The Elves in my campaign worlds can occasionally step into states of (what is effectively) suspended animation, for various periods of time. They typically do this when they are communing with their natural surroundings. They use this time to rest and separate themselves from the mortal burdens that all of the other races of man around them have to deal with.
When they do so, this is reminiscent of how they experience the world.
It also reminds me of the Silmarillion, before the sun was created and the Elves lived in perpetual twilight. I think that these views are like what they would have seen.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
DIY Dungeon Maps and Some Old Classics
So I'm not a big fan of the WotC website--in fact, I only ever go there if a link leads me to it. But today, I came across a link that I really enjoyed.
About three weeks ago, WotC had a little dungeon contest at their website. Draw a cool dungeon map, submit it to them, and they would pick the winner, etc, etc. I guess there were prizes, although I didn't read far enough to find out. You see, I only found out about it today, and it is too late to enter. If I had known about it then, I probably would have.
But the cool thing is this: At the page announcing the contest, down at the very bottom, are pictures of some of the classic dungeon maps from our hobby's beginnings. Not in a format that you could actually use them (I don't think), but I love looking at them.
More recently, they announced the winning entries. I enjoyed looking at them, although some are *better* (wholely subjective, I know) than others. I particularly like the map for the Fortress of Despair. Good stuff!
About three weeks ago, WotC had a little dungeon contest at their website. Draw a cool dungeon map, submit it to them, and they would pick the winner, etc, etc. I guess there were prizes, although I didn't read far enough to find out. You see, I only found out about it today, and it is too late to enter. If I had known about it then, I probably would have.
But the cool thing is this: At the page announcing the contest, down at the very bottom, are pictures of some of the classic dungeon maps from our hobby's beginnings. Not in a format that you could actually use them (I don't think), but I love looking at them.
More recently, they announced the winning entries. I enjoyed looking at them, although some are *better* (wholely subjective, I know) than others. I particularly like the map for the Fortress of Despair. Good stuff!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Subterranean Design - F#@$ Yeah!
It's included on My Daily Read for a reason. If you aren't a frequent visitor, you are missing out. I'm talking about Subterranean Design of course.
This amazing collection of images should serve as fantastic inspiration for anyone who plays D&D, or any fantasy, science fantasy, or even science fiction rpg out there. Absolutely incredible--I cannot say enough about how good the site is.
And for those gamers who claim that dungeons are unrealistic, outdated, or just plain stupid, taking a look at the real world dungeons presented at SubDes should change your mind. If it doesn't? Well, that sounds like a personal problem to me.
Go check it out. Check it out often. Check it out every day. You won't be disappointed. I promise.
This amazing collection of images should serve as fantastic inspiration for anyone who plays D&D, or any fantasy, science fantasy, or even science fiction rpg out there. Absolutely incredible--I cannot say enough about how good the site is.
And for those gamers who claim that dungeons are unrealistic, outdated, or just plain stupid, taking a look at the real world dungeons presented at SubDes should change your mind. If it doesn't? Well, that sounds like a personal problem to me.
Go check it out. Check it out often. Check it out every day. You won't be disappointed. I promise.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Map Roundup - 01 February 2012
A very short map roundup today--one item short. In case you missed it, this is one from several days ago.
FrDave over at Blood of Prokopius (26 Jan 2012) posted this nice map of a Manor House. Really nice work.
FrDave over at Blood of Prokopius (26 Jan 2012) posted this nice map of a Manor House. Really nice work.
Friday, January 27, 2012
More Dungeons in Fiction
So back here, I asked the question, "Does anyone know of any megadungeons in modern fantasy literature?" I received a few answers (thanks for those, guys) and that gave me some food for thought.
I have a follow-up question, although it is only slightly different from the original, so the same answers might apply. Does anyone know of any works of fiction that include a "Campaign Dungeon"? In case you aren't familiar, the term basically means a dungeon that is the main (perhaps only) adventuring locale for an entire campaign of play.
You may be wondering--or perhaps you aren't--why I'm asking questions about dungeons in fiction. The short reason is because I am actually in the process of writing a story (goal length 60-75k words) that is basically just that--a big old dungeon with a small group of adventurers going into it looking for riches. My reason for asking is to help me determine if the idea is as unique (in fiction) as I think it is, or is it trite and old. I have to admit that I haven't read any fantasy is a LONG time and may not know about something that is out there.
So, if you know of something, please speak up. Thanks.
I have a follow-up question, although it is only slightly different from the original, so the same answers might apply. Does anyone know of any works of fiction that include a "Campaign Dungeon"? In case you aren't familiar, the term basically means a dungeon that is the main (perhaps only) adventuring locale for an entire campaign of play.
You may be wondering--or perhaps you aren't--why I'm asking questions about dungeons in fiction. The short reason is because I am actually in the process of writing a story (goal length 60-75k words) that is basically just that--a big old dungeon with a small group of adventurers going into it looking for riches. My reason for asking is to help me determine if the idea is as unique (in fiction) as I think it is, or is it trite and old. I have to admit that I haven't read any fantasy is a LONG time and may not know about something that is out there.
