Can You Survive Bloody London?

 Bloody London is the newest Bloat Games addition to their Bloody Horror Universe. Unlike Bloody Appalachia, Camp Blood, and Bloody University, this time we’re leaving the modern times and heading to the Victorian era.

This is another standalone SURVIVE THIS!!game, so if you’re familiar with d20 elf and wizard games, you know how to play. However, the game can easily be expanded using any other ST game. I think a fun combination would be Bloody London and Vigilante City. I mean who doesn’t want to play a Gotham By Gaslight style game?

Given the setting the classes for Bloody Londonare the following:

• Bobby
• Bruiser
• Doctor
• Great Explorer
• Prostitute
• Scholar
• Scotland Yard Inspector
• Street Investigator
• Street Urchin
• Victorian Serial Killer

I’m a little leery when I see “prostitute” listed as a class, but I trust Josh and Eric’s ability and given the Ripper angle it feels appropriate. The writing and playtesting has already been completed. The campaign only has 12 days left and needs your help reaching its funding goal. I’ve never been disappointed with a Bloat Games book, so I know this one is going to be great too.

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

These Campers Are Different!

These Campers Are Different is the companion book to Camp Blood. Like other "Bloody Horror Universe" books it features an awesome cover by Peter Frain. The killer is reminiscent of Samhain, one of my favorite Ghostbusters' villains. Phil Stone and Christopher Torres do all the interior art.

With a few small exceptions characters in Camp Blood are normal kids, teens, and young adults. The focus of this book changes that.  Instead of just playing a regular mortal you can be a human, a lineage human, or a doppleganger. There is a short discussion on Empowered characters and a new random background chart for them.

I don't feel like there needs to be much explanation about humans. Y'all know the spiel. Dopplegangers are a lot like their D&D counterparts except they don't have telepathy. Lineage humans are a varied bunch. You're human and something else, whether this be from genetics, curse, or experimentation. You create a character as normal but you have some new abilities and bonuses based on your lineage. You gain new abilities (and potentially drawbacks) at levels 3, 5, and 7. At 10th level you must decide if you embrace your human side or your other. If you stay human, you lose the non-skill boons granted by your inhuman heritage but gain other  attribute bonuses. You can also reject your humanity and become a full fledged member of your bloodline. The following lineages appear in the book:

• Angel
• Bigfoot
• Chupbacabra
• Demon
• Extraterrestrial: Grays
• Fairy
• Goatman
• Medusa
• Merman
• Mothman
• Vampire
• Were-beast.

There's a nice mix here and they'd fit into most SURVIVE THIS!! games. Goatman is particularly appropriate for Dark Places & Demogorgons given the setting. To be honest, I would have been disappointed had it not been included as an option. My other favorite is Merman which could be used to make a character who's family is from Innsmouth.

Five new empowered classes are presented. These are updates of classes from previous SURVIVE THIS!! books. There is a mix of sci-fi and supernatural. The classes are:

• Alien in Disguise
• Psion
• Dark Witch
• Earth Witch
• Light Witch

Most of the spells and psion abilities presented are features in Dark Places & Demogorgons Ultimate Edition so they are pretty familiar to SURVIVE THIS!! regulars.. There are two brand new Psion powers: Nature Manipulation and Phantasmogan. I really like the fear based Phantasmagon power and it would be great for a villainous camper. There are some quick rules for gaining a familiar and creating potions. Additionally. we're given a few pages of potions.

Finally the book gives us four new adventure hooks for Camp Blood. The Lost Cabin is an Evil Dead style scenario. Nature Trail To Hell is a reusable adventure hook that is randomly generated every time. Night of the Living Brats is The Fog but with zombie kids and teens. The Tower Lookout at Mt. Boone ads a bit of Firestarter or the Hawkins National Laboratory to your game via a couple young psions on the run.

The page count for These Campers Are Different! is lighter compared to other SURVIVE THIS!! titles (even expansions), but it still contains excellent supplementary material. Despite the overlap, I think it's an excellent expansion for Dark Places & Demogorgons in particular. Grab your hardcover here today.

Welcome Campers, Time To Die!

