Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil, Movie Review

Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil is a wonderful movie based on Basque folklore. The general story can be found in other cultures as well, and the representation does justice to the tale. However, The Blacksmith and the Devil pays a greater homage to the version the writer/director, Paul Urkijo Alijo grew up with in the Basque region of Spain.

I saw a screening of Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil at the 2018 FilmQuest Film Festival (website). You can also find additional information about Errementari on Internet Movie Database (IMDb link).

Plot Summary

Before the story begins, the introduction to Errementari gives a very brief overview of the tale. Do you believe in Hell? And, there was a blacksmith who the Devil considered so evil that he tried to close the gates of Hell to keep him out.

In the first half of the 19^th century, at the end of the First Carlist War (Wikipedia page) is when the story begins. Soldiers who are trying to return home are being lined up for execution. One survives; the reason is because of the help from a demon.

Jump forward eight years.

The blacksmith, Patxi, (played by Kandido Uranga (IMDb link)) lives a short distance away from town. The people think he is an evil man who captures children and should be left alone. That’s until a government agent comes to find the blacksmith because it is believed he has a stash of gold that went missing at the end of the war. Those who hear about this are easily persuaded to find the man.

But young Usue (Uma Bracaglia (IMDb link)) has also stumbled across the path of Patxi and his forbidding smithy. She finds a boy in a cage and helps free him. Then she finds out the boy is actually the demon Sartael (Eneko Sagardoy (IMDb link)) who came to collect Patxi’s soul and was caught by the blacksmith.

There are a number of twists and turns in the story.  There are fights that takes place between demons, the blacksmith, and the townsfolk. Eventually, Usue bargains her soul to save the blacksmith, who in turn, goes to Hell to save the girl.

Sartael

FilmQuest Cthulhu Awards

Errementari was honored with 12 nominations and won 5 categories.

The 5 winning categories were

Best Feature Film

Best Director—Paul Urkijo Alijo (IMDb link)

Best Supporting Actor – Eneko Sagardoy (IMDb link)

Best Costumes—Nerea Torrijos (IMDb link)

Best Makeup

Errementari was also nominated for

Best Screenplay – Paul Arkijo Alijo and Asier Guirricaechevarria (IMDb link)

Best Ensemble Cast

Best Cinematography – Gorka Gomez Andreu (IMDb link)

Best Sound

Best Score Pascal Gaigne (composer) (IMDb link)

Best Production Design

Best Visual Effects

Usue at the gate of the smithy

Overall

This was an enjoyable film. This telling is a wonderful modern rendition in the classic folktale tradition. It doesn’t tell the story as it is recorded in times past because it is such an old and broadly told tale (Curiosity.com). If you have heard the story of the Smith and the Devil, this is another variant.

Alijo respects his story by keeping it wrapped around the Basque culture and other folktales from the region. The movie was filmed in Basque country and in the Basque language that was fitting for the timeframe of when the story takes place. Along with using the language, the actions are fitting to the time period.

Some of the liberties taken with the story add humor that made the entire audience laugh. You might not realize how funny chick peas (garbanzo beans) are until you see the film. There are also well placed lines and actions that provide humorous breaks from the building tension.

The actors embody their characters and give the audience people to care about. I found myself rooting for the demon Sartael along with Usue and Paxti by the end. The interaction between the main characters carries through the entire cast. Even though it did not receive the award for best ensemble cast, I think Errementari was in a tight race with the movie that won the category.

Although Errementariis currently only on the festival circuit, I would be surprised if it doesn’t get distribution. It probably won’t make the major theaters because it is recorded in the Basque language and is based on a folktale. But, I highly recommend this as a movie worth seeing wherever you get the chance.

And, with the detail given to this production, I believe we will be seeing more from this director.

I give Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil 4 ½ out of 5.

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

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Patxi

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Rock Steady Row, Movie Review

In the not so distant future in a slightly altered reality the students at Rock Steady University have an issue with the last two remaining fraternities and their monopoly on bikes. The premise might sound a little odd, because it’s supposed to. Rock Steady Row is a parody that adds a sharp edge of outlandish humor to make its point about current social issues.

I saw a screening of Rock Steady Row at the 2018 FilmQuest Film Festival (website). You can also find additional information about Rock Steady Row on Internet Movie Database (IMDb link).

Plot Summary

The future is a dark place for college students. Tuition rates have continued to rise and the university system has taken advantage of the situation to their benefit. Rock Steady University is one such place.

Rock Steady is rundown and caters to generating money for the college without care for the students. This has led to the campus being controlled by the two remaining Greek houses, fraternities, in a gangland scenario.

Leroy, a freshman, on his first day on campus has his bike stolen. (This is a drastic situation because never in the movie is a car seen, or even hinted at.) The bike is stolen by one of the two remaining fraternities and the college administration is unwilling to do anything to help Leroy.

