Alright folks! So last well, remember how I reviewed the trailers for Tangled last week and gave the movie a 9 just based off of what's seen in the clips? Well, I gotta say, I was dead on for the rating! Lee and I went and saw it this past saturday (totally not gay, btw) and HE even enjoyed it (he gave it 2 out of 3 man tears... don't tell him I told you that) Yes, there is a lot of singing involved, but hey, its a Disney princess movie, what else would you expect? The singing was absolutely outstanding, the animators were incredible, and the voice actors, even more so. I laughed, I cried (well, held back tears), all in all I enjoyed every minute of it.
Best wishes,
Robert "Can't wait for the Blue ray" Laff
A few of our members
Rob Laff and Lee Baker.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Mustelid Musings #1: Of DMs and Dickery
So, I was participating in a semi-regular meeting of GMs I know around the web. No, I will not tell you who they are. We are a secret cabal of faceless megaloman- uh, I mean delightful fellows. Anyway, it was one fellow's turn to tell a story about an argument with a player (yes, our discussions are themed). His story involved a player whose character (a paladin of unwavering, but untested, goodness) facing a large moral dilemma. Well, large for a level 5. The dilemma was thus: The paladin had to choose between two entirely innocent nations of people. Whichever he chose would live in peace for a millennium. The other would be wiped off the face of the world, even from memory. The only people who would know the nation ever existed would be the gods, and the paladin himself. Basically, the only way for the paladin to do something big enough to atone, and thus regain his paladin abilities, would be to build a new nation. Which, coincidentally, was what the GM wanted the campaign to be about.
Now, I immediately called him out. What were his other options? None, said the Speaker (what we call the rotating host of each discussion).
Me: Well, what about offering his own life instead, or just walking away?
Speaker: The gods put him in limbo, and made him immortal.
M: What about his powers? If he fails at rebuilding a nation, or refuses, or doesn't even think to do it, does he remain a powerless paladin?
S: He can multiclass.
3rd GM: So, it's "Do what I say or pay the price"?
S: Yeah, pretty much.
3: That's a dick move, man. Why choose the paladin? You essentially just made his choice of character completely moot, just to satisfy your own whims. That's not GMing. That's railroading.
S: Nobody asked you, 3 (real name withheld due to mutual agreement). You don't get to judge me (cue "I'm better than you and you are jealous" rant)
Anyway, it escalated from there, and ended with myself and several others removing our names from the mailing list. This kind of "DMing" infuriates me. This guy basically masturbates at the gaming table, and makes the others participate. It's bullshit. No decent player should have to put up with something like this. Hell, even a poor player shouldn't have to. They'll never learn this way. It's a good way to turn people away from the table forever.
Anyway, this has been bugging me, so I had to let it out. Happy gaming, and always keep the 1-side up.
Love and kisses,
Badger
Now, I immediately called him out. What were his other options? None, said the Speaker (what we call the rotating host of each discussion).
Me: Well, what about offering his own life instead, or just walking away?
Speaker: The gods put him in limbo, and made him immortal.
M: What about his powers? If he fails at rebuilding a nation, or refuses, or doesn't even think to do it, does he remain a powerless paladin?
S: He can multiclass.
3rd GM: So, it's "Do what I say or pay the price"?
S: Yeah, pretty much.
3: That's a dick move, man. Why choose the paladin? You essentially just made his choice of character completely moot, just to satisfy your own whims. That's not GMing. That's railroading.
S: Nobody asked you, 3 (real name withheld due to mutual agreement). You don't get to judge me (cue "I'm better than you and you are jealous" rant)
Anyway, it escalated from there, and ended with myself and several others removing our names from the mailing list. This kind of "DMing" infuriates me. This guy basically masturbates at the gaming table, and makes the others participate. It's bullshit. No decent player should have to put up with something like this. Hell, even a poor player shouldn't have to. They'll never learn this way. It's a good way to turn people away from the table forever.
Anyway, this has been bugging me, so I had to let it out. Happy gaming, and always keep the 1-side up.
Love and kisses,
Badger
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Young Justice... Oh hell yes.
When I was a kid I loved comic books. My mother would let me pick out one comic when we went to 7-11 and I loved her for it. Yes, when I was a kid 7-11 sold comic books. Sad days that this no longer happens. But I digress. The comics I used to get most often were "The Flash, X-Men, and Young Justice." Why? Because Young Justice was awesome. Admittedly YJ was a bit later toward the end of 7-11s comic store run, but it doesn't really matter.
When I moved in with my grandparents permanently I never really read comics much after that. They lived out in the country and no place out there sold comics so I was pretty much screwed. When I saw my dad he'd buy me a comic or two, but it was never really enough to get any understanding. The golden day, however was when I was sixteen and got my car. Which I call Morgan. Why Morgan because despite being an old used car it was bought at a Freeman Oldsmobile dealership and the car itself is black. Yes, my car is Morgan Freeman. The first series I started reading after I could get my hands back on comics was Teen Titans, since sadly Young Justice had literally just ended a week or two beforehand. Mostly the same characters anyway.
