STAR TREK MEMORY BANKS

It all begins with Star Trek.

Happy Star Trek Day everybody! It's Star Trek's 59th birthday, with The Original Series first airing on September 8th, 1966. 

A major contributor to my life long love of Space Adventure Science Fiction, the original Star Trek television series has sparked my imagination since I was a very small boy. I would play Star Trek with friends the way other kids played Cops and Robbers, complete with toy Phasers and walkie-talkie Communicators. We collected Star Trek Action Figures, went as Mr. Spock for Halloween, and just ate up anything related to Space...The Final Frontier.

FASA's Star Trek, The Role-Playing Game was therefore a dream come true for me. It was the first tabletop RPG I purchased with my own money, completely by myself. Up to that point, I had received all of my game books, boxes, and dice through holiday or birthday gifts. I did buy Villains and Vigilantes with my own money before I got the Star Trek RPG but I split the cost of the former with a friend. This felt different and it remains a special moment for me within my time in the hobby.

From purchasing the FASA RPG in 1982 to my current Modiphius Star Trek Adventures game, now in its 11th year, it is safe to say I've run A LOT of Star Trek. From innumerable one-shots to several long term campaigns, I've run so many scenarios in the Star Trek universe I could start a new campaign tonight and have it last decades with only material from previous games. 

And that, in a manner of speaking, is what this MEMORY BANKS post is all about. To celebrate Star Trek's Anniversary I thought it might be fun to give you some examples of original creations that have appeared in my various Star Trek games over the years. Everything that happens in one of my games becomes part of that universe's canon, so all the elements entered into the 'Barking Alien Memory Banks' can be reused in a future session months, years, or even decades later. 

Now you can include some of it in your games.

Initiating Uplink...Memory Banks activated...Display onscreen...

The Bonhomme Richard

The first Bonhomme Richard to appear in a campaign and the one that started the tradition

was a Bonaventure Class Survey Vessel based on the USS Bonaventure 

from Star Trek: The Animated Series. CG rendition by Aaron T. Harvey. 

The USS Bonhomme Richard (Good Man Richard) is destroyed in every campaign I've ever run. It isn't the same Bonhomme Richard but rather any ship christened with that name ends up in a very bad way, often resulting in the loss of the vessel and all its crew. We've seen ships with this dedication lost to Spatial Anomalies, Klingon Battleships, Interphasic Aliens, a Sentient Computer Virus, and more. 

It has been suggested that the name may be cursed but we are beings of Intellect, Reason, and Science. We know for a fact that there is no such things as a 'curse'. For this reason, starships continue to be dubbed the Bonhomme Richard.

Cross my heart and knock on wood.

Starfleet Starfighters - The PT-009 'Attack Craft' and 'The Mars Defense'

PT-009 Attack Craft in mid-ground of image.

Concept Art by Andrew Probert.

Largely inspired by this concept art from the incredibly talented Andrew Probert, my longest running TNG Era campaign had the PCs' ship carry three PT-009 Attack Craft. Never referred to as Starfighters by any character in the campaign, neither PC nor NPC, it was clear that that's exactly what they were. 

In one Episode/Session two squadrons of these are launched from Mars, making up a protective group known as the Mars Defense Perimeter, a reference to a similar group in the Star Trek TNG episode, 'The Best of Both Worlds - Part II'. In the episode the Borg are coming to Earth and three tiny, roughly missile-shaped pods are launched to stop it. Seriously. It was so ridiculous and pathetic looking that my friends insisted that our campaign feature something far more substantial. Given that Mars is the site of the Utopia Planitia Shipyards, I agreed that it needed considerably better guardians than a few unmanned space darts.  

The PT-009 is a Sublight/Impulse, single being spacecraft, armed with Phaser Cannons, Micro-Photon Torpedoes, and light Shields. It is extremely quick and agile, being ten times more maneuverable than a standard Type-8 Shuttlecraft and considerably faster at Impulse than a Type-11. It is a difficult ship to pilot and if a character lacks a specific Attack Craft Piloting Skill or Focus, increase the level of Difficulty or number of Successes needed for any given action by at least 1 (or one Difficulty Level depending on system). 

The Morena / Meropean Chelons

Commander Merot, Chief Engineer and 3rd in Command,

Miranda Class, USS Odyssey

The highest ranking Morena in Starfleet as of 2290

A sentient, starfaring species from the planet Moren (also known as 'Merope II' or '23 Tauri Aa II'), the Morena (plural and singular are the same) are amphibious humanoids descended from a shell-less, turtle-like ancestor. Instead of a shell, the Morena have flexible armor plates on their heads and backs. They possess webbed hands and feet but are primarily land dwelling at this point, returning to the water for various courtship, reproduction, spiritual activities and rituals, and for fun of course. Morena just enjoy swimming. A Morena's eyes have evolved for operation in low-light and underwater conditions but can adapt to Federation/Starfleet standard illumination with time and exposure. Their vision extends into the ultra-violet range. 

Although there are some biological similarities between the Meropean Chelons and the Rigellian Chelons, the two species are not directly related in any way. 

