Monday, March 16, 2026

Getting ready to run Vaesen.

 

Well I've wrapped up my short four session stint back into my Cyberpunk 2020 campaign. Putting the Church of the Righteous Hand in a position to really alter the future of Night City if they choose to do so. But it will be a while before we get back to that. Most likely it's going to be a campaign I bring back a couple times a year for a few sessions. 

So the next game I will be running is going to be Vaesen from Free League Publishing. Ever since I saw it on the shelves at my FLGS it had my interest. But it wasn't until I got to play in a game at DieCon last year that I finally decided to take the plunge and buy the game. But there's a lot to take in and I couldn't quite figure out where to start. 

So finally they came out with a Starter Set and I picked that up.

Told my group I will be running the starter using the pregenerated characters. That way they get a feel for the system and setting a little bit before making their own characters. Then after that I'll be running the published adventures straight out of the various campaign books. 

I'm excited to run it. My group is excited to play it. So it's going to be fun. If I can just finish wrapping my head around the starter kit by next Sunday. 



Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Changes and getting to the new normal.

 


Well it's been a bit since my last blog post. But there have been some changes in my life that occurred and I've been rather busy with that. So let's get into a few details here.

I work for a FLGS (Friendly Local Game Shop) and have done so for almost four years. The name of the place is Aesop's Treasury Books and Games. It's a job I took because I could no longer do factory work due to how badly Covid affected my lungs. The owner had been my friend long before he owned the store, he even officiated my wedding, so when I needed work he helped me out. In turn I found a job that really worked for me. 

Well eventually his store had outgrown the space it was in. So last October he found a new location but it needed a lot of work. I began doing some more hours at the shop so he could be over there getting it done. When I had time I also dropped by the new space and helped move debris, give my opinion on things and help set up fixtures. 

January we closed the old shop and moved everything in six days. I never want to do that again. It was a nonstop run to get it all moved over, reset, adjusted and ready to go by opening. Even then we had things that hadn't got done. Also a new part time employee was hired to help out. We opened the doors on January 21st. 

We were hopeful for a good boost in business. We exceeded expectations. Our new employee got a trial by fire on a grand opening day that was extremely busy. It's been going very well ever since.

So now we were dealing with ordering and checking in a LOT more product than usual while dealing with a LOT more customers coming through the door. It's been quite a task that's for sure. Which meant extra hours and more mental exhaustion than I had been previously used to. 

With GAMA coming up the owner thought about skipping it this year because of how busy we were. I advised him not to as did several others. Every year he finds some great new stuff at the show and brings it into the store. So he went and we all worked a lot extra that week. But he came back with some great stuff, a lot of new things on order and some new, much needed, connections for our supply chain.

So I was offered a promotion. Given the title of 'General Manager' and, unlike most other places I worked for, I got good pay raise with that title. Also I'll be working full time now, have the ability to make orders, and we'll be getting another part time person or two coming in over the next month or so. This job is the first one I ever that I actually, honestly, enjoyed. I'm happy to see it has grown this much and the owner has taken me along with it. 

With all this going on I was just pretty mentally and physically taxed. Which is why I stopped blogging for a bit. But now that things are a bit more settled down, or at least I'm more used to the level they are at, I should be doing more once again. Starting with doing some more content for this blog and working on the next release for Truly Rural. 




Monday, February 2, 2026

90% of D&D discourse is BS


This is some top shelf Jaded Gamer worthy stuff right here. Two thumbs up. 

Monday, January 26, 2026

Be A Better Player Updated

 


I updated 'Be A Better Player' just a bit. Added in some new pics and improved the layout a little. Put the 100% Human logo on the front as well as the copper medal the book has earned. It's over on DrivethruRPG and if you bought the original you can just download this version for free as I just added it to the original listing. 

I should have a few more blog posts starting to roll out in this next week as we're finally done moving the FLGS that I work at. Along with some amazingly busy first days there. The move has been nothing but an improvement for Aesop's Treasury that's for sure. 

Monday, January 19, 2026

Slow down in posts

 


I'll be slowing down on posts here for a week or two. Mainly due to my job. I work at a very well stocked FLGS that also does used books. I love my job. The owner has decided to pick up and move the store to a much MUCH better location. I'm all on board with this. Now when I say very well stocked, I'm not exaggerating. This has turned out to be a monumental effort and we still have a lot to do by reopening day this coming Wednesday.