 

Leroy learns the frat houses both operate a theft ring that steals bikes and then sells them back to the students, with a cut going to the dean. It is up to Leroy to recover his bike. And, in turn, bring down the corrupt system.

This leads to having to deal with the heads of the two houses, Andrew Palmer and Augustus Washington III, and their cronies. But he has the help of Piper, the writer/editor of the campus newspaper—she knows the truth and nobody believes her.

Cast

The characters in Rock Steady Row are over-the-top archetypes from college movies. There are strong performances throughout and the interplay makes this a fun film. At FilmQuest Rock Steady Row was nominated for Best Ensemble Cast.

Singular performances were also nominated, and those who were not acknowledged with a nomination portrayed their characters with such flare they give the scenes humor and vitality. Here are the main characters.

The hero, Leroy, is played by Heston Horwin (IMDb link) and was nominated for Best Actor. The naive freshman who doesn’t understand the rules of the game everyone else is playing by. Therefore, he takes on the system to right the wrongs forced on the students and controlled by the frat leaders.

Andrew Palmer is the leader and original thief of Leroy’s bike. Andrew is played by Logan Huffman (IMDb link) and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. He is the gang leader who carries sharpened number two pencils in a wristband that he can throw with deadly precision. The knife sound effects associated with his pencils made me chuckle during the film.

 

On the other side, Augustus Washington III is played by Isaac Alisma (IMDb link). Instead of pencils Augustus uses a needle hidden in his glasses.

Diamond White (IMDb link) plays Piper and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Here is the reporter who still uses a manual typewriter and a camera loaded with film.

FilmQuest Cthulhu Awards

Rock Steady Rowreceived 10 nominations at FilmQuest. Along with those listed with the cast above the movie had the following areas of noted quality.

Best Director – Trevor Stevens (IMDb link)

Best Screenplay – Bomani Story (IMDb link)

Best Supporting Actress – Diamond White (IMDb link)

Best Cinematography Nico Aguilar (IMDb link)

Best Editing Jordan Kevin Allen (IMDb link)

Best Score Joshua Mosley (IMDb link)

Best Visual Effects Jordan Kevin Allen (IMDb link)

 

Overall

Rock Steady Row is for a select audience that is looking for a unique movie that has social commentary that can demonstrate issues in a humorous way. Don’t take this movie seriously for the story on its own, it goes with the satire.

I enjoyed Rock Steady Row. The mirror it turns back on the events happening in our world provide one of those “What could be the worst thing to happen if...” scenarios.

Like other satirical movies of this ilk, I see Rock Steady Row becoming an underground classic shared in small theaters on campuses across the country.

I give Rock Steady Row3 ½ out of 5.

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The Appearance, Movie Review

The Inquisition and the black plague was a period of time that is open to storytelling of many different strains. In The Appearance we are treated to a tale of an inquisitor who believes strongly in the scientific method. He is brought to an out of the way abbey and the small town that supports it to determine if a woman is truly a witch.

The Appearance is a thriller/adventure movie with a touch of horror. There are elements to make you jump, but without gore. There is a scene near the end of the movie that implies a sexual situation. The Appearanceis not rated, but I would say it would be a PG-13.

I saw a screening of The Appearance at the 2018 FilmQuest Film Festival (website). You can also find additional information about The Appearance on Internet Movie Database (IMDb link).

Plot Summary

Early on, after we meet the inquisitor, Mateho, we know the abbey he is going to is someplace he has been before. Someplace long ago. He doesn’t have kind memories of the abbey, yet he is going because it is his duty and his own personal calling. He is a man of science and is determined to prove the women accused of being a witch is not.

There are a series of incidents after the inquisitor’s arrival that the abbot, Scipio, and others quickly explain are due to the witch they have in the dungeon. Mateho uses his knowledge in the sciences to show that each is due to natural events. However, the events continue.

Eventually Mateho has to accept the reality of the situation and deal with what is truly the reason behind the events, and the accusation of witchery. It isn’t until he is willing to face the facts of the abbey, past and present, that he is bring the accusation, and the case, to a close.

Cast

Most of the actors listed in The Appearance also have parts in the recent television program The Outpost. One notable exception is the part of Johnny, who is played by Kristian Nairn (IMDb link). He is more widely known for his role of Hodor in Game of Thrones. Kristian Nairn was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. He does a wonderful job in the role of the sidekick/guard/confidant of the inquisitor.

Mateho and Johnny

The inquisitor, Mateho, is played by Jake Stormoen (IMDb link). He has also been a part of the Mythica movies. Jake Stormoen was nominated for Best Actor. His portrayal of the inquisitor sets up from the beginning that he is haunted by his own demons.

