#RPGaDAY2024 - Day 4

 "RPG with great art"

While the books had some just plain weird stuff, I think one of my favorite RPG's artwise is Changeling: The Dreaming. This is primarily because of the work of Rebecca Guay and Tony DiTerlizzi. Here are some of my favorites.

VtM: Winter's Teeth #10

Issue #10 had me engrossed the entire time. Ali's treachery is revealed and Cecily has to deal with her by committing the most grievous of vampiric sins. There is some fantastic action and gore. Calder and Fairfax's use of thaumaturgy is horrific and many members of the Mortician's Army are slaughtered. When the dust settles Cecily is made Prince of the city. 

The Anarch's regroup. While trying to flee the city they are nearly killed by hunters. If not for the timely arrival of some werewolves, they'd have been dusted.

The game material featured is four new thin-blood alchemy creations. 

I realize that I didn't go into as much detail with this one. It's not that it was a bad issue, quite the contrary, it was a fantastic one. I just knew I'd not be able to give it's due if I broke it down scene by scene. Winter's Teeth was a fantastic series. I am excited to found out that there is a three issue follow-up series. 

You can grab the Winter's Teeth finale here. 

VtM: Winter's Teeth #9

The action just keeps ramping up. The Mortician's Army attacks the Camarilla towers. Many kindred are killed. Fairfax releases Erin Runningbear. Calder seems to be gravely wounded. Cecily wakes up and takes out many hunters, while search for the others. She finds Calder, who admits that he killed Prince Samantha, but that it was out of love not malice. Cecily says she understands and she gives him blood to heal. It's revealed that while she called the hunters to the tower, Ali has no love for them and just wants power. 

Hunter's chase young vampires in the sewers in The Anarch's Tale Part 9. They kill one, but the second is saved by King Rat and an army of killer rodents. He's then joined by Priscilla, who appears to have come to the city to save her warn and/or save her pack.

The new game material is a loresheet for the Mortician's army and two new types of coteries.

This is another action packed issue. It's a full on war inside the Camarilla tower. There are several cool fights and some fantastic use of vampire powers, especially Tremere blood magic. Only one issue left and I can't wait to see Cecily and Ali face off.

Grab issue #9 here.

VtM: Winter's Teeth #8

Cecily learns of Irma's death and realizes that Elana would be the person to silence her. She goes to Elena's home for retribution, only to find she's dead. Carfax, Calder, Ali, and the rest of the court are there. After a confrontation, Cecily and Ali are tasked to avenge Elana's death. Cecily gets Ali to reveal the truth as she heads to a mortuary. She plans on laying a trap for the Mortician's Army, but Ali turns on her. In The Anarch's Tale Part 8, the hunter ghouled by Priscilla recounts the origins of the Mortician's Army. We see the night he was attacked and how his wife was killed. The issues ends with the ghoul be killed by the reverend Priscilla took her to see. Priscilla is saddened by the ghoul's death, as she promised to protect her. 

The crunchy bits include stats Toreador Erin Runningbear. While she's currently imprisoned by Calder, she may play a larger role in the future story.

Holy shit a lot happened in this issue. Carfax shows the power of his blood sorcery by basically turning Elan's husband to blood and absorbing him. Cecily's confrontation with Ali was intense. It was well written and definitely kept my interest. The origin of the Mortician's Army is sad and also shows that while they are the villains of the story, the hunter's cause is just. This complexity carries over with Priscilla's remorse for getting her ghouled hunter killed.

If you want to read issue #8 you can get a copy of DriveThruRPG here.

VtM: Winter's Teeth #7

Surprisingly, Cecily only appears in the very beginning. The Winter's Teeth segment of the issue focuses on Ali, Calder, and a Cull. There is a tradition in the Camarilla in which mortals that have been exposed to vampire society are killed. In order to appease a high ranking member of his Clan, Calder orders one. The mortals are medical professionals, ex-lovers, a few potential hunters, and Cecily's sister's nurse, Irma. Ali negotiates for Irma's releases, but in the end is forced to kill her to safe the life of the child of suspected hunter. She is then told she must kill the child anyway and show proof. She appears to do so, though we never see it happen and she tosses the boy's ear to Calder. The elder, Carfax arrives in the Twin Cities and notes his friend, Elana is never late. In the final panel we see Elana captured and the revelation that the boy not only is alive, but also the hunter!

