Episode 7 of Dead Men Driving has battled its way back from the holidays, travel and sickness to bring you the best Kommute Kast yet! Hear about the Kobold Song, what makes anti-social gamers tick, and listen to a brilliant tactical usage of popcorn, cotton candy, and a Flying Dutchman in the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
Here's a list of honorable mentions on today's podcast:
Atypical Survival Question of the Day - a blast from the past - INVISIBLE STALKER!!
Comment below - tell us how YOU would deal with being STALKED by an....er....INVISIBLE STALKER (there's one lurking on this page!!) in the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
Use the controls below to play the podcast, download below, or snag our podcast RSS Feed!
This female elf is graceful and moves between the tables, without ever touching them or the customers, as if she had done this all of her life. Eliasha has long brown hair, often braided, easily revealing her elven heritage. Her eyes are like twin moons, strong blue and shine brightly with hope. Working in the Rowdy Goblin, she wears a simple and useful outfit, but her sensuous curves are easily sensed between the clothes.
Female elf bard 1 (CR 1)
NG Medium humanoid Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Listen +5, Spot +4 Languages Crownspeak, Atolain, Afayim
AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10 hp 5 (1 HD) Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +3 Speed 30 ft. (6 squares) Melee silvered dagger -1 (1d4-2/19-20) Base Atk +0; Grp -1 Special Actions bardic music 1/day, inspire courage +1, fascinate 1 creature, countersong Bard Spells Known (CL 1st):
0 (2/day) – Dancing Lights, Flare (DC 12), Lullaby (DC 12), Prestidigitation Abilities Str 9, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 14 SQ bardic knowledge +1, elven traits Feats Agile Background Feats Entertainer (perform/dance), Misdirection, Moondancer Skills Balance +6, Bluff +6, Concentration +3, Craft (weaving) +5, Diplomacy +4, Escape Artist +5, Listen +5, Perform (dance) +7, Perform (sing) +5, Search +3, Sense Motive +3, Sleight of Hand +4, Spellcraft +1, Spot +4 Lore Arcana +2, Art (poems) +3, Art +1, Dragons +1, Geography (northern realms) +3, Geography +2, History +2, Legends +4, Local (Crown) +2, Nature +4 Possessions artisan’s outfit, silvered dagger, 15sc
Eliasha is no native elf of Crown, but instead grew up in the northern realm of Alar Damarr’i, daughter of a ranger and a sorceress. It was a life of hide and seek, always moving underground, but when her mother was killed fighting a Whitewing Scout, her father told Eliasha to journey south, to Crown. He gave her the food she would need, a single gemstone and the name of an old friend, Eltain Swordbearer. She was to seek out Eltain at a small tavern called the Rowdy Goblin and present him with the gemstone. If Eliasha could manage that, her future would be sealed and she would be given a good life within the protective walls of Crown. Of course, the young bard hated leaving her family behind, but had never before defied her father. She was followed on her way by a small group of elven rangers until the lands were safe enough for her to travel on her own.
In Crown, Eliasha found that she enjoyed civilized life, and even though she was forced to work hard for her father’s old friend, she would not trade it for anything. Being a Moondancer, she often performs at the tavern, inspiring the customers, who will often come back to see her. Eltain has taken her into his heart and will go far to protect her, even if it means drawing his old magical blade that loves the taste of blood.
Tactics
The silvered dagger that Eliasha carries, was a gift to her from Eltain. At the start of any battle, the bard draws her dagger as if her life depended on it. She is not very skilled in its use, but fights with great heart. If in company of friends, Eliasha will sometimes sing to inspire their courage, but not always.
In My Campaign...
In many ways, Eliasha started my first Crown campaign. She was introduced as Eltain's ward, and within a few hours, the Rowdy Goblin was overrun with wererats who all seemed to have only one thing on their mind...to capture Eliasha and drag her into the sewers. The PCs heard muffled wounds from out back, but before they had the chance to act, a few disguised wererats attacked them in the common room, hoping to distract them. I admit it, I had underestimated the PCs and within a few rounds, all of them charged into the back, chasing the remaining wererats away. Eltain was angry that he had not been there, but grateful for the PCs help. As long as he ruled the Rowdy Goblin, they could eat there free of charge...they would still have to pay for the drink, though!
New Feat:
Moondancer (Racial)
You have mastered the art of moondancing, revering the ancient Goddess of the Moon. Requirements: Bard 1st, elf Benefit: When the moon is full, you gain 3 additional uses of bardic music. However, you can only use these when dancing underneath the moon, bathed in its silverish light.