Also judging by the number of folks who've been coming up to the door asking if we're open and just to see what was going in... yeah we're going to be really busy the first few weeks. 

Most of my posts for the last week I had done already. Now I have several half done ideas and I'm to wore out to finish them. So I won't be getting many up for a bit. The owner has hired another person but they still need to be trained. 

Just also really happy to see the store grow and get better. I've been there for three years. I've known the owner for decades. He officiated my wedding. Seeing the business he started eight years ago growing and getting better is awesome. 

I'll probably do a post of pics of the shop when it's done and I get the chance as well.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Cyberpunk - Nicotine Injection Implant

 


Because every runner has their bad habits. So why not make those bad habits as cyber as possible?


Nicotine Injection Implant


A small circular implant that can be place nearly anywhere. Although most have it on their arms or abdomen. This implant has a shallow port that can be loaded with disposable nicotine ‘shots’. Once a shot is in place the implant releases it into your system be simply double tapping the top of the implant or via a signal.

The look of the port can vary. With the very basic level being a small plastic circle of whatever color you choose. Next up is one that blends in with your skin so it isn’t seen. After that you can go with various metals and designer looks. As with most things the more you spend the higher the quality.

The shots themselves also have some options. From cheap plastic capsules up to metal refillable or designer looks. You can also pay for different levels of nicotine concentration. Some backroom places offer shots loaded with other chemicals, usually illegal ones, that look like normal nicotine ones.

There is also nothing from stopping you from getting multiple implants so you can really get that fix when you need it.


Or you could just go totally retro and smoke cigarettes.


Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Cyberpunk - Ten adult themed shops

 


Sex sells, in the chrome wrapped future of beauty outside and rot inside it sells A LOT. Here is a list of ten shop names that specialize to folks who have the creds to spend on it.

Various adult themed shops.

1 – Slaps or Tickles Kink Emporium

2 – Virtual Pleasure Center

3 – Soft and Chrome

4 – Adult Enhancements llc

5 – Long Distance Relationship Accessories

6 – Dress Up Your Dolly

7 – Adult Video Archive

8 – Discrete Hourly Lodging

9 – Gender Obsessions

10 – Digital Chastity Life




Tuesday, January 13, 2026

That Blog Over There - Musing About Adventures in Classical Editions Play

 


This time I'm pointing out a blog that has recently been restarted. Ezra West ran a blog for quite some time before calling it quits for a bit. But now he's back and in the saddle once again. What it looks like we're in for is more discussions about adventures in older editions of some of the classic games. Personally I look forward to this. 

So check out "Musings About Adventures In Classical Editions Play" even if you can't remember the entire name of the blog from time to time. It'll be worth it. 


Monday, January 12, 2026

Ten things found in an ICE agents pockets


Well here you go. You know it's true.


Things found in an ICE Agents pockets

1 – Package of extra small condoms.

2 – A pamphlet on how to get by in life with a microsized penis.

3 – Their KKK membership card.

4 – A pocket copy of Mein Khampf.

5 – A well licked picture of Donald Trumps asshole.

6 – Note for their doctors appointment for their rectal prolapse.

7 – A receipt from when they bought a case of adult diapers.

8 – Medical diagnosis for suffering from ‘chronic masturbator’s hand cramp’.

9 – Their swastika armband for their after hours meetings.

10 – Medal for being a pussy ass bitch.


In case there is any misunderstanding here let me just be clear:

FUCK ICE 

Show them no quarter.






Sunday, January 11, 2026

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Things to find in a street kids pockets.


Time for another search of some dead souls pockets in a cyberpunk future. Or maybe you are just searching one who's still alive. But we all know which one is more likely.


Things to find in a street kids pockets.

1 – A one use security signal jammer. Lasts for a D10 x 10 seconds then needs a recharge.

2 – Universal charging ring. Has several different ports so it can be plugged in anywhere.

3 – A D6 of protein sticks held together with a rubber band.

4 – A reusable air hypo and a few CO2 packs to power it.

5 – Graphic intense face mask with built in goggles.

6 – Well worn folding multi-tool.

7 – Water purifier tabs.

