Steve Jackson's Blog, page 335

September 24, 2016: The Stars Are Right For Exploration!

This month has been huge for GURPS , with the launch (and subsequent funding!) of the Dungeon Fantasy Roleplaying Game Kickstarter. If you're interested in that, or want to renew your Pyramid subscription, check out the campaign, as that is an add-on at a very affordable price, along with a ton of other PDF content. But enough about dungeons, we have space to explore!



When you have a spaceship, the sky's no longer the limit! Pyramid #3/94: Spaceships looks at various aspects of spacefaring. It features a guide to which options and assumptions you need to make GURPS Spaceships work with four different types of space campaigns. This issue also includes a pirate spacestation (with details for both Spaceships and GURPS City Stats ), a discussion of contraban and risky cargo, three derelict spaceships to explore, and more.



Other worlds are closer than ever with Pyramid #3/94: Spaceships III. Download your copy today!



– Steven Marsh



Warehouse 23 News: Spyke & Flower Are After Legendary Booty In Their Newest Comic Adventure



Spyke and Flower seek the lost city of Atlantis in "Quest for the Legendary Booty" but get thrown off course by pirates, sea monsters, and inclement weather. Join them on their journey as they follow the super-trustworthy map Spyke found on a children's menu. Get your copy of Munchkin #21 from Warehouse 23 now and receive the The Official Munchkin Bookmark of Reality Slippage with five promotional cards for free!

September 23, 2016: Munchkin Musings: September 2016

Greetings from your friendly neighborhood Munchkin Czar!



This month, instead of telling you what has just happened, I thought I'd look forward to tell you what's coming up in the next few months.



We're reopening the holiday vault later this month, so a lot of Munchkin Christmas items will once again be available. We'll also have new ones coming out, including a Monster Box illustrated by Ian McGinty, holiday-themed playmats illustrated by Lar deSouza and Katie Cook, and the 12 Days of Munchkin Christmas Coloring Book with fantastic line art by Len Peralta.



Speaking of guest artists, we have Greg Hyland's Munchkin Zombies Guest Artist Edition and Shane White's Munchkin Pathfinder Guest Artist Edition coming up this fall, and Ian McGinty's Munchkin Guest Artist Edition Kill-O-Meter will start shipping to stores at the end of September. We're very close to having the last of our Guest Artist Edition series to print – no spoilers yet!



We have our usual bevy of reprints planned, including Marked for Death and Dragons booster packs and the second printing of Moop's Monster Mashup , now in a Deluxe presentation.



This fall also sees our first foray into Munchkin-branded card sleeves. Protect your Munchkin games with packs of sleeves for Doors and Treasures and for Dungeons (and check out the exclusive cards you can get!) or protect other games with standard-sized sleeves showing Spyke or Flower.



OK, I will mention one bit of old news this month: Munchkin Grimm Tidings hit the shelves exclusively at Walgreens! It's our first game in Walgreens and we're happy to see it doing very well. John's art is awesome, and we put a lot of work into getting the theme right for Munchkin and also true to the old stories. If it continues to sell well, we may see more games like this one . . .



See you in October!



– Andrew Hackard



Warehouse 23 News: #PlayMunchkinPanic



Everyone is coming down with a case of panic!  Munchkin Panic , that is. Not only is it one of the featured games in this month's Munchkin comic, but select local game stores across the country will be hosting Munchkin Panic Day on Saturday, September 24! You'll have a chance to try the game, and get free Panic promos.  Check out the Daily Illuminator for details on where to find a store near you! 

September 22, 2016: Notable Reprints For The Holidays And January

Are you a cat person, or a dog person? A raptor person, or a dragon person? Or a kangarooster person? 



There are a lot of choices, and they're all from our reprints coming out in December and January. There's something here for you whether you like your pets to be mischievous feline YouTube stars, terrifying hybrid monstrosities, or eagles that don't mind being mounted. 

Moop's Monster Mashup



The munchkins must maraud to meet Moop's mixed-up minions! 



The first printing came out earlier this year, but this Munchkin game is selling so well, we had to print it again! 