One of the monks, Felix, played by Adam Johnson (IMDb link), summoned an inquisitor because of the events at the abbey. Here again, the role is well portrayed as the reasoning, faithful counterpoint to the abbot.

Michael Flynn (IMDb link) plays the abbot, Scipio. I liked how Flynn brought the abbot to life on the screen with his own internal conflicts and justifications. Here is a character who is struggling with what has happened and working to maintain control and loyalty. He presented a man who believes he is doing the right things and works to justify his actions the best way he knows how.

Isabel is the accused and is played by Baylee Self (IMDb link). Her ability to use facial expression in the film adds a lot to the story telling and who the character is, even though hers is a small part.

Together these actors were nominated for Best Ensemble Cast. The interaction between the characters was great. The story is stronger because of how these actors brought their roles into the fold of the overarching story of the movie.

The cast was directed by Kurt Knight (IMDb link) who also wrote The Appearance.

FilmQuest Cthulhu Awards

The Appearance was nominated for nine awards. Along with the three awards listed with the cast the movie was nominated in the following categories.

Best Cinematography: Benjamin Allred

Isabel

Best Sound (Winner)

Best Score (Winner)

Best Production Design

Best Costumes

Best Makeup

Overall

The Appearance was a fun movie to watch. The horror aspect of the movie were in line to the thriller setting. There were points of surprise (horror) to make you jump, but no gore was shown on screen. There is a scene near the end that has implied sexual content. Although there is some foreshadowing on how the movie will end, the use of reoccurring symbols and a slight twist tied up the story nicely.

The visuals and music throughout the movie brought me into the story. Its great settings and look of the characters provided a touch of fantasy with the expected historical aspects. The score complimented without overtaking the storytelling.

Kurt Knight, director and writer, has mentioned that this might just be the beginning of the adventures that Mateho faces.

I give The Appearance 3 out of 5.

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

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Alive. (2018), Movie Review

Alive. is a mystery in a horror setting, even though it is listed as a horror thriller. I don’t want to go into a lot of detail about the plot; it would be easy enough to give up the mystery. I’ll give you a jump on the mystery and other information about the movie.

I saw a screening of Alive.at the 2018 FilmQuest Film Festival (website).

Plot Summary

A man and a woman wake up in an abandoned building. It looks like it was possibly a medical facility of some sort. They have no memory of who they are and how they got there. They are unable to leave, or even see what is beyond the walls of the building.

They have a caretaker who is helping in their recovery. A man who is making sure that while they are getting better they are unable to leave.

I really want to say more about the plot of Alive., but it would spoil the fun.

(Small spoiler) The only fault I give to the story is how the leads don’t solve their own mystery. They are given the information by others which, however, sets the movie up to be a classic tragedy where the characters get what they want and not what they need.

Thomas Cocquerel and Camille Stopps

Cast

The male patient is played by Thomas Cocquerel (IMDb page). He is known recently for his role in Table 19, which is a very different role than what he has in Alive.. Camille Stopps (IMDb page) plays the female patient opposite of him. She is known for her work in television series including Guilt Free Zone. Their caretaker, listed as “The Man,” is Angus Macfadyen (IMDb page). Macfadyen has a long string of credits which include Robert the Bruce in Braveheart and Jeff in Saw III and Saw IV.

The actors are great in their roles. They took on their characters and brought them to life  throughout the movie. The interaction between them was disturbingly moving as they learned more about each other.

I was rooting for the characters to solve their mystery to see how they would react to the situation.

FilmQuest Cthulhu Awards

Alive. was nominated for six awards.

It was in the running for top honor of Best Feature Film.

Camille Stopps was nominated for Best Actress—Feature.

Angus Macfadyen was nominated for Best Supporting Actor—Feature.

Rob Grant (IMDb page) was nominated for Best Director—Feature.

Alive. was also in the running for Best Makeup—Feature.

The screenplay, written by Chuck McCue (IMDb page) and Jules Vincent (IMDb page) was nominated and recognized as the Best Screenplay—Feature.

Angus Macfadyen

Overall

Alive. is a well written mystery worthy of your time. If you are expecting a thriller, you will probably think that the movie moves slower than it should. However, those are the scenes where McCue and Vincent are subtly setting out the clues (and red herrings) to the mystery they have crafted.

I promised a clue to the mystery earlier and it has probably been annoying some you from the beginning of this article. The title is Alive.. Alive with a period. The additional punctuation and lack of capitalization after the period has been purposeful, just like in the title. So, say the title as “Alive Period” and think about how that sounds.

I give Alive. 4 out of 5.

This movie is worth seeing on any size screen if you get a chance to see it on. I know as others figure out the mystery they are going to want to share it.

