(no subject)

Yep. It was a joke.

I'm /almost/ disappointed; in the right hands, it could work, especially considering the (regrettably seemingly ignored) uber-plot of Enterprise.

Phantom Update!

Actually, I found a way to get the good seats after all, thanks to a boyfriend who, even if he doesn't understand why I'd want to see it a third time, understands why I want to make it special for my sissies.

For the Shattered World writers...

I think I dreamed Emma's death. Not that I have any expectations at all that it will go that way, but it was cool.

I know I found a new introduction/prologue, written by Jason as an old freaking ancient man.

Star Wars players, take note!

I am booked solid all weekend with unavoidable things.

Ok, I admit that Friday night I could game, but I have other plans I'd rather do.

Anyone have a problem with switching game day to Friday the 11th or Saturday the 12th?

WARNING! RANT MODE ACTIVE! WARNING!

Disclaimer: Michael is an admitted Elitist RPG snob

Lately a disturbing trend has begun, one which is getting me closer and closer to walking into my local RPG store with an AK-47 and a list of names. That soul-killing phenomenon is the ever-widening accepted definition of "RPG."

Lately when I go to RPG stores, or get into online discussions on RPGs, someone starts yapping about "Magic: The Gathering" or one of the ten billion other card games out now. Or they claim to be RPGers, then start blithering about Warhammer. Or Final Fantasy.

For the record: An RPG is a roleplaying game played either at the tabletop with other live humans, dice, and paper, or on a MUSH/MUCK (not MUDs, which are usually home to 14 year-olds who want to kill things electronically). Update: LARPs are also RPGs

A RPG is NOT a card game, a PC game, or a PS2/GameCube/XBox game.

PC Games that are based on the RPG concept -- leveling, learning skills, and above all a decent plot -- are PCRPGs. Card games are just that. Warhammer is a nice game, but not roleplaying, no matter how many times you grunt as your Orc army decimates the Elven Nation.

Now, don't get me wrong; I'm as addicted to Final Fantasy's various incarnations (ok, only Eight and Ten) as the next guy. And yes, shawndo, Deus Ex is the most awesome PC game of that genre EVER. And I can't wait for Deus Ex 2. But it's not a RPG.

End Elitist partly tongue-in-cheek Rant.

Scifi Bulletins

* Susan Sarandon has joined the cast of Children of Dune, set to begin filming in Prague this May. She plays Wescincia, a former princess scheming to get her family back into power, and a personal foe of Alia, Paul's sister. Alia has also been cast. Full cast list will be released today or tomorrow.

* Sandra Bullock sent the script for Wonder Woman back for a rewrite; she wasn't happy with the character. I have not the words.

YES!!!! A MAN WITH A BRAINNNN!!!!!!!

The rant you'll find at the end of this link is written by none other than JD Wiker, one of the writers of the Star Wars RPG.

It has NOTHING to do with the RPG. Read it.