Moop's Monster Mashup is a standalone game in which the munchkins must defeat the malevolent magician Moop, who is using his magic powers to create mashed-up monsters like the Kangarooster we mentioned earlier. The second printing is getting a deluxe treatment, so it comes with a game board and character standies. 



The second printing should be out in time for the holidays.

Simon's Cat Card Game



Play this game right meow.



This is another game we released for the first time this year that's just selling so well we had to print more. People are buying up this fast-playing card game based on the hit YouTube series Simon's Cat.



You play as Simon's pets. Play cards to make sure Simon doesn't notice you. If he does, you get Blame. Get too much and you get fed last.



Like Moop's , this reprint should be out in December.

Munchkin 4 - The Need For Steed



You're in for a ride.



Ah, The Need for Steed – the origin of the Munchkin mechanic that allows players to ride around on animals, cryptozoological creatures, and sometimes people. It's due for another reprint, which will hit stores in January.



This Munchkin expansion with original fantasy backs and art by John Kovalic introduces Steed cards, which grant bonuses like the ability to run away more reliably, or to carry more Big items.



Visit your local game store today to put in your preorders! 



– Ariel Barkhurst



Warehouse 23 News: Get Your Swag On!



Play in style with a shirt from your favorite Steve Jackson Games line! Show your pride in Ogre , Munchkin , Car Wars , Ninja Burger , and more with these comfortable T-shirts. Get yours today from Warehouse 23!

September 21, 2016: Pre-Order GURPS Mars Attacks And The Discworld Roleplaying Game Today!

Now is a fantastic time for GURPS fans. In addition to the Dungeon Fantasy Roleplaying Game on Kickstarter – watch those stretch goals fall! – two new GURPS hardcover books are at print and set for release later this year. And now, both GURPS Mars Attacks and the Discworld Roleplaying Game are available to pre-order at your favorite local game store or Warehouse 23.



Pre-Order At Your Favorite Local Game Store: Use one or both of these handy forms to pre-order today. All you have to do is print out the form, fill in all of the details, and then drop the form(s) off at your local game store. 



GURPS Mars Attacks pre-order form.


Discworld Roleplaying Game pre-order form.
Warehouse 23: If you do not have a favorite local game store, you can pre-order both books today at Warehouse 23. 



GURPS Mars Attacks pre-order.


Discworld Roleplaying Game pre-order.
And once your pre-orders are in, please don't forget the Dungeon Fantasy Roleplaying Game that's currently funding at Kickstarter. The project has a little over a week before it closes, so join in today and don't miss out on this fantastic new stand-alone RPG box set.



– Phil Reed



Warehouse 23 News: BRAIIIIINS!!!!!!



Munchkin Zombies Guest Artist Edition is a new take on one of the sickest, silliest Munchkin sets! Players of Munchkin Fu will recognize this new art from Greg Hyland featuring his distinct, over-the-top zombies kicking down doors and eating brains. Celebrate 15 years of Munchkin by pre-ordering your Guest Artist Edition from Warehouse 23 now!

September 20, 2016: Interview With Munchkin Panic Designer Anne-Marie De Witt

We had a moment to sit down with co-owner of Fireside Games, and designer of Munchkin Panic , Anne-Marie De Witt, to learn a bit more about what inspired the combination of Munchkin and Castle Panic . Check out this Daily Illuminator post for a list of friendly local game stores participating in Munchkin Panic Day on September 24, as well as social-media contests happening that weekend! You can also read a story inspired by her game in Munchkin #21. 



How did Munchkin Panic come to be? When did someone say, "Let's put your chocolate with my peanut butter and see what happens"?



Munchkin Panic was the brainchild of your own Phil Reed. He actually pitched the idea to us around 2011, but we didn't have the resources to fully support it then. And [Fireside Games Co-owner Justin De Witt] was concerned about how to marry those two very different worlds.



Where did the inspiration come from for the design of this game?