Intro and Overview

Camp Blood is the second part of Bloat Games bloody grindhouse trilogy. Like the first, Bloody Appalachia, it's a stand alone game but fully compatible with other SURVIVE THIS!! games. If you've played  any SURVIVE THIS!! game, Camp Blood is a game you know how to play. You have familiar attributes, class, and roll a d20 and add your modifiers.  

Character Creation

Some SURVIVE THIS!! games allow for inhuman and supernatural characters. Characters in a (core) Camp Blood game are human. They are also assumed to be campers and/or counselors in training. I feel this alters the vibe from Bloody Appalachia and almost puts it more in line with Dark Places & Demogorgons. There are several classes to choose from. Most of them are self explanatory but I do feel like pointing out some interesting aspects of a few:

• Athlete 
• Badger Scout
• Camp Archer
• City Kid - because they "keep it real" they have resistance to magic and psionics
• Counselor in Training - there's a lot of variety with this one because you get to pick specialties
• Cryptid Enthusiast 
• Farm Kid 
• Lascivious Teen - regain HP after sex, but also attract the attention of monsters by doing so
• Naturalist - this is the healer class
• Party Animal
• Prankster - this class pulls agro and has the ability to get away
• Snob - Who knew entitlement was a benefit?
• Survivor
• Underdog - this class is cool because it gets reward for failing, this is an awesome idea
• Whiz Kid - this class gain a robot buddy that can upgraded as the level up
• Woodsman

There's definitely overlap with several of these classes, but its still a great selection overall. Again, all of these make a lot of sense in a DP&D game. Skills and equipment are pretty much the same as standard supernatural ST games.

Rules For Play

This section includes standard ST rules. This is the general how to play section. It looks like the one for Bloody Appalachia.

Game Master Section

While there is a specific camp discussed later, there's a cool chart that lets you come up with the type of camp the game will take place at. This can affect character creation. There are also 12 adventure hooks. They are presented like adventure hooks/story seeds in other ST books. There's a nice variety of threats and ideas here. There are some legendary creatures, fey, revenants, and cults. There's also a small bestiary of camp creatures. If you need more, you should check out the Ultimate Edition of the DP&D Cryptid Manual.

Camp Red Ivy (aka Camp Blood) is given some detail. It's layout, information about the surrounding area, and staff are all presented. While you can (and should) add more to the staff and community, there are several npcs with related stats. Additionally campers and counselors at Camp Blood can earn badges, which grant one-time benefits for certain achievements. This is a great and thematic way to reward players. The book ends with several random chart to help GM's flesh out their camp and some recommended viewing. 

Final Thoughts

Camp Blood is a great thematic SURVIVE THIS!! game.  The femme Jason homage by Peter Frain is phenomenal. It goes great with the Bloody Appalachia  and Bloody University (currently on Kickstarter) covers. There are a few really brutal art pieces by Christopher Torres and Phil Stone that fit with the grindhouse vibe of the bloody horror line. However, I feel Camp Blood is more of a stand alone Dark Places & Demogorgons setting book. Don't get me wrong, the game is bloody and dangerous, but with a youth centric focus, it just gives me different vibes. I love the book, it's just a bit more tame than I expected (and there's nothing wrong with that). If DP&D is a kids and younger teen game and Bloody Appalachia is for adults then this one falls somewhere in between. You can play it as safe or dark as you'd like. Whether you want Ernest Goes To Camp or The Burning, you can do it with this book. 

Order your physical copy from the Bloat Games store or grab the pdf on DriveThruRPG

Coming Attractions: Bloody University

The next installment of Bloat Games Bloody Horror Universe, Bloody University launches on Kickstarter in a few days. Go here and click "Notify me on launch" to stay in the loop. Eric and crew always do a phenomenal job and this grindhouse inspired collegiate slasher game will be no different.

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

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

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

October Horror Challenge - Terrifier 2 (2022)

I already talked about the original Terrifier earlier in the month, so I figured Terrifier 2 would be the perfect "All Hallows Eve" movie. 

Plot

The Miles County Killer returns and his connection to Sienna Shaw and her brother Jonathan will tear their family and community apart... literally.

