tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-153709782011-12-14T21:52:28.351-05:00R.G. Male is a writer of horror, sci-fi, and miscellaneous dark fiction. See his chaos of thoughts on his craft, the industry, and his favourite hobby, pen and paper Role-Playing Games. Not to mention general train of thought.Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.comBlogger3671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-74223029669432927712011-10-19T19:04:00.002-04:002011-10-19T19:05:07.102-04:00R.G. Male's Dark Corners <A HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rgmdc/2011-10-5-19.php#oct19-2011">has moved to a new home</A>. Expect all of the old posts to be moved soon. Sorry for the inconvenience, please don't mind the dust.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-7422302966943292771?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-18002039140380110752011-10-05T20:50:00.002-04:002011-10-05T20:51:13.391-04:00<P>Hello and welcome to the rundown of this year's 13 Nights of Hallowe'en. This year I decided on a single theme... remakes. Some people love to hate them, but I take them as they are. I will try not to talk too much about the originals if at all. I certainly won't compare them--I have somewhere else I want to do that when time permits a lengthier look. In a moment I will drop a link to the list of all thirteen movies. Hit your local video store, snail mail rental services or legal download service and watch along. If you felt like it you could start watching a night early and be in the know of some of the things I may hint at about the movies--plus you could watch whatever you wanted on Hallowe'en night.</P><P>The title for each night and sales links to Amazon.com are over at <A HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/wraithstop/2011-10-4-4.php#oct4-2011">WraithStop&#153;</A> as per usual, with the actual nights' posts appearing here.</P><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1800203914038011075?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-87801297622201807112011-09-07T20:16:00.000-04:002011-09-07T20:16:03.274-04:00I will not be posting again in September, while I work on some coding projects that need to get done. I will return in early October to preview the 13 Nights of Hallowe'en, and with some special news. Take care and see you all again then.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-8780129762220180711?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-16570576503712456592011-08-31T21:59:00.003-04:002011-08-31T21:59:49.119-04:00<P>I recently read a short article or micro-blog post about the scale of evil in fantasy role-playing game adventures and sessions. The question was asked why is everything on such a large scale? A necromancer raises an army of the undead, an entire world is threatened by the opening of a portal into a hellish world, and such grand and epic storylines. No one is going to say that these are bad plots or undesirable situations for players and Game Masters alike. However, where are the smaller plots? Where is the mad alchemist bleeding a unicorn for his magic projects? Where is the boy with some evil thing living in his cupboard? Where is the woman chained to an altar awaiting the sea monster to take her as a sacrifice to leave the village's fishing boats alone? Where are the myriad of small personal horrors and injustices waiting to be dealt with?</P><P>The answer is they are wherever you want to come up with them and slot them into your game. That is if you are into that sort of thing. Not everyone wants to start from scratch. Not everyone needs to be a world builder. These intimate sorts of plots should crop up different places. Game designers that want to should get on this need. They can always be used as one shots, convention scenarios, side-stories, and whenever a diversion from the usual is needed. They can certainly come in handy for gaming groups to try out a new game. They would give a taste of what it is like without a lot of pre-preparation and actual game time to run through them. They can also be expanded; part of some larger storyline; or from the same game and author who constructed them so, strung together to form a complete storyline. So, if you design and author games and you are reading this, go make with the tippy-tap and garner yourself a wider audience.</P><BR>Mood: relaxed.<BR>Music: P &amp; V by Anthrax and Strange Encounter by Steel Prophet.<BR><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000C52FX/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B0000C52FX"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/anthvol8.jpg" ALT="Anthrax: Volume 8" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000C52FX&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TGIC9U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B001TGIC9U">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001TGIC9U&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E45SVC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B001E45SVC"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/stlprdkl.jpg" ALT="Steel Prophet: Dark Hallucinations" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001E45SVC&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QZTPVE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000QZTPVE">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QZTPVE&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1657057650371245659?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-12003211945915811402011-08-24T20:22:00.002-04:002011-08-24T20:22:36.894-04:00There are a number of benefits afforded to extended and long-term narratives. The benefit is felt more strongly in the written word than in movies as far as series tend to go, frequently because of a singular author. Of course moving from the page to the screen can pass on those benefits. I have discovered a really nice benefit while writing the posts for the On Dark Rhoads™ blog that I did not anticipate, as much as it makes sense. I can introduce concepts, characters, and any idea I might like to add into the narrative at any point, without getting straight to the point of why it is there. I can hint at its importance, or I can say nothing and just let it stand. Silence on the point can add its own mystique as well. Then I can come back to it when the time is right and the savvy readers will know they've seen it before and have the kind of aha moment that just wouldn't occur or be possible any other way.<br /><br />This kind of foreshadowing is really appealing from this side of the process. It may not be quite so exciting for the reader, especially previous to the reveal. I just recently introduced a pretty important element to Josh's story in just such an offhand way. I'd like to think that it is mysterious too. People will read it and tell themselves that this simple, almost innocuously boring update has meaning that is not readily important, otherwise why is it there. The question then becomes can I, or any author in a similar situation, have superfluous posts? The answer must be yes. For starters, the idea of a red herring is reliant on giving information that is not actually important, at least to the true advancement of the story's main conflict, and to the characters beyond the time that it has proven false. By the way, the revelation was that Josh does vote for the hidden-evil political party.<br /><br />Mood: dramatic.<br />Music: Street Justice by Twisted Sister and Top Jimmy by Van Halen.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00297FEUS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00297FEUS"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/tsstayhu.jpg" ALT="Twisted Sister: Stay Hungry (25th Anniversary Edition)" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00297FEUS&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DQFEH8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B002DQFEH8">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B002DQFEH8&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Y6O3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00004Y6O3"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/vh1984.jpg" ALT="Van Halen: 1984" ALT="" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004Y6O3&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O7SMLC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B001O7SMLC">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001O7SMLC&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1200321194591581140?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-272653264803427222011-08-10T21:10:00.000-04:002011-08-10T21:10:00.936-04:00When you have a setting with ghosts, poltergeists, and other paranormal goings-on in that vein, the next logical addition to the setting is people who investigate and or deal with such manifestations of the supernatural. There are essentially two types of groups who undertake these endeavours, though there is always the potential for overlap. There are those that take a scientific approach and those that take the metapsychical approach. Beyond, or aside, from the overlap of these two methodologies, is the conflict between the two, which can be further complicated by the deniers and debunkers of both. This of course ends with a messy four-way conflict, but therein lays some fun of its own.<br /><br />Since you are beginning with a reality base that includes the paranormal as witness-able fact there should be at least the beginning of a scientific basis for understanding it, even if the real hard science answers will not be found for many years to come. The science need not be clear, or widely accepted, or even very useful, but it should be there. Where there is a need for understanding, there will be people to pursue it. They will come up with answers that work for them, eventually. The same can actually be said of the metaphysical adherents too, they will find answers in the fashion that suits them. Since this is a fictional setting they can be just as correct and valid as the science-types, and often will be far ahead of the curve because they simply embrace the rules they see rather than trying to understand them at a level beyond utility. They also do not necessarily seek a rationale or explanation. <br /><br />Most of the scientific types will have commonly held beliefs about how the paranormal works. There can be some dissension, even some where groups have wildly divergent theories, but I would guess it is minimal. That said it is minimal in comparison to the myriad of occult system beliefs. There is no feeling of consensus behind these groups because they do not believe so firmly that there is only one reality. As soon as they witness the success of a group with a different belief they must admit there is more than one approach, which is unless they fall into the same category as the debunkers. Even though the metaphysic groups can see more than one method they too can believe their way is superior, or more morally true, or what have you that causes from polite disagreements up to vicious rivalries amongst them.<br /><br />Mood: expressive.<br />Music: Satellite 15...The Final Frontier by Iron Maiden and Not A Dry Eye In The House by Meat Loaf.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JTHESA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B003JTHESA"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imfrontr.jpg" ALT="Iron Maiden: The Final Frontier" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B003JTHESA&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YP0BI4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B003YP0BI4">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B003YP0BI4&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002OYB/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B000002OYB"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/meatlnbr.jpg" ALT="Meat Loaf: Welcome to the Neighborhood" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002OYB&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V699E6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000V699E6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000V699E6&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-27265326480342722?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-66371183818987343292011-07-27T19:18:00.006-04:002011-07-28T00:37:43.026-04:00If you're new to this blog, or just to this particular topic I am writing a blog called <a HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/umbral/joshua/index.php">On Dark Rhoads&#153;</A>. It is the fictional account of Joshua Rhoads and the haunting of his house. It is more than that though. One aspect of the fictional world Joshua lives in is a fictional political party running the country. Another aspect to consider is Joshua is psychic and does not know it yet. Now, this is what I'm dealing with...<br /><br />Another decision point has come up in the Joshua's journey. I essentially have to make the decision before the fork in the road appears. Some interesting links have been brought to my attention that afforded some new tweaks to the still forming setting. Some of them have come up in <a HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/techstop/index.htm">TechStop&#153;</A> and others may make their way into there. They are not a part of the horror, but at the same time they do add to it and certainly many of them are not nice for people like Joshua. There is nothing to stop me from doing one thing in Joshua's stories and another in the game, but I would like to have that cohesion. So here is the decision to be made. There is the aforementioned political party with sinister intentions. Is it more compelling for Joshua to be aligned with them and learn of the dark side and reject it or to be opposed to them in the first place?<br /><br />It may be something of a cliché to be party to the party and then learn the error of his ways. They can only be visibly sinister to a small degree or otherwise they would not have the power and influence that they do. At the same time I do not believe there is some dark core pulling the strings but that it is more a matter of an overall dark outlook. Furthermore I intend for them to be the way they are for the good of others. It's not an intentional malevolence and they are not aware of the amount of harm they are creating or the hatred they foster. It's not about any particularly bigotry either--except for political party opposition bigotry where one party despises the other so thoroughly and thoughtlessly--at least not initially until events of other natures start them down that path. It is not a matter then for Joshua to just be readily aware of their malevolence.<br /><br />At the same time this party is hard line on a number of subjects, which draws a certain amount of ire from different factions, and a general disgruntlement from people who align themselves with the other parties. The drama is a little less starting on the side of right and removes added dimensions such as guilt over Joshua's former affiliations, and anger at first having indirectly been duped and then becoming victim to their burgeoning malice. There is nothing to stop Joshua's affiliation with the opposition party from having its own turmoil, including the party siding with the malevolent one on the topic of people like Joshua. Here what seemed right is no better, but has the option of it being possible to sway their opinion to a more moderate stance and embrace the approaching sea change for everyone's benefit. <br /><br />Mood: harried.<br />Music: Trumpets Of Jericho by Bruce Dickinson and Death on Two Legs by Queen.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009NCPCE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B0009NCPCE"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/bdicchem.jpg" ALT="Bruce Dickinson: The Chemical Wedding" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B0009NCPCE&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AKH9C6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B001AKH9C6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001AKH9C6&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UUKDHG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B004UUKDHG"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/qenopera.jpg" ALT="Queen: A Night at the Opera" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B004UUKDHG&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZJFH5K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B004ZJFH5K">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B004ZJFH5K&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6637118381898734329?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-46093174067108406542011-07-13T15:27:00.000-04:002011-07-13T15:27:13.251-04:00Most people when they have to deal with a haunting can simply spend a day or night away from the haunted location. They can even move out and leave it behind forever. What happens when you are the one haunted and the disturbances occur wherever you go? That was the situation I hinted at last week. Since then I see two different scenarios. In one the haunting manifests itself physically and anyone may witness it. In the second only the person who is haunted sees the ghost. The physical scenario may have an apparition or not and the ghost seer's ghost may affect physical objects or not. There are a lot of options these open up for a character and its growth. With either scenario the haunted person is in for a terrible time and the haunting will take its toll. Each scenario has its advantages though.<br /><br />A haunting involving moving objects that can be witnessed by anyone is likely the more desirable of the two scenarios, if there is anything to be desired about the situation at all. It has the benefit of being verifiable by some at least. There may still be the ridicule of the uninitiated until they are affected by it directly. The degree of directness is variable and can be, in all cases, either finding objects moved when there was no one around to move them, or out of reach and no evidence of trickery to be found, up to actually seeing the object in transit. The disadvantage of course is that objects become misplaced, the phenomena seriously freaks people out, and it can be a case where people are injured by the haunting. The frequency and insistence can really wear on the subject of the haunting, and no amount of frustration, anger, or curses will dissuade a persistent poltergeist.<br /><br />People who are the only ones to see an apparition can hold themselves together and keep it a secret with a little practice. That in and of itself is a benefit to these kinds of occurrences, if they can pull it off. That is as long as there is no physical component to the haunting otherwise it is much as above except for the addition of the visual manifestation. There are the usual cliché responses to seeing a ghost that others do not see such as seeming crazy for reacting or worse interacting with nothing there. The ghost may be friendly or it may be wicked either in line with or at odds with its appearance. It's sudden appearance and activities may be just as dangerous as objects flying around. Consider the ghost appearing with a menacing shout at the top of the stairs or appearing in the middle of the road while driving. At least additional witnesses to a physical assault can step in and lend a hand.<br /><br />Mood: driven.<br />Music: Timelessness by Fear Factory and Basket Case by Green Day.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000009CEM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B000009CEM"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/fearfobs.jpg" ALT="Fear Factory: Obsolete" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000009CEM&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NS1T3K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B001NS1T3K">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001NS1T3K&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002MP2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B000002MP2"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/grenddoo.jpg" ALT="Green Day: Dookie" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002MP2&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011Z330C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B0011Z330C">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B0011Z330C&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4609317406710840654?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-89821502953719831112011-07-06T19:29:00.001-04:002011-07-06T19:30:21.374-04:00I finally got my hands on Paranormal Activity 2 and watched it the night before last. Fear not, no spoilers, but for those on the fence, it is a prequel, not a sequel. That means it happens before the first movie. One last thing about the movie itself. I like the way that it works to lead into the events in the first movie. That's part of a topic for another day. The following has nothing to do with the movie in particular.<br /><br />Last time the discussion involved in part two different types of haunting, one of which was unintelligent and repetitious. Apparitions that are an echo of the past or simply repeating events in their life after their death are generally limited to a single location. It is an interesting question to ask, what if they could be attached to an object, or in a real twist, a person. I'm sure there is likely real life lore somewhere about haunted objects with only a residual haunting rather than an intelligent force. As to the other...<br /><br />One of the theories of repeat hauntings or echoes is that the nature and or structure of a location allows it to retain events and play them back when certain conditions are met. If a residual haunting was due to an anomalous energy source instead that energy might be attracted, like magnetism of a sort, to a living being of a compatible "polarity" such as any human. Such a person would then be haunted. This might not necessarily be enough for a haunting disturbance, whether poltergeist-like or with a looping apparition. It might be that only someone sensitive to the world beyond might witness the ghost or be plagued by moving objects. In a sense psychic energy from the human might be needed to fuel the haunting. It could make the difference between wispy half seen figures and ones indistinguishable from the living, or objects moved slowly in time versus hurtling through the air.<br /><br />Whether the residual haunting "works" when no one is around is another matter regardless off its attachment to a place or object. The old question of "if a tree falls in a wood, does it make a sound" comes to mind. As far as physics go, the answer is yes that the tree makes a sound. These witness only hauntings may be different at your discretion, especially when speaking of visual apparitions. A ghost might not appear without someone to witness it. It might be something that happens entirely in the mind of the viewer, in which case the ghost will not appear in pictures or on video. Likewise with no human presence objects will not move around. This would separate poltergeist phenomena into being the product of an intelligent haunting or as the RSPK/psychic phenomena. Of course there is always leeway on these ideas and multiple mix and match options are open to the writer.<br /><br />Mood: amused.<br />Music: The Game Never Ends by Stratovarius and by Let Me Hear You Scream by Ozzy Osbourne.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DTLK8A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B004DTLK8A"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/strately.jpg" ALT="Stratovarius: Elysium" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B004DTLK8A&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IB0N0E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B004IB0N0E">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B004IB0N0E&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040WG058/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B0040WG058"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/ozzyscre.jpg" ALT="Ozzy Osbourne: Scream" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B0040WG058&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QCNFN8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B003QCNFN8">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QCNFN8&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-8982150295371983111?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-38849800178986870812011-06-29T20:21:00.001-04:002011-06-29T20:51:05.017-04:00Last time, we discussed imaginary friends that turn out to be not so imaginary. Yesterday at WraithStop&#153; while discussing an article titled <a HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/wraithstop/2011-6-7-28.php#jun28-2011">"Cold Spots: Fort Delaware"</A> I mentioned the "schism in ghost lore where there are photos of half seen figures not seen by the eye, but at the same time accounts of ghostly figures indistinguishable from the living until they disappear or do the impossible like passing into a wall." What I did not mention, because this is the more appropriate venue, is that there is a rules framework that brings together both of these elements and many others that don't necessarily seem to fit together. This does beg the question if it can just be that there are disparate haunting phenomena going on that do not interrelate. The answer is of course, yes, if you want it to be that way.<br /><br />First let's look at the theories that make for a cohesive set of rules for ghostly manifestations. It starts with the idea that much of it comes down to energy, and some of it to the will of the spirits in question. It starts with a ghost hanging around unseen, watching things happen. At this base state it may or may not show up in a photograph, depending on how much energy it has. When it has enough energy it becomes visible to the naked eye with the translucency depending on how much energy. Other acts such as telekinesis require energy and may or may not impact on visibility. A ghost with enough energy can chose to remain unseen or reveal itself to someone even if it has no control over its current photogenic quality. Overarching, this all may be dependent upon whether it is an active, intelligent, spectre or a residual haunting played on a loop, or not dependent on that criteria at all.<br /><br />It is certainly an option to have different kinds of ghosts and hauntings that each work off of their own rule sets with as much distance or overlap as desired. Poltergeists can be noisy mischievous spirits or they can be purely psychic effects of the living. Unintelligent hauntings can be echoes of the past or entities caught up in the energy of previous events. Intelligent ghosts can be earthbound spirits or conversely non-human spirits such as devils and non-corporeal species beyond our current understanding. There are other events that can be described as a haunting such as Shadow figures and people, doppelgangers, humans travelling astrally, black eyed kids and people, and watchers and thought forms, which are ghosts created by human belief. As with everything else your setting can incorporate whatever manners and meanings work for you. <br /><br />Mood: educational.<br />Music: Thrills In The Night by Kiss and Wake The Dead by Alice Cooper.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000AF95/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00000AF95"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/kissanim.jpg" ALT="Kiss: Animalize" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00000AF95&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VZJNYS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000VZJNYS">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VZJNYS&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049IHWNM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B0049IHWNM"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/acpracas.jpg" ALT="Alice Cooper: Along Came A Spider" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B0049IHWNM&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SBLZ98/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B003SBLZ98">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B003SBLZ98&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-3884980017898687081?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-31156867574744039702011-06-15T22:02:00.002-04:002011-06-15T22:02:39.776-04:00I was watching a video series of ghost stories told partly by a narrator and partly by witness interviews. One of those fine shows complete with creepy recreations and lots of mood inducing music. I think I had known about a couple of the cases. As often happens some of the cases involve families with children. In some of these tales, before the phenomena becomes too frightening and out of hand one parent, or both, will hear one of their young children talking to their new imaginary friend. Imaginary friends are a somewhat common experience in the grand scheme of parenting. At least we are led to believe this is true. I cannot say for certain if it is a reality. All children anthropomorphise their toys. They pretend that they have all sorts of adventures with those physical if inanimate friends. What then of those children that go the step further to a completely unreal playmate?<br /><br />I never had an imaginary friend of the non-corporeal type. I wouldn't want to say it was due to any lack of imagination. Real was real and imaginary was imaginary, but still better with something you could hang onto. Not to mention a friend that would not steer you into doing wrong and getting in trouble, because with that foreknowledge that pretend was only pretend you knew you were responsible for what if anything you imagined any particular toy saying. Now, you know this isn't a parenting blog, and not even really a nostalgia blog. The first line today also tells you where this is going. The child will have given their imaginary friend a name, and they tell bits of this friend's history to anyone who will listen. What comes as a surprise to the parents is that often the imaginary friend is significantly older than the child. This is the first warning bell.