A curious element of Morena sociology, philosophy, and culture is that they self-professed perfectionists. Although individuals can become obsessive in this regard, the Morena's cultural drive is to try to achieve 'perfection' in whatever it is they do. What constitutes 'perfect' can vary from individual to individual but a Morena never does anything half-heartedly. Their government includes a 'Council of Perfection' that advises the other legislative and executive bodies, identifying flaws in various laws or operations and constantly seeks ways to improve and perfect them. 

Sometime after First Contact with the United Federation of Planets in 2239, the rather impassive and even-keeled Morena became fascinated with the emotional displays of other intelligent species. Most notably, they were intrigued by Human emotion, the Vulcans' apparent lack of emotion, and the intense emotional reactions of Andorians. It became common practice for Morena to choose an emotion or mental state and attempt to 'perfect it'. This eventually developed into a major aspect of their civilization, organically growing from fad curiousity to common planetary pasttime. 

For example, a Morena might decide to be 'Enthusiastic' and react to any and all situations with positive enthusiasm. After at least 5-10 years of this practice (on average), when the individual feels they completely understand the emotion they've chosen, they have a small celebration with close friends and/or family in which they display their chosen mental or emotional state for the entire event. At the end of the party, the oldest, youngest, and closet peer are assembled and judge whether or not the Morena has 'mastered' or 'perfected' being Enthusiastic. If so, there is much joy, drinking, eating, singing, etc., and return to a more normal way of life. They might also choose a new emotion or mental state to perfect.

If not, if their mastery of the chosen concept is deemed 'imperfect', the hosting Morena thanks everyone and then leaves their own party, encouraging everyone else to enjoy themselves. The Morena then proceeds to take a contemplative 'walkabout', a few days to a week off to figure out where they went wrong. What was it they missed? Upon their return they are likely to try again for a shorter time, 3-5 years, before throughing another such celebration. 

Morena entering Starfleet Academy are given psychological screening to ensure their chosen mental state will not interfere with their potential duties and the safety of their future crewmates.

We've had at least 3 Morena Player Characters over the years attempting to perfect 'Calm', 'Gregarious', and 'Determined' to both exciting and hilarious effect. My current Star Trek: Prosperity campaign has a Morena NPC, Engineering Ensign Megop, who was only recently assigned to the ship after graduating from Starfleet Academy. He is 'Meticulous' and its sometimes very helpful, other times very annoying to his fellow crewmates. 

The perfectly Meticulous Ensign Megop.

I forget what exactly inspired the creation of the Morena but their homeworld was mentioned in one of the FASA sourcebooks as a major Starfleet/UFP Shipyard. When one of my campaign crews ventured there during a mission I introduced a number of Morena NPCs working and managing the facility. 

Well, that's all for now. My brain is experiencing 'creative turmoil' so you're either gonna get some oddball posts over the next few weeks or hardly any posts at all. Which will it be? Who knows? That's the fun of it!

Heh. *Sigh*

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Barking Alien

Red versus Blue - The Grand Finale!

This is it! No really this time! The final recap of our mini-campaign based on the classic Dungeons and Dragons Module B3 using the upcoming Smurfs Roleplaying Game from Maestro Media...

Following this post there will be a single post 'After Action Report' talking about the game from a real life, out-of-game perspective but this - this right here - is how the story ended. For now! LOL I'd love to get back with this group and play another outing. Great GM, great group, and I absolutely adored the PC Smurfs, including my own character. I loved playing her! 

OK, the big finish...

Season Five, Part 3

When we last left our heroic Smurfs, Fellbane the Dragon had breathed a powerful stream of flames at the Sword of Arik and in the process set the entire Royal Armory ablaze! Everything within was either charred, melted, or on fire. The blade of the Sword was blackened but not completely destroyed. Unfortunately, in attacking the Sword, Fellbane burned the area around it and terribly so. Not far from the evil weapon, the five Smurfs had stood.

How could they have survived something like that?!?

As the smoke and flame died down a bit, one could see a small glass sphere, or perhaps a soap bubble, sitting on the ground besides the Sword of Arik, or what was now left of it. Inside this bubble were the Smurfs, unharmed save for feeling very hot and sweaty. "How are we not smurfed to a crisp?", exclaimed Suave, "I was certain our smurfs were flambed for sure!"

Smurfcornflower shook a half-full potion bottle that looked to contain soapy water. As she spoke, tiny bubbles came out of her mouth. "Bubble Brew! A Potion version of the Bubble Block Spell." Honeysuckle gave her a hug. Brash tussled her hair. Suave bowed. Apathy squeezed her hand and smiled.

"Oh my Smurf! Ya'll, we gotta follow that Dragon! He's headin' for the Eye sure 'nuff!", shouted Honeysuckle, shaking with intent. Apathy and Suave tried to calm her down as Brash of all Smurfs caught on to what she was getting at. 

"She's right! The Dragon wasn't trying to destroy us, it was trying to destroy the Sword. It aimed right at it. He must have been saving up his strength and sensed we'd opened the secret panel", said Brash.

