Monte Cook's Blog, page 135
September 25, 2011
Back to the Laboratory
Back to the Laboratory
A short while ago, I started working for Wizards of the Coast again, on D&D. I am currently working with talented members of the R&D staff, exploring various options and experimenting with the game. Which is to say, doing what I really love. At this point, you can think of me as a mad scientist in a rpg design laboratory, concocting crazy creations to see if any of them have any value.
I'm really not at all concerned with edition wars or arguments of that nature. Please don't try to drag me into those discussions. D&D is bigger than any of that, and my job is a lot more open ended and broad minded than such things. While I'm at it, let me also add, please don't make assumptions about what I'm doing based on things I've done in the past. The future is not yet written.
Speaking of writing (and the future), I'll be writing the Legends & Lore column at the Wizards' web site starting this week and going forward. I'll be using that as a venue to give you updates on my thoughts on these topics, new (and old) ideas, and experiments.
A short while ago, I started working for Wizards of the Coast again, on D&D. I am currently working with talented members of the R&D staff, exploring various options and experimenting with the game. Which is to say, doing what I really love. At this point, you can think of me as a mad scientist in a rpg design laboratory, concocting crazy creations to see if any of them have any value.
I'm really not at all concerned with edition wars or arguments of that nature. Please don't try to drag me into those discussions. D&D is bigger than any of that, and my job is a lot more open ended and broad minded than such things. While I'm at it, let me also add, please don't make assumptions about what I'm doing based on things I've done in the past. The future is not yet written.
Speaking of writing (and the future), I'll be writing the Legends & Lore column at the Wizards' web site starting this week and going forward. I'll be using that as a venue to give you updates on my thoughts on these topics, new (and old) ideas, and experiments.
September 12, 2011
A Glass of Ants
A Glass of Ants
A spent a week as the houseguest of the Harrisons, some really nice and generous people, in Tennesee. They put a small glass of orange juice on the front porch to draw away the yellowjackets (draw them to the glass, away from the people).
I spent a good deal of time on this porch, writing. As I watched, some ants found the glass of juice. Soon a trail of ants led from the ground, up a conveniently long blade of grass, onto the porch and into the glass. Not surprising.
Later that day, I saw that the juice was partly black. Looking closer, I saw that while hundreds attempted to get into the glass, get some juice, and then leave, many had fallen in and were drowning. My first instinct was to take the juice away. No reason to let the ants all drown. But for every ant that fell in, many more were getting juice. I decided that it wasn't my call. It was the ants'. So I left it there.
The next morning, the entire glass of juice was black. The entire glass was full, from the bottom up to where the level of the juice had been, with dead ants. There must have been thousands. Literally thousands. A glass of dead ants. But now that the glass was full of ants, it was easy for the others to walk across the surface safely, drink some juice, and leave.
The day after that, the ants stopped coming.
I had many reactions. First of all, wow. There's a lot of ants in a colony if they can sacrifice that many and still keep going. Second, did I do the right thing? That's a lot of dead ants, but it's also a lot of well fed live ants too. Lastly, wow again. I just watched the colony operating as a single organism, sacrificing a part of itself so that the rest could benefit. Nature's amazing.
A spent a week as the houseguest of the Harrisons, some really nice and generous people, in Tennesee. They put a small glass of orange juice on the front porch to draw away the yellowjackets (draw them to the glass, away from the people).
I spent a good deal of time on this porch, writing. As I watched, some ants found the glass of juice. Soon a trail of ants led from the ground, up a conveniently long blade of grass, onto the porch and into the glass. Not surprising.
Later that day, I saw that the juice was partly black. Looking closer, I saw that while hundreds attempted to get into the glass, get some juice, and then leave, many had fallen in and were drowning. My first instinct was to take the juice away. No reason to let the ants all drown. But for every ant that fell in, many more were getting juice. I decided that it wasn't my call. It was the ants'. So I left it there.
The next morning, the entire glass of juice was black. The entire glass was full, from the bottom up to where the level of the juice had been, with dead ants. There must have been thousands. Literally thousands. A glass of dead ants. But now that the glass was full of ants, it was easy for the others to walk across the surface safely, drink some juice, and leave.
The day after that, the ants stopped coming.
