Hey, on time this time! But, I screwed up the name of the book in the introduction. Oh well, it is Dragons of Deceit Episode 6 of Noob’s Book Club. We cover Chapter 8 and are actually back on schedule to finish Book 1 by Friday. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Episode 7 with Chapter 9 on Wednesday and Episode 8 with Chapter 10 on Friday.
Give it a listen and let me know what you think. What did I do right? What can be improved? I want to make this work and take constructive criticism well.
With no additional delay, download and listen to Dragons of Deceit Episode 6. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Note: If you want to read along, find a copy at your local (or multinational conglomerate) book store to purchase and add to the conversation. I hope you enjoy my return to the podcasting arena and I look forward to bringing more content as time allows over the next few months. Also, I know we have time until I get there, but I am taking suggestions for the next book in the book club. Fantasy, science fiction, based on gaming. Any of those genres work in the context of the page’s overall theme. Depending on how long it takes, some horror can be a possibility, too. For some other context, I also like to read Brandon Sanderson, but am open to most suggestion.
Yes, late again. This weekend, we watched our niece in Willy Wonka Jr., went for an hour and a half snow shoe with the dog (got a little lost), watched a comedy show to help raise funds for Liam’s prom, went to the annual train show at the Big E and took Liam and Quinn to play practice. It’s always one weekend a month or so that is absolutely bonkers. Nevertheless, Dragons of Deceit Episode 5 is live.
Give it a listen and let me know what you think. What did I do right? What can be improved? I want to make this work and take constructive criticism well. Chapter 8 scheduled to come out tomorrow with Chapters 9 and 10 to follow on Wednesday and Friday.
With no additional delay, download and listen to Dragons of Deceit Episode 5. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Note: If you want to read along, find a copy at your local (or multinational conglomerate) book store to purchase and add to the conversation. I hope you enjoy my return to the podcasting arena and I look forward to bringing more content as time allows over the next few months. Also, I know we have time until I get there, but I am taking suggestions for the next book in the book club. Fantasy, science fiction, based on gaming. Any of those genres work in the context of the page’s overall theme. Depending on how long it takes, some horror can be a possibility, too. For some other context, I also like to read Brandon Sanderson, but am open to most suggestion.
Yes, late again. But, even though I needed to record the episode again, I still recorded, edited, and released it more or less in the range of possibilities. Dragons of Deceit Episode 4 is live. My allergies are in an uproar, so I apologize a bit for the sound quality
Give it a listen and let me know what you think. What did I do right? What can be improved? I want to make this work and take constructive criticism well. Chapter 7 comes on Friday.
With no additional delay, download and listen to Dragons of Deceit Episode 4. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Note: If you want to read along, find a copy at your local (or multinational conglomerate) book store to purchase and add to the conversation. I hope you enjoy my return to the podcasting arena and I look forward to bringing more content as time allows over the next few months. Also, I know we have time until I get there, but I am taking suggestions for the next book in the book club. Fantasy, science fiction, based on gaming. Any of those genres work in the context of the page’s overall theme. Depending on how long it takes, some horror can be a possibility, too. For some other context, I also like to read Brandon Sanderson, but am open to most suggestion.
In keeping with tradition, I promised Dragons of Deceit episode 3 on Thursday of this week. The episode explains why it delayed until today. It also gives an updated schedule since I covered both chapters 4 and 5 in this one.
Give it a listen and let me know what you think. What did I do right? What can be improved? I want to make this work and take constructive criticism well. This week plan on Chapter 6 and 7 in some combination of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
With no additional delay, download and listen to Dragons of Deceit Episode 3. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Note: If you want to read along, find a copy at your local (or multinational conglomerate) book store to purchase and add to the conversation. I hope you enjoy my return to the podcasting arena and I look forward to bringing more content as time allows over the next few months. Also, I know we have time until I get there, but I am taking suggestions for the next book in the book club. Fantasy, science fiction, based on gaming. Any of those genres work in the context of the page’s overall theme. Depending on how long it takes, some horror can be a possibility, too. For some other context, I also like to read Brandon Sanderson, but am open to most suggestion.
I told the story several times already. This year Christine asked the boys to put together Christmas lists. She requested several items needed and several items wanted. I never ask for anything for Christmas. While I love the spirit of Christmas, I find the actual holiday abhorrent. A day dedicated just to buying stuff? Gross. For some reason, though, I gave in this year and put together a list. On the list, I included Dungeons and Dragons books. I meant Shadow of the Dragon Queen.
