When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Music Blog: Bothy Band- Old Hag You Have Killed Me
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
First thoughts on Star Trek: Ascendancy
I've now played three games of this new release from Gale Force 9, the first at GenCon, and the rest at my local store with friends.
Firstly, what is this game? It's a 3 player(currently) 4x game. The four exes are Explore, Expand, Exploit, and Exterminate. Most of them are big games accommodating more players. This one will eventually expand with new factions, allowing for larger galaxies. In fact, your table size will limit how much this game can sprawl out. Smaller space will make for a faster game, and my recommendation is a lower limit of 3x3(ft.).
One of the things I'm liking very well about this is the rules simplicity. Overall, the rules set things up simply. Turns are fully done in player order, determined at the start of the round. Build phase consists of building ships and control/production features, and progressing research on projects. During the command phase, one has a limited(but improvable) number of actions. Going in and out of warp(sections) with either fleets or ships, building a starbase, starting new research projects, starting a space battle, and the political and conquering methods of taking over worlds take place here.
So what works differently? Well, planets other than homeworlds can swing freely until they have two connections. Hence the ability to vary the space it takes up. Also, each faction has its own weakness, advantage, and its own technology deck. All of these are constructed to increase the flavor of the Star Trek Universe within the game. Player board are also unique, and are designed after consoles of those races.
As far as game length, right now we're still sitting around 4 hours, but there's always been a completely new player, the learning curve for two of us is disappearing, so hopefully the next one gets faster. Downtime feels pretty minimal, and perhaps we need to speed up reset between rounds, or try one of the variants to speed it up a little. Otherwise, right now this is fighting Scythe for top game of 2016 in my mind.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Firstly, what is this game? It's a 3 player(currently) 4x game. The four exes are Explore, Expand, Exploit, and Exterminate. Most of them are big games accommodating more players. This one will eventually expand with new factions, allowing for larger galaxies. In fact, your table size will limit how much this game can sprawl out. Smaller space will make for a faster game, and my recommendation is a lower limit of 3x3(ft.).
One of the things I'm liking very well about this is the rules simplicity. Overall, the rules set things up simply. Turns are fully done in player order, determined at the start of the round. Build phase consists of building ships and control/production features, and progressing research on projects. During the command phase, one has a limited(but improvable) number of actions. Going in and out of warp(sections) with either fleets or ships, building a starbase, starting new research projects, starting a space battle, and the political and conquering methods of taking over worlds take place here.
So what works differently? Well, planets other than homeworlds can swing freely until they have two connections. Hence the ability to vary the space it takes up. Also, each faction has its own weakness, advantage, and its own technology deck. All of these are constructed to increase the flavor of the Star Trek Universe within the game. Player board are also unique, and are designed after consoles of those races.
As far as game length, right now we're still sitting around 4 hours, but there's always been a completely new player, the learning curve for two of us is disappearing, so hopefully the next one gets faster. Downtime feels pretty minimal, and perhaps we need to speed up reset between rounds, or try one of the variants to speed it up a little. Otherwise, right now this is fighting Scythe for top game of 2016 in my mind.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Dragon Awards Voting is Open!
Yes, DragonCon has announced the shortlists for the inaugural Dragon Awards. Firstly, I would like to congratulate those nominated.
Now, as to my voting:
Best Science Fiction Novel: Somewhither by John C. Wright
Honestly, nobody else is even close. Gannon isn't bad, but Wright knocked this one way out of the park.
Best Fantasy Novel: Son of the Black Sword by Larry Correia
Butcher and Freer might be close, but Larry had the best fantasy novel.
Best YA: Calamity by Brandon Sanderson
I haven't read Freer yet, and I need to work him into my reading schedule. Sanderson's good, but his dealings with Tor are moving him out slowly.
Mil SFF: Hell's Foundation by David Weber
Like it's even close. Scalzi has declined the nomination, supposedly to keep a promise that his 2015 work wouldn't get an award. I see two options: 1. He didn't write most of it himself. 2. He wants to spare himself the embarrassment that Weber's fans will give him.
Alt History: Bombs Away: the Hot War by Harry Turtledove
Another that likely won't be close. Williamson's Long Time Until Now might have had a chance.