I had many reactions. First of all, wow. There's a lot of ants in a colony if they can sacrifice that many and still keep going. Second, did I do the right thing? That's a lot of dead ants, but it's also a lot of well fed live ants too. Lastly, wow again. I just watched the colony operating as a single organism, sacrificing a part of itself so that the rest could benefit. Nature's amazing.
September 8, 2011
DragonCon and After
DragonCon and After
DragonCon was a great, weird, crazy, rewarding time. It had been many years since I'd been to DragonCon, and it was no longer the convention that I remembered at all. The crazy knob had been turned to 12 with all the costumes, parties, and whatnot. In some cases, this is cool. I got to watch the parade and there's something pretty cool about seeing not just a bunch of guys dressed up as Ghostbusters, but with the ECTO-1, the Ghostbuster's Car. Or an actual steampunk airship. Or 100+ stormtroopers marching together down a city street.
But on the other hand, 60,000 people crammed into any space can provide challenges, and when about half of them are wearing huge, unwieldy costumes, well, that gets not only crazy, but just unworkable.
The reason I was there, however, was to attend panels on the game track and they were amazing. I can't say enough good things about them. First of all, they were very well attended. Each panel I was on must have had between 100 to 300 people. The questions the audience members asked were insightful, refreshing, and to the point. And the panelists I shared the stage with each time were well-spoken, intelligent, and informative. The highlight had to be the Game Mastery Panel, with Richard Garfield, Darwin Bromley, Jason Morningstar, Mike Capps, and myself. A packed ballroom, great questions, great answers, and a standing ovation at the end. I was happy to just be there.
I also got to pal around with friends Rob Schwalb and Miranda Horner, which is always a good thing.
After DragonCon was over, I drove up with Mary Robinette Kowal and other fellow writers to the Woodthrush Woods writer's retreat, where I'm spending a week enjoying the woods and hanging out with other great writers. Oh, and eating great food. Great food.
Now let's see if I can just get some writing done!
DragonCon was a great, weird, crazy, rewarding time. It had been many years since I'd been to DragonCon, and it was no longer the convention that I remembered at all. The crazy knob had been turned to 12 with all the costumes, parties, and whatnot. In some cases, this is cool. I got to watch the parade and there's something pretty cool about seeing not just a bunch of guys dressed up as Ghostbusters, but with the ECTO-1, the Ghostbuster's Car. Or an actual steampunk airship. Or 100+ stormtroopers marching together down a city street.
But on the other hand, 60,000 people crammed into any space can provide challenges, and when about half of them are wearing huge, unwieldy costumes, well, that gets not only crazy, but just unworkable.
The reason I was there, however, was to attend panels on the game track and they were amazing. I can't say enough good things about them. First of all, they were very well attended. Each panel I was on must have had between 100 to 300 people. The questions the audience members asked were insightful, refreshing, and to the point. And the panelists I shared the stage with each time were well-spoken, intelligent, and informative. The highlight had to be the Game Mastery Panel, with Richard Garfield, Darwin Bromley, Jason Morningstar, Mike Capps, and myself. A packed ballroom, great questions, great answers, and a standing ovation at the end. I was happy to just be there.
I also got to pal around with friends Rob Schwalb and Miranda Horner, which is always a good thing.
After DragonCon was over, I drove up with Mary Robinette Kowal and other fellow writers to the Woodthrush Woods writer's retreat, where I'm spending a week enjoying the woods and hanging out with other great writers. Oh, and eating great food. Great food.
Now let's see if I can just get some writing done!
August 28, 2011
Con Man
Con Man
Spent yesterday at PAX in Seattle, or at least, ostensibly. Mostly, I spent my Saturday in restaurants around PAX, hanging out with various friends. Really, it was kind of a drive-by con experience. Next weekend, though, I'll be at DragonCon in Atlanta, and I have a formal schedule of appearances. I'll post my DragonCon schedule below. Hope to see you there!
Title: Monte Cook
Time: Sat 04:00 pm
Location: Crystal Ballroom - Hilton
Description: One of the masters of modern gaming arrives at Dragon*Con! Talk to the father of countless games!
Title: Breaking into the Table Top RPG Industry
Time: Sat 08:30 pm
Location: Grand Salon B - Hilton
Description: Ever dream the dream? Ever want to know how to publish in the role-playing game industry? Talk to three people who did it and are doing it now.
Title: Game Design Mastery
Time: Sun 11:30 am
Location: Crystal Ballroom - Hilton
Description: A roundtable with the masters of game design itself.What makes a good game - card, paper, computer, or otherwise? How did they create their masterpieces?
