October Horror Challenge - Red State (2011)

Day 29's prompt was "Man Is The Real Monster." Last year I picked a movie about Nazis. This year I'm going to with Fundamentalist crazy conservatives. Honestly considering it's an election year and Trump is running, either group seems like an appropriate choice for the prompt.

Plot

Three horny teenagers fall for a sex trap set by a Westboro Baptist Church-like and find themselves in a fight for their life.

Review

This Kevin Smith movie isn't his normal flick. It's a thriller and I'm just going to be honest, it's very upsetting. It's not a bad movie. It's a frustrating movie.

 Michael Park plays an absolutely evil bastard of a fundamentalist cult leader. Honestly all of the actors do a great job. You might think because of the religious crazy antagonists that they are the only bad guys. There aren't really good guys in this one. There are domestic terrorist bad guys, government bad guys, and victims. I think that stops it from being a preachy movie, but still makes it very upsetting. Honestly going to stop talking about this one because I'm going to get angry. 

Your Game 

Five Pointers are religious zealots and domestic terrorists. I think they are fitting 5e mooks for a modern game.

Five Pointers

Medium Humanoid, Lawful Evil

Armor Class: 11 

Hit Points: 16 (3d8+3)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 1/8 (25 XP)

Str 11 (+1) Dex 12 (+1) Con 12 (+1) Int 10 (+0) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 10 (+0)

Skills: Religion +2

Senses: Perception 9

Languages: English

Traits

Fearless: Five Pointers are immune to the frightened condition. 

Pack Tactics: A Five Pointer has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of their allies is within 5 feet of a creature and the ally isn't incapacitated. 

Actions

Knife: Melee Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target, Hit: 3 (1d4+1) piercing damage.

3

Rifle: Ranged Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, range 90/270 ft., one target, Hit: 11 (3d6+1) piercing damage. (10 shots before reload)

Movies Watched: 32

New to Me: 19.66

October Horror Challenge - Split Second (1992)

Day 28's prompt was "Sci-Fi Horror."

Plot

In a flooded dystopian London, a burnt-out cop, Stone, obsessively hunts down the thing that killed his partner years ago.

Review

Rutger Hauer plays the lead in this one. He's nuts and as always, just cool. Neil Duncan plays a detective assigned to keep an eye on him. He starts out nerdy but ends up just as crazy as Stone. Kim Cattrall plays Stone's love interest and the film also features a few British actors I typically see in supporting roles. 

I read that this one was a sci-fi/action/horror flick. It feels way more sci-fi action. Honestly it's just a weird flick and kind of slow. Hauer and Duncan are entertaining and the flooded London setting is cool, but otherwise I feel this one is just kind meh. Really not too much to say about the film. Its fine for what it is, but unless a friend wanted to watch it while we were hanging out, there are many other flicks I'd rather watch.

Your Game 

The creature in Split Second might be supernatural or it might just be some kind of mutant.

The Killer (Outsider)

Armor Class: 14
Hit Dice: 34 (8 HD)
Move: 12
Actions: 1 or 3 (claw/claw/bite)
Attack: Claw (1d8), Bite (1d6)
Special: Toughness +4, Psychic link to any creature it bites

Bonuses: +5 to melee attacks, +4 to melee damage, +5 to Athletics: Basic, +6 to Stealth

Alignment: Evil

Morale: 10

Madness: 7 (12)
Terror: 15

HDE: 4

Movies Watched: 31

New to Me: 18.66

October Horror Challenge - In The Mouth of Madness (1995)

Day 27's prompt was "Favorite Horror Director." As I mentioned last year, I think John Carpenter is my favorite.

Plot

Insurance Investigator John Trent (Sam Neill) is sent to investigate the disappearance of popular horror novelist Sutter Cane (Jürgen Pronchow). Soon the lines between fiction and reality start blending together.

Review

"Do you read Sutter Kane?"

Much like the title suggests, this one is a mind fuck. The monsters are truly twisted and most of the effects are practical. Some of the monsters are even reminiscent to Carpenter's The Thing. Lovecraftian is a very appropriate descriptor for this one. Obviously the name is a Lovecraft reference, but there are several quotes and references in the film. 

The cast  are all great. Neill plays a fantastic cynical lead. He's intelligent, determined, and quirky. I mean his first line is "I'm sorry about the balls." Pronchow is thoroughly creepy as the Sutter Kane, a mix of Lovecraft and Steven King. The supporting cast all perform admirably too. 

