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.
Day 24's prompt is "Slasher" so I decided to talk about a flick that I don't see talked about. Lelsie Vernon is a fantastic slasher and I'm sad we never got a sequel.
Plot
A young journalist and her crew follow around a would be serial killer who wants to become the next big slasher.
Review
The world of Behind the Mask is one in which slashers are real. Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, and Chucky are all mentioned. The film also breaks down all the tropes of slasher flicks. This is primarily done via Lelsie himself, played by Nathan Baesel. It's really fascinating honestly. Angela Goethals plays Taylor, the film maker and really does a great job of framing the film.
This one has some nice horror cameos. Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th series), Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street series), and Zelda Rubinstein (Poltergeist) all have small roles. Alos a pre-Walking Dead Scott Wilson plays Leslie's mentor, the retired slasher Eugene (who is implied to be Billy from Black Friday).
The choice of credits song is inspired.
I don't want to go into it too much, but there is a fantastic shift at one point in the film and I think its brilliant. If you're a fan of the genre and haven't seen this movie, you really need to change that asap.
Your Game
I've decided to stat out Leslie Vernon as a pc, because why not? I'm using the serial killer class from We Die Young(even though the films more modern setting would work better for What Shadows Hide). Since he survives the film, I assumed he gained a couple of levels.
"Howl At The Moon" was today's prompt. Instead of watching a movie that was just a werewolf movie, I thought I'd watch one of my favorite Halloween movies, which has a werewolf story. Plus I need to have at least one Ohio movie in the mix.
Plot
Sinister things are out on Halloween in a small Ohio town. If you wish to survive, you'd do best to keep the ancient traditions.
Review
If you haven't watched this anthology, do so asap. It's a series of interwoven stories told in a non-linear fashion. There are some great faux comic covers and panels which is a nice nod to movies like Creepshow. I love how the stories connect and if you watch closely you'll see the characters cross paths. I also appreciate that no one is off limits. this one isn't afraid to kill kids. As I spoke in my Terrifier 3 post, that's normally a deal breaker, but I didn't mind the way it's done here. It didn't feel gratuitous. Plus this movie gave us Sam. He's my favorite Halloween character and I love that there's tons of Sam merch, even if there is only one movie featuring him. Now that I've got my overall thoughts out, I'll break this down by story.
Opening
Couple, Henry and Emma, return home from a night of drunken fun. Emma blows out a jack-o-lantern and this is where we're presented with our first rule of Halloween. I have to say of all the characters killed in this one (obviously outside of the bus children) I feel like Emma got the worst out of it. Other than not liking Halloween, she really didn't do anything deserving up the punishment she got. Yes she broke a rule, but what she got in return was excessive.
Principal
Principal Steven Wilkins (played by Dylan Baker) poisons a student from his school. While disposing of the body he's interrupted by his curmudgeon neighbor and son. Baker is fun in this one, as well as being quite sinister at times. I think of the stories, this was the most suspenseful for me (at least the last scene).
Halloween School Bus Massacre
A group of teens get a neurodivergent savant to do a ritual at the site of the local urban legend, the "Halloween School Bus Massacre." However, this is all a trick. This one is creepy because we see the massacre. I love Rhonda, the neurodivergent girl. Honestly, next to Sam, she's my favorite in the movie. Overall this is my favorite segment. The set up and setting is memorable and eerie.
Surprise Party
More spoilers in talking about the segment, but this is our werewolf story. This one stars Anna Paquin as a virginal young woman celebrating with her sister and her friends. On the way to the celebration she's stalked by a vampire. There are tons of werewolf references in this one and once you know what's happening, they're charming. Also, the vampire is a previously introduced character and its cool to see him go from predator to prey.
Sam
Principal Wilkins grumpy neighbor, Mr. Kreeg (played by Brian Cox). He's visited and terrorized by Sam. This is the most action packed segment which ends with a revelation about who Kreeg is that ties the stories up nicely. While we don't get any concrete details about who or what he is, we see that Sam seems to be immortal. Cox is fantastic in this one and is the kind of jerk you love to hate and see get his.