WOO HOO! Episode 6 of Dead Men Driving, served up piping hot! Sit back and enjoy our pre-Thanksgiving podcast - just as delicious as turkey, but with NONE of the calories! Today, we were dropping Nathan off at the airport and we chatted about what's going on with Project Epic (the veil is beginning to lift) as well as relayed some travel stories from our past (it being one of the most travel-heavy times of the year and all...). And, of course, no episode of DMD would be complete without the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
Here's a list of honorable mentions on today's podcast:
The 5th episode of Dead Men Driving is here! We know you've been waiting with baited breath for it - so wait no more! Today we discussed the demise of Saturday morning TV and lamented the loss of cartoons with story; we examined the strange, shadowy presence that may be overtaking Gen Con and revealed a mind-numbing Thanksgiving horror on the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
Here's a list of honorable mentions on today's podcast:
Dead Men Driving, Episode 4 is now on the interwebs and ready for consumption! While we didn't plan it (as DMD is live and unscripted), this episode turned out to be movie-media heavy! We started out talking about Hellboy II and wound up touching on The Hobbit, meaning to refer to Pan's Labyrinth, and winding up with Transformers (both old and new). Come along with two of the Wandering Men as they commute to work (i.e. the Kommute-kast) and let us know what you think - give us some feedback in the comments below! Don't forget to tell us how you would deal with the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
Thanks to our listener California Dreamin' for giving us today's AWESOME Atypical Survival Question!
Here's a list of honorable mentions on today's podcast:
Comment below - tell us how YOU would deal with being full of ENERGON and being chased by a hungry MEGATRON in the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
(more...)
That's right - we've just posted Episode 3 of Dead Men Driving - woo hoo! This morning, on our "commute-cast", we tackled the growing issue of our down-turning economy and how it might effect the gaming community with our normal tongue-in-cheek banter. Also, we discussed hiking the Pinhoti and Appalachian trails, explained the difference between thru-hiking and stop-and-go hiking. Of course, we must not forget to mention the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
Here's a list of honorable mentions on today's podcast:
ICV2.com - excellent resource for what's going on in the gaming industry - from every angle!
Hiking Alabama - Lee Van Horn's excellent resource on hiking in Alabama, esp. the Pinhoti
Yesterday was a day filled with BEER! And the festivities started at 3 pm. Before you think I am a drunkard, let me essplain, ossifer.
I was introduced to a fun and quirky thing called Hashing. It is actually an international past time: "Hash House Harriers is an international group of social, non-competitive running, social, and drinking clubs." (Wikipedia) As I was told: "we're a drinking club with a running problem."
The core idea: one of the members plays the hare and they mark a trail that the pack, the rest of the participants, have to follow. The trail is often challenging: it winds through random fields, down rail road tracks, over fences, under bridges, and through woods. And the trail usually has a few false leads to confuse and waylay the pack.
What's the point of this funny excursion? Is it to get out and run and enjoy the great day? Well yes, but it is also about the BEER. At the end of the hash all of the hashers gather to drink and go through a lot of off-kilter administrivia that involves mandatory drinking and singing lewd songs. For example, the theme of this run was "back to school," and because I forgot my theme I had to sit on a block of ice and drink cheap bear from a bed pan. I also had to drink because I was the new guy, and because I had another minor "infraction."
So now some of you are asking yourselves, "why would anyone do this?" My only answer is that it takes all kinds. I'm "that guy" that enjoys the off-kilter nature and the open revelry of the event.
Besides hashing, I also went to the opening party for a brewery in Huntsville, and then followed that up with a friend's birthday/going away party. It was a great Saturday chalked full of good times and BEER!
I spent a few hours exploring the back roads of Huntsville on my bike today. I've been away for almost two weeks, and I felt I needed to get reacquainted. 32.4 miles later, I'd love to take a nap, but I figured it would be better to put my thoughts first.
I haven't had Wanderer (my bike) for very long, and I definitely haven't had the opportunity to ride it as much as I'd like. Thus, every time I take it out it is a learning experience. Wanderer is a long wheel base recumbent bicycle, that means it handles differently than a traditional diamond frame bike.
