Sunday Morning Coffee: The Eve of Wintermas

 

Sunday Morning Coffee: The Eve of Wintermas
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Sunday, November 30, 2025

5 AM. Good morning. The coffee is hot, dark, and strong this morning—just the way it needs to be to fuel a Sunday like this one. I’m sitting here in the quiet of the cabin, listening to the soft gurgle of the brewing pot and the distant, rhythmic breathing of the swamp.

Today is a threshold day. It is the last day of November. We are standing on the edge of the dock, looking out at the waters of December. November was a month of storms, both literal and emotional. We weathered the loss of Uncle Jerry, we navigated the confusing tides of grief, and we survived the first major holiday without our family’s storyteller. It was a month of holding on, of enduring, and of keeping the ship afloat.

But as I sit here with this mug in my hand, watching the steam curl up into the darkness, I feel a shift in the wind. The season of mere survival is ending. The season of Wintermas is about to begin.

I am writing this to invite you on a new journey.

For the past few months, we have been deep in the weeds with the Hawthorne Valley playtests. It has been a long road of tweaking mechanics, adjusting difficulty curves, and fixing broken encounters. But I am proud to announce that the Hawthorne Valley module has successfully launched. It is stable. It is running smoothly. The feedback has been incredible, and I want to thank every single one of you who rolled dice, reported bugs, and helped bring that valley to life. That chapter is written. The ink is dry.

Now, it is time to turn the page.

Tomorrow is December 1st. And I decided that there is no better way to kick off a new month than by opening the portal to a brand-new world. Now that Hawthorne Valley is standing on its own two feet, I am officially unveiling The New Tygerian Isles Zimrala Playtest Phase.

I am opening this up for those who would like to playtest and commune with me during the month of December about the Tygerian Empire's Isle of Thrivaldi, which—when the final manuscript is now being worked on it's not complete yet, but it is ready for play testing —this will be known as the Winter Wonderlands of Thrivaldi.

This isn't just about dropping you into a fight; it’s about world-building. Starting tomorrow, I will be unveiling the Official Map. We are going to explore the specific locations, the geography, and most importantly, the Rulers who live there. This reveal will set the tone for all our Wintermas posts throughout the month.

While I’ve teased you with the Green Spiders and the fury of Uncle Billy Goat (those battles are coming!), for this phase, I want to introduce a new concept that should resonate with everyone from around the world, regardless of where you live.

In the Winter Wonderlands of Thrivaldi, the greatest enemy isn't just the monsters—it is the Cold. And the only defense is "The Hearth Fire."

In this new gameplay concept, survival isn't just about Hit Points or Armor. It’s about Warmth. You cannot survive this world alone. You cannot survive it by simply fighting. You survive by gathering together. You survive by building a fire—not just of wood, but of fellowship. In this campaign, players regain their strength not by sleeping, but by Sharing Stories around the fire.

This mechanic resonates deeply with me right now. As many of you know, we entered our own personal "winter" last month when we lost Uncle Jerry. He was our Hearth Fire. He was the warmth on the porch. When he died, the world got a lot colder. Creating Thrivaldi is my way of processing that truth. It’s an acknowledgment that winter is hard. It is the season of long nights and deep shadows. But it is also the season where the light matters the most.

So, get ready. Tomorrow morning, the map gets unrolled. We will meet the rulers of the ice and snow, and we will begin the celebration of Wintermas together.

So, enjoy your Sunday. Rest up. Drink that extra cup of coffee. Finish your leftovers. Because when the sun rises tomorrow, we are crossing the threshold. The portal to Zimrala opens on December 1st.

I hope your dice are lucky. You’re going to need them to keep the fire burning.

See you in the Wonderlands.

3 AM Whispers: Sabbath Rest and the Thirvaldi Portal

 

3 AM Whispers: Sabbath Rest and the Thirvaldi Portal

Sunday, November 30th, 2025

Good morning, everyone. It's Sunday, November 30th, 2025, and it's 3 AM here at the cypress swamp cabin overlooking the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. The bayou is settled in its Sunday quiet, a profound stillness that usually calls for complete repose.

