UPCOMING LEGACIES GAME DAY and Tuesday Game Nights

Another Mini One day con I will be attending...

LEGACIES GAME DAY
CLASSIC GAMES. CLASSIC ADVENTURES.
 - LEGACIESGAMEDAY.COM

Do you still play classic role-playing games from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s? Legacies Game Day is a chance for you to socialize and game with others who still enjoy the originals and their retro-clones.
Brookline Fire Hall
Havertown, PA 19083
10am - midnight.


I will be running

So You Think You Have an ATTITUDE !!!

and

AAAAHHHH

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You can also find me running or Playing games Tuesday Nights at

Steel City Coffee House

Corner of Main and Bridge, Phoenixville, PA 

Steel City Coffee House will be shutting its doors on Tuesday nights to allow free-range gaming! Multiple tables for multiple games will be available, and coffee drinks will be available for purchase. 

Why Choose to play in my games - Gary Con !!!

When I attend a con, and commit to running the most games of anyone attending, I like to be taken care of... and when someone overbooks a VIP game, TOUCH BASED WITH ME ON PERSONAL LEVEL 
The problem is, they do do not feel they have done anything but be fair (Which would be true if I walked off the street and was only an attendee) 

----------------------------------------------------
 My Shameless PLUG Page for my Games at GaryCon

What good is a game without players ? 

Well, without players, I am left to wander the halls aimlessly and feel completely left out as others game around me... 

Now, I know you are wondering      
                           "Just how good of a Dungeon Master are you?"

Last year I attended a local con in the Philly burbs, I had 3 players for Attitude (mainly due to people who got the remaining slots and dropped out) and 2 of those played in the next game I ran 

After that, I ran AAAHHH for 8 people.. after the game I had 3 players come up to me and say that had never played a game where the DM kept the flow going, took people aside to give them info as the party split to question different people, passed notes and kept the game moving with Role playing and puzzles 

YES, I am that good.... does not mean I am for everyone (If you want to Meta game, and insist you can hit 2 monsters with a sword 30 years apart and in different rooms on the some initiative... I may not be the DM for you)

One of the first cons I ran games at in NJ

So at Defcon 3, I won best Game Master... and I won for Defcon 5 ( I was not eligible to win for Defcon 4 and was on Staff for Defcon 6 and it was discontinued after 6)

At Defcon 3 I ran a few games, but on Saturday, I managed to lock my Keys in my car and had to get a ride home for my spares, this led to me rearranging the games I was running.... i was not even thinking of anything when I attend the award ceremony... completely shocked to win

SO, I submit that you will enjoy the games I have created and these are my show pieces... 

By The light of the Slippery Moon and Foo-Fuu Toon are the only ones I have created Specifically for Gary Con.... 

I measure my games by the amount of conversation they create: I love that my games are talked about during the con... My goal is to create the most buzz at the con... 

Entrance to Classari                                       EG3-204 03/03, 8:00am 03/03, 12:00pm

Foo-Fuu Toon… Catch that Bird               EG3-203 03/03, 6:00pm 03/03, 8:00pm

So you think you have an Attitude !!!           EG3-203 03/03, 8:00pm 03/04, 12:00am

PizzaToon / A Toon Love Story                      EG3-2090 3/04, 8:00am 03/04, 12:00pm

AAAAHHHH                                      EG1-20703/04, 4:00pm03/04, 8:00pm

By The Light of the Slippery Moon              EG1-207 03/04, 8:00pm 03/05, 12:00am

Daytoona Beach Party Bingo Blast               EG3-212 03/05, 10:00am 03/05, 12:00pm

The Quest for the Gate Between Worlds       EG3-213 03/05, 4:00pm 03/05, 8:00pm

AAAAHHHH!                                  EG1-208 03/06, 2:00pm 03/06, 6:00pm

If there is one game to play in, I would choose AAAHHH, it is otherwise known as Ding Dong, The Lich is Dead.....and that is all you will get out of me regarding that game

BTW: I am the only one running any Toon Games, if you have never played Toon, you should try it.... 

I contacted Steve Jackson games and unfortunately, they no longer support Toon, The Roleplaying Game and are not able to provide any promotional items, I was hoping for a banner or mini posters...

