Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your with your friends and family! Have a great day!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Vampire Murder Dinner Game

Okay, so this one is a sort of unique post. Usually I'm talking about something to do with my work and writing. However, this time, I've got an idea for you guys, for a cheap, simple, yet incredibly fun dinner game.

I call it simply the Vampire Mystery Game.

This is a brand of game similiar to other 'Murder Mystery' games, and is meant to be played at a dinner party of between 10 and 20 people. However, once you have the basics of how this game works, you can adapt it for larger or smaller groups.

For background, I actually developed this game to occupy the minds of my nieces and nephews, and it worked really well. After thinking about it for a bit, I realized that it would be fun for adults too, and a few of the more complex parts of the game could be fully realized at dinner parties. So, with that said, I introduce you to the Vampire Mystery Game.

The first step in the Vampire Mystery Game is to choose what guest attendee is your Vampire. You might want to set out notes at the different sitting places for your guests, which will discretely tell your guests whether they are Vampires or Humans. Also, tell them to keep their verdict a secret. However as the game becomes more active, and players learn how to play, you will have Vampires claiming they are Vampires, if only to confuse investigators.

During the meal, you should explain, in full, the rules of the game. Essentially the game has two objectives, to turn all humans to vampires, or to kill all vampires. How will this be done, read below.

After the meal is completed, and you are ready to begin the game, you will divide the group into 'houses'. You designate a several rooms in your house as 'houses'. You will want to make sure that each of these rooms is outfitted to give the 'home-owners' something to do. Magazines, board games, drinks, deserts, television. You will also make sure that there is a water gun, or maybe a nerf gun in the room, which is the only defense the house has.

Then, you, the game moderator, go each house, one after another, and release the house for their 'investigation' for 10 minutes. During this time, they must wear hats, to signify that they are investigating. They may go to the other houses, and ask questions about who the vampire could be. Indeed the humans must work together, to weed out the possible vampires. When a human thinks he has an accusation, he may accuse someone of being a vampire (only at the end of his investigation). If he accuses someone of being a vampire, they must reveal whether they are a vampire or not. If they are the vampire, the vampire dies (removed from the game). He must tell you, the GM, if he had made others into vampires. If not, is tale ends there. If the person accused is not a vampire, the accuser goes to jail. Those in jail can answer questions, but may not participate in the investigation.

During the investigation, the vampires, disquised as humans, can pretend to take part in the investigation. If they get close enough to a person to touch them, they must then whisper to them that the 'tagged' person has become a vampire. A new vampire must keep their new identity secret, and continue with investigations, trying to turn others into vampires, until there are no humans left who aren't in jail. A vampire can only 'create' other vampires during their investigation turn, not when others come to their house.

Also, a person at their house, can shoot someone in their house, most likely to defend from whom they think is a vampire. When they shoot someone, the person must admit whether they are a vampire or not. If the person is a vampire, the vampire dies, and must tell the Game Moderator of other vampires it 'created'. If the person who is shot is not a vampire, the shooter goes to jail.

The humans win if they kill all the vampires. The humans lose if all humans become vampires or end up in jail.

Pretty simple game, right? Sounds pretty fun?

Tell me what you think!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Whew

Still hard at work on my newest Zombie book. So my posting will be less for the next few weeks, at least, until something comes to my mind to write about! Thats usually how it goes, right?

Maybe I'll post a preview chapter up here for you guys in a few days.

Monday, November 16, 2009

New Vampiric Mythopeia

Okay, if your familiar with the term Mythopeia, skip this first paragraph. If your not, its pretty simple concept to grasp, but fairly hard to trully comprehend. A mythopiea, as described by JRR Tolkien, is the collected information that goes into building a setting, but can also include the references that go into the creation of that setting. However the Mythopeia is so much more complex.

That being said, I created a new concept for Vampiric Lore. Why? Because I had been planning this for sometime, and unfortunately, I have come to another small writer's block. So I am going give you some background on the Vampiric Mythos I've created.

My Vampires are called Scythian Vampires. The, like other Vampires, need to feed on blood, but once they do feed, they can choose to pass on the Scynthian Virus, though they don't have to.

When a person contracts the disease, a select few (in a definate minority, usually 40% or less) will fight off the disease initially. However those that succumb to the disease slink into unconsciousness, in less than 4 hours. However, to the outside world, the person appears to be dead. Even to a trained medical professional, its hard to tell that these people are still alive, and only one who has seen this affliction before will know its signs. These signs include a temporary loss of coagulation in the blood stream of the infected, a pale color to the skin, and all veins appear blue in color.