In The Anarch's Tale Part 7 we find out that Colleen is having a great time. She is working at a dinner called Red's Brewing. Here she learns about Thin-Blood Alchemy, a new power in the 5th edition of the game. She tests a new formula and while it initially appears to do nothing, it's later revealed to have temporarily stopped time (or at least appeared so). We also see that someone is secretly monitory her and the restaurant. The game stats connect back to the anarchs and we get game stats for Colleens sire, the Gangrel Mitch Pendergrass. 

This was definitely a bombshell issue. I didn't expect anything that happened (other than assuming that Ali didn't actually kill the boy). While it's possible this happened because she has a kind heart, the child is shown to have a bloody hammer, the symbol of the Mortician's Army and it's quite possible she knew who he was. I can't wait to find out.

Snag issue #7 here.

VtM: Winter's Teeth #6

The second arc of Winter's Teeth seems to be focusing on the true nature of Ali. Cecily reveals some of her history to see if there are any tells. She also agrees to lend Ali to an extremely nervous Calder. She confronts Erin Runninbear before leaving and Erin reveals that she knows the only reason she hasn't been given the final death is because of Cecily. She also reveals that she will have her revenge. She goes to a club that's frequented by hunters and is attacked (though not by the person she expected). The hunter doesn't recognize Ali from a picture Cecily shows her, but does recognize what she's holding in it. She then tells Cecily the story of the Mortician's Army, before being killed. Cecily does some soul searching and starts to miss Ali, before she discovers the hammer Ali's been hiding and feels the sting of betrayal. The Anarch's Tale Part 6 focuses on Mitch, who's in the woods hunting. He reminisces about the time that he and his pack (which included Cecily at the time), were unstoppable Sabbat hunters. His journey down memory lane ends when he encounters a werewolf!   

Another of the Twin Cities' inner circle is discussed. This time we learn about the Malkavian known as Mother Joe.

I honestly feel bad for Cecily. Sure she's done some bad things, but as far as vampires go, she seems like a good person. Her struggle with learning about Ali is kind of heartbreaking, especially when she finds the hammer at the end. I don't have much to say about the Anarch part of the issue. It was cool, but not groundbreaking. It was cool to see a werewolf though!

You can get your own copy of the issue here.

VtM: Winter's Teeth #5

Issue #4 starts with Cecily and Ali catching up to the two Anarchs that attacked them, taking them out, and getting important information about the truth. The spend most of the issue evading other kindred seeking to Diablerize them. They do so using explosives, a big ass sniper rifle, and the aid of the Nosferatu (who believe Cecily has empathy and compassion). Finally the pair confront Calder, who's holding Cecily's sister hostage. She reveals to Calder that it was Erin Runningbear that had the Prince Killed, not her. They strike a bargain in which Calder calls off the Blood Hunt, doesn't kill Runningbear, and agrees to make Ali his envoy to the Anarch's (making her untouchable). Cecily and Ali have a heart to heart. The story ends with Cecily going to her quiet secluded spot. Looking at Arlen's files, she learns that Ali is the daughter of a hunter. This leads right into The Anarch's Tale Part 5 as she is then joined by King Rat. It's revealed that the two are still close, even though they don't run in the same pack anymore. King lets her know their pack has disbanded. Mitch and Colleen discuss their embrace and part ways. Priscilla and her new ghouled hunter meet up at a religious service. It's show the minister has rattle snakes, which supports my Ministry believe about her. Finally King Rat warns her about Ali and mentions Cecily's sire, which angers her. The issue ends with a solitary and hungry Colleen talking with a new group (who's leader, Desmond, she recognizes). 

Of course we're presented with game bits. Another member of Prince Samantha's court, the Toreador Jim Gerswhin is given stats and discussed. Finally there's a portrait of the court. 

