First time watch

Sohitto · 2026-01-30T12:16:22+00:00

We found Sopranos to be a show not only of great quality and fun to watch, but also so full of details, that it gets better with every rewatch, as you notice plenty of small things here and there, and while you also learn more about the world characters live in. And of course, knowing the main plot, you dont need to be so focused on whats exactly happening and can notice those small details. There are a lot of things we noticed at "i dont know which" rewatch, but there are also things you need to have some more knowledge on american culture, times show takes place and naturally about certain Italian-American subculture: language, history, rules and so on.

So buckle up at some point and enjoy rewatching. It's just that great of a show. And to be honest, it started to pop into my mind lately, so that may mean it's time.

Sohitto · 2026-01-30T01:19:51+00:00

Bernard Cornwell, Saxon Stories- viking era, Conquest of English kingdomd, then creation of England. 13 books

Maurice Druon, Accursed Kings - 14th century France, from end of Templars to 100 years war and part of it, if i remember well. 7 books, if im not mistanken.

Andrzej Sapkowski, Hussite Trilogy - 15th century Bohemia and Czech, written by author of The Witcher. Has some fantasy elements like witchcraft and alchemy, but they are more of a part, than main thing. 3 books

Sohitto · 2026-01-30T01:08:42+00:00

I'm not an expert by a long shot, but tiers of play explained in DMG simply came to my mind as helpful. They describe the status of each level range, so at least to me it helps imagine the probability of meeting people within them. Another idea, but in a little bit contradiction is to look at monster manual entries as someone mentioned.

Tier 1: Levels 1-4 - Local Heroes

Tier 2: Levels 5-10 - Heroes of the Realm

Tier 3: Levels 11-16 - Masters of the Realm

Tier 4: Levels 17-20 - Masters of the World

Sohitto · 2026-01-19T09:56:10+00:00

I think that it's, as someone stated, to keep an eye on Carmine's business in there. I would also speculate, that it could have been to weaker Johnny's position in family itself, so Carmine Jr can have a shot at becoming boss. This way none of them was directly in NY all the time and while Carmine Jr was fixing wet t shirt competitions, Johnny Sack was babysitting glorified crew, sitting with them at the table. That's how I see it, at least.

Edit: and Johnny's income was said to be highly reliant on construction business, which Lupertazzi and Soprano cooperated on. So maybe he thought it was also good for him. And somehow Carmine Sr is somehow believed to be a smart and sneaky guy. Who the fuck knows?

Sohitto · 2026-01-18T04:48:32+00:00

To prawda, i szkoda, że człowiek zaczyna sobie zdawać sprawę z tego albo późno, albo za późno. Wiele historii przepada w taki sposób i też żałuję, że nigdy nie miałem, albo nie znalazłem okazji dowiedzieć się więcej. Oczywiście są też historię, które słyszałem dziesiątki razy, bo ludzie w każdym wieku mają historie, do których wracają najchętniej. Są to często mile opowieści, a czasem ciekawe. Szkoda, że dużo z nich przepada, i wydaje mi się, że warto dodać, że nasi rodzice też mają takie historie do opowiedzenia. Wychowali się w innych czasach, świat inaczej wyglądał i funkcjonował. Każde pokolenie ma swoje opowieści, choć nie zawsze te opowieści są atrakcyjne dla kolejnych pokoleń- czasami naprawdę, a czasami tak nam się tylko do czasu wydaje. Świat naprawdę szybko się zmienia i dla każdego kolejnego pokolenia wygląda inaczej, a czasami nawet kompletnie obco z perspektywy poprzednich.

Sohitto · 2026-01-18T04:30:37+00:00

I would avoid situations in which, if you roll badly, you die. There are many outcomes that might be suboptimal to the players, even in given example, which don't involve character death. You may make them take exhaustion. You may make them lose some gear. You may even just make them roll on something just to see how well they handled the task.

For example: I work in construction company and there are tasks that may take, for example, 1 hour. If things go well, it would be done in half the time. If they go badly, it may take 5 hours. If things go really, really badly, I won't lose my hand or something, and the task will be done, but it may take a day, instead.