Apocalyptic: Ctrl Alt Revolt! by Nick Cole
Marina did good work, and should be ecstatic with her nomination. She earned it, but I think Nick did the better book.
Horror: Souldancer by Brian Niemeier
Likely my hardest choice. Two guys I like that put out excellent novels, and I gotta go with Brian over Declan Finn's Honor at Stake. Sorry my friend, but Vox is right, you're screwed here. By the way, congratulations.
Comic Book: Astro City
It's this or Saga, and Astro City is the most creative mainstream style hero book out there.
Graphic Novel: Sandman: Overture
And I thought earlier categories were blowout choices.
TV Series: The Flash
Lots of decent choices, it'll be interesting.
Movie: Captain America: Civil War
Star Wars will win, but hey.
PC/Console: no opinion
Mobile: Fallout Shelter
Boardgame: Talon by GMT Games
Why is Monopoly Cthulu here? and how on earth is Codenames SFF?
Other tabletop game: Mousguard
I thought there was supposed to be an e in there, but that's what's on the ballot.
Again, this is a really good sign. I'm interested in the nominating numbers. Hopefully they'll put the Hugo stats to shame.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Now, as to my voting:
Best Science Fiction Novel: Somewhither by John C. Wright
Honestly, nobody else is even close. Gannon isn't bad, but Wright knocked this one way out of the park.
Best Fantasy Novel: Son of the Black Sword by Larry Correia
Butcher and Freer might be close, but Larry had the best fantasy novel.
Best YA: Calamity by Brandon Sanderson
I haven't read Freer yet, and I need to work him into my reading schedule. Sanderson's good, but his dealings with Tor are moving him out slowly.
Mil SFF: Hell's Foundation by David Weber
Like it's even close. Scalzi has declined the nomination, supposedly to keep a promise that his 2015 work wouldn't get an award. I see two options: 1. He didn't write most of it himself. 2. He wants to spare himself the embarrassment that Weber's fans will give him.
Alt History: Bombs Away: the Hot War by Harry Turtledove
Another that likely won't be close. Williamson's Long Time Until Now might have had a chance.
Apocalyptic: Ctrl Alt Revolt! by Nick Cole
Marina did good work, and should be ecstatic with her nomination. She earned it, but I think Nick did the better book.
Horror: Souldancer by Brian Niemeier
Likely my hardest choice. Two guys I like that put out excellent novels, and I gotta go with Brian over Declan Finn's Honor at Stake. Sorry my friend, but Vox is right, you're screwed here. By the way, congratulations.
Comic Book: Astro City
It's this or Saga, and Astro City is the most creative mainstream style hero book out there.
Graphic Novel: Sandman: Overture
And I thought earlier categories were blowout choices.
TV Series: The Flash
Lots of decent choices, it'll be interesting.
Movie: Captain America: Civil War
Star Wars will win, but hey.
PC/Console: no opinion
Mobile: Fallout Shelter
Boardgame: Talon by GMT Games
Why is Monopoly Cthulu here? and how on earth is Codenames SFF?
Other tabletop game: Mousguard
I thought there was supposed to be an e in there, but that's what's on the ballot.
Again, this is a really good sign. I'm interested in the nominating numbers. Hopefully they'll put the Hugo stats to shame.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Injustice Book Review: Cicero's On Duties, as translated by Quintus Curtius
Cower not, fierce reader! Today, we have an important tome. Not an easy, nor a fun leisurely read, but rather, a book that may well help you think and live such that the forces of Social Justice cower in fear. As is appropriate for their triggering, this work is from one of ancient Rome's finest philosophers.
As to the crimes of this book, we have firstly the idea that moral goodness can be properly ascertained. There are no relativistic morals, for these belong to the intemperates that find pain to be the greatest evil. Moral goodness, it is asserted, can be found by the examination of truth, the protection and development of the society of man, a powerful and invincible spirit, and by modest and temperate order and methodology in debate and events. Clearly, Cicero was a criminal of the highest order in his time: daring to assert that truth can be found and is not relative.