<br /><br />The ghostly phenomena will become more and more apparent. The parents fear will get worse and worse. It takes a lot though to push a family out of it's home because it is a massive financial burden otherwise and it effectively always has been. That means people will put up with a lot because the other option is to live on the street or have two mortgages until you can offload the haunted house on some other unsuspecting person. Remember, don't get publicity for having a haunted home then turn around and try to sell the house without disclosing the haunting or the law will get you. Invariably, in researching the house's history it will be discovered that a former occupant that died in the house has the exact name and details as the child's imaginary friend. Cue very natural and expected freak out... <br /><br />Mood: relaxed<br />Music: Slick Black Cadillac by Quiet Riot and When The Wild Wind Blows by Iron Maiden.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005NNML/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00005NNML"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B00005NNML&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=battespleepro-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" ></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005NNML&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136JQEQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B00136JQEQ">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136JQEQ&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JTHESA/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B003JTHESA"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B003JTHESA&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=battespleepro-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" ></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B003JTHESA&camp=217145&creative=399369" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YP0BI4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B003YP0BI4">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B003YP0BI4&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-3115686757474403970?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-16493646971036865222011-05-04T19:42:00.000-04:002011-05-04T19:42:39.856-04:00Hi, I'm here to tell you that I will not be blogging here the rest of May. I have the usual yearly back-end cleaning and improving to do on my sites. I will be back in June. Thank you.<br /><br />While I have you here, I would like to thank everyone who helped with the Kickstarter for Amaranthine. You're help is appreciated not only by the producers of the game, but by me as well. Cheers.<br /><br />Mood: stressed.<br />Music: Coming Soon by Queen and Black Lodge by Anthrax.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000000OAJ?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000000OAJ"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/quengame.jpg" ALT="Queen: The Game"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000000OAJ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00138KOTA?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00138KOTA">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00138KOTA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000SXZ7C?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000SXZ7C"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/anthsofwn.jpg" ALT="Anthrax: Sound of White Noise"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000SXZ7C" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018C2W7S?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0018C2W7S">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0018C2W7S" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1649364697103686522?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-49970339560284764622011-04-27T20:11:00.001-04:002011-04-27T20:19:06.327-04:00Last week I talked about the forthcoming Amaranthine RPG from Machine Age Productions. Their <a HREF="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/machineage/amaranthine-a-roleplaying-game">fund raising initiative with Kickstarter</A> has surpassed the level required for the print run of the game. Now the additional funds will be put to use in producing an anthology of short fiction based on the game and setting. Meanwhile more information has come out regarding the game. Amongst the materials is an interview/discussion with <a HREF="http://www.bearswarm.com/episode-158-another-conversation-with-david-a-hill-jr">David A. Hill Jr. on the Bear Swarm podcast</A>. This interview covered topics and ideas that I did not get into previously. I wanted to point out a couple of items. The first was a line that showed up elsewhere discussing the game and the aspect David and I touched on regarding Amaranthine and success. The quote is "Amaranthine are measured on a scale of Batmen. The baseline is Batman." That's a pretty provocative idea.<br /><br />The second item that came up in the podcast was in regard to a post on the Machine Age site called <a HREF="http://machineageproductions.com/?p=546">"Determining Facts"</A> that describes a system of using declarative statements to outline the interactions between characters in the game as they happened in the past. The statements are broken into four groups with “I’ve always,” “I’ve once,” “I’ve sometimes,” and, “I’ve never.” This would cover relationships like I always kill you or I once loved you--and goes well with the Relationship Wheel. These statements can be used to structure current and future meetings between those characters. The article also talks about the story benefits of breaking these declarations, but I will let you read that over there. This framework of course is also be very useful in setting up how different characters will get along or not in your own works of fiction. Some authors have done this for years to varying degrees.<br /><br />There is one other bit that I didn't cover from my discussion of the game with David. He told me, "One of the things Amaranthine can do is sort of enchant people and make them sycophantic. So, many Amaranthine have followers, and little mini-empires. This means that indirect war is just as likely as rooftop battles." This ties in nicely with a point touched on in the podcast regarding whether average people know about the Amaranthine. The short answer is mostly no, they don't. This is because the Amaranthine are just the famous and powerful in the world. Their past lives and their extraordinary abilities are just a part of that indescribable je ne sais quoi these people have, or the root of that mystique.<br /><br />Just a heads up. I do not expect to post here for most of May. I'm taking my annual break for backend coding work on my sites, including this one. I may slip in one post or none. Follow me on Twitter to keep on top of when and where I post. I am <a HREF="http://twitter.com/#!/robertmale">@robertmale</A>.<br /><br />Mood: real.<br />Music: Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper and Kiss From A Rose by Seal.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008PX8X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B00008PX8X"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/cyndiles.jpg" ALT="Cyndi Lauper: The Essential Cyndi Lauper" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00008PX8X&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136RVP2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B00136RVP2">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136RVP2&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002MMQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B000002MMQ"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/seal.jpg" ALT="Seal: Seal" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002MMQ&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QP7X1M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B001QP7X1M">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001QP7X1M&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4997033956028476462?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-68316122031387540872011-04-20T14:11:00.000-04:002011-04-20T14:11:29.568-04:00Welcome to a very special edition of Dark Corners, please don't mind the extra length. Today I have a post collided with an almost interview with David A. Hill Jr. of Machine Age Productions, makers of Maschine Zeit--I hope to discuss that game later. David and the crew are running a Kickstarter campaign to <A HREF="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/machineage/amaranthine-a-roleplaying-game">fund the print run of Amaranthine right now</A>. Additional funds pledged will mean additional game materials will be available sooner and your pledge earns you items like copies of the game, and those bonus materials and products as per your pledge. I am very excited about this game. As the teaser says, "Leap across rooftops to battle the enemy you've fought fifty times before. You know that every time you meet, one of you will die. It cannot be you; in this life, you have too much to live for."<br /><br />Amaranthine is a role-playing game where the fabric of the setting, of the back-story of the characters, is heavily influenced by their past lives. One of the key aspects is something called the Relationship Wheel. When David and I began talking about Amaranthine I mentioned that I rarely touch on game mechanics here from a dice standpoint, but rather the effect. What it does for the story the GM and players are forming. David told me, "Almost every important roll in Amaranthine stresses a relationship." Of course this is apparent in the talks on the site, and he also summed it up well when he said, "The effect of the Relationship Wheel is really the important part anyway. The dice are just a mechanism to see that happens."<br /><br />The Relationship Wheel is part of a system that stresses escalation of conflict or tension, and the character interaction aspects in the game. My interest focused on the current effect this has on the characters within one life's cycle, as opposed to where it was in the past--if you will, a focus on the here and now of your game. It is built into the character's psychological make up to push their relationships, strain them... a good metaphor is pulling the bond your character has with someone important to them like an elastic band until it snaps back. Often it hurts your finger because you did it wrong. There's the pain when it hits, or it pulls too far and it breaks on both sides at once, half snapping back, the other half lashing out at the other end. When you get into love triangles or a conflict-à-trois--like I've previously discussed--then pulled or broken, if something was loaded in the elastic the question becomes what was it targeted at--intentionally or not--and what damage does that payload do?<br /><br />David said, "I like to look at it like Spider-Man and Mary Jane. As he goes swinging around on rooftops saving the world, it adds tension to their relationship. Sometimes, he needs to do specific things with her to really cool down that side of it."<br /><br />Also a part of the game is the idea that the Amaranthine do not do it just once. Even in a single lifetime they do it over and again even when they know it will hurt. I imagine they can't help it. It's hard to break a habit like that.<br /><br />Talking about how this also works with mortal--or really in this case practically immortal--enemies David told me, "It's sort of a fight or compliance with fate. Say I've killed you three times before. When we meet, and you remember that, are you going to assume I'm -not- fated to kill you? Of course you're going to assume it. So, you might try to kill me. It causes this vicious cycle, because then of course I'll attack back."<br /><br />In the <A HREF="http://machineageproductions.com/?p=485">first post describing Amaranthine</A> it was said that "Amaranthine isn’t about resolving conflicts, it’s about exploring them, creating them, fostering them, then watching them explode." I see this as especially true when we are talking about the meta-game level where players are working to push and strain, to create conflict, to add drama and get something out of it both as players, and for their characters/in-character. That's a fascinating aspect. <br /><br />In a bit of contrast David told me, "When I say we don't focus as much on success or failure, I mean to say Amaranthine are awesome. For the most part, we assume they'll win. Or at least, they -can- win if they're willing to put enough on the table. Really, we're more concerned about those kinds of hard decisions."<br /><br />I had to ask myself, what does the character get out it? Heartache is likely. Death is a possibility. I imagine as the cycle continues the highs become higher and the lows become lower--I touched on this in my haunting cycle of escalation two weeks ago (Don't Wear Us Out, Josh)--but what is being gained in the highs? On one hand if we're talking about personal relationships there's great sex, there's a strengthening bond. Professionally there are big deals, favours owed, mergers or coalitions, the benefit of more influential networking, etc.<br /><br />I asked David, do the Amaranthine become aware in their own way that they could build karma up to their benefit? Do the more villainous or mercenary amongst them escalate conflicts with their adversaries for the express purpose of getting the upper hand the next time around, whether, as David said, in direct conflict with that adversary or through undermining them via their associates?<br /><br />His answer was, "The karma question is one I've not touched on yet. It's something I've been thinking about. Fate and destiny are ingrained heavily into what Amaranthine is, so of course that's one way to look into it. We spend a bit exploring the weight of responsibility when you know more, and are capable of more than anyone else."<br /><br />Back to that first post on the Machine Age Productions site, there is a description of the Relationship Wheel as having two ‘neutral zones’ along the wheel, and a ‘hot’ zone and a ‘cold’ zone. ...if the wheel is for a lover, the hot zone might offer bonuses when trying to influence them. The cold zone might offer bonuses to resist a strong emotional response when they’re in danger. With a nemesis, the hot zone might offer a bonus to all-out, guttural attacks against them. The cold might offer bonuses to attacking their sycophants to indirectly harm them."<br /><br />All in all this looks like another fascinating game from David and the crew at Machine Age Productions. Again, if this game interests you please consider donating to the <A HREF="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/machineage/amaranthine-a-roleplaying-game">Amaranthine Kickstarter</A> for the print run and other materials.<br /><br />Mood: thrilled.<br />Music: Infinite Dreams by Iron Maiden and Crazy by Aerosmith.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000063DI9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B000063DI9"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imssoass.jpg" ALT="Iron Maiden: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000063DI9&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BEE6LI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B001BEE6LI">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BEE6LI&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005QENZ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B00005QENZ"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/aerogrip.jpg" ALT="Aerosmith: Get a Grip" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005QENZ&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VRQPPG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B000VRQPPG">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VRQPPG&camp=217145&creative=399349" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6831612203138754087?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-48860345656911473542011-04-13T19:18:00.001-04:002011-04-13T20:28:39.511-04:00I talked a bit more about the On Dark Rhoads blog over at Inchoate with <a HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/inchoate/2011-4-1-8.php#apr8-2011">"Gearing Up for the Rhoad"</A> and got into some technical and non-writing aspects like commenting and general blog shoptalk.<br /><br />Last time here we talked about pace and tension. What does it really mean in regard to the scare factor of the tale though? For that matter what does the format do to the scare? Certainly as much as horror is known for it scares, for leaving the audience creeped out if only for a little while, it is about the horrific too, obviously, but as a kind of milieu it is about the situations, beings, and the like that are horrific or monstrous. As such it doesn't always have to scare or horrify at least on the small scale--nor constantly either.<br /><br />A story about a haunting is a horror story even if you are not scared by it. Stories with monsters are likewise horror as well by virtue of the monsters, though this might require it not additionally being say a medieval fantasy story. It is a matter of degrees and a question of intensity. It is the outlook that matters. Monster heroes in a city will be urban fantasy for instance rather than horror if it lacks horror. It's all shades of grey as far as the presentation goes. Often what distinguishes horror from the other similar genres in this no man's land is how the unnatural elements affect the characters. This is especially true of horror role-playing games. The game need not scare or horrify the players per se, but the setting, the conflict, and the scenarios had certainly better present the characters with fear and horror or a sense of dread.<br /><br />I see the same delineation in horror fiction even as others insist the product, whatever it is, book, movie, or game, must frighten them or affect them personally to be successful and therefore count. As an example consider the movie Paranormal Activity. I don't mean to compare my haunting tale to it for either its admirers or detractors, but it is a good example from an illustrative viewpoint. Some who live with an actual haunting were dismissive of the bulk of the phenomena as not being scary enough to carry the horror. Others cannot fathom staying anywhere haunted and are floored by these kinds of movies. To bring it back to the original questions I would like the scare factor to be there. I would like nothing more that to have people, well, haunted, by the events, and suspicious of their own surroundings. Was that book where they left it? Wasn't that water glass on the right a moment ago where now it's on the left? At the same time it's okay if they don't do that, as long as the experience through reading the entries was enjoyable.<br /><br />Come back next week for a special post (instead of my usual day off) regarding a forthcoming role-playing game called Amaranthine from David A. Hill Jr. of Machine Age Productions makers of Maschine Zeit. David is running a Kickstarter campaign to <a HREF="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/386174176/amaranthine-a-roleplaying-game">fund the print run of Amaranthine right now</A>.<br /><br />Mood: relaxed.<br />Music: Hotel California by the Eagles and Someone Else? by Queensryche.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YDDUJQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000YDDUJQ"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/eaglehtc.jpg" ALT="Eagles: Hotel California" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000YDDUJQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011Z78R6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0011Z78R6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B0011Z78R6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009L1UR/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009L1UR"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/qrychprm.jpg" ALT="Queensryche: Promised Land" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00009L1UR" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KQEE64/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001KQEE64">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001KQEE64" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4886034565691147354?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-64581891227273932672011-04-06T18:59:00.003-04:002011-04-06T19:00:54.231-04:00Last week I talked about the new Umbral Intentions fiction blog starring and written by Josh Rhoads. There was a couple of spoilers, one worse than the other. Just check back, I won't mention the worst one again if you want to know about it. There was a different discussion about the project over at Inchoate Ascendant titled <a HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/inchoate/2011-4-1-1.php#apr1-2011">"Don't Jump the Gun, Pants Kicker"</A> about the actual name of the blog. Since I may want to reference it here today you get to be the first to learn that the blog will be titled "On Dark Rhoads" and not Umbral Intentions--to confuse things worse, as also mentioned last week, the blog is for the This Mental Eventide RPG. Now with that out of the way...<br /><br />The topic of merit today--and this is the lesser spoiler from last time repeated--is pacing the haunting, or how to parcel out the ghostly events. Being a blog places constraints on the story I will be telling that have less to do with the story that they do with how blogging works. This is of course only on some levels. On others it doesn't impact the story itself. Here again I'm giving things away prematurely. The first order of business is setting up Josh. Who is he on the blog? This is something different than who he is in actuality. He could just jump right in with details on the haunting. That doesn't exactly establish him as someone the blog reading public should believe. So, he begins with an introduction followed by a couple normal slice of life style posts. From there he begins to tell his past encounters and then get into posting about them shortly after the fact.<br /><br />This second stage of story telling is where the issues begin to crop up. First, the blog is scheduled for <a HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/deaddays/calapr11.htm">Saturdays</A>. Obviously all of the haunting incidents will not happen on just Friday or Saturday. This brings about issues of immediacy, and plays into tension. This is a matter intrinsic to blogging versus real-time interactions like Twitter and Facebook streams. It's just like news reporting where you chose an in-depth look versus greater timeliness. The length of each blog post is a further limit--they tend toward the shorter, especially shorter than full scenes in a short story or novel. There is a certain concision and economy. Another issue is that not every post should be about the haunting. This is important to avoid overload or desensitisation to the creepy goings-on. It also plays into the other important factor.<br /><br />There is also the matter of pacing the haunting itself. It will progress, it will get worse, and more harrowing as time passes. The haunting must escalate. It will have its highs and its lows as far as the amount of activity. It may be cyclical, or it may be dependant on outside factors such as witnesses. Both will be true actually. Then at the same time the lows will be less frequent and less of a reprieve. Likewise the high activity occasions will be more frequent and more extreme.<br /><br />The idea that witnesses impact the haunting is typical of real cases, especially when said witnesses are intrusive paranormal investigators who come along and disrupt the haunting either with their equipment, their presence, and most often because the entities responsible for the haunting are shy and do not wish to perform for strangers. There are however different new witnesses who can be brought into the situation who have no detrimental effect on the haunting and in fact encourage it as much or more as the original target. That's all I'll say for now.<br /><br />Mood: teasing.<br />Music: Catcher In The Rye by Guns N' Roses and Ghost of Perdition by Opeth.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037BBKIK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0037BBKIK"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/gnrchdem.jpg" ALT="Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0037BBKIK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MUF62G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004MUF62G">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B004MUF62G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AADYYO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AADYYO"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/opethghstr.jpg" ALT="Opeth: Ghost Reveries" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000AADYYO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001202VDQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001202VDQ">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B001202VDQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6458189122727393267?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-32064005918950487642011-03-30T20:25:00.001-04:002011-03-30T20:25:49.957-04:00If you didn’t know already I’ve been gearing up to unleash a fiction blog. Not just any fiction blog, but one tied to a work in progress role-playing game. There are several issues involved in creating this blog on many levels. The issue I am interested in discussing now has to do with going against expectation. I can't help but spoiler some things. Sorry. Let me start with the basic premise behind the role-playing game. The game is called "This Mental Eventide" and revolves around the emergence of a large number of psychics. A man named Joshua Gavin Rhoads is the author of the blog. He initially hints that he has a secret that he wants to tell everyone but has to build up to it. The secret is the haunting. From there he begins to detail the various happenings. Here's the catch--and the worst spoiler of all. Josh is not haunted. Rather he is being plagued by his own burgeoning psychic abilities.<br /><br />One of the elements to this setting is that there are no ghosts or earthbound spirits. There are hauntings sure enough, but they are residual hauntings--those are the echoes or events repeating on a loop--or the work of psychics. All in all this makes for a protracted scenario in which nothing is what it seems. There is the possibility that an abrupt turn of face would be off-putting to some. The haunting has to fall within the extent of Josh's psychic abilities. Since he is the cause of all of the phenomena it has to have some meaning to him or otherwise be in character for him. The incidents must be something he subconsciously wants or they happen in reaction to what he feels toward different people and events. Some will be very obvious, but others may seem particularly inexplicable, or at least unfathomable at first blush.<br /><br />At this stage only one power is evident. Josh must have telekinesis. It covers a myriad of ghostly phenomena that are poltergeist-like in nature. I have an inkling of one of his other powers, but I won't mention it. The development of the game is incomplete so I do not know how many psychic abilities he should manifest, when they will do so, and what if any progression there is between them. Likewise Josh is a bit of a blank canvas. I have certain traits squarely in mind and the rest is open. I do not even know what his profession is yet. One of the keys to a setting like this, and especially these kinds of scenarios involving adults, is that these people have real lives first before the emergence of the fantastical or the horrific. These unanswered questions play into the next topic I want to write about with regard to this project.<br /><br />Mood: secretive.<br />Music: Can't Stop Rockin' by ZZ Top and Black Dragon by Luca Turilli.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002L8H/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000002L8H"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/zztopafb.jpg" ALT="ZZ Top: Afterburner" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002L8H" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FU3REY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002FU3REY">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B002FU3REY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002S849/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00002S849"><img SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/lucatknt.jpg" ALT="Luca Turilli: King Of The Nordic Twilight" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00002S849" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002H0LGYU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002H0LGYU">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B002H0LGYU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-3206400591895048764?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-12825972081440227452011-03-23T20:20:00.000-04:002011-03-23T20:20:57.970-04:00Remakes. Yes, the most contested movies in all of moviedom. A lot of people online just love to hate them. They whine, moan, complain, harass people who are excited for them, and frankly can't resist speaking up every single time one or even the thought of one is mentioned. Except for the fanatic insistences and blind hatred I say good on them for sticking to their guns. As we looked at last time out people complain if a movie is similar to a previous one and isn't a remake so there's really no winning. Except... there is one remake that almost no one complains about. That would be John Carpenter's The Thing (1982). Whether you like it--and its distasteful subject matter--or not Wes Craven's acclaimed first outing The Last House on the Left (1972) is pretty much a remake of The Virgin Spring (1960)--apparently the Virgin Spring's scriptwriter based it off of a ballad of all things. Craven himself cites the Virgin Spring, though some debate if that truly makes a remake.<br /><br />Within remakes there is another subdivision called the reboot. All reboots are remakes, but not all remakes are reboots. To start, a reboot denotes a franchise, meaning a movie with sequels. While there are close remakes and loose remakes--The Thing and Last House on the Left are varying degrees of loose--reboots tend to change something within the story. Again the significance of the change varies. A prime example of a reboot is the remake of Friday the 13th (2009). Its first significant change is that it revolves around Jason, whereas the original first Friday the 13th movie did not. Other than Jason there are next to no other characters from the original film. There aren't even camp councillors. In contrast the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) while different in several aspects does not feel like a reboot despite the different additional characters. It added elements to the original, but not in a way that changed anything.