Quendi (a brief introduction to elves)

Quendi (elves)

Once a proud and prosperous people, the Quendi are a shadow of what they once were. Once they freely roamed all the surface lands, and even the seas. This has changed drastically, as they now are largely found only in large forests where they can survive and thrive without encountering other humanoids.

Though there are other ‘species’ of elf, most surfacers have only encountered the Quendi. Considered by some to be “True Elves”, most Quendi try to live quiet, peaceful lives in seclusion from other races.

The Quendi are migratory, and travel in clans ranging from five to thirty families. These families are led by a shaman, and literally live off the land. Most elves are experienced in the druidic arts, and are capable of creating dwelling places out of nearly any living flora, with the most powerful able to create entire living mansions.

Elves tend to wear leather clothing decorated with bone and natural inks. Though experts at crafting simple weapons from the land around them, most elves have taken up using steel and iron weapons they’ve traded for, purchased, or acquired in battle. Some families may even possess heirloom weapons that date back to the wars against the dwarves.

Height: 4-5’

Fair hair/fair skin, generally eyes of green or hazel.

Mechanically, the Quendi function as standard elves in the Core Rule Book.

More to follow...

An Old New World

As an incentive to spend more time devoted to creative endeavors, this page has failed. This has been for numerous reasons that I won’t even begin to address, but in one of these, this page might find new life. This post may be “too long, didn’t read”, and I won’t be offended if you skip to the bottom line: I am dusting off my old world, and this page will now largely be devoted to gaming material. Primarily, it will function as a sort of [insert preferred epic type font] “Campaign Setting” core book.

This world was first drafted when I was 17, and fairly new to gaming. It was a chance to further explore options open to me as a new DM, and a chance to create games unrestricted by worlds I was unfamiliar with, and allow players to feel that their characters were leaving their mark. I confess: I stole a lot.

The world was called Sostegaria (bonus points for those who know the reference; no cheating), and was envisioned as a FAR future planet earth, where our myths and legends had returned. Arcane forces returned to the earth, and technology failed. Due to severe limitations in available resources, players adventured Millennium after the ‘event’, with our present only existing in their legends. I had envisioned one day sitting down, and creating an adventure that would allow players to rediscover ‘modern’ technology. It never happened.

In practice, it was a fairly generic fantasy world. I pulled many aspects that appealed to me from video games, movies, and other RPG settings (such as using Kenders instead of traditional halflings), while also inserting aspects that I knew appealed to my group (such as using Drow). I had spent hours creating dozens of NPC’s that could drop in and out of the party (for when I only had two players), or allow a sense of permanence to the city they were visiting. Now the mechanics behind all those NPC are outdated.

So here we are. For almost two decades, I have wanted to run a game that was epic in scope. And for nearly as long, this world has remained dormant. I am massively altering certain sections, fleshing out others, and delving into some previously unexplored areas. This means that materials may be posted in no particular order, and may be further revised over time (although basic concepts should remain unaltered).

As I have already dropped one core aspect of the original design, my original title for the setting has been scrapped. I also no longer feel right using the name Sostegaria, as it no longer matches my image for this world.

So what does this mean?

1. For the time being, the world is simply: Earth

2. Is this still our Earth? Perhaps. As far as players are concerned, there is no idea or evidence that their world is built upon the destruction of another.

3. Am I still stealing? Certainly. But now I’m at least trying to be subtle about it.

[note that this is a rough idea of the world layout, as the core drawing that I am working from is 17 years old, and not even the original. This is good enough that the characters would recognize it, and be able to locate certain key geographic/social points. In this map, the green lines are the edges of nations joined by a common culture, while red indicates individual nations within a culture.]

An Ode to Barbarians

Have you ever had one of those days, when savagry seems sane?

**

I scream, I cry. I rage, I bellow. Let my anger fill me and give me strength. Let my blood pump through my veins, quickening my spirit. Let it fill my eyes and blind me to pain. Let it roar in my ears, deafening me to the pleas of my enemies. Let my sword strike fast and true. Let the steel of my spine reinforce the steel in my hands, forging an unbreakable weapon of war.

