2003 News Archive
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December 20, 2003
Chat Scheduled for January 5th
The Mechanics will be in our IRC chat room on January 5. Things will get started at 5:00 Pacific time (GMT-800) and run for an hour or so. We'll talk about our products (especially Modern Magic) and anything else related to hobby gaming. The Feedback page contains easy instructions for accessing the chat.
Latest Notes from the Bunker
Rich Redman has his latest Notes from the Bunker column up on the Wizards of the Coast website. This month, he talks about using cinematic combat maneuvers in your modern d20 System game.
December 15, 2003
Swords and Staves Revisions News
A couple quick things: We figured out why Swords and Staves PDF owners didn't get notified of their free updates and fixed the problem for Swords. We'll fix the problem for Staves tonight. If you got the Swords update message, you might want to wait about 24 hours before downloading: There was a problem with the cover page (it was the Staves page) and RPGNow staff has to process and post my corrected PDF. If you already did your download and you're unable to get the version with the Swords cover, you can download that single page from us. Sorry for the confusion, and thanks to Garen for pointing out the cover mess quickly.
December 9, 2003
Happy Holidays from The Game Mechanics!
And to help you out, Cromagh has some friendly advice this holiday season. You know, his ears are really all wrong for a "right jolly old elf."
Swords and Staves Revisions Posted
Swords of Our Fathers and Staves of Ascendance are now updated to 3.5. The print version, Artifacts of the Ages, was published with 3.5 material, but it took us a while to migrate the changes back into the separate PDFs. Like most 3.5 updates, the changes are pretty minor, but we wanted to make sure we made the revised material available to you. Oh... they're unlocked now.
December 8, 2003
Modern Magic Info
We've finally posted some more information on Modern Magic, Volume One. While we're still working on a cover, this is also your chance to see some of the development sketches we've received as Stan! works with our artists.
November 23, 2003
Licensing: My Archnemesis
The Game Mechanics often have people tell us we should get a license to make a d20 game from a hot property. Find out why Rich Redman thinks that's a bad idea.
November 19, 2003
Mechanics on Mortality.Net Radio
JD Wiker and Marc Schmalz will be guests on the November 21st edition of Mortality.Net Radio. The show starts at 5:00 PM Pacific (GMT-800), requires the WinAmp plug-in, and questions can be submitted through IRC. For full information on the show, getting the plug-in, and connecting to the chatroom, visit the Mortality.Net website.
November 17, 2003
JD Reviews Revolutions
JD Wiker finds himself liking The Matrix Revolutions much more than Reloaded, and pulls a couple of RPG tips from the mix.
November 13, 2003
Martial Arts Mayhem, Volume Two Released!
Every modern d20 System character can learn a martial art, and now d20 Modern Roleplaying Game designer Rich Redman adds depth and options to characters, combat, and campaigns with Martial Arts Mayhem, Volume Two. Standing alone or as a complement to the free material already published on this website and Martial Arts Mayhem, Volume One, Rich ups the ante with more martial arts schools, feats, secret techniques, weapons, and campaign options. From basic Self Defense to weapon-weilding Kobujutsu masters, Martial Arts Mayhem, Volume Two has something for every modern character and GM!
November 12, 2003
Chat Scheduled for November 17th
The Mechanics will be in our IRC chat room on November 17. Things will get started at 5:00 Pacific time (GMT-800) and run for an hour or so. We'll talk about our products (print and PDF) or anything else related to hobby gaming. The Feedback page contains easy instructions for accessing the chat.
October 31, 2003
Halloween Reaping
Get a free hand-out to enhance your modern gaming experience just for telling us about your night of Reaping! Of course, Come for the Reaping is the perfect Halloween adventure for a night of modern d20 System horror, but now The Game Mechanics will send you something in return when you tell us about your game.
Anthropophagi!
