And another of my favorite Halloween songs. Also, this band’s vocalist, Chris Motionless is the man of my dreams (or nightmares as the case may be).
Monday, October 31, 2022
October Horror Movie Challenge - The Retaliators (2022)
Plot
After his daughter is brutally murdered a widower pastor becomes embroiled in the local criminal underground. Soon he will learn just how far he will go for revenge.
I've been looking forward to this movie since I first saw the video for Eva Under Fire (featuring Spencer Charnas) - Blow. The premise was interesting and I love that the cast is full of rockers I love. There are a few I don't care for among the cast, but I can handle that. Among those that appear are From Ashes To New, Jacoby Shaddix (of Papa Roach), Spencer Charnas (of Ice Nine Kills), Tommy Lee (of Motley Crue), Craig Mabbitt (of Escape the Fate), and the guys in Five Finger Death Punch. The soundtrack is pretty badass too, featuring above bands, The Hu, and a few others.
Michael Lombardi is fantastic at the lead, Pastor John Bishop. He's also handsome, which definitely helps with the whole experience. At the beginning of the movie there are comments about how he loves 80's/90's action movies but can't just act like those characters. That definitely changes by the end of the flick. Marc Menchaca is great as the world weary detective, Jed Sawyer. You can tell early on there is a darkness in him. Finally the various rockers and Joseph Gatt, who play the bikers and criminals in the film are sleazy to the max and it works.
I'm not going to act like this is the greatest movie I've ever seen, but I was definitely entertained and I felt it was worth the wait. It's a dirty, grimy, revenge flick that definitely has some grindhouse inspiration.
In Your Game
These horrible people have been mentally and physically beaten and broken. They are little more than animalistic cannibal savages.
Degenerates
Armor Class: 12
Hit Dice/Points: 3
Move: 15
Actions: 1
Attack: By Weapon
Move: 15
Actions: 1
Attack: By Weapon
Special: Toughness +1, can spend a round eating human flesh to heal 1d4 HP
Bonuses: +2 to Melee attacks, +2 to Melee damage
Alignment: Evil
Morale: 12
Terror: 12
HDE: 2
HDE: 2
New Movies: 20
Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post:
Challenge Total: 38
October Horror Movie Challenge - Gerald's Game (2017)
Plot
Jessie and Gerald go to a secluded waterfront house to try to rekindle their marriage. Gerald handcuffs Jessie to the bed and after an argument between the couple, has a heart attack and dies. Jessie must contend with visions of herself and Gerald, while she figures out how to save herself.
Review
I decided to watch this Stephen King short story turned Netflix movie because I wanted something out of my normal horror wheelhouse. The cast were phenomenal. Carla Gugino truly caries this suspenseful tale. She does double duty as Jessie and as a more confident vision of Jessie. Bruce Greenwood is perfect as Gerald. He plays selfish asshole to a tee and Greenwood just has that voice and presence. Finally Carel Struycken is horrifying as the man made of moonlight.
The suspense and tension of Gerald's Game will keep you engaged. There are some great fake outs that play into Jessie's dwindling sanity. There's also a much deeper dive into sexual abuse and identity. This film definitely isn't for everyone, but it's well crafted and acted.
This is also a friendly reminder that when you practice BDSM, only do so with someone you truly trust, have a safe word, and keep a spare key within reach at all times.
In Your Game
Due to the nature and content of this flick, I don't feel comfortable creating game content based on it.
New Movies: 19
Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post:
Challenge Total: 37
Sunday, October 30, 2022
David Pumpkins Returns
Though to be fair he never left my heart. This new sketch is more of the same, but I love it anyway. Also, remember you can add him to your Mork Borg game with this pay what you want pdf.
Update: Found out my friend Josh did 5e stats for him a while back and wanted to share them as well. Check out this post over at Bernie the Flumph.
Marvel Lucha Libre
Marvel has teamed up with Mexico’s premiere wrestling organization AAA to create a Marvel themed Lucha Libre show. I’m not sure if this Disney+ special will be on the US version, but I really hope so.
Saturday, October 29, 2022
Strahd Loves, Man Kills Issue 9
And with this review I'm caught up on all issues of Strahd Loves, Man Kills by Dolorous Exhumation Press. Once again, I love this zine and you should be reading it.
Lurid Locations greatly expands on Keening, as presented in Van Richeten's Guide to Ravenloft. The feature also details the grisly Crouch & Treacle's Pie Shop. There's some obvious Sweeney Todd influence, though it's a demonic pact that fuels the murder and pies. There's also a great reference in the fact that the killers are the Butch and Baker and they made a deal with the Candlestick Maker.
