Many of you will now know I have started writing a book for TroyAnthony Schermer’s incredible Savage Realms gamebook series. With the first draft just 70 references away from finishing, it means I’m happy to share a little info about it. The title is The Tavern On Gallows Hill, and the first quarter of the book or so is set there. There is much you can get up to here, which may or may not effect your progress later on in the book. The choices you make in this section will very much reflect your decision making ‘skill’ as an individual reader . It is set in Ataraxia, the Savage Realms staple world but largely in places I’ve created, which in turn help grow ‘the map’. There are several little Easter eggs thrown in, and familiarities one might expect from gamebook authors such as Stephen Hand. Watch out for the obligatory namedrop which has been something of a calling card of mine since writing gamebooks. There is also a character based on someone I use to know but only I and one of the dedications will know who (and the person in question if they are bright enough – recent revelations suggest not). It is illustrated by the amazing Luiz Prado, who’s art I fell in love with straight away. In my honest opinion, his style is hybrid of FF inklords McCaig and Langford. You will also be treated (or mistreated) to monsters I have conjured up myself for the world of Ataraxia. It’s a small homage to FF book Scorpion Swamp (how I’d have done it). This is about all I can divulge at this stage, watch for posts by Mr Schermer himself for updates. Jam out!
RPG
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Absolutely delightybumbumboiled to be backer 1 on Olly Mc ‘s new tabletop RPG, Threatlore Town. It is the third box set version of his ever expanding The Storymaster’s Tales role play game, suitable for ages six-adult, and gives you an insight into his live larp shows as well. If you love a good family game*, or a nice easy D&D alternative, these are the games for you.
*Can also be played solo, and you don’t need the other sets but if you have them all they can be played as one whole inter-joining epic. Click Here to buy!!
Well, I’ve gone and done something rather naughty but also quite satisfying. Behave not that! But as you know, I’m a huge fan of Oliver McNeil’s The Storymaster’s Tales RPG. Players are usually represented by little glass counters, and although Ironrat Mini’s started a line in making miniatures for the different classes, this ceased due to lockdown or brexit or Katie Hopkins or other frightful things. Last night, I browsed eBay and discovered Reaper Miniatures did models of all the 16 classes I needed for a complete set. For generic effect I’ve even purchased the three covered by Ironrat.
My royalties for Literally Immersive Gamebooks have paid for these, I think it’s a job well done. Some of the detail is lovely.
So the special edition sets of The Druids Of Pneuma have started finding their way into their new owners hands. Let’s take a look at a couple of things that make them so special.
1) It’s not branded with the LIG logos. We get to enjoy Malcolm Barter’s art The Bella Mort without the monofett LIG crest across the top. No ISBN or blurb either.
2) It’s a hardback. One of only 35 in existence. Okay, 36 if you include the proof copy. There will never be anymore made, making them rarer than a Magehunter lol.
3) Some text has been removed. If you are a follower of the Literally Immersive Gamebooks page on Facebook, or backed at a Walraven level, you will no what something is when you find it which may be important. Otherwise, your quest may get a little stifled.
4) There is a credit list, and write up about how the book took a quarter of a century to get from my head to its published form.
5) They’re all signed. You’re welcome 😜 Paperbacks will be available on Amazon next week.
I’ve been participating in The Storymaster’s Tales Online LARP since it’s maiden adventure late last year. Last night I was honoured as a moderator in The Storymaster’s Tales Interactive Theatre Facebook group. Thank you. As a celebration, I have now added a page to my blog devoted to it, and highlighting what they do and what we as the players get up to. If you are into interactive adventure , rpg , larp , or even a fan of the old television classic Knightmare then check out my page http://www.jamsplace.co/walraven
Larping has recieved a significant smash in the chops due to lockdpwn rules. Personally, the closest I ever got to Larping was cops and robbers, or am-dram productions with a youth club I attended as a boy. So is there a way to get round this? Yes! Oliver McNeil, creator of the incredibly popular Storymaster’s Tales boardgames Weirding Woods and Dracodeep Dungeon, has created an interactive webcam based format, where Larpers can create there own character and explore the multitude of locations in his ever expanding Grimm-esque universe. With encounters of wizards, witches, monsters and magic, this thoroughly absorbing static larp experience draws you straight into a cooperative adventure with dozens of other characters.
The production levels of this visual interactive phenomenon are high, and many people have compared the experience to the old Knightmare TV series from the 80s. My own character, Half-head Harry, is a Thief who is usually handy to have onside when sneaky skullduggery is relied upong to progress the story. Being new to Larping, I can say its easy to get into, and more experienced Larpers are always happy to help you out if you stifle.
While the world of outdoor social RPG is at the mercy of covid 19, I strongly recommend to anybody who like LARP, RPG, D&D and all other immersive live action co op games to check it out. Search for Storymaster’s Tales Online LARP group on Facebook today and have a chat with some of the members about joining in this incredible gaming delight. Ages 14+
Oliver McNeil, creator of The Storymaster’s Tales, invited myself and other gaming fan Helen Donovan, to take part in a live cam session of his latest game named Hotel Lovecraft. Thankfully my inferior internet allowed me to stay the duration, and what an incredible time we had.