The first book(this is structured in three parts) also brings up one of the most important parts of a high trust society: bargaining and acting in good faith. The world has long admired craftiness and deception, and it does indeed have its place. However, that place should be kept to things such as games, war, and proper espionage. The elevation of deception has been hurting our ability to bargain and deal with each other fairly. Vox Day, for instance, has come to a point of refusing to do taped interviews unless he knows and trusts the interviewer, as the media has repeatedly altered the appearance of his words via cherry picking phrases out of context.
Toward the end of the first book, Cicero also covers appropriate conversation. Piracy, fraud, and adultery are declared immoral, but not discussion thereof. The application to the creation of progeny, on the other hand is the reverse. Of course, this is beyond the pale for the SocJus crowd: they will crow about the crimes of their opponents, hide their own, and talk about sex and the destruction of children all day.
The second book covers the concept of advantageousness, and what it truly is. The cultivation of a reputation for Justice is discussed, and found that cowardice and corruptibility are the opposites, and one without these is tested by fire.
A quick note: Justice is a separate concept form due process at this time, and the economic system is a patron one that is beyond our experience. Land ownership has vastly different qualities, as does citizenship.
Public spending is addressed, and what is the best way of it. Spending on infrastructure over direct monies to the poor are advocated for, as they will make generations wealthier. Charity is commended for sever calamity, and only for those that wish to improve their condition.
Cicero suggests rapid apologies for those one may have accidentally hurt. In the case of actual damage, I would agree, but in this day of perpetual lies and rage, I would largely advocate for Vox Day's rule of never apologizing. Cicero lived in a time when even deceptive men were more honest, and honesty was both respected and revered. Now, lying is seen as acceptable by large masses.
Cicero dealt with advocates for an agrarian "reform" of confiscation and redistribution of land. Cicero found the talk of equal redistribution of land to be a dangerous curse designed to undermine the foundations of the state. Would that Cicero had been more read during FDR's time.
Book three covers the apparent conflict between the two concepts of the earlier books. I say apparent because Cicero gives a fairly decent argument for them not actually being in conflict. Most of this has to do with a larger perspective, that what gives advantage may not appear so in the short term, and what appears to bring disadvantage may in the long term bring the opposite.
Some things which do create conflicts now did not exist then, and these relate mostly to internal matters, rather than dealing with other states. Employment has changed in it's nature greatly, as has the nature of sales and product information. I make these observations not to discount Cicero, but to ensure that a different society is taken into account.
I know some are wondering why I chose to read, never mind review this text. It is difficult, make no mistake; and that is with the excellent translating skills of Quintus Curtius. I cannot imagine finding a better translation, though I'm certain there are imprecisions here and there. One reason is it remains an excellent book on public action. The second is that it may help some to explain the popularity of Donald Trump with the masses. He is not bribable, he rewards good work and is generous to those he feels have done service to society. The safety and continuation of his country are what he is campaigning on, and these themes are all covered within, enough to make me wonder if Mr. Trump has read a translation of Cicero.
As a work that promotes the causes of Injustice, by the advocacy of right actions, this is a masterpiece. 9/10 Fell Deeds
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
As to the crimes of this book, we have firstly the idea that moral goodness can be properly ascertained. There are no relativistic morals, for these belong to the intemperates that find pain to be the greatest evil. Moral goodness, it is asserted, can be found by the examination of truth, the protection and development of the society of man, a powerful and invincible spirit, and by modest and temperate order and methodology in debate and events. Clearly, Cicero was a criminal of the highest order in his time: daring to assert that truth can be found and is not relative.
The first book(this is structured in three parts) also brings up one of the most important parts of a high trust society: bargaining and acting in good faith. The world has long admired craftiness and deception, and it does indeed have its place. However, that place should be kept to things such as games, war, and proper espionage. The elevation of deception has been hurting our ability to bargain and deal with each other fairly. Vox Day, for instance, has come to a point of refusing to do taped interviews unless he knows and trusts the interviewer, as the media has repeatedly altered the appearance of his words via cherry picking phrases out of context.