8 – Small ‘hand can’ of luminescent spray paint.

9 – Neon 3D printed whistle, very loud when blown.

10 – Pair of fingerless gloves with metal studs along the knuckles.





Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Magic Items - Automatic Candle Snuffers



Automatic candle snuffers. I didn't know these existed until a few years ago. They have been around for quite some time as well. So of course we need some of these with magical effects. 

Automatic Candle Snuffers

1 – A sleep spell is cast when the candle is snuffed.

2 – Creates a sphere of silence when it closes that lasts for four hours.

3 – A one use snuffer that activates a fireball spell stored inside when it closes. Of course it destroys itself in the process.

4 – Causes all other flames within twenty feet to extinguish when it closes.

5 – When open and on a candle it slows the burning process and doubles the candles burn time.

6 – When on a burning candle it purifies the air in the room.

7 – When on a burning candle it causes the light to be twice as bright without making it burn faster.

8 – Causes the candle it is on to burn with a wonderful scent that calms anyone in the same room.

9 – When a person lights the candle it is on everyone in the room is suddenly enthralled and will listen to anything they have to say while it burns.

10 – Will cause the candle to emit a toxic gas when it’s burning.






Tuesday, January 6, 2026

That Blog, Over There - These Old Games

 


It's that time of the week again. Where I try to point your attention over to another blog that out there on the net which I think deserves some attention. I mean, I prefer blogs over videos, guess I'm just old fashioned. 

This time it's the blog These Old Games which is ran by Phil Viverito. Lot's of old school material here to dig through. Plenty of descriptions, pictures, and all that good stuff. Some really quality material here. So please go check it out and let em know Peter Amthor sent you. 

As usual, if you know of any blogs I should check out please drop a link in the comments. 


Monday, January 5, 2026

Grave Robbers Inc

 


Grave Robbers Inc


Sometimes there are jobs that are necessary but are considered to unsavory for most people to do. One such job is exhuming the dead. Now there may be all sorts of reasons why you need a body dug up, ritual components, resurrection, feeding, whatever... but it's a dirty backbreaking job that just seems to have a bad taint about it. But there is a demand, so of course there are those willing to do the work. That's just what this little posse of losers has done. After being outcasts in a niche of society that is pretty much composed of outcasts these folks got together and carved out their own little pocket by doing what nobody else will do. No questions asked. For the right price.

Of course their prices aren't cheap but what's the alternative, doing it yourself? Nobody wants to do that. So as a base rate to pull a fresh body out of the ground and have it picked up at a location of their choosing you will pay an easy five grand. Add another grand for every week it's been buried. Add a grand if the customer chooses the pick up location. Tag on another two if they have to move the body from the transport and into a location. Just need specific parts of a body? Well that's a grand each.

These guys don't take plastic so be ready to pay cash in hand or bitcoin. On a very rare occasion they have been willing to do the deed for a trade. But whatever you are offering it had better be pretty valuable AND be something they really want.

One thing though, getting in touch with them isn't that tough. If you ask around the various occult circles enough you will hear about them and somebody will hand you a phone number. On the other end of that number will be the sweetest voice you’ve ever heard.


Significant NPC's


Tim Price, aka The Boss

Tim is from a long family line of morticians. He has all the education and apprenticeship necessary to follow that path as well. But he decided to spend some more time in college while chasing after lost bits of occult knowledge. While he possesses no magical or supernatural abilities himself he does know a great deal more than most others and has a nearly photographic memory to boot.

He's the one who started Grave Robbers Inc up. Having the know how and access to the equipment needed for the job put him in the position of being in charge.

Chrissy, aka The Voice

When you need to meet GRI to discuss business this is who you will talk to. All of five feet tall, dressed in black from head to toe with combat boots, she is the stereotype appearance of modern goth. Until she speaks. Her tone and inflection are perfect and anyone listening to her feels immediately at ease, calm and don't have an angry bone in their body. Some say she from a bloodline of muses, but nobody knows for sure. She may not even know herself.

Other members of the crew tend to vary. From a few outcasts just looking to earn some money on the side to jocks from the local college hoping to impress Chrissy. Just disposable guys to work the shovels and do the dirty work.


