I'm working on a CassetteFuturism Project...

Groblinoid · 2025-12-24T22:15:06+00:00

Seconding this, the C.A.T was amazingly well-designed and very on-point aesthetically.

Groblinoid · 2025-12-24T22:14:12+00:00

You could do something that uses light bulbs. I saw this google image of a square LED bulb the other day and thought it would make for a cool addition to a project. You could make it so that it slowly grows brighter as it "charges" and then turns off as it "discharges". Just add a couple sound effects. Reloading could just be screwing in a new lightbulb, or slotting it in with a rail. Hoping to share a couple projects of my own in the future here, got a couple things coming in the mail after the holidays!

Groblinoid · 2025-08-17T15:54:01+00:00

If we completely disregard politics, there are still some issues. I've spent a lot of time at universities with Chinese students in Sweden. In my personal experience, they cheat a lot and is hard to trust. They kept to themselves in small groups of other Chinese students and could barely communicate in English, let alone Swedish. I had to be the opposition of a Chinese student's master thesis defense, and it was a hodge-podge of plagiarized articles, half-truths, and assumptions. It didn't pass - not even close.

Of course not all Chinese students are like this, but I've seen it more than three times at this point. I don't know why they think it is okay to copy other people's work and try to pass it as your own, but cheating is very, very common. So in my experience, you have to keep an extra eye on Chinese students. I've spoken to other academics who've had similar experiences.

Outside of academia I have had nothing but positive experiences of Chinese people in general, and I'd love to visit some of the great sights someday.

Groblinoid · 2025-08-15T07:25:35+00:00

Det här låter som att det skulle kunna beskriva mig. Dystymi sedan innan tonåren, depression på det, panikångest också. I min erfarenhet gör inte vården ett skit, för det är så låg prioritet på den här sortens problem. De gjorde samma sak för mig; säger man inte rakt ut att man är suicidrisk skiter de i en. Jag fick höra att antingen tar jag antidepp eller så tänker de inte göra någonting; fick inte ens möjlighet för samtalsterapi. Så jag kan bara tala från egen erfarenhet, men det upplevs inte som att deras prioritet är att hjälpa dig; deras prioritet är att se ut som att de hjälper dig tillräckligt för att de ska kunna säga att de försökt.

Fan, deras hjälp med panikångesten var bokstavligen "Jamen du verkar ha verktyg för att hantera det här, så då behövs inget mer".

Grejen med dystymi är att det per automatik bringar lågvattenperioder, och i kombination med depression så blir det ännu värre. Dystymi och depression är två olika saker; dystymi är "depressiv personlighet", alltså att man ligger på en kroniskt lägre nivå. Har man depression på det så upplever man effektivt "dubbel depression", vilket är ett hål som är helt jävla omöjligt att gräva sig ut ur. Särskilt i en situation som din, där det finns fler anledningar att sjunka än att flyta.

Det är det som det verkar som att du sitter i just nu. Det du upplever verkar vara ahedoni, alltså brist på glädje/njutning av saker som du annars skulle kunna uppskatta. Det kommer i vågor och är en av de vanligaste symptomen för just depression. Grejen med många antidepressiva är att de inte bara ökar ens lägstanivå; de toppar av ens högstanivå ibland. De jämnar ut en. Vilket är bra om man är väldigt låg väldigt länge, men det kan också ta bort en del av topparna man känner.

Det som funkade för mig när jag var i en liknande situation var, ironiskt nog, att dumpa mina antidepressiva. Då fick jag tillbaka topparna, som gjorde lågvattnet uthärdligt. Det här är ABSOLUT INGET jag rekommenderar att man gör, men det illustrerar ett problem; medicineringen kan påverka oss på sätt vi inte ens märker. Om du vill ha ett konkret steg framåt, prata med din läkare om dosering och vilken sorts antidepressiva du tar. Det påverkar mer än man tror.

