The Dark Knight

This morning I went and saw the much awaited, much ballyhooed new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. A movie with a cast of Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and others shouldn't suck. And it didn't.

First a quick word about the Joker, played brilliantly by Heath Ledger. I went to this movie prepared to see an over rated, over hyped performance by Ledger. I was wrong. Heath's Joker is a terrorist who is creepy and scary, and at times sadly funny. The crowd laughed at scenes I'm not so sure were intended to be funny. But there were two different scenes where the crowd loses it with the delivery of one word by the Joker. Like they say timing is everything. The Joker represents a lot of things that are currently wrong with America and the world. There have been enough commentaries about the premature death of such a fine actor so I don't want this to be another. But what a waste of life and God given talent. He will be missed.

Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman show you exactly what screen studs they are as they play their roles brilliantly. Gary Oldman's Lt. Gordon is a truly virtuous character, a paladin of sorts, amidst a sea of corruption. And his closing monologue will more than likely give you goose bumps and raise the hair on the back of your neck. Kudos to the writers for including the names of some early comic book adversaries with the crime families.

I really think this is better than Ironman, which I thought was easily the best Super Hero flick to date. This movie is action packed from the minute it starts. There are some incredible stunts, great camera work and fine performances to be enjoyed and they far out weigh the over indulgent scenes which will remind you of the earlier Batman movies. We didn't stay until the credits were over so I'm not sure if there are any hidden gems or not. (Update-- No hidden scenes)

This movie takes you on an emotional thrill ride that lasts the entire movie and I can't wait for the next film that caps off this trilogy. I'm not sure if they will go with Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin or some other Super Villian for the next one but whoever it is I'm sure it will be awesome, although they did throw out a Cat reference. The only thing this movie was missing was a really hot temptress so we will have that to look forward to in the next one.

DC Comics certainly answered the bell with this movie. After Marvel dominated the big screen recently this is more than a nice little come back, it is a catapult to the top of the heap. DC needs to build on this momentum and keep cranking out the great work. I will go see this one again and so should you. Grab an Adventurer and say "Here... we...go" to see the best comic book movie ever. He is our silent protector, our vigilant watchman, The Dark Knight.

I give it 5 Floyd's only because I can't give it 6.

Gen Con and Mega Bus

It looks like we will be riding Mega Bus to Gen Con. All we need to do now is figure out when we will be leaving and returning. The good thing is the bus drops us off right at the convention center. The bad news is we are limited to one bag and one carry on, so no rolling TSR libraries will be going with us. But we should be able to take a lot of card games. I have been working on an adventure for newbies so maybe I will bring that if you guys want to try to play on the bus. If we do that just bring a set of dice and I will provide the characters. Let me know what you guys all think about this as we will probably need to purchase tickets soon.

Oh Crap or Can't Smile Without You

Durwaine, Keithstradamus and I went to see Hellboy 2 the other night. It was a really good adventurers movie and very fun to watch. Ron Perlman plays Hellboy perfectly and wise cracks his way through the flick. Hellboy is a pretty tough demon hero from Hell who loves Kittens and always wants to save the world from the "bad" guys and always with a great disdain for anonymity while wielding Big Baby.

There are some pretty cool special effects, especially with the miniatures and puppets, in this movie and some that might turn up next time I DM. Selma Blair is really hot in her role as Liz Sherman, I mean hot!! Hellboy is a pretty tough, cigar chomping, demon hero from Hell who loves kittens and always wants to save the world from the "bad" guys. His side kick from the BPRD (Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense) acts like a cross between Spock and C3PO, aqua creature Abe played by Doug Jones (who was the body of the Silver Surfer). Guillermo del Toro does a great job with both the story and directing this comic book movie sequel.

The comic book genre is kicking ass this summer with Iron Man, Hulk, Hancock and Hellboy 2. Next up is Friday's release of the Dark Knight sequel.

Oh Crap, go see this flick. I give it 4 Floyds.

