Question State of the Wasamon 2017

For anyone who was paying attention, 2016 was obviously a busy year over here, if only for the not-so-fun and games of last April's earthquake-fest. To make things more exciting, my wife was hospitalized in early July for pregnancy-related hypertension, and so our daughter arrived almost two months early. Fast forward six months, and we're doing better, and I'm working four different schools.

So I'm just now getting back into the groove of WU again, finally getting that origin story out and working on some early semester stuff for Erica.

I also fulfilled my main resolution for the year, and put a story up for sale on the Kindle store. Nothing TG or superheroic, but a fun side project that's helped with the stress and adventure of the last year or so. I figured some people might like it, and every little bit helps with a baby in the house.

This one has its roots in my last big family vacation, when my niece and I spent too much time playing the card version of The Game of Life, with none of the rules cards available. We came up with some crazy stories based on the random stuff we drew, like an ongoing legal battle over who could claim to be the true discoverer of Bigfoot, and my brother even ended that one game with an extemporized parody of The Odyssey, complete with Bigfoot.

A week or two later, I was half asleep one night and the thought occurred to me, "What would happen if my niece had wanted to try a table top RPG like AD&D or Pathfinder?" Well, my sleepy brain answered, she'd probably insist on being a princess. And if she had friends, they'd all probably insist on being princesses too. How would we play princesses? Just give them regular job classes, up the Charisma scores, and name them all Princess This-or-That.

Currently, only the first episode is available, but I'm doing formatting and editing on the second and third episodes, with a fourth to be my writing project for February. The current major outline goes somewhere past episode fifteen. It's been fun messing around with templates, archetypes, and prestige classes. So, here it is:

Princesses of the Pizza Parlor, ep. 1: Princesses Don't Do Summer School

The game-master's favorite niece wants to try a fantasy role-playing game, but insists on a few things. First and foremost, everyone has to be a princess. Her friends want to be (in no particular order) a witch, Snow White, Sailor Moon, and anywhere but there. What's an uncle to do? So he gets together his dice, his maps, and his source books, and tries to show the girls his idea of a fun time. Too bad it doesn't necessarily jive with how they want to play.

On the one side, we have a story about learning how to get along and cooperatively tell a story. On the other, we have a high fantasy adventure like no other, where the players' dice rolls are changing the direction of the story in ways that the poor gamemaster never intended it to go. What does one do when the adventurers decide to have a picnic instead of actually look for treasure, after all?

Anyhoo, check it out, grab a copy if you're interested. If you like, feel free to send copies to friends as well I'll try to be adding more episodes (and other random non-WU fiction) in the near-ish future.

And for anyone who isn't interested, I leave you with a cute baby photo.

Wasaman said

What does one do when the adventurers decide to have a picnic instead of actually look for treasure, after all? Ants like picnics so give them giant ants.

Reminds me of Princess the Hopeful and Knights of Bueno Vista 'cause Princess RPGs but sounds intruigingly conbatless!

That sounds great! Have you read the webcomic Darths and Droids ? Sally would probably get along great with a party of princesses.

Also, BABY!

*checks the link*

Oh what fun... Reminds me of this series that used screenshots from Lord of the Rings. That must have been... eleven years ago?

Wasamon wrote: *checks the link*

Oh what fun... Reminds me of this series that used screenshots from Lord of the Rings. That must have been... eleven years ago?

That's what gave him the idea.

What annachie said. DM of the Rings inspired Darths and Droids. But while DM of the Rings is a story of an unhealthy game group where the DM railroads everyone and they all dislike the campaign, in this story the DM lets then go off the rails (which they do almost immediately) and everyone has a good time, even the DM.


Also, the authors take special delight in twisting the famous quotes and scenes in interesting ways. And they made Jar-Jar likeable!

Cute kid.

Arcanist Lupus wrote: What annachie said. DM of the Rings inspired Darths and Droids. But while DM of the Rings is a story of an unhealthy game group where the DM railroads everyone and they all dislike the campaign, in this story the DM lets then go off the rails (which they do almost immediately) and everyone has a good time, even the DM.

