All the King’s Deer

We all know Robin Hood hunted stags in the woods without the permission of the king to feed his men. Nearly every fable notes it was outlawed to hunt the stags because the evil king was keeping the best hunting for himself. I wonder how the king would feel if the outlaw was roasting the rare and very rare variants on a spit.

Calico Deer

Calico deer are very rare. Usually only seen in the whitetail variants. As much as she looks delicious, I believe I’d have to mock the king by chowing down on an albino. Some claim the albinos are even more rare than calico’s. Both are very uncommon. Some sites claim the calico is a fake. Others do not. The albino’s are quite real.

Albino Deer

Makes you wonder. Did Robin ask, “Hey John, you feeling like some white meat?”. Surely Prince John would have gotten his undies in a twist over an albino. If I were up to defying a king’s rules, I think either one would a great choice. I might even send the pelt to the king just to rub it in his face. Of course, the photos are of females. Taking a “stag” or a buck of either variety would certainly be a capital offense.

Tomes of Antiquity: Cyberpunk 2.0.2.0

Overview

In 1990, R. Talsorian released the second edition of their Cyberpunk game set in 2020. The new edition was a significant rules expansion of the original version set in 2013. Little was done to streamline the game or make it easier to play. Instead, concepts touched in version 1, 2013, were consciously extended.

Shortly after the release of the new edition, numerous supplements were produced expanding and extending the system as well. The supplements ranged from equipment expansions in the form of the Chrome Books to role specific expansion like Protect and Serve, Edge Runners, and Home of the Brave. Additionally, both Atlas Games and Ianus Games (now Dream Pod 9) released additional supplements and expansion materials.

Cyberpunk 2020’s height of popularity was the first half of the 1990’s. R. Talsorian released updates for the system in 1993 and 1995 in the form of CyberGeneration 2027 and then a completely new edition Cyberpunk v3 (203X) in 2005. Neither release achieved the overall popularity of 2020.

CyberGeneration was an attempt to shift the characters a younger, hipper audience as nanotech enhanced teens. Neither my gaming group at the time nor I was really intrigued with the idea. Version 3 was derided in many reviews but I never took the time look closely at the material since I wasn’t actively gaming at the time. I finally purchased a used copy of V3 but have yet to actually read the system in depth.
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Ponderings: Is an eReader sufficient for RPGs?

I was bumbling about today downloading a few new books on my Kindle and wondered if it would be sufficient for how I game. It is an odd question coming from a guy who prefers physical books over PDF’s. My lack of shelf space forced my hand when I made the decision to buy the Kindle for reading novels. I was tired of finding room for new books I wanted to keep around and hauling them off to used book stores when I didn’t. The Kindle (Nook would have been a fine choice as well) works nicely for daily reading.

So would it work for RPG rule systems and supplements? I think so. The majority of people would probably choose a tablet over an eReader. Most of those people want more functionality than a Kindle or Nook provides. I just want to be able to read the documents easily and in a form factor that is small and very portable. I don’t need a bunch of apps, surf the web, or read email. I already have a multitude of devices that do those jobs nicely. If I need a lot of functionality, I’m going to take along a laptop, not a middle tier device. Nothing against tablets, I just don’t have the niche requirement they fill.

My short list of of pro’s and con’s is comparable to many others:

Pros

• Small, light, non-intrusive
• Great battery life (1+ weeks)
• Flexible additions of annotations, highlighting and mark ups
• Very portable form factor
• Sunlight Readable

Cons / Limitations

• No multimedia capability
• Very limited ability to create content and or keep notes outside of a book
• Doesn’t fit the bill for digital creativity; cannot easily create content
• PDF handling is sketchy
• Lack of adoption by the industry

Most of the limitations do not bother me. Kindle’s were designed for consumption of information not to create it. Again, a tablet covers most of those limitations but so does a laptop. The killer is the lack of adoption by publishers. PDF support is probably better than when I last tested the functionality. Still, it isn’t the native format so probably still leaves a lot to be desired.

PDF’s as a publication format sucks in general so I won’t knock the eReaders for handling it poorly. Adobe’s Reader software doesn’t allow me to add notes, annotations or comments so it is less functional in many cases than a Kindle eBook. No matter my personal preferences, PDF’s are the current digital publishing medium of choice. The format is supported by nearly every device. Market saturation by Adobe has determined the choice. If the masses can read it, it is the format to use. Other formats do not have the market penetration so they are ignored; at least in the read-only world.

So, can my Kindle handle my gaming needs? Yes and no. Creatively, I like working with pen-and-paper. If I could access the rule books, when needed, in a legible, searchable, format, the Kindle would be fine. It would be much nicer if the format was native rather than a PDF. In fact, if the choice is PDF only, I’d be much more likely to use a laptop than the Kindle. If I want to read a new game, I’d love to see it on the Kindle so I can peruse and annotate to my hearts content free without worrying about a charger or finding room or having to carry a second device. Not to mention I can read it in full sun when I’m wondering if a fish might bite or an elk wander through a valley. Then if I like it, I can sync the game onto every other system I have.