Adventurers Pizza Run

Calling all Adventurers!! When we next gather in Cbus, we will have a new pizza place to assault. Our very own Zoltar (know to the real world as B.J. Freese) has opened Oven Stone Pizzeria south east of Eastland Mall. He has promised Adventurer's discounts with a special message for the Wallet Draining Lich; refills will be free!! If you have never had some of Zoltar's pizza you are in for quite the treat. There will be a friends and family preview on Sunday July 20th (which includes all of us)so if you don't make it out for that I'll post a full report, with pictures, on Monday morning to fill you in. Congratulations Zoltar!

To read the article scroll down until you see "Family pizza"

Quote of the Week

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

King's Island

It has been pretty hectic with rehab and VBS following up JonCon and Origins. Will be posting more on Gen Con soon. We took our clan to King's Island Sunday. I couldn't ride the coasters but had a great time.

Quote of the Week

“To die will be an awfully big adventure.” - Aristotle

Hancock

I went and saw Hancock before the fireworks tonight. I really wasn't sure what to expect based on the previews and trailers I had seen. I have to be honest and saw it was better than I expected. Most Super Hero movies are pretty predictable but Hancock has some nice little twists. To say Hancock is a flawed hero is to say Gary's D&D characters are always a little passive in battle. Charlize Theron, who isn't one of my favorites, actually comes off as pretty hot in a few scenes.


This movie has some really funny scenes in it and over all it flows pretty well. There is something to be said for a Super Hero that is flawed like the rest of us. The sound track is pretty cool and has a wide range of genres. There is also a nice little twist in the plot that adds another side to the movie but they tip their hand if you are paying attention. Go see it and enjoy. I give it 3 Floyd's.

America

Happy July 4th.

As we gather with our friends and families let us take time to remember what has set this beloved Country apart from others through out history. It is our faith, and belief, that all men and women are created equal, that all men and women have certain unalienable rights. And while we don't always show it, especially to our fellow Americans, we are a Nation of God fearing, God loving people who believe, and act on the belief, that we should help a neighbor when he is in need, to give to make life better for others, to serve and protect the rights of the lesser. We take action to insure that the rights of the one are as valued as the rights of the many. We extend our strong right hand to other nations when they need it, often when they don't want it, not because we expect something in return but because we believe that we should love our neighbor and help our fellow men and women.

As we go to our picnics and parties, eww, ohh and ahh over the fireworks, and celebrate the birth of this great nation let us give thanks to our Creator for allowing us to live in the greatest country in history.

Quote of the Week

“I thought of myself as a species of knight errant attacking dragons single-handedly and rescuing musical virtue in distress.” Virgil Thomson

We've reset the clock!!

Jon Con has come and gone. The clock has been reset for the next con. Overall I think we all had a good time. I'll be posting more later about our experience and looking for input on ways to improve for 2009. Thanks to Steve for being a trooper all week and walking slow enough that I could keep up with him. Thanks buddy!

Next up is Gen Con. I'm in!! Any one else?

Let The Games Begin

It is finally here!!!

This to me feels a lot like Christmas Eve. I am so anxious to get going and roll some dice and have a great time!!

Quote of the Week

"It's a magical world, Hobbes, ol' buddy... Let's go exploring!" - Calvin

Free RPG Day is here

It is here. Check it out and see if your local game store is participating.

Go get free stuff!!

Quote of the Week

“Chance is the providence of adventurers.” - Napoleon Bonaparte

The Hulk

I went and saw the midnight showing of The Incredible Hulk. Pretty good stuff. The theater was almost full and the crowd had some energy. One thing about midnight premiers is that the crowd is usually into it.

This latest version of the The Incredible Hulk was so much better than the one released 5 years ago. The 2003 incarnation wasn't bad, except for the actual Hulk, considering the cast.

I was hoping this would be worth it and this one was pretty cool. They didn't start with the creation of Hulk but rather with the hunt for him. So I guess you could call it a sequel but it has a new cast. They used some flashbacks to fill you in as to what went wrong with the tests and picked it up from there. General Ross was played to jerk perfection by William Hurt. Edward Norton was pretty convincing as Dr. Banner and added some nice depth to the role. The rest of the cast was pretty good in their roles also. I imagine Hulk has to be the hardest superhero to capture on film, especially with the CGI effects, but they finally got it right. And they keep setting up a very cool upcoming movie. Come to think of it they are setting up a couple of movies.