[as a bonus, here are some poems in honor of R.E. Howard's famous barbarian]

Cimmerian Poetry

Haiku to Crom

Oh! Great mountain god

Heed my cry, warrior’s king

Or to Hel with you

Blood-Lust Lymric

There once was a blade from its holster

That cut you despite of your bolster

It cut oh so smooth

You barely did move

Now your head is lonely for your shoulder

(tremendous apologies to Mr. Howard)

Alpha Flight

With my schedule, I have not really given any one project a lot of attention. So it is with this: a script for an “Alpha Flight” movie.

It began as an intellectual exercise. After catching one of Marvel’s hero films a year or so ago, the wife asked: “If you were to make a film of any comic character/title, what would it be?”

Alpha-Flight

I have long been a fan of Alpha Flight, and have been disappointed by the lack of support the title has received from Marvel. This is most likely due to luke-warm profits (how many Americans want to read about a Canadian superteam?), and I can’t blame a business for cutting losses.

Created by John Byrne, Guardian (Marvel editors renaming the character as Vindicator) first appeared during Byrne’s run on X-Men (April 1979), with the team getting its own book in August 1983 (Byrne used the name Guardian, working the rename into the story).

What I have presented here is a work in progress. A very rough 3-page ‘treatment’ of the script-in-progress, this is my reimagining of the characters and events that led to my favorite team, and some of my favorite characters. I hope you enjoy.

Synopsis:

Birth of Guardian, and Alpha Flight.

Prologue:

A Fresh Face

A montage of news clips, fading into news clippings (“Break-In at Am-Can” “Industrial Espionage suspected…” etc.) scattered across a desk, a TV drones in the background (Roxxon Oil purchases Am-Can Petro-Chemical Company facilities at ?).

An attractive young red-headed woman (19-21) sits clipping another article from the daily paper (The Star [Toronto]).

Story takes place almost exclusively in Ottawa, and its surrounding suburbs [Ontario, Canada]. Prologue introduces Heather and James M. (Mac) Hudson; establishes his clash with Jaxon [Exec V-P, Am-Can], departure from Am-Can, and his development of mental response control helmet and software, and mining suit exo-armor. Mac is approached to join Dept. H.

James MacDonald (Mac) Hudson (30ish), a prodigy in engineering, got his B.S. at 17, and holds degrees in computer and electrical engineering, and has done extensive studies of neurology. Mac is about 6 foot, brown eyes, black hair, and clean shaven.

Act One:

Piece of the Establishment

Hudson brought to secret lab under Parliament Hill, Ottowa, tasked with resurrecting Dept. H. (under Department of National Defence (DND), active: 1944-50, 1962-92), introduced to Dr. Langowski, and Dr. Lazarus.

Langowski is a biophysicist; young, tall, and well built (former college football player).

Lazarus is a geneticist, middle age, black hair and beard, well muscled, slightly below average height, secretive and curt. Occasionally drops outdated colloquialisms, but seems unimpressed by even the most advanced equipment. Lazarus seems to be a study of contradictions.

 Their job is to develop a first line defense against super-human threats. Also introduces updated control ‘helmet’

Despite designated program director, not given access to ‘the morgue’, which contains ‘remnants’ from prior incarnations of the Dept.

            Project: ‘Bedlam’ (failed super-soldier)

            Evidence of ties to unknown program “Weapon-X”

            Strange egg. (in cryo; of alien origin [Plodex])

            Original mining suit developed by Mac

Heather, representing Dept. H visits the medical office [at the Sarcee reservation] of one of her college professors, Dr. Twoyoungmen. [picture on desk of young girl (8?); large unadorned wooden box on shelf at eye level]. Formerly a highly revered neurosurgeon, Dr. Twoyoungmen is asked to act as a consultant on an unlabled project Mac has begun reactivating.

A secret organization within a secret organization. Dr. Lazarus is found to be working within ‘the morgue’. Using Dept. H resources and equipment he has begun making hybrid clones from genetic material of the Plodex egg, and “stray” humans (homeless, etc.).

While at Dept. H., Heather finds her way into the morgue, and uncovers Mac’s mining suit. While examining the suit, she is struck from behind.