Review

It's the end of the month and I'm getting lazy. If you want to read an extended review of the film, check out this one I did last year. I rewatched the flick earlier this evening. While I didn't have the initial shock I did with the first viewing, I still had several wtf reactions during it. If you can stomach the chaos, its a gory and disgusting good time. 

The poster for Terrifier 3 has been linked and it's not going to be a Halloween flick... it's going to be a Christmas one!

In Your Game 

These stats are repeated from the ones I posted earlier in the month (though I did add the Evil Reborn trait).

Art the Clown (Outsider)
Armor Class: 12
Hit Dice: 36 (6 HD)
Move: 12
Actions: 2
Attack: By Weapon
Special: Fearless, Master of Pain, Regeneration (2 HP a round), Total Sadist, Toughness +2, Evil Reborn (will always come back)

Bonuses: +4 to Attack rolls, +2 to damage, +5 to Stealth

Alignment: Evil

Morale: 8

Madness: N/A
Terror: 15

HDE: 4

Master of Pain: Art can choose to make a devastatingly painful attack. If the attack hits it only deals 1 hit point of damage. However, the victim suffers Disadvantage on all skill checks and physical attacks for 1d4 rounds.

Total Sadist: Once Art begins to brutalize a target, he has a problem stopping until they are utterly tormented and dying. He must 

October Horror Challenge - The Burning (1981)

I've seen quite a few "Summer Camp" slashers, but until tonight I'd never watched 1981's The Burning. If you want to play your own summer camp horror game, you still have a bit of time to back Bloat Games Camp Blood Kickstarter.

Plot

Several campers play a prank of caretaker, Cropsy, and it goes horribly wrong. He is left badly burned and disfigured. A few years later he heads to another camp to get his revenge.

Review

I'd heard of this one, but never took the time to watch it. The movie came out the same years as Friday the 13th Part 2 and received negative comparisons. I can see why some folks would feel that way, but I feel it still has merit on its own. It doesn't hold back from the gore or the aftermath of said killings. I kind of dig the screen fading to red after the deaths. The villainous Cropsy is based on the Cropsey urban legend. While you don't see him often in the film, he looks thoroughly creepy. The acting and characterization is fine. It's not great, but its your standard slasher stuff. It was kind of odd to see Jason Alexander and Fisher Stevens play older campers. I kept seeing George Costanza and The Plague (yes that's a Hackers reference). 

This one is definitely worth checking out if you are in a throwback slasher mood.

In Your Game 

Cropsy (Humanoid)
Armor Class: 13
Hit Dice: 24 (4 HD)
Move: 12
Actions: 2
Attack: Garden Shears (d6)
Special: Fearless, Toughness +2

Bonuses: +3 to melee attacks, +2 to melee damage, +5 to Athletics: Basic, +5 to Stealth, +5 to Intimidation

Alignment: Evil

Morale: 10

Madness: 7 (12)
Terror: 12

HDE: 2

Gear: Garden Shears 

First Time View: 6

Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 26

 

October Horror Movie Challenge - Terrifier (2018)

"Clowns" are something that a lot of people don't like. I get that. I used to be unnerved by them. There's something about a person that always smiles that is unnatural. As I've gotten older my views have definitely changed. I've been corrupted by one too many sexy Pennywise cosplayers... and don't get me started on the live action One Piece version of Buggy the Clown. This entry is not about sexy clowns though. It's about one of the creepiest clowns in cinema, Art the Clown.

Plot

A sadistic clown stalks victims through a rundown apartment building on Halloween night.

Review

I heard something this past weekend that made me love this franchise even more. While working the Bloat Games booth at the Goatman Festival I complimented a gent on his Art tattoo. He told me that when he met Terrifier writer and director, Damien Leone, that he was told Art the Clown is essentially a horror version of Mr. Bean. I'd never thought about it, but it makes so much sense...

I've talked about this one several times. It's a violent, nasty throwback horror slasher. Art is utterly disturbing (even more so when you think about the fact he's supposed to be a diabolical version of Mr. Bean). This movie is mean and no one gets out unscathed. The weird thing is, compared to the events of Terrifier 2, this one is actually very tame. 

In Your Game: 

After watching both Terrifier movies I'm still not sure if art is a demon, spirit, or something else. For the purpose of these stats we're going the demon route.

