International Haiku Day #haiku #holiday #Japan #poet

If you enjoy this
post, please retweet it on this
most wonderful day.

It is Haiku Day
on all April seventeenths;
this is how I’ll talk.

All day on this day
on social media this
is what I will do.

Ev’ry sentence will
be seventeen syllables
long to honor it.

Yes, I will use po-
etic license to assure
my true compliance.

Expect grammati-
cal nonsense that doesn’t real-
ly make any sense.

Broken words, abbre-
viations, and contractions
are the norm today.

While this may get old
very quickly, I am com-
mitted to this path.

All sentences must
be seventeen syllables
long on Haiku Day.

Haikus are a fascinating form of poetry from old Japan.

Follow me on Twitter @gsllc if you would like to.

Follow up: Art History Class at the University of Maryland #education #art #history

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A couple of days ago, I posted about art history class at the University of Maryland. TL;DR: I attended that class only three days: the first day, the penultimate day, and then the last day for the final exam. None of those days provided meaningful instruction on the topic, yet I passed the final exam with complete, utter bullshit.

Then this meme hit my social media stream.

Of course, I added the avatar.

Yeah, it was like that.

All hail the mighty social media algorithm!

Follow me on Twitter @gsllc

Guest Poster Part 2: Electric Boogaloo (ChatGPT) #AI #computer #ttrpg #rpg #ChatGPT

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Las week, I had ChatGPT, write a guest post. It was meh. Today, I decided to see if it could analyze me. My input was:

Can you create a blog post for me based on an amalgamation of all of the topics that appear on my site at https://www.gsllcblog.com?

Its response was:

Sure, I’d be happy to create a blog post for you that brings together some of the key topics that appear on your site at https://www.gsllcblog.com/.

In an instant, it summed up years of writing with the following:

Title: How the Intersection of Pop Culture, Philosophy, Science, and Gaming is Changing the World

Introduction:
Pop culture, philosophy, science, and gaming are four topics that have captured the imagination of people around the world. While each of these topics can seem distinct and separate from one another, they are actually interconnected in fascinating ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the intersection of these four topics is changing the world in exciting and unexpected ways.

Section 1: Pop Culture
Pop culture has a huge influence on society, shaping our ideas about what’s cool, what’s important, and what’s possible. From movies and TV shows to video games and comic books, pop culture is everywhere we look. But pop culture is more than just entertainment; it’s also a way for people to connect with each other and share their experiences. We’ll explore how pop culture influences our beliefs and values, and how it helps us create a sense of community and belonging.

Section 2: Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. While it may seem abstract and esoteric, philosophy has practical implications for our everyday lives. We’ll explore how philosophical ideas have influenced pop culture, science, and gaming, and how they can help us make sense of the world around us.

Section 3: Science
Science is the systematic study of the natural world, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. It has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and given us incredible tools for improving our lives. We’ll explore how science has influenced pop culture, philosophy, and gaming, and how it continues to shape our world today.

Section 4: Gaming
Gaming is a rapidly growing industry that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. From tabletop RPGs to video games, gaming is a way for people to explore new worlds, connect with others, and express themselves creatively. We’ll explore how gaming has influenced pop culture, philosophy, and science, and how it is changing the way we think about entertainment, education, and even social justice.

Conclusion:
The intersection of pop culture, philosophy, science, and gaming is a fascinating and complex topic that has implications for nearly every aspect of our lives. By exploring these four topics in more depth, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and the forces that are shaping it. Whether you’re a fan of pop culture, a philosopher at heart, a scientist in the making, or a gamer at the keyboard, there’s something in this amalgamation of topics that will capture your imagination and inspire you to think differently about the world.

So, it talks about what we’ll explore, but never explores it. When I pointed this out, it provided a “more detailed blog post,” but spit out basically the thing, just more wordy. Meh. Also, I wound up breaking it by putting it in a position where it couldn’t deny that it lied to me. I asked it to generate D&D characters, and long story short, with very few minor exceptions, it used the 5th edition ruleset to generate both 5th edition and 1st edition characters. Even when I typed in the ruleset for creating a bard, it continued to produce illegal ability scores, impossibly low hit point totals, inaccurate armor class calculations, incorrect spell lists, etc. This is how it ended.

I must admit, it seems a bit crazy to argue with AI, but I was seeing if I could piss it off. I’m not sure if I succeeded.

Remember, kids. Artificial intelligence isn’t truly intelligence. Yet. On that day it is, we’ve probably got bigger things to worry about than lost revenue.

Still worried?

Follow me on Twitter @gsllc


Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast, LLC, who neither contributed to, nor endorsed, the contents of this post. (Okay, jackasses?)