Conclusion
The closing segment gives us one more glimpse of the surviving characters and wraps the film back around to the beginning. The film ends perfectly with the line "trick or treat."
Your Game
Here are some spells and stats I've previously post on here.
Another Bloat Games SURVIVE THIS!! rpg is getting the OSE treatment. We Die Young is on Kickstarter now. I love the original version of the game. You can check out my review here. The current campaign is for an Old-School Essentials update and an Ultimate SURVIVE THIS!! update. Pledge today to get some great early bird prices. This pairs great with Dark Places & Demogorgons and even if you aren't interested in the more modern setting, will provide some great additional content to your standard OSE game.
Instead of doing "Remake is Better than the Original," which would have been Fright Night. Instead I went with the alternate "Video Game Movie" because I really wanted to watch FNAF.
Plot
A man haunted by his brother's kidnapping and struggling to take care of his younger sister, must take a job as a nightwatchmen at a rundown family entertainment center.
Review
This movie has been shredded by most critics, but had an amazing box office opening and is great a lot of praise from fans of the series. The game's creator, Scott Cawthon wrote the story, screenplay, and served as a producer with Jason Blum. I have to say, that I'm a fan of Five Nights At Freddy's. I'm not an obsessive one, but I do enjoy the franchise and appreciate the deep lore it has. I thought the film was engaging and had great atmosphere. While I would have been fine with more gore, I understand the emphasis on implied horror rather than visual horror to cater to the younger fanbase. I do think a few extra jump scares would have been nice though, considering that's what the game is known for.
The animatronics looked great. They really do like like they walked right out of the game. I'm a fan of Josh Hutcherson and I think he plays a great, regular guy trying to do his best. Piper Rubio was fantastic as his little sister, Abby. Matthew Lillard was phenomenal too. There are some Youtube personality cameos that are a nice touch too. The story deviated enough from the established story to be its own thing, but still included all the important beats and hallmarks of FNAF. I know there isn't a lot of competition, but I'd say this is one of the best video game flicks of all time.
Finally this one is for any FNAF fan reading this. I believe the voice spelling out "Come Find Me" at the very end of the credits is Puppet (who I bet is Garrett in this continuity).
In Your Game
For the spirits of the murdered children, use the stats for Ghost, Spirit of Pain, when they aren't possessing the animatronics (though they are neutral, not evil).
Animatronic, Possessed Fazbear (Construct)
Armor Class: 10
Hit Dice: 4+3 Move: 12 Actions: 1 Attack: Bite (d6) Special: Immune to mind-affecting effects, Madness, Poisons, Being Sickened, Diseases, and Critical Hits, Toughness +2, electricity stuns for d4 rounds
Bonuses: +2 to hit, +4 to Melee damage, +4 to Dancing, +5 to Art & Music
Because the movie I'm watching tomorrow is so heavy, I wanted something life to "Sci-Fi Horror" so I went with Killer Klowns From Outer Space.
Plot
Mike, a teen, and his friends witness a shooting star crash outside of their small town. They investigate and find that it's actually a space ship inhabited by horrifying alien Klowns. They do their best to warn the authorities and save their town.
Review
Confession time... this movie is one of the reasons I was afraid of horror movies until I was in my early 20's. I saw the dinosaur shadow puppet scene on HBO as a kid and it scarred me. However, today I think this movie is a well-crafted loving send up of retro-sci-fi horror covered in Klown makeup. The movie is genuinely creepy, despite also being goofy as Hell. The costume and set designs are fantastic. There are thrills, chills, and laughs to be had if you check this one out.
The Klowns are still around. Spirit Halloween creates merchandise based on the property(product page). There is a new asymmetrical horror game coming out (watch here), a short film (watch here) was released a few years ago, and the creators would love to do a series (read more here).
In Your Game
I've posted several stat blocks based ok the Killer Klowns. I've decided to update them and reshare below.
