AAR of Wreck at the Ruins

Sing, O Muse, of the race among the ruins, when the princess fled from her crashed flyer to fall insensible as she hid from the green men of Mars. Rehearse for us the exploits of those noble red warriors of Melihum as they spilled their blood over the golden ochre of the dead city where the princess lay. Tell their names and the weapons they bore. Describe the mighty foe and lament the warriors they laid low.

The warriors were true and brave. Nantos Nan (NN), veteran of many battles and sound in mind and deed, did lead them. He bore the bright sword given him by the Jeddak of Melihum, with his short sword and pistol he faced the enemy. He had with him Han Tadron (HT1), who slew many green enemies in his day and wore a warriors metal. Dav Ravo (DR) of the straight-shooting pistol and gleaming sword came to make his name known. Mardos Tors (MT) the fearless and valiant completed their number, bearing his gleaming blade and shortsword with a shooting weapon on his hip. Han Tadron the second (HT2) had lagged behind, but joined the warriors when Han Tadron was slain.

Their foes were arrayed in the metal of warriors slain, and casting long shadows--for they were three times the height of a man--their four arms were quick with sword and pistol. First came Vak Voka (VV), renowned among the green Zarhoons for his prowess and cruelty. He was the one who had fired the shot that disabled the princess' flyer. At his side marched Bak Badja (BB), the bold attacker. 

Tell us who drew first blood? It was the green man Bak Badja who drew first blood. His radium pistol shot true, taking Han Tadron at the base of throat, in the little divot where the clavicles join the sternum. The exploding shell left him no chance at life and his blood first stained the ochre moss.

Nantos Nan took aim to repay BB for the deadly shot but his bullet exploded against the wall upon which the ancients had written, "Nutritional Facts."

BB, unfazed by NN's shot, returned fire to graze NN's shoulder and caused him to take shelter behind the wall. Vak Voka looked also for the princess. In a ruin with pink upon the walls, he found a trap which dropped him to the pits. He spent many long efforts in trying to escape from the trap.

Sing, O Muse, of Dav Ravos's fate. Tell how he hurried in his search. He thrust his golden helm within a ruin's walls only to meet a great pale simian. DR, swift of hand and mind, drew his pistol and fired in surprise. His bullet went true, but the white monster shrugged off the wound and came on the attack.

The pale brute of savage will and brutal power struck him a blow that crushed one shoulder. DR fled from the ruin with the speed of the zephyr but the angry ape bounded after, bent on pounding the intruder into dust. NN and HT2 traded shots with BB. The fierce fire drove the green man into an ornately decorated building, but not before he had wounded NN once more. Inside, BB found the unconscious princess. He threw her over a shoulder and ran out, knowing that the Melihum warriors would not dare to fire for fear of injuring the princess.

HT2, a flame of chaste and loyal passion burning in his heart for the princess, rushed to BB as though on a chariot of the gods. With sword drawn he engaged the verdant giant.

BB released the insensible princess and raised his flashing blades. His steel clove HT2's shoulder, the blade cutting down into the upper ribs. HT2 dropped to his knees, and BB pulled the sword from the wound, which gushed with the warrior's fresh dark blood. Although not slain, HT2 fell to the side, blackest night enveloping his consciousness. BB lifted the princess from the ochre moss as MT drew near.

But what of DR and his unlucky fate? He turned to fight the mighty ape, and dealt it another wound, his quick blade darting between the beast's four deadly arms. The wound did not stay the white simian. With thews rippling like an angry sea, the pale ape crashed a massive paw against DR's golden helm. The brave warrior fell, not dead, but unable to move.

 How did MT bring honor to his name? The valiant warrior MT was set upon by VV, mightiest of the two green men, and who had finally escaped the pit. MT gave as good as he got, wounding the green man and taking a small hurt of his own. When he saw that BB had taken up the princess again, he broke away from VV and leaped the wall to rush upon BB like a banth defending its kill. MT brought up his best trick of swordplay to drive his blade through BB's dark heart. At last, the life fluid of a green man dampened the golden ochre not far from HT2's unconscious form.

