The RuneQuest core rules offer a pretty flexible “fatigue-lite” system based on encumbrance (ENC) for how much stuff an adventurer can carry. While writing a new RuneQuest adventure which occurs through most of a single night, I found I wanted an additional tool for describing an adventurer's weariness. Artificially adding ENC based on how long … Continue reading Weariness in RuneQuest
Tag: Fantasy
Behind the Scenes #13
January's just passed us by, so it's time to peek into what I've been working on… over on my Patreon! I write these blogs each month as a small way of saying "Thanks!" to those who go above and beyond to support my creative work. No one should ever feel obligated to chip in, but … Continue reading Behind the Scenes #13
REVIEW: Sacred Earth, Sacred Water
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
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
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
The Old Gods in RuneQuest, Part 1
[Tosti Runefriend] quested to climb the primeval Spike, seeking the secrets of the Runes from the very feet of the Celestial Court. Glorantha Sourcebook, page 44, "Companions of Argrath" In Glorantha's mythology, the Old Gods are those early deities of creation which are recognized as fundamental aspects of the cosmos. However—like Ouranos of Greek mythology, … Continue reading The Old Gods in RuneQuest, Part 1
Akhelas 