Read this month
Yesterday I wrote a bit about not writing reviews anymore. But I still definitely want to hightlight *what* I am reading and since I’m busy packing up books right now I figured I should mention some work I’ve recently read before it disappears into a cardboard void.
I had a backlog of unread On Spec Magazine issues but I’m now caught up, having read On Spec #84, #85, #86, and #87.
Some fantastic stories in these. I think issue #85 in particular may have just become my favorite On Spec issue, at least in the past few years. Though I am also partial to #87 since I have a story appearing in that.
I also read Tales of the Talisman V, Issue 3 (Winter 2009/2010 — yeah, I know, I’m behind in my reading). Some good stories and some really good stories. Worth checking out.
In Neo-Opsis 21 I particularly liked Patty Jansen’s story ‘Santiago Dawn’ but there’s other strong tales here too, with quite a range of subject matter.
I also read Tesseracts Fourteen (Tesseracts is a long-standing Canadian anthology). Some fantastic stories in here… well worth the read, especially if you enjoy weird fiction.
Brent Knowles
Former lead designer at BioWare (Dragon Age: Origins, Neverwinter Nights). Creator of Raiders of the Serpent Sea.
6 Comments
Mordi Peshkess
Hrm. I shell check them out. Reading through the A Clash of Kings right now and I need some light reading… :P
Off topic: WHat do you think about the announcement that Baldur’s Gate I & II are getting a remake AKA Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition. If you have no idea what I am talking about here a link. http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Baldur-Gate-Enhanced-Edition-Coming-Summer-40487.html
Brent Knowles
I think it could be fun. I’m excited that a ‘new generation’ will have the chance to play these games.
Mordi Peshkess
I am too but I don’t envy any of them if it uses the 2nd Edition AD&D rule set…lol. let them learn to deal with the crazy attribute system and THACO and negative AC. DAMN IT. I had to teach it to myself. I still get migraine thinking about it.
Brent Knowles
Hee hee. Yeah, I’m not sure how that will work out. Maybe a companion ‘app’ for somebody to have at their side that explains the rules.
Mordi Peshkess
Good luck I say. Took me well over a week to figure that one. Math is NOT for me. I looked it last night and it also reminded me how fraking insane the attribute system was.
However, once it clicked it was awesome and it made me feel smart. However, I still get a headache trying to think about it. I think they’ll do well to use the system that was used in Icewind Dale II. I remember it being a modified/real time version of 3rd Ed. I don’t remember much of that game but I do remember enjoying the combat.
I think a app would be a great idea espacilly for people who will be coming from 4th Ed. I was amazed to find out just how many D&D players just have no familiarity with the AD&D rule set. All they knew was that it was complicated. I guess I can understand that if you’re coming from 4th Ed, which bring me to my question.
Have you had any experience with 4th Ed? I played it myself and it’s ok but a bit too simple for my taste but I do see how people would be leaning more to that system.
PS: I am throughly enjoying that read list. Bookmarked them for future reading.
Brent Knowles
Nope, haven’t played 4e. I did play a fair bit of 3e (and of course AD&D) but I haven’t part of a gaming group for a few years unfortunately.