September 7, 2024: 8-Bit Music Theory

One of the first musical genres that caught my attention as a kid was soundtracks/film scores. I've always been fascinated by the way composers work with directors to give a movie an overall feel, as well as adding tension or depth to individual scenes. This interest deepened when I was introduced to Final Fantasy VII, my first RPG of any sort. It has a sweeping score that includes numerous leitmotifs and a surprising amount of depth for a first generation Playstation game. (Yes, I'm old.)

If you also enjoy video game soundtracks, then you'll definitely want to check out the YouTube channel 8-Bit Music Theory. Hosted by a music fan with a deep knowledge of how (and why) music works, this channel is a must-view for people who want to learn more about their favorite gaming tunes. I'm an especially big fan of his videos about Castlevania and the above-mentioned Final Fantasy VII, but . . .

[more]

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September 6, 2024: You Unleashed WHAT, Son?!?

Here's another "pulled from the headlines" item for modern RPGs . . . A four-year-old broke a Bronze Age jar in a museum.

File off the serial numbers and use a similar premise in your own campaign. Was the millennia-old vessel used for wine or olive oil – or to store Something Else that may have been let loose onto an unsuspecting world? Sounds like a great hook for a GURPS Monster Hunters adventure . . .

-- Steven Marsh

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September 5, 2024: Join The Army Of Dorkness To Fight Food Insecurity

Munchkin illustrator John Kovalic will be hitting the road once again, this time to support the FairShare CSA Coalition. This unique non-profit supports community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms in John's home state of Wisconsin as well as helping low-income households access fresh produce through their Partner Shares Program. Their annual Bike the Barns event is the largest fundraiser for FairShare CSA Coalition and the Partner Shares Program.

This year marks the 12th time that John has participated in this event, and a quick glance at his team page (appropriately titled Duck the Barns!) shows that he hasn't lost any of his enthusiasm over the years. But then, it's easy to see why – his fans, also known as the Army of Dorkness, have helped him raise over $205,000 in that time frame. That's a lot of fresh fruits and veggies for people in need!

Bike the Barns doesn't begin . . .

[more]

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September 4, 2024: Chex Mix Is Easy, Actually

I remember growing up thinking that Chex Mix was a real pain in the keister – like, a once-a-year kind of treat. Turns out, life's moved pretty fast, and my preconceived notions from last millennium are outdated. It's actually really easy.

You can check out (see what I did there?) the recipe from their website. But, basically, the two big differences from my earlier days of snack-making are:

1) Microwave. Seriously, it seems to turn out as good as the oven-baked stuff, and it's a boatload easier. Provided you have a microwave-safe bowl that's big enough to hold about 12 cups of stuff, and a microwave able to hold said bowl, you should be in good shape. Personally, I use two such bowls to make it easier to mix while heating. (Every two minutes or so, I just kind of toss around the cooking snack mix between the two bowls, to "stir" it easily.)

2) Don't care about ingredients. Honestly, no . . . [more]

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September 3, 2024: Andrew C. Greenberg

Andrew C. Greenberg, co-creator of the Wizardry computer-game series with Robert Woodhead, passed away on August 30, per a Facebook post by Woodward.

The Wizardry series was incredibly significant in bringing the tabletop hack-and-slash experience to home computers. This was especially true in Japan, where that early floppy-based game heavily influenced classic releases such as Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. Originally made for the Apple II computer, the series began with Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. Those seeking a contemporary perspective on that first Wizardry game can check out a review in Space Gamer #46.

Andrew is also immortalized in the game series itself as the adversary Werdna (get it?) in Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord and as the protagonist of 1987's Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna – one of the first computer RPGs to put the player in the role of a . . . [more]

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Previous Illuminators • Steve's Appearance Schedule

Joseph Stalin must take the avenging ostrich from headquarters. September 7, 2024: 8-Bit Music Theory One of the first musical genres that caught my attention as a kid was soundtracks/film scores. I've always been fascinated by the way composers work with directors to give a movie an overall feel, as well as adding tension or depth to individual scenes. This interest deepened when I was introduced to Final Fantasy VII, my first RPG of any sort. It has a sweeping score that includes numerous leitmotifs and a surprising amount of depth for a first generation Playstation game. (Yes, I'm old.) If you also enjoy video game soundtracks, then you'll definitely want to check out the YouTube channel 8-Bit Music Theory. Hosted by a music fan with a deep knowledge of how (and why) music works, this channel is a must-view for people who want to learn more about their favorite gaming tunes. I'm an especially big fan of his videos about Castlevania and the above-mentioned Final Fantasy VII, but . . . [more] Share this post! September 6, 2024: You Unleashed WHAT, Son?!? Here's another "pulled from the headlines" item for modern RPGs . . . A four-year-old broke a Bronze Age jar in a museum. File off the serial numbers and use a similar premise in your own campaign. Was the millennia-old vessel used for wine or olive oil – or to store Something Else that may have been let loose onto an unsuspecting world? Sounds like a great hook for a GURPS Monster Hunters adventure . . . -- Steven Marsh Share this post! September 5, 2024: Join The Army Of Dorkness To Fight Food Insecurity Munchkin illustrator John Kovalic will be hitting the road once again, this time to support the FairShare CSA Coalition. This unique non-profit supports community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms in John's home state of Wisconsin as well as helping low-income households access fresh produce through their Partner Shares Program. Their annual Bike the Barns event is the largest fundraiser for FairShare CSA Coalition and the Partner Shares Program. This year marks the 12th time that John has participated in this event, and a quick glance at his team page (appropriately titled Duck the Barns!) shows that he hasn't lost any of his enthusiasm over the years. But then, it's easy to see why – his fans, also known as the Army of Dorkness, have helped him raise over $205,000 in that time frame. That's a lot of fresh fruits and veggies for people in need! Bike the Barns doesn't begin . . . [more] Share this post! September 4, 2024: Chex Mix Is Easy, Actually I remember growing up thinking that Chex Mix was a real pain in the keister – like, a once-a-year kind of treat. Turns out, life's moved pretty fast, and my preconceived notions from last millennium are outdated. It's actually really easy. You can check out (see what I did there?) the recipe from their website. But, basically, the two big differences from my earlier days of snack-making are: 1) Microwave. Seriously, it seems to turn out as good as the oven-baked stuff, and it's a boatload easier. Provided you have a microwave-safe bowl that's big enough to hold about 12 cups of stuff, and a microwave able to hold said bowl, you should be in good shape. Personally, I use two such bowls to make it easier to mix while heating. (Every two minutes or so, I just kind of toss around the cooking snack mix between the two bowls, to "stir" it easily.) 2) Don't care about ingredients. Honestly, no . . . [more] Share this post! September 3, 2024: Andrew C. Greenberg Andrew C. Greenberg, co-creator of the Wizardry computer-game series with Robert Woodhead, passed away on August 30, per a Facebook post by Woodward. The Wizardry series was incredibly significant in bringing the tabletop hack-and-slash experience to home computers. This was especially true in Japan, where that early floppy-based game heavily influenced classic releases such as Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. Originally made for the Apple II computer, the series began with Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. Those seeking a contemporary perspective on that first Wizardry game can check out a review in Space Gamer #46. Andrew is also immortalized in the game series itself as the adversary Werdna (get it?) in Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord and as the protagonist of 1987's Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna – one of the first computer RPGs to put the player in the role of a . . . [more] Share this post! Previous Illuminators • Steve's Appearance Schedule		Latest Videos You are the 891st (CENSORED) here today. (30042986 since August 1, 1995)