When we playtested Come for the Reaping, the inspiration from films like Resident Evil and Night of the Living Dead was obvious. The zombies, however, didn't feel quite right. Today's film zombies are much closer to old vampire lore than they are to the lurching, slow undead we experience in d20 System games. Their origins are also in pseudoscientific gobbledygook rather than in superstition or magic. This Halloween, The Game Mechanics give you "anthropophagi" (the name is Greek for "human flesh eater"), a template intended to update zombies. You can find this free template on our Freebies page.
October 20, 2003
More Free Martial Arts Mayhem
Ballistic Fist, a new martial arts school from Martial Arts Mayhem, Volume Two, is now available as part of our new Martial Arts Mayhem Preview PDF. MAM started out as a set of free PDF publications, but has grown into a full product. The Preview puts a new face on all the free martial arts material we've published on our website over the last year, but now also includes the Ballistic Fist school and its related feats and secret techniques!
October 14, 2003
Free Material Posted
This material, supporting Artifacts of the Ages: Swords and Staves and the Modern Player's Companion has been up on the Green Ronin website for some time now. We're finally integrating the content into our site as well. The material includes The Mind Scion (psionics rules for legendary weapons), Nyctophobos (a free legendary weapon from AotA and SoOF), and two prestige classes from the Modern Player's Companion. The material is linked to the individual product pages and our Freebies page.
October 13, 2003
Reminder: Chat Tonight
Tonight, October 13, at 5:00 Pacific time (GMT-800), the Mechanics will all be hanging out in our IRC chatroom, talking about our products, plans, and just about anything else. The Feedback page contains easy instructions for accessing the chat.
October 6, 2003
Chat Scheduled for October 13th
The Mechanics will be in our IRC chat room on October 13. Things will get started at 5:00 Pacific time (GMT-800) and run for an hour or so. We'll talk about our products (print and PDF) or anything else related to hobby gaming. The Feedback page contains easy instructions for accessing the chat.
Mechanics In Print
Joining Artifacts of the Ages: Swords and Staves, The Game Mechanics now have two more products in print through Green Ronin. The Modern GM Screen includes our Come for the Reaping adventure and Modern Player's Companion compiles both of our MPC PDFs. Click the cover images to get more information from the Green Ronin website.
Halloween Reaping
Looking for an adventure in the spirit of Halloween? We think Come for the Reaping is a great choice. Available as a PDF on RPGNow or in print as part of the Modern GM Screen, what could be more perfect for Halloween than an adventure that features zombie dogs on the cover? When you're done, we'd really love to hear how it went on our message boards!
September 26, 2003
Martial Arts Mayhem, Volume One Released!
Rich Redman adds depth and flavor to the martial arts options in the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game. Martial Arts Mayhem, Volume One builds on the free material already published on this website. When you use this supplement, every melee combat is unique thanks to added customization. Your heroes are no longer limited to the Brawl feat tree, the Combat Martial Arts feat tree, and Defensive Martial Arts. Instead, your heroes can become masters of diverse and specialized martial arts schools.
Modern NPC Building Tool
As we promised a month ago, we're now publishing the modern version of our NPC Building Tool. This system will help you keep track of all the intricacies of constructing advanced characters, and it is an excellent resource for modern d20 System developers who need to show editors their character creation math.
September 8, 2003
Why Adventures Don't Sell
Rich Redman finally gets worked up to a full rant as he covers the market for d20 System adventures.
Schedule Changes
Some of our products are moving around a bit. We wanted to explain the changes.
Chat Scheduled for the 15th
The Mechanics will be in our IRC chat room on September 15. Things will get started at 5:00 Pacific time (GMT-800) and run for an hour or so. We'll talk about our products (print and PDF) or anything else related to hobby gaming. The Feedback page contains easy instructions for accessing the chat.
August 26, 2003
New NPC Building Tool
Rich Redman has refined the NPC building tool that JD Wiker has used for years, and we're making it available for download. This system will help you keep track of all the intricacies of constructing advanced characters, and it is an excellent resource for fantasy d20 System developers who need to show editors their character creation math. The modern version will be following before long as well.
August 3, 2003
Two More Freebies!
