Friday Fiction: No Fault

This is another story in the Skipping Stones universe containing the first person testimony of a Blorb named Blasphornomiconiumoocus at his trial for the genocide of Planet Caractus's entire population. In his defence, it really was an accident.

The Blorb are a race of huge, tentacled, slug creatures who eat rotting meat and are bent on galactic domination. To make things worse they are powerful psychics with the ability to bend other races to their will. They stink, leave a trail of slime where ever they go, and treat all other races as lackeys who exist for the sole purpose of serving the Blorb Syndicates. There is absolutely nothing to like about a Blorb. This, of course, increases the enjoyment of writing dialogue for them.

This story, while small, is pivotal to the overall Skipping Stones arc, but it didn't fit within the other writings. The anti-hero is tangentially responsible for saving the galaxy from domination by a time shifting race of crystalline robots. Blasphornomiconiumoocus would hate to be known as the saviour of the galaxy, but that's how history documents his otherwise dreadful life.

Editorial: Concealing Violent and Sexual Imagery in RPG Materials

In this editorial, I ponder the impact of violence, sex, and gore in RPG illustrations and covers while also discussing the shift from keeping my RPG materials on display to storing them in a less exposed location. To be clear, the point of this isn't to simply rant about how the artwork is inappropriate but to convey how my perspectives have changed since I've become a husband and father and to open a conversation about dealing with the duality of the nature of the RPG hobby and being a spouse and parent who is considerate to his family. So please, for the duration of this editorial, rest any defenses you might have and hear me out.

In Honor of Veteran's Day

The Dice of Life would like to thank the US veterans who have served or are currently serving in the military and making the committment to serve our nation and its people. We especially recognize our own m.s. jackson who is fortunate enough to have returned home safely to reunite with his family. Thank you for your service, snikle!

What's Been Keeping the Dice in the Dice Bag?

You've probably noticed that things have been quiet here for the past week or so. Don't worry, we're not disappearing or fading out. We've actually been pretty busy with our own lives in a strange coincidental way.

If you're curious, here's a rundown of what has been keeping us away from the blog (and the game tables) as well as a short list of what we're planning for the coming weeks.

Gaming with Google Wave

The RPG blogosphere has been booming with buzz about Google Wave. While Google Wave has a lot of potential for online real-time or play-by-post role-playing games, best practices still need to be ironed out. Below are some guidelines and tips for using Wave as a medium for role-playing games. While not perfect or definitive, it's a starting point and is subject to changes as Wave continues to develop and as users learn more about it.

Role Play Media Network at 300 Members and Climbing

If you haven't heard about the Role Play Media Network (RPMN), then you need to click on that link and go there now. Essentially, the RPMN is a Ning [read: a social networking service] site for RPG bloggers, podcasters, artists, publishers, players, and GMs. Berin Kinsman (also known as Uncle Bear) announced the launch of the network Saturday morning, and it has just reached over 300 members!

If you decide to join the network, and there's no reason why you shouldn't, be sure to join the Dice of Life Group, too.