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

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Lovecraft’s Pillow by K. Scott Forman, Anthology Review

I don’t remember if I read my first H. P. Lovecraft story in elementary or junior high school. But, when given a chance to review a book entitled Lovecraft’s Pillow and Other Weird Tales I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it. I didn’t want to ruin the relationship. However, I’ve had the chance to read some of K. Scott Forman’s other work including his story in The Hunger (link to review). I thought Lovecraft would be treated well.

I picked up a copy of Lovecraft’s Pillow and Other Weird Tales at the League of Utah Writers (website) Spring into Books 2018 event for review purposes.

The Selection

Lovecraft’s Pillow and Other Weird Tales by K. Scott Forman is a collection of horror stories as one would expect. The author selected thirteen of his short works to reprint. I am sure Forman purposefully selected thirteen because he also wrote the foreword on Friday, April 13, 2018.

These tales are a showcase of Forman’s ability to tell a good horror story. Settings are from the past, the present, and into the future. These tales range from lighter horror stories crafted to make you think about the possibilities to those reminiscent of the book’s namesake with the teller slipping into realms of insanity.

The Progression

The first story, “The House That Jack Built,” is told in the style of H. P. Lovecraft. By the end you are left wondering if the person is sane or if there is something greater to be concerned about. “Lovecraft’s Pillow” brackets the book at the end, tying the just over 100 page book nicely together.

In between the brackets be prepared to take a ride that will slide you to one side and then jerk you back the other way.

Forman’s book structure creates a wonderful arc taking the reader on a journey. The stories are stand-alone tales that build on the theme, taking you from recollection of the style to a final resting place that keeps you thinking about what may come next.

Overall

Lovecraft’s Pillowis an excellent collection for anyone who enjoys horror shorts. I found this to be a wonderfully decrepit read.

Lovecraft’s Pillow and Other Weird Tales is published by Fear Knocks Press, which is where Forman also maintains a blog (website).

The book is also available on Amazon (link).

I give Lovecraft’s Pillow 4 ½ out of 5.

About the Author (From the Book)

K. Scott Forman is a writer and editor. He co-edited and contributed to the first three volumes of Fast Forward: A Collection of Flash Fiction along with working on three more volumes, a novel, and a flash novel for Fast Forward Press. He also edited It Came From the Great Salt Lake: A Collection of Utah Horror and has published several short stories and poems. He was the recipient of the Robert Creeley Scholarship in 2007 at Naropa University, and graduated with a Master in Fine Arts degree in 2009. Scott teaches English Composition at Weber State University, and was an adjunct faculty member at the National Cryptologic School. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) and enjoys long walks in inclement weather, sunsets with blood in them, and Metallica at volumes determined unsafe by the Surgeon General. He currently is at work on the Great American Novel. He makes his home in the Rocky Mountains with his family and a collection of guitars.

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

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Exodus System by Jacob DC Ross, Role-Playing Game Review

Stephen lifted his scope to look out over The Vast as the rest of the party checked supplies. Jeremy sorted the collection of healing herbs, Deborah sorted her arrows, and Alex ran a stone along the edge of his shield which was made from a triangular piece of metal they had found last time. The four had made it across The Vast before, where the New Plague was ready to kill any human. But, the animals survived and there were still things to be found from the old civilizations. Both of which made it worth the challenge of crossing between towns and living in quarantine.

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This and any other setting you would like to play can be created using the Exodus System by Jacob DC Ross. Exodus System is a role-playing game (RPG) designed for playing in any genre. It is created on the Open Gaming License in the style of Old School Renaissance (OSR) play. I was given a PDF copy of Exodus System for review purposes.

Characters

Exodus System’s main focus is on character creation. This isn’t anything new for an RPG because the characters are the central point in an RPG experience. Exodus System creates characters with some basic concepts and then opens up for the skills.

The commonly known six attributes are used. Instead of a static score within a number range, each attribute is a specified die. Five attributes start at d6 and one at d8. Each player then chooses two Roles for their character. One Role is how the character fits into the structure of the party and the other is how the character performs in combat. After defining their roles, the character selects their starting Flavors.

Flavors are the character feats that are usually a part of a race or class. Exodus System uses Flavors to provide variations in racial and other innate abilities (like magic) for the character along with equivalent abilities associated to class in other games.

By separating Flavors away from race and class, you can create unique combinations for the characters based on the setting they are being created for. Once you have your specific character base, you provide skills the character has learned.

Selecting skills for the character is a combined interpretation between the player and the game master (GM). Players are encouraged to create and define a skill specific for their character instead of choosing from a list of skills. This allows players to create characters fitting the concept created for the personality and abilities in the player’s imagination.

This basis of character creation allows Exodus System the ability of supporting gaming across genres.

Character advancement is based on completing major story goals as determined by the GM. Players then have the ability to advance abilities, flavors, and skills.

Mechanic

When a character needs to accomplish a task, including combat, the player roles the appropriate attribute die and adds applicable modifiers. Advantage and disadvantage rules apply for rolling two dice and making the proper choice.

