Creating A Con

Hey there, 

Hi there,

Ho there Gamelings!

I know it has been quite a while since our last post!
What were we thinking???

We missed you!
Did you miss us?

ANYWAY...

Since we've been gone for so long a lot has happened.
The most notable of these events is that we, my friend Diedre and I, got to go to Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest! It was wonderful! We met so many wonderful vendors like Sparkle Monster, Project Pinup, tandy leather, Tech Shop, Steam Crow, Phoenix Escape Room, Frank and Nats Armory, Kiki Jenkins, The Subtle Geek, Look Cuter, and Art Dimes.We also saw a few wonderful charities there like Kids Need to Read, and Comicare!

Here's a taste of the wonderful cosplays we saw there:

That being said, and shown, we would DEFINITELY love to go again! The atmosphere was electric. The people you met treated you like family. This is definitely the kind of community that people want to be a part of.

This sense of community was wonderful but so far away. I brought this up to the club that I am the president of at Cochise College, Digital Media Arts Club (DMAC). Everyone agreed unanimously. But how do we fix that?

The answer came to me immediately and I put it to the club: Should we create our own comicon?
The response that I received was mind-blowing.

Immediately we set to work.

We set a date and time.
We chose a location.
We contacted vendors, panelists, and exhibitors.
We put the word out there for Cosplayers.
This is happening.

So, without any further ado, I present to you:

COCHISE COLLEGE COMIC CON

We are still accepting applications for Vendors, Panelists, and Exhibitors!

The applications are open until March 17th!
For ticket and vendor information, please visit OUR WEBSITE!!!!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Halloween 2016: A recap

This year’s mass theme seemed to collectively be video games, in general. While taking my daughter trick or treating at the local mall, followed by the park we saw a plethora of game inspired costuming (very well done I might add). In our evening adventure we noticed that the most popular themed costumes were that of Pokemon, Five Nights at Freddy’s and, rather surprisingly, Undertale. 

Pikachu’s, Foxys, A few Frisks (Undertale’s protagonist) filled the night.

While at the park we ran into Sans, a main character from Undertale. My 4 year old daughter ran up to him gave him a great big hug and them proceeded to berate him for being mean to Frisk (in the game). The person in the costume thought this to be hilarious. Then she proceeded to tell him that she would never hurt a monster, because they all seemed very nice to her. I believe this made the person’s day, as he smiled at her and patted her on the head.

Also in the mix this year were a family of Zelda characters, and a large spattering of random Disney princesses. What I really notices an absence of this year though was the traditional Halloween attire (Vampires, Werewolves, witches). Those seem to have been replaced by super heroes and transformers. All in all though, this years themes seemed to be entertaining to all and all those that I did see seemed to be enjoying themselves, and after all, isn’t that what Halloween has become? A night where people can dress in outrageous attire, go out and have a good time, and not be judged for it?

Never PokemonGo anywhere without a buddy!

Howdy doody, Gamelings!

Another day has come and, as such, so has another Pokemon Go update.

Now, I must be honest with you, Gamelings.

If I'm not honest with you, what kind of journalist would I be?

Anyway...

To be completely honest...

I am a bad PoGo player.

I used to play constantly.

We'd go on family walks just to go catch Pokemon.

Now, though?

I've been stuck at 7.7km out of my only 10km egg for about 3 weeks.

I know...

I know...

What am I doing with my life?

Unfortunately the answer to that question is: Adulting.

So, naturally, when I saw that there was a new update available for PoGo my emotions ran the gamut from regret to guilt to apathy. 

I clearly didn't have time to play this game so why should I care?

Also, being reminded that it exists made me feel kinda guilty for ignoring it and it made me regret all of the time spent staring into the black abyss of "I'm so tired I could die" instead of playing PoGo.

I clicked on the "What's new" option to see what cool new feature they had added.
As usual it started with "bug fixes".

Ah, good ol' bug fixes.

Then it listed "Buddy Pets".

I read on to find out that "buddy pets" allows you to equip a certain pet as a "buddy" and earn candy for that pet as you travel certain distances.

This is friggin phenomenal for people, like me, who live in a less-populated area and STILL HAVEN'T EVOLVED THEIR FRIGGIN EEVEE! 

Your buddy will either stand behind you, beside you, or sit on your shoulder depending on how big they are!

PoGo screenshots courtesy of me and Bri. ;)

SO yea... this is now a thing.

"But how will I know just how far I have to walk to get candies for my Poke-dudes?"

Well HERE is a wonderful link that has them all listed!

You'll notice that the legendaries and ditto are listed.

