October Horror Challenge - The Rest...

As I said in my last part, despite not posting I've been taking part in the challenge. Here's what I watched since the last post with brief thoughts. I watched 31 movies, 16 of which were new to me. 

New to me movies will be in red.

22. Frankenstein (2025) - Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is a gorgeous gothic fairytale. I saw it in theater and honestly I don't think a home viewing will do the cinematography justice. 

23. Marvel Zombies (2025) - Technically this is a four part series, but I'm counting it. I didn't love everything about it, but it was a good story overall. Honestly, I was surprised by some of the deaths.

24. Bambi: The Reckoning (2025) - This is a part of the Poohniverse/Twisted Childhood Universe. Despite that, I actually enjoyed it. It's actually a heartbreaking movie at times, despite the gory deaths.

25. Strange Harvest (2024) - This one is a mockumentary horror flick about the fictional serial killer, Mr. Shiny. It was interesting and well acted. If you want something a little different, check it out.

26. Trick or Treat (1986) - This one was recommended by some friends. It's goofy 80's metal fun. Featuring cameos from Ozzy and Gene Simmons, this is a must watch for rock fans. This would also b great inspiration for Dark Places & Demogorgons adventure.

27. Werewolves (2024) - This insane flick is basically The Purge with werewolves. Hell it even stars Frank Grillo. I love him and the movie was entertaining, but I think I might be jaded. I was told this one was absolutely bonkers. I'm not saying it's not wild and silly, but I was expecting a little more. 

28. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991) - One of the best Halloween flicks of all time. 'Nuff said.

29. Cursed (2005) - Haven't watched this werewolf flick in a while. It's not amazing, but was directed by Wes Craven and features Christina Ricci. 

30. Sleepy Hollow (1999) - This is my favorite Tim Burton and gothic flick. The cast are entertaining, the cinematography and music is eerie, and it features three different Sith (Ian McDiarmid, Christopher Lee, and Ray Park).

31. My Name Is Bruce (2007) - If you haven't seen this Bruce Campbell movie and are a fan, do yourself a favor and go watch it on Tubi. It's hilarious, though there are some really bad Asian stereotypes. 

The Isle of the Amazons

Written by Eric Bloat, Michelle Lee, and Jeff Scifert, The Isle of the Amazons brings DC's Paradise Island to your DCC game. Elencia is an island protected by Athena and (until recently) cut off from man's world. You can add it to any DCC game. In my games I'm going to use it as a stand-in for Themyscira so I can add Amazons to my DCC supers game. The sourcebook includes details about the Amazons, their society, and their home. 

All Amazons share certain traits. Rather than including them with each individual class they are presented before the new classes. These Amazon classes are:

• Amazon Aristocrat - masters of diplomacy with commanding voices
• Amazon Disciple of the High Priestess - clerics of Athena (who's given more information later in the book)
• Amazon Guard - warriors with specialized fighting techniques
• Amazon Muse - artists, crafters, and bards of Amazon society
• Amazon Psion -psychics, you will need Mind Games to use this one
• Amazon Sorceress - basically standard DCC wizards with Amazon racial traits
• Amazon Sugia - secretive assassins that serve their queen and act much like chaotic DCC thieves

As far as crunchy bits, the book has several new additions to your game. An alien patron secretly dwells in on the island. Additionally classic amazon equipment (including lassos) and magic items inspired by legends are statted out. Being mistresses of the saddle, we're presented with equestrian deeds. There are several new monsters presented too, including the legendary Sea-Witch. Major players on the island are highlighted and statted out as well. Finally there are Amazonian background and pregens. 

As I said in the beginning, this is a great addition to just about any DCC game, especially a superheroic one. You can grab the pdf here.

Update: Several of the ideas and abilities for this book were originally created by Bob Brinkman for the Sanctum Secorum podcast.

October Horror Challenge - Repeat Viewings

Despite not posting I have been taking part in watching flicks for the October Horror Movie Challenge. While I still will do my reviews for new flicks, Here's a list and quick thoughts about repeat viewings. 