So I have done what I could to Procure a sensational focal piece... This is the table covering

The Toon Commandments

1.      FORGET EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT ROLEPLAYING.
2.      ACT BEFORE YOU THINK.
3.      KNOW THE RULES - CHECKING RULES IS SLOW. SLOW IS BAD.
4.      KNOW YOUR CHARACTER AS YOURSELF.
5.      IF YOU WANT TO DO IT, EXAGGERATE IT.
6.      IF IT'S SIMPLE, COMPLICATE IT.
7.      IF YOU'RE IN A JAM, DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO MAKE IT WORSE,
8.      WHEN IN DOUBT, RECAP.
9.      WHEN YOU CAN'T RECAP. MAKE SOMETHING UP.
10.  WHEN YOU CAN'T MAKE SOMETHING UP, CHEAT.

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From: Greg barry [mailto:gmbarry@msn.com]
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 8:34 AM
To: 'conventions@sjgames.com'
Subject: Gary Con

To Whom it may concern;

I will be attending Gary Con in March of this year and I will be the only person running Toon, The Role Playing Game.  In fact, I will be running 3 separate sessions of Toon.

I have listed the games below.

I was wondering if there are any posters or support material available for Toon, I realize this is a shot in the proverbial dark as this game has sat idle in the catalog for many years.  I still run it from time to time at gatherings and cons and people love the break from other less serious RPGs.

So, if somewhere in the corner there is a bag of many things containing Toon material or if you can invoke a cosmic shift, I would be most grateful if you could dust some of it off and let me know.

Greg Barry

Director of Animation, Ombudsman, Gadfly and  Collections, Resident fast talker

2426 Donna Lane

Pottstown, PA  19464

484-948-5284

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The reply

Hi Greg,

We don't support TOON anymore ( besides some digital offerings at W23 ) 

But the toon Gods smile upon your request in other way.

Let me have your shipping info and I can send some SJG goodies your way as a thanks for being a TOON fan

: )

Best,

G.

-------------------------
So I was a little disappointed in what was sent, it was a handful of Munchkin cards and bookmarks in a postage envelope...

Last time I contacted SJGames, I got 4 books, some posters and other items I gave out as prizes... at least I could have gotten one game or book to give away... 

GRM - Gaming Reference Materials

OK, SO I was going to write about books that influence people but the list is so large and varied that it really cannot be paired down to a top 40 list.

So, I thought I would present what materials I use when creating a world...


The Dictionary of Imaginary places
The Dictionary of Imaginary places, from descriptions to Pictures to maps.. When I have a world, Continent or Island to create, I can turn through this and see if anything here inspires me. I love this book and it is my number 2 reference book

The Compendium 

I love flipping through this book, Weapons, Armor and Castles. I have used several castles in this book in the worlds I have created. When i bought it, Palladium was the mai publishers of all sorts of supplements for gaming

Arms and Equipment Guide

Not as complete as the compendium, but has a bit more stats for in game....

The Dungeon Masters Guide

So much information crammed into this book... I have read it cover to cover many times.

When creating a game, I like to use some of the lesser known tables and the outdoor information is better than the Wilderness guide.  This is my number one resource 

I do not like how to books... I am not writing or designing based on what someone thinks makes a great dungeon or adventure... How to guides usually only tell one way to make a dungeon or adventure... 

might as well just use modules if you cannot create something well crafted... The main issues I see are too many dungeons are generic,  based on limited experience. 

Read novels, watch Movies. 

Finding Game Players and Games

This is the hardest thing to do, find players...

To me, this means compatible players willing to play outside their comfort zone or try something they may not be into...

I recently tried a Spelljammer game, one of the old TSR worlds. I never liked premade worlds because they usually had classes and rules specific to that would impact the gameplay

I did like Dragonlance to a point but you really had to play the pre made characters .


As a DM, I look for players that really fit my dynamic.