Instead, Christine bought me Dragons of Deceit. Initially disappointed, I quickly recovered. Weis and Hickman, as you know, wrote the book. I love Weis and Hickman. Also, I got the idea to record the book club podcast and actually kept a schedule, more or less. Episode 3 comes out tomorrow or Saturday (pending a snow day) with Chapter 4 and 5.
From Disappointment…Hope, Then Disappointment
Because Santa dropped off the “wrong” present for me that actually ended up working out okay, I ordered the source book myself. I kept trying to talk myself out of the deluxe edition with the board game and ultimately failed. What can I say? I’m a sucker for those gimmick board games based on the other successful franchises I enjoy.
I can’t comment on the quality of the game. I haven’t had a chance to even look at it other than the box. It looks interesting and I always like to play those cooperative board games. We played Professor Evil and the Citadel of Time often and everyone joins in. I need to read the rules so that we have a chance to play over February break. Come back in March for my review.
The source book itself underwhelms. I expected a more robust campaign setting updated to 5th edition. Instead, they give us some rules on the special ancestries and subclasses of Krynn for the first few chapters. Then, the rest of the book is simply an adventure. Funny how things change. I remember wishing as a teenager that they released more adventure modules for the characters I built in Dragonlance.
The Verdict
Ultimately, like the novel, I like Shadow of the Dragon Queen in spite of potential warts. The adventure promises to bring some joy to a playgroup either at home or in school. At least Quinn and I will play through the board game once. Christine suggested that I try it with Quinn and his friend Tristan. Okay, plan on meeting here in about a month and a half for that recap.
As mentioned in the episode, I meant to release this on Saturday. I read both Chapter 2 and 3 yesterday during Quinn’s Swimathon event. Then, I meant to split this into two episodes for each chapter. But, I combined them to keep the 10-15 minute run time. And so, loyal listeners! Here at last is Dragons of Deceit Episode 2 of Noob’s Book Club.
Give it a listen and let me know what you think. What did I do right? What can be improved? I want to make this work and take constructive criticism well. Because I made this episode Chapters 2 and 3, Chapter 4 will now come on Thursday. So, the new schedule looks like this.
On weeks where I write 3 articles (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), I plan to have 2 chapters on Tuesday and 1 on Thursday. The weeks that I only write two articles (Tuesday and Thursday), I plan to have episodes with 2 chapters on Wednesday.
With no additional delay, download and listen to Dragons of Deceit Episode 2. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Note: If you want to read along, find a copy at your local (or multinational conglomerate) book store to purchase and add to the conversation. I hope you enjoy my return to the podcasting arena and I look forward to bringing more content as time allows over the next few months. Also, I know we have time until I get there, but I am taking suggestions for the next book in the book club. Fantasy, science fiction, based on gaming. Any of those genres work in the context of the page’s overall theme. Depending on how long it takes, some horror can be a possibility, too. For some other context, I also like to read Brandon Sanderson, but am open to most suggestion.
As mentioned in the episode, I meant to release this yesterday. Instead, I came home and worked out. Then, Aiden needed to be driven to the dentist and soccer. In between, we ate dinner at the Gardner Ale House. Fear not, loyal listeners! I remembered and here at last is Dragons of Deceit Episode 1 of Noob’s Book Club.
Give it a listen and let me know what you think. What did I do right? What can be improved? I want to make this work and take constructive criticism well. As a result of this getting delayed by a day, my adventures in Teamfight Tactics most likley moves to tomorrow and the second episode of the book club releases on Saturday.
With no additional delay, download and listen to Dragons of Deceit Episode 1. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Note: If you want to read along, find a copy at your local (or multinational conglomerate) book store to purchase and add to the conversation. I hope you enjoy my return to the podcasting arena and I look forward to bringing more content as time allows over the next few months. Also, I know we have time until I get there, but I am taking suggestions for the next book in the book club. Fantasy, science fiction, based on gaming. Any of those genres work in the context of the page’s overall theme. Depending on how long it takes, some horror can be a possibility, too. For some other context, I also like to read Brandon Sanderson, but am open to most sugestion.
