Yep, Episode 10 Book 2 has all the additional bits added...now I just need to polish it up, do some spell checking and it will be good to go!
Looks like it will weight in at 175 pages worth of fictional goodness for you all to enjoy! Hey! Save yourself some cash and quit dumping it on those crappy NEw Jedi order books and just read our fiction! Badass! And it's free!
So, the good news is it looks like it will be rolled out on time! The other good news is that it will be even bigger than the last intstallment. The downside?
None I can see right now. I'll keep you posted.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Hey! Thanks for checking us out!
This month we've experienced our highest total monthly page views ever!
WOO HOO!
It's great to see you folks are still out there checking us out and digging our stuff! And of course there is plenty more goodness on the way...new fiction (of course) and as always, Vehicles, NPC's and other odds and ends to either bring into your campaign or to just check out while you kill time.
So! Keep your eyes open! Lots of entertaining stuff is on the way and you won't want to miss a page of it!
WOO HOO!
It's great to see you folks are still out there checking us out and digging our stuff! And of course there is plenty more goodness on the way...new fiction (of course) and as always, Vehicles, NPC's and other odds and ends to either bring into your campaign or to just check out while you kill time.
So! Keep your eyes open! Lots of entertaining stuff is on the way and you won't want to miss a page of it!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Yeah, well when you look at it Empire had a lot of character development stuff too...
Wow, Book 2 is kinda taking on a life of it's own....
I mean, I'm adding some things in there, and the further I get into the dialogue between characters there is a lot thats really being put out on teh table...
Again, this is what happens when you give a character a voice and allow them to interact.
Still, I think it's all good stuff...assuming you like characters with more than one dimension who only serve as cannon fodder.
Anyway! Just a rambling thought I figured I would toss out there. It looks like it may certainly be the longest, book in the episode- though Boko 3 might eclipse it as well.
Might have to start offering these as printed sets when they are done...anyone interested can certainly e-mail me.
:-)
I mean, I'm adding some things in there, and the further I get into the dialogue between characters there is a lot thats really being put out on teh table...
Again, this is what happens when you give a character a voice and allow them to interact.
Still, I think it's all good stuff...assuming you like characters with more than one dimension who only serve as cannon fodder.
Anyway! Just a rambling thought I figured I would toss out there. It looks like it may certainly be the longest, book in the episode- though Boko 3 might eclipse it as well.
Might have to start offering these as printed sets when they are done...anyone interested can certainly e-mail me.
:-)
Tentative RS Site Update Schedule
Of course all updates will feature new bios, stats, vehicles artwork and everything else you’ve come to expect and cherish from Raptorsqaud.Net:
October: Book II Published
December: Book III Published
January: Special Feature! Be sure to check this out!
March-June: Next Fiction Published
Of course all this is (as always) dependent on Star Wars burnout/real life and everything else that tends to throw wrenches into the works.
October: Book II Published
December: Book III Published
January: Special Feature! Be sure to check this out!
March-June: Next Fiction Published
Of course all this is (as always) dependent on Star Wars burnout/real life and everything else that tends to throw wrenches into the works.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Is it me?
Just caught a feature on Gears of War 2.
The interviewer asked one of the creators if they were going to include A feature where you could pull of an enemies arm and beat them to death with it.
His response was “No, that was a line we didn’t want to cross.”
Cool, ok I can understand that, I mean, considering these games are nothing but interactive gore porn I applauded them for actually having a line to cross to begin with.
Then, not a second later, they show in-game footage of an enemy crawling away, wounded, missing like, both legs or something, and the “hero” basically unloading his weapon into the guys back and his body exploding into about six different pieces.
Well thank God they didn’t cross any lines!
Hey! Here’s an idea: instead of making it so easy to kill this enemy, why not make it a part of the game where you get more points for getting him to a hospital and get his ass some attention and keep him as a prisoner of war? Oh right, because most of the enemies in these sorry ass games are all “evil with no sense of redemption or loss over what they did”…right, no, that’s original, it really is. But more importantly for these useless hacks like Cliffy B or whatever his dumb ass is calling himself these days, it’s easy. See? That’s what it comes down to- create a blockhead of a “hero” with cool name, armor and guns, three sentences of a backstory and just set him loose on his killing spree. Because it’s easy and unfortunately there are enough people out there with disposable income who are willing to throw it at this unimaginative tripe.
