OSRIC Unearthed

So I mentioned in a comment below there's a couple things in the hopper that I can't quite talk about yet, both for True 20.

However, I do think I can mention a book I'm doing for Phil's Ronin Arts, a crunch supplement for OSRIC called OSRIC Unearthed.

I've mentioned before that I like OSRIC. I like the whole thing (obscure Angel reference).

So I've done a little book (when I say little I mean 30-40 pages) that will have new classes, weapons, rules for martial arts, magic items and a couple of brief campaign set-ups for OSRIC.

I really think it's a nice addition to a nice system.

Serenity: Han and Kirk moments

I was watching Serenity the other because, well, I always watch Serenity. One of the best movies ever made. It's on my shelf right next to Star Trek II and Heat: Special Edition.

That should tell you everything you need to know about my reverence for the movie.

Now, of course the Captain of Serenity, Mal, is a take on Han Solo. And to acknowledge that legacy, while also making a funny statement on the whole "Han shot first" fiasco, Joss has Mal kill not ONE man in cold blood, but THREE (this was done as a conscious statement, Joss mentions it in the DVD commentary).

A nice touch.

But there's another legacy Mal shares. While Mal is a take on Han solo, he's also the opposite
of the idealistic Kirk. Joss mentions this obliquely in spots, usually talking about the ship itself, stating on numerous occasions that "Serenity is the ship getting tossed around in the Enterprise's wake, and the Enterprise doesn't even notice her as she blows past".

And there's an anti-Kirk moment in Serenity. For those who watch the Original Trek on a loop, like, well, again, me, there are numerous moments in Trek where Kirk goes bravely into danger, giving a final order to Spock or Scotty (whoever he's leaving behind) that 'if I'm not back in 30 minutes, you take the ship and get her out of harm's way".

In Serenity, Mal has a moment exactly like this, where he goes in, alone, to rescue Inara from the Operative. And his last command to Zoe is "if I'm not back in 30 minutes, you take the ship, and you come and rescue me".

It's an awesome "Mal is not a Federation Captain" moment.

Chuck

PS I freaking LOVE Wikipedia. Why is this statement here? Because there was not only an article there titled "Han Shot First", but in writing this post, I went to Wikipedia and typed into the search field "Han Shot First" in TOTAL confidence that I would get an article explaining that phrase to anyone reading this who wanted a little more info on that issue.

Don't try this at... well... anywhere really

The first rule of Park Ranger club is, don't poke a leopard in the face with a stick.



Where the hell is Jim Fowler when you need him.

Fake Hamlets

I also read that a new Hamlet movie is being planned.

Richard Burbage is dead! Richard Burbage IS Hamlet!

He CREATED him!

First Starsky and Hutch and now this! Will this remake fad ever end?

Fake Doctors

I'd just like to take this opportunity to emplore people not to support this new, fake Dr. Who. William Hartnell IS Dr. Who, he CREATED the role.

Why can't the BBC let Dr. Who rest in peace? Why must they continue to shove these fake Doctors down our throats?

In case you haven't figured it out yet, this is an homage to all the posts I've been reading on Trek forums about the TRAVESTY, TRAVESTY I say!!! that is the recasting of James T. Kirk for the upcoming Star Trek XI movie that's just been greenlit.

What. Is. Up.

I've been really busy lately. Always a good thing. Especially when one is no longer gainfully employed in the "Im on salary so I always get a check" way.

[JJ Jameson]Jobs?!? No Jobs! Freelance! Best thing for a kid your age![/JJ Jameson]

As you can see by the column to the right, nothing I've written for other companies has come out yet, but that's about to change in the next week or so. More when I can say so.

I've already written two True 20 settings, one big and one small, I just edited a 75 page book for RPGO and I'm still writing small WWII-themed books.

Oh yeah, and Im writing an OSRIC book too. I really like OSRIC.

OSRIC!

For those who don't know what this is, OSRIC stands for the Old School Reference and Index Compilation. It's D&D 1st edition, reverse-engineered through the SRD and offered as a free PDF at various outlets.

I love this idea, and I love this rule set.

It fulfills its purpose perfectly: providing a way, through the Open Gaming License for new supplements to be produced that are 1st edition compliant.