Some Gnome Musings from a Gamer

Found a list of interesting "don'ts" and "can't do anymores" while gaming and some dealt with gnomes. Given our groups experiences with gnomes I thought I would share them with everyone.

There is no Gnomish god of heavy artillery.
There is no such thing as a Gnomish Pygmy War Rhino.
Gnomes do not have the racial ability 'can lick their eyebrows'.
Gnomes do not have the racial ability to hold their breath for 10 minutes.
Gnomes do not have the racial ability 'impromptu kickstand'.
Having a big nose adds nothing to my seduction check.
Gnomes do not count as burrowing animals.
Polka Gnomes exist only in my mind.
There is no Gnomish Deathgrip, and even if there was, it wouldn't involve tongs.
I cannot insinuate elf chicks are all easy, even though you never hear about a half gnome do you?
Gnomes do not have a racial bonus in bobsled.

And what the hey. The first person to tell me one of these before the start of the game gets 100xp. Just because you were checking this blog.

Season 2 Begins!

I just got a new e-news letter from GENre television going over some of the big new things they are bringing our way for the new season. Sounds like some big stuff is on the horizon. I'm thinking its a good time to be a fan of the Fantasy/Sci-Fi genre. Here are some of the interesting headlines that jumped out at me. I hope everyone finds them as interesting and tantalizing as I do.


GENre Productions and BrothersBlue Studios have entered into talks with the Leiber estate for a possible new series called "Swords of Fortune". It will be set in Leiber's fictional world of Nehwon and its cast will be based out of the fictional metropolis of Lankhmar. Described as a Gritty sword-n-sorcery series painted up in shades of grey instead of the clear black and white morals that have been in so many of the other productions seen to date. Considered to be a blending of deadly action, complex multi-episode plotlines, and also a good bit of darkly quirky humor, the show's creators have hopes that it will be a welcome edition to the GENre line-up.

In the world of Science Fiction Films the less than stellar film Aliens Vs. Predator, a movie that while lacking any real quality beyond high priced effects still managed to netted enough money for 20th Century Fox to greenlight a sequel. The new script is written by Shane Serlano, the same man who rewrote the original script for the first AVP. Recognizing where the primary source of interest is going to come from for this movie, Fox has hired the Visual Effects team Greg and Colin Strauss to direct. To their credit, the Strauss brothers have done a good deal of Special Effects for such noteworthy movies as "X-Men: The Last Stand", "Titanic", and "The Day After Tomorrow". Slated to go into production this coming September and scheduled for a summer 2007 release, 20th Century Fox is staking a good deal of money that the trend in Style over Substance in films will continue.

With the release of their first "Heirs of Destiny" graphic novel, "Vendetta's Edge", GENre has found a popular new character in Sir Thanimere, or Tam for short. In fact there was such a large response from the fanbase that after some fast and heated negotiations with the producers and writers, the single-weapon wielding knight has become the newest edition to the show's cast of regulars. The show's creators only recently let it slip that Jake Busey is the actor who sports the signature facial scar and agressive attitude. It is still unknown if two other popular character's will be returning for a second season, namely Ginessa and Bourgin played by Julia Roberts and Jason Patric respectively. The network and show producers are hopeful that the negotiations will finalize soon in a mutual agreeable manner.

Len Wiseman, producer/director/creator of the Underworld Film Franchise got a fresh dose of attention recently when it was announced that he is set to direct the 4th movie in the Die Hard series while he was promoting the just released DVD for "Underworld: Evolution". He also let out a few facts about the third installment planned for his beloved hit film series Underworld. The third chapter is going to be a prequel and finally reveal the origin story of Lucian. It will also go into the creation of the races and show how the war seemingly eternal war between the two started. It will definitely be a period piece. He confirmed most of the writing is completed on "Underworld 3" and while he will co-write and produce it, he won't be directing it. For all the Kate Beckensdale fans out there we do have some bad news for you. Because it deals with the history of the war, it will focus primarly before her character Selene came about. Although her creation is rumored to overlap with the events being portrayed.

And finally before I forget, here is the teaser for the season premiere, let's hope its going to be a good season.

"For Crown and Coil": With the harvest well underway and eight months of routine built up around them, the homebound heroes have heard rumors that a band of brigands has set to stealing away the hard earned coin of the Prince's vassals and peasantry. Can the companions wind their way through the intrigues of High Court, the machinations of couriers, and a web of greedy merchants to unmask the enemy among their own or will the Coil's Talons lay claim to the Crown? [Fantasy/Adventure, TVPG, Uma Thurman, Jerry O'Connell, Leonardo DiCaprio, John Saint Ryan, Jake Busey]

Reprint of the Weekly Browser Email

Just as a reminder and storage location I am also posting this here.

