Under the Laughing Moon

2011-12-31T10:19:00.000-08:00

Reflections & Lowlights
by Todd VanHooser

With the close of 2011, I look back on what was, overall, a pretty mixed bag. I considered writing a sugar-coated entry for New Years, but nixed the idea pretty quickly. Instead, I'm calling it out. We had ups and downs, success and defeat. I'm glad its done.

The most frustrating aspect of 2011 is the fact that I end the year no better off than where I began it. In fact, in many regards, I'm exactly where I was a year ago. For Laughing Moon every step forward was followed by at least one back. For me, this is tough to acknowledge as well as tough to endure. For 17 years I've been going steadily forward in one way or another, and just when things should be picking up steam, they more or less stalled out.

I gained new friends and helpful supporters only to see trusted ones disappear, flake out, or flat out jump ship. I could write an entire blog entry on that last business, and trust me I've thought about it...but I'll cling to some tried and true cliche and let bygones be bygones...water under the bridge...etc, etc. I've lived and learned, and won't be bit by that dog again. I'll let it go with a simple quote from Tom Petty, "Don't come around here no more."

I indulged in a number of new creative ideas in 2011--can you blame me? I've been working on the fantasy series and setting for the better part of 20 years. I needed a break. It felt good to set it aside for a time, look through a new lens, if you will. These ventures proved to be a lot of creative fun in brand new ways, and it led me to meet some great new people that I'm very pleased to now call friends. The final product didn't turn out quite as I had envisioned, but my work tends to follow the mythical phoenix. From the ashes comes something new.

I know that this year was a productive one for good ideas because I witnessed several of those being stolen. A nice compliment, I suppose, but I'll let this be a warning to those preying on my creativity: it won't be tolerated again. My patience, courtesy, and good disposition have run their course. Plus, I've been watching Breaking Bad.

To rant a bit more, I'm done with flaky artists. Your work isn't the only thing that carries you, my friends. Its your reputation. Its your name. I sincerely love the work I've paid for and received. Those I continue to work with know that I'm loyal. I'll be back with more commissions, and more money. Flake on me, and we're done. You get one shot. There are a lot just like you looking for work.

And lately I've been reading a number of negative articles about the tabletop gaming industry. Things have been said about its relevance in an electronic world. Its lack of creativity. The absence of "community" as every long-term player decides to create their own game. Gamers have become "an exclusive community of experts." The idea is that gamers have knowingly embraced some caricature of themselves and now feel enlightened, or empowered, or entitled somehow. As if knowing every last pop-culture reference is tallied on an invisible score board.

Is it true? Maybe. Probably, in fact. And in fear of this truth, I've started looking at what it is I do. What makes this Laughing Moon thing different?

The answer, to stay true to the mixed-bag theme I introduced up above, is yes and no. In some circles, my game will never be able to compete with players' enduring love affair with D&D, or Pathfinder, or whatever the hell its called today. For others, it may not be highbrow enough, or it lacks gears and switches and gas masks and a clockwork poodle that pisses gasoline. And no, although we encourage the role-playing element, it is not a LARP. I've come to terms with all that, and I'm just fine with it, in fact.

But as for community, I've found it. Relevance? You betcha. My game, my world, means something to a growing number of fans. We have open arms to new gamers, whether or not these people know the difference between a d20 or a d12 (for the record, noobs, the d20 is bigger). My world has grown thanks to the new blood involved, and for that involvement I am deeply thankful. I've found it to be a powerful way to bring people together and keep them coming back. I've seen new players discover a lifelong hobby, and I've found myself inspired by their enthusiasm. This group is growing, and my plan is to try and push what we do to a larger audience in 2012.

Laughing Moon Con was a shining example of this. Its an introduction, a gateway to show new people what this scene has to offer. Those that attended are likely to attend other local conventions, which is good for the whole community. And I sincerely hope to see them next year for the 4th round of our little convention.

We'll see new Laughing Moon products coming out this year. Game pieces, stories, and more. We're moving forward, folks, and that feels good.

For the upcoming year, I'm going back to my roots. I'm a storyteller, and this next year you can look forward to new stories. I'm looking at new ways of bringing stories to you. Ways of celebrating characters in a new light. I'm writing new adventures, and if you're reading this now, I hope to have you involved.

2011 ends tonight, and I for one say good riddance. On to 2012.

On to new adventures.

-T

Article: Getting into Character

2011-11-08T19:37:00.001-08:00

Don't Be the NPC
by Todd VanHooser

There are many aspects to a tabletop role-playing game that sets it apart from other types of games. The type of dice, the fantasy setting, the story-telling, the fact that you’re forced to physically interact with real people rather than sit behind a gaming console while eating Cheetos in your underwear. But perhaps the most obvious and often overlooked aspect that sets things apart is the actual “role-playing” element.

The best adventures always seem to happen when players surrender to the story and really become their character. It’s not easy to do, but the payoff can really be something memorable. Seriously, how many games of Battleship, Operation, Blackjack, or even Call of Duty do you actually remember? To surrender to the story in a role-playing game opens the possibility of true magic happening as that story comes to life. But the burden falls on you, the player.

To succeed, you need to be able to let loose of your rationale mind, as well as your emotional connection to the character you’ve created. It isn't so much playing a character as becoming that character, at least for a short period of time. It doesn't matter if you're a brawny warrior, rogue magician, or bundalin thief--you've got to be willing to slip into that headspace and see where it takes you...as well as the game itself.

Here are a few tips to help you immerse a little more naturally into the game:

1) Know your stuff. Be familiar with the character’s personal attributes, skills, and abilities. Don’t be “that guy” who’s surprised when one of the other players points out your 80% ability to disarm a trap five minutes after watching a companion get impaled by poisonous darts.

2) Create a back story. Even if the details of your story don’t come out in an adventure, knowing where your character comes from, the details of their life, and why they’re out there adventuring helps shape that character in your mind. These details will help you, the player, determine certain actions, decisions, and even interactions.
3) Don’t metagame. One of the worst sins of role-playing is to make decisions based on “player knowledge” rather than “character knowledge.” Naturally one of the fun aspects of gaming is the opportunity to talk about your adventures with friends, and in the case of Laughing Moon, to see if, and how, those adventures link up at all. However, to use information gleaned from one of those conversations in your next session just isn’t cool. Furthermore, just because the dungeon maze is set up in front of you, and quite clearly you can see the seething pit of despair behind Door #2, remember that all your characters sees is the door. Play it out. Make decisions based solely on what your character actually knows, and let the dice roll.

4) Play fearlessly. That’s right, don’t tiptoe around situations that your character would dive into. I know you spent an hour rolling up your sneaky dwarven cutpurse, and I know you’ve scraped through a dozen adventures and acquired a collection of interesting loot, magical weapons, and a pile of gold coins taken from the still-warm bodies of your victims. But if you aren’t willing to put your character in danger—to really play that character to the hilt—then what’s the point? You’ve got to put it all out there, and be willing to lose all that you’ve gained. Go big or go home, right? If your character isn’t the smartest person in the party, then you probably shouldn’t be the one offering up the battle plan, or the step-by-step jail break. Play your character, not the clingy fear-riddled player with a strange over-emotional investment in a fictional character.

The four points mentioned here may seem obvious to some, but even the veteran gamers are guilty of falling out of character from time to time. You want to be an active part of the game...NPCs (non-player characters) are for your Game Master to manage. So get into your character, think through their background, motivation, and skills, and see what surprises come out of it. The trick is to give yourself the freedom to immerse in your character, trust in the story, and just let yourself escape for a time.

You'll find its quite adventure.

-T

Article: Game Mastering 101

2011-11-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

The 'Why' & the 'What' of GMing
by Torrance Dinsmore

The role of the game master is a daunting one. You’ve got to find a time that works for the group of friends you’ve talked into gaming, you have to shell out fifty bucks for the core rule book of the game (more for miniatures, and terrain and supplements, if you want the full experience), and order the pizza. But, out of all those, the hardest bit you have to come up with is the adventure. Though formidable, this last and most important step can be accomplished quite easily in a number of ways which all boil down to figuring out two points: the ‘why’ and ‘what’ of the adventure.

The first (and, in this writer’s opinion, best) way is to come up with a compelling story and simply allow your gamers to become the main characters in that story. Think of a plot worthy of a short story or a chapter in a novel, and build the game around that. This is made easier after your players have a couple games (and bad decisions) under their belts. For example: that bandit they killed a while back? His brother is the head of the biggest crime syndicate on this side of the country, and now he’s out for blood. That temple of the evil god they burned to the ground? That ended up breaking the seal on the a whole kettle o’ evil, and now the taint from the temple is spreading to the surrounding village. You get the drift. Turn loose ends from previous gaming sessions into full blown adventures. This helps to build history—an important element in Laughing Moon adventures.

This isn’t to say a new group of players couldn’t have a similar adventure—maybe some other table full of noobs messed up, and they have to clean up the mess because of a case of mistaken identity, or because they’re the only people that can handle it in a thousand mile radius. In this case, the GM has the ‘why’ of the equation and now needs the ‘what’.

In this case the ‘what’ refers to the monsters, critters, and bad guys of the game. ‘What’ will the players be fighting?

To find the ‘what’, simply work through the story and decide what would be logical for the party to fight at each major turning point. Here, there is a lot of wiggle room, because the only requirement is that it makes sense in the context of the story. This could be simple—the bandit leader sends his group of thugs to rough up the heroes (shocker)—or it can be somewhat complex: perhaps magic run awry is twisting nearby animals and villagers into grotesque mirrors of what they once were. A decision must be made—do your players destroy the threat, or do they seek a cure? When given an opportunity, I would suggest running an adventure like this. More mental gymnastics may be required, but the added mystery can take this single adventure and turn it into a campaign in which the world may hang in the balance.

Another tried and true method is to pick a monster and build the game around that. The idea is to do just the opposite of the previous method—now you have the ‘what’ and need to figure out the ‘why’. Again, here is a chance to add depth to the story. If you just can’t wait to show off your newly painted vampire miniature, for instance, try to come up with something different than having your villain be Baron Rackula from Fangsilvainia. The big concern with coming up with an adventure this way, though, is that it is very easy to fall into clichés or other pitfalls of bad story telling. To combat this, come up with several possible scenarios to explain the presence of the monsters and why our heroes should be involved.

These are two of a multitude of ways that game ideas can be incepted and are in no ways all inclusive; they are simply the two most basic ways that adventures can be born. The thing to take from both of these strategies is that, no matter the way the adventure comes about, two things should be present: compelling story telling and the challenging battles.

Games with no story are a pale imitator of true gaming, while stories without fights are not much fun, and that is the point of playing these games: fun. So experiment with the creative process, play around with the ‘what’ and the ‘why’, and work with your players to make the nights you spend around the table the ones you’ll never forget.

Article: This is Why We Game

2011-10-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

This is Why We Game
by Todd VanHooser

The great thing about tabletop role-playing games is that it appeals to such a broad range of people. Different ethnicities, different ages, different backgrounds. It crosses lines, mixes and matches, and creates a fun and safe environment for those involved. And it’s a ridiculous amount of fun while you’re at it.

With this in mind, I created a tabletop role-playing club at school, hoping to rope in kids with creative interests and give them a little fuel for their imaginations. I had no idea that four years later I would still be doing it, and with such an enthusiastic group.

Those that get involved seem to immediately understand the draw of this hobby. There’s hacking and slashing, there’s loot, there’s magic and mystery. And of course there’s cool miniatures, dice, and terrain that we use as well. Those that walk by and see a group of people sitting around rolling dice pause long enough to scratch their heads, and occasionally will even ask, “so what are you guys doing?”