My progressive Millennial self loves the new background presented in Baleful Backgrounds. The revolutionary seeks to overthrow those in power.
Seeds of Evil gives a new adventure hook inspired by films like Crimson Peak and Winchester. Renwick Hall is a really neat idea and set up for for a one-shot or campaign.
Grim Phantasmagoria returns in this issue. is unlike other articles presented in the zine. The author focuses on folk horror and draws inspiration from Edgar Allen Poe.
Wicked Wanderings discusses how to use tropes of Ravenloft with 5e inspiration rules. Inspiration is something that I think is underutilized and to be honest, I forget about it at times. This article gives some great ideas.
Fatal Frames is back with three new reasons your Ravenloft party works together.
Tragic Heroes returns this issue with seven character concepts. The Alaune is a custom lineage mastermind rogue that's creature from Ivan Boritsi's plant expiraments. Anhktepot's Ka is human life domain cleric that is the darklord's soul in mortal form. The Cauldronborn Child is a hexblood Archfey pact warlock that was created by one of the hags of Tepest to cause trouble. The Headhunter from Valachan is a reborn hunter ranger is the head of Urik von Kharkov on a new body. The Shard of Azalin is human necromancy school wizard this is a shard of Azalin Rex's soul reborn. Viktra Mordenheim's Clone is a human batttlesmith artificer... that well is a clone of Viktra Mordenheim. Finally Vlad Drakov Returned is a human oath of conquest paladin that is a version of Falknovia's original (in publication history) darklord.
Echoes of Doom is a fun article that recommends songs for inspiration for the Domains of Dread.
October Horror Movie Challenge - V/H/S/99 (2022)
Plot
This found footage horror anthology is the fifth in the series. The stories are presented as clips on a tape. In between these short films are segments involving toy army men created by a character from one of the stories.
Review
I'll discuss the shorts individually and then the flick as a whole.
Shredding is the first short. The story is about a punk band named R.A.C.K. that are basically CKY. They make music and film themselves pulling pranks. They go to a closed down venune that another band, Bitch Cat, died at. While heading there one of the members, Ankur, discusses the legend of the bhuta. The band do some disrespectful things and Bitch Cat, now bhuta, get their revenge. I'm not going to say this was a great short, but as a fan of CKY and Jackass, I appreciate the tribute/parody featured. The undead band do some gnarly things and while it's hard to see because of the video quality, I dug it.
Suicide Bid is the second short. Lily is a college freshman desperate to get into the top sorority. She makes a suicide bid and seems to get in, as long as she does one task. Like a local legend she has to spend the night buried in a coffin. Of course things go wrong. I liked this one. It plays on very real fears of claustrophobia and hazing gone too far. The undead look a bit cheesy (kind of looking like they came out of a haunted house attraction), but were still presented in a disturbing way.
Ozzy's Dungeon is the third short and features a dangerous Legends of the Hidden Temple style game show. When contestant Donna gets serious injured because of the unsafe conditions her family plots revenge. This was probably the most unsettling of the shorts. It had a very Saw-esque vibe, just more low rent and gross. They ending is wild, but I dug it.
Gawkers is the fourth short and about a teen named Brady (who is creator of the toy soldier shorts) and his brother, Dylan. The camera Brady uses is Dylan's. Dylan and his friends are your typical horny teens and seek to use their camera and Brady's friendship with their hot neighbor to spy on the neighbor. This short made me laugh because one of the characters mentions an awesome concert and talks about Limp Bizkit and Creed. The same character also talks about Y2K. I saw the twist for this one coming, but I appreciated it. Going to be honest, I felt sorry for Brady in this one.
The final short is To Hell And Back. A couple of film makers, Nate and Troy, are filming a coven of witches as they attempt to summon a demon on New Year's Even 1999. During the ritual the pair are transported to Hell. There they encounter a demon named Mabel who tries to help them escape. This might be my favorite of the shorts. I loved Mabel. Though she only gets a bit of screen time, she made that big of an impact. Overall this short was a fun ride and reminded me of the haunted house alternatives I used to go to when I went to church as a kid.
While the series has had some hits and some misses, I really enjoyed this installment. It's definitely not the best, but for nostalgic reasons I really dug this one. I was a teenager in '99 and this one reminded me of my younger days. If you like found footage anthologies, check this one out.
In Your Game
Mabel would be a great demon for What Shadows Hide. Though a demon and evil, she will work with mortals and can even grow attached to them.