The opportunities for allowing that Munchkin -esque self-interest to flourish were clear to me in the Master Slayer version of Castle Panic from the beginning. It felt like that was the natural place to begin the merging of the two worlds. I explored ways of incorporating mechanics from Munchkin into the Panic system, but they just felt pasted on. The more elegant solution was to allow more of the feel to seep into the various aspects of play, to think and act like a munchkin. With Munchkin Panic , you don't care about protecting the castle. It's all about the points in monster slays you've earned. In fact, you might just decide to enhance a monster and actively take down a tower. You don't care about mutually beneficial trades. You're out to negotiate the best deal for yourself. You also take on a role with a special ability (based on the races and classes from Munchkin ) and work that to your advantage. The monsters aren't just coming at you, they are carrying treasure that you can use for some punishing card combos. Some of the monsters will also respond differently to certain characters. And you may just have a curse or two in your hand to beat back an opponent!







What was your favorite part of working on Munchkin Panic?



My favorite part of working on Munchkin Panic was a day I was brainstorming some ways to apply the curses to the Panic system. We were having three dead trees cut down in our backyard, and I was pacing around the house while I thought. The sound of the chainsaw was ripping through the walls, and I was certain at any moment that a heavy branch would crash through the roof. I felt like I was tempting fate to be thinking of curses! All of that extra tension and anxiety, though, was just what I needed to dream up how to mess with players.



Find out more about Munchkin Panic Day here, and see if stores near you are running demos on September 24! 



 



– Rhea Friesen



Warehouse 23 News: Protect Your Munchkin Doors And Treasures From Mischief



The long-awaited Munchkin Doors and Treasures Card Sleeves are finally here! Each set comes with 60 sleeves made specifically for Munchkin Door and Treasure cards, so you'll never have to worry about munchkins knowing which card you're about to play – or damaging your collection. Preorder yours from Warehouse 23 today!

September 19, 2016: Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Be ye ready fer a full day 'o sailin' th' jolly roger 'n findin' buried treasure? We be, cause 'tis Talk Like A Pirate Day!



Follow us, 'n share a pirate-y picture on TwittArrr, Facebook, or Instarrr-gram wit' th' hashtag #MunchkinBooty fer a chance to win a copy of  Munchkin Booty , alon' wit' some privateerin' promos! Dress like a scurvy pirate, or maybe share a drawin' that would make Blackbeard proud. Whatever ye want to share, make sure ye use that hashtag 'n follow us on social media to enter. We'll choose one sailor at random at th' end 'o th' day to take home th' loot! Winner will be announced Tuesday, September 20. 



Look for Munchkin Booty at yer friendly local game store, and check out Warehouse 23 if you don't have a store near you. For even more pirate-y goodness, there also be Munchkin Booty 2-Jump the Shark and Munchkin Booty: Fish & Ships .



Have a ruckas! And most importantly - talk like a pirate!



– Captain Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Your Munchkin Dungeons Need Protecting



Defend your Munchkin Dungeon cards from damage, wear, spilled drinks, and Electric Radioactive Acid Potion with Munchkin Dungeon Card Sleeves ! Each pack has 50 sleeves made specifically for Munchkin Dungeon cards, so you'll rest easy knowing your cards will last. Preorder your very own set from Warehouse 23 today!

September 18, 2016: Our Most Proximate Neighbor Has A Family

Scientists have reported the discovery of a planet slightly larger than Earth orbiting in the habitable zone of the red dwarf Proxima Centauri, a little over 4.24 light years from the Sun.



Phil Plait goes into some detail on his blog, Bad Astronomy, about why this is a Really Big Discovery, right in our galactic back yard. He also points out that we won't be taking a holiday trip there any time soon.



– Andrew Hackard



Warehouse 23 News: Consider A Change Of Race, Munchkin Style



Two beastly races from classic-fantasy gaming come to Munchkin with Munchkin 8 – Half-Horse, Will Travel . Don two pairs of footgear as a Centaur, or be a Lizard Guy and Drop Your Tail to avoid monsters. Ratchet up your power with additional Class and Race Enhancers! Add this expansion to your Munchkin game from Warehouse 23 now, and become Legendary!