Killer Klown From Outer Space (Alien Outsider)
Armor Class: 12 Hit Dice: 3 Move: 12 Actions: 1 Attack: Popcorn Gun (d4, 50' range) or Capture Device (Target makes Critical save or is bound) Special: Weak Spot: Nose (ignore all other damage)
Bonuses: +2 to Hit
Alignment: Anarchist
Morale: 10
Madness: NA Terror: 12 (once true nature is revealed)
HDE: 2
Any popcorn from a popcorn gun not destroyed will turn into a PopKorn Klown
They were definitely not referred to as Klussy in the movie, that's a moniker I gave them.
Female Killer Klown From Outer Space aka Klussy (Alien Outsider)
Armor Class: 12 Hit Dice: 3 Move: 12 Actions: 1 Attack: Unarmed (1-2) Special: Can inflate bosoms, attackers must make a DC 10 Wisdom check to be able to attack, Weak Spot: Nose (ignore all other damage)
Bonuses: +5 to seduction rolls
Alignment: Anarchist
Morale: 8
Madness: NA Terror: -
HDE: 1
Jojo the Clownzilla (Alien Outsider)
Armor Class: 10
Hit Dice: 10 Move: 16 Actions: 2 Attack: Slam (2d6) Special: Great Strength (capable of breaking walls, flipping cars, and other unbelievable feats ofstrength),Weak Spot: Nose (ignore all other damage)
It really was a toss-up for my "Favorite Horror Director." There are so many horror directors I love. Wes Craven and Stuart Gordon was in the running for favorite, but ultimately it came down to Guillermo del Toro and John Carpenter. As you can tell from the blog's title, Carpenter ultimately won out.
Plot
Jack Crow is an orphan that was raised by the Catholic church to hunt vampires. When his team is ambushed and killed by a master vampire, he and his partner team up with a young priest and sex worker that's slowly turning to a vampire to take out the master and get his revenge.
Review
Just going to start this one out by saying I love this flick, despite thinking James Woods is an absolute tool. I 100% cannot stand the dude. All that aside, this is one of my top 5 favorite vampire flicks. Jack Crow, played by Woods, is a pretty badass vampire hunter. I like the supporting cast. Tim Guinee is great as Father Adam. Daniel Baldwin is good as Jack's right hand man Montoya. Thomas Ian Griffith's Valek is classic master vampire and has a great screen presence.
This one has some great dark humor. There's also some fantastic gore. The scene where Crow's team gets slaughtered is fantastic. Like Carpenter's best flicks, he does the music. It's got a very western sound, and ultimately the flick is kind of a western, disguised as a vampire flick.
In Your Game
I decided to stat out the movie (and its sequel's) McGuffin for What Shadows Hide and We Die Young. I've included the lore from the movie, but added a bit to it to make it fit into those games (because Valek would definitely not be the first vampire in the setting).
This ancient relic was forged in a small French town of the same name. It was used in the brutal reverse exorcism of heretical priest Jan Valek. The process turned him into a vampire, rumored by the Church to be the first, though records show this is definitely not true.
If a priest performs a reverse exorcism, a vampire can be granted the ability to walk in the sun. This ritual involves the blood of a crusader being fed to the exorcised participant. The priest must complete the exorcism by the first light of dawn to completes the ritual.
I cam up with "Best Soundtrack" with this movie in mind. I'll readily admit that I'm a nu-metal loving Elder Millennial and I still rock out to this soundtrack on a regular basis.
Plot
The vampire Lestat awakens in the modern era and reinvents himself as a rockstar. This draws the attention of the vampire world making many angry at his revelation of their secrets. It also draws the attention of the evil vampire queen, Akasha, who seeks to make him her new king.
Review
I remember this being a controversial one in the horror circles I ran with back in the day. A lot of folks didn't like the changes made from Anne Rice's original novel. I never read it so I had no dog in that fight. Other folks didn't like that Stuart Townsend was Lestat and not Tom Cruise. I like the nu-metal take on Lestat and couldn't see Tom Cruise playing the role. Stuart Townsend is a sexy man and I thought he did a good job as Lestat. I'd kill to hear him call me a clever librarian. This version was also relatable, unlike the Interview With A Vampire version. Because of the plot, music is an important part of the story. Lestat's vocals are performed by Jonathan Davis of Korn (who plays a ticket scalper in the movie). I loved Korn back in the day (though it's hard to listen to them now because JD has some crazy Qanon level conspiracies). However, because of a contractual obligation he couldn't perform the soundtrack. This actually made the soundtrack even better because the Vampire Lestat's songs were performed by other frontmen of the time including David Draiman (Disturbed), Jay Gordon (Orgy), Marilyn Manson, Wayne Static (Static X), and Chester Benington (Linkin Park).
