Dungeon Dramas: A Random Plot Hook from PITs 2 & 3

Welcome back to Dungeon Dramas, my ongoing series of plot hooks as developed by the random roll of my Story Cubes.  

 Today’s plot hooks are being developed by PITs #2 & #3.  They have both expressed an interest in being more active participants in this blog.   As Rory has advertised that these cubes can be used by all ages, I’m adding Dungeon Dramas to their review duties.

We rolled a tree, a magnifying glass, a question mark, an alien, a magnet, a compass rose, an arrow, a skyscraper, and a moon.

PIT #2 – What if aliens were suddenly sucked from the moon to the city.  The resulting change in the atmosphere causes the forest to grow in strange directions.  The PCs have been called to investigate.

PIT #3 – A tree portal in the forest leads directly to the moon.  You discover a complete civilization there.  However, magnetized traps hold you in place until the aliens come and challenge you to a magic archery contest.  After besting the aliens the PCs need to determine why the portal in the forest leads to the moon.  Clues are found in various places on the moon.

VS – Investigating strange magnetic readings in the city, the PCs determine that beings not from this dimension are stealing the treasures of the moon goddess that have been on display in the city’s museum.  Their quest is to track the beings and return the treasures to the goddess’ temple hidden in the forest.

Life Near an Iowa Cornfield 5-30-2009

My presence online has been greatly diminished this month.  It has been a hectic month for the VS household.  Mrs. VS has begun  the weekly chemo treatments (see Day 146 for more info).  She’s been feeling the stress.

PIT #1 graduated High School last week Sunday (5-24-09).  So we’ve been running hither and thither attending open houses, final concerts, Baccalaureate, graduation and what-not.  Pastor Gary (yes the same Pastor that Goober helps) preached Baccalaureate.  I was left wondering why Senior Awards needed to be presented after Baccalaureate and why each presenter had to spend 15 minutes re-reading the info printed in the program.  PIT #3 summed up everyone’s feelings “That was two hours of the most boring thing I’ve ever sat through, Daddy”

Graduation went off without a hitch.  PIT #1 has closed down one chapter of her life and is prepared to embark on the next chapter.  She heads off to basic training on the 31st of May.

Memorial Day we went to a Renaissance Faire in the Amana Colonies.  Wasn’t sure how the family would like it but all five of us enjoyed ourselves.  PITs 2&3 want to go to the one in Des Moines over Labor Day.  Mrs. VS enjoyed herself as well.  I picked up a cloak and two daggers.  PIT #1 got a Katana blade to go with her Black Belt.  PIT #3 remarked that the Faire was like a D&D game at full size.

Me? I’ve been working at a new job and trying to juggle the career and the can company.  I’m the new Ad Designer for a local paper, The Record in Conrad, Iowa.  I’m using my degree and enjoying myself immensely.  The new job is 9-5 and thus my free time has evaporated somewhat.  I usually work on blog posts on the weekends and get a full week’s worth written.  However the past few weekends have been busy with graduation stuff.  Uncle Bear has written some guest-posts to get me back up and running (Thank You My Liege).  I should be back to writing tomorrow after we drop off PIT #1.

We have a farewell party for PIT #1 tonight and PIT #2 starts Driver’s Ed on Monday.  Hoping to catch Angels & Demons at the dollar theater.

Vulcan Stev Family Movie Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Starring:
Hugh Jackman …  Logan / Wolverine
Liev Schreiber …  Victor Creed
Danny Huston …  William Stryker
Will i Am …  John Wraith
Lynn Collins …  Kayla Silverfox
Kevin Durand …  Fred Dukes
Dominic Monaghan …  Bradley
Taylor Kitsch …  Remy LeBeau / Gambit
Daniel Henney …  David North / Agent Zero
Ryan Reynolds …  Wade Wilson
Scott Adkins …  Weapon XI
Tim Pocock …  Scott Summers
Julia Blake …  Heather Hudson
Max Cullen …  Travis Hudson
Troye Sivan …  Young James Howlett

Synopsis by VS:
This is the origin story of Wolverine as interpreted by David Benioff and Skip Woods, the writers.  Many of the established facts from Marvel’s convuluted backstory of the character are incorporated into this movie.  As the story progresses the audience is treated to  revelations of Logan’s powers, training, and how he got his indestructible skeleton.