Title: The Mechanics of Designing Your Own RPG
Time: Sun 07:00 pm
Location: Grand Salon B - Hilton
Description: Designing your own RPG? Ever wanted to give it a shot? What are the mechanics that give you hang ups? Award-winning designers reveal how they do it.
Spent yesterday at PAX in Seattle, or at least, ostensibly. Mostly, I spent my Saturday in restaurants around PAX, hanging out with various friends. Really, it was kind of a drive-by con experience. Next weekend, though, I'll be at DragonCon in Atlanta, and I have a formal schedule of appearances. I'll post my DragonCon schedule below. Hope to see you there!
Title: Monte Cook
Time: Sat 04:00 pm
Location: Crystal Ballroom - Hilton
Description: One of the masters of modern gaming arrives at Dragon*Con! Talk to the father of countless games!
Title: Breaking into the Table Top RPG Industry
Time: Sat 08:30 pm
Location: Grand Salon B - Hilton
Description: Ever dream the dream? Ever want to know how to publish in the role-playing game industry? Talk to three people who did it and are doing it now.
Title: Game Design Mastery
Time: Sun 11:30 am
Location: Crystal Ballroom - Hilton
Description: A roundtable with the masters of game design itself.What makes a good game - card, paper, computer, or otherwise? How did they create their masterpieces?
Title: The Mechanics of Designing Your Own RPG
Time: Sun 07:00 pm
Location: Grand Salon B - Hilton
Description: Designing your own RPG? Ever wanted to give it a shot? What are the mechanics that give you hang ups? Award-winning designers reveal how they do it.
August 18, 2011
Ptolus in Print
Ptolus in Print
You can once again get a print copy of Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire. This is available at DriveThruRPG.com as a two-volume set. The content is the same as the original book, released in 2006, but it is now in two volumes. When you go to the site, make sure you get both volumes:
Volume 1
Volume 2
And make sure you select the option "Watermarked PDF + Hardcover color" for both to ensure that you get all the PDF extras, which include campaign journals, extra handouts, reference sheets, and free copies of Chaositech, The Banewarrens, and the Night of Dissolution adventure.
And don't forget to get the free pdf of the 32-page Player's Guide. And check out all the many, many cool support products there are for Ptolus.
If you just want the pdf version of the entire book, go here.
Ptolus is a fantasy city steeped in history and surrounded by threats, from dungeons below to the Spire above. It's also the name of game designer Monte Cook's longtime RPG campaign, now available in both eBook format and as a deluxe package featuring a a pair of hardcover books and a massive digital download of supplemental material. Ptolus isn't your typical roleplaying supplement. The book's deluxe nature will dazzle you, and its all-new way of presenting setting material will surprise you. The Ptolus setting can be used on its own or inserted into an existing campaign -- actually, it's both a setting and a mega-adventure that will take you from 1st to 20th level, and it's a sourcebook on running urban campaigns. For more information go to ptolus.com
You can once again get a print copy of Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire. This is available at DriveThruRPG.com as a two-volume set. The content is the same as the original book, released in 2006, but it is now in two volumes. When you go to the site, make sure you get both volumes:
Volume 1
Volume 2
And make sure you select the option "Watermarked PDF + Hardcover color" for both to ensure that you get all the PDF extras, which include campaign journals, extra handouts, reference sheets, and free copies of Chaositech, The Banewarrens, and the Night of Dissolution adventure.
And don't forget to get the free pdf of the 32-page Player's Guide. And check out all the many, many cool support products there are for Ptolus.
If you just want the pdf version of the entire book, go here.
Ptolus is a fantasy city steeped in history and surrounded by threats, from dungeons below to the Spire above. It's also the name of game designer Monte Cook's longtime RPG campaign, now available in both eBook format and as a deluxe package featuring a a pair of hardcover books and a massive digital download of supplemental material. Ptolus isn't your typical roleplaying supplement. The book's deluxe nature will dazzle you, and its all-new way of presenting setting material will surprise you. The Ptolus setting can be used on its own or inserted into an existing campaign -- actually, it's both a setting and a mega-adventure that will take you from 1st to 20th level, and it's a sourcebook on running urban campaigns. For more information go to ptolus.com
August 16, 2011
Living in the Future
Living in the Future
As I drove to GenCon, I passed through an enormous windfarm with what must have been 100s of huge windmills. I thought about the music that I was listened to, downloaded via subscription from the worldwide information network. I thought about the hybrid electric/gasoline vehicle that I drove, with the built-in screen that I was looking at to tell me how to get where I was going. And how did it know? Because it was in constant communication with a satellite orbiting the planet.