Your Game 

I think it's pretty obvious but this one is perfect Call of Cthulhu fodder. The works of Sutter Kane could be mini mythos tomes. In my next supernatural game I plan on including a lot of cursed media from films and literature and Sutter Kane's books will be included.

Movies Watched: 30

New to Me: 17.66

Does Whatever A Spider Can

I have made any new 5e supers content so I thought I’d share this cool Dragon Dop item I found. 

October Horror Challenge - Late Night With The Devil (2023)

I've wanted to watch this one for a while, but I don't have the Shudder app because it isn't available on the Playstation Network. Today I noticed in on Hulu so I decided to make it my choice for the "New Movie" prompt.

Plot

Trying to achieve his dreams of topping the ratings in 1977, a late night meddles in the affairs of the supernatural.

Review

I absolutely loved it and think that David Dastmalchian's performance was fantastic. Honestly the entire cast knocked it out of the park. The movie feels real. I also think it captured the technical style of tv at the time. I'm not going to say much more because I think the less you know about the film going into it the better your experience will be.

Your Game 

If you want a game that includes late night TV and the supernatural you should check out Weird Heroes of Public Access- WHPA-TV13 Role Playing Game. Currently on Backerkit this game has received some high praise from creators I respect, particularly Levi from Planet X Games. 

Movies Watched: 29

New to Me: 17.66

October Horror Challenge - Grave Encounters (2011)

"Found Footage" was the prompt for Day 25.

Plot

When the crew of a ghost hunting tv show lock themselves in a reportedly haunted mental hospital overnight things go terribly wrong.

Review

The movie is basically "what if the crew of Ghost Hunters investigated the wrong location." Much like the Blair Witch Project before it this film claims to be actual footage. The film begins with a producer explaining that Grave Encounters was a show for his network. Five episodes were filmed. The movie we watch is the edited footage from what would have been the sixth episode. In many ways this is stock found footage affair. There wasn't anything really unique about it. There are a few moments of overt supernatural events and they are CGI, These scenes would have definitely been improved had practical effects been used. That being said it was an entertaining flick (if you don't mind found footage style).  

Your Game 

The Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital would be a great "dungeon" for a modern game (horror or otherwise). If you want to include ghost hunting in an OSR game, particularly a SURVIVE THIS!! game, I highly recommend Dark Places & Demogorgons - The Ghost Hunter's Handbook. You can read my review here.

Movies Watched: 28

New to Me: 16.66

Fuccubus Friday - Thicc or Treat

 This isn’t the first time I’ve shared Jijidraws and it won’t be the last.

October Horror Challenge - Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)

Day 24's prompt is "Slasher" so I decided to talk about a flick that I don't see talked about. Lelsie Vernon is a fantastic slasher and I'm sad we never got a sequel. 

Plot

A young journalist and her crew follow around a would be serial killer who wants to become the next big slasher. 

Review

The world of Behind the Mask is one in which slashers are real. Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, and Chucky are all mentioned. The film also breaks down all the tropes of slasher flicks. This is primarily done via Lelsie himself, played by Nathan Baesel. It's really fascinating honestly.  Angela Goethals plays Taylor, the film maker and really does a great job of framing the film. 

This one has some nice horror cameos. Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th series), Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street series), and Zelda Rubinstein (Poltergeist) all have small roles. Alos a pre-Walking Dead Scott Wilson plays Leslie's mentor, the retired slasher Eugene (who is implied to be Billy from Black Friday).

The choice of credits song is inspired.

I don't want to go into it too much, but there is a fantastic shift at one point in the film and I think its brilliant. If you're a fan of the genre and haven't seen this movie, you really need to change that asap.

Your Game 

I've decided to stat out Leslie Vernon as a pc, because why not? I'm using the serial killer class from We Die Young (even though the films more modern setting would work better for What Shadows Hide). Since he survives the film, I assumed he gained a couple of levels. 