Marvel has thrown down a serious gauntlet to DC Comics with the summer releases of Ironman and now Hulk. DC has a chance to get back in it this year with the release of The Spirit and the Dark Knight.

In true Marvel fashion look for hidden references to other things in the Marvel Universe. And thank you Marvel for not forgetting the Hulk's past. Go see it and let me know what you think and you can leave when the credits roll, no hidden messages here.

Overall not quite as good as Ironman but soooo much better than the last one. I give it 3 Floyds.

Happy Fathers Day

It is that time of year. Get out the grills, crank up the radios, listen to a ballgame, go fishing or camping, maybe all of the above. But families... leave us some quiet time and let us revel in a vegetative state for a few days. And don't forget the obligatory Tee shirt, cologne and/or wallet.

Guys, go tell your fathers and grandfathers you love them.

Quote of the Week

“It is always the adventurous who accomplish great things” - Charles de Montesquieu

Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull

Well I went and saw the new Indy movie; Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.

Overall I liked this movie. Part of that might be the fact that I just really like Indiana Jones and part of it might be it was just better than I expected. The whole premise of his character is something that I like. And when the theme song kicks in that makes all things right again. Is there a better theme song in movie history? I know several people hated it and said it was terrible. All I can tell you is no matter what your opinion turns out to be it won't be as bad as the D&D Movie.

This movie is everything you would expect from Indiana Jones. But that is why we go I guess. The Nazi's are no longer the bad guys for Jones rather it is the Russians. The movie touches on several issues like the Red Scare of the 50's, and our fascination with space.

My favorite thing in this show was the fact it ties into several other movies, and not all of them are Lucas/Spielberg productions. You'll see things that tie into E.T., Close Encounters, National Treasure, Pirates of the Caribbean and Signs.

My biggest gripe with the movie is that a couple of scenes really looked "cheesy" to me. I mean come on, who has more money to make a movie than Lucas and Spielberg so why skimp on some of the effects? They will become painfully obvious to you.

Unlike the last Rocky or Rambo movie that clearly ended those franchises this one still leaves room for maybe one more chapter. But if they do make another it will have to be a tremendous story with incredible effects.

That being said I would recommend you going to see this movie with an Adventurer near you. I give it 3 out of 5 Floyds.

Gettysburg

This is a trip I really would like to make with you guys sometime this summer. How does one week end in July sound?

The 6th of June

Certainly a definitive day in American History as the Allied Invasion was launched onto the beaches of Normandy. Those men gave the last full measure and deserve to be remembered in our prayers, thoughts and deeds. Thank you veterans.



In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD Canadian Army (1915)

Super Hero Movies

When will they get their due you ask? This says it all :

Free RPG Day

This looks pretty cool. Check here to see if your local game store is participating. This is the store in Columbus that is involved:
Ravenstone Games 1675 Karl Court Columbus OH, 43229 614-844-6463

Here is a list of the sponsors:


Sponsors

Here is what you will find at your local retailer Saturday June 21, 2008! We recommend you make sure your local retailer is on the retailer locator AND you call them before you make the journey to make sure they are still participating!
The list below is NOT complete and will be updated accordingly.

GOLD SPONSORS (12 of each per kit)
Countess Games (Heirs to Olympia Intro Booklet)
Flying Buffalo (Tunnels & Trolls Adv. & Quickstart)
Goodman Games (OGL Dungeon Crawl Classics Gazeteer)
Mongoose Publishing (Introduction to Traveller)
Paizo Publishing (GameMastery Module: Revenge of the Kobold King)
Q-Workshop (Unique Elven Dice Giveaway)
Skirmisher Publishing (Cthulhu Live 3rd Edition Light, "Mysteries of the Mythos")
Troll Lord Games (StarSiege Quickstart & Adventure)
White Wolf Publishing (Hunter: The Vigil)
Wizards of the Coast (Three Giveaways: Unique 4th Edition Adventure, unique adventure tile and unique paint miniature)

SILVER SPONSORS (6 of each per kit)
Green Ronin Publishing (Song of Fire & Ice Quickplay)
Otherworld Creations --- NO LONGER A PART OF FREE RPG DAY KITS

