If I Can Make It There...

Just a quick note to explain that I sent an author invite to my best friend Greg so he can view our blog. No, he isn't in our game, but he's been my best friend and gaming/DMing buddy for more years than I can keep track of, and I thought it would be fun for him to have a peek at what we're up to in the Core Wasteland (and a good way for me to get another DM's perspective and critique).

Is this okay with everyone?

Courtesy Chris Perkins and the Robot Chicken guys (sans Seth Green). I thought it was fun, and gives an easy look at some of 4e's basics.  I suggest starting with the intro first, listed a bit down the page.

Think of it as fun research for something we enjoy. ;D

My thinking about potentially using D&D4 has several motivations. We would, of course, modify it a bit, but honestly not so much as it initially would seem.

They are called Vivos.  Now if only there was a mascot they could adopt...

Okay, based on Thursday's session, something became very apparent to me, and that is my own confusion as to the application of skill to the chucking of grenades.

Thinking on it, while Throwing them seems viable, that lessens the unique flavor of Megan's character, and, as the saying goes, "close only counts in horseshoes and nukes."  Wait.  No.  "..and hand grenades."  But nukes apply, too.

Setting mines will be a use for Traps, as we did in the game.  But, should the official ruling be that attacks with grenades and other thrown explosive devices like dynamite, etc., are governed by Explosives, as Troy was naturally leaning toward all along? 

I will be unable to join you guys the thursday of the 22nd. I have a wedding I am in, and should probably be there. If you want to reschedule, awesome, but I understand the world doesn't center at my existence. Just thought I should clue you guys in.

First off, I would like to extend my sympathies to Chris & Company for their vehicles repair costs. I would also like to thank him for the pizza rolls and pasta! With this I also have thanks giving for Megan & Company for pretzels and thin mints. I think I can speak for everyone in saying it's much easier to play a satisfying session with some food in your tummy. I think that next week Troy and I can tackle food stuffs. Is this all right with you Troy?

In your email you should find the initial (alpha?) version of the perks you will have available at levels 2 and 3.  I have a scad more to work out, and may be expanding or altering this list, but this will give you an idea what to expect.

Oh, and B asked me to pass along that if you want to bring munchies, you are always welcome. Tomorrow night, due to *grumble* unexpected potential car expenses, we won't be able to feed you all.  Though I do have three or four little boxes of cheese pizza rolls I'll break out, and I can always whip up a simple pot of rice or pasta, so that'll help. ;)

You've dug up some nice ones, Troy! My comments:

Map #1 (two posts down): This is a good map of the island of Manhattan. Interesting to see it so undeveloped! Keep in mind that the left end of the map actually points SSW.  New Jersey is west (up in relation) and Brooklyn is east (down).

Map #2 (first in post below): A good map for showing where neighborhoods (particularly places like Chinatown, Upper West Side, etc) are in relation to one another. A few landmarks, but it only details Mid and Lower Manhattan, and only about half of Central Park, and none of the boroughs in NJ or Long Island. May be too small to print, but would probably be on a brochure you would find in the city easily enough, though.

Map #3 (second below): This is a good one! Covers about half of Long Island and shows NYC's major boroughs, including a nice hunk of Joisey. The cartographic style is certainly period (unless I miss my guess, this map is probably circa 1962-5).  Size is pretty good for printing. Good road map!

Map #4 (third in the row):  This is a pretty sharp subway map, and it looks good on the screen.  I find myself routinely confused by subway maps, since they're sort of "abbreviated", meaning their representation is more diagrammatic than realistic, like a flowchart. My brain keeps trying to make them realistic.  I have been avoiding the subway in my plans thus far, mostly because I have the attention span of a gnat lately and I want to definitely cross-reference this with Bing Maps so I know where more accesses than Grand Central Station may be.  Die Hard 3 has also been fun in this regard.

Map #5 (last one): This one is a downright gorgeous map of Manhattan.  Of course, it is rotated perpendicular to the very first one, making it cocked just a little counter-clockwise from reality. While not as current, certainly, as the Long Island road map, this one is sultry and distinguished. I wonder if we could find a higher-res scan of this one...

I have some maps I have found, too, but after the Jeep horked all over itself and our American history (zzzz..) test tonight, I'll save posting any for later.

Oh, and Troy knows already, but I will be unable to come for coffee tomorrow--Bets is getting a ride to work, and I don't intend to take the Jeep anywhere until someone can tak a look at it.  As an aside, I am open to suggestions as to what to do about feeding everyone tomorrow, but I'm thinking quick/easy will help us get to playing faster.

I found this map will it work?

Now, though we haven't exited the vault I think we should recap ideas and events. I'll obviously start with my facet of the story as well as provide input on what I really enjoyed...

To start, Chris most beautifully painted the picture of post war NY. His opening speech at least helped *me* get into the mood. After meeting with the Overseer, we had three days to gather our things and prepare to head to quarantine, aka, head out of the vault. Betsy's character was evolving for the first bit of the session, but I think she solidified as she went and saw the insanity that would ensue if she didn't play the "wise peacekeeper" role. (I had a very strong urge to take out an inept guard, hide his body in a locker, and strip him of his weapon and shin-guards :D ) She verbalized the fact that she is the daughter of some kind of martial artist, and she had some understanding of combat as well as seduction techniques. Troy was/is the archivist who was quite successful in gathering information on the other vaults and researching the water-chip. I spent my time in my office, tinkering with the chip and committing it's parts to memory, as well as gathering my standard kick ass appearance.

I think we should establish which vault/settlement we'll head to when we leave, as well as who will take point should we run into a... difficult situation. I nominate Betsy, because she might allow us to conserve on ammo...or nails. :D

I even got the chance to take out a guard in a dream after the session, a very accommodating move by chris@company. :D Thanks for a great evening!

Anyone else have ideas and a review?