This is the finally of the series first arc. I honestly didn't expect the Blood Hunt to only last an issue and the mystery to get solved so quickly. I'm not disappointed, just didn't see it coming so quickly. The revelation that Ali might not be who she says she is surprised me (though maybe it shouldn't). I'm curious if Colleen is going to be the focus of the continued Anarch's Tales or if it will shift between the group. 

Grab issue #5 here.

VtM: Winter's Teeth #4

Issue 4 sees Cecily and Ali searching for Prince Samantha's killer. The pair begin by interviewing the Prince's inner circle. We are introduced to Mother Joe, Jim Gershwin, Bosch Singh, and Elena Kowalksi. While Cecily believes Ali is being naïve in her interrogation, but she actually plays off the group well and deciphers than none of them have knowledge of the Prince's death. The pair head to the secret haven of the reclusive know-it-all shut-in Arlen Haight. Just as they are about to learn more information, Height is killed by his own Anarch bodyguards.  The story ends with the Tremere Calder calling a Blood Hunt on Cecily and Ali. The Anarch Stories Part 4 picks up with the group at a motel. King Rat shares information with the group about recent events happening in the Twin Cities and informs them their contact, Mr. Hate, has been killed. We see more parts of the story intertwining with Mr. Hate actually being Arlen Haight. Colleen mentions Cecily, which lets us know that she is the other woman in the group that she mentioned when in Part I of the story. The rest of the story focuses on Priscilla as she shares her origin story and blood bonds a still living hunter. The last panel reveals she has as serpent like tongue which leads me to believe she is from the Ministry (rebranded Followers of Set) rather than the Toreador. 

The game content for this issue is stats and background on two members of Prince Samantha's court, the Gangrel Bosche Singh and the Ventrue Elena Kowalksa.

This issue focused on how you can't really trust anyone in VtM. Haight is killed by hire retainers. Cecily scolds Ali for looking weak and says that she would have been dusted if it hadn't been for her acting as guardian. Finally in the Anarch story we learn that Priscilla is hiding her true nature from the group. Overall this is another great issue in the series.

Snag Winter's Teeth #4 here today.

VtM: Winter's Teeth #3

Issue 3 of Winter's Teeth ramps up the intrigue. While investigating the deaths of Ms. Sphinc and her brothers, Ali finds the jump drive the nosferatu were given. The jump drive leads back to Cordell who's being tortured by the hunters. These aren't just ordinary hunters though, they are the Wolves in Sheep's Clothing, ghouls who cannibalize parts of vampires to gain their disciplines. There's a cool fight between Cecily, Ali, and the Wolves. We get to see Celerity, Potence, and Dominate in action. After the fight the pair head to Primegon Calder Wendt's penthouse. Calder, a tremere, has appeared in previous issues and seems to be Cecily's main contact. The story ends with news that Prince Samantha has been killed and an image of her decapitated corpse.

This part of of Winter's Teeth is action packed. The fight with the Wolves in Sheep's Clothing is great. It's also cool to see Ali take a more active role. She's able to crack the jump drive and also save Cecily, who's being dominated by one of the ghouls. We also see some more advancement of Cecily's character. She's acknowledged that she's using Ali to replace the mortal sister that's grown old on her.

The Anarch's Tales Part 3 focuses on King Rat. We learn that King was a short African American kid who grew up in the 60's and enlisted in the marines. He was a tunnel rat because of his size and it was while going through an enemy tunnel that he encounter the nosferatu that sired him. In the present day he uses his abilities to help free his friends, with some help from Coleen who uses her disciplines to affect the hunters' dog.  

There is some crunchy bits in this issue. We get a Wolves in Sheep's Clothing loresheet. While I don't see many players playing one, this loresheet presents ties to the group. For example, the four dot feature, A Wolf In The Fold, allows you to spy on a Wolf that's victimized you. We're given actual stats for a sample Wolf. There are four new powers, each tied to a different discipline. Finally there is a nosferatu only loresheet related to the Niktuku. These are nosferatu boogey man and characters with this loresheet has ties and learns how to face the cannibalistic nosferatu legends.

