"Book of The Wyrm Companion" Is Gross, Horrific, and Awful... Go Get It Now!

Of all the corners of the World of Darkness, the one inhabited by the Wyrm and its servants is certainly one of the darkest. Corruption, mutation, depravity, and awful, cosmic horrors lie at the bubbling, blistered heart of the Wyrm, and it warps everything that looks upon it. A tide of protoplasmic, inhuman, alien awfulness that stains the soul, and taints your very being just by knowing it's out there, it is a horror the likes of which mortals can scarcely contemplate.

It takes an enemy that inhumane, which is anathema to anything good or relatable, to make the garou seem like heroes, after all.

Bringing that kind of enemy across to your players, however, can be difficult. Not only that, but it's very easy to fall into the cracks and either become too unrelatable, too grim, or too uncomfortable for those around the table who came here to have fun. Which is why I would recommend that anyone who wanted to strike a better balance should immediately get themselves a copy of Book of The Wyrm Companion for their shelf.

Seriously... go check it out!

Before we get into the nitty gritty this week, don't forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get all my updates right in your inbox. Also, if you've got a bit of spare cash that you'd like to use to help keep the wheels turning, consider becoming a Patreon patron!

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What Is This Book All About?

As the introduction section says, this book is a collection of things that could have been their own, separate splats, but which the creators chose to put into a single volume. There's additional, specific fomori that are inhuman, advice for creating First Response teams from Pentex, an entire section about running PCs as fomori (described as a kind of dark X-Men game, which definitely caught my interest), and a lot of other stuff that walks a fine line between gross and satirical.

I am what they made me.

The book it put me most in mind of (and which I picked up a copy of from my Friends of The Library resale room a few years back) is Freak Legion. However, while there's still a lot of content in there that I think people who want that kind of body horror/cosmic horror in their games would find useful, Book of The Wyrm Companion just slathers on extra stuff. There's a dozen different flavors of horrific in this thing, and there's a double scoop of terrible in store for anyone who grabs it.

Now, with all of that explanation and praise out of the way, I would point out that this is also a book with a BIG content warning right up front. While the creators attempted to give it a darkly humorous polish in some places, and to make it feel more like satire in others, there's no mistaking this for anything other than what it is. This is a grimoire of the inhuman, the monstrous, and the disturbing. For folks like me, who want WoD games to feel like horror games, that's going to be exactly what you want in your tool box. For those who may want games with cleaner morality and less disturbing content, though, this may be a bridge too far.

Let the buyer beware, this is one of those WoD tomes that comes with a warning label. The creators put it on there, and I'm reminding folks that they know their business.

Consider Some Supplemental Stuff To Go With It

This volume has a lot of contributors who all put their sweat and effort into different parts of the project, but Clinton Boomer and Josh Heath are both on the list. Talented folks who work extraordinarily hard, I have worked with both of them on previous WoD projects. And since we're talking about the Wyrm and all the awful, nasty things it makes, I figured I'd mention some of them here.

Where my Glass Walkers at?

Company Picnic is a tale Clinton penned a while ago, and it came out as part of all the efforts in and around the Tales From The Moot collection. I know that he and I enjoy writing fiction set in the World of Darkness, and if we can boost the numbers on these tales we'd be happy to lay down some fresh text... perhaps even touching on other spheres of the setting while we're at it!

Another project Clinton and I shared was the 200 Black Spiral Dancer Kinfolk list. This supplement was the capstone to the 100 kinfolk project, which is currently available as a bundle if you like a good deal!

Lastly, if you need extra bad guys to go along with this book, consider grabbing a copy of Evil Inc.: 10 Pentex Subsidiaries. There's all kinds of corporate wickedness in there, and it pairs beautifully with the more obviously corrupt aspects of the Wyrm! There's even a sample audio drama from it below, if you want to take a moment to listen...

Like, Follow, and Stay in Touch!

That's all for this week's Moon Pope Monday. To stay on top of all my content and releases, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the page!

Again, for more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, and stop by the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio. Or if you'd prefer to read some of my books, like my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife or my latest short story collection The Rejects, then head over to My Amazon Author Page!

To stay on top of all my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and now Pinterest as well! To support my work, consider Buying Me a Ko-Fi, or heading to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page to become a regular, monthly patron. That one helps ensure you get more Improved Initiative, and it means you'll get my regular, monthly giveaways as a bonus!

"Twists of Obscenity: Esoterica of The Baali" is a Must-Have Vampire Supplement!