Toward the end of the first book, Cicero also covers appropriate conversation. Piracy, fraud, and adultery are declared immoral, but not discussion thereof. The application to the creation of progeny, on the other hand is the reverse. Of course, this is beyond the pale for the SocJus crowd: they will crow about the crimes of their opponents, hide their own, and talk about sex and the destruction of children all day.
The second book covers the concept of advantageousness, and what it truly is. The cultivation of a reputation for Justice is discussed, and found that cowardice and corruptibility are the opposites, and one without these is tested by fire.
A quick note: Justice is a separate concept form due process at this time, and the economic system is a patron one that is beyond our experience. Land ownership has vastly different qualities, as does citizenship.
Public spending is addressed, and what is the best way of it. Spending on infrastructure over direct monies to the poor are advocated for, as they will make generations wealthier. Charity is commended for sever calamity, and only for those that wish to improve their condition.
Cicero suggests rapid apologies for those one may have accidentally hurt. In the case of actual damage, I would agree, but in this day of perpetual lies and rage, I would largely advocate for Vox Day's rule of never apologizing. Cicero lived in a time when even deceptive men were more honest, and honesty was both respected and revered. Now, lying is seen as acceptable by large masses.
Cicero dealt with advocates for an agrarian "reform" of confiscation and redistribution of land. Cicero found the talk of equal redistribution of land to be a dangerous curse designed to undermine the foundations of the state. Would that Cicero had been more read during FDR's time.
Book three covers the apparent conflict between the two concepts of the earlier books. I say apparent because Cicero gives a fairly decent argument for them not actually being in conflict. Most of this has to do with a larger perspective, that what gives advantage may not appear so in the short term, and what appears to bring disadvantage may in the long term bring the opposite.
Some things which do create conflicts now did not exist then, and these relate mostly to internal matters, rather than dealing with other states. Employment has changed in it's nature greatly, as has the nature of sales and product information. I make these observations not to discount Cicero, but to ensure that a different society is taken into account.
I know some are wondering why I chose to read, never mind review this text. It is difficult, make no mistake; and that is with the excellent translating skills of Quintus Curtius. I cannot imagine finding a better translation, though I'm certain there are imprecisions here and there. One reason is it remains an excellent book on public action. The second is that it may help some to explain the popularity of Donald Trump with the masses. He is not bribable, he rewards good work and is generous to those he feels have done service to society. The safety and continuation of his country are what he is campaigning on, and these themes are all covered within, enough to make me wonder if Mr. Trump has read a translation of Cicero.
As a work that promotes the causes of Injustice, by the advocacy of right actions, this is a masterpiece. 9/10 Fell Deeds
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Post GenCon report: winners, things I missed, and the future
I endured 3 of the 4 days of GenCon(skipped out on Sunday), and saw a great many things. Without further adieu, here's a brief report from what I did and saw.
Cephalofair Games- While they did not manage to get any copies of Gloomhaven in time for the convention, they did make an arrangement to sell copies of Scythe for Stonemaier Games. Stonmaier had a demo room, but not a booth, and thus were unable to sell games themselves. I applaud this move to be a little fleible and help another company in the community out.
Mindworm Games- This is a new company with a game that came out of nowhere for me. Exiles is their first game, part skirmish, part roleplay/legacy cooperative jumble. They make all their own components currently(hoping that continues). The only reason I didn't grab it is that I want to see a bit more from them before I dive in.
Floor Space- So, the exhibit hall was expanded a bit, but that's not the only reason it was roomier this year. GenCon expanded into Lucas Oil Stadium this year, and I believe, into another hotel or two. Cosplay and anime events were moved into the stadium, which, while it isolated those groups a bit, made for much more walking space in the con center and exhibit hall.
Near and Far- I know I've already mentioned this game here, but there was some preview material there, including the atlas. I have to say, this game looks good, and the variation within the game has me a bit eager.
Empty Epsilon- While I normally avoid computer games as outside my area, this is a starship bridge simulator using multiple stations. If you've seen the Artemis sim, this appears to be an upgrade on multiple fronts. No kinks in these systems.
Also, Columbia Games needs to thank Jeffro Johnson for his post on Wizard Kings during GenCon, which got them at least one more sale.
Moonquake Escape- Same as above. I do regret not seeing this.