Act Two:

A New Master

Heather is captured, and Dr. Lazarus smugly states his “immortality”, and lays out his plans for world domination. He straps her to one of the test tables, and departs. His Plodex clones spread out, wrecking havoc throughout Dept. H. Lazarus, wrapped in his new armor and image as “The Master”, walks calmly through the sea of chaos.

Security Chief rallying resistance: Time to fight for the Red and White!

Responding to the alarms, Mac and Walter step out of the office section to see the approaching wave of destruction. The two fall back, formulating a plan.

In executing the plan, Mac and Walter attack the Master, and are soundly defeated. After blasting Mac across the room, the Master collapses the wall and ceiling upon him. Walter is forced back, and pursued by the Plodex clones. He flees down the hall, arriving in his lab; seals the door behind him. Controlling the systems of Dept. H, the Master activates the emergency vent protocols, sucking all air from the lab.

Locked in his lab, Walter is running out of time and air. He is alone, and powerless.

Wounded, Mac struggles to free himself from the wreckage of the lab. With the Plodex clones closing in, he makes his way to his lab, and the newly modified body suit.

Act Three:

Confrontation

Final Fight. To rescue Heather, Mac dons his modified suit. Believing Mac dead, Walter undergoes his process with surprising results. While they tag-team the Master, Heather frees herself, and joins the fight against the plodex clones by donning her helmet and climbing into James old mining harness.

With the Master defeated (dead, with body recovered), our heroes limp home, lick their wounds.

Epilogue:

Additions to the team

In light of recent events, Department H is given a new, narrower, directive: create a super team. In addition to Guardian and Sasquatch, and a lead on a plodex living in seclusion, the ranks are bolstered when Dr. Twoyoungmen introduces the group to a ‘special’ young woman.

Sasquatch: [grinning, looks at Guardian] Any other leads?

Guardian: [a hint of a grin touches the corner of his mouth] A couple.

Camera pans and closes on some folders on Guardian’s desk:

Beaubier, J-M; Beaubier, J-P; Crawley-Jeffries, L.; Dibney, K.; Judd, E.; Killgrave, Z.

[CREDITS]

Credits disolve into dark water that lightens as the camera is lifted to shallower depths. As the camera breaks the surface, we see the shore about 200 yards away. The shore juts out, and is marked by a quaint lighthouse. Beyond the house are thick woods stretching as far as the eye can see. A ‘girl’ (16ish) breaks the surface. Her skin is a soft yellow bordering on green; her hair is a dark green, almost black, and cut short; and her eyes are pure black, shiny. She blinks [dual lids?], and turns to the shore, where a young man is walking towards the water. They wave to each other, and we see her fingers are long, slender, and have webbing between them [webbing recedes as hand lifts from the water].

Suddenly, she freezes, and looks over her shoulder, back to sea.

Masters voice: Come.

[fade to black]

So...Here it is. The cover scan for one of my "titles". Generally, I create story outlines before drawing, but this one was special.

Sadly, the only scanner I have access to at the moment does legal size, so the sides were cut off. I will try to get a proper scan in the near future. The image itself is pencil, with minor inking. Once I get a proper scan, I plan on trying to add some finishing to it.

Inspired by a friend, the title is a psudo-historic adventure tale taking place at the end of the 16th century. The title would begin around 1580, and follow a dashing and charismatic sea-captain around the world. Accompanied by an inquisititve (and perhaps too smart for his own good) ferret, and her crew, Mita & Illert find themselves caught up in civil wars of Europe, jungle explorations in Brazil, and countless other adventures.

Synopsis: Anna Marita, and her faithful companion Illert get in and out of trouble in their search for the important things in life. This includes riches, niceties, but mostly…simply having fun.

"She stood tall, and proud upon the deck. A tri-corner hat tipped forward in a roguish angle above her brow. Her eyes were bright despite the shade, and an impish grin bespoke of unimaginable intentions. The sea air swept gently across the bow, blowing her auburn hair softly upon the breeze. The day was perfect. She was master of the deck, and queen of all she surveyed."