Check out the Freebies page for new free material from The Game Mechanics. The Sea-Wolf Tavern is a free preview of material in City Quarters: The Thieves' Quarter. We've also added The Dance to our collection of Martial Arts Mayhem PDFs. Check them out, along with all the other free gaming material on our Freebies page.
July 31, 2003
Initiative Cards Take an ENnie
At the 2003 Gen Con Game Fair, Initiative Cards took a silver ENnie for "Best Free Product or Web-Enhancement." We also got a lot of positive feedback at the Green Ronin booth (where the GR staff was nice enough to let us take up space), and the RPGA was handing out copies of the cards to its members. Thanks to everyone who has used the cards, especially those of you who offered feedback on our message boards and who voted in the ENnie award process! Initiative Cards for both modern and fantasy games can be downloaded from our Freebies page.
July 23, 2003
The Revision (Yes, that Revision)
If you're on our site, you know that Dungeons & Dragons was revised to version 3.5, and the books released (officially) on 7/18/03. In fact, you're probably surprised how quiet we've been on the subject. Rich Redman was a designer on the revision of the DMG, and now he can talk about it.
From the Bunker #7
Rich has been busy! He also has a new installment of his column up on the Wizards of the Coast website. This month he explores rules variants for quick-draw contests.
July 20, 2003
New Experiment: Goblin Fey Hunter
Gary Astleford contributed this prestige class to our Helpware collection. Fey hunters are goblin experts in the fine art of fey elimination and extermination. Tasked with the destruction of pixies, dryads, and other fairy nuisances, fey hunters represent an elite cadre within the hierarchy of goblin tribes and clans. Fairies and their kin are a vindictive breed that possess powerful supernatural abilities, and successfully facing them in open combat requires skill, determination, and a good deal of luck. Goblin Fey Hunter can be downloaded from our Freebies page.
Gen Con Freebies
Find us at the Green Ronin booth at Gen Con Indy! We'll have a free preview of material from City Quarters: The Thieves' Quarter there. Also, Rich Redman has written another free Martial Arts Mayhem Experiment for website. Both Freebies will debut at Gen Con and appear on the website shortly after we get back from Indy (and have a chance to rest up a bit).
July 11, 2003
Stan! in San Diego
If you can't make it to Indianapolis for Gen Con, you can see Stan! at the San Diego Comic Con July 16-20. He'll displaying and selling art at a table in Artists' Alley and be spending time at the Green Ronin booth helping to promote the upcoming releases of Artifacts of the Ages, Modern GM Screen (featuring the Come For The Reaping adventure), and the print version of Modern Player's Companion. He'll also have display copies of all The Game Mechanics' PDF products, in case you want to check out what you've been missing.
Stan! will also attend a signing event at Game Towne in historic Old Town San Diego at 7:00pm on Saturday, July 19. Also confirmed to appear at the signing are Sean K Reynolds, Chris Pramas, and R.K. Post.
July 8, 2003
Next Chat: July 14
Stop in on Monday, July 14th and talk to us in our chat room. Things will get started at 5:00 Pacific time (GMT-800) and run for an hour or so. We'll talk about our products, Gen Con, or anything else related to hobby gaming. The Feedback page contains easy instructions for accessing the chat. And speaking of Gen Con....
Gen Con Seminar Schedule Update
Only two weeks until Gen Con! The Game Mechanics staff have four seminars over the weekend, and now we have times and event numbers so you can find us. If you miss the events, look us up at the Green Ronin booth!
June 30, 2003
Modern Player's Companion, Volume Two Released
Stan! brings you more player options for modern d20 System games. The Modern Player's Companion, Volume Two offers players and GMs new options for customizing and equipping modern characters, including new advanced and prestige classes, new equipment, new feats, and starting equipment packages to help speed up character creation. All accompanied by more great Clarence Harrison art. Get a free preview of the contents on our Freebies page where we have three free preview downloads, including Modern Talents, Modern Classes, and an updated Complete Feats.
