Inspiration: Conan #1 (Marvel 2019)

Just released this January is issue #1 of Marvel's new run of Conan.  For the last 15 years, Dark Horse Comics told the tales of our favorite Cimmerian and (IMHO) published some of the best Conan work outside of REH's original works. They lost the license and it transferred to Marvel this year. So the house that Spidey built is charting a new course.

During the original Marvel run of Conan, I devoured every issue of the Savage Sword of Conan Magazine I could get my hands on--but the regular comic run of Conan? meh.

So here is issue #1 of the new Marvel regular series and its story crosses 3 different time lines in our favorite barbarian's life: Birth + Young barbarian + King Conan all in the same story.  Is it successful? Kind of.

Granted it is one issue and the story line clearly is going to continue to build, so it is hard to judge in one issue. The set-up creates the opportunity for Marvel to use any time in the Barbarian's wanderings for stories long term. The Young Barbarian section was great and good inspiration for an adventure but the other sections of the story--I guess we will wait and see.  So at $5 for an issue can I say rush out and buy it? Nope.  I'd suggest you wait for the inevitable collection of the first 4 or 6 issues and buy that because as an intro to Crom's finest its a bit of a miss, especially when compared to the Dark Horse issue #0 prelude and issue #1.

I give it 3 cleaved foes out of 5, promising but not yet savage.

BLADES unsheathed

Well I am happy to say my own copies arrived and considering all the work time and effort that went into it, I am very happy to see the results.

I talked a bit about making a "BLADES boxed set"--and using some bits and pieces here is what mine looks like. If you make your own I'd love to see it!

 I checked and my measurements were correct, 2 BLADES books fit in the box which means BLADES (and when completed) BLACK MAGIC books will BOTH fit in the same box with dice!!  The pencils and note cards will not, but still--it will make a crazy super fine portable boxed set!

Picture from the wild

Well the first shot of a copy of BLADES in the wild comes courtesy of Rick Hull. He snapped it compared to his iPhone for size comparison! In addition he snapped a picture of BLADES alongside some its inspirations for size comparison.

Per Rick, in case you have misgivings because it is pocket book sized, he confirmed it is easy to read.

 Sean Wills got his copy and said, 
"it's easily readable and well set out. I like the addition of the archetypes, the adventure concepts, Tomb of Ice is like a romp from some thrift store early 70s S&S paperback with sci-fantasy bits , the setting details what you need - all gameable stuff. It's an ideal beginners game but it has all that scope for cool tactical stuff and interaction with a vibrant setting - a job well done" I am grateful for Rick sharing the pic and Sean's kind comments after a first look.

Looking forward to getting my own copies soon! You can get yours here!

Deal on BLADES

Have not ordered BLADES yet? Well LULU has 15% off code right now to make the $9.99 price even cheaper!

Save 15% On Print Products

Use Code ONEFIVE during checkout

Offer expires January 10 2019

FROSTCRAWL

With BLADES available now, my work is turned towards completing FROSTCRAWL. This will be a free PDF download hexcrawl for use with Heroes & Other Worlds  or Blades & Black Magic set in a mountainous/ cold setting.

The map I am using has 441 hexes to explore... (21x21) I am thinking about trying to make an entry for every hex--even if its not an actual "event location"  Something like

G14: Heavily forested with fog wisps winding between the trunks of ancient evergreens.

There will be included charts for random finds.  A 1 in 6 chance with every hex explored.

Any thoughts or feedback on what makes a good hexcrawl usable for you is welcome!

The work continues...  

AVAILABLE NOW!

Well a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours!  If your goal is to spend more quality time slaying the minions of evil? The you may need BLADES!  Available for order now @ $9.99 USD each!

There are two different covers to choose from! Why two different covers? Because who doesn't like choices! Be Aware: The book content is the same regardless of cover chosen. 

Thanks for your patience as this has taken far longer than anticipated, but I think it will be worth the wait! PDF version will come later, I do not have time to make it happen right now.

No Kickstarter needed, just hard work, patience and humble efforts from a fellow player like yourself. I hope that you will spread the word and share the news on your sites, blogs, tweets, facebook, carrier pigeons or wherever else you may roam.  Wherever you go, just make sure to pack BLADES along with you! Thanks for your support!