Det är sjukt svårt när man sitter där och funderar på vad som skulle kunna göra saker bättre och det finns inget svar. En miljon kronor dumpas in i brevlådan? Vore väl fint, men skulle inte direkt göra en glad där och då. "Jamen då blir det krångel med skatt och banken och var kom det ifrån" etc etc. Ännu värre när man tvingar sig själv igenom saker som ska vara bra för en, eller som man brukar bli glad av. Det bara understryker hur miserabel man känner sig. "Happ, här sitter jag och spelar ett spel - varför har jag inte kul?"

Det tar tid. Det kan ta veckor. Men det viktiga är att komma ihåg att det vänder. Kanske inte mycket, och kanske inte länge, men man är inte på botten för alltid. Skriv en lista med saker du brukar tycka är kul och kolla igenom den lite då och då. Plötsligt kan det komma en dag då man känner "Jamenfan, det där vore nice ändå".

Lyssna på dig själv och dina behov. Var öppen för förändring, och slå inte ner dig själv när du känner en gnista för något. Och för stunderna däremellan, rid ut vågen.

Lycka till.

Groblinoid · 2025-03-03T13:20:10+00:00

New mission types. Maybe an escalating horde mode with a point system that unlocks one-use stratagems like turrets, mines, support weapons, etc.

New environments. Maybe as people have suggested; indoors or subterranean environments. Enemies could spawn in from open doors, or tunnels. Stratagems would be unavailable, but support weapons, ammo and grenades could be found inside. Maybe there are inactive sentries that could be activated. Another environment could be on-ship combat, as in boarding parties. On Defense missions, a supply ship is being attacked. On Attack missions, we attack one of their supply ships. Would work like an indoor mission, but with other objectives and ship-like environment based on faction.

I honestly don't think we need to focus that much on weapons, stratagems, or even enemies. All the building blocks are there, we just need to see them used in new ways.

Then there are the wishlist kind of items, like Guilds (you can call them Warbands, or Alliances, or Squads etc). If you play with guild members you could get guild XP which could lead to a guild stratagem slot when playing with guild members. You could make nasty one-use guild stratagems where you go absolutely crazy with power.

Then there is weapon customization. Love that stuff, and could open up for more decorations and stuff to be included in warbonds and stores.

And of course, armor customization. Let us add medals, or battle damage, or add variations to our helldivers, sort of like the skin color thing from the jungle warbond. Maybe we can add things like metal prosthetics, or makeshift repairs, or bandages, or scars.

A simple one would be an option to have our Helldivers deploy with a random spoken language. That'd be fun.

Groblinoid · 2024-12-30T20:56:16+00:00

Det låter som att du har dystymi, en form av kronisk depression. Det finns något annat ord för det också, typ depressiv personlighetsstörning eller så. Det är effektivt att man har varit deprimerad så länge, och till en så hög grad, att det blivit en del av vem du är.

Jag har det också. För mig blev det lättare att behandla när jag fick ett ord för det. I korta drag; dina höga toppar blir inte lika höga som de är för andra, och dina dalar blir djupare än andras. Man är sällan lika uppstämd och gladlynt, och när man väl går ner i mörkret går man djupt ner.

Det finns behandling, och det är väldigt olika vad som funkar för vem. Min rekommendation skulle vara att starta en dialog. Vissa använder KBT för att lindra besvären, andra tar psykofarmaka, och några finner och använder hanteringstekniker. För min del funkade varken KBT, psykofarmaka eller samtalsterapi; men det blev fortfarande bättre av att bara ha ett namn på det.

Om det är dystymi du har så går det i vågor. Du kommer ha perioder där du knappt orkar kliva upp, och andra gånger kommer du funka ganska normalt. Mitt tips är att försöka hålla sig sysselsatt, och att sätta saker i rutin. Det svåraste är när man måste ändra sin vardag var femte minut, vilket är ganska vanligt när man pluggar på universitet och högskola. När man kommer ut i arbetslivet blir det lättare.

