My Latest Invention

Stat blocks.

If you play any RPG, your PC or NPC or monster probably has a stat block.

When I used to play AD&D all the time, it became second nature to write down (in quick succession), STR, INT, WIS, DEX, CON, CHA.

When I played Champions it was, STR, DEX, CON, BOD, INT, EGO, PRE, COM, PD, ED, SPD, REC, END, STUN (I actually just typed that from memory!) If pressed, I think I can actually remember the multipliers and formulas for each of the stats too! Strange - I don't remember all my Physics equations... hm.

Well, I'm really liking Savage Worlds a lot, but I'm old and lazy now. :)

I went out to Staples and purchased a "make your own self inking stamp kit" and I created a stamp that frames the stat block for any SW PC, NPC or monster.

Originally I was thinking of designing it in Inkscape to send to a custom stamp maker and eventually I may actually do that.

Right now, this is better. I can make minor changes to the stamp as it evolves in use. The little rubber letters are removable and movable. I've already done a little tweaking. Eventually, I'll get around to posting a scan or pic of the stat block as its stamped.

So now all I have to do is get out the stamp, stamp it on an index card, fill out the stat block and presto! Works like a charm!

Birthday Eve

This weekend has been my "birthday eve", so to speak.

I've played Scrabble (I won! I actually beat Jeanne!), I've played Guitar Hero 5 (sang 16 songs last night -- 100% on "The Joker"/Medium) and I've been messing around with Savage Worlds.

In addition to that, I've been playing a little Farmville on Facebook and I'm in the middle of an online game of Scrabble with Jeanne.

So the question is, what game shall I play tomorrow to kick the whole thing off?

What kind of games will I play during this "experiment"? II

In my previous post I make it sound like I'm "only" going to play board games.

Not true.

I will be playing board games, card games, computer games, console games, internet games -- all kinds of games.

I will try and play shorter games during the work week. Quick and easy. I'm thinking that some new card games (some played with a regular 52 card deck) might be a lot of fun.

I also have a "Piecepack" -- a kind of free-form board game -- that I will play from time to time. Lots of rule sets online for this.

I'm hoping to play an RPG or two on the weekends when I have more time. I'll be the GM mostly. I'd love to try and play a PC or two if someone else would like to run. Problem is, I'm so damn fussy about how I like to play.

:)

What kind of games will I play during this "experiment"?

Some friends have asked over on Facebook, so I thought I'd post a response.

I have two closets filled with games that I have purchased and never played. Some are new, but most of these games are used and were found on eBay or at Goodwill.

Some games are typical family board games that I've played before, but never owned. Stratego, Risk and Clue are good examples.

Others are older games that I've never played or owned. Examples include Probe, Outwit, Cosmic Encounter and Fortress America.

New games include Twilight Imperium, Lord of the Rings: Risk and DC: Heroclix.

I plan to read the rules in advance of the play day and then get right down to playing the game on the day in question.

Time to dust off some of these games!

It all began with a silly thought...

I was getting ready for work and I was thinking about games.

I spend A LOT of time thinking about games. Really, a lot of time. Anyway, I was thinking, "my birthday is coming up and I don't nearly have enough fun anymore and I've heard of these blog things and there was this woman who blogged the Julia Child cookbook..."

Yes, I do actually think about four or more things at once. I do that a lot too.

Well, I've decided that beginning on my birthday (March First) I will play one game a day for a year and I'll blog about it. Between now and then, I'll set the ground rules for my experiment.

It should be fun!