However, if you’re one of those head-scratchers pausing by this blog right now, it’s not the “what” that I want to address here.

It’s the “why.”

Perhaps one of the most obvious reasons why people enjoy this game is for its pure escapism. For a few hours, you’re actually invited to shelve your concerns, your problems, your stress...your life. You get to become another person—one of your own creation. Within the context of the game,( if the dice smile on you), then you get to be the hero. But the real joy isn’t just that. The fun comes because you’re not doing it alone.

This hobby is more than just a game. It’s a social outlet. It’s a place where people who might never otherwise meet or spend time together, get to share in some fun. The game offers suspense, mystery, danger, and above all, it offers adventure. These are the very elements that bond people together, and I’ve seen that happen to players based on the events happening to their fictional characters. Games can be won or lost, but this is a place where friendships are forged.

I’ve seen gamers get so involved that they’re sitting on the edge of their seats, jumping out of their chairs, high-fiving, fist pumping, and dancing by the table. My gamers have been a part of epic stories, heart-breaking tragedies, on-going mysteries, and magic that gets in the player’s blood. This one common thing has brought people together, and leaves them wanting more.

We’re the Friday Night Lights of tabletop gaming. And those that play all know it.

And that, dear reader, is why we game.

-T

Back From....well, wherever...

2011-10-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly a year since this blog has seen an update, and so much has happened since that time. Regardless, we're back on once again. Resurrected. Reinvigorated. Ready for more!

The point of this blog will be to keep you informed of all Laughing Moon Chronicles updates, events, games, and news. Furthermore, as before, we hope to provide you with some interesting game-related articles to help give you some perspective on the game.

I have rallied members of the Laughing Moon team to write and share articles with you, dear reader. Undoubtedly these will be things that will shock and amaze! Astound and baffle! Or at the very least, give you something to stare at when you should be working.

Adventures Under the Laughing Moon has grown in many ways over the last year, and now more than ever I am beginning to find my focus. This game is about bringing people together, forming bonds, finding common grounds, and ultimately story.

I have a story to share, and I hope you will be a part of the adventure.

-Todd

Article: Year in Review

2010-12-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

2010 Under the Laughing Moon
by Todd VanHooser

This time last year I was eagerly looking toward a busy future. I had a number of conventions scheduled, one publication nearly complete, and the Laughing Moon game book was beginning to take shape after years of development. Its hard to believe a year has already gone by...but it’s more difficult to comprehend how much I’ve done in these last 12 months.

Here’s 2010 Under the Laughing Moon

Two major releases: The Lamplighter Collection, and Adventures Under the Laughing Moon were both released in 2010, making this a very productive year for me personally. Oddly, now that I think about it, both projects span a very large part of my life, and it’s an interesting coincidence that both should reach fruition in the same year.

Lamplighter is a collection of short fiction that I started writing in my fiction classes at the University of Missouri. In fact, my short story titled Catharsis first saw print in MU’s literary magazine, Stir. I just saw an old copy of that laying around at my parent’s house and was quite happy to stumble upon it. My own copy of the magazine was lost in a move years ago, and it’s fun to see how that particular story has evolved. Other stories in Lamplighter are much more recent. In fact, the headliner story, The Ole Lamplighter, I credit with saving my novel, The Barren Twelve. I had hit a major wall in the writing of that book, and desperately needed something to help invigorate that writing. The remedy came in the form of a good old-fashioned ghost story. I wrote that story in about four weeks, and afterwards I was able to tear into The Barren Twelve feeling refreshed and eager to finish the book.

Adventures Under the Laughing Moon stands as my biggest personal achievement to date. Putting aside book sales, reviews, etc., I accomplished something I simply did not think could be done. The Laughing Moon game began in 1995 as a mash-up home brew gaming system that picked and stole from the current RPGs of the day. Naturally that system grew and developed over time, but one thing remained consistent: the story. After debuting the game at an Arizona convention in ’09, I saw an opportunity to share the story with more people. As a marketing tool, this was perfect—readers could enjoy The Laughing Moon Chronicles, and then take a more interactive approach by creating their own characters and developing their own stories in the game. But for me, there was even more potential. The story had the chance to take on a life of its own.

It took me the better part of two years to compile all of my notes and then re-design the gaming system to stand on its own and support the type of game I had always run. After the system was built, play-testing had to occur, and this spread over a number of months with tweaks and changes occurring along the way. Once the game was done, the real work began. I had to figure out a way to put the game into a book that would allow even those unfamiliar with table-top RPGs to pick it up and learn the ropes. My incredibly talented wife, Susan, took on the daunting task of interior layout and design, and finally in October, I held the final product in hand.

I’m very proud of this accomplishment, and I'm extraordinarily grateful to those who helped me along the road . If you haven’t seen the book, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. It easily stands next to anything on the shelf at your gaming or book store, and the content actually sets it apart from the competition. The feedback has been great, (one of my first customers told me that after a long dry spell this was the very first gaming book he had purchased in over two years) but having the Adventures book completed is something for me.

Nine conventions: Big ones, small ones, local ones, and out of state, this was a BUSY year when it came to the con scene. There were some memorable moments at these events—some with fans and attendees, and others that fall into the memorable, but unmentionable category. The Laughing Moon Crew likes to say, “what happens at con, stays at con.” Maybe it’s not exactly an original slogan, but it works in a pinch.

I’m getting a better feel for these events. There is an expectation that goes into it, and I have attended enough to have formed my own opinion on what makes a good convention vs. what makes a poorly managed convention. People attend conventions like these to mingle, socialize, get exposed to new elements of their favorite genre or hobby, and have fun. That last part is certainly something I like to provide in what capacity I can. It is my hope that I will be able to expand the Laughing Moon experience even more in this coming year.

Of course, the biggest event for me was Laughing Moon Con—my very own event. I was told early on in the process that the best advice when it came to organizing a convention was “don’t do it.” I understood that it would be an undertaking, but I felt that the time had come to “put up or shut up.” In my opinion, the vast majority of local conventions and events had fallen deplorably short at marketing to the younger generation. This was an observation I had noted on many occasions, and a concern I had even tried to voice to those who I thought might make a difference. All marketing was geared at conventions, game stores, ConNotations, and second hand book stores. In other words, they were marketing to the people that were already going to the events, without any attempt at drawing in fresh faces. I’m a fantasy author and even I have to dig around to find out when and where the events are taking place. My goal for Laughing Moon Con was clear from the beginning: get new blood. Our marketing went to high schools and community colleges, in addition to game and book stores. And it worked. The first Laughing Moon Con brought in over 300 people—most of which had never attended a convention before in their lives. Now those same people are asking about Amazing Arizona Comic Con, Phoenix Comic Con, Rincon, and others.

In other words, we hooked them. They’ll be back.

Local events: Customers at gaming stores and book stores got a little taste of the Laughing Moon experience this last year. With a number of appearances at Gamers’ Inn and Imperial Outpost Games, I was able to introduce new people to the game and expose them to role-playing Laughing Moon style. In addition to this, I was able to get in front of small audiences and share excerpts of The Lamplighter Collection and discuss both the fantasy series as well as the writing process in general.

New faces: This year we have welcomed a number of new people into our fold. Whether they are gamers, readers, fans, or those helping out behind the scenes, these are the people that make adventuring under the Laughing Moon worthwhile. Ours numbers have significantly grown in 2010, and 2011 will only see that trend continue.

A helping hand: And lastly, 2010 marked the first year where our efforts were able to help out a few others. The Laughing Moon crew was able to raise a little extra money in the beginning of the year to send a handful of high-school kids to their very first convention. Later in the year, funds raised from the first Laughing Moon Con helped send the Desert Edge Marching Band to the Fiesta Bowl Parade where they will proudly be accompanying the Arizona 501st and playing selections from Star Wars. How cool is that?

I’m raising my glass to a fantastic 2010 and all that came and went with the passing year.

And now I’m setting my sights on 2011, and the adventures that await just around the corner.

-T
www.toddvanhooser.com

Article: Marketing Tip on AZ Publishing Services

2010-12-29T10:21:00.001-08:00

Check out the link attached here for a brief article I wrote for AZ Publishing Services. Some good tips on marketing your own material and finding your audience.

Click it!:

Article: Game Mastering 101

2010-11-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

Choose Your Own Adventure
by Todd VanHooser

When I was a kid I loved the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. It was exciting to be a part of a story—to actually feel the consequences of the characters by truly imagining yourself undergoing the adventure through their eyes. I still have a good number of these books salvaged from my childhood: D&D, Indiana Jones, 007, and a cool series called Sword and Sorcery.

Like most who read these books, I was a cheater. I took the adventure seriously, but the frustration of turning to the designated page only to see the bolded words THE END stamped after the paragraph-long description of my gruesome fate was too much for my twelve-year old ego to handle. I was careful to keep a finger marking the page I had come from so I could be sure to take the alternate Plan B. Often these options didn’t seem as true to the character as my original choice appeared, but what could I do? After all, I didn’t write the damn thing—I was stuck in someone else’s adventure.

The nature of tabletop role-playing games, by definition, encourages players to become a character. In my own Laughing Moon system, character-based decisions are rewarded far more than mere hack and slash successes. Players are asked to think through the personality of their individual character; to see the world through the filter of fictional eyes. “Meta gaming,” that taboo habit of allowing player knowledge to influence character actions, is frowned upon in most circles, and in other groups results in public flogging. Or ridicule. Or at the very least, other players won’t share their Sour Jacks. Players must limit their knowledge and interactions based only on their character knowledge.

But it occurred to me recently—despite the expectation that players immerse themselves in their characters—how often are they simply stuck in someone else’s adventure?

RPGs, naturally, are all about the adventure. In Adventures Under the Laughing Moon, the story is the truly vital element of game play. In fact, I think it’s the story more than anything that gets players coming back for more. But anyone who has sat behind the Game Master Screen knows that from time to time, your carefully planned story gets left behind when players choose to flip to the metaphorical page 119 of your adventure rather than the anticipated page 12. The writers of the choose your own adventure books had their readers trapped between the front and back covers. Unfortunately for game masters, a role-playing game opens up a world of possibilities to the players.

So, what is the GM supposed to do when all those hours of planning are dashed away because the table full of players spin their wheels questioning patrons at the tavern, or follow that wild goose chase into unexpected territory? What happens when your players actually embrace the role-playing aspect of a role-playing game?

There are a number of gaming philosophies when it comes to RPGs. And, with any hobby, there are extremes. GMs want to be wary of creating too much of a character-driven story at the expense of true character peril. Furthermore, GMs don’t want to create generic story lines that offer little opportunity for character development. A balance must be found that allows the GM to “play dirty,” as popular game designer John Wick suggests, and give the elbow room for players to watch their characters grow. This careful juggling act takes practice and experience, but the result can be quite memorable—both for the player and the story teller.

In other words, the game master needs to find creative means of accommodating the players’ desire to stretch out in their character’s skin (talking to non-player characters, pick-pocketing tavern patrons, picking a fight, etc.) and getting the story, or adventure, back on track when things begin to go astray. Part of being a truly good game master is being a good story teller. There’s an element of give and take, push and pull, shuck and jive involved.

Pulling this off is easier said than done. Players want their “epic” moment, GMs want to (kill!), no wait, develop intriguing stories and plot threads, and everyone wants to have fun. It is a game, after all.

