Monday 31 May 2010

Their Fated Travels...Spoken Word Version Chapter 5 Complete

Chapter 5 is done.
That also ends book 1/season 1, in effect.

If you want more, then you're going to have to make some noise, folks. I will supply if the demand seems to be there for its continuation. I will be judging by likes/comments/views of the episodes and general feedback/feeling I get as a response.

Watch the playlist here - http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=16CE1006D27F4CF9

Wednesday 26 May 2010

Duz Andy Know? 100 Subscribers

Yep, it's a small milestone, but a milestone none the less! It's the first mini celebration of a growing indie show. 100 YouTube subscribers to Duz Andy Know?

Thanks guys, we appreciate it.

Keep spreading the word. Tell your friends - and tell them to tell their friends. let's see how many people can be warned: Pay attention or this may happen to you!

lol

Tuesday 25 May 2010

Wednesday 19 May 2010

TFT Spoken Word Version - Chapter 4 Complete And Thoughts

Here's the link for the playlist: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=16CE1006D27F4CF9

Here's some of my thoughts on making it.

This is the chapter where the party see combat at last. The bit I'm most proud of is part 4, where I have added more music, this time for the actual fighting scenes.
I limited myself to what was available from Bjorn Lynne, as a challenge (and it's free to use music!) With that in mind, that I didn't get to have songs made for me, I think I did okay. I am proud of the result, of how I spliced the tunes up and placed musical sections purposely against the spoken words to fit. I tried the very best I could with what I had. I hope you can tell and I hope you enjoy my vision for the series.
We got to hear a couple of the character "theme songs" in there too.
I do want to say though, I don't intend to have music in every fight. I will play it by ear. But this fight was so grand a challenge for them to face it just...it just felt right to have music. I think you'll agree.

I'm sure I will start work on chapter 5 soon enough. After that, I will have to consider how many views the videos are getting on YouTube and thusly how feasable it will be to continue on with chapter 6 after it. It's about supply and demand after all - and I have a ton of other demands pulling at me. It will be up to the fans, the readers, the listeners to convince me to use my time on TFT.

For now though, all the best!

RJF

Monday 17 May 2010

Rob's Thoughts On TFT Spoken Word Series Chapter 3

It's a slow starter isn't it? But that's a good thing. Lots of time is being taken to really let you get to know characters that are in it with you for the long haul. Three chapters in and no combat for the group yet. Chapter four is where they're going to meet up with something dreadful and sudden though...

I think it's the mark of a good adventure story where you can write that much storyline at the beginning and still have no fighting. It hasn't had to resort to it, yet. It's even more incredible when you consider that the setting is the Warhammer Old World! The Empire no less, amidst a coming war - The Storm of Chaos.

You are really getting to see how the characters interact with each other now. A lot of their deep seated idiosyncrasies and issues will be seen on the surface.

I feel I'm getting the character timings down to a place I'm even happier with. As with anything, the more you do it, the better you become at it.

Keep reading, and chapter 4 is being recorded now, just so you know.

RJF

Thursday 13 May 2010

Writer Thoughts On TFT Chapter 2 Spoken Word

The second chapter sees us meeting the rest of the party. The halfling at the end, Tobias completes the current lineup.

This was another Malvanius heavy chapter meaning more voice damage, lol.

Chapter 2 was shorter than chapter 1, but you will find that no other chapter is as long as chapter 1 anyway.

In the next chapter, we're going to explore a little more about Tobias, to learn how he became a master wizard while being 0% magically gifted (no halfling knows magic - they cannot!).

So, the witch hunter captain has set them a task and we're going to see our heroes try to uncover the truth in their own way.

Things have been a bit slow to start, but that is what you find with movies and series. If you're going for a long haul campaign, squinting into the distance you really have to give the characters a strong set up. Of course, much of their info is also being purposely held back from you.
In the first video I put out, the talk about making the series here I explain that we're going for the slow reveal technique that you would see in shows like 'Lost'.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. I've enjoyed making the first two chapters into an audio piece and as such I am going to produce the third chapter soon.
Meanwhile, remember the story can also be read on here, right up to chapter 15 (at time of writing).

RJF

TFT Spoken Word Version - Chapter 2 Complete

As above. All three parts of chapter two are live now -

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=16CE1006D27F4CF9

Wednesday 12 May 2010

Thoughts On TFT Chapter 1 Spoken Word Version

With chapter one now completed and online I wanted to give a quick write up on it for those who might be interested.
In this chapter we have fomally met Rissandrea, Maestro and Tordrad. Two more members will be introduced to us next chapter.