<br /><br />The adding of elements and expanding upon the ideas in the original is what makes for a great remake. A perfect example is the remake of The Hills Have Eyes (2006). It takes most of the original and then adds to it immensely, and in a way that feels natural. It also modernises the story without actually changing the timeframe (at least as far as I noticed). What it did was make more sense in the story's end, and as a good remake does it removed traits from the film that didn't age well and would make it dated. On the other hand it seemed like some of the addition was very close to a different unrelated horror movie, which itself borrowed from something else altogether. Another great remake that adds to the original is the remake of The Amityville Horror (2005). What it added to the film was in some parts new and in others elements present in the original novel that did not make it into the first film. I think this Amityville is the best remake of the new millennium yet.<br /><br />Mood: stoic.<br />Music: Big Man With A Gun by Nine Inch Nails and (Ghost) Riders In The Sky by Me First And The Gimme Gimmes.<BR><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00066N8JS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00066N8JS"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/nindwnspd.jpg" ALT="Nine Inch Nails: Downward Spiral" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00066N8JS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00150W1K6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00150W1K6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00150W1K6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GRTQI4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GRTQI4"><IMG SRC="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/me1stltc.jpg" ALT="Me First And The Gimme Gimmes: Love Their Country" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000GRTQI4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011YQYRC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0011YQYRC">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B0011YQYRC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1282597208144022745?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-19839907365432107122011-03-09T19:45:00.002-05:002011-03-09T20:14:34.637-05:00I wanted to talk a little bit today about movies, in specific the complaints about them revolving around one movie ripping off another. There are some pretty out there comparisons.<br /><br />For instance someone described Darkness Falls as a rip-off of the Friday the 13th movies. You know that a flying old dead hag wearing a white mask who can't enter the light for fear of bursting into flames is exactly like a movie about a guy who eventually dons a hockey mask, becomes undead, and throughout life, death, undeath kills people for being naughty. Pretty broad comparison there if you ask me.<br /><br />Someone making one of the documentaries about the original Halloween decided that Evil Dead is a Halloween rip-off because you know, people trapped in the woods fighting demonically possessed people and corpses is exactly like a movie about a guy in a mask killing babysitters. Never mind the fact that Evil Dead is actually to some degree an homage to Night of the Living Dead and not a rip-off of that even.<br /><br />The other day I saw another ludicrous comparison. The Manitou is a rip-off of the Exorcist because you know that a woman with a tumour on her neck that's actually an embryo of a reincarnated Native American medicine man bent on destroying modern day white people is exactly like the story of a girl suffering from demonic possession. Wow, the similarity is just uncanny. Come on people.<br /><br />Don't let these baseless accusations slide. No one likes a mean dismissal of their thoughts, so kindly and gently educate if you see something outrageous like this. As smart places on the web say, don't address the poster, don't make it personal, just state the big differences in these movies. Remember, only you can prevent flame wars.<br /><br />On the other hand don't be afraid of pointing out the really close ones like say (and I cannot recommend anyone actually watch this movie) The Astronaut's Wife, which is very similar to Rosemary's Baby. I'm not even saying that closeness is itself an issue, just that unlike the other examples it's pretty clear. My issue with the movie is what I consider it's lack of quality, which is neither here nor there, and some people may like it. <br /><br />I hear recent The Roommate is much like Single White Female from years back. So what. I don't have a problem with that. It's just this idea that everything is a rip-off and thus bad and should be, I don't know, blocked, banned, or burned that gets me--of course compounded by blatant mistakes in the similarity. I guess that's all I have to say about this now. Next time, my take on remakes.<br /><br />Mood: spleeny.<br />Music: The Ripper by Iced Earth and Let Me Hear You Scream by Ozzy Osbourne.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=battespleepro-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0012RM4NG" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018Y9WHY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0018Y9WHY">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B0018Y9WHY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=battespleepro-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B003HLM2QO" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QCNFN8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003QCNFN8">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B003QCNFN8" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1983990736543210712?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-18271690371072700122011-03-02T19:43:00.000-05:002011-03-02T19:43:25.334-05:00After last week it's time for a conversation about three-ways. It's one thing to say that they are complicated, that they change the nature of the story. The first decision is always who are the three sides. Answering this helps to open up the other questions like which two sides will come together to deal with the third. That is if any of them come together. It happens most of the time, but it is not a requirement. Whether or not two side with each other one will always mess up the plans of at least one of the other two sides, if not both of them. It all comes to down to the other huge question of what are the goals of each side. The goals may be deeply ingrained in the whom of these three characters or groups. Or it may be just of matter of what they are willing, or unwilling to do. <br /><br />As complicated, or straightforward, as the conflict may be there may always be a fourth matter of complication. The three-way conflict struggles in the directions afforded those possible outcomes without the affect of any outside influence. An outside influence throws the whole dynamic into a spin. Although allegiances may form and break up, or shift based on the actions of one or more of the sides, they do not shift as fast or as easily when there is an external impetus. Each party of the conflict will try to manipulate events to their advantage, but some events are adjustment proof. They can't be planned for. They may not be of help to anyone. They may even be immutable and only worked around. There are different events that can be like this.<br /><br />Disasters are the first example of an immutable event that cannot be avoided. It may be used to advantage by any of the characters or groups if they can be predicted. Plans are foiled or need serious revision if an unplanned for disaster strikes. Such disasters could be weather related, seismic, or even smaller scale such as a fire. Depending on the setting and pre-planning a disaster might even be a weapon in one side's arsenal. This is especially true of fire, bombings, avalanches, and the like. Of course even false indications of such a disaster can be a tool to use. Fake bombs or threats, false tidal wave warnings, or even pulling a fire alarm throw a wrench into someone's plans. As almost always, the possibilities are endless.<br /><br />Mood: feisty.<br />Music: Porno Star by Motley Crue and Slick Black Cadillac by Quiet Riot.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EN1R4K?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001EN1R4K"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/mcrutatt.jpg" ALT="Motley Crue: New Tattoo"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001EN1R4K" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B9BCK6?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001B9BCK6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001B9BCK6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002A4G?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000002A4G"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/qrgretht.jpg" ALT="Quiet Riot: The Greatest Hits"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002A4G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136JOKM?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00136JOKM">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136JOKM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1827169037107270012?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-19026022611035752232011-02-16T19:16:00.000-05:002011-02-16T19:16:35.974-05:00Henry Thoreau is attributed as saying, "There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root." It's a quote that I've always found fascinating ever since I heard it from the lips of Captain Howdy in Dee Snider's "Strangeland". I believe the meaning is that it is better to get to the core of the evil and deal with it than waste time with minions. I prefer to twist it around in a kind of reverse. I like the idea of it being about tapping into evil rather hacking away at it to get rid of it. There are thousands brushing against what it is to be evil and amongst them is a true monster. In a recent interview to be posted next month I brought up my dislike of pathetic punk and rabble sort of evil. I have a real taste for the boogeymen the monsters fear. <br /><br />Every now and again there is a story or a movie where a group of ne'er-do-wells or even outright miscreants are out doing their damage, sowing chaos, and/or generally ruining other people's lives. Then they come into a situation like so many others before, except that this time they will be the victims. There is more than one way for the worse evil to prove that it is worse. It doesn't always have to be the stock answer that they are more violent, more sadistic, or more perverted. Here is where manipulative and insidious is more fun, even if eventually it comes down to a gruesome end for the lesser evil. Another choice I find less than desirable is for the victims to be brought down by their own in-fighting. Some find great satisfaction in that, but I find it wears thin. This leads to one of the defining elements of hard-core evil.<br /><br />Like anything else, it's easy to overuse it, but I find the worst evil that villains can do is bring out the evil in otherwise good people. It's nothing to make the selfish and the uncaring to commit heinous acts, but if you can make upstanding people willingly do the wrong thing, what they would never do on their own in most other situations, then you're getting somewhere, evil-wise.<br /><br />There is an unasked question here. Where does the protagonist fit into this story? A lot of the time there isn't one; not in the sense of a hero. Sometimes it may be the least offensive of the victim villains. Some other good person caught in the middle and able to provide a sense of urgency or heightened tension is a good choice. Things can get complicated. That is a consideration to keep in mind. Tying back to last week, it is a more relatable, good, person that provides for a greater anchor to the horror for the audience. Finally, the three-way conflict has its own pros and cons. The dynamic is different, and it affects the warp and weft of the mood, pacing, and character requirements as much as it does the narrative fabric.<br /><br />Mood: meditative.<br />Music: Original Sin by Meat Loaf and Instruments Of Destruction by N.R.G.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002OYB?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000002OYB"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/meatlnbr.jpg" ALT="Meat Loaf: Welcome to the Neighborhood"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002OYB" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V699E6?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000V699E6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000V699E6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PHW236?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PHW236"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/transfrmr.jpg" ALT="Various: Transformers: The Movie [Extra Tracks]"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000PHW236" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00138F48Q?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00138F48Q">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00138F48Q" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1902602261103575223?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-23109933682319249562011-02-09T20:10:00.000-05:002011-02-09T20:10:03.270-05:00<STRONG>*** Disclaimer:</STRONG> The following in no way means to disparage the people of lower class income or who live in certain kinds of homes. It is specifically about the character of some people and speaks to the common and likely even stereotypical view of such groups of individuals.<STRONG> ***</STRONG><br /><br />Previously we took a look at the unsavoury subset of the already looked down upon white trash group. For note some of this applies to disaffected urbanites, the rich who live in their own world practically, and just the general malaise affecting much of the civilised world that rises to the very aptly named legal term called depraved indifference. Further, this is different than the uncivilised groups that frequently partake in wanton destruction and consider defilement commonplace and desirable--the villain/monster perhaps. This is really about those who have the veneer of decency and civility bare in spots or ripped away and sitting askew. With that in mind, it's time to look at how exactly they change the horror in a story or movie.<br /><br />One consideration is that the horror should offset or counterpoint the grungy, dirty, immoral quality of these characters--this of course is if they are prevalent, which is certainly true with their natural habitat as the setting. The first possibility that comes to mind is a slasher who is much the opposite, who is moralistic in that sinners and the improper die by his or her hand. Thematically, or better yet even literally/visually, the blood spilled washes away or hides the dirt with clean, placid-smooth red, though of course this is temporary as it dries and becomes just more grime worsening what was there--don't forget the added element of blood smell to this--a chink in the armour of this "purity" if you will, belying it's masking nature, and foreshadowing the physical rot to come to match the moral rot.<br /><br />Overall the most important consideration in creating terror with these types of characters is how to overcome the audience's dislike of the characters. It dulls the horror when people don't identify with the characters. It's even worse when the audience wants to see them come to a bad end--though there are readers and movie watchers who do that on purpose, but even they frequently want nice, undeserving victims, when the point isn't to punish the impure. Also, unless you're looking to have shades of grey in frightening conflict you want to be clear just who the metaphorical monster is. Make your horror really horrific and evil. Enough to scare the hardest heart and make them look almost cuddly in comparison. Lastly, in film at least, fear is infectious and characters who show their fear illicit it from the audience. These are just some of the things to keep in mind in this kind of setting.<br /><br />Mood: solemn.<br />Music: Sweet Pain by Kiss and Poison by Alice Cooper.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000001EL3?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000001EL3"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/kissdest.jpg" ALT="Kiss: Destroyer"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000001EL3" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VZR75K?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VZR75K">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000VZR75K" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012GMUPO?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012GMUPO"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/acprtrsh.jpg" ALT="Alice Cooper: Trash"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0012GMUPO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00138KISM?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00138KISM">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00138KISM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-2310993368231924956?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-41608504687181112882011-02-02T19:14:00.000-05:002011-02-02T19:14:11.128-05:00<STRONG>*** Disclaimer:</STRONG> The following in no way means to disparage the people of lower class income or who live in certain kinds of homes. It is specifically about the character of some people and speaks to the common and likely even stereotypical view of such groups of individuals. <STRONG>***</STRONG><br /><br />Let’s talk about Rob Zombie again. Specifically I want to talk about how sometimes I jokingly refer to him as the White-Trash King. I mean no disrespect in this, in fact quite the opposite. If you want down and dirty, trailer trash--with or without the trailer--lowbrow, low rent, it must be both trying and fun to be around these people, kind of characters then Zombie is your man. I mean wow. I am in awe and more than a little jealous. I feel way too clean cut and, take your pick, suburban or rural to get the kind of grasp on these kinds of characters like Zombie does. You can have your opinion as to why he has this grasp, but that's none of my business, and I'm here about other things. Now, let me give you a little background and viewing history.<br /><br />I've had an influx of Rob Zombie watching over the last couple of months. I had liked "House of 1000 Corpses" from the moment the end credits rolled despite some of its obvious flaws. It took me quite a while to get around to "The Devil's Rejects" and I was floored. It was amazing. What a huge leap forward in directing--and the other aspects of the filmmaking process were also up to that standard. Then we have Zombie's "Halloween" remake. I like it. I've only seen the director's cut--go unrated discs. It really puts me in mind of the original's director cut in that it seems to carry on quite a while. The thing is that it is interesting if you are in the mood. Since I recently saw Rejects I also finally got my hands on "Halloween II"--again director's cut and unrated. Let's start with the bad news--I'll be brief, the review will be elsewhere. It has it's problems--again that will be elsewhere (sorry).<br /><br />Back to the characters. These trashy characters aren't just everything I described in the first paragraph. Those people aren't all that bad. There is a subset among them though, that you might say are equal in roughness, more kindly unpolishedness perhaps, morally as they are in the more obvious attributes. This more rotten core will stab you as soon as look at you, smack their kids and spouses around (yes, by no means limited to the trash demographic), and attack the authorities when they come to take away their right to be beaten. As with any group, the two kinds mix freely making it harder to spot the villains, and adding complexity to dealing with them for both the author and any characters from the outside. Now, with this look at these types of characters in hand, we can take a look at how they affect the horror in any given story or movie.<br /><br />Mood: daring.<br />Music: Deep Unknown by Stratovarius and These Colours Don't Run by Iron Maiden.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0025X4P7E?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0025X4P7E"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/straplrs.jpg" ALT="Stratovarius: Polaris"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0025X4P7E" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002A84IJE?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002A84IJE">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002A84IJE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H7JD4A?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000H7JD4A"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imamolad.jpg" ALT="Iron Maiden: A Matter of Life and Death"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000H7JD4A" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R02K6A?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000R02K6A">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000R02K6A" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4160850468718111288?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-46782784179407886462011-01-26T16:28:00.001-05:002011-01-26T16:30:48.474-05:00Hello and welcome to the New Year of Horror on Hump Day! It's been a long hiatus, though maybe not the longest I've taken. Publishing a horror magazine will do that, even at the length of <a HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/magazine.htm">Killing Time - Horror E-Rag</A>. It's become something of a tradition to look back and then look forward. Let us begin.<br /><br />Looking back I am immediately struck by the recent posts about movies and television both before and after Hallowe'en's thirteen blogs. Both by the number and the ideas I hoped to express about them. There was even some motivational material, because honestly with all the negativity out there about the genre and its failings someone has to get on topic, push forward, and try to be a force of change.<br /><br />To some degree it's a sad state of affairs that it has to be me, but really who better? I've always been trying to push for better horror, and painting the way as a consumer. Some could ask, who am I tell to anyone how to make something better? The answer is, I'm someone who enjoys horror so much I had to become a creator. Even that much commitment isn't necessary. All it takes is a passion for the material, the movies, the books, the games, the tropes, the feelings, the whole shebang.<br /><br />The look back became the look forward. Might as well continue mixing it up. The past year I talked about a setting with witches, and more pertinent to the discussion witch hunters. It's kind of funny because I recently saw the animated video for <a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq4zbZ3ULaU">"American Witch" NSFW</A> by Rob Zombie, which seemed to me to be a companion piece to the <a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV0NoICl7cE">"Lords of Salem" NSFW</A> video, which I had seen significantly longer ago. The Lords video is very evocative of just how frightening the Witch Hunter General and his closest men are, to not only the common man, but also to even the blackest hearted witch.<br /><br />I intend to look at some more settings. Like early in 2010 I also intend to look at horror from a RPGer's perspective because what is a pen and paper RPG for the person running the sessions (known as the Game Master among other names), a position akin to director on a movie set and at the same time scriptwriter--if both of those only worked with or wrote the minor characters and the setting/sets. I'm re-explaining this both for new readers and because there's been some recent controversy, but that's not something I intend to get into here. Beyond that, I never know what I'm going to write about until I start planning for the next week. Here's to new horrors and new looks at it.<br /><br />Mood: stoked.<br />Music: American Witch by Rob Zombie and Werewolf Women Of The SS by Rob Zombie.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ENWKN8?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ENWKN8"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/rzomedho.jpg" ALT="Rob Zombie: Educated Horses"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000ENWKN8" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NCR4OO?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001NCR4OO">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001NCR4OO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XUKVXU?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003XUKVXU"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/rzomhlb2.jpg" ALT="Rob Zombie: Hellbilly Deluxe 2"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003XUKVXU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00359PAVW?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00359PAVW">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00359PAVW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4678278417940788646?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-4926502442294579112010-12-15T19:09:00.000-05:002010-12-15T19:09:48.979-05:00Here we are at the last entry of the year. There are just a few days left. I hope you've all had as much fun as I did. I think there's only thing left to do. I wish everyone a Happy December/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/Solstice/Yule or a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Stay safe. See you in 2011!<br /><br />Mood: festive.<br />Music: Highway To Hell by Quiet Riot and Thunderbird by Quiet Riot.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IFUL?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00000IFUL"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/alivwel2.jpg" ALT="Quiet Riot: Alive and Well"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00000IFUL" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R00SBY?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000R00SBY">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000R00SBY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005NNML?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005NNML"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/qrmetlhl.jpg" ALT="Quiet Riot: Metal Health"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005NNML" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136JQEQ?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00136JQEQ">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136JQEQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><br />We miss you Kevin.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-492650244229457911?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-56100004684039363972010-12-08T16:42:00.000-05:002010-12-08T16:42:58.790-05:00Today I am going to talk a number of spoilers for a number of movies. If you don't want to know nitty-gritty details about "The Blair Witch Project", "The Mangler", "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)", "Paranormal Activity", "The St. Francisville Experiment", "Dead & Buried", "The Devil's Rejects" "Hatchet", "The Amityville Horror (2005)", "Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon" or "Silent Night, Deadly Night", then you had better stop reading and join me again next week for the final Horror on Hump Day of 2010. You're safe until the end of this paragraph while I outline what I want to cover about these movies. I make it no secret that I like a number of things and movies that others do not care for or outright deride. I thought in keeping with the upbeat trend I've been on that I would tell you about some of these today. I'm sorry for excluding some people from the fun, but now and then it's fun to talk about these spoilers.<br /><br />Let's start with my favourite little story about "The Blair Witch Project" in the theatre. I went with a friend. Afterward we both agreed the following happened. As the film progressed we got colder and colder. The instant the credits rolled the cold was gone. There was no way it was anything other than psychological. I'm in a very tiny minority as a huge fan of "The Mangler". I just love it to bits, except for the incessant screaming of the girl at the end. Speaking of screaming, the first time I saw "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)" was on a really bad VHS. It was a poor experience when a large bit of the movie was a pair of white shorts running through pitch darkness--with nothing else visible--screaming, to the sound of a chain saw. I still think there is a bit too much screaming, though I'm sure there are some people who scream incessantly until they can scream no longer.<br /><br />I thought "Paranormal Activity" was pretty good despite that it was in some ways a pretty tame haunting. It's all a matter of pacing, and successfully directing the kind of expectation the audience should have. The guy hurtling toward the camera made me jump, and I even like the demon-face morph. "The St. Francisville Experiment" gets a bad rep as a Blair Witch rip-off sight unseen, when really it's like an investigation of "Ghost Hunters" or "Sightings" in movie format--yes the ending's a bit Blair Witch. The ghost throwing the chair was really cool and the weird doll scene was a great bit of suspense. One of the freak-nastiest things I've seen is the burned man hanging upside down in the car in "Dead & Buried". There are a lot shots of him in the extras on the DVD box I have too. I call him Ham-head to mitigate some of the ick-factor, but really it makes it worse.<br /><br />Stay with me, I'm going extra long today. Now for those moments where I hoped the movie would do something and did. That was awesome in "The Devil's Rejects" when he made her wear her boyfriend's face and then she chases after the maid and turns into a massive road smear. Or how about in "Hatchet" when he sticks the shovel in the ground and then uses it to spear his next victim? The best part of "The Amityville Horror (2005)" was when the ghost girl made the babysitter stick her finger in the bullet wound in her forehead. Then there is the movie where you wonder will it get to the horror goods and then--BAM--"Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon" turns from documentary making into horror movie when the real survivor girl is revealed. Finally, since it's the season, I must talk about the "Carrie" of slasher films, "Silent Night, Deadly Night" and the world's creepiest grandfather. I love that movie, and dislike none of it. The creepy Christmas carols and songs rock too. That's it. See you next week.