So, if you know of something, please speak up. Thanks.
Monday, January 23, 2012
"Thanks!" and "WTF Blogger?!?"
So I asked a question in my last post about dungeons in fiction and I received some replies and I wanted to say thanks to those guys for answering my question. They definitely provided some things for me to look into.
Now you may be asking yourself, "Why is he thanking them in a new post? Wouldn't it make more sense to just throw a comment and thank them there?"
The answer to the second question is, yes, of course it would.
But that brings me to part 2 of this post.
WTF Blogger?!?
You see, for some reason that I am unable to fathom, I cannot see any specific Blogger blog post with comments. I can read a blog and read the last X number of posts, but if I try to click on a specific post to read the comments associated with it, nothing. My IE opens a new tab and then refuses to put anything into it. That goes for any blog post, my own included.
(Now I know that many of you scoff at the fact that I use Internet Explorer, but I do. It's never really bothered me before now.)
I guess the question is, is this an issue with Blogger, an issue with IE, or some other issue?
Can anyone help me?!
Now you may be asking yourself, "Why is he thanking them in a new post? Wouldn't it make more sense to just throw a comment and thank them there?"
The answer to the second question is, yes, of course it would.
But that brings me to part 2 of this post.
WTF Blogger?!?
You see, for some reason that I am unable to fathom, I cannot see any specific Blogger blog post with comments. I can read a blog and read the last X number of posts, but if I try to click on a specific post to read the comments associated with it, nothing. My IE opens a new tab and then refuses to put anything into it. That goes for any blog post, my own included.
(Now I know that many of you scoff at the fact that I use Internet Explorer, but I do. It's never really bothered me before now.)
I guess the question is, is this an issue with Blogger, an issue with IE, or some other issue?
Can anyone help me?!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Question about Dungeons in Fiction
Or more specifically, megadungeons. Are there any megadungeons who have played a significant role in fantasy (and/or any of its "offshoots") literature in the last twenty-five years?
The Mines of Moria are perhaps the most well-known example of a megadungeon in fiction. And while they are important to the Lord of the Rings as an obstacle to be overcome by or as a road to be traversed by the Fellowship or, if I remember correctly, as a means to separate Gandalf from the others, they don't play much of a role in the story. The time spent in their halls by that adventuring group (in words) isn't all that great compared to the entirety of the trilogy.
But are there any other examples of megadungeons in modern fiction? I'm interested and would really appreciate any other examples. Thanks!
The Mines of Moria are perhaps the most well-known example of a megadungeon in fiction. And while they are important to the Lord of the Rings as an obstacle to be overcome by or as a road to be traversed by the Fellowship or, if I remember correctly, as a means to separate Gandalf from the others, they don't play much of a role in the story. The time spent in their halls by that adventuring group (in words) isn't all that great compared to the entirety of the trilogy.
But are there any other examples of megadungeons in modern fiction? I'm interested and would really appreciate any other examples. Thanks!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Names, Names, Names
Speaking of names, what he said.
Also, thank you, Brendan, for pointing me toward this. A handy little name generator that, based on my initial playing-around, works nicely indeed.
Also, thank you, Brendan, for pointing me toward this. A handy little name generator that, based on my initial playing-around, works nicely indeed.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Artist Unfamiliar (before now) to Me
Stefan Poag is an impressive artist in his own right and has done some amazing work. First, I say to Stefan, thank you for the drawings that you have done that have "leaked" out into the world. I say "leaked" because I've not purchased anything with his art in it, but it is always a joy to look at. And I'm really looking forward to his Drawing-a-Day. I hope he posts all of his drawings.
Secondly, I want to say thank you to Stefan for pointing me toward Rich Longmore.
To Rich, I can only say, "Wow." I love his aesthetic. Some of his pieces are reminiscent of the best drawings from the Fiend Folio, but more "realistic" (Is that possible in fantasy art?). At the same time, I feel like each of his pictures tells a story.
(That is a phrase that I've heard many times about illustrations, perhaps too many, but, in the case of Rich's art, I think that it is completely appropriate.)
They are full of detail, action, and style. Don't want to sound too much like my fifteen year old self from days past, but, "Awesome!"
Knowing that his art is in Carcosa is perhaps one more reason I may need to purchase that.
Secondly, I want to say thank you to Stefan for pointing me toward Rich Longmore.
To Rich, I can only say, "Wow." I love his aesthetic. Some of his pieces are reminiscent of the best drawings from the Fiend Folio, but more "realistic" (Is that possible in fantasy art?). At the same time, I feel like each of his pictures tells a story.
(That is a phrase that I've heard many times about illustrations, perhaps too many, but, in the case of Rich's art, I think that it is completely appropriate.)
They are full of detail, action, and style. Don't want to sound too much like my fifteen year old self from days past, but, "Awesome!"
Knowing that his art is in Carcosa is perhaps one more reason I may need to purchase that.
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