"Of course, " began Suave Smurf with a snap of his fingers, "the spirit told us 'The Sword is guarded by one who can not use it'. If Suffertooth opened the panel and used the Sword, the Dragon would've come at once! That encounter would not have been pleasant for the Ogre."

"Problem is, the Dragon's fire didn't destroy the Sword. The handle yes but not the blade. The Dragon is powerful but I don't think it can eliminate the Eye of Arik." Brash pulled out the sliver of broken red crystal he'd picked up. It was about the size of a toothpick, roughly a short sword for a Smurf. "I think only this can do the job."

Everyone nodded.

Following the charred footprints and thundering movements of the Dragon, the Smurfs eventually came upon the creature as it smashed through the double doors of a large bedroom further down the hallway. The Royal Bedchamber of Princess Argenta! As the Smurfs ran to the room as fast as their tiny legs could carry them, they saw the Dragon attacked and being rebuked by some unseen foe who was deeper into the room. The Dragon's massive size was a hinderance here, not an asset, as it couldn't get in close.

 

As this point I am going to summarize certain elements...

Suave Smurf focused his charm and eloquence on convincing the Dragon to back up and allow the Smurfs to assist. Master Magician Miribellis showed up at this point with a freed Rowena the Bard. Suave also negotiated here, as the Dragon, whose name was Fellbane, initially thought Miribellis was still possessed and wanted to tear him apart. After some deft social interaction, Fellbane backed away into the hall, Miribillis cast a protective spell on Rowena, and Rowena started playing and singing an uplifting song that irritated the person in the room to no end. Whoever it was shrieked in extreme discomfort at the joyful tune.

Into the room went the rest of the party - Apathy, Brash, Cornflower, and Honeysuckle - who found Sir Ellis within. He stood in front of a bed upon which the Eye of Arik lay, his own eyes as red as the ruby sphere. Within the facets of the red gem Princess Argenta could be seen in distress, shouting to break free. The Silver Princess was trapped inside the Eye and Arik had possessed her betrothed, The Dragon Knight!

By Papa Smurf's Beard!

Noting the possessed Sir Ellis' reaction to Rowena's music, our Smurf adventurers went into action immediately. Ellis shouted at Fellbane the Dragon, saying it was too late and his master was "Mine Now! Soon I will have the power to manifest fully. I will wed the Princess, making me The Ruler of Haven! Finally!" Periodically he would also yell out, "Cease that infernal song!"

Apathy and Cornflower distracted Sir Ellis, using the remaining Bubble Brew to protect them from his sword swings, which were far more powerful than that of any Human. Stronger even than the Ogre, leaving gashes in the rug and gouges in the stone floor.

Meanwhile Brash Smurf and Smurfhoneysuckle ran around him and tried to climb up onto the bed. Brash, now holding the red crystal shard he had like a sword, started to act a little strange. He was becoming more and more angry and aggressive. He suggested they should just stab Sir Ellis with the sliver of the Red Crystal Sword. Honeysuckle kept him focused and it was obvious from her dialogue there was a special bond between her and Brash at this point. It helped but he was clearly struggling with the weapon's corruption as the two of them neared the Eye.

After three solid hits, Cornflower's bubble shield popped. She and Apathy scattered. Cornflower dove under the bed while Apathy ran in the opposite direction to confuse Sir Ellis/Arik. Unfortunately, the possessed Dragon Knight kicked Apathy across the room. He lay crumpled near a dresser as Cornflower called out to him.

Sir Ellis suddenly realized the others were behind him on the bed and whirled around to try and slice Brash with his sword. To everyone's surprise, including Brash's, he was able to block the attack with the Red Shard! Brash gave and mad laugh as fought to push back the possessed Dragon Knight. The continuous music from the Bard made Arik/Ellis wince and groan. Suddenly, so irritated was Ellis/Ark by Rowena's music that he turned in her direction and insisted she stop, moving towards her and gesturing at her with his sword, momentarily ignoring Brash and Honeysuckle.

The latter told the former that this was their chance but the increasingly enraged Brash only wanted to stab Sir Ellis, forgetting the goal was to strike the Eye with the crimson crystal sliver. Then, in a flash of foolhardy brilliance, Honeysuckle taunted Brash, saying he was scared to face the Eye and that she could just destroy it without him. He lunged at her with a growl as she positioned the Eye of Arik between them.

Meanwhile, Smurfcornflower reached Apathy and with the help of Suave, moved him just past the threshold of the doorway. Cornflower took out a Healing Draught, one of her two remaining potions, and helped him drink it down. As his head cleared, Apathy looked up at her and she smiled down on him. Cornflower asked if he was OK and he replied by giving her a big hug. The two stayed embraced for a good, long moment as Suave and Mirabillis looked on with smiles of their own. 

As Ellis/Arik moved towards the young troubadour intent on stabbing Rowena with his blade, Fellbane the Dragon swifty came to her aid. It moved incredibly fast for a creature so large, hindered by so confined a space as the Palace hallway and blocked the strike with its head! This caused it pain and it roared so fiercely it shook the walls. 