BRONZE SPONSORS (3 of each per kit)
The Cabil (cut-out 3D terrain sampler)
Chessex Manufacturing (Custom "Free RPG Day" Dice)
Columbia Games (Harn Quickstart & Adventure)
Exile Game Studio (Hollow Earth Expedition Quickstart)
Fiery Dragon Productions (Monte Cook's Iron Heroes adventure)
Margaret Weis Productions (Castlemourn Setting for Cortex System)
Pelgrane Press (Trail of Cthulhu Adventure)

JonCon

I am really looking forward to JonCon this year. Even if the esteemed Jon will be attending a training class in one of the armpits of the Big 10, Champaign-Urbana. But he will be able to join us on Friday of the week. What is everyone else's schedule for the week?

I have rehab (I know rehab is for quitters but I am doing it anyway)on Wednesday until 5:30 and Thursday until 4:30. Maybe I can move my Wednesday session to the morning. I'll check this week on that.

Quote of the Week

“There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won't.” - Rabindranath Tagore

Quote of the Week

You don't really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit? - J.R.R. Tolkien

30 Days to Jon Con

Here we go boys it's all down hill now!

Happy Memorial Day Week End

I'm calling it a week end. Time to kick off the summer.
I hope everyone has a great Holiday Week end. Spend it with your family and friends. As we get our picnics and cook outs organized, our movie trips lined up get your flip flops and tank tops on and enjoy yourself. But always remember those who have come and gone through your lives. Take a trip to a cemetery to visit the graves of not only loved ones but also those who have served this Great Country. Go, not only to reflect on the past but to also contemplate the future. Pause some time during this week end to look back and remember the deceased, look out and love the living, look up and honor God.

I leave you with some words of General John Logan's order about the graves of soldiers; which helped create Memorial Day as we know it:

"Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and found mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude..."

Memorial Day means War Movies

A long time ago General Sherman said "War is Hell", or something to that effect. So why do we glorify it? Why do we continue to promote it and the warriors who are, and were, involved in it? I'm not sure why but we Americans love war movies. And the funny thing is they don't even have to be about one of our wars. There are so many great movies that coming up with just a few turned out to be a lot harder than I thought it would. With that in mind I proudly present my favorite war movies. Remember these are my favorites.


15. Braveheart - 1995

14. Wings - 1927

13. Bridge on the River Kwai - 1957

12. Sgt. York - 1941

11. Full Metal Jacket - 1987

10. We Were Soldiers - 2002

09. The Big Red One - 1980

08. She Wore A Yellow Ribbon - 1949

07. Gettysburg - 1993

06. The Great Escape - 1963

05. The Dirty Dozen - 1967

04. Patton - 1970

03. Saving Private Ryan - 1998

Who can ever forget the stunning opening sequence? Easily one of the most powerful movies I have seen in a theatre. At the end no one got up and left. Everyone just sat, some in tearful reflection,and thought of what they had just witnessed.

02. Das Boot - 1981

The ultimate WWII U-boat movie. And you have to watch the original version.

01. Glory - 1989

Give 'em Hell, 54th!! Awesome story about the 54th Mass, a black regiment commanded by white officers during the Civil War. Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington. A true classic.

News from GenCon

Gen Con Indy 2008 Announces Wizards of the Coast as a

Co-Sponsor

The Best Four Days in Gaming Never Looked Better





INDIANAPOLIS (May 19, 2008) - Gen Con is pleased to announce that once again Wizards of the Coast, Inc., will be a co-sponsor of Gen Con Indy. Fans of all ages come to Gen Con each year to see and experience the latest in analog and digital gaming, and Wizards’ participation is a highlight for many fans. This year, Wizards of the Coast will be showing off their latest offerings, including the release of Dungeons & Dragons® 4th Edition.



“We are so pleased to have Wizards of the Coast once again be a sponsor of Gen Con. Its long history with the show, as well as the popularity of its products makes it an integral part of the entire Gen Con experience,” said Adrian Swartout, president of Gen Con.



At Gen Con this year, Wizards of the Coast will be celebrating the newly released D&D® 4th Edition by debuting the new Living Forgotten Realms® campaign as well as 20 years of the Legend of Drizzt™. New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore will be signing sample chapters of The Pirate King, the second book in the Transitions trilogy and sample chapters of The Stowaway, co-authored with his son Geno Salvatore.



