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Dragons of Middle-Agedom: Dragonlance turns 40!

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Dragons of Middle-Agedom: Dragonlance turns 40!

This year is notable for many anniversaries, including Dungeons & Dragons turning 50, The Terminator turning 40, and The Crow 30. However, another significant milestone for me is the 40th anniversary of TSR Inc. introducing Dragonlance with the publication of its first product: Dragons of Despair, by Tracy Hickman. Additionally, Dragon magazine published the first Dragonlance fiction, “Test of the Twins” by Hickman & Weis. Both works would become major hits for the company, attracting fans worldwide.

My journey with Dragonlance didn’t begin until seven years later, in 1991, when I fully delved into D&D. The default setting for my friend Todd’s D&D games was Dragonlance, as he was a big fan of the novels at the time.

My first character was a 4th level Red Robed Minotaur Mage, who had just passed his Test of High Sorcery and had joined a wild bunch of adventurers seeking to explore Dargaard Keep. Until writing this, I only remembered it as the home of Lord Soth and that my Minotaur character jumped off a bridge due to the actions of an annoying character played by another friend.

My exposure to Dragonlance was limited until a few years later when I picked up Autumn Twilight while living in Texas. As an avid book reader, devouring everything from Faerûn novels to Elric of Melniboné, Dragons of Autumn Twilight captivated me. I spent a whole month reading nothing but Dragonlance, immediately buying the next book in the series as soon as I finished one.

This continued until late 1996 when I read Dragons of Summer Flame and picked up the Dragonlance SAGA rules. *This memory may be somewhat fuzzy due to the passage of time.

I was devastated by the changes to the setting and the rules, which left a bitter taste that lingered until Weis Productions released the War of the Lance 3.5 book. Suddenly, I was an enthusiastic Dragonlance fan again, actively participating in Dragonlance forums, devouring the latest lore books, and reading the newest Weis & Hickman novels until the license was lost in 2008. When Wizards of the Coast pulled the license, my passion was reduced to a mere ember of its former flame.

My interest in Dragonlance has remained subdued. Only recently did I attempt to reengage with the setting through the latest Dragonlance novel, but too much time has passed. I’m older now, and time is in shorter supply. Nonetheless, it brings me joy to know that, after 40 years, new generations are still discovering Dragonlance for the first time.

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D&D Turns 50 & I still can't figure out THAC0

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D&D Turns 50 & I still can't figure out THAC0

Hey everyone! Guess what? Dungeons & Dragons is hitting the big 5-0, and that’s got me all nostalgic. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how this epic game weaved into my life’s tapestry, starting way back when I was just a kid in ’88.

Picture this: a ten-year-old me, totally geeking out over the latest D&D books I snagged from my uh stepnephew (Long story!!!). It wasn’t just another game for me, it was the gateway to a universe where I could be anyone, and do anything. And man, did I dive headfirst into those adventures. From battling skeletons to figuring out THAC0, I was hooked.

Fast forward a few years, and there I was, hanging out at a comic shop near my dad’s place in Cali. Those shelves were like dragon treasure vaults, packed with everything from Silver Surfer comics to the latest D&D box sets. My favorite was Ravenloft! That place was my tavern, where I’d spend hours plotting campaigns and building worlds.

Eventually, we moved back to Podunk. Thankfully I found a group of friends who already knew how to play so when not at school< I was rambling around looking for a table to join. There were six of us back then. I can still see all their faces and hear their voices as they hollered when one of us would crit or fail. My friend Todd was mostly the DM but that would change as I took over. My style has always been gonzo and the others seemed to enjoy my games. To me, the rule of cool was the #1 Rule. Who cared if there was a ruling that disagreed? As with Life, there were Family Disasters, and then High school hit, and suddenly, I was all about the usual angsty teen stuff you know, partying, figuring out life, and just trying to not get my face smashed in. D&D took a backseat as I tackled the whole growing-up gig in Podunk, USA.

It wasn’t until around 2011 that I dusted off my dicebag and jumped back into rping. This time, I was DMing my party through the Pathfinder Jade Regent Adventure Path, and the rest is history. I have now DM mostly non stop since then.

D&D has this amazing way of grabbing you and not letting go. Sort of like a rabid goblin. Whether you’re slaying dragons or unraveling mysteries, it’s always a wild ride. And the best part? The friends you make along the way. It’s crazy to think about all the people I’ve met because of this game. Though some are no longer with us. RIP Todd

So here’s to D&D on its golden anniversary! It’s more than just a game, it’s a part of who we are. It’s brought us together, sparked our creativity, and given us a million stories to tell. Cheers to that, and may our dice always land a critical!