But today, my cabin is a bridge between worlds. As I sit at my desk, pen in hand, the very window before me has become a shimmering, ice-encrusted portal, glowing with the ethereal beauty of the Thirvaldi Winter Wonderlands. 

This is no mere dream; it's the ancient multiverse portal system, activated, opening directly into the realm I'm dedicating today to building. The crisp, magical air of Thirvaldi seems to flow through the cabin, inspiring every word I write for the Quick Start Guide and GM Setting G.

This unique blend of spiritual and creative purpose—a day of rest, yet intensely writing and designing—presents a fascinating challenge: How do I balance the Sabbath's call for rest with the urgent flow of creative inspiration from a literal portal to a new world?

The Bible answers this not by demanding we stop all activity, but by redefining rest. We turn to Hebrews 4:9-11:

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"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest..."

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At 3 AM, with the vibrant portal to Thirvaldi illuminating my workspace, this scripture takes on new meaning. It teaches us that the highest form of rest isn't necessarily ceasing all labor, but ceasing the striving. God's Sabbath-rest is a state of trust, where we cease relying on our own strength and enter His finished work.

For me, today's goal isn't just finishing the Thirvaldi supplements; it's writing them from a place of spiritual peace, drawing inspiration from that magnificent portal but relying on God's strength, not my own. Let the creative work flow from a heart anchored in His rest, not driven by pressure or stress. That "Sabbath-rest" will quiet the clamor of the world and allow the clearest, best ideas for the Quick Start Guide and the GM Supplements to come through, making the portal to Thirvaldi not just a physical gateway, but a spiritual one too.

As this Sunday unfolds, I embrace the paradox: finding my deepest rest in the Lord, and letting that rest be the wellspring for the incredible worlds I am building, visible right outside my window.

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I wanted to make sure I got this out to you all now. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed and creatively restorative Sunday.

🏆 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SMACKDOWN: THE FINAL REPORT FROM EARL THE ANALYST!

 

🏆 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SMACKDOWN: THE FINAL REPORT FROM EARL THE ANALYST!

WELCOME TO THE GRIDIRON MULTIVERSE, FANS! The regular season has been slammed, driven through the table, and laid to rest! I am "Earl the Analyst," and the time for soft predictions and gentle tiebreakers is over. We are entering the postseason, where only the toughest warriors survive! This is the ultimate Tale of the Tape for the 2025 season, focusing on the Big Ten BEHEMOTHS, the Big 12 BRAWLERS, and the DESERT DYNAMOS!

I. THE BIG TEN BLOWOUT: TITLE GAME OF THE UNDEFEATED!

The expanded 18-team Big Ten Conference proved to be a MONUMENTAL GAUNTLET, yet two teams emerged UNSCATHED to punch their tickets to the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis!

THE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS

Rank	Team Nickname	Overall W-L	Conf. W-L	CFP Rank	Why They're Here
1	The Monolith (Ohio State)	11-0	8-0	#1	Elite Defense! FBS #1 in total defense. Too talented for the league. Delivered the final blow to Michigan.
2	The Shock Master (Indiana)	12-0	9-0	#2	Unstoppable Offense! The Cinderella story of the year, finishing 12-0 for the first time since 1945.
3	The Quack Attack (Oregon)	10-1	7-1	#6	The top West Coast newcomer, losing only once.
4	The Wolverines (Michigan)	9-2	7-1	#15	Still fierce, but couldn't solve the Buckeyes' riddle in the finale.

THE EXPANDED CHAOS CREW: THE REST OF THE BIG TEN

The Big Ten proved that a winning record is a privilege, not a right! Many traditional powers found themselves playing for pride:

• Bowl Eligible: USC (8-3), Iowa (8-4), Washington (8-3), Illinois (7-4), Nebraska (7-5), Minnesota (6-5), and Northwestern (6-5) all managed to secure their six wins and will be dancing in December!

