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Jürgen Hubert quoted Schlesische Sagen 1 - Spuk- und Gespenstersagen by Richard Kühnau (Schlesische Sagen, #1)

Richard Kühnau: Schlesische Sagen 1 - Spuk- und Gespenstersagen (1910, B.G. Teubner)

The people know a strange legend of the Sibyl. Sybylla or the Sibylle is known to them as a great prophetess who is doing penance in an old tower for her sins. The most abominable monsters are in this tower, for example snakes, lizards, newts, turtles, and all kinds of vermin. The people - at least those who have not received an education on this matter, imagine turtles as flying monsters.

[...]

Then, finally, a turtle flew after [the duke of Lichtenstein] in order to tear him apart. However, it had no power over the fleeing man, as he had already passed the boundary [of the Sibyl's realm].

— Schlesische Sagen 1 - Spuk- und Gespenstersagen by Richard Kühnau (Schlesische Sagen, #1)

In case you need a new #dnd / #ttrpg monster: I present to you the flying turtle!

Jürgen Hubert quoted Schlesische Sagen 1 - Spuk- und Gespenstersagen by Richard Kühnau (Schlesische Sagen, #1)

One evening, a man from Deutsch-Petersdorf went home from Wichstadtel on the so-called "Scheibenweg" road. Suddenly, he saw a barrel with fiery eyes in front of him. He turned around and wanted to go back to Wichstadtel, and then he saw the monster before him once more...

— Schlesische Sagen 1 - Spuk- und Gespenstersagen by Richard Kühnau (Schlesische Sagen, #1)

Here's a critter that probably hasnt shown up in a #dnd / #ttrpg monster collection before!

I would not rule out an appearance in the #Pokemon franchise, however...

Jürgen Hubert reviewed Aztec philosophy by James Maffie

James Maffie: Aztec philosophy (2015, University Press of Colorado)

In Aztec Philosophy, James Maffie shows the Aztecs advanced a highly sophisticated and internally …

Not the easiest book to read, but very much worth it!

5 stars

It was probably a bit ambitious to read "Aztec Philosophy" as my very first book on philosophy, and thus it took me a long time to finish it. But it was very much worth it, since it allowed me to examine my own Eurocentric perceptions and assumptions on philosophy, metaphysics, cosmology, and so forth. And thus I recommend this book to anyone else who wants to gain a wider perspective on these matters.

Consciously or not (and mostly the latter), most people with an Eurocentric background (including those descended from European settlers) have internalized narratives about the world that are heavily based on both Greek philosophy and Christian theology - and this remains true even for those who have decided to reject Christianity. Aztecs - and other indigenous American people - have long lived in isolation from Europe, and have thus built up their own philosophies and metaphysics which has …

It was probably a bit ambitious to read "Aztec Philosophy" as my very first book on philosophy, and thus it took me a long time to finish it. But it was very much worth it, since it allowed me to examine my own Eurocentric perceptions and assumptions on philosophy, metaphysics, cosmology, and so forth. And thus I recommend this book to anyone else who wants to gain a wider perspective on these matters.

Consciously or not (and mostly the latter), most people with an Eurocentric background (including those descended from European settlers) have internalized narratives about the world that are heavily based on both Greek philosophy and Christian theology - and this remains true even for those who have decided to reject Christianity. Aztecs - and other indigenous American people - have long lived in isolation from Europe, and have thus built up their own philosophies and metaphysics which has shaped their understanding of the world in an entirely different way.

Central to Aztec metaphysics is the concept of "teotl" - a divine force (and not energy) that constantly recreates itself in new forms. Everything that was, is, and will be - from rocks and animals, humans, and to the very gods themselves - are merely temporary manifestations of teotl which will eventually decay and dissolve, and then their teotl will manifest in new forms. The goal for humans is then to maintain a good, stable, moderate life on this Earth for long as it will last - for nothing will last forever.

This is the merest gist of the complexities involved, but it is already a huge contrast to the Christian notions of an "eternal, unchanging divine" and the "temporary base matter" of earthly existence - to the Aztecs, there is no fundamental difference between the teotl within a mortal and the teotl within the gods. And while Christian cosmology has a clear beginning and end to Creation, Aztec philosophy does not - existence will always go on, although its form is constantly changing.

Even if you are not a student of philosophy, I recommend this book to #ttrpg players and GMs. For instance, I found that the concept of teotl as described in this work could work surprisingly well for the philosophical underpinnings of "The Force" in #StarWars - it would add some real nuance to the conflicts between the "Dark Side" and the "Light Side". And the concepts within this book could add a lot of nuance and ideas to other settings with complex metaphysics!

You can find a shorter overview article about the concepts explained in this book here:

iep.utm.edu/aztec-philosophy/

Jürgen Hubert commented on Shadow World Master Atlas - Second Edition by Terry Kevin Amthor

No cover — Terry Kevin Amthor: Shadow World Master Atlas - Second Edition (Hardcover, 1992, IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES)

No rating

Shadow World is probably one of the more obscure #ttrpg settings out there. I never really got into #Rolemaster , but this setting had a fascinating vibe, with its science fiction elements, deep history, energy streams, many small continents and island chains, and isolated cultures.

