Read an RPG Book in Public Week(s) in 2010

February 28th - March 6th
July 25th - 31st
September 26th - October 2nd

I have to admit, I rather like this idea, though I'm notorious for compartmentalizing my life to the point that mixing arenas is often uncomfortable for me. Basically it works like this: pick up an RPG manual and read it in public area where there's at least moderate foot traffic, in order to attract people who might ask you about it. Essentially, it's a way of creating visibility for the hobby and promote it's overall acceptibility.

In light of the hobby's poorer reputation--or just outright ignorance of it in general--this is really an intriguing way to show how "normal" it really is. :)

Full details including a few ground rules.

When combat is boiled down to initiative

It just takes the fun out of everything!

Inspiration: Character Portraits

It's Sunday and that means inspirational art (not mine, we're all well versed with how bad that is). Authors (if known) are listed in file names. Enjoy!

 

  

 

Harryhausen films to storm the theater again!

Ray Harryhausen is perhaps one of my favorite directors and his films are being featured this March at the Trylon Microcinema in Minneapolis. I'm so freakin' excited about this my head is about to 'asplode!

I grew up on a steady diet of peanut-butter-and-jam-wonderbread fantasy delivered courtesy of Mr. Harryhausen's verdant imagination and penchant for lavish special effects. But there's definitely some of missed and I've not seen ANY of them in a theater. The line up includes:

Friday, March 5 - Jason and the Argonauts
Saturday, March 6 - Jason and the Argonauts
Sunday, March 7 - Earth Vs. the Flying Saucers

Friday, March 12 - Mysterious Island
Saturday, March 13 - Mysterious Island
Sunday, March 14 - It Came From Beneath the Sea

Friday, March 19 - First Men in the Moon

Saturday, March 20 - First Men in the Moon
Sunday, March 21 - 20 Million Miles to Earth

Friday, March 26 - The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad
Saturday, March 27 - The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad
Sunday, March 28 - THE SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD!!!!!

I think they're really trying to tell us something with that last weekend. I own all the Sinbad films and Jason and the Argonauts in a fantasy box set. Must...get...sci-fi...set.....

Anyway, I've seen (and enjoyed) Mysterious Island which includes a brilliant and very memorable portrayal of Captain Nemo by Herbert Lom (who's still alive, BTW!). But I'm definitely psyched for First Men in the Moon and 20 Million Miles to Earth as I've not seen those at all.
Fair warning: you may not see much of me in March!

What a great way to get warmed up for the upcoming Clash of the Titans remake, which I've already decided I'm on board with.

*There's a present waiting for you if you click the last 7VoS link. ;)

"Con of the North" this Weekend

I suspect I don't have too many local readers (yet), but Con of the North is happening in the Twin Cities this weekend: February 5, 6, and 7. The convention is taking place at the Holiday Inn St. Paul East. A few highlights I've found interesting:

The Stone Circle of Arneson and Gygax
A crazed wizard has stolen an obscure artifact known only as the Orb of Di-Em. He has led you on a wild goose chase to this long-forgotten ruin known as the Circle of Arneson and Gygax. Are the legends true? Could he really use this artifact to undo and change all of reality? What are the consequences of meddling with such primal powers? Be willing to experience all editions of D&D. 

This is being offered in 1E, 2E, 3E and 4E simultaneously! I'd love to hear the players from those four groups swap stories afterwards! There is also a "Brief History of D&D" session available. Lots of board games and RPGs to choose from too.

Check out the full events listing.

Pre-registration is closed, but you can still register onsite. Find out more at www.conofthenorth.org.

Crystar: Crystal Warrior

Star of comics and action figures alike, Crystar was with us for all-too-short a time. I hope to see him resurface again. Plus he had a kick-ass side kick named Warbow, who was green, mean (had an eye patch) and crossbow.

That guy's almost cooler than the hero! Almost....

If there's a cosmology that badly needs to be retro-cloned into an RPG it's Crystar. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I give you exhibits A-F:

Previous testimony:
Geek Orthodox, also
Rotten Tomatoes
Plaid Stallions
Comic series episode guide 
Action figure series , also
UPDATE: Complete overview of Crystar's world, Crystalium

I rest my case.

P.S. Isn't he do for a re-make in general right about now?

P.P.S. This post has nothing to do with recently winning a Crystar action figure on eBay. Nope.