Tuesday, 22 December 2020

Merry Christmas 2020

 Hi all,

A Merry Christmas 2020 to all of you blogsters and gamers out there. It's been a gloomy old year, but hopefully you have been able to get a game in here and there, do some model painting or find some interesting new rulesets out there to pass the time.

       I have been in contact with my first GM, Richard and his brother, John and we have managed to get a RPG together to while away the time. I have posted the early episodes on here, so at least I have been able to generate some content for the blog, even though it was not exactly wargame stuff.

I have not been reading many blogs either, being honest, but watching terrain making stuff on YouTube. There are loads of great content out there, for whatever your theme may be. Take another look if you have a spare moment or three.

Take care all,


Ivor Cogdell

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Dark Things Chapter 1 Turn 7

 Turn 7 – The Gathering Storm – 1:30pm Saturday June 18th 1983.

Weather conditions – snowing in summer.


Emlyn strolls back to the others, not getting anywhere with Charlie.

He walks up to the driver and offers him his hand, ”I’m Emlyn, that’s Ramsay, we

work at the paper, that’s PC Tom and down the hall is Marrion, the receptionist, with

her boss".

At this point Marion returns as Thomas he boss is wheeled out of the door on a

stretcher by 3 men in Hazmat suits!

Speaking quieter, ”Something you should know. The Newspaper offices have been taken over

by this lot too. They don’t seem to have our best interests at heart. I recon we should

scram, it’s what the best way of going about it is.

Options

1. Run out the door and leg it to the right and split up then.

2. Me and Ram head for my land rover while you dodge round the corner and pick you up.

3. Out the door and go left and right

4. Any other ideas guys? Refer to Dexter's plan below

“I'm not sure what Marrion is going to do, she may be better off with her boss, and it

puts her in less danger.”

“What’s the deal with our mate next door?”

Ramsay says that two way contact has been made. There are 3 people and one

dog, there may be more hiding in there but not sure. The owner, waitress and man

with the sausage dog are prepared to either (a) hide in lockdown until the soldiers go

or (b) make a run for it out the back entrance to the bar and grill and join in an

escape via the walkway. They don’t think they can make it out the front as the guy

with the dog only has one leg!

“Tom, why were you armed today? How did you get from Crawl Ley. Which way did

that plane come from and which way did the jets come from?”


PC Tom's Witness Statement

The New Wyndham Police Station received a call from the land lord of the Corbitt House, Crawl Ley.

A family that was living there has gone missing and he was worried they had come to harm.

The family in question are the Marcarios. Professor Marcario works at the Eye, he has a wife, a

daughter and two sons.


The Police are a bit stretched, some officers are on plain clothes duty at the FA Trophy final at

Wembley where Wyndham FC have got to the final.

On a hunch, particularly as the Professor is a high security target, working at the Eye and most of his

details are not on record, Tom decided to check out a firearm.

Travelling to the Corbitt House in Carwl Ley, Tom was able to use a key provided by the land lord to

gain entry. Tom was searching the upper floor, one of the bedrooms when he heard a roar outside.

Looking out of the window he saw two jets chasing a third aircraft which was glowing blue.

The Corbitt House has a panoramic view of central and Northern Wyndham.

The 3 aircraft first flew to Mount Wyndham, from the direction of RAF Wyndham. Then blue

lightning seemed to strike the Eye. He thinks he saw missiles fired from the two jets and the blue

object chased by the jets flew back toward RAF Wyndham.

A cloud of smoke was rising from near the Eye, at the base of Mount Wyndham.

The blue aircraft was clearly in distress and started to lose height as it approached New Town

Centre.


At this point it had started to snow, and then suddenly without warning something hit Tom from

behind and he fell through the bedroom window. It’s a miracle he wasn’t killed, but his leg was badly

hurt as was his face.

He then staggered to his police car and hearing a loud rumble, no doubt the sound of the blue

aircraft coming down he drove with blue lights on to the New Wyndham station where he could see

smoke rising from the crash site.

Realizing the plane was down, Tom tried to get help from the hotel as the bar and grill was locked.

That’s basically where he met up with you. He reckons that the survivors climbing out the downed

plane don’t look right. His expert eyesight seems to indicate that they are small, maybe child size

and he also reckons they were armed!


Dexter's ideas

Dexter doesn't trust these people and will demand if he is going anywhere that he is allowed

to drive his bus. The Corporal seems to be supportive of this idea.


It will be more comfortable for people, with its heaters, than them crappy army wagons for

a start and he can't leave his bus, because it is bus company property. If people agree,

Dexter will convoy with the Army vehicles to the base, but will try to gauge any dissent in

the people on the bus, with the idea of overthrowing any Army guard aboard, performing

some crazy driving and escaping the convoy in the blizzard.


If he is allowed on the bus he will start it open to check the engine and generally buggering

about, before at an opportune time banging the revs up, dropping the clutch and trying to

knock any guard he has on board off balance and perform some crazy driving moves to get

out of the car park - Maybe shunt the cop car out the way, or a bus handbrake turn over

some flower beds or wot-not.


If neither of these options become available, he will ask people for food. He ain't going

anywhere without food and will ask if he can go to the bar/grill next door to get something

to eat. An opportunity to meet up with those hiding in there.


Options

The window of opportunity for escape is closing.

Option 1 – Escape now

Take Marion with you or not?

Escape on foot, vehicle or indeed both.

If escaping by foot, do you let those in the bar and grill know – they could sneak out the back and

join you, they think.


Escaping by foot wouldn’t be that fastest as PC Tom has an injured leg and if you’re joined by the

one legged dog owner and Morse code signaler from the bar and grill, well you’d be further slowed

down, unless it was basically everyone at best speed!


