The original game Fantasy Wargaming: The Highest Level of All (or just Fantasy Wargaming in some editions) was a 1981 book by Bruce Galloway, a clear variation on Dungeons and Dragons, based on Galloway’s home rules. Unlike it’s competition it was not afraid of using actual historical concepts like astrology and occultism in it’s descriptions, although it also was written so densely it was hard to make sense of it in any shape or form by someone not already familiar with roleplaying games. And, well, it was called Fantasy Wargaming.
Which made this a problem, as the game was published both in the UK and the US by mainstream publishers obviously trying to break into the nascent TTRPG market. The most available version was most likely the one published by the Doubleday Science Fiction Book Club, which made the game available to many people who did not have any experience with roleplaying games before.
Unfortunately one has to say, as the game’s size (300pgs) and conceptual denseness made parsing the book quite a feat, meaning if people used this as an introduction to roleplaying, it might not have been very successful.
The Story of Fantasy Wargaming goes into this, and into the development of the game. It could have been a bit more thorough and a bit more critical, but for what it is it’s a nice look into the environment that created it. And well, it’s free.
(I learned about this book from an episode of the Vintage RPG Podcast which had the author on and talked about this project. Well worth a listen)
Helpful podcast from @grammargirl: “Efficiency Hacks for Writers and Editors with Erin Brenner,” author of new #book The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors: How to Take Care of Your Business, Your Clients, and Yourself from Start-Up to Sustainability. https://tinyurl.com/24u5y6td . #AmEditing
Liz just wants a happy birthday.
Is that too much to ask?
A beautiful antique bed: her birthday present to herself. The nice delivery men set it up in her bedroom, and then all Hell breaks loose. Literally.
When it turns out the bed's former owner isn't basking in the glow of a happy afterlife, Liz must face some nasty adversaries to help him. Why on earth would she risk her life and her sanity to help a ghost? Certainly not because she’s in love with him.
My local #library didn't have a copy of Jordan Mechner's #book Replay: Memoir of an Uprooted Family, so I submitted a purchase request. I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I'll admit it, I got the idea from someone else on Mastodon, and I can't remember who. Hopefully someone reading this will be inspired to check out their own library. They are precious resources and should be supported with our patronage.
This may be a silly question, but how does one actually read short story collections? Is it the same as if reading a novel? Do you put the book down between every story? Do you look for connections between the stories? Am I supposed to read them linearly?
"Affect and the Rise of Right-Wing Populism: Pedagogies for the Renewal of Democratic Education, suggests ideas about affective pedagogies for educators to use (along with recognizing the risks involved) to renew democratic education"
From the author of the cult hit Boy Parts comes a chilling, brilliantly told story of murder among a group of teenage girls—a powerful and disturbing novel as piercing in its portrait of young women as Emma Cline’s The Girls.
Charming and poetic biography about Else Bostelmann, an artist who painted underwater wonders in the 1930s. Pioneering woman artist, she combined art and science, helping in expeditions for the NY Zoological Society’s Department of Tropical Research.
My #bookreview is brief/won't spoil, to spread good, great, & spectacular #horror#books far & wide.
💙📚 HOT DEMON BITCHES NEAR YOU from J.E. Erickson is an exuberant blast of gore & grue. The Horrors are heavy here, but balanced with deliciously devilish delights & a LOT of heart. (Lots of OTHER body parts, too.) You'll be disturbed, delighted, horrified- but also cackling. HELL, yeah! (Self-published)
Huge update: its FUNDED!! and following some advice theres now stretch goals & ways to add additional copies to ones' order. Keep boosting so i can make the best bird book i can!!
I forgot to mention I got my kobo ebook reader today!!
See if you can spot any interesting books! Also, please feel free to recommend me some! I have read in ages so I’m trying to find my groove when it comes to reading books!
Coming out on the brighter side
Randy Scobey found his faith, but it was sorely tested after he came out as a teen. His experiences led him into the abusive world of gay conversion therapy, and he helped shut down one of its most influential proponents. Today, as a gay man of faith, he recounts his experiences in a memoir that he hopes can save lives in the rainbow community. Jack Yan reviews Randy’s new book, Why: a Memoir
Young dragon lovers will love this extraordinary tale about courage, determination and the power to stay true to ourselves despite the circumstances.
Strong is an inspiring story with beautiful illustrations. I loved the sweet atmosphere and the strong will of the main character. It is a great read to remind young ones how special they are.
My #bookreview is brief/won't spoil, to spread good, great, & spectacular #horror#books far & wide.
WHEN THE DEVIL is a novelette from Emma E. Murray that packs many horrors inside of its compelling, feverish intensity. Libby's world is dark and cruel, and any peace, joy, or deliverance comes with a price. Devils abound, but sometimes the fruit they offer makes the damnation worth it. (Shortwave Publishing)