June 27, 2003
Modern Initiative Cards Have Arrived
This new version of our most popular free download makes them a better fit with modern d20 System games. Like the fantasy cards, this package includes instructions on use and separate PDFs for each kind of card. They also have form fields for data entry and clean printing. Initiative Cards v2.0 (Modern) can be downloaded from our Freebies page.
June 26, 2003
MPC2 Previews Now Available
Curious about what Stan! has included in Modern Player's Companion, Volume Two? Now you can get your first glimpse into our newest PDF (due on RPGNow any day now) with three different free downloads of MPC2 material. Hopefully, the titles give you an idea of what you'll find inside: Modern Talents, Modern Classes, and an update to Complete Feats. The MPC2 page also includes links to the cover image and some of the great art from Clarence Harrison.
June 10, 2003
New Products from The Game Mechanics and Green Ronin
Green Ronin has announced two new print products from The Game Mechanics. The Modern Player's Companion includes material from both of our MPC PDFs, and the new Modern GM Screen includes our Come for the Reaping adventure. Check out the Green Ronin website for more information on these print versions, and find out more about Come for the Reaping and the second Modern Player's Companion PDF on our website.
Hot TGM Titles
While we're talking about these titles, our first Modern Player's Companion PDF has been in the top 5 on the RPGNow Hot List for about 10 weeks straight, and Come for the Reaping, our first modern d20 System adventure, has just poked into the top 5. If you know about sales in the industry, you understand that it's rare for adventures to sell as well as other source material because of the obvious limitations of the audience. Thanks to everyone for your support!
June 3, 2003
New Initiative Cards
We're finally done with our Initiative Card make-over. The new download package includes instructions on use and separate PDFs for each kind of Initiative Card. These new card pages even come with form fields, so you can enter data into the Initiative Cards and then print clean copy. Initiative Cards v2.0 (Fantasy) can be downloaded from our Freebies page. The modern version, as seen in Come for the Reaping, will be available soon, too.
June 1, 2003
Mechanics Chat Reminder
The Game Mechanics will be in our chat room on June 2, 2003, at 5:00 PM Pacific time (GMT-800). Stop in and let us know what you're thinking! For information on how to connect, use the Feedback link.
May 28, 2003
Come for the Reaping Released
The Game Mechanics have published its first modern d20 System adventure for the Urban Arcana campaign setting, written by Rich Redman. Come for the Reaping is a complete modern horror adventure for a group of 1st-level characters, including a brand new fiend for modern d20 System campaigns, a new incantation, Initiative Cards, pre-generated characters, maps of the converted mansion by Christopher West, tactical hints for GMs to give players who are new to modern role-playing games, and suggestions for follow-up adventures.
May 25, 2003
Gamer's Review: The Matrix Reloaded
JD Wiker uses The Matrix Reloaded to discuss how to deal with characters who are out of balance with the rest of the group.
Chat on June 2
The Mechanics will assemble in the IRC chatroom on June 2 at 5:00 Pacific time (GMT-800) for an open chat. Stop in and talk to us about our products, Gen Con, or anything else related to hobby gaming. The Feedback page contains easy instructions for accessing the chat.
May 21, 2003
Reaping Cover Released
Clarence Harrison keeps amazing us at The Game Mechanics. His illustration sets the tone for Come for the Reaping, an adventure for the Urban Arcana Campaign Setting we have scheduled to appear before the end of the month. Visit the Reaping product page in order to access larger versions of the cover.
May 9, 2003
Cromagh's Guide to Goblinoids Released!
Our latest PDF is now available for download at RPGNow. Cromagh's Guide to Goblinoids compiles years of first-hand experience fighting against and alongside goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears. Cromagh, a half-orc mercenary, shares observations that will help both players and GMs run goblin, hobgoblin, and bugbear characters. Inside, you'll find new feats, prestige classes, NPCs, magic items, and equipment to give new dimension to goblinoids in any campaign. Also, check out Goblinoid NPCs, a free publication adding even more detail to the goblinoid characters Cromagh has encountered.