Reviewers: VS, PIT #1, PIT #2, PIT #3

VS – 1.5 pointed ears
I’m being a little more harsh than the kids.  Yes we are treated to Wolverine’s origin story.  The character’s backstory as revealed in the comics is convoluted at best and I’m not going to fault the writers for picking and choosing the elements they want to use.  I’ve seen complaints online about the use of Professor X and Cyclops in a Wolverine origin as neither of those characters seems to know anything about Wolverine in the first movie.  This is handled fairly well in my opinion as Wolverine does not directly interact with either character during the course of the film.

I’m not going to rail against the bending of the laws of physics this film inflicts as it is a COMIC BOOK adaptation.  I can view the movie for what it is.  My main problem with the film is that story focuses too much on style and not enough on substance.  This is an origin film I want to know WHY the character is who he is. 

The other reason I have for lowering my rating is the fact that this film is inconsistant with the previous three.  In the first movie, Wolverine’s claws are revealed to be mechanical (look at the X-Ray) and completely metallic (Magneto would not have been able to bend bone).   Yes, I know that Logan’s claws are bone and are part of his natural mutation in the comics but let’s try to stay consistant with what has been established for the film universe.  Sabertooth, if he is Wolverine’s brother does not seem to care to much about their meeting in the first movie.  You’d think that Sabertooth would’ve shown more interest in Wolverine in the previos movies if the relationship is as described in Origins.

PIT #1 – 2 pointed ears
It was interesting to finally see Wolverine’s background.  Things that have hinted at in the other X-Men films are revealed in this movie.  I liked the fact that the memory loss is attributed to something other than a technological brainwash.  I also enjoyed the fact that Wolverine’s past was revealed to be part of the larger Marvel film universe and not an isolated character that just runs into these folks in the first movie.

PIT #2 – 2 pointed ears
It was very nice that the writers tied Wolverine’s backstory into the larger picture.  The helicopter destruction sequence was very  nice.  Nothing in this movie detracted from an enjoyable filmgoing experience.

PIT #3 – 1.8 pointed ears
This was a very good movie.  I didn’t like the fact that Logan lost his  memories.  Yes, I know that it’s part of the character.  Daddy has explained it to me so many times.  That doesn’t change the fact that I don’t like it.

Overall 7.3 out of 8 pointed ears.
Nice summer popcorn flick.  This can be watched without needing to see the first three X-Men movies.  This film has received far too much bashing from fans.  It isn’t as bad as the pundits make it out to be.

Day 146 of being a Cancer Survivor

Wow has it really been over a  monthsince the last update on Mrs VS?  I guess so.  She is done with the bi-weekly treatments and has started the weekly doses.  Her folks have come down to be here for the graduation of PIT #1.  The stress of everything was causing her some problems.  Her white cell count was down last week and Dr. S. postponed last week’s treatment until this week to give her the weekend of graduation at full strength.

We went to PIT #1′s graduation (that’ll still be her code name here even though she is now a full fledged Paladin) on Sunday 24th.  Memorial Day we went to a Renaissance Faire and spent a good portion of the day in drizzle.  We had fun but I’ll fill in those details in another post.  Tuesday, I went back to work with Mrs. VS feeling a little tired from the long weekend.  Had to make a Can Company run after work and was gone for most of the day.

When I got home Tuesday evening, Mrs. VS was complaining of feeling cold.  She took her temp and discovered it was 100.9.  Now concerned about her temp and under orders from the Oncologist to report anything of the like she called the doctor’s 24-hour line.  We were told to get to ER, NOW!  Not a problem, I’ll get her to the local ER.  She is after all the woman I pledged to love honor and protect.

Not so fast the doctor sez, you need to go to Allen Hospital in the city.  OK that’s a 40 minute drive one-way and it is currently 9:20 at night.  We get the PITs ready for bed, get in the car and go.  We finally get to ER at a little after10:00 pm.  Three hours later, Mrs. VS is diagnosed with a severe Viral Syndrome, or as us common folk call it, a cold.  Tired beyond belief at this point, we get back in the car and drive home arriving there at about 2:00 am.  The alarm went off at 6:00 am to wake me for work.