Lews Pulsipher- He was presenting regarding the new edition of Brittania, which I wanted to see. However, it was at 6 on Friday, and I was already exhausted. (We parked 12 blocks, I'm out of shape, and was dehydrated.) Hopefully he'll post something on his blog.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Winners:
Star Trek: Ascendancy- In my opinion, this was the big winner of the convention. That said, I already had Scythe, and decided against both Seafall and Kingdom Death, for various reasons. I participated in a demo of the game on Friday, and had a blast playing with three gentlemen that knew each other. We had a blast with the game which is a very thematic 4x game. Game length will vary based on your play group and your initial spacing of homeworlds. Each race has a disadvantage to hinder them in play style, and an advantage to help them, as well as a unique technology deck. Yes, it's only 3 player... for now, Cardassians and Ferengi are supposed to be out by the end of year.Cephalofair Games- While they did not manage to get any copies of Gloomhaven in time for the convention, they did make an arrangement to sell copies of Scythe for Stonemaier Games. Stonmaier had a demo room, but not a booth, and thus were unable to sell games themselves. I applaud this move to be a little fleible and help another company in the community out.
Mindworm Games- This is a new company with a game that came out of nowhere for me. Exiles is their first game, part skirmish, part roleplay/legacy cooperative jumble. They make all their own components currently(hoping that continues). The only reason I didn't grab it is that I want to see a bit more from them before I dive in.
Floor Space- So, the exhibit hall was expanded a bit, but that's not the only reason it was roomier this year. GenCon expanded into Lucas Oil Stadium this year, and I believe, into another hotel or two. Cosplay and anime events were moved into the stadium, which, while it isolated those groups a bit, made for much more walking space in the con center and exhibit hall.
Near and Far- I know I've already mentioned this game here, but there was some preview material there, including the atlas. I have to say, this game looks good, and the variation within the game has me a bit eager.
Empty Epsilon- While I normally avoid computer games as outside my area, this is a starship bridge simulator using multiple stations. If you've seen the Artemis sim, this appears to be an upgrade on multiple fronts. No kinks in these systems.
Also, Columbia Games needs to thank Jeffro Johnson for his post on Wizard Kings during GenCon, which got them at least one more sale.
Stuff I Missed:
Coldwater Crown- I forgot to make a note of where this was being demoed, and it wasn't in the exhibit hall. Note for next year: note where everything is that you want to see.Moonquake Escape- Same as above. I do regret not seeing this.
Lews Pulsipher- He was presenting regarding the new edition of Brittania, which I wanted to see. However, it was at 6 on Friday, and I was already exhausted. (We parked 12 blocks, I'm out of shape, and was dehydrated.) Hopefully he'll post something on his blog.
The Future of GenCon
Given the expansion of the convention, there's no running out of steam here. However, there were two things that gave me cause to think that Vox Day was right in pronouncing an eventual death for GenCon. Firstly, the Code of Conduct type of material is more prevalent, another sign of convergence, in addition to it's lackluster Industry Insider track, with a few exceptions, and one only because he's black, not because he made good games(he has). Alongside this factor was the increase of "Gaymer" , etc., tags, and a lack of tolerance for Christianity. Secondly, the level of creativity in new games seems to be down from previous years. This also is indicative of convergence, as seen in the nearby field of SFF. I hope Vox is wrong, but at this point I fear he may be right.When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
GenCon approaching!
Tomorrow starts GenCon, the biggest tabletop convention in the USA. As I will be in attendance, the blog will be going silent until at least Sunday. I'll try to post some pics and thoughts from GenCon on my Twitter feed. My list of games worth checking out can be found here.
If this interests you, or you're attending and want to potentially meet amid the SJW noise, it's @aelfredofwessex.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
If this interests you, or you're attending and want to potentially meet amid the SJW noise, it's @aelfredofwessex.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Near and Far: another Kickstarter post, and related works
For my boardgaming followers, I'm going to encourage you to take a look at Ryan Laukat's newest offering, Near and Far. While this game's campaign doesn't need anymore help at this point, I know I also get some legacy readers, so there's that as well. For those that make it to GenCon this week, I encourage you to check it out.