Happy 50th, D&D. Let’s keep the adventures rolling.

#D&amp;D

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To name this feeling I've had this decade

#getting older

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Macross Δ Movie 2: A Second Viewing Reveals a Symphony of War, Love, and Politics

Upon my second viewing of the Macross Δ Movie 2: Zettai Live!!!, I’ve come to a compelling conclusion: this film is a near-masterful tapestry that weaves together everything a Macross fan could want. From war and mecha action to love and music, these elements are present and seamlessly interwoven, all delivered through high-quality animation that can only be described as delicious…

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#Macross #Macross Delta

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Macross 7 at 29: A Love Letter to the Music of the Macross Universe, Revisited

Deculture anniversary art by YoshimasaYM The Music of Fire Bomber: A Love That Transcends Time, Space, and Personal Circumstances Today is the day! 29 years, booomba! Let’s get this straight: Fire Bomber is not just a band. It’s a phenomenon, a force of nature that shook the very foundations of the Macross universe. The music of Fire Bomber is the lifeblood of Macross 7, a series that dared to…

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#Fire Bomber #Macross #Macross 7

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Macross: Wings of Farewell – A Riveting Tale of Love, Music, and Mecha

Poster for The Wings of Farewell Just a few months ago, [Editors Note: Nearly a year ago!] I reminisced about my enchanting experience watching the first Macross Frontier compilation movie, The False Songstress. The anticipation for its sequel, Macross: Wings of Farewell, was almost unbearable. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I sat in the theater again, ready to embark on a…

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#Macross

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Macross Frontier Blu-ray Set!!!!

Woot Woot! it’s here! What i pray tell? None other than the highly anticipated Macross Frontier Blu-ray set! This limited-edition collection offers stunning high-definition visuals, all 25 episodes, and fantastic bonus content. Immerse yourself in mesmerizing concert scenes, intricate Variable Fighters, and breathtaking space battles! Grab your snacks and get ready to binge-watch! Yack Deculture!

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#Macross

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Warhammer 40K: A Beginner's Guide to Building Your First Army

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Warhammer 40K: A Beginner's Guide to Building Your First Army

Hey there, wargaming fans! If you’re new to the world of Warhammer 40,000, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by all the options and strategies involved in this exciting tabletop game. But don’t worry! With a little patience and a lot of enthusiasm, you’ll soon be well on your way to building your first army and dominating the battlefield.

Getting Started: Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of army building, let’s start with the basics. Warhammer 40K is set in a dystopian future where humanity is constantly under attack from all sorts of nasty creatures. As a player, you’ll control an army of soldiers, tanks, and other units, and engage in tactical battles against other players. It’s a fun, fast-paced game that will test your strategic skills and keep you on your toes.

Choosing Your Army: A Guide to Factions

One of the coolest things about Warhammer 40K is the sheer variety of army factions you can choose from. Each faction has its own unique playstyle, strengths, and weaknesses, so it’s important to pick one that fits your style. Whether you prefer the sleek, Romanesque look of Space Marines, the demonic chaos of Chaos Daemons, or the wild, unpredictable Orks and beyond, there’s a faction out there that’s perfect for you.

Building Your Army: Tips and Tricks

Now that you’ve chosen your faction, it’s time to start building! A great place to start is with a starter set, which will give you everything you need to start playing. From there, you can add units and expand your army to suit your style.

But remember, building a successful army isn’t just about buying lots of units. You need a good balance of different types of units, like infantry, tanks, and support units. And don’t forget to include some special abilities, like psykers or champions, to give your army an extra edge on the battlefield.

Playing Your First Game: What to Expect

Alright, you’re all set! Time to hit the battlefield. Your first few games may be a bit intimidating, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of things in no time. Pay attention to your opponent’s army and strategies, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced players.

Conclusion: Embrace the Thrill of Wargaming

Warhammer 40K is a complex and exciting hobby that offers endless hours of fun and strategic challenge. Whether you’re building your first army or your hundredth, the most important thing is to have a good time and embrace the thrill of wargaming. So grab some dice, muster your troops, and let’s get ready to rumble!”

#warhammer

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The Death of Superman!

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The Death of Superman!