The game differs tremendously from previous successes, Weirding Woods and Dracodeep Dungeon. While it is still card/book/dice based, the setup differs in that you are not building a map like in the aforementioned, but playing 6 levels (floors) of a creepy hotel based heavily with a feel of the titular name’s works. The chilling atmosphere when you explore each room is started with an accompanying soundscape and narration at the start of each scenario as usual. This works to great effect, creating a real sense of intensity and dread like in such games as the Room app series. The intensity grows tenfold as you get nearer the end of the game, say, the final two floors, where the end is in sight but you are scrambling round trying to complete your objective or avoid falling foul of any terrors out to suck you stat points away.
Even though Helen and I were the only two players, the six levels of five rooms kept the game going for two hours in total. She got away. I died in the last location. Because of her as it ultimately turned out, yet we’d been working together perfectly well until the final location. Women! 😄
Even though this game differs to Oliver’s others, it isn’t a far flung effort being traditionally easy to pick up and more importantly, great great fun. This will be the third ten on ten Oliver McNeil game when I score it on BGG. Thanks for all the fun, laughs, and games you bring to the world Mr McNeil. Originally crowdfunded on Kickstarter, you can order a late backer copy if you CLICK HERE.
Today my dear friend Oliver McNeil launches his new Kickstarter campaign for the sequel to his award winning ( 😉 ) tabletop RPG, The Storymaster’s Tales Weirding Woods. The new adventure sees you as a hero trying to gain glory from the perilous Dracodeep Dungeon. New magic, new monsters and new characters abound in this fantasy Grimm-esque world. Having play-testing it live recently, I can tell you that it has all the makings of another masterpiece like it’s predecessor and it is great to see The Storymaster’s Tales universe expanding with another game in the pipeline even now. If you haven’t gone so yet, check out Mr McNeil’s Kickstarter by clicking this link The StoryMaster’s Tales “Dracodeep Dungeon” Hybrid RPG, via @Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/legendphotography/the-storymasters-tales-dracodeep-dungeon-hybrid-rpg?ref=android_project_share
Regular visitors to my site especially gaming fans will have already seen my write up on The Storymaster’s Tales – Weirding Woods. A hybrid gamebook and tabletop RPG that has achieved wonderful success creates by my good friend Oliver McNeil. Well today it went triple hybrid, with the very first audio streaming experience over several live video platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Hangouts.
With my trusty sidekick Colin Deady, aka Wizard Frin, my Pirate character Captain Jam tackled the as yet unreleased Dracodeep Dungeon, the follow up to the Weirding Woods game. Our quest was to slay an evil Vampire Lord that has woken beneath a not desecrated church above the Dungeon. But it wasn’t just about Colin and I communicating, others could also view our progress and call out tips to Ollys wizard presenter. It was a fantastic and modern experience, and the dungeon sported many new locations, items and characters to mingle with making a lovely alternative to the woodland romp. Somehow Colin managed to get a haircut and I purchased a goat that bit me on the arse. Dracodeep Dungeon will be a huge must for those that have played Weirding Woods, and a great standalone if you wish to give the world of RPG a try in a lighter way than D&D. I can only award it 10/10 for all the right reasons.
If you fancy giving this gaming great a go, please visit http://www.storymasterstales.com and for a mere £2.50 you can purchase audio files of the incidental music. This will enter you (but not guarantee you) in a pool for a place for the next game. It also helps if you like The Storymaster’s Tales Facebook page.
Check out Colin and mines progress as we spend two hours in a subterranean deathtrap. 😉 https://youtu.be/Yv-mH-Zzr90
So a couple of weeks ago I managed to get my hands on a copy of the tabletop game The Storymasters Tales – Weirding Woods and do a small review. Trying our best, Vic and I failed to complete our chosen quests on two occasions before giving a review. The past two nights however we have been fortunate to have our friends stay over. Where we failed, a young boy named Dakota not only managed to complete one game, but two in succession. Beast Slayer and Prophecy Of The Dragon. For a young boy who hasn’t had the best start in life this game not only entertained and excited him but winning filled him with a new found confidence and interest in other tabletop RPGs whereby he was largely only use to video games before.
Dakota winning his first adventure in Weirding Woods
Oliver McNeil who created the game has literally altered the life of a timid young boy , filling it with excitement and magical social interaction through this game. Incredibly weaved stories, subplots and interactivity ensures no two games are the same despite them maybe having similar occurences. Outcomes can differ through choice or roll of a 4 sided fate die.
Second win for Dakota…laying the Forest Dragon.
Do I still recommend this game? No doubt about it. I adored watching my Mrs get expelled from a library for farting, then poisoning a natural spring. The mechanics and ideas knit together so fluidly it makes you wonder how on Earth did Oliver think this up. Dakota’s mum said this must’ve been the working of a really intelligent man, and me having met him I assured her she was correct.
Vic, Armani and Dakota get whipped
Was it third time lucky for Dakota. Sadly not… ish. Vic was killed by a spider bite while trying a bit of grave robbing then the remaining two fell foul of a Fae Lord and attacked each other. Dakota won the fight but remained under the evil Lord’s control forever. It was like Anakin and Palpatine all over again. At least he lived on.
I can’t recommend this game enough and bequeath you the link once more.
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