For those not familiar with Mr. Laukat's work, he does all the design and graphic design for his games that he publishes, and has published one other persons work with his graphic design. I don't have all of it, but I'll give a quick rundown of what I do have, and then discuss what's cool about this game.
Eight Minute Empire: This is a quirky little area control game with set collection, auctions, and only an initial money count. Yes, it plays in 8-12 minutes. It feels good for that, and not like microgames like Love Letter, in that there are real choices to be made.
Artifacts, Inc.: A worker placement/set collecting game with dice rolling to acquire goods for points. Different workers have better abilities, buildings can be upgraded, and you can dive for artifacts. 30 minutes of fun.
The Ancient World- Another worker placement with dice. Another implementation of set collection. Your village is facing Titans in a last stand. Unique to this is the experience added by previous troops when you recruit new ones.
Above and Below: The true predecessor of Near and Far. Explore caves, build your village, and collect good types. The exploration occurs via a deck of cave cards that link to a set of encounter stories in a book. Several plays in, and each is different.
Islebound: The most recent of Laukat's games. You guessed it, another worker placement idea. Here you move your ship, and explore or conquer an island in the archipelago. I have yet to play this one, but am excited about the workers, as the reverse will work in Above and Below.
There are a few I haven't gotten, but these are the ones I've experienced a bit.
Now, to our feature attraction.
Near and Far is going to have an atlas with a total of 11 map boards, and five alternate game modes. The maps will tie to an encounter book like Above and Below, and will be larger, with more long term effects, due to the game modes. Game modes include a first adventure (first play), Campaign mode (10 games on 10 maps), Story mode (3 or 4 games), and an arcade mode that won't use the storybook, but a set of cards. The campaign and story modes are going to be akin to a legacy game in that your character will grow in ability.
So, Mr. Laukat likes to design interesting takes on Worker Placement and Set Collection. The games play differently, and all feel a bit different. My only other comment that might be negative is that his games only accommodate 2-4 players.; I personally try to avoid that count at this time, as 5 and 6 players are not that hard to reach. I hope he keeps up the good work.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
For those not familiar with Mr. Laukat's work, he does all the design and graphic design for his games that he publishes, and has published one other persons work with his graphic design. I don't have all of it, but I'll give a quick rundown of what I do have, and then discuss what's cool about this game.
Eight Minute Empire: This is a quirky little area control game with set collection, auctions, and only an initial money count. Yes, it plays in 8-12 minutes. It feels good for that, and not like microgames like Love Letter, in that there are real choices to be made.
Artifacts, Inc.: A worker placement/set collecting game with dice rolling to acquire goods for points. Different workers have better abilities, buildings can be upgraded, and you can dive for artifacts. 30 minutes of fun.
The Ancient World- Another worker placement with dice. Another implementation of set collection. Your village is facing Titans in a last stand. Unique to this is the experience added by previous troops when you recruit new ones.
Above and Below: The true predecessor of Near and Far. Explore caves, build your village, and collect good types. The exploration occurs via a deck of cave cards that link to a set of encounter stories in a book. Several plays in, and each is different.
Islebound: The most recent of Laukat's games. You guessed it, another worker placement idea. Here you move your ship, and explore or conquer an island in the archipelago. I have yet to play this one, but am excited about the workers, as the reverse will work in Above and Below.
There are a few I haven't gotten, but these are the ones I've experienced a bit.
Now, to our feature attraction.
Near and Far is going to have an atlas with a total of 11 map boards, and five alternate game modes. The maps will tie to an encounter book like Above and Below, and will be larger, with more long term effects, due to the game modes. Game modes include a first adventure (first play), Campaign mode (10 games on 10 maps), Story mode (3 or 4 games), and an arcade mode that won't use the storybook, but a set of cards. The campaign and story modes are going to be akin to a legacy game in that your character will grow in ability.
So, Mr. Laukat likes to design interesting takes on Worker Placement and Set Collection. The games play differently, and all feel a bit different. My only other comment that might be negative is that his games only accommodate 2-4 players.; I personally try to avoid that count at this time, as 5 and 6 players are not that hard to reach. I hope he keeps up the good work.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
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