In the end, the story aspect falls to the GM. Despite the tendency of players to intentionally, or even inadvertently, choose their own adventure, the game master is responsible for finding creative ways of getting things moving in an interesting, and ultimately satisfying direction. When the players are talking to bar patrons, have them overhear a rumor that sends them into Act 1 of the adventure. The pick-pocketing thief nabs a clue from an unsuspecting murder suspect. Or during the rumble brought on by a player’s hot-tempered dwarf, have the party shooed away by the helpful NPC that ushers them down the path to adventure. Your adventure.

There is a balance to tabletop role-playing games that gives rise to character development within the context of a rich story. I would advise rookie game masters to have a general idea of important “mile markers” in a game, but leave the details to play out at the table. Know your endgame, and be creative enough to get the characters to that spot. Part of the enjoyment for me is to be a part of a living story—being in the moment as things begin to take on life and become something even grander than I had envisioned. That’s real magic.

And keep in mind, it’s the journey that’s the real adventure.

-T
www.toddvanhooser.com

Event Recap: Tucson Comic Con 2010

2010-11-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

An Escape From Reality

Attending the Tucson Comic Con was a great reminder of why I enjoy going to these things. For an entire day people are given the excuse to indulge in their favorite hobbies and lose themselves in a crowd sharing similar interests. It’s a guilt-free pass where you can check reality at the door. In the safety of the convention walls, adults and kids alike are not only allowed, but encouraged debate to the diabolic merits of one comic book villain over another, argue who would win in a fight between Iron Man and Spider-Man, compare the TV adaptation of the Walking Dead to its comic book origins, or spend the day in costume. It’s a geek extravaganza where Super Heroes, Zombies, Ghostbusters and Stormtroopers all unite for a single purpose: to immerse in pop culture and all that we love about it.

This is the third year for the Tucson Comic Con, and with the multitude of fans pouring through the doors, the convention hall was bursting at the seams. Artists, vendors, writers, and a variety of craftsmen offered up their wares for the perusal of the audience. The swelling crowd didn’t die down until nearly closing time.

For me, I had the opportunity to make some exciting new connections and speak with a number of new Laughing Moon fans. Fantasy and gaming conventions are always fun, but one of the great things about a show like this is the chance to introduce the fantasy genre to someone who has yet to experience it. Often they have no idea how closely their interests in comics or sci-fi link to a fantasy book or game. Seeing that spark of interest appear during a conversation about the Laughing Moon Chronicles always makes my day.

And hopefully I’ll be hearing from those readers at the next convention.

-T

Announcement: Game Book Now Available!

2010-10-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Adventures Under the Laughing Moon

During my sophomore year at the University of Missouri, I sat down over winter break and began mapping out a world I hoped to use for a handful of tabletop adventures. In the back of my head, I also had a couple of stories kicking around, and I've never been the type of indulge in "fan fiction." I'm the guy who likes to have people over to MY house. I play well with others, I just like my own sandbox the best. If I was going to actually begin writing any of the stories I had envisioned, I needed a unique setting.

All of these ideas began to grow and produce deeper, more complex stories. Over time, I had a sprawling series in mind as well as a tabletop "home brew" game that began to attract fans.

My sandbox was growing.

Now, after all this time, I am happy to announce that my very own role-playing game based on my fantasy series called The Laughing Moon Chronicles. The book, Adventures Under the Laughing Moon provides a fun setting that encourages story-telling and character development.

This is the kind of game I always wanted--something inviting, accessible, and creative without the hindrance of complicated rules or laborious character creation. I wanted something that promoted a good story and allowed me to partake in it as a fully realized character.

I think I've done that with this book, and I am now very eager to get this into the hands of other gamers and to see what they think.

If you're looking for a a good adventure, please take some time and check it out on www.toddvanhooser.com!

Event recap: Rincon 2010

2010-10-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

Rincon 2010 Wrap-Up

The biggest Arizona gaming con of the year has now come and gone, and once again it was an unforgettable event. Gamers, industry guest speakers, and designers all converged in Tucson, AZ for a weekend of socializing, entertainment, and sleep deprivation.

A year ago, a handful of the Laughing Moon Team came down with only a vague idea of what to expect. We put together games, met some great people, and heard the same question repeated over and over..."so, when is your game coming out?"

With the gaming book literally hot off the press, I was very eager to premier Adventures Under the Laughing Moon at the convention.

Throughout the weekend I had the opportunity to meet some great people, play some fun games, and introduce my RPG to a community of gamers.

Rincon is a fantastic event run by people who have their hearts in the right place. It's an event hosted by gamers for gamers. I'll continue to do what I can to encourage more people to attend. It's the kind of show you look forward to all year long.

My only regret is being pulled in so many directions. As interest in the new RPG grows, it is becoming increasingly difficult to spend all the time I would like with all the people I would enjoy. Hopefully by this time next year I will have enough people actually running my game to allow me to sit down and actually enjoy an adventure or two.

On to the next one!

Laughing Moon Con Recap

2010-10-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

I received the article from one of our convention attendees. After reading it, I was very excited to share it with our readers! --TV

Through the eyes of an Amateur Nerd!
by Robynn Lee

Arriving at Laughing Moon Con 2010 was a bit of a shock. I knew there would be costumes and games but I had no inclination of what exactly a "con" was all about. Looking through my Coach sunglasses, I saw what could only be the Ghostbusters car. Okay, I thought, I at least recognized one thing from my childhood. Low and behold, I was wrong. It was actually K.I.T.T from Knight Rider. I later learned this was a “big deal” in the Con world; as mostly everyone from the Con took a time out of their games to watch them burn out as they left.

Once inside I was greeted by an atmosphere that I can only relate to a cross-town rivalry sporting event. People all around me were buzzing about the hometown author, Todd VanHooser and how Laughing Moon Con was the “coolest Con ever.” People were lined up to get t-shirts with the Laughing Moon logos, to sit in on the gaming adventures Under the Laughing Moon, and even to get pictures with the author himself and other characters.

As an outsider, I had the ability to watch all the events unfold before my eyes. One of the highlights of my first con adventure had to be watching the Laughing Moon Girls convince the Arizona 501st Storm Troopers to belly dance with them. Not only did this provide some comedic moments, it made the atmosphere of the Con more relaxing and relatable to me and many of the borderline “nerds.” I was now fully immersed in the adventures that were unfolding before my eyes.

Working the sign up booth, I learned that if you wanted to get a seat at one of the Laughing Moon tables, you had to sign up early. Within minutes of a new sign in sheet being posted, the table was already filled. Many people also took the liberty of checking back to see if anyone had taken their name off the list!

So what was the big deal with this Laughing Moon game? I had to find out for myself. Sitting in on the game was like watching a scary movie with all its thrills. It had all the intensity, with as many twists and turns as the best box office hits. The only difference is that you actually had to find it within yourself to use your own imagination--something for me that was dormant for way too long.

And if imagination and role-playing isn’t your thing, there were plenty of other activities to entice all ranges of personalities. Basic board games like Apples to Apples and dice games like Phase 10 were actively being played. Something that I never anticipated being at a Con.

I can say without a doubt, that Laughing Moon Con makes me, what I like to refer to myself as, an "amateur nerd." So where will you be, the next time the adventures of the Laughing Moon is on the rise?

Upcoming Event--RINCON!!

2010-10-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

The Calm before the Storm
by
Stella Nava

Ahhhh…The week before a con! Oh, hello Tucson. The Laughing Moon Crew is gearing up for a weekend that is promising nights we’ll never forget with people we’ll never remember.

Now it’s just a matter of going on with our everyday lives while time moves forward at a painfully slow pace. But ahead lies a weekend where the gaming hobby gets showcased and enthusiasts get a dose of “all gaming all the time” convention known as Rincon (Get more info here: http://www.rincongames.com).

Rincon was one of the most talked about conventions of last year, and this year's event promises to be even bigger. For one thing...rumor is that Todd has a MAJOR release to unveil at the convention. I have a feeling that Laughing Moon fans are going to be very excited.

Laughing Moon tables will be in full swing with Todd, Josh, Torrance, and Stokey running adventures. All have games ready to run, and I highly suggest signing up as soon as humanly possible, because tables get filled up VERY quickly. And, of course, the Laughing Moon Girls will be there.

We’re all prepared for the nonstop fun, the exhaustion that hits you Sunday morning, and the memories to be made. So, try not to think about it too much and don’t forget your dice. We’ll hope to see you, dear reader, in Tucson on October 8th through 10th!

If You Build It...

2010-09-16T20:01:00.001-07:00

For quite some time now I have expressed my concern regarding the lack of young adults in attendance at Arizona fantasy and gaming conventions. It was my belief that if given the opportunity, and an affordable ticket (something realistic for a high school kid), they would fall in love with this hobby, genre, and industry that has become such a big part of my life.

Saturday, Sept. 11th, proved this theory to be true.

The very first Laughing Moon Convention reached out to the younger generation, combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, comic books and gaming with authors, artists and people from the gaming industry. As an educator, I also wanted to emphasize the literary, social, and all around educational aspects of the industry. In other words, the Laughing Moon Con was about blending the best of all worlds--offering up a sampling of what our Arizona convention scene has to offer. Bit by bit we got to see this come to life. Attendees were able to experience a variety of games and make real-world connections to literature and art through guest speakers and panel discussions.

Ultimately, however, this event was about having fun. And there were plenty of opportunities for that. Movie previews were offered up with piles of free giveaways. A photo booth allowed kids to capture the day. The Arizona Avengers and the Dune Sea Garrison of the 501st came in costume. They spent hours mingling and interacting with the crowd. In fact, a couple of stormtroopers even jumped into the Belly Dancing 101 class. Let me just say this, you have not lived until seeing an Imperial Stormtrooper shimmy.

K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider and the A-Team van were on hand for pictures, then left in style by peeling out and leaving their marks on the high school parking lot. Both cars were sponsored by www.willitmakeit.com, and cool throw-backs to the good ole 80's TV era.

By noon we had over one hundred tickets sold. By 4pm we were over two hundred. When all was said and done, over three hundred people attended the convention. Not bad for a first year.

My goal with this event was simple: to introduce the younger generation to the convention scene and leave them wanting more. For the vast majority of our attendees, this was convention #1. Their enthusiasm, excitement, and pure joy at the event made it clear that this would be merely the first of more to come.

But it turned out to be even more than I had hoped.

People showed up out of curiosity, then stayed for hours. I saw kids getting excited over their discussions with authors and artists. They showed off signed books and art. They posed for pictures and proudly wore their "official" convention t-shirts. They helped create a fun, relaxed and inviting atmosphere. And they left asking when the next convention was scheduled.

I was the last to walk out on Saturday night, after packing dozens of gaming boxes and watching the last of the gaming tables be broken down. I left with a smile.

If you missed out on the event, I sincerely hope that you will join us for the next round. Seeing the excitement on those kids' faces made all the work worthwhile.

And the great part about it is that we will be seeing many of those faces at other local events.

Article: Charging the Entertainment

2010-07-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Pay to Play
by Todd VanHooser

Over the past year I have had the chance to become involved in the Arizona convention scene, and in some cases, have even been a fairly big part of it. As an author I have participated as a vendor, and as a game designer I have participated as a Game Master, or event runner. There is a great amount of work that goes into both of these roles, but recently I have become aware that some of our local conventions have cast a serious shadow over one of these roles in particular.

As a vendor, it makes sense to pay for your booth space. Its the equivalent of paying rent to hock your goods for the weekend. For the most part, these spaces are fair in price...even if the overall attendance (and therefore market) of the convention has been disappointing. Paying for vendor space, however, is not the point of this article.

Instead, I'd like to look at the role and the value of the game master at a convention.