I think the Wolves in Sheep's Clothing are a great addition to the World of Darkness. They are a creepy Frankenstein-ghoul hybrid. I also really like King's backstory. I was sad to see Prince Samantha be killed, but the story has definitely been heading in that direction, so it wasn't a surprise. I was surprised that the hunters in the different stories don't seem to be connected. Then again maybe they are and the Wolves are a red herring.

Grab your pdf of issue three on DriveThruRPG.

VtM: Winter's Teeth #2

Issue #2 continues where issue #1 left off. We are officially introduced to Prince Samantha of the Twin Cities and her council. Cecily lies an introduces Alejandra as her childe. Ali, as Cecily calls her, is different and learns she must take blood directly from human prey. She can't keep animal blood and blood bags down. Cecily leads her on her first hunt, having her target a drug dealer. After feeding and killing the dealer, she also shows Ali that he was the only one that looked after her daughter. This less hurts Ali, but teaches her that good or bad, in the end people are just trying to survive. We catch a flashback to Cecily's embrace and her kneeling before something with glowing red eyes peering out through the darkness. There is a bit of intrigue as Cordell Block, who's girlfriend Cecily killed in the previous issue, is hands over a flash drive with important information about the Prince and her plans to a nosferatu hacker named Sphinc. After he leaves, Sphinc and her compatriots are killed by three individuals using night vision goggles. This leads to Cecily getting a call that vampires have been killed by hunters. 

Tim Seely and Devmalya Pramanik continue to do a great job presenting the World of Darkness. Seely's characters are interesting and feel like they come from a WoD sourcebook. Premanik's artwork is fantastic. I'm looking forward to learning who these hunters are, because their symbol isn't one I'm familiar with.

The Anarch's Tale story begins with a flashback Mitch, Colleen's sire, and his embrace. The story flashes between that time and the current, with anarchs stopping at an abandoned rest area. In the past we see Mitch and several others are kidnapped and fed upon by some vampires, who then throw them in a pit and bury them. The vampires speak Latin as they do so. Anyone familiar with VtM realize this is a Sabbat pack performing rites. Mitch is the only survivor He digs his way out and finds he's alone. Back in the present a van approaches the group. Hunters hop out, shoot Priscila, and refer to Colleen as Renfield. They throw her in the van, where we see they've already got Mitch. 

While this story is shorter, Tini and Black Howard are telling an interesting story. Once again, Nathan Gooden's art is phenomenal and close enough to the Winter's Teeth art to not be a jarring shift. It was cool to see Sabbat. My one complaint is there is no segue between stories in this issue and "The Anarch Tale Part 2" title is on the second page of the story. Seeing as both stories contain hunters, we're seeing the stories threads start to slowly connect.

The issue ends with two new loresheets. In Vampire the Masquerade 5e loresheets are merits that you can take at character creation. You can typically only have one and they are connections to areas, people, and organizations. They have a 1-5 rating like most merits and provide some interesting bonuses and features. They are a godsend to a storyteller because they have built-in in character plot hooks. The first loresheet focuses on Minneapolis, which is the anarch side of the Twin Cities. You gain ties to the cities rebellious past. The St. Paul loresheet grants ties to the Camarilla and features elements tied to the cities criminal history. 

This was another great issue. The combination of intriguing story, fantastic art, and new game material is a win. You can grab the issue in pdf here. 

VtM: Winter's Teeth #1

The World of Darkness is calling to me again. At some point I want to pick up the newly released Werewolf the Apocalypse, Hunter the Reckoning, and Vampire the Masquerade. Of the three, Vampire is probably the first I'll with. In order to get into the proper mindset I've decided to finish reading the Winter's Teeth comic and review the issues. Each issue actually features two different stories that run concurrently. 

