Back in the early 1980’s, there was no Open Gaming License. If anyone wanted to publish a sourcebook for Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, they had to license it with TSR. Well, in theory, anyway. In practice, third-party companies put out … Continue reading →
Games Workshop recently decided that because 1) it has an established trademark on Space Marines in a game context and 2) it has recently begun publishing science fiction, it automatically has a “common law trademark” on space marines in science … Continue reading →
So, you’re reading a fantasy story and you reach a point where someone has to speak, chant or sing to cast a spell. I’d be willing to bet that the portrayal of that moment will be handled in one of … Continue reading →
I have a fondness for obscure books and games. In these posts I’ll talk about some of them. What the Hell Is That? It Came from the Late, Late, Late Show, published way back in 1989, is a roleplaying game … Continue reading →
I was all set to write a post about how modern America needs a Trickster figure. It made sense. In our fiction, we’re always making references to mythic Tricksters: Coyote, Loki, Anansi, Reynard, Monkey and others. But what Tricksters has … Continue reading →
Official word has come down from on high: JJ Abrams is going to direct the next Star Wars movie. Geeks all over the internet have rushed (or been pushed) to give their opinions about this, whether Abrams is the right … Continue reading →
A few weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure of getting to hear Vonda N. McIntyre read her flash fiction story, “Misprint.” If you don’t want to take a minute to read it (though I suggest you do, it’s a … Continue reading →
I have mixed feelings about orcs. I love fantasy. I love to read it and I love to write it. But when I’m reading a fantasy novel and I come across orcs – or an obvious analog – I sigh. … Continue reading →
I might need some more dice. What do you think? I come from the old school of role-playing gamers. I got my start in the mid-70’s with Dungeons and Dragons and branched out enough that through the early 90’s I … Continue reading →
“The zombie apocalypse won’t break out when it’s convenient.” – Kristen Lamb last week at the NILA residency.* Whether you blame Max Brooks or George Romero, many people these days have a contingency plan ready for the seemingly inevitable zombie … Continue reading →