Back to Brash and Honeysuckle, the two danced around each other as Brash tried to get at her with his weapon while she tried to move the Eye in the way so he would hit that instead. Finally, in an appeal to their friendship and their bold natures, Smurfhoneysuckle got close enough to Brash Smurf to tell him to fight the sword sliver's corruption, to remember why they were they, and to be the hero she knew he was. With all the smurf he had in him (as well as an expediture of Effort, a Smurfberry, AND Smurf Power!), Brash overcame his weapon's evil sway and he struck it against the Eye of Arik as Honeysuckle held it steady...

The 'Lady's Heart', the Eye of Arik, Ruby Red Crystal of Ill Omen, EXPLODED in a flash of scarlet light and billion tiny pieces of now colorless gravel! Brash's sliver sword blew up as well, becoming little more than a fine powder. Lighting burst forth from the exploding sphere and traced the edges and corners of the room, running over Sir Ellis, Brash, and the figure of a woman who was otherwise invisible. When things calmed down and a feeling a stillness fell over the assembled, the figure was revealed to be none other than Princess Argenta! The Silver Princess was free! 

"Princess? Argenta my love? What have I done?!", Sir Ellis cried out, dropping his sword, falling to one knee, and grasping the hem of her dress. He sobbed quietly into it, becoming vaguely aware of what he'd done. 

"Rise my love. It was not you. I knew the entire time your heart was true. It was the evil of the spirit of Arik. A spirit that is still present", said Princess Argenta, fighting to keep her voice even. She raised her head and all the others looked up to meet her gaze.

Floating high in the center of the room was shadowy, red-hued spirit...all that remained of Arik the Vile. Thinking quickly, Smurfcornflower remember something she'd seen in a book in the Court Magician's workshop. She instructed the Princess to raise her necklace, which had upon it a bright blue crystal. She then called out to Master Magician Mirabillis to trap the spectre in the crystal, just as Arik had done to Argenta with the ruby 'Eye'*. "Brilliant!", Mirabillis called out, as he quickly cast the necessary spell. Converted into red lightning, the bolts flew into Argenta's amulet and with a shower of azure sparks, Arik's essence was stuck. 

"HURRAY!", cheered the Smurfs and Rowena. Mirabillis beamed. Fellbane let out a joyful roar! Princess Argenta and Sir Ellis held each other ever so tightly. Everyone hugged in fact and collectively let out the breaths they'd all been unknowingly holding.  

Within moments, sounds filled the castle. The petrified Wedding Guests were restored to normal. The Skeletons walking the halls all collapsed to the ground. The castles' hounds barked and chased out the Goeblins who ran for their lives. Green light sparkled in from the windows as the Fairy Protectors of Haven arrived to aid the people of the palace now that the curse of the Eye was lifted. 

"Princess Argenta, Sir Ellis, and all those present," began Mirabillis, his voice echoing loudly off the Palace walls, "three cheers for our heroes, the ture saviours of the Silver Palace, and the bravest of the brave - The Smurfs!" Clapping and cheering came forth from those gathered and it quickly spread, sweeping throughout the castle. Sir Ellis and Princess gathered the Smurfs up and carried them downstairs to the Grand Ballroom. Each person they passed sang the praises of the little, blue adventurers. 

***

EPILOGUE:

Many Humans young and old, four Dwarves, three Green Fairies, a Pale Dragon, and of course a party of Smurfs - plus Papa Smurf and Smurf Willow - all assembled in the courtyard of the Silver Palace of Haven to see Princess Argenta and Sir Ellis finally wed. They kissed to much fanfare and a great celebration followed, the likes of which had not been seen in the Lands Beyond, let alone Haven, in decades. 

The Goeblin were gone, the Ogre arrested, and the Blue Crystal containing the remains of the spirit of Arik the Vile sat in a locked metal box, engraved with runes and double enchanted by Mirabillis and Papa Smurf. Smurf Willow had helped with the food and drink and a few enchantments of her own to ward off any future evil phantoms. 

At the party, Suave entertained Humans and Dwarves alike recounting the adventure of the Smurfs and their allies. Brash Smurf and Smurfhoneysuckle played games, competed to see who could in the most cake the fastest, and laughed their little blue tails off. Apathy saw Cornflower standing around and watching everyone with a big smile on her face. He tapped on the shoulder and asked, "Would you, um, that is...care to dance?" Her smile widened, almost too wide for her face, as she took his hand and skipped to the ballroom floor.

High above on one of the tall towers of the Palace, Fellbane swayed to Rowena's music playing below, and shot a burst of flame into the air. Green Fairies flew past him sprinkling magic dust into the fire, creating brilliant fireworks that could be seen for miles. 

The Smurfs had saved the Silver Princess and her Palace and they all lived happily ever after.

THE END

Created by fans, for fans, this was in no way officially connected to Maestro Media, TSR, or Wizards of the Coast. Just a bunch of Smurfs smurfing around for the smurf of it.