<br /><br />Mood: rebellious.<br />Music: Callin' The Shots by Quiet Riot and Where Eagles Dare by Iron Maiden.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U0I97S?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003U0I97S"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/qr-qr.jpg" ALT="Quiet Riot: Quiet Riot"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003U0I97S" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LWH1KM?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002LWH1KM">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002LWH1KM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000063DFQ?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000063DFQ"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/impiece.jpg" ALT="Iron Maiden: Piece of Mind"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000063DFQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BEG3L4?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001BEG3L4">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BEG3L4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-5610000468403936397?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-89517958868436505382010-12-01T17:07:00.001-05:002010-12-01T17:09:08.579-05:00Yes it's that time again. Rather than leave it too too late I decided to hit you now with my holiday gift giving suggestions. It's a shorter list than last time. Only you can decide if it's a better list. It's part things I want and part things I own and heartily suggest. It's a pile of awesome as far as I'm concerned. Knock your friends and family socks off. Have at it.<br /><br /><center><table COLS="3" WIDTH="390"><tr><td COLSPAN="3"><center><h2>Movies/DVD</H2></CENTER></TD></TR><tr><td WIDTH="130" VALIGN="top"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027P9S0Y?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0027P9S0Y"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/haunticon.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0027P9S0Y" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />The Haunting in Connecticut<br />(Unrated Special Edition) (2009)</TD><td WIDTH="130" VALIGN="top"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RGX0EU?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000RGX0EU"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/h1000-drej.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000RGX0EU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />House of 1000 Corpses/The Devil's Rejects<br />3-Disc Set</TD><td WIDTH="130" VALIGN="top"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H1RFV4?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000H1RFV4"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/heartstp.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000H1RFV4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Heartstopper<br />(2006)</TD></TR><tr><td COLSPAN="3"><br /></TD></TR><tr><td VALIGN="top"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021L8UXA?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0021L8UXA"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/crazies2010.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0021L8UXA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />The Crazies (2010)</TD><td VALIGN="top"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZG971U?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002ZG971U"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/noes2010.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002ZG971U" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />A Nightmare on<br />Elm Street (2010)</TD><td VALIGN="top"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JIPN20?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003JIPN20"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/dnscrecrw.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003JIPN20" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Dark Night Of The Scarecrow (1981)</TD></TR></TABLE><br /><table COLS="2" WIDTH="260"><tr><td COLSPAN="2"><center><h2>Music</H2></CENTER></TD></TR><tr><td WIDTH="130"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JTHESA?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003JTHESA"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imfrontr.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003JTHESA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Iron Maiden:<br />The Final Frontier</TD><td WIDTH="130"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J104LK?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000J104LK"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/tschrist.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000J104LK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Twisted Sister:<br />A Twisted Christmas</TD></TR></TABLE></CENTER><br /><br />Mood: generous.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-8951795886843650538?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-33093836703022159342010-11-24T17:06:00.002-05:002010-11-24T17:06:57.362-05:00Did you ever want to tell the story after the story, but you decided that you couldn't because beginning at that point requires an emotional investment in the characters from the audience for it to mean anything to them? Did you ever want to have an event in your story that seems arbitrary, but has a good reason behind it, it's just that you can't tell it too early or you will spoil it? Did you ever want to tell a story in chronological order, but you couldn't because no one would stick with it long enough for the right things to happen to make for a great pay off later on? Did you ever want to tell a very subtle story, but it was just too much effort to build in everything to grab and keep audience and not leave the subtlety lost in the clutter? There are a dozen more questions like this that can be asked. There are dozens of variations on each and every one of them.<br /><br />Some of these scenarios have resolutions. They can be conquered. The first question is do you want to surmount the obstacle? Sometimes the question is are you brave enough to embark on such a challenge? Will you stick with it or give in when the pressure becomes too much? The worst pressure may come from within. Just like last week I'm asking you to consider what happens when we break from script and do something different rather the same old thing--whether the same old thing is bad in the first place, or especially if it does work already. It's one thing to jettison a failed idea, to not repeat bad execution, but what if the thing are you looking to replace always works, gets certain people going, and ultimately is what will definitely sell to some fraction of the desired audience? You might ask who am I to do these things. I may be the one to do them or not, but I am here advocating them to others.<br /><br />Are you going to do such a thing now? Be brave; be bold. If you are telling your stories and getting them in front of people, no matter how many or few, then you are already one of the brave. Look at the positives. Turn negatives around into positives. Think big even if you're doing it by thinking small. Bring the excitement whenever you can, as hard as you can. Go now and be the object of fear--not the recipient--tell your stories. Remember to scare them silly and leave them panting for more. I'll leave you to it.<br /><br />Mood: invigorated.<br />Music: You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) by Meat Loaf and Brave New World by Iron Maiden.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000056VJ7?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000056VJ7"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/meatlbat.jpg" ALT="Meat Loaf: Bat Out of Hell"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000056VJ7" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136NVH4?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00136NVH4">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136NVH4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004TH7Z?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004TH7Z"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imbraven.jpg" ALT="Iron Maiden: Brave New World"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004TH7Z" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136Q41Y?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00136Q41Y">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00136Q41Y" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-3309383670302215934?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-70589112140855197002010-11-10T15:42:00.000-05:002010-11-10T15:42:36.251-05:00I was watching what was a great series of horror shorts when one of the pieces comes out of the blue with an excessively overused trope that I am really sick of seeing. You know it very well too I bet. A person has information that could help the police once they get past the fact that it is a supernatural perpetrator. This in and of itself is not a story problem even as often I've seen it. Now, this informant meets with the detective on the case and starts in about how the detective will think the informant is crazy. Mistake number one. Certainly the informant is intelligent enough to know that it's hard to believe so why don't they think ahead to find a way around that? This is way too often made worse by how the informant came into this information about the supernatural, which is a part of the trope--and the worst of it all--that there was a previous case involving just such a modus operandi as the current crimes.<br /><br />In the particular case of this series there is a further bit of information. The informant knows about the particulars not only because of the previous case, but also because a relative was directly involved in the old investigation. Yet, the informant never does what any reasonably intelligent mammal would do and start off the conversation with "Hi, my name is Clara and I have something to tell you about your case because my deceased grandfather was a crime scene photographer and I found old case files that seem just like what I saw in the news papers." No, instead the conversation goes, "You'll think I'm crazy... there's something unnatural going on... the victims eyes are missing..." and the detective immediately has suspect number one right in front of him because no one not on the case is supposed to know anything about the missing eyes.<br /><br />Instead, why can't script writers--I have no idea if this trope is repeated in novels but I have to imagine it is--sidestep this tired, and frankly pretty lame from the first instance whenever that was trope? What happens if this and other overused plot devices are put aside? How will the stories differ? Sometimes movies with tongue firmly planted in cheek, or with an attitude that all of their competition sucks flaunt these ideas. Sometimes they even knock these scenarios with flare and style. Not all tropes are bad, just like stereotypes. The word trope itself refers to different things with the meaning I have here being in line with the idea of "TV tropes" rather than traditional literary tropes. I'm personally fond of a trope I like to call "heritage speaking" where intelligent, somewhat socially awkward, characters speak as if they come from an older time period, but it is instead actually a matter of their family's status and its link to stuffy archaic thought and speech.<br /><br />Mood: breezy.<br />Music: Phantom of the Opera by Iron Maiden and The Phantom Opera Ghost by Iced Earth.<BR><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000063COX?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000063COX"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imironmd.jpg" ALT="Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000063COX" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BEE6WW?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001BEE6WW">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BEE6WW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005K9ZU?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005K9ZU"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/icearths.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005K9ZU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018YDUAO?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0018YDUAO">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0018YDUAO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-7058911214085519700?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-48545223780770886532010-11-03T15:53:00.001-04:002010-11-03T15:59:53.589-04:00Hi, it's been just a few days since I completed this year's thirteen special nights of Hallowe'en. Normally I take a bit of a break, something of a hiatus. Not so much this year. At the same time I am not planning to be up to much here. That said I thought it would be a good idea to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the movie nights, and especially everyone who helped spread the word. Thank you.<br /><br />If you even need to know when the next entry is scheduled for this blog you can always check out the <a HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/deaddays/index.htm">Dead Days Calendar(TM)</A> on Battered Spleen Productions' main page. For November I've penciled in the 10th and the 24th. December is undecided, but is also a sparsely populated month blog-wise. One of those entries will be a small gift guide--likely the first week so people have time to shop. Otherwise I do not know what will happen until closer to then. Cheers.<br /><br />Mood: <br />Music: Punched In The Teeth By Love by Motley Crue and Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi.<br /><br /><table COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><col WIDTH="120"><col WIDTH="154"><col WIDTH="120"><tr><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EN1R4K?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001EN1R4K"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/mcrutatt.jpg" ALT="Motley Crue: New Tattoo"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001EN1R4K" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B9BCK6?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001B9BCK6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001B9BCK6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><td WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><td WIDTH="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000I07P?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00000I07P"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/bjovslww.jpg" ALT="Bon Jovi: Slippery When Wet"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00000I07P" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JRD5JO?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003JRD5JO">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003JRD5JO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4854522378077088653?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-69785771629477474302010-10-31T14:51:00.000-04:002010-10-31T14:51:57.073-04:00Ah! It's Hallowe'en! I hope it's red 'n' black, and slimy green for you. As always I have left the best movie for last. The Haunting In<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027P9S0Y?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0027P9S0Y"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/haunticon.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0027P9S0Y" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Connecticut is another movie based on a true story. Up until the haunting really shifts into high gear the story is fairly close to the original incidents. I was thrilled when I found out they were making this movie, and even more so when I watched the movie and saw what they had done. Let's start with our star Kyle Gallner. You may have seen him in Jennifer's Body and the Nightmare on Elm Street remake. He just makes this movie so much more. I wouldn't sneeze at Virginia Madsen either. She's been in Candyman, The Haunting, and The Prophecy. The rest of the notable actors in the movie's family include Amanda Crew from Final Destination 3 and Martin Donovan from Insomnia (2002) or on TV in Ghost Whisperer or Masters of Horror (2007).<br /><br />A last mention on cast is the helpful reverend played by Elias Koteas who was also in The Prophecy with Madsen; otherwise you might<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021L8UG2?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0021L8UG2"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/haunticon-br.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0021L8UG2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />recall him from Lost Souls, The Fourth Kind, Shutter Island or Let Me In (2010), or if you're really sharp in a small role in Apt Pupil. There is something I have to gush about in Haunting In Connecticut and it is one word... ectoplasm! It's right there on the cover. We're not talking green slime here, we're talking something much more textbook, and I for one love it. It's the icing on a very cool cake. Now, for those of you who don't know, this is a movie about a mother who moves her family into a house that was formerly a mortuary because the house is close to the hospital where her one son is undergoing an experimental cancer treatment. The place is haunted, but the how and why is all of the fun. Enjoy, and Happy Hallowe'en!<br /><br />Mood: festive.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IFRQHC?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000IFRQHC">This Is Halloween</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000IFRQHC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Danny Elfman. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013AWT6O?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013AWT6O">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013AWT6O" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6978577162947747430?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-43648188856021465302010-10-30T14:08:00.000-04:002010-10-30T14:08:14.684-04:00The night before Hallowe'en, Devil's Night. Can you feel the excitement? Are you ready? Well if not then you should be after<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UJCALI?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UJCALI"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/shining.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UJCALI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />tonight's movie. In a list of movies with infamously haunted places there is one name that towers over the others. It is called The Overlook Hotel, and it is not real, but most people will know the name nonetheless, even if they don't recall from where. The Overlook is based for the most part on a real hotel called <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stanley_Hotel">The Stanley Hotel</A> and is the creation of Stephen King in his novel The Shining. This is the first movie adaptation of that novel. The mastermind behind it is none other than Stanley Kubrick. Mind you some people aren't so sure on the mastermind part. This movie deviates from the novel on several levels. To me this makes for the more interesting of the two kind of novel to movie adaptations.<br /><br />Kubrick had his own vision for the story. It is both familiar and divergent. Starting off we have the cast. The movie stars Jack Nicholson,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UJ48WC?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UJ48WC"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/shining-br.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UJ48WC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Shelley Duvall, and young Danny Lloyd as a family maintaining The Overlook Hotel during the long and harsh winter. This is the same as King's story. It's not a spoiler, but the only thing I'll say here about the differences is that in Kubrick's movie the hotel has a hedge maze, and the novel--and remake mini-series--has hedge animals that come to life. As one might expect from a Kubrick movie there is a great attention to detail from sets to locations to the acting, and of course the direction. As for the haunting, the Shining has it in spades. Also, if you don't know, the shining is actually psychic ability, exemplified by Danny Lloyd's character and the cook played by Scatman Crothers.<br /><br />Mood: stoked.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GG4XCY?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GG4XCY">Halloween</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000GG4XCY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Helloween. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00299EKUG?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00299EKUG">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00299EKUG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4364818885602146530?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-83946592937874073032010-10-29T14:58:00.000-04:002010-10-29T14:58:42.253-04:00If you are new to my array of blogs or just have forgotten, my favourite movie of all time, any genre, is the original<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009PY4G?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009PY4G"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/pgeist2-3.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00009PY4G" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Poltergeist. I already told you all about it for last year's Hallowe'en movie. I decided not to repeat myself although there were more than a couple haunting movies previously covered that I could have tackled again. Poltergeist II: The Other Side is a great sequel. It didn't have to be as brilliant, or as beautiful as the original, it just had to keep you involved with the family. It helped immensely that Craig T. Nelson, Jobeth Williams, and of course little Heather O'Rourke returned--and the boy too. With them came Zelda Rubinstein as the absolutely iconic Tangina Barrons. This time the Freelings have moved in with the children's grandmother but the ghosts still want Carol Anne, especially their leader the Reverend Kane played by Julian Beck.<br /><br />Let's start there, with Julian Beck as Kane. That is one seriously creepy old man. Beck is just absolutely amazing whether it is pretending to be a sweet innocent old codger or the seething, wrathful, fire and brimstone, cult leader unsatisfied even in death to let his followers go. That in itself is also the coolest thing about this movie--the back-story that dovetails so well into the goings on of the previous film. That is likely because Poltergeist II has the same writing team that brought us the original movie: Michael Grais and Mark Victor. Kane has another problem beside Tangina this time out in the form of a Native American shaman played by Will Sampson. Both Sampson and Beck were supposed to have died after working on this movie because of the Poltergeist curse--also Dominique Dunne and Heather O'Rourke--one of the creepiest (false) movie legends.<br /><br />Mood: inspired.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004R84T?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004R84T">Halloween</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00004R84T" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Aqua. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WLKXXG?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000WLKXXG">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WLKXXG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-8394659293787407303?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-90551476686887519152010-10-28T15:22:00.000-04:002010-10-28T15:22:13.957-04:00As Hallowe'en draws near and the movies become about bigger, more spectacular, and more infamous hauntings on film. The Amityville<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AA4JL6?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AA4JL6"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/amityhr-r.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000AA4JL6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Horror is probably the most talked about haunting on this continent popularised by the novel, original movie with several sequels, and now this recent remake. Scott Kosar wrote this Amityville Horror screenplay--also The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Crazies remakes. Amityville is one of the Platinum Dunes remakes. It stars Ryan Reynolds, and Melissa George who you may remember from Turistas and 30 Days of Night. They buy a house that is priced within their means because the previous family was murdered in it. Notable playing the role of one of Melissa's boys is Jesse James who definitely stood out in The Butterfly Effect. The priest in this remake is played by Philip Baker Hall from Lost Souls.<br /><br />There is one scene in this movie that I want nothing more than to tell you about, but it would be such a spoiler. I almost hate to<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WTO5SO?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003WTO5SO"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/amityhr-r-br.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003WTO5SO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />mention that it involves the character played by Rachel Nichols from the short-lived TV show The Inside, also from 2005, and a year later the movie The Woods. As a remake this movie draws comparison to the original, and a certain amount of ire. I'm a fan of this and the original. This one does it's own thing in some cases. It involves some aspects that are hinted at in the novel that weren't an issue in the original movie. It drops some aspects and scenes from both progenitors. Some of the changes could be interesting to see pursued in a sequel, though I have not heard anything about a sequel to this movie. You can save it for another night, but I thought the commentary track did a good job of explaining some parts that seemed a bit random.<br /><br />Mood: excitable.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000C7PQW?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000C7PQW">This House is Haunted</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000C7PQW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Alice Cooper. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LK0R2O?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001LK0R2O">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001LK0R2O" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-9055147668688751915?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-10496010142238557062010-10-27T14:17:00.000-04:002010-10-27T14:17:46.159-04:00Last night we had a pretty scary haunting movie. Well get ready for a much more impressive haunting. I won't mislead you, this is more of a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HC2LFI?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000HC2LFI"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/amerhaun.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000HC2LFI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />horror movie, which I think to a degree lessens the scares, but your mileage may vary. An American Haunting is loosely based on the real life haunting of John and Lucy Bell, played by Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek. The true story is one of the more infamous hauntings and fairly well documented given the time frame. The ghost was referred to as the Bell Witch. In 1819 General Jackson--yes later President Andrew Jackson--was even witness to the handiwork of the witch. Of course that isn't a part of the movie but wow, a U.S. president with an account of not only a ghost but a ghost witch. For reference as the title says I'm going with the director's cut. I cannot speak to the theatrical version.<br /><br />Rounding out the cast is Rachel Hurd-Wood as the daughter Betsy Bell, and James D'Arcy who appeared in Exorcist: The Beginning (released just the year before)--that was the good prequel with the doctor and the hyenas--as the local schoolteacher. The general premise is that John Bell's house is haunted shortly after a land dispute with a woman considered by many to be a witch--FYI the witch woman had died before the real historical haunting. Betsy receives the worst of the torment from the very active ghost. The movie also opens and closes with scenes from the modern day. These scenes are a point of contention among some viewers. They are part of a small secondary plot added to the movie--at least I'd never heard it conjectured of the real story--which in itself sits unwell with some fans. I don't let it detract from the rest of this movie.<br /><br />Just a final FYI, the real Bell Witch was frequently referred to as a poltergeist even though it spoke, among other vocal things, claimed the identity of the dead woman, and acted more intelligently, not to mention maliciously. <br /><br />Mood: eager.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ASVAM8?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001ASVAM8">Wake The Dead</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001ASVAM8" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Alice Cooper. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SBLZ98?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003SBLZ98">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003SBLZ98" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1049601014223855706?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-42315159635282384232010-10-26T14:01:00.000-04:002010-10-26T14:01:32.153-04:00Tonight I have for you one of the big name recent horrors, Paranormal Activity. It got a lot of press and a lot of support--I for one have my<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VKE1K2?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002VKE1K2"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/paraacti.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002VKE1K2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />name amongst the throng of people who petitioned to get this movie released. Some people love it, some people are indifferent, and of course there are the hardcore detractors. I for one thought it was great for what it intended. It wasn't a heavy effects movie, it certainly wasn't a gory movie, or one chockfull of spectres jumping out from every corner. It kept my attention all of the way through, which is a good testament for a movie with so few characters or sets. If you don't know what it is about here it is without spoilers--I hit a spoiler myself sadly, just a few weeks before getting to see it the first time. A couple decides that a ghost is haunting them and the man gets a video camera to catch the haunting on tape.