You could probably run some very interesting campaigns set in this world. Has anyone here done anything with it?

Jürgen Hubert quoted Schlesische Sagen 1 - Spuk- und Gespenstersagen by Richard Kühnau (Schlesische Sagen, #1)

The irrlichts (will-o'-wisps) were often seen in the Alt-Seidenberg area, and frequently led the carters astray. There was also a larger irrlicht, which was called "The Great Shining One". It frequently approached from the direction of the Röhrborn near Alt-Seidenberg, and made a curve around the village until it reached the Küppen Forest. While the common irrlichts swayed up and down and were significantly smaller, the Great Shining One moved in a steady course.

— Schlesische Sagen 1 - Spuk- und Gespenstersagen by Richard Kühnau (Schlesische Sagen, #1)

A boss monster will-o'-wisp!

Or worse, a manifestation of Cthugha...

#ttrpg #folktale #folklore #CallOfCthulhu

Jürgen Hubert quoted Pathfinder Player Core by Logan Bonner

No rating

Some deities sanctify their clerics and similarly devoted followers. This gives the follower the holy or unholy trait. The holy trait (page 456) indicates a powerful devotion to altruism, helping others, and battling against unholy forces like fiends and undead. The unholy trait (page 462), in turn, shows devotion to victimizing others, inflicting harm, and battling celestial powers. Deities that list “must choose” mandate gaining the trait and those that list “can choose” give the devotee the option to choose the trait or not. You can have the holy trait, unholy trait, or neither, but can never have both the holy and unholy traits.

— Pathfinder Player Core by Logan Bonner, Mark Seifter, Jason Bulmahn, and 1 other

As the #Pathfinder 2E #ttrpg no longer uses alignments, the "holy" and "unholy" traits are the closest substitute (since blasting demons with "holy power" is just too much fun).

But I wonder about the social and religious context for religions where the clerics can choose to have these traits. Is a cleric of Sarenrae who doesn't become sanctified as "holy" seen as insufficient committed to the cause? And what about priests of Abadar? They can choose to be "holy", "unholy", or neither. Does this correspond to different factions in the temple hierarchy, and if so how do they view each other?

I'm not criticizing here - I am genuinely curious how this works out from an in-setting perspective. #worldbuilding

Jürgen Hubert quoted Pathfinder Player Core by Logan Bonner

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Erik: You descend into a 30-foot-wide mining tunnel, with wooden beams reinforcing the walls and ceilings. You don’t see any traps, but a reptilian face with large eyes peeks out from behind a mine cart. At a closer look, it’s a kobold in a leather miner jacket.

Valeros (Luis): I’ll follow Merisiel down the ladder.

Kyra (Jessica): Me too.

Erik: As the sound of your footsteps on the iron ladder echoes through the mine, the kobold jumps out in panic! She takes a few steps further into the mine, then stops, as if she’s more frightened of whatever is deeper in than of you.

Kyra (Jessica): Oh no! Poor kobold!

Merisiel (Shay): Can someone calm her down? I’m terrible with people!

Valeros (Luis): I have a +3 Diplomacy. I’ll call out to her.

Erik: What do you say?

Valeros (Luis): “Hello friend! Don’t be scared, we’re here to help!” I rolled a 15 on my Diplomacy check.

Erik: Okay! The kobold seems startled, but then runs to you for safety. “Oh! Thank Torag you’re here!”

— Pathfinder Player Core by Logan Bonner, Mark Seifter, Jason Bulmahn, and 1 other

I realize hardly any veteran #ttrpg player reads "Examples of Play" anymore, but I am impressed here. The authors nicely set a tone of: "People who look different are people, too!" - even people who would have been designated cannon fodder in earlier editions of #DnD and #Pathfinder .

Well done, Paizo. Well done. The "evil races" whom it was okay to kill on sight was always highly problematic, and I am glad that this game is moving away from it.

Jürgen Hubert commented on Pathfinder Player Core by Logan Bonner

No rating

Now that I am slowly getting back into #ttrpg #worldbuilding , I should probably read the latest edition of the game the world will be designed around.

#Pathfinder

Jürgen Hubert commented on 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created by Charles C. Mann

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From the author of 1491 -- the best-selling study of the pre-Columbian Americas -- a …

This is the book where I learned that there were exiled Japanese samurai guarding silver shipments in 17th century New Spain (modern-day #Mexico ).

And ever since, I've wondered why there isn't an #anime or #manga series featuring this. At the very least, it would make for a heck of a #ttrpg campaign!

Jürgen Hubert commented on Cohors Cthulhu Player's Guide by Matt Goetz

No rating

Rise Up Against the Gods Themselves!

Welcome to an epic struggle of heroic mortals pitting …

Another #ttrpg in the category: "Backed the Kickstarter, no idea when I will actually get around to reading it."

Still, I love #CallOfCthulhu , and I am always up for more interesting historical setting. Plus, the "default region" is ancient Germania, so I might actually use some of my German #folklore research for this...