I first came to Vampire right after the release of Vampire: The Requiem, and I remember enjoying the experience, but being told there was an older game that offered a lot more in terms of history, lore, and options. And while I gave Vampire: The Masquerade try after try, it never really caught hold of me. Every game I played felt indistinguishable from a Requiem game, except for the fact that the mechanics were a lot more slipshod, and less codified, which left me feeling confused and frustrated.

I was certain I was missing something, and every time I asked an old hand why they kept coming back to this game they kept telling me it was for the richness of the lore and the depth of the story... but those things never seemed to manifest in any game I was a part of. It was the same old machinations, the same old brooding, and the same old aversion to actually solving plots in favor of just waiting for whatever the current threat was to die of old age... or so it seemed to me.

Well, now that I finished my 100 Kinfolk project for Werewolf: The Apocalypse (which had 100 Stargazer Kinfolk and 101 Savage Kinfolk as encore supplements for those who missed them), I circled back around to Vampire to try to stretch my horizons a bit more. I also asked a friend and fellow designer Clinton Boomer (That Boomer Kid on Tumblr) who is a huge fan of Masquerade to help me find what's captivated so many other players over the years.

While he helped guide me to a lot of things that had completely slipped under my radar in my previous endeavors, one thing that really lit the spark was one of his latest projects... Twists of Obscenity: Esoterica of The Baali.

Got to say, I think I'm getting it now.

And if you don't have a copy, get one now!

Delving Into The Mythology Behind The Masquerade

One of the major differences between Requiem and Masquerade has always been that the former is very cagey with universe specifics, never really committing to an origin story of the kindred or saying who or what created them. The latter makes it very clear they are the spawn of Caine, and they fit into a very specific place, mythologically speaking. There's some wiggling here and there, a touch of ret-conning every now and again, but it is a lot more definite regarding what the kindred are, where they came from, and what they represent.

That seems like a very small thing, but it opens up a huge world of possibilities. This is particularly true when you start delving into some of the more feared names from mythology in and around the Middle East, including beings like Moloch, Nergal, and Lilith... which leads us back to the Baali.

And the raw awfulness behind them.

The Baali typically fall into that category of content in World/Chronicles of Darkness games that are reserved only for storyteller use. This is where game elements deemed too disruptive (either mechanically, or thematically) go, and if I'm honest, I can see why so many storytellers don't want to touch them. The sheer horror of the Baali, and what they represent, isn't going to appeal to every group... or even to most of them. Vampires with a lineage that goes back to the ancient times, when fallen angels walked the Earth, and when the things that slept in the Darkness from before creation were nearer to the waking world than might be imagined are heady ideas, and that can cast a big shadow over your game. The Baali incorporate true, cosmic horror in a way that I've rarely seen brought to the forefront in any edition of Vampire, making us ask what kinds of forces could make even the worst predations of the most monstrous of kindred look like nothing more than a show on the stage of a bloody circus.

And Twists of Obscenity brings this home in a big way.

While there's the usual stuff you expect from a supplement like this, with fun additional powers and tweaks on rituals and Disciplines, it's written in a way that gives you a glimpse behind the curtain of entrails and debasement. It gives a perspective on the Baali that can allow them to be real characters in the ongoing play of dark theater that takes place in the setting, rather than just being an excuse to throw in body horror and gallons of blood. It adds weight to them, and provides a way you can make them feel like more than just a cheap scare.

In short, it brings across the very real horror of the corner of the setting that the Baali, their allies, and their servants occupy. And it lets us see the doorway they keep closed, implying what might happen if it ever opened to release the things that pre-date not only the kindred, but the creation of the world as we know it.

And that is the sort of story you can get out of Masquerade that you simply cannot out of its successor... at least the last time I checked, anyway.

Lastly, before I go, I wanted to let everyone know that my latest supplement New World Nights: 100 Ghouls For The American Camarilla is also out! It won't be the last such piece, so if you enjoyed my kinfolk supplements, you should definitely give this one a look. And to stay on top of all my latest content and releases, make sure you sign up for my weekly newsletter!

Like, Follow, and Stay in Touch!

That's all for this week's Moon Pope Monday. To stay on top of all my content and releases, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the page!

Again, for more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, and stop by the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio. Or if you'd prefer to read some of my books, like my cat noir thriller Marked Territory, my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife or my latest short story collection The Rejects, then head over to My Amazon Author Page!