The main (titular) story is Winter's Teeth. It is written by Tim Seely and drawn by Devmalya Pramanik. The issue begins with an unknown vampire fleeing form something and running and leaping on to a train. We then jump to Minneapolis. The twin cities is the setting of Winter's Teeth. We're introduced to our protagonist, Cecily Bain, a Brujah that serves the prince of the city. She coldly enforces the Masquerade, sending a message to vampires of the Twin Cities. She then introduces us to the World of Darkness and name drops the major us settings of the setting: LA, Chicago, and New York. The Twin Cities are united under one prince, but there are rumblings among the kindred that the city should be divided. Cecily then visits her aging sister who suffer from Alzheimer's. She then encounters the mysterious fledging from the beginning. After a quick fight, she takes the vampire, Alejandra, back to her place. After interrogating her she finds the young vampire is probably a caitiff and knows nothing of her sire or vampires. The two appear to be forming a bond as the story ends with Alejandra getting into Cecily's bed.

While I haven't played the game in MANY years, this felt like a VtM story to me. I'm wondering if Seely played in the past because he's nailed the vibe. Cecily is a great protagonist because she's tough and her own person. She works with the Camarilla, but doesn't follow them blindly, giving her an anarch/independent edge too. The art is fantastic, as are the literarry threads. Cecily and Alejandra broth sing the poem, The Old Oaken Bucket, by Samuel Woodworth.

The second story, The Anarch Tales, is written by Tini and Blake Howard. It's illustrated by Nathan Gooden. Though it's done by a different artist, it feels the same as Winter's Teeth and not out of place. The protagonist of this story is Colleen Pendergrass. Colleen is a thin-blooded, and while she has now disciplines or thin-blood sorcery, she can walk around in the sun (though it does give her some discomfort. In this tale we are introduced to her coterie of unaligned vampires. They are the nosferatu, King Rat, who judging by his outfit was a soldier. There's Priscilla, a beautiful vampire that's probably a toreador. Finally there's Colleen's ex-husband and sire, Mitch. When we meet Mitch he's in a wolf/dog form so I assume he's a gangrel. The story ends with the group making their way to the Twin Cities for a job. The final panel shows they're being watched by a presumed hunter (as he refers to them as blood-suckers).

The Anarch Tales is short as sweet. It shows the other side of of vampire society and these characters seem more relatable. I'm definitely interested in seeing where the story goes and if it (presumably) connects to Winter's Teeth more directly. 

One of the fantastic things about these comics is they come with game related content to for Vampire the Masquerade 5th Edition. In this issue with get playable character loresheets for the two protagonists, Cecily Bain and Colleen Pendergrass.

At a 3.99 cover price, Winter's Teeth is a great book. You get to interesting stories and usable game content based on them. You can purchase issue 1 on DrivethruRPG here or get it for free by following the instructions on this page. Stayed tuned for reviews of issues 2-10.

October Horror Movie Challenge - Terrifier 2 (2022)

Plot

A mysterious force resurrects the Miles County Killer aka Art the Clown for sinister reasons, which bring him into conflict with high schooler Siena and her little brother Jonathon. What connection do the siblings have to Art? Will they survive Halloween night?

Review

This film has a limited release this weekend and I was fortunate enough to watch it last night with one of my best friends and fellow horror fanatic, Chelsea. Like the first film, Terrifier 2 is gory, gross, gratuitous, and mean. The sequel really takes this to new heights (or lows based on your opinion). Everything is excessive, including the run time. The first film was a tight 90 or so minutes with credits. The sequel adds an hour to that. While I think you could have cut one of the protagonists friend's and scenes related to her from the film and the story would have flowed just as well, I wasn't bored at any point in the movie (and the friend's demise is one of the nastiest and coolest looking in the film).

The cast is spectacular. David Howard Thornton returns as Art and is even more menacing in this one. He is also disturbingly funny. I found myself belly laughing at some of his reactions and scenes. He does so much with zero dialogue. Protagonist Siena is played by Lauren LaVera and she's one of my new favorite final girls. She's artist and cosplays. She's cute, thoughtful, and badass. Her portrayal seems very genuine and she seems like she cares about her little brother, played by Elliot Fullam. Speaking of which, he does a great job as the seemingly troubled Jonathan. Young actress Georgia MacPhail  is another new breakout star in this one. Her character is never named in the film, but trust me, you won't forget her once you see her. Samantha Scaffidi returns as Victoria. I won't go into much of her scenes in the movie, but lets say I didn't expect them. Sleepaway Camp's Felicia Rose has a small role as Jonathan's principle. Finally, wrestler Chris Jericho is in a mid credits scene. 