The point I am trying to make is I grew up on the DC Universes Teen Superheroes so I feel I have the authority to talk about them. Well I feel I have the authority to talk about anything I please, but my arguments on the practicality of putting in a Nuclear Power Plant to power my small bodunk country hometown would not be anything more than "But.. I want superpowers?!"
Now onto the meat of this article. Young Justice is a new Cartoon that will airing on Cartoon Network in January. Yesterday Cartoon Network aired a two part Pilot for the series. Now here is my first thoughts on the show without doing any research into it, just based on my observations of "Oh hey, I'm a Comic Book Guru so I know this." First off, it's clearly evident that this is not set in the main DC Universe, but when it's a cartoon that's a bit obvious. No Cartoonverse is going to live up to my high standards, so I usually lower them quite a bit. The animation is breathtaking, the action scenes, gorgeous. My first complaint "What the hell is Black Manta's son doing as Aqualad? Granted the character was just introduced in Brightest Day and he has a slightly different look in the comic books, but still mostly the same. My second observation was the way Robin was acting it was definatly Tim Drake. No way around it. The outfit matched, and the personality and computer skills were right on. Tim was always the Brain of the four Robins. (Yes, technically there were five, but I won't count Stephanie Brown if you don't.) Next observation was Okay, Kid Flash has the hair of Wally, but definitely the costume of Bart, plus the goggles which were a cool nod to his Impulse persona. I figured they wanted to do KF instead of Impulse so the fans could follow easier. I thought it was cool they got the look of Speedy down pat, but then immediately threw him away. Made me sad, but maybe he'll come back later. Then they threw in Superman. I liked the suit, but at the end of the pilot he was wearing his Teen Titans costume. This was my first bit of confusion. My final observation, was Okay Miss Martian is post One Year Later Teen Titans. Not Young Justice. This is freaking Teen Titans. Not Young Justice.
Now after my research I found out they actually named this Universe, Universe 16, so it's possible we'll get to see this in comic books. Why they did this, I have no idea other than to make a Comic Book off of it. Who knows. I should've known that by Having Roy (Speedy) in it that of course Robin and Kid Flash would be Dick and Wally. Who were never in Young Justice. Ever. Infact the only member of the entire group was ever in Young Justice is Superboy. Also they made up a new Aqualad for this cartoon. You know what, I forgive them. That's all technicalities that are to be expected in a cartoon adaptation of anything. I can also forgive the name change because of that rather silly Teen Titans cartoon years back.
I am all for exposing kids to new superheroes. Years ago before the Iron Man movies were announced I asked around my High School and found out no one knew who Iron Man was. That made me sad, since then I've been all for Superhero Cartoons. Why? Because I also grew up on those, and I love the ever loving bejesus out of them. The fun facts they threw in their too, like the Hall of Justice is just a media front for the Watchtower? Awesome. Also I saw two Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan, and John Stewert, respectively near the end. They are also going to be adding a Young Justice member Artemis, though she will be going under the name Arrowette.
In conclusion, despite my ranting and raving, I love this series. I've dated a lot of girls and told many of them that I was in love with them, but after watching the pilot for this series, I honestly think I understand what true love really is. I want to cuddle with this series at night. I want to make love to it for hours. I want to grow old with this series and have children with it. It's that good.
But for further representation of all the differences, photos are in order.
The Cartoon, Young Justice.
Young Justice, The Comic Book
And last but not least. Teen Titans.
Alright, and for some Miss Martian action, Teen Titans post One Year Later
In addition to all this, I'm going to try to get Rob to watch the Pilot and give his, "Okay, I know nothing about comics, let's see how I feel" look. Until then,
Lee "YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!" Baker
When I moved in with my grandparents permanently I never really read comics much after that. They lived out in the country and no place out there sold comics so I was pretty much screwed. When I saw my dad he'd buy me a comic or two, but it was never really enough to get any understanding. The golden day, however was when I was sixteen and got my car. Which I call Morgan. Why Morgan because despite being an old used car it was bought at a Freeman Oldsmobile dealership and the car itself is black. Yes, my car is Morgan Freeman. The first series I started reading after I could get my hands back on comics was Teen Titans, since sadly Young Justice had literally just ended a week or two beforehand. Mostly the same characters anyway.
The point I am trying to make is I grew up on the DC Universes Teen Superheroes so I feel I have the authority to talk about them. Well I feel I have the authority to talk about anything I please, but my arguments on the practicality of putting in a Nuclear Power Plant to power my small bodunk country hometown would not be anything more than "But.. I want superpowers?!"