Mabel (Outsider)
Armor Class: 15
Hit Dice/Points: 6+6
Move: 12
Actions: 3
Attack: Unarmed (1d6)
Move: 12
Actions: 3
Attack: Unarmed (1d6)
Special: Regenerate (1 HP/round) Toughness +3, Dark Vision 60'
Bonuses: +2 to Melee attacks, +8 to Spot & Listen, +7 to Stealth, +8 to Arcana
Alignment: Evil
Morale: 8
Terror: 12 (when showing demonic nature)
HDE: 4
HDE: 4
New Movies: 18
Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post:
Challenge Total: 36
Friday, October 28, 2022
Strahd Loves, Man Kills Issue 8
Lurid Locations gives new us four new locations. Maximilian's Waxworks is pretty obviously inspired by House of Wax and Waxwork. What I love about this location (which can be found in whatever domain you'd like) is that the displays show scenes from each Domain of Dread. Briar Hurst is a haunted house inspired by The Woman in Black. Wildeacre is inspired by the gothic novel Wideacre and Wuthering Heights. Finally the snowy Eisengraz by a wild dream the author had.
Seeds of Evil presents six new adventure hook. Bring Out Your Dead gives a party member a chance to bring back a fallen friend. The Devil Went Down to Harmonia brings the classic tune into the Domain of Dread. The Hunter and the Harengon involved the fey in Tepest. The Havenhill Horror involved a creature secretly stalking an orphanage in Mordent. The Runaway Student sees the party hunting down a young aristocrat who's shirking his duties... but said duties might not be what they appear. Rime of Vorostokov isn't really a seed, but suggestions to alter Icewind Dale: Rime of Frost Maiden to the lands of the mists.
This installment of Portraits of the Damned presents five new npc's. Andullah is ageless wise woman that helps folks in the land of the mists with her herbs and talismans. Aster Krory is a vampire spawn underground pugilist seeking to find the vampire that turned him. He could be an interesting and unlikely ally. The Phantom of the Pit is a phantom warrior is a kindly spirit that sometimes appears to help those lost. Erzebeta Vargori is a vampire member of the Kargat and like Bathory of legend needs to bath in blood of virgins to maintain her eternal youth. Konrad von Zarovich is a dhampir bastard son of Strahd. The swashbuckler seeks revenge on the father that abandoned him and his mother.
Forged In Shadow presents three new Ravenloft magic items. Groomscythe is magic sword that's had its magic twisted to punish infidelity. Haxanjager's Mutagen is a Witcher inspired potion that helps hunters fight monsters. Finally the Poltergeist Ring grants poltergeist like effects.
Grim Phantasmagoria is unlike other articles presented in the zine. This well written article gives the author's philosophy of how best to run gothic horror Ravenloft games. Even if your game doesn't enter the mists, this is a well-written and useful article.
Fatal Frames five different adventuring party concepts appropriate for Ravenloft games. Like Grim Phantasmagoria this is different that other articles featured in the past and I dig it.
This issue's Cryptic Alliances discusses the Ba'al Verzi, a group of assassins that have previously been mentioned in Ravenloft fiction. They are from the land of Strahd's birth. There signature daggers are given magic item stats.
October Horror Movie Challenge - Barbarian (2022)
Plot
When Tess books an Airbnb in Detroit she finds the home already occupied by another guest who also booked the home (through a different app). Against her better judgement she decides to stay for the night. She discovers there's more to fear about her stay than just the stranger.
Review
I loved this movie. It was tense and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgard, and Justin Long all play their parts well. Also, my favorite character actor Richard Brake does his thing. I honestly don't want to say anything else because the less you know about this movie, the better your experience will be. I will give a content warning though, sexual violence isn't depicted on the screen, but is tied into the overall narrative.
In Your Game
Not giving any that's here because I don't want to spoil anything. That being said there are definitely some modern dungeon vibes going on.
New Movies: 17
Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post: Ernest Scared Stupid
Challenge Total: 35
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Dark Places & Demogorgons for Old-School Essentials Kickstarter
We're down to it's final few days Dark Places & Demogorgons for Old-School Essentials. This is an adaptation of the phenomenal Dark Places & Demogorgons to the hotness that is Old-School Essentials. There are various tiers. Since I don't have any OSE books I went for a tier that includes the Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy Rules Tome (which is needed to play the game), the regular cover of DP&D OSE (because I dig it more than the KS exclusive cover), and the OSE version of The Cryptid Manual (which is my all time favorite monster manual). I'm really excited for this project and I think it's a great move for Bloat Games. Don't worry though, they aren't abandoning SURVIVE THIS!! or Hack the RPG. Can't say too much, but I might be helping Eric out with a non-OSE game...