The meaning of silence.

Ok...So there's been a lot of dead air. But I have still been working (at least a little bit). Due to a number of personal events, the idea of digital publication will remain a pipe-dream. I am still fleshing out story arcs for a number of titles/characters, as well as working (very little) on a dream script for an Alpha Flight movie (property of Marvel Comics, but with the success of the Avengers, who knows). The current project consuming my creative time is research for a period piece, but more on that later. I will have a cover-design completed by the end of the month, and hope to have it scanned and posted no later than the 30th.

Priorities

Too much is going on. I end up with further concerns as quick as I can unload them. Due to family obligations and concerns, I admit that I have had next to no time to dedicate to this task. With holidays quickly approaching (and how long each page takes without the proper equipment), I am putting any further webcomic production on hold till the new year. In the off chance that I can lay my hands on all required hardware before then (which I doubt), I may get more up. But don't count on it. For those who may be reading this to which it applies, I have just given a hint on what to expect from Santa.

In the works

Ok...

Here is an in-the-works draft of the cover to The Templar #1.

It is quite time consuming doing all this without the proper equipment, and a complete issue may be too much to hope for at this time. If I stick to only rough-cut (no digital touch-up) , I am not sure how the results will be. Thoughts on the subject are appreciated. As for the design, I was inspired by some old pulp rags I found at the local second-hand bookstore. (I even found an old Nero Wolfe mystery in German!)  As I have been doing a bit of research into the Templars and the Crusades, It seems to have affected my All Hallows Eve.

The missus is to thank for the wonderful seamstressness (it's a word now).

The costume is a decent approximation of what the Tempars wore, and basically the standard worn during the events of "The Templar."

I have not heard back from the one shop, so I am reevaluating my standards. I have to keep this short, but I hope you enjoy the pics.

The Weekend

This past weekend I spent my time in search of hardware and software. I found a shop that might be able to obtain a copy of CS3 for me. I also spoke with them regarding computers and laptops (since I have decided that my current computer is not going to suffice for my needs). I should hear back regarding the program later in the week, while I continue my search for the required hardware. I also have a wish list for some additional programs, but I may need to hold off on those for now.

Work Lag

Ok, mea culpa.

Things have been so tremendously crazy at work for the last week or so, combined with everything else in life. So...I still have not yet gotten a scanner. I am weighing the benifit/cost of getting an entirely new computer as well. Our current one is adequate, but for what I need, I may be asking too much of it. The monitor is far too dark (even with the brightness level all the way up) and the dvd burner (necessary for the program I will be using, as well as the level of backup recommended) requires a little manual assist in opening the tray.  All in all, I think it is time, but with everything else, it might be too cost prohibitive at this time.

On the plus side, I am still drawing. Last night I drew up a cover design for "The Temlar" no. 1. It is strictly pencil at this time, and will probably remain so. I will try getting it posted in the next week or so, so check back. As entire issues in this fashion would be trying to both create, post, and (most of all) read, I will be avoiding such. What I might do is post either a synopsis of some issues (quicker than actually writing and drawing them all), or eventually post the scripts. Either way, we'll see together.

Legends: the Return

[This was originally written to be the prelude for an online RPG in my world. I hope you like.]

The heroes of yesteryear are fables.

Passed off as shell-shock hallucinations, the few who encountered them have either stopped believing, or kept quiet for fear of institutionalization. But they are out there, and the day is dawning when the Powers That Be will no longer be able to hide their existence.

Today

3:15pm, local time, Port de la Galere, France, on the northern bank of the Mediterranean

The older gentleman pushed open the door, and slowly entered the restaurant. The sudden blast of air conditioning hit him, and he hesitated before continuing in. He appeared to be a fit man in his upper 60’s, dressed in a designer suit that was obviously custom tailored. Standing just under six feet tall, he leaned slightly upon a slender lion-headed cane, and favored his right leg when he walked. His silver hair, receding from his brow, was cut properly short, and combed back.  He gave the young hostess a charming grin, and gestured towards the bar.