Now onto the meat of this article. Young Justice is a new Cartoon that will airing on Cartoon Network in January. Yesterday Cartoon Network aired a two part Pilot for the series. Now here is my first thoughts on the show without doing any research into it, just based on my observations of "Oh hey, I'm a Comic Book Guru so I know this." First off, it's clearly evident that this is not set in the main DC Universe, but when it's a cartoon that's a bit obvious. No Cartoonverse is going to live up to my high standards, so I usually lower them quite a bit. The animation is breathtaking, the action scenes, gorgeous. My first complaint "What the hell is Black Manta's son doing as Aqualad? Granted the character was just introduced in Brightest Day and he has a slightly different look in the comic books, but still mostly the same. My second observation was the way Robin was acting it was definatly Tim Drake. No way around it. The outfit matched, and the personality and computer skills were right on. Tim was always the Brain of the four Robins. (Yes, technically there were five, but I won't count Stephanie Brown if you don't.) Next observation was Okay, Kid Flash has the hair of Wally, but definitely the costume of Bart, plus the goggles which were a cool nod to his Impulse persona. I figured they wanted to do KF instead of Impulse so the fans could follow easier. I thought it was cool they got the look of Speedy down pat, but then immediately threw him away. Made me sad, but maybe he'll come back later. Then they threw in Superman. I liked the suit, but at the end of the pilot he was wearing his Teen Titans costume. This was my first bit of confusion. My final observation, was Okay Miss Martian is post One Year Later Teen Titans. Not Young Justice. This is freaking Teen Titans. Not Young Justice.
Now after my research I found out they actually named this Universe, Universe 16, so it's possible we'll get to see this in comic books. Why they did this, I have no idea other than to make a Comic Book off of it. Who knows. I should've known that by Having Roy (Speedy) in it that of course Robin and Kid Flash would be Dick and Wally. Who were never in Young Justice. Ever. Infact the only member of the entire group was ever in Young Justice is Superboy. Also they made up a new Aqualad for this cartoon. You know what, I forgive them. That's all technicalities that are to be expected in a cartoon adaptation of anything. I can also forgive the name change because of that rather silly Teen Titans cartoon years back.
I am all for exposing kids to new superheroes. Years ago before the Iron Man movies were announced I asked around my High School and found out no one knew who Iron Man was. That made me sad, since then I've been all for Superhero Cartoons. Why? Because I also grew up on those, and I love the ever loving bejesus out of them. The fun facts they threw in their too, like the Hall of Justice is just a media front for the Watchtower? Awesome. Also I saw two Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan, and John Stewert, respectively near the end. They are also going to be adding a Young Justice member Artemis, though she will be going under the name Arrowette.
In conclusion, despite my ranting and raving, I love this series. I've dated a lot of girls and told many of them that I was in love with them, but after watching the pilot for this series, I honestly think I understand what true love really is. I want to cuddle with this series at night. I want to make love to it for hours. I want to grow old with this series and have children with it. It's that good.
But for further representation of all the differences, photos are in order.
The Cartoon, Young Justice.
And last but not least. Teen Titans.
In addition to all this, I'm going to try to get Rob to watch the Pilot and give his, "Okay, I know nothing about comics, let's see how I feel" look. Until then,
Lee "YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!" Baker
Thursday, November 25, 2010
NWB Thanksgiving Special
Welcome dearest viewers. We here at Nerds With Beards, (Okay, Just me, Lee) just want to say thanks to our.. what five avid readers? Well anyway, to those of you who like what we do here, and don't think we are a bunch of losers with no writing talent who post in a blog that has no substance whatsoever, thank you.
I love you all.
Really.
Even you.
You right there. With the face. Yeah. That's right. I see you.
From the bottom of my heart, I say, Nice Ass.
Love,
Lee "Okay, that's a bit too close" Baker
I love you all.
Really.
Even you.
You right there. With the face. Yeah. That's right. I see you.
From the bottom of my heart, I say, Nice Ass.
Love,
Lee "Okay, that's a bit too close" Baker
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Lee's Obscure Game Collection: Werewolf: The Wild West
One of my favorite books in my game collection is Werewolf: The Wild West. It's the historical game setting for Werewolf: The Apocalypse. Now, it's a pretty good book, but honestly I've never run a werewolf game and I don't think I ever will. Werewolf just isn't my game, but hell this book has a ton of useful for information for just running World of Darkness games in the Wild West. A game I'd like to get my hands on more though for this sort of thing, however, would be Deadlands, but this game works too.
Let me get to the inside of the book. The artwork.. well it's artwork you'd expect from White Wolf. Their same ol' Same ol'. I must admit, as much as Werewolf is at the very bottom of the World of Darkness games I'd run it's always had the best artwork. There is a picture in here of a guy transforming into a werewolf in a black duster coat and hat and he looks like Wolverine, but much more badass. As for the system, it's pretty standard White Wolf and no changes from Werewolf: The Apocalypse, but it's good.
Now some of you may be asking, Lee, what the hell is Werewolf: The Wild West about? Well it's Werewolf: The Apocalypse set in the Wild West. Now what's W:tA? Simple. You see, apparently earth is inhabited by three spirits, known as the Triat. They consist of the Wyld, Gaia's servant, the creator of all things known as the Weaver, and the destroyer of all things known as the Wyrm. The Wyrm went mad first and became a spirit of chaos. Now Gaia's creations, the Fera were tasked to taking out the Wyrm.. However, the Fera's warriors known as the Garou, or Werewolves, decided that they needed to be top wolf. They launched a war, they lost it, now they are alone in their struggle against the Wyrm. It's complicated, it's awesome, and it's fun for everybody but the whole family. Why? Because Werewolves always end up killing someone to meaty chunks.