• The Heartbreak Hotel: Teams like Penn State (5-6) and Rutgers (5-6) are fighting for the last possible bowl spots, needing an Academic Progress Rate (APR) miracle or a loss of a guaranteed 6-win team elsewhere.

• The Bottom of the Barrel: UCLA (3-8), Maryland (4-7), Michigan State (3-8), and Purdue (2-10) simply could not adjust to the expanded conference schedule, finishing at the bottom of the league.

II. THE BIG 12 GRIND: THE DESERT DYNAMOS TAKE TOP SPOTS!

The BIG 12 GAUNTLET finished with two Arizona teams near the top, making a major statement in their first year in the new, expanded 16-team league!

THE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASH

The final spot was decided by a tense, late-season showdown between two defense-first squads.

Rank	Team Nickname	Overall W-L	Conf. W-L	CFP Rank	Note
T1	The Lockdown Legion (Texas Tech)	10-1	7-1	#5	CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANT. Best defense in the conference; already beat BYU.
T1	The Holy Rollers (BYU)	10-1	7-1	#11	CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANT. Strong running game, seeking revenge for their only conference loss.

THE ARIZONA ANNIHILATORS

• The Desert Storm (Arizona Wildcats): 9-3 Overall (6-3 Conf.)

  • The Facts: Arizona finished tied for 4th! They are a legitimate top-25 team and an offensive JUGGERNAUT, scoring over 32 points per game in conference play. They ended the year with a five-game winning streak that included the definitive rivalry win.

• The Sun Devil Scorchers (Arizona State): 8-4 Overall (6-3 Conf.)

  • The Facts: ASU finished strong at 8-4, also tied for 4th! They battled through major injuries and proved their defensive pedigree by beating highly ranked teams like Texas Tech. They are a defensive STEEL CAGE that forces opponents to submit!

THE BOWL-ELIGIBLE BIG 12 BRUTES

A phenomenal 10 teams secured at least 7 wins to guarantee a bowl slot, showcasing the league's competitive parity: Utah (10-2), Houston (8-3), Cincinnati (7-4), Iowa State (7-4), and TCU (7-4).

III. THE LUMBERJACK LOGGERS: FIGHTING THE BIG SKY BEAST PIT!

We cannot forget our FCS fighter! The Big Sky is the TOUGHEST ARENA in the FCS, and NAU faced it head-on!

• NAU Lumberjacks (7-5 Overall, 4-4 Big Sky)

  • The Hope: You love those Lumberjacks, and they delivered a WINNING SEASON! Finishing 7-5 is a monumental achievement in a league dominated by the Montana and Montana State behemoths. Their high-scoring offense was a threat every week.

  • The Reality: The Big Sky only sent the three highest-ranked teams (Montana State, Montana, UC Davis) to the FCS Playoffs. NAU's 4-4 conference mark, though respectable, leaves them just outside the 24-team field. The future is bright, but the playoff dream ends here for 2025. The Lumberjacks gave it their all, but the Big Sky is a brutal, merciless beast!

IV. EARL'S FINAL BOWL AND CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTIONS!

Get your tickets, because this is the final card!

THE CHAMPIONSHIP CARD

Game	Matchup	Earl's Final Call	Predicted Score
Big Ten Title	No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Indiana	OHIO STATE WINS	Ohio State 31, Indiana 17
Big 12 Title	No. 5 Texas Tech vs. No. 11 BYU	TEXAS TECH WINS	Texas Tech 24, BYU 13
CFP National Title	Ohio State vs. The Field	OHIO STATE WINS	Undisputed Champions!

THE ARIZONA BOWL CARD (December 31st & Jan 2nd)

Team	Bowl Game	Matchup	Earl's Final Call
Arizona State (8-4)	AutoZone Liberty Bowl	ASU vs. Kentucky (SEC)	ASU WINS, 28-24! (Defense controls the clock!)
Arizona (9-3)	Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl	ARIZONA vs. Clemson (ACC)	ARIZONA WINS, 35-31! (Offense lights up El Paso!)