Guest Poster: ChatGPT #AI #computer #ttrpg #rpg #ChatGPT

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Today, I have a special surprise for you. My friend, ChatGPT, wrote a guest post. I asked it to write a post on role-playing games, which he insisted should be entitled, Table-Top Role-Playing Games: A Guide for Beginners. Here are its thoughts.

Table-Top Role-Playing Games: A Guide for Beginners

Table-top role-playing games (RPGs) are a unique and exciting form of gaming that has been around for decades. They offer a chance for players to enter a completely different world and take on a new persona. RPGs allow players to create their own storylines and characters while collaborating with others to explore a fictional universe. Here’s a beginner’s guide to getting started with table-top RPGs.

  1. Choosing a Game

The first step is choosing a game that suits your interests. Dungeons & Dragons (“D&D“) is one of the most popular and widely known RPGs. However, there are countless other options available, each with their own rules, settings, and storylines. Some other popular RPGs include Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and Shadowrun. Consider the themes and genre that you enjoy most in books, movies, or video games when choosing an RPG.

  1. Finding a Group

Once you’ve chosen an RPG, it’s time to find a group to play with. Look online for local gaming stores or gaming groups that are actively seeking new players. Social media platforms like Facebook, Discord, or Reddit can also help you connect with other players. Joining an existing group will help you get started with the game and understand the rules and mechanics quickly.

  1. Creating Your Character

Once you have a group and a game, it’s time to create your character. This is one of the most exciting and fun aspects of RPGs. You can create any type of character you want, from a sneaky rogue to a powerful wizard. Many RPGs provide character creation sheets that walk you through the process. You will need to decide on your character’s race, class, background, and abilities. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your character’s backstory, personality, and motivations to make them come alive.

  1. Playing the Game

During the game, players take on the role of their characters, and the Game Master (“GM”) guides the story. The GM is responsible for creating the world, setting up the encounters and challenges, and controlling non-player characters (“NPCs”). Players use dice to determine the outcomes of their actions and decide on their next moves as a team.

  1. Having Fun

Table-top RPGs are meant to be fun, social, and creative. Players should never feel stressed or pressured to perform. Instead, focus on storytelling, teamwork, and immersion in the game world. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help from the group. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have fun and enjoy the game.

In conclusion, table-top RPGs are a fantastic way to explore new worlds, make new friends, and exercise your creativity. With the right group of people, you can create unforgettable memories and epic adventures. So, find your group, choose your game, create your character, and start playing. The possibilities are endless!

Okay, that was useless, so I asked, “Can you write a more advanced post for me?” I requested the mathematics used to generate a system. Here’;’s the response.

The Mathematics Behind Table-Top Role-Playing Game Systems

Table-top role-playing games (RPGs) are a unique blend of storytelling, game mechanics, and mathematics. While the storytelling aspect is the most noticeable and critical, the underlying math used to generate the game system is equally important. In this advanced post, we’ll explore the math behind table-top RPG systems and how it affects gameplay.

Game Design and Probability Theory

The mechanics behind table-top RPG systems are based on probability theory, which is a branch of mathematics that deals with the likelihood of an event occurring. Game designers use probability theory to determine how different actions in the game will affect the outcome of the player’s actions. The result is a series of rules and dice-rolling mechanics that determine the success or failure of actions taken by the players.

Dice Rolling and Randomness

Dice rolling is the most common method used to introduce randomness into the game system. Each type of die has a different number of sides and represents different probabilities of success or failure. For example, a 20-sided die has a 5% chance of rolling any specific number from 1 to 20.

Game designers use dice rolling mechanics to introduce randomness into the game system. For example, a player attempting to hit a target may need to roll a 15 or higher on a 20-sided die to succeed. The outcome is not predetermined, and players must rely on their luck and probability to succeed.

Game designers also use probability theory to create balanced systems. They must ensure that the probabilities of success and failure are fair for all players, regardless of their abilities or character types. This balancing act can be challenging, as different character types may have different abilities and skill sets that affect their probabilities of success.

Mathematics and Game Mechanics

Game designers use a range of mathematical concepts to create different game mechanics. One of the most important is probability theory, which we’ve already mentioned. Other mathematical concepts used in table-top RPGs include:

  • Geometry: Used to determine the range and area of attacks, spells, and abilities.
  • Calculus: Used to determine rates of change, such as the speed at which a character is moving.
  • Algebra: Used to determine the values of variables such as hit points, armor class, and damage.

Game designers use these mathematical concepts to create game mechanics that are balanced, fair, and realistic. For example, a spell that affects an area of effect may be limited to a specific radius or shape, based on geometric calculations. Similarly, a character’s ability to move and attack may be determined by their speed, which is calculated using calculus.