<br /><br />Pretty simple set up for a movie that received so much talk. Paranormal Activity was the first movie from writer-director Oren Peli. Despite being filmed in English it was still under consideration to be remade for North American audiences. That was apparently taken off of the table after the efforts of many horror fans to convince the studio not to do such an unjustified things. So, we have the movie as is, and the sequel is in theatres right now. Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat are the two stars of the movie playing characters with the same first names and no last names given. There is a psychic that Katie calls in to help, and one of her friends. That's it for cast. Everything takes place in or just outside of the house. It just goes to show that you do not need a lot to make a horror movie that works. It also doesn’t require a huge budget either. However, we knew that.<br /><br />Mood: expectant.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010WZTNA?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0010WZTNA">Halloween in Heaven</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0010WZTNA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Type O Negative. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z7S78U?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Z7S78U">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000Z7S78U" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4231515963528238423?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-21097437090558328962010-10-25T14:37:00.000-04:002010-10-25T14:37:08.745-04:00We're at around the halfway mark now. Tonight I give you the remake of House on Haunted Hill. A group of people are invited to a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AS45VK?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002AS45VK"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/hohh-dbl.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002AS45VK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />haunted house and offered a lot of money to spend he entire night. I have to tell you I felt severely let down by the original, even thought it had Vincent Price in it. This remake isn't without its flaws, but I still think it is a great remake and it's a movie I like to re-watch. For one thing it is jam packed with nameable actors and actresses. Let's start with Geoffrey Rush as the tongue-in-cheek named Stephen H. Price. Then there's Famke Janssen as his wife. There's a bit part for musician Lisa Loeb and the one and only James Marsters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Taye Diggs is in it as a party invitee along with Ali Larter--from Final Destination 1 and 2, among other things. Then we have la pièce de resistance, <A HREF="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001062/">Jeffrey Combs</A>, man of horror. <br /><br />William Malone directed this House on Haunted Hill, as well as fear dot com, and Parasomnia--all three of which have Combs in them, which sure says something to me. Robb White wrote the original House on Haunted Hill and the original Thir13een Ghosts, and The Tingler for William Castle. Dick Beebe wrote the new Haunted Hill screenplay, as well as wrote on Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. It's quite the collection of horror people that was all made possible by Dark Castle Entertainment. One of my favourite little things in this movie is the basement area with the <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honor%C3%A9_Fragonard">Honoré Fragonard</A>-style flayed cadaver art. In general it's cool that the house used to be a psychiatric institute, and that is something that gets even more coverage in the sequel--which is available paired with this film in the sales link above. Go now, and enjoy!<br /><br />Mood: cheery.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000089RVX?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000089RVX">Haunted</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000089RVX" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Evanescence. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZBN13A?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002ZBN13A">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002ZBN13A" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-2109743709055832896?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-32803755136451912432010-10-24T16:56:00.000-04:002010-10-24T16:56:27.080-04:00Tonight's movie is one from the mind of Stephen King about one of the most haunted hotels, Manhattan's Dolphin Hotel. Everyone who<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UNYJLS?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UNYJLS"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/1408.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000UNYJLS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />stays in a particular room gets the full on haunting treatment. That room is 1408. John Cusack plays a paranormal debunker writing a book about haunted hotels and the Dolphin should prove to be crowning chapter. Cusack always seemed to skate just along the periphery of horror or other genre movie roles until recently, but he certainly stepped into it with 1408. This movie is something of an oddball and I almost didn't include it in the thirteen nights. There is so much more than a regular haunting going on in this movie. You'll just have to watch it to find out, if you haven't already seen it. I have only seen the theatrical version so far and cannot comment on the director's cut, which was included in the set that I bought.<br /><br />There are also some other familiar faces in this movie, such as Samuel L. Jackson as the hotel manger. He certainly gets around<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AR0D4K?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001AR0D4K"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/1408-br.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001AR0D4K" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Hollywood movies across all genres. Horror newcomer Mary McCormack plays Cusack's ex-wife. She doesn't have a lot of screen time, but it was probably a good gig in between TV shows. Tony Shalhoub has a spot too as Cusack's literary agent. I just have to point out that Shalhoub was also in the heavily haunted movie Thir13en Ghosts, though here he doesn't get in on any of the action. That movie's ghosts put me in mind of the ones 1408 a little bit. The 1408 ghosts aren't so over top or gruesome, but they are stylized, and honestly I was a little disappointed in that quality of the effects. I'd even compare them to back when The Lawnmower Man came out, but this is maybe all too much information. Don't let this dissuade you from watching 1408.<br /><br />Mood: contemplative.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005Q6IJ?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005Q6IJ">House Of 1000 Corpses</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005Q6IJ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Rob Zombie. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O3B754?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001O3B754">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001O3B754" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-3280375513645191243?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-31599253529332954112010-10-23T16:01:00.000-04:002010-10-23T16:01:47.346-04:00It's the weekend before the big night, eight days yet to go. Tonight we have White Noise starring Michael Keaton as a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005JNNT?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005JNNT"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/whitnois.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005JNNT" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />man who becomes obsessed with EVPs, also know as Electronic Voice Phenomena. His preferred method is using video. What you do--yes you can try it for yourself, but hopefully you won't get results like portrayed in this film--is you find a blank television channel and you record the static for hours and hours. Then you play it back and somewhere along the line you find ghosts in the video. This is a method that is getting harder and harder to use with the decline of VCRs and the advent of digital TV broadcasts and the static filled unused channels being blocked by cable and satellite providers for your convenience. This is a very interesting movie. I was unfortunately saddled with a Pan & Scan copy and may have to repurchase Widescreen.<br /><br />I think it says something that I'm considering double dipping over the problem that ended with me ordering the wrong version. It might be an easy answer if I start in with Blu-Ray--I haven't even considered the switch yet. White Noise puts me in mind of couple other films in pieces, a matter of mood, and of cinematography rather than plot or events per se. It has a sort of The Mothman Prophecies vibe and some of the scenes have the kind of visual feel that was present in the remake of the TV series Night Stalker (2005) starring Stuart Townsend. There is also some comparison to be made to The Sixth Sense--no not like that. I find it a little amusing that after all this time Keaton becomes involved in a movie about ghosts where he has to deal the repercussions of their existence such a long time after he played one of the most famous ghosts of cinema, Beetlejuice. <br /><br />Mood: leery.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00064LP22?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00064LP22">Haunted</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00064LP22" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Poe. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026GID3W?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0026GID3W">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0026GID3W" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-3159925352933295411?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-90717403054879524772010-10-22T14:28:00.001-04:002010-10-23T03:03:03.367-04:00Route 666 is the fourth movie in our thirteen. It stars Lou Diamond Phillips--no stranger to small horror titles--as a Marshall in<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005NKC6?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005NKC6"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/route666.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005NKC6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />charge of retrieving and protecting a run away witness played by Steven Williams--who for me will always be Creighton Duke from Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday. Phillips is partnered up with some other law enforcement men and women, one of which is played by Lori Petty. They take the titular Route 666--a part of the normal Route 66--as a way of eluding some hit men after Williams. The road has been closed for some time for being dangerous, but of course the terrain is the least of anyone's worries since it's viciously haunted. I will let you know that this isn't your usual haunting and I for one really like the different take. The ghosts follow their own rules and that includes their appearance.<br /><br />The ghosts could easily be mistaken for zombies until they’re seen in action. As far as their background they are a prison road crew complete with equipment for use to deadly effect--that's all I'll say here. I really like the makeup jobs, and their mannerisms are just icing on the cake. It's great that people make offbeat, out of the ordinary movies like this one. The director is William Wesley who also directed Scarecrows (1988), which sounds like a similar horror layered onto a crime drama storyline. Movies like this, that meld more than one kind of story together, are sometimes distracting, but I think it was well used here. It puts me in mind of Dead Birds except better organised and executed. I found the music to be interesting, but not as much as the jackhammer sound effect, which really stood out as different and stuck with me. <br /><br />Mood: furtive.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000000H57?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000000H57">Haunted</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000000H57" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Type O Negative. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NS7KFQ?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001NS7KFQ">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001NS7KFQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-9071740305487952477?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-85301734739525044712010-10-21T14:38:00.001-04:002010-10-23T03:02:45.546-04:00It's Thursday and our movie is the 2005 remake of The Fog. The first question you must be asking is why the remake? Don’t get me<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CCBC9O?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000CCBC9O"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/thefog-r.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000CCBC9O" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />wrong, the original is classic John Carpenter, but it was so random overall. As far as storyline goes I prefer this remake with its solid back-story to explain the ghosts. It has a little bit of randomness and of course a modern aesthetic, but Carpenter himself seemed congenial to the film in the extras, so what the hey. The remake stars Tom Welling from Smallville and his love interest is Maggie Grace from Lost. The iconic radio host played by Adrienne Barbeau in the original is now played by Selma Blair from Hellboy and seems much more peripheral to the story. The director, Rupert Wainwright, also directed Stigmata and the episode "Echoes" of the TV horror series Fear Itself.<br /><br />Remakes are a touchy subject, but I'm always of the mind that a movie should be watched on its own merits. Not on the original version, not on previous movies in a franchise, not even in comparison to other work by the same director. When it comes to discussing them it's okay to compare, but I don't think a strict comparison is fair either, something softer is required. Reviews on the other hand fit in with watching. The best remakes don't either try to outdo the original or just copy it; they go their own direction. That's why I like this The Fog too and why it's here. Now about the actual fog. It looks great here, but it doesn't exactly get the same importance. I don't know if it has more screen time or not, but it wasn't as powerful a point of tension. It's kind of like the radio host, there, has its place, but isn't the show runner it could have been.<br /><br />Mood: obscure.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000063DIH?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000063DIH">Fear Of The Dark</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000063DIH" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Iron Maiden. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BKAF4E?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001BKAF4E">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001BKAF4E" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-8530173473952504471?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-64763846388922605812010-10-20T14:06:00.004-04:002010-10-20T14:24:54.466-04:00Tonight's movie is Ring Around the Rosie (2006). This movie stars Gina Philips, whom you might remember from such horrors as Dead & Breakfast, and Jeepers Creepers. She is joined for most of the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E3L7EG?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000E3L7EG"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/ringrosi.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000E3L7EG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />film by Tom Sizemore. Tom isn't generally known as a horror actor but he gets the occasional parts that diverge from his mostly police dramas and action roles. You may have seen him in Stephen King's Dreamcatcher, and The Relic. Here he plays the creepy handyman to the house Gina's character has inherited, a haunted house, in more ways than one. You might also recognise Jenny Mollen from the final season of Angel. Along with the haunting, and the mystery surrounding it, as if that isn't enough, there is isolation and stranger paranoia. If you think that's a lot crammed in, there's more, but I don't like to spoiler. In any event it's all good.<br /><br /><br />There is one scene I really wish I could tell you about, but you'll probably know it when you see it. I like the overall haunting elements in this movie. I love the paint job in the house--I want walls that gorgeous red colour. The lighting and shadows are really exciting too. If this were a review I'd certainly rave about Sizemore's character. I've always been a fan of his acting and here it's hard to tell where the writing ends and his acting takes over, but for me his role certainly made the film much more than it would have been on just the strength of the haunting alone. There are shades of Boogeyman (2005) in the movie too. So, you just noticed I didn't mention the director yet. Well that's because this is the only movie listed for his director credits. Pity that, considering I like this little low budget horror--the budget didn't need to be high for the few effects. It runs fine on just acting, story and atmosphere.<br /><br />Mood: steady.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000AEFF?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00000AEFF">Spookshow Baby</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00000AEFF" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Rob Zombie. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NCT618?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001NCT618">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001NCT618" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6476384638892260581?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-2431266828224551302010-10-19T14:23:00.003-04:002010-10-20T14:09:25.495-04:00Hello and welcome to the first of the 13 Nights of Hallowe'en in 2010. Our first movie is The Legend of Hell House (1973). This is a hard one to pin<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QXDCJM?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000QXDCJM"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/hellhous.jpg"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QXDCJM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />down because there are other very similar movies, but this is the one based on the <a HREF="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0558577/">Richard Matheson</A> novel of the same name and Matheson wrote the screenplay as well. A scientist--descriptions call him a physicist but essentially a parapsychologist--takes people to a supposedly haunted house to determine if there is life beyond death. A very popular plotline. So why this movie? Well for starters it's Matheson who brought us a lot of great novels and screenplays. Without spoiling anything this is a nicely atmospheric haunting movie. What I particularly like about it is the equipment Mr. Barrett uses in his investigation. The inclusion of Mrs. Barrett and what that adds is interesting as well.<br /><br />It's easy to see what other movies the Hell House storyline has influenced. I won't go into most of them for the sake of those seeing this for the first time. It's not a direct comparison since he is not the psychic so I can tell you that I see Roddy McDowall's Benjamin Fischer as an influence on Matthew Lillard's Dennis Rafkin in Thir13en Ghosts. At the same time it's hard to deny the influence of Hell House on Stephen King's Rose Red. The film is considered a British horror movie despite Matheson's script. Most of it happens within the house so that doesn't really tie its location either. What is more telling about this production is that technology I mentioned before. While its purpose and inner makings might be timeless the outer design certainly wasn't. It was purely by happenstance that this first movie of the festivities is the oldest. Enjoy!<br /><br />Mood: excited.<br /><br />Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000630YA?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000630YA">Welcome To My Nightmare</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000630YA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Alice Cooper. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001208QKS?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001208QKS">MP3s</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001208QKS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><BR><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-243126682822455130?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-52001480990292092902010-10-06T19:25:00.002-04:002010-10-06T19:25:43.140-04:00Hello and welcome to the rundown of this year's 13 Nights of Hallowe'en. I decided on a ghost and hauntings theme this year. I also avoided repetition from previous years. The way this works if you are new to the proceedings is I suggest thirteen movies to watch on the final thirteen nights of October with the final 13th night on Hallowe'en. I do not give spoilers to the movies--I hope--but I tell you about the actors, director, writer, and their connections to other movies and TV shows. I talk about connections to other movies sometimes. I also let in a bit of comparison between the movies if I feel it's relevant. In a moment I will drop a link to the list of all thirteen movies. Hit your local video store, snail mail rental services or legal download service and watch along. I have never suggested it before, but if you felt like it you could start watching a night early and be in the know at some of the things I may hint at about the movies--plus you could watch whatever you wanted on Hallowe'en night.<br /><br />Without further ado you may now go to see the list of the <A HREF="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/wraithstop/2010-10-6-6.php#oct6-2010">13 Nights of Hallowe'en 2010 at WraithStop™</A>.<br /><br />Mood: anticipating.<br />Music: Against the Wall by Quiet Riot and Breakin' in the Gun by Vince Neil.<BR><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IFUL?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00000IFUL"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/alivwel2.jpg" ALT="Quiet Riot: Alive and Well"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00000IFUL" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R00SBY?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000R00SBY">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000R00SBY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Now at Amazon.COM NOT CA.<BR><BR>Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00005KCGL?ie=UTF8&tag=bobsreview-20&linkCode=as2&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B00005KCGL"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/carvedst.jpg" ALT="Vince Neil: Carved in Stone"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.ca/e/ir?t=bobsreview-20&l=as2&o=15&a=B00005KCGL" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KYKYMW?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003KYKYMW">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003KYKYMW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-5200148099029209290?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-44580890162945754522010-09-29T14:38:00.001-04:002010-09-29T14:43:51.252-04:00In space no can hear your spleen!<br /><br />Watching Stargate Universe's opening two episodes I was struck by the thought once again how frightening space is. It's as dangerous as working underwater and because of the much greater distances involved help is that much further away if not entirely out of the question. This is just as a matter of the man versus nature plot, though it must be further extended to include machines as a part of nature, making it man versus his environment. The nature of your location is consistently deadly, but only failure of your safety devices, your ship included, can end your life in most situations. It can be debated back and forth whether the meteor punching a hole through your ship or the ship's then unsustainability is the cause of your death. There is also the matter of which is more likely to be dealt with, preventing the meteor strike or repairing the damage.<br /><br />Back when Star Trek: Enterprise premiered the first season seemed to be very horror oriented with a lot of panicked what is that quickly followed by how many are dead now and look what it did to him/her. Space was a very scary place because of the aliens, so many of which were menacing, and well, alien--admittedly they could always go more alien and you would in your own setting. This is what it is all about after all. Back in the <A HREF="http://rgmale.blogspot.com/2008/12/anatomy-of-horror-setting-3-5-horror.html">Anatomy of a Horror Setting</A> when I covered science fiction horror pairings, options for your setting considerations, I covered how the horror of aliens works and relies on fear of the unknown. Nothing is more unknown that creatures that have never previously even come into contact with anything you know. Different biology, different outlook, different beliefs and the only similarity an expectation that the universe is dangerous.<br /><br />Of course you don't have to go out into space to end up on the receiving end of its horror. Lots of times the aliens come to Earth and wreak havoc. This is one of the least well done kinds of horror for some reason. Too often they end up leaning too heavy toward the science fiction or worse they fall back on a deus ex machina to extricate the protagonists, and the entire planet, from the alien threat, which is entirely non-conducive to horror. These are not bad movies or novels, in some cases far from it, but they do not fit the horror mould. Consider how much more horror there is a hopeless situation, or better yet one with only a small glimmer of hope in the form of great determination and likely sacrifice, weighing your own morals versus the freedom or even survival of your species. That's not just great horror, that's exciting storytelling.<br /><br />Mood: spacey.<br />Music: Isle Of Avalon by Iron Maiden and Headswitch by Bruce Dickinson.<br /><br /><TABLE COLS="3" BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="394"><COL WIDTH="120"><COL WIDTH="154"><COL WIDTH="120"><TR><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JTHESA?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003JTHESA"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imfrontr.jpg" ALT="Iron Maiden: The Final Frontier"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003JTHESA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YP0BI4?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003YP0BI4">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003YP0BI4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD><TD WIDTH="154" ALIGN="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<BR>Click Images to Buy CDs</TD><TD WIDTH="120"><CENTER><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009NCPB0?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009NCPB0"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/bdicskuw.jpg" ALT="Bruce Dickinson: Skunkworks (2 CD)"></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0009NCPB0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><BR><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AKH9CG?ie=UTF8&tag=battespleepro-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001AKH9CG">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001AKH9CG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></CENTER></TD></TR></TABLE><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4458089016294575452?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-75332962490424559732010-09-15T23:31:00.000-04:002010-09-15T23:31:26.703-04:00My apologies, but I have been working on a secret project. I hope you had a good hump day nonetheless. I will return again, as my schedule indicates, on September 29th. Sorry for the inconvenience.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-7533296249042455973?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-40529433767545408592010-09-08T18:56:00.002-04:002010-09-08T18:56:38.966-04:00One of the distinct qualities of the horror genre is that it does not strictly have to rely on actually causing the emotion for which it is named. A crime novel cannot be without a crime in it. An action movie must have action. A science fiction role-playing game has to have science--though admittedly it need not be fictional science, the fiction stemming from either plot or character or the fact the gaming isn't real is sufficient.<br /><br />Horror can have no scares for the reader or viewership. It can have no horror for the characters involved. What it needs is to have certain elements. A good example of this is the current trend with vampires. For these stories to be, say urban fantasies, they would have to have certain tropes that make it fantasy. This would cause its own problems since much of what describes fantasy is rooted in medieval or Tolkienesque fantasy.<br /><br />Certain character types just scream horror (or fantasy) even if they engage in drama or action or comedy. Sometimes these rise to the level of cross genre, other times they do not. This seems to be very true of drama. There are no cross-dramas. Drama is integral to anything and everything that is dramatic or a dramatisation. So too is horror except in a pseudo form of reverse. This makes for great versatility and draws in a larger audience, which is good for all involved.<br /><br />Mood: harried.<br />Music: Coming Soon by Queen and Black Lodge by Anthrax.<br /><br /><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cols="3" style="width: 394px;"><colgroup><col width="120"></col><col width="154"></col><col width="120"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000000OAJ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000000OAJ"><img alt="Queen: The Game" border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/quengame.jpg" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000000OAJ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00138KOTA?