To stay on top of all my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and now Pinterest as well! To support my work, consider Buying Me a Ko-Fi, or heading to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page to become a regular, monthly patron. That one helps ensure you get more Improved Initiative, and it means you'll get my regular, monthly giveaways as a bonus!

5 Phenomenal Authors Whose Work You Should Check Out

As anyone who reads my Monday updates knows, when I'm not giving my thoughts on improving your performance behind the DM screen, I'm typically trying to big up a signal for other creators. And since I recently released my sword and sorcery novel Crier's Knife, I figured I'd take a moment to share with you the work of some other authors who should be on your shelf as well.

The following will be particularly useful if you're in the market for Christmas presents (and you want your friends and loved ones to do more reading), or if you've got a resolution this new year to try reading one book a month.

#1: Clinton Boomer

Seriously, why haven't you read this yet?

If you're a regular on my blog, you know that I mention Clinton a lot. He's a fellow RPG writer, and his Tumblr That Boomer Kid is chock-full of strange, dark, and bizarre ideas for your games. However, his novel The Hole Behind Midnight is a wild ride that will take you into the 25th hour. If you liked his gaming contributions, they have only barely prepared you for this book. Seriously, strap in for the strange, the unusual, and the bizarre, because you'll find all of that and more in this novel.

#2: Lauren Jankowski

For you series lovers out there, here's one to sink your teeth into.

If you're looking for a series that's both different and familiar all at the same time, then the Shape Shifter Chronicles is definitely something you should take a look at. It's got shape shifters, characters protecting the Earth, characters trying to destroy it, and a lot of solid twists and turns throughout. The series recently got a re-release, and a whole new series of covers, so if you're looking for a new book, read the preview on Sere From The Green to see if it grabs you. Then, if you like it, check out Lauren Jankowski's Amazon Author Page.

Also of note is her project Asexual Artists, which has been running for some time, and is meant to give a platform to a community of artists who are often ignored or marginalized.

#3: Megan Mackie

If you love worlds with magic and tech, you're in for a treat.

For folks who read my other blog, The Literary Mercenary, I had an interview with Megan there about her first book Finder of The Lucky Devil. In a world that combines magic and high-tech, Rune Leveau acts as a Finder for potent, and often lost things. When she's contracted by a cybernetically-enhanced corporate spy to track down a mysterious, wanted woman, things quickly go off the rails. A solid read, and the sequel The Saint of Liars is finally out! They'll keep you turning the pages, and when you have no more to turn, you'll start checking her release dates to see when the next one's coming out.

You can find all of her books, past, present, and future, on Megan Mackie's Amazon Author Page.

#4: Rick Heinz

I checked, the author DOES in fact have that coat.

If you cannot get enough of stories where the safe, sane, scientific world is peeled back by the ghoulish fingers of the dead and damned, then Rick Heinz may just be your newest favorite author. Following a man hell-bent on lifting the veil on the world of the dead, he soon finds himself caught between forces far larger than he ever suspected lurked in the world. The Seventh Age Dawn is a lot of fun, and you can find the author's other books on Rick Heinz's Amazon Author Page.

#5: K.M. Herkes

When your mid-life crisis gives you superpowers, things can get VERY weird.

We've all ready our share of superhero novels in this day and age, but K.M. Herkes puts a twist on her tales... what if you didn't develop your powers until you hit middle age? Or even older? She's got several books set in this universe, and they're unlike anything you'll read from DC or Marvel. So why not check out her book Rough Passages, or head over to K.M. Herkes Amazon Author Page to see if anything else there strikes your fancy?

That's all for this week's Moon Pope Monday update. If you check out any of the authors here, make sure you help spread the word about them, and leave reviews on their books. And, while you're at it, don't forget to stop by My Amazon Author Page where you can find Crier's Knife along with a dozen other books to keep you turning pages well into the new year!

For more of my work, check out my Vocal archive, or stop by the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio where I get together with other gamers to make shows for players and dungeon masters alike! To stay on top of all my releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. Lastly, to help support me, consider leaving a tip by Buying Me A Ko-Fi, or going to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page to become a patron today!

Looking For A New Gaming Blog? Then You Should Check Out Brisko's Table!

A while back, I was out to dinner with a friend of mine. We were eating some wings and talking about the current project I was working on, when the shift manager wandered over to chat with us. I knew him casually from when we both went to school, but we'd never been really close. I told him I was working on an RPG project for a client, and he got a wistful look in his eyes. He sighed, and said he wished he had a reason to bring his dice out of storage.

Needless to say, I gave him a reason.