Thank you everyone for following this series. As noted, there will be a post-campaign write-up with some additional thoughts, notes, and art coming very soon. 

Until then, I smurf you all a wonderful smurf,

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Barking Alien

*When Smurfcornflower (my Smurf PC if you recall) was making Potions back in Mirabillis' lab, I looked at a Spellbook and Scrolls he'd left out in the open. It was there that I noted and learned the Reverse Petrification Spell and saw references to a 'Spirit Jar' type rote as well.

I assumed it might have something to do with Arik's essence being inside the Eye or trying to trap someone inside it but as Cornflower is an Alchemist and not a Wizard or Witch I let it be, simply making a mental note. I remembered it at the climax of the adventure and, funny enough, the GM had all but forgotten that he mentioned it. LOL

THE RYUDE KNIGHTS ARE COMING!

Today, August 26th, 2025, LionWing Publishing's English translation of the classic Japanese TRPG of Magic and Machinery - WARES BLADE - went live on Kickstarter! Join the Legions of Ahan here! 

As you can imagine, I am extremely excited about this. As I've previously noted, I'm a big fan of this game and have been since I first discovered it back in 1988. We're talking about a classic of the Japanese Tabletop RPG industry going back over 35 years.

Nowadays I tend to default to my own homebrew system of MSV (Mecha System Variant) when I want to run games involving Japanese Anime/Manga style giant robots but that doesn't mean A) I couldn't be convinced to try a different system, especially one I've used successfully in the past and B) I can't adapt Wares Blade to my MSV system if indeed that works better for me. 

Just having a full English version of this game is a dream come true for me, whether I use it as is or as source material for my own mechanics. Regardless of the rule specifics, this is a product I am looking forward to more than practically any other in recent memory. 

Expect more about this project as news develops!

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Barking Alien

Forever and A Day

Today is/was August 25th, 2025 and that makes it my 48th Year Anniversary in the Tabletop Roleplaying Game Hobby.

Yep, I've been on this wild ride for Forty-Eight Years. Crazy, right?

Here's to 48 more.

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Barking Alien

The Cat's Out of The Bag

Well, well, well...

Look what the Cat dragged in. 

Footprints in the Night (夜の足跡 - Yoru no Ashiato) is a Japanese Tabletop Roleplaying Game published by Kadokawa Shoten. It was written by Toichiro Kawashima and produced by Adventure Planning Bureau. Cover and numerous interior illustrations by Kujo. The game was released on January 20, 2023.

It probably comes as no surprise given my blog's name and mascot that I am more of a Dog person than a Cat person but I do love Cats. A number of friends of mine are definitely of the Feline Fan persuasion and it was with them in mind that I decided to take a look at this TRPG. In doing so, I discovered a game I find rather intriguing. 

Unlike a decent number of JTRPG titles that I've covered on my blog in recent months, this one isn't a doujinshi or fan-made product. In fact, it isn't even an 'indie' game. Kadokawa is arguably the largest publishing company in Japan and one of the top RPG producers.

Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful.

Footprints in the Night is considered a 'mainstream' release, or at least as mainstream as a TRPG product in Japan can be that isn't Call of Cthulhu or Sword World. I understand its popularity falls somewhere between a well-received independent title and a 'cult favorite'. Nonetheless, I was able to find a number of reviews, blog posts, and even actual play videoes without difficulty and I'm just an English speaking American with curiously using Google.

The premise is simple; the players play Cats and as we all know, Cats rule the world. As such, they have taken it upon themselves to protect the Day World of Humanity from the Night World of Spirits and the Supernatural, which usually manifest in the form of The Yona, otherworldly, paranormal beings often out to make trouble. Cats are uniquely capable of moving between the worlds of Day and Night and they use this advantage to thwart the Yona during the Cats' Night Patrols. 

Official Character Sheet. Currently working on a translation. 

Player Character Cats (also known as PCs or 'Player Cats') fall into three categories: Domestic, Stray, and Lost.

A Domestic Cat is one that has a home with one or more Humans who take care of its needs, though the Cat believes it is the one that ensures the well-being of their Humans. Stray Cats may see them as pampered and even weaker than themselves but 'Pet' Cats understand the world of Humans better than the Strays do.

Domestic Cat

Stray Cats live out in the world on their own without the assistance of Human Beings. There are of course some people in the neighborhood who will leave out food and water. On occasion these individuals will give the Cats some attention and affection. Strays that partake in this sort of hospitality are sometimes called 'Community Cats'. Stray Cats are a hardy bunch and are quite adept at surviving under difficult circumstances.

Stray Cat

The final category is a little peculiar. There are certain Cats that aren't really cats at all. Some are stuffed animals, others are 2D illustrations and still others are small figurines. These Lost Cats are magical in nature, a special sort of 'Night Magic' that only Cats are privy to. Interestingly, the term 'Lost' has another connotation in the game and the although the two may be connected, they are quite different. More on that some other time. 