Art the Clown (Outsider)
Armor Class: 12
Hit Dice: 36 (6 HD)
Move: 12
Actions: 2
Attack: By Weapon
Special: Fearless, Master of Pain, Regeneration (2 HP a round), Total Sadist, Toughness +2

Bonuses: +4 to Attack rolls, +2 to damage, +5 to Stealth

Alignment: Evil

Morale: 8

Madness: N/A
Terror: 15

HDE: 4

Master of Pain: Art can choose to make a devastatingly painful attack. If the attack hits it only deals 1 hit point of damage. However, the victim suffers Disadvantage on all skill checks and physical attacks for 1d4 rounds.

Total Sadist: Once Art begins to brutalize a target, he has a problem stopping until they are utterly tormented and dying. He must 

______________

First Time View: 3

Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 23

 

October Horror Challenge - The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Though it's only super loosely "Inspired by True Events" I went with the OG The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Plot

Sally, her paraplegic brother, and friends head to their family's original home when they learn their grandfather's grave may have been vandalized. After a detour they encounter a brutal family and their horrifying home.

Review

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is still as good today as it was when it was released nearly almost 50 years ago. It's a brutal movie. In particular watching Kirk get hit in the head and then convulse on the ground still makes me cringe. All of that being said, the movie isn't the gorefest that folks often describe it as. That's really one of  the things that makes the movie so great. The worst of it actually takes place in your head. 

Marilyn Burns does a great job as Sally. She truly portrays a protagonist scared witless by the unthinkable situation she's in. I'm sure the unrelenting Texas heat helped her with the hopelessness and madness she portrays. 

While the film's sequels, reboots, and prequels might not all hit the mark, TCM has left a last mark on the horror genre. Leatherface is truly an icon that will not be forgotten.

In Your Game

The Family Prodigy class from the Bloody Appalachia supplement Beware the Locals was created with Leatherface in mind. For that reason I'm going to use it to stat him out as a 1st level player character. This isn't going to use any lore from the other films, just the original. 

Leatherface

Class/Level: Family Prodigy 1

Alignment: Evil

STR: 19 ( +3)
INT: 8 (-1)
WIS: 8 (-1)
DEX: 12 (+0)
CON: 18 (+3)
CHA: 6 (-1)
SUR: 14

Courage: 12

Critical: 9
Death: 11

Magic: 10
Mental: 7

Poison: 12

AC: 12/14 (when wielding chainsaw)

HP: 18

Toughness: +3

Initiative: +0

Move: 12

Actions: 1

Attack Bonus

+4 to hit melee

+5 to hit chainsaw

+5 to hit punches or kicks

+3 to hit range

Can use any melee weapon with no penalty

Damage

Hammer 1d4

Small Chainsaw 2d4

+1 to damage

+1 to Chainsaw damage

Chainsaw d_+3

Hammer d_+3

Skills/Bonuses: 

Art & Music 1 (-1)

Athletics: Basic 1 (+3)

Combat Training

Cooking 1 (+0)

Fighting: Brawling

Intimidation 1 (+4)

Knowledge: Family 1 (+0)

Knowledge: Local 1 (-1)

Stealth 1 (+0)

Wilderness Survival 1 (-1)

Traits:

Family Tradition (Fearless, it takes 2 extra Madness for him to lose his mind, -2 to all social Skill checks involving non-family)

Powerhouse 

+1 against Intimidation attempts

Obsessions: Dead bodies

Fear: Being alone

Gear: small chainsaw, clothes, heavy apron, large chainsaw, hammer, collection of bones and masks

______________

First Time View: 3

Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 17

 

Camp Blood!

Camp Blood is the latest Kickstarter from my fam at Bloat Games. It's a grindhouse style tabletop that uses the SURVIVE THIS!! rules to emulate slashers like Friday the 13th, Sleepaway Camp, Fear Street II: 1978 and others. Characters will play campers and/or counselors trying to survive a deadly camp. 

It is a stand alone game, but also a part o of the "Bloody Horror Universe" of games. That means its totally compatible and goes great with Bloody Appalachia. Like that game it will have companion book. Whereas Bloody Appalachia's Beware the Locals let you play members of the community, These Campers Are Different will let you play campers with abilities beyond the normal (as well as supplement the game as a whole).