How did MT meet his end? VV bounded over the wall in a single stride, like a nimble thoat clearing a low fence. The cruel green man struck from behind. MT turned to meet the attack. NN, twice wounded by BB's bullets, surged forward to aid MT and to rescue his princess.

MT had exhausted all of his tricks of swordplay, and NN, slowed by his wounds, could but watch as VV's whirling blades cut down his comrade. MT dropped upon the ochre yet wet with BB's warm blood. As the warrior expired, he rolled to place his body between VV and the princess. 

Did DR recover from the blow that sent him low, with darkness closing in? DR could not escape his fate. Clobbered to the turf by the hand of the pale ape, DR's living body could not respond to his danger. The white simian dragged the miserable man back to his lair to feast upon the human flesh.

What of NN? Did he succeed in saving the princess? O how the sorrow of Melihum was magnified on that day. NN, last of the Melihum warriors still treading upon the ochre, sprang forward as VV took up the beautiful princess. Cover your ears and steel your hearts for the sad end draws near. Without even lowering the princess once more, VV parried NN's desperate blow, and drove his sword through the red man's core. Weep, Melihum, weep for sorrow and remorse. The cruel VV carried away the princess to shriek beneath the tortures that would make the green men laugh with delight.

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Was the play test fabulous? Indeed it was. Combat, shooting, movement, etc went tremendously well. I believe it's time to move on to a scenario from the Kru War. I doubt that Homer will be joining us for that report.

 

Once more it is Rescue from the Hangman's Noose as I test another variant of my skirmish game rules. More than skirmish rules, really, they have the mechanics to transition into table top rpg.

Four musketeers attempt to save a friend from the hangman's noose. Andre, D'Hubert, Arnaud, and Paul sneak into the square as the grim ceremony is set to begin. A drummer beats the solemn prelude and the musketeers linger out of sight at the edges of the square. Five of the Cardinal's Guard watch the crowd for the would-be rescuers. (I've dispensed with the crowd for my purposes today).

The musketeers are spotted immediately by an alert guardsman. The guards are under the command of Lt. Joubert. His four men are Rousseau, Colbert, Jarnac, and Joussac.

Hearing the guards shout a warning about the musketeers, Paul runs in from the shadows of the auberge to take Joussac, who is waiting for the hangman and prisoner to emerge from the cells, and runs him through. (The green markers denote hidden items the musketeers can use but which were not significant factors to play as the circumstances developed). D'Hubert has come around the other side of the auberge.

Meanwhile (not pictured), Arnaud rushed the guard Rousseau. They exchanged blood samples and Arnaud retreated to check the depth of his wound.

Joussac's death cry attracts the attention of the lightly-wounded Rousseau. The guard's rush toward the hangman and prisoner is interrupted by D'Hubert. Paul charges the hangman and introduces the pommel of his sword to the hangman's skull. The hangman is completely floored by the encounter. (The hangman is played by a cowboy sheriff figure, and the condemned is played by another cowboy figure).

In his rush to delay the guards from hindering Paul's rescue attempt, Andre leaps upon the table, only to have the unstable furniture tilt as his feet come down upon the edge. The table tips to spill Andre to the ground. Fortunately for him, the guards are focused on the the prisoner and are unable to take advantage of his temporary vulnerability.

Arnaud discovers that his wound is, in fact, but a flesh wound, and he launches himself at the guard Jarnac. In a brief flash of steel accompanied by remarks about lineal irregularities, Jarnac falls with a mortal wound.

Joubert, seeing the hangman down and a musketeer about to seize the prisoner, realizes that desperate measures are required. He raises his pistol and fires at Paul.  A puff of smoke rises from the flintlock and the ball smashes against the stone of the prison wall. Joubert follows the shot by rushing Paul.

Paul begins his escape with the prisoner before Joubert can stop him. D'Hubert measures swords with Rousseau. The latter comes up lacking, with the result that he measures his length upon the square. The musketeers have slain a third guard. 

 Even with three of their number stretched upon stones, the two remaining guards keep their heads. Before Paul can escape with the prisoner, Colbert fires his pistol at Paul. Although his lead message doesn't strike the rescuer, Paul does leap for cover, abandoning the prisoner.