Malvanias was a difficult voice to maintain - it meant I had to reach for those lozenges. It's satisfying to play him though. He too is one of my characters who I introduced to the GM so that he could be used as an NPC in this. Actually, the GM does a pretty good impression of him too! lol.
You'll notice that Malvanius has that real policeman vibe about him. That is something he keeps switched on all the time. Everything is of note to him, nomatter how small.
Bringing Maestro into the mix with the witch hunter was hilarious fun to play between the GM and I. I was inspired by the spirit of their banter in my writing of the dialogue between them here, even though these words were not those exactly at the table.
Our GM has actually told me that he prefers the version of TFT that is put out afterwards by me over the table version of it.

Now, you might wonder why Tordrad is the way he is, unable to speak to the rest of the party? Well, it's simple. We were short of players and the GM really really wanted to play too but of course a full on player character could compromise the story, being GM led 100% of the time. I came up with the idea of having a character who would be present but unable to interact with the party, so that the GM couldn't accidentally help us!
It was this thinking that got me onto deciding his role, being a more servant/bodyguard type would further lessen his capability of involvement.
Tordrad is actually one of my favourite characters. You don't really get to know too much about him for a while. Later on though, in later chapters some of the story will be told from HIS point of view in journal form. That, I have to admit was bloody entertaining to write!

So, it all came together at the Two-Headed Goose. That fateful decision to go in there that night, for each of the characters, that had the effect of bringing them all together and eventually keeping them together.

I'll see you in part 2!

Rob

Tuesday 11 May 2010

TFT Spoken Word Version - Chapter 1 Complete

The introduction and parts 1-5 that complete chapter 1 are viewable as a playlist here - http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=16CE1006D27F4CF9

Music To My Ears

I'm happy to say that Bjørn Lynne's music was perfect for this project. I have used sections of his song The Alchemist.

If you're interested and want to see more, why not pop over to his website.

I want to give my thanks to the man for allowing the use of this music.

Sunday 9 May 2010

Warhammer: Their Fated Travels...Ch1 P1 (Spoken Word Version)

The first part is out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6waHHA4EAbM

TFT Audiobook Introduction - As Read By RJF

Those who have been following the series might be interested in an audiobook version of the story I'm thinking of outputting.


See the introduction video for it - and hear me explain about the story in person here -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cbW9HTAB6A

I have made a link for the playlist too when there is more than one video. http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=16CE1006D27F4CF9

TFT Audio Book Version Test Coming

I'm now running some tests to make a Their Fated Travels audio version happen. I would be reading it and playing all of the characters. I helped co create all of the characters along with the players themselves as well as interact with them at the gaming table sessions that inspire the story in the first place so I "know them."

I'm working on getting something up soon, to see if people like it. If it's popular perhaps I'll keep going with it!

Tuesday 4 May 2010

Their Fated Travels...(Chapter Fifteen) Trial of Fire Ablaze!

Read it at DA - http://robafett.deviantart.com/art/Their-Fated-Travels-Chapter-15-162960710

or below -

Their Fated Travels…




RPG Party events as told By Peter Davis-Parker

Second Treatment, plot co-ordinating, editing by Robert James Freemantle



Based on the 2nd edition WHFRP game chapter of the same name

This story contains spoilers for that book’s (Ashes of Middenheim) adventure



Chapter Fifteen

Trial of Fire Ablaze!





Extract from the diary of Tobias:

Day 40

After I rejoined the group at the trial my mind kept wandering. I spent years trying to forget, but that tavern made the memories come back.





The past – The Moot –

A halfling, Jeremiah Wilwart walked through the laboratory door flanked by two halfling soldiers who had been posted to him to protect his secret experiments of military interest. They headed towards his study. As he rounded the thin corridor he saw his twin sons inside the room, the door opened wide.

“What? What is going on here. You both should know my study is off limits.” he questioned.

The elder of the brothers – who was in fact only minutes older – shuffled uncomfortably. The other who was dressed in thieves garb spoke, “I needed to get the elixir you prepared father. You should not concern yourself though. You never cared for me before, only for your precious Tobias – and it was he who gave me the key. I fully intend to leave and you will never see me again.”

Tobias checked his pocket for the key protesting as he did so. The key was nowhere to be found however until Frederick opened his palm. “You see father I have the elixir and your notes, lest you want me to destroy both I suggest you tell your dogs to let me pass.” spat the younger of the two with venom dripping from his words, such was his hatred and jealousy.