Exodus System’s dice mechanic works well for obtaining quick results. I suggest you keep a record of difficulty assigned to certain activities as your game progresses. The author identifies that determining how hard a task should be may be one area for a GM to consider during play. Maintaining a list allows for quick reference of a common standard for tasks.

Equipment

Continuing with creating easier, quick play, Exodus System utilizes usage dice for equipment with limited use. If you’re not familiar with the concept, you don’t keep track of the number of items, charges, or battery life. A die size (i.e, d10) is assigned and each time the item is used the die is rolled to check if the number of uses remaining stays the same (d10) or goes down by a category (in this example, to a d8). This continues until you deplete on a d4.

Adventuring

Exodus Systemprovides tables for creating adventures and encounters. In case you’re the GM and need a little help in fleshing out your adventure these tables provide information with the roll of the dice. They can also be used for creating encounters for solo play.

Presentation

The PDF of Exodus System is colorful with art associated with major points of presentation. There are a number of artist credits to give a wide feel of what the game is about.

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Deborah is working carefully to skin the bear, the fur will be great for trading. Jeremy is applying a balm to the wounds on Alex’s arm while Alex sits on a rock tracing the gouges running through his rent shield. Stephen is standing watch with his two aluminum bats in hand when a voice calls out from the trees.

“We’ll take that.”

The group turns as one, when a man with a disfigured, pock-marked face steps out from behind a tree.

A Plaguer, the worst monster a group could run into when in The Vast.

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Overall

Exodus System by Jacon DC Ross is from Thunderegg Productions is a solid OSR product that can be used to support multiple genres and to use in adventures created for other games.

You can find Exodus System at drivethrurpg.com (link).

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

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Mazes and Perils, RPG Review

You and your adventuring comrades are in front of yet another locked door of the dungeon. Rags, the thief, is kneeling and carefully working his craft. Hastings, the mage, who so far has been clumsier than a drunken dwarf, is holding the lantern so Rags can see better while you and Strock watch. Strock is standing as still as possible, like yourself, so your armor doesn’t squeak. Time slips slowly by. You don’t hear anything from the darkness you left behind. Finally, Rags whispers, “Got it, but I think I heard something in there. Hastings, you’re burning my ear with that lantern. Move it before Kara has to waste a cure spell.”

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Mazes & Perilsby Vincent Florio and Brian Fitzpatrick is designed to recapture the feel of early Dungeon and Dragons (D&D). I was given a review copy of Mazes & Perils from Gallant Knight Games at Life, The Universe and Everything (LTUE website) 2018 writing conference.

Mazes & Perilsis built from the Open Gaming License and this 70 page rule book pares back to the core of what was started with a paperback book and odd shaped dice. It even makes tribute to the creative talent that helped build role playing games (RPGs) then.

In the mid-80s the book The Maze of Peril by John Eric Holmes was published. It is a short book that is only going to be appreciated by those who have played an RPG, and especially one of the early ones. Since it has been some time since then, I decided to find a work by Holmes to see how it compared to the game paying homage to him. I found and read In the Bag in Dragon #58 (February 1982).

Early adventures for D&D were focused on dungeon crawls and had a lot of open interpretation. It seemed like you didn’t have a good adventure unless you had a dungeon. The rules were not as expansive and options were wide open because it was up to the dungeon master to make many decisions that weren’t already canonized in some level of text.

Mazes & Perilssucceeds at bringing back some of the feel I got when I started playing D&D and was waiting for the books to be published (yes, I’m that old).

The Deluxe Edition has only four races and six classes. Like the early game, not every race can be every class, and races are limited to how high a character can advance. This same brevity and format of the “rules” that ignited us in the earlier editions (basic/expert/advanced) is carried out throughout the rest of the book.

If you remember the earlier games or would like to experience the feel of the earlier games, Mazes & Perils is a game you need to consider. In this one book there is enough to get a party started.

Mazes & Perilsis a Wild Games Production and distributed by Gallant Knight Games (website and Facebook).

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The shattered remains of the skeletons now scatter the room. As you bandage Rags damaged arm you wish you had another cure you could use, but the look in his searching eyes tells you he’ll be alright.

Strock is standing guard at the door watching you work and also the dark hallway. “I’m surprised you got that little filcher to hold still that long. You better let him start searching the room.”

Rags quickly climbs to his feet, “Don’t worry, Strock, we made an agreement that everything went into equal shares, and I have no desire trying to sneak past any of you after what we’ve been through together. Hey, Hastings, where’s that book I saw you pick up a moment ago?”