But hey, your money, so feel free to waste it as you see fit.
I don’t know…back in the day I used to really love video games, and still do I guess. But some of this crap they come out with these days seems to fall on one side or the other- either goofy mindless turn-based anime or ultra-violent blood fests where you get labeled a “hero” based on how many kills you rack up.
Yeah, maybe it’s age, experience or a little bit of both, but I think there is enough real mindless violence in the world we have to deal with that we don’t need video games coming out that just adds to it and labels itself as “entertainment”.
And it’s sad, because some game designers do work hard to elevate their craft to a level that would be considered “art”, while others just slop a new coat of paint on crap and puke it back out to consumers. Games like Fable, Beyond Good and Evil, and Oblivion- those are games that cross the line from simply being a game to being a work of art- an interactive experience that can actually change you as a person and make you think about the consequences of your actions-while other games are about as fulfilling as mini rice cakes.
And I’m familiar with the old argument “its not the games that cause kids to flip out and go psycho”...and I used to believe that too…but now? I don’t know…while I don’t think the games themselves are entirely to blame, I think they do share some responsiblity- along with movies, tv and yes, of course, parents who don’t teach their kinds any freaking better. And unfortunately there are a lot of these kinds of parents out there.
I guess this isn’t so much about our website- though I would like to believe that when you see (or read) violent content in our fiction it has a frame of reference- there is a reason for it- it’s not simply mindless bloody carnage for the sake of mindless bloody carnage- plus Star Wars just isn’t that. Yeah, while we may be creating our own “mature” mythology, that doesn’t mean it’s mature just because we have over the top violence and sex- those are both the hallmarks of not only immature writers and creators, but lazy, sloppy ones as well. Don’t believe me? Go to your local comics shop and browse the titles- I would guess over 70% fall prey to these very problems.
Anyway, it just seems like for all of the money and “work” that goes into most of these games anymore, people aren’t actually even trying to make good games- just rehashing the same old crap and slapping new cover art on it.
But that’s cool, they have every right to make, market and sell it, and as a consumer I have every right to pretend it just doesn’t exist.
Sad thing is I seem to be doing that with a lot of the “entertainment” that gets produced these days.
Anyway, just my two cents. I think I’ll go home and play me some Centipede or Frogger now.
The interviewer asked one of the creators if they were going to include A feature where you could pull of an enemies arm and beat them to death with it.
His response was “No, that was a line we didn’t want to cross.”
Cool, ok I can understand that, I mean, considering these games are nothing but interactive gore porn I applauded them for actually having a line to cross to begin with.
Then, not a second later, they show in-game footage of an enemy crawling away, wounded, missing like, both legs or something, and the “hero” basically unloading his weapon into the guys back and his body exploding into about six different pieces.
Well thank God they didn’t cross any lines!
Hey! Here’s an idea: instead of making it so easy to kill this enemy, why not make it a part of the game where you get more points for getting him to a hospital and get his ass some attention and keep him as a prisoner of war? Oh right, because most of the enemies in these sorry ass games are all “evil with no sense of redemption or loss over what they did”…right, no, that’s original, it really is. But more importantly for these useless hacks like Cliffy B or whatever his dumb ass is calling himself these days, it’s easy. See? That’s what it comes down to- create a blockhead of a “hero” with cool name, armor and guns, three sentences of a backstory and just set him loose on his killing spree. Because it’s easy and unfortunately there are enough people out there with disposable income who are willing to throw it at this unimaginative tripe.
But hey, your money, so feel free to waste it as you see fit.
I don’t know…back in the day I used to really love video games, and still do I guess. But some of this crap they come out with these days seems to fall on one side or the other- either goofy mindless turn-based anime or ultra-violent blood fests where you get labeled a “hero” based on how many kills you rack up.
Yeah, maybe it’s age, experience or a little bit of both, but I think there is enough real mindless violence in the world we have to deal with that we don’t need video games coming out that just adds to it and labels itself as “entertainment”.
And it’s sad, because some game designers do work hard to elevate their craft to a level that would be considered “art”, while others just slop a new coat of paint on crap and puke it back out to consumers. Games like Fable, Beyond Good and Evil, and Oblivion- those are games that cross the line from simply being a game to being a work of art- an interactive experience that can actually change you as a person and make you think about the consequences of your actions-while other games are about as fulfilling as mini rice cakes.
