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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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.

You can also join Guild Master Gaming on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter(@GuildMstrGmng).

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World of Darkness: The Documentary, Movie Review

Roleplaying games have been around for a very long time. Formalized games have been with us for about 50 years. Then, in the early 1990s a game was introduced that caused a change. Not just a change in the roleplaying game industry, or even the game industry, but a change that rippled out and affected many areas of current society. Vampire: The Masquerade introduced us to a dark side, embracing the concepts of being a creature of the dark instead of hunting it.

World of Darkness: The Documentary is an exploration of the phenomenon that came from White Wolf Publishing. It starts back at the roots of White Wolf and brings their story forth to the present day, covering over 30 years.

World of Darkness doesn’t just cover what happened with White Wolf.

It looks at what it meant to be a player in the early days when roleplaying games were just gaining a place on the fringe of society. It brought back memories for me, of being in high school and waiting for the Dungeon and Dragons books to be published. It describes how it influenced the Wieck brothers.

World of Darkness explores how Vampire influenced the roleplaying game industry and influenced other games. The rise of the narrative and movie further away from the heroic fantasy setting that the hobby was known for at the time. How, with the rise of Vampire, more women became a part of the roleplaying community.

It further explores beyond the gaming industry. The influences of Vampire are shown to influence the course of pop culture through the movies that have been influenced or come directly from the World of Darkness created by White Wolf. Modern classic horror films that include the Underworld and Blade franchises. Even popular television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

There is more to the story besides the influences on the media culture. Profiles of the live action events and the players who attend are sprinkled throughout the movie. The game has influenced many lives and continues to be a part of what many do for regular entertainment.

There have been troubles along the way for White Wolf and the documentary covers some of that and even has commentary from the founder of the fan club who ended up in court with the company of the game they love. It explores the attempt to become an online gaming presence and the hardships faced as the company had to change directions as entertainment modes changed.

Overall

When I look at a documentary, the most important part is the presentation of the information. World of Darkness: The Documentary was a fair and informational presentation of widely known facts and additional information. It is a celebration of the game and the movement it embraced and helped grow. But, it’s not a fan flick. It doesn’t show the company as being perfect, but has a more holistic approach.

The production work of the movie is good. There is the balance of information. And, there is the presentation of the people who are the fans: the misunderstood counterculture.

I enjoyed the documentary. It gave me a broader understanding about a hobby I enjoy and the society I live in.

For fans of Vampire and Werewolf, this is a documentary that can be deeply appreciated.

For fans of roleplaying games, this is a movie that will give you a better understanding of what is happening in your hobby and how it has changed, and how it is still changing, from the influences White Wolf introduced.

For fans of the World of Darkness setting, or the pop culture surrounding it, this might not be where it started, but this is where the first major explosion took place.

I give World of Darkness: The Documentary 3 ½ out of 5 for general viewing and 4 out of five for those who are already familiar with the subject matter.

World of Darkness is releasing September 18, 2018 on multiple platforms, including Amazon (link).

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

You can also join Guild Master Gaming on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter(@GuildMstrGmng).

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Tower of Madness by Curt Covert, Game Review

The townspeople say it is just another haunted house you and your fellow investigators are approaching. But you know the Elder Gods are stirring. You are one of the few who understand what is happening, and what is ultimately at stake. You enter looking for clues to solve the riddle of this house and how it ties into the greater horror. The things you have seen have already touched your mind, and there are times when you’re not sure what you are seeing is real anymore.

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Tower of Madness, by Curt Covert is a semi-cooperative game based on the Cthulhu mythos. As with other games designed by Curt Covert, there is the possibility of one of the players being or becoming a traitor who works for the demise of the rest of the group, and in this case the rest of the sane world.

I had the opportunity of playing a four person game of Tower of Madness at SaltCon End of Summer Event (website and Facebookpage) 2018.