• Bring something to the table other than rolling dice
• Try something new
• Have fun
• Accept what I say as final
• Do not argue rules, we can discuss them, but if you had 2 attacks and think you can attack a third time in a small room, it won't happen
• Don't be an ass, you can have a big personality without being an ass     
• Don't argue with players over little things
• Founding members of a group (Meaning those with the group from the creation who are running games) have a say, but the final decision is on me 

Some of my favorite people and players took a few weeks to get used to

One was Linda,
who came into our group with a Chris, they already had a dynamic going and they brought their characters from another game where she was dominant over his, Chis was such a fun and easygoing guy. We did not know what to make of this and we were debating on if this was what we wanted, we decided that 2 more game sessions and that would be it... by the time that part of the adventure was completed, they were granted votes on new people in our group, I really enjoyed running game and playing in games with them... We all did things outside of the Game nights also

Then was Chris 2
Chris was loud, boisterous and confident.  He took some getting used to but he was a great guy and really loved playing

Then there are those who just click from the time they sit down at the table

Mark - He was an amazing DM and was willing to play anything. He could made the most mundane adventure into an epic. He definitely made the rest of us up our game. We did alot outside of the game when time permitted. Then, he got transferred back to Texas

Steve - One of the most creative and adaptable people I have ever known, he could run many systems and was not afraid to play a self centered Zulu Warrior... some of the greatest moments in games were Steve cracking everyone up. His command of Toon and many different genres was amazing

Scott - Forever changing and challenging us to learn new games brought a ton of different games and he always ran great games.  He ran a Toon game called the Dark Care-bear Adventure... wow, who knew he was secretly watching the Care-bears and writing this. I had so much fun playing in it.

Greg B2 - he was your typical Frat boy... impulsive and always interesting... He introduced us to Battletech and I roomed with him at more than one Con... I did trust him to a point... then he failed to return several AD&D books to me.



I have realistic expectations and sometimes, players who disrupt more than adding to the game or who get upset if one thing does not go their way, need to be removed from the group

I have sacrificed players who came with other players, Once had to let a husband and wife be removed from a group because while she was Great and we would have kept her, there was no way he could stay with the dynamics of the group.

What I have been doing Lately

I am on Several Meetup pages and RPG pages... I always carry my DM Cards

I also try to attend local gaming conventions and I go to gaming stores. I engage people in conversations and try to connect to as many as possible.

As a Player... 

I may push gently to see if I can get a few perks, such as second edition tweeks that do not upset the balance of the game but are completely reasonable

I always try to bring my A game and keep the game moving. I look at the situation and see what can be done to minimize any potential issues.

Even if I am not that fond of the game, I can bring an angle to play

I am going to Gary Con ! ! !

It is official that I am going to Gary Con VIII in 2016, I am so excited.

This convention is one of the best as far as Old School gaming goes. It honors the Life of Gary Gygax, the creator of all modern Roleplaying

I have done many NJ/ PA cons and have been invited to run games for many people over the years in various places. I have never attended Gen-Con or other huge cons requiring lots of travel.

I made the decision to go after talking to Luke (He is a veteran of all the major cons) and we both bought Gold Tickets and booked a hotel.

What makes this special is it is a Convention dedicated to OLD School gamers, like myself.

This means that I should have plenty of Players... I got the badge I wanted because I want to be able to Sign up for a couple of games run by VIPs

Games I have Submitted to Run at Gary Con



03/03

8:00 AM - Noon

AD&D - Entrance to Classari

This is a showcase piece of my creativity, combining some of the best Rooms, traps Monsters I have created...
You are tasked with going into the lost Gnome kingdom of Classari and retrieving bloodausan uklayas
5th-8th level... bring your own or be issued a generic

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Toon - Foo-Fuu Toon... Catch that Bird

Capture the exclusive bird to collect the key to the ACME superstore shopathon
Bring your own or use one provided
Levels Silly to utterly rediculous
No one under age 3 and a half permitted due to goofy content, ability to roll 2 6 sided dice and drool occasionally recommended... bring your best gookie!

8:00 PM - 12:00 AM

AD&D - So you think you have an Attitude!

Only Dwarves need apply... 13th-15th level... bring your own or be issued a generic.... The followers of the God of Attitude and Drink are sent on a quest for the Ultimate Ale.
Beginners welcome.
Age 13+ please.
Pregenerated characters provided.