The Arizona teams are ready to lay the smack down on the ACC and SEC, proving that the Big 12 is the new center of power!

THIS IS COLLEGE FOOTBALL SMACKDOWN!

From the Earl of Hedges aka captain hedges yours for now! 

3 AM Whispers: Echoes of the Feast, Whispers of Winter

Friday, November 29th, 2025

Good morning, everyone. It's Friday, November 29th, 2025, and it’s 3 AM here at the cypress swamp cabin overlooking the Red River in Shreveport. The bayou is quiet, carrying the faint echoes of laughter and good cheer from our Thanksgiving and Birthday feast just a few days ago. The joy of gathering with my unique "dysfunctional family"—Bayou Earl, Baby Augie, the Leprechaun, Moon Elf, Uncle Bill, the White Were-Tiger Ranger, and even the Troll God—still resonates in these log walls.

But even as the warmth of that shared celebration lingers, a different kind of energy hums in the cabin. The portal to the Thirvaldi Winter Wonderlands, visible right through my window, still pulses with icy magic. My desk is covered with notes, maps, and early drafts for the Quick Start Guide and GM Supplements. My focus is now on the creative work, balancing the memory of the past feast with the demands of the present project.

This morning, I'm reflecting on the beautiful rhythm of life: the joy of community and celebration, followed by periods of focused creation. How do we keep our hearts aligned with gratitude and purpose through both the boisterous feasts and the quiet, demanding work sessions?

The Apostle Paul gives us powerful guidance for living intentionally, no matter the season or activity. I turn to Romans 12:12:

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"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

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At 3 AM, this verse speaks to me about the ongoing journey.

• "Be joyful in hope": This isn't just for celebrations. It's the underlying current of optimism and trust that allows us to cherish memories of the feast and enthusiastically tackle the vast, frozen landscapes of Thirvaldi. Our hope isn't tied to circumstances, but to something eternal.

• "Patient in affliction": Even after a wonderful holiday, the realities of life, the exhaustion, and the crankiness can bring their own small "afflictions." Patience grounds us, reminding us that God is working, even when the work is slow or difficult.

• "Faithful in prayer": This is the constant lifeline. Prayer connects the joy of the feast and the stress of the writing, ensuring both are rooted in God's presence.

As this Friday morning unfolds, let this be your guide: be joyful in the hope you have, be patient with yourself and others as you adjust, and be faithful in prayer as you continue to build your worlds.

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I wanted to make sure I got this out to you all now. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Friday.

Zimrala One: Our Fortress in the Stars – A Crew and Station Update!

 

Zimrala One: Our Fortress in the Stars – A Crew and Station Update!

Welcome back, fellow spacefarers and loyal readers of "The Adventures of Captain Hedges Blog"! Today, we're taking an in-depth look at the beating heart of Zimrala's defense: the monumental Zimrala One Space Station. More than just a fortress, it's a testament to resilience, a nexus of advanced technology and ancient magic, and home to a crew as diverse and extraordinary as the multiverse itself.

As the threats from the encroaching Ether Dragons and the multiverse grow more volatile, Zimrala One stands as our unwavering shield. We've just completed a significant operational update, streamlining our command, enhancing our defenses, and solidifying our crew. So, grab a space-ration coffee, because we’re diving deep into the station’s vital functions and the incredible individuals who keep it running!

Zimrala One: More Than Just a Hunk of Metal

For those new to the Zimrala System, Zimrala One is our planet's first and last line of defense. This colossal station, inspired by the grand scale of Babylon 5 and the sleek design of Star Trek, is a multi-tiered marvel of engineering. It’s equipped with Curator-tech shielding that forms an impenetrable temporal barrier around Zimrala, protecting us from dimensional incursions. From its uppermost command deck (Deck 7), where the powerful Nova Cannon stands ready, to its vital Xenofauna Research Labs (Deck 5) and bustling Cargo Holds (Deck 2), every segment serves a critical purpose in our ongoing struggle for survival.