Leslie Vernon (Mancuso)

Race:  Human

Class/Level: Serial Killer 3

Alignment: Evil

STR: 13 (+1)
INT: 16 (+2)
WIS: 17 (+0)
DEX: 16 (+2)
CON: 16 (+2)
CHA: 14 (+1)
SUR: 17

Courage: 18

Critical: 13
Death: 12

Magic: 12
Mental: 9
Poison: 11

AC: 14

HP: 24

Toughness: +0

Initiative: +4

Move: 12

Attack Bonus

+2 to hit melee

+3 to hit range

Damage

Unarmed 2

Sickle d6+1

Skills:

Athletics: Basic 3 (+5)

Fighting: Wrestling 1

First Aid 2 (+2)

Investigation 1 (+1)

Knowledge: General 2 (+4)

Knowledge: Local 1 (+6)

Persuasion 2 (+6)

Stealth 3 (+6)

Wilderness Survival 1 (+1)

Traits:

Method: Visionary (+2 to Courage Save, +1 to AC)

Victim: Teenagers, Opposite Sex

+2 to Grab

Persuasion +3

Stealth +2

Tracking +3

This Town: Knowledge: Local +3

Corner of My Eye: + 2 to initiative, +3 to Spot and Listen

Against the Grain: +2 Stealth in crowds & Run at X4 Move

Together We'll Never: Victim Bonus +2, 

Leech: Gain 1 HP when damaging Victim type

Gear: mask, sickle, anti-burn gel

Movies Watched: 27

New to Me: 15.66

October Horror Challenge - The Crow (1994)

"Best Soundtrack" was the prompt for Day 23. Last year I went with Queen of the Damned, which I still say has the best. A few of my friends said they'd go with 94's The Crow. I didn't before because while I see The Crow as horror adjacent, I don't see it as a horror flick. However, this year I said fuck it and went with The Crow. 

Plot

One year after the night he and his fiancé were murdered, a musician rises from the grave for revenge. 

Review

I honestly don't know how to review this one. The Crow is one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time. It's a gothic superhero movie with some horror elements that are turned on their heads. It's sort of a reverse slasher. Instead of the protagonists being stalked by an undead revenant, the revenant is the protagonist doing the stalking. The dialogue is fantastic and I quote it regularly. All of the characters are interesting and the actors do a fantastic job. The sets are great and are what I picture when I think of the World of Darkness. 

Since I picked this one for "Best Soundtrack" I feel I should at least touch on it. It's a fantastic mix of primarily early 90's grunge and industrial. The music was just picked for a soundtrack release. It's integrated seamlessly in the film and is almost its own character. My favorite track is definitely Burn by The Cure. It's a haunting song that was written by Robert Smith because he loved the graphic novel. This song has a special place in my heart. 

Because the lead, Brandon Lee, was tragically killed filming this, the movie is given almost religious reverence by some. For most folks this is the one and only version of The Crow. I can totally understand that, but I do recommend picking up the James O'Barr graphic novel it's based on. I've not read any of his other comics for The Crow, but hope to one day.

Your Game 

If you want to play a game based on The Crow, you can pick up the sourcebook/adventure that Evil Genius Games released a year or two ago. 

Movies Watched: 26

New to Me: 15.66

October Horror Challenge - Trick'or'Treat (2007)

"Howl At The Moon" was today's prompt. Instead of watching a movie that was just a werewolf movie, I thought I'd watch one of my favorite Halloween movies, which has a werewolf story. Plus I need to have at least one Ohio movie in the mix.

Plot

Sinister things are out on Halloween in a small Ohio town. If you wish to survive, you'd do best to keep the ancient traditions. 

Review

If you haven't watched this anthology, do so asap. It's a series of interwoven stories told in a non-linear fashion. There are some great faux comic covers and panels which is a nice nod to movies like Creepshow. I love how the stories connect and if you watch closely you'll see the characters cross paths. I also appreciate that no one is off limits. this one isn't afraid to kill kids. As I spoke in my Terrifier 3 post, that's normally a deal breaker, but I didn't mind the way it's done here. It didn't feel gratuitous. Plus this movie gave us Sam. He's my favorite Halloween character and I love that there's tons of Sam merch, even if there is only one movie featuring him. Now that I've got my overall thoughts out, I'll break this down by story.

Opening

Couple, Henry and Emma, return home from a night of drunken fun. Emma blows out a jack-o-lantern and this is where we're presented with our first rule of Halloween. I have to say of all the characters killed in this one (obviously outside of the bus children) I feel like Emma got the worst out of it. Other than not liking Halloween, she really didn't do anything deserving up the punishment she got. Yes she broke a rule, but what she got in return was excessive.

Principal

Principal Steven Wilkins (played by Dylan Baker) poisons a student from his school. While disposing of the body he's interrupted by his curmudgeon neighbor and son. Baker is fun in this one, as well as being quite sinister at times. I think of the stories, this was the most suspenseful for me (at least the last scene).