Re-Animator (1985)

Bride of Re-Animator (1990)

Beyond Re-Animator (2003)

Ernest Scared Stupid  (1991)

Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)

Evil Dead (2013)

The Re-Animator trilogy is one of my favorite trilogies. Jeffrey Combs portrayal of Herbert West is flawless. Beyond is my favorite, mainly because it was the first I watched. Ernest Scared Stupid is my favorite Halloween movie (yes even more so than Trick'r'Treat). Demon Knight is an underrated flick and if you haven't watched it, you definitely need to. Finally y'all know Evil Dead (2013) is my favorite in the franchise.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 21
First Time Views: 10

October Horror Movie Challenge - Helloween (2025)

   

Synopsis

During Halloween 1997 young Carl Cane commits several grisly murders. He is locked in a maximum psychiatrics institute.  Jump forward to the present and a series of progressively more hostile clown sightings lead an investigator to believe that somehow Cane is involved.

Review

I would describe Helloween as a British horror flick about the Joker (he even has a Batman: The Animated Series Joker laugh) with a dash of Halloween, IT, and The Purge thrown in. Despite being derivative of several existing franchises, Helloween is a fun mix of them all. When I initially saw the trailer I was expecting British Terrifier. That's really not what this is. Cane monologues several times and is not the silent menace Art is. Additionally while there are deaths and blood in this one, it's no where near as graphic as Terrifier. It's actually subtle at times, which I appreciated. I recommend this one, especially to Batman fans. The film sets up sequels and I hope it was popular enough that they happen.

In Your Game

I don't think any knew stats need to be made based on this one. However, I do think you can definitely steal the idea. If you want to add a Joker to your supers game without actually using the Joker, Cane would be a perfect stand-in. 

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 15
First Time Views: 10

October Horror Movie Challenge - Brute 1976 (2025)

  

Synopsis

In 1976 a group travels to the California desert for a photoshoot and decided to stop into a (not so) abandoned town.

Review

Brute is appropriate because this film is brutal as fuck. It's definitely inspired by Texas Chainsaw Massacre (which it references directly) and The Hills Have Eyes. The big difference between this and TCM is that this movie actually shows all the disturbing violence. Also unlike that film, the victims... er protagonists of this one are actually likable. I don't think there are any bad performances in this one. 

As I mentioned, the flick is brutal. It has one of the top 5 nastiest slasher kills I've ever seen. I don't want to go into too many details but it involves a drill and a reproductive organ. Even censored (yes the body part is blurred) it's messed up. Fun fact, I'm friends with the victim of this kill. He and I went to school together and he drove me to school senior year. I didn't realize Mark was in the movie until I started watching it, which made the kill an even bigger surprise. T

This one isn't for everyone but if you are a slasher fan and gorehound check it out. It's a great tribute to some classic slasher flicks.

In Your Game

Mama Birdie and her family would fit right into a Bloody Appalachia game. You could even move them from the desert to Kentucky and make them a third faction. 

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 14
First Time Views: 9

October Horror Challenge - Good Boy (2025)

   

Synopsis

A man with a trouble past moves into a family home. His faithful dog Indy is the goodest boy and seeks to save his friend and master.

Review

This is the best horror movie I've seen this year. The film is shot from a dog's perspective, so all the camera shots seem lower than normal. Additionally, other than the very end you don't see any human characters' faces, well except for images on the tv. The lighting, music, and effects are all fantastic. There is a palpable sense of dread throughout. Indy is phenomenal. He's a very expressive dog. The director and his wife shot the movie with an extremely small crew in over 400 days in their home. Because of the nature of the lead, they only shot 3 hours a day and had to get creative to get him to do what they want. 

Thus far I've talked about the technical side of things and not the story. Despite have a non-speaking protagonist the story, its a very emotional tale. There is a lot of background and history to the tale, but it's revealed in small bits. I was hooked to the screen the other time. I found myself saying "Good boy, Indy" in a few scenes and this is only the second horror film I can think of that brought me to tears. 