Setting

Arkham is the easiest way to describe the setting you’re in. This is based on H.P. Lovecraft’s creations of Cthulhu and the rest of the Elder Gods. The look is for the early 1900s. This provides the theme of the game, but you don’t have to worry about getting into the actual horror aspects presented by Lovecraft’s works.

Mechanics

Tower of Madness has several levels of play that players work through.

Investigators search through a series of settings attempting to solve the mystery associated with it. This is done by a random series for the game, and a game doesn’t include all of them. To solve the investigation a variation of the dice game Ship, captain, crew (Wikipedia explanation) is used. If the investigation is successful, then play passes. If more than one investigator is successful, then the high score collects the location for points. If an investor fails, that player pulls a horror.

When a player is unsuccessful in solving the investigation, they pull a horror from the tower. The tower is hollow and the horrors are long “pins” pushed through the tower holding up marbles. This is where the game received a quick nickname of Cthulhu Ker Plunk (here’s a link about Ker Plunk). Unlike Ker Plunk you can’t see the marbles inside the tower. The marbles are different colors representing different affects for the player.

There are four different colors of marbles. One is worth victory points, another grants spell cards to be drawn, the third drives the player’s character insane, and the final one works as a countdown for the unleashing of Cthulhu. The players win if all of the locations are investigated and the three green countdown marbles haven’t all been released. Scores are tallied for the highest score.

However, this is a game from Smirk and Dagger. And, Covert likes to add a traitor aspect.

In Tower of Horror, a traitor is a player whose character goes insane. They are now working to release the Elder God and bring insanity to the world. If they can get the green marbles to drop, they win. If the locations are completely investigated, they automatically lose.

Art

Multiple artists are given credit on Tower of Madness. All of it works together to maintain the Eldritch them. It is age appropriate.

Overall

Tower of Madness is designed to be a lighthearted game based in a horror setting without the horror.

I played a five person game. It was light and we had fun. This doesn’t require developing strategy. You roll the dice, determine the outcome, then, if you have to, you pull a horror. In our case we were moving right along and nearing the end of investigations, one of us went mad. He used his spell cards as soon as another person had to pull a horror and won the game.

The spell cards had their own twist. Each card had two spells, one for when the character is sane, and the other for when the character is insane.

For the fans of the style of play of earlier games from Smirk and Dagger, Tower of Madness will fit right into your game shelf.

Tower of Madness is designed by Curt Covert and distributed by Smirk and Dagger (web page). It is designed for 3–5 players of ages 10+ for 40–60 minutes.

Tower of Madness is available from Amazon (link).

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You follow behind the Reginald as he makes his way through the darkness. His flashlight shows a narrow path down the hall when you hear a giggle coming from in front of you. You don’t see anything unusual until Reginald turns to face the group.

His giggling continues and his shoulders shake. You reach out to shake him back to reality when he smiles and his right eye rolls in his socket while his left one focuses on you.

“Reginald what have you done?”

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

You can also join Guild Master Gaming on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter(@GuildMstrGmng).

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Crystal Queen by John M. Olsen, Book Review

The Kingdom of Riland survived the first thrusts of war against it. The King of the Graven Kingdom and Baron Stoutheart of their own kingdom failed in their attempt to take over and left Riland hard pressed for what may come. Gavin, the Baron’s son, did what he had to do to save his people, which meant breaking the Accords of the Crystal Kingdoms.

That’s where John M. Olsen led us by the end of the first book of the Riland Throne series, Crystal King (link to my review). Now, the author leads us forward with Crystal Queen.

Plot

Princess Lilia Talendor is to marry Gavin to unite the kingdoms of Graven and Riland. At least that’s what the treaty drafted at the end of the two kingdom’s conflict sets forth. Her father Ithan, the defeated king, has his own plans. He is not alone in his workings. Lilia’s mother, Queen Belinda, also has her plans based on the treaty and other information she has been gathering through her own sources.

And, we all know that the best laid plans never go as expected. We must reassess what to do. Incorporate the new information and create new plans.

