The Phantom of Wilson Creek

[Max_Writer]

Sorry for the double post, I can't for the life of me find the 'edit' button!

All of the videos and blog entries contain numerous SPOILERS. Please be advised.

[PoC]

Sorry for the double post, I can't for the life of me find the 'edit' button!

That would likely be because after a few days the posts are locked down by the forum software.

[vonkeitz]

Very nice adventure. I picked up a PDF and have skimmed most of it. Inspires me to finally get one of my mini-campaigns ready for consideration by MULA. I have one adventure I've ran 3 times, including GenCon 2007, that I think it playtested sufficiently and is a crowd-pleaser. I've been urged to get it published. I'm also a science writer and editor by profession, so it would be in excellent shape formatting and grammatically, etc. Only major issue that comes to mind is that it has fairly adult themes, and of course, getting some remotely decent artwork together.

I'd probably need to pair it up with another adventure to make length requirements. Max, if you ever get the time, please PM me and perhaps we can chat about your experience...?

Cheers!

[Max_Writer]

PoC - you are obviously correct, sir! Didn't realize that and hope the double post is not too much of a faux pas.

Vonkeitz, do it! Do it now! Get to the chopper! Ahem ... old joke in our group. Sorry. I'll send you a PM shortly.

SPOILERS

I've posted another game audio to the RPPR Community Podcast page. This one is the audio of the first scenario of The Phantom of Wilson Creek (second time it was played - the sequel to the first, actually). The audio recording of the session can be found here:

http://community.roleplayingpublicra...untain-game-2/

Blogs of the game session are here:

http://www.yog-sothoth.com/entries/1...Wilson-Creek-2
http://www.yog-sothoth.com/entries/1...lson-Creek-2-5

[Skyman]

I came across this review. Unfortunately does not favor the monograph

http://diehardgamefan.com/2013/01/25...ll-of-cthulhu/

[Max_Writer]

Thanks Skyman.

It's a fair review and he does point out the weaknesses of the book fairly accurately, I think. I did repeat some of the information so that each of the scenarios could stand on its own if need be. As a Keeper, I generally tend to photocopy whatever scenario I'm running so that I can write on it or highlight sections or do whatever I want in order to make it easier to run. I wanted the different scenarios, though they generally take place in the same vicinity, to reflect that - each of them to be able to stand on their own. Sounds like, from this review, that was a mistake of judgment on my part.

[Skyman]

Thanks Skyman.

It's a fair review and he does point out the weaknesses of the book fairly accurately, I think. I did repeat some of the information so that each of the scenarios could stand on its own if need be. As a Keeper, I generally tend to photocopy whatever scenario I'm running so that I can write on it or highlight sections or do whatever I want in order to make it easier to run. I wanted the different scenarios, though they generally take place in the same vicinity, to reflect that - each of them to be able to stand on their own. Sounds like, from this review, that was a mistake of judgment on my part.

Yeah sorry. Despite how rough he was on it I thought you (others) might want to see it. I also think the review has certain limits, as in most reviews, since it was not played tested through and makes the assumption of how players may react to the content (kinda like a movie review). i think your blog may offer a grounded perspective in that matter.

[Max_Writer]

Please don't apologize. He was quite fair in the review and I'm glad you posted this.

It wasn't an "it's a terrible product" review and he gave me a thumbs in the middle, which is better than a thumbs down. I have plans for another monograph (one with several different scenarios, none of them connected - which would definitely NOT have any repeated material) sometime in the future (hopefully). And he liked two of the four scenarios as well as the background material on the area. I'll take his criticisms to heart and try to make the next one better.

[Skyman]

Please don't apologize. He was quite fair in the review and I'm glad you posted this.

It wasn't an "it's a terrible product" review and he gave me a thumbs in the middle, which is better than a thumbs down. I have plans for another monograph (one with several different scenarios, none of them connected - which would definitely NOT have any repeated material) sometime in the future (hopefully). And he liked two of the four scenarios as well as the background material on the area. I'll take his criticisms to heart and try to make the next one better.

You are COOL, man!

[vonkeitz]

I agree; it's a fair review on the balance. However, I personally feel the up-front "bottomline" is on the harsh side given the actual review that follows. Still, I expect your next offering will be that much better. Heck, maybe I can help edit it. That is what I do professionally...

[Max_Writer]

I will take you up on that vonkeitz. I was the only editor of my own work (I know - a mistake and one that will be rectified in the future). I, also, have edited for a living, working for a daily newspaper for 10 years at one point.

Thanks Skyman. I don't know about being cool, but when I worked for the Bryan Times, I was also the theater critic and can respect constructive and honest criticism (something I was not allowed to give - I was not allowed to write anything negative in my reviews - believe it or not). In actuality, I'd rather someone read this and decide not to buy the product rather than buy it and be disappointed enough to never buy anything with my name (or Chaosium's) on it ever again. Of course, I'd rather people read it and decide to buy the product with great hope and then enjoy it.

SPOILERS:

I've uploaded the audio of Return to Yellow Buck Mountain from when I ran it at MACE 2011. This was a fantastic group who played it (some of them even turning on each other during the course of play). Fun role playing and a great time for me to run, though the room is again a little loud and we ran over the alotted time slightly. The audio can be found here:

http://community.roleplayingpublicra...buck-mountain/

[Skyman]

I was also the theater critic and can respect constructive and honest criticism (something I was not allowed to give - I was not allowed to write anything negative in my reviews - believe it or not). In actuality, I'd rather someone read this and decide not to buy the product rather than buy it and be disappointed enough to never buy anything with my name (or Chaosium's) on it ever again. Of course, I'd rather people read it and decide to buy the product with great hope and then enjoy it.

Well that is what I find cool about you.

My own personal view about reviews is that I have to take a grain of salt when reviews tell me to not buy or go ahead and buy books. I have been burnt listening to reviewers that told me not to get something for x, y and z. Only to find out later that it was something I would really like or find useful despite x, y, and z. Likewise I have had people review stuff as if it was made of gold only to be deeply disappointed.

[vonkeitz]

It would be my pleasure Max-Writer. You know how to get hold of me. Perhaps you could do the same for me? I do plan on trying to publish one or more of my better adventures...and most any written document can benefit from additional perspective. Substantive down to copyediting.

[Max_Writer]

Agreed Skyman.

Yes, vonkeitz, I have done editing before for product and found it went well. Call on me for help and a second set of eyes. I'm not afraid to put in my two cents.

Still waiting anxiously for my comp copies. Looking forward to seeing it in print.

[Max_Writer]

SPOILERS:

I've uploaded the audio of The Wizard of Wilson Creek from when I ran it at MACE 2011. I only had one player but, of course, you can play CoC with just one player. I opted to make one of the other pregens an NPC so he'd have a little backup. The audio can be found here:

http://community.roleplayingpublicra...-wilson-creek/