Considering the consistent quality of their publications, I'm a big fan of the indie RuneQuest publisher Beer With Teeth (BWT). Skimming over my archive, it looks like I haven't actually reviewed their work on my site! A travesty, I tell ya. I love how their Clearwine books delve into Sartarite daily life on a personal … Continue reading REVIEW: Sacred Earth, Sacred Water
REVIEW: Islands of the Lost
Well, now that all the end-of-year breaks and wrap-ups and whatnot are over, it's time to return to our regularly scheduled content! Without further ado, let's dive on in. Disclaimer 1: I received a free PDF copy of Islands of the Lost from the creators in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! Disclaimer 2: … Continue reading REVIEW: Islands of the Lost
2023 Year in Review
It's the start of a new year! By tradition, that means all sites, blogs, outlets, bulletin boards, music playlists, and whatnot are obligated to summarize the previous year. And around here is no exception. Lately I've been keeping most “behind the scenes” content exclusive to my Patreon page as a small way to express gratitude … Continue reading 2023 Year in Review
52-Week Streak
This year, I've published an article, review, thought, thing every week. According to WordPress I've uploaded 54 posts, totaling 62,700 words. Whew. I'm going to take a break this week. Expect a bumper-sized article next week looking over 2023 in retrospect. Want to keep up-to-date on what Austin’s working on through Akhelas? Go ahead and … Continue reading 52-Week Streak
RuneQuest’s Unwritten Rules
I love RuneQuest: Roleplaying in Glorantha (RQG), but it's hard to claim that the game is "simple." With features such as two task resolution systems, three magic systems, and inconsistent circumstantial bonuses or penalties, any argument for "simplicity" would be based on my familiarity with the system rather than its actual properties. That said, rules … Continue reading RuneQuest’s Unwritten Rules
Magical Traditions on Akhelas
Last week's article introduced the fundamentals of magic in the Endless Lands, the fantasy setting which constitutes my "private vice" for fiction stories. Continuing on that theme, this week I'll describe how that abstract bundle of metaphysics illuminates my cultural worldbuilding in the setting. Differences in culture and perspective generate tension, which leads to story. … Continue reading Magical Traditions on Akhelas
Three Elements of Magic
Earlier this year I returned to writing publicly about this site's namesake: Akhelas, the First Land. This is the primary region within which I write fiction about the Endless Lands. Previous posts have discussed Creation and humans. I've been in a metaphysical mood of late, so let's chat magic. A little light reading, for inspiration. … Continue reading Three Elements of Magic
Truth and Fiction
An obsession with Truth is a central concern of the human experience. This fundamental need is expressed in various ways. Anglo-American culture—the West—expresses this concern through our Aristotelian emphasis on precision and analysis. The Truth is what can be perceived, measured, and quantified. Extending this definition of Truth to non-physical phenomena frames many other experiences … Continue reading Truth and Fiction
Behind the Scenes #11
It's the end of the month, so it's time to discuss what I've been up to in November… over on Patreon! I create these updates for my supporters each month as a small way of showing my gratitude. This month's update shares a sneak peek at the cover of my next RuneQuest book, discusses why … Continue reading Behind the Scenes #11
The Old Gods in RuneQuest, Part 2
This week's article is a continuation from last week exploring the Old Gods in RuneQuest. Last week focused on defining and describing these entities. This week explores ways that adventurers can interact with them. If last week was 80% lore, 20% gameplay, I'd say this week is closer to 50/50. As a reminder, this article's … Continue reading The Old Gods in RuneQuest, Part 2
Akhelas 