Gen Con will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis from August 14 through 17. Celebrating its 41st year and going strong, Gen Con is no ordinary convention. Attendees do everything from browsing the aisles of the exhibit hall packed with over 300 booths to taking part in any number of the 5,000 gaming events happening 24 hours a day over the four days. Gaming activities range from interactive game play and computer gaming to big money hobby-related tournaments.


More about GenCon here

Quote of the Week

“Many will call me an adventurer - and that I am, only one of a different sort: one of those who risks his skin to prove his platitudes.” - Che Guevara

40 Days until JonCon

Time is really flying by. I'm hoping we get a good turnout and have a great time at our annual summer get together.

Summer Road Trip

After JonCon 08 in June what is next? I think an Adventurers outing is possible. I found this today (being home from a heart attack gives one too much time to look up stuff) and thought it has possibilities. Have any of you guys been there before? My initial thought is camp some where close to it. It looks a lot like the one we hit in the fall so it might be pretty good. Any one have a thought on this?

Quote of the Week

“The bold adventurer succeeds the best.” - Ovid

Happy Mothers Day

Make sure you take the time to wish all of the ladies in your life Happy Mothers Day. Appreciate them and take the time to show it, just not today but everyday.

Best Super Hero Movies

After going to see Ironman for the second time the group I was with started pondering a timeless question. What is the best Super Hero Movie of all time? Several titles were tossed out as "favorite" or "best" but no concensus was reached. So with no further adieu I give you my list of best Super Hero Movies (in no particular order). My only criteria was that the movie had to be based on character(s) from a comic book.

Ironman (2008) Marvel Comics

An incredible movie

Batman Begins (2005) DC Comics

DC gets back in the game with this one

Superman (1978) DC Comics

Very original and innovative for the time.

X-Men (2000) Marvel Comics

So much to take in and see. Has unlimited spin offs and sequels

Fantastic 4 (2005) Marvel Comics

I really liked this one

Batman & Robin (1997) DC Comics

The best of the early Batman franchise

Spiderman (2002) Marvel Comics

The Web Slinger. I liked it. Spidey works out well for Marvel

Ghost Rider (2007) Marvel Comics

Not a big Cage fan but I liked this one. Also Sam Elliot was pretty cool.

Superman Returns (2006) DC Comics

This saved the Superman franchise which had been doomed by earlier sequels.

Dare Devil (2003) Marvel Comics

Yeah I liked it. Me and maybe one other person

4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) Marvel Comics

The Surfer was freakin awesome and will deservedly get his own movie soon.


There have been a lot of this genre lately and a lot more on the way. I'm hoping they just keep making great movies. 2009 looks to be a huge year for the comic book nerds like me. Some of the ones coming up:

Dark Knight (2008)
Incredible Hulk (2008)
The Flash (2008)
Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam (2009)
Thor (2009)
Wonder Woman (2009)
Captain America (2009)
Teen Titans (2009)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men Origins: Magneto (2009)
Justice League: Mortal (2009)
Ghost Rider 2 (2009)
Silver Surfer (2009)
Sub-Mariner (2010)
Nick Fury (2010)

50 days til JonCon 08

Hard to believe it I know.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

I hope you all get a chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in whatever manner you see fit. In what started as a regional Mexican Holiday it is fast becoming a very American Event. So grab your flip-flops and tank tops, some Corona or Tequila, lemon, limes and chips and salsa and have a great day!

And, for the record, Cinco de Mayo is not the Mexican Independence Day (that falls on September 16). Rather it commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862.

Partido en aventureros. ¡Agarre el día y exprima a mujeres!

Quote of the Week

The true Adventurer goes forth aimless and uncalculating to meet and greet unknown fate. - O. Henry

Ironman

I went to see Ironman tonight. Always one of my favorite comic books I was really looking forward to this movie albeit with some trepidation. Could Robert Downey Jr. pull off the brilliant, but slightly flawed, Tony Stark? Would the modernized story line be any good? Would this be just another crappy adaptation of a classic comic book? The answers? Yes, Yes and a resounding Hell No.