John M. Olsen continues his adventure of the Crystal Kingdoms by giving more insight into the northern kingdom, Graven. The main part of the story is about Lilia Talendor and how she meets Gavin. Of course it is clear from the beginning she is expected to become the Queen of Riland. This is the story of how she gets there, physically and mentally.

The characters from Crystal King, continue on their journeys as well in Crystal Queen. This is not just the story of one person’s adventure, but the growth of the king, Gavin, and the rest of the people he brought along on his journey to the throne of the Kingdom of Riland.

As with the first book, at the end we learn more about the greater world and the forces watching and directing events. This provides with foreshadowing of future events for the Crystal Kingdoms and how it will impact the Riland Throne.

Characters

Crystal Queen has strong, relatable characters. Where Crystal King is Gavin’s coming of age story, Crystal Queen is Lilia’s. Their world is different than ours with different challenges, however, we all must learn what it means to become an adult.

Beloved characters from Crystal King are present. Each continues facing their own struggles to become better people. New characters are introduced into the fray of the growing struggles of the kingdoms as they deal with their own internal challenges.

Style

Crystal Queen continues in the same manner as book one of the Riland Throne series. The language is easy to follow and there is nothing inappropriate for younger readers. Crystal Queen can be read on its own or shared in a group reading.

Olsen does a great job of reflecting life struggles with his characters. The characters are relatable. We might not be facing the same struggles, hopefully not, but we can relate to facing and overcoming adversities to show those around us we are ready to be a part of the adult world.

Theme

Crystal Queen is about becoming better people. Rising above expectations to become something greater than what we even know about ourselves. There might be a certain honor in doing what is expected, but, there is also another level of honor in going beyond the expectations to achieve something better. When that is accomplished there are unexpected rewards.

A person’s past doesn’t have to dictate their future. No one knowns the true past of another, and Gavin maintains a belief that every person should be given a chance to become better. Because of the way he shows respect to others they usually rise to the situation in an honorable way. Gavin’s is a story of not just trusting other people, but also accepting others for who they are, even when his hopes for them are not achieved.

Overall

Crystal Queen is a feel good book about becoming better people on a personal and societal level. The book is about growing from a past of expected conflict and having a drive for power and control, to a state of acceptance and understanding between people.

The story in Crystal Queen flowed better and created an easier read than the first of the series.  I think it is better book.

Crystal Queen is based for older young adult readers. The number of storylines is well maintained and the pace moves the reader steadily through the book.

I give Crystal Queen 4 out 5.

Crystal Queen is published by Immortal Works.

Crystal Queen is available from Amazon (link).

I received a copy of Crystal Queen for review purposes.

About the Author (from the book)

Motivated by his lifelong love of reading, John M. Olsen writes about ordinary people doing extraordinary things and hopes to entertain and inspire others. His father’s library started him on this journey as a teenager, and he now owns and expands that library to pass his passion on to the next generation of avid readers.

He loves to create things, whether writing novels or short stories or working in his secret lab equipped with dangerous power tools. In all cases, he applies engineering principles and processes to the task at hand, often in unpredictable ways. He usually prefers “Renaissance Man” to “Mad Scientist” as a goal and aesthetic.

He lives in Utah with his lovely wife and a variable number of mostly grown children and a constantly changing subset of extended family.

You can join John’s musings at his blog: johnmolsen.blogspot.com.

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

You can also join Guild Master Gaming on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter(@GuildMstrGmng).

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Downforce, Game Review

Sitting in your suite above the track, the crowd at the race looks and feels different. The binoculars allow you a close up view of your car’s driver. A relative newbie in the Grand Prix circuit, he does well. But, he didn’t earn one of the better starting positions. While sipping on your champagne, you’re approached by one of the track’s private stewards, “Would you like to place a bet before the race begins?”

You hold up your index finger to stall as you scan the cars below again. “I’m going to wait. Please, come back in a bit.”

