2009 August | Forbeck.com

Brave New World RPG by PDF

Aug 262009

During Gen Con or thereabouts, to help celebrate the debut of the Brave New World: Revolutions film proof of concept, AEG and DriveThruRPG released the entire catalog of books from my Brave New World Roleplaying Game as PDFs. Though the game has been long out of print, you can now download all nine books (everything but the GM’s screen) instantly, all at substantial discounts off their original printed price. The core rulebook, for instance, is only $18.

If you’ve ever been interested in the game or the background behind the film, here’s your chance to get it without having to scour eBay for printed books. It’s been 10 years since the game first saw print. It’s great to have it back in circulation again.

Next Con Up: PAX

Con Report, Guild Wars 8 Responses »

Aug 262009

My calendar reminds me that I don’t have that long here at home before I’m off again. I’ll be at PAX (the Penny Arcade Expo) this year, helping ArenaNet stalwarts Jeff Grubb and Will McDermott push my upcoming Guild Wars/Guild Wars 2 novel, Fall of Ascalon. Other than my schedule below, I’m free, so expect to see me running around, catching up with friends, and enjoying the show.

It’s been 20 years since I’ve been to Seattle. In 1989, my brother and two other guys from Ann Arbor drove straight through the night to make it to the NCAA Final Four and watch Michigan take it’s one and only basketball championship ever—in double overtime.

Now I can’t wait to get back. If you’re there too, be sure to grab me and say hi.

[Note: Schedule updated, 8/26]

Fear the Boot Interview

Con Report No Responses »

Aug 242009

I’m still digging myself out from under the ramifications of only being home for 6 days out of the last 30. Regular posts should resume soon. In the meantime, here’s a short interview I did with the fine fellows at FearTheBoot.com, right before the Brave New World event at Gen Con.

At the moment, I’d already been up until 4:30 AM the previous two days in a row, but I was riding so high on adrenaline for event that I managed to keep talking. Afterward, the adrenaline lasted me until Sunday night, all the way home.

Gen Con, BNW: Revolution, and Parties

Brave New World, Con Report 2 Responses »

Aug 102009

I’m prepping for Gen Con, which starts on Thursday, although I’ll be there on Wednesday for the Diana Jones Award party. I have a busy schedule lined up for myself, which includes my Industry Insider Guest of Honor panels, plus some events to promote the release of the Brave New World: Revolution proof-of-concept video.

The big event, of course, is the debut of that video, along with a concert by Makeshift Prodigy. This happens Friday at 4 PM in the Westin’s Grand Ballrooms 2 & 3. For a preview of this, be sure to check out the new trailer.

Also, Reactor 88 Studios and Makeshift Prodigy are throwing an afterparty to celebrate the release of the Brave New World: Revolution proof-of-concept. We’ll be at the Subterra Lounge (250 S. Meridian), blowing off steam and listening to the sounds of DJ Marcelo. This is a reservation-only event. Be sure to contact rsvp@r88s.com to join us.

In any case, if you’re going to be at Gen Con, do say hi. I love chatting with gamers and fans of all kinds, and I hope to see you there!

A New (Free!) D & D Adventure

Professional No Responses »

Aug 102009

Perhaps not coincidentally, the latest issue of Game Trade Magazine features the first D&D material I’ve written in years. “Inn Peril” is an introductory adventure for five 1st-level 4E players, illustrated by the terribly talented team of Jeff Preston and Tom Martin.

Pick up a copy of the magazine if you get a chance. They’re often handed out for free at Gen Con. Or you can read about the adventure on the GTM website and even scroll down that page to download the entire 8-page PDF for free.

(And, yes, you might now be able to guess what I’ll be running for the first adventure for Marty and his friends.)

D&D: The Next Generation: Recommendations?

Personal 2 Responses »

Aug 102009

My son Marty has been pestering me to run a D&D campaign for him and his friends this fall. I’m going to try 4E, mostly so I can check out the new material in full. I have the basic books, of course. Can anyone recommend other must-have bits for the game? I’m heading to Gen Con this week, so I’m looking to pick them up there. Thanks!