The true standout of the film is Aaliyah as Akasha. She is seductive and powerful. She steals every scene she is in and plays the perfect vampire queen.
This is one that no matter the hate it gets, will always have a special place in my heart.
In Your Game
The librarians of the Talamasca would fit right into the world of What Shadows Hide and We Die Young.
The Order of the Talamasca
The secret society known as the Order of the Talasmasca research and keep tabs on the supernatural. There work is similar to supernatural anthropology. They have been known to aid C.A.R.E. and other benevolent supernatural organizations in time of great need, but they traditionally have an observe but don't engage directive. Most members are Academics, though the occasional Arcane Thief, Archeologist, or Medium can be found among the numbers.
I love the Subspecies franchise. I think they are some of the best flicks Full Moon Features have made. The series main vampire, Radu, definitely fits the "Monstrous Bloodsucker" mold. Earlier this year a prequel film, Subspecies V: Blood Rise was released. I haven't seen it yet so I thought this was an opportune time to check it out.
Plot
The son of a vampire lord and a demon witch, Radu was taken as a baby and raised by mystic monks. While on a mission for the church he finds out the true nature of his heritage and discovers he has a half brother.
Review
Not every series needs a prequel, but I honestly wanted to know more of Radu's history so this was a welcome one. It was directed by series creator Ted Nicolaou and Radu is played by the same actor as the other films, Anders Hove. Denice Duff, who played Michelle in previous films, returns as Helena, mother of Radu's half-brother. Kevin Spirtas, who played Mel in the 2nd and 3rd films, plays Radu's father Prince Vladislas. The film shows Radu's fall from grace and how he became the vampire we know and love (or love to hate). The production values for this outing are vastly improved over the previous films, though there are still a few dodgy effects. If you are a fan of the Subspecies films, definitely check this prequel out. It has its predecessors' melodrama and Hove is still wonderful as the villainous Radu.
In Your Game
The Bloodstone
The Bloodstone is a holy relic said to be filled with the blood of the saints. It allows a vampire to feed without drinking from a human. The blood tastes exquisite and causes a vampire to temporarily enter a euphoric state. A vampire drinking from the Bloodstone may choose to gain Advantage on skill check they make that night. They cannot use this feature more than once in a 24 hour time period.
The Bloodstone is also a status symbol and sought out by many powerful vampires.
First Time View: 5
Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 25
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
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First Time View: 2
Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 11
Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight is an amazing horror comedy that is rarely mentioned. Since today's prompt is "Horror Comedy" I'm going to talkin about.
Plot
Brayker is an ex-soldier that guards an ancient artifact. He is pursued by a charming demon known as the collector. This chase leads to a demonic siege at a mission turned hotel.
Review
This movie absolutely over the top! It has all the campiness and scares of the show. Billy Zane absolutely steals the show as the infernal Collector. He absolutely chews the scenery every time he's on screen and the film is all the better for it. William Sadler is great as the heroic but doomed Brayker. Jada Pinkett does a good job as his successor. The rest of the cast all great supporting characters too. Thomas Haden Church's Roach is as sleezy as his name suggests. Dick Miller is great as the alcoholic Uncle Will. Finally C.C.H. Pound is fantastic as the Mission owner, Irene. Honestly she has some of the most badass scenes and lines in the movie.
The film has a great soundtrack that was on the Billboard 200. The effects are cheesy, but there are some great practical effects, like Danny's possessed form. The film is very dark and the glowing green effects are perfect. The humor is cheap and often juvenile, but there's nothing wrong with that.
In Your Game
I just did these stats because I thought it would be fun. If you figure out how to use them, more power to you.