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Downforce by Wolfgang Kramer presents a Grand Prix race where winning the race doesn’t mean you’ll win the game. To win Downforceyou need to earn the most money. Money comes from having your car win and from the bets you place.

I played a couple of games of Downforce while at the St George Gaming Convention (STGCON) 2018 (website and Facebook). Both times was with a full group of 6 people.

Downforce has a dual strategy for playing and winning.

Game play is done by playing cards that control the length of movement every car takes. Each player owns one of the cars and you make more money if your car wins the race. But, you’re only moving the cars once every round as players take turns laying down cards.

Each card lists the cars and the amount of movement they can take. Not every car is represented on every card. Some might also only list one car. When it is your turn to lay down a card, you have to decide which will be the best to play. And, the one that moves your car the farthest might not be best one.

Cars get jammed up in the corners and are not able to move any farther. This strategy can be used to block other players. If you end up in the pack, you have to get the cars in front of yours to move first to open up space.

Winning the race pays the car’s owner. Placing is only part of the way to earn cash. There are three additional times players make private bets on which car will win, place, and show. Each bet pays off at the end of the race. You can bet for any car, not just your own. It might even be advantageous to bet on another car you can move into a winning position in front of your car. In one of my games a player did just that as the two of them neared the finish line.

Where winning the race can provide a bounty for the owner, winning the bets can add up even better. At the end of the race the cash winnings are tallied and the player who won the most money wins the game.

Overall

The additional level of betting included in Downforce gives the game a different feel than games focused on winning the race. Even if you are trapped at the back of the pack and it is clear your car isn’t going to win, you still have a chance to win the game. This keeps everyone in the game until the numbers are tallied.

The mechanics of the movement requires some thinking and planning. Attempting to move your car the farthest, based on the cards you hold might not be the best strategy. I tried doing that at the start of the first game I played when I had the pole position. I jumped out to a great lead, then the other five players took their turns. I ended up jammed up and then blocked by other cars who overtook me in the corner.

The only luck is how the cards are dealt at the beginning of the game. The rest is bidding, betting, and deciding which card to play from your hand.

I was invited back later in the day for another game. I did better. Both times where fun as everyone around the table watched how other players maneuvered through their visible strategy and focused on their private bets.

Downforce is one of a number of games from Wolfgang Kramer (wikipedia page) who has been an award winning game designer for over three decades.

Downforce is from Restoration Games and is designed for 2–6 players aged 14+ and expected to last 30–45 minutes.

Downforce is available on Amazon (link).

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The checkered flag drops for the winner. You look through your betting stubs and consider your winnings as you watch your driver make the last turn before the finish line. No, he didn’t win the race. But you still may have won the day.

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

You can also join Guild Master Gaming on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter (@GuildMstrGmng).

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Frog Chess by Brian Grigsby, Game Review

The pond is a good place to live. It gets crowded. There seems to never be enough room for all the frogs who live there. But, being a frog is about having fun. And, as frogs we like to jump. The frogs of the pond choose teams and everyone crowds into the pond. Let the jumping begin.

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I had the opportunity of playing Frog Chess by Brian Grigsby at Salt Lake Gaming Convention 2018 (website). This is the third game I’ve reviewed from Binary Cocoa.

Frog Chess is a strategy game for of 2 or 3 players (I played a 2 person game) with a field of frogs. Frog Chess is a deceptive game in that we are so used to playing survival based games that when something different comes along it throws us. I fell into the trap.

Game Play

Each player has a team of frogs and they take turns placing them on a grid based board. The only limitation is no frogs can be placed in the outside edge of the board. Frogs aren’t able to survive in that outside ring for longer than jumping through it—which comes later. The setup becomes important because frogs like to jump, they want to jump, and they need to jump.

Frogs jump. And, they can jump in any direction, if they can. Frogs need something to jump over. If there isn’t another frog sitting in one of the squares next to them they have nothing to jump over. Frogs also need a place to land after they jump. Simply put, there needs to be an empty square on the other side of the frog they are jumping. This is like checkers, but they move horizontally and diagonally. There are no front or back movements, just jumping in any direction.