And yes, there is a hole in the bottom left corner of the book. When I first bought it I thought the guy before me had done it, but no. It just happens to look like that. Bullet hole I guess. Great book, but unless you're into Werewolf: The Apocalypse, don't bother picking it up.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Trailer Trash- "Don't call me a Fairy... tale" edition
Hey folks, and welcome to week 2 of Trailer Trash! This week I will be reviewing the the trailers for "Your Highness", and (as a shout out to my fellow Nerd Machine cohorts who might be reading this) Disney's "Tangled".
Alright, first up today is the restricted trailer for "Your Highness". The movie about 2 princes (or at least a prince and a half...) on a journey in mid-eval times to rescue the woman who James Franco's character wishes to marry. That's right ladies, James Franco is in this one! He stars opposite of Danny McBride... you know, that guy who blew shit up in "Tropic Thunder". Now, considering the fact that this is directed from the same guy who brought us "Pineapple Express", I imagine drugs were involved in the process. As a matter of fact, in the trailer you can find below, I'm pretty sure it shows them getting high with a Muppet... Anyway, even though I'm pretty sure majority of the staff was stoned during the process of the movie, it looks like its gonna be pretty good! With a nice mix of witty, albeit vulgar lines and pretty decent visual effects, I think I'll give this one an 8 out of 10!
Next up, is the next (and according to Disney right now, final) Disney Princess movie, "Tangled"! And Disney is going out with a bang, from the looks of it! Zachary Levi plays Ryder, a thief on the run (and not too bad a singer, as I've been hearing!). Rapunzel, in case you couldn't figure out that this is a Rapunzel movie, is voiced by Mandy Moore. However, the 2 characters I'm most looking forward too are Maximus (the horse in charge of taking Ryder down and ends up on this crazy adventure right along side him) and Pascal (Rapunzel's chameleon sidekick). Once you see the trailers and character profiles with the link below, you'll figure out why. Lets be honest... who doesn't want to see a horse punch a guy? Disney has rarely let me down before, and this one looks like it's gonna pull out all the stops! and i hear it is highly difficult to make hair in a cgi, what with the individual strands and all, let along 40 feet of it! With that in mind, I will have to give the trailers for this family film a 9 out of 10 (I was thinking 8.5, but I like to round)
So there you have it, folks! A movie for adults and one for the whole family! I'm going to try my best to go see Tangled some time this week, and once I do I will re-review it. Best wishes to all, Happy Turkey day, yadda yadda yadda...
Robert Laff "The Best Medicine"
R trailer for Your Highness
Tangled trailers (thats right... more than one!)
Alright, first up today is the restricted trailer for "Your Highness". The movie about 2 princes (or at least a prince and a half...) on a journey in mid-eval times to rescue the woman who James Franco's character wishes to marry. That's right ladies, James Franco is in this one! He stars opposite of Danny McBride... you know, that guy who blew shit up in "Tropic Thunder". Now, considering the fact that this is directed from the same guy who brought us "Pineapple Express", I imagine drugs were involved in the process. As a matter of fact, in the trailer you can find below, I'm pretty sure it shows them getting high with a Muppet... Anyway, even though I'm pretty sure majority of the staff was stoned during the process of the movie, it looks like its gonna be pretty good! With a nice mix of witty, albeit vulgar lines and pretty decent visual effects, I think I'll give this one an 8 out of 10!
Next up, is the next (and according to Disney right now, final) Disney Princess movie, "Tangled"! And Disney is going out with a bang, from the looks of it! Zachary Levi plays Ryder, a thief on the run (and not too bad a singer, as I've been hearing!). Rapunzel, in case you couldn't figure out that this is a Rapunzel movie, is voiced by Mandy Moore. However, the 2 characters I'm most looking forward too are Maximus (the horse in charge of taking Ryder down and ends up on this crazy adventure right along side him) and Pascal (Rapunzel's chameleon sidekick). Once you see the trailers and character profiles with the link below, you'll figure out why. Lets be honest... who doesn't want to see a horse punch a guy? Disney has rarely let me down before, and this one looks like it's gonna pull out all the stops! and i hear it is highly difficult to make hair in a cgi, what with the individual strands and all, let along 40 feet of it! With that in mind, I will have to give the trailers for this family film a 9 out of 10 (I was thinking 8.5, but I like to round)
So there you have it, folks! A movie for adults and one for the whole family! I'm going to try my best to go see Tangled some time this week, and once I do I will re-review it. Best wishes to all, Happy Turkey day, yadda yadda yadda...
Robert Laff "The Best Medicine"
R trailer for Your Highness
Tangled trailers (thats right... more than one!)
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Japan is winning the war
Japanese culture has been pouring into America for as long as I can remember. From the first time I ever picked up a Pokemon card to today, I've seen how our Youth flock to this culture. Anime, Manga, ect. I have personally tried to avoid falling into the stereotype of Anime Nerd simply for the reason that everyone and their mother is an Anime Nerd and being labeled as such is so common that it's no longer a novelty. That, and I have no interest in Anime or Manga for the simple reason of I like superheroes goddamnit. I have been speculating for a while that Japan is just brainwashing the youth of America into their ways so they can take us over. I, however, have never had any proof until now.
Rob ran into something on the world wide webs and the technology level to do this must be nothing other than mass hypnosis and hallucination. That or really good holographics. While the latter seems more logical the former allows me to be paranoid and thus I'm going with that one.
