Brick Bungalow

A little more information: The scenarios will evoke exploration games like heroquest. Interactions are more strategic and less random. There are no dice. The driving mechanic is stamina which is represented by a small deck of cards. Ordinary actions require you to temporarily discard. More effective actions require you sacrifice the card. Resting recovers all but one of your discards. You can (as I did) burst into a scenario and execute a flurry of combo attacks and clear the first couple tiles very quickly but you will run out of cards. The trick is to compose and utilize your deck in a way that makes it last for the entire encounter. Each character has unique ways to do this. Your stamina deck dwindles every turn no matter what you do so it's important to plan the encounter efficiently. We left a significant amount of treasure unclaimed because we didn't have enough spare actions to collect it all. The cards also represent initiative. Your characters initiative is not fixed but is represented by the average value on the cards of your stamina deck. Its very important to coordinate with team mates in order to execute actions in the most effective order. Two actions may work well in conjunction but only if they occur in the right order. This would be easy enough but it's complicated by the fact that enemy actions occur in an order not under player control. Enemies will frequently disrupt the players attempts to coordinate attacks. Shades of robo rally. I think it will appeal greatly to folks who like both board games and role playing games. It's the most effective hybrid of the two that I've ever encountered.

Is there a Glloomhaven thread already? I didn't see one. Anyway, no time for a full review now but it's an amazing game and a pretty unprecedented concept as far as I know. Pretty decent modular dungeon crawling mechanic that would score it a seven or so on its own. Of course the real hook is that you level up and unlock new areas, new gear, new equipment, story elements et cetera, et cetera as you play. I heard it was being played at the clubhouse. I'd love to hear further notes.

It's really good.

Tonite I made shrimp dumplings in a miso pepper sauce.

A great little isometric adventure game. No intelligible dialogue or exposition. Characters make noises, point at things and use gestures. Puzzle solving on several levels as well as traditional platforming and combat elements. Even the leveling system is a puzzle of sorts. The static camera takes a little getting used to but is essential for the game concept. You can get wide angle vistas but you have to earn them. It sits with a handful of other recent games that have distilled game play elements down to their essentials and put the focus on balance and aesthetics. If you appreciate really pretty games you should definitely get this.

We had a terrific roast lamb with fresh thyme.

I've had it for a long time. I've only played about thirty minutes. It looks great. I just don't play game very much anymore.

I have a good friend who would likely purchase many issues but he's not on this site. Can you PM me some alternate contact info?

there are apps that will chart any song... looking...

We do a fair number of music threads. I found this extremely interesting.

Most any time really. What part of town is good for you?

We at the bar now.

We can try. If you want to play after.

Leave No Trace. I love movies shot on location in Portland. A lot. I also love that they consistently make zero sense logistically if you know the layout of the city. Maybe this happens in post. Maybe directors just aren't concerned with routes of travel. Who knows. It spoils immersion a bit but I just love the city so I don't care. Anyway, this is a simple and pretty movie with ever slightly too much exposition. Cut ten minutes or so of redundant dialogue and it would be almost perfect. It's about a homeless father and his daughter and about a certain segment of the homeless population. I think it's worthwhile if you haven't spent much time thinking about this issue. Its worthwhile if you have. I really like the way it infers certain issues very gently without being brutish. As issues that concern the characters rather than plot devices that they must navigate. I think this is really smart writing and credit probably goes to the novelist who inspired the screenplay. The novel is based on a true story and (from what I can tell) the film crew was able to get several people to play themselves which, when it works is a touch I really adore. If you like movies that lack traditional dramatic elements and structure and are instead occupied with telling a real life story I would check it out. The director Debra Granik is relatively new but shows great promise.

In the words of Mick Jagger, I'll never be your beastman herdstone.

Cool. I'm down for whenever. We can always christen the clubhouse!

That troll got a fouling assist from a black orc and a goblin. It was wrong on so many levels.

Spaceships increase any game by a full letter grade for me. I'll likely get this.

Don't pass on this party! Rush right over! When halfling fans talk trash its a moot suit riot. I never joke about dwarf teams. That would the lowest form of humor. I wanted to register my wood elf team but I forgot how to log in. Its easy to quit smoking when you lose all your matches! Bring It!

Foxcatcher: I recommend watching the documentary film of the same name. Probably watch that first. The story will be familiar to anyone who follows olympic wrestling. The documentary will probably shed new light on some details if you need them. The film is just a master study in capturing a character and depicting a true event. If you don't know the story the film should be a great nail biter. If you do I think you will not help but marvel at the performances. Can't recommend highly enough.

Game done. We had a little trouble reporting. Jeff will likely contact you.

I wish I could summon excitement for more superhero movies. I think they should take a year or two off.

We are set to play tomorrow.

Anyone actually played this? I do love spaceships.

So whiskey made outside of Bourbon County can still be Bourbon? I'm a little disappointed if I'm honest.