In Your Game

The Rabid Dogs zine has DCC has a DCC dog class. I thought it would be fun to stat Indy out using them. He could be an interesting character for Horror Cinema Classics. 

Indy (2nd level Dog): Init +2; Atk +3 bite (1d6+1); Crit I/1d6; AC 14 (small and agile, dex); HD 2d6+2; HP 12; Mov. 40'; Act 1d20; SP dog skills, luck die d4; SV Ref +3; Fort +2; Will +1; AL L

Dog skills: Sneak Silently +5, Hide in Shadows +3, Detect/Follow Scent +5, Pounce +3, Tenacious Grab +3

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 13
First Time Views: 8

October Horror Challenge - Sadistic Intentions (2019)

  

Synopsis

A psychotic drug dealer lure one of his customers and a bandmate to a secluded mansion for a mad ritual performance.

Review

I've wanted to watch this one for a while. I love Jeremy Gardner (Stu, the bandmate). His flick After Midnight, is one of my top 10 favorite movies of all time. The performances in this one are solid. Stu and Chloe, played by Taylor Zaudtke, have fantastic chemistry. Michael Patrick Nicholson, the psychotic drug dealer, chews scenery in all the right ways. This film has some excellent shots and a great score/soundtrack. In ways it feels like two movies. The first half of the flick focuses on the mystery and interactions between Chloe and Stu. The latter half of the film is balls to the wall crazy. The ending is quite cathartic. Overall I enjoyed this one, but not sure it was what I was expecting. 

In Your Game

The antagonist(s) of this flick aren't exactly expert killers. My recent Frendo stats are appropriate.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 12
First Time Views: 7

October Horror Challenge - Haunt (2019)

Synopsis

A group of friends get more than they bargain for when they go to an "extreme" haunted house.

Review

This is a very solid modern horror flick. You root for some characters, while you can't wait for others to bite it. The performances are solid. In particular there are some excellent shots of silent shock and grieving that are so well done. The deaths are brutal and the haunted house itself is pretty interesting. Not sure how I felt about the twist and motivation of the villains, but it was at least interesting. Also, the ending is perfect. 

In Your Game

Haunt Worker
Armor Class: 13
Hit Dice: 4 HD
Move: 12
Actions: 2
Attack: By weapon
Bonuses: +2 to melee attacks, +2 to melee damage, +3 to Athletics: Basic, +4 to Stealth

Alignment: Evil

Morale: 8

Madness: 7 (12)
Terror: 11 (when unmasked)

HDE: 3

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 11
First Time Views: 6

October Horror Challenge - Dangerous Animals (2025)

I've been watching movies, but behind on posting. Instead of being longwinded I'm going to just be brief and let y'all know what I thought.

  

Synopsis

American surfer, Zephyr, is kidnapped by a shark obsessed serial killer, Tucker.

Review

This survival horror flick is a lot of fun. There's a scene towards the beginning that had me laughing my ass off. Hassie Harrison's Zephyr is a strong, independent lead. The film has some great humor. She's charismatic, strong, and doesn't take shit. Her love interest Moses (played by Josh Heuston) is sweet. While initially appearing as a creep, he add some softness to the film. Finally Jai Courtney is perfect as the antagonist, Tucker. The character had interesting motivation too. This is Courtney at his finest. And by that I mean this is Courtney at his absolutely sleeziest. That's where Courtney thrives. For a while there was a push to have him play American action heroes, like Live Free Or Die Hard, but it's his portrayals in movies like this and Suicide Squad where he really shines. 

In Your Game

Want to add a shark obessed serial killer to your game? If your answer is yes, then you're in luck!

Tucker
Armor Class: 12

Hit Dice: 3

Move: 12

Actions: 1

Attack Damage: By weapon

Bonuses: +2 to melee attacks, +2 to Persuasion checks, +4 to Piloting (Basic) checks

Alignment: Evil    

Morale: 7

Madness: 3 (9)

Terror: -               

HDE: 2

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 10
First Time Views: 5

October Horror Movie Challenge - Berberian Sound Studio (2012)

 

Synopsis

British sound engineer Gilderoy arrives at the Berberian film studio to work on what he thinks is an equestrian film. Soon his grip on reality starts slipping as he discovers he's working on a giallo.

