I mean literally, Rats a whole god damn swarm of them came running round the corner scrambling over our feet biting as they went, must remember to keep a eye on the tiny scratch I got as rats aren't very clean especially ones that live in the sewers. Ah looks like we are heading off again after our rest lets see if we can find where these tracks lead....

Hey guys, quick question, do you guys have any goals you're willing to share with the rest of us? I'm bored, and curious.

And here is Skye's father, the famous Shek Hong bard, Cheng Wo.

And here is Skye's father, the famous Shek Hong bard, Cheng Wo.
Cheng Wo is renowned most of all for his previous adventures into incredibly dangerous waters, where he is fabled to have fought off the kraken, not once, but twice.

I finally got around to it, I should probably post this once we hit level 1 so I can get some xp for it ( LOL ) but oh well, I'll live.

I finally got around to it, I should probably post this once we hit level 1 so I can get some xp for it ( LOL ) but oh well, I'll live.
Here is Skye's Mother, Sairah (sa-ee-rah) Leafsong.
Sairah Leafsong used to be a noblewoman, until she eloped with Cheng Wo, and now she is as unwelcome in her ancestors home, as much as a human is.

Our groups new motto?

Our groups new motto?

Almost looks as manly as Helja..... ;)

Almost looks as manly as Helja..... ;)

All very quiet on the western front...............

Salvos' Armour :P

Salvos' Armour :P

And the sort of barbarian Steve would like? LOL

And the sort of barbarian Steve would like? LOL

Travelling thoughts ...................

Travelling thoughts ...................

Helja is thinking Valasca, maybe she can look after herself more than she thought. But Skye ............ she is hægr, needs watching (especially if she does not even get feet wet).

Maybe if Helja were effluent she would not have to do these things........ 

These sewers are very ..... sewery. And Helja sees trouble ahead! ...... two creatures .............. about to have trouble.....

is there a game today?

...... Unbelievable!!! Now we're trouncing about in a sewer, trying to look for wet footprints.... In a dank environment! These kids better find this little human or there's going to be some major issues with me about wasting MY valuable time. I could adding the finishing touches to a lovely drop,with a rare bouquet of scintillating aromas..... tease the nose and the mouth follows ;-)

...... Unbelievable!!! Now we're trouncing about in a sewer, trying to look for wet footprints.... In a dank environment! These kids better find this little human or there's going to be some major issues with me about wasting MY valuable time. I could adding the finishing touches to a lovely drop,with a rare bouquet of scintillating aromas..... tease the nose and the mouth follows ;-)
At least I'm the last to not get.......(splash) .... Bugger me. That really gets my goat! Last thing I need right now is a bath...... I'm getting angry....and what?! Who the hell are these blokes ahead of us? They look like they mean business - best I let them know I'm not in the mood to be annoyed further!!! Time to introduce them to my mates (clenches fists and knuckles crack)......

THOKK

THOKK

Originally shared by Steve K

I have been in this town for a while now just bumming around i need to get up and do something get my clans name out there in honour of their memory.

I have been in this town for a while now just bumming around i need to get up and do something get my clans name out there in honour of their memory.
It's hard though as I do not like people they are so complicated unlike animals, animals are easy to get along with unless they see you as food but even then its simple and honest, the only problem with animals is they cannot spread my clans name.... I guess I will have to deal with people.
There are a few that I am acquainted with, Helja is very protective towards women and seams nice, Skye likes being the centre of attention and has a nice voice, she is noisy though but that is her job.
There is also the bouncer called ??? what was his name again? something starting with T I'm not sure I haven't spoken to him much
and another male ummm... I'm not good with names but we all sort of work for Mon the tavern owner, and his barmaid is nice enough to share her room with Helja and I.

I have heard rumours about missing animals around town from people leaving the inn so the next day I looked at the 
barracks notice board it was true there has been quite a few missing animals around so I asked Helja to keep a ear out around the tavern about it.

This is Skye. The most prominent thing one sees in her in game, besides possibly her half-elfishness, is her one blue, one green eye.

This is Skye. The most prominent thing one sees in her in game, besides possibly her half-elfishness, is her one blue, one green eye.

Valasca

Valasca

The day they met.

The day they met.