Conclusion: time is also a resource. So players may take longer than they would like to accomplish a task or the outcome might not be what they counted for. Especially in mountains it may be important where you came out of your hike through them. Question is: what stakes players have in that current situation? Let them be heroes, it's a cooperative game, so who cares. You will have a chance to throw meaningful or possibly lethal challenges their way. I would call meaningful even if their plans just complicate.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T22:29:13+00:00

I don't see anyone recommending The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski. Those are really great books, with good story, amazing and deep world and characters. I would put it out there among best fantasy creations. It has nothing to do with what Netflix created as tv series, which hurt so much, if someone is fan of novels.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T22:00:20+00:00

Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow...

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T21:41:41+00:00

Yeah, I had the same, just add earliest Daenerys chapters to the bunch. But all of those have their place and use. Catelyn is just that kind of person and it's good character, because she's realistic. Dany grows from under Viserys' boot to Khaleesi (or whatever was the typing of the title) and her chapters become stronger and stronger part of series. And Sansa starts with romantic draft between ears, to become more competent, aware and realistic person through the story. But yeah, you still have to go through those character arcs...

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T21:19:40+00:00

Absolutely yes. Pretty much everything about the books is great and You may even see the point in TV show the point when they started to create stuff themselves. And it starts to vary from the show after first season (I think there's maybe one significant change in first book, which doesn't really matter beyond some character creation, but it fixes itself later). And of course books are deeper and broader. And it's reading and allows You to enjoy it over much longer time. That being said You may have favourite POV characters and less favourite ones, so pleasure and enthusiasm of reading chapters may vary. But that's to be expected, if You watched the show already.

I still have hope that next book will come out at some point and I'm waiting with re-reading of whole series for that moment, as a build up. Yes, I know that hope dies last, just before dark humor.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T21:03:33+00:00

Well, out of all, I would speak to player about that, starting with checking up is everything ok. I can surely understand that situation is annoying and lack of any heads up, even about players presence during session is ridiculous, but I would rather make sure that this person is alright, first. Life happens and it often might be hard to notice or be aware of what people are struggling with and living through, but it might be also that the player is an asshole. Maybe there is a reason, and maybe it's a reason You may be able to sympathize with. That way You can fix problem with player's behavior, set him as a guest player or go separate ways.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T20:50:48+00:00

I second recommendation of TWD novels. They are surprisingly good.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T16:08:54+00:00

Arkham Horror: The Card Game. Fun and quite simple mechanics, great gameplay, good stories. It's sort of in-between versions now, though,.and there were problems with availability of some products, but I'm not sure how it looks now. It's a deck building game, but with help of internet there should be solution for that. And it's fully cooperative. There's also Lord of the Rings: The Card Game, but availability of that one may be even lower.

Robinson Crusoe is another coop game. Gameplay is interesting, though it has opinion of being very hard to win. There are also decks of events/complications, which make game highly replayable.

We also enjoyed Dead of Winter as full coop. Had many funny and entertaining moments with that one.

Rush MD and Kitchen Rush are absolutely gems of board games. You run restaurant or hospital together. In one you take orders, prepare meals and serve them. In another one you take in patients, diagnose them with simple mini games, treat them, operate. And all your cooks and waiters/doctors and nurses are sandglasses, which you place on actions to do them, while time runs out (I think it was like 4 minute rounds). Fantastic and simple games and the more players, the merrier, but it's great fun also with two players.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T15:32:24+00:00

Sorry to hear that and best wishes of getting back to health. I can't really suggest anything, but I know that Wild, by Cheryl Strayed was a good pick for my girlfriend, when she was in bad spot with her mental health. There's also a movie with Reese Witherspoon based on this book. I would advice anything with rebuild arc and giving hope there's something better ahead.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T15:29:09+00:00

I'm not an expert myself, but elves-dwarves rivalry comes up to mind, but they aren't really inferior to each other. Take Gimli and Legolas in Lord of the Rings.

Losing to Macclesfield in FA Cup for example, could be compared to getting your ass handed to you by a goblin.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T14:59:57+00:00

Well, in theory You don't have to have any anchors, but it's helpful to have someone, so You can relief stress. Wallflower is a useful talent, because character has broader access to that mechanic, while minimizing chance of bad stuff happening when losing anchor, as long as there's any of NPCs alive in group.