Super cool!

It makes a lot of sense that buddy system would be put into place.

It would probably be the only way to get candies for legendary Pokemon.

Unfortunately this update also blocks root/jailbroken users!

I mean, that never stopped anyone before and it certainly hasn't stopped them now!

Now, while we DEFINITELY DO NOT endorse cheating, stealing, or any such stuff...
THIS LINK gives info on how to get around the user block.

You do you, booboo.

One final thing that users have noticed is that the game has Android Wear compatibility which enables users to use their android smartwatches as Pokemon Go Plus devices!

Super neato!

So...

I guess, now that I've updated my PoGo, I have no excuse.

It's time to get out there and

CATCH

THEM 

ALL!

Source: ComicBook, LifeHacker, Heavy

The Heart Is Heavy, Gamelings.

Long time no blog, Gamelings!
Unfortunately I had to get a real job.
[-Adulting intensifies-]

I am back, though, now that my life has mellowed out a bit!

Some news on the home-game-front:
We will NOT be covering Keen Halloween this year due to financial issues.

We WILL, however, cover it next time!
I mean, come on, as a blog we are still in our infancy.

We are baby bloggers in a way.
 So that's the bad news...

no Keen Halloween coverage this year. 

We are still working on making it to Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest this year and we definitely hope to see you all there!!!

GURPS Character Creation: Just the Basics! Part 7B

Okay! Welcome back, Gamelings!

We are nearing the home stretch here.

Speaking of stretching, you should do that. Muscle cramps are the worst!

Alright! Let's hit this thing head on! We're almost done!

Missile Weapon (DX/Varies)

Default: Special

This is a collection of skills (one per class of missile weapons). Missile Weapon skills are based on DX, and default to DX-4 if Easy, DX-5 if Average, or DX-6 if Hard.

Gunner:

Beams/lasers (Easy)

Cannon (Easy)

Machine Gun (Easy)

Guns:
Light Anti-Armor Weapon L.A.W. (Easy)

Pistol (Easy)

Rifle (Easy)

Shotgun (Easy)

Submachine Gun (Easy)

Flamethrowers:
Flamethrower (Easy)

Other:
Blowpipe (DX/Hard)

Bow (DX/Average)

Crossbow (DX/Easy)

Natural Sciences/TL (IQ/Hard)

Default: IQ-6

This skill is the knowledge of sciences such as biology, astronomy, Geology, Chemistry, etc. If you can think of a science that you believe fits this skill, talk to your GM and let them decide. 

Naturalist (IQ/Hard)

Default: IQ-6

This is basically your knowledge of the land and it's plant life and wildlife. You know which plants are poisonous, which are tasty, and which ones turn your tongue purple!

Navigation/TL (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

You can navigate your way through any terrain using maps, instruments, etc. Various types of Navigation include: Sea, Air, Land, Space, and Hyperspace. A successful roll tells you where you are or lets you plot a course.

Observation (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This skill lets you observe interesting or dangerous situations without being seen.

Occultism (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This skill is the study of the mysterious and supernatural.

Photography/TL (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This is the ability to use a camera competently and to produce recognizable and attractive photos.

Physician/TL (IQ/Hard)

Default: IQ-7

The ability lets you treat the ill and injured and prescribe medication and care. Make a skill roll to hasten natural recovery from injury and whenever the GM requires a roll to test general medical competence or knowledge.

Pickpocket (DX/Hard)

Default: DX-6

This skill lets you steal things off of someone's person or plant something on them without them noticing.

Public Speaking (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This skill gives you a general natural talent with spoken word.

Research/TL (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This skill is the ability to be a successful bookworm and library regular. Roll against skill to find a useful piece of data in an appropriate place of research if the information is there to be found.

Riding (DX/Average)

Default: DX-5

This skill gives you the ability to ride a specific kind of mount. Make a skill roll when you first try to mount a riding animal, and again each time something happens to frighten or challenge the creature.

Scrounging (IQ/Easy)

Default: IQ-4

This is the ability to find, salvage, or improvise useful items that others can’t locate. Each attempt takes an hour.

Search (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This skill gives you the ability to search in, on, under, and around areas to find things that aren't in plain sight. The GM rolls once per item of interest. For deliberately concealed items, this is a Quick Contest of your Search skill vs. the Holdout or Smuggling skill used to hide the item. If you fail, the GM simply says, “You found nothing.”

Shadowing (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This skill gives you the ability to follow a person through a crowd without being seen. Roll a Quick Contest every 10 minutes: your Shadowing vs. the subject’s Vision roll. If you lose, you lost the subject; if you lose by more than 5, you were seen.