Every frog jumped over is removed from the board. You can jump over the other players’ frogs or one of your own. But, no matter what frog you jump over, the frog is removed from the board.

Frogs can keep jumping. Once a frog starts jumping it can keep jumping as long as it can, but it can also stop along the way. Just watch out where you stop. If a frog stops jumping in the outer ring of the board, it gets removed. A simple reminder is that at the end of every turn the outer ring has no frogs in it.

A two player game getting underway. 

Now you see how the game is played, let me introduce the twist. This is not a game about survival, it is about jumping. It doesn’t matter how many frogs are left on the board at the end of the game, it is about who made the last jump. The last one to make a jump wins. You can eliminate your opponent, or leave their frogs in a position where they are unable to jump.

I started the game thinking I knew what I was doing. The early moves were designed to remove a number of my opponent’s frogs with little loss on my side. I’ll admit I even started keeping track of the number of frogs we each had left on the board.

The game continued and I realized my mistake. I left a frog stranded out by itself. It’s only hope was to have a frog get closer that it could jump over. Another frog soon had no place it could land. My frogs were stranded and blocked. They were unable to jump.

Overall

Frog Chess plays up the strategy of how to move, not on the number of frogs left.

I enjoyed the twist. Even though I lost the match, I found the change of thought process refreshing. I found myself for some time afterwards coming back and watching other people play Frog Chess because the change intrigued me.

Frog Chess would work as a cabin game. It would work better in a trailer or motorhome. It could be put in a pack or suitcase because the shape of the box, but it is larger than what I usually classify as a cabin game. I saw younger players having fun with the bright colored frogs. It looked like they were having fun with the jumping without concern of the final outcome—they liked jumping the frogs.

Frog Chess is a good filler game. The game is designed to run less than 15 minutes. Even with learning the game, mine was about 15. The setup is part of the game and included in the time.

Frog Chess by Brian Grigsby is produced by Binary Cocoa (website, Facebook). It is designed for 2–3 players ages 7+, and to last 10–15 minutes.

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The frogs jump. Our team. Their team. Back and forth we jump. The crowd at the edge grows go as more frogs are jumped. I take your place on the spectators’ log when I got jumped. The competition continues. Then the jumping stops. Our team made the last jump and are croaked the winners. Those sitting next to me from the other team ribbit their congratulations and challenges for the next game.

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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Velleity Studios, Independent Comic Creators

The storytelling in comics is appealing. Ever since the Famous Funnies or the earlier comics from Europe comic books have employed a unique method in that make the story fun and enjoyable. This goes from the daily three-panel cartoon to the full length graphic novels and comic books. These aren’t children’s books. They are more complex and deal with stories with great depth.

Fans of this media I know have told me how it would be fun to make a book. Some have an idea that has been rolling around in their thoughts for years, or even a recent flash of inspiration. While others would like to create shorter books called ashcans as a hobby. Some aspire to make it a career. It’s a question of how to get the knowledge and experience.

Chris Hoffman and Andrew Malin of Velleity Studios (website) have some ideas on developing your talents learning how to become a comic book creator. Velleity Studios is an independent comic book publisher in Salt Lake City that wants to support the dreams people have of developing their own stories in this wonderful format. They are comic book creators themselves and wouldn’t mind gaining huge recognition for their work. But, a large part of what they are doing is helping others get into the field. And, they their work gives them credibility.

Velleity Studios is a new company because of their work on Ruthless (When tragedy strikes, do you become a hero? Or do you become...Ruthless). However, these authors have been creating comic books for almost a decade and have been comic book fans going back to the days of working at Comics Utah and before. Their experiences provide a base of knowledge they are willing to share with others.

Velleity Studios, in part, is a platform where you can get your feet wet. They have a collaborative writing group that is open to those who are interested in creating comic books as a writer, and artist, or both. From past and current experiences of working in higher education, they want to share with others and develop the creativity they have found in the broader community.