Halloween School Bus Massacre

A group of teens get a neurodivergent savant to do a ritual at the site of the local urban legend, the "Halloween School Bus Massacre." However, this is all a trick. This one is creepy because we see the massacre. I love Rhonda, the neurodivergent girl. Honestly, next to Sam, she's my favorite in the movie. Overall this is my favorite segment. The set up and setting is memorable and eerie. 

Surprise Party

More spoilers in talking about the segment, but this is our werewolf story. This one stars Anna Paquin as a virginal young woman celebrating with her sister and her friends. On the way to the celebration she's stalked by a vampire. There are tons of werewolf references in this one and once you know what's happening, they're charming. Also, the vampire is a previously introduced character and its cool to see him go from predator to prey. 

Sam

Principal Wilkins grumpy neighbor, Mr. Kreeg (played by Brian Cox). He's visited and terrorized by Sam. This is the most action packed segment which ends with a revelation about who Kreeg is that ties the stories up nicely. While we don't get any concrete details about who or what he is, we see that Sam seems to be immortal. Cox is fantastic in this one and is the kind of jerk you love to hate and see get his. 

Conclusion

The closing segment gives us one more glimpse of the surviving characters and wraps the film back around to the beginning. The film ends perfectly with the line "trick or treat."

Your Game 

Here are some spells and stats I've previously post on here.

New Spells - Always Check Your Candy, Jack-o-Lantern's Protection

New Monster Stats - School Bus Massacre Children 

Movies Watched: 25

New to Me: 15.66

October Horror Challenge - Madman (1981)

Decided to check out an 80's slasher I hadn't scene for Day 21's "Summer Camp" prompt.

Plot

Max, a counselor for a camp of gifted counselors, recites a story about a local serial killer. When one of the teens decides to test the legend he summons the killer, Madman Marz.

Review

Like The Burning, also released in 1981, this flick is based on the legend of Cropsey. However because of the that film, the axe-wielding slasher was renamed Madman Marz. There's really not too much to say about this one. It's a pretty cliché camp slasher with pretty cliché kills. In general the characters don't feel real either. Honestly, I understand these are supposed to be gifted folks, but they are just too philosophical. There are some monologues that are just absurd. The ending isn't very satisfying either. These films often punish characters for their transgressions but the one that started it all survives. 

There are a few things I like about this movie. The idea that Madman Marz is summoned is different. There's a decapitation that's fun. The bus scene is cool, even if it's also kind of silly. Those bits aside, this is just a movie about crazy guy with an axe. I'd only recommend this one if you're a slasher completionist. 

 Your Game 

Madman Marz was human at one point but has become something more. Not really undead, he can be killed, however while in his woods he can be summoned back to the material plane by saying his name in a voice louder than a whisper. This is why I made him an outsider. 

Madman Marz (Outsider)
Armor Class: 14
Hit Dice: 34 (6 HD)
Move: 12
Actions: 2
Attack: Axe (1d8)
Special: Fearless, Toughness +2, shadow step (see below), summoned

Bonuses: +4 to melee attacks, +4 to melee damage, +5 to Athletics: Basic, +5 to Stealth, +5 to Intimidation

Alignment: Evil

Morale: 10

Madness: 7 (12)
Terror: 13

HDE: 3

If he is in dim light or darkness, Madman Marz can teleport to another place of dim light or darkness he can see. If Marz is killed his spirit returns to his home, waiting to be summoned again when his name is said aloud.  

Gear: Axe

Movies Watched: 23

New to Me: 15.66

Music Monday - In My Side

I recently found this Fangoria award winning video on TikTok. I decide to give the band, Vision Video, a shot. They're an 80's inspired goth/post-punk band out of Georgia. They definitely channel bands like The Cure in their work. I appreciate them tackling tough subjects like war and abuse, as well as making music that shows "it's okay to not be okay.

This video is fantastic. I feel it channels Evil Dead and other horror movies of the past.

October Horror Challenge - Salem's Lot (2024)

In addition to Slay, the other vampire flick I wanted to watch this October was Max's new Salem's Lot movie. That's why I picked it for Day 20's "Monstrous Blood Suckers."

Plot

Ben Mears is an author that returns home looking for inspiration for his next book. He soon discovers something is wrong in the Lot and is confronted with a diabolic vampiric plot.