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

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The [Redacted] Hack by Alan Bahr, Game Review

The coffee shop is a little busier than normal for a Thursday at 9 a.m.—a definite mixed blessing. Sitting by the window with your tablet set up to look like you are writing, you scan the rest of the customers with an expert’s eye. Your backup is stationed over by the wall. At the far end of the counter is a woman also carefully checking out the rest of the customers. You don’t recognize her, but she’s probably your contact’s backup. You still have a couple of minutes to go when Hensley of the C.I.A. walks in and up to the counter. It might be a strange coincidence. Doesn’t matter though, everything just took a turn for the worse.

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The [Redacted] Hackby Alan Bahr is an espionage minimalist role-playing game (RPG) using The Black Hack system. I was given a copy of The [Redacted] Hack by the author while at Life, The Universe and Everything (LTUE website) 2018 writing conference for review purposes.

In 17 pages The [Redacted] Hack rule book provides everything needed to start an espionage game. All you have to do is create a character and a scenario to delve into a world of intrigue.

Alan Bahr is able to strip the game system down to the basics. Minimalistic gaming is about giving the players and the game master (GM) the ability to shape the game into a story they want to create quickly and easily. The [Redacted] Hacksuccessfully does that. There is enough here to provide the scaffolding without weighing everything down with minutia.

There is one class of character, secret agent. How you decide to play your spy is open to the game you are creating. You build them based on the attributes rolls and the background special features you choose. This minimalistic system is great for players who don’t want to spend a lot of time working up a backstory and for times when you want to start a game quickly.

One strong advantage The [Redacted] Hack has is the ability to bring players into the adventure quickly. It states, “This game is much more lethal and unforgiving than the core iteration of The Black Hack it’s based upon.” This isn’t a bad thing, and can be used in a fun way.

I created a quick scenario to play in the system. The higher lethality was used as part of the story with the knowledge not everyone was going to make it through the adventure. Because the system allows for easy character creation, everyone had a backup secret agent who could be called in from another part of the city. It had a bit of call back to Operation: Sprechenhaltestelle from Top Secret (Wikipedia page).

The [Redacted] Hack worked great for the game and provided an evening of fun.

I give The [Redacted] Hack 5 out of 5. It accomplishes what it set out to do in a manner that makes it enjoyable to play.

The [Redacted] Hack by Alan Bahr is published by Gallant Knight Games (website and Facebook).

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You lean against the wall around the corner in the alley across from the coffee shop. Smoke is rising out of the broken front window you dove through. Funny how the tablet is still sitting on the table untouched. In your right hand you have the machine pistol you took off your backup after you ran out of bullets. In your left is the flash drive you came for. You knew there were others wanting the drive, just not that many. The bullet in your thigh hurts and the loss of blood is making you light headed. Doesn’t matter though, now you have to get back to the safe house.

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The Voyage of the Entdecker by B.A. Simmons, Book Review

Rob grew up on Engle Island. It was home, but it wasn’t enough to hold his interest. He learned about other islands from his teacher and wanted to travel like his mentor had. When the opportunity to acquire a boat presented itself, he made a daring step to talk to his parents about leaving the family farm, which starts an adventure for himself and five other young adults.

The Voyage of the Entdecker by B.A. Simmons is the first book in the Archipelago Series. The story takes place in our future on another world. I was given a copy of The Voyage of the Entdecker at the League of Utah Writers (website) Spring into Books 2018 Event for review purposes.

The Voyage of the Entdecker is nice blend of science fiction and fantasy. I was reminded of tales I read in my youth about colonized planets that had to adapt to a world that technology couldn’t conquer. Simmons weaves in words and phrases, which are now slightly off, showing the world of Archipelago once had ties to Earth. The ties are no longer and the lost technology isn’t understood, but used when possible. Since science fiction does include new creatures, The Voyage of the Entdecker could be considered purely a work in that genre. I’ve included it in both due to the regression of technology.

We are introduced to the world of Archipelago. The name by itself gives so much. A place of open seas and scattered islands. We learn the seas are dangerous because of the creatures calling it their home. There are kingdoms across many islands, but there are also independent places as well.

Rob, Mark (his brother), Tom and Pete (cousins), and Anna and Edwin (brother and sister from another family of Engle Island) set off together on a small sailing craft they name the Entdecker. It is from an ancient human language (German) they are told means explorer. Rob is looking for the adventure the new name of their boat is portending. His brother is going along as he promised his parents, to keep his younger brother safe. Their cousins are familiar with boats and are joining the early part of the journey to teach the others how to sail. Anna and Edwin are running away from their father and the goals he has for them.

The grand adventure begins across a sea that is full of monsters that have taken on names most of us can easily recognize even though, again, they are slightly altered. They find there are many things to be afraid of, most of which are other people, who believe in different things.

The Voyage of the Entdecker is a good young adult book. There are heroes and heroines working together to overcome the struggles they face as a group and within themselves. There is coming of age and rites of passage. And, there is hope the young adventures are able to move forward into the future to help themselves and the people they care about. The tale includes moral struggles and how to deal with them. But, none are at the level of being pushy or in your face. It all comes together in a story of adventure.