I extended an invitation to him then and there, and within the week he brought a former slave ship's cook to my game, who just happened to be a 9th-level ranger. He finished out the campaign with my regular group, and was enthusiastically invited to the next game as well. He's been with us ever since, and I'm glad we had that one, chance conversation.

But I told you that story to tell you this story. Because the more we talked, the more I found that he really wanted to get involved in the world of professional gaming (which is to say the world of gaming bloggers, content creators, and writers). He just didn't know how. He was also a little uncertain... after all, who was he that his opinion should be out there on the Internet for the world to see?

A damn good gamer, in my estimation, and someone who has some pretty interesting thoughts on what makes games work and not work. Which is why, after some urging, he finally opened a blog of his own... Brisko's Table!

Welcome To Brisko's Table!

What's Brisko's Table? Well, it's a gaming blog showcasing the thoughts, experiences, and insights of Darrell Trager. It's still fresh, but don't let how new it is fool you. Darrell has some solid insights on the nature of gaming, and he's already shared a dozen posts laying out his thoughts and feelings on tabletop, console, and other forms of gaming.

His blog is still young, but you could do worse than checking out what he's got going on. And if you've got things you'd like to see, don't be afraid to leave a few comments! He's had a strong start, and it's only going to get better from here on out.

Also, if you're looking for other blogs you should be following, check out the Creative Repository Blog by Simon Peter Munoz, and That Boomer Kid to take a look at Clinton Boomer's work.

That's all for this installment of Moon Pope Monday. If you want to check out some more of my work, then take a look at my Vocal archive, and head over to the YouTube channel Dungeon Keeper Radio where I work with other local gamers on skits, advice, and general gaming videos. To keep up on my latest releases, follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. Lastly, if you'd like to help support me and my work, head over to The Literary Mercenary's Patreon page, or go Buy Me A Ko-Fi. Either way, there's some sweet gaming swag in it for you!

Want More Fae in Pathfinder or 5e? Help Support The Faerie Ring!

EDIT: For those who came across this recently, the campaign is over, and the book is now available! If you want to check out The Faerie Ring, it's up at RPG Now, and other fine retailers. There's also a campaign guide for Along The Twisting Way if you're looking to increase your adventure!

There are certain monsters you just expect to see in your average campaign. You're going to see devils and demons, you're probably going to have to deal with goblins, orcs, or kobolds, and some variety of undead. And, if you're very good, or very lucky, you're likely going to have to fight a dragon at some point. Depending on how angry you've made the DM, there may be a template or two on said dragon.

But what about when you're tired of all that? You've slain half a dozen lich kings, slaughtered a clutch worth of great wyrms, and you've upholstered your furniture in demon hide. Where can you go to get some adventure back in your game?

The Faerie Ring, of course!

Come dance in the circle... what's the worst that could happen?

What's The Faerie Ring?

I'm glad you asked!

The Faerie Ring is a Kickstarter going on right now from Zombie Sky Press, and the goal is to fully flesh out the fae as a race, and to give you more than the occasional quickling or redcap to add in to your campaign. The Faerie Ring gives you fae overlords, and details their realms and cities both on the material plane, and off it. It provides histories of these great lords and ladies, as well as the origins and tales of how the lesser fae races came to be. The book provides all the lore you could ask for, and then some, while also providing new creatures, templates, and even playable fae races for those who want to do something truly different with their games. More than just a bloodline and the few traits you're used to!

Who wouldn't want to get in on this action?

Also, just in case all that sweet, sweet world building wasn't enough to entice you, The Faerie Ring will also provide adventures for your players! Players who, unless they have a love of Celtic mythology and a rapacious appetite for Irish folklore, will be entering a world they're almost completely unfamiliar with.

Not only that, but this content is brought to you by some heavy hitters in the game design scene, including Monica Marlowe, Wolfgang Baur, Scott Gable, and Clinton Boomer!

Really, why wouldn't you want something this unique sitting on your game shelf, tempting players with truly unusual adventures in the realms unseen? All you have to do is help Kickstart it, and to do that, just check out the campaign and pledge today!

Well, that's my Monday update for those who want to stay in the loop regarding the coolest updates in gaming on the market today! Thanks for stopping in, and if you want to make sure you don't miss any of my future updates, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. Lastly, if you're in a funding sort of mood, why not help keep Improved Initiative going by stopping by my Patreon page to become a patron before the end of 2015? You can get a lot of content for as little as $1 a month, and there's free books in it for you if you squeak by before January.