I recently returned from a gaming convention where I literally spent twenty hours entertaining those in attendance. By "entertaining," I mean crafting complex and engaging stories, printing pre-generated characters for easy play, preparing miniatures and settings, and of course juggling a table full of eager gamers, each with the full expectation of being fully entertained for 3-4 hours at a time.

While visiting from out of state, my mother-in-law stopped by the convention for a few minutes just to see what all of this looked like. The next morning, before taking off for my hour drive to Mesa where the convention was being held, she said to me, "It's incredible how much work goes into all of that! How much do you get paid?"

"Paid?" I said with a laugh. "Actually, most game masters paid to be there."

She was stunned. And the more I thought about it, so was I.

All of this comes on the heels of yet another announcement that an upcoming local convention is, once again, asking game masters to pay for their convention badge. Sure its "only" half the cost of admission. In other words, you're looking at being out $20-25 in order to provide everyone else a good time.

That's exactly what I would like to discuss here. I'd like to address the notion of asking game masters to pay for their badge at conventions. Knowing first hand the amount of actual work that goes into this role, I find it...well, insulting.

This shows a serious lack of respect for the entertainment aspect of these events. And it is a troubling trend for this industry.

First of all, let's really break down the role of the game masters. During the actual convention hours, these people are slaving away doing their best job to show attendees a good time. If its a tabletop RPG, then more than likely, there were several hours worth of preparation that came long before the convention opened their doors. Any "recreation" on the part of the game masters likely occurred after the gaming hall closed.

Putting my own personal experience aside, I saw a number of familiar faces locked behind a table from the moment I walked in the door to the moment I left for the evening.

The people attending a gaming convention have come to have fun. They have come with the expectation to have a good time, lose themselves in a RPG, escape their normal lives for a weekend, and to see the full value of their convention badge. The convention coordinators are not the ones providing that entertainment. The game masters are. What would those attendees be doing if those game masters were not there?

Many of those attendees, in fact, only came for certain games. In other words, the only reason why they paid for their convention badge was to participate in a specific game.

You see, the game masters are the entertainment. They are storytellers and tour guides to a fantasy adventure. In fact, the game masters are the bridge to that weekend escape those attendees are looking for.

Making game masters pay is the equivalent of actually charging a band to play at a concert. Its insulting to those people who have put forth the hours worth of work in an effort to show someone else a good time.

I'm unhappy with this trend, and it's not the money that's the problem. It's the principle.

For convention coordinators, I'd consider an old saying: "You get what you pay for."

And for the record, all game masters will be getting in for free at the Laughing Moon Convention in September--each with our deepest debt of gratitude for taking time out of their weekend to entertain the crowds, and my personal thanks for the hard work that goes into it.

-T

Article: The Good Ole Days of Dragon Magazine

2010-07-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

When There Were Dragons
by Todd VanHooser

Recently while digging through my office, I stumbled upon a stack of old Dragon magazines. Just looking at the covers of these brought about a wave of nostalgia, and I decided to put away my work for the night and immerse myself in the magazine that I used to love as a kid.

For those of you who don't know, Dragon Magazine was a publication that covered the RPG world, with an emphasis on Dungeons & Dragons. It was a one-stop-shop for the latest word on upcoming releases, feedback on aspects of the game, comics, convention calendars, and fiction. Oh, and some of my all-time favorite fantasy artists were responsible for the most unforgettable covers of the magazine's long print run.

I spent two hours flipping through 5 or 6 golden oldies from the mid-late 80s. Sure, Dragon was published all the way up to just a few years ago, but I think anyone who was a dedicated fan would agree that the pinnacle of that magazine was somewhere in the 80s. For a couple of hours I was lost in "Sage Advice," "Beyond the Dungeon," "Dragonmirth," new magical items, spell uses, character break downs, and some pretty entertaining fiction.

What really struck me about my stroll down Dragon lane was the sense of community this magazine offered back in the height of its publication. This one magazine offered a number of great articles, suggestions, magical items, adventure ideas, and a sense of fun to a community of gamers.

And that's the key word that I thought about after closing the last issue--community. Despite all of our technology--Facebook, texting, twitter, online console gaming, etc.--it seems we have lost that sense of community that really brought people together back in the day.

There was genuine excitement for GenCon right around the corner, or buzz about the new Dragonlance novel (remember waiting for that last book in the Legends trilogy?), and a sense of awe about that amazing Elmore painting on the cover. Dragon was more than just a magazine, it was an invitation into an exciting world that allowed you to be the hero.

Flipping through those magazines re-ignited that sense of adventure and anticipation that used to go hand-in-hand with this hobby. Seeing features on "DM of the Month" or reading feedback and advice on the various nuances of the game reminded me of how...BIG it all seemed. When you sat down to play that game, you knew that you were partaking in a world of adventures, which in turn, connected you to that wider community. And here was a magazine that captured it all in one place.

I want that for today's young generation of gamers. I want that kid who just bought his first set of dice to know that he's just stepped into a larger world of adventure, storytelling, and fun. And that kid isn't alone.

That community still exists, but the struggle for our new generation of gamers is to find it beyond the superficial world of technology.

It can be done, but its going to take some work to get it there. The burden of that sense of community, I'm afraid, falls to us "old-timers." Its us who have to extend the hand and welcome in the new blood. This means getting that younger crowd to conventions, placing good books in their hands, and tearing them away from their online world to interact in a social environment.

In other words, its up to us to inspire this younger generation and show them what made all of us fall in love with this hobby to begin with.

That's what Dragon was all about: sharing the sense of adventure with a community of friends.

Event Recap: Laughing Moon Night at Imperial Outpost Games

2010-06-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

Laughing Moon Night at Imperial Outpost

The Laughing Moon Team held their first event at Imperial Outpost Games on June 18th, and it looks like this will be the first of many more to come.

As a gamer, if you've never been to Imperial Outpost, then you are simply missing out. The store boasts a variety of games, miniatures, accessories, and plenty of room to accommodate just about anything you can throw across a table. And the people who work here are about the friendliest, most knowledgeable, and courteous you can find.

I was instantly struck by the warm welcome we received by the staff at Imperial. They were willing to go out of their way to make sure that each member of the team had everything they needed and were comfortable. What is clear about this gaming store is that its not just a collection of people playing games. This is a community, and the Laughing Moon Team was happy to be a part of it.

We had the pleasure of running adventures for a number of loyal veteran players, long lost and sorely missed players, as well as introducing the game to several brand new players. With four tables going all at once, we had around 25 gamers--quite a juggling act for the four Game Masters.

Once again characters explored the legendary Dwimmer Vale--a near-mythical location rumored to be ruled by fey creatures ages ago. What was once a place enchanted with strange and bizarre magic has now faded into a valley of hollow ruin. Where hundreds of fey folk dwelt in peace, only a few dozen remain...and not all are friendly to outsiders. The lure of buried artifacts is too much for many adventurers to resist, however. Mortals often enter the Dwimmer Vale, but only a few return to speak of its mystical secrets, or those who still dwell within.

The adventures proved to be a lot of fun for all of the gamers, and the team is looking forward to getting back to Imperial on a regular basis.

If you missed us this time around, be sure to catch us at the next one! Another adventure awaits!

Article: Storytelling in Your Adventure

2010-06-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

With Great Power Comes
Great Responsibility
by Stella Nava

Behind every great table-top adventure there is a phenomenal storyteller. Not only do Game Masters have to meticulously plan a campaign (because let’s face it, “just winging it” doesn’t always work), they have to keep their gamers happy. This sounds easy enough on paper, but the truth of it is...it's not. A really great adventure is what truly separates the decent Game Master from the true story teller.

The process starts off with writing the adventure. A successfully written quest takes into consideration the four, five, and sometimes six different characters playing. These characters each have their own back story, purpose, and motive. The GM needs to take all of these things into consideration. To complicate things, the GM must also expect the unexpected. There’s always the possibility of a gamer bailing out at the last minute, or someone showing up uninvited to game. The story, the adventure, the very game must accommodate all of these factors. A great GM, however, finds the “bandu” thread and ties it all together.

The next part is actually running the game. It is vital that the GM keeps the game flowing and the gamers involved. Involvement doesn't mean simply occupying a seat at the table. Players should be invested in the events unfolding before them.This is a careful balance of mystery, investigation, character development, encounters, and of course, some good ole hack ‘n slash. One of the biggest secrets of greatness is to give each character a “moment.” Though it’s easy to fall into the habit of focusing on the veteran players, you can’t forget everyone else. Consider the n00bs!

Another tip is to use something I call “Higher Level Gaming,” or HLG. This involves leaving small clues throughout the entire campaign and really getting the gamers submerged in the story. This bread-crumb trail approach helps keep all of the players invested in the plot of the adventure and leads eventually to a majestic pay-off when everything falls together. Obviously this works best with a regular group that plays over the course of several sessions or adventures.

Lastly, the GM must keep control of the overall story. Even though the adventure was carefully planned and well written, if the gamers take a left when they clearly should have gone right, a great GM will still know what to do. Improvise, but the trick is to do it with a perfect poker-face. It’s called being a “Game Master” for a reason. The storyteller knows the endgame, and this part of the adventure doesn’t change, even if the path to get there does. Some gamers are narcissistic enough to be proud of themselves for throwing off the GM. To thwart these efforts, keep in mind that the game is always where it needs to be. Just get back in control of the story and let it go where it needs to go.

Ultimately, however, the Game Master is in charge of one important thing: providing fun. Taking all of this too seriously will only spoil the fun for everyone, including the person running everything.

So sit back, grab some dice, and enjoy the adventure!

Article: The Post Con Aftermath

2010-06-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

Coming down from Def-Con 1:
Relaxing after a major Con weekend
By Josh Dockall

You hold your over-sized sword lightly over one shoulder, wrapped in a bright red, kimono-esque, home-made robe painted with swirls and clouds, trying to make your way through the incredible throng of people. Your buddies text you to meet them over at the celebrity row, where a long table of movie and television legends from modern day and days-gone-by sit and sign photographs, shirts and just about anything that will hold an autograph from a Sharpie. You pass row after row of vendors, hawking their wares like a Moroccan bazaar; you hear shrewd customers haggle over the prices of posters, t-shirts and memorabilia from your favorite sci-fi/fantasy/based-on-the-novel-written-by-your-favorite-author T.V. shows and movies. Then, right there in the middle of the row, surrounded by Stormtroopers, demonic Inuyashas, ninja-like Narutos, support-red-wearing Trekkies, and some lady in a home-made skirt with leaves on her head, it hits you: you are at a Con! You walked dazed and wide-eyed through the throng of your brethren from the realms of geekdom and a smile graces your face.

Whether it be a local con, thrown by the east-side gaming association expecting a few hundred people, or a major convention, announced and advertised state-wide, expecting more than 10,000 people, the Con is the hub of activity: there are panels to attend, merchandise to purchase, stars to photograph and question, and (one of the unspoken contests), seeing if your Cosplaying costume is either A) the only one at the Con of that character; or B) better than all the other schmucks who stole your idea (all those late nights spent sewing together that kimono finally paid off).

But, like all good things, even Cons must end. Even your humble author will admit that this is his least favorite part of the Con: the almost tearful announcement that the Vendor’s Hall is closing for the last time this year; the sigh of relief from booth-owners who have been sitting in the same 8 by 6 space for the last three days; the odd dis-attached feeling that accompanies starting your car and driving away from the hotel or center hosting the event that weekend. You have spent the last 70+ hours of your life focusing on the same thing, thinking and dwelling on the same topics, ranting about the same douche bag security guard who makes you check your foam weapon at the door each time.

What do you do now?