Escaping by vehicle is also problematic. The bus would give you punching power, able to shunt

vehicles out of the way. However, speed-wise it’s not the best. The land rover with its 4 x 4

capabilities would be a good alternative. Its mobility and speed would help, but you wouldn’t be able

to take many people, but those in the bar and grill aren’t willing to run out of the front of the

establishment and would rather hold in place until the soldiers have gone, unless a foot escape takes

place.


Tom thinks his Rover 3500 police car wouldn’t make it up the slope so rule that out.

Assuming some escape on land some by vehicle then the proposal is to loop around and pick up

those on foot in the vehicle and make good your escape.

Option 2 – Escape Later

Join in the convoy back to RAF Wyndham. At an opportune moment Dexter would make a sign, slam

the brakes to knock any soldiers on board off balance. Then they could be overpowered. You would

then break away and make good your escape.


Destination

Another consideration is where you run to if you escape. PC Tom suggests, odd as it sounds the

Police Station near the New Town Centre. It’s not far away and the police there are likely to be loyal.

Problem is that there aren’t that many staff on duty today and they’re likely to be pushed

responding to the weather.

The Newspaper – that may not be a good idea as you know it is under military control, but maybe

you could stop at a phone box and make a call to check if that is still the case?

The bus depot? Dexter has some friends there. Many may be out on duty stuck in snow.

Home? Select a base to regroup at a house of one of your group and assess the situation.

Clearly strange things are afoot and as Dexter keeps asking why is it snowing and where is the

food???.




Dark Things Chapter 1 Turn 6

Dark Things  - Chapter 1 Turn 6

Adventurers

Ivor as Emlyn, John as Dexter, Kitty, Paul and Wendy - they are currently in the adventure doing stuff that Emlyn does not know about yet.

Character: Emlyn Cadoc

Settings: Rules: d20 rules Interaction: ‘Go for it!’

Profession: Reporter at the Wyndham Whistle

Player: Ivor Cogdell

Description: Young with an innocent smile. Aged 23, Male.

STR: 14 DEX: 15 CON: 14 INT: 14 POW: 13 APP: 11 SIZ: 13 EDU: 12 MOVE: 9 LUCK: 11 SAN: 65 MP: 13 HP: 13

Attacks: 1 Punch

Punch: (-1 to hit) doing 1d3+1d4+1

Skills: Photography 60%, Acting: 50%, Writing: 60%, Credit Rating: 50%, Dodge: 57%, Drive Auto: 20%, Brawling: 45%, Welsh Language: 21%, Advanced English: 20%, Library Use: 40%, Research: 70%, Gather Information: 40%, Diplomacy: 40%, Sense Motive: 40%


Equipment: Smart office suit, boots, notebook and pen, wallet with about £20 and the keys to a Land Rover! Fire extinguisher CO2 (next to the seat in reception), Press card, bottle of water


Turn 6 – The Gathering Storm – 1pm Saturday June 18th 1983


Emlyn turns to Dexter and asks how the vehicles are arranged outside.

Meanwhile Ramsay scribbles a couple of maps into his notebook (refer to the attached), one for the interior of the hotel (from the fire evacuation plan on the wall) and the exterior layout from shared knowledge as Emlyn was also able to look outside while talking to ‘Charlie the Tango Killer’.

The soldiers now seem to be moving up the hotel stairs searching the upper levels. One soldier has appeared from the far service room and is walking along the corridor.

The Colonel is in a bit of a heated conversation with the severe civilian guy with the clipboard. Dexter shouts over ‘I’m not going nowhere without my coach! It’s company property and if you want us at RAF Wyndham my coach would be a much better form of transport.”

You hear the Colonel saying “Adoph, that sounds like a good idea. We have no idea what we’re loading in the back of that army truck!”

It sounds like the Colonel likes the idea of commandeering the coach.

The 3 Hazmat suited personnel have left the hotel with Thomas the hotel day-manager, Marion's boss on the stretcher.

Both Dexter and Emlyn are set on a possible escape. Ramsay and Tom the Policeman are both up for it. Marion seems really scared and is shivering, but seems intent on following your lead.

Emlyn looks at the maps and determines that there would be a possible escape route if you decided to evade on foot. As you come out of the front of the hotel, which faces the railway station you could turn right (north) then right again and you would be around the northern corner of the hotel and out of sight of all the soldiers in and around the carpark.

You could then flee on foot along a footpath that runs east along the very top of the map away from the station area. No vehicle could chase, except for motorbikes but there are no sign of those.

Dexter's plan is to talk the army in allowing him to use his coach to transfer the 5 of you to RAF Wyndham, which seems to be an option from the response of the Colonel. You would form convoy with the military vehicles, but at an opportune moment he would veer off and make good your escape.

If they place a guard on the coach then at a signal Dexter could press the breaks, knock the guard off limits and you could overpower him.

A more dramatic course would be to gun it as soon as you are on the coach and make good the escape immediately. However, there seem to be a heck of a lot of military hardware on or near the approach road.

The five of you group together to consider your options.

Tom seems to favour the coach option. Marion is concerned that all these options involve abandoning Thomas and whoever the second casualty is. Ramsay favour's Emlyn's plan.

If it came to a vote it would seem to be 2 – 2 for the escape options with Marion undecided and the problem is that she doesn’t seem to be willing to make a decision!




Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell


Dark Things Copyright 2020 (C) Richard Burd. All rights reserved.


Thursday, 19 November 2020

Thoughts On - Ironsworn Solo RPG

The FREE Solo Fantasy RPG Ironsworn by Shaun Tompkin

Hi Everyone,
                      If you are alone and/or stuck for something to occupy yourself with, when you are waiting for your models or your scenery to dry, take a look at  "Ironsworn" by Shaun Tompkin. There is a core rulebook and assorted guides to playing it, plus a character sheet. It comes in PDF, soft and hardcover versions. You need two ten-sided dice and a six-sided dice, or use an online dice roller on the net.