Writer/director/editor Damien Leone crafted a fantastic piece of film. The pacing is good and I don't know that I've ever watch a movie that had me amused/laughing and unnerved  throughout the entire picture. The prosthetics, animatronics, and practical effects he and his team created are unmatched.  Again, excess is the norm in this, but it's so well crafted. Also the music is *chef's kiss* and while the film is set in in 2017-2018, it makes it feel like an 80's slasher in all the right ways.

The story/plot raises many questions. There's a lot of things that happen and seem to be connected, but aren't really explained. This doesn't bother me, because I know Damien will make another that expands the lore, the questions prompted a great discussion on the ride home with Chelsea, and finally sometimes I can just enjoy something without know all of the inns and outs. 

If you can't tell, I thoroughly loved this flick. If you are a fan of the first, you should definitely check it out. That being said, this definitely isn't for everyone and that's okay. If you don't want something super brutal and blood that will make you whisper "oh fuck no" at the screen, then this one probably isn't for you.

In Your Game

I've shared stats for Art a few times, You can find them below:

• SURVIVE THIS!! 
• Dungeons & Dragons 5e
• Vampire the Masquerade (older versions)
• Hack the RPG

New Movies: 9

Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post: 

Challenge Total: 18

October Horror Movie Challenge - Let The Wrong One In (2021)

Plot

Matt's brother Deco is a train wreck. He's not the brightest, has a drug problem, and a strained relationship with their mother. Things go from bad to worse when he's also turned into a vampire. The pair encounter cab driver and amateur vampire hunter Henry and learn that Henry's fiancé' Shiela has become Dublin's vampire queen.

Review

This Irish vampire comedy isn't the most sophisticated flick, but it was definitely entertaining. The cast really had me laughing. Karl Rice is great as he lead, Matt. Eoin Duffy's Deco is just the perfect idiot. It's great to see Anthony Stewart Head taking on vampires again. Don't expect Henry to be as adept at things as Giles though. He's an odd duck and while it's dumb, the character's train obsession cracked me up every time it was brought up. Finally Mary Murray is fun as the bachelorette turned vampire queen, Sheila.

The effects in this one were goofy, but work. I feel Deco's imperfect bat transformation was a nice throwback to What We Do In Shadows. This obviously isn't the only vampire movie reference. The title itself is a play on the classic Let The Right One In. Also, Deco's girlfriend Alison is a huge Twilight fan.

This was a fun flick and if you're looking for a vampire movie that plays with genre tropes, you can't go wrong with this one. In the states you can currently steam this for free on Tubi and Vudu.

In Your Game

Henry uses his fellow Dublin cabbies in his vampire hunting efforts. This reminded me of Hunter: The Vigil's Union compact. Even if they don't actually do the hunting themselves they provide intel and backup. This is a great framework for a What We Do In Shadows game.

Also figured I'd take this time to spotlight some previous gaming content I made that relates to this one. For someone playing a Cinematic Unisystem game with a character that has Deco's issues in transforming, the Deficient Power drawback I included in my What We Do In Shadows review from 2015 is perfect.

New Movies: 8

Others Horror Movies Watched Since Last Post: Terrifier (watching the new one in theaters tonight!)

Challenge Total: 17

#RPGaDAY2022 Day 9 - What Is The 2nd RPG You Bought?

 
The second RPG I bought was the 1st edition of Changeling: The Dreaming. I snagged used copies of the core book and the player's guide. Not too much later I also picked of Freeholds and Hidden Glens, The Autumn People, and the Immortal Eyes Trilogy sourcebooks. I absolutely adored that game. The artwork was fantastic, featuring Rebecca Guay and Tony DiTerlizzi prominently. Though the Eurocentric view wasn't the best in hindsight, I loved the setting and story. I really related to it. A part of me still does. Sadly, I accidently left all of my Changeling books in Columbus when I moved from there. One day I might try to pick them up again.

