At Least They Aren’t Mango Mussolini

It’s late in the day and the polls won’t be open much longer, but if you’re still undecided, check out these political ads.

In all seriousness, let’s make sure the only time we have to see the orange guy on our tv is when he’s in court and facing the consequences of his actions.

Venom: Save The Last Dance (2024)

Plot

Blamed for the murder of Detective Mulligan, Venom and Eddie find themselves on the run. While seeking a way to clear their name they find themselves hunted by the forces of the symbiotes' creator Knull.

Review

I'm just going to start by saying, if you enjoyed the previous Venom outings, you'll enjoy this one.  They aren't as epic or serious as the MCU films, but I love them. They have a weird charm, primarily because of the dynamic between Eddie and Venom (both played by the phenomenal Tom Hardy). I didn't cry but I got emotional thinking about their journey through the films and bond. 

Michelle Williams and Reid Scott do not return as Anne and Dan. This was kind of odd because of their prominent roles in the previous films, but honestly they would've been superfluous to the plot. Honestly, Peggy Lu's Mrs. Chen returning was just that, but just fit the bizarre but lovable nature of the trilogy better. Juno Temple and Clark Backo serve in supporting roles as scientists for Imperium, the government's symbiote taskforce. 

There are three previous Marvel actors returning in different roles. Chiwetal Ejiofor (the MCU's Mordo) plays Rex Strickland, the commander of the government's anti-symbiote forces. His character is the standard military hardass. The second actor retuning is Rhys Ifans (Curt Conners fro the Amazing Spider-Man) as Martin Moon, a hippie alien lover. His character is goofy and sweet. The final actor is Andy Serkis (Klaw) as the villains BBEG, Knull. Knull is such a powerful character and doesn't have too much screen time, but he's quite memorable and will have much more screen time in the future. 

As far as effects go, the symbiotes and xenophages look cool. The way the xenophages essentially woodchipper whatever they eat is pretty gross and awesome. There are some fantastic fights and great scenes of Venom bonding with various animals. The credits include more Venomized animals than the actual story (my favorite being turtles and an elephant). 

Even if one story ends with this film, another has been set up. I look forward to future symbiote stories and seeing Knull again. The movie starts in the MCU and I can see Knull making the leap to that universe.

Your Game 

Xenophage

Large Aberration, Unaligned 

Armor Class: 16 (Natural Armor)

Hit Points: 152 (16d10+64)

Speed: 50 ft.

Challenge: 10 (5,900 XP)

Str 25 (+7) Dex 18 (+4) Con 18 (+4) Int 6 (-2) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 4 (-3)

Saving Throws: Con +8

Damage Immunities: poison, fire, lightning, cold

Condition Immunities: charmed, frightened, poisoned

Senses: blindsight 60 ft (blind beyond this radius)

Senses: passive Perception 10

Languages: -

Unique Trait

Find Codex: Despite their blindsight's typical range a Xenophage can sense an active Codex in a 25 square mile radius.  

Regeneration: A Xenophage regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn. If Xenophage takes acid damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of its next turn. A Xenophage only dies if starts its turn with 0 hit points and doesn't regenerate.

Actions

Multiattack: The Xenophage makes three attacks, two with its claws and one with its bite.  

Bite: Melee Attack. +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (4d6+7) piercing damage.

Claw: Melee Attack. +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d6+7) slashing damage.

Bonus

Shredder: If the Xenophage hits the same target with all of his claw and bite attacks in one turn he deals an addition 21 (4d6+70) piercing damage.

Scions of Elemental Evil

Set in the land of Greyhawk, Scions of Elemental Evil is a free adventure for six level four characters using the new 2024 5e rules. The adventure is tied to the iconic Temple of Elemental Evil. You can grab it for free here on D&D Beyond today.

Music Monday - Beyond Symbiotic

JT Music's latest track is a tribute to Venom: The Last Dance. While they aren't perfect, I've loved the trilogy. I watched the third this past weekend and will be posting a review in the next few days. Until then enjoy this track about our favorite interspecies romance.

Here are their previous Venom tracks.

The Ghoul

I really enjoyed the Ultraverse when I was a kid. It was fun to get in on a ground level. While I thought  it was cool when the universe crossed over with Marvel, I hate that it also killed the universe off. 

In addition to the comics, I also really enjoyed the Ultraforce cartoon. If you are in the states you can (currently) watch it on Tubi for free. One of my favorite characters in that series was Ghoul. I still hope to get a hold of his action figure at some point. Since I'll be statting out some more 5e supers goodness soon, I thought I'd stat him up to get back in the habit.