The built-in setting is a Viking-type land, but this would suit any homegrown setting or fantasy module you care to drop it into. It uses an easy dice mechanic. The 2 x d10 "Challenge" dice and the single d6 "Action" dice with possible points modifiers, generate actions and outcomes.
 
For example -

Roll all three dice.

You score a strong hit, if your "Action" Dice plus modifiers beat both of the single scores (not added together) of the "Challenge" dice.

Eg. An "Action" dice roll of 6 + a situation modifier of 2 for a score of 8, beats both a "Challenge" dice roll of 7 and 5. Result -  A strong hit. (Meaning a Success with a bonus).

 "Action" dice roll of a 2 + a modifier of  1 for a score of 3, beats only one of the "Challenge" dice rolls of 9 and 2. Result - A weak hit. (Meaning a Success, but with a complication thrown in).

 "Action" dice roll of a 2 + a modifier of  1 for a score of 3, beats none of the "Challenge" dice rolls of 9 and 3. Result - A miss, the "Action" dice must beat the "Challenge" dice not just draw with it to win. A miss means just a complication - usually rolling on the "Pay the Price" table or losing health or supplies..

 Dice outcomes can be modified by bonuses generated through the game too. It may sound complicated written down like that, but it gives smooth gameplay. There are much clearer diagrams in the downloads.
                      There are lots of tables to aid in World history generation, "Oracle" tables to give outcome generation, scene setting, names, plots, simple movement tracking and journey time, character generation etc. Health and stores are tracked, which interact with the storyline and dice rolls. A large-scale setting map is provided.

Youtube

                       There are a few actual play sessions posted on "youtube" to spark your imagination and show the game mechanics, including one shot games and campaign sessions.


More Goodness

There is an expansion pack on Drive through rpg called "Ironsworn, Delve".  - "Expeditions into perilous places, more foes and encounters, an array of new oracles (Tables), expanded setting info, mysterious objects of power, campaign threats, and much more!"

I have not tried it yet, but am looking forward to doing so.


Support

There is setting support available on Roll20.net/. but I am not familiar with using Roll 20 so cannot give you the exact link.
 
 This is a boon for the solo player. Well worth trying out. Tell me if you like it in the comments. 

There is a space version coming out in 2021, Ironsworn: Starforged. so keep looking out for that one too.

There is a small homebrew RPG on Youtube already.


You can subscribe and see where it goes. I am a fan of both sets of rules.

Stay safe.

Ivor Cogdell.






Sunday, 15 November 2020

Dark Things Chapter 1 Turn 5

 

Dark Things Chapter 1 Turn 5

Adventurers

Ivor as Emlyn, John as Dexter, Kitty, Paul and Wendy - they are currently in the adventure doing stuff that Emlyn does not know about yet.


Character: Emlyn Cadoc

Settings: Rules: d20 rules Interaction: ‘Go for it!’

Profession: Reporter at the Wyndham Whistle

Player: Ivor Cogdell

Description: Young with an innocent smile. Aged 23, Male.

STR: 14 DEX: 15 CON: 14 INT: 14 POW: 13 APP: 11 SIZ: 13 EDU: 12 MOVE: 9 LUCK: 11 SAN: 65 MP: 13 HP: 13

Attacks: 1 Punch

Punch: (-1 to hit) doing 1d3+1d4+1


Skills: Photography 60%, Acting: 50%, Writing: 60%, Credit Rating: 50%, Dodge: 57%, Drive Auto: 20%, Brawling: 45%, Welsh Language: 21%, Advanced English: 20%, Library Use: 40%, Research: 70%, Gather Information: 40%, Diplomacy: 40%, Sense Motive: 40%


Equipment: Smart office suit, boots, notebook and pen, wallet with about £20 and the keys to a Land Rover! Fire extinguisher CO2 (next to the seat in reception), Press card, bottle of water


Turn 5 – The Gathering Storm – 1pm Saturday June 18th 1983


Emlyn smirks when Ramsay gives the translation of “SOS, What the Flip, Help”


Emlyn continues “Just about sums up our day”.


Ram asks ”Leg it to the pub?”


Emlyn shakes his head and says quietly, “It’s not worth the risk, these guys are trigger happy lunatics. They would take us down for just blinking in the wrong direction”


Tell our mate next door to stay put and hide someplace, we will get him when we can. Get any info you can from him, name and so on”


Ram turns to Tom the constable and whispers ‘Let’s see if we can make contact, I’ll give you a dot and a dash and you tap your truncheon on the wall and we’ll see if we can get some answers about what the hell is happening’


Emlyn continues “I’ll go and distract the Colonel”.


Suddenly the hotel reception door opens and a bronzed man mountain walks in as snow and the cold wind follow him into the relative warmth of the reception room,

The guard near the door backs away, covering the newcomer with his weapon.

Where did you come from and who are you?” demands the soldier. The Colonel glances across at the commotion whilst continuing to talk on the radio.

The large man raises his hands in surprise before the soldier and says, "Where the hell did I come from? The BUS Man, I'm the Bus Driver, Dexter!! Where the hell did you all come from and why you got guns and shit?"


The young smartly dressed man approaches the colonel asking “Colonel, would it be ok for Marion to see Thomas, just to put her mind at rest, it would give her something to do.”

At this point the receptionist Marion gets up and walks calmly past the Colonel heading down the corridor with the first-aid kit!

Erm, young lady, stop!’ shouts the Colonel, ‘It’s my hotel’ she shouts back and continues down the corridor. Meanwhile the Police Officer continues to tap his baton, this time against the wall.

Dexter nods at the other civilians and asks the soldier "And who the hell are all these people?" before walking slowly over to the group and saying, "And who the hell are all you people?"