Without further hesitation, may I introduce Japan's newest secret weapon against Western Culture... Hatsune Miku
We're screwed...
Lee "I'll sell my soul three times for that" Baker
Dear Santa...
Rob "In Hood" Laff
Send us your thoughts!
So I've been looking at our statistics more and more, and while no one really comments on our posts, people are reading our stuff. I'd like our readers to send us their opinions and thoughts. Ideas for topics, things you'd like to see, things you'd like to talk about, fan art, personal reviews, personal articles and whatnot. Those that get the NWB seal of approval will be posted on this site and full credit will be given (If I get to the e-mail first.).
Our E-mail is Nerdswithbeards@gmail.com
Have at you!
Lee "OHMYGODI'MONFIRE" Baker
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Would that not make it better?
So every story nowadays starts with angst. The lucky ones get powers and learn to deal with their shit. But why make it easy? The best superheroes aren't super at all, right?
Batman, Ironman, Scott Pilgrim-yes, I threw him in there cuz let's face it, who doesn't want to greet their friend with a fight like that?
Well, what do I do? I'm Will by the way, call me the Fantasy Nerd. Youngest of the group, most fit, smallest beard...heh, but by no means the least of these. I read, and my passion is for poetry and writing of the fantastic fashion. Nothing would be more of an escape for me to defy gravity and fly, or to clash blades in a gladiatorial arena, or ride amongst a host of the armored and brave on green fields to...well, whatever you want.
Point is, imagination is the shit.
NOw, what am I getting at?
Live a damn comic book.
Today this girl drew me as an anime character. Weird right? Cuz I'm black and those anime artists never seem to get it right -_-
Buuut on the other hand, how cool would that be? You can do anything, and it's all based off of reality in some form or fashion. I defy gravity cuz i jump over stuff and have long legs, I'm so into medieval culture that I practice swordplay and martial arts and can default to old speak on a whim.
So heres a question: how do you turn the everyday drag into something epic?
Think about it. This coming to you from Will Matthews, that Token but-not-really Black guy
Batman, Ironman, Scott Pilgrim-yes, I threw him in there cuz let's face it, who doesn't want to greet their friend with a fight like that?
Well, what do I do? I'm Will by the way, call me the Fantasy Nerd. Youngest of the group, most fit, smallest beard...heh, but by no means the least of these. I read, and my passion is for poetry and writing of the fantastic fashion. Nothing would be more of an escape for me to defy gravity and fly, or to clash blades in a gladiatorial arena, or ride amongst a host of the armored and brave on green fields to...well, whatever you want.
Point is, imagination is the shit.
NOw, what am I getting at?
Live a damn comic book.
Today this girl drew me as an anime character. Weird right? Cuz I'm black and those anime artists never seem to get it right -_-
Buuut on the other hand, how cool would that be? You can do anything, and it's all based off of reality in some form or fashion. I defy gravity cuz i jump over stuff and have long legs, I'm so into medieval culture that I practice swordplay and martial arts and can default to old speak on a whim.
So heres a question: how do you turn the everyday drag into something epic?
Think about it. This coming to you from Will Matthews, that Token but-not-really Black guy
Holy crap!
01001001001001110110110100100000011100110110010101100101011010010110111001100111001000000110001001101001011011100110000101110010011110010010000100100000001000000100100001100001011101100110010100100000010010010010000001100101011011100111010001100101011100100110010101100100001000000111010001101000011001010010000001101101011000010111010001110010011010010111100000111111
For a translation, click here.
Rob "In hood" Laff
For a translation, click here.
Rob "In hood" Laff
Sellouts
So we thought that in order to get a few dollars in order to earn money in hopes of one day purchasing our own web domain and other stuff that we'd sell out to google adsense. Since we don't have that many followers to begin with we hope those of you that do loyally read us do not leave because we sold out, but we do hope that since we did so early in our career that it will not be the black spot on our careers as it is with so many. In order to make our readers feel better, I will be making a hollow promise that I will never follow through with to post nude pictures of Pamela Anderson on our blog. I hope you can find this a suitable compromise.
Lee "ZOMBIES?!?!" Baker
Lee "ZOMBIES?!?!" Baker
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Lee's Obscure Game Collection: Aberrant
Hello, Gaming fans. It's time for the first install of Lee's Obscure Game Collection. For people who know me, I like to go to Half-Price books and if I find a rare or unusual Pen'n'paper game I will usually impulse buy it. Then again, as Badger can attest, I impulse buy the coolest stuff.
Today's item is Aberrant!
Aberrant is a Superhero roleplaying game by White-Wolf. It's pretty awesome and is part of the Trinity Universe in White Wolf's old line of games.
The Trinity Universe has three parts. Adventure!, Aberrant, and Trinity. Adventure is set in the past and covers pulp type heroes, Aberrant is set in the present and covers people gaining superpowers after a satellite with radioactive material explodes in the earths Atmosphere, and Trinity is what those people become and how they take over earth or something of that matter.
The fact is, while I would love a copy of Adventure! and Trinity, all I have is Aberrant.
