Review – Shadowrun: Better than Bad

Shadowrun: Better than Bad is a sourcebook for Shadowrun and provides support for characters “hooding” or helping the little guy. As that is a campaign style that has not seen much support for this edition, I was pleased to see this book as it is a style I like to see. If you are interest in that style of pay, or Azania which also gets explored in this product, it is a worthwhile purchase but probably not a priority.

Shadowrun: Better than Bad, is a Deep Shadows Sourcebook for the 5th edition of Shadowrun, this particular book covers the idea that Shadowrunners can actually do good in the Sixth World and not just be corporate stooges along with a visit to Azania (formerly South Africa).

The book begins with one of the ubiquitous fiction sections, then moves into A Light in the Darkness, talking about “Hooding” doing good for the community and striking against the powerful, named after Robin Hood (of course). Various of the organizations that oppose the corps are covered ranging from self-help groups to full on terrorist organizations, something for everyone and a bit more. It also includes a pitch to fight the power, rock on Opti (aka Old Crow, active NeoAnarchist and host of the NeoAnarchist podcast).

It is Free RPG Day, 2019!

Today is 2019’s Free RPG Day!   I will be at Tyche’s Games in Athens, GA, where we will have demonstrations of Pathfinder and other fun games.

And please remember, if you take advantage of the Free RPG Day swag, buy something as well.  The retailers have to paid for what you are getting free, so please help them out.

Creative Sunday – Howard Brandon and Shaintar

Another in an irregular series of posts, where I highlight some of the awesome creative things being done out in the world.  Today, we have:

Howard Brandon

Howard has been a friend of mine for many a year, he has played in several of my campaigns and I have played in a few of his.  For quite a while now, he has been the public face of the fantasy world Shaintar, powered by Savage Worlds, and its Organized Play branch (originally called Justice and Light, though I am not sure of the name of the current incarnation).

To go with the new version of Savage Worlds (the Adventure Edition), Savage Mojo, the current owners of Shaintar, have released a Shaintar JumpStart adventure, written by Howard, along with a set of pre-generated characters, if you want to give this fantasy world a try.

If you want to see some of the other work Howard has been doing for Shaintar setting, take a look here, he has been very busy.  He also has organized a mini-convention in his hometown of Madison, GA, which he hopes will grow into something bigger.

Notes: It has been a while since I did one of these so time to bring them back.  Howard deserves more recognition for all of his hard work on the Shaintar setting.

Also the links are affiliate links which will earn me a pittance if you purchase anything through them.

 

Tuesday Magic Item – Peacock Shield

“It is certainly one of the most colorful armies we have marched with.” said Voddick, surveying the sea of brightly colored shields and the garishly dressed soldiers bearing them.

“Truth,” nodded Gollaon.  “I am used to being the one who stands out . . . but here?  Here, I am the dove among peacocks.”

“If it is any consolation, I prefer your style,” smiled Voddick.

“It is, my friend, it is.”

Peacock Shield

These shields are decorated with peacock feathers, arranged in various patterns depending on the maker and the person who commissioned it.  The magics laid into the shield do their best to protect the feathers from damage but repairs will have to be made every so often or the magic of the shield will be lost with the feathers.

Goodbye May, Welcome June

June is named from the Roman month Iunius, or Junius, is named in honor of the ancient Roman goddess Juno who is the wife of Jupiter and oversees marriage among other portfolio (and is associated with the Greek Hera).   The first half of Iunius is a period of religious purification and was considered the most favorable time to marry by the Romans.  It will also be the anniversary of this journal, so I may try and do something special for that.

Summer officially starts this month, so, any thoughts on a theme, readers?  Send me your suggestions and I will try to act on them.

May, 2019, saw the following posts on the design journal:

Shadowrun Campaign Update with New Seattle Scream Prop (#60)

Shadowrun gaming is ongoing, as we await the Sixth Edition of the rules later this summer.  Not sure if we will be switching out until we can actually get hold of the new rules and see what they are like.  But the Star Signs campaign, which has had one session, we might move over as the mechanical investment in the characters is minimal at the moment.  The monthly games at Tyche’s Games (every first Saturday every month, come and join) continue apace and will be moving the Sixth Edition, though maybe not immediately after release but certainly by Winter.

The Star Signs campaign is my attempt to move our campaign into a connected set of stories that will reveal aspects of my take on the Shadowrun world but time will tell is it works out, hopefully the new edition will not cause mechanics to distract from story and plot.

Our NorCal still manages about a session a month, the latest report from PinkCat can be found here.

The latest news from my version of Seattle, 2075, can be found in the Seattle Scream #60.

Notes: Photo “Quiet Night at the Terminal” by ashatsea is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Down and Out in Taren Kost – Campaign Report Episode 8

The latest adventures from Taren Kost following from Episode 7 (you can find the initial adventures and cast list here).

Our cast for this episode:

Fiorentino, Reed Greenbottle, Hartessa and Mercutio “the Green”

Episode 8: Out into the Countryside