September 17, 2016: Find A Munchkin Panic Day Event Near You

This September, everyone is coming down with a case of panic! Munchkin Panic , that is. Not only was it one of the featured games in this month's Munchkin comic, but select local game stores across the country will be hosting Munchkin Panic Day on Saturday, September 24! You'll have a chance to try the game, and get free Panic promos. You can also read a hilarious story about the game in this month's Munchkin #21. 



If you don't have an event near you, you can still participate. On September 24, share pics playing Munchkin Panic  on our social media channels with the hashtag #PlayMunchkinPanic, and you'll be entered to win special prizes! 



Here's a list of the stores and conventions running events:



Imperial Outpost Games 4920 W. Thunderbird Road Suite 121 Glendale, AZ 85306


Game Depot 3136 S McClintock Dr #11 Tempe, AZ 85282


Paladins Game Castle 6225 District Blvd #301 Bakersfield, CA 93313


The Guild House 9958 Artesia Blvd Bellflower, CA 90706


The Monstore 5404 Moreno St Suite G Montclair, CA 91763


Endgame 921 Washington Street Oakland, CA 94607


GMI Games 8300 Limonite Avenue, Suite F Riverside, CA 92509


Leisure Time Games Santa Maria Town Center 159 Town Center East Santa Maria, CA 93454


Pair-A-Dice Games 2020 Hacienda Drive Suite A Vista, CA 92081


Black and Read 7821 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003


FLGS 5517 Roosevelt Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32244


Cloak & Dagger Comics 729 S Nova Rd. Ormond Beach, FL 32174


Castle Comics and Cards 2133 South 4th Street Lafayette, IN, 47905


Gatekeeper Hobbies 4123 SW Gage Center Drive Topeka, KS 66604


Canton Games 2101 Essex St Baltimore, MD 21231


Game Citadel 720 Broadway Bangor, ME 04401


Flat Land Games 28990 S Wixom Rd Wixom, MI 48393


Recruits (Convention) 400 SE Blue Parkway Lee's Summit, MO 64063


Tupelo Sportscards & Games 984 Commonwealth Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38804


LibraryCon (Convention) 27 Union St. N Concord, NC 28025


The Spot 609 W. 20th Street Newton, NC 28658


Double Midnight Comics 67 South Main Street Concord, NH 03301


Elite Battlegrounds 299 Rt 22 East Green Brook, NJ 08812


3rd Earth Comics 643 Bound Brook Rd Middlesex, NJ 08843


Cincinnati Comic Expo (Convention) Duke Energy Center 525 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202


Sci-Fi City 9501 Colerain Ave Cincinnati, OH 45251


4th Wall Comics 1224 Millersville Pike Lancaster, PA 17603


Geek Out Games 1276 Eighteen Mile Road Suite F Central, SC 29630


Firefly Toys and Games 657 St. Andrews Rd. Columbia, SC 29210


2nd Player Games 1084 Broad St Sumter, SC 29150


Dimensions Comics, Music & More 1908 Hialeah Dr Seabrook, TX 77586


Gerard's Gaming 349 El Dorado Blvd Webster, TX 77598


Dragon's Keep 260 N University Ave Provo, UT 84604


Epic Puzzles and Games 3958 W 3500 S Suite C West Valley City, UT 84120


Game Vault 6328 Five Mile Centre Park Suite 414 Fredericksburg, VA 22407


The Comic Book Shop 3207 N. Division Spokane, WA 99207


Gamer's Haven 2114 N Pines Rd #2 Spokane Valley, WA 99206


Dice Age Games 5107 E Fourth Plain Blvd, suite 105 Vancouver, WA 98661
Check with your friendly local game store for exact event times. We'll see you Saturday, September 24!



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Royalty Has Never Been This Much Fun!



Many children dream of being a fairy-tale princess when they get older. Munchkin Princesses proves you don't have to grow up to become royalty! This 15-card booster pack is the perfect addition to any Munchkin set. Get your very own Overly Helpful Woodland Creatures or Glass Sneakers from Warehouse 23 now!