In Conclusion

The mathematics behind table-top RPG systems is complex and requires a deep understanding of probability theory, geometry, calculus, and algebra. Game designers use these mathematical concepts to create balanced and fair game mechanics that allow players to immerse themselves in a fictional world. Understanding the mathematics behind RPG systems can help players better understand the game mechanics and how their actions affect the outcome of the game. Ultimately, table-top RPGs are a fascinating blend of storytelling, game mechanics, and mathematics that provide a unique and engaging gaming experience.

I pressed further to see which game systems use calculus, and it said that both Champions and GURPS do. I’ve never played either, so I have no idea if that’s correct. In any event, I had a better idea, but I’ve said enough for today.

Tuesday’s post should be weird.

Follow me on Twitter @gsllc


AI Villains #AI #computer #art

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Sundays now are lazy days for me. I either post something silly or other people’s work. Usually both. Today, I’m giving you some irony that’s likely to generate some heat. Here’s a video showing the result of asking artificial intelligence to make villains out of various countries.

The irony? This art can provide inspiration for TTRPG villains.

I love this version of Anubis. I’d like to see a species based on Anubis that serves his interests.

Spain created its villain, and he’s looking for payback.

Follow me on Twitter @gsllc


My Favorite Album Cover @IronMaiden #music #IronMaiden #gatekeeping

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A Facebook friend posted about his meeting with Derek Riggs, the creator of Eddie, the character gracing the covers of Iron Maiden’s albums. Despite my efforts to soil that character, Eddie is iconic, as are the album covers generally. Among those covers, Number of the Beast is my favorite, and probably my favorite album cover of all time. Somewhere in Time is more impressive, and (one of my favorite 5 albums) Powerslave is more interesting, but Number of the Beast wins. My reasoning is less about the display and more about the message.

Derek intended no message.

“That particular idea I stole from a comic book that I’d read in the 70s, then I adapted it. I wasn’t trying to create a mood. I was just trying to get the job done in the short time I had.”

I inferred a clear message from it, and it raises a pet peeve of mine. When someone gets admonished for doing something bad, rather than say, “I will be a better person going forward,” they sometimes say something like, “That’s not who I am. That’s not me.”

Well, who the hell was it? It was your body doing that crazy stuff. Is there a gremlin living in your head controlling your every move? This excuse is appropriately along the lines of “the devil made me do it,” and it’s a subtle way to avoid properly owning up for the mistake. No, you did the bad thing. You’re responsible. It is you. We hope it’s not who you want to be, and we hope that you’ll grow out of it, but right now, you’re the asshole, not some unidentified, supernatural manipulator. The album exemplifies this by showing that, while the devil is pulling Eddie’s strings, Eddie is pulling the devil’s strings. The smaller Eddie is what people see, the devil is who Eddie blames, but ultimately Eddie is in control. That’s true for all of us.

Is my interpretation correct? Well, yes, because it’s a subjective perspective. Good art encourages you to think and feel on your own. It doesn’t matter what the artist intended; I read into it what I do, and you read into it what you do. Both of us can like it even if our interpretations are in direct opposition to each other or even to the artist.

In this case, I’m sure most of you took the same message from the art, so there really isn’t much of a dispute. So, I guess the real message of this post is, “Leave your gatekeeping at the door.”

Think about it.

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Follow Iron Maiden @IronMaiden

Inktober for Charity, Day 31: Stranger Things Eddie #Inktober #JDRF #StillBrave #JosephQuinn @JDRF @stillbrave @KevinBednarz

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September’s series of musical selections is officially over! It’s October! Or should I say . . . Inktober?

Do you remember what happened the last time I celebrated Inktober? No? Well, you’re not going to like it. You’re certainly not go to like this one. You see, a friend posted to Facebook a list of Inktober assignments, and being the smartass I am, I’ve taken on (synonym: stolen) those assignments despite my . . . “modest” drawing skills. Look, mine will be funnier, okay? I’d link to his (which are going to be much better), but he protects his tweets. You’ll have to settle for mine.

He’s drawing for a charity by offering his drawings for sale, the proceeds for which go to the Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation. Noble, but my choice of charity is the JDRF. Unfortunately, no one will buy my work, so until their link breaks, you can directly donate here. Or you can donate to Stillbrave. I won’t get angry. Here are the assignments:

I don’t know all of these things.

<< Prior

And here is today’s entry.

Day 31: Stranger Things

Thankfully, Inktober ends with this one. I’m tempted to recycle the other Eddie (Day 4), but I’ve made it this far. There’s no sense in giving up. (Well, maybe there’s some sense to giving up.)

You have my most humble apologies for this entire month. I think we can all agree is great that it’s over.

Clearly, I didn’t draw this. Happy Halloween!

Before you laugh, try to remember that it’s for charity. Then laugh.

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Inktober for Charity, Day 30: American Psycho #Inktober #JDRF #StillBrave @JDRF @stillbrave @KevinBednarz

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September’s series of musical selections is officially over! It’s October! Or should I say . . . Inktober?