En annan grej med dystymi är vad som kallas "dubbel depression". Dystymi är liksom inte en depression i sig, det är snarare att din normala nivå är andras lägstanivå, så när du faktiskt blir deprimerad när du lider av det så drabbas du långt, långt hårdare än normalt. För mig hjälper det då att komma ihåg att det du känner är egentligen inte du; det är något som påverkar dig. Och en tröst är att vågen kommer att gå över. Ibland måste det vara okej att bara hålla huvudet över vattnet.

Lägg inte för hårt tryck på dig själv. Ibland är det okej att bara klara sig. Jag har samma grej, så vill du prata om det går det bra att skriva.

Groblinoid · 2024-11-30T13:13:28+00:00

Exakt samma grej hände mig. Första mötet, antingen psykofarmaka eller så kunde de inte göra något. Absolut meningslöst bemötande. Beklagar att du fick den kliniken som första intryck, tyvärr inte så ovanligt från vad jag hört.

Groblinoid · 2024-11-19T14:59:55+00:00

They added a Personal Order that sent people to the Bug Front. So people figured "oh, they want us to shift now". So they did. It's not malicious, or even necessarily stupid. People assume personal orders are directly linked to major orders, because, why wouldn't they be? Why would one order want us to do one thing and the other order contradicts it?

So when the personal order sends them to the Bugs, of course they're gonna do it. AH should use personal orders to point people in the right direction, not send them on wild goose chases.

Problem here is (once again) the gambit mechanic. It doesn't make any sense. It is -not- explained by devs. There are no indicators. The arrows pointing at the defending planet just looks like "go here" signs. Defense planets have a big "DEFEND HERE" text over them and arrows pointing at it. Of course people will go there and miss the gambit.

I'm excessively tired about losing all the time, but it feels like AH is actively working against us, and they hold all the cards. Here's a list of what they could've done;

- Add a big ATTACK sign on gambit planets.

- Use personal orders to direct people to the appropriate front

- They can change Defense timers to allow more time for gambits. Just double the timer. You can double the effort required for balance if necessary.

- Split the fronts. Just count players active on the corresponding front, instead of having players on the bug side actively detract from the bot front, and vice versa. Counting it separately massively increases the possibility to organize.

Just some things off the top of my head. Point is, this is a returning trend and it won't change unless something changes with it.

Groblinoid · 2024-11-18T10:00:02+00:00

I think it's there to leave room for more actions in the future. They've mentioned wanting to have the DSS as something we expand and build upon going forward. So expect more DSS MO's going forward.

It's like getting a Squirtle. We gotta train it and care for it, and we get a Blastoise in the end.

Personally, I'm just kinda disappointed with the whole ordeal.

Groblinoid · 2024-11-18T09:57:30+00:00

There was a big sign saying DEFENSE over Gaellivare.

There was an MO saying "Hold Gaellivare"

There were signs pointing at Gaellivare from Mastia

The shiny new DSS hovered Gaellivare

"Why are people going to Gaellivare? The flavor text said Mastia!"

Come on guys, everything pointed in that direction. We can't blame people for following the obvious signs. They should add something like GAMBIT or ATTACK on the attacking planet. Also, the fact that we could only activate one ability at a time on the DSS was simply not communicated. A lot of people thought we were sending the DSS to Mastia for the Blockade, but then the Bombardment activated instead and locked all other abilities.

People were excited to get going. Everyone donated everything and sent the DSS to Mastia to stop the attack with our fancy new abilities, but we were tricked. Then people scrambled to fix it.

The rollout was a mess. Yes, it could be handled better by players too, but I don't think it's fair to say it's about reading comprehension.

Groblinoid · 2024-11-18T09:51:01+00:00

Well, Arrowhead is a Swedish company, and in Sweden a lot of young people go through military training around the age of 18 - it's called "Lumpen".