It is clear there is more story to be told even early on in the book. This is a world to explore with a past as deep as the ocean they are sailing across. The foreshadowing of the greater story starts early without overpowering the current tale being told. As this tale ended I found myself wondering about the next part of the journey and what would happen without the author having to tell me there was going to be more.

Overall

The Voyage of the Entdecker is a good read and a fun adventure tale.

It is appropriate for young adult or even a middle grader readers. The strongest sexual content is suggested nudity, with no description. The violence is told in general terms without specifics. There is no magic, just the lost understanding of some technology.

The Voyage of the Entdecker by B.A. Simmons (Facebook) is published by Glass Spider Publishing (website).

I give The Voyage of the Entdecker 4 out of 5.

The Voyage of the Entdecker is available on Amazon (link).

B. A. Simmons

About the Author (From the Book)

B.A. Simmons grew up roaming the mountains of the western United States. He still finds time to explore the outdoors, mainly by running the trails. He started writing when only 11 years old and hasn’t stopped since. His love of science fiction is only rivaled by his love of history... or perhaps food.

He attended Utah State University from which he graduated with a degree in English Education in 2011.

He teaches junior high school English and social studies. He is a self-described sesquipedalian ludditish renaissance man.

He currently resides in Ogden, Utah with his amazing wife and kids, two dogs, a cat, and myriad imaginary worlds.

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A Single Moment by Tobie Abad, Role-Playing Game Review

The sun is sinking toward the horizon as too many men are being carried away from the field of battle. The spilt blood is the only thing able to quench the thirst of lost trust, lost friendship. He, who you once called friend and he called you brother, now stands a mere twenty paces away with his hand resting on the hilt of his katana. The memories of the years shared since childhood flood back. A story that twists two innocent friends into bitter enemies facing each other for the final time.

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A Single Moment by Tobie Abad is an amazing, well-crafted two person role-playing game (RPG). I received a review copy of A Single Momentwhile attending Life the Universe and Everything (LTUE) (website) from the U.S. distributor Gallant Knight Games (website).

Setting

The game begins at the opening of the climactic scene near the end, and develops as players tell their combined story through a series of flashbacks. This storytelling concept is used in books and movies and Abad has designed an RPG effectively utilizing this style in a rewarding fashion for the players.

The game book for A Single Moment focuses on samurai as an example. This is a great example since many honor-bound stories are told in this fashion. But the setting isn’t limited to feudal Japan.

The concept is for any setting having two characters facing off at the end of the story. This doesn’t have to be a death match, just the climactic scene where all of the flashbacks come together to complete the characters’ story. The two players create the shared story from beginning to end with guidance provided by the mechanics of the game as they develop the separate chapters.

Mechanics

In A Single Momentthe story has an overarching theme decided on when the characters are introduced. The theme is the underlying framework for each chapter as the story unfolds. Each chapter also has a focus for that portion of the story.

The players take turns being the lead storyteller through the creation of the tale. Being the lead allows the player to create a portion of the story that remains for the rest of the shared experience. Once a part of the story is introduced, it isn’t removed. It is built upon and provides greater definition, but the story presented is the truth as the player/character knows it to be.

Different rewards are earned as the chapter stories are told. Both players earn edges, hatred, and scars based on the outcome of each chapter. The chapter awards are accumulated for the final scene that started the game. The number of chapters is decided by the players. This allows for short stories or longer tales. There are even suggestions on how to create an epic saga.

Variations

The book suggests additional variations: western, knights, pulp fiction, space opera, and rom com. The concept presented is any story that ends with the two players facing off for one reason or another as the climax of the story.

I believe this can also be expanded to add a third player. The classic spaghetti western The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is a wonderful example of how this can work. This would definitely add more time and complexity to the game. One consideration during a three person variation would be to have a series of chapters pitting two characters against each other instead of all three. You would need to make sure each character sat out the same number of chapters to ensure balance for everyone at the end.

Overall

A Single Moment is a great addition to an RPG library a number of reasons. It is designed for two players. The game doesn’t require a game master creating an adventure for the other player, since they develop the story as they play. It can be played in a single session or multiple ones. The mechanics are easy to learn. The variant settings allow for broad appeal.

A Single Moment is written by Tobie Abad and produced by Tag Sessions.

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Lifeblood is seeping from a wound you know will not, can not heal from. The shadows of the setting sun spread across the field in front of you. Your sword stands tall with the tassel from the hilt still swaying. It’s now sheathed in the flesh of your lost friend. The blood cost was greater than it should’ve been.