Crypt-Keeper (Undead) Armor Class: 12
Hit Dice: 20 HP (3 HD)
Move: 12
Actions: 1 Attack: Claw (d4) or by weapon
Special: Toughness +3, fearless, can see ghosts, Regeneration, Undead
Bonuses: +3 to Melee attacks
Alignment: Evil
Morale: 5
Madness: N/A
Terror: 8 HDE: 1
Items: robes, director's outfit
Regeneration: The Crypt-Keeper regains 5 HP at the start of each of his turns if . He can reattach lost limbs. He cannot die. Even if taken to negative damage, he will regenerate until he reaches positive hit points at which point he can act again normally.
Undead: Undead are immune to mind-affecting effects, poisons, stuns, being sickened diseases and Critical Hits.
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First Time View: 2
Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 10
Today's prompt was anthology and I had to with my favorite Halloween anthology, 2007's Trick'r'Treat. It's a perfect anthology. While I didn't choose it as my selection I would also recommend 2015's Tales of Halloween, which in my headcannon is a sequel.
Plot
This anthology includes four interwoven stories on Halloween and is set in the fictional town of Warren Valley, Ohio.
Review
This is an amazing horror flick and I'll talk about why in a second. However, I want to say that it's as memorable as it is because of its iconic villain, Sam. Sam appears to be a normal kid with a burlap sack and orange pajamas. However, he is some sort of spirit/demon tied to Halloween traditions, which he enforces violently. His design is simple, but fantastic and I'll admit I'm a Sam fanboy and have lots of Trick'r'Treat merch with him.
While standalone horror anthology stories are fine, I think one of Trick'r'Treat's strengths is how the stories are interwoven and the tale is told in a non-linear fashion. For example, beginning of the movie is also chronologically the end of the movie. However, you see the incitement of that scene at the actual end of the movie from a different perspective. The various characters appear in the background of other stories and it makes it feel like one shared tale. I'll discuss the different segments:
Introduction - A couple come home from a Halloween party and the wife blows out a jack-o'-lantern against her superstitious husband's wishes. She pays for this with her life. This scene is short, but sweet and sets the mood and tone of the film. Don't fuck with Halloween traditions.
Principal - School Principal Wilkins kills an overweight vandal child, Charlie, with poisoned candy, remaking "You should always check your candy." He spends the rest of the segment trying to deal with the body, his cranky neighbor, and his energetic son. There is some great tension in this one and Dylan Baker plays Wilkins and a frustrated killer well.
Halloween School Bus Massacre - Four kids play a prank on an autistic savant named Rhonda, while visiting a site of a local urban legend. A school bus driver was paid by a family to dispose of their developmentally disabled children. In the end, the massacred children return and only Rhonda survives. This is probably my favorite story in the movie. Much like the opening vignette, the moral here (other than don't be an asshole) is to not let your jack-o'-lanterns' go out.
Surprise Party - Laurie, played by Anna Paquin, is a self conscious early 20 something preparing to party with her sister and friends. Dressed as Little Red Riding Hood she is stalked by a vampire. In the end she is revealed to be more than she seems and the vampire is a character from earlier in the film. While not a bad segment at all, I think this might be my least favorite story in the movie. Again, it's not bad by any means, I just enjoyed the others better.
Sam - Kreeg, Principal Wilkin's grumpy neighbor, returns as the star of the segment. He experiences more and more odd Halloween phenomena until he is ambushed by Sam. He struggles with the Halloween creature until Sam eventually leaves. There is a big reveal at the end of this one, which is foreshadowed if you pay close enough attention. This is where we truly learn Sam is more than he seems. The confrontation between Kreeg and same is a good one and Kreeg is played immaculately by Brian Cox.
Conclusion - A heavily bandaged Kreeg is giving candy to trick-or-treaters. Principal Wilkins son Billy is sitting on his porch giving out candy. Rhonda is seen pulling a wagon full of jack-o-lanterns. Laurie and her friends drive by laughing. Finally the couple from the beginning of the film are seen arriving home, when Sam sees one of them breaking Halloween tradition. The final scene is... well I'll let you watch the movie.
This is one of the greatest Halloween movies of all time and its definitely one to watch this October.
