30 December 2020

Character Creation Challenge Update

On Saturday, I posted that I'm participating in a character creation challenge for January, as in starting Friday. Since then, I've managed to get two other people into it, Craig Oliver at Traveller-CT.blogspot.com, and my dad over at Alesmiter. It's more fund to do this with other people and get some cross-talk. Also, the originatior of this idea is Carl "the Tardis Captain" Stark, with a page on the idea here, and blog as well.

To be honest, I'm kind of looking forward to this whole thing, and getting some good ideas out.

26 December 2020

New Year, New Character Challenge

I saw this idea on a MeWe post from last month I took a while to find, but here's the idea: I'm going to hand generate a roleplaying character each day for the month of January 2021. The person who posted it has a very different idea about it than me, but let's go for a variety of options to enjoy. Here are my rules for it:

  • I can use any physical books I posses for that system
  • No use of website character generators, or programs
  • Using electronic systems for record keeping, is permitted
  • Generation one or two days ahead is acceptable
  • Document all dice rolls
There's also a chance I may be on a business trip at the end of the month, in that case, I've got both Starter Traveller and Traveller 5.10 in PDF available to me, and I can throw 2d6 in my luggage without a problem. I'm looking forward to this, and it should be worth the time.

Also, I'm planning this following schedule, subject to change.

1st, 4th, 6th, 8th, 19th, 21st, 25th, 27th, and 29th Classic Traveller (The Traveller Book or Starter Traveller)

2nd, 3rd, 9thGURPS Traveller

5th,7th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 26th, 28th Mongoose Traveller

10th, 11th, MechWarrior 1st Edition

12th, 13th, MechWarrior 2nd Edtion

14th, 15th, MechWarrior 3rd Edition/Classic BattleTech RPG

16th, 17th, A Time of War (2009 BattleTech RPG)

23rd, 24th, Traveller 5th

30th, 31st, my choice, could be any of the above, Space: 1889 AD&D 1e, or Pathfinder.

Any concepts for the systems, feel free to offer them now. Good ones will get credit, and others ignored. Anyone else interested, please let me know, and keep in contact

13 December 2020

Terran Gentleman, and Other (Not So Fine) Potables

One of the many technologies brought with to the stars from Terra was distilling of the varied grain
Original Art

crops. While some distillery techniques do produce quality products, such as Scotch whisky or various Caribbean rums, the techniques to produce cheap, unpleasant liquor has, in fact, thrived. Often to the detriment of officers, NCOs, or people trying to get things done in a timely fashion

A brand that has found particular popularity in the Sol subsector is a whiskey known as "Terran Gentleman". Sold in brown bottles in 500 mL, 750 mL, 1 L and 2 L sizes, with the smaller two in glass, and the larger plastic, it has become a near scourge to hear the complaints to the populations that drink it. Averaging approximately 50% alcohol by volume, it retails for excessively low prices, of around .25 credits for a 40 mL drink at the dive bars it can be found at or 2 credits per 750 mL bottle. It is most commonly found in junior enlisted quarters on military bases, Belter settlements, and poor neighborhoods. The taste is described as being "cleaning agent, grain alcohol, and regret" by those who drink it a few times. It is reasonably common among junior spacers, starport vagrants, and oddly enough, fighter pilots.

Other liquors useful as something to get your characters into trouble, here notable for flavor descriptions, and with thanks to friends, include:

Sambuca, described by Brian P., Marine veteran, "like drinking licorice"

 Chartreuse, described by Anja K., world traveler, " I like it but it's probably the most unappealing liquor I've had... and I've had a lot."

 Vermouth, described by Jen L., home day care provider, "tastes like a stale old wardrobe closet from the 1800’s."

Jeppson's Malört, described by Aaron H., Army veteran, "A Chicago thing," also "grapefruit and gasoline."

Krupnik, described by Nick T., Submarine veteran, "supposedly tastes like honey but I remember it more like moth balls and peppermint."

Habu Sake, described by John T., Marine veteran, "Well, I'm not sure if it was legit Habu Sake from Japan. It was a high proof alcohol that had a preserved snake of some sort in it. Tasted earthy with what I can only described as an overcooked steak that's been sitting in a fridge for 3-4 weeks. Also, not smooth by any means with high alcohol taste. So, pretty sure this was a re-bottle."

Jägermeister , according to Jason O, Navy retiree, "which is disgusting and if you talk to most they will agree, although they will happily buy a couple shots which you will gladly take raising a toast to anything. How this became such a favorite shot with a cult following is beyond me."

Apricot schanpps was provided by nerd-in-paradise Chris T., as just an idea.

Bacardi Rum, from Paul S., National Guard veteran, "ick seems like rubbing alcohol."

I myself, had an odd experience with Drambuie, which I found rather sweet, but didn't feel the whisky notes.

I hope that you can find other, less excruciating ways, to get your characters intoxicated. I know some groups that do drink at the table, but please, be safe.

UPDATE: Thanks to Spinward Scout, there's Jump-distilled Scout Stout!