Review

This movie is getting a lot of hate in my feed. Particularly from the folks that watched the original 1979 three-hour two-part tv miniseries. I (shockingly) have not see that one or the 2004 TNT version with Rob Lowe. I can agree with one of the major critiques they have. This one is way too rushed. There are many characters and scenes that would have been improved with more time and background. 

All that being said I thought it was a fun flick. That seems to put me in the minority. I didn't think it was spectacular but it was a solid vampire flick. I enjoyed the cast a lot. My only complaint about it is that I would've enjoyed more William Sadler. While watching this flick I noticed one of the kids looked like a younger version of Ryan from The Boys. That's because he's played by that actor's younger brother, Nicholas Crovetti.  

Ultimately my opinion is one of someone that doesn't have a lot of previous experience with this story.  I dug the movie and think that despite its flaws its worth checking out. I think it takes a little bit to get going but once the dominos start falling the film works at a rather frantic pace. Seriously the bodies start piling up really quickly. 

 Your Game 

No new game content for this one. Honestly there's nothing new here that's not already present in most modern horror games. It could be a fun way to start a hunter's game though. 

Movies Watched: 22

New to Me: 14.66

October Horror Challenge - Antrum: The Deadliest Film Ever (2019)

I've been interested in this one for a while so I chose it for Day 19's "Folk Horror" prompt.

Plot

This film is presented as a documentary about a cursed film, Antrum, a movie from the 70's about a brother and sister in the woods digging a hole to Hell.

Review

I appreciate the film acknowledging John Carpenter's Cigarette Burns, especially considering it basically copies a big part of the premise of that Masters of Horror episode. The faux documentary actually includes the fictional cursed film. In Antrum a boy and his sister head in the woods in effort to bring back the soul of a deceased pet. Though it's a (relatively) recent film, the filmmakers did an excellent job of making it look like it's from the 70's. There are some genuinely creepy scenes too. The film also some rather disturbing twists too as the siblings descend further on their journey.

I think what made Cigarette Burns work is because it focused on the search for a cursed film and only shown really disturbing pieces of it. The framing of this film is interesting and I'm not saying the film within a film is bad, but as a whole I found it just kind of fell flat. I'm going to be honest, I had high hopes for this one, but feel I was misled. I wanted a movie about a cursed film, not a film framed as a cursed movie. 

 Your Game 

Antrum (the film within the film) would be an excellent dark artifact in a modern horror game. It could easily be a the equivalent of a Mythos tome in Call of Cthuhlu. I've given it stats and effects for What Shadows Hide and We Die Young.

Antrum

This cursed 70's film is said to cause those that watch it to go mad. Any character starting this movie gains 1d4 points of Madness. Once started an individual must make a successful Mental saving throw to stop themselves from witnessing the eerie film. Anyone completing the film gain an additional 1d10 points of Madness. However, those that complete the film also gain a permanent Advantage on rolls that involve arcane knowledge and outsiders.

Movies Watched: 21

New to Me: 13.66

October Horror Challenge - Terrifier 3 (2024)

 "Clown" is the prompt for Day 18 and there's only one clown on my mind at the moment. Also it wasn't for the challenge, but I watched my favorite Halloween movie Ernest Scared Stupid so I added it to my movies watched total.

Plot

Five years after her horrifying battle with Art the Clown, Sienna Shaw is trying to live a normal life and reconnect with family. Unfortunately for her, Art has other plans in this holiday horror.  

Review

If you are a fan of the franchise, then you're going to love Terrifier 3. Let's get it out of the way. Like the previous movies this one has gratuitous violence and gore that pushes the boundaries of taste.  Unlike previous Terrifier films, this one also includes child murder. That is typically a hard limit for me. However, you don't actually see the children murdered. The first child death is heard and the aftermath is scene, but we aren't subjected to seeing Art hack a kid up. There is another scene that involves children dying, but we don't see it in detail and we only catch a few glimpses of the aftermath. The film also has some violence towards animals, though its towards rats so its not as offensive to some. There's also a super screwed up sadomasochistic sex scene but it's self inflicted, so the film still doesn't include SA. If it wasn't for Art's absurd mannerisms all of this would be too much. There's even a humerous moment after the previously mentioned sexual scene that made it more palatable. I mean come on, Art gets his own Christmas carol!