I'm really excited about this one. Bloody Appalachia is an amazing book and this one is going to be just as good. I have no doubt. Peter Frain has done an amazing job on the cover and the interior will feature more brutality from Christopher Torres.

October Horror Challenge - The Wicker Man (1973)

While "Slow Burn" isn't my typical preference for horror, but there are times I can dig it. 1973's The Wicker Man is one of, if not one of, the best folk horror films of all time. 

Plot

Conservative Christian Sergeant Howie visits the small Scottish islands of Summerisle to investigate a missing child report. His personal beliefs are tested as he witnesses the sexual pagan rituals performed by the residents.

Review

This one really is a classic. The script is brilliant and the locations and cinematography are wonderful. Edward Woodward is excellent as the as Sergeant Howie. His interactions with the pagan village, led by Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisle, are fascinating. The whole piece it atmospheric and an interesting mix of cult thriller and folk musical. It really is an offbeat movie, but it's a damn entertaining one. 

This film has one of my favorite endings of all time. I don't want to spoil it, but it sticks with you, for sure.

In Your Game

Many SURVIVE THIS!! games have Human Cultist stats. The Cult Maiden is a specialized version of of those and serve their cults as honeypots. 

Cult Maiden, Human (Humanoid)

Armor Class: 12

Hit Dice: 1 HD
Move: 12
Actions: 1
Attack: Punch (1-2) or by weapon

Special:  Disadvantage on Mental saves against own cult and Advantage on all other mental saves, Advantage on all rolls related to seduction and manipulation

Bonuses: +1 to attacks, +2 to Initiative, +4 to Dancing, +4 to Persuasion, Spot and Listen +2

Alignment: Any

Morale: 7

Madness: 2 (7)

Terror: -
HDE: 1/2 point

Items: provocative clothing, flower crown 

______________

First Time View: 2

Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 11

 

October Horror Challenge - Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Today 's list prompt is "What A Twist." Instead of going with a movie known for it's twist, I decided to take a movie that twists standard tropes. Killer hillbillies are a pretty standard trope. I mean they are common enough that Bloat Games made a SURVIVE THIS!! game about them. Tucker and Dale are not the hillbillies though.

Plot

Tucker and Dale are two best friends that just really want to clean up their new vacation home. Unfortunately, due to a series of misunderstandings (exacerbated by preconceived anti-hillbilly notions), they find themselves besieged by preppy college kids that keep accidentally killing themselves.  

Review

This review will be short and I have nothing but praise for this movie. Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk are adorable and perfect as the two well-meaning hillbillies. The budding romance between Labine's Dale and Katrina Bowden's Allison is really sweet. The accidental deaths are all fun and creative. If you haven't watched this one, do yourself a favor and watch it ASAP. If you have seen this one, do yourself a favor and watch it asap. 

In Your Game

I initially thought about statting out Tucker and Dale as PC's. However I decided to stat the antagonist Chad (or Frat Bitch as Tucker calls him). Chad is a manipulative preppy kid with a hatred of hillbillies. Before he was born his mother was the solo survivor of a group of partiers massacred by killer hillbillies. Chad eventually learns that he is a produce of that attack and is half-hillbilly, something he can't live with. He thinks he is a hero. If you have a group of characters playing locals in Bludworth Hollow, Chad is a great antagonist.

Chad (Humanoid)

Armor Class: 13

Hit Dice: 36 HP (4 HD)
Move: 12
Actions: 2
Attack: Knife (d4-1)

Special:  allergic to Chamomile, outsmart (1/day), Toughness +3

Bonuses: +2 to Melee attacks, +3 damage to hillbillies, +2 to Initiative, +4 to Stealth

Alignment: Evil 

Morale: 10

Madness: 8 (12)

Terror: 8
HDE: 2

Items: Knife

______________

First Time View: 2

Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 7

 

Inked In Blood Review

The only thing America loves more than violence is being angry about violence, every night at 8:00 PM on the dot.

This is a follow up to Thursday's post about Ice Nine Kills. Inked In Blood is a graphic novel that bridges the story between The Silver Scream and Welcome To Horrorwood: The Silver Scream 2.

