So, I’ve been a bit quiet and a bit detached these last few weeks as my dad died in early April. We were close and had a good relationship and I miss him a great deal. Even as I write this I am overcome with emotion. But this post isn't about loss but rather inspiration.

I have drawn and painted and made things my whole life and I attribute so much of this to my dad and his influence on me. When I was a kid we used to draw together from his art books. He showed me perspective and how to sketch and mix colors. He showed me how to draw people and pay attention to anatomy. He had this collection of beautiful books featuring art museums around the world and he and I would draw and sketch those paintings. I was fascinated by Heironymous Bosch and I loved hearing my dad talk about how weird his works were. Sometimes we would draw outside. Sometimes we would draw still lifes. At that time, I thought I was just playing and making stuff, but now I look back and I love that I had a dad who cared and spent time with me. He always encouraged me and he never put me down. He never made me feel like what I pursued wasn’t worth pursuing and he supported me from the time I was a kid even into my adult years. When he and my mom would visit I would show him what I was working on. I would tell him about some story or some monster or character I made up. I was excited to do this because he seemed excited to hear it and see it. 

When we lose people we have regrets and we think about what we could have said and could have done differently. At least I do. There are things I wish I would have told my dad before he died. There are a lot of things I would tell him now if I could. I know I can’t so I’m writing this post because it helps me in some way I guess. This is where I am. 

I’m very fortunate to have parents who loved me and encouraged me and inspired me. I had 46 years with my dad and I am grateful for the time we got to spend together. 

 

The continent of Nuzoz was first introduced in the Nuzoz expansion to Far Away Land several years back. Along with the Seas of FAL, that material has been folded into the new books for the 10th Anniversary. Combined with the new entries of Dazoz and Miraz, that brings the total continents in the world to five. Though not the least populated, and MAYBE not the most dangerous, Nuzoz is definitely the wildest and most elemental of the land masses in FAL. In this map alone we see the dark and vast Greenblood Jungle, the deadly Wellarnia Hive, and the imposing Ring of Fire with its connection to the Elementalsphere. If you’re looking for a wilderness adventure for your party, Nuzoz is the place to go. Also, it’s been two months since we had a glimpse of the revised hex maps for this summer’s Kickstarter, and that’s too long.

 

Adventuring is dangerous (duh) and adventurers need all kinds of equipment like armor and weapons. It’s a simple enough thing to find an armorer or blacksmith to purchase or order a new weapon. But sometimes PCs may be interested in building and creating their very own super-special and awesome weapon. The 2nd Edition Core Rules will provide rules for crafting every kind of weapon, including magic or enchanted items, so that PCs can customize their gear. Of course, crafting takes time and resources and isn’t guaranteed to succeed. So maybe you decide it’s easier to save up your gold and buy that Master-Made item with its bonus rolls, or take that cursed sword you found in the lich’s cave and see how it goes. Good luck with that last one!

 

ICYMI: We’ve running a giveaway for an Orka statuette (scroll back to see a photo of the actual statue). The Orka are a key species in FAL and their appearance features a lot of style elements you can see in other bits of the world, so it's fitting that they are featured in our first giveaway. There are three days remaining to enter by commenting on our April 1 post. Don’t miss out!

Last week we announced plans to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Far Away Land and the upcoming Kickstarter for the 2nd Edition with giveaways and contests. It’s a way for us to say thank you to all the people who have bought, played, and engaged with the FAL community over the last decade. We are super-excited to announce the first giveaway!  Winners will receive a Far Away Land statuette (pictures of the statuette to come soon)!

Here’s how to participate: 

1. First, like this post on Facebook.

2. Second, comment on the FB post (not here) and let us know how many differences you spot in these two images. Don’t say what the differences are, just post a number.

3. Winners will be randomly chosen from the correct answers posted.

4. Keep an eye on our page where we will announce the winners.

5. Deadline is April 10!

You can also share the giveaway. So let the other members of your adventure party know!

Good luck! Thank you all!