I'd say my story's somewhere between the two extremes then. The GM initially has an idea for a basic adventure that gives the kids a taste of the game, but they start meandering off the rails so much that he finally goes "screw it" and throws random crap at them, which results in a lot more fun than anyone had expected. By the end of the second episode, they're all generally in agreement on cooperative storytelling, so the GM has a dedicated email made up to receive plot notes from the players, some of which actually makes it into the game, if not always the way they expect it to. He also goes into episode 3 with basic flowcharts outlining what to do in case they go this way instead of that way. So of course they go so far off the rails for the adventure that the episode ends up being heavily ad-libbed.

Fun, fun, fun. Packing all my stuff because I'm moving in a week and a half.

The current apartment building has some lingering damage that is probably repairable, but the landlord has decided that the property is worth more to him as a parking lot.

Ouch... sorry to hear that. I knew you were looking for somewhere new a while back... is this the new place or still the old place?

New place won't be ready till next weekend. In the meantime, we are without an AC/heater unit, because ours is getting cleaned in preparation for re-installation. We're relying on a propane space heater while the weather hits a cold snap >_<

At least my high school job is extremely light on hours this month and the next, due to all that end-of-school-year stuff they have to do. Gives me more time to pack.

As someone with a premie I know how hard it can be. I'm glad you made it to the other side and that baby photo is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Erica's origin was awesome. Can't wait to see more!

Review of Princesses Don't Do Summer School:

Finally read it! Eagerly awaiting the next installment!

Hmm... There's at least 15 episodes... And the summer has... about that many weeks... But if there's more, either it goes past summer, or the sessions happen more frequently or something...

OK, time for some updates! The month of March is a hectic one in Japan, since it's the last month of the academic year, and the space between terms is all of two weeks for the kids (far, far less for the teachers). Let's start with something cute!



March 3rd is the Japanese Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri), which is more-or-less the national holiday for little girls. Since this was my daughter's first time, it got a special title, hatsuzeka. Her grandparents paid more than I'd care to imagine for a nice hina-dan doll collection.

Hina dolls are THE charm for good luck when it comes to healthy little girls who grow up to marry well, and make all sorts of appearances in Japanese culture. Among other things, they're the inspiration for the anime title Love Hina, and there was one early episode of Pokemon where Misty and Jesse battled in a tournament for a complete set of the things. My sister-in-law found this cute little outfit somewhere online, and so our little girl got all dolled up for the day.

In other news, after five years my private classroom finally closed its doors. Even before the earthquake, it was just squeaking by, but student numbers never had a chance to recover. I am now working seventeen classes a week at a high school. Pray for me.

Finally, been working on story stuff. The tweaked version of Erica 2 should be out soonish, and her first school experiences should be en route in the near future. Also, for the new quarter, we have a new episode of the Pizza Princesses available.



The first episode is on a special deal starting tomorrow, if you haven't checked it out yet. For episode 2, check here .

Aww! Cute!

17 Classes a week... *Prays*

How is Love Hina, doll-related? Or is the connection mainly with Granny Hina and just a name inspiration??

You have my prayers... that much time with kids, even supposedly more polite Japanese kids,
cannot be healthy.

Also, I've said it before, but I'll say it again - cute kid.

Wow, I put in the Dragon Queen in against the Witch Queen, for the 'Queen vs Queen' angle, and *sheesh!* Suddenly we're up to our eyebrows in 'Queen' supervillainesses!

Bek D Corbin wrote: Wow, I put in the Dragon Queen in against the Witch Queen, for the 'Queen vs Queen' angle, and *sheesh!* Suddenly we're up to our eyebrows in 'Queen' supervillainesses!

Just be glad you aren't using the British meaning of 'Queen'...

Astrodragon wrote:

Bek D Corbin wrote: Wow, I put in the Dragon Queen in against the Witch Queen, for the 'Queen vs Queen' angle, and *sheesh!* Suddenly we're up to our eyebrows in 'Queen' supervillainesses!

Just be glad you aren't using the British meaning of 'Queen'...

Astro, the usage you're leering over is common in most of the English-speaking world. Yes, including the USA

Astrodragon wrote: Just be glad you aren't using the British meaning of 'Queen'...

It's a killer!

Bek D Corbin wrote:

Astrodragon wrote:

Bek D Corbin wrote: Wow, I put in the Dragon Queen in against the Witch Queen, for the 'Queen vs Queen' angle, and *sheesh!* Suddenly we're up to our eyebrows in 'Queen' supervillainesses!

Just be glad you aren't using the British meaning of 'Queen'...

Astro, the usage you're leering over is common in most of the English-speaking world.