Captured Screams

I've spoken several times about my love for the Ohio-based film company, Concept Media LLC. Check out this sexy horror short, written, directed, and starring Brittany Blanton (star of Don't Fuck in the Woods). Make sure to like the video and subscribe to Concept Media's YouTube page.

I think the villain of this would make an interesting bad guy for a World of Darkness, Cinematic Unisystem, or Dark Streets and Darker Secrets game.

World of Darkness Update

Earlier I shared that Vampire: The Dark Ages was free. It looks like that was just for yesterday, which is a bummer. However... Onyx Path is making another game free each day through the end of the month! The following text was taken from this Forbes article:

Monday: Vampire: The Dark Ages. A prequel to Vampire: The Masquerade set in the medieval era before vampires tried to hide themselves from humans. The intrigues become more complicated and the game can feel like a cross between A Game of Thrones and Interview With The Vampire.

Tuesday: Werewolf: The Apocalypse. Werewolves rage against the dying of the planet in this action horror RPG about birthrights, losing battles and toxic monsters. All the werewolves agree they have to do something to stop their Mother Earth from dying but disagree on what, exactly. Sound familiar?

Wednesday: Mage: The Ascension. A game that puts the power to shape reality in the hands of the players. Reality is literally what you make of it. Classic magical traditions face off against a technocratic conspiracy that will look familiar to fans of films like Dark City and The Matrix.

Thursday: Changeling: The Dreaming. The final of the originally planned World of Darkness games added something unusual to the setting; hope. The characters battle against the banality of growing up and losing hope in a dark world even as evil forces close in to crush dreams.

Friday: Wraith: The Oblivion. The darkest of the World of Darkness games pits players against threats both external and internal. The external threats include an oppressive afterlife bureaucracy that forges souls into raw materials for building things in the spirit world. The internal threat is the Shadow, a dark mirror of the character played by other players at the table.

Return to the Dark Ages!

I’m really excited to let y’all know that the Vampire: The Dark Ages 20th Anniversary pdf is currently free! This is a beautiful update and compilation to the great old school World of Darkness game. It’s a great rules system and the game is easy to use to play a modern game too (you just need to change a few skills and make gun stats).

Wolf Creek 2 (2005)

Synopsis: Paul is a young British man vacationing in Australia. His life is changed when he comes across a distraught woman, a victim of Mick Taylor. When a bullet meant for Paul kills her, Mick sets his sights on punishing Paul. This leads to a grueling cat and mouse game through the outback that leads to a horrific confrontation.

The Good: John Jarratt is just as great in this one. Mick is a fantastic villain and as my friend Melissa from Horror Geek Life pointed out, a human version of Freddy Krueger. He makes you laugh then he reminds you just how fucked up he really is. Also, unlike the original, starts out with a bang and the horror and suspense is just amped up from there.

The Bad: Mick is going to offend folks... but that's what you get with a xenophobic misogynistic killer.

Final Thoughts: I liked this movie a lot more than the first. Still haven't decided if I'm going to check out the tv series, but I like Jarratt enough that I just might.

In Your Game: Since I've already statted Mick for Vigilante City, I thought I'd give him World of Darkness stats. Because of how messed up he and the fact Rage Across Australia was one of my first White Wolf books, I'm going to say he's Black Spiral Dancer kinfolk.

Mick Taylor

Attribute: Strength 3, Dexterity 2, Stamina 4, Charisma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2, Perception 2, Intelligence 2, Wits 3

Health Levels: OK, OK, OK, -1, -1, -2, -2, -5, Incapacitated

Attack: Large Knife - 5 dice (Str+1 lethal damage), Rifle 6 dice (8 damage, lethal)

Abilities: Athletics 2, Brawl 3, Dodge 4, Intimidation 5, Repair 4, Drive 3, Firearms 4, Melee 4, Survival 4, Stealth 3

Special: Immune to Delirium

Willpower: 7

All Hallows' Eve (2012)

Synopsis: In this horror anthology, babysitter, Sarah, and the kids she's looking after decide to watch a strange video tape found in one of the trick-or-treat bags. The tape features three stories which are all connected by the presence of the horrific Art the Clown. The first involves a woman kidnapped and subjected to demonic birth rites, the second involves alien home invaders, and the final features Art stalking a college student. 