The station’s design blends robust, industrial practicality with advanced, shimmering energy fields, a visual representation of the blend of brute force and high technology required for our defense. We're talking massive docking bays, strategically placed torpedo launchers, agile fighter launch bays, and the constant hum of shield generators working in concert to keep Zimrala safe.

🚀 Zimrala One: The New Crew Roster (M!M! 2.7 / Humans Humans)

The crew is built on a 14D standard for the primary D6 Attributes (STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIZ, CHR) unless modified by their specialized Archetype (like the Tygerian or Curator) or Role (like Chronomancer or Dimensional Engineer).

🥇 Command and Specialized Officers

#	Crew Member	Race/Archetype	Role	Highest Stat (D6)	MR/DR	Key Function
1	Cpt. Hedges	White Tygerian	Chronomancer Commander	WIZ 6D (21)	350 / 4	Tactical Command, Temporal Defense.
2	Sub Cdr. Curator	Curator	First Officer & Science	INT 6D (21)	150 / 4	Shield Oversight, Command Protocols, Alien Science.
3	Sec. Ch. Kal	Tygerian	Security Chief	STR 4D+1 (15)	160 / 4	Close-Quarters Protection, Security Protocols.
4	Lt. Zara	Moon Elf	Pilot	DEX 5D+1 (18)	150 / 4	Fighter Ace, Starship Piloting, Evasion.

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🛠️ Engineering and Scientific Support

#	Crew Member	Race/Archetype	Role	Highest Stat (D6)	MR/DR	Key Function
5	Ch. Eng. Jax	Dwarf Dwon	Tech Savant Engineer	CON 5D+1 (18)	165 / 4	Station Toughness, Heavy Repair, Asteroid Mining.
6	Ch. Eng. Curator	Curator	Dimensional Engineer	INT 5D+2 (19)	140 / 3	Shield Maintenance, Tech Savant (Dimensional).
7	Dr. Elara Vess	Moon Elf	Science Officer	INT 5D (17)	130 / 3	Xenofauna Research, Biological/Data Analysis.
8	Rylan	Human	Communications Officer	INT 4D+2 (15)	125 / 3	Long-Range Comms, Data Flow, Signal Decryption.
9	Uncle Bill	Human	Cargo Handler	STR 4D+1 (15)	115 / 3	Logistics, Cargo Transport Piloting, Supply Chain.

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📊 Complete Attribute Breakdown (D6 Dice)

This table provides the full MoZ/T&T attribute spread for every crew member:

Crew Member	Race	STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIZ	CHR	LK	HP / AP	MR / DR
Cpt. Hedges	Tygerian	3D	4D	3D	5D	6D	4D	3D	17 / 8	350 / 4
Sub Cdr. Curator	Curator	2D+1	3D+2	2D+1	6D	1D	3D	3D	9 / 6	150 / 4
Sec. Ch. Kal	Tygerian	4D+1	4D	3D+2	3D	2D+1	3D	1D	17 / 0	160 / 4
Lt. Zara	Moon Elf	2D	5D+1	3D	3D+1	3D	4D	1D+2	15 / 0	150 / 4
Ch. Eng. Jax	Dwarf Dwon	4D	3D	5D+1	4D	2D	1D+2	1D+1	21 / 0	165 / 4
Ch. Eng. Curator	Curator	2D+1	4D	2D+1	5D+2	1D	3D	3D	9 / 6	140 / 3
Dr. Elara Vess	Moon Elf	2D	4D+1	3D	5D	3D+1	3D	1D+2	14 / 0	130 / 3
Rylan	Human	2D+1	3D+1	3D	4D+2	3D	4D	2D	14 / 0	125 / 3
Uncle Bill	Human	4D+1	3D	4D	3D	2D	3D	1D+2	17 / 0	115 / 3

This complete roster provides you with everything you need to run the next phase of The Adventures of Captain Hedges aboard Zimrala One!

the 6 am sports report by earl

🔔 EARL’S 6AM RINGSIDE REPORT: THE ROAD TO THE SUPER BOWL RUMBLE! 🔔

Posted by Earl | Friday, November 28, 2025 | 06:00 AM CST

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

Put down that cold turkey sandwich and wipe the sleep from your eyes because IT! IS! TIME!