---------------------------

The theta virus was an alien virus introduced into Earth's atmosphere to kill individuals with the potential to become Ultras (the universe's term for metas). A cure was created that saved the lives of infectees, however this cure also activated the Ultra powers of 99% of those it saved.

Jonathan Martin was a unique case. The virus killed him, but also activated his powers, turning him into a zombie-like creature. He has been a member of multiple version of the Exiles and Ultraforce. He also served as a cabbie, between his tenures on Ultraforce. He is a good man, but constantly makes wisecracks, jokes, and sarcastic comments. This is done to hide the emotional pain he feels because of his decaying condition and how it causes disgust in those around him. 

Code Name: Ghoul

Real Name: Jonathan Martin

Team Affiliation: Ultraforce, Exiles

Medium Undead (Mutate), Lawful Good 

Armor Class: 14

Hit Points: 68 (6d8+24)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 3 (700 XP)

Str 12 (+1) Dex 10 (+0) Con 18 (+4) Int 14 (+2) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 10 (+0)

Saving Throws: Con +4

Damage Immunities: Poison

Condition Immunities: Poisoned

Vehicle Proficiencies: Land

Skills: Perception +4

Senses: passive Perception 14

Languages: English

Unique Trait

Undead Fortitude: If damage reduces Ghoul to 0 hit points, he must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, Ghoul drops to 1 hit point instead. 

Regeneration: Ghoul regains 5 hit points at the start of his turn. If Ghoul takes radiant damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of his next turn. Ghoul only dies if his body is completely destroyed. He can reattach limbs and if need be grow new ones.

Sense Death: Ghoul can sense the imminent death of individuals.

Speak With Dead: Ghoul can communicate with the spirit of any deceased creature or incorporeal undead, no matter how long its been dead or language barriers. 

Actions

Absorb Anima: Ghoul targets one incorporeal undead creature he can see within 30 feet. That creature must make a DC 12 Fortitude Saving Throw with Disadvantage. A creature takes 10 (3d6) force damage on a failed save or half as much on a successful one. If this reduces the undead to 0 hit points Ghoul gains their power, equipment they were wear buried with, and a portion of their persona. The Ghoul heals for that many HP. 

Immobilizing Glare. (Recharge 6) Each creature in a 30-foot cone must succeed a Wisdom saving throw or  be paralyzed for up to 1 minute. 

Slam: Melee Attack. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) bludgeoning damage.

Gear: Image Inducer Ring (See Below)

Image Inducer

Ring, rare

This ring grants its wearer a human appearance. Additionally, it masks any non-typical odor (such as the scent of decay caused by undeath). 

Coming Soon: Punch A Nazi Week Returns

Maybe it's because I'm feeling things because of the upcoming election, but I've decided I want to do another Punch A Nazi Week this year. If you aren't familiar, that's when I stat up some racist shitheads for your 5e supers to fight.

I think I'm going to give myself a week to prep, so come back November 10th for Punch A Nazi Week 2024 - The Sequel. 

October Horror Challenge 2024 Recap

I'm going to be real, this year kicked my ass. I finished the challenge, but was almost always a day or two behind. I think it was because of the format I chose. I'm not going to do it the same way next year. I'm thinking about either going back to my original format (no theme) or possibly using the one at the bottom of this post. My friend went with that one and posted about it on Facebook. He seemed to enjoy himself.

Day 1 - First Time Watch - Here For Blood (2022) - Tom O'Bannon PC Stats (Cinematic Unisystem)

Day 2 - Reanimated - Lisa Frankestein (2024) - The Creature PC Stats (Cinematic Unisystem)

Day 3 - Mother Nature Strikes Back - The Ruins (2008) - Blood Vines Obstacle (5E)

Day 4 - Foreign Language - Piggy (2022)  

Day 5 - What A Twist - The Visit (2015) 

Day 6 - Anthology - Creepshow 2 (1987) - Old Chief Wood'nhead (SURIVE THIS)

Day 7 - Teen Angst - Unhuman (2022) - Syringe Glove Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 8 - Horror Comedy - Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022)

Day 9 - Alternative: Abby (1974) - Eshu Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 10 - Body Horror - Splinter (2008) - Splinter Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 11 - For The Kiddos - Mr. Crocket (2024) - Mr. Crocket Stats (Cinematic Unisystem)

Day 12 - Black and White - White Zombie (1932) - Murder Legrande Stats (Lamentations of the Flame Princess)

Day 13 - Inspired By True Events - The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

Day 14 - We Are The Weirdos Mister - Ginger Snaps (2000) - Brigitte Fitzgerald PC Stats (Cinematic Unisystem)