At first glance, Aberrant is all one could ever want in a Superhero game, set to the Advanced Storyteller System. I love White Wolf's systems and as I opened the book and read through it's pages it seemed like a dream come true, and if I were any less of a storyteller it would be anything but.
The system in short, is a nightmare. Well not so much a nightmare, and more a powergamers delight. The ability to abuse the system and just powergame is way too easy. Just toying around with it I've made some straight out level one characters (A term I use lightly with White Wolf, but use to convey to people who've never played White Wolf) that can take out some of the Signature characters of the game. Which is odd, because they should all be overpowered.
Then again, I'm the guy who took out an Elder True Brujah with a Malkavian and one level of Dementation, but that's a story and a game for another day. The good things with this system is that it's just so easy to create whatever superhero you want. Want to emulate an already existing hero? Easy. Want to create something new and original? Done. It's just such a lovely system that I'd love to one day run a game with it. Unfortunately I'm in and am running way too many games to pencil this in. So it sits on my shelf, as I read it so lovingly.
Lee "I did it for the cookie" Baker
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Trailer Trash- The Green Lantern/ Red Riding Hood
Alright folks! welcome to the first blog installment of "Trailer Trash". Don't let the name fool you, this isn't me just talking about bad trailers (in fact I imagine most of the trailers will turn out pretty cool!). No, Trailer Trash is me basically doing a movie review based on what is shown in the first trailer I see. Once the movies are released, I will go see them and do a new review and compare the new points with these You can find the trailers to both movies at the bottom of the blog.
First up, in case you can't tell from the title, is the Green Lantern. (By the way, I will admit right now that I know very little about the superhero universe, at least comic book wise, so I'm sure Lee will bitch and moan about what I have to say). Upon first glance, it just seems to be DC's answer to Iron Man. Ryan Reynold's take on Hal Jordan, to me, seems dead on with Robert Downey Jr.'s take on Tony Stark... well, attitude wise, at least. The alien makeup I didn't find to be very realistic (I know, I know, but you know what I mean). In fact, as far as the alien who gives Hal his ring goes, I'm pretty sure I saw that mask in halloween stores, and not for very much. The special effects seem to be decent, but not mindblowing. While I am still looking forward to this movie, I am going to have to give my first glance rating at 6 out of 10.
Next up, the girl from the hood... Red Riding Hood, that is. In this film, Amanda Seyfried is torn between 2 loves and is being stalked by a werewolf. Getting a Twilight feeling, yet? You should be. They are both Directed by the same person (and one of the guys' hair seems to remind me of Edward's... but not in a gay way). Anyway, I really wish I could comment on the special effects and makeup on the werewolf, but there was no actual werewolf to be seen during the entire trailer! So, with the lack of that, and being beaten over the head with the twilight stick over and over again in the trailer, I will have to give the movie at this time a 4 out of 10.
So there you have it folks! Reviews for Iron Lantern and Twilight Riding Hood. After you watch the trailers and form your own opinion, I'd love to hear it! So post it in the comments below.
Much Love,
-Laff "The Best Medicine"
Green Lantern Trailer (under the poster)
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=71620
Red Riding Hood (also... under its poster)
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=71704
First up, in case you can't tell from the title, is the Green Lantern. (By the way, I will admit right now that I know very little about the superhero universe, at least comic book wise, so I'm sure Lee will bitch and moan about what I have to say). Upon first glance, it just seems to be DC's answer to Iron Man. Ryan Reynold's take on Hal Jordan, to me, seems dead on with Robert Downey Jr.'s take on Tony Stark... well, attitude wise, at least. The alien makeup I didn't find to be very realistic (I know, I know, but you know what I mean). In fact, as far as the alien who gives Hal his ring goes, I'm pretty sure I saw that mask in halloween stores, and not for very much. The special effects seem to be decent, but not mindblowing. While I am still looking forward to this movie, I am going to have to give my first glance rating at 6 out of 10.
Next up, the girl from the hood... Red Riding Hood, that is. In this film, Amanda Seyfried is torn between 2 loves and is being stalked by a werewolf. Getting a Twilight feeling, yet? You should be. They are both Directed by the same person (and one of the guys' hair seems to remind me of Edward's... but not in a gay way). Anyway, I really wish I could comment on the special effects and makeup on the werewolf, but there was no actual werewolf to be seen during the entire trailer! So, with the lack of that, and being beaten over the head with the twilight stick over and over again in the trailer, I will have to give the movie at this time a 4 out of 10.
So there you have it folks! Reviews for Iron Lantern and Twilight Riding Hood. After you watch the trailers and form your own opinion, I'd love to hear it! So post it in the comments below.
Much Love,
-Laff "The Best Medicine"
Green Lantern Trailer (under the poster)
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=71620
Red Riding Hood (also... under its poster)
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=71704
Here is Dann
I am by all means a music and Video Game nerd. I am a Halo junkie, I love Square Enix games, and I don't give a fuck. On the topic of music everything but rap, in my humble opinion, is music, that is not including hip-hop and R&B. Rap is more verbal rhetoric such as poetry, there are exceptions.
Personally I am with Lee "does this look infected" Baker on the OCD nerd, but I have to add a nerd has to have a bit of social inadequacy. Just like me.