 

Lost Cat

Cats are governed by their Feelings: Moods that dictate or more accurately influence their actions on a given night. Sometimes you can use your Feelings to your advantage, other times you need to fight against them to accomplish things. The use of an in-game currency called Motivation allows you to counteract your Mood, as well as initiate certain special abilities.

Feelings Chart:

Randomly roll 3 Feelings at the start of the session to determine your PC's Temperament that night.

It's more Cat nature and instinct then conscious decision.

A group of Cats (a PC 'party') is known as a Gathering. Cats generally patrol Territories, which in an urban environment is likely an apartment complex or city square. It could also be an entire small town depending on your campaign setting.

During the Cats' late night patrols, the Cat's follow certain Rules of Cat culture. They are:

No. 1: Claiming Territory

No. 2: Protect Humans

No. 3: Protect your Dignity

No. 4: Indulge in your Sense of Adventure!

No. 5: Be vigilant at night.

No. 6: Don't worry about the little things

Honestly, I love this. (WARNING: Mini-Rant Coming...) Number 4 is an in-game reason to not be such an overly cautious coward, which I find to be common these days among those who've been raised on adversarial, OSR games of yore. Nothing bores me more. This is reinforced by Number 6, 'Don't worry about the little things'. Sure, details matter in many cases but don't get so bogged down in them you can't take walk down the street without Batman levels of prep. Cats don't. 

Stray Cat Strut

 

Like many Japanese TRPGs, Footprints in the Night utilizes a very specific scenario structure. 

Session flow (as it is often called) proceeds as follows: 

Introduction Phase: Describe the trigger for the incident or night's activities.

Night Patrol Phase: Investigate the incident and interact with NPC(s).

Event Phase: An important event occurs in the scenario.

Combat Phase: Help someone or drive away the enemy.

Conclusion Phase: Assess the outcome of the incident and any effects it has on the future.

As someone whose games are very free form, the Japanese approach to scenario design is both fascinating and somewhat off-putting. At the same time, it does help me make sure I have a general idea of what should, or at least could, occur during a given session. It is an aspect of my beloved JTRPGs I struggle with but also...like?

I am still going through the game and the translation process isn't a quick or easy thing for me. It'll take a little while until I have a fully playable version of it. There are definitely other elements of the game I'd love to go into now, such as Taboo Words and Nyarrative, how Death works in the game, and much more but I think I will take a Cat Nap (see what I did there?) and cover more once I'm a little further along in my English Adaption as it were. 

For now I'm out of here like a Cat in a room full of rocking chairs...

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Barking Meowing Alien?

Pair of Fives

As should be pretty clear by now, my blogging is really slow this Summer.

It's already mid-August and I've made only 3 posts before this one. My schedule this month has gotten in the way of a lot of things but especially my 'Cities' blog project. I still intend to continue it but it may bleed over into September. *Sigh*

To shake off the disappointment I'm feeling over my own progress [or lack thereof], I thought I'd throw my two credits in on a thing two of my favorite bloggers have done, list of our First Five Tabletop Roleplaying Games.

It began with Lord Blacksteel of The Tower of Zenopus and infected Kelvin of Aiee! Run From Kelvin's Brainsplurge! and now I've caught it. No amount of Vitamin C or Chicken Soup is going to get rid of it until I join in as well...

I'm going to list My First Five RPGs based on my imperfect memory, obsessive notes, and questions to my long time gaming buddies. The years noted aren't when the games were published but rather when [I believe] I played/run them.

While D&D was definitely first, what was second is a little unclear to me. The rest should be roughly in order. Again, check out the years.

Dungeons and Dragons (August 25th, 1977)

Gamma World / Metamorphosis Alpha (1979-1980) I think.

Boot Hill (1980-81) I think.

Traveller (1980-81) Definitely after Boot Hill. 

Gangbusters (1981)

Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 1st Ed. (1981) I think.

Sometimes I think I ran Boot Hill before I played Gamma World, other times I remember it the other way around. I do recall that the first time I played Gamma World, the GM (my friend Richard T.) also owned Metamorphosis Alpha and incorporated some elements of the latter game into his Gamma World adventure.

I also included Advanced D&D 1st Edition which, though it could arguably be lumped into the D&D I had already played, is important to mention because it was here that I started being turned off to Dungeons and Dragons as a whole. I absolutely loved AD&D at the time but the more I played other games after it, the more I noticed its flaws until I realized it just wasn't what I wanted to spend my time and money on. . 

Now, since I'm me and I gotta be different, I'm adding a bonus feature:

The Five RPGs That Currently Interest Me The Most!

Thing is, I posted a collection of games presently on my mind here, just 20 days ago (roughly). This isn't going to be the same list. What's the different? Well...

The previous list was focused on games I'm in the mood to run for which I already have ideas. These five RPGs here are ones that have me thinking about games and gaming in general. They have me considering how and why I play and run games the way I do. They interest me for their potential but not necessarily for ideas I currently have. 