And I’m familiar with the old argument “its not the games that cause kids to flip out and go psycho”...and I used to believe that too…but now? I don’t know…while I don’t think the games themselves are entirely to blame, I think they do share some responsiblity- along with movies, tv and yes, of course, parents who don’t teach their kinds any freaking better. And unfortunately there are a lot of these kinds of parents out there.
I guess this isn’t so much about our website- though I would like to believe that when you see (or read) violent content in our fiction it has a frame of reference- there is a reason for it- it’s not simply mindless bloody carnage for the sake of mindless bloody carnage- plus Star Wars just isn’t that. Yeah, while we may be creating our own “mature” mythology, that doesn’t mean it’s mature just because we have over the top violence and sex- those are both the hallmarks of not only immature writers and creators, but lazy, sloppy ones as well. Don’t believe me? Go to your local comics shop and browse the titles- I would guess over 70% fall prey to these very problems.
Anyway, it just seems like for all of the money and “work” that goes into most of these games anymore, people aren’t actually even trying to make good games- just rehashing the same old crap and slapping new cover art on it.
But that’s cool, they have every right to make, market and sell it, and as a consumer I have every right to pretend it just doesn’t exist.
Sad thing is I seem to be doing that with a lot of the “entertainment” that gets produced these days.
Anyway, just my two cents. I think I’ll go home and play me some Centipede or Frogger now.
Friday, September 19, 2008
This website is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some hot nubbin'
You know, if I were to apply a MPAA rating to our website I think it would weigh in at a respectable PG-13. Truth is, after looking back at some of our fiction, and the fiction that is to come, there are a lot of complex characters and some “adult” situations (and no fanboyz, not just physcial interactions- though there is some of that) that arise that may be too deep and mature for a lot of the SWRPG Community.
Now, while that may sound like a slam, it’s really not. Or if it is, don’t take it personally, or if you do at least hear me out, as it certainly doesn’t apply to everyone in the community.
Fact is, is that Star Wars is generally directed at younger audiences, and the Raptor Squad game was played by adults, who, while enjoying themselves and sticking to the overall feel of Star Wars, found themselves in more morally and emotionally questionable situations facing NPC’s villains that had more psychologically complex profiles than what you saw in the films.
And, not to go off on a tangent, but I think that is one of the reasons the prequels didn’t go over as well- Old George wanted to shoot a 3-film psychological profile of why Vader became Vader and after all was said and done, folks realized it wasn’t really that great of a story- but let’s be honest, after the mystery and buildup of TWENTY freaking years, there was little he could write or create that would live up to most fan’s expectations.
Oh, and the fact that there was no one you could really relate to in the prequels, unless you were a monk (Jedi) or a teenage girl with a thing for psychotic ten year-olds (Amidala).
Anyway, I think at the end of the day, what was begun around our gaming table and what I’m creating now with the site and fiction is more rich, full and artistically satisfying than what I saw in the prequels- because there is simply more meat to it and I have a venue that lends itself to this kind of character development. Yeah, I know this is a given, but it certainly explains my drive to continue the story…because, the characters are damn good characters and the story is a damn good story.
I also think this is one of the reasons why it’s hard for some folks to jump into our fiction and give it a try- there is so much history and complexity that it would take some thought and even emotional investment on a readers part to immerse themselves in the Raptor Squad universe.
But I also believe (based on what others have told me) that the investment is worth it. I like to think it is.
Otherwise I wouldn’t continue to create our own mythology.
Hopefully in the future (near future) I’ll be able to create a “Raptor Squad” primer-something that folks will be able to look at and read and get the general gist of the story and then jump in without having missed much (Marvel Comics had to take the same approach about ten years ago when their characters just accumulated so much history it was impossible to just pick up a simple comic and start reading). I think something like that would help folks get into our fiction without being lost and then allow them to go back and re-read the previous volumes to see the intricacies and dynamics that you can only understand and appreciate through reading the actual stories.
Basically a Raptor Squad Cliff’s Notes.
Just make sure Mr.Berg doesn’t catch you with it, or else he’ll toss it dead in the trash. Trust me, I seen him do it.
Now, while that may sound like a slam, it’s really not. Or if it is, don’t take it personally, or if you do at least hear me out, as it certainly doesn’t apply to everyone in the community.