I realized that 16 year old Monte would be out of his mind with excitement to know what the future was going to be like.
Jetpack or no.
As I drove to GenCon, I passed through an enormous windfarm with what must have been 100s of huge windmills. I thought about the music that I was listened to, downloaded via subscription from the worldwide information network. I thought about the hybrid electric/gasoline vehicle that I drove, with the built-in screen that I was looking at to tell me how to get where I was going. And how did it know? Because it was in constant communication with a satellite orbiting the planet.
I realized that 16 year old Monte would be out of his mind with excitement to know what the future was going to be like.
Jetpack or no.
August 11, 2011
GenCon 2011
GenCon 2011
I was going to do one of those day by day accounts of the show, but I just don't have the time. I'm busy recovering from being gone, and getting ready to be gone again. In a week and a half I travel again for business, and then after that it's off to DragonCon, with the possibility of a little PAX in between for good measure.
GenCon was amazingly fun this year. I played True Dungeon twice, each time with an amazing selection of game industry friends. I played in Charles Ryan's ongoing d20 Modern Post Apocalyptic game. And I spent a lot of time with old TSR friends like Colin McComb, Ray Vallese, Miranda Horner, Steve Schend, Jeff Quick, and Stan! as well as time with (relatively) newer friends like Tom Lommel, James Bell, Todd Secord, Rob Schwalb, and Hyrum Savage. Throw in a lunch with Erik Mona and some time to kid around with Ed Greenwood and you've got yourself a GenCon.
But as Paul McCartney once told me, enough name dropping.
I signed a lot of books, including the new All Stars Take on the Megadungeon from Gaming Paper, and Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire. The latter book, from my own Malhavoc Press, is back in print thanks to DriveThruRPG. Soon you'll be able to order it directly from that site.
The ENnies were very fun. My "dream date" was none other than ENWorld's own Diaglo, but because I'm an idiot I didn't realize that for the first few minutes we were talking. He was kind to me and did not beat me up for that or for helping to create the d20 system, though, so that's good. (He's a really nice guy, actually. There was little violence involved at all.) The ENnies overall were very well done this year--classy ceremony, nice venue... I have nothing but good things to say.
The dealer's hall was amazing. I spent a lot of money there--probably more than any previous GenCon. (You're welcome, gaming economy.) I picked up the new game based on Charles Stross' The Laundry, a module for Villains & Vigilantes, some stuff for Sorcery and Super Science, and a few miscellaneous Cthulhu-ish books. I picked up lots of cool miniatures from Wyrd and Reaper, and some old RafM Call of Cthulhu figures, among others. Also, I got some beautiful painted terrain from Gale Force 9. And of course, new dice. You have to get new dice at GenCon. It's an Indiana state law now.
I want to make special mention of one purchase, and that was the book, Cheers, Gary. This is a book whose proceeds go to the Gygax Memorial fund, and I think that's an awesome cause.
In short, a great GenCon. Lots of fun, lots of friends, and even a few games.
I was going to do one of those day by day accounts of the show, but I just don't have the time. I'm busy recovering from being gone, and getting ready to be gone again. In a week and a half I travel again for business, and then after that it's off to DragonCon, with the possibility of a little PAX in between for good measure.
GenCon was amazingly fun this year. I played True Dungeon twice, each time with an amazing selection of game industry friends. I played in Charles Ryan's ongoing d20 Modern Post Apocalyptic game. And I spent a lot of time with old TSR friends like Colin McComb, Ray Vallese, Miranda Horner, Steve Schend, Jeff Quick, and Stan! as well as time with (relatively) newer friends like Tom Lommel, James Bell, Todd Secord, Rob Schwalb, and Hyrum Savage. Throw in a lunch with Erik Mona and some time to kid around with Ed Greenwood and you've got yourself a GenCon.
But as Paul McCartney once told me, enough name dropping.
I signed a lot of books, including the new All Stars Take on the Megadungeon from Gaming Paper, and Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire. The latter book, from my own Malhavoc Press, is back in print thanks to DriveThruRPG. Soon you'll be able to order it directly from that site.
