Nice pic of the original Polyhedrals

Nice pic of the original Polyhedrals

Originally shared by Cory Gahsman (DM Cojo)

Such a beautiful sight!

Got our contributor copy of Jon Wilson's Fantastic, Exciting, Imaginative zine.

Got our contributor copy of Jon Wilson's Fantastic, Exciting, Imaginative zine. Many thanks, friend! Lots of good stuff here that took me back to 1978 and the hobby shops of my youth. Elmer approves...

Folks have been sharing their takes on the Holmes Sample Dungeon, so Itook some screenshot of mine, done on the...

Michael Grutchfield wrote:

Folks have been sharing their takes on the Holmes Sample Dungeon, so I took some screenshot of mine, done on the Roll20 sandbox.
The first is zoomed back as far as I could, the others show some areas that are cut off in the full display at a closer zoom.

I got mine! Thanks, Jon Wilson.

Tony Rowe wrote:

I got mine! Thanks, Jon Wilson.

Sample Dungeon game session report by captcorajus

New draft of the Zenopus Sample Dungeon map using #gridmapper by AlexSchroeder.

New draft of the Zenopus Sample Dungeon map using #gridmapper by Alex Schroeder. https://alexschroeder.ch/wiki/Gridmapper Based on suggestions by Alex I edited the .svg file to make the font Futura and 14pt, and used a Unicode character for the coffins. I also added more room features, and three circular rooms representing the thaumaturgist's tower, which is not shown on the original map, just described in the text. Noah Leben
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/click-for-larger-view-i-recently-became.html

I'm putting out contributor copies of Fantastic!

I'm putting out contributor copies of Fantastic! Exciting! Imaginative! before the release of the pdf to the general public...

But I don't have contact info for

Shane Ward
nor
Denis McCarthy

So if either of you as named contributors would like a print copy of the zine, shoot me an email at wilson 4 6 8 12 20 at gmails

I will have a limited number of print copies on hand after the contributor copies are all out in the mail, and in the interest of public disclosure on a perpetually-free product, I wanted to say that the concept for these is to have them handy to donate to fundraisers and good causes and that sort of thing, as I've seen such come up from time to time, and figured why not be able to pitch something in...

Once these are winging their way contributor-ward, the next announcement will be where you can download your very own copy of the zine!

DungeonCrafter version of Sample Dungeon Map

Piper wrote:

Holmes Dungeon Map: I don't recall if I posted this here or not. Inspired by Zach's posting of the Gridmapper version I thought I'd share mine. I did it a few years ago with DungeonCrafter II or III and edited with AutoRealm and Paint Shop Pro.

Re-creation of the Sample Dungeon map using Gridmapper by Alex Schoeder: https://alexschroeder.ch/wiki/Gridmapper

Re-creation of the Sample Dungeon map using Gridmapper by Alex Schoeder: https://alexschroeder.ch/wiki/Gridmapper
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/click-for-larger-view-i-recently-became.html

Saw Moana today with the kids & enjoyed it. Spoiler below:

Saw Moana today with the kids & enjoyed it. Spoiler below:









Most unexpected part: One scene was highly reminiscent of Fury Road (!), of all things. I checked later & it was intentional!

I always associate the spell Magic Mouth with Holmes Basic, because (1) it's in Holmes but didn't make it into the...

I always associate the spell Magic Mouth with Holmes Basic, because (1) it's in Holmes but didn't make it into the later Basic line, and (2) it is used/mentioned in the original versions of both Holmes modules, B1 and B2. Here Delta takes a look at the variations in Magic Mouth that have appeared in the D&D rules over the years.

Close up of the #skullmountain sketch from the character sheet.

Close up of the #skullmountain sketch from the character sheet.

It's been a while, but here's a new draft of the blank Character Sheet for Holmes Ref:...

It's been a while, but here's a new draft of the blank Character Sheet for Holmes Ref: http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/character-sheet-new-draft.html
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/character-sheet-new-draft.html

Played Forbidden Island for the third time tonight.

Played Forbidden Island for the third time tonight. First time at the Normal level versus Novice. Our team of three (Pilot, Diver, Explorer) made it off the island with all four treasures just before the entire island sank.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/65244/forbidden-island

Eastern Wizard mini by Minifigs, painted by Holmes:

Eastern Wizard mini by Minifigs, painted by Holmes:
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/eastern-wizard-miniature.html
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/eastern-wizard-miniature.html

I grabbed some images of Green Dragon mini from the auctions & featured it on the blog today: http://zenopusarchives.

I grabbed some images of Green Dragon mini from the auctions & featured it on the blog today: http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/dragon-miniature.html
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/dragon-miniature.html

Want to own a piece of Holmes history?

Want to own a piece of Holmes history?

Was bidding on several lots of old Minifigs miniatures, when I noticed this in the auction details:

"From the estate of J. Eric Holmes, who was the editor of the original TSR Basic Dungeons & Dragons game as well as a noted Science Fiction author who published "Mahars of Pellucidar" (a sequel to At the Earth's Core). We will be selling off a large portion of his astounding collection of comics, books, magazines, games, fanzines and other memorabilia from a lifetime of sci-fi and fantasy fandom. "

Pretty cool! Hopefully some of the proceeds are going to the Holmes estate..

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Games/233/m.html?item=381960586393&hash=item58eea00499%3Ag%3AyoQAAOSw4CFYnkrF&_ssn=www.billygalaxy.com&_sop=15
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Games/233/m.html?item=381960586393&hash=item58eea00499:g:yoQAAOSw4CFYnkrF&_ssn=www.billygalaxy.com&_sop=15

Vote for a "Dungeon Master" Lego set:

Vote for a "Dungeon Master" Lego set:

Originally shared by Robert Diber

This would be a great way to get kids interested in RPGs.