Namely, the bike is right around 6 ft long, and because the wheel is way out in front, the steering is very sensitive. The slightest touch can create a foot of travel, and this creates a unique challenge at slow speeds, particularly when climbing hills. Because you're in a reclined position on a recumbent, you can't stand up in the pedals when climbing, or throw your body about to keep the bike on track. Instead, you're just supposed to drop into a lower gear and spin the pedals. Now Wanderer has a great low gear, I can climb a 10 percent grade with little effort, but my speed drops drastically.
What happens when you're vigorously pedaling a recumbent with sensitive steering up a hill at a crawl? If you're not skilled at steering, you wander up the hill like a drunken buffalo. Today, on two of the hills (they call them mountains here, but I've lived in Cali and I'm not going to insult the Sierra Nevada range) I traveled six feet into the lane before I could correct myself. That made life interesting with traffic (and it undoubtedly made me very popular). Luckily, it was Sunday morning, so traffic was light, and I pulled off to the side when the cars bunched up behind me. And, even though I was on a steep hill, thanks to my low gear, I was able to hop right back on and easily start pedaling again to continue my wobbling ascent.
Now, I know I've said some disparaging things about my recumbent, and I still have my concerns, but it has a lot of great aspects too. Once I crested the hills and hit high gear coming down, my eyes were watering from the speed, and I let out numerous "WAHOOOO!"s as I banked into curves. And, I spent 32 miles on the bike and nothing is rubbed raw or aches (well besides my weak legs, but they'll learn soon enough). I've put a lot of miles on my mountain bike and I've always had a problem with numb hands, shoulder and back aches, and most importantly sore areas that are very personal to me.
Take my account/review with a dash of salt - I have only put ~ 200 miles on my bicycle, but it is just the beginning. I strive to learn and improve, and down the road, I expect to have more to say about riding a recumbent. I just wish I had a trike to compare it too as well!
I ordered a new bicycle, and after ~5 weeks it finally arrived on Tuesday! I took a few hours off of work to play bike mechanic.
What did I get? Well scroll on...
Those are some big boxes for a bicycle.
It was buried under a lot of cardboard and paper packing material, but Wanderer, my new bike, waited patiently.
Some assembly may be required...
The few tools that would accomplish the job.
Shortly after I took the last two pictures I sat on the floor with the front fork in my hands staring at the instructions without really comprehending. I told myself more than once "not to panic," and "just look at it logically - it's a puzzle." I knew the engineer was within me somewhere. I just had to find him hidden amongst the cabinets full of account books and towering piles of administrivia. But find him I did.
Wow, that's a long frame...
Don't mind the improvised bike stand and please ignore the mess. Yes, that is my mountain bike in the background. It was a good subject for comparison, and it never got jealous.
Two hours after I started, the rain had cleared and I finished assembling Wanderer - it was fortuitous. Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to my new ride to work and traveling companion.
Wanderer is a Long Wheel Base (LWB) recumbent bicycle. At over 5 feet long and 35 pounds, it isn't dainty, but you should feel how plush the ride is!
My new bike arrived last night! I had a lot of fun putting it together in my living room because it was pouring outside. I have pictures to share, but those will have to wait for when I have a little more time to tell the tale.
My life is crammed full right now. I'm working overtime at the 6:30 to 5:30, and once I get home I'm back to the grindstone thanks to Project Epic. Plus I have Project Errant demanding my attention.
Do I need more? Apparently so, because I'm slated to go to Boston, Los Angeles, and Connecticut in the next two weeks.
From high enough up, an anvil looks like a raindrop.
Here's a list of honorable mentions on today's podcast:
Subscribe!
Here's a list of honorable mentions on today's podcast:
Here's a list of honorable mentions on today's podcast:
Dead Men Driving, Episode 4 is now on the interwebs and ready for consumption! While we didn't plan it (as DMD is live and unscripted), this episode turned out to be movie-media heavy! We started out talking about Hellboy II and wound up touching on The Hobbit, meaning to refer to Pan's Labyrinth, and winding up with Transformers (both old and new). Come along with two of the Wandering Men as they commute to work (i.e. the Kommute-kast) and let us know what you think - give us some feedback in the comments below! Don't forget to tell us how you would deal with the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
That's right - we've just posted Episode 3 of Dead Men Driving - woo hoo! This morning, on our "commute-cast", we tackled the growing issue of our down-turning economy and how it might effect the gaming community with our normal tongue-in-cheek banter. Also, we discussed hiking the Pinhoti and Appalachian trails, explained the difference between thru-hiking and stop-and-go hiking. Of course, we must not forget to mention the Atypical Survival Question of the Day!