Review

This one is my typical horror movie. It's a psychological one and doesn't actually contain any blood or violence (that I can remember). Toby Jones gives an outstanding performance in the lead. The fact he starts the film knowing little Italian makes him (and English speaking viewers) out of his element. His slow decent into madness is inspired. There is some ambiguity in the character that I appreciate. Was he always a little off or did the production his circumstances drive him insane. Did he drive Elisa away out of malice or to save her? The director leaves the questions to the viewer. As you might expect audio plays a very important part of this film. Gilderoy's mental state is reflection by the music and sound effects and things become more erratic and ominous as the film goes on. If you want something out of the ordinary, I highly recommend it.

In Your Game

I don't feel there is much in the way of new game content with this one. However, I think you can take a lesson to how important sound is onomonopeaoia storytelling. If you're tech savvy then you can queue up appropriate music. This worked particularly well for me when I ran Curse of Strahd. Even if you don't want to play music and sound effects, use onomonopeaoia when you describe your scenes. Mention the squelching, shrieks, and other sounds. It makes the experience more immersive and enjoyable for everyone.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 9
First Time Views: 4

Music Monday - The Laugh Track

One of my favorite bands, Ice Nine Kills, is known for their cinematic videos (which feature an ongoing story) and horror based tracks. Recently they've shifted towards non-horror flicks. Their previous track, The Great Unknown, is inspired by The Matrix. Last week they dropped a video inspired by the Batman '89 version of the Joker. The song itself is a banger and the video is pretty awesome too. My favorite part of the song itself is how Spencer and crew worked in a bit of Tim Burton's Batman theme and a melody from Batman: The Animated Series

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Gremlins Invade 5e

You have less than 48 hours left to back Bloat Games,
Goblins - Anarchy in the RPG. I've had the privilege of reading the final pdf and it's phenomenal. You can read my review here. The project has expanded since the project launched. Do to feedback, two more goblin zines have been added as add-ons (with an all-in option). 

The first is Space Goblins - Anarchy in Space. While I don't know much about it, I'm guessing it will be great for 5e supers and Spelljammer games. The second additional zine focuses on a type of fey closely related to goblins, gremlins. While the final version of the zine isn't finished, Eric let me look at the manuscript. The zine will have the same format as Goblins - Anarchy in the RPG. 

Josh gives ups Gremlin species trait. Being nocturnal, gremlins hate light. Like real world legends, they have an aura that hinders machinery and technology. This is attributed to them being the embodiment of chaos and destruction. Like the film versions of gremlins, each has it's own special condition to multiply and vulnerability. Being chaotic, these are determined with a random chart. Additionally, like the vampires of The Lost Boys, when exposed to sunlight and killed each gremlin goes out in a random way (again determined by a chart).

We're presented with several different gremlin variants (as well as the standard variety). Counting the "common" variety there are 7 different variety of gremlins. There are varied and included bat-winged, undead, and mechanical ones. Being creatures of chaos, they can also mutate and their is an extensive chart with new abilities and features for Happchance Gremlins. Think of these gremlins and the mutated ones from the second film. Finally we get a CN gremlin wizard npc that can be friend or foe. 

I don't think I've ever included gremlins in my game, but after reading this I want to. I like that Josh combined the stories of gremlins from WWII fighter pilots with the film versions. This is a worthy add-on to the campaign and personally I went all-in. Seriously if you haven't backed this project, I highly recommend you do so. And remember you have less than two days left to do so.

October Horror Challenge - V/H/S: Halloween (2025)

 

Synopsis

Six tales of Halloween terror.

Review

This film follows the franchises standard format. There are six found footage short films with one framing short. 

Diet Phantasma

The film's framing short is framed as research test videos for a soda company. Throughout the film the test subjects meet escalating horrific ends because of the special ingredient in the formula. The pop deaths are pretty cool.