There have been many stretch goals unlocked for DP&D OSE. Several of my friends are writing adventures. This includes Lurking Fears Matt McCloud, Planet X Games' Levi Combs, and Bloat Games All-Stars Josh Palmer and Jodie Brandt. There are some several other great writers that have been unlocked and at least one more I hope gets unlocked before the campaign ends. Oh yeah... I've been unlocked as an adventure author too. My adventure is called "Polybius Returns!" and will be connected to the urban legend of Polybius.
You should really consider backing this one if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed.
Strahd Loves, Man Kills Issue 7
Lurid Locations presents and expanded and overhaul of Invidia. This version draws from The Monk from Mathew Lewis, as well as Anne Radcliffe's The Italian. Finally the Metroidvania video game Blasphemous provides some inspiration. This new take on Ividia is filled with passion and religion. Borrowing heavily from the gothic portrayal of Catholicism, it's a land of intrigue. Given my love of nunsploitaion, this one sounds great.
Cryptic Alliances explores the Church of the Holy Blood, the dominant faith of Invidia. There is a small group of holy saints for the religion presented.
Portraits of the Damned presents three new npc's. Anjelica Navarre is a fallen deva and strict zealot of the Church of the Holy Blood. The Hood Minister is a larva mage that poses as a humble holy man of the Church of the Holy Blood that is seen as a hero to the common man. Finally Father Raspaldo is a religious zealot that believe to truly know redemption you must first debase yourself with sin.
Baleful Backgrounds gives us one new background. The Apothecary (inspired by a character from Oliver Potzch's The Hangman's Daughter) is an herbalist.
Seeds of Evil presents three adventure hooks. Viva la Revolution! is based on The Gods Are Thirsty. The Bereaved is inspired by Jules Verne's The Castle of Transylvania and is a tale of love and loss. Finally the Piper and the Rat King has several sources of inspiration and is ultimately a new take on the Pied Piper of Hamelin.
Midnight Horrors gives a few templates that turn man into the real monster. The Emordenung are poison touched individuals from the domain of Borca. There are also three templates that let you turn anything into an undead horror.
Forged In Shadow presents two new Ravenloft magic items. Sorrow's Pale Saber is a blade that once belonged to a hunter of lycanthropes. The synaptic blade damages psyches.
Tragic Heroes focuses on violent visionary character concepts. The chrononaut is a warforged clockwork soul sorcerer from the future that wants to prevent some dire event. The decapitator is an orc rune knight fighter that seeks to take the heads of the giants that have decimated their tribe. The draconic aspirant is a kobold draconic bloodline sorcerer that wishes to be a true dragon. The Green Hand Revelator is a lizardfolk circle of land druid from Har' Akir that seeks to rid the world of undead. The Sidereal Vessel is a hobgoblin way of astral self monk that channels a great warrior of the past. The wrathbringer is a firbolg swarm ranger that brings the wrath of nature on those that seek to despoil it.
Random Ruin presents a table of art based adventure hooks for Ghastria.
Forbidden Tomes lists inspiration from horror subgenres, such as disaster horror, occult detective stories, pyschological horror, and slasher horror.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
October Horror Movie Challenge - Lumberjack Man (2015)
Plot
A demonic lumberjack terrorizes a Christian summer camp in this slasher comedy.
Review
This church camp horror comedy is primarily full of unknown actors. I only recognized a few. Michael Madsen, plays a a doctor that survived the Lumberjack Man years ago wanting to put the cursed woodcutter to rest. My Hero Academia voice actors Brina Palencia (Mineta) and Christopher Sabat (All Might) play park rangers. Finally Adam Sessler, video game journalist Ans former host of G4, also plays a camp counselor. I loved G4 back in the day, so it was cool to see Sessler in an acting role.
The acting is cheesy and many of the characters are unlikable and annoying. That being said, I didn't hate the movie. It was a horny summer camp movie that pokes fun at religion and includes some goofy kills. I'm typically down for all of the above. It's kind of cringe, but its not the worst. I mean, it's light years ahead of Piñata Survival Island. The titular Lumberjack Man is intimidating looking and pulls a cart with flapjacks... which is something else for sure. There are better slasher/camp comedies. I would recommend Final Girls or Tucker and Dale vs Evil if you want a good movie with similar things. That being said, there are worse horror movies to watch and I only paid a buck for it.
In Your Game
I don't feel like creating stats for the Lumberjack Man, so here's a good Bell of Lost Souls article that has generic slasher stats for 5e.
New Movies: 16
Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post:
Challenge Total: 33
Monday, October 24, 2022
Black Adam (2022)
Plot
In ancient times, Teth Adam was gifted with powers by the gods to fight back against those that took everything from him. After getting his revenge he was imprisoned. He is freed in modern times and is confronted by the Justice Society who urge him to be more heroic.