Then the second stage comes. This usually comes anywhere from 8 hours to a couple of days, the infected rises again. In the vast majority of cases, the infected rises as a bloodbeast, an uncontrollable cannibal thirsting for the blood of any living person. It must feed off of at least a quart of blood per day in order to survive, but this won't prevent it from gourging itself, and it can consume up to 20 quarts in a single day. The creature is barely conscious, but it will communicate with others of its kind and even take orders from Scynthian Vampires. When these creatures bite, they automatically transfer the Bloodburn Virus, which only creasts Bloodbeasts. They have no control over this, though, the creatues typically do too much harm for their victims to rise successfully as Bloodbeasts. However, the Bloodbeasts lose interest in thier prey as soon as the virus imbeds itself in their victims.

A select few will rise from the second stage no as Bloodbeasts, but as Scynthian Vampires. Given dark gifts of strength, intelligence, and speed they need one quart of blood per day to survive. However, as they consume more blood, they grow in power.

Both Bloodbeasts and Scynthian Vampires are adverse to the Sunlight. Bloodbeasts are sensitive to light, and will not go out into it, unless under fear of pain or death. However, despite disorientation that the light gives them, Bloodbeasts don't lose much power. Scynthian Vampires, however, are not only sensitive to the light, but they lose much of their power while in the light, and are thus incredibly vulnerable. It doesn't kill them, so they will move through it if need be.

What do ya'll think? Zombie-like Bloodbeasts and the Scythian Vampiric Masterminds, right?

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Shopping a Literary Agent

Oh, my. This is a first for me. Just recently, my manuscript has picked up the pace, and I mean big time. I had previously defined the concept I wanted, and now Im making progress defined in my guideline. What Im hoping, is to have a book between 80,000 and 100,000 words. These books will be much cheaper to manufacture, and will definatly be cheaper for the consumer, helping to build my name.

Hopefully, this might give me the Royalties I need to sustain myself as well as further promote my own personal line. I easily recognize this might be the easiest way to get my work out to the masses, and conversely, allow me to build my own business.

So, to that end, Im considering contacting a Literary Agent. Any suggestions for what I should look for?

Your comments will be greatly appreciated!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Crimson Star Freebies!

Yup! Its that time again! Time for me to give you, my readers, more free stuff! Beyond just my rants and raves that I put here. I hope you guys enjoy it!

Today's freebie is the Emperor's Arcane. Just a little bit of a rules segment, for you D&D and RPG players. It modifies the D20 system, so that you have a point-based spell casting system, instead of the traditional Vancian system that is used. Its a simple system once you get used to how it works.

Click Here

I hope this will hold yall over until I can get the first issue of Knight Spectre out. Maybe Ill call it Knight Spectre X...for marketing sake. God, Im hilarious. Can you stand it? I know I barely can.

Anyhow, if you like that product, you will probably like my other book, Sedallia: Land of Sails. It sells in PDF format for only $2.99, so click the button below to pick it up!

Sedallia Campaign Setting

Also, leave comments of what you think bout my book!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Emperor's Take: Paranormal Activity

Hey everyone. This one was a bit overdue, as everyone was talking about this new movie, paranormal activity. So I decided to see it, and review it, if only because I seem to have an extended period of writer's block, mostly due to other events happening in my life right now.

Okay, firstly, you have to remember, the movie was made for $11,000 USD, which is really good, considering that I've seen some movies made for $30,000 which definitely didn't look as professional as this. Admittedly, however, the budget requirements of this production weren't as much as others. Either way though, my hat is off to them, if this is the case.

So whats the plot you ask? A couple in a relationship have only recently moved in together. However, the girl brings with her, an entity not of this world. It starts off with simple lights being left on, or keys moved around, but soon progresses to full-out terror. I won't give anymore, but its definitely a worthwhile story, with a scary twist at the end.

However, for all of it's hype, I found the movie lacking. It wasn't frightening to me, and I felt that the scares were too predictable. And you dint need a huge budget to write a unique script. But despite all this, my hat is off to them for what marketing success they did have.

So whats my verdict? Should you see it? Currently there is nothing better in the market right now for scary movies, though that might change quickly, so if you are going to see something, you might as well see this. However, if you can hold off, you might as well see it on DVD or HBO.

One of the things I really liked about the movie was the use of the Gonzo POV for the film. It reminded me of Quarantine, and this is a great way to immerse someone into the plot. Its definately a great ride for someone who is interested in hauntings or possession.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Crimson Star Entertainment: New Project & Fourth Kind Review

Im so excited. Only a day or two before I put up the first page of our newest project. I've decided on a name for it, Knight Spectre...or possibly Night Spectre, Im still debating that fine point.