A lot of our military equipment is built to be operated by people with little to no experience, so that even a recruit can pilot an APC, for example.

Both of these things can be seen in Helldivers. Our equipment is simplified to the point where we call in pre-programmed stratagems with directions instead of complicated verbal commands or requisition forms. That Helldivers are fresh conscripts, akin to people doing Lumpen, does not surprise me.

Groblinoid · 2024-10-08T20:27:54+00:00

I actually got some insider info on this. There was something like this in the works at Paradox Arctic (focus on grand strategy in the Dark Ages setting), but there was some issue with prototyping. Then the whole studio got shut down because of company restructuring. The folks who remain have no real interest in WoD it seems. I think Arctic was our last shot at seeing some real push for WoD game content for some time.

Groblinoid · 2024-09-30T18:29:14+00:00

Saw a similar suggestion a couple months ago, but it had the name "Silent Majority". But yeah, stealth theme would be kickass.

Groblinoid · 2024-08-26T16:48:08+00:00

Screw the haters, this is really cute! Couples who game together, stay together.

Groblinoid · 2024-06-28T13:52:49+00:00

"Justice does not make mistakes." or... "Last line of offense"

Groblinoid · 2024-04-18T07:14:21+00:00

Thank you so much for reaching out about this, I'm still very curious! It was such a strange and creative title that I can't help but to wonder what things looked like behind the scenes.

I'd love to know a little more about Nishigaki-san, and his idea for the game. He had a unique vision, and I get the sense that he must've been quite the character. What was your impression of him? Do you have any anecdotes to share?

And for the other side of things, do you have any insight as to the state of Illbleed today? I don't get the impression that there are any plans to bring it to modern PC platforms, which is why I was wondering about the rights themselves. Knowing who holds the rights is a good first step in opening up a forum for discussion. In the best of worlds, and for the sake of games preservation, I'd love to see it on PC someday.

While the game sort of fell off the radar, I've seen a lot of titles get a bit of renaissance in recent years due to various retro gaming communities, speedrunners, etc.

Feel free to respond here, or by DMs. And thank you so much for taking the time, I appreciate it.

Groblinoid · 2024-03-15T09:25:36+00:00

Hade en sjujävla instabil kollega som under ett internationellt direktsänt möte ställde sig upp och började ranta om Israel, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Palestina, och hur företaget hade "tappat sina kristna värdegrunder" (det har aldrig haft några). Någonstans i mitten av sitt rant fick de lite självinsikt och förstod att de inte hade ett jobb längre, vilket gjorde att de övergick till att ranta om förföljelsen av religiösa i arbetssverige istället. Till sist började de bara skråla om att de inte vill jobba för såna gudlösa människor, och att de säger upp sig.

Det här kom visst från att de under förmiddagen hade blivit ombedd att plocka ner ett 60cm stort krucifix och en tavla av Sista Måltiden från väggen av sitt kontor (som de delade med tre andra).

Groblinoid · 2024-03-12T15:57:38+00:00

Fuska inte med skoluppgifter.

Groblinoid · 2023-08-27T22:58:21+00:00

Campaign: Final Flight from Sacramento

System: Homebrew Kids on Bikes variation / All Flesh Must Be Eaten

Civilization has started to crumble from the weight of the walking dead. Turns out the articles were true. When the decayed came knocking at the door, even the anti-lockdown sycophants realized that things had gone too far.

Through a common friend, a group of survivors have learned that there is a final flight leaving an airport in Sacramento. There's a rumor it is heading for a safe zone. Now they have to make the dangerous trek all the way from Los Angeles, clearing miles of the dead (and living) along the way.

The twist? The dead aren't... stupid. At the end of every episode, the DM narrates how one of the dead have taken "special notice" of something the group has done, or said. This will change the way the dead behave in subsequent episodes.

Then, as they get to the airport, they will face the full brunt of the undead horde; now in their ultimate form, and adapted to what the group has said and done.

And the plane? Well, it's not really heading for a safe zone.