Artifacts of Note


Privacy Lantern. This appears to be an old turn of the century railway oil lantern. Very worn, dinged up and dented but still functional. When filled with oil, lit and a bit of magic is used it creates an optical illusion. Anything activity within the circle of light is rendered invisible from outside viewing. Used while digging up a grave so that casual passer by or a police patrol can't see the activity happening. This illusion is broken if the lantern is moved more than a few inches.

Piece of your Mind Pipe. This appears to be a long smoking pipe made to resemble a Native American 'peace pipe' or at least what they looked like on television. This is activated when a person loads the pipe up and lights then takes a puff while spending a bit of magic. Then when they hand it off to another and they take a hit that’s when the person who lit the thing says out a number of a days and the person will pass out. When they wake back up they will have forgotten most of the specified number of days. Only some very foggy and faint images will remain.


Story hooks.


If you have a group with player characters who are down on their luck and needing money well here is an option. Tim is always looking for a few good folks to do the heavy lifting. The more they know about the occult and supernatural goings on the more he’ll like them. So time to see if your players can handle a bit of graveyard desecration.

The Graverobbers have dug up the remains of somebody very important. Now there is a price on their head until the body is returned preferably intact. Maybe your group will be the ones hunting them down. Or maybe GRI is paying the characters to get the body back from the people who had them dig it up in the first place. Maybe they didn’t even dig it up in the first place and they are being framed.




Friday, January 2, 2026

Replicant Society Stress Triggers (old post)

 


How about a way back post. This is something that I originally posted fourteen years ago. Was working on a Blade Runner type of game called Replicant Society where the PC's where the replicants trying to survive and hide among the human population. I think somebody has already done something like that since then.

But still some of the ideas I had for stress triggers make me want to try and actually make a little mini game. Really rules light, more about handling stress and surviving in plain sight. Maybe one day. Anyways here's my original thoughts on the matter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Been hashing out some ideas for a game based on Blade Runner and the novel it was adapted from 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep'. Currently it's called Replicant Society and the players will be the Androids. This first little bit I posted over on my G+ stream. Might as well do a repost here.

Here are some quick ideas on stress triggers and android model types. This is all just ideas I've been writing down over the last couple of days.

One thing that androids do not have is a lifetime of experience. This is especially true in the area of the minds ability to handle stressful situations. Thus it become necessary to track the various types of stress that they are especially vulnerable to. Now some model types are more resistant to various types of stress than others. Now let's look at the four key stress triggers.

Socialization – This is the ability to handle constant social interaction with a variety of people in multiple situations.

Sexual Contact – The intimacy of sexual contact with a living being.

Combat – This is one stress trigger that androids tend to share with their human counterparts.

Emotional Crests – Intense amounts of any specific emotion. Be it fear, happiness, love.

Now the various model types are listed below. Each has specific triggers that they are more resistant while others they seem more susceptible to.

Administration – Resistant to Socialization.
Pleasure – Resistant to Sexual Contact and Socialization. Susceptible to Combat.
Combat – Resistant to Combat and Emotional Crests. Susceptible to Sexual Contact and Socialization.
Caregiver – Resistant to Emotional Crests and Socialization. Susceptible to Combat.
Labor – Neutral regard with all triggers.
Entertainment – Resistant to Socialization. Susceptible to Combat.



Thursday, January 1, 2026

Cyberpunk - Nano Handkerchief

 


Today I have a seemingly simple item that most higher up corporate folks wouldn't mind having in their pockets. It's always nice to have a health checkup whenever you need it. 


The Nano Handkerchief

Really a corpo things, most base level runners couldn’t afford it or wouldn’t bother paying for something like this. It appears to be a regular cloth handkerchief with a variety of possible of fabric types or designs on it. But it’s laced through with nano sized scanners that are linked back to a network.


Whenever it comes into contact with bodily fluids like spit or phlegm (or whatever others) the nano goes to work analyzing it. Searching for germs, viruses, signs of sickness and all that. The result are then fed back to the network and then passed on to the owner. All within a few seconds. Giving them a possible heads up on an oncoming illness, or even toxic exposure.


At the end of each day they are placed in a ‘cleaner box’. It’s a flat thin box made in the dimensions of the handkerchief so that it can be laid out flat inside. Then it safely removes all contaminants overnight without damaging the nanotech laced into the fabric.