To answer this question, one needn’t consult the HitchHiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, or peruse the pages of the Book of Three, or consult the Oracle in the watery depths of Ghul Tulak. Just do what will eventually come naturally: relax. For those that desire an explanation for further research, let’s dive into the two basic principles of relaxation after a particularly focused venture.

First, Avoidance: for most people, it helps to simply walk away from something and occupy your time with something completely different. For those with a situation or problem to solve, it could help to “place it on a back burner”, letting your subconscious take over while you do something else. To completely avoid something is impossible (humanity is wired to find connections between things that seem unrelated), but trying never hurts: go back to one of your hobbies (aside from gaming, cosplaying, etc.!), get a massage, or just sit and enjoy the company of family (or someone other than people you spent the weekend with). On this same note, try to tone down contact with those that you spent the Con with – while it is socially acceptable to want to spend every waking moment with them during the weekend (it only makes sense – you were all dressed as Jawas), once away from the convention center, sometimes it just helps to take some time away from each other (plus, for those attendees that are married, this time is mandatory for spending with the wife or husband who adoringly accepts the Cosplaying or Con-ning quirks that endeared you to them in the first place).

Second, the Guilty Pleasure: for some people who attend the Con, this is their life. They are the dedicated security guards, the authors and artists who give up their time and money to host panels and stock booths, or the guest attendees who take time to spend among their adoring public (we love you, James Marsters). While it can be a dream to allow something as awesome as writing fantasy fiction or drawing characters for an indie comic to be your career, it can also be draining, both physically and mentally, to constantly be surrounded professionally by those things and not be able to enjoy them on a more visceral level (for example, the gamer who loves to role-play as a priest but is always slated to be the GM by the everyone else). Sometimes, it helps to simply not look at things professionally and enjoy them for what they meant for you in the first place: for fun.

Don’t write a fantasy short story and agonize over it: simply enjoy what you are writing and then throw it away. Don’t go back to the drawing board and fret over the line of shadowing that looks funny on his left bicep: doodle in the margins of your legal pad and let your mind wander. Don’t think about the new short film that you need to put together: find a B-movie that you find hysterical (I recommend Haunted Honeymoon with Gene Wilder and Dom DeLuise) and sit back and enjoy it.

If all else fails, then simply go with William Shatner's infamous advice on Saturday Night Live: "Get a life!"

Interview: "The Jeff Hawk" Comes to Phoenix Comicon

2010-05-31T11:17:00.001-07:00

The Hawk has Landed at Phoenix Comicon
by Todd VanHooser

The Laughing Moon Team has just wrapped up our first Phoenix Comicon. Traveling all the way from Missouri is the infamous Jeff Hawk, who shares with us his thoughts and reactions on the event.

1) You flew all the way in from Missouri to attend this convention. What did you expect coming into this event?

Having only attended two other conventions (both of which were MUCH smaller in size) I didn't know what to expect. To say my expectations were met would be a gross understatement. I thought it would be a good place with people of similar interests to bond...in numbers. I just didn't realize the popularity of these conventions or the sheer number of people who come to one like this.

2) What were your initial reactions about Phoenix Comicon once it all began?

One word: Amazement. It was fantastic to the see the dedication and camaraderie each and every one of the attendees had. No matter what they were there to see and celebrate, they were all united under the banner of the convention. Anime fans mixed with gamers; Star Wars fans mixed with Star Trek fans. Dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!

3) You've been a part of the Laughing Moon experience since it began sixteen years ago. Things have changed since those early days. What were your thoughts about seeing it in this capacity?

I saw it before it was even called Laughing Moon! Sixteen years ago we were playing a game for fun, and now we're finally able to bring it to a new audience. I could never have imagined seeing it like this today. We get the chance to bring the same love of the game we all felt sixteen years ago to someone new today. From the beginning it was about telling stories centered around people you care about. It's about letting imagination run unfettered. Now we can bring stories to people not only through a game, but through books, photos and more. It's hard to believe that now we have people behind a booth selling our stories. It's the culmination of sixteen years worth of storytelling finally coming to life.

4) As a veteran Laughing Moon gamer, what were your thoughts about the adventures you were a part of at the convention?

You look around a gaming room you see other Game Masters reading from a book. You sit at the Laughing Moon table, you get Game Masters telling a story...from the heart. This is what sets our game apart from others out there.

As for the nuts and bolts of the gaming, I love the dice. I love leaving things up to "bandu." For sixteen years we've said "The dice rule the world." It's fun to see that random factor in play!

5) What was it like introducing the role-playing game to new players?

Obviously the game is still a great draw, and I enjoyed being a part of seeing new people get a taste for it. It's very satisfying to see new gamers come to the table and watch them grow as players. It reminds me of my days as a gaming Noob: discovering that for all of the rules, the one rule that matters most is having fun.

6) The Comicon experience wouldn't be the same without all of the costumes. Any favorites?

I'm a little partial to the Star Wars side of the costumes, so my favorites included the Slave Girl Leia (duh), as well as all of the many variations of Imperial Stormtroopers.

Of course, the award(s) for best costume had to be all of the Laughing Moon Girls. :)

7) There were a number of fan favorite celebs at the event. Any good stories of your own?

It was just cool to see celebrities genuinely happy to be there. They're normal people. It was refreshing just to see Aaron Douglas, the Chief from Battlestar Galactica, just wandering around shopping at the con. I mean, we had Daniel Logan from Star Wars Episode II hanging out in the Laughing Moon booth!

8) We heard about a funny Wil Wheaton experience. Care to elaborate?

Like many other geeks, I have a penchant for humorous t-shirts. This was a fact that not lost on Wil when I met him. I realized quickly that Wil is a true Geek at heart when he clamored to take a picture of my Duck Hunt shirt instead of the beautiful Laughing Moon Girl who accompanied me to his booth.

(Interviewers Note: Wil actually tweeted about Jeff's shirt!)

9) Lastly, after the dust has settled, do you think you'd do it again?

Absolutely! This is the first of many, and possibly even bigger ones to come in the future!

Interview: Laughing Moon Girl, Lessa Randall

2010-05-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Getting into Character with the Laughing Moon Girl

by Todd VanHooser

Fantasy role-playing games invite players into the action in a unique way. Unlike board games, cards, or console gaming, a tabletop game encourages the players to adopt a new personality and become a character, if only for a while. This is easier said than done, and anyone who has sat down at the gaming table knows it can be quite a challenge to immerse in a character and make decisions based solely on character knowledge. There is certainly an element of "suspension of disbelief" involved, but more than that, it takes courage for a player to "get into character." Acting credentials aside, truly getting into character means letting go of things you that as the player know, and relying only on your character's wits, skills, and knowledge. The act of "meta-gaming," or using information the character couldn't or wouldn't have, is strictly taboo during a true role-playing game. But of course this can be tough...and players have a difficult time letting their little darlings walk blindly into dangerous situations.

For over two years, Lessa Randall has been a regular at the Laughing Moon table. With more than 70 games and 8 conventions under her belt, Lessa knows a thing or two about bringing her character to life. Anyone that has sat with her during a game knows that when Lessa plays, she doesn't hold back.

1) You’ve become a familiar face at fantasy conventions over the last year as a Laughing Moon Girl. What characters do you play at those conventions?

The first character I ever played at a con was Eridessa Thaden, a powerful, self-involved sinowen elf. She's probably the most familiar character to most gamers that I've gamed with. If you find me at a con this year, however, you won't find yourself being bossed around or threatened by Eridessa, but soothed and comforted, (maybe slightly annoyed), by my newest character. She's a 17 year old vandish girl named Nelani.

2) What do you enjoy about “getting into character” at the gaming table?

My favorite part about getting into character is the ability and excuse to become someone else for a few hours. Throughout the day I'm Lessa, the Laughing Moon Girl, but when I sit down at the gaming table, I get to be Nelani. It's her problems I'm worried about, and her life I'm in. I try to leave all my personal stuff aside when I take my seat at the table.

3) You’ve got a reputation as a serious gamer, and you seem to naturally slip into character. Do you think that you being in character helps new gamers “role-play?”

I definitely think that it helps, especially if its their first time playing an RPG. Seeing experienced gamers playing in character, and having fun with it, will only encourage players to do the same and set an example for new gamer. It also helps them feel comfortable slipping into their own character.

4) What helps you play your character, or what helps you get into their heads?

The main thing that helps me determine how my character will act, or deal with certain situations is the back story. I think the back story is one of the most important parts of character creation. It gives you something to start with, things to play off of, and room to grow and develop. When a decision is put before my character, I dont think about what I would do. I think about my character's back story and base their actions only on what they would do. So when I make the decision for them, I always try to take into consideration their experience and personal stories. This may not always be the smartest move for the character, but its the most realistic and legitimate decision.

5) Why do you think table-top gamers should try to play their characters? How does it benefit the experience of the game?

I don't think you should "try" and play in character i think you SHOULD play in character. HELLO! its an, RPG...ROLE PLAYING GAME. You're supposed to be somebody else, and I will be the first person to call you out when you're meta-gaming. What's the fun of playing an RPG if you're going to play yourself? Playing in character makes the game that much more fun--not just for you, but fun for everyone else at your table. With an RPG you're given the opportunity to create a character that's out of this world, and bring them to life! Why not grab hold of that and have fun with it? When you truly play them in character you see them grow and develop, and the rest of us actually get to see your character for what you imagined them to be. When you can sit down at a table and become your character, that's when you qualify as a real gamer. There's no point in playing if you're just playing you.

6) You have more than one character in the Laughing Moon Chronicles game. How do you create unique personalities for each one?

In the Laughing Moon Chronicles, I have two characters: Eridessa and Nelani. A lot of players will have a handful of characters that they will switch back and forth between throughout different adventures, but I didn't create another character until I put Eridessa's story away. I did it that way because I love Eridessa and her story. She's become a great character, and I knew with her still in the game I'd never be able to fully get into another character's head. I needed closure, and I feel like that character deserved it.

When I made Nelani, I knew she could be nothing like Eridessa or I'd slip back into that character. So, I made her the complete opposite. I went from a character with powerful magic who would kill you on sight, to a young girl who refuses to kill anybody, will not touch magic, and fights with no weapons. Creating the exact opposite of Eridessa allowed me to give Nelani her own unique personality.

7) What can all those gamers expect if they decide to join you at the Laughing Moon table at the next convention?

If you join the Laughing Moon Table you can expect to play one of the most fun table-top games going on at a convention. We have a great system that actually encourages getting into character, GM's with great stories to tell, and an amazing group of players who love adding to the Laughing Moon Crew. So if you see us at a con, choose a character that looks interesting to you, sit down and be willing to become that character for a little while. I guarantee that you'll be sitting at our table more than once.

8) What are some of your favorite stories, or adventures you have been a part of?

One of my most favorite, and unforgettable games took place at Randomcon last May. I didn't think it would be my favorite at first...I actually hated the game and almost cried. This was one of those long series of adventures that covered the entire weekend, and none of us put together the master plan that Todd had at work behind the scenes until it was too late.

I was playing Eridessa, her and a group of companions walked into an ancient vault which held various enchanted items of the Barren Twelve. I walked into that vault without hesitation or worry about what was on the other side. I was Eridessa--apowerful sorceress like her mom, arrogant, cocky, and I wasn't worried at all. Once inside the vault, we fought our "baddies", and took the items we came for,which for me was a partially finished node (just like from Todd's novel), several scrolls, and my mother's spell book. I was walking the same path that Eridesa's mother, Kivatha, had walked all those years before.