A lone man walks through the sea of flames that used to be a hamlet, stepping round the bodies. "I came to late it seams" he said sorrowfully.
Looking around one can see nothing but devastation and needless slaughter, there is countless bodies of tribesmen lying next to their spears and tribeswomen lying next to their panther companions there is even children mixed in was no one spared from this slaughter.
The man slowly started to make his way around the hamlet looking for anybody that may have survived, the more he looked the more crestfallen he became "IS ANYONE ALIVE" he shouted. The only response was the crackling of flames and a gentle breeze.
Moving his was further into the destruction there was a great number of corpses, in the centre of them all there seemed to be a spear held upright.
The man started making his way forward through the sea of dead, as he got closer he could make out a small figure holding the spear, "Hey" "Are you aright" the man said as he got closer, the small figure jumped up and spun round grabbing hold of the spear that was twice the size of its body and readied it.
The man raised his hands "Whoa calm down, calm down" "I'm not here to hurt you" The small figure bared its teeth, it was a child of around 5 covered in soot and blood.
The man took a step forwards "I saw the smoke and came to help if i can" he took a glance behind the child a saw 3 bodies there a man, a women and a giant panther, "DIEEEE!" The child screamed and charged, the man dodged the clumsy stab and brought his staff down upon the child's head knocking the child out. "Troublesome" he said shaking his head and set to work burying the dead.

Helja's log book.

Helja's log book. 

So Helja writes in book sometimes.
Sometimes Helja remembers horrible time in village. Here in Gomel now is a missing child. That is horrible too.
Joined others to look for child. Went to the mum and dads house but everyone talking and Thokk muttering and Helja got a headache. So far, no luck to find child.
So followed everyone to sewer for a quick perfuse. Hope book stays dry.....

This is about the only place I could think to put this that you'll see it, Steve, but is there ANY other way to send my parent's backstory/my goals/updated backstory? Gmail is just spewing all my messages back out.

32 high sun 1022

32 high sun 1022
Whilst relaxing at the Norkeeping I was informed by Skye that a group of the locals were talking about something that seemed to be related to the disappearance of Tomtom, so I decided I better get in there and let them know how annoyed I was that even our animal populace was not safe  these days. However the conversation that I walked into actually set my blood to boil, for it seems that it was not only the animals that had gone missing but now someones child as well!!!

So after a rather disappointing reaction from Mon, it was like he was more worried about his business being disrupted than the disappearance of the child, I gathered some of the other locals who cared enough to investigate and we headed out to see the family of the missing child.

The mother and father of the child, who turned out to be a girl of only 3 years, informed us that she went missing whilst the mother stepped out briefly, and unfortunately were able to provide very little else in the way of information, before Thokk managed to throw enough offensive comments out that we were asked to leave. However the investigations of myself and Valasca led us to believe the culprits of the kidnapping had escaped to the sewers, and where better for scum like that to call their home besides, so we have set of in pursuit. All I can hope for now is that we, or the city watch, manage to  reach the girl before a horrid fate befalls her.

Thokk's sewer exploration 'log' - Good to know there are some regular people out there!

Thokk's sewer exploration 'log' - Good to know there are some regular people out there!

The island of Skagin, where adventure takes place...

The island of Skagin, where adventure takes place...

Example of the streets of Gomel

Example of the streets of Gomel

Under Gomel

Under Gomel

Skye's Super Awesome Adventure Log YEAH!

Skye's Super Awesome Adventure Log YEAH!

30 Hisun Endey 1022

Super Awesome Adventure Log!
Ugh, That blasted Tomtom's missing, I hope I dont find him hiding in my darn wardrobe again, last time that happened, I had to buy a new skirt. Dumb cat.

I played at the tavern again. I didn't get to bust out any kicking tunes, it was all boring "play soft soothing music" Maaan taverns are meant to be rowdy and WOOO! not "ho hum so sweet" but hey, I love to see the smiles on the faces that listen to my music, but I swear Old Mr Jenkins grabbed my butt again today, that man is so silly, but so sweet, I hope his leg heals soon.

31 Hisun Leedey 1022

Super Awesome Adventure Log!
Some stupid adventurers came along and caused a problem in town today, they looked like they were going to kill poor Johnny, but the townsfolk flocked around them before they could, they walked off with a huff and pushed over little Sally. Stupid men, I should get someone to deal with them.

More animals missing, more people missing, things are sure strange lately. Probably those ruffians. I told mum and dad about them, mum told me off for getting too close to them, OF COURSE :/ she never lets me do anything fun, but that's okay, I can just sneak out hehehe. Dad didn't say anything, he just sat there, smoking his pipe, probably didn't wanna get told off by mum either. I swear I saw him wink, he's so cool. How am I supposed to become a fantastic adventurer and have lots of great stories to share if mum wont let me do any dangerous and exciting stuff... Guh!

