Pyrats

I saw this animated short over a year ago, but something reminded me of it again tonight and so I had to track it down:

Pyrats (on YouTube)

I love the animation, the music, and the ending. But, regarding RPGing, I love the party class mechanics. This is how RPG combat should feel!

Korgoth of Barbaria

This is mostly just a ping to show I'm still alive! Too busy for much gaming the last couple weeks.

I ran into this months ago, but remembered it again this evening after a week or so of reading Conan short stories:

Korgoth of Barbaria on YouTube
(first part of 3; others parts available at the end of the clip)

It's an awesome show originally made for Adult Swim. Very sadly, this was the only episode made. Still, possibly good inspiration for a beer-and-pretzels sort of game.

GOLD: An RPG web series

This is where a couple hours of my yesterday afternoon went:

GOLD: The web series that does double damage.

The site sums up the series this way:

The World Goblins & Gold Role Playing Game Championship is only a few short weeks away. The perennial second-place American team has undergone an upheaval: their longtime team leader, Jonathan Drake, has suffered a tragic gaming-related accident. Maverick player and loose cannon Richard Wright takes the reigns and tries to wrestle his new team into shape before the competition, while despondent Jonathan battles his personal demons. Meanwhile, the World Champion British team, led by the crafty Oliver Crane and sultry Martha Thistlethwait, prepare for the Championship by enlisting a gaming legend as their new coach...

The series is fun and certainly tongue-in-check, but it also has moments of memorable depth and emotion. It's also fun to see some free independent film made possible by online distribution. Check it out!

RAB 5: "Dungeons and Christwagons"

In honor of getting back to D&D roots, here is my favorite characterization of D&D ever: Retarded Animal Babies 5: Dungeons and Christwagons.

RAB a little coarse, but insightful and eminently quotable. It also amazes me that the series (including all the voices) is constructed by one man. This is hosted on Newgrounds, which used to be described as "The problems of the future, today!" (which I still think is way better than their current "Everything by Everyone."), so you may feel like you need to shower afterward.

30 Years of Stupid D&D Monsters

While I may not agree with the lameness of every monster listed here (I have a soft spot for owlbears), this author does have a very good point:

Dungeons & Dragons: Celebrating 30 Years Of Very Stupid Monsters (note that there are 2 parts)

Just a humorous reminder to keep your critical evaluative functions engaged while reading your next RPG supplement--even if it does come from a big-name publisher.