But hey, I've got the rest of it plotted out. As I explained before, it deals with a Local Lord who has led his troops into battle. Tragedy befalls them, and he finds an artifact of great power, after being stranded behind enemy lines. After he manages to survive, he runs a geurilla war against the enemy.

Either way, it should be a great comic. When I get the final print in, I'll put a preview on both Squidoo and the site. So yall should definately check it out when its up.

So today, I saw the Fourth Kind. Once again, if you read my blog earlier, I often use the movies as a way to recharge my creative batteries. I had seen the previews for this movie earlier this year and was generally excited about it.

I will admit,the movie was chilling at times. It definately had a good bit of fright element, but the story was lacking more than I would have liked. Overall though, it didnt detract too much from the movie. If your familiar with the movie, at this point your shaking your head at my story comment 'It's based on real events', you would say.

Well, not quite. Go ahead, do a Google Search for Abigial Tyler and Nome Alaska. You will not find any support documentation. At most, you will find a website for Alaska Psychiatric Journal, which gives a bogus biography of her. However, this site domain was purchased in August of 2009, and has no other information dealing with the Psychiatric trade.

And while Nome did have some 22 mysterious disappearances, authorities determined that the vast majority of them were the result of alcoholism and harsh temperatures.

However, this does not stop the movie's producer and writer from going as far as he can to push the movie as real. Everything from showing off the archival footage, to having Ms. Jovavich give us an introductory out of character explanation that this is based on real case studies. The footage at first seems real, but you soon get the feeling that it isn't. If this footage was real, it would have already made some waves before hand.

Im interested in abduction theories, and know the story of Betty and Barney Hill almost by heart, why would this story, with such evidence, escape me? Escape everyone?

Either way. The movie is not so scary, the 'plot' is okay. But the deception is unacceptable. Im tired of these Blair Witch promotion tactics. At this point, Im discrediting the whole story, and recommending that you don't see it. Save your money. See Paranormal Activity instead.

If you have any infomation about this movie that you think will sway me, feel free to send it to me: Emperor@CrimsonStarEntertainment.com

I hope you readers found this useful! Ill see yall next time!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Next RPG Project

Okay, so in addition to the book I'm writing, and everything else Im doing, Im going to start a second RPG Project, probably around February. This one will be a spiritual sequel to my first project: Sedallia: Land of Sails.

In Sedallia: LOS, I present a modular campaign setting, involving the fictional island subcontinent of Sedallia. However, being modular, it was designed to be inserted into any campaign or roleplaying game, and make sense. It involves an Elven Empire with much steampunk influence. It creates a unique setting where you will find everything from Elven Colonialism, and Elven Mafia Organization, to even a Halfling Nomadic Community near the capital, who live, work, and love aboard their house/fishing ships. Here is a picture of one of these Halflings, made by Shaelrion in one of our many late night discussions.



Okay, so now you say, "Aight Emp! I get it, you want us to know about the old setting. I got that much...I'm a fan..." Okay, so maybe you don't say this, but a guy can dream right. Anyhow I imagine you waiting on the edge of your seat, "...now tell us about the new Project!!!"

As I said its the Spiritual Sequel to Sedallia: LOS, and will be called Seri: Island Empires, followed by Seri: Darkness in the North; and Seri: Southern War. Once these are produced, they will detail the entire planet of Seri IV, to include the two continents and the large island zone between them.

So what is Island Empires? It details the nations of Sedallia, Nagata, and a few other minor nations who have spread amongst the islands and archipalagoes that occupy the equator of the planet. It will also cover, in far more detail, the complex economy and technology that Sedallia has as it's disposal, and will expand on the economic rules presented in Sedallia: LOS.

The newest items will sell for $2.99 each as ebooks, while I will also offer a consolidated volume of all books for $4.99! Either way, though, you get a definate worthwhile product that will enhance your gaming sessions!

But definately; leave comments! And look forward to future competitions to promote the new books!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

My Reading List & Why You Need One

One of the main tasks of a writer is to read. From reading I can understand the new climate in literature, and provide reviews. More imporantly though, I can then read reviews from readers and adjust my writing to meet the market, if I think it's worthwhile.

Well, I came across a book called BoneShaker, which is a fantasy novel that combines two of my favorite elements, Zombies and Steampunk fiction. Involved in the book is the city of Seattle, devestated and left as a wasteland full of...you guessed it...zombies.

As you can see, with my current project, a science fiction zombie novel, I should hopefully gain some idea of what the audience wants, and go on to develope my own concept. If you are a writer, I would recommend that you develope a writing list as well. This list will help you develope your writing, and definately connect you to your potential audience as you review it, and seek out reviews.