Anyway, that damn cat wasn't in my wardrobe (thank goodness) but I'm still worried for Hawky, if that dumb cat tries to get Hawky again, I'm gonna smack him upside the head with my lute!

I swear something's gonna burst tomorrow, I can smell adventure in the air, maybe I'll get to do something fun!

The Town of Gomel, base of operations of the beginning group

The Town of Gomel, base of operations of the beginning group

TRAVELLER STARDUST 2.14 Its the OK CARRELL?

So Barra is this world. Well its not just another fantasy planet, its THE planet, the prime originator in my gaming universe. Whatever happens in Barra will eventually echo out in some form to other fantasy games.

So Barra is this world.  Well its not just another fantasy planet, its THE planet, the prime originator in my gaming universe.  Whatever happens in Barra will eventually echo out in some form to other fantasy games.
Barra (starting out as Skagin) has been around for 26 years (since 88) and in that time the players have diversified and explored many places on the planet - from Mu in the far east to Werris in the northern hemisphere and over to Vallar in the west.  Each story was self contained yet having an impact on the planet as a whole.    Barra has existed in its universe for..well for a while. (Funny thing - you ask people about its past and they seem to get a little vague as to what happened before around 2 and a half thousand years ago.  Its all ancient history anyway - no need to be too concerned about it aye? ;) )

TRAVELLER:MINERS 1.4 Home, home on the range - can get hot out there !

Tavern Tales 2.10 The end...?

And so the valiant characters find a way to end the menace but at a hefty price, 7 go in, 4 come out

And so we leave this story for a time, the next set was to do with the characters moving wider afield and heading north..watch out for   NEW HORIZONS

TRAVELLER STARDUST 2.13: we're when now???

And so the intrepid crew find themselves again at the mercy of the universe and they turn lemons into lemonade!

P.s. we welcome Erick aboard playing Victor.

ELDERLOR 1.6 Take II - An escape...

Hi there, well we got enough people to get together to complete the escape from the sinking castle.  Alas poor Leo sacrificed himself so that the others could reach safety...

The Devils in the detail...TRAVELLER:MINERS 1.3

Another great session, the group manage to overcome a blight problem threatening their food source, continue to build the infrastructure of the mining colony ( at the moment nicknamed 'Guidoville'), have several mishaps, find out something about the planet's geology, get some good results for the mineral resources for mining and the 'scintillating rock' comes up in a strange way.  Also Guido starts broadcasting Guido Radio- the rest are concerned he may be suffering cabin fever. Next installment around September, enjoy.....

Time, time, time

Well its been a while since posting, life and slackness the main agents.  Any way here are the games we've played since last posting;

ELDERLOR 1.4

and ELDERLOR 1.5
were we see Patrick in action for the last time - farewell Pat, been  good having you at the 'table'

Now Tavern Tales 2.7... Welcome aboard Thomas!

and Tavern Tales 2.8 -... Welcome aboard Thomas! .

and  Tavern Tales 2.9 the group are almost there..

Moving left a little in genre...HERO GUARD 1.15

and with that Hero Guard is left dangling ( unfortunately we could not gather enough players to play out the final scene ( here's hoping in another dimension or at a future date we get to see how it plays out- Long live the Guard!)

and lastly the ongoing tales of our sci fi miscreants...    TRAVELLER:STARDUST 2.10

TRAVELLER:STARDUST 2.11

and lastly.. TRAVELLER:STARDUST 2.12

Now just for a little change in direction , the next Miners installment... 

MINERS 1.2 (ignore the name stamp on video)

well that's it for now, more to post later once the games are played, also the replacement game for Hero Guard will have a more pulpy/golden age feel to it showing casing the adventuring experience of a dynamic duo

Okay and for MENSIS SEEKING #8 - what has been your favorite system to play in and what could have made it better? 

Elderlor 1.3 More....fun?

Well they delve a little more, some close calls...still no idea about what might be going on - if anything

Elderlor 1.2 More fun

The group keep on going...just

Hero Guard 1.14 And the ratzi's did die...then things started to get complicated...

Hmmm seems the group cant get a break.....

Tavern Tales 2.6 (I believe)

And so the group continue to delve into the little castle, along comes a goblin, things get weird   ...

TRAVELLER:STARDUST 2.9 R&R stands for?

Well the group acquit themselves fairly well and end up with a nice bonus...

Hmmmmm

So, gidday.  Been a while since I have had the chance to sit and blog something on the blog.  Apart from posting the games as they happen , and taking plenty of prep time for each one I haven't really been developing anything else - not a lot of time.