My wife misunderstood my request on my Santa list. I asked for the new Dragonlance source book for Dungeons and Dragons. She bought me the new novel, Dragons of Deceit. I forgive her for this transgression Weis and Hickman wrote the new book and anything by them that involves Dragonlance needs to be on my bookshelf. Besides, I fixed it by buying the new source book for myself.
When I thought about reading it, I got the idea for this series. It allows me to dabble in podcasting and maybe video production again without having to make a commitment to Chris that I might have to break because life gets in the way. Plus, if I can maintain this commitment, maybe it will show Chris that I’m out of the time in my life where I need to flake all the time.
Noob’s Book Club
I started to flesh out the format of this during my weekly trip over to the dump. I still don’t know if I will make it strictly an audio show or if I will try to add video. I think it will work better if I start with audio and then expand into video with the next one.
I also need to figure out the logistics of the show. How many chapters to read each week? Again, most likely to start with two and maybe expand from there. What book to read next? That one takes more thought and planning, but we also have time for that.
If you find this page and want to follow along, you can purchase Dragons of Deceit at the Amazon link. As of right now, I receive no compensation as an affiliate, so that’s only a suggestion. As of right now, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are open on my weekly schedule. I doubt I will have this done by Monday, so look for the first installment on Wednesday.
I thought about specifying RPGs in the title, but I also want to talk a little bit about my humble beginning as a miniature painter. But, then specifying RPG and miniatures seemed too clunky for the title. So, I take the risk that anyone searching ends up finding the page because they are looking for board games, which are probably the most popular option. Just a bit of a look at how the sausage is made and how I arrived at the title, 2023 tabletop games look ahead.
While I really only play Dungeons and Dragons on a regular basis, I always want to branch out and try the various other role playing games available. I also often look at the miniature games forlornly and hope for a day that I have an actual army to bring to the table. Alas, right now I only have a single skeleton archer and an ogre barbarian. I also painted an elven archer a few years ago at a local learn to paint class, but I think that one is buried in the closet somewhere.
I’m proud of these two guys. Can’t wait to give them some brothers and sisters.
Pathfinder in 2023
I discovered Pathfinder via recommendation from a former student. I bought some books on Humble Bundle. However, I still need to actually play the game. Luckily, Humble Bundle also recently offered a starter set. Once I play that, I can have a better idea of what the future holds.
Miniatures in 2023
Earlier, I searched “How to get started in miniatures.” I, then took some time during Aiden’s soccer practice to go to the local nerd store. Instead of starting at the comics like I normally do, I went to the miniatures section. Without any guidance (because I didn’t read the article), I decided to wait on that purchase. Good call. I spent just under 120 dollars on comics. Explaining another 75-100 on miniatures to my wife would be a bad scene.
So, I currently plan to read that article. I also want to buy the rule/lore book for Warhammer 40k. I figure that it differs from D&D. Normal Warhammer looks too much like general fantasy. 40k offers a more science fiction vibe that I find intriguing. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks I can offer an update on the army I chose with some pictures.
Dungeons and Dragons in 2023
I told the story more than once that I took over both the middle and the high school Dungeons and Dragons clubs at my old job. Consequently, starting in the summer of last year and through the rest of the year, I spent a stupid amount of money in an attempt to get all of the 5th edition source books. I started with the campaign settings because I enjoy reading about the lore. Then, I moved on to some of the collector’s sets before finishing with the adventures. I got every one of them except for Rise of Tiamat (and I hear they are re-releasing that one) and the Stranger Things module, which I found a free PDF that surely violates copyright law on at least one level.
Even though I know longer work there and the books now sit on my bookshelves upstairs, I’m still glad I bought them. They brought joy to several of the students in the half year we played together. Just the other day, I said that I might ask the D&D advisor at my current job if he wants me to help. So, maybe they live to fight another day.
As a result, this year I focus on the new releases. In addition to the previously mentioned Tiamat reissue, this page has a few others. None of them grab me other than Planescape. But, as the release, I will buy them and probably review them here. Also, D&D One remains on the horizon. No idea what it actually involves, but keep an eye out regardless.
The Verdict
Of the gaming genres I discussed this week, tabletop looks like the one with the most potential for growth this year. This month alone, I planned an article about my solo adventure in Pathfinder and my new army in Warhammer. Add in a possible return to D&D club and Planescape and you have a recipe for fun this year. The PC article brought me down and I think the console might have a similar effect. But, the 2023 tabletop games look ahead gives me hope for this year.