The guards find both courage and will. Joubert sprints in to grab the prisoner and drag him back to the hangman, who has regained his senses. They have a resurgence of hope--which D'Hubert punctures, along with Colbert's innards. The badly wounded guard drops to the cobblestones with a bellyache that obliterates his ability to take part in any further festivities.

Joubert and the hangman don't get far with the prisoner. Paul breaks from cover to engage Joubert in a vigorous philosophical discussion with an emphasis on being or not being and the utility of cold steel in providing an answer to the query. Joubert becomes converted to Paul's point of view, first falling as the argument penetrates his flesh, and then fleeing with the burden of his new found wisdom.

With Joubert converted and Colbert stewing in his own juices, no guards remain to impede the rescue. 

Overall, it was a great game. I was surprised that the musketeers took only a single wound while killing three guards, putting one hors de combat, and having the fifth flee the field. Andre never even got into the fight (if you don't count his duel with the table). As usual, I like the changes I've made to the system. I'll have to see how it goes with more advanced scenarios. I anticipate the Rescue in the Ruins next. As far as this scenario goes, it could be made more interesting with the addition of replacement guards entering on the next change of initiative after the death of any guard. Adjusting the random starting positions of the musketeers so that none of them enter so close to the prison might be a simpler alternative.

 

Big Week

First, the vest I ordered for my role in the murder/mystery dinner in two weeks arrived. Unfortunately, the manufacturer is under the impression that I should be shaped like a snow cone cup. So that will have to be altered.

Second, I finished writing the last chapter of Truth in Flames. It weighs in at over 95K words--more if I add an epilogue. It's quite a fabulous finish, if I do say so my self--but others will say the same once they've read it. Which reminds me. I should upload the chapter to my Skirmish Team for feedback and editing.

Third, I spoke in church today (I know today is the start of a new week and therefore not part of the same week we just completed, but my license to exaggerate is still valid in all 50 states) and there were no casualties. Most of the talk came from my daughter's experiences in East Texas where she's currently serving as a missionary. She had some nice stories to go with my theme of Blood, Sweat, Toil, and Tears.

While looking for something else, I found this mind map of some of my original thoughts for the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series. I included a screenshot of the character section to illustrate how things changed from conception to execution. I used this mind map program back when I first conceived the idea for the series, but hadn't used it since--until Truth in Flames.

It looks like Alex is the only fictional character who came through from the original brainstorming to the actual writing substantially unchanged. Atu was the name I had originally selected for the character who became Iago, and I transferred the Atu name to the islander. Tavalo would've been a fun character, but I radically changed both Francisco and Tavalo and they became Captain Rip and Antonio. The latter is an extremely fun character, a charming rogue, that a beta reader has singled out for special praise. Rip is ripe for the revelation of his backstory--it could happen in book six. I think the historical Becky Sherman turned out to be too young for the purposes I had in mind for the story--and thus was transformed into Lucette, the French freedom fighter. The dragon hunters were originally supposed to be Russians in the employ of the Russian Prince. Like everything else, they become something completely different. I have to admit that I do wonder how the story would've gone had I used those original character ideas.

I've included a mind map of a section of Truth in Flames in my newsletter. Click the button at the top of the page to subscribe.

 

Author Interview with 

Eva Creel

Author of The Immortal

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress. Currently, I’ve been writing potato chip-sized episodes on Kindle Vella.

 

Where did you get the idea for this book or series? The Immortal was inspired by a nightmare. I kept thinking about it and, after a couple of weeks, decided to write down a paragraph to get it out of my head. The paragraph turned into 46,000 words in six weeks.

 

Do you write in more than one genre? My story could fit in many genres. It’s like a crockpot. Throw everything in, and the result is delicious.

 

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention. Satisfying is the word I hear over and over again from my readers. And many say it should be a movie. It’s not life-changing, but The Immortal is hella entertaining.

 

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing? Dark sarcasm and wit over brawn.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you? I’m dyslexic and never wanted to be a writer. I limited myself by believing I wasn’t equipped to write. Out of curiosity, I googled famous dyslexic authors, and it turns out Agatha Christy also had dyslexia. 