May 6, 2003
Gen Con Indy Seminar Schedule
The Game Mechanics are going to Indianapolis in July, and are scheduled to participate in four seminars over the long weekend.
April 28, 2003
Bulletproof Monk: A Gamers' Review
Exactly how many Chow Yun-Fat movies does Rich Redman own? Also, thoughts on Nazis as villains, martial arts in games, and destiny.
Chat Tonight!
Stop into our IRC chatroom tonight and let us know what's on your mind! Things start around 5:00 PM Pacific (GMT-800). If you're new to IRC, this simple web page will get you to the chatroom.
April 25, 2003
Cromagh Gets a Cover
The cover for Cromagh's Guide to Goblinoids has been released. Also, don't forget to check the quick nav bar at the left for the date of the latest "Ask Cromagh" column. Keep those letters coming!
April 16, 2003
Cromagh Answers!
Cromagh has posted his first advice column in response to one of your email messages.
April 11, 2003
Need Advice? Ask Cromagh!
Cromagh, half-orc mercenary and co-author of Cromagh's Guide to Goblinoids, has decided to give advice on more than just goblins, hobgoblins and bugbears. Let Cromagh guide you through the troubled waters of modern life, with the kind of homespun, old-fashioned wisdom that has guided dozens of adventuring parties through countless ruined temples, tombs, and dungeons!
April 5, 2003
More Gamers' Movie Reviews
It's been a busy time at the movies for the Mechanics. Rich went to Dreamcatcher and gained insight into modern monster plots. Marc actually went to The Core, and found that too much knowledge can ruin a good thing. Both articles can help you in your own roleplaying sessions.
April 3, 2003
Modern Player's Companion Hits #1
Thanks to everyone for making the Modern Player's Companion #1 on the RPGNow Hot Sellers List! Even more exciting for us, Swords of Our Fathers and Staves of Ascendance re-appeared in the top 10 just before the MPC came out, and are still there at 6 and 7. All three of our PDFs are in the top 10 right now! From all of us at The Game Mechanics, thanks for your support!
March 31, 2003
Modern Player's Companion Released!
Our first full product for modern d20 System campaigns has been released on RPGNow.com. The Modern Player's Companion offers players and GMs new options for customizing and equipping modern characters, including class combinations to make the best use of the base classes, new advanced classes, new equipment, new feats, and starting equipment packages to help speed up character creation. All from Stan!, one of the designers of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game, so you know it's good!
Schedule Announcements
Check out our Products page for new product information extending into 3rd Quarter. Products listed include Cromagh's Guide to Goblinoids (fantasy sourcebook), Come for the Reaping (modern adventure), Modern Player's Companion, vol. II (modern sourcebook), Martial Arts Mayhem (modern sourcebook), and our first print product, Artifacts of the Ages: Swords and Staves (fantasy sourcebook).
Other People's Torches & Pitchforks
It seems that The Game Mechanics' logo designer, Adam Conus, has a new non-collectible card game on the schedule at Green Ronin. After you get your copy of the Modern Player's Companion today, head over to the Green Ronin website and check out the Torches & Pitchforks card game.
March 21, 2003
Modern Player's Companion Cover Revealed
Like all our products, we're making the Modern Player's Companion cover available as a free download. It's provided both as simple JPGs and as a PDF cover spread.
March 18, 2003
Modern Player's Companion Table of Contents Released
Find out what sort of feats, occupations, advanced classes, and additional material Stan! has included in the Modern Player's Companion.
March 14, 2003
Press Release: Green Ronin to Print Mechanics Books
Green Ronin and The Game Mechanics are proud to announce a publishing agreement that will bring The Game Mechanics' books to print. Green Ronin will publish a series of high quality d20 sourcebooks designed and previously web published by The Game Mechanics. The first of these, Artifacts of the Ages: Swords and Staves, debuts in July. Read more on the Green Ronin website.