Dann "I make Asians feel good about themselves" Pate
Personally I am with Lee "does this look infected" Baker on the OCD nerd, but I have to add a nerd has to have a bit of social inadequacy. Just like me.
Dann "I make Asians feel good about themselves" Pate
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Well played, sir
I would shake your hand on that one, Lee, but I don't know where its been
Rob "dot dot dot" Laff
Rob "dot dot dot" Laff
Lee's Counter-Counterpoint
I can see Rob is purely jealous in his attempt to make my pre-trailer review look foolish. This is an immature tactic and I will be the bigger man by pitying Rob in his pathetic endeavor. To quote the Badger, Rob, you may consume a Richard. And in case you didn't understand "EAT A DICK!"
With much Compassion, Life, and Death,
Lee "Neener Neener Neener" Baker
With much Compassion, Life, and Death,
Lee "Neener Neener Neener" Baker
Rob's counterpoint (Suck it, Lee!)
Ohhhhh, so you wanna play THAT way, Lee? Have you even seen Ryan Reynolds in "An Amnityville Horror"? The remake... clearly he wasn't in the original. Sure he was goofy in a few scenes, but he has proven that he can pull off serious (and psychotic, but I digress). Sure, he tends to follow the jokester line, but I have no doubt that he will do just fine as Hal.
And by the way, at least I CAN choke on my own beard... it just shows how purely awesome my multi colored facial hair truly is.
Rob "Should I get this looked at" Laff
And by the way, at least I CAN choke on my own beard... it just shows how purely awesome my multi colored facial hair truly is.
Rob "Should I get this looked at" Laff
Green Lantern's Light!! A Pre-Trailer-Review by Lee Baker
So I know Rob is supposed to be the movie guy, but if there is one thing you must know about me, it's that I love Green Lantern. I love Green Lantern more than... well a lot of things. It's honestly a compliment when I tell someone that I love them more than Green Lantern and it's not something I give out lightly. Tuesday a Green Lantern trailer will be coming out, and Rob will be giving his opinions on that. I, however, am not going to be outdone by Rob. So let's get started shall we?
Here is a brief few scenes from the trailer to be aired and I must say, despite the fact that it is blurry as all get out, I'd say it looks wonderful. I'm giddy. I am going to be the first to say it. I am VERY skeptical about Ryan Reynalds playing Hal Jordan. Mr. Reynalds has never played a serious minded character, and while I admit Hal does have his moments, he just doesn't seem to be in Ryan's range. I, however, have an open mind. Ryan Reynalds seems to be playing his usual role of the overtly silly girl chasing guy. While this really only sums up halfway Hal, I must again reiterate it just doesn't feel like he is pulling off Hal that well. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, however. Another thing that pleased me greatly was Kilowog was clearly in the trailer. This makes me happy. This makes me happy indeed. I can't wait to see the Green Lantern Corps drill instructor whip Hal into shape during the movie.
Another character I thought I saw in the video was the Green Lantern villain Hector Hammond, in a brief scene at about 0:23 seconds into it. Rob informs me that Parallax is going to be the villain for this installation and has provided me with links to prove it, though, so this may as well be Parallax or even an unnamed thug. I can't be sure however, due to the blurriness of the video. Blake Lively, I think makes a lovely Carrol Ferris. I hope we get to see a Star Sapphire somewhere in the movie, but that does not seem a hundred percent likely.
This concludes my viewpoints on the Green Lantern trailer. Now if you'll excuse me, Rob and his epic beard can go choke themselves on my epicness.
With much Avarice, Fear, and Rage,
Lee "Yeah, I made an Orange, Yellow, and Red Lantern Reference" Baker.
Here is a brief few scenes from the trailer to be aired and I must say, despite the fact that it is blurry as all get out, I'd say it looks wonderful. I'm giddy. I am going to be the first to say it. I am VERY skeptical about Ryan Reynalds playing Hal Jordan. Mr. Reynalds has never played a serious minded character, and while I admit Hal does have his moments, he just doesn't seem to be in Ryan's range. I, however, have an open mind. Ryan Reynalds seems to be playing his usual role of the overtly silly girl chasing guy. While this really only sums up halfway Hal, I must again reiterate it just doesn't feel like he is pulling off Hal that well. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, however. Another thing that pleased me greatly was Kilowog was clearly in the trailer. This makes me happy. This makes me happy indeed. I can't wait to see the Green Lantern Corps drill instructor whip Hal into shape during the movie.
Another character I thought I saw in the video was the Green Lantern villain Hector Hammond, in a brief scene at about 0:23 seconds into it. Rob informs me that Parallax is going to be the villain for this installation and has provided me with links to prove it, though, so this may as well be Parallax or even an unnamed thug. I can't be sure however, due to the blurriness of the video. Blake Lively, I think makes a lovely Carrol Ferris. I hope we get to see a Star Sapphire somewhere in the movie, but that does not seem a hundred percent likely.
This concludes my viewpoints on the Green Lantern trailer. Now if you'll excuse me, Rob and his epic beard can go choke themselves on my epicness.