Mrs. VS stayed home all day Wednesday sleeping off her Viral Syndrome.  Today, she went in to get her chemo treatment.  Unfortunately the Oncologist’s office had forgotten to order her meds.  She went on a merry goose chase trying to get chemo done at one of the hospitals.  After a nice round of “Bureaucracy” (RPG coming soon) it was determined that she’d have her chemo treatment tomorrow.

That covers Mrs. VS but doesn’t even scratch the surface here at the VS household.  Look for an Iowa Cornfield post soon.

Dungeon Dramas: A Random Plot Hook guest post by Ravyn

Welcome back to Dungeon Dramas, my ongoing series of plot hooks as developed by the random roll of my Story Cubes.  Today’s Dungeon Drama is guest written by Ravyn from Exchange of Realities.  She is graciously helping me out during a very hectic busy time.

Rolling for her we get; drama masks, the letter ‘L’, the Monster Within, a key, somebody sleeping, a lightning bolt, an abacus, an apple, and a rainbow.  What did Ravyn come up with as her Dungeon Drama?

 This is a metaplot, to add on top of your current story.  Your PCs dream in unison, of an antagonist important to their story (can be active or recently defeated).   He appears somewhere they all can see him, but only for a moment—there a heartbeat, gone the next.   Again and again until they finally react.  He appears somewhere they all can see him, but only for a moment—there a heartbeat, gone the next.  And again until they react.  If they follow him, they see him enter some sort of ruin, and a prismatic wall covers the entrance; they’ll need to go in another way.   Make it through this dungeon in 12 days, the reward is an understanding related to the antagonist which will be useful in their current plot.

Kudos.  Ravyn then asked if this is what I was looking for.  It’s not what I would have come up with, but then she’s not me.

How about you?  Interested in writing a guest Drama here at the Database? drop me an e-mail vulcanstev (shift-2) hotmail (dot) c o m or leave a comment.

Dungeon Dramas: Random Plot Hook

Welcome to Dungeon Dramas.  My ongoing series of plot hooks as developed by the random roll of my Story Cubes. 

Part of how I’m using these cubes for  my plot hook ideas is taking the meta-concepts of the pictographs instead of just the literal items.  For example, if I’m generating a D&D plot hook, I’m not going to have an airplane in the story.  I will use the plane for flight or traveling.

Today I rolled an airplane, a magnifying glass, a keyhole, a key, a magnet, a rustic bridge, a word ballon, scales, and a tree.

Here is today’s Dungeon Drama Plot Hook:

The party is traveling on their quest.  One of the nature deities (affiliated with the group or a local deity) decides to test the party, to measure them by the deity’s scale so to speak.  The deity speak directly to the party and gives them the task of helping the local residents cross the river without disrupting the natural balance.  If the deity determines the party has succeeded accomplishing this goal (s)he will unlock the means of accomplishing the next portion of their quest.

I got the Monster Manual 2 and I’m not going away…..

Due to lots of graduation stuff going on with PIT#1, I’ve been a little lax with my updates.  Today I picked up my copy of Monster Manual 2.  As I’ll be missing World D&D day due to senior open houses, I’m hoping to get a review done for next week.

I’ve got a few GitUo articles in the works.  I’ve also got some movie reviews that need a polish.

PIT #1′s graduation and the new job have seriously eaten into my free time.  I promise to get back to regular posts as soon as I can.

Hmmm now if there’s only some way I could sic the Demogorgon from the front cover on certian parties in meatspace.

Little Dutch Can… a Setting for Your Game?

I own my own business.  I run a redemption center in north central Iowa.  Iowa has a nickle deposit law on all carbonated and alcoholic beverage containers.  redeem the deposit on beverage containers for the consumer and then in turn sell those cans and bottles back to the vendors.  The consumer pays this deposit when buying the beverage.  After consuming the drink the customer then returns the can or bottle for the deposit back.  I run my business as a convenience for grocery stores to be able to keep the mess out of their stores.

That’s very interesting, Stev, but why are you writing about this and posting it on the network?  I’m glad you asked.  I have a constant stream of people in and out of my establishment.  Folks from all walks of life, all levels of the economic class have visited.  This is the type of setting that allows your characters access to rumors from the highs of society to the lowest levels.