This movie rocks from the opening sequence, set to "Back in Black", until the credits start rolling to the immortal classic title track by Black Sabbath. The driving music through out the entire show sets the tone and really gets your heart rate pumping (which in my case is not always a good thing). It was filmed in California but at times you really think you are in a terrorist camp in Afghanistan. The other actors are pretty good in their roles and the directors have seemed to have covered all their bases. Jeff Bridges gives a pretty decent portrayal of bad guy Obidiah Stane. Gweneth Paltrow is hot as Stark's assistant "Pepper" Potts. Terrence Howard plays a great Jim Rhodes. But Robert Downey Jr. pulls off the title character brilliantly in my humble opinion. He was pretty much how I remember him in the comics.

They set up the sequels very nicely and to be honest I can't wait for the next installment. This is a franchise that I believe will surpass Spiderman, X-Men, and Fantastic 4 as the cornerstone of the Marvel Universe. I don't want to give away too much but this is a definite must see for Adventurers. I'm up for another outing with any of you guys who want to go see it.

It has thrown down a big gauntlet to the next couple of Super Hero movies this summer, The Incredible Hulk (June 13), Hell Boy 2 (July 11), and the Dark Knight (July 18). I give it 4 Floyds. And do not, I repeat, DO NOT LEAVE before the credits are over!!!!

*****************************************UPDATE**************************************

I went to see this again, tonight with the Adventurers. And after seeing it again I have to change my rating of the movie. It was even better the second time than the first. I saw so many more things this time around. This movie was filled with a lot of fun subliminal references to not only the Marvel Universe but other movies as well. Pepper Potts has one heck of a stride in those spiked heels! I have to tell you to go see it again. And when it comes out on DVD and Blu Ray it is a must buy. This is quite possibly the best Comic Book based Super Hero Movie ever. Not only good for a Comic Book Movie but a pretty darned good movie as well. DC Comics needs to step it up to get back in this game. 5 out of 5 Floyds!!

RIP Wallet Draining Lich of Medina

It looks like the Wallet Draining Lich of Medina has been eviscerated and laid to rest. Our sources have not reported a sighting in the last 3-4 months. Retailers, local diners and restauranteers are reporting downward spirals in their profit margins the First Quarter of 2008. No one is sure when the WDLoM first came into being but we all have fond memories of our personal encounters with him.

As much as we all appreciate the gains to our own personal fortunes we miss the days of watching him over spend and us asking really stupid questions like "Should I get this? What do you think?"

Hopefully a successful resurrection role will be coming soon.

eerrllf roasted

Well the Second Adventure Roast took place this past weekend. Brother Ferrell was roasted, but not publicly, by Gary, Denny, Keith and yours truly. It was a shortened version and we did it in the privacy of Ferrell Manor but it was still fun. We also got to roll some dice as Keith DM'd some newbies for us. I'm looking forward to DMing again sometime soon and want to work up something for Duke & Luke and the Pirates so you all need to resurrect those guys and get me the info. If things get worked out we can play them at JonCon.

Belated Birthday Wishes

Happy Late Birthday wishes to both Gary and Denny. Things have been a little crazy around here due to my recovery but just wanted to try to make them both feel a little special. We turned to other sources who got top secret photos of them celebrating in private. You can figure out who is who. Happy Birthday boys

Registration Info

The Registration info will be available soon online. We here at JonCon anticipate the Registration Packets being mailed out on June 1st so register a.s.a.p after it opens. See you soon!

Top Ten List

Top Ten Signs You Play Too Much

1.Someone says "Why do you have all those numbers tattooed on your hand?", and you reply "Those aren't tattoos, they're die imprints."

2.Your elven fighter has had sex within the last six years - and you haven't.

3.You decide to play a zombie, just so you and your character can have the same skin color.

4.You've been surviving so long on Doritos, Coke, and pizza that your body now contains more plastic than your dice.

5.You can recite, verbatim, every single rule from the DMG….but you can't remember how many kids you have.

6.You sign personal correspondences with your character's name.

7.After months of work, you have made up the entire dwarven language - words, rules of vocabulary, the whole lot. You are bilingual, and can now speak fluid dwarven. Your friends stare at you strangely, and no one will sit on the same side of the table as you.