Review
Black Adam rocked! That was most definitely pun intended. Dwayne Johnson is perfect as Adam. In wrestling there is a term called tweeners, which are neither fully good guy/face or bad guy/heel. The Rock has been one for years and I think because of his charisma and attitude works best in the role. I think that's a big reason he excels in this part. His supporting cast is great too. Sarah Shahi does a fantastic job as Adrianna, being both freedom fighter and mother in equal parts. Speaking of which Bodhi Sabongui is also great as her son Amon. I really hope if the film gets a sequel they become part of the Black Adam family (though I hope their fate is better than that of their comic book counterparts). Mohommad Amer's Karim is a great comedic support for the characters too.
The Justice Society presented work really well. Aldis Hodge version of Carter Hall is the perfect asshole hero. He definitely is a good stand in for American Imperialism and his overconfidence and drive makes him a great foil for Black Adam. Peirce Brosnan really steals the show as the Kent Nelson version of Doctor Fate. His ongoing commentary and snark brings a great sense of levity to a movie that's pretty dark at times. Also, when the Helm takes over and he goes full Doctor Fate, the effects are gorgeous. Speaking of gorgeous effects, the team did an excellent job with Quintessa Swindell's Cyclone. Wind powers (or aerokinesis as she calls it) seem like they'd be boring to see on the screen but by incorporating her and he costumes color scheme into them, the visuals were made quite striking. She seemed like a fae or spirit when she was in action. Rounding out the team Noah Centineo plays the young Atom Smasher, nephew of a former JSA member. He's wide-eyed and thinks the world is amazing. He's also a big kid and has some great comedic moments (especially with Hawkman). I want to add with these characters, I really appreciated that their powers were just explained in one or two short sentences. We didn't have to see full origins for them and it really worked.
There are a few Task Force X characters that appear in the flick. Amanda Waller plays a significant story role in the movie and Emilia Harcourt appears briefly. There are two really cool metahuman cameos, but I will not spoil them The first one, no one is really talking about and occurs early in the flick. This one made me super happy. The second one is bigger, but made me super happy. Intergang were the bad guys in this one and while they had a cool style, they weren't super interesting. That really didn't matter much though, because the conflict was more between Adam and the JSA. They were just a vehicle to move things along.
The film is full of brutal and comedic action. Honestly I laughed quite a bit and also winced at the things Adam did to Intergang. This was an interesting approach though. The big moral conflict presented is Hawkman's "heroes don't kill" vs Black Adam's "I do what I have to do" mentalities. Honestly, the movie pretty much always leans into Adam being right. This is because Hawkman tends to be presented as an asshole and because Adam's kills are just so fun. Like it's hard to judge when you're wincing and/or laughing.
Critics are saying the nicest things about this flick, but I thought it was one of the better superhero movies in recent years. I wasn't bored at all, the cast was spectacular, the effects were great. I enjoyed it and plan on seeing it in theaters again (with my dad this time).
In Your Game
I attempted to stat Black Adam out for 5e. He's way OP (though I'm not sure if he is for his challenge rating or not). He should be ridiculously powerful though.
Code Name: Black Adam
Real Name: Teth Adam
Team Affiliation: Injustice League, Legion of Doom, Secret Society of Super Villains, Black Marvel Family. Monster Society of Evil, Injustice Society, Justice League, Justice Society of America, Suicide Squad, Khandaq, Council of Immortals
Medium, Humanoid (Human), Lawful Evil
Armor Class: 19(Natural)
HP: 250
Speed: 80 ft., fly 80 ft.
Challenge: 17(18,000 XP)
STR: 26 (+8), DEX: 18 (+4), CON: 24 (+7),
INT: 12 (+1), WIS: 16 (+3), CHA:15 (+2)
Saving Throws: Con +12, Str +13;
Skills: Athletics +13. History +5, Intimidation +13
Damage Resistances: cold, fire; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
Damage Immunities: Lightning, Thunder
Senses: Passive Perception: 13
Languages: Can speak and understand all languages
Unique Abilities:
Legendary Resistance (3/Day): If Black Adam fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.
Magic Resistance: Black Adam has advantage on saving throws against spells and other effects.
Magic Weapons: Black Adams weapon attacks are magical.
Powerful Build: Black Adam can carry/lift twice the weight of a normal creature his size. Additionally, he can wield heavy weapons with one hand.
Regeneration: As long as he has at least 1 hit point, Black Adam regains 10 hit points at the start of his turns. This trait doesn't work if he was exposed to Eternium on the previous turn.
Siege Monster: Black Adam deals double damage to objects and structures.
Super Senses: Black Adam has advantage on all Perception rolls.