Day 15 - Pretty Blood Suckers - Slay (2024) - Drag Queen Quality (Cinematic Unisystem)

Day 16 - Something Fishy - The Tank (2023) - Deep Salamander Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 17 - Underrated - You Might Be The Killer (2018) - Woodcutter's Mask and Blade Stats (SURVIVE THIS) 

Day 18 - Clown - Terrifier 3(2024) - Art the Clown Stats (5.5)

Day 19 - Folk Horror - Antrum The Deadliest Film Ever Made (2019) - Antrum Film Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 20 - Monstrous Blood Suckers - Salem's Lot (2024)

Day 21 - Summer Camp - Madman (1981) - Madman Marz Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 22 - Howl At The Moon - Trick'or'Treat (2007)

Day 23 - Best Soundtrack - The Crow (1994)

Day 24 - Slasher - Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) - Leslie Vernon PC Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 25 - Found Footage - Grave Encounters (2011)

Day 26 - New Movie - Late Night With The Devil (2023)

Day 27 - Favorite Horror Director - In The Mouth of Madness (1995)

Day 28 - Sci-Fi Horror - Split Second (1992) - Killer Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 29 - Man Is The Real Monster - Red State (2011) - Fire Pointer Stats (5E)

Day 30 - Alternate: Gratuitous Nudity - Piranha 3D (2010) - Prehistoric Piranha Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Day 31  - All Hallows Eve - Dark Harvest (2023) - Sawtooth Jack Stats (SURVIVE THIS)

Of the new to me flicks this year I think my favorites are Here For Blood, Piggy, Terrifier 3, and Late Night With The Devil.

October Horror Challenge - Dark Harvest (2023)

For Day 31 "All Hallows Eve" I watched Dark Harvest, mainly because I remember always digging the cover the novel its based on.

Plot

In a small Midwestern town in 1963, a teens confront a local legend that raises every October 31st.

Review

This is a dark fantasy Halloween tale that's heavily influence by Shirley Jackson's The Lottery. Casey Likes and E'mryi Crutchfield are fantastic as the leads, Richie and Kelly. The film has an excellent style and some excellent effects, even if it wasn't too scary. I liked the design of Sawtooth Jack, though I wish he would have had an actual Jack-o-lantern head. His design is reminiscent of Pumpkin Head, which is a good one, but I think a fiery gourd would have been more interesting. 

Honestly even though I know the twist and ending, I think I want to read the book. I've read some excellent reviews.

Your Game 

Sawtooth Jack (Aberration) 

Armor Class: 14

Hit Dice: 27 (6 HD)
Move: 15
Actions: 2 

Attack: Unarmed (1d8) or By Weapon
Special: Limb Tear, Breath Fire 

Bonuses: +4 to melee attacks, +4 to melee damage

Alignment: Neutral

Madness: N/A

Terror: 15

HDE: 3

On a natural attack roll of 20 Sawtooth Jack rips a limb off and does X3 regular damage. Once per day Sawtooh Jack may breath fire, forcing creatures with 15 feet to make a Magic Saving Throw or take 3d6 fire damage.

Movies Watched: 34

New to Me: 20.66

October Horror Challenge - Piranha 3D (2010)

 For Day 30 I decided to do an alternate prompt. "Best Gratuitous Nudity" 

Plot

Spring break turns into a total slaughter when ancient flesh-eating fish are let loose at a lakeside resort.

Review

This movie is schlock, but it's funny and has a lot of gratuitous nudity. The movie has a phenomenal cast. My two favorite  members are Richard Dreyfus (which is a nice Jaws call back) and Jerry O'Connell. O'Connell plays an absolute sleezeball and has one of the funniest moments of the flick. He get's his too, in a hilarious way.  If you're cool with low brow humor, this is a fun ride full of blood and boobs. 

Your Game 

These are updates of some stats for SURVIVE THIS!! I did years ago. This one honestly could be used in any of those games, but I think it'd be extra appropriate with Bloody Appalachia and Camp Blood.

Piranha, Prehistoric (Animal) 

Armor Class: 12

Hit Dice: 10 (3 HD)
Move: 5/15 (Swim)
Actions: 1 

Attack: Bite (1d6)
Special: Blood Frenzy, can leap up to 10 feet out of water

Bonuses: +1 to melee attacks, +2 to melee damage

Alignment: Evil

Morale: 10

Madness: 0 (6)
Terror: 9

HDE: 1

The smell of blood will cause a piranha to frenzy, giving it advantage on attack rolls, but giving it a -2 AC penalty.

Movies Watched: 33

New to Me: 19.66