8.Drug addict and alcoholic friends of yours often stop you to say "Dude, get a grip".

9.Your "If I won the lottery" plans involve creating:
(a) a really cool AD&D room, or
(b) hiring actors to play monsters so that you and your friends can play AD&D for real.

10.You'd rather get a natural 18 when rolling character statistics than win the lottery.

whew, that was scary

I'm feeling pretty good, one week after suffering a heart attack. Looks like I made all my saving throws at a critical time. My insurance guy called to say he was glad I was ok. He didn't want to lose 20 years of premiums I guess.

Quote of the Week

"I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate"

Looks like Vincent Van Gogh was one of us. I really like this quote

What a great week

This is quite possibly the greatest week of the year. Starting on the 14th we have Steak and BJ Day. Then comes St Patricks's Day followed by the opening two days of March Madness. Does it get any better than this?

Roasted eerrllf

In what is becoming an Adventurers tradition, the Roasting of Jon Ferrell will take place April 11/12 in Cincinnati. Will the Queen City be up to the challenge of hosting an event of this magnitude? Will Ferrell be permitted back on the Campus of his Alma Mater after what happened last time he was there? Will Doug be available at any moment during the weekend? All of these compelling questions will be answered very soon.I'm looking forward to LaRosa's, Montgomery Inn, the Bakery, and the Hofbrau Haus (or a combination of any)and maybe some gaming thrown in for good measure.

Also, belated Birthday greetings to the Earl of Hagerstown Floyd Resler.

March Madness ramblings

This month has been crazy so far. From the disappearance and death of the White Dragon to the passing of the Great Gygax and the "Blizzard" of 08 it has been nuts. Looking forward to getting every one together some time soon. The basketball tourney starts soon and we will find out who is in next Sunday. Go Bucks. Beware the Ides of March. Anyone available for a little St Patty's Day activity?

God Speed Master of Dungeons

It was announced earlier today that Gary Gygax passed away in Lake Geneva Wisconsin at the age of 69. R.I.P. fellow Adventurer, R.I.P.

I propose that we hold a yearly observance called Adventurers Day in Honor of The Man, the Myth, the Legend each March 4 or perhaps maybe the first week end of March each year.

The picture makes me think he is telling the great DM in the sky "You'll know me by these."

Good News

There is much rejoicing in the land today. The White Dragon has been found. It is currently in custody of the City Guard and Keithstradamus is waiting to see how much damage was done to her. Also, the City Guard might require payment to return the Dragon.

Happy B Day Johnny

Please join JonCon in wishing our friend, mentor, and spiritual guru a happy 50th birthday. He joins the Sage of Southwood as the only full time Adventurers in the 50 and over crowd. Did you ever think you'd see the day Adventurers would be joining AARP?

White Dragon Update

Still no sign of our beloved Dragon

White Dragon update

The White Dragon is still missing

Adventurer Movies

The Summer of 2008 has the potential to be one of the greatest Adventurer movie summers in a very long time. Scheduled to be released:

Iron Man
Get Smart
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II
The Mummy
The Incredible Hulk
Indiana Jones

also coming out that could have been good but probably aren't:
Hancock - Will Smith Superhero spoof
Speed Racer

My early sleeper is Mongol. It is about the life of Ghengis Khan. It could be another National Treasure or another D&D movie! And look for a remake of the 1941 classic The Wolf Man. Not sure when it comes out but I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Hail Adventurers

Men have sought her for ages. They have lost fortunes and given their youth trying to find her. But alas it has finally come to pass, the legendary White Dragon has been stolen. Members of the Thieves Guild of Columbus have succeeded in capturing her. The Sage of Southwood has made available all resources in his quest to bring back his beauty. Let none rest until this wrong has been righted and the White Dragon found and returned safely. While some fear that her scales and teeth have already been lost I say to you; Brothers where is thy faith? Hope Springs eternal within the human breast for a safe and expedited return. At this time there is no credence to the rumor that The Wallet Draining Lich of Medina is the mastermind of this fiendish plot to finance his business endeavors and empire.