The gore and effects are ridiculous. They aren't realistic, but that doesn't really matter. For me this enhances the experience. I wouldn't want to watch these gnarly things if they were done realistically. I mean I might be sick, but I'm not that sick. They violence is gruesome, graphic, and killer... but mostly just absurd. There are buckets of blood and muck on screen throughout the film. There are multiple limbs and other appendages being hacked off, smashed, or suffering worse fates.

The cast is absolutely phenomenal. As always, David Howard Thornton absolutely kills it (pun intended). Lauren LeVera returns as Sienna Shaw and she is someone I'm definitely keeping my eye on. She has a great presence and her character feels real and fleshed out. She's definitely one of my favorite scream queens (though I'm not sure if that term truly applies to her). Her character's lore and connection to Art is expanded and many of the questions I had after watching the second were answered. Elliot Fullman returns as Siena's little brother Jonathan. He doesn't have as large a role, but still does a great job. Samantha Scaffidi once again plays Victoria, who is now a full fledged villain. She has one of the most disturbing scenes in the movie. Antonella Rose joins the cast as the Shaws' younger cousin Gabbie. She's a fantastic young actress and I read she did such a good performance that Thornton originally thought he actually emotionally scarred her in their scenes. Clint Howard, Tom Savini, Chris Jericho (retuning as security guard Burke) and and Jason Patric also appear. Notably missing Amelie McLain's Pale Little Girl from the second film. She was creepy as hell, but wasn't really necessary for the plot (especially with Victoria's expanded roll), so I can look past it.

Terrifier 4 is happening and I can't wait.

 Your Game 

I've created new 5e stats for Art. They are based on BenDjinn's stats, but updated with new info about the character, beefed up, and presented in the new monster format. 

ART THE CLOWN

Medium Fiend, Chaotic Evil

Armor Class 12             Initiative +0 (10)

Hit Points:  60 (8d8+24)

Speed 30 ft.

                    MOD SAVE                                     MOD SAVE  

STR  13        +1     +1                        INT 12          +1    +1

DEX  10       +0      +0                       WIS 16         +3    +6

CON  16       +3      +3                       CHA 18        +4    +7   

Gear Bag of sharp objects, pistol , Art's Costume (see below)

Skills Performance +7, Stealth +3

Resistances Cold, Fire, Lightning

Immunities Poison, Poisoned

Senses Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception +6

Language: Understands all languages but can't speak

CR 4 (XP 1,100; PB +3)

Traits

Anatomically Independent: Art can control his limbs even if they are separated from his body.

Chaotic Resistance (1/Day). If Art fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead. 

Regeneration. Art regains 5 hit points at the start of each of his turns. If Art takes radiant damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of his turn. Art only dies only if he starts his turn with 0 hit points and doesn't regenerate.

Terrifier. When Art reduces a creature to 0 hit points, each creature who saw the victim killed must succeed a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be Frightened of Art until the start of its next turn. 

Actions

Multiattack. Art can make two Pistol or Slash attacks. 

Pistol. Ranged Attack Roll: +3, range 30/90Hit: 5 (1d10) Piercing damage.

Slash. Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. Hit: 6 (2d4+1) Slashing damage.

Stomp. Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft., one prone creature Hit: 8 (2d6+1) Bludgeoning damage and the target is stunned until the start of Art's next turn.

Teleport. Art magically teleports while standing in  a dimly lit or dark area, along with any equipment he is wearing or carrying up to 60 feet to another dimly lit or dark area he can see. 

Art's Costume

Wondrous Item, Very Rare (Requires Attunement)

This garish clown suit has the following properties. The suit has 6 charges. It regains 1d6 expended charges daily at dawn. It cannot be worn over or under any type of armor.

Darkvsion. While wearing this suit you can gain Darkvision 120 ft. 

Teleport. While in dim light or darkness, you can expend a charge to teleport up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space you can see that is in dim light or darkness.

Movies Watched: 20

New to Me: 12.66

Fuccubus Friday - Even More Works of Art

More Terrifier related pin-up goodness, this time by Cassandra Dunn Art. Didn't realize art had such a nice ass.  

October Horror Challenge - You Might Be The Killer (2018)

I recently found a DVD copy of 2018's You Might Be The Killer at Big Lots and when I shared it in a wrestling and horror chat I have with friends no one had heard of it. I absolutely love the flick and based on their response I figured it would work for Day 17's prompt 

Plot

Sam (Fran Kranz) is a camp counselor suffering from memory loss and surrounded by corpses. He turns to his horror loving friend, Chuck (Alyson Hannigan), for help and learns that he might be the killer.