Gearing Up for Zombies: Part II, Personal Protection

Aha,’ replies Ted quickly, ‘You see, John, I don’t have to outrun the bear zombie, I only have to outrun you.’

Wisdom is found in many forms and even within the many derivations of the punch line of the joke above. When faced with a horde of zombies, you have two options: fight or flee. If you have to flee, you don’t want to be slower than the zombies. Worst case, if you have to flee, you want to be faster afoot than the next guy. If you must fight or decide to do so, you may choose to employ some form of personal protection. You don’t want to make it easy to get bitten but you best think about how much it slows you down before you buckle it on.

What gear you need can vary based on personal choice, the infection type, and the era. Leaping to the conclusion it is modern day, let’s take a tour of the available choices for protective gear.

Military/Police

If you get the potential to raid a police station or military base, it is likely you will find a number of protective items. The ubiquitous kevlar vest is quite common. As our projectile resistant helmets, flak jackets, and possible ceramic plates inserted into tactical vests. Most bullet resistant items are designed to protect the vital areas of the human body — the chest and the head. While useful when someone is shooting at you, they are bulky, hot, and not very comfortable. Not to mention your limbs are exposed to the bites and clawing. After all, stopping bullets is completely different than trying to keep a rabid man-beast from chewing on your toes.

Perhaps you are after full body protection like a those used by bomb disposal squads. You can probably find one if you constrain your search to those who use them. It will cover you from head to toe in protective gear. Are you really going to carry or wear that gear? Do you want to be Ted or John?

Staff Sergeant William James: “If I’m gonna die, I want to die comfortable.” – The Hurt Locker, 2008

Now, if the infection is airborne, you may be looking for an NBC suit. In which case, I wonder how long the filters will last or if you can outrun anyone. If its equipped with an independent air supply, you time is limited anyway. You must be playing with an evil GM if he’s tossing airborne infection at you. No one wants to play I Am Legend.

Sporting Goods

Sporting goods offer a lot of choices for protective gear. Football, hockey, baseball, lacrosse and other sports all have great head and core body protection. It’s darn hard to bite through but once again its bulky. What are the odds you are just as fast in full pads as you are in full pads? Nil. Better put some stick-um on those receiver gloves because you are weighed down and have no protection for your arms and legs. Limbs really are a pain the butt. Not to mention if another survivor chooses to shoot you in the chest, there is no protection. You end up dead but also die looking silly in a bunch of football gear. Sort of like that guy you know from a small town trying to relive his youth.

Mechanics / Welders

Now, the blue collar works of society have a distinct advantage. They have the gear to protect from head to toe against burns and scrapes. Head gear is lacking since its only designed to project the eyes but the coats, pants, and gloves are designed to resist the common injuries. Coupled with a pair of steel toe boots, a welding outfit along with cut resistant gloves seems ideal for protection against zombies. Except if you have to exert yourself. Welding gear doesn’t breath at all. It’ll work for a while but you will overheat in a short amount of time. Plus its not designed for large motions. Not like you can whip up a crossbow or firearm quickly. Not to mention it covers everything. Ever tried to find something in a pocket below a welding jacket?

Biker Gear

No matter if you choose the old school heavy leather or the new school kevlar reinforced jackets, riding gear is designed to be worn when you are not moving significantly. Same problem as welding gear, its purpose oriented. You can move pretty well in the gear but not for long. It doesn’t breathe well so overheating happens quickly if you physically exert yourself. You might be able to whip around an axe for a few blows but not for an extended combat. The heavy leather will protect you for a while but if you run out of endurance, eventually the Zombie-boyz are going to tear you asunder and eat your corpse.

Medieval/LARP Gear

Real armor is good when you don’t have to run. LARP gear is good when you don’t have to run and someone is trying to whack you with a fake sword. It’s bulky, heavy, and doesn’t breath well. Once again, it’s designed for a specific purpose and kicking zombie ass wasn’t in the equation. Might work for while. I sure hope you added some toe protection. Zombies love to chew on toes after you knock them down.

Wrap Up
If you are slow, you get eaten/rendered.
If you are fast, you get to watch your idiot friend get eaten/rendered.
Encumbrance isn’t just weight.
Oxy/Acetylene Goggles have style. A welding helmet doesn’t. Wait what?

Don’t forget the survivors

When faced with an alien invasion or a zombie apocalypse, the initial focus of the game is often completely focused on confronting the enemy and general survival. Players want to scavenge for equipment and off some of the enemy. As a player, I’m in complete agreement. Those are my first instincts. Self preservation and revenge are #1 and #2 on the priority list. What happens when the character is in a reasonably safe location and sufficiently equipped to handle the next fight?

One possibility is reflection on the state of affairs. Society has been crumpled into a little ball and tossed down the chute an industrial shredder. Nothing normal remains. No more kicking back to watch the TV. Laws are moot. Law enforcement just like everything else is dead, turned, or has fled. What now? Do you operate based on the laws before or operate based on the laws of survival? How exactly do you view and treat other survivors? Are they really survivors or just bait put forth by the enemy?

