The fine folks at Playmates Toys are running a third contest with a case of Marvel Heroes Battle Dice Series 2 as the loot. Be sure to check in to see if you can come up with the winning answer!
Battle Dice Previews: MODOK
For the third (and final) preview of Marvel Heroes Battle Dice Series 2, we have Modok. As the Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing, MODOK is one strange, big-headed baddy. Thematically, he fits well with an army of AIM Agents, as they created him.
MODOK’s sheer absurdity is amazing. The audacity of a massive, flying, super-intelligent head that shoots mind beams at his foes and throws tantrums when things go wrong just stuns me. Apparently I’m not alone, as some fans took it upon themselves to publish The Journal of MODOK Studies to offer their full appreciation of this classic villain.
Next up: a pair of previews from the upcoming DC Battle Dice Series 1!
Wizards’ Book Department Podcasts
Wizards of the Coast’s book department, which publishes my Eberron and Knights of the Silver Dragon novels, just started a podcast. In the first episode, Margaret Weis talks about her latest Dragonlance novels.
Battle Dice Previews: Arana
For the next preview of Marvel Heroes Battle Dice Series 2, we have Araña. One of Marvel’s newer heroes, Araña’s powers are rooted in the developing mythos surrounding Spider-Man. She makes a fine addition to any team that needs a bit more arachnid goodness in it.
More Marauders on the Way
My pal Jeff Mariotte reminds me that the third and final book in his Age of Conan series is due out any minute now. The Marauders trilogy comprises the first young adult tales set in Hyboria since Conan Properties launched the new line of novels with Ace Books. Dawn of the Ice Bear wraps up the epic with a rousing tale filled with blood, treachery, and magic.
Battle Dice Previews: Mephisto
The fine people at Playmates Toys have given me five exclusive shots of figures from upcoming Battle Dice sets. I’ll post one every few days, just to give you a taste of what’s coming soon.
First up, we have Mephisto, dread schemer and lord of one of Marvel’s realms of hell. This Cosmic Level villain stands ready to make a deal with you to join your team. All you have to do is find him in Marvel Heroes Battle Dice Series 2, which hits stores in July.
Stafford eBays More
Game-designer legend Greg Stafford is still auctioning off more of his collection on eBay. This time around, he has some stunning pieces for Glorantha fans, including a couple unique pieces. There’s also a rare copy of the second printing of the first edition of Call of Cthulhu, which is already going for over $300.
The top piece, though, is a book about Gloranthan runes, which has run up to $600 in only a couple days. The author submitted it to Chaosium and then fell off the face of the earth, so this is the only copy that Greg can confirm exists. There’s a legend of the slush pile for you.
(Wow. According to Greg’s bio on the Issaries site, he’s been working on Glorantha for 40 years. That’s dedication to a vision for you.)
HUGE Battle Dice Update
I’ve been remiss in keeping up with the developments on the Marvel Heroes Battle Dice site. To make up for that, I’m going to cover a lot of ground fast. Since I last posted on the subject, the site has added:
- Details on organized play
- Computer desktop wallpaper
- Tournament rules
- Notes on tournament locations
- Marvel Heroes Battle Dice Series 2 checklist
- A contest for Series 2 (which is sadly over)
- More computer desktop wallpapers
- A screensaver for Windows computers
- Another contest for a case of Series 2 boosters (which is still on)
Whew! That’s a ton of stuff for you Battle Dice fans out there, and there’s more on the way. Check back soon for some exclusive details about upcoming sets!
Battle Dice in Magazines
The latest issues of Games Quarterly and Game Trade magazines feature the Marvel Heroes Battle Dice game. GQM has an article I wrote on how I came to design the game, along with some insight on the design process. GTM doesn’t have much to say on the game this issue, but it comes with a promotional Stealth Wolverine figure bagged with it!
Stackpole and Pulido Win!
My pal Mike Stackpole has been working on screenplays with Brian Pulido. It turns out they make a great team. They submitted their first complete screenplay to Fade In magazine’s annual contest and won the grand prize!
Congratulations to both Mike and Brian, two great writers who write great together!