Teth Adam: When not in his Black Adam form, Teth Adam has the equivelent stats as a Bandit Captain (though his Int and Wis stay the same).
Actions:
Multiattack: Black Adam can make three slam attacks.
Lightning Bolt: Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 100 ft., one target. Hit: 31 (7d8) lightning damage and they can't take reactions until the start of their next turn. This attack has advantage if the target is wearing metal armor, made of metal, or has metal skin..
Shocking Grasp: Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d8+8) lighting damage and they can't take reactions until the start of their next turn. This attack has advantage if the target is wearing metal armor, made of metal, or has metal skin.
Shazam! Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 63(14d8) lighting damage and they can't take reactions until the start of their next turn. This attack has advantage if the target is wearing metal armor, made of metal, or has metal skin. All creatures within 10 feet must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 31 (7d8) Lighting damage (or half damage on a successful saving throw). Black Adam transforms into Teth Adam.
Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
Reaction
Say The Name: Teth Adam transforms into Black Adam and makes a Shazam! attack.
Legendary Actions:
Black Adam can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Black Adam regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
Brutalize (Costs 2 actions). Black Adam makes one slam attack against a creature he can see. On a hit, he deals normal damage and the target has disadvantage on ability checks until the end of its next turn.
Move: Black Adam moves up to his move speed.
Pummel: Black Adam makes two slam attacks.
Say The Name (Costs 2 actions): Teth Adam transforms into Black Adam and makes a Shazam! attack.
Music Monday - Risa Maléfica
This Motorzombies track is creepy fun.
Who is one of the creepiest laughing characters of all time? I'd say the Joker and that's why I'm using this as an excuse to look to all the Joker content I've created.
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Oh (Marvel) Snap!
I don’t play many mobile games but I’m really liking Marvel Snap. They game is free to play on Android and IOS and while there are micro transactions, you can enjoy the game without making any of them. If you are interested check out the trailer. Even if you aren’t interested you should check out the fun Nick Fury video they did for the game.
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Friday, October 21, 2022
Putting the IT in TITANS
More D.L. Massey crossover art…
I know he does Batman related things, but I want to see what happens when Pennywise starts tormenting Raven.
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Going DCEU/MCU On The City
In many comic stories and anime structures and other of the setting are often demolished. The MCU is infamous at this point for leveling cities. I also think back to my favorite anime growing up, Dragon Ball Z, and how mountains were leveled in fights. I wanted to come up with a way to emulate this when running supers in 5e.
When a character is engaged in a fight and using super strength, super speed, telekinetic, seismic, or other physical/force based attacks and they score a critical hit they can roll on the table below (in addition to the normal benefits of getting a critical).
---------------------------------------------
Property Damage (Physical Powers and Force Attacks)
1-4 - Shockwaves. The attack causes a ripple that blows small debris and knocks light weight objects over, but otherwise causes no damage.
5-7 - Minor Structural Damage. Walls and floors begin to crack. Glass and other fragile items shatter. Small trees and other objects are knocked down.
8-10 - Knocked Into A Wall. The foe is knocked back into the nearest wall/solid surface or 300 feet, whichever occurs first.
11-13 - Major Structural Damage. Massive waves of force severely damage nearby buildings and terrain. While the causes no immediate damage all attacks to the structures and objects nearby ignore the items damage threshold until they can be repaired.
14-16 - Knocked Through A Wall. The foe is knocked through the nearest wall until they hit a second solid surface or 300 feet, whichever occurs first.
17 - Sonic Boom, The force of the attack causes a sonic boom. Every other creature within 100 feet must make a DC 15 Constitution or gain the deafened condition for 1 round. Creatures with enhanced and super hearing make this saving throw with Disadvantage.
18 - Pounded Into The Earth. The foe is down through the floor/ground. If in a building they are knocked to the ground level. If already on the ground they are knocked to the sewers, subway, or a cavern below. They are prone until the end of your next turn.
19 - Going, Going, Gone. The foe is launched hundreds of feet straight up. They have a contrail as through the clouds. They land prone at the end of your next turn.
20 - Knocked Into Orbit. The foe is launched hundreds of feet into the edge of the atmosphere. They have a contrail as they fly upwards. They are deafened for one round, prone, and gain one level of Exhaustion when they return to the ground,
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Though I know these things would cause serious damage and/death if they really happened, that's not what I am going for here. I'm just wanting some optional rules that provide some window dressing for 5e supers. For example, if you super strong hero rolls a 20 and launches a mook into orbit, it's assumed they catch the foe before they hit the ground. Ignore the physics, embrace the genre.
I will work on an energy table at some point too.