The vault we were in travels through time, so we only had a small window of opportunity to grab what we wanted and get out...but as everyone rushed to the door, we realized that no one could leave . Everyone was panicked and horrified. It wasn't so much a vault, as it was a tomb. It was a trap, and we had walked right into it. We learned that you could leave, but nothing with any magic could pass through the barrier. None of the magical treasure could go with us!

No problem, so you figure we'd just drop all of our crap and go, right? Wrong! Part of the reason Eridessa was so powerful was because of her blood, it had magic in it. Her very blood was enchanted, so even stripped of all my magical items, I was still unable to get out. One of our gamers, (the infamous Jeff Hawk), was playing a reiner, Thrasyn Surnom. I had a horrifying choice: get reined, or die. In character, I had to beg him to rein me. It was the best and worst thing to ever happen to my character. I lost all of my magic, but it allowed my character to grow in so many different ways. I wouldn't love my character as much as I do now without that game at Randomcon. That game made my character.

Event Recap: Leprecon 36

2010-05-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Leprecon 36 Wrap-Up

by Todd VanHooser

The Laughing Moon team has just packed up the dice after one of Arizona’s longest running conventions: a four-leafed clover of an event called Leprecon. Now in its 36^th year, Leprecon is well-established and appears to have retained many of its original attendees, adding to its sense of tradition.

The author guest of honor was George R.R. Martin, who was easily accessible, friendly, and open to impromptu conversations with fans and attendees. He could be seen mingling with attendees over the course of the weekend, and his book signing was undoubtedly a highlight for his many fans.

Saturday night brought about an unexpected surprise when our own team member, Lessa, was asked by well-known body painter, Mark Greenawalt, to be his model during the after-hours painting panel. Within two-hours Lessa was transformed from Laughing Moon Girl into an out-of-this-world cyborg, much to the entertainment of the Leprecon attendees. Afterwards, the team danced late into the night with Corsairs, Dark Ones, and a handful of confused hotel-guests who must have thought the Renaissance Faire was back in town.

Table-top games began on Friday at 3pm, and ran all weekend long. On Saturday we tested out a new strategy that allowed players to “bounce” from one Laughing Moon table to another with the use of enchanted “swap rocks.” Players at the two tables were given a corresponding token (a coin, a stone, a button, etc.) and when activated, the two players were forced to trade seats. The result gave all gamers the chance to experience the action and adventures at both tables and play with a variety of people.

Once more incorporating the gypsy characters called the vandi, the players were able to receive fortunes and interact in a live-action capacity with the help of Jelly and Lessa’s costumed performances. Though brief, these belly-dancing performances added a certain flavor to the game and helped to bring the mystery of the vandi camp to life. Lessa’s Friday night performance offered up a vandish scroll which revealed to the group that one of the players now posed a threat to the rest of the adventuring party. A creature commonly referred to as a “lurk” had attached to the poor individual’s shadow. Unable to know for sure which of the group was the victim, this unexpected twist produced a Clue-like element to the game for the remainder of the weekend as the group was forced to play with a possible villain, never knowing if that villain may even be them.

Compliments go out to Jason Youngdale for coordinating the gaming hall and accommodating the Laughing Moon team.

Overall, we had an entertaining weekend. We had the chance to make new friends, touch base with familiar faces from past conventions, and take part in a long-running Arizona tradition. Hopefully next year we will have a larger presence at the convention and the chance to introduce the game and the experience to more people.

Next up, Phoenix Comicon!

Article: You Are What You Eat

2010-05-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Tabletop Om Nom Noms
by Stella Nava

Though you eat snacks while you watch movies or your favorite television shows, eating snacks while you game is an entirely different experience. It’s not just something to do with your hands because you’re bored (after all, that’s what dice are for). No, sir! It’s brain food.

Everyone has those snacks that they associate with gaming, and perhaps even a certain RPG campaign. It’s those snacks you pass at a grocery store or gas station that give you the sudden urge to roll some dice, and if you happen to game without your “precious” you feel incomplete…or even barren.

Or, at least hungry.

Not only are these snacks delicious, but they’re a psychological insight to the type of gamer you’re dealing with. The following is a list completely made up and supported only by observations I’ve made.

• Oreos: The contemplative gamer. One dip down into the glass of milk. Two perfect turns to separate the cookie from the creamy white filling. These snackers measure every possibility and focus on every roll.

• Mike and Ikes: The hack and slash gamer. The obnoxious rattle of the candy shaking out of the box speaks volumes. Mike and Ikes go down by the handful and leave that sparkle in the eye…the sparkle that says “let’s go kill something.” These gamers are quick to draw their weapon and “solve” problems with force.

• Sour Patch Kids: The tough exterior, but inside they’re puckering up. It might take a few adventures for this gamer to warm up to you, but once they get to know you, they might even offer you some of their munchies.

• Chips: The hardcore gamer. There are no silly distractions here, nothing to peel or open. Just fuel. The loud crunching isn’t obnoxious…it’s done on purpose to block out the annoying prattle of“That Guy.”

• Drinking Yoo-Hoo through a Twizzler: The disgusting gamer. Nuff said.

And remember,any kind of Dharma Initiative snacks are always welcome.

Article: The Role of the Wizard in Your RPG

2010-05-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

You would not part an old man from his walking stick--

but then again, dare you?

by Josh Dockall

The tavern is filled with boisterous folk, sometimes careening against each other in the tumultuous din, trying vainly to hold aloft tankards of ale, mugs of beer, or the not-so-frequent tall glass of elvish wine. The bar is partially lined with hunched figures, all deeply engrossed in conversation or drink and paying attention to little else. In a corner booth, wreathed in shadows partly from the flickering candlelight strewn across the floor from their perches high above the seats and partly from the large-brimmed pilgrim’s hat pulled low over his eyes, a lone figure sits at a small two-seat table alone. Behind him, against the wall, a homespun bag lies on the seat and a straight, plain shaft of wood, a walking staff shod in copper, between the pews. All in all, a common sight amongst tiny hamlets such as this one: travelers and pilgrims seek the unspoken company of inns and bars like these when the sun sets.

As the night grows, so does the noise and crowd at the bar: more and more patrons flood the great room and, as the alcohol beings to flow, more and more patrons begin to become belligerent. One such man swaggers over to a corner booth and points at a man in a wide-brimmed pilgrim’s hat.

“You’re in my seat,” he slurs with an emphatic jab of his finger. “Get the hell out so I can sit down.”

“You would do well to use a more civil tongue with strangers, friend,” comes the low-spoken reply, as calm and sure as a snake gliding over grass. “You never know when someday you won’t have one at all.”

The hulking drunkard is, at first, taken aback, but very quickly realizes the threat inherent in the badinage. Turning to smile at his friends, who watch this exchange with wide eyes, the man throws his thumb over his shoulder in a gesture of unbelief. Turning back around, filled with the intent of throwing the plain-clothed old fool in front of him out into the street, he meets instead the end of the stranger’s staff. A cold flood of tingles emanate behind his teeth, and he says “Your stick doesn’t scare me.”

At least, that what he thinks he said. When he opens his mouth, all he can say is “Yo thick dosen kair ee” and drool on himself. Looking up towards the corner booth, his eyes meet with a vacant bench and a gold coin left for the now empty wine glass.

As one of the quintessential characters of any adventuring party, the magic-user holds a place of awe and wonder: being able to re-arrange the building blocks of creation tends to do that. From shamans and cunning men to mystics, mages, enchanters, practitioners, witches, magicians, warlocks and sorcerers, the arcane magic-user of any party is the party’s link to the world of magic at large (barring, of course, priestly magic). These many and varied titles all coalesce into one of my favorite words of all literary time: the wizard.

The wizard holds many roles; in an earlier posting, the role of healer and/or booster was defined as the historical role of the priest. The role of the wizard in the party tends to be that of the magic-handler, the blaster or BFG, and the sage. For PCs, the role that this character is assigned depends largely, as do all other things (such as clothing, speech and dialect, etc.), on the back-story and history of the character.

As most wizards access their magic through rigorous training and study (some at a large academy or school, i.e. the Unseen University of Discworld or the Towers of High Sorcery in Dragonlance; some through the establishment of a mentor, ala Obi-Wan Kenobi or a sentai of the world of Mythren), the wizard is thus also able to fill the role of Sage: the character with the knowledge and intelligence to figure things out. For PCs, this means a high Intelligence (or similar Attribute) and a number of assorted Knowledge-based skills, as would be befitting someone schooled in things arcane and esoteric. In addition, for PCs, it helps to keep a small pad of paper or a journal to write down things that you see or know your character knows so that you can easily reference them in times of crisis (both for your character and when your DM is trying to answer three questions at once and can’t really get back to you on whether or not your Knowledge roll revealed any poignant results). This is essential, because what's the point of having a wizard if you aren't playing the wizard?

Almost by default, the wizard becomes the party magic-handler and investigator. Is there a magic trap? Let the bearded-one try to crack it. Are there runes along the blade of this sword? Let the guy in the pointy hat through to take a look. Does the puzzle that holds the key to unlocking a portal seem impossible to open? Hold my staff while I look at this. I have just the spell for divining the purpose of this. To the player, this means to balance out skill points or ranks to equally apply to either those skills that you depend on for accessing your wisdom or even those obscure areas of cognition that are really useful in only one situation. For me, I prefer to play a generalist wizard who has a smattering of everything at his disposal: you never know when those ranks in Knowledge (fey and faerie creatures) can come in handy.

The feeling of a freshly and well-executed spell can often parallel the feel of the click of the lock on a chest or the crunch of a blade through bone. For PCs, this equates to the sudden bright smile and shrill cry of victory as they launch a lance of purple fire through the chests of several opponents at once. An easy role to slide into for a wizard is that of the Blaster (or what I affectionately refer to as the BFG, for obvious reasons). There is nothing to beat the feeling of, while being backed against the wall as your fighter holds off a pressing horde of goblins, to yell “Duck!” and let loose with a cone of crackling and crispy death. But, be careful with this power: too often, my PCs have managed to spend all of their spells on piddly situations instead of holding back and fixing the situation the “Muggle” way, saving their most bruising magic for the Big Bad at the very end of the tunnel.

Whatever the backstory, the Wizard remains a staple among RPGers. Whoever the inspiration (be it Allanon, Belgarath, Archchancellor Ridcully, Ogion, Harry Dresden, Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander, Elminster, Dr. Strange, Albus Dumbledore or those who I refer to as the Big Three: Yoda, Gandalf and Merlin), the wizard first and foremost carries an air of mystery and strangeness with him. Wherever the setting (in a magic-friendly world, a magocracy, a non-magic world or even a cosmos with multiple planes), the wizard has the ability to alter his surroundings and circumstances. The good ones can even alter the circumstances of others.

But, that is another story for another post.

Event Update: Leprecon 36

2010-05-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Convention Gold, or Wrath of Con?
by Todd VanHooser

Our next event is right around the corner--a fantasy convention called...wait for it...Leprecon. I'm certain there is some history regarding the title of this event, but I don't know the story behind it, and no, I can't tell you why this isn't taking place closer to St. Patrick's Day.

According to the official webpage, it is Arizona's second oldest fantasy/sci-fi convention, and with that in mind, I am eager to be a part of it. I like tradition, and hope to eventually become a cornerstone at local events such as this.

Truth be told, however, I have mixed feelings about the way this particular convention is being handled. Let me explain.

After two busts in a row regarding "premium vendor booths," I decided to hold onto my money and not get a Laughing Moon spot in the vendor's room this time around. Instead, we will be attending Leprecon only in the gaming capacity. By only, I mean we hope to put out some truly impressive RPGs over the course of next weekend and blow some minds when they sit down at the table with us.