INK's lead vocalist, Spencer Charnas, created the concept and the story was written by Steven Foxe. The art was created by Andres Esparza and Phillip Sevy. 

The stories protagonist is Heather, an Ice Nine Kills superfan. She's got tickets to see them and is ecstatic. Unfortunately Heather's mother forbids her from going. The reason? INK's lead singer, Spencer, has been charged with the murder of his fiancé and she is leading the investigation. 

Heather, who's bullied for her obsession with the band, decided to unite with other INK fans in support of Spencer. Their efforts prove to be deadly as they find themselves trapped in Heather's high school as a killer stalks them.  There are suspects and fakeouts. 

The story is broken down into easily digestible chapters. The story is full of horror tropes that any INK or horror fan will enjoy. The story plays out like a classic slasher mystery. Violent media and its effect of people is definitely a big topic in the story. There are even references to Tipper Gore and the PMRC. This one is a fun read for any fan of the genre, but will definitely be enjoyed by Ice Nine Kills fans.    

You can order your copy here. You can also preorder the sequel.

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

I wanted to post some game related goodness, so I've going to stat out the story's protagonist Heather. Looking through What Shadows Hide, We Die Young, and Bloody Appalachia, the Final Girl class from Bloody Appalachia seemed most appropriate. Given the events of the story, I'd say she's earned a level. 

Heather Thompson

Class/Level: Final Girl 2

Alignment: Good

STR: 10 (+0)
INT: 13 (+1)
WIS: 12 (+1)
DEX: 16 (+2)
CON: 15 (+1)
CHA: 14 (+1)
SUR: 17

Courage: 14

Critical: 14
Death: 12

Magic: 8
Mental: 13
Poison: 6

AC: 13

HP: 19

Toughness: +2

Initiative: +3

Move: 12

Attack Bonus

+0 to hit melee

+2 to hit range

+1 to hit with punches and kicks

Damage

Unarmed 1

Ice Pick 1d4-1

Skills:

Athletics: Basic 1 (+0)

Art & Music 1 (+1)

Dancing 1 (+2)

Fighting: Brawling 

First Aid 1 (+1)

Investigation 2 (+2)

Knowledge: General 1 (+1)

Knowledge: Law 1 (+1)

Persuasion 1 (+1)

Stealth 2 (+3)

Traits:

Advantage on first SUR reroll each day

Advantage on Madness checks

Used improvised weapons with no penalty

+1 against Intimidate checks

+2 to Spot and Listen

Gear: Ice Nine Kills clothing, Spencer Charnas mask, ice pick, library card

Beware Of The Locals Review

Intro and Overview

Beware of the Locals is the first supplement to Bloody Appalachia. While the core book focuses on playing outsiders entering Bludworth Hollow, this book includes new classes and rules to let you play locals.

Character Creation

The book starts with a local specific occupation table. We're then presented with several new classes:

• Backwoods Chemist - While the Pusher from the core book might sell illicit substances, you know how to make 'em
• Backyard Wrestler- you're one Jim Cornette would refer to as an outlaw garbage wrestler, as the first official wrestling class for ST this, I'm super happy with this one! 
• Family Prodigy - the class name, taken out of context is misleading, this one is designed to play a champion of the Lee and Hooper families. This class emulates the Sawyer family from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise.
• Good Ol' Boy/Girl - this is just a rough and tumble country native
• Miner - Miners have along history in Appalachia, it's hard dangerous work, the class also has an option for spelunkers
• Moonshine Runner - you know how to drive and deliver your goods without get caught by the law
• Mountain Folk - this is a solid class for kin that live in the back hollers
• Mountain Preacher - this one is a fun one and very fitting. That old-time religion is an important part of Appalachian society (for good or ill). There are four variants and I've met them all (except the snake wrangler)
• Poacher - these folks hunt when they want and where they want, laws be damned
• Survivalist (Mountain Tracker Variant) - A doomsday prepper that's at home in the hills

Because of the lethal nature of the game, it's recommended to have back up characters ready. The skills section looks pretty similar to other ST games. The same can be said for the equipment. There is a small section on improvised explosives and quick and dirty drug creation. There's a full page of drugs, costs, and effects.