Fact is, is that Star Wars is generally directed at younger audiences, and the Raptor Squad game was played by adults, who, while enjoying themselves and sticking to the overall feel of Star Wars, found themselves in more morally and emotionally questionable situations facing NPC’s villains that had more psychologically complex profiles than what you saw in the films.
And, not to go off on a tangent, but I think that is one of the reasons the prequels didn’t go over as well- Old George wanted to shoot a 3-film psychological profile of why Vader became Vader and after all was said and done, folks realized it wasn’t really that great of a story- but let’s be honest, after the mystery and buildup of TWENTY freaking years, there was little he could write or create that would live up to most fan’s expectations.
Oh, and the fact that there was no one you could really relate to in the prequels, unless you were a monk (Jedi) or a teenage girl with a thing for psychotic ten year-olds (Amidala).
Anyway, I think at the end of the day, what was begun around our gaming table and what I’m creating now with the site and fiction is more rich, full and artistically satisfying than what I saw in the prequels- because there is simply more meat to it and I have a venue that lends itself to this kind of character development. Yeah, I know this is a given, but it certainly explains my drive to continue the story…because, the characters are damn good characters and the story is a damn good story.
I also think this is one of the reasons why it’s hard for some folks to jump into our fiction and give it a try- there is so much history and complexity that it would take some thought and even emotional investment on a readers part to immerse themselves in the Raptor Squad universe.
But I also believe (based on what others have told me) that the investment is worth it. I like to think it is.
Otherwise I wouldn’t continue to create our own mythology.
Hopefully in the future (near future) I’ll be able to create a “Raptor Squad” primer-something that folks will be able to look at and read and get the general gist of the story and then jump in without having missed much (Marvel Comics had to take the same approach about ten years ago when their characters just accumulated so much history it was impossible to just pick up a simple comic and start reading). I think something like that would help folks get into our fiction without being lost and then allow them to go back and re-read the previous volumes to see the intricacies and dynamics that you can only understand and appreciate through reading the actual stories.
Basically a Raptor Squad Cliff’s Notes.
Just make sure Mr.Berg doesn’t catch you with it, or else he’ll toss it dead in the trash. Trust me, I seen him do it.
Monday, September 15, 2008
More Magic Mushrooms!
So, much to the dismay of my boys Big Al and Mikey and possibly a few other folks, I’ve realized I’ve inadvertently lied.
Gasp! Shock!
See, I’ve been talking about how Book 2 of the Episode 10 has been done for a while and is almost ready to go…but upon reading it, and polishing it, I’m realizing it simply needs…well…more.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s already weighing in at about 150 pages, and it’s really good stuff…I’m very happy with it and how it ties into Book 1 and how it opens things up and leaves a cliffhanger for Book 3…but there are some spots that end much too abruptly…that need more meat added…not just to beef up the page count mind you (which I never really pay attention to anyway- I tell a story and it takes as long as it takes-it’s not like my publisher is demanding three hundred pages a pop or anything), but…I don’t know…it’s just lacking in some spots and I feel the characters simply have more to say and I haven’t given them a chance to.
That’s the funny think about fiction. When you are in the zone and writing, you quite literally let the characters take over…you give them a voice, put them in a situation and let them go. It’s like I’ve told Elfgirl- I don’t write the fiction- that characters do. Sure, I’ve got an outline and a plot so that there is some structure to the story, but if the characters are rich, vibrant and real, then all I really need to do is drop them into a situation and let them go and see what happens.
To be honest, sometimes I’m even surprised at their actions myself.
So! What does this mean? Hopefully, not much. I was hoping to roll out the fiction and next update around the end of October, and I’m still planning on that, assuming I can work some time into my schedule to sit down and get some more writing done on Book 2. But, on the outside chance it takes a few extra weeks (which it really shouldn’t) I felt like it would be only right to give everyone a heads up.
But, like I’ve said before- hopefully the wait will be worth it!
Gasp! Shock!
See, I’ve been talking about how Book 2 of the Episode 10 has been done for a while and is almost ready to go…but upon reading it, and polishing it, I’m realizing it simply needs…well…more.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s already weighing in at about 150 pages, and it’s really good stuff…I’m very happy with it and how it ties into Book 1 and how it opens things up and leaves a cliffhanger for Book 3…but there are some spots that end much too abruptly…that need more meat added…not just to beef up the page count mind you (which I never really pay attention to anyway- I tell a story and it takes as long as it takes-it’s not like my publisher is demanding three hundred pages a pop or anything), but…I don’t know…it’s just lacking in some spots and I feel the characters simply have more to say and I haven’t given them a chance to.
