Happy Holidays everyone!
Yesterday, I finally finally got the final proof of the hardcover of Banner of the Bull from DriveThruRPG and so last night I turned that on for purchase. The softcover and PDF were already up, but I like hardcovers! The book is only 64 pages, so it’s a slender one, but the spine nicely displays the title, and I have several smaller hardcovers on my RPG shelf right now! Banner of the Bull is my 1st level adventure for Kobold Press’ Black Flag Roleplaying system that is 5e compatible. It’s set in Norrøngard and sees a fey incursion from the realm of Elsewhither threaten these Scandinavian-inspired peoples for the first time in their history. It’s got extra setting detail and also heritages and lineages specific to Norrøngard (Black Flag’s answer to species), so there’s added value.
Meanwhile, the PDF of Vengeance of the Valravn is still on sale for half price. This is the spooky but wolf-positive adventure for 7th level characters set in the city of Sindholm with a ton of replayability (lots of location lore, encounter tables, maps of key locations that can be revisited and even serve as bases of operation, etc…) It’s just $6.49 now through Christmas — and thanks to everyone who has picked it up already!
In sadder news, love and support to all the folks laid off at Hasbro, parent company of Wizards of the Coast. These pre-holiday layoffs used to be common, but they haven’t happened in some time. 1,100 people were or are being cut apparently. At WotC, I had one friend survive and one friend fired, though I’m sorry for everyone who lost their jobs, and also for those who are staying who are shaken by the experience and the loss of colleagues and friends. I don’t think there’s much point in calling for boycotts as others have done. I have already greatly reduced my D&D purchases this year, and all I’d say is, support indy creators, support those laid off when they emerge elsewhere, and support real people and real artists whenever you can!
Speaking of, I’ll reiterate my love for The Lazy DM’s Forge of Foes from Michael E. Shea, Teos Abadia, and Scott Fitzgerald Gray. I think it’s my favorite RPG purchase of 2023. This book of advice for monster creation is unparalleled in its usefulness, and I recommend every Game Master pick up a copy!
While we are on the subject of favorites, my two favorite movies of 2023 are Barbie and The Marvels. One did phenomenally and one did not (though it was the highest grossing film for a black female director and one of the top films in a very down market, so “did not” is relative). But both are excellent, female lead movies with charismatic casts and a lot of heart. Highly recommend both if you still haven’t seen them.
And that’s it. Unless something amazing happens, I’ll see you on the other side of the holidays!
Take care everyone and merry whatever you make merry!
Merry merriness!