<No need to trouble yourself, darling. Someone’s expecting me.>*

*(translated from French)

He gingerly took the three steps down into the bar section of the restaurant, and stopped.  Although the man’s back was towards him, there was no mistaking him. The older man moved over and took the stool next to the large man.

“Hello, James.” The older man spoke as he signaled to the bartender, his accent giving him away as British.

“Nigel.” The younger man responded with out looking up from his beer. His voice was strong, with just a hint of an accent placing his upbringing somewhere in the southwestern section of the United States.

The two men were dynamic contrasts. While Nigel wore custom suits, James was dressed in khaki pants, and a blue denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up onto his biceps. While Nigel was athletic for his age, the American was almost seven feet of solid muscles. His golden hair was laced into a French braid that reached halfway down his back. Nigel’s shoes were shined so well that they could be used as mirrors, while James’ khakis were tucked military style into the tops of hard worn jungle boots. Next to which, a sizable duffle rested.

After Nigel ordered his martini, and the bartender moved off to blend it, James glanced up. A sizable toothy grin split his countenance.

“It’s been a while old friend.”

“Merci.” Nigel thanked the barkeep, who upon delivery of liquid refreshment, toddled off. “You would never guess we shared the same blood.” He continued. “Look at you, it’s been what, over sixty years? You haven’t aged a day.”

“Clean livin’ I guess.” James replied. “Still, you seem to have aged well.”

“I may look great for my years, but nowhere near where we were. Still…”

He tossed a business card onto the bar. It was embossed with the Union Jack.

“I see you’ve got one to.” James then reached into his shirt pocket, and pulled out a card embossed with the Stars and Stripes.  He then flipped it over, showing a series of coordinates, a date and time, and simply the word, ‘friend.’

“Any idea who sent it?” Nigel asked.

“Not a clue, but Lady Daphne received one as well.” James gestured over his shoulder.

Nigel turned, and noticed for the first time, a tall (woman) in a burqa sitting in the bar’s far corner booth. It was nearly impossible to see her there, as she seemed to be part of the shadows. Once you knew she was there, it was easier to see her, and that she was staring right at him.

“Seems someone is getting the old gang back together.” James continued, without turning. He finished his beer, and turned to Nigel. “Whoever they are, there’s no sign of our mystery host.”

He stood up, and then everything exploded.

A short: Vigil

Ok, so I found the old images of Vigil. The character had started as a PC in a friends RPG, and one of the groups members drew pictures of each team member. It was a Marvel Comic inspired game, and the costumes reflected this. The artist (I don't recall his name, but I am attempting to track down his name, so I can give proper credit. Luckily, he at least put his initials on the pics) had a more anime feel than I go for, but he got the general look right. I even liked the additions to the standard costume.

Origin: Vigil was a U.S. Navy Seal on duty in the middle east. One night on patrol, his team got into a firefight, and he was lost during the chaos, presumed dead. In truth, he was abducted by aliens, who experimented on him, unleashing and enhancing his latent mutant power. Without revealing too much, he finds himself back on earth, in Egypt. He awakes to find himself the center of a cult based upon the ancient gods, with himself believed to be the avatar of Ra.

The debate

Things have been so busy, but with little progress for this project. Life is such a pain that way. I think I have found my scanner. It's not the one I want, but as it is less than a third of the cost, I think it will have to do for now. At least it has an 11 x 17 bed. It is the only 11 x 17 I have found in stores. Most stores only carry 8 1/2 x 11, with a few carrying legal (8 1/2 x 14). At any rate, I hope to pick it up in the next week or so. We shall see. Then begins the search for the stylus.

As for stories, I have the first Primal story just about ironed out. Then I need to block it and add dialog. I haven't had a weekend to speak of in months, so this is all slow going. I am also thinking of doing a one-shot origin for Vigil. I have also been thinking of revising his costume. I loved the one that a fellow gamer did, but I am not sure how it will fit with my ultimate vision. If I can find it (and the artists name) I will post it.

I have also been thinking that the way to go forward with this is to do a one-shot for my primary characters, and then get input. How I feel, as well as what others want to see, will decide the future.