I’m officer Tom Egar, erm…Ramsay, what comes next?”


A dot, Tom” replies Ramsay, the older fellow who remains seated scribbling some message in his notebook while Tom knocks his baton on the wall.


Erm, Colonel, orders please!’ shouts the soldier as he covers Dexters movements.


The Colonel frowns ‘Concentrate on the door soldier, reinforcements are nearly here’


The young man continues to annoy the Colonel asking “Can I use the other line to my paper, I am overdue to check in I won’t say anything about the situation here, unless you say so.”


The Colonel snaps “Sure, feel free Emlyn. Hey, miss I said stop!”


Marion shouts over her shoulder “and I said I’m going to help my boss!”


The Colonel smiles and says into the radio “Friendly on way to store room, hold your fire, I say again friendly”


The Telephone Conversation


Emlyn wanders over to the reception phone and carefully picking it up listens for a dialing tone before speaking:


Hi Laura, Emlyn here, Tell Arty I won’t make it back to the office in time for our meeting, the land rovers’ playing up again. Aunt Margaret says hello, I saw her in the cake shop.” Code phrase – I’m in trouble.


Laura “Thanks for letting us know Emlyn. The cake shop is nice but is closed” Code phrase – The office is not safe.


Oh, nice. Is she ok?”


Laura “She’s fine” Code phrase – we’re okay here.


Yes, but her ankle is playing up so she doesn’t get about much.” Code Phrase – Held.


Laura “Her feet aren’t much good either” Code Phrase – we’re held as well!


Her Roger has gone to Greece, got a great deal on a hotel, so she said. Lucky devil, first skiing and now this” Hint. Hotel and snow.


You mean Roger, the guy in the army” Code Phrase – The army has us in lockdown.


I’ll see you in the Bull when I get this rust bucket moving. Cheerio, now”.


Bye”.


After the telephone conversation


Thanks for that, Colonel”.  Emlyn calls over his appreciation, but the Colonel is far too busy on his radio that is squawking rapidly.

Dexter continues grilling Officer Tom and Ramsay:

"Why is it snowing?" “No bloody idea” snaps Ramsay, “A dash dammit, Tom, I said a dash!”


"Why aren't these Army guys out there helping at the plane crash?” Ramsay responds “There’s aviation fuel and it caused me and Tom to pass out when we went near the wreck”


Officer Tom follows up with a loud “This isn’t normal I tell you, not normal at all”


Well it wasn’t normal you trying to shoot the crew” snaps an angry Ram.


You say dot or dash to me one more time” says Officer Tom to Ramsay “and I’ll put a bleeding big dash on your head!”


Emlyn tries to take the Colonels attention away from the loud conversation between Dexter, Officer Tom and Ramsay by asking

So, who or what is this Majestic Land One that’s coming over to help? It looks like you have everything you need for a bank robbery or anything else. Why haven’t you chaps gone upstairs to see if they can find him?”

The Colonel looks grimly at Emlyn responding “You’ll soon find out!”

The argument continues to get more heated as Dexter looks at the Policeman tapping his baton and says, "You might wanna put that away before you hurt yourself!"

You guys do realise I’m a Policeman” shouts Tom, “Show me some bleeding respect!” Dexter backs off a bit as the officer shouts “No more bloody dots!!!”

Ramsay “Shush, jeez, just be quiet for a moment will you!”

Emlyn strolls over to the main doors, with his hands in plain sight, to see what is going on outside.

One of my mates is in the army, The 15th Infantry Brigade, the one with the Insignia of a falcon. What your name, Soldier?” Emlyn asks the young soldier on guard at the door.

Just call me Charlie the Tango killer” replies the solder, clearly a little unnerved by the atmosphere building in the reception.

Been in the service long? Seen anywhere nice?” Emlyn adds.

Dexter suddenly shouts out “Have you got any food?"

Tom the Policeman shouts “We could always ask next door, it’s a bar and grill”

Ramsay, “Shut up, you idiot!”

Emlyn wanders back over Ramsay, Tom and Dexter and whispers “You won’t believe what’s going on out there!” Emlyn goes on to provide a description of what he saw.


Outside of the hotel – Turn 5


Now parked outside and abandoned are the police car, a taxi, a land rover and a blue bus. Behind these vehicles is now parked a jeep and a lorry from which troops have climbed and are spreading out across the car park. They are moving cautiously around the back of the hotel and adjoining bar and grill.


Three men have climbed out of the jeep, all dressed in bright yellow hazmat suits. They’re moving toward the hotel each carrying a box and a stretcher.


Further back, at the crash site, a crane on the back of a lorry has lifted up the wreck, which looks vaguely egg shaped – no sign of wings, but then again they could have been ripped off in the crash. Slowly it moves the wreck onto the back of a lorry and a tarp is being put in place to hide the fuselage.


Ramsays message with the Bar and Grill – Turn 5

Ramsay relays the secret Morse Code conversation with next door, while looming over you all Dexter watches with interest, trying to catch up with the crazy turn of events.

The best Ramsay can make out from the Morse Code fiasco is that next door in the Bar and Grill are 3 people, the owner of the bar, a waitress and an ex-military guy with a sausage dog (at least that seems to be the description). They’ve locked themselves in and have turned off the lights.

So, it doesn’t look like there’s going to be any help coming from that quarter!

Turn 5a – The Gathering Storm – June 1983

Suddenly the reception door opens once more and in walk 3 figures dressed in yellow hazmat suits.

They’re carrying a fold up stretcher and several boxes. The Colonel indicates their route of travel and they shamble their way down the corridor toward the far service room.

Shortly after a large, severe looking man dressed in civilian attire which is well suited for the severe weather outside enters the reception, flanked by two soldiers. The Colonel points in your direction and the man moves over to you with his arms folded, staring at you intently.