Tobias struggled with a great internal conflict knowing why his brother had gone down the path that he himself had trodden long before. He knew that Frederick was a substance abuser now because... “Tobias” started Jeremiah, “what have you to say for yourself? How could you be so damned irresponsible? I thought you were done with that nonsense and now you have corrupted your brother it seems”

His thoughts interrupted, Tobias found himself without an answer. How can I betray father, but if Frederick’s condition is my own fault…but before he could make his mind up Frederick pushed past him and their father. The older halfling struggled to restrain his son and took from him the vial. “Son I know the thieves’ guild sent you for the recipe to the elixir and if it is so important to them, think what good it can do for this family.”

With that, the old halfling took the recipe in hand and put it above a nearby bunsen burner flame. It burned up quickly. The two soldiers present gasped as Jeremiah continued, “You will not take this though, one day you will understand.” Jeremiah put the vial back into his jacket. “Guards, take him away. Maybe a few days in the cells will give him time to detoxify his system from whatever foul substance lurks in his veins.”

Later that evening a shadow was cast over the cells. “Oh, it's you. What do you want? Come to gloat?” Spat Frederick, at Tobias who made his way quietly into the area in front of his brother’s cell with a look of greatest sorrow on his face.

Tobias only stared and began reaching into his pocket.



The present – Middenheim –

“Tobias is something the matter? You seem very deep in thought. Very unlike you.” Dieter asked nudging the halfling’s shoulder, a little harder than he would anyone else’s.

Shaking his head violently as if chasing the thoughts from his mind Tobias answered distractedly, “Yes Dieter I am fine. That kind of concern isn’t the norm for you though, is it?”

Dieter sneered at the halfling and swore under his breath. “I have a degree of concern for all of the group you little sneak-thief. Even you, but that doesn't mean you can keep trying to steal my wallet without consequence.” taking back his wallet.

Dieter moved to the front of the group to see Maestro had already grabbed the attention of the mob and he had been hurriedly pushed forward to give testimony in the trial. He spoke remarkably well and produced the evidence when asked. If Dieter and the rest of the group were not present it would scarcely have been believed. When asked about the ‘Sword and Flail’ tavern, Maestro gestured for Tordrad to come forward, which the Kislevite did - protecting a man huddled underneath a cloak to conceal his face. The cloak was removed to reveal Johan Opfer who then gave testimony on stage of his investigation and subsequent capture.

Maestro rejoined the group and told them quietly, ”Stolz seems glad that we got him back. Oh, how do you think I did?”

Dieter glanced up to the witness stand and then to the stocks where Bauer was being guarded more for his own safety than that of the so called jurors, who themselves were nothing more than an angry gang. “I dislike this entire trial. Something feels wrong here but I can't place it. You spoke remarkably well.”

Rissandrea nodded in agreement as Dieter added, “It looks like you have a future as a public speaker.” He then grinned at the thought of Maestro delivering a speech to a large crowd, being that the wizard was such a coward and usually had an inclination to blather on more than was necessary.

Somebody yelled that a dog had bitten their leg and Dieter looked down to see Ulger was still at his side. Another moaned that their wallet had been stolen and Dieter looked to see Tobias was no longer at his side. He sighed with aggravation. He had seen trials before and found them to be largely a formality. The judge and jurors had their minds made up long before the opening arguments had been concluded, for the most part as this trial was truly about one religion versus the other and each man present worshiped Ulric.

Maestro enthusiastically pointed, “Oh look, Liebnitz is calling the High Capitular Stolz himself to the stand. I don't believe they do that sort of thing normally. He must have some evidence. Perhaps the skuh...” Dieter clamped a hand over the wizard’s mouth as a couple of people looked around and then looked back at the trial. Dieter removed his now damp hand as Maestro had finished his sentence even gagged.

Dieter hurriedly spoke to mask Maestro’s muffled voice, “Mentioning such a thing here, now would be a bad idea. Such notifications would cause panic. We have seen one riot I would rather we not have another.”

All Maestro could reply with was, “When was the last time you washed that hand, my man?”

Dieter ignored him.

Upon the stand, things were heating up, “Mr Stolz could you please verify whether an icon of Sigmar was recently stolen from your temple? Think carefully Mr Stolz.” enquired Liebnitz, his tone official but with a hint of scorn for the man he had just called to the stand. The crowd yelled loudly at Bauer as Stolz’s response was drowned out under the noise.

