Fare Well

I've run short of specific topics to talk about, but I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. I'm beginning two story blogs to recount my adventures in dungeons and dragons. I will be attempting to implement some of these methods in each.

To read about young Grynn and her band of misfits

click here for the psychopathic amnisiac

1,000 Views!

I want to let everyone know I'm honored so many have taken the time to read my writings. I've steeled my nerves and decided to publicly post one of my hand-sketch/digital paint originals as a thank-you treat.

FOOD!

Food is nearly as defining of a culture as language. People gotta eat right?

Food is usually influenced mostly by whats available to the region. People living in temperate plains likely live on wheat products and livestock; those in the coastal tropics would naturally have more fish  and fruit in their diet.

Another factor is trade. Some cultures openly trade with others, and would have more variety and spices available than those who are more xenophobic or just undiscovered. Without trade, the Americas would likely never have known of soy sauce and curry.

SFA: Cyberpunk

While I'm not as experienced with cyberpunk as I am sci-fi and fantasy, I am aware of the growing genre. It's plots seem to center on blurring the lines between reality and virtual reality. Though the "reality" portion is often set in grungy, urban distopias, this is not as necessary, in my opinion, to the genre as is the advanced computing technology. The cult classic Bladerunner has been called quintessential to the genre, as is the table-top RPG Shadowrun. I feel the recent anime Sword Art Online qualifies.

In the run-down husk of the Hao Industrial Complex at Earth-Moon L4, servers whir to life as the Arachnos tournament began. High security dummy corps are staged to test the minds of dozens of hackers from across the colonies. The Arachnos title was up for grabs every 18 months, and the victor was deemed the king of the Web. 
From maintenance shaft number four, Mika Huginn threaded the delicate wires of her portable RiG-18 into the trunk line of the servers. This physically circumvented half the firewalls, and would be giving her the best possible connection to the dummy corps of the games. While this tactic was legal, it was thought to be beneath most hackers, but Mika needed the title if she would ever see her brother again.

SFA: Steampunk

Steam punk. This is the idea that nearly all current technology was developed without electricity, rather using natural gas, steam and clockwork to power their constructs. Often Victorian Era clothing style is used, or some form of "practical" leather working clothes. Brass, wood and leather are common materials of ornamentation. Occasionally some from of alchemy is included.

Cogsville was the ticking heart of steam engineering, towering constructs lumber down the streets, the air is heavy with expended steam, and (orange flame burst from the building a block behind you) exploding labs are a daily occurrence. Beware of engineers seeking "assistants" as test-subject is generally a more apt term. Enjoy your stay in the city, and due take care not to be trampled.

SFA: SciFi

Science Fiction. Everything from Atomic Disintegration Beams to the Zorbulons of Sector 9 is included in this broad genre. Intergalactic travel at faster than light speeds is a staple, for it enables travel to these fantastical worlds.

After the catastrophe of Doc Chalk's Shrink Ray, the metro-area is scrambling to raise funds to research how to return the mayor and his staff to normal size. Many citizens see this as a blessing in disguise, as Mayor East has been accused of several shady bills being passed, including Prop 239 which turned off all traffic lights out of "concern for the environment."

Standard Fiction Archetypes: Medival (Swords&Spells)

Sword and Spell Fantasy. Wizards, Knights and Damsels in Distress are the stock of these stories. Dark forests, labyrinthine caverns, and mighty castles fill the land; monsters and pirates rule the seas. This setting is the bread and butter of Dungeons and Dragons.

Jorge, Paladin of the 27th Order of Pelor, continues his arduous journey  to find the fair maiden Wisteria, for she had been stolen from her homeland. The ancient oaks of Thraine's Grove grew tall and stout and nearly blocked the sun from the forest floor. Being a notorious hideaway for bandits, trolls and other things that go bump-in-the-night, most villagers suspected she might be found there. Steep slopes and thick underbrush made traveling off the road nearly impossible, but no effort would keep Jorge from his mighty quest .