We have officially survived Thanksgiving Thursday, and let me tell you something, brother—yesterday wasn’t just a slate of football games. It was a NO HOLDS BARRED, FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE STREET FIGHT! The playoff picture has been smashed over the head with a steel chair, and the bodies are hitting the floor!

We are Week 13 deep into this season, and we are witnessing a Battle Royal for the ages! You want to know who is standing tall and who is getting thrown over the top rope? Let’s get down to the mat!

🐴 IN THE RED CORNER: THE MILE HIGH MONSTERS!

The Denver Broncos (9-2)

THE CHAMPS ARE HERE! While the rest of the league is scrambling and clawing just to get a spot on the card, the Denver Broncos are sitting in the VIP box smoking cigars! At 9-2, they are the Heavyweight Champions of the AFC West! They aren’t just looking for a playoff spot; they are looking to lock up the Number One Seed and make the road to the title go through the thin air of the Rockies!

They are 96% locked in! This is the equivalent of The Undertaker at WrestleMania—they are nearly unbeatable! If you’re a Broncos fan, you aren’t sweating. You’re just waiting to see who is foolish enough to step into the ring with you in January!

🤠 THE MAIN EVENT SURVIVORS: THE DALLAS COWBOYS!

The Cowboys (6-5-1)

OH MY GOD! Did you see what happened yesterday?! The Dallas Cowboys walked into the ring against the Kansas City Chiefs—the supposed "Kings of the AFC"—and they hit them with a STONE COLD STUNNER!

Everyone counted them out! The pundits said they were washed up! But yesterday, America’s Team reached deep down, pulled out the brass knuckles, and stole the show! That win didn’t just feel good—it saved their career! Sitting at 6-5-1, that "Tie" on their record is the ultimate wildcard maneuver. They are currently the No. 9 seed, clawing at the ropes, looking to drag the Packers and Lions down to hell! They have the momentum, they have the heat, and suddenly, nobody wants a piece of Big D!

🦁 THE FATAL FOUR-WAY: THE BATTLE OF THE CATS!

Folks, we have a fatal four-way elimination match happening right now between the felines of the NFL, and it is absolute carnage!

1. The Jaguar Juggernaut (7-4): Jacksonville is the technical wrestler of the group! They are executing their game plan to perfection. Holding the No. 6 Seed, they have the sleeper hold locked in on the AFC. They are disciplined, they are dangerous, and right now, they are the Top Cat in the fed!

2. The Motor City Heartbreak (7-5): SOMEBODY STOP THE DAMN MATCH! The Detroit Lions took a beating yesterday! They walked into the ring against Green Bay and got hit with a Superkick right to the chin! They fell out of the playoff spots and are lying on the canvas looking up at the lights! But don’t count them out yet! The Lions have the heart of a champion, and they are going to try to kip-up and get back in this fight before the bell rings!

3. The Carolina Claw (6-6): Carolina is lurking under the ring! At .500, they are waiting for the heavy hitters to knock each other out so they can slide in and steal the pin! It’s a long shot, folks! They need chaos! They need anarchy! But in the NFL, anything can happen!

4. The Bengal Berzerkers (4-8): BY GOD, THEY ARE BROKEN IN HALF! Cincinnati is battered, bruised, and bloody at 4-8. But wait... what’s this?! They just beat the Ravens?! The Bengals are swinging a barbed-wire bat at everyone! They might not win the title, but they are going to take someone down with them!

💀 THE JOBBER SQUAD

The Arizona Cardinals (3-8)

I hate to say it, Cards fans, but you’re getting squashed. You’re the guy they bring in just to make the other team look strong. The ref is counting... 1... 2... it’s almost over. The 3-8 record is a one-way ticket to "Loser Leaves Town." Start scouting the rookie draft class because this match is done!