So gentlemen, we’re going to have to take you to RAF Wyndham for a quick medical check over and debrief. I would imagine, if all goes to plan, that you’ll be returned here tomorrow once the clean-up is complete.”

He produces a clip board from a brief case that he’s carrying and reads from it “During a routine training mission one of the experimental aircraft out of RAF Wyndham was struck by a surface to air missile fired by forces unknown. The crew gallantly kept the aircraft airborne managing a forced landing new New Wyndham Train Station. During the recovery exercise a second attack was launched upon the crew of the grounded aircraft and military forces opened fire to drive off the terrorists”

He looks severely once more at you, particularly at Ramsay and Emlyn “As you can imagine this is a major security situation so we would appreciate you keeping any mention of military action against our aircraft, just mention mechanical failure – that should do the job”

Now, due to the aviation fuel and the possibility of this toxic material being transferred to your skin, and indeed transferred between you, we’ll have to take you for medical checks and a quick debrief. You’ll have comfortable quarters and we’ll inform all necessary next of kin and work contacts of the situation”

I hope you understand the need for this official action. Colonel, are there anymore?”

You hear what must be the service door open and the yellow hazmat suited personnel appear, pushing a fold up stretcher with a figure (assumed to be Thomas) lay upon it. Marion follows, still holding the first-aid kit looking very pale.

Put him in the lorry and young lady, please take a seat here next to these guys. We’ll need to get out of here soon”

The Colonels radio crackles and he calls over “There’s one more at the back, unconscious”

Okay” replies the severe looking man, “we’ll send the Hazmats round to get that one too”.

Better search the upper levels of the hotel just to be sure. Now, gentleman and lady, ready for a visit to RAF Wyndham for a debrief?”


Regards all,


Ivor Cogdell


Dark Things Copyright 2020 (C) Richard Burd. All rights reserved.






Dark Things storyline Copyright 2020 (C) Richard Burd. All rights reserved.



Saturday, 14 November 2020

FREE Games from Epic

 

Hi everyone,

             I'm sorry for the gap in posting. I am slightly going off-topic here, but it is well worth it.  Elite Dangerous, the space trade/combat simulation by Frontier Developments, was totally free to download and play, from the 19th - 26 November 2020, online at the Epic Games store website. 

Obviously, it is out of date now, but the link still goes to the free section of EPIC Games, so take a look.

https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/free-games


Ivor Cogdell

7th April 2023.


Thursday, 13 August 2020

Thoughts On - His Dark Materials Episode 1 (No spoilers) - Updated.

 Greetings all,

                     I have just watched the first episode of the TV adaptation of  the children's / teen novel His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman. It started off very well. It has interesting characters right from the start. It is set on a world with a mix of technology and magic. It stars a young female lead with a hidden background, raised in protected surroundings. 

There are tales of mysterious goings on with magic, naturally, that the elite do not want known. Nasties are following orders from their boss and doing not nice things, as they like doing, for as yet, unknown reasons. Good people are trying to come to their victim's aid. There are assorted people with obscure histories or conflicting motives. All good stuff to mix together in a story plot.

I like the costumes and locations shown so far. The use of animal "Familiars" is well done. The acting is splendid. If it continues in this way throughout the series it will make very good viewing. I am looking forward to the next episode. Generally a good sign of quality.

Review - 4 out of  5.

Ivor Cogdell

P.S. A question for you, no-one has reacted to this review, Has this series been aired on the tv or box sets before? Please comment below to put my mind at rest. 



Dark Things Chapter 1 Turn 4

 Hi Everybody,

                     Hold onto your hats for Episode 4 of Dark Things - Grand Master- Richard Burd.

Adventurers

Ivor as Emlyn, John, Kitty, Paul and Wendy - they are currently in the adventure doing stuff that Emlyn does not know about yet.


Character Sheet: Emlyn Cadoc

Settings: Rules: d20 rules Interaction: ‘Go for it!’

Profession: Reporter at the Wyndham Whistle

Player: Ivor Cogdell

Description: Young with an innocent smile. Aged 23, Male.

STR: 14 DEX: 15 CON: 14 INT: 14 POW: 13 APP: 11 SIZ: 13 EDU: 12 MOVE: 9 LUCK: 11 SAN: 65 MP: 13 HP: 13

Attacks: 1 Punch

Punch: (-1 to hit) doing 1d3+1d4+1

Skills: Photography 60%, Acting: 50%, Writing: 60%, Credit Rating: 50%, Dodge: 57%, Drive Auto: 20%, Brawling: 45%, Welsh Language: 21%, Advanced English: 20%, Library Use: 40%, Research: 70%, Gather Information: 40%, Diplomacy: 40%, Sense Motive: 40%

Equipment: Smart office suit, boots, notebook and pen, wallet with about £20 and the keys to a Land Rover! Fire extinguisher CO2 (next to the seat in reception), Press card, bottle of water


Turn 4 – The Gathering Storm – June 1983

What in Shadrack’s knightmares have we gotten into this time?” you wonder as you look around at the developing situation.

Eh, Colonel Coffey, Sir” you ask as you move toward the seated Colonel.

Always butter up the brass, works wonders.” You think as you stand opposite the military officer.

Excuse me, I don’t know if it’s relevant to the situation, but Marion here”, you nods towards her, “said there has just been a break in. I saw some sort of shadowy figure down the hall, another worker, Thomas is missing, I presume barricaded into one of the hotel rooms, but we have not heard anything from him.”

At this the officer jumps to his feet, lifts the radio to his mouth shouting ‘Confirmation Tango rear of hotel. Alpha Hot! Alpha Hot! ETA Majestic Land One? Over!’ He draws a pistol and moves to look along the corridor and the three soldiers lift their weapons, assuming a battle ready posture.