 

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why? Some fantastic authors are popping up on Kindle Vella. I recommend following along with the adventures of Betsy, an 85-year-old vampire in Dark Family Secrets by Hoyt Hallford

 

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why? The Immortal. It’s the only one I have.

 

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most? My publicist found me in a junkyard of authors online in one of those promo social media groups. Introducing me to a community is vital in wanting to continue the journey. Kindle Vella bonuses are very encouraging as well.

 

What question do you wish you would get asked more often? Can I buy a signed copy?

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it? You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need. Ya yaaaaa. I sing that to my kids almost every day. 

_________________________________

Thanks to Eva for playing.

I need a cover for Truth in Flames. I suppose I'll go with the flame motif. I'm writing the last chapter this week. One of my beta readers who has not been shy about heaping praise on each book in the series commented that this was the best one yet. We'll have to see if she still feels the same after reading the final three chapters. A lot happens in these final chapters. I really liked books 3 and 4 in the series (in truth I've liked them all, but 3 and 4 were especially fun), so I'm pleased that someone thinks book 5 is even better.

John Dickinson

 

Fun Fact: (Let me lead up to it). I haven't yet created or procured a cover for Truth in Flames. The book is rolling rapidly to the exciting conclusion that features a fantastic clash and a surprising turn to set the course for the next book in the series. In research for this book, I was struck by the peculiar delegate from Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress: John Dickinson. Dickinson was a vigorous opponent of independence--sort of. He had been a strong opponent of the Stamp Act and felt the colonies were correct in their resistance to Great Britain's heavy handedness. He had with Jefferson written A Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms. Nevertheless, he argued eloquently against independence, favoring reconciliation with England rather than independence. He was among the first to rise in opposition to both the resolution and to Jefferson's draft of the declaration. Interestingly enough, he saw which way the wind was blowing and did not actually vote against the declaration while also not voting for it either. He headed the committee tasked with drawing up articles of confederation in the event independence should be declared. When the Declaration of Independence was finally approved, Dickinson refused to sign the document. He was dismissed from the delegation and some months later commanded a battalion of Pennsylvania militia. In 1779 he was appointed as a delegate to the Continental Congress from Delaware--and in that capacity he signed the Articles of Confederation that he had helped to draft. In 1787 he was a delegate (from Pennsylvania again where he had previously served as governor) to the Constitutional Convention and promoted ratification of the document with essays under the name of Fabius.

We don't ordinarily think of Dickinson among the honored founders. His opposition to independence must be the reason for that. Although John Adams did not record his speeches in Congress in support of independence, John Dickinson did write his down and had one of them published some years later. That certainly made it easier for me to get his arguments right in Truth in Flames. For Adams' arguments, I had to look to his other writings and recollections. Of course, with the addition of the fantasy elements (e.g. dragons and magic), and France otherwise engaged, there were some additions to be made to the arguments. I had a great time writing that particular chapter, and I was seriously impressed with all the discourses and arguments that I found on the subject. Jefferson's Notes of Proceedings in the Continental Congress was useful, but not as helpful as I had hoped.

I'm looking at having the ebook of Truth in Flames, Book 5 in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series, available at the end of November. You can get a free copy of the prequel to the series at this link.

Anna Mocikat

 Interview with

Anna Mocikat

Author of The Behind Blue Eyes Series

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

I’m currently finishing up War Games, the third installment in my Behind Blue Eyes series. I’ve put a lot of effort into this book and can’t wait to release it in March.

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

Behind Blue Eyes is a cyberpunk series heavily inspired by Ghost in the Shell and the 90s video game Syndicate. I wanted to write this story for many years but got somehow distracted on the way until I finally published the first book in the series in 2020. I’m happy that since then it gained many fans, which makes me confident to continue this series for many years.

Do you write in more than one genre?

Besides the Behind Blue Eyes series, I also have the Shadow City series, which is a blend of sci-fi and horror, and finally, Cyber Squad, which is a cyberpunk LitRPG series.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

I’m originally a screenwriter and have learned the craft at film school. Before I began publishing novels, I worked in the film and TV industry for many years. This shows clearly in my literary work. Readers often tell me that they can see a movie in their heads when reading my books. That’s because my style is very visual, and I use screenwriting techniques for my novel. Basically, I see a movie in my head, which I write down.