Chris explained there is no one way to create a story for a comic book. It is a matter of finding a style best suited to the person or people working on it. That is the basis for the collaborative setting they use. People get together and bounce ideas off each other. They help each other through the rough points. And they share their experiences to help bring everyone along to the level each person want to go to.

This is like the writing groups I’ve been involved with. A safe sharing space for ideas and growth. Not everyone wants to make it big, and it’s not a requirement. You also don’t have to know every aspect of what needs to be done. One person may have a story they want to develop while another wants to do the art. In fact, comics for the most part are collaborations.

You are welcome to join them in creating comic books, but they’re not sitting and waiting. Ruthless started them as a new company and they are continue to create with Banana Panic!, Gull, Salt City Strangers, and others. They’re not limiting themselves to comics either. Right now they are finishing a Kickstarter campaign for the game, Daring Heroes: The Golden Age. An action card game of super heroics in the classic style.

Check out Velleity Studios (website, Facebook, and Twitter). You can also find their work at Dr. Volt Comic Connection (website), who they were sharing booth space with at Salt Lake Gaming Convention 2018 (website) where I met them.

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

You can also join Guild Master Gaming on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter (@GuildMstrGmng).

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St. George Board Game Convention

As the dog days of summer draw to a close, many of us are looking for something to do, especially if we have children who are becoming restless. It is hot the first part of August and may not seem like a good time to be in Southern Utah. But, the St. George Gaming Convention (STGCON) has created a fun get away for visitors and locals alike.

This year was the first time I was able to get to STGCON. The convention hosted its fourth annual event this year and I’m glad I got to be part of it. STGCON is a wonderful mix of board games that has a family friendly atmosphere.

Four Years Old

I sat with Alex, one of the founders, and talked with him about the history of STGCON. Five years ago there weren’t any gaming conventions in the area. The closest one to St. George was held in Salt Lake City. So, he and his wife thought they might do something about that by using their personal game library and start a convention.

They considered the first year successful with about 150 board gamers getting together. The next year they had around 200 people at the convention. This year they had 250. Not fast growth according to some. But, fast growth isn’t what Alex and his wife Shaea are looking for. They are happy with what it has done and the path it is on.

Part of the Gaming Room

The focus for STGCON has been to provide a quality family experience. This was visible at the convention, with the number of families and the age range of people. Families were enjoying games together and bringing in additional players. Alex told me that because of the size and the way it has grown, he knows just about everyone’s name attending.

What I Saw This Year

STGCON has a game library of over 1,300 different titles. These are not just old standards, Alex has actively grown the library; there were many newer games that could be experienced along with classics. I saw people playing games from the library which gave a family a chance to play something together, then as the children played one game, the parents might play something else.

Kids were running games for other kids. It was fun to see one young man running a tournament of 5-Minute Dungeon for 12 and under players. It looked like he was going to have to run more than one game to accommodate all those who gathered around his table.

1 of 3 Tables Getting Ready for a Tournament

His wasn’t the only tournament. There were enough events (tournaments, play to wins, and drawings) that there were probably enough prizes for just about everyone in attendance to take something extra home when everything was done.

Along with the mix in ages, there were people from around the region. According to pre-registration about 15% of the people were from St. George. I reacquainted myself with people I’ve met at other conventions along with making new friends.

Connecting with others is what STGCON is based on. I was invited to sit in on games by people who didn’t know me because there was an open seat. Kids joined together in games at one table as their parents joined in another game nearby. It was fun to see one pre-teen introduce her new friend to her mother and ask if they could go play a game at another table further off in the room.

The Future

A Heated Race of Pitch Car

STGCON is about the atmosphere and friendship. It is a place a family can go. Alex and Shaea want to keep it that way. They are not looking to force the convention into becoming larger, but are allowing it to grow at its own pace. They want a convention people want to come back to, which is what they have.

They are going to keep expanding their game library and continue working on making sure they have prizes to give away.