That’s the funny think about fiction. When you are in the zone and writing, you quite literally let the characters take over…you give them a voice, put them in a situation and let them go. It’s like I’ve told Elfgirl- I don’t write the fiction- that characters do. Sure, I’ve got an outline and a plot so that there is some structure to the story, but if the characters are rich, vibrant and real, then all I really need to do is drop them into a situation and let them go and see what happens.
To be honest, sometimes I’m even surprised at their actions myself.
So! What does this mean? Hopefully, not much. I was hoping to roll out the fiction and next update around the end of October, and I’m still planning on that, assuming I can work some time into my schedule to sit down and get some more writing done on Book 2. But, on the outside chance it takes a few extra weeks (which it really shouldn’t) I felt like it would be only right to give everyone a heads up.
But, like I’ve said before- hopefully the wait will be worth it!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Graphically Speaking....
Man I love me some art.
Now, if you’ve ever even glimpsed the RS site you know this to be an understatement. But, fact is, I’ve loved artwork and the practice of creating ever since I was a little kid and drew my first picture of various snakes and reptiles (which would eventually get ripped in half by my no-talent brother out of sheer meanness- but I digress).
Anyway, I love all manner of art, and even though I’m kinda in a “#-d CGI” phase right now, that doesn’t mean I still don’t enjoy the more traditional methods, or, traditional methods using new technology.
That’s why I’ve been picking up some of the Instructional Gnomon DVD’s.
For you artists out there, these are a real treat. You get to check out some of your favorite artists and how they work, create and develop all of those beautiful pieces of art that you see on their websites and in “The Art of Star Wars” books.
Right now I’ve got around ten of these bad boys and I watch them whenever I get the chance. Really great stuff, and there’s tons of em out there- covering everything from creating tattoo’s to digital painting to working in a variety of mediums and 3d programs to sculpting. I’ve got more on my wishlist, but I can honestly say that I’ve not been disappointed with any of them.
Now, they are a little pricey- usually they go for about $50-60 each, but sometimes you might be able to find them used on Amazon or someone selling them on Ebay.
Still, if you are an artist and have the cabbage to spend, I highly recommend picking some up. Really great stuff and a fountain of information.
Hopefully I’ll get around to working in more traditional media soon and roll out some of my new stuff in the “Art of Raptor Squad” project I’ve been working on. I’ll keep you guys updated more on that here.
For now, head on over and check out some of the cool stuff:
The Gnomon website is: www.thegnomonsworkshop.com
Stop by and check it out!
Monday, September 1, 2008
The "Golden Age" Begins!
Happy Labor Day!
And for the record, you have no idea how much work and effort went into this latest update, but I would like to think it was well worth the wait. This ti9me around we have the first Book in Episode 10. This sees the introduction of Ubese bounty hunter Koort Ter’chon and kicks off what the players referred to as the “Golden Age” of Raptor Squad: the period of time where the team really came together and hit its stride. I’m very proud of this latest fiction and hope you enjoy reading it. It’s a bit long (almost 150 pages!) but I think it’s good quality stuff and a good “jumping on” point for new readers who may have been apprehensive about trying some of our fiction out given the team has so much history.
But! There’s more! As always you can enjoy the quality artwork done by myself and Elfgirl, as well as new profiles, ships and others goodies sprinkled throughout the site! So! Enough of my yammering! Dive in, check it out and as always we love to hear from you!
Feel free to head over to and check us out!!!
And for the record, you have no idea how much work and effort went into this latest update, but I would like to think it was well worth the wait. This ti9me around we have the first Book in Episode 10. This sees the introduction of Ubese bounty hunter Koort Ter’chon and kicks off what the players referred to as the “Golden Age” of Raptor Squad: the period of time where the team really came together and hit its stride. I’m very proud of this latest fiction and hope you enjoy reading it. It’s a bit long (almost 150 pages!) but I think it’s good quality stuff and a good “jumping on” point for new readers who may have been apprehensive about trying some of our fiction out given the team has so much history.
But! There’s more! As always you can enjoy the quality artwork done by myself and Elfgirl, as well as new profiles, ships and others goodies sprinkled throughout the site! So! Enough of my yammering! Dive in, check it out and as always we love to hear from you!
Feel free to head over to and check us out!!!
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