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

As mentioned in the last question, I think that my background as a screenwriter and filmmaker manifests strongly in my writing.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

I’m also the editor of the Neo Cyberpunk anthology series, with book 2 just released. It’s a collection of short stories by some of the hottest contemporary cyberpunk authors. Some people say cyberpunk is dead, but that’s not true. It’s more alive than ever. To show it in all its diversity I created Neo Cyberpunk. Contrary to what some people believe, the genre is not stuck in the 80s but has evolved. There’s so much more out there than Neuromancer, and particularly in the indie sector, the creativity is exploding.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

I highly recommend Ten Sigma by A.W. Wang. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time and it’s completely underrated. Wang is an extraordinarily talented author who puts a tremendous effort into his books, and it shows. Ten Sigma is a cyberpunk/ military sci-fi mix and I recommend it to all sci-fi fans. However, it’s also very brutal and not suitable for minors and the faint-hearted.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

That would be clearly Behind Blue Eyes, the book, and the series. I’ve been a professional writer all my adult life and think that this book is by far the best I’ve ever written. It’s a very action-driven and cinematic story, but that’s only half of it. Below the surface, the story has a lot of depths. Besides, I put a great effort into world-building. Everything described in the book is plausible and could exist someday.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

I think my decision to finally write Behind Blue Eyes was one of the best in my life.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

Any kind of questions about cyberpunk. I can talk about it for hours haha

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

Would you give up your freedom for a perfect life? And can life be perfect without freedom?

It sums up Behind Blue Eyes pretty well. In 2095 society has been turned into a utopia that offers the perfect life for everyone. Unless you disagree or decide you want to live your life as you see fit. Then they’ll send killer cyborgs after you. In my opinion, the evilest dystopia comes disguised as a utopia.

__________________

Thanks to Anna for participating.

Do you think she realizes her name is an anagram (or should it be annagram in this case?) of A Cat Ink Moan?

Probably not anymore than I realized that Stanley Wheeler was an anagram of Easy Teller When. I found several anagrams I like. I'll include them in my newsletter with a link to the anagram maker--and ask my readers for their favorites.

Truth in Flames is so close to being complete that I can feel the heat of the fiery finish. I would like to write the last by Friday--but I think the week is going to be too full to allow the time I need. It probably will take two weeks.

 

Strange things are done in the midday sun

By the men who moil for adventures;

The canyon trails have their secret tales

That would make you spit out your dentures;

The Firehouse ruins have seen strange doin's,

But the strangest they ever did see

Was that day on the brim of the canyon rim

With my dad, my son, and me.

(With apologies to Robert Service)

The picture above was taken from a point part way up the canyon wall. Notice how the near wall on the left has a nice gradual slant to it. We couldn't get to that. Our path--and I use the term "path" only in the generic sense of what we left behind--went nearly straight up the canyon wall.The few spots that had a hint of a gradual slope were more thickly brushed than the Withywindle and twice as mean. Somewhere along the way I barked up my shin, but I don't know whether it was on rock or a limb. Anyway, we survived.

I spent most of the week around Blanding, UT, with a trip to Moab in the mix as well. We saw some cool ruins, got to look around in the house where my dad was born, tried to get to Wilson Mesa, and got to spend time together. Did you know that you can play cribbage with poker chips? If you've forgotten the cribbage board, you can. However, I don't recommend trying it with a pinochle deck. We picked up a cheap deck of regular cards at the dollar store but we couldn't find a cribbage board. In fact, only one person we asked even knew what cribbage is. None of the store people knew what it was.

I've included a little more of the tale in my newsletter. (You can click the newsletter tab at the top of the page to sign up for the letter).

________

On the writing front, Truth in Flames is burning toward the exciting conclusion. I can count the remaining chapters on three fingers or less. Fire and flame has been a constant theme in this 5th installment in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series and the saga combines various types of flame with the fire for freedom.

In reading, I've finished Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln by James C. Humes (I have included notes from this in the newsletter), and The Vampyre by John Polidori. I'm still reading A Man Called Intrepid and a couple others.