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00138KOTA">Or get MP3s.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00138KOTA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></center></td><td align="center" width="154">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000SXZ7C?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0000SXZ7C"><img alt="Anthrax: Sound of White Noise" border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/anthsofwn.jpg" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0000SXZ7C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018C2W7S?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0018C2W7S">Or get MP3s.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0018C2W7S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></center></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4052943376754540859?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-56773016894547795572010-09-01T17:17:00.000-04:002010-09-01T17:17:46.191-04:00I just watched the movie "Paranormal Activity" for the first time on Monday. It is a slow burning film with subtle horror for the most part, as far as horror movie goes. It is very inline with movies like "What Lies Beneath" as much it is similar to "The Blair Witch Project" and "Cloverfield" in their strict documentary style with less than stable camera shots (though P.A. is much smoother with the camera) and lack of soundtrack or score unless such sounds are rooted in the scene. After watching the movie I was struck with the idea for this Hump Day Horror. This mostly applies to movies but it could also be to used for novels and creating scenarios for role-playing games. Subtle is good, but sometimes, or rather there reaches a point where, it's time to take off the gloves and go for the blatant. It can be a fine balancing act to decide when and where to do either.<br /><br />Looking through the discussions for a movie like Paranormal Activity at the different sites illustrates the vast differences between people expectation of what is scary. There is a disappointment with the scare levels, with, in essence, the film's reality as it pertains to how paranormal happenings occur. There is also the old incorrect stand-by that one person's preference overrides everyone else's. This is all a part of that balance in its own subtle ways, but isn't exactly my point. I was watching the movie and thinking how I like subtle, but I like it to pay off too. While I enjoy these slow little movies as I call them I like the in your face horrors more. That does not preclude subtle. This is especially true if the subtle parts stick with you and provides ongoing horror after the movie or book or game session is over.<br /><br />The point is that subtle is fine, subtle is great. It's a needed part of good layering. It can bind action to themes. It can be a by-product of deep thinking peeking through, things only hinted at, hiding in the fringes of a subject matter. That is the way much of the world works and that approximation in fiction adds realism, grounds the fantastical, and as previously stated provides something to mull over, debate about and savour after the fact. The benefit of subtlety and layering is the strength it adds to a work upon repeat reading or viewing. It also widens the audience. Everyone gets something out of it. It's like the grown up or horror equivalent to animated comedies with obvious jokes for the children and the savvier, mature or more intellectual humour--or requiring foreknowledge such as with in-jokes--for the parents watching the feature with them.<br /><br />Mood: bifurcated.<br />Music: Dragula by Rob Zombie and La Mer by Nine Inch Nails.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cols="3" style="width: 394px;"><colgroup><col width="120"></col><col width="154"></col><col width="120"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000AEFF?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000AEFF"><img alt="Rob Zombie: Hellbilly Deluxe" border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/rzomhelb.jpg" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000AEFF" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NCT618?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001NCT618">Or get MP3s.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001NCT618" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></center></td><td align="center" width="154">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00001P4TH?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00001P4TH"><img alt="Nine Inch Nails: The Fragile" border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/nfragile.jpg" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00001P4TH" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WTZC2K?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000WTZC2K">Or get MP3s.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000WTZC2K" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></center></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear: both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-5677301689454779557?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-89675891648943602572010-08-25T19:22:00.000-04:002010-08-25T19:23:15.846-04:00<div>Horror is all around us, yet much of it is not seen that way. This is not a new conceit, not even for me to speak of it per se. The example that prompted me to write about this topic today was the young girl from M. Night Shyamalan's Signs. If you have not seen the movie all of the way through you want to stop reading now. I am going to spoil the ending.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone knows the immediately scary bits in Signs. There is the alien skulking around the farm, the one caught in Reddy's house, the video from Brazil, and of course when the aliens try to get into the house culminating in the attack by one of the aliens. The demise of this alien is set in motion long before it's arrival in the house, long before its likely arrival in proximity to Earth even. For whatever reason, miracle, born with a hypnotic suggestion from her mother, or psychic precognition ability of her own, Bo Hess set all of those glasses of water everywhere in the house. I've never seen mention of the pure creepiness of this methodical, instinctive--or we are left to assume it wasn't thought out--process. Think about it. For years this little girl has been finicky about her water. Things start getting weird at the farm and around the world, and she begins obsessively leaving the water in glasses everywhere.</div><div><br /></div><div>Somewhere between the unblinking irrational quality of the obsession and the inevitability with which it was perpetrated and then exonerated lies the real horror to this situation. It's easy to sit back and consider that the whole scenario is, well, almost heart warming. For starters it saves Merrill and Morgan--though Morgan also has his own deal going--and it's just a part of the overall miracle. Bo is cute, though on the odd side of cute given her I saw a monster can I have a glass of water in the middle of the night attitude. Back to Morgan for a moment. His asthma is a saving grace finally, but it lacks all of the qualities that make Bo's hand in the events so outré, so unnatural. It's like comparing luck to brilliant forethought ten steps ahead of the crucial event. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a final thought to ponder, would it be creepier yet to discover Bo knew the importance of having that water there at that time and hid it all those years behind an intricate web of what essentially are lies and misdirection?</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: thoughtful.</div><div>Music: Gonna Buy Me A Dog by The Monkees and Breathless by Quiet Riot.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G7PMA0?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000G7PMA0"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/monkees.jpg" alt="The Monkees: The Monkees (Deluxe)" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000G7PMA0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001230R5M?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001230R5M">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001230R5M" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005NNML?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00005NNML"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/qrmetlhl.jpg" alt="Quiet Riot: Metal Health" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00005NNML" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136JQEQ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00136JQEQ">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00136JQEQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-8967589164894360257?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-35747287702633127962010-08-11T16:59:00.000-04:002010-08-11T17:09:29.073-04:00<div>Thoughts about plots involving time travel have been on my mind again lately. I read a series of three articles on the subject from a blog over at Campaign Mastery starting with <a href="http://www.campaignmastery.com/blog/time-travel-in-rpgs-part-1/">When Inspiration Is Not Enough: Time Travel in RPGs, Part 1</a>. The first is the best from the writer's perspective. The second would be useful for plotting conflicts and their results in role-playing games. The last is pointed pretty directly at physicists and physics fans and may leave you lost. I can hardly approach the topic of time travel without referencing the Terminator franchise. It is definitely my go to time travel storyline. There is one factor regarding Judgment Day--when Skynet nukes the world--which has been expressed in a few ways, but I would have liked to seen in more direct and deeper ways. Every time Judgement day is pushed back technology advances.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the real world, between the Terminator movies, there was a lot of advancement in the field of computers and software. There was a fairish bit of improvement in robotics too--especially between the first and second movie for the robotics. Every time the intrepid heroes push back the date of the end of the current world they make the fight against the machines in the aftermath that much harder. The starkest representation of this is the difference between Arnold's T800 and the T1000. There isn't a lot of tactical advancement in Skynet's approach to thwart John Connor in the movies either. It was a welcome addition that The Sara Connor Chronicles had the luxury of looking at a broader Skynet battle plan to weaken the entire resistance. There are still yet other avenues of attack that Skynet could make use of anywhere in the timeline before T3's end.</div><div><br /></div><div>This paragraph here contains spoilers if for some reason you haven't seen all of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines or The Sara Connor Chronicles. Skynet from the future creates a computer virus that the military uses the current Skynet to try and stop. I'm not entirely sure of the full intent of this tactic but there is a clear leapfrogging of the wait time for Skynet to become aware and it immediately sets off its murderous rampage. In the Chronicles TV series Skynet sends Terminators back in time for a number of purposes from killing the parents of resistance leaders, to plans set in motion to ensure the creation of itself, to stockpiling materials to kick start production of T800s. This is a good start, but I would like to have seen more, deeper plots and conflicts. The question is how can I delve into such a plot of my own, and bring originality not to mention avoid lawsuits.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: mechanical.</div><div>Music: Zero Signal by Fear Factory and Mr. Self Destruct by Nine Inch Nails.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000000H64?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000000H64"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/fearfdem.jpg" alt="Fear Factory: Demanufacture" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000000H64" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011ZVKVG?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0011ZVKVG">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0011ZVKVG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00066N8JS?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00066N8JS"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/nindwnspd.jpg" alt="Nine Inch Nails: Downward Spiral" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00066N8JS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00150W1K6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00150W1K6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00150W1K6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-3574728770263312796?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-90957845780828536002010-08-04T18:39:00.000-04:002010-08-04T18:40:26.295-04:00<div>Conflict is not always between good and evil. Sometimes the most gripping or poignant conflict is between people who both think they are doing the right thing. Keep in mind that a lot of villains believe they are doing the right thing. Very few of them believe themselves to be evil. They get downright confrontational if anyone suggests they are doing evil. This does not include the masses of selfish users and takers who flaunt the law simply because they do not think it applies to them or plain do not care if it does, until they end up incarcerated. No, this is about the evil masterminds, when they're not delusional or caricature take over the world types, who want to mould the world into the vision they have for it. This is about the despots, the mafia don, the cult leader, and the countless others who are not introspective enough to see the harm they inflict.</div><div><br /></div><div>To reiterate, and it may be a matter of opinion--it certainly isn't something to be overused without cause and enough originality--the most exciting conflict, with great impact and resonance is between two forces for good. Some of the excitement is in-built just because it's different. Some of it is because it's harder to decided for which side to root. There is also the matter that the cost and results are different depending on which side is victorious. The audience--been a while since it was said but the audience could be readers of your short story, novel, comic book, or role-playing game or your video, movie, TV show audience--will pick a side and a significant number of them will decry the other side as being in the wrong, if they don't go so far as to equate them with villains. This is true even if there is a three-way conflict including a definite evil person or group.</div><div><br /></div><div>The three-way conflict gives the most flexibility in crafting a sinuous, whether that is convoluted or not, plot. The sides can play off of each other, go for outright manipulation of each other, and generally get in the way so much that not a one of them can reach their goal. The potential to derail all of their plans could lead to a disaster that none of them wants to see. This in turn will cause one or more sides to reverse course to some degree, switch sides, or pull out--this will be common among the villains who can just try again later or do without that particular victory. The dynamics of the conflict can change dramatically, turning heroes into villains, and turning expectations entirely on their head. The best thing to do in creating one of these conflicts is to make it so that there is a painful decision/aspect to one of the good sides confronting the other good side.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: scrupulous.</div><div>Music: Peace Sells by Megadeth and Distant Skies by Stratovarius.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002EXH54?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0002EXH54"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/mdethpeac.jpg" alt="Megadeth: Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0002EXH54" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TGZRUS?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000TGZRUS">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000TGZRUS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PFU6RC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000PFU6RC"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/str4thdm.jpg" alt="Stratovarius: Fourth Dimension" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000PFU6RC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QQYB0I?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000QQYB0I">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000QQYB0I" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-9095784578082853600?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-41757531587211230212010-07-28T13:19:00.001-04:002010-07-28T13:19:55.757-04:00<div>Sometimes a story needs to be told over a length that is greater than feasible or in some manner desirable. Feasibility is quickly falling by the wayside when e-books can be of any length with no regard for spine width or holding the pages together. Desirability is a function of a few things. Cost asked for the book. The amount of time a reader is expected to stay with a story at any particular interval without seeking a change of pace. A similar need in the author either to write something different for a while or simply take a break. That author break may be researching something different later use, which doesn't break the fiction flow or feel of the current story while still giving the brain cells a chance to change gears. A series of books or stories starring the same main character(s) isn't the only kind of series. This sometimes feels like an idea that gets lost and or forgotten.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been thinking about this topic for the last little while because in the recent <a href="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/kthe2-2.htm">Killing Time - Horror E-Rag Issue 2-2</a> I released in PDF the first of my devil stories. It is titled "Toasty Warm" and so far is part of a trilogy where the only tie is that there are devils involved in the plot. Nothing else binds them. No repeat characters; not even the devils. So how is that a series? The stories are related. They are a part of the same vein of the same mythos--at least as I've done them. It's the same as they would be if they were a more coherent continuing series rather than a series in spirit or intent alone. I haven't put much more thought into the series since the conclusion of the third story. The time is appropriate to look at returning to the themes into which these stories play, what they are expressing about that corner of the mythos I wish to build, and should there be more.</div><div><br /></div><div>The question is more what? The simple answer is that it may be time to look at pulling the strings together between these stories and bring some kind of greater coherence. This could be bringing out an overarching story that requires the previous parts--at least for the continued readership who has been witness to the events from start to newest finish--yet can stand on its own. Moving from disconnected to connected is not a given. It may not even be desirable. Sometimes trying to pull off the connection diminishes the feel that was previously held. It can weaken the strength born of their uniqueness. It may just be unfulfilling and have no bearing on the past. Either way it is a question that needs to be asked before embarking on such a goal. The rewards and the satisfaction are great if it can be pulled off though. It's something that requires a deft hand and good forethought.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: reflective.</div><div>Music: Anthem of the World by Stratovarius and Sister of Pain by Vince Neil.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PFU6SG?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000PFU6SG"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/strdstny.jpg" alt="Stratovarius: Destiny" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000PFU6SG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002E5P9ZU?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002E5P9ZU">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002E5P9ZU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005KCGM?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00005KCGM"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/vnexpose.jpg" alt="Vince Neil: Exposed" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00005KCGM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KYOE5K?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003KYOE5K">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B003KYOE5K" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4175753158721123021?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-63399495006806709632010-07-14T18:35:00.001-04:002010-07-14T18:35:57.101-04:00<div>The surface has been brushed for period piece settings and stories with evil satanic witches. What though of the modern day? Has the ghastly horror witch gone the way of the dodo? The answer is a resounding no. They are certainly about and still practicing their nefarious ways. They do have their work cut out for them in some fashion though. Their brand of wickedness pales in comparison to the likes of serial killers, mass genocide in foreign lands--though honestly those kinds of atrocities have always gone on, if not as efficiently bloody as now--and the general moral slide of society with a total disregard for the value of courtesy, freedom, humanity and life not seen in centuries. Where then is the place for witch when the Adversary seems to be doing fine without lifting an apparent finger?</div><div><br /></div><div>As with everything that slides into the present and looks to the future the ways and the wants of the witch have become more complex. Things are subtler now than ever. Part of it has as much to do with the witch hunters as it does the witches and their master. Staying covert went from a matter of privacy to one of downright survival. As would prove later to be beyond prescient the greatest lie the Devil ever told was that he did not exist. Thus too was it for his witches. The witch scare died down, past some unknown point, but likely earlier than now expected, the bulk of the victims of the stake were left to the innocent and the witches' own chosen scapegoats. Beyond that need for discretion was the need to find ever new, ingenious, and complicated ways to waylay and corrupt a populace that was continually growing savvier and more educated by the decade.</div><div><br /></div><div>That formerly mentioned moral slide may have occurred all on its own, but the levels that it reaches and the ways that people are led, or driven, to act on the worst impulses that it represent can, and is, tweaked by the slyest of witches. There is a new, more ambitious, agenda at work. It is hard to nail down what it is precisely, but it is insidious, widespread, and broken down into a vast array of cogs that work as a monumental mechanism of evil the likes of which hasn't been seen before. Trying to chip away at those cogs is hard work and there are multiple redundancies. There are whispers and innuendo in certain circles about the nature of the witches' endeavours. The most frightening hypothesis put forward about this Machiavellian project is that even the attempts to derail it at every turn are pushing it toward its nefarious goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: sly.</div><div>Music: Everything Louder Than Everything Else by Meat Loaf and Pure Evil by Iced Earth.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002OMN?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000002OMN"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/meatlbat2.jpg" alt="Meat Loaf: Bat Out of Hell II" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000002OMN" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V63CI0?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000V63CI0">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000V63CI0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000005HL6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000005HL6"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/iceartns.jpg" alt="Iced Earth: Night Of The Stormrider" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000005HL6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VIGOEW?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000VIGOEW">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000VIGOEW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6339949500680670963?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-75326204701071454292010-07-07T14:29:00.002-04:002010-07-14T18:56:45.405-04:00<div>The witch's mark is an intimate marker that warns of an unholy alliance. Very few will have opportunity to see that nipple from which the familiar suckles blood. Those who need to discover a witch before it is too late must look for more external signs. Some are very blatant and others more subtle. When the witch is discovered then he or she must be captured, a job best left to the witch hunters. That requires special equipment if the witch is very powerful, and sometimes even when not. After that there is the trial, which has its own equipment needs. The capture in many ways is the easy part thanks to the skill of the hunters. The confession is paramount but not easy to attain. These are the devotees of the Adversary (the Devil) after all--lies come to them naturally. The last step, passing sentence on a confessed witch has the simplest parts requirement.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the dead of the night they gather. Travel out to the woods, away from prying eyes. Around the fire they dance and cavort. No special garments denote them for they must be skyclad, their nakedness full and complete beyond mere skin, their wicked souls fully on display. The nudity strips them of rank and importance; they are all supplicants to their evil Master. The rituals of which they partake are dark and ominous, many of them in stark contrast to proper behaviour, such as the Witch's Sabbath. Their vileness knows no bounds as exemplified by the Unholy Water--made in a hole in the ground from the urine of the Master and the members of the coven. They fornicate with all abandon at these gatherings. Yet by day their wantonness remains hidden just as the rest of their fiendishness. No, they must be caught in small lies and tiny sick acts.</div><div><br /></div><div>The hunt begins once a witch is discovered. Oddly enough holy water doesn't play into our hunter's bag of tricks, due to these hunters not being Catholic--though they have their share of hunters--think instead Protestants, Quakers, or perhaps for a change of pace, Mormons. Other holy items are used. Some of them are not your run of the mill crosses. They include pieces of the cross from Calvary and in the same vein nails from the crucifixion, perhaps even the famed missing fourth nail. There may be other reliquary of more esoteric history. The equipment of the trial includes dunking devices, stocks and legs irons among other painful bindings, and different torture chairs such as the pyramidal Judas Cradle. In the field all it may take is a length of rope and a stream. When it's all done it's off to the stake to burn in the soul cleansing fire.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: judgemental.</div><div>Music: One by Metallica and Let Me Hear You Scream by Ozzy Osbourne.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tbody><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002H6C?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000002H6C"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/mtalcjfa.jpg" alt="Metallica: ...And Justice for All" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000002H6C" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00122D8HW?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00122D8HW">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00122D8HW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003HLM2QO?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003HLM2QO"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/ozzyscre.jpg" alt="Ozzy Osbourne: Scream" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B003HLM2QO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QCNFN8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003QCNFN8">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B003QCNFN8" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-7532620470107145429?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-19968716594735902242010-06-30T15:20:00.000-04:002010-06-30T15:21:24.774-04:00<div>Witches are only one part of the equation for many stories. Out there lays the one thing that even the forces of evil fear, the Witch Hunter General and his men. These men are both stalwart champions of good and scourges of evil. Turmoil and death follow in their wake to a degree only paralleled by the most fiendish witch. Their arsenal is vast, their knowledge of their prey complete, their interrogation skills consummate. None dare to stand against the General and his cadre. There is no hiding. There is no pleading--except to plead guilty. There is nowhere that their influence and power does not reach. Wicked, beware. Who are these enigmatic paragons? How frequent are they encountered? How many are there? Most importantly, how do they impact the horror expressed and demanded by witches, singularly or even by the coven? All will be revealed for goodness' sake.</div><div><br /></div><div>The question of how many will depend on your setting. More witches mean more witch hunters in only some cases. More hunters could mean lesser skills or more dangerous witch powers. It is important that the hunters do not overpower the setting and dissipate the horror. They can be so powerful and unstoppable that witches have no chance against them when push really comes to shove, but this might be mitigated by the wait for the Witch Hunter General and his men to come to the rescue or the level of collateral damage created by the conflict between the two sides. Do not forget the flip side that where the hunters go the innocent fall prey to them as well over hysteria, jealousy, and other general finger pointing. They are feared by all who do not feel they measure up to that level of righteousness. Pride comes before the fall as well, be warned.