03/04

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

TOON - PizzaToon / A Toon Love Story

2 Shorts
Pizzatoon, deliver pizzas to ....
A Toon Love Story, where is the groom ?
Levels Mild Insanity to Outright bambooled

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
AD&D - AAAAHHHH

Pregen Characters Provided... I promise a truly Epic adventure that will generate stories for you to tell in the tavern
This features some of the greatest concepts and Role Play that I have ever put together. The characters provided are all high level
and saying anything further goes would ruin the integrity of the game.
Age 15+ please.
ONLY Pregenerated characters will be used.

8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
AD&D - By The Light of the Slippery Moon

12th - 16th Level
Adventurers on a Merchant Ship bound for far off Ports....
ONLY Pregenerated characters will be used.

03/05
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
TOON - Daytoona Beach Party Bingo Blast

Beach Olympics... 'Nuff said
Bring your own or use one provided
Levels 1-1220

No one under age 3 and a half permitted due to goofy content, ability to roll 2 6 sided dice and drool occasionally recommended... bring your best gookie!

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
AD&D - The Quest for the Gate Between Worlds

Levels 6th -10th
Find the Gate to get back home, now if you can only get past the .....
ONLY Pregenerated characters will be used.

03/06

2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
AD&D - AAAAHHHH

Pregen Characters Provided... I promise a truly Epic adventure that will generate stories for you to tell in the tavern
This features some of the greatest concepts and Role Play that I have ever put together. The characters provided are all high level
and saying anything further goes would ruin the integrity of the game.
Age 15+ please.
ONLY Pregenerated characters will be used.

Let's talk modules...

Let's Talk Modules

Running modules:

I am not big on going through modules or on running most modules, they have to be really cool in order to run them. I cannot improvise as much with a module and as a creative person, I always thinking that some portions are added simply as filler because the author did not know what to write or needed more pages.

Music that Inspired me

A recent post online asked what Pieces of music inspire you to break open the books and write so I thought I would revisit this and expand on it

There are several bands that inspire me, and a few pieces of music that really get the creative mood going.

First piece of music to really get my mind going was:

I discovered this at around age 10... one of the benefits of having older brothers

Queen - Queen II -

Black Side (Side Two)    

No.         Title                                                        Length 

1.            "Ogre Battle"                                             4:10

2.            "The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke"            2:40

3.            "Nevermore"                                              1:15

4.            "The March of the Black Queen"               6:33

5.            "Funny How Love Is"                                2:50

6.            "Seven Seas of Rhye"                                2:50

As a whole, this is pure imagery in such a fantasy and whimsical way

Now once upon a time - an old man told me a fable

When the piper is gone - and the soup is cold on your table

And if the black crow flies to find a new destination - that is the sign

Come tonight

Come to the ogre sight

Come to the ogre-battle-fight

The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke is describing this painting , again, the imagery 

Click here to listen

Richard Dadd  "The Fairy Feller's Master Stroke" 

Other Queen Songs:

The Prophet Song

Death on Two Legs

Killer Queen

Keep Yourself Alive



Jethro Tull  - The Broadsword and the Beast

Broadsword

I see a dark sail on the horizon, set under a black cloud that hides the sun. Bring me my broadsword and clear understanding. Bring me my cross of gold as a talisman

Beastie

From early days of infancy, through trembling years

of youth, long murky middle-age and final hours

long in the tooth, he is the hundred names of terror ---

creature you love the least. Picture his name before

you and exorcise the beast.

Other Jethro Tull Songs that have inspired me are numerous, I have listed a few 

The Minstrel in the Gallery

Skating Away (on the thin ice of the new day)

The Entire AQUALUNG album

Songs From the Wood

Other Music:

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus album and Pictures At An Exhibition

The Doors - Crystal Ship / Land Ho / Riders on the Storm

Clannad - I will Find you 

Classical Music

Also Sprach Zarathustra

Blue Danube

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Night On Bald Mountain

The Valkyrie: Ride of the Valkyries
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna  (Used in Excalibur) 

I love music that evokes images Such as Squeeze's Pulling Music from a shell

They do it down on Camber Sands

They do it at Waikiki

Lazing about the beach all day,

At night the crickets creepy

Squinting faces at the sky

A Harold Robbins paperback

Surfers drop their boards and dry

And everybody wants a hat