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Donn’s Hill by Caryn Larrinaga, Book Review

Donn’s Hill, by Caryn Larrinaga, is a wonderfully told, haunting tale of Mackenzie Clair. A women in her late twenties who decides she needs a new start, after returning from her father’s funeral and finding her boyfriend in bed with another women. Mac has fond memories of the town of Donn’s Hill, a place her mother took her every year for the Afterlife Festival. The memories gave her hope. A place to start a new life away from the one she hadn’t really wanted herself, but had become a part of by following her now ex-boyfriend, Josh, after graduating from college.

I was given a copy of Donn’s Hill by the author at a recent writers’ event sponsored by the League of Utah Writers (website) for review purposes. Donn’s Hill received the award of Silver Quill from the League of Utah Writers in the Adult Book category and a finalist in The Dragon Awards for Horror category in 2017. Donn’s Hill and Caryn Larrinaga deserves both of these honors.

Plot

Donn’s Hill was a peaceful place from Mackenzie’s past. It was where she had happy memories of a time when it was her and her mother. She didn’t know her dad then, only after her mom passed away did she meet him. Now that her father had also passed away, and other parts of Mac’s life fell apart, she wanted a new start. She wanted a peaceful place.

Some townspeople remembered Mac’s mother and were quick to identify her because of their close physical resemblance. But her first greeting as she passed the town’s sign was a tortoiseshell cat. But, Striker, the cat, was not the first resident to seek out Mac.

While Mac works to create a new life for herself, she comes to understand she has the same gift her mother had, she’s psychic. And she is now an important part of solving a murder that happened before she arrived in town.

Style

Donn’s Hill is a great combination of mystery and the paranormal. The book is suitable for young adult readers with enough complexity for older readers. The location is well developed. The first person point of view lends itself to the telling, and the story elements are well handled.

Caryn Larrinaga does a wonderful job of creating the fictional location. The town of Donn’s Hill is known for its Afterlife Festival and its history of dealing with the supernatural. It is also listed as one of the most haunted locations in the states. With all of this going for it, the townspeople know truths about the supernatural that most people scoff at.

Mac tells her own story. Key points of her backstory are nicely interwoven with the events she’s now facing. This keeps the pace moving without bogging it down from an overload of details not important to the current situation.

Foreshadowing was given, an important aspect of mysteries, which helped build the story and deliver the climactic scene. The twist was still relevant without being overly exposed. Hardcore mystery readers will probably figure it out earlier, but it is still a fun read to see how Mac pulls the clues together.

Characters

There are great characters through Donn’s Hill. Mac has depth that is presented throughout the book. The characters are heroine interacts with have their own motivations as well. They are not stagnant characters as they move through the storyline on the sidelines of Macs activities. By the end of the book there are others who we have met that you will want to find out more about.

This is a good book to recommend for young adult readers. There are strong female characters throughout Donn’s Hill. We start by meeting Mackenzie, but along with her we have Penelope Bishop, the Deputy Mayor, Dr. Lee, the town veterinarian, Kit Dyedov, a new friend, Gabrielle, owner of the Nine Lives Book Exchange and old friend of Mac’s mom, and Deputy Wallace. These reminded me of women in my own life and it was good getting to know them.

The portrayal of Striker was a fun interlude between the points of tension. Anyone who’s had a close pet knows how they sense the mood of the people around them. Caryn uses Striker as a great counterbalance to relieve tension in the story, which pets naturally do.

Overall

Donn’s Hill was a good read that kept me interested. I quickly went through the 328 pages and was left thinking about what comes next for Mackenzie Clair.

The story is strong and has emphasizes the mystery. The horror element is present in the use of the supernatural and in solving the mystery. Since it is about a murder, there are some details written in.

Characters are alive and personable. They have depth even when they only come to the page a few times.

I look forward to reading more from Caryn Larrinaga (website).

I rate Donn’s Hill5 out of 5.

Donn’s Hill is available from Immortal Works (website).

Donn's Hill is available on Amazon (link).

About the Author (from the book)

Caryn Larrinaga is a Basque-American mystery, horror, and fantasy writer living in Utah with her husband and cats. Despite obtaining a degree in Anthropology (which is much cooler that you might think), she explored several career paths before deciding that she had to follow her passion. Suddenly, writing fiction was the only thing that made sense.

Watching scary movies through split fingers terrified Caryn as a child and inspires her to write now. She lives in a 90-year-old house with a colorful history, and the creaking walls and narrow hallways send her running (never walking) up the stairs from her basement whenever she has no other choice but to go down there. Exploring her fears through writing makes Caryn feel a little bit less foolish for wanting a buddy to accompany her into the tool shed.

When her fingers aren’t glued to her laptop keyboard, Caryn also enjoys binge-watching superhero television shows, reading, playing video games, and filling up her phone’s flash memory with pictures of her cats. She loves music, and plays the bass guitar.

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

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