They want to keep the convention like St. George, accessible, friendly, and fun.

Alex did tell me that he would like to use the game library more often and one of the ideas they are looking at is making it available for the number of family gatherings that take place in St. George throughout the year. I suggest to anyone who may be having a gathering in or around St. George to contact them (STGCON website Facebook).

Summary

I enjoyed the day I was able to attend STGCON.

Check it out.

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

You can also join Guild Master Gaming on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter (@GuildMstrGmng).

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Cantankerous Cats, Game Review

Humans are interesting creatures to keep as pets. They are fickle. Their depth of understanding is as shallow as one of those wading pools they put their children in on hot, summer days. Because their traits are such, Simone, the Siamese a couple of houses over, and I, Popov, a fine Russian Blue, came up with a game we have introduced to other cats in the neighborhood. It a wonderful experience watching our humans traverse the emotional spectra. And, to see who really is the best feline.

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Cantankerous Catsby Al Gonzalez is a card game of cats having fun, in pure cat fashion. I was introduced to Cantankerous Cats at Salt Lake Gaming Convention 2018 (website). I was also able to visit with a person who has Cantankerous Cats in their game library.

Concept

Cantankerous Cats has each person playing a cat who is balancing the gaining of affection against causing mischief. The statement on the box sums up the concept very well, "A ferocious feline card game of cunning, mischief, and schadenfreude." (I had to look up schadenfreude to make sure its meaning—pleasure derived by someone from another person's misfortune.)

Mechanics

Cantankerous Catsis scalable to allow for easier play and additional elements to create more strategy. Players start with a hand and draw cards to add to it. Cards represent different actions the cat takes.

Basic play is to draw three and play two. This method of play has each player taking actions to affect events in their own household. They must build up affection with their humans to a level that they can create mischief. If there isn’t enough affection available, then they cannot do crafty little feline tricks. Mischief improves your score until a player wins.

 

Advanced play introduced paws. Paws are used for attacking and defending. You can shift the blame to another cat. If they don’t have a paw to protect themselves they lose affection with their humans. You can even force another cat to be cast out and become feral if they don’t have enough affection built up with their people.

Feral cats are still in the game. When a cat becomes feral they must earn affection from new humans who will take them home. Until then, the cat is unable to score points while the rest of the cats on the block are taking actions.

Don’t let the write-up of the rules get in the way of the basic concept of the game. Also, the developer told me they are working on redesigning the rules to make them easier to understand. If you are familiar with a variety of games, I don’t think you’ll have problems.

Art

Cantankerous Catshas wonderful art that builds on the style and feel of the game. Everything is done in a tea room motif reminiscent of the Victorian age. In talking with Al at the convention I was informed every portrait they use on the cards has been done as a full size watercolor and that level of detail shows through. The back of the deck cards carry the motif and the cards for the cats have a domesticated and a feral side.

The cats introduced in the game are from the homes of the developer and friends. The art shows the caring relationship with the cats.

The artwork was done by Jose Pimienta (web page), Heather Gross (web page), and Elise Spacek (web page).

Overall

Cantankerous Cats will appeal to those who share their home with a cat or two. The write-ups on the cards telling the actions are recognizable and people were having a good time just reading the cards as they enjoyed the art.

Cantankerous Cats by Al Gonzalez is from Mentha Designs (Facebook). It is for 2–6 players of ages 8–10+ (based on the rules used) and is designed to last 25–60 minutes.

Cantankerous Cats is available on Amazon (link).

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Unbelievable! Simone and I were doing well in our little competition until the little runt of a litter, Hobbit, got all cutesy. Playing off being a puff ball, Hobbit was able to get away with gambits short of killing one of her humans. And she even got the dog put in obedience school.

Well, I’m not going to let Hobbit triumph again. We’ve already recruiting a pair on the next street, a Tortoiseshell and a Maine Coon and we are doing this again.

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

You can also join Guild Master Gaming on Google+, Facebook, and Twitter (@GuildMstrGmng).

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