Do you remember what happened the last time I celebrated Inktober? No? Well, you’re not going to like it. You’re certainly not go to like this one. You see, a friend posted to Facebook a list of Inktober assignments, and being the smartass I am, I’ve taken on (synonym: stolen) those assignments despite my . . . “modest” drawing skills. Look, mine will be funnier, okay? I’d link to his (which are going to be much better), but he protects his tweets. You’ll have to settle for mine.

He’s drawing for a charity by offering his drawings for sale, the proceeds for which go to the Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation. Noble, but my choice of charity is the JDRF. Unfortunately, no one will buy my work, so until their link breaks, you can directly donate here. Or you can donate to Stillbrave. I won’t get angry. Here are the assignments:

I don’t know all of these things.

<< Prior | Next >>

And here is today’s entry.

Day 30: American Psycho

I re-watched the movie in preparation for this one.

It didn’t help. That’s supposed to be blood, but it looks like sweat. Goofily thick sweat. I could have done more with the hair, perhaps avoiding a five-head, but that wasn’t going to save this anymore than my poor attempt at shading in his mouth did. There’s simply nothing right about this drawing, so I punted.

Before you laugh, try to remember that it’s for charity. Then laugh.

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Follow the JDRF @JDRF
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Follow Kevin Bednarz @KevinBednarz

Inktober for Charity, Day 29: Green Lantern #Inktober #JDRF #StillBrave #GreenLantern #DCEU @JDRF @stillbrave @KevinBednarz @VancityReynolds

If you enjoy this post, please retweet it.

September’s series of musical selections is officially over! It’s October! Or should I say . . . Inktober?

Do you remember what happened the last time I celebrated Inktober? No? Well, you’re not going to like it. You’re certainly not go to like this one. You see, a friend posted to Facebook a list of Inktober assignments, and being the smartass I am, I’ve taken on (synonym: stolen) those assignments despite my . . . “modest” drawing skills. Look, mine will be funnier, okay? I’d link to his (which are going to be much better), but he protects his tweets. You’ll have to settle for mine.

He’s drawing for a charity by offering his drawings for sale, the proceeds for which go to the Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation. Noble, but my choice of charity is the JDRF. Unfortunately, no one will buy my work, so until their link breaks, you can directly donate here. Or you can donate to Stillbrave. I won’t get angry. Here are the assignments:

I don’t know all of these things.

<< Prior | Next >>

And here is today’s entry.

Day 29: Green Lantern

Because the Green Lantern movie is one of my guilty pleasures, I chose to go with the Ryan Reynolds version.

Okay, well that’s a crash and burn, but why should this drawing be any different from the rest? You probably think Ryan Reynolds deserves this because of the movie. Let’s change the subject, then.

Isn’t it about time we get a live action Green Lantern? By the time the series is released on HBO Max, I’m probably going to be too frustrated to enjoy it.

Before you laugh, try to remember that it’s for charity. Then laugh.

Follow me on Twitter @gsllc
Follow the JDRF @JDRF
Follow Still Brave @stillbrave
Follow Kevin Bednarz @KevinBednarz
Follow Ryan Reynolds @VancityReynolds

Inktober for Charity, Day 28: Johnny Quest #Inktober #JDRF #StillBrave #JohnnyQuest @JDRF @stillbrave @KevinBednarz

If you enjoy this post, please retweet it.

September’s series of musical selections is officially over! It’s October! Or should I say . . . Inktober?

Do you remember what happened the last time I celebrated Inktober? No? Well, you’re not going to like it. You’re certainly not go to like this one. You see, a friend posted to Facebook a list of Inktober assignments, and being the smartass I am, I’ve taken on (synonym: stolen) those assignments despite my . . . “modest” drawing skills. Look, mine will be funnier, okay? I’d link to his (which are going to be much better), but he protects his tweets. You’ll have to settle for mine.

He’s drawing for a charity by offering his drawings for sale, the proceeds for which go to the Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation. Noble, but my choice of charity is the JDRF. Unfortunately, no one will buy my work, so until their link breaks, you can directly donate here. Or you can donate to Stillbrave. I won’t get angry. Here are the assignments:

I don’t know all of these things.

<< Prior | Next >>

And here is today’s entry.

Day 28: Johnny Quest

I loved this show as a kid. I thought Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law’s take on it was funny. What a happy family.

And now we’re back on Earth. I suck. This was an easy one, and I still can’t get the proportions right. At least I didn’t have to draw his hands.

Before you laugh, try to remember that it’s for charity. Then laugh.

Follow me on Twitter @gsllc
Follow the JDRF @JDRF
Follow Still Brave @stillbrave
Follow Kevin Bednarz @KevinBednarz