March 11, 2003
Martial Arts Mayhem, Part III - Secret Techniques Helpware Released
By Rich Redman. The final installment of Martial Arts Mayhem covers secret techniques. These are secret, powerful blows, grips, holds, and other techniques taught only to the most dedicated students. Their prerequisites and restrictions balance them against other feats, and characters learn them just like feats.
March 4, 2003
Ruanaidh
By JD Wiker. A free battleblade scion—an NPC not found in the pages of Swords of Our Fathers. The tale of the Glen-Blades, Swift and Sure, speaks of a young elf ranger named Ruanaidh. Ruanaidh wields the legendary sword Sure, the companion to Swift, and it is to Ruanaidh that Swift has been leading the hero who wields it.
February 27, 2003
Staves of Ascendance Released
The second book in the Artifacts of the Ages Series is now available for sale on RPGNow.com. Visit the Staves of Ascendance page to find new cover graphics, a free downloadable sample staff, and a quick lesson from Rich Redman on how to make your own legendary staves and rods for your home campaign. After you've read it, you can tell us what you think on our discussion boards.
February 17, 2003
Daredevil Reviewed
JD Wiker, a connoisseur of comic books, pulls apart the year's first superhero movie to find out what it holds for gamers.
Cromagh's Guide to Goblinoids Announced
JD Wiker and Cromagh, the half-orc barbarian, collaborate on this guide to goblins, hobgoblins, and bugbears. Due in late April.
Details on the Modern Player's Companion
Find out more about what's coming in the Modern Player's Companion, by Stan! Due in late March.
Staves of Ascendance Gets a Cover
The Staves page has been updated with an image of its cover.
February 13, 2003
Argh, Matey!
By Rich Redman. The topic of piracy has been gnawing at Rich for some time, and writing seems to work better than aspirin to relieve this sort of headache.
February 3, 2003
Martial Arts Mayhem, Part II - Schools Helpware Released
Rich Redman's fu is strong. The second installment of Martial Arts Mayhem covers schools. Heroes who dedicate themselves to a particular style of unarmed fighting are assumed to have joined a school that teaches that style, and gain benefits of that school as they master its techniques. And look for Part III - Secret Techniques in March!
Swords Hits #1
Thanks for helping make our first full publication, Swords of Our Fathers, #1 on the RPGNow.com Hot Sellers List. Its presence at the top of the list is helping us get a lot more exposure for this critical first product—we really appreciate all your support!
January 29, 2003
Swords of Our Fathers Released
Our first full product is now available for sale on RPGNow.com. Visit the Swords of Our Fathers page to find new cover graphics, links to sample swords, and even a tutorial from JD Wiker on how to make your own legendary weapons. Once you've had a chance to read through Swords and all that great free material, you can send us your own legendary weapon ideas through our "Not-A-Contest" guidelines.
January 13, 2003
Martial Arts Mayhem, Part I Helpware Released
Rich Redman adds depth and flavor to the martial arts options in the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game. In Part I, Rich provides more than a dozen new feats for hand-to-hand combatants and martial artists. Parts II and III, "Schools" and "Secret Techniques," will add to the mayhem in February and March.
January 9, 2003
Chat Schedule Announced
The Game Mechanics will appear in two scheduled chat sessions in the coming weeks. Tuesday, January 14, 5PM PST, they will appear in the Wizards of the Coast chat service, and on Monday, February 3rd, 5:00 PST, they will appear in their own ezBoard chat room. More details can be found on the discussion boards.
January 5, 2003
Ammunition Variants Helpware Released
Rich Redman wrote the original combat and equipment rules for the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game and was also a contributor on Green Ronin's Ultramodern Firearms. Now you can get his personal take on rules for specialized ammunition.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Reviewed
He already knew the plot, so what new ideas can Stan! take away from this year's installment?
January 2, 2003
Flame On!
By Rich Redman. Every published author knows the mixed blessing of criticism. You have to pay attention to it, no matter how annoying it may seem, because the critic might be able to teach you something and to help you grow as an author.
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