Sure, your party can go to the tavern and get the low-down on what’s happening from the working stiffs but is your party going to get an invitation to “The Social Event of The Season” at the Tavern? Maybe.  However the upper-crust aren’t going to frequent the lower class’ watering hole.  Your PCs have a better chance of rubbing shoulders with all walks of society if you can find a setting used by all strata of society in your world.  They could find work at a business that everyone needs (like Little Dutch Can).

Having your PCs attend the local equivalent of a sporting event is another good idea for unexpected encounters with folks outside their normal class level.

Do you have an idea of a cross-class setting?  I’d like to hear it.

Rory’s Story Cube Random Plot Hook

I’m starting a new feature here at the Database.  I’m rolling my Story Cubes and putting together the results as a plot hook.

I just rolled Sleeping, an Abacus, a sheep, an airplane, a compass rose, a fountain, a cell phone, a turtle, and a tree….

OK here’s the plot hook.  Your characters are asleep, concentrating on sleep their dreams take flight.  Morbius, the god of dreams is summoned by the activity and takes the characters to fountain of dreams.  The don’t know which way to go and they must first discover that they are dreaming before they begin to look for the exit.  The longer it takes the more control Morbius is able to exert over the real world.

What plot hook can you come up with?

Vulcan Stev Family Movie Review: Lethal Weapon

Starring:
Mel Gibson …  Sergeant Martin Riggs
Danny Glover …  Sergeant Roger Murtaugh
Gary Busey …  Mr. Joshua
Mitchell Ryan …  General Peter McAllister
Tom Atkins …  Michael Hunsaker
Darlene Love …  Trish Murtaugh
Traci Wolfe …  Rianne Murtaugh
Jackie Swanson …  Amanda Hunsaker
Damon Hines …  Nick Murtaugh
Ebonie Smith …  Carrie Murtaugh
Bill Kalmenson …  Beat Cop
Lycia Naff …  Dixie

Synopsis from IMDb: Los Angeles police sergeant Roger Murtaugh, who has just turned 50 years old, is assigned to investigate the death of Amanda Hunsaker, a prostitute who is one of the daughters of bank president Michael Hunsaker, a friend whom Roger has known since they were in the Vietnam War together, but Roger hasn’t seen Michael in 12 years. Beginning with this investigation, Roger is assigned a new partner Sergeant Martin Riggs, who has been suicidal ever since his wife Victoria “Vicky” Lynn Riggs died in a car crash in 1984. Riggs and Murtaugh’s investigation of Amanda’s death reveals that she was murdered. Upon hearing of this, Michael tells Murtaugh that he would like for whoever is behind Amanda’s murder to end up dead, like Amanda. Riggs and Murtaugh’s investigation continues and it makes them the targets of Shadow Company, a group of former Vietnam War era mercenaries who now bring heroin into the Los Angeles County region. Shadow Company’s leader, General Peter McAllister, and his right hand man, Mr. Joshua, want Riggs and Murtaugh dead, no matter what the cost

Reviewers: VS, PIT #1, PIT #2, PIT #3

VS – 1.75 pointed ears
Rated “R” when it first came out it is pretty tame by today’s standards.  Use of the “F”-bomb, drug use and some nudity this movie may not be suitable for your younger viewers.  The story, plot, and action still holds up 22 years later.  However, my kids were momentarily taken right out of the movie when Sgt Murtaugh uses his bag phone.  The backstory is a little dated as well.  When the characters mentioned “the war”, the PITs asked if they meant Iraq.  This is not the first buddy cop movie, but it is one of the best.

PIT #1 – 2 pointed ears
This movie did not need the items added to pad it out for an ‘R’ rating.  The language and nudity were unnecessary.

PIT #2 – 1.9 pointed ears
Riggs’ fighting style rocks.  That action sequence made the movie worthwhile.  I’d like to be trained in the crazy, ninja martial arts that Riggs knows.

PIT #3 – 1.5 pointed ears
I did not like the swearing and lack of clothing in the opening sequence.  The story about taking down drug dealers was pretty good.

7.15 pointed ears out of 8
With a few simple edits this film could’ve been more family friendly.  However, this is a nice mindless action flick.  Enjoyable enough if this genre is to your liking.  Only you can determine appropriate levels of language and violence for your audience.