Books read in 2021: No. 21 -- The Second Book of The Chronicles

published by Zondervan

Started: April 27
Finished: April 30

Notes: Since I've just finished reading The First Book of The Chronicles, I'm going ahead and reading this book from the Bible.

Mini review: This one turned out to be a condensed version of the history of Israel and Judah from the death of King David to the exile and then return of the Israelites to Israel and Judah. All of this was pretty much already covered in The First and Second Books of the Kings.

Going Super over at Black Gate

At Black Gate this week, I take a look back at ye olde Marvel Super Heroes RPG, also commonly known as FASERIP.

Over at Rogue Blades

My Rogue Blades article this week suggests that while we talk a lot about fictional heroes, let us not forget the heroes in real life.

Books read in 2021: No. 20 -- The First Book of The Chronicles

published by Zondervan

Started: April 23
Finished: April 26

Notes: I've been spacing out my Bible readings so I won't get burned out, but now it's time to get back at it.

Mini review: Much of this was made up of lists. List of genealogy from Adam to David, lists of priests and their various duties and their families. But some of this was a condensed version of the life of King David.

Beer of the Week: Saranac Black Forest

Beer score: 6.9

Company: Saranac

ABV: 5.5
IBU: 20

This beer comes and goes in the market, so sometimes it can be difficult to find. This used to be a staple Saranac brew, but back in 2015 they dropped it, then brought it back. It's sort of seasonal, I suppose, but whenever you're lucky enough to find it, it's worth a try.

It's dark when you pour it, and it has a pale, foamy head. It's hardy going down and has a good, strong flavor that's not unlike burnt caramel, maybe toffee, but not sweet.

This is a solid beer for beer snobs who have moved just beyond the novice stage. I wouldn't call this an overly unique drink, sort of a typical dark beer, if there is such a thing, but still, it's a good beer.

At Rogue Blades this week

My Rogue Blades article this week is about being the hero you want to be by playing tabletop roleplaying games. Enjoy!

Books read in 2021: No. 19 -- Savage Worlds Adventure Edition Roleplaying Game

from Pinnacle Entertainment Group

Started: April 18

Finished: April 23

Notes: During the last decade or so I've played one version or another of the Savage Worlds tabletop RPG on various occasions, always just using the rules as I picked them up from play. This wasn't too difficult because Savage Worlds is to some extent based upon the rules used for the Deadlands game, which I'm quite familiar with having played that game a lot back in the '90s. Still, as one of my regular gaming groups is planning a couple of upcoming campaigns using the Savage Worlds rules, I thought maybe it was time I actually read one of the rules books from beginning to end so I would know more of what I was doing.

Mini review: Reading this makes me look forward all the more to starting a campaign with this game in the coming days. Once players get used to this system, I think they'll find it provides faster player than a lot of RPGs out there. It's also a bit more deadly in combat, from a character's point of view, but also less so at the same time, meaning the fights themselves tend to be more realistic than in some systems but the healing options are generous. If that made sense.