2022 ended with a bit of a whimper around here. Other priorities caused me to evaluate the page and I came the closest I ever have to shutting it all down. In the grand scheme of things, definitely not the worst thing to happen to me last year, but this page represents almost a decade of my growth as a person and a gamer. Even if I only use it as that personal record, it’s worth the effort to keep alive. So, let’s get 2023 started with our 2023 Mobile Game Preview.
While I spend most of my time playing games on my phone, I don’t often play new games. I stick to the same rotation of about half a dozen games. Occasionally, I go back to an older game to see updates. Once in a while, I try a new game and enjoy it. Both happened recently. I picked up Magic the Gathering Puzzle Quest. I also got big into Marvel SNAP. With all of that being said, I make a resolution to branch out more into mobile gaming this year.
2023 Mobile Game Preview: The Old Rotation
As long as they keep releasing expansions, I continue to play and complete quests in MtG:A and Hearthstone. The same looks to be true for Marvel SNAP. SimCity Buildit provides a low key break from the stress of those two games. I invested way too much into Candy Crush Saga to quit anytime soon. MTG: PQ became a log in once to get the daily gift and I think it might reach that status again very soon. The game play is just far too frustrating at times to make it as enjoyable as the other match three games that I played. Fallout Shelter will be put back onto the virtual shelves now that the holiday season is over.
Older Games That Might Break Into the Rotation
Bored and reminded of their existence on Google Play, I downloaded Teamfight Tactics and Dota Underlords. I played both on the computer back when I owned a computer capable of running them. Yes, sad. My phone is now more powerful than any computer in the house. Nevertheless, once I have time to play and strategize in them, one or both can easily fit into my daily gaming routine. One day when frustrated by Hearthstone, I played the other Riot game, Legends of Runeterra. I enjoyed the game play and don’t remember why I stopped.
New Games I Might Play
Note: I searched several times and read a couple of articles before finally realizing the correct search term I needed to find new releases for this year. I used that list and limited information to put together the lists for the games I might play and the ones I will definitely play.
Mighty Doom
I told the story more than once that as a teenager, I often joked about every piece of electronics, “Can you play DOOM on this?” As I get older, that joke becomes true about more and more things. The latest I saw was a Lego block running a modded Raspberry Pi. Crazy. So, if and when this releases, I might try it for old time’s sake.
I never enjoyed the RPGs in the Mortal Kombat series. A friend played the Sub Zero Mythologies game and recommended it. I tried the game and found it limited. Also, I played the mobile version of the actual fighting game. While fun, it quickly grew stale. So, I might try this one, but I don’t expect much from it.
Always a sucker for old school D&D RPGs, I considered putting this one on the definitely list. After all, I played some Pools of Radiance a few years ago to get that fix. The only thing keeping it from that list is that I never liked Forgotten Realms all that much. I played Dragonlance and, after that, Dark Sun.
I always wanted to play Warhammer or Hordes. I collected miniatures, bought novels, subscribed to their now defunct magazine, and even purchased the games on Steam. I never played any of it. Now that it’s coming to phones, maybe I will finally give myself a chance to play.
New Games I Will Definitely Play
I started playing the Grand Theft Auto series with GTA III. I stopped playing regularly with GTA: SA. I reached the peak of my enjoyment with GTA: VC. I played some of IV and bought V but never played it. Give me the opportunity to relive the “glory days” of jumping the canal on my motorcycle and stealing some kid’s bike any day.
I thought this was a release of the original Final Fantasy VII game. Behind VI (III) in America, VII is my second favorite game in the series. Granted, it is also the last one I ever played on a regular basis. The original game already exists on mobile. This one is a compilation of spin offs. So, maybe swap this one with Baldur’s Gate.
I wish I had more self respect when it involved Warcraft games. All they do lately is take a popular formula, reduce it to its core elements, slap on the Warcraft/Hearthstone aesthetic and call it a day. And, every single time, I fall for it. This will be no different.
The Verdict
Looking over the list I found, I came away underwhelmed by the offerings this year. I came into this 2023 Mobile Game Preview article excited for the possibilities. I left with a list of retread has beens and what seems like a bunch of never will bes. I know as the year goes, I will find more and more games to try and enjoy, but for now it looks like the same old games. Also, I found this article while searching and I liked many more games on that list, so be on the lookout for them on the page this year.
