I believe this was the first book released for Starfinder Second Edition. As such it had to serve as an introduction to the system as well as what had changed in the solar system since the first edition. Unlike many TTRPG companies, Paizo likes to advance the story of the world and change things up as time goes on.

However, the best part of the way this book is organized is that the first few chapters are based on the types of campaigns you might run - horror, science fiction, fantasy, weird, and so on. For each type of campaign, the writer suggests planets the GM might go to and some campaign starters whether it’s for a one-shot or a long campaign. Just this section alone is worth getting this book.

I was a kickstarter backer on this book

Based on the introduction, it looks like this series was meant to be a trilogy. As such, this book is mostly about wrapping up all the loose ends from the prior two anthologies. I think the book mostly succeeds in that endeavor. The ending somewhat fell flat for me in the same way as the ending to 2001: A Space Odessey; things got a bit too trippy.

As usual for a collection or anthology, I have reviews per each short story.

Ruth: Our main character is not just a mother, but a grandmother. That doesn’t stop her from getting the justice she deserves. A compelling tale of wits and experience being a mighty weapon.

Raising the Dead (Hindy Silverman): Funnily enough, I think I added a book with a VERY similar premise to my TBR list recently. Imagine that kids show, Monster High, but instead of a kids’ perspective, it’s told from the parents’ perspective. It was a fun story and I would definitely read more in this world.

Story

13 Feb

After the insanity we just dealt with, I search the wreckage for survivors. I search many corpses, but I only find one ally. They are trapped beneath rubble and I try to dig them out. It’s hard and I almost drop the last piece onto them, but I save them. They are unconscious, but breathing.

I make a makeshift bandage and stem the bleeding. I slap them awake. (+1 minion)

note: I was a kickstarter backer for this book

With the Phenomenons books, Crazy Eight has created a super hero anthology that takes place in our world like George R R Martin’s Wild Cards series. The main difference is that Wild Cards reads to me as incredibly grimdark; maybe because it was started in the 1980s? The other big difference is that there’s definitely more of a liberal bent to Phenomenons. That might make you more likely to read it, more likely to avoid it, or you might feel indifferent about that. Interestingly, both anthology series mostly take place in New York City.

I backed the Kobold Press Kickstarter for the Player’s Guide 2 as well as a few add-on items. I created this video to talk about them.

Topics & Links:

• Player’s Guide 2
• Kobold Press Character Journal
• 1985 Games DM Journal Set
• 1985 Games Hero Journal Set
• Beadle and Grimm’s Player’s Journal
• Bag of Luck Tokens - Not on the store as of the time I’m writing this

Busy, busy, busy….lots of days to catch up on!

Story

29 Jan

The four enemies stand before the Overlord, proclaiming his end. He does not waver as he predicts they will fall.

I move into a good position for attack (+2 bonus to attack rolls on the next page)

I set up traps to sabotage the battlefield (+2 to DMG on the next day)

I try to create a diversion, but the heroes are focused on their task. (-1 penalty to defense on next day)

Story

The party locks all the doors and chances a long rest. The group went into the westmost door after Flint picked the lock. Within the room were a bunch of dead bodies that look drained of all life with looks of horror on their faces. They also look like they’ve been frozen for a long time.

The party begins moving bodies to get up the stairs.

Scrabble asks Miralou if there are customs we should follow with the bodies. They don’t have enough scrub to burn the bodies in a funeral pyre but perhaps later they can deal with them. Miralou can say a prayer over them, but that won’t prevent them from being raised.

The Story

Time elapsed so far in campaign at start of this adventure: 15 days

Summary

In the 2 weeks that elapsed since last time Beatrice found out what her new ring does. (It protects her from mind control AND it stores her soul if she dies) She also got some pricing for the items she nicked from the house they were investigating:

I chose to go with Severin Mortis for the rest of the year. It took me a while to get caught up to the date (snow storm) this post will cover many days.

Story

22 Jan

As I step into the ritual chamber, the high mage is there. He shows me that the Soul Crystal is ready and tells me to fetch the Overlord.

23 Jan

Yet another of the Heroes of the Light arrive - this time it’s Vaelor Spellwright, their wizard. He tells me to step aside. I must fight to keep him busy.