This part of the convention appears to be run very well and effectively. The coordinator has been on top of his game (no pun intended), and put together a good variety of games with schedules that should accommodate everyone from the die-hard basement-dwelling nerd, to the casual attendee looking to kill a couple of hours between author book signings and Lost discussion panels. No complaints here.

My frustration, however, is with the programming coordinator of the overall convention. For weeks I have been attempting to get in contact with this individual (after numerous emails and run-arounds) and several phone messages have simply gone unanswered. You see, our Laughing Moon Girls have been hard at work in preparation for events exactly like this with hopes and plans to be scheduled onto the event program and perform for an audience.

I've seen the event program as it stands, and our troupe of belly dancers would have fit in nicely to what is currently on the schedule. In fact, it would have added a good bit of variety while maintaining the overall flavor of the other events taking place. I seriously doubt the convention attendees would have minded 7 gypsy-clad dancers hanging around for three days.

Here's a quick bit of advice to anyone looking at stepping into those event coordinator positions: when contacted by beautiful and talented performers looking to be a part of your event...call them back. In fact, make it happen. ;)

Disappointing, but we'll make the most of it regardless.

The Laughing Moon team will be hosting games starting at 3pm on Friday, May 14th and going all weekend long.

The convention itself is boasting appearances by fantasy author George R.R. Martin, and artist Charles Vess. (Maybe their presence accounts for the whopping $45 the con-coordinators are charging at the door...fifteen dollars more than Phoenix Comicon, mind you!!)

For an industry that has seen massive attendance fallout over the last decade, why not incite new attendees with a more reasonable fee? At only thirty bucks, Phoenix Comicon has four days jam-packed with guests of honor, countless discussion panels, people in costume, gaming, and attractions everywhere you turn. Oh yeah...and belly dancing.

But like I said, this is my first year attending Leprecon. Maybe this will be one of the best shows the Laughing Moon Team has done. I'm certainly excited with what the Laughing Moon Team is bringing to the table, but time will tell with the rest.

For more information about the convention check out: http://leprecon.org/lep36/

We'll follow up with reviews after the con. Til then, hold onto your lucky charms.

Article: The Role of Faith in Your RPG

2010-05-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Great Odin's Ravens!
by Josh Dockall

From the divine ecstasy of a vision to the last minute Hail Mary to the ever-popular GMing trick known as "Deus ex Machina," the use of divinity in a game has always added some amount of chaos and uncertainty. While arcane magic tends to focus on the wizard or sorcerer as a character (what actions they take and how their own use of willpower and intelligence binds the magical forces to a certain outcome, such as a spell or effect), divine magic, in a more than metaphoric and spiritual sense, takes the power out of the hands of the wielder and places it in the hopes and prayers sent to (pun intended) a higher role.

In a RPGer’s gaming sense, the divine magic of a priest follows similar mechanics to those of a wizard, though the role of divine "magic" tends to be for healing and bolstering allies, etc. In a GM’s gaming sense, the divine magic of a priest thrusts a number of other irons into the fire. With the introduction of godly magic comes the need for those gods from which those powers flow. To make the story revolving around priests and their abilities more believable, a GM can cause those gods to have a much more direct influence on the game at hand.

Even wizards begrudge the existence of those powers that are beyond even their ability to summon and control. For a priest, their god or gods, however ephemeral, are the background to the pattern of their lives. For a priest, their deity is behind every move they make: there are no coincidences or serendipities, there is only their god’s divine power.

For players, the same should be true: every roll they make, every event or effect in their proximity, should be viewed as the power of their deity at work. For a GM, it is an imperative responsibility to make sure that those priestly players feel that their gods are leading them inextricably, inexplicably, towards their goal.

With the addition of gods, there also comes the need for variety:

What gods are needed?

What domains and responsibilities does each god hold?

What are the relationships between the other gods?

Are there other gods?

And, just like with the addition of so many examples from modern cinema, what is the back story of each god? Were they created from the beginning of things (such as being spoken into existence by a proto-deity, i.e. Eru Iluvatar, or birthed into the universe, i.e. Gaea) or did they achieve immortality and divinity through some material means (such as a ritual or simply getting enough people to believe in them – Terry Prachett, eat your heart out). Are the gods anthropo-morphized? Do they require sacrifices and Orders of Monks and priests to constantly pray for their obeisance?

Take, for example, the most recent Pirates of the Caribbean flotsam to come shooting out of the silver-screen-editing-room: the addition of the voodoo priestess who blossoms into an ancient sea goddess. The making of Tia Dalma into a goddess not only added to the story a “touch of destiny” but also allowed for the complete closure of several characters’ backstories, something that every GM needs to master in order to add sufficient cohesion to their world order: with her character’s thrust into divinity, each of the characters who left the franchise were afforded the correct and genuine opportunity to retire those characters.

And, that is a GM’s (and player’s) most important long-term goal: How to retire characters in memorable and apropos means.

But, that is a topic for another day.

Article: Mapping out Mythren

2010-05-01T18:58:00.001-07:00

The World Under the Laughing Moon
by Todd VanHooser

More than sixteen years ago I sat down behind a desk over winter break at the University of Missouri and sketched out a map. I had a handful of story ideas kicking around in my head, and I thought it would be helpful if I could see the landscape where they would take place.

You could say all those stories needed a home, and I needed a place I could point to.

I spread out some graph paper and began tediously drawing what would, over the course of many more years to come, evolve into the world of Mythren. The world under the Laughing Moon.

My world.

As a kid I would pour over the maps of of Middle-Earth, or those found in the Dragonlance & Forgotten Realms books. I fell in love with these far-off places where only our imaginations could transport us.

Now, thanks to the talents and attention to detail by my Laughing Moon artist, Risa Hulett, the world of Mythren will begin to appear in the front of my own novels. I can only hope that readers out there will find themselves tracing the paths of my characters as they undergo adventures and quests.

The two maps that are posted here are near completion, but some details are left to be filled in. There will be a few edits, tweaks, and changes, but for now, you can at least take a look at the "near finished" product.

Enjoy your little mental escape to Mythren. Many more adventures are yet to come!

(Artwork by Risa Hulett, Copyright 2010
Laughing Moon Productions, LLC)

Article: Story vs. Legend in Character Playing

2010-04-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

The Elf, the Myth, the Legend
(Or, So You Think You're a Badass...)

Part 1
By Cory Beal

So, you walk into the gaming room with "Kashmir" by Led Zepplin playing in the back of your mind. Your place at the table is already set, dice neatly laid on top of your folder, #2 pencil sharpened and at the ready. You're flanked on the right by the pimple-faced kid who offers you some of his Mike and Ike's, and through a nervous giggle comments, "Please don't kill me." The gulp isn't audible, but it might as well be as his adam's apple rises through his neck. To the left, a player who has played with your character before nods in silent appreciation, but deep down he knows what your badass is capable of.

Maybe it was a well-timed critical hit roll with an enchanted weapon possessing a "special" 19-20 effect. Maybe it was a strategy that played out and saved everyone in the tower, or maybe it was the double-cross blindside that was unforgivable, yet epic all at the same time. It's hard to quantify what makes the myth of a character, but perhaps its all three.

However, maybe the best indicator is none of the above.

Much like the days of the old west, it wasn't what one actually did as they rode out of Dodge. Rather, it was what everyone else said he did. Billy the Kid was said to have killed a man at the age of 12 after the man insulted his mother. In reality, Billy the Kid's mother died of consumption when he was 15, and he killed his first victim out of self defense because poor Billy was being bullied and was no match for the ass-kicking he was taking.

Truth be told, no character is as badass as the creator wants them to be until legend takes over in stories told the next day. "Oh man, you should have seen it..." is how they usually start, and then the tale is fabricated and woven through a telephone-game style process. At this point, the only responsibility of the player is to then live up to the legend.

In my experience, there are 3 common myths in character creation that fail to make that true"badass".

Myth #1: A true "B.A." must be a muscle bound, weapon loaded, armor protected, super tank. This couldn't be further from the truth, and lends itself to some built in doubt as to what this character is truly capable of. Is the character badass, or is all that gear and weaponry badass? There is a line from the incredible film, "The Usual Suspects" which states that true power isn't in what you do, but in what you are willing to do that others aren't. What's more "B.A.," the guy who everyone expects to win, or the guy who no one expects to live, and then does so while defeating the odds?

Myth #2: A true "B.A." is a master of magic and has that "certain spell" that can obliterate a legion of soldiers. In my humble opinion, magic is a crutch that bails characters out when they can't think of what to do next. Let's be honest, who is more beloved, Obi Wan with his superstitious hocus pocus, or Han Solo with a trusty blaster by his side?

Myth #3: A true B.A. is the first one into a fracus and the last one out. That isn't the stuff of legend! The next day's recap begins with "It was hilarious (already a bad start). Kevin walked through the door into a room full of vampires! When the door shut behind him, they skewered him like a bar-b-que." The true B.A. is like The Gambler. He knows when to hold them, knows when to fold them, knows when to walk away, and knows when to run. Why? Because that allows the character a chance to do something "B.A." the next adventure. This isn't X-Box, you don't get to blow crap up, have it backfire, and then press restart. There is a fine line between being a legend and being fondly remembered because something went hilariously wrong while you were trying to be the hero! A true B.A. isn't a hero, his actions are justified by the moment. Now this doesn't mean your character has to be a weasel that everybody hates (that goes against the formula), but a true B.A. is justified in all of their actions. Although the other players might not like it, they can't help but understand them.

When push comes to shove, there is really no control over the other player's perception. It just doesn't carry the same weight if you are the one who says, "oh yeah, my character is a badass." Of course you're going to say that. You're the guy who gave yourself a nickname and won't respond to anything else. Maybe you can hope to say something at the gaming table that will be quoted for months, (maybe you even put it on a t-shirt to help everyone remember), or you might be so lucky as to roll three 20's in a row during combat, but come on...everyone has a great day now and again. Maybe you're the guy who raids every corpse on the battlefield hoping to find that one special object that leaves the other gamers shaking in their armor.

The fact is, those make good stories...but they don't make legends. A true B.A. is built over time through character development. In other words, you have to earn that title.

As you may have noticed ,this is Part 1 in a two part series. In the next installment, we will take some time looking at increasing your odds at creating the B.A. you know you are dying to play.
Until then...

~Beware the Varuush!

Editorial: Captain America Casting

2010-04-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Flame On, Flamer
by Stella Nava

Recently, Chris Evans was named the new Captain America in the upcoming movie The First Avenger: Captain America (working title), set to release on July 22, 2011.

Evans is probably best known for his portrayal of the Human Torch in The Fantastic Four, and it’s smoldering pile of a sequel. Arguably, his performance was the only part of the mess that actually “lit up” the screen.

Though I have nothing against Evans (I mean, I’m sure he’s good at something), I feel Jon Hamm would have been a better choice. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, the face will. Hamm has made a name for himself portraying the character of Don Draper on Mad Men. I have always envisioned Captain America as a man with honor, integrity, and someone who is a leader. At the tender age of 28, I don’t feel Evans can fill those boots quite yet.

Hamm, on the other hand is an older, more experienced actor who will bring with him a presence and a voice that is like butter wrapped in silk. (Honestly fellas, if you want to convince a woman to do something, anything, I suggest perfecting your Jon Hamm voice.)

I’m not saying that I’m going to boycott the movie, and I’m not suggesting you should either. I will still be there opening night, hoping to see Captain America gleam where the Human Torch fizzled.

And honestly, if I sat through Ghost Rider, you bet your sweet bottom I can sit through this one.