</div><div><br /></div><div>Secrecy is one of the weapons in the witch hunter's arsenal. Fear of the unknown extends to the wicked just as much as the virtuous. Stories from the witches' perspective doing away with hunters are possible if not mainstream. Extended stories of the witch hunter's training and seminaries will tend toward a more fantasy than horror feel, especially with the hunters working from such a strong base position. Even with a story from a hunter's perspective--regardless of whether high or low in rank--less is more to maintain the mystique. The line between folklore surrounding the hunters and their true power can be revealed, but benefits from being unleashed little by little--much as the most spectacular part of any story must be the climax. Come back next time for a look at the signs of witchery, witch's habits, and the tools of the witch hunter's trade.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: seasoned.</div><div>Music: Fear Is The Key by Iron Maiden and Catch Me If You Can by Alice Cooper.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000063DIH?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000063DIH"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imfeardk.jpg" alt="Iron Maiden: Fear of the Dark" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000063DIH" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BKAF4E?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001BKAF4E">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001BKAF4E" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ASVAM8?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001ASVAM8"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/acpracas.jpg" alt="Alice Cooper: Along Came A Spider" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001ASVAM8" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SBLZ98?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003SBLZ98">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B003SBLZ98" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1996871659473590224?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-58546009305437730472010-06-16T14:54:00.002-04:002010-07-14T18:57:16.432-04:00<div>Making a pact with the Devil for incredible magic powers sometimes seems like an easy route to power. It can hardly be worth it, even beyond the contract's infernal legalese, where the devil really is in the details. If the pact seeker takes for granted that they are indeed dealing with the Devil then it's hard to deny the opposite side of the coin that one is getting into something that is an affront to all that is holy and the real price comes after the witch's death. Still many deny such an idea as divine punishment or see themselves on the side with any power and do not fear the future. Others consider the stance of the pact granter as claptrap to awe the superstitious or misinformation to prevent the less ardent the acquisition of power. Some just do not care, or as psychology may dictate, look to punish themselves in the long term even as they chase current desires.</div><div><br /></div><div>The contents of a witch's pact will vary depending upon a host of factors. The first of these would be the intermediary involved. It is the rare witch--we are talking about Satanic Witches so far--that gets to deal with Lucifer himself. There are a variety of powers to be granted either as inborn abilities or as spells, or a mixture of the two. There are additional boons such as familiars and other minions that may be granted. There are costs, often at all stages, but most of them come after the power has corrupted the pact seeker and has driven them to do whatever what was agreed upon. All of these are woven into the contract whether it is written and signed in blood or only enacted upon verbal agreement. Enforcement of the pact will be detailed as well. The pact itself is of course long-winded, impossibly complicated, and intended to be unbreakable.</div><div><br /></div><div>The costs of the pact includes items meant to ensure the seriousness of the initiate, to humiliate and control them, and items and conditions desired by the pact granter. Giving up the seeker's first born is a common cost that covers all three. Sacrifices may be required at such stages as beginning the negotiations, sealing the deal, and regular intervals thereafter. What is sacrificed may be the same every time or different based on the occasion. It may include animals, children, virgins, any random human life, or more intangible sacrifices--use your imagination. There is also the cost that the witch is indentured to the granter to do as bid at any time. The witch might not be the only one asked to pay. One of the conditions may be the enslavement of others. Or the witch might be tasked to build a cult with an ever-growing number of members.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: hopeful.</div><div>Music: A Charge to Keep by Iced Earth and Wicked Witch by Demons &amp; Wizards.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tbody><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SNUMC0?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000SNUMC0"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/iceartfa.jpg" alt="Iced Earth: Framing Armageddon - Something Wicked: Pt. 1" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000SNUMC0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WNEZTC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000WNEZTC">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000WNEZTC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009UC7UM?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0009UC7UM"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/dwtbtck.jpg" alt="Demons &amp; Wizards: Touched By the Crimson King" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0009UC7UM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X3OTYM?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000X3OTYM">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000X3OTYM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-5854600930543773047?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-50561323905001647682010-06-09T13:36:00.003-04:002010-07-14T18:57:48.185-04:00<p class="MsoNormal">I started writing this first new entry after the May hiatus without even looking to see if I had already written an entry for this date. I was last writing about role-playing games and magic systems. I may return to it, but first I wanted to inject some horror back in and make this an entry true to the Horror on Hump Day nickname. I came back to the topic of magic again recently when I started considering a project about witches. The type of project doesn't matter since it may never happen in that format, and if it does it will be low on the work priority scale below even my slow burning role-playing game work. Before I get to the witchy goodness I want to point out the great thing about RPG work is stories that don't work out, or I don't have time for, work well as scenarios in an RPG session(s) and the research for the games works just as well for stories.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Witches. I'm talking about nasty, vile-hearted, selfish, devil-worshipping witches, horror witches. The wart-nosed old hag comes to mind, but is actually of less use. Really, when supernatural events start happening and children are found ritually slaughtered everyone looks to the hag. Let's also ditch the broom unless this is a historical setting. Honestly, flying on a broom has become something done by cute girls in countless anime. Looking back at historical legend let's also ditch crazy things like houses with chicken's legs running around. Now, again, horror witches. They may sign a pact with the Devil, including giving up their first born, or they may be unaffiliated and truck with whatever forces they wish if any at all. Familiars are good, but they need some consideration regarding their apparent connection to the witch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In a story a character, male or female--witchcraft isn't sexist--with an animal hanging around all of the time is a dead giveaway. To keep the witch's identity a secret distance events involving the familiar. The witch might be revealed when the beastly companion feeds, using the witch's teat of course. Somewhere on the witch is a superfluous nipple--aureole not included--or even a short tentacle upon which the familiar suckles blood and magical energy, part of the witch's soul, or some other intangible. Here's an odd bit of folklore I discovered when researching for "You Accused the Wrong Woman" for <a href="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/kthe1-6.htm">Killing Time - Horror E-Rag™</a>. One method of detecting a witch involved making a cake using urine from a victim of the witch. The victim would see the witch after smelling the vapours from the hot cake, or if not then, after having eaten some of the witch cake.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mood: enchanted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Music: Witch Hunt by Stratovarius and Season of the Witch by Vanilla Fudge.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tbody><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000746I?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000746I"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/strafrnt.jpg" alt="Stratovarius: Fright Night" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000746I" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002P0YBRQ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002P0YBRQ">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002P0YBRQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000GX0C?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000GX0C"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/vanfudrs.jpg" alt="Vanilla Fudge: Renaissance" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000GX0C" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00122O2AY?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00122O2AY">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00122O2AY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-5056132390500164768?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-55600768980421805882010-05-05T14:47:00.001-04:002010-05-05T14:49:28.684-04:00<p class="MsoNormal">There will be no new Dark Corners in the month of May. Instead I will be working on things behind the scenes. However, it will not be an entirely quiet month. Keep an eye on "<a href="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/inchoate/index.htm">Inchoate Ascendant"</a> for some special interviews. There will be a post on Friday the 7th detailing what these interviews are about. Thank you, and see you again here in June.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mood: reserved.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Music: Dream Warriors by Dokken and Rock Zone by Scorpions.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003C9VEP6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003C9VEP6"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/dokkengh.jpg" alt="Dokken: Greatest Hits (Re-Recorded)" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B003C9VEP6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DRUZP2?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003DRUZP2">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B003DRUZP2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036XN2L2?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0036XN2L2"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/scrpsitt.jpg" alt="Scorpions: Sting in the Tail" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0036XN2L2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BYYCLU?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003BYYCLU">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B003BYYCLU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-5560076898042180588?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-87751599386331432072010-04-28T15:14:00.001-04:002010-04-28T15:14:50.684-04:00<div>It's not uncommon. People are social animals. It stands to reason that magic will be a social event for people. Sure there will be loners, there always are, and as with any social context the morality of the majority or at least the strongest personalities will prevail, forcing some to reclusion for their nefarious deeds. There are many advantages to gather multiple spell casters together to work on a shared goal. We've already mentioned pooling points, magical essences, or mass quantities of will focused together as one reason. This is something that can even involve non-casters as well, depending on the setting. So, what are the other reasons for the joining of mystical forces? As with most things the first and easiest answer is logistics. These can be logistics of a martial type, but they can also be a matter of non-violent nature.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first logistical need anyone might have is coverage. How much of an area does a spell cover? Even boosted the scale has to be less if cast by only one person. Aside from the raw size of the area multiple participants can achieve different shapes or configurations of coverage. The areas need not even overlap; the desired effect may be to affect multiple locations at the same time. Time itself can be another strategic obstacle overcome by more than one caster, especially for prolonged effects. This time-restraint may be a matter of fatigue in the short term or sleep in the long term. It may also be a matter of focus and attention that is mitigated by separate participants in a lengthy casting or ritual. Either the area or time factors are a matter of scale so don't forget to cover truly epic scales, or at least as epic as the setting allows.</div><div><br /></div><div>Focus and attention are not limited to being maintained for long periods of time. One mind can only handle so many details at one time. Here is an opportunity to craft spells that are really impressive, like the Swiss clocks of spells. Again, consider the epic scale, dozens upon dozens of effects or a handful of effects on numerous targets. This can be devastation or construction, detriment or enhancement. Nuance is a good thing here. Layering might be a consideration as well as the tweaking of effects as they are created. Here the skill of the participants becomes important with less skilled casters doing the simplistic parts and the more skilled ones doing the tweaking, and certainly orchestrating it all. Where normally the novices would be given the grunt work only the more experienced members may have to power to shoulder the power requirements. It all depends.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: relaxed.</div><div>Music: Come Together by Aerosmith and Legions by Stratovarius.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000056EUW?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000056EUW"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/aeroghit.jpg" alt="Aerosmith: Greatest Hits" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000056EUW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00138KD50?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00138KD50">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00138KD50" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PFU6RW?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000PFU6RW"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/stravisi.jpg" alt="Stratovarius: Visions" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000PFU6RW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034BMQ9A?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0034BMQ9A">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0034BMQ9A" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-8775159938633143207?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-951825065236690112010-04-14T19:05:00.000-04:002010-04-14T19:06:01.870-04:00<div>When it comes to the mechanics of magic in a role-playing game two options rise to the top of the list as far as importance. The first is the number of points with which a character has access to for the casting of spells. The second as discussed last week is the time it takes to cast the spell. The points portion of the mechanics can be broken down into several factors that must be considered and balanced. It can be difficult to discern what to deal with first. There is the need to determine the number of points required to cast each and every spell. There is also the number of points to which any single character will have access. It makes sense to determine the spell costs first. Doing that requires starting with the low-end costs and building up to the more costly and thus more impressive and powerful spells, but how to weight them?</div><div><br /></div><div>The cost of one spell compared to another should be based upon many different factors. These factors can include how long the effect of the spell lasts, how far the effect can be cast away from the spell caster, how large of an area the spell affects, and just how powerful is the effect? What determines how powerful or impressive a spell is? Does it depend on game factors like damage? Is it more powerful if it affects multiple people? Does it matter if it is flamboyant or a spectacle to see? Is it a matter of how much it bends reality and defies the known laws of physics? Is it about the way it can change the playing field and alter the storyline? This last is hard to quantify. Death is a game changing matter when it comes to the players, the protagonists of the story. How does a powerful spell affect the setting if too many can cast it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Once at least a rough baseline is set for the cost of spells then a look can be taken at how many points to which a single character or player should immediately have access. Factors for consideration include how many spells in rapid succession should a player be able to cast? This will also require knowledge about the other types of characters available so that the spell cast does not run out of options long before his companions. How powerful is a starting spell caster? How should they progress in power? Both of these should be compared to other character types as well, to maintain fairness and promote players to choose a spell caster. From a points standpoint there is an advantage to having more than one spell caster in the player party. Leaving points aside are there other advantages to multiple casters?</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: eclectic.</div><div>Music: Soma City Ward by Slash and Kill or Be Killed by Twisted Sister.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000000OU6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000000OU6"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/slsn5oc.jpg" alt="Slash's Snakepit: It's Five O'clock Somewhere" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000000OU6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W1ZF8Y?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000W1ZF8Y">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000W1ZF8Y" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BTIOXU?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000BTIOXU"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/tscomeout.jpg" alt="Twisted Sister: Come Out and Play" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000BTIOXU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QI3U5C?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001QI3U5C">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001QI3U5C" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-95182506523669011?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-17494162936860757762010-04-07T19:21:00.002-04:002010-04-07T19:28:43.174-04:00<div>The use of magic in role-playing games has an additional requirement, beyond those discussed already, that must be dealt with in the mechanics to give it a sense of realism. Stick with us, even if you're not a gamer, because this has as much to do with creating the setting and the effect of magic on that mood, and the mood of any scene or scenario where magic is involved as it does games, numbers, or rules. As with so many other situations this requirement for magic and verisimilitude involves time. It's not just about creating an air of reality though; it's about dynamics and the implications that are spawned by setting out the rules, the physics, of magic and what is involved in its use. The mechanics are a factor of time because magic takes time, how much dependent upon the dictates of the setting which of course are set out in the rules.</div><div><br /></div><div>In our more realistic setup for magic the ability to cast a specific number of spells per time period is off the table. Instead magic points are used, with each spell requiring a certain number of points to cast. It takes time to regain these points. How quickly they are used is more important game-wise than how long they take to recharge, but for fiction writing the significance is about the same unless magic only takes as long as the time to cast it--there is no need to figure it takes anything more than will and knowledge. The time required to cast spells and the recharge time can affect the pacing of your timeline if not the pace of the story. Often there are also methods by which a spell caster can gain and use additional points, such as rituals with multiple members, and sacrifices. Both of those right there add flavour and mood to the magic, and impact the setting.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is yet another option for gaining magic points that involves an external source. Some settings have places of magic such as locations where mystic temples were built, lines of magical force that criss-cross the globe called ley lines, and places that are just plain magical whether because of a bleed-over from another dimension, the influence of magical beings like faeries, or at the decree of deities. Beyond that, these locations and others may have increased magic at specific times of the day, month or year, or when certain celestial alignments come about. These places and times can cut short the time required between spells, and allow for stronger spells to be cast than normal. All of these of course change the dynamic of the story or the game without even getting into the nitty-gritty of them. The exact mechanics and number crunching flow from the story elements.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: relaxed.</div><div>Music: Can I Play With Madness by Iron Maiden and Watch This by Slash.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tbody><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000063DI9?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000063DI9"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/imssoass.jpg" alt="Iron Maiden: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000063DI9" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BEE6LI?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001BEE6LI">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001BEE6LI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039OGGVQ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0039OGGVQ"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/slashrfn.jpg" alt="Slash: Slash" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0039OGGVQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DRWX9I?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003DRWX9I">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B003DRWX9I" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-1749416293686075776?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-61875126673541048602010-03-24T18:51:00.000-04:002010-03-24T18:53:15.665-04:00<div>Last we left off our discussion we came to one of those difficulties that are, well, particularly difficult. How do you balance between the desire to progress a character and the practicality of retaining some sense of reality? It is easy to simply suggest throwing out reality in this instance or work with something in a more abstract manner to reach the desired practicality. The abstract method at least deals with the issue. This is not to say that leaving the unreality be is unacceptable. Role-playing games are all about story elements and game elements together in the same experience. It is a layered experience where not everything need meet in the middle. That said how do you go about solving our issue of improving super powers and psychic abilities in a manner that deals with both short and long in-game timeframes?</div><div><br /></div><div>Both psychic abilities and super powers can actually advance in the same mechanical manner as skills with the right story framework behind them. It is pretty much a de facto standard that psychic abilities are a function of the brain--the pituitary in this scenario may effectively be the gas tank, or not. For the purpose of producing psychic effects the brain is likened to a muscle. As blood flows into the sections of the brain responsible for psychic abilities other adjacent, or close by, sections serving a similar function, but so far unawakened power-wise, become activated over time. Thus like skills there is a chance every time the character uses their powers they might trigger a new psychic ability. Some kind of limit might be put on how soon the next chance might be, especially after having already gained a new power.</div><div><br /></div><div>A similar scenario can play out when super powers are involved. Whether the character is a mutant or an experiment or gains their powers from some other method, the physics of gaining powers is the same--for a setting like this. Powers are caused by elements introduced within the body. These elements can range from chemical compounds to forms of radiation that leave residual traces in the body, to magical substances. They react to other body chemicals secreted during the use of super powers. Again like building bigger muscles new compounds are created that combine with some other chemical, hormone, or compound and result in new powers or further mutation. In either case, super or psychic power, the progression chance could be coupled with points, which are used to determine when a chance becomes available preventing too frequent progression on a dice fluke.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: empowered.</div><div>Music: Music: Power Of The Sun by Bruce Dickinson and Main Attraction by Quiet Riot.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00099HFKA?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00099HFKA"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/bdictrya.jpg" alt="Bruce Dickinson: Tyranny of Souls" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00099HFKA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AKJAAU?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001AKJAAU">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001AKJAAU" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000266R?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000266R"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/qriii.jpg" alt="Quiet Riot: QR III" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000266R" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00138KOFY?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00138KOFY">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00138KOFY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6187512667354104860?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-43163553163064807452010-03-10T19:08:00.001-05:002010-03-10T19:15:11.586-05:00<div>Previously on R.G. Male's Dark Corners... I set up some information for those uninitiated in the greatness of role-playing games, particularly the pen and paper kind that come with books and people track things and do everything more or less by hand or keyboard. Last week I discussed the unrealistic method of character advancement known as levels, whereupon reaching a new level of experience the character has an explosion of growth, as opposed to a more natural progression. This leaves us with the need to look at how to bring that sense of realism, or verisimilitude back to the mechanics of the game. Advancement of your playing character within the game is one of the best ways of gauging how well the game is going. It's like winning in a game where there isn't real winning or losing because, as a story shared among friends, the journey is more important than the destination.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rather than levels where everything advances all at once some games measure progress incrementally. The Game Master takes note of when a skill is used, or the players track it themselves, and after so many successes--or in the best systems a measure of losses as well, since mistakes are important to the learning progress--the skill is advanced. This is a fair simulation of the real world. The same process is applied to powers that the character has whether that is super powers, psychic abilities, or magic. This is particularly useful to magic systems involving learned incantations and rituals. The other side of the coin in this incremental advancement is that the character is required to practice and study. This is especially true of picking up new skills, learning new spells or creating new magic. However it does have its issues with psychic abilities and super powers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Depending on the setting, and the mood it looks to evoke, psychic abilities may not be something that is learned. The power is either there waiting to be unlocked or it is not there at all. Super powers tend to be dependent upon time for their advancement or exposure to new catalysts that cause new powers to develop. This is not to say that existing powers do not advance just as skills do, and characters should ultimately learn new tricks with use of existing powers even if they are not expressed in the mechanics. For the new powers and abilities a system must be in place that works in parallel with skill advancement or on a time scale. The problem with a time scale is that a game could run only hours at a time within the setting or stretch out for weeks in game. This leads to slow or fast power gain respectively. Tune in next time for some options to deal with this.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: excited.</div><div>Music: Good Enough by Van Halen and Better by Guns N' Roses.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002L99?