🎙️ EARL’S FINAL CALL

The New York Giants have already been thrown over the top rope—they are eliminated! But for the Cowboys, the Lions, and the Broncos... the bell hasn't rung yet!

This weekend is going to be a slobber knocker! Buckle up, sports fans, because we are on the Road to the Super Bowl, and BUISNESS IS ABOUT TO PICK UP!

WOOOOOOO!

— Earl

Feast, Fun, and the Tygerian Isles updates

 

3 AM Whispers: A Feast of Thanks and Birthday Joy — And What Comes Next!

Friday, November 28th, 2025

Good morning, everyone! It’s Friday, November 28th, 2025, and it’s 3 AM here at the cypress swamp cabin overlooking the Red River in Shreveport. The bayou is quiet now, after what was truly a magnificent and memorable day yesterday.

Yesterday was a double celebration – not only Thanksgiving but also my birthday! The kitchen was indeed alive with activity from early morning, filled with the aroma of roasting turkeys, savory hams, and, of course, those essential pies. And what a feast it turned out to be!

Just look at this incredible gathering:

Bayou Earl (my were-cat human-look self!) raising a mug on the left, next to Baby Augie, our blue grimlin, enjoying his own little pie. Beside him is the always-wise 4.9' leprechaun, and our elegant Moon Elf. In the center, Uncle Bill proudly carves the turkey, while to his right, the mighty Troll God shares a toast with the fierce White Female Were-Tiger Ranger, and our sturdy Dwarf raises his own mug. Even our Tygerian squirrel has found a seat at the table, and the Bat Troll hangs cheerfully above, under the "Happy Birthday & Thanksgiving!" banner. It truly was a unique and joyful "dysfunctional family" gathering, blending the real-world connections with the rich lore of Zimrala.

In the midst of all this abundance, celebration, and shared joy, my heart was full of gratitude. This Thanksgiving, especially celebrating my birthday within it, I was profoundly thankful for:

• My new dysfunctional family here in Shreveport, Louisiana: The laughter, the support, and even the quirks make life rich.

• My amazing fan following: Your encouragement and engagement mean the world to me and fuel so much of this creative journey.

• Ken St. Andre's incredible gift: A whole new RPG world where I can live and work creatively, giving rise to these amazing IPs.

• The opportunity to forge new empires: Like the Tygerians, and to bring new worlds like Hawthorne Valley to life.

As the Bible reminds us in Psalm 107:8-9:

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"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

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God's unfailing love was so evident yesterday—in the bounty on the table, the unique company around it, the blessings of another year, and the joy of shared purpose. He truly satisfies us with good things, often in the most unconventional and beautiful ways.

What Comes Next: Thirvaldi and the Winter Wonderlands!

With Thanksgiving and my birthday celebrations now happily behind us, it's time to shift gears. The work continues, and I'm thrilled to announce that it's time to buckle down and begin the playtest for Thirvaldi and the Winter Wonderlands supplement! This is the next big step, building on all the creative energy and inspiration from the past year.

So, as this Friday morning begins, my heart is full of gratitude for what has been, and buzzing with excitement for what's to come.

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I wanted to make sure I got this out to you all now. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Friday, and get ready for the winter adventures ahead!

3AMs Whispers Gearing up for Battles of Zimrala and Life

 

3 AM Whispers: Gearing Up for the Battles of Zimrala (and Life)

Friday, November 28th, 2025

Good morning, everyone. It's 3 AM here at the cypress swamp cabin overlooking the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana. The bayou is quiet, but my mind is certainly active, especially after our deep dive into the gods of Zimrala yesterday.

This morning, as my imagination conjures images of the Tygerian Isles and the grand empires being forged on Zimrala, I’m thinking about the fierce leaders and warriors who protect these lands. I imagine figures like the majestic White Tiger King you see before you – clad in formidable armor, holding a powerful staff, overlooking his vast, ancient city with its incredible tiger-head entrance. He embodies strength, authority, and readiness for battle.