Excuses

Still working on story ideas. Between work and outside impediments, I have not had too much time to commit to the cause this week. Even though I won’t be able to put it online anytime soon, I started some rough sketch page layouts. Bottom line, one page of Nobody is blocked. I am still piecing some other ideas together. My objective for this weekend (if I can turn to this at all) is to create a satisfactory design for Primal’s initial adversary.

In other regards, I have been doing a bit of copyright research. Not that I am terribly concerned as such, but it is nice to know that your work is protected. It also helps to know what is public-domain, and what is not. As it is written, "nothing is new under the sun." And I like the idea of using certain well-established characters in new ways. One name that everyone will recognize is Prince Vlad III Draculya, although his face will be quite different than the ones usually portrayed.

Storylines

Ok...so there is not much advancement in regards to aquiring the necessary hardware to produce digital issues, as personal duties have kept me busy. That said, I actually have a number of storylines in the works.

I have three stories I am primarily focusing on. Two involve characters that have been on paper for years. Both are co-created, and were originally used in gaming sessions.

Primal: A ruggedly charismatic mutant who was raised in a laboratory. Escaping in hopes of finding out who he is and where he came from, he finds himself in a world he doesn’t know or understand. His powers include: heightened senses; healing factor; retractable claws; and prehensile feet.

Nobody: No one knows who the one called Nobody is, or isn’t talking if they do. As a metamorph, no one knows what he truly looks like either. All that is known is that he escaped from a scientific facility that had bonded his DNA with multiple alien species. Though slightly mentally unbalanced, he is mostly harmless.

Another co-created character that may appear down the road includes Bloodline. Here is an early sketch I did a few years back.

Hmmm...with some minor exceptions, he resembles Primal...I wonder what that could mean?

At any rate, that’s all for now.

Peter David and special thanks

My reference library is expanding. Earlier this week, I bought a book on writing specifically for comic books and graphic novels. Written by Peter David, it gives easy use tips and advice regarding everything from types of narration, to dealing with (the inevitable, as David puts it) accusations of plagiarism or “ripping-off” of ideas. It also turns out that I am a huge fan of his works.

I recently became aware of his name as writer/creator of the revamped X-Factor team (Marvel Comics; X-Factor no. 75+) which is one of my favorite line-ups. Upon picking up the book, I see he has worked on a large number of my favorite titles. So I did a bit more research. He is also a co-creator, and the original writer for Spider-Man 2099. A wonderful character who was original enough to stand on his own as a character (not just a knock-off), S-M 2099 is now gaining new fans as one of four storylines in the newest Spider-Man video game (the jury’s still out on whether I will get it).

In regards to webcomic progress, I am still researching scanners. I am having a hard time trying to find one that has the features I want, and is available in stores. (I don’t want to have to have it sent to our leasing office, or mail it if there is something wrong with it) A real pain is that selections of 11x17 inch bed scanners are nonexistent in most stores. Once I can get this figured out, the next step will be to look for stylus pads.

I already have a book that lays out using Adobe Photoshop CS for digital page production, and while I need a home-version of this software, it is easy to get, and fairly cheap compared to other programs I have looked at.

Character and story ideas are slowly flowing like the first sap from tapped maple trees, but I think these building blocks will create some great stories. I may post some character and story information in the future, but not today. I will try and make older stories and concepts available later as well.

In regards to a number of super-characters, they were co-created with my best man, Rob. Special thanks to him and Evil who have helped provide inspiration, advice, and even hammered some ideas into form. Rob gets bonus points for help with naming. He is an encyclopedia of comic names.

In the Beginning...

In an effort to re-ignite my creative flame, I am undertaking a conscious effort to begin writing and drawing again. My ultimate goal? I am going to try my hand at webcomics. It is a costly venture that seemed less so at the inception. As I read more, I am creating a list of need items, and eventually-need items. I fear it shall be some time before I am ready to create actual issues.

I have not written seriously since college, nor have I done more than a dozen or so sketches in the last five years. I have been feeling pent-in lately, and am hoping that allowing my spirit to fly in other worlds will make the current cubicle existence more bearable. My primary inspirations lie in fantasy, science fiction, and superheroes. We shall see what the future holds.