You note that the Police Officer leaps to his feet, with baton drawn he moves against the wall seeking what little cover exists still tapping his baton.

You move back toward Ram and look at your mate, “You had me worried there, kidder. I thought you had got caught in some sort of explosion. We heard some sort of a bang, didn't we?”

Marrion nods and mumbles, “I think so. Yes“

Ramsay looks at you and whispers so that the nearby Police Officer can’t hear. ‘We went over to the wreck as quickly as we could. I assume they were crew climbing out of the wreck. They seemed to be wearing some sort of silver pilot suits with helmets. There were 3, one ran off around the back of the bar and grill, really fast but the other two were looking at us.’

Then that idiot officer drew his gun and shot at one of them, for no apparent reason! Next thing I know is that I got dizzy, everything went black and then I’m here. I have no idea why he fired on them, what a fool. Hope we don’t get arrested for shooting at military personnel!’

The last thing on the Colonels mind seems to be water, so you ask Marion if there is any available. She nods and collects bottled water from behind the reception desk and shares it among you all.

What’s your name Officer? How are you feeling?” you ask the constable who stands weapon drawn peering down the corridor alertly.

I’m Tom Edgar. Your friend needs his eyes checked! Those things on the wreck, they’re not normal. Is it normal for two military jets to fire on one of their own? I saw it from the upper window of a house in Crawl Ley. They shot it down! These things are hostile I tell you!’

Oh, and my wounds, my bad leg, cut face. Some maniac pushed me out of the window when I was watching all the action. It’s a miracle I’m still alive! What the hell is happening, Professors from the Eye and their families going missing, pushed out the window, then this!’

Watch your back, there are strange forces at work here and that Colonel knows it!’

Hey, baboon boy’ he shouts at Ram, ‘Where is my gun!!!!’

Ram snaps back ‘You must have dropped it when you tried to kill the crew, you psycho!’

Marion moves toward the Colonel, holding out a set of keys ‘Colonel, this might help. Last I knew all the doors are locked and this is a spare master key set. Please be careful, Thomas is back there I think!’

You follow Marion and take the opportunity to ask, ”Colonel, can you tell us what on earth is going on here, please? All those gasmasks, guns and shooting, this is no ordinary plane crash.”

He just ignores you as he takes the keys and says into the radio ‘Echo, Ultra, move my location now, Over’ An instant response ‘Roger, on way, over’. His strategy is clearly just to ignore you.

Sir, I appreciate that this may be a, shall we say, a sensitive, matter.” You add.

You pause and produce your PRESS card, “For an exclusive story, I can be very tight lipped, until you give me the word otherwise. It always helps to have a friend in the press when they are handing out medals in the Honours List.”

You think, let’s see what he makes of  that.

He mumbles ‘You’re one of them. Well, we’ll be soon joined by someone with the authorization to throw more light on the situation. Hope you don’t have plans for this evening?’

Two more soldiers burst into the reception and move like a pair of cats to your location. The Colonel hands the keys over to one of the soldiers and they join the soldier in the corridor and slowly move their way along the ground floor opening each door and then checking the room beyond. Always two soldiers check the hotel room, one covering the other, while the third soldier watches the corridor, always concentrating on the service door.

You sits back down with Marion and Ram, while Tom remains standing, “I could do with something stronger to drink, but water will do”. Ram quickly replies ‘Yes, me too. We’re next to a pub, so close yet so far’

Such a shame’ adds Marion, ‘they only opened today and this happens.’

You’re not sure that it’s the mention of the bar and grill or just sheer chance, but you now become aware of a quiet tapping from the dividing wall that is shared with the bar and grill.

Ramsay smiles ‘My days in the navy have not gone to waste! That my young friends is Morse code’

... --- ... / .-- - ..-. / .... . .-.. .--.

The tapping pattern repeats and Ramsay laughs ‘I think someone next door wants some help!’

The soldiers are now at the last door, the door that leads to the service area. They kick open the door and all three raise their weapons in preparation!

One shouts, ‘He’s here, man down. Securing area, will advise’ and with that all 3 troops move through the door which bangs closed behind them.

Then the Colonels radio crackles to life ‘Subject, male, white, mid 40’s, comatose but alive. He seems to have some sort of black object in his throat. We’re going to need a trauma team. Over’

Marions eyes begin to well with tears ‘No! It must be Thomas……’

Then the radio comes alive once more ‘The back door, service entrance has been forced from the outside. No sign of Tangos. Shall we exit or hold? Over’

The Colonel quickly responds ‘Secure the door, hold what you’ve got. We’ve got friendlies on the way! Over’

Roger’ comes the short response.

Then the radio imparts even more information ‘Majestic Land One ETA 5 minutes, coming in hot, over’

The Colonel smiles grimly and finally turns his attention to you ‘Don’t worry Ma’am, helps on the way and I’m sure Thomas will be well cared for’, he then looks at you adding ‘and questions will be answered’. He then moves back to a location where he can see the end of the corridor, next to one of his men and turns down the volume on his radio.

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



Turn 4a – The Gathering Storm – June 1983

As you take a brief rest and recover from the recent mad turn of events, the exterior reception door opens allowing the biting wind to enter the cozy hotel interior.

Into the room walks a large bronzed figure, a mountain of a man!

The guard at the door backs off, raising his weapon, but not pointing it at the newcomer. ‘Where the hell did you come from?’ asks the soldier on duty at the door as he backs away with weapon at the ready.

He directs the new comer to join the rest of you.

For a moment you think the large fellow might be the source of the tapping from next door, but you can still make out the repeated tapping noise continues.

Options

It’s clear that this new guy isn’t a member of the armed forces and may have some knowledge of what is going on outside. In turn he may want to be brought up to speed. He’s something of a mountain of a man and would most certainly come in handy should physical intervention be required.