The way LEGO​ Ideas works is you vote for the ideas you like and LEGO​ will consider making it a buyable set. They just past the 10,000 threshold to be considered.

Spread the word and vote.
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/165437

If anyone is going to DundraCon this weekend (bay area CA), there is a Saturday morning Holmes game, Beyond the Door...

If anyone is going to DundraCon this weekend (bay area CA), there is a Saturday morning Holmes game, Beyond the Door to Monster Mountain. I am so looking forward to that!!

John Eric Holmes was born on Feb 16th, 1930, so today marks the 87th anniversary of his birthday (he passed away in...

John Eric Holmes was born on Feb 16th, 1930, so today marks the 87th anniversary of his birthday (he passed away in 2010, age 80).

And 40 years ago this month, in Feb 1977, he had just finished editing the manuscript for the Holmes Basic rulebook. This summer in July we will mark 40 years since the publication of the Holmes Basic set.

As a tribute, please leave your Holmes Basic testimonials here or the blog post (started in 2012 and updated periodically): http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2012/02/holmes-basic-testimonials.html
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2012/02/holmes-basic-testimonials.html

I just recently became aware of Gridmapper by Alex Schroeder

I just recently became aware of Gridmapper by Alex Schroeder
https://campaignwiki.org/gridmapper.svg
To learn it I re-created the Zenopus Sample Dungeon Map. I enjoyed using it. Drawing is very easy including making changes (removing tiles). What I have had the most trouble with is saving a version as an image. I can't figure out how to save a file that is as high resolution as what I see on my screen. Noah Leben

Mock-up of Holmes Basic cover without graphics

Dwarven ale wrote:

Sans graphics.

The origin of Skull Mountain? #skullmountain

The origin of Skull Mountain? #skullmountain

Originally shared by Christopher Mennell

Fallen Titan by Jinho Bae

Found on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Art/comments/5tdt8h/fallen_titan_by_jinho_bae_digital_2016/?st=IZ1VDKYF&sh=5f0da06a

So close to having F.E.I. done, it's driving me a bit bonkers that it isn't finished yet...

So close to having F.E.I. done, it's driving me a bit bonkers that it isn't finished yet...

I think it'll be done and out in the wild next week.

You'll be the first to know.

If you missed my previous post to Circles, I'll be at Gary Con this year. Here's my schedule so far:

If you missed my previous post to Circles, I'll be at Gary Con this year. Here's my schedule so far:

Fri (arriving in the morning)
12-4 Acrid Herald (spy-type RPG) scenario with Merle Rasmussen (author of Top Secret)
4-8 "The Last Great Adventure - in 3D" AD&D adventure with Harold Johnson (author of C1 Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan)
9-12 Gen Con 50 celebration at Horticultural Hall, original home of Gen Con

Sat
8-12 Orc's Drift CHAINMAIL game
2-4 Dungeon! boardgame with the designer David Megarry

Sun
10-12 Dragon Lairds with Tom Wham
12-4 Braunstein IV: Banania with David Wesely

Still have a few slots left on Saturday; I may sign up for some of the Keep on the Borderlands 5E.

Originally shared by Zenopus Archives

It's official: I'm going to Gary Con for the first time this year, from Fri-Sun. Forty years ago in 1977 Gen Con was held in the same hotel. Still choosing events, but so far I'm in several games run by their creators: Dungeon with David Megarry, Dragon Lairds with Tom Wham, a Braunstein variant with David Wesely, plus a Gen Con 50 celebration at Horticultural Hall, where the first Gen Con was held.

Some pictures of Gary Gygax through the ages.

Some pictures of Gary Gygax through the ages.
https://www.kirith.com/random-wizard/articles/gary-gygax-pictures.html

It's official: I'm going to Gary Con for the first time this year, from Fri-Sun.

It's official: I'm going to Gary Con for the first time this year, from Fri-Sun. Forty years ago in 1977 Gen Con was held in the same hotel. Still choosing events, but so far I'm in several games run by their creators: Dungeon with David Megarry, Dragon Lairds with Tom Wham, a Braunstein variant with David Wesely, plus a Gen Con 50 celebration at Horticultural Hall, where the first Gen Con was held.

Modron minis, perhaps?

Modron minis, perhaps?

Chits: true old school

Originally shared by Mark Hunt

Now, if you are true old school you use these in your game!

Simon, the man behind the Delving Deeper RPG, takes an in depth look at Holmes Second Combat Example in the Holmes...

Simon, the man behind the Delving Deeper RPG, takes an in depth look at Holmes Second Combat Example in the Holmes Manuscript in the context of the Chainmail & OD&D combat rules. I've read it over once but don't have time at the moment for more commentary.

Originally shared by Simon Bull

As part of my study of D&D combat rules for DD5 I've done a detailed analysis comparing some of the combat examples in Holmes to the CM order of battle.

First part of a bigger post here: http://www.immersiveink.com/?p=267

Zach H may be interested.
http://www.immersiveink.com/?p=267

Further notes on the 1971 Great Kingdom Map, based on a copy located by Dave Megarry.

Further notes on the 1971 Great Kingdom Map, based on a copy located by Dave Megarry. Thanks to Daniel Boggs for giving me this opportunity. This map will soon be appearing on the Secrets of Blackmoor FB page. #quagkeep
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2017/02/megarrys-copy-of-great-kingdom-map.html