Hey everyone,

Sorry I didn't get a chance to give anyone a heads up before now, but better late than never I guess. Just got around to reading all the new little tidbits that GENre has chosen to share with us. As always, there are some fun little facts to be found.

First of all GENre has reported a record year of success on their shows. The various Four Points specials, the Rel Astra visit, and of course the current series Heirs of Destiny have all shown an amazing level of success. Who knows, maybe they will pull down a few of the much vaunted Wraiths at this year's Phantom Zone Awards (dedicated to Genre programming on television and in movies). Of course official nominations don't come out until after sweeps, but we can always hope.

As for other news from our favorite network, "The Dark Furies" (a Four Points mini-series) is well into production and co-star Robbie Coltrane said this could easily be one of the darkest tales ever filmed for television, at least that he's seen. And with the discover that Milla Jovovich has also signed on and is set to start filming her scenes in a few weeks gives an added push for popularity.And how Jennifer Garner is balancing this with the current shooting for the 5th season of her hit ABC show Alias is anyone's guess.

Also - "THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE... or maybe seven or so...." According to GENre reporters Adrian Paul is no longer unemployeed and is back to training at the dojo. He has signed on to play immortal Duncan McCloud in a new trilogy of movies from the combined production team of Davis-Panzer Productions, Sequence Films and Grosvenor Park. The director is the well known Brett Leonard, whose has been at the helm of such classic flicks as 1982's Lawnmower Man, Virtuosity, and most recently Marvel;s Man-Thing. The title is "Highlander: The Source" and is about the search for the Immortal equivalent of the Holy Grail. With filming to start in Lithuania this October, the producers and writers hope to recapture the magical feel of the original Highlander film and infuse new life into this "timeless" store of adventure. All we can do is wait and see. Sometimes its like seeing your true love again, other times its like watching a seven car pile-up. Either way you won't be able to help but stare.

When the GENre president was pressed for information about new and possible upcoming shows he was vague. Though he did hint at two or three possibilities ---

The first is a science fiction series set within the earth system about a group of bounty hunters and news hounds that prowl the system in Strange Horizons. Another is a possible return of the Firefly universe to television and will feature a pirate or smuggler troupe engaged in a little free enterprise on the fringe of known space. Then there are also rumors of a post-modern inspired horror western series with the working title "The Long Trail" that features a dueling storyline focusing both on the blackguard anti-heroes who terrorize the not-at-all-innocents that live in an alternate Old West and the flawed but dedicated freelance rangers that must try and track them down. This strange series is supposed to be warped in many ways, and on more than one occasion it might be possible to forget which side is really the good guys as each of the characters make choices born from a depth of personality not always seen on television.

One other bit of fun news for all interested fellows and ladies --- The OFFICIAL Script for Indiana Jones 4 has been greenlighted by Steven Spielberg. At the moment George Lucas and Jeff Nathanson are making a few tweaks to it, and Harrison Ford has given his approval of it. Sources also sight that Sean Connery will not be returning for this archeological outing (possibly he is afraid that at his age Indy might just find a few of Mr. Connery's earliest films in the explored ruins). Contracts are now being negotiated on all sides and it is very likely that this will be the go that so many fans have been waiting for. If it stays on track, and Spielberg has set aside a block of time for filming already, it could be released in the early summer of 2007 (with theatrical teaser previews probably starting next weekend given the way Hollywood now likes to hype things).

Almost forgot the reason for this weekly reminder, the trailer for this week's Heirs of Destiny. Sounds like our much loved heroes might be getting to the hard part of their little trip, at least in my ever so humble opinion.

"The Hellfurnaces": Civilization behind them and unknown terrors ahead, the heroes must scale the most feared range in the Flanaess in a desperate quest to cross the lava strewn and ash choked waste before the evil that lives here can claim all their lives instead of only one.