Review

I love Kranz. I have sense I first saw him and stoner Marty in The Cabin in the Woods. He plays awkward protagonist well. Alyson Hannigan is fantastic and I've loved her since her Willow Rosenberg days.  Her character Chuck serves as Sam's "guy in the chair." She spends the entire film on the phone working in a comic shop, but is the strategy and lore person. Also, because she is a huge horror fan there are tons of references to other flicks, which is an extra treat for fans. Keith David has a voice cameo. The supporting cast is fun. Steve the Kayak King (Bryan Price) is goofy, but had me laughing.

Beyond the great cast, the flick is fun. There is some gnarly slasher kills and a lot of laughs. Due to the nature of the plot the film isn't told in sequential order. This adds a fun running gag where it present a Dead Counselors count that changes throughout the movie. The count rises and falls during the flick.

Finally I just want to point out the movie's theme, Harlo's You Might Be The Killer is a banger. You can hear a bit of it during the trailer. 

 Your Game 

This one is great fodder for a Camp Blood game (which I still need to review).  Here are stats I came up with back in 2019 for the cursed items.

The Woodcutter's Mask and Blade 

Anyone wearing the mask gains the following bonuses: +3 to melee attacks, +3 to melee damage, and 2d6 hit points (rolled randomly every time the mask is donned). In addition they gain the urge to slaughter. If no one is wearing the mask, it will choose a target and whisper into their mind. They must making a Mental saving throw (with advantage) to avoid the call. If they pick the mask up, the saving throw is made with Disadvantage. Once the mask is donned, it can be removed. However, it will seek to return to it's host. It is possible to avoid the masks call, but it's extremely difficult. If the mask calls to its previous wearer, the individual must make a Mental saving throw every round to avoid it. However after each kill the wear can make a saving throw (without Disadvantage) to remove the mask.  Also once the mask has bonded with someone, any damage done to the mask is done to them. The blade deals 2d6 damage and is considered magical. It can also strike incorporeal targets.

Movies Watched: 18

New to Me: 11.66

Fuccubus Friday - She’s A Work Of Art

A horror pin-up character created by Art of Lin and designed to be a new companion for Art the Clown.

October Horror Challenge - The Tank (2023)

"Something Fishy" happened Day 16. 

Plot

A man and his family move into his deceased mother's coastal property. His family accidently unleash a creature that has preyed upon the area for years.

Review

This was an alright creature feature. As far as the cast were concerned everyone played their part well. In general I didn't find the family to be super interesting, but at the same time they weren't boring. The premise and setting are interesting. The scenes in the titular tank are claustrophobic and well shot. There are some interesting ideas presented and I feel it definitely has a message. Humans impact on the environment and more specifically animals is at the forefront of this message. 

The creature designs are interesting and done by Weta Workshop. Though they aren't cute like axolotls, they are amphibians and therefore related to them. I only mention those adorable animals because there is one in the beginning of the film and a character talks about their behavior. This foreshadows the theme of animals being territorial and man's impact on their homes.

 Your Game 

Deep Salamanders (Animal) 

Armor Class: 14

Hit Dice: 3

Move: 12/ 24 Swim
Actions: 1
Attack: Claw (d4)/ Bite (d6)
Special: Blindsight, treat alcohol as acid

Bonuses: Toughness +1, +2 to hit, +8 to swim

Alignment: Neutral

Morale: 9

Terror: 10

HDE: 1

Movies Watched: 17

New to Me: 11.66

October Horror Challenge - Slay (2024)

"Pretty Blood Suckers" was the prompt for Day 15. Though the vamps in the trailer aren't exactly hot, I saw the trailer and had to watch this one. 

Plot

When a group of drag queens book a show at the wrong bar, they find themselves out of their element. Soon they and the (mainly) old fashioned and conservative bar patrons find themselves besieged by vampires. Can they put aside their differences and survive the night? 

Review

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar meets From Dusk Til' Dawn in this campy Tubi horror comedy. Like a good drag show, this one isn't high art but its fun as fuck. The movie stars performers from RuPaul's Drag Race and Rupaul's Drag Race UK. It's silly and campy. The queens have some great lines and kept me laughing the whole damn time. I seriously had to pause it a few times. It's obvious the film doesn't have a big budget so a lot of stuff happens off screen. One of my favorite scenes is when all the tough guys in the bar take their guns and try to go outside and fight the vampires. You don't see what happens but the rest of the bar patrons provide some fantastic commentary (even commenting on how silly some of the effects and address the budget issues). Also when the vampires are dusted, it looks glittery, which is a nice nod to drag and I'm assuming Twilight.