Rules For Play

Beware of the Locals adds vehicle and vehicle combat rules. There's a chart with vehicles, their costs and stats. We're also presented with ways to upgrade them (and what that costs). New car chase/race rules and specific actions for drivers are detailed (with a multiround example). Of course, the roads aren't always going to be clear so obstacle and crash rules are also included.  

Game Master Section

There are three new scenario for Bloody Appalachia. They can be played by locals or outsiders. There is an appendix of Appalachian terms. Going to be honest, I've lived in Appalachia 35 of my 39 years on Earth and haven't heard a lot of these terms. Not doubting there veracity, there just older terms. There are several useful tables like weapons you would fin in a barn, basic items you would find in a barn, what's in the cooler, as well as several other.

Final Thoughts

While this supplement is short (only 40 pages), it's definitely useful. Honestly, even if you don't plan on playing Bloody Appalachia, I think this is a good rural sourcebook for something like What Shadows Hide.  Plus it provides some vehicle rules not found in that game. Speaking of those rules, I might revisit this flick now that I have an Appalachian horror game with vehicle rules.

The art is fantastic. Peter Frain did a great job on this cover too and Christopher Torres art is metal af.

Preorder Link

Bloody Appalachia Review

 

Intro and Overview

I want to start with a full disclaimer and admission. When Eric and Josh decided to do this one they brought me on as an additional writer. I love horror and love Appalachia. I am credited with additional writing in the book, but to be honest, I just helped out with ideas and inspiration. I definitely supported this one, but I don't feel I deserve writing credits. 

If you've played  any SURVIVE THIS!! game, Bloody Appalachia is a game you know how to play. You have familiar attributes, class, and roll a d20 and add your modifiers.  Everything is compatible with other ST content which allows for maximum awesomeness. 

Character Creation

Unlike What Shadows Hide and We Die Young, players in Bloody Appalachia are human. There are no races presented, though we do get an outsiders occupation table. All of the classes presented are mundane (no magic or psionics) and are designed to represent outsiders that would come to the region. They are:

• College Student- this is the classic horror victim and fits perfectly; there are 5 subtypes to choose from
• Emergency Medical Technician - the field medics are invaluable when you trying to stay alive
• Film Maker - what better place to film your indie masterpiece than the deep dark woods?... Eric mentioned he was inspired by watching the movie X, which explains this one.
• Final Girl - this might be the most iconic horror character archetype, it's fitting in pretty much any modern-ish ST horror game
• Folklorist - some folks head to the hills to learn more about rich history of Appalachia and its culture while others are more interested in cryptids and legends
• G-Men - a rookie government agent sent to the holler to investigate, they folks are definitely distrusted by the locals
• Paranormal Investigator - like the Final Girl, this one fits into most modern-ish horror ST games
• Police Officer - a local cop investigating something in Bludworth Hollow, they have several different subtypes (including CPS)
• Private Investigator - an independent investigator 
• Pusher - the pusher sells illicit substances, whether they be weed, meth, or moonshine
• Songcatcher - these skilled musicians seek to learn the music of the people to preserve it.
• Weekend Warrior - office workers and such during the week, these folks dream about their weekends in nature

Because of the lethal nature of the game, it's recommended to have back up characters ready. The skills section looks pretty similar to other ST games. The same can be said for the equipment. There is a small section on improvised explosives and quick and dirty drug creation. There's a full page of drugs, costs, and effects.

Rules For Play

This section includes standard ST rules. This is the general how to play section. There is a Madness and phobia section. 

Game Master Section

The setting of Bloody Appalachia is the focus of the latter half of the book. It isn't era specific. It works perfectly if you want a game set in the 60's to day. Just change some equipment and tech and you're good. A conceit of the setting is that characters never leave. Even if they survive a horrid event... the just stumble into another. The setting is Bludworth Hollow. Just off a highway, the area is controlled by two cannibalistic families, the Lee's and the Hooper's. We're presented with several pages that highlight various locations in the area and a brief discussion of nearby Aviation Hill. There's an extremely useful "Basic Hooks That Could Bring You To Bludworth Hollow" table.