I'm debating what to call this. Collateral Damage is the obvious choice, but considering the phrase's origins and connotations, I'm not sold on it. Property or Environmental Damage also makes sense. Thoughts?
This is a work in progress and constructive feedback is welcome.
Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed
Like the original, Destroy All Humans! 2 received a reboot/upgrade. Also, like the trailer for the first, it's really amusing and features Ramstein.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Strahd Loves, Man Kills Issue 6
I'm behind on my reviews of Strahd Loves, Man Kills by Dolorous Exhumation Press.
Baleful Backgrounds gives us two new backgrounds. Rat-catcher definitely makes me think of Warhammer fantasy. On the flipside, stage magician only seems truly fitting for renaissance realms, though I guess they have their place in carnivals.
Wicked Wanderings expands on the idea of creating Vistani characters and present the various families from previous editions as backgrounds.
Seeds of Evil presents four adventure hooks. The Inheritance was inspired by the video game Darkest Dungeon. The Brass Messiah is inspired by S.M. Peter's Whitechapel Gods. The Exhumed Bride is inspired by real life events tied to artist Dante Gabriel Rosetti. Finally Voddo Drums was inspired by King Diamond's Voodoo album.
Portraits of the Damned presents three new npc's. The Black Iron Widow is a mechanical assassin inspired by Lady Mechanika. The wereboar Ivahn Katavarg and his clan were inspired by Sawney Bean. The Blood Soaked Diva banshee inspired by Kendare Blake's novel, Anna Dressed In Blood.
Cryptic Alliances explores the Corvidians, a rustic religion tied to worship of the Raven Queen.
Tragic Heroes focuses on character from metropolitan places. The Dreadnaught Vigilante is goblin artificer who uses his technology to do what the forces of law will not or cannot do. The Firebrand is a human circle of wildfire druid that purges the streets with nature's flame. The Ghostly Gorehound is a kenku wizard of the illusion school who performs during the day and adventures to experience the horrors of the mists. The Incarnate Saint is a human divine soul sorcerer that's the reincarnation of a saint. The Lunar Knight is an assimar oath of devotion paladin inspired by Sailor Moon's theme... and I love it. The Wormwood Devotee is a hexblood circle of dreams druid that is inspired by absinthe and the Green Fairy archfey tied to it.
Random Ruin gives tables tied to the Zherisian city of Paridon. We have charts for sewer infestations, the Jack the Ripper inspired Bloody Jack and who they may be, social upheavals that can affect the city and new religious movements that seek to take over the city.
Forbidden Tomes gives a list of the author's favorite gothic horror tales.
As always, this is a great issue and if you like horror and/or Ravenloft, you need to pick it up.
You Look Like A Man Who Takes Himself Too Seriously.
In honor of spooky season I've decided to give 5e stats to the Gotham's master of fear. My Scarecrow write-up is an amalgamation of different versions of him.
Codename: Scarecrow
Name: Jonathan Crane
Team Affiliation: Legion of Doom, Injustice Gang, Injustice League, Secret Society of Supervillains, Sinestro Corps
Armor Class: 15 (dex and costume)
Speed: 35 ft.
Challenge: 4 (1,100 XP)
Str 10 (+0) Dex 16 (+3) Con 10 (+0) Int 18 (+4) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 18 (+4)
Saving Throws: Str +4, Con +4
Skills: Advanced Tech +6, Insight +4, Intimidation +6, Medicine +4, Stealth +4
Senses: Passive Perception 10
Languages: English
Traits
False Appearance: When motionless, Scarecrow is indistinguishable from an ordinary scarecrow.
Fear Gas Aura: Scarecrow is surrounded by a 20 ft. radius of fear toxin. All creatures entering this area must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or gain the poisoned condition. Creatures that successfully make the saving throw are immune to the fear gas aura for 24 hours. A creature that leaves the 20 ft. radius may make another saving throw to end the effect.
Fear Gas: Targets affected by concentrated far gas must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or gain the frightened condition. Living creatures immune to fear must also make this saving throw, though they do so with Advantage. They may make another saving throw at the end of their round to end this effect. Crane is considered the source of the condition.
Filtering Mask: The filtration system of Scarecrow's mask grants him immunity to his fear gas and other inhaled toxins.
Nimble: Despite his scrawny frame, Scarecrow is a skilled martial artist and can use his Dexterity instead of his Strength when making melee attacks.
Actions
Multiattack: Scarecrow can make two gauntlet attacks.
Fear Gas Gun: One creature within 15 is affected by the Fear Gas trait listed above.
Syringe Gauntlet: Melee Weapon Attack. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target, Hit: 5 (1d4+3) piercing damage damage and are affected by the Fear Gas trait listed above.