In Your Game
I'm going with something a little different today. These spells are inspired by the rules of Halloween mentioned in the movie and can be used in your What Shadows Hide or We Die Young games.
Level 1
Always Check Your Candy
Duration: Instant Range: Touch
A razor blade appears in a treat you touch. It is disguised and unless someone is actively checking the candy or sweet they will not notice it. If a creature eats the item they take 1d4 damage. Clever casters can also use this to make a makeshift blade. Treat this as a knife that breaks if the wielder rolls a natural 1.
Jack-o-Lantern's Protection
Duration: Until candle goes outRange: Touch LIGHT
The lit jack-o-lantern produces and protective aura for all creatures within 30 feat. Creatures gain Toughness: Evil +3 and Undead and Outsiders have disadvantage on all rolls while with the aura.
This spell immediately ends if the the candle goes out. For purposes of targeting the jack-o-lantern to extinguish the candle treat it as have an AC of 10 and 1 HP.
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First Time View: 2
Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies): 8
Today's list prompt is "First Time Watch." I've owned a copy of Cemetery Man for a few years now, but have been saving it for a rainy day.
Plot
Along with his developmentally disabled cohort Gnaghi, Francesco Dellamorte works as a cemetery custodian in a small Italian town. The dead buried there often come back as zombies, and its Francesco's unofficial job to stop them. When he becomes obsessed with a beautiful widow, tragedy strikes and he starts a descent into madness and depression.
Review
You might be surprised by this, but despite the description, this Italian horror movie is also a comedy. While it's not a laugh out loud romp, it is full of dark humor. It is loosely based on Tiziano Sclavi's novel Dellamorte Dellamore (the film's Italian title) and his Dylan Dog comics (which were directly adapted into the film Dylan Dog: Dead of Night).
The film itself is beautifully shot. The Italian country side it beautiful and the director takes great advantage of it. The actors all give a great performance. In particular, Rupert Everett's Francesco is the prefect world weary narrator and focus. François Hadji-Lazaro's Gnaghi brings innocence and sweetness to balance Francesco's morose moods. Anna Falchi is beautiful and mysterious and Fabiana Formica is memorable as the mayor's daughter, Valentina.
While I am very quick to praise this movie, that's not to say its perfect. There are many aspects that could affect someone's opinion and/or be considered problematic. The film isn't super clear about everything. Why do the dead rise in the cemetery. What is the nature before the three women Falchi plays. Also the final shot... As far as problematic things there is discussion of SA, a lead that murders, and a relationship between an developmentally disabled adult and a teen zombie head.
Despite these things, I think Cemetery is an interesting zombie flick. It's not scary. It's not gory. It's beautiful and entraining though and if you haven't watched it, I recommend checking it out.
In Your Game
For each movie this month I want to include new material that can be used with Bloat Games SURVIVE THIS!! game line (particularly with What Shadows Hide/We Die Young/Bloody Appalachia). Pet Semetary one take on a resurrecting graveyard, but the Buffalora Cemetery is another example. A location like it would be a nice addition to most games. The caretaker could even be an ally of the party.
While some of the zombies in the film are the traditional template zombies present in the games mentioned, others movie quickly and seem to have the overall same mental capacities they did while living. That's why I'm presenting a new zombie template, which I'm calling the Buffalora Zombie template.
Buffalora Zombie Template
Buffalora zombie is a template that can be added to any human. Some sort of mystic energy animates these people and gives them a semblance of life, at least compared to traditional zombies.
All Buffalora have the undead trait.
Undead: Undead are immune to mind-affecting effects, poisons, stuns, being sickened diseases and Critical Hits.
They gain:
+1 Hit Dice, toughness +1, +3 to Terror. (Add a 1/2 point to HDE)
Bite (1d4-1)
A desire to eat leaving flesh. While they must feed on flesh and often bite at inopportune times, they are not mindless and can control their hunger to an extent.
Weak Spot - While they are immune to traditional Critical Hits, an attack roll of a natural 20 is considered a head shot and will put the Buffalora zombie to rest permanently.
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First Time View: 1
Total Watched (Including Non-Challenge Horror Movies):1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