So where are they all heading?

Well I think they are all slowly marching in the general direction they had started  or been intended to at their conception.  Some have gone through several changes, Tavern Tales being the prime here, while each game has seen some amazing players come and go.  So if you ex-players are still reading this just wanted to take the time to say thanks for an awesome experience and hope you can find your way back to the gaming table again one day, hopefully mine.
As to direction guess it would be good for my own clarity to put it down somewhere.

TAVERN TALES is mired a little, had three major changes of group members and two reboots.  The group is still playing under 3.5 Ed D&D rules with the E6 modification.  We are experiencing difficulty in getting enough experience and survivability running through some modules to propel the group into the main storyline but the roleplaying and characterization is coming along in leaps and bounds.  I had hoped we could have been engaging in a few of the major storylines by now so I have some ideas to rectify this in the immediate future (for the players - bwha ha ha - you'll enjoy it (probably-probably not)).

HERO GUARD has finally gone through the cycle of different systems and , if I got it right from the players, they seem to be okay with the Mighty Six rules (based on the Mini Six rules, which itself is based on the old WESTEND D6 system aka Star Wars).  The group themselves have gone through several roster changes with only one of the original players still in the game - go Kioki! and they have always managed to have some unplanned humorous event happen in almost everyone of their sessions. The majority of the base storyline has been laid with the return of the original Hero Guard after decades of being stranded in an other dimension. Now the planned story arcs can start to be introduced - hope you guys enjoy the ride.

ELDERLOR, the late comer played under Swords & Wizardy rules, has had two reboots also and a slight change in group members but they seem to be getting to grips with the old school style of gaming and , at present, staying alive (just) and making mullah!  Now they just need to learn when to run!  They seem to be enjoying the dungeon crawl that is the Sinking Castle and I hope to detail the surrounding world more once they have completed the first level.  I hope they find it in them to want to pursue deeper into the lower depths of the semi submerged castle.  Also the game is designed to try and go back to replay/relive those 'first experience' adventures when we all started in this great past time (and I think we are succeeding to some extent in this).

Then finally that crazy game that is TRAVELLER:STARDUST.  The guys play with gusto, guts and grit.  I am hoping that they get to iron out some of the twists and turns that have been played out in the game so far, get reacquainted with some old friends (some good ole boys?), meet up with some old enemies (go Black Cell!) and make plenty of new adversaries (while making a buck of course and looking damn stylish while doing all this).  The group has undergone some player changes, the character Victor onto his third player and Ean onto his second - isn't it usually the other way round, player onto his xth character!? - just one of the gonzo things that happens in the game. Anyway the group seem to be settling into their second ship, the Silver Beetle -and I really thought there would be ruder names for it given their loss of the Ostlander- anyway they've taken it in their stride like everything else.  As you may tell I am having a lot of fun in the game.  Hoping the other three will kick start soonish and we can enjoy them just as much (not that everone isnt but there are moments hehehe).

Anyways that's my thoughts at the moment.  Oh yeah just a thought on the horizon,  in a word - BLACKMOOR!


PS- What would one of my bloggings be without:
MENSIS SEEKING #7 - When you 'take stock' of how your gaming is going, what do you prioritize to look at and what do you not worry about?

GAME ON!
Steve

TRAVELLER:STARDUST 2.8 Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh vacation time

So the group get a chance to have some r&r while their ship is in drydock getting its annual checkup, what could possibly go wrong!!??!! hehehe

Elderlor 1.1.1.1.1.1.1 et nauseum

Okay the group seem to delve deeper better.  Fingers crossed....

ENJOY!

TRAVELLER:STARDUST 2.7 Here kitty kitty kitty....

Hi ho hi ho its off a hunting we will go.... ( and it starts to go down from there...)

Elderlor... here we go, again, and ...again

Yahh first level adventuring!

Hero Guard 1.13.. Ratzis!

Tavern Tales 2.5 A party member dies!

A very sad night for all ( especially the one who dies! )

TRAVELLER:STARDUST 2.6 The Return!

Once again the team is on a mad dash across space to find something they don't even know they are looking for...

Meanwhile..mild mannered...

So on the Supers Hero Guard game we are trialing the last system, Might Six - based on the ld West End games d6 Star Wars engine, then filtered through Mini Six and finally themed by Mighty Six.  Anyhoo - our group saves the day in the last Marvel session, and then has to undergo a roster reshuffle as players move in and out.. read on comic book fan....