Article: Dealing with "That Guy" in Your Gaming Group

2010-04-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

"That Guy"
by Todd VanHooser

You've got your 24 oz drink and box of Sour Jacks ready to roll. Dice are neatly categorized by color, luck, and variation. You're ready to get your game on...when That Guy shows up. Pop! there goes your enthusiasm balloon.

We've all seen him. We all know one. Despite differences in appearance, style, or attitude, underneath that irritating exterior, they're all the same.

It's That Guy, and with dice in hand, he's ready to ruin everybody's gaming day.

That Guy has any number of annoying characteristics ranging from constantly challenging the Game Master, cheating dice rolls, derailing your well-planned adventure, having a pessimistic attitude, table-texting, being a know-it-all, "meta-gaming," and generally ruining everyone else's good time. That Guy does one thing well, and that's spoil your game.

So how do you deal with That Guy? This is a tough call for a lot of Game Masters, and the solution isn't easy. If That Guy is a regular player in your group (and therefore a friend of the GM), one approach may be a simple conversation where the issues are put on the table, so to speak. Diplomacy is always recommended, and rather than beginning with, "Look, the dwarf, the elf, and the cleric think you're an insufferable prick," maybe you try a different approach. Try appealing to the character That Guy plays. Maybe something like, "You know, I'd love to see your character take on a mentor role in the game. Maybe let the rookies take down the bad guys in the next battle." Mention the fact that his character might better be served by allowing the thief to pick the locks on the treasure chest, or leave the battle strategy to the mercenary.

Establishing "house rules" may also be a good solution if That Guy likes to cheat his dice rolls when you as the GM aren't looking. Asking everyone to wait until their turn, or maybe randomly choosing a "dice checker" to verify rolls can easily fix smaller issues that can get under your skin.

But diplomacy doesn't always prevail, despite our best intentions. Depending on the annoyance level That Guy brings to the table, you as the Game Master may be forced to make some uncomfortable decisions. After all, it is a game, and games are supposed to be fun for everyone involved.

At the high school where I teach, we have a weekly after-school RPG group, and you can just imagine the number of Those Guys that show up. Most of the kids are great--funny, creative, thoughtful--the exact type you would hope to have in your own group. That Guy, however, never seems to pick up on the more charming characteristics of the better players.

We see this same scenario occasionally at conventions. Most attendees are extremely fun to have involved, and bring a fresh perspective to the table. However, we have seen our share of over-ripe, boisterous, buzz kills claim a seat as well. Luckily, they are far outnumbered by the enjoyable con-goers. My advice to our team of GMs is to just stick it out, let the game roll, and try and cater more toward the players who really are there just to have a good time.

But sometimes, "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one." If you are the Game Master, it may very well be your responsibility to hit that ejector-seat button, and send That Guy packing.

If it comes to this point, try not to burn any bridges. Maybe you can involve That Guy in another gaming group...maybe with other Those Guys. It's the gaming equivalent of Exile Island from Survivor. Or Australia. Granted you may end up going a little crazy, but it may be a way to preserve a friendship. If this doesn't pan out, maybe consider asking That Guy to be the Game Master. Now you can switch hats and test his patience and annoyance level.

Besides, we're all a That Guy to someone.

Visit www.toddvanhooser.com

Editorial: Redheaded Step-Dice

2010-04-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Die!!! Die!! Die! No, Seriously, Die.

by Stella Nava

Admit it, you know you have your favorite. Speckled, solid, marbleized, metallic, bone, pearlized, ugly, new or old. They come in many shapes and sizes, and often bear the burden of your fate. And let’s face it…we love them.

Dice, as you know, are designed to generate a random outcome; why then, are we all guilty of believing we have specific ones that roll favorably?

There you are, in the midst of battle. It’s you against four beholders and you’re praying to the gods you roll a 20 on the attack roll. Instinctively, you reach for your “special,” high rolling d20. No false moves here. With your trusted d20 in hand, plucked from your mini dice army, your eyes dart around the table to meet the gaze of your fellow table-toppers. You hesitate. Now your heart is pounding against your magic-resistant +2 armor. You close your eyes…and roll.

The silence around the table is only broken by the GM shuffling papers and quietly mumbling ‘uhhh...’ You open your eyes and peak down.

It’s the dreaded 1. A critical miss.

But despite this failing, and even if that d20 lets you down again, it’ll just be ‘an off day.’ Is this logical? Of course not, but not even Leonard Nimoy himself could convince you otherwise (although maybe Spock could).

But what about that bag of neglected dice? What about all those other 20 siders?

Ultimately, it’s all random chance. Probability. Math. Spock stuff. Maybe the best advice is simply this: Treat your dice the way you treat your kids (or would, if you had any).

By that, I mean never let them know who your favorite is.

Article: Fantasy Settings

2010-04-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

Stepping Into the Unknown--LITERALLY!

by Rosemary Porter

A few months back I was watching NATGEO’s A Traveler’s Guide to the Planets. The premise of the show was to reinforce the scientific fact that Earth is, and will always be, the only inhabitable planet in the known universe. Even though it would be great to live on the icy moon of Triton, or dodge asteroids on Io, Earth is the only sure thing we can count on. Despite the bitter-sweetness of the program, the gears in my brain began to turn, and I asked myself, why do we see the same types of settings in fantasy/sci-fi writing?

In Fantasy/Sci Fiction we find ourselves stepping into three familiar territories: first there are the backdrops that remind us of Ireland and even Scandinavia (i.e. The Lord of the Rings, Willow, and The Wheel of Time series). Second, is the desert terrain of Luke Skywalker’s home planet of Tatooine, or even the Cleft in the Myst Reader Anthology[i]. The land is always unforgiving in these worlds. Finally, we have the lush tropical worlds of Avatar and the moon of Endor as seen in Return of the Jedi. While these locales provide the audience and the writer with a familiar setting, the overuse of these elements can take away from the fantasy element of storytelling.

So how can we start stretching our imaginations? Easy, just look out of your window, (especially when there is a laughing moon in sight) and look for a bright point right next to it. That bright point in the sky is Venus, completely unlivable...but in the imagination, anything is possible. If not Venus, how about that band of stars that create a beautiful blue hue stretching across the sky? These are known as the Seven Sisters, or the Pleiades. Imagine what those distant horizons must look like!

Worlds are waiting to be created; worlds that have colors that are not even used in contemporary art that are dying to be discovered and used! Saturn’s moon, Titan, has cryo-volcanoes that spew methane which form platinum colored rivers with a metallic glow, and the sands of the deserts that look like dunes of coffee grounds. Get this, the sand isn’t that dusty yellowish-brown we are used to seeing; the color is a red/mahogany mix. The moon of Triton has geysers that spew liquid nitrogen, and as the sun sets, one can see the rings of Neptune, especially on a clear night.

So even if the universe created only one planet upon which humans can live, it also created countless planets that couldn’t be inhabited so we could be the architects of those worlds. Jupiter, Io, Venus, Mars, Triton, Titan, even Europa are canvases just waiting to be painted on!

A Traveler’s Guide to the Planets opened my eyes to the possibilities writers of fantasy/sci-fi rarely explore, and those are worlds that are nothing like our own. Due to the precarious nature of the times we live in, humans yearn for something familiar in order to cope with exploring the unknown. It’s instinctual, but let’s take the next step and really take our audiences to another world. And why not explore the possibility of living on worlds like Neptune, despite the fact that there is no density? Or how about Venus? Venus is an unfinished Earth hoping someone will come along complete the work.

The possibilities, like the universe, are infinite. So let’s step into the unknown...literally.

[i] The Book of Atrus specifically talks about the conditions of living in the Cleft.

Article: Character Creation

2010-04-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Go Ahead, Toss the Dwarf...He Likes It!

by Todd VanHooser

So you've just spent the last thirty minutes rolling up that dwarven warrior who loves a big mug of ale and can't stand elves. Let me guess...he also sports a big braided beard, comes from a mountain home, and loves the sound of jingling coins almost as much as crushing orc skulls with his +1 hammer.

Maybe instead of the dwarf, it's the vengeful crusader whose family was slaughtered by evil priests. How about that nature loving elf with a killer bow? With characters like these you're ready to dive into a day's adventure...but why bother when less effort could be spent throwing in that well-worn DVD of The Lord of the Rings or maybe Conan the Barbarian.

While we certainly owe a huge debt of inspiration to our favorite guilty pleasure movies, blatant theft like this only weakens the game, and ultimately lessens your enjoyment as a player. Not to mention that stooping to a cliché robs you of a tabletop RPG's greatest asset--your creativity.

The trick to avoiding the cliché character is coming up with your own spin on an old archetype. Don't be afraid to go against the grain; you may enjoy what you create for a change.

Three Quick Tips

1. Back story. Providing even the simplest background details give both you the player, as well as the game master, some good meat to chew on. Character building is what sets a role playing game apart from a board game. Back stories can be as thorough or as bare bones as you choose, but the more details you offer, the more you are able to develop a well-rounded character.

2. Names. Some players truly struggle with an original name, but in the end, it's a battle worth waging. An original name sets both the character and the player apart from what's already out there. This is your first chance to make an impression, so make it count.

3. Break the mold. Archetypes have been around forever, and thanks to their perseverance, they can be tough to break. However, some of the old tried-and-true character types could do with some shaking up. Rather than fall into the familiar rut that every tabletop RPG player has experienced, dare to tread the road less taken.

With these tips in mind, let's go back to our ale-swilling, ax-wielding, racist dwarf and make a few adjustments. We'll say that he comes from a family devoted to a sacred order loyal to the god of wind and sorrow. For three generations, the men in this family have served loyally and faithfully, earning a place of respect in the holy order. Our character, Rhorden, has just learned that his brother, Dalghan, recently betrayed the order and murdered a high priest. In shame, Rhorden has shaved his beard and vowed to reclaim the family name. To win back the favor of his god, Rhorden chooses only to use missile weapons--instruments carried upon the divine wind of his god.

To really shake things up, maybe Rhorden even likes elves.

Now we've got a unique character that brings an interesting story to the gaming table. A little time and effort mixed with some creativity will make the game a more entertaining and enjoyable adventure from start to finish.

Events: Lamplighter Book Release Party Wrap Up

2010-04-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Click the link to read up on the big Lamplighter Book Release Party that occurred last Thursday!

http://azpublishingservices.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-party-for-lamplighter-collection.html#links

Conventions: The House Wins Again...

2010-04-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

We've completed convention #2 for 2010, and things can ONLY go up from here. It was our first out-of-state convention, and our hopes were set pretty high, considering that Las Vegas was the venue. Unfortunately, this particular con will definitely be filed under the category of "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Poor advertising on behalf of the convention coordinators, no-show guests of honor, and bad programming made for a long weekend behind the booth. I guess you could say that the house won...these guys certainly took OUR money, anyway.

Though the con itself was painfully lame, we managed to make the most of it. Highlights include friendly vendors who helped pass the time, a "real" magician, a night on the Vegas strip, and good times with the best of friends.

Oh yeah, and a 7-foot tall comedian dressed as an alien warrior will be reading my novella, Garden of Fire.

Here's to hoping that our next string of events pan out a little better!

-Todd

Laughing Moon Blog...At Last!

2010-04-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

The Laughing Moon team has finally moved into the blog world! Check this page for regular updates from a variety of contributors including game masters, players, writers, and convention attendees. We'll be covering all things fantasy related, and keep you up to speed on the Laughing Moon team's next convention appearance.

Unlike other blogs, we will have a variety of contributors which should make this a very fun, and interactive site to visit on a regular basis.

Stay connected to the Laughing Moon Team as we begin our online adventure!

-Todd