With much Avarice, Fear, and Rage,
Lee "Yeah, I made an Orange, Yellow, and Red Lantern Reference" Baker.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Coming to a screen near you
Hey there, folks! How are you doing? well, that's great! (or too bad, depending on your answer...). My name is Robert Laff, I am a nerd, and I have the best beard of the bunch (fact, not opinion).
What makes a nerd? Well, the best way I can explain it, isn't even in my own words, but the words of a hero of mine, Mr. Zachary Levi."Nerd: One who's unbridled passion for something, or things, defines who they are as a person, without fear of other people's judgement." While many of my friends are video game nerds or music nerds, I myself find myself to be a TV/ Movie nerd. That's right, I enjoy Movies so much, that I capitalize the word. The way I see it, the real world is getting very, very depressing, so I much rather watch people have adventures and/or get into shananigans "damnit, Farva!". Pretty much every time you see my name pop up here, chances are it will have to do with something I just watched.
Live long and prosper (unless you're a complete douche),
Robert Laff (king of the couch)
What makes a nerd? Well, the best way I can explain it, isn't even in my own words, but the words of a hero of mine, Mr. Zachary Levi."Nerd: One who's unbridled passion for something, or things, defines who they are as a person, without fear of other people's judgement." While many of my friends are video game nerds or music nerds, I myself find myself to be a TV/ Movie nerd. That's right, I enjoy Movies so much, that I capitalize the word. The way I see it, the real world is getting very, very depressing, so I much rather watch people have adventures and/or get into shananigans "damnit, Farva!". Pretty much every time you see my name pop up here, chances are it will have to do with something I just watched.
Live long and prosper (unless you're a complete douche),
Robert Laff (king of the couch)
Badger, here.
Greetings! Name's Badger, and I am a nerd. I like to think of myself as a multi-purpose nerd. A utility nerd, if you will. I've identified as such for quite a while now, and I do so with pride. I never was upset when people sneered and called me dork or nerd, or what-have-you. I just kinda made it my own. Used it to become a part of something. Never once regretted it, either.
This mantle of mine, I am proud of it. I won't ever deny it, I won't ever be ashamed of it. It's who I am, and I kind of love it. I know the grooviest bunch of mooks around, and they're my nerd crew. It's good to be a part of that. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Anyshwar, that's me, and that's how I feel about my nerditude.
-Badger
This mantle of mine, I am proud of it. I won't ever deny it, I won't ever be ashamed of it. It's who I am, and I kind of love it. I know the grooviest bunch of mooks around, and they're my nerd crew. It's good to be a part of that. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Anyshwar, that's me, and that's how I feel about my nerditude.
-Badger
A Blog about Nerd Culture
Welcome to Nerds with Beards. A blog about Nerd Culture written by multiple nerds. All of whom have beards. My name is Lee Baker and I've been a nerd as long as I can remember. I read comic books, I play tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons and World of Darkness. I play video games, I love music, and I'm into Classic Literature and Opera. I am one of several nerds who, in the following days, will contribute to this bit of chaos crammed into a certifiable giggle.
Now, what constitutes a nerd I think is the first thing we should all ask ourselves, because to understand this blog you must understand what we see as Nerd Culture. Well a nerd is someone who is into nerdy things, such as comic books, video games, or even school subjects such as math, or English. At least, this is the common conception. In my personal opinion, a nerd can be someone who is waaaaay too into anything. For example, that guy who can list all the quarterbacks for his hometown team dating back thirty years without missing one? Sports nerd. The girl who can walk into a store and tell you all about those designer handbags? Fashion Nerd. These are just a couple of examples. The point is, if you know it intimately and it is a great passion of yours, you are probably a nerd of that type.
So I encourage you, as over the next few weeks we introduce ourselves, put up our opinions on Nerd Culture, and overall just have a good time, send us your passions and stories. Send us your opinions and give us things to talk about. Hell ,even when we've finished telling you about ourselves We'd all love to heard your opinions on being a Nerd in general. Our E-mail address is Nerdswithbeards@gmail.com. Send us your stories and if we like them enough, they may get a mention in our blog here.
With much, love, hope, and willpower,
Lee "I've got too many nicknames" Baker.
Now, what constitutes a nerd I think is the first thing we should all ask ourselves, because to understand this blog you must understand what we see as Nerd Culture. Well a nerd is someone who is into nerdy things, such as comic books, video games, or even school subjects such as math, or English. At least, this is the common conception. In my personal opinion, a nerd can be someone who is waaaaay too into anything. For example, that guy who can list all the quarterbacks for his hometown team dating back thirty years without missing one? Sports nerd. The girl who can walk into a store and tell you all about those designer handbags? Fashion Nerd. These are just a couple of examples. The point is, if you know it intimately and it is a great passion of yours, you are probably a nerd of that type.
So I encourage you, as over the next few weeks we introduce ourselves, put up our opinions on Nerd Culture, and overall just have a good time, send us your passions and stories. Send us your opinions and give us things to talk about. Hell ,even when we've finished telling you about ourselves We'd all love to heard your opinions on being a Nerd in general. Our E-mail address is Nerdswithbeards@gmail.com. Send us your stories and if we like them enough, they may get a mention in our blog here.
With much, love, hope, and willpower,
Lee "I've got too many nicknames" Baker.
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