There was an old dragon under gray stone;
her red eyes blinked as she lay alone.
Her joy was dead and her youth spent,
she was knobbed and wrinkled,
and her limbs bent in the long years to her gold chained;
in her heart's furnace the fire waned.
To her belly's slime gems stuck thick,
silver and gold she would snuff and lick:
she knew the place of the least ring
beneath the shadow of her white wing.
Of thieves she thought on her hard bed,
and dreamed that on their flesh she fed,
their bones-crushed, and their blood drunk:
her ears drooped and her breath sank.
Mail-rings rang. She heard them not.
A voice echoed in her deep grot:
a young warrior with a bright sword
called her forth to defend her hoard.
Her teeth were knives, and on horn her hide,
but iron tore her, and her flame died.

- With apologies to Professor J.R.R.Tolkien

Happy Post Valentine's Day

I hope everyone had a pleasant Valentine's Day. I can't wait until we can all get together and play some games!!

Thanks to Keith for the cartoon

JonCon Events Announced

We are proud, nay honored, to announce the first events that you can register to compete in. The dates and locations will follow, as will registration information.

Competitive Events


Wings of War
• two brackets, four players each. Top two from each bracket and highest 3rd place finisher advance to finals. Registration costs: Two JonCon tokens**


Pirates
• One-on-One round robin tournament. 40 point game rules apply. In the event of a tie the highest cumulative coin total will be named Dread Pirate. Registration costs: one JonCon token**



Torches and Pitchforks
• Winner take all. Registration costs: one JonCon token**


Redneck Life• Winner takes all. (six long necks of PBR)Registration costs: one JonCon token**


Atlantic Storm
• Two Rounds, highest cumulative total wins. Registration costs: one JonCon token**


** JonCon Tokens will be available when you pick up your packets at the Registration Desk

post Winter Solstice movie outing

A few hail and hearty Adventurers braved the cold of Central Ohio and took in dinner and a movie. We made the pilgrimage to the Mecca of over eating, the Thurman Cafe. After that we went and saw In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege tale. The movie was classic D&D. Good vs. Evil. Wizards, Fighters, noble good guys, slimy bad guys, sword fights and hot girls; this movie had it all. The only missing ingredient was a "kingly" actor to portray the King. Burt Reynolds was the choice and it was about like you think it would be. Somewhere between Bo Darville (Smokey & the Bandit), Jack Horner (Boogie Nights), and J.J. McClure (Cannonball Run). King Konreid deserved better. Like maybe Sean Connery, Billy Connolly, or Alec Guiness. Yeah I know he's dead but he'd still been better than Burt.

Anyway, that being said, this was a pretty good flick. Ray Liotta played a pretty maniacal wizard going against Jason Stratham's paladinesque Farmer. For a movie that had next to no publicity and based on a video game I'd say go see it. And take an Adventurer with you. I give it three Floyd's. Don't forget only 161 more days until JonCon!



I forgot to mention earlier a special shout out to the men hating Al Gore tree huggers and the King's Ninja Task Force. They actually added to the movie as well as a couple of really cool special effects.

JonCon location threatened

The Greater Columbus Convention Center, where some JonCon events will be held, was flooded earlier today. Despite earlier speculation that there might be structural damage the facility has been deemed fit to remain open and hold events. What the hell, a little wash out couldn't hurt the location of 72 hours of gamers could it? Read the story here at the Dispatch.

S.E.C. ond again

Well another Championship game has come and gone and Ohio State has lost yet again. This time 38-24 to LSU. Hail the mighty Tigers. They flat out dominated from the second quarter on.

Ohio State just couldn't get anything going after the first two drives and the defense played out of sorts all evening. Oh well.. on to recruiting and looking forward to next season.

For the record the Buckeyes played in their second consecutive, and third overall, BCS Championship game. They joined Oklahoma as the only school to lose two straight games. They are one of 5 teams (Florida State, which appeared in the first three games, Miami, USC and Oklahoma) to appear in at least two consecutive games. They join Oklahoma and Florida State as the only teams to appear in three title games.

Just remember they were picked to finish third in the Big 10 this season so hopefully they can regroup and have a great 2008 season. Go Bucks

Merry Christmas

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Championship game

hard to believe the Bucks made it, but hey someone has to play in the stupid game. Go Bucks!!