Hmm. On closer inspection, many of these titles are the same as those. Heh. *Sweat Drop*

ALIEN

A game I love but rarely get to play, except when I modify it to run something like Ghostbusters or Red Dwarf. It is a game in which a goal was targeted and clearly achieved; they needed a game with a mechanic that would simulate the Human tendencey to screw up when they panic. They nailed it and did so in a fun, exciting, and unpredictable way (thanks to the randomization of dice results). This game has given me a new perspective on something I've always felt but never saw as clearly as I do here - rules don't have to be complex to be effective. They just need to do what they were intended to do. 

Meteor City SFRPG Star Rainy Days

I really like this game for its ability to capture a particular feel and maintain that atmosphere throughout the book. It's humorous, a little melancholy, kind, and potentially heartbreaking. It's got that cozy, slice-of-life element that I long to include in my games again. I'm searching this game for the secrets of its ability to create that vibe. Plus, what's not to love about a game that promotes world-buidling on both a small and galactic scale?

Smurfs

What can I say, I just SMURFING LOVE this game! It's a rare gem in that it's not overwritten, it has a sense of humor and self-awareness, yet it doesn't try to deconstruct or modernize the subject. This is the Smurfs. It is what it says it is. Aside from how much fun I'm having with it, it inspires me to stay true to concept and being authentic about what I want and intend to do.

Star Trek Adventures 

Though it has more rules than it needs (I feel this way about 90% of the TRPGs in existance), it just works and it works so well. This game is great at allowing me to do what I want to do: Create exciting and intriguing Star Trek scenarios. It allows for world-building, character exploration, and space battles (with a few homemade tweaks) and all the while feels like a Star Trek TV series. It reminds me to seek a balance between the narrative and the rules. 

Tokyo Ghost Research

What can a system be? What do you want it to do? TGR made me question those things and I like the answers I came up with. This game really put control of the outcome of rolls into the hands of the player. No action they take is boring. You don't have to sit through miss after miss before you hit ineffectively. You do what you wanted to, or you do it with consequence, or you the player can decide you failed and then you're compensated by the rules. Brilliant and sublime.

Anyway, that's all I got for you. My brain is a little fried from...just life in general.

Worry not though, more to come.

AD

Barking Alien

Having A Blue Fit

This is it! The near-Grand Finale of our mini-campaign, The Smurfs and The Palace of The Silver Princess, a super smurfy adventure based on the classic Dungeons and Dragons module 'B3', run using the Smurfs Roleplaying Game by Maestro Media.

That is to say, this post recaps the final session but it is not the final recap.

I'll explain...

I had planned to make just one more post - this one you're reading now - about this game, recapping our last session before doing an 'After Action Report' follow-up but there is just TOO MUCH STUFF! A lot happened and it become quite lengthy in the re-telling.

This last 'episode' was our second longest session at 5 hours and it was abso-smurfly chock full of smurfy action, humor, lore, and romance! No, you read that right. I decided about two-thirds of the way through this post that there had to be an additional entry, a Session Five, Part 3 to get it all down.

Even so, this is a smurfing big post! ENJOY! 

Before we get started, let's get to know party once more. You can meet them here. 

For a recap of the entire story thus far, check out:

Something Burrowed, Something Blue - Session One, Part 1

Singing The Blues - Session One, Part 2

Blue Green Red - Session Two, Part 1

Cry Blue Murder - Session Two, Part 2

Tangled Up in Blue - Session Three

Blue Blazes - Session Four, Part 1

The Thin Blue Line - Session Five, Part 1

On to the adventure...

Session Five, Part 2

Having drank Smurfcornflower's Growth Potion, Brash Smurf and Smurfhoneysuckle stood face-to-face with a very surprised Ogre. His confusion turned quickly to anger as he raised his massive club and swung it in an attempt to hit both Smurfs.

Brash instinctively ducked and moved to close the distance between them. Honeysuckle saw his move, guessed what he was doing, and followed suit. With a bit of Effort on their part, the Smurfs managed to completely avoid the blow. 

Then, in unison, the two towering blue heroes punched Suffertooth right in the smurf! The Ogre stumbled backward, caught off guard by the pair's coordinated strike!

Meanwhile, Apathy, Cornflower, and Suave searched the room for the Sword of Arik. "These sorts of things tend to stand out, no?", asked Suave over his shoulder to the rest. They continued looking, silently returning nods of agreement. 

SMASH! Brash was hit hard by Suffertooth's club, sending him into a rack of weapons that fell onto him. [Brash had used Smurf Power but got a Critical Failure. This resulted in him being hit , hurt, and now the Storyteller had a Thorn to use to activate Suffertooth's special Advantage!]. The Ogre advanced on the prone Brash Smurf and prepared to strike him with Ogre Strength!

Using Effort and a Smurfberry, Smurfhoneysuckle grabbed a shield off the wall and tried to use it to protect Brash. She succeeded but the Ogre's punch sent her flying! She crashed into a shelf of helmets and other armor pieces. She was likewise hurt and could feel the Growth Potion wearing off. Brash felt it too, even as he struggled to his feet. 