Shield (DX/Easy)

Default: DX-4

This is the ability to use a shield, both to block and to attack.

Social Sciences (IQ/Hard)

Default: IQ-6

Each Social Science (Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, etc.) is it's own skill so add them separately.

Smuggling (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This is the ability to conceal items in baggage and vehicles.Roll against skill to hide an item from casual inspection. In an active search, the searchers must win a Quick Contest of Search vs. your Smuggling skill to find the item.

Stealth (DX/Average)

Defaults: DX-5

This skill lets you go practically anywhere without being seen or heard. A successful roll lets you conceal yourself practically anywhere, or move so quietly that nobody will hear you, or follow someone without being noticed.

Survival (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This is the ability to live off the land, find safe food and water, avoid hazards, build shelter, etc. To live safely in a wilderness situation, you must make a successful Survival roll once per day. Failure inflicts 2d-4 injury on you and anyone in your care.

Swimming (HT/Easy)

Default: HT-4

This is your ability to stay afloat in emergency situations or skill in traversing the watery terrain. Roll against the higher of Swimming or HT to avoid fatigue or injury due to aquatic misfortunes.

Tactics (IQ/Hard)

Default: IQ-6

This is the ability to outguess and outmaneuver the enemy in small-unit or personal combat. On a success, you start the fight in an advantageous position as determined by the GM.

Throwing (DX/Average)

Default: DX-3

This is the ability to throw any small, relatively smooth object that fits in the palm of your hand.

Thrown Weapon (DX/Easy)

Default: DX-4

Axe/Mace

Knife

Shuriken

Spear

Tracking (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This is the skill that allows you to follow an animal or man by the tracks they leave or the plants that they disturb. Make a Tracking roll to pick up the trail, then roll every 15 minutes to avoid losing it, at a modifier ranging from 0 for soft terrain to -6 for city streets.

Traps/TL (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This skill enables you to build and safely nullify traps!

Vehicle Skills (DX/Varies)

Default: Varies

Vehicle skills default to DX at -4 (easy), -5 (average), or -6 (hard); motor vehicles also default to IQ, at similar penalties.

Available types:

Bicycling (DX/Easy)

Boating (DX/Average)

Driving (DX/Average)

Piloting (DX/Average)

Submarine (DX/Average)

Writing (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This skill means that you can write in a clear or entertaining manner. A successful roll

means the work is readable and accurate.

Guess what, buddies! 

We made it! We did it!

It drove us all a bit batty for a while...

But it's done now!

Now all you have to do is buy your armor, weapons, and whatever else you want to carry with you on your journey! 

I will create a masterpost and link to all of the tutorials part 1-7B!
Just search for "Masterpost" in the search bar over our Instagram feed.

Thank you all for coming on this journey with me!

GURPS Character Creation: Just the Basics! Part 7A

Howdy doody, gamelings, and thank you for taking a break from your Pokemon Go to read this!

This is our 7th (and LAST) installation Part A of GURPS Character Creation: Just the Basics!
This would be, by far, the longest post to date...So I am splitting it into two posts.



Let's dive right in, shall we?
(Remember: If any skill seems to fit your character or catch your interest, write it down (WITH ALL OF THE INFO) so that you can add it to your character sheet later!

Alright, here we go.

I will write them out in this format: "Name/TL (base/difficulty)" Then I will add the default info (when available) and I will write a short blurb telling you about it.

Acrobatics (DX/Hard)

Default: DX-6
This is the ability to perform gymnastics, stunts, parkour, etc.

Acting (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This is the ability to fake moods, emotions, and voices, and to lie convincingly over a period of time.

Animal Handling (IQ/Average)

Default: IQ-5

This is the ability to train or work with animals. You must roll against the skill for every command you give the animal.

Area Knowledge (IQ/Easy)

Default: IQ-4

This is just how well you know the people, places, and things in a particular area. It is usually only applied to your "home base".

Armoury/TL (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is your ability to craft, modify, and/or repair a certain class of weapons or armor. Your first successful roll lets you identify the problem (if it isn't glaringly obvious) and a second one lets you repair it.

Brawling (DX/Easy)
Default: None
This is your unarmed combat. Roll against Brawling for a punch and roll against Brawling-2 for a kick.

Camouflage (IQ/Easy)
Default: IQ-4
You can hid yourself and your stuff really well! You know how to use whatever is available near you to make yourself blend in to any surrounding.