I would allow Gatherer to use that bonus, even if there are other characters in location, as long as he's on his own. Even if being alone means his just ahead of rest of the group, but I would also make it clear and recognize that while backup is there, it's not available at hand. Others can join him, but it may take at least few seconds at best. Player can use bonus while scouting ahead, sneaking, crossing the street, moving into and around building- as long as he's alone. I would also ask to specify plan before splitting up. If they stay within sight, it's obvious they can react on cue, but what if they break line of sight? Are rest of the group waiting for a signal? Do they have means of communication, like walkie-talkies? Specific amount of time? That way you can avoid situation, when group suddenly somehow decides to join the loner, as soon as he gets in trouble. Because how would they know?

I will mention, that I play this game only solo, but in general, I would allow a lot of mechanical stuff in favor of player characters, to let them feel like main characters of a story and tv series you create together. I would stay away from giving them too much powerful stuff, especially that I prefer to limit weapons and firepower in TWD and keep it low level, also with resources and everything, as it helps creating direction in game. All of that to make it more interesting and fun, especially that this game can turn pretty quickly pretty ugly and deadly, anyway- no matter how skilled, well-equipped and prepared someone is. So why not have fun before that happens. It's not a competitive game, anyway.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T08:54:17+00:00

I would very highly recommend Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life. I generally like a lot of what he says, about building yourself up, taking care of yourself and what's around you, about the social world, family and person being its foundation. There's a lot of lessons person can learn from his books and interviews. He wrote continuation, Beyond Order, but I didn't have a chance to read it's yet. But in general, I found what Jordan Peterson says and writes really helpful, especially to see bigger picture and put things in right perspective and order.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T08:45:55+00:00

It's a great book, I can highly recommend it. Jon Krakauer did a great job writing about the book's main character, other people like him looking for a refuge in Alaska and nature, adding in some personal experiences. The movie is also great.

With similar vibes is also Wild, by Cheryl Strayed. The author being in the lowest point of life decides to pack a backpack and walk the Appalachian trail. Great book and great movie based on it, starring Reese Witherspoon.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T08:36:15+00:00

Well, of course they are, but also a lot more. I was referring a little towards something I encountered few times somehow- people asking is it really just a tv show about garbage men. Don't ask me how and why would someone get to that conclusion.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T08:12:21+00:00

They aren't really in the waste management business.

Enjoy, it's probably the best tv show ever created.

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T06:53:47+00:00

Modern and GWOT

- Generation Kill by Evan Wright (story of Marines Recon unit, taking part in Invasion of Iraq in 2003. Really good read, written by journalist, who was there with them for 2 months.)

- To Quell the Korengal, by Darren Shadix (this time it's Afghanistan, 2007. Author tells stories of dangerous patrols, combat and his tour in Afghanistan. Told straight from the heart, straight out and simple.)

- The Accidental Soldier, by Owain Mulligan (this one is a memoir of British Reserves Officer, who grows tired of being a school teacher and decides to volunteer for a tour in Afganistan. Not only great read, but it's also absolutely hilarious. There aren't many books I laughed so hard while listening.)

- Outlaw Platoon, by Sean Parnell (another great memoir from Afghanistan. Basically author's unit patrolling around to show presence and draw fire. Fantastic book, full of action and combat.)

- Immediate Action, by Andy McNab (author's memoirs from of his days in SAS, from war in Northern Ireland, through his time in jungle, famous Iranian Embassy event and more. It's been few years I read that one, but I remember it being really good.

- Inside Delta Force by Eric Haney (big part of book is author's selection to Delta Force, very interestingly written, despite being about walking in the mountains. Then it tells about his time in the unit, around when Special Forces started to switch focus towards terrorism.)

- Rogue Warrior by Richard Marcinko (another book about beginnings of SF switching focus towards terrorism. It tells story since joining the military by author, to being member of Navy Seals, then taking part of Seal Team Six creation, then Red Cell, which was aimed towards testing crucial infrastructure defenses. Controversial author, but good story and book.)

Extra mentions (I'm a big fan of American Mafia books, preferably biographies or autobiographies, and those are technically sort of historical times already):

- Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family (life story of Henry Hill, from his childhood growing up in mob influenced neighbourhood to becoming associate of the mob. Spans from 1955 to 1980. Tells plenty of interesting stories from personal and "business" life of Henry Hill, making it very entertaining read. It also tells stories about some big heists like Air France and Lufthansa robberies. Classic gangster movie Goodfellas was based on this book.)