The Good: The robed monsters in the first feature look like a great mashup of Full Moon Features vampires and Creepypasta. The alien segment was creepy. I think the final segment is the strongest. It really felt like a throwback slasher.

The Bad: While I enjoyed them, the clips kind of frustrated me too. I'm used to slasher victims making stupid choices and dying for them. However, if they do actually make some good ones, I like them to be rewarded. While not everything done by the characters in the film is great, there are some definite smart moves that don't play out. The film doesn't have a high budget and the costumes kind of show that.

Final Thoughts: Like many recent flicks I've watched, I checked this one out because it was on Tubi. I also watched it because I watched Art the Clown's solo film, Terrifier, last Halloween. I enjoyed All Hallows' Eve, but unlike some horror anthologies I don't see myself watching this one again.

In Your Game:

Art is some sort of supernatural creature, though I don't know what kind. Since, I've been doing old school World of Darkness posts, to go with something strange. My version of Art is an independent Baali ghoul. He doesn't have a direct vampiric master and serves darker, infernal masters that make sure he's supplied with vitae.

Art the Clown

Attribute: Strength 3, Dexterity 3, Stamina 5, Charisma 1, Manipulation 1, Appearance 1, Perception 5, Intelligence 3, Wits 4

Health Levels: OK, OK, OK, -1, -1, -2, -2, -5, Incapacitated

Attack: Bladed Lash - 8 dice, Difficulty 6 (Str+3 damage),  Glock 17 - 7 dice, (5 damage)

Abilities: Brawl 3, Firearms 4, Melee 5, Stealth 5

Disciplines: Celerity 1, Daimoinon 2, Fortitude 2, Obfuscate 2, Potence 2

Blood Pool: 5 

Willpower: 8

Axe Giant: The Wrath of Paul Bunyan (2013)

Synopsis: A group of offenders in their late teens/early 20's are chosen to be a part of a special program to avoid jail time. They must do a week long woodland retreat including therapy sessions and arduous physical activity. While hiking on of the youths finds a large horned skull and takes a horn from it as a souvenir. Unfortunately the skull belonged to Paul Bunyan's beloved Babe. Now the giant, who's still very much alive, wants revenge for the defilement of his beloved companion's grave. 

The Good: Taking a tall tale like Paul Bunyan and giving it a horror twist is a really clever idea. He looks cool too. He's basically a giant version of Victor Crowley from Hatchet.

The Bad: The acting is hella bad as is the CGI. Some of the kills look ridiculous (see below) and Babe the Blue Ox looked extra weird.

Final Thoughts: Much like Clown Town, I decided to watch this because it is currently free on Tubi. It's a one time and never again kind of movie. I watched it and don't regret that, but I don't have any desire to watch it ever gain.

In Your Game: Pual Bunyan would make an interesting adversary for a World of Darkness game. Is he a giant formori or just a human aberration. I tend to prefer the last. Imagine what happens if for some reason a pack of Gangrel run into him. It probably wouldn't end well for the Gangrel.

Paul Bunyan

Attribute: Strength 10, Dexterity 3, Stamina 6, Charisma 1, Manipulation 1, Appearance 0, Perception 3, Intelligence 1, Wits 1

Health Levels: OK, OK, OK, -1, -1, -1, -1,-2, -2, -2, -2, -3, -3, -5, Incapacitated

Attack: Giant Axe - 8 dice (Str+6 lethal damage)

Abilities: Brawl 5, Melee 5, Survival 5

Special: If Paul does 4 or more levels of damage in an attack he severs a limb with his mighty axe.

Willpower: 8