”Well Mr Stolz I suppose we have some good and bad news. Here is your icon, but why is there a symbol of Khorne engraved on the back?”

As he said this, Liebnitz turned the frame around for everybody to see. There clearly was a mark of the blood God present on it! After a moment of stunned silence, pandemonium erupted. The crowd began to riot in two groups - the followers of Ulric and the followers of Sigmar.

The resulting wave forced the party forward amongst the throng. Among the cries of 'BURN THE HERETICS!' and many others less repeatable, the city guard was called in and the officials retreated to the safety of their respective Temples. The group fought their way through the throng and back to some semblance of relative safety in the Temple of Ulric now. There were too many people in public view for anything else to happen to the group, they reasoned – and by this time, they were so annoyed at the process of corruption about them that they would have welcomed an attack by the guards. No one was stupid enough to try it, much to Dieter’s dismay.



The group sat around the dining table where Father Odo had lost his life recently, or had it lost for him by one of the party’s many bladed weapons after his chaos spawn transformation of course. Some of the group saw Dieter take a bite out of a herb wrapped bar which was filled with some dark substance.

“Dieter what the bally heck are you are eating my good man? Seems unlike anything I have seen before and I must say it has piqued my interest.” Maestro leaned forward over the table expecting an answer when Rissandrea spoke up. “We are in the middle of a city wide riot and you are curious about Dieter's snacks. You are truly one of a kind Maestro Rophel Illefescion.” to which he quickly added, “In the flesh” grinning sheepishly.

“Yes in the flesh.” began Dieter, sounding put out in his voice he continued, “It's made from medicinal herbs and a small amount of gunpowder. It helps to keep the... the headaches at bay. Keeps me from doing things I might regret later. Alas, I think there is no cure for you though Maestro…”

The wizard smiled stupidly and mentioned, “Oh, magic is no problem anymore. Anything I need to know now is engineering related. Nothing a good spanner couldn’t fix.”

Dieter nodded with a sadistic internal thought showing on his face, “I couldn’t agree more.”

Maestro thought for a moment on what Dieter told him about the herb bar and was seemingly satisfied.

Rissandrea then asked out of concern, “What is it with your headaches? I have noticed them more often since you joined us - if you don't mind my asking.”

Dieter sighed before taking another bite, “Head injury long ago have had them since., it is not important. Where the hell is Liebnitz? I want to get that skull destroyed and get out of here.” Father Ranulf walked into the room with a small portable chest in his hands. By the way he was carrying it, it didn’t appear to be very heavy.

The priest spoke to them, “I don't know where Liebnitz is but I have the skull right here. I need you to take it to Professor Zweistein, even though the city is under curfew.” Maestro and Dieter looked each other in the eyes and both said together “OPEN THE BOX. I WANT TO SEE IT FIRST.” The priest shuffled uncomfortably but did as asked. Upon opening the box the group found the skull was already missing. In its place was the severed head of Johann Opfer!

Father Ranulf looked horrified.

Maestro raised his eyebrows and squinted one eye.

Rissandrea gasped and closed her eyes in silent prayer.

Tobias picked another pocket nearby.

Tordrad stared at the water in his goblet and wished it was potato vodka.

“Knew it” said Dieter smugly.

TFT Summed Up

I just wrote on an online forum my summation of Their Fated Travels...and why I think it is a worthy read. This is what I wrote -

It's a story about a group of unlucky misfits who keep finding trouble everywhere they go. Writing inspired by our group's tabletop experience with WHFRP. The good points of this are that:


1. You know it is character centric - lots of depth go into making the characters truly be alive in our heads, not just somebody to speak lines. Read it and you'll see what I mean.

2. Things like injury and death aren't dreamed up by the writer. If they happen, they will have happened at the table itself. This means that no one is "safe" and that any situation is dangerous to any character - adding a sense of realism, of danger to the situations that you wouldn't normally find in "fantasy hero fiction".

You can read all 15 chapters of TFT here - http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5775192/1/Their_Fated_Travels

Monday 3 May 2010

Comic Therapy Issue 1 - 'Til Death Do We Part...Oh Forget It


Comic Therapy - We've Got Issues!

Click the issue to enlarge. Keep clicking to make it bigger.

Comic Therapy Relaunch - Coming Today

Comic Therapy is back. It won't have a constant output of issues. Only when any given artist has the time to work on it. So it's going to be a relaxed affair. But stay tuned here so you won't miss an issue.