The Colonel and his men haven’t heard the Morse code message and the tapping of the Police Officers baton now makes sense and you note that he is tapping his baton on his holster to cover the sound of the message.

Do you tell the Colonel or keep the message a secret?

Marion wants to go see Thomas her manager and help with the first aid kit!

Tom, the Police Officer – still tapping his baton is eyeing the exit, where only one soldier is on guard duty. Tom whispers ‘I reckon we could get young Marion to draw that soldier’s attention whilst we sneak out! He’s on his own and I reckon we could make a run for the pub’

Run for the pub’ says Ramsay, ‘Aye, that is my sort of plan, right enough, but what about Marion?’

They won’t shoot innocent civilians’ responds Tom, ‘What you reckon?’ he asks you directly.

Sometimes no action is a good action, but is awaiting the arrival of Majestic Land One a wise course of action? Maybe this new person will help throw some light on what is going on.


This map originally came in possibly next turn, but I thought I would pop it in here.for clarity. (Note: North is down on here, reversed compared to the other maps later.)

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

Ivor Cogdell

Dark Things Copyright 2020 (C) Richard Burd. All rights reserved.



Saturday, 8 August 2020

Dark Things Chapter 1 Turn 3

 Hi Everyone,

                       Its time for more strange goings on in New Wyndham...


Turn 3 – The Gathering Storm – June 1983 

You look down the hall, “Don’t worry about Thomas, he probably heard the burglar coming and barricaded himself into one of the rooms”, you say reassuringly. You take the fire extinguisher, checking to see if it was water or co2. It’s marked up as being co2. “Let’s put these to good use and then we can get the bobby and check on Thomas, isn’t it?” Marion nods dumbly, maybe not really convinced but hoping it is true. 

You lead her outside to take her mind from any more distractions. At least she has got the first aid kit.

 You think “Take her mind off Thomas, ask her a question”. “Do you know any first aid? My sister, Brynn is a nurse, so I know a bit” you say as you head for the reception door. 

‘To be honest Emlyn, I haven’t got a clue about first aid. Hopefully there are some instructions inside’ she adds as she shakes the green first aid box gently. 

You both step outside looking around, you scan for a familiar face, “Now, where is my mate Ramsay gone to?” Your voice trails off as you see the sudden turn of events outside. First off you are stunned to see a rather large Chinook helicopter sat on the car park and 3 troops moving cautiously towards the plane wreck with rifles held at the ready. 

You hear Marion gasp in surprise and awe at the sight. 

A further 3 soldiers are guiding the staff and passengers from the train station toward a bridge that leads to the nearby New Town shopping centre and seem to be taking up a holding position to prevent further people from arriving on scene. A smaller helicopter is hovering over the wreck shining a spotlight and you look up as a second small helicopter of a similar design flies overhead moving to the back of the hotel.

A pilot jumps from the cockpit of the large helicopter and seeing you both rushes over, whilst at the same time waving the 3 men toward the wreckage. 

You hear him shout ‘Careful men, gas masks for hell's sake!’ 

With this command the 3 soldiers moving toward the crash site quickly don face masks and spread out. As he rushes over to you, you hear a radio at his hip squawking and a professional voice cuts through the static ‘Majestic Air 3, two tangos rear of hotel. Oh heck!’ 

A flash of blue lightning reflects from the hull of the large grounded chopper followed instantly by a large crack of thunder emanating from the back of the hotel. You spin around to see the small helicopter hovering at the back of the hotel flying erratically as though taking evasive action. 

‘Going weapons hot, shoot, shoot, shoot!’ cuts the voice clearly through the officer radio and then the small helicopter at the rear of the hotel fires heavy weapons. 

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

The loud sound of the rounds seems to echo in your ears and tracer momentarily dazzles you. Marion screams and jumps behind you.

 It seems everyone wants to jump behind you today! ‘Situation report, over!’ barks the officer into the radio and the response is almost instant ‘They’ve gone, no line of sight. Heading back to base, over!’ 

Then the helicopter turns away quickly and flies to the east in the general direction of RAF Wyndham. The officer introduces himself quickly and calmly ‘Colonel Robert Coffey at your service! Mam, are you okay?’ he directs at Marion as gently as he can. She just nods in response.

 ‘Did you see it’ then a slight pause as he continues ‘the plane, go down? Any survivors?’ He looks over in the direction of the wreck and you can make out two prone human shapes lay on the floor. Even from this far away, in the continued murk due to the softly falling snow you can tell that they must be Ram and the Policeman. 

The soldiers move forward carefully, grab them by the ankles and pull them back in your direction away from the wreck. ‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to commandeer your hotel mam’ he says with a tone of authority. 

He once more speaks into his radio ‘Site secure, send in Majestic Land One and a mop up team. Security status alpha, I’d advise full BA, Hazmat, the best you’ve got, over’

 ‘I’d suggest we get inside where it’s warm’ he says pointing meaningfully at the reception door.

 He looks at the fire extinguisher that you’re holding, then at the first aid box carried by Marion. ‘Good thinking, but military aircraft carry aviation fuel and it looks like the fumes must have overcome the first two to attempt a rescue.’

 He gently encourages you both toward the door of the reception, casually guiding Marion by the arm as his men pick up the unfortunate Ram and Policeman and head over toward you. 

Both Ram and the Policeman are groaning, good news they are still alive! 

Faced by an officer of the RAF and 3 soldiers you think it probably wise to follow their instructions and once more enter the reception. The soldiers dump Ram and the Police Officer on some comfortable blue reception seats. 


Marion opens the first aid kit and starts checking the casualties over. Quite quickly they come around, the police officer with a sudden start, reaching for his holster which is now devoid of a weapon. 

Ram gasps at the officer ‘you absolute idiot, what the…., why did you shoot at that survivor!’ 