While they are performers, they aren't actors and that comes through at times. But again this isn't a masterpiece and the few rough spots here and there don't bring the movie down. There's real heart in this one too. The group initially plans on leaving after their cold reception, but decide to stay when a couple of young LGBTQ+ patrons talk about how excited they are for the show. I also love that Dusty the bartender acts like its an accident they are booked but early on you can tell he's excited for the show. 

I want to leave y'all with the line that stuck with me the most, "Hatred is more exhausting than hope."

 Your Game 

Drag Queen (1 pt. Quality)

You may not be the Slayer, but you know how to slay. 

When dressed in drag you have Appearance 1. If you already have the quality the rating is increased by 1. Because of the performance nature of drag you get a +1 to Art. However, you are the target of conservative culture and gain the Minority drawback.

Movies Watched: 16

New to Me: 10.66

October Horror Challenge - Ginger Snaps (2000)

"We Are The Weirdos Mister" was the prompt for Day 14. Its pretty obvious my inspiration for this one. I feel like Ginger Snaps shares DNA with movies like The Craft. It's also one of my all time favorite flicks.

Plot

In the Canadian town of Bailey Downs, two sisters, Bridgette and Ginger, are outcasts at school. There lives are changed on the night of Ginger's first period when she is attacked a large creature. Her wounds heal quickly and she starts sprouting strange hair. Brigitte must work to save her sister.

Review

Ginger Snaps is a treat. Katherine Isabelle and Emily Perkins play off each other well and you'd think they were actually sisters. Praise should also given to Mimi Rogers who plays their misguided but loving mother. Lycanthropy as an allegory for girls going through puberty is a brilliant idea. There is some humor with it (hair growing where there wasn't anymore), but not everything is played for laughs. Comparing growing sexual hunger to a physical hunger is a brilliant move. Combine this with the portrayal of sisterhood and female relationships and you have a phenomenal piece of feminist horror.

This movie is now 24 years old, but I think it's just as good today as it was when I originally watched it in college. If you've never watched this horror gem, you should definitely check it out.

 Your Game 

If you've seen the sequel then you know what to Brigitte. I'm going to ignore that for the moment and stat out B as she would be at the end of the first movie.

Brigitte Fitzgerald

White Hat

Life Points: 41

Drama Points: 20

Attributes: 

Strength:  2

Dexterity: 3

Constitution: 2

Intelligence: 3 

Perception: 4

Willpower: 3

Qualities: 

Artist (2)

Fast Reaction Time (2)

Hard to Kill (5)

Nerves of Steal (3)

Photographic Memory (2)

Resistance: Pain (1)

Situational Awareness (2)

Drawbacks: 

Misfit (2)

Teenager (2)

Werewolf (3)

Skills:  

Art 3

Computers 1

Crime 2

Doctor 1

Getting Medieval 2

Knowledge 2

Kung Fu 2

Notice 2

Occultism 1

Maneuvers:          Bonus     Damage           Notes

Punch                      4            4                 Bash 

Dodge                     4              -                Defense action

Movies Watched: 15

New to Me: 9.66

October Horror Challenge -The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

Day 13's prompt was "Inspired by True Events." Never watched the original The Town That Dreaded Sundown so I thought I'd change that.

Plot

A hooded berserker attacks young people spending time at lovers' lanes in 1946 Texarkana.

Review

This one is loosely based on the Texarkana Moonlight Murders. I read that while some minor artistic license was taken, the general depiction of major events are accurate. After watching things like Terrifier 3, this one comes off as quaint. The music and everything about it just reminds me of something wholesome. There's even a comic relief character. The more I think about it, it actually kind of bothers. This movie is based on true events. Actual people were killed and there were some sexual assaults in the real incident. 

That rambling thought aside, what did I think of the movie? I enjoyed it. There are some legitimately creepy moments. The murder scene after the prom in particular really sticks out to me. Its shot in a disturbing way and is quite sadistic, even if it's not graphic by today's standards. The ending was also a nice touch.  

 Your Game 

Because of the backstory to this one I don't feel right doing stats for it. If you want to play a game based on something like this I definitely recommend Bloody Appalachia.

Movies Watched: 14

New to Me: 9.66