Coochie Coochie Coo

Two teens spend their last Halloween before they go off to college together. They find themselves trying to escape a spirit seeking to make them into children. This one is pretty disturbing and Mommy would make a great legend to add to your game.

Ut Supra Sic

Set in Spain, the survivor of a mysterious mass murder is taken back to the place  it occurred to help the police solve the case. This is one is a standard but solid possession short. 

Fun Size

When they take more than one candy from a bowl a group two couples find themselves trapped in a horrific candy factory. This one is my favorite. The candy mascot, Fun Size, is super creepy and the candy is bizarre. The deaths are particularly fucked up and gross. There is a fun meta joke with this one. Two of the characters are dressed as found-footage horror filmmakers. 

Kidprint

A gentleman named Tim creates videos to help with the missing and murdered children epidemic in his community and learns he has a connection to the deaths. Of  all the shorts this one is distressing. The subject matter is disturbing and the ending is extra upsetting. I had problems finishing it.

Home Haunt

This short has a great premise. A Halloween obsessed father plays a stolen Halloween record that brings his haunt to life. There are some fun deaths in those one, though like Kidprint, there are murdered children, so it will be too much for some. 

In Your Game

Diet Phantasma

Made with real poltergeists, this soda is deadly.  Anyone drinking it must make a difficult fortitude, constitution/poison/death save to avoid being killed by the Diet Phantasma in a particularly brutal way. Those that make a successful save are possessed and pliable to suggestion. Anyone that dies from drinking the possessed pop will rise as a zombie.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 8
First Time Views: 3

October Horror Challenge - Clown In A Cornfield (2025)

  

Synopsis

Teenager Quinn and her father move to a quite Midwest town to start a new life. The town has fallen on hard times. Soon she and her new friends are being targeted by a local mascot, Frendo the clown.

Review

Based on the Adam Cesare's young adult novel of the same name, Clown in a Cornfield is a fun teen slasher. While a lot of the cast feel like stock slasher victims, a few stand out. Katie Douglas is fantastic as the lead, Quinn. Aaron Abrams is funny and likable as her father, Glenn. I also think Carson MacCormac does a fantastic job as the young oligarch of the town, Cole. 

For slasher fans there is some gore, though it's not excessive. While at times the film is predictable to genre fans, there were some nice twists too. There was a lot more comedy than I expected. There are a few truly laugh out loud moments. My favorite involves the teens not understanding how to use a rotary phone. Now to be fair, I'm 41 and never used one so maybe it's not that strange that they didn't know how to use it.

Also I really like the themes and topics addressed in this one. I don’t want to spoil anything by saying what they are, just that I think it works.

If you want a fun slasher that isn't over the top, check this one out. As of time of post, it's available to stream on Shudder.

In Your Game

I won't go into any details for these stats, but if you want to add Frendo to your SURVIVE THIS!! game here's how to do it.

Frendo the Clown

Armor Class: 12

Hit Dice: 2

Move: 12

Actions: 1

Attack Damage: By weapon

Special: Inept

Bonuses: +1 to melee attacks, +2 to Stealth checks

Alignment: Evil    

Morale: 7

Madness: 3 (9)

Terror: -               

HDE: 2

Inept: When Frendo rolls a 1 on his attack roll the attack hits himself or an ally. 

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 7
First Time Views: 2

October Horror Challenge - Full Eclipse (1993)

 

Synopsis

An L.A. cops is recruited into a special task force as his life seems to be falling apart. Task force members take a serum that gives them werewolf-like traits.

Review

If you haven't heard of this one, that's because it's a made for HBO flick from the early 90's and not streaming anywhere. I watched it based on the recommendation of my friend Stew. Given the werewolf ties I expected this to be an action horror flick. I wouldn't really call it that. There's a reference to X-Men and its spot on. This is a comic book action movie with a horror connection. Instead of mutant abilities, the lead gets injected with werewolf serum. 