September 16, 2016: Don't Panic! We Have A Munchkin #21 Preview

Do you know what goes well together? Legends, pirates, and castles. Don't believe me? You need to check out these preview pages for Munchkin comics issue #21 from BOOM! Studios!



The first story, "The Quest For The Legendary Booty," follows Spyke and Flower – ahem, CAPTAIN Flower, as they search for Atlantis, battle pirates, and fight the Kraken! This Munchkin Legends and  Munchkin Booty  themed adventure is an island hopping escapade. Hopefully the buried treasure is worth it. What am I saying? Loot is always worth it! The art by Nicole Andelfinger and writing by Kat Leyh ( Lumberjanes ) are the real treasures here. 



In "Panic At the Castle!," Spyke and Flower come upon a castle under seige! You could say the denizens of the castle are . . . panicking. This story is based around Munchkin Panic , from our friends at Fireside Games. Why would munchkins help defend a castle, you might ask? The monsters drop gold! That'll get the swords swinging and axes chopping in no time. Len Peralta ( Munchkin Apocalypse Guest Artist Edition ) not only illustrated, but wrote this crenelated chronicle.



In the back pages of Munchkin #21 you'll find an interview with Anne-Marie De Witt, designer of Munchkin Panic , along with your special code for this month's BOOM! Bundle on Warehouse 23. There's also an extra special offer to get a whopping $20 off Munchkin Panic ! This comic is loaded with great stories, sweet loot, and awesome discounts.



Get this jam packed-issue when it releases next Wednesday, September 28, at your friendly local comic shop! 



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Add Some Color To Your Munchkin



The ABCs come to life thanks to Munchkin and The Munchkin Alphabet Coloring Book . It includes 26 all-new illustrations from John Kovalic and 26 alphabet verses from Steve Jackson. Grab your markers or crayons and get ready to color with a friend, or by yourself, by preordering today from Warehouse 23!

September 15, 2016: Announcements For January

It's our first release announcements for 2017, and we'll be starting off with a bang! Sometimes all you need is the power of love. Other times, you want the power of an unstoppable tank. Either way, we have you covered next January!

Ogre Sixth Edition



In 2085 A.D., armored warfare is faster and deadlier than ever.



With the success of Ogre Designer's Edition , we knew people wanted more AI-controlled tanks. We also knew that we could never release a 30 pound game to retailers. Enter Ogre Sixth Edition!



Ogre Sixth Edition includes constructible minis like three Ogres and a Command Post, tons of unit tokens, and even map overlays to make each game unique. Plus you can store it all in the plastic garage tray! If you missed out on Designer's Edition , or just want a more portable version, this is the box for you.



Ogre Sixth Edition is fully compatible with Ogre Designer's Edition.

Munchkin Valentines



Steal your valentine's heart - and their loot!



Prepare for the day of love with five valentines with white envelopes - perfect for giving to your one and only. Or five and only. Who are we to judge?



And if your serenade skills fail you, we've included five Munchkin promo packs to bribe your true love. Did I say bribe? It's more like gentle persuasion. Or horde them for yourself, because nobody loves you like you.

Munchkin Hidden Treasures



Treasures this rare should come in a chest!



Once upon a time (2010-2014 to be exact) Warehouse 23 made packs of promos, available only online and at conventions. The people rejoiced, and the kingdom lived in peace. Then one day, they went out of print, and the realm fell into chaos and disorder. Or people begged us to get the old promo packs, one of those.



Fear not, for Munchkin Hidden Treasures is here, and contains all of the standard Munchkin -sized promos included in the Warehouse 23 boosters. Even the out of print cards from the earlier packs! Now's your chance to find some of the promos you may be missing, right in your local game store.



It's going to be a big month for SJ Games! Don't forget to can preorder these upcoming releases at your friendly local game store.



– Hunter Shelburne



Warehouse 23 News: Bring New Magic To Your Dungeons!



Bring a new profession and magical method to your GURPS Dungeon Fantasy games with GURPS Dungeon Fantasy 19: Incantation Magic . Reality is what you make with this flexible and fun system. Download it today, only from Warehouse 23!