Very true.

Yes, including the USA

even though you don't speak English?

Astrodragon wrote:

Yes, including the USA

even though you don't speak English?

Just you wait, 'Enry 'Iggins.

Also, how did this scintillating conversation end up on this particular forum thread?

Wasamon wrote:

Astrodragon wrote:

Yes, including the USA

even though you don't speak English?

Just you wait, 'Enry 'Iggins.

Also, how did this scintillating conversation end up on this particular forum thread?

It's quantum...

... Maybe add your series into the Published section?

whateleyacademy.net/index.php/published

I probably should sometime, yes.

Also, recently started a blogothing where I post sections of two of my older fantasy stories (neither Whateley-related) on Wednesdays and Fridays. Mondays get ramblings about old video games that I played sometime in the last two decades. Give it a look-see sometime!

So, had three major things happen today. First, it was my daughter's first day of nursery school. Only for two hours, to introduce the experience, but apparently they were two hours spent crying.

The next major thing was the typhoon that arrived this morning, making the short walk to the nursery school into Baby's First Adventure (TM). As an aside, I went through three changes of clothing today, just from taking her to and then picking her up from.

Finally, I got the third episode of the role-playing princess story up on Amazon, for anyone who wants to check that out.

www.amazon.com/dp/B073PCKF8W/ref=sr_1_1?...id=1499137080&sr=1-1

The kids first day is always full of disappointment. Either they cry or they ignore you as soon as they arrive and you might as well not exist.
Enjoy the typhoon, hope it doesn't do more than drench you.

Wasamon wrote: So, had three major things happen today. First, it was my daughter's first day of nursery school. Only for two hours, to introduce the experience, but apparently they were two hours spent crying.

Oh man, hope things work out!

Wasamon wrote: The next major thing was the typhoon that arrived this morning, making the short walk to the nursery school into Baby's First Adventure (TM). As an aside, I went through three changes of clothing today, just from taking her to and then picking her up from.

Hope the weather improves!

Wasamon wrote: Finally, I got the third episode of the role-playing princess story up on Amazon, for anyone who wants to check that out.

www.amazon.com/dp/B073PCKF8W/ref=sr_1_1?...id=1499137080&sr=1-1

OMG. That cover! So relevant! 'Cause it's the map! ... Wow, that crown is prominent!

Fast forward three months! We survived our first big family summer vacation (trans-oceanic, even!), and a good time was had by all. The "small family picnic" my parents had planned as a chance for some of the cousins and other extended family to meet Reina ended up being a largely spontaneous 98-person potluck.

Little girl even got her first haircut without a hitch!



In more recent news, finally got the fourth episode of the princess story up on Amazon. Also have the second installment of "Dorms of Our Lives" coming together quite well. Need to add and tweak some things and get it perfect for you all in a timely manner.

Well, today I retire another notebook. Little Blue A6, it's been a good year. Starting from Nov. 1st, 2016, we've written...

...one NaNoWriMo tale
...Dorms of Our Lives
...Meanwhile in Castle Groenwald
...Dorms of Our Lives, Second Season (coming very soon!)
...and a short story to take up the last little bit.

It's got all of two pages left unused. Into the archives we go.

Excellent. Glad to hear it's all going well for you; we don't talk enough. :/

Wasamon wrote: Well, today I retire another notebook. Little Blue A6, it's been a good year. Starting from Nov. 1st, 2016, we've written...

You are still using Pen and Paper, I solute you!

Most people these days just use there computers, phones, or tablets depending on what they have.
But I can see the romance that Paper still has.

More importantly, it's easily portable and doesn't require rebooting. Also, when enjoying life with a toddler, most of one's writing is going to happen outside the house in any case.

Speaking of which, it's time for NaNoWriMo! I will be updating this story semi-regularly to my Tumblr account, though it largely depends on how fast I can type up the second draft from my original manuscript. Currently three pages behind.

That blog also has two other stories in ongoing updates. I'm slowly fixing them to have "Read More" tags on all updates, so they don't swallow the screen.