Cornflower was getting worried. Her friends were getting beat up even though enhanced by her potion. Was it not good enough? Had she not make it well? Was she actually bad at the one thing she thought she was good at? Smurfcornflower became visibly panicked.

Suddenly, though gently, someone took her hands in theirs and gave them a reassuring squeeze. "Who? Ah...Apathy?", she said blushing a deeper blue. 

"Don't worry. They'll be OK. We'll be OK. It's all going to work out fine", Apathy said in his usual nonchalant manner but somehow warmer, kinder, yet more determined, and more personal between the two of them. She took a deep a breath and released it slowly and audibly. She gave a goofy shy smile and Apathy returned it.

Suffertooth and the two Smurfs, who were now about the size of Goeblins, continued to have at each other, wearing down all combatants. Desperate to buy time for the other Smurfs to find the Sword of Arik, and make a decisive attack against the Ogre, Brash Smurf and Smurfhoneysuckle decided to combine their actions into a single strike. In a way, this was counter to both of their natures; Brash was willing to follow Honeysuckle's plan and Honeysuckle was willing to cooperate with Brash instead of competing with him. 

Big roleplay moment! Short, sweet, moving, and heroic!

The plan was to have Brash launch himself at Suffertooth [He had the higher Brawn] while Honeysuckle sprinted to move behind the Ogre's leg to aid in tripping him [Honeysuckle is doing a Helping Action and so adds +3 to Brash's 7 Brawn. Additionally each spent 1 Brawn Effort, putting both of them really low. Maybe 1 Brawn Effort remaining for each. Finally, Brash activated Smurf Power again, this time award by the Storyteller specially because of Brandon and Heather's roleplaying here. This was a big one.].  

Brash ran at the Ogre like a charging tiger, such that Suffertooth didn't even notice Honeysuckle coming around on his right. Brash leaped into the air and slammed into Suffertooth's stomach. With Brash only a little larger than a Growler (See Session One, Part 2), this wouldn't normally enough to topple him but that is exactly what happened as Honeysuckle was crouched behind his right ankle. [SMURF POWER CRITICAL SUCCESS!]. The Ogre went crashing through displays of flails, maces, and morning stars of all sorts and did not get back up. Suffertooth was down for the count. 

Meanwhile, Apathy, Cornflower, and Suave had climbed up onto a table near the North Wall where Apathy had noticed something interesting. He saw a dim red glowing coming from inside the wall somehow. When they all reached the top of the table, Suave spotted a book and directed the others over to it. 

"The Key to Winning at War?", said Suave reading the title aloud. "Seems a foolish proposition if you ask me."

Apathy's eyes popped wide open for a moment and then he said, "The Key! Who has the Key?" It turned out Brash had given it to Suave right before he and Honeysuckle started engaging the Ogre. 

Apathy took the Magic Key and said clearly, loudly, and with convinction, "The Key to Winning at War is not to participate. No one wins in war." Suddenly the sound of stone grinding and sliding could be heard and as the group looked up, the brinks of the castle wall moved away magically, revealing a hidden chamber with dark metal brackets upon which was mounted The Sword of Arik!

"Well, that was easier than expected", said Suave Smurf with a sigh of relief.

The rest if the party stared burning daggers at him.

"Relatively speaking, of course", he added with a nervous chuckle. 

Suddenly, the entire palace shook like an it had been hit by an earthquake. This was followed by a series of rhythmic tremors and the occasionally seemingly random boom of something big and heavy hitting a wall here and a floor there. The Smurfs were completely smurfed, having no idea what this could be. They decided to try and remove the Sword of Arik from it's hiding place as quickly as possible. 

Just as they were managing to draw it out, the door to the room essentially exploded, a thousand shards and splinters of burning wood bursting towards them! They dropped the Sword to the desk and dove for cover. Unfortunately, the Sword fell from the desk and hit the stone floor, tiny pieces of it having broken off. As Apathy, Cornflower, and Suave climbed down to meet with Brash and Honeysuckle, the head and neck of a pale, almost albino looking dragon came through the door. Cornflower immediately reached for a Potion. Brash and Honeysuckle scooped up the broken bits that had come off the Sword of Arik as fast as they could. 

That's when the dragon sniffed the air, looked towards the fallen Sword and breathed a jet of powerful flames right at it! Brilliant fire tore through the room, focused on the Sword of Arik but melting all metal into slag and setting wood and leather ablaze! The Sword's handle all but disintegrated, though the blade was still intact and only appearing charred.

But what of the Smurfs?

After what seemed a terrible stretch of time, the Dragon's breath ceased and it pulled itself back into the halfway. That was the thunderous noises they'd heard! A Dragon walking through the halls of the Palace! It must be Fellbane, the ally and mount of Sir Ellis. betrothed of the Argenta, Silver Princess. The horribly beautiful and majestic creature continued on its way down the hall, leaving the room is utter ruin. 

The Smurfs! What about the Smurfs!?!

Tune in for the truly last recap post to find out! The end of our Dungeons and Dragons meets the Smurfs fairy tale is right around the bend...

AD

Barking Alien