Morality isn’t a high priority when your entire world has been torn asunder. Likely, the character has no absolute definition of how she’ll respond to the next survivor encountered. Distrust will be common. Are you giving enough to help the less fortunate when you could help? Can you ignore the calls for help when you know it will likely lead to your death? If you could help, will you expend the resources to do so even if it leaves you more vulnerable? How do you feel about the power survivors preying on the unfortunate and ill-equipped? Can you stand by and watch them get slaughtered for their meager possessions or for entertainment?

Encountering other survivors is going to happen. When it happens, your character personality is going to be tested and defined far more than beating back yet another series of mindless zombies. The people you meet will be unconsciously working through the same questions or may have already taken a stance in the world. Brutality and compassion might intertwine. If you can help them, they may help you. If you cannot, you may be the target for forced enslavement. Can you risk it?

Perhaps you are good to the core. You’ve procured supplies sufficient to support you and many others. Many has a limit. What happens when eleven friends of Jesus show up in a chartreuse microbus and want to start converting the unwashed? Or if you cannot support them with the supplies you have on hand? Do you turn them away or know you may have to watch others die by allowing them in?

What about the injured in a zombie scenario? A teenage girl has obvious injuries but the group claims the injury was incurred fleeing and is not infectious. Do you put a bullet in her head or risk her killing others if she turns? Can you risk killing her without the others in the group attacking you? Can you live with yourself if you do?

Happy Valentines day.

When society hits the fan, get to scavenging

I love the survivor genre. Doesn’t matter if it’s Zombies or another world power invading. The end result is always society imploding. The nice lady next door who drove your kids to soccer practice becomes an adversary. She didn’t choose her fate but neither did you. The person with resources is more likely to survive.

Everyday items we take for granted quickly get consumed. Each and every service we rely upon goes away. Water? No one is managing the treatment plant so it’s no longer flowing. Food? The deliveries cease. The stock boy is no longer putting more items on the shelves. The first people to the store are going to consume the bulk of the items. After that, madness will ensue as the levity of the situation takes over. Look at the coverage of any major natural disaster and you’ll hear reports of looting, fighting, and anti-social behavior. When pushed into extraordinary situations, people are wired to survive. The idiots will focus on prestige items like large TV’s, or grabbing useless currency. The smart will begin looting critical supplies.

Within the first few hours, the normal sources will be exhausted for food and water. Some minor stuff will remain but in general, its low-payoff with high risk. In the Zombie world, packs of people will draw packs of Zombies. People will crush into the stores when they finally realize society has broken. The people we once trusted will quickly become adversaries. The more they act like sheep, the more quickly they will become the enemy or working for the enemy.

Everyone has the same goals: water, food, shelter, and protection. What are you going to do in a fecal-storm? Think outside of the box. Anyone who’s seen a survival show knows water is the #1 priority. You can get pretty hungry but without water, you will die within a few days. The taps have quit flowing so your sink isn’t going to work. So where do you look?

I’d head to an office tower. For starters, high rise buildings pump water up to a holding tank because they must. Gravity feed doesn’t work for towers. If you are lucky, the plumbing will be intact and you can get many gallons of water from the ground floor. If the plumbing is wrecked, you are still in luck. What office environment doesn’t have a stack of 5-gallon jugs of water right next to the dispenser on a floor? Grab a few, you’ve just bought yourself a few days. It will not last long but surviving right now is crucial.

As a plus, how many people do you know in offices who have food stashed in the cubes? Ranging from cup-o-noodles to candy, foodstuffs are easily acquired and most are edible for weeks. Of course, you can also raid the office refrigerator. Every office has one in a break room. It’s a quick supply that may not last long but food is food.

Time to bolt? Not quite. Every office has a few people who are always cold. If you need additional clothing, you can find it. Might not fit well but numerous jackets and sweaters can be grabbed with minimal effort as you’re tossing cubicles for food. If you don’t need warmth, how about rain jackets, umbrellas and boots?

Feeling ready to run? Don’t forget the first aid kits and drugs. First aid kits will be in every break room and in many other locations. Snag those if you can, combine the rarer items if you cannot carry them. Heck, rip the cloth off a cubicle, use some ties or other items to make it into a backpack. Then rethink those tossed cubicles. Plenty of people keep over the counter drugs in drawers and overhead bins. They will come in handy.

Out of the box thinking is going to keep you alive. An office building may not be your first stop but it has a lot of useful stuff.

Wishing I were headed to VisionCon 2011

I’ve never been personally invited to a convention before. This year I was by friends supporting it but sadly cannot make it. I’m certain it would have been a good time to hit VisionCon but its just not in the cards. Looks like they have a pretty good line up of fun and talent. I really wanted to heckle the Damsels of Dorkington just because I get the feeling they’d be exceptionally good at handing it right back I’m very happy to see the smaller market conventions alive and thriving.

Thanks for the invite and put me on the calendar for 2012 for attending.

I hope the convention goes off without flaw and all the attendees have a great time. Best of luck and I’ll see you next year.