The ENnies were very fun. My "dream date" was none other than ENWorld's own Diaglo, but because I'm an idiot I didn't realize that for the first few minutes we were talking. He was kind to me and did not beat me up for that or for helping to create the d20 system, though, so that's good. (He's a really nice guy, actually. There was little violence involved at all.) The ENnies overall were very well done this year--classy ceremony, nice venue... I have nothing but good things to say.
The dealer's hall was amazing. I spent a lot of money there--probably more than any previous GenCon. (You're welcome, gaming economy.) I picked up the new game based on Charles Stross' The Laundry, a module for Villains & Vigilantes, some stuff for Sorcery and Super Science, and a few miscellaneous Cthulhu-ish books. I picked up lots of cool miniatures from Wyrd and Reaper, and some old RafM Call of Cthulhu figures, among others. Also, I got some beautiful painted terrain from Gale Force 9. And of course, new dice. You have to get new dice at GenCon. It's an Indiana state law now.
I want to make special mention of one purchase, and that was the book, Cheers, Gary. This is a book whose proceeds go to the Gygax Memorial fund, and I think that's an awesome cause.
In short, a great GenCon. Lots of fun, lots of friends, and even a few games.
August 9, 2011
Top GenCons
Top GenCons
Top GenCons ever, for me, might be ranked like this:
1. 1990. My first one. I had started my career in games.
2. 2000. The GenCon when we released 3rd Edition.
3. 2003. The GenCon where we released Arcana Unearthed, which was a huge success.
4. 2006. This was the release of Ptolus. Nuff said.
5. 1999. The GenCon that saw the announcement of 3rd Edition. Uber-excitement.
But for just sheer personal fun, 2011 might be the best. Sure, I didn't have any big releases or events, but I saw all kinds of old friends, met new friends, and connected with people in a way that I really needed.
Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.
July 31, 2011
GenCon Products
GenCon Products
If you're looking for my products at GenCon, make sure to check out these places:
DriveThruRPG Booth 767: Look here for a number of Malhavoc Press products, back in print--including Ptolus ! That's right, Ptolus is back as a print book, or rather books, because now the mammoth tome is a two-volume set. Copies will be extremely limited, so if you really want to pick one up at GenCon, I'd recommend getting over there early. Other print products include Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved, the Complete Book of Eldritch Might, and more. All of these--including Ptolus--will be available as print products from the DriveThruRPG website as well.
Gaming Paper Booth 1456: Gaming Paper will have a brand-new collaborative dungeon design project by myself, Ed Greenwood, Steven Schend, and Brian Cortijo called All Stars Take on the Mega-Dungeon. This is a pathfinder compatible book and it looks really cool, if I do say so myself. The adventures within will be available for sale as ebooks from the Gaming Paper website as well.
If you're looking for my products at GenCon, make sure to check out these places:
DriveThruRPG Booth 767: Look here for a number of Malhavoc Press products, back in print--including Ptolus ! That's right, Ptolus is back as a print book, or rather books, because now the mammoth tome is a two-volume set. Copies will be extremely limited, so if you really want to pick one up at GenCon, I'd recommend getting over there early. Other print products include Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved, the Complete Book of Eldritch Might, and more. All of these--including Ptolus--will be available as print products from the DriveThruRPG website as well.
Gaming Paper Booth 1456: Gaming Paper will have a brand-new collaborative dungeon design project by myself, Ed Greenwood, Steven Schend, and Brian Cortijo called All Stars Take on the Mega-Dungeon. This is a pathfinder compatible book and it looks really cool, if I do say so myself. The adventures within will be available for sale as ebooks from the Gaming Paper website as well.
My GenCon Schedule
My GenCon ScheduleThese are the public appearances I'll be making at GenCon. If any of this changes, I'll probably note it on Twitter, G+, and perhaps Facebook, if you follow me in any of those venues.
Thursday
1:00-1:30 Signing at the Gaming Paper Booth #1456
8:00-9:00 Unspeakable Oath panel
Friday
3:00-4:00 Signing at the DriveThruRPG Booth #767
7:00-9:00 ENnies
Saturday
3:00-3:30 Signing at the Gaming Paper Booth #1456
4:00-5:00 Signing at the DriveThruRPG Booth #767
Monte Cook's Blog
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