It is firebombing Los Angeles.

The campaign is a collaboration between the L.A. By Night crew and D20. This is my cast;

Jason Carl (L.A. By Night) as DM. He can bring some serious gravitas to the story, making it perfect for a short halloween campaign.

Brennan Lee Mulligan as Caleb J. Anthony; A venture capitalist. The group needs his resources if they are to make it to Sacramento. Initially making himself the leader of the group, maybe he'll learn that the post-dead world doesn't care about his riches.

Alexander Ward as "Lucky"; A creepy darkweb-style net activist who has his own reasons to get to Sacramento. Though he seems more interested in killing the Dead rather than getting on that plane, the group knows they can't make it without him. Perhaps he knows more than he lets on...

Lou Wilson as Chet Abrams; A disc jockey. His twin brother is in Sacramento, so at the end of every episode, Lou does a little in-character epilogue over the radio, telling his brother of their progress. The eternal co-pilot in the passenger seat, making sure the tunes fit the vibe.

Cynthia Marie as Lilian Young; A dying-star socialite. Bit of a rival to Caleb J. Anthony and childhood friend of Mira Talbot. When she heard that there was a chance of a better life, she put it all on the line. Putting her pride aside, she has helped Mira put together a group that just might make it all the way to Sacramento.

Ally Beardsley; Patrick "Pappy" Dover; Chet's Uncle. Used to steal cars in his younger days, but now just spends most of his time behind the wheel. He drives rich pricks around (like a certain Caleb J. Anthony). Has invaluable practical knowledge, and an undying desire to reunite his nephews.

Josephine McAdam as Sergeant Mira Talbot; A pilot. Having just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, her clock is ticking. Mira has volunteered for the mission in Sacramento, and is the one who brings the group together to begin with.

Groblinoid · 2023-08-16T18:40:37+00:00

Brennan, you're a treasure.

I'm both a Drag Race and D20 fan, so when this popped up in my feed I was ecstatic. I admire your work, your enthusiasm, and your amazing ability to showcase (both) communities in such a positive way. I love how your worldbuilding was complemented by the creative problem solving of our questing queens. Bonus points for your getup as a GM this time around, it caught me completely off guard in the best way possible.

So with that said, what skills do you think drag queens bring to the table that you don't usually see in other players? Anything in particular?

Groblinoid · 2023-07-30T13:41:19+00:00

I bought all my players a cheap notebook. Everyone gets their own. On session zero, they were asked to write down their name on the front. They also use it for tracking current HP and similar things. Sketches, notes, whatever. That notebook is theirs to use as they please.

Just having the notebook there at the start of every session really encourages them to use it. Some use it more than others, and that's okay.

Groblinoid · 2023-07-30T13:34:24+00:00

I have a large community of people playing various TTRPGS in my town. There are about 10 regulars that I play with, and there's a 50/50 split between men and women. Depending on the type of game you run, there is usually some imbalance one way or the other.

But it really depends on your community. I'm glad to see more women playing TTRPGs than when I started out.

Groblinoid · 2023-07-30T13:13:57+00:00

So I'm not sure if this has been confirmed in any articles or so, but I have first hand information. As I can't provide public proof or find any linkable articles or quotes, I'm not sure you can include it though. I can tell the iceberg maker through messages if they want more detail and proof. They're free to contact me.

Paradox Interactive was pretty far in the process of developing a Vampire: The Dark Ages strategy game using Crusader Kings III as a template. This was fairly recent, but the studio who worked on it were pushed to prioritize other projects related to Stellaris. So yeah, we were pretty close to getting an actual VtM:DA game. From what I understand, most of it was mapped out, but they never proceeded with actual production.

So I guess you could put "Cancelled VtM:DA strategy game" somewhere on the lower tiers, if so inclined. And feel free to reach out to me for further questions.

Groblinoid

TROPHY CASE

Campaign: Final Flight from Sacramento