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000002L99"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/vh5150.jpg" alt="Van Halen: 5150" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000002L99" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CO1Y2A?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002CO1Y2A">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002CO1Y2A" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037BBKIK?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0037BBKIK"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/gnrchdem.jpg" alt="Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0037BBKIK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00382FKG6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00382FKG6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00382FKG6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4316355316306480745?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-83973308739644324622010-03-03T19:13:00.000-05:002010-03-03T19:14:17.820-05:00<div>Sometimes a role-playing game will use a set of mechanics, a.k.a. rules, to simulate a facet of the real world in a less than realistic manner. There are a number of reasons for doing this, the primary one being simplicity. The most prominent of these convenience simplifications is the level system. For those that don't know, the level system involves earning points that represent the growth of a character in the game. The points are experience points and many games refer to them as XP with the X standing for experience. XP rules can exist without a level system, but I'm not aware of any level systems without XP or a similar concept because the level system is co-dependent. A character reaches a new level after every so many XP earned. This is where the level system fails.</div><div><br /></div><div>When characters reach a new level of experience--these are usually characters run by the players--they improve their skills and abilities. This is a vital part of the gaming process. The problem, the artificial quality, is that everything improves all at once. All of the character's skills are raised by a level, even if they haven't been used recently or at all. New powers or spells or psychic abilities, etc. suddenly appear to the character from out of the blue. Bonuses are applied to different combat rolls that didn't have such high bonuses before or maybe no bonuses at all. The changes all occur without training, instruction, or time spent mastering them. The new abilities and bonuses do not even have to have any tie to existing ones or reflect a previous desire for growth in the character.</div><div><br /></div><div>Players and Game Masters take it upon themselves to fix this falseness to some degree by saying that characters practice their craft, self-teach themselves things, and plan ahead for the future that will be represented when that character gains a new level. Occasionally a game will suggest this as well. Spell casters are known to research books and at times, according to the setting's mood and details, settle down and meditate upon the world and their place in it, and from this they gain insight, which informs their new spells, or the idea to research specific spells. Most of the time though this is a stretch and as something glossed over it lacks a certain depth and feel. It does not deal with the improvement flood all at once either. Next time we'll look at a better way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: forward-thinking.</div><div>Music: The Iron Road by Widomaker and Fake by Motley Crue.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000006MFK?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000006MFK"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/widmstnd.jpg" alt="Widomaker: Stand By For Pain" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000006MFK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QQZQLG?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000QQZQLG">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000QQZQLG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EN1R4K?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001EN1R4K"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/mcrutatt.jpg" alt="Motley Crue: New Tattoo" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001EN1R4K" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B9BCK6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001B9BCK6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001B9BCK6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-8397330873964432462?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-67120892506145085442010-02-24T14:17:00.001-05:002010-02-24T21:21:05.237-05:00<div>As a writer, and therefore an editor I have cultivated a sense of judgment on various levels of what I read and watch. I put this to use as reviewer for the Bob's Reviews site. Likewise, whenever I set out to create a new product I use that critical eye to look at what is out there in the market and target concepts, methods, and procedures that could do with improvement. Familiarity with products in particular veins improves that sense of what could be done different or better--the two are not always exclusive with better being a matter of taste in some instances. I have a great familiarity with one product that I look to speak about specifically today and as long as it takes to cover the concepts I wish to discuss. That product is role-playing games.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin Siembieda is famously known as saying that "RPGs are, after all, part novel, part text book, part instruction manual, part art book and all imagination." That's a good covering of the main facets of role-playing game books, but as far as games and their design goes it is not the entire story, not as far as I am concerned here. The games themselves are part collaborative story telling, part acting, part strategy, part chance, and all game. A lot of the time people gravitate to one of those more than the others, sometimes one or two. It all depends on the game, the personal goal in playing, and a likely host of other decisions and desires held in balance. A good game system, that is the core rules and setting, should offer many possibilities in each of those elements of the game.</div><div><br /></div><div>One area where a game might fail, or not measure up is in the balance between strategy along with numbers and dice, and the art of telling a story. This can be a matter of one getting in the way of the other and bogging things down or hindering the smoothness of game play. The purpose of rules, and dice, known as the mechanics of the game, is to provide a framework upon which to tell the stories, set up the scenarios, make it a game rather than just writers or actors collaborating. There is a level of simulation involved, simulating physics, simulating character or psychology. How much it feels like a simulation or how much verisimilitude it doesn't or doesn't have is a frequent failure point for RPGs. There are a number of ways this can happen. Tune in next time for more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: declarative.</div><div>Music: Voodoo Medicine Man by Aerosmith and Harvester Of Sorrow by Metallica.<br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tbody><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005QEO1?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00005QEO1"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/aeropump.jpg" alt="Aerosmith: Pump" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00005QEO1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VRH0T6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000VRH0T6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000VRH0T6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002H6C?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000002H6C"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/mtalcjfa.jpg" alt="Metallica: ...And Justice for All" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000002H6C" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00122D8HW?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00122D8HW">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00122D8HW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6712089250614508544?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-22261824190545518442010-02-10T14:32:00.001-05:002010-02-10T14:34:04.209-05:00<div>Here it is 2010. Can you believe that? Even a month into the year it's still hard to wrap my head around it. Is there another year yet to come that has received a lot of fictional press? I don't know any--I'm ignoring supposedly real apocalypse dates. Not only is 2010 a new year, but also more than that it's a new decade. Somewhere along the line I'm sure that I will post something about the future of books or writing and multimedia together or similar. It won't be the first time and as long as things keep changing and evolving in the world it likely won't be the last. Some of the articles I intend to write this year are not very dark or horror oriented but don't let that get you down. Some of them I will take special care to make dark and horror-filled.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the first topics I want to tackle will be in a sort of pseudo-series. I do not know how many weeks it will take or if I'll do them all at once or not. They are focused on role-playing game writing and use. The main thrust of these will be about the artificial quality of some rules that games have, and ways of avoiding that, hiding it, or otherwise minimising it. I also want to take a look at the ubiquitous and attention hogging vampire. This was a number of ideas, spawned by recent movies and a novel I have knocking around in the back of my head, to really make vampires something to fear again. Before I get to that though we need to look at how they are portrayed now. I also have to cover a bit about some of the myths that have fallen by the wayside and some that are only partially explained.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to that idea about the future of writing and the possible changes, I would like to write an article or two further getting into this whole idea of deleted and alternate scenes as well as side stories. The thing about this idea is it is only new in that--especially in the case of side stories--they existed separately before and now they can co-exist. The important part of this topic that I want to get to is about using the bits that exist in the story to set the mood, or to contrast it. How do you set that up? How does the full version change things? Are those changes present elsewhere and just quietly inserted? Of course any of these kinds of ideas could be full-blown articles all on their own. I hope you'll stick around to see.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: optimistic.</div><div>Music: Music: Big Guns by Skid Row and Snakebite by Alice Cooper.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002INR?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000002INR"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/skidrow.jpg" alt="Skid Row: Skid Row" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000002INR" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FVMLGI?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002FVMLGI">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002FVMLGI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000027DJ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0000027DJ"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/acprstoop.jpg" alt="Alice Cooper: Hey Stoopid" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0000027DJ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00136NT4O?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00136NT4O">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00136NT4O" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-2226182419054551844?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-21206265344707044682010-02-03T14:07:00.001-05:002010-02-03T14:08:23.673-05:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">It's February, but since this is the first entry of the year to this blog I would like to say, Happy New Year. I thought this year that I would begin all of my blogs with two particular articles. The first is a look back at 2009 and the highlights of the year. The second is a look forward at some of the things that I want to talk about in 2010. One of the perennial series of entries in these dark corners is the annual 13 Nights of Hallowe'en. In 2009 all of the movies were my favourites. Most recently I wrote a couple of role-playing game themed articles that are useful for creating characters for any media. Still in the RPG vein there were articles about game changing alterations to settings, such as travel times and instant communication, which can have massive impact on a number of fronts even outside of gaming.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">At one point in the year there was a bit of a lengthy look at changing perspectives, and perspectives versus reality on several levels. That got into the realities that we surround ourselves in and they way that it affects, well, everything. Those perspective shifts work their way beyond our view of the world and they effect our interactions with everyone--a handy understanding for writing. Another topic that surfaced with a need to be covered by more than one entry was a look at where publishing is going and where the writer can take their work as new paradigms emerge. There I likened one of the possible experiences, with only text being a requirement, to extras and deleted scenes on a DVD. That plays into my favourite topic of taint, which comes up now and again and will continue to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">It’s hard to forget as well that at the beginning of 2009 there were the last couple parts of Anatomy of a Horror Setting #3 about mixing the horror and sci-fi genres. That of course was followed by all of Anatomy of a Horror Setting #4, which looked at combining horror and fantasy moving from the typical medieval European fantasy settings up to Industrial Era settings. The rest of the series of course was a part of 2008. The whole set of them are still on my list to be lengthened, re-edited, and turned into a book. It was both easy and hard to devote so many weeks to a small set of topics and examine all of the angles. It was easy in that I knew one week to the next what I writing about and hard to come up with some of those angles and try to keep some kind of order in the progression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Mood: progressive.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Music: Music: This Day We Fight! by Megadeth and Hitchin' A Ride by Green Day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C6K7N0?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002C6K7N0"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/mdethedg.jpg" alt="Megadeth: Endgame" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002C6K7N0" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NY731U?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002NY731U">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B002NY731U" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy CDs</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002NIH?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000002NIH"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/grendnim.jpg" alt="Green Day: Nimrod" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000002NIH" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011Z503U?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0011Z503U">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0011Z503U" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"><br /></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-2120626534470704468?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-43685828312872134672009-12-09T14:47:00.004-05:002009-12-11T03:19:07.735-05:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><p class="MsoNormal">Every year at this time, before I bid you and another year of Horror on Hump Day farewell I always post a list of last minute shopping ideas. Here they are below. Some new items, some hot items, some items that are favourites of mine. Check them out and make someone happy this holiday season. They are all from Amazon.com this year, not Canada.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, and safe Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a fabulous New Year. Speaking of which I will return again in January with more looks into all of the dark corners.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Stay safe, and think green!</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><center><h2>Blu-Ray</h2><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B001AVCFK6" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B001FB55I0" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B0021L8UG2" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B002JT69IM" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B002LMSWNC" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B001D8W7CW" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h2>DVD</h2><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B001AVCFJM" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B001FB55HQ" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B0027P9S0Y" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B002JT69IW" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B002LMSWN2" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B00005K3NR" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h2>MP3</h2><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B002R9HTFG" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B000R02K6A" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B001A7ZJH6" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B0017ZW97O" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B000TGZRUS" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B00160ZGHA" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><h2>CD</h2><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B000ICLTKK" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B000H7JD4K" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B0018AK9QQ" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B0015D3Z80" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B0002EXH54" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=battespleepro-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&amp;asins=B0000YTOXA" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p></center><p></p><div><br /></div></span><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-4368582831287213467?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-66909535158233069482009-12-02T14:13:00.000-05:002009-12-02T14:14:15.503-05:00<div>Depth is always one of the elements I strive for when considering characters in role-playing games. Of course this carries over to writing any kind of characters for any story or script. I don't always do it for short stories or novels but I have created characters using role-playing terms and conventions as if I wanted to use them in a game and then used that familiarity with the character to write their part within the story. I recently read a review of a role-playing game and it sparked me to write a note about character diversity. By that I mean the details, the nitty-gritty that differentiate one character from another even though they fit the same social circle, economic strata, and have the same education. What makes one engineer different from another on the same team?</div><div><br /></div><div>Character diversity can be made by allowing players to select the following. A home country. Political affiliations or leaning toward particular ideals. Additionally there are points where the character differs from the ideas espoused by the party or their group. An immigrant could grow into a new national identity, change politics or move toward a political sub-faction. They could be a part of a guild or association, and from there variegate into a guild-faction. In the context of the game I made the notes for I asked questions like: Is the character part of one nation's military? What is their view of their allies? What is their view of their enemies? Is there competition between units in the same military? Service branch rivalries? How do they compete with other nation's units even when in a united goal? </div><div><br /></div><div>All of this asks and answers essential questions like what is my character's role in group X, what is it contributing to the local corner of the world, to the country, to the world at large? How does their beliefs shape their style and methodology to their work, job, military service? It speaks to the measure of their character and reveals or further asks how they will deal with situations under stress. When given time. When researching new skills, including magic in applicable settings. When collaborating with others on such skills. Further differentiation might come from another role-playing game approach where a character has their social face and their private face. Not everyone projects their true self all of the time. Even what they do and do not share about themselves could be an important detail.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: disciplined.</div><div>Music: Disciples Of The Lie by Iced Earth and Book Of Thel by Bruce Dickinson.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000009EAD?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000009EAD"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/iceartsw.jpg" alt="Iced Earth: Something Wicked This Way Comes" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000009EAD" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VIELPQ?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000VIELPQ">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000VIELPQ" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Now at Amazon.COM NOT CA.<br /><br />Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009NCPCE?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0009NCPCE"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/bdicchem.jpg" alt="Bruce Dickinson: The Chemical Wedding" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0009NCPCE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AKH9C6?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001AKH9C6">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001AKH9C6" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-6690953515823306948?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-38362057585471752152009-11-25T13:32:00.001-05:002009-11-25T13:33:39.486-05:00<div>It's good to be back from hiatus after the onslaught of the thirteen nights in October, even if it is only for a couple of weeks before the next one for the December holiday season. I thought that I would start the new entries with some news. I've released the first issue of my magazine <a href="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/kthe1-1.htm">Killing Time - Horror E-Rag&#153;</a> in the Battered Spleen Productions&#153; store. I have also opened the <a href="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/market.htm">Market</a> section of the store with items in the Swag section. The Market section is where I hope to have other authors and artists sell their wares. They will provide me an image, a link to the sales page, and the name of the store or site that is directly selling their product. An author selling copies of their own book from their own site would send me that info. I will not handle the sales or take a commission, only charge for the space in the market. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will of course have final say if a product is accepted. I want to view the promotional material to see if it's of proper professional quality, if it's going to offend people, and other similar things with which I do not want to be associated. Books for instance that are available places like Amazon or Barnes &amp; Noble will get higher priority only because they've been through most of the checks I'd be concerned with. So why would an author do that? Authors often get copies of their book to sell for much more profit directly in their pocket. Signed copies are common in these cases. So why place a product with Battered Spleen Productions? Promotion. Your product available with those of others. This provides more variety and a chance to pick up a sale.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure of the cost for inclusion at this point. I'm thinking a flat fee per item. Perhaps it will be an annual fee. My initial thought is it would cost about as much as your average paperback book. The main page for the market will have a primary featured item and then a selection of varied items. I have the market broken into three sections. Swag is for shirts, mugs, mouse pads and other similar items. Books is for printed books, which can be horror, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy or other similar related genres. E-books is for e-books only--in the same categories as the printed books. I'd also be interested in role-playing game books or art books in the same genres. Each product will have its own description page or go directly to your sales page as desired.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think? Are you interested? Comments?</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: excitable.</div><div>Music: Against the Wall by Quiet Riot and Phantom Limb by Tourniquet.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cols="3" border="1" cellpadding="0" width="394"><col width="120"><col width="154"><col width="120"><tr><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IFUL?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IFUL"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/alivwel2.jpg" alt="Quiet Riot: Alive and Well" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B00000IFUL" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R00SBY?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000R00SBY">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000R00SBY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td><td width="154" align="center">Now at Amazon.COM NOT CA.<br /><br />Buy these at Amazon.com<br />Click Images to Buy</td><td width="120"><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007LIB1M?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0007LIB1M"><img border="0" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/rmtp/reviews/images/trnqpod.jpg" alt="Tourniquet: Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B0007LIB1M" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O1BAPS?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001O1BAPS">Or get MP3s.</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001O1BAPS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></center></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom: 0.25em;"></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-3836205758547175215?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-77165763975762181492009-10-31T12:23:00.001-04:002009-10-31T12:23:36.801-04:00<div>Ah! It's Hallowe'en! How are you my pretties? Ready with your candy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V4UFZK?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000V4UFZK"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/wraithstop/adimages/Poltergeist.jpg" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000V4UFZK" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />and drinks to settle in for our movie of the dark night of nights? Good. Sit back and press play on the number one pick for Hallowe'en and my all time favourite horror movie, Poltergeist. This week I read more than one article talking about people's memories of their early horror movie experiences and the sense of great fear, dread, and trepidation of but immense attraction to particular films and shows. For me Poltergeist stands as one of my experiences like that. The commercials and trailers for Poltergeist were terrifying and I loved every jangly-nerve, heart beating hard moment until I could see the movie. I saw it short weeks after Xtro on that same video disc format. I don't know how many times I watched it that weekend, but it was a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I always say about Poltergeist is that it is the most beautiful <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AQO41E?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001AQO41E"><img border="0" hspace="8" vspace="8" align="right" src="http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/wraithstop/adimages/Poltergeistb.jpg" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001AQO41E" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />horror movie I've seen. Some of the scenes are just as awe inspiring as they are creepy or scary. Beyond the visuals there is also the family component that adds so much to the movie. The horror is so much the better for the contrasting scenes and for the real tension created because we feel for this family. The movie touches on a lot horror staples providing a great smorgasbord of terrors. Then there are the imagined horrors behind the scenes. The Poltergeist trilogy has been considered cursed, what with the deaths of Dominique Dunne (murdered), Julian Beck and Will Sampson (cancer), and finally child star Heather O'Rourke (disease). On the other hand Craig T. Nelson has done more than all right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mood: festive.</div><div>Music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IFRQHC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=battespleepro-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000IFRQHC">This Is Halloween</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=battespleepro-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B000IFRQHC" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> by Danny Elfman off of The Nightmare Before Christmas (soundtrack).</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Robert G. Male, Horror Author http://www.batteredspleenproductions.com/store/index.htm<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15370978-7716576397576218149?l=rgmale.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Robert G. Malehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791440672964035138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15370978.post-33072004986565501762009-10-30T13:29:00.001-04:002009-10-30T13:41:01.191-04:00