Scared to Death: Scarecrow forces a single creature with he frightened condition that can see or hear him to make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed saving throw, they take (2d10+4) psychic damage and suffer disadvantage on saving throw versus Scarecrow's fear effects until the end of his next turn.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
The Heart of the Bat Family
I love Alfred. He is one of the all-time best comic book supporting characters. That’s why I wanted to share these 5e Alfred stats I found on Bell of Lost Souls.
October Horror Movie Challenge - Halloween Ends (2022)
Plot
Four years after the events of Halloween Kills, Haddonfield is a powder keg of distrust and trauma waiting to explode. Lauri Strode is attempting to move on and write a her story. She's also raising her granddaughter Allyson. Allyson starts a relationship with a young man accused of killing the child he was babysitting and this eventually sets events in motion for the end of Lauri and Michael's conflict.
Review
Halloween ends... with a wet fart. Okay, not the most eloquent summation, but I felt this ending was lackluster in some ways. Note, this review contains more spoilers than I typically include.
A big critique of this movie I've seen is that Michael isn't in the movie long. I don't see that as the issue. He has more screen time in this flick than the original film. My issue with Michael's screen time in Halloween Ends is that he's rather ineffective in his time and is lackluster on the screen. Michael loses a shoving match with a twenty something. That's just... bleh, Speaking of that twenty something, I didn't mind the character Corey. I think Rohan Campbell did a good job. A troubled character having a Joker one bad day story is a fine enough villain origin. I liked his interactions with Lori and Allyson. Ultimately, I feel the character was wasted though. That's a shame because if the studio wanted to keep the franchise going beyond Michael Meyers and Lauri Strode, he would have been the way to do that. It would have been cool if he got his own mask, maybe something based on a scarecrow given his Halloween costume.
Another issue I had with the movie is I find it hard to believe Michael was never found. He was just chilling out in the sewers. Seems like the cops would have checked them thoroughly. I don't know, just felt a little weak to me.
Ultimately, I don't think Halloween Ends was awful, I just found it to be a rather uninspired ending.
Here are some SURVIVE THIS!! stats I've made based on the Halloween franchise:
If you want to use him in your 5e games, I found this nice write-up on Reddit. Follow this link for original image.
New Movies: 15
Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post:
Challenge Total: 32
Monday, October 17, 2022
What If Horror Movie Monsters Were Marvel Superheroes? Part 2
PopCross Studios has another horror monster to Marvel Superheroes video. You can see the first here. This one is pretty cool too.
Music Monday - I Put A Spell On You
WWE stars Scarlett Bordeaux, Shotzi Blackheart, and Harley Cameron sing I Put A Spell On You and look damn fine while doing so.
October Horror Movie Challenge - Hellraiser (2022)
Plot
Riley is a troubled young woman struggling to stay sober and find her place in the world. Trying to make some money she finds herself in possession of a mysterious puzzle box that demands sacrifice and promise great rewards.
Review
Visually the movie is fantastic. The shots are dock and moody and the effects are brutal. The new cenobites are glorious. The new Priest (Pinhead) and the Gasp are disturbing, but beautiful at the same time. Jamie Clayton has done the Hell Priest right and I believe I read Doug Bradley gave her his blessing. An excellent creative choice for these new cenobites was replacing the black leather with the demon's own skin. The other cenobites are disturbing too.
The non-demonic cast also did a great job. Odessa A'zion's Riley is a interesting lead. Her troubled past and issues made her more interesting to me, than the original's Kirsty. While the supporting cast could have been fleshed out a bit more, they did seem like real people and not solely just fodder.
One thing this Hellraiser movie has going for it, is the puzzle box is more complex. As the story progress, it takes on different configurations. One of my issues with the original is that it all just seemed to simple to do.
This will seem blasphemous, but I actually enjoyed this film better than the original. The story is well crafted, the visuals and sound are excellent, and the cast do a phenomenal job.
While I think you can get some excellent gaming inspiration from this one, I don't know that I'd want to give physical stats to the cenobites. While they delight in the sensations of the flesh, they seem more like forces than physical beings.
New Movies: 14
Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post: Stay Alive, Dead Silence
Challenge Total: 31
Music Monday - A Pizza The Action
This is a pretty fun awesome 80's action song/Thriller tribute inspired by the latest game in the Five Night's A Freddy's franchise.
Here's a list of my Five Nights At Freddy's inspired content:
- Attack-a-Lope (Vigilante City)
- Haunted Animatronic (DCC/MCC)
- Fazbear Animatronic (SURVIVE THIS!!)
Sunday, October 16, 2022
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