Mario Van Peebles isn't a great actor, but he's a perfect gruff action hero. The movie isn't subtle, but that's part of the charm. The protagonist's name is Max Dire and the head of the taskforce is Adam Garou. The action has a John Woo quality and it works. The effects are fine, though the actual werewolf fight is cheesy af. If you can find this one, I say check it out. I do want to warn that towards the end of the movie there is a rape scene. You only see the very beginning, but I know that can be triggering so I wanted to point it out.

In Your Game

Since the movie feels like a superhero flick, I've decided to give him the DCC supers treatment.

 
Max Dire: Init +3; Atk +8 bit (1d4+3) or +8 claw (1d6+3) or +6 Pistol, hi-power (1d10, range 70/140/210) ; Crit IV/1d16; AC 14; HD 5d12; HP 60; Mov. 30'; Act 1d20+1d14; SP regeneration, infravision 60', pheromones ; SV Ref +5; Fort +7; Will +2; AL L

Pheremones: Max can use his senses of smell and taste to detect changes in creatures. He can learn their general emotional state. He can also tell if someone is lying by tasting them (typically done via sweat).

Regeneration: Max regains 1d3 HP at the start of each round unless he is touching silver.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 6
First Time Views: 1

October Horror Movie Challenge - The Terrifier Trilogy (2016, 2022, 2024), Trick 'r Treat (2007), Tales of Halloween (2015)

I know its strange that it's the 6th and I'm just now posting about the challenge. A week ago today, I had a surgical procedure done that laid me out for a few days. I've been watching flicks but not had the energy to talk about them. Consider this a rapid fire catch up post.

Terrifier (2016)

This is the gory flick that introduced many horror fanatics to Art the Clown. It's bleak, mean, and shocking. It's also one of my favorite horror flicks. Ironically, it wasn't when I first watched it years ago. I thought it was masterfully made, but just to mean spirited for my taste. Obviously my views have changed and this is now one of my bedtime comfort flicks. Fun fact:  This isn't Art the Clown's first movie, though it is the first to feature him played by David Howard Thornton. Art originally appeared in 2013's All Hallows' Eve.

Terrifier 2 (2022)

If Terrifier introduced horror fans to Art, then Terrifier 2 made the rest of the world take notice. While starting out as a pretty limited release, the movie saw so much recognition and praise theaters across the country began to screen it. The sequel doesn't really give too many answers, but expands Art's lore and introduced the series protagonist, Sienna Shaw. I really like the sequel and it's even more mean spirited than the original. However it also brings some hope to the world with the introduction of Sienna, the one person who just might be able to end Art's reign of terror. 

Terrifier 3 (2024)

Last year's Terrifier movie some how escalated things even more. It was more shocking than the previous films combined and delved deeper into the lore. It also has one of the most nerve wracking opening scenes I've ever seen. Next year's sequel is reportedly the end of Art's story and I can't wait to watch it.

If you'd like to add Art to your D&D games, you can find 2024 monster stats for him here.

Trick 'r Treat (2007)

If you haven't seen this Halloween anthology, what the Hell is wrong with you?  This movie has a great cast and contains four interwoven tales set in a fictional Ohio town. My favorite one is probably the school bus massacre story. While this one is dark, it had a comedic slant at times. At one point I remember saying that it's like Goonies if the kids could actually die and I think that's still appropriate. Also the movie gave us Sam, one of my favorite horror icons.

Tales of Halloween (2015)

While the stories tend to be goofier, I feel like this Halloween anthology is the spiritual sequel to Trick'r Treat. There are ten tales in this one and some are connected. Like Trick'r Treat, there's a great cast here and horror fans will recognize many of them. This Means War is my fav, followed by Sweet Tooth. If you haven't checked it out, you should. You can watch it on Tubi for free.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 5
First Time Views: 0

Music Monday - Hot Goblin

Em Beihold has recently released a track about the girl of my dreams. Sexy succubus? Seductive vampire? Nope... Hot goblin. 

You can hear the full version of the song below.

Speaking of hot gobilns, have you checked out the latest Kickstarter from my friends at Bloat Games? I've read through the pdf and you can see my thoughts here. 

Spoiler alert: I loved it!