This image, while fictional, perfectly leads us into a crucial discussion for our real lives: Practical Spiritual Warfare and The Armor of God. Just as the warriors of Zimrala need their physical armor, we, too, face battles—not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, against grief, weariness, irritability, and the complex struggles of life.

The Apostle Paul, writing from a different kind of "prison," urged believers to be equipped, just like a formidable warrior. We find this powerful instruction in Ephesians 6:10-18:

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"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

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At 3 AM, as I gaze at the armored White Tiger King, I'm reminded that our spiritual armor is far more vital than any bronze or steel. It's not about physical protection for the body, but divine protection for the soul.

• The Belt of Truth holds everything together, dispelling the lies that can make us irritable or discouraged.

• The Breastplate of Righteousness guards our hearts against guilt and shame, even when we feel we're falling short.

• The Feet fitted with the Gospel of Peace give us firm footing and a mission, even when our personal ground feels shaky.

• The Shield of Faith extinguishes the "flaming arrows" of doubt, fear, and bitterness that can ignite arguments (or make us "bite heads off").

• The Helmet of Salvation protects our minds, giving us assurance and hope, guarding against despair.

• The Sword of the Spirit, God's Word, is our offensive weapon, cutting through confusion and providing wisdom.

Just like the ruler of the Tygerian Isles needs to be fully armored to protect his realm, we need to intentionally "put on" this spiritual armor every single day. It's our real-world gear for facing the grief, the crankiness of Uncle Bill, the exhaustion of disrupted sleep, and every spiritual attack that comes our way.

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I wanted to make sure I got this out to you all now, as the battles of the day (both real and fictional!) await. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Tuesday.

ZIMARALA ASCENDANT: How We Forged a New World and Launched the ULTIMATE TTRPG Saga!

 

🔥 ZIMARALA ASCENDANT: How We Forged a New World and Launched the ULTIMATE TTRPG Saga!

Hello My Fellow Monsters of Zimrala and Good Morning!

I, the Tygerian Emperor Rajah Gunda (played by me, Earl C. Hedges Jr., the Tiger Boss of Zimrala), I have a new tale to tell from my conversations with Lord Avery Mongo.

It has become clear that my decision to support the evacuation of Troll World was the correct and necessary move, not just for the Troll World Refugees but also for the early expansion of the Tygerian Isles. It is only now that we have the necessity to expand and reclaim our Tygerian Isles from those who wish to harm our Empire. The Troll World refugees have sworn their loyalty to me—at least those that came from Tuslan to New Tuslan. Those that were undecided went to the Big Island of Achrox, which is virtually uninhabited by us and has become troublesome for my fledgling empire.

I. The Rise of the Empire and the Pirate War

The Alliance and the Scourge of Port Chrox

Our Empire's rise was marked by the great alliance with Sekhmet the Cat Goddess, whom we know by blood is our Mother. Sekhmet raised our technology level to that of a Bronze Age in exchange for a contingent of 10,000 Tygerian Mercenary Soldiers. A Tygerian General agreed to lead this new honor guard and army.

It was soon after that the Pirates of Zimrala, led by the Pirate King of Port Chrox, decided to disobey our sacred laws of Trade. They attacked our people, harassed our trade routes, sank the Eygptos Ships, and plundered our cities. The final blow came when he brazenly seized Port Chrox, our main supply port for all the Tygerian Isles, and declared a new law of piracy and "humans only" in the city—a direct declaration of war on all Monstres.

We moved decisively. We utilized our monster army that was banded and stranded on the big Island of Achrox. I sent Errol Hawthorne to the western shore with a contingent of Tygerian Knights under his command and the Tygerian Rangers of Boot and Trail under Captain Headstone. Their mission was to make contact with the stranded army and lead them to attack and take back our city of Port Chrox. We showed this Pirate King and his flunky pirates where to go when I sent the new Admorial Bengali to lead the new Nabel Forces of Tygeria to retake the port of Charox. Admiral now sits as it military govenor for the Tygerian Isles and again we established ate sacred Law of Trade