Jürgen Hubert quoted Salzenmund - City of Salt and Silver by Simon Wileman

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Whilst the chaos of the Turmoil subsides, an invigorated Empire seeks to leave civil strife …

"On the 25th of Sigmarzeit, Salzenmund celebrates Silberfest. The whole city comes out to watch colourful litters borne through the streets, each carrying a child dressed to represent a particular guild. The final litter is the ‘Silver King’, patronised by the Nordland Silversmiths’ Guild. At the end of the parade the ‘Silver King’ meets the prince of Salzenmund as an equal. The litters are carried to the waterfront, where the children take to boats and sail onto the Ormsdeep carrying lanterns to light their way. Finally, the Silver King reaches the centre of the lake and jumps into the water. In modern times someone fishes him out."

— Salzenmund - City of Salt and Silver by Simon Wileman, Dave Allen, Samuel Poots, and 1 other

It's little details like these that make the setting of the #WFRP #ttrpg come truly alive.

Jürgen Hubert commented on Scion Book One: Origin by Kieron Gillen

No rating

You are the child of a God, born to the magic of yesterday and the …

Scion is a fun #ttrpg with a great setting hampered by very badly explained rules.

I do hope we get a revised edition using the #Storypath Ultra rules a few years down the road...

Jürgen Hubert quoted Lucifer by Jeffrey Burton Russell

Jeffrey Burton Russell: Lucifer (Paperback, 1986, Cornell University Press)

No rating

Evil is an intrinsically fascinating topic. In Lucifer, Jeffrey Burton Russell continues his compelling study …

"...Anselm's first assumption is traditional. Evil is nothing. But he proceeds to analyze this concept rationally. By saying that evil is nothing, he does not mean that the word evil is meaningless, but rather that the concept evil (not good) is identical to the concept nothing (not anything). Such negative concepts have meaning only when referred to a good and a something, as "not John" has meaning only when it refers to John. The word nothing refers only to what it negates. In the same way, the word evil refers only to the good that it negates. Total and complete evil is the same as total and complete nonbeing, the void..."

— Lucifer by Jeffrey Burton Russell

It is fascinating how Christian theologians throughout the centuries struggled with the question: "How can Evil exist in a universe created by an allegedly benevolent and omnipotent God"? This book has plenty of historical perspectives on this question - and #ttrpg players who have cosmic forces of Good and Evil in their campaigns could probably learn quite a few useful things from it.

Jürgen Hubert reviewed Altdorf - Crown of the Empire by Dave Allen

Dave Allen, Jude Hornborg, Padraig Murphy, Alfred Nuñez, Clive Oldfied, Magnus Seter, Simon Wileman: Altdorf - Crown of the Empire (2021, Cubicle 7 Entertainment Ltd)

Altdorf is the capital city of the Empire and the birthplace of Sigmar Heldenhammer. It …

A good city book, but not a great one

4 stars

I love detailed #ttrpg city books, and at 220 pages in length, Altdorf: Crown of the Empire for #WFRP certainly qualifies. As the capital city of the Empire, Altdorf is full of factions, power groups, NPCs with secrets, and lots of tiny neighborhoods - each with their own character, yet all feel plausible and believable for the setting of the Old World (well, maybe with a few exceptions - the "Popular League Against Nobility and Taxation (PLANT)" revolutionary group reads too much like something from the 20th century rather than the "German Renaissance" atmosphere the setting generally goes for).

So, why didn't I give this book full marks? It isn't for the bad puns in the German-sounding names - as a German WFRP player, I've learned to tolerate these. No, my problem is that this book doesn't really do enough to make its individual parts interconnected.

The setting of Ptolus …

I love detailed #ttrpg city books, and at 220 pages in length, Altdorf: Crown of the Empire for #WFRP certainly qualifies. As the capital city of the Empire, Altdorf is full of factions, power groups, NPCs with secrets, and lots of tiny neighborhoods - each with their own character, yet all feel plausible and believable for the setting of the Old World (well, maybe with a few exceptions - the "Popular League Against Nobility and Taxation (PLANT)" revolutionary group reads too much like something from the 20th century rather than the "German Renaissance" atmosphere the setting generally goes for).

So, why didn't I give this book full marks? It isn't for the bad puns in the German-sounding names - as a German WFRP player, I've learned to tolerate these. No, my problem is that this book doesn't really do enough to make its individual parts interconnected.

The setting of Ptolus, as usual, shows how to do this right: Each time a character, a place, an organization or something else has a connection to something done elsewhere, there's a page reference to where you fan find more. As a result, you get the feeling that the city - despite its fantastic nature - is an interconnected, organic whole. In contrast, while Altdorf has a long list of fascinating, atmospheric neighborhoods, they all too often feel as if they exist on their own, with connections to the rest of the city only being hinted at.

Nethertheless, a GM interested in running adventures or even entire campaigns in Altdorf will find plenty of useful material in this book. But they should put in some added effort to make this city feel alive.

Jürgen Hubert commented on Fading Suns - Universe Book by Bill Bridges

No rating

Fading Suns is probably my favorite "kitchen sink" #ttrpg setting. You can take pretty much any adventure, any story, from any genre - and make it fit the setting somehow. I can't think of any other setting that has this sheer breadth of possibilities.