This is followed by Advanced Bloody Appalachia Hooks. These are similar to the Adventure Seeds present in most ST games. If Bloody Appalachia was a franchise, these advanced hooks would be the individual films. There's a wide variety here. We've got crazy religious leaders, cursed undead, aliens, slashers, and more. There are several plot hooks/points for each and related stats. If that wasn't enough, there's also 20+ pages of additional beasts, humans, templates, and monsters. 

The book ends with some useful charts and GM References. 

Final Thoughts

Bloody Appalachia is a game for adults. Its a game that contains extreme violence, cannibalism, gore, and other strong subjects. It also deals with drugs and other substances. It's a game for folks that love rural horror movies. This game plays into tropes of the horror genre and such. There's a lot here that plays to the negative stereotypes of the region. I can see that upsetting some folks sensibilities. However, I can attest that you can be a proud Appalachian and still enjoy some mindless hillbilly slashers.  

This book is pretty brutal. Peter Frain did an fantastic job on the cover. The interior art is done by Christopher Torres and a lot of it reminds me of stuff you'd find in the Black Dog Game Factory imprint of White Wolf back in the day. There's a lot of horrific gore and tits. This isn't a complaint, because it fits the theme of the book well. 

The game pairs well with What Shadows Hide and if you don't run it as a stand alone game, is a nice subsetting for that one.  While they don't mix well thematically, there's definitely some crossover potential with We Die Young. If you want to expand the character creation possibilities, I'd say the following classes from the latter could work in Bloody Appalachia:

• Papal Pursuant - while they have some supernatural connected power with their anti-undead abilities, but the Vatican could definitely send someone to investigate a demonic phenomena in the holler. 
• Riot Grrl - while there's no direct hook for a Riot Grrl, they'd be an appropriate addition to a group and would probably challenge local opinions on what's appropriate behavior for a lady
• Rock Star - a rock star's bus could get lost and end up in Bludworth Hollow, they could also be connected to a Songcatcher
• Serial Killer - the class fits right in, you can actually set up a nice hunter hunted scenario if you allow a serial killer
• Street Bard - like the Riot Grrl, a street bard could be traveling with friends, they could also be connected to a Songcatcher or Rock Star
• Street Fighter - a street fighter could head to Bludworth Hollow looking for a challenge among the local backwoods wrestlers.

Preorder Link

Bloody Appalachia Kickstarter

I'm excited to talk about a new Bloat Games project I'm working on called Bloody Appalachia. The game is a mature grindhouse rpg using BG's fantastic SURVIVE THIS!! rules set. It will be standalone game, but can combined with any other ST!! products.

"In the hollers of Appalachia Kentucky, the hills run red with blood. Folks around these parts don't take kindly to outsiders. Before you venture off the safety of the highway to stop for gas and a bite to eat, or rent a rural cabin in the woods, know and heed this warning:  You are not welcome here!"

The game seeks to emulate scenarios scene in flicks like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Devil's Rejects, X, Pearl, and My Bloody Valentine. It's deadly and nasty. The game will include sensitive material, just like the low budget slashers that inspired it. Gore, violence, assault, mutilation, horror, nudity, cannibalism, and other genre specific themes ill be found in the game. It's not for the faint of heart, but not every game is for everyone.

Characters take on the role of outsiders trying to survive a backwoods-nightmare. The game will be great for one-shots and short campaigns. It's being written by the Bloat All-Stars (Josh Palmer and Eric Bloat)... along with myself. 

In the Kickstarter you can grab a copy from the initial print run or get an at-cost POD LULU code if you're outside the US. There will also be a supplement entitled Beware the Locals. Finally there's a dope logo t-shirt you can snag during the Kickstarter. 

I'm extremely excited about this one. While I love tasteful and respectful representations of my Appalachian heritage, I'm also down for a nasty exploitative grindhouse version of things. The game is set in the same state as J'Town (the primary setting of Dark Places & Demogorgons) and you can definitely pull the horrors from this game and add to that one if you want a more mature DP&D game. Personally I think there can be some amazing crossover work if you you use this one to come up with some rural adventures for a What Shadows Hide game. Mixing this one with Vigilante City could also be a lot of fun, particularly if you have a group of non-powered characters. 

If you're not squeamish and you like the source material, this is the game for you. Check out the Kickstarter and consider backing. You won't be disappointed.