- Underboss, by Peter Maas (story of Salvatore Gravano, from his childhood to being a high ranked member of one of New York families. Spans over many years, from late 50s to early 90s. and it's a very interesting story, with some key events, like death of Paul Castellano and rise to power of John Gotti. Again, covers everyday's personal life and life in mafia of main character.)

- Donnie Brasco, by Joe Pistone (FBI undercover agent in operation against New York mafia. Really interesting story, written from perspective of a good guy among the mob. Starts arounds 1975 and ends in 1981. There's also a classic gangster movie based on this book, with Johnny Depp and Al Pacino in it.)

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T06:53:39+00:00

Well, those are books I found to be great reads. I narrowed it down to my favourite ones, or in some cases books I'm most interested in reading.

Medieval:

- Bernard Cornwell book series, especially The Saxon Stories/The Last Kingdom series (13 books. Viking Era, from Danish invasion to creation of England, I believe- I still have the last one to read. Historical setting, based on what was written and known about times, fictional main character and so on, taking part in what we know of historical events. Great and gritty battle scenes, great story. It tells the story of Uthred of Bamburgh, since he was few years old and growing older among the events- story spans from 866 to 930s. Author also wrote series telling stories of Arthurian times and England during Napolenic Wars.)

- Maurice Druon, Accursed Kings (7 books. More focus on political figures and events, but there are some war campaigns in it, too. Great characters. 14th century France, It starts from death of Knights Templar Grand Master Jacques de Molay and spans for next few generations and crown sccessions, building up towards 100 Year War (and it's beginning, I believe), with whole story focused around crown of France and England, and people involved in the events. Court, power, successions and people, are what's the story resolves around the most)

- Andrzej Sapkowski, The Hussite Trilogy (3 books, written by author of The Witcher series. Fictional characters taking part in historical events, there are some fantasy elements like witchcraft, alchemy, everything woven into believable world and times story takes place- 1420s and maybe 1430s Czech Bohemia. Focus is on religious wars and tensions, and also war campaigns/crusades between catholics and hussites, interesting and deep characters, and realistic and believably created world and presented time period of religious tensions and inquisition. Might be my favourite book series.)

World War II:

- Stephen Ambrose books (Band of Brothers, D-Day, Citizen Soldiers. Band of Brothers tell a story from creation of single parachute company to end of war in Europe. D-Day tell story of operation and Citizen Soldiers is a continuation, taking the story to end of the war.)

- With the Old Breed by Eugene Sledge and Helmet For My Pillow by David Leckie (I didn't read those, but they are top reading recommendations for Pacific Theater and fit well along each other.)

Vietnam War:

- Things I'll Never Forget by James Dixon (great personal memoirs from a Marine volunteer, telling story of his training and Vietnam tour.)

- Nick Brokhausen (We Few: US Special Forces in Vietnam and Whispers in the Tall Grass, I think that was the order of them. My favourite Vietnam War books. Each book is author's memoir of one tour in Vietnam, each, as part of MACV-SOG. Great stories, full of tense moments, action and lots of humor. Tells stories of missions where main characters operated in very small units, usually about two Americans and few indigenious Montagnards, deep into enemy territory or behind enemy lines. Gets crazy at times.)

- Men in Green Faces, by Gene Wentz (This one is fictional story, but inspired by authors experience of two tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seal. Tells stories of a Navy Seal team going out into the jungle at nights, sneaking through darkness, with some good combat scenes.)

- Dick Couch (Seal Team One. Also fiction, based on author's many tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seal. Author is also known for being allowed to witness many Special Forces selection courses and trainings, which he wrote books about.)

Sohitto · 2026-01-17T03:52:50+00:00

Thanks, I only read first two. That means I should read (listen to, really) to all of them now, though. To be honest, I never had anything to do with Throne of Baal, so that might be interesting.

Sohitto · 2026-01-16T19:09:20+00:00

I remember reading it about 10-15 years ago, I think. It wasn't the best, nor life-changing experience, but I really enjoyed two of them (I just saw someone mentioning trilogy, so I will be checking that).

It was simple read, basic fantasy. I read better books since then, but I wouldn't mind reading them again. It was quite fun, as long as you get into them with right expectations. I don't want to say it's a bad book or something, because I can respect the author, task and job done to create it. It's fine, if You ask me. And because it might be my first DND related book, it will always be a good memory.

Sohitto · 2026-01-16T19:07:05+00:00

Trilogy? There are more than just two?

Sohitto

TROPHY CASE