Carousing (HT/Easy)
Default: HT-4
This is your ability to get your party on! Succeed a Carousing roll, under the right circumstances, and you could get a +2 bonus on a request for aid, information, or a general reaction. A failed roll means you made a fool of yourself; you get a -2 penalty on any reaction roll made by those you caroused with.

Climbing (DX/Average)
Default: DX-5
This is your ability to climb just about anything, you monkey you!

Computer Operation/TL (IQ/Easy)
Default: IQ-4
This is your ability to use a computer to do basically anything (much like you are doing right this very moment! DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUN)!!! Of course this is dependent on Tech Level. Jack the ripper couldn't use a computer (thank goodness).


Computer Programming/TL (IQ/Hard)
Default: None
This is the ability to write and debug computer software. You MUST roll to write, debug, or figure out a program.

Crewman/TL (IQ/Easy)
Default: IQ-4
This is the ability to serve as a member of the crew of a large vehicle of some sort. This skill includes familiarity with “shipboard life,” knowledge of safety measures, and training in damage control.


Criminology/TL (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is you getting you CSI or NCIS on! You study crimes and criminals! Make a skill roll! If you succeed, the roll allows you to find and interpret clues, guess how criminals might behave, etc.

Diagnosis/TL (IQ/Hard)
Default: IQ-6
This is the ability to tell what is wrong with a sick or injured person, or what killed a dead person through hints or ruling out impossibilities.

Disguise/TL (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is you getting your cosplay on! This skill is using clothing, makeup, prosthetics, etc. to make yourself look, feel, and sound like another person. A good disguise requires a Disguise roll
and 30 minutes to an hour of preparation.


Electronics Operation/TL (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This skill lets you use electronic equipment. Make a skill roll in an emergency situation or for “abnormal” use of equipment.


Electronics Repair/TL (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This lets you figure out and fix what is wrong with specific electronic equipment.

Engineer/TL (IQ/Hard)
Default: None
This skill lets you design and build technological devices. If you make a successful roll, you design a new system, diagnose a glitch, identify the purpose of a strange device, or improvise a gadget to solve a problem. If you fail the roll then you...well... don't do any of that.

Environment Suit/TL (DX/Average)
Default: DX-5
This is training in the use of a specific class of protective suit.
Battlesuit/TL: All kinds of powered battle armor and exoskeletons.
Diving Suit/TL: All types of hard diving suits.
NBC Suit/TL: All forms of hazardous materials gear.
Vacc Suit/TL: Any kind of spacesuit.

Escape (DX/Hard)
Default: DX-6
This is your ability to Houdini your way out of pretty much any situation. Your first attempt takes 1 minute. Each attempt after the first takes 10 minutes!

Explosives/TL (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
You can work with explosives! This includes the ability to set up, disarm, and dispose of bombs and other explosives.


First Aid/TL (IQ/Easy)
Default: IQ-4
This is your ability to give medical attention in the field. Make a skill roll to halt bleeding, suck out poison, give artificial respiration to a drowning victim, etc.

Forgery/TL (IQ/Hard)
Default: IQ-6
This is the ability to create fake official documents such as ID Cards, Passports, Birth Certificate, Building permits, etc. When you use a forged document, make your Forgery roll each time it is inspected – unless you roll a critical success on your first attempt. Failure means someone spots the forgery.

Gambling (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is your ability to play, and succeed, at games of chance! A successful Gambling roll can (among other things) tell you if a game is rigged, identify a fellow gambler in a group of strangers, or “estimate the odds” in any tricky situation.

Hiking (HT/Average)
Default: HT-5
This is how long and far you can travel by foot! Make a Hiking roll before each day’s march; on a success, increase the distance traveled by 20%.

Holdout (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is your ability to hide items on you or someone with you (most of the time with their permission). An item’s size and shape govern its concealability, from +4 (BB-sized jewel or a postage stamp) to -6 (crossbow or a heavy sniper rifle).

Humanities (IQ/Hard)
Default: IQ-6
All Arts or Humanities (History, Literature, Philosophy, Theology, etc.) are their own separate skill so go ahead and add whichever ones you'd like.

Influence Skills (Varies)
Default: Varies

Diplomacy (IQ/Hard):
Default: IQ-6
Negotiation and compromise.

Fast-Talk (IQ/Average): 
Default IQ-5
Lying and deceit.

Intimidation (IQ/Average):
Default: IQ-5
Threats and violence.

Savoir-Faire (IQ/Easy):
Default IQ-4
Manners and etiquette. Mainly useful in “high society” situations.

Sex Appeal (HT/Average):
Default: HT-3
Vamping and seduction, usually of the opposite sex.