A request about Character Info

Please send to the following email address: harmyn@gmail.com :the following information about your character:

Armor Class: (Flat Footed AC: / Touch AC: )
Classes/Levels:
Hit Points:
Initiative:
Movement:

Fortitude:
Reflex:
Will:

Listen:
Spot:
Search:
Sense Motive:

Appraise:
Bluff:
Hide:
Move Silently:
Survival:

Knowledge (arcana):
Knowledge (spellcraft):
Knowledge (other):

Strength:
Dexterity:
Constitution:
Intelligence:
Wisdom:
Charisma:

Languages Spoken:
Special Abilities:

Feats:
Noteworthy Skills:

Total Earned Experience:

I need to have this information sent to my by Saturday (7-2-05)

The Encyclopedia of Greyhawk

Hey all, here is the link for the Greyhawk Encyclopedia wiki.
Hope you all enjoy. Please gather all the info you can on it.

http://legendsofgreyhawk.pbwiki.com/

Name the Actor Contest Continues

Still none have chosen the correct name of the actor selected to play the invoker on Heirs of Destiny. So to help out a bit here are a few clues about his previous work:

If you close you would have seen him appear on Babylon 5, Seaquest DSV, Dark Skies, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He has also appeared in feature films such as American Cyborg, Delta Force 3, and CIA II: Target Alexa.

Please submit your answer soon as the contest draws to a close.

Special OOC Offer for Players Everywhere

Game Gold Cross Life Insurance Policies for Eligible Characters

Have a character that you’ve grown attached to? Are you facing mortal danger on the cusp of the Demon Web Pit? Preparing to go Against the Giants? Where the Caves of Chaos a little too chaotic for your favorite character little adventurer tike?

Then I have some great news for you, for a minimal real world currency exchange and cursory rules health review your character can find newfound life and safety by taking advantage of the Gold Cross Standard. By paying a standard retainer of $10 you set up the bronze repository account where one copy of your current character sheet can be stored within our premium American vault and stored there with a basic $1.50 monthly maintenance fee. Then in the event of an untimely accident (or act of gawd) you can pay a simple $3 activation fee to have that character brought out in base gear*.

If you want something a bit more “up-to-date” you can opt for the Gold Standard of our plans. The base retainer is $12 for this level, but the base character sheet is stored in the Undercroft Vault and protected by the cunning Dire SHDF, and it should be noted the maintenance fee is still only $1.50 per month. Additionally for a processing fee of $1.50 the character sheet can be updated to a newer version, and an emergency $5 evacuation of vital statistics allows for full resuscitation at current ability and skill and equipped with base gear*. For an additional dimensional transfer fee of $5 all gear can also be updated with the character’s revival.

So act now while storage space is still available. You have peace of mind, does your character deserve any less?

*Base Gear: Clothing, boots, 1 set of armor, and 1 weapon, backpack, 1 small sack, 1 belt pouch, 2 waterskins, 4 torches, tinderbox, and 5 days rations

The Show's Name Logo

This was something that Ray and I came up with. Hope you all like.

Looking for a Few Good Ideas

I am always asking about your character, what do you want for your character. Fears, dreams, hopes, aspirations. Now I am going to make a different request of you. Send me your thoughts about what you think would be fun to see happen to the OTHER characters in the group.

Have an idea for Tuor, something you want revealed about Gaylin, twisted thoughts on the nature of Brother Lee, then let me know.

You can send these to me in email format for added privacy.

Its harmyn@gmail.com.

Remember now, I am asking for things about the characters of other players, not your own. Making offers to let all help in the development and direction of the game.

Look forward to your responses.

Odds n' Ends and Bits o' Twine

Within the Flanaess

Shopping Spree
The coinage handed out to each of the 6 that arrived together in Zeif is 783 gold. If there is anything you are wishing to spend this on, please make a short wish list of what you would like. Feel free to leave it in the comments area for me to peruse and say any ayes or nays as needed. There is a fair bit more value in gems that have yet to be cashed, but those funds are most likely going towards the don't want to die in the worst native desert ever seen or made by man.

Travel through the Eastern Lands
You are about to head south. The elf Gaelin has requested a foray past the woodlands that serve as his ancestral home, Bael has thought that a reasonable request and agreed to it. Also, there are late summer and fall festivals soon to come. Jousting, archery contests, circuses, and acting to be witnessed.

Name your pleasure,
name your desire,
all the treats you ask
under a crimson fire.

From GENre

What do you want to see?
Have a thought, suggestion, or bit of insperation you wish to share? If so, please let me know. Toss out thoughts so we can all see them and get more ideas for future adventure growth. Something amazing about your character you wish to share? Let us know. I am asking for any and all ideas from you folks.

Name That Actor Contest
Did you see him? Heirs of Destiny has added a seventh character to the cast, did you guess the name of the actor playing him? If not, well now's your chance. Who do you think this mystery fellow is. Declare who exactly is playing the magic part of brilliant wizard and you just might find yourself winning a prize. Only the casting director is excluded from this contest. I hope one of you manages to come up with the right guy. Did a good job of making him unrecognizable? You bet, but that should just add to the fun.