So not only will you be refining your concept, but you will be, in effect, marketing your book, long before you have it written. Its a great practice, and can only help your writing. Then again, any reading is good reading!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Rose House

Hey readers! This is a repost from another blog of mine, but I enjoy this story alot, so I felt it was more than worth the reposting. It is te story of the Rufus Rose House her in Atlanta

Alright, so my first story for you, is that of the Rufus Rose House, off of Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia. I will cover the history of the house, then reveal to you some of the strange happenings that I've encountered at the house. Then I will talk about the state of the house today.

The reason I can talk so candidly and knowledgably about the house is because the house is on a tour-guide route that I do here in Atlanta as a Ghost Tour Guide. The house is a big part of my particular tour, so I had took it upon myself to do research and get as much background information about the house as possible.

The house was built in 1907 for Rufus M Rose, a distillery owner here in Atlanta. It was built for $9000 in 1907, which according to consumer price index, would be worth around $250,000 today. If you think that this is price for construction, if you added in all other market factors, the house could easily sell for over $1,000,000 today. The architect was a man named EC Siez.

The house was first inhabited by Mr Rose. He lived there with his family. He had at least one son and one daughter. As was the tradition of the day, he would have galas to show off his daughter, so that she might be married. There are rumors that say that his daughter had an unrequited suitor, but it can't be confirmed. He moved, with his family and his distillery, to Chatanooga.

The house then served as a boarding house for more wealthy, upper-middle class people of the time. We know that alot of the original furnishings were left in the house.

Later, the house served as a Museum and later an Antiques store. However, for the past 20 years, at the very least, it's been vacant. It is still for sale today.

So what makes me think that the house might be a source for paranormal activity? Well, when I first started my job, we did a tour to learn the route that we would be taking guests on. We brought a K5 meter with us, it detects electro-magnetic activity. We proceeded to ask about to see if there might be an entity that would set the meter off. We actually started to get some response, which surprised me. I checked to see if the meter was running to the house.

If your familiar with GE Power, you know that they keep enough juice running so that the meters work. Well, I think the grid had been disconnected because the meter wasn't working. Given that we were in the middle of the city, there was still plenty of random electro-magnetic energy to affect the K5 meter.

However, it was really odd because whatever it was answered three control questions, and then answered several questions specifically about the house. We found that, according to our mediums, that there was a female entity in the house, who had been murdered. There was also a young boy, but his story was, and still is unclear.

I became incredibly interested in the tour. And asked my employer some of the stories about the house. She has some specific stories and symptoms that affect her, as she is a medium as well. She reports sensing a large male presence near the house, and every time she approaches the house, she gets an intense sensation of heat in her arm and right side.

I found this interesting, because a few weeks later, I had a customer come with me on the tour, and reported getting a heat-sensation in her right arm. At first it didnt strike me as peculiar, until the very end of the tour, which I remembered my boss' own unique story. Either way, it just added fuel to the fire which was my interest in the house.

You can still see the house today. It is on Peachtree Street, literally only a few feet from Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles. If you have a real stash of cash, you can buy the house for the princely sum of 1.6 million.

The house has an interesting backstory, but not one with a compelling paranormal link. So if I were to rate it out of five, I would say a three. The paranormal happenings at the house, however, have been the most I've ever seen in any location, and that would get five out of five. The overall ambience of the house is great, it fits the haunted house stereotype almost to a tee, and deserves another five out of five.

The house as a whole gets a 4.2 out of 5, and is honestly a great place to visit, if only for historical reasons. Though at night, it certainly has the power to scare!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy Halloween

Oh, I love Halloween, despite the fact that I was inside all night, because I was expecting I would have a tour tonight. God forbid that I should expect a Ghost Tour's busiest night would be halloween, right? Anyhow, never got so much as an email, so what did I get done?

I marketed the blog tonight, and watch the Chiller Halloween movie marathon. Im a huge horror movie geek, so I loved every second of it. Especially the coverage of the 2009 eyegore awards.

Included in the awards were awards for upcoming indie movies, very short, but some of them incredibly good. Some that stood out to me:

Samaritan: About a, you guessed it, good Samaritan, who stops on the road and discovers what he thinks is a woman in trouble. Zombie madness ensues! Approximately thirty seconds long.

Lamaze of the Dead: What would happen at a Lamaze class in the midst of Z-Day? This film explores that. However, given the nature of communications, the viral would probably be proceeded by its own reputation, thus safely eliminating the chance for such a happening. Its still quite a funny short. Approximately 30 seconds long.

Bedfellows: The first place winner. Definately worthwhile...see if you can't download it. Excellent makeup. It'll make you think twice whenever you wake up in the middle of the night!

So definately, all films worth a view! I hope yall had a happy Halloween! Night Everyone!