Streetwise (IQ/Average):
Default: IQ-5
Contacts and subtle intimidation. Only useful in “street” and criminal situations.


Interrogation (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is your ability to question a prisoner! Roll Interrogation vs. the prisoner’s Will for each question. Each question requires 5 minutes. If you succeed, you get a truthful answer. If you tie or lose, the prisoner either says nothing or lies to you. If you fail the roll by more than five points, they tell you a good, believable lie!

Jumping (DX/Easy)
Default: None
This skill represents trained jumping ability.


Karate (DX/Hard)
Default: None
This skill represents any advanced training at unarmed striking, not just the martial art of karate.
Roll against Karate to hit with a punch (at no -4 for the “off” hand), or Karate-2 to hit with a kick.

Law (IQ/Hard)
Default: IQ-6
This skill is your knowledge of laws and codes of the places you are travelling to or through. A successful roll lets you remember, deduce, or figure out the answer to a question about the law.

Leadership (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is your ability to lead a group of people. Make a Leadership roll to lead NPCs into a dangerous or stressful situation.

Lockpicking/TL (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is your ability to open locks without a combination or key. Each try requires one minute. If you succeed the roll, each point over your success takes 5 seconds off of the required time.

Mathematics/TL (IQ/Hard)
Default: IQ-6
This skill makes you good with numbers and measurements!

Mechanic/TL (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
You are able to diagnose and/or repair any mechanical object. A successful skill
roll will let you find or repair one problem.

Melee Weapon (DX/Varies)
Default: Special

This is a group of skills (one for each weapon type). Melee Weapon skills are based on DX, and default to DX-4 if Easy, DX-5 if Average, or DX-6 if Hard.

Fencing Weapons
Rapier (Average)
Smallsword (Average)

Flails
Flail including morningstars and nunchaku (Hard)

Impact Weapons
Axe/Mace (Average)

Pole Weapons
Polearm (Average)
Spear (Average)
Staff (Average)

Swords
Broadsword (Average)
Knife (Easy)
Shortsword (Average)
Two-Handed Sword (Average)

Merchant (IQ/Average)
Default: IQ-5
This is your skill in buying, selling, and trading goods.



Okay. Intermission time. Go grab a bite to eat, a drink, a nap, etc. and meet me back here in a few for Part 7B: The Final Creation.

BIG MAYBE ALMOST SORT OF NEWS, WHOVIANS!

Usually I am not one to give in and throw myself onto the rumor mill in some crazy "I'm-Bringing-Martyr-Back" move. This time? Oh, this time is different (WAY different). As some of you may know, I am a Whovian. Doctor Who has been one of my favorite telly shows for ages and it has gotten me through some crazy rough times. Almost every Whovian has "their doctor"; the Doctor that has touched their lives, that they identify with, or even just one they find most appealing/humorous. Although "My Doctor" is, was, and forever shall be Tom Baker (The 4th regeneration of The Doctor), Matt Smith (Doctor #11) holds a very special place in my heart.

Matt Smith's 11th Doctor brings to mind:

Rainy days at home with my roommate and my kids

the whistle of a kettle

Steamy, milky tea

Fish Fingers and Custard (yes we ate it, yes it was delicious!)

making large batches of chips

marathoning seasons of Doctor Who at a time

running about with sonic screwdrivers and "fighting Daleks"

Cuddles

Warm blankets

Blanket forts

Themed birthday parties

Crying together on the couch when we lost a few of our favorite characters

In fact all of my Matt Smith era memories are fuzzy, warm, and full of emotion and life.

There were, of course, bad times. That is not, however, what we remember in the end. Sometimes I miss those days but here's the news, guys and gals... and all of you in between...

Steven Moffat has hinted that Matt Smith may be reprising his role as the Doctor when the current Doctor (Peter Capaldi #12) leaves. 

In an interview with The Mirror, Moffat stated that Smith was, "quite open about how much he misses it, and how much he wishes he hadn’t left." This, of course does NOT mean that he is going to definitely come back and once again live in our hearts as the Doctor...

The Doctor has never before reverse-regenerated in the entire history of the show. This is not to say that it is not in our future. In the 50th anniversary episode (riddled with cameos, happiness, and sunshine) it was hinted that the Doctor would be "revisiting a few favorites". This can be seen in our current Doctor, Peter Capaldi. He played a character in The Fires of Pompeii and it seemed significant enough to mention after the regeneration that he remembers the face but doesn't know why he picked it.

Whatever the case, I would be happy to have more Smith and more 11 in my life.

Source: ScreenRant, The Mirror