If you’re reading this, then you signed up for it! That’s maybe my favorite thing about the concept of “newsletters”: You all opted in. I like things that make you opt in, rather than opt out. So I guess what I’m saying is, tanks for opting in. :) Now on with issue 01.
Ever since I was a little nerd (embarrassing example above) I wanted to create some kind of regular published magazine, or "zine". (Wasn't much of a skater kid so I hope I am not overly using the term "zine" for some of you hardened 90's kids.)
At the the time, I wasn't even sure what the thing would cover. Comics, art, video games...probably that stuff? Well, the good news is, I guess that's exactly what I wanna talk about still. :)
My main hope is that you enjoy this bit of extra content. That you find it entertaining, informative, and also a good resource for whats going on around the Frogpants community.
Ok, enough of this gushing. I would just say, thanks for the opportunity, and let's have some fun with it as it evolves! On with the program!
The Scott and Metzen Connection
In case you missed it, ore are not currently subbed to the various gaming focused podcasts I host, I got another chance to sit down with Chris Metzen, former creative director and head of franchise development at Blizzard Entertainment, now head of his new brand of table top focused creation, Warchief Gaming.
They are really close to launching a Kickstarter for a D&D 5E sourcebook and story universe called "Auroboros: Coils of the Serpent". The first release in this universe, Worldbook: Lawbrand, is based on the roleplaying campaign that Chris ran with his childhood friends in the eighties and nineties.
Needless to say, we get deep into its origins, and his story in developing it. Moreover, this episode goes into detail about the differences between a project like this and his time with mega-game maker Blizzard.
Highly recommend grabbing it on any of the podcasts, or you can just play it right off the web page here. (or soundcloud)
Rock Runners coming the 5th of April!
"Hey Scott, what the heck's going on with Rock Runners?" Great question. Even I had to ask the question a few times. :)
Rock Runners, the card game I created back in late 2019, is finally ready for its closeup. We're planning to launch a modest Kickstarter campaign for it on April 5th, with some pretty cool stuff to show and offer as potential upgrades.
I did the design, art, and packaging for this project and I'm pretty proud of it. To the handful of testers I sent decks to, THANK you for your help is refining the game and helping it come to fruition.
For now, you can read more about how the game will play over here. I'm make sure to let everyone know when the Kickstarter goes live. Soon we will all be trying to run the most rocks in space and capture the ultimate intergalactic contracts.
Let me AXE you a question
Just sharing a little art I did during my last D&D campaign with the "There Will Be Dungeons Crew". In the mood to make some cool iconic looking weapons. I have a mace in mind next, and probably some swords, etc. In the meantime, enjoy the sketch, ink, and color phases of this untitled weapon.
All I can tell you for sure is the purple stone is magic. :)
Film Sack and The Towering Inferno: The Snyder Cut
Film Sack has been going strong since October of 2009, but this week felt weirdly special. I think it might have been the impromptu discussion a couple of us got into about Zach Snider movies, and in particular his newly released cut of Justice League. Might be one you wanna check out if you've never given the show a spin. The full archives are there as well.
Nerdtacular....one day again
Finally, I wanted to say a word or two about Nerdtacular. Some of you may know, we were planning a 2020 comeback for the in-person event. Would be our 11th year of bringing all the Frogpants community together for a weekend of live content, laughs, music, and friendship. We all miss doing it terribly.
This will be obvious, but we had to scrap our 2020 plans for pandemic reasons, and rightly so. Was not my favorite thing to do that year, but it had to be done. And while I have no idea what the future might bring, one of my short term goals is to start getting ready for what a near future return might look like.
There might have to be some changes, or maybe not, but I do know this: The Frogpants extended community is best part of my job. So many friends and cohorts. So many good people.
More on Nerdtacular and its future coming soon.
THANK YOU!
That's it for issue one! I have a LOAD of ideas of what could be sent out on this feed. More on those later, but thanks for hopping on early for the ride! As always, toss me an email or leave a comment on the thread with your feedback.
Scott
FIRST. Interestingly enough... as old I am and that fact that I been around since the days of BBSes... this was the first time I have ever... ever wrote "First" in any post or comment ever... anywhere. I'm actually misty-eyed at that fact. NERD!
This is the best Scott! Looking forward to more! Thank you!