You watch intently, having recovered from this rapid and crazy turn of events. The soldiers have removed their gas masks. One soldier is preparing to explore the rear of the hotel, along the corridor where you originally saw the dark shape. Another soldier has taken a position near the stairs and lift that lead to the upper levels. The third soldier has stationed himself at the reception entrance doors. In so doing they have expertly covered all approaches and exits for that matter. 

Colonel Robert Coffey has sat at the reception desk. You notice he lifts the receiver of the phone, has a quick listen and places the receiver on the desk leaving the phone off the hook. He then turns down the volume on his radio, an intent look crosses his face and he lowers his voice so that you can’t hear the conversation. 

Ram is looking at you stunned, but apparently none the worse for his collapse. The Police Officer has now taken out a truncheon from his belt and is slowly tapping the outside of his thigh, deep in thought. Marion is heads down, trying to help, but her clumsy efforts at being nurse are being waved off by a growingly annoyed police officer. Ram meanwhile starts complaining of various non-existent injuries and winks at you as Marion starts searching him for wounds!

The New Wyndham Hotel Ground Floor.

Ivor Cogdell

Dark Things Copyright (C) Richard Burd.



Ivor Cogdell




RPG - Dark Things Chapter 1 Turn 2

 Hi Everyone,

                    I passed my Turn 1 reply to Richard, here is the result.

Dark Things Chapter 1 Turn 2

Character: Emlyn Cadoc

Profession: Reporter at the Wyndham Whistle

Player: Ivor Cogdell

Description: Young with an innocent smile. Aged 23, Male.

STR: 14 DEX: 15 CON: 14 INT: 14 POW: 13 APP: 11 SIZ: 13 EDU: 12

MOVE: 9 LUCK: 11 SAN: 65 MP: 13 HP: 13

Attacks: 1 Punch

Punch: (-1 to hit) doing 1d3+1d4+1

Skills: Photography 60%, Acting: 50%, Writing: 60%, Credit Rating: 50%, Dodge: 57%,

Drive Auto: 20%, Brawling: 45%, Welsh Language: 21%, Advanced English: 20%, Library

Use: 40%, Research: 70%, Gather Information: 40%, Diplomacy: 40%, Sense Motive: 40%


Equipment: Smart office suit, boots, notebook and pen, wallet with about £20 and the keys

to a Land Rover!

Dark Tidings - Copyright 2020  Richard Burd


Turn 2 – The Gathering Storm – June 1983

You give Ramsay a nudge, “Are you all right, Ram? Come on big man, snap out of it!”

“Uh, yeah, sorry. You don’t see a plane in a car park too often, not unless you are coming out “The Bull“, anyway” he replies.

You look at the wreckage trying to gauge the size. It looks fairly large, maybe capable of holding up to 10 people, but very difficult to judge given that it is embedded into the ground.

It’s certainly bigger than most aircraft, but nowhere near the size of an airliner.As you watch a single hunched figure disappears into the blizzard and seems to be moving around behind the restaurant and hotel. There are certainly more than two more figures climbing on the wreckage and you have the impression that they’re watching the approach of the police officer.

You suggest, “You grab the blanket, torch and first aid kit out the boot, and help that copper.I think he’s in shock. Grab his radio and call it in to HQ, although they probably know by now anyway. I’ll go back to the hotel with that girl and get as many first aid kits I can lay my hands on”.

You unbuckle the seatbelt, open the door “Eeer.... Watch your footing, its wet here with oil patches where it has not frozen over.”

Ramsay springs into action, moving to the boot of the land rover and recovering the necessary items to assist in the rescue effort.

You dash over to the young lady. ”Hello, miss, let’s get the first aid kits from your place and help those folks. Did you see the plane come down? What’s your name by the way? I’m Emlyn.”

You take her by the arm and steer her back towards the hotel. You note that her right hand is slightly burnt. She’s wearing a uniform, white blouse, short blue tie and blue skirt, no doubt the uniform for staff working at the New Wyndham Hotel.


‘I’m Marion, what’s going on! The policeman staggered into the reception saying he’d seen an airplane come down. His radio wasn’t working and he asked me to use the reception phone to call for help and…..’

‘Well, I don’t know what happened, there was a blue spark and my hand got burned and the line is dead!’

“What was that you were sayin’ about a break in?” you ask as you guide her back into the warmth of the reception room.


‘Where’s Thomas, the duty manager’ she asks pensively as she glances around the reception. ‘He was here a moment ago, I think he may have gone to investigate the glass breaking. I’m sure it came from the store room’. She points down a long narrow hallway beyond a fire door that is open.


At the end of the dark hallway you think that you see a shadow moving. It’s far too dark to be sure. You hear Marion gasp as she also sees the movement. The young woman is in her early 20’s from look of things and she seems completely confused by what is happening.

At that precise moment there is a single bang from outside. You remember the gun that the copper was carrying and the strange look on his face. Your thoughts turn to Ramsay, was he the recipient of that gunshot?


Outside you hear a loud thudding sound and the snow is driven to the right of the reception doors by a strong breeze. There’s shouting from outside, something serious is going on!

The receptionist calls out ‘Thomas, are you there?’ Something is definitely lurking at the end of the corridor. Marion whispers ‘There’s a first aid kit behind reception, but all the blankets are in the store room. 

‘Thomas is that you?’ she calls out again.


The store room door suddenly opens and you glimpse a tall thin shape step from the corridor into the room and

the door slams behind them!

‘I don’t think that’s Thomas’ whispers a very scared Marion.

All hell seems to be breaking loose outside and there’s something strange lurking inside!


What to do? It seems very probable that Marions going to follow your lead.

You will have to wait for the next episode to find out........

Dark Things Copyright (C) 2020 Richard Burd.

Ivor Cogdell