Wow, damn, has it really been 30 years since the Death of Superman happened? Sheesh! I was living in Hugo at the time. California was over a year away. When I think about the event, I recall how big the waves it was making. There were news broadcasts, talk shows, hell, I even think it was on David Letterman. I was 15, and that year I spent a lot of time with my friends, one of whom, Todd, may he RIP, has passed, reading comics, watching X-Men and Batman, and playing TSR’s Marvel RPG. It was a great time to be a comic fan and a teenager. It was the 90s! The internet was in its infancy, I think. The WWW may have happened in the same year. As I said, things are fuzzy. But here we are, 30 years down the road. Heroes die all the time these days and come back as often! But the death of Supes? That was and always will be iconic! When I saw that a hardcover edition was being released for the anniversary, I had to have it!

Hardcover of The Death of Superman

#comics #Superman

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Family Ties, Growing Pains, Different Strokes

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Family Ties, Growing Pains, Different Strokes

I was a late bloomer when it came to reading. All I know is that I couldn’t read one winter, and then BAM! It clicked, and I was off! Soon my favorite time of the school year would be the Scholastic Fair. From the smelly stickers to the excellent pencil grips to the mysterious books, it was a reader’s smorgasbord! Sometime between 86-88, I picked up the Growing Pains book. I don’t recall much other than I owned it. I did watch a lot of television back then. I was a big fan of TV shows such as Family Ties, Silverspoon, and even Different Strokes. But I guess I was a BIG FAN of Growing Pains. Anyway. in a fit of nostalgia, I went onto eBay and ordered replacements. My inner 9-year-old is pleased.

Scored from eBay!

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“To me, my X-Men.”

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“To me, my X-Men.”

1988 is when my love of comics ignited into a conflagration that would burn brightly for seven years before dying down and being replaced by other joys.

The series to spark my love of comics was the X-Men beginning with the Fall of the Mutants event. To me, this era would become the last arc of Chris Claremont, who, in 1988, had been at the helm of the X-Men line for 13 years. An unheard amount of time to helm a comic book series. Then or now.

Whenever I think or talk about comics, this is where my mind goes to. This era has everything from tragic stories to gorgeous art to the introduction of villains such as Apocalypse, Hodge, or the Mutant Menace storyline. But beloved of all was the Uncanny X-Men roster: Storm, Wolverine, Rogue, Colossus, Havok, Dazzler, Longshot, and Psylocke. To me, they were and always be, My X-Men.

Front and Back Cover of the Fall of the Mutants omnibus

#comics #daily #x-men

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Happy 40th Super Dimension Anniversary, Macross!

Happy 40th Super Dimension Anniversary, Macross!

Today is the day 40 years ago that the first two episodes of Macross premiered in Japan. People have been posting tributes, doing rituals, and taking pictures of their Valkyries worldwide. I, too, was going to post some pics of my collection but decided to keep it short and sweet instead. We love you, Macross, from all us pioneers, and here is to 40 more years of deculture! A big thank you to…

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#Macross

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By Hook or Crook...

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By Hook or Crook...

The Talisman by Stephen King

No, this isn’t related to Stranger Things but seeing the book at the end of Season Four did prompt me to go out and get my copy before scalpers start charging an arm and a leg. Twenty years ago, I read the Talisman for the first time. I was in Hugo and going through a lot of chaos. This book carried me during that hectic time. Time for a reread.

#Stephen King

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MACROSS DAY!

To say that today has been a big one for all things Macross is an understatement! Let’s do this! Who knew 2022 would be this gorgeous, delicious, deculture?? Last night was the US premiere of Macross F: The Wings of Farewell!Today was Bigwest’s first-ever official panel at #AX2022Right Stuf Anime and Nozomi Entertainment are bringing Frontier and Macross Delta in Blu-Ray to the US! NYAN! NYAN!…

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#Bigwest #Macross #Valkyrie

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The Songs of Goodbye

The Songs of Goodbye

Macross: The False Songstress title card Around 15 years ago, on a warm December night (day?) I got lucky and was able to watch the Deculture broadcast of the latest series of the Macross franchise: Macross Frontier. Which at the time was the 25th anniversary of the venerable mecha anime. Now it’s the 40th, and I’ve just returned from watching the first compilation movie from Frontier, the False…

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#Macross

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Never Forget Your Own Worth

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Never Forget Your Own Worth

For most of the month, I’ve been ordering my coffee from Crush Coffee, a local parking lot java shop staffed by some wonderful people. They always know how to make my mornings start right! Or that is what today’s coffee cup told me.

Words of Inspiration from Our Lady Caffeine