First page of a new notebook! Currently ten pages into it



Also, for giggles I checked the word counts of everything I did in the previous NaNo-year (11/1/2016 - 10/31/2017):

previous Nano (final count) 46,040
Dorms 1 32,573
Meanwhile 19,639
Dorms 2 28,441
short story 3,502

Pizza Princesses...
Ep.4 23,223
Ep.5 24,404
Ep.6 22,262
side story 11,244


NaNoYear 2016-17 total 211,328 (does not include game reviews or impressions, possibly +3500 with those added in)

A week after the fact, and I’ve finally typed up everything from my notebook for NaNoWriMo 2017. The final tally was just over 25k words, or almost exactly half the target for the exercise. This does not come as a surprise.

Since the story itself is far from over, my new target is to get it all finished by the end of the calendar year. I’m already five notebook pages past this point in the manuscript.

Currently posting it in segments on my Tumblr page alongside the usual other stuff: maikel-yarimizu.tumblr.com

Any reason why you posted the link in that particular form instead of, say, maikel-yarimizu.tumblr.com/ ? Because the other one for some reason flashes something illustrated with a pr0n GIF for about one second...

Also not signing up to tumbler to read or visit their sites. Don't know if that was due to the link or new policy....

Say what now? I just copy-pasted the address line from another browser window. Changed the link to what Sir Lee suggested.

"Once upon a time, a niece asked her uncle to manage a fantasy game for her and her friends. The girls had no idea how to play; the uncle had no idea what he was getting into.

So in a warm and cozy little pizzeria, five young ladies roll their dice, and in an instant the world of their imagination comes to life. Now, five princesses from the four corners of that world must deal with the consequences."
Happy new year, everyone!

It's time for the monthly shill! I skipped last month's because I was holding up for the big one. As of right now, the first three episodes of Princesses of the Pizza Parlor is available in paperback!

Specifically, it's available here .

A lot of hard work, sore thumbs, and overly meticulous re-reading went into this, and I hope others can enjoy the results as much as I enjoyed the process. But now comes the hard part.

As I am unfortunately well aware, I am terrible when it comes to advertising my services or otherwise promoting myself. That's why I started this monthly shill thing to begin with, to work on that deficiency. So now I need to ask you all to help me spread the word.

Share, reblog, tell your friends, whatever, but please help me get the word out that this book exists. Don't just like it and then pass on. Let's start the new year right, with more and more books to read.

Exposing innocent young girls to <shudder> ROLE PLAYING GAMES?

Aren't there LAWS about things like that?

Amazingly enough, no!

Wow, I should post on this more often, or even remember that it exists.

So, for recent-ish news!

First, we're two months into a new school year. Yay!

Second, we're about four days into an early rainy season. Boo!

Third, Dorms of Our Lives Season 3 is in the can and should be in the rota for publication soonish. Yay! Sorry it took so long.

Fourth, I have the fifth episode of Princesses of the Pizza Parlor on Kindle now. Links:

Ep. 1, Princesses Don't Do Summer School
Ep. 2, Princesses Are Never Lost
Ep. 3, Princesses Don't Play Nice
Ep. 4, Grandmothers and Other Fearsome Encounters
Ep. 5, Boyfriends and Other Minor Pests

and the paperback!

Princesses of the Pizza Parlor: The First Collected Episodes (1 thru 3)

If you're at all interested in helping an author out (at least enough to pay for baby food), give the series a try, invest a few bucks, recommend to friends, buy a hundred copies of the paperback... okay, maybe I got carried away there at the end.

Anyhoo, this has been my monthly allotment of self-promotion. I think I'll go back to hiding in my tumblr account now.

End-of-summer update!

Sorry I couldn't make it to the con, but between time-zones, toddlers, visiting relatives, and a surprise trip to the hospital on Sunday (mashed my hand; long/dumb story) made that at least four ways of impractical.

In good news, Dorms of Our Lives, Season 4 should be popping up live in the reasonably near future. For the sake of time management I decided not to drop 60k+ words of text on everyone this time, so this story will be doled out in more manageable increments. I just need to get to typing everything past Part 3....

But...but...60k words...*Cries at the loss*

Broken up into organized chunks so that you can start reading it before I've actually had the time to type up parts 5 or 6.

As much as I love the long reads, it is a little more enjoyable to discuss the story with the community when we have two to five segments.

You know we miss bringing up good discussion points or the big picture hints when we're gushing about the bigger twists!

Katssun wrote: As much as I love the long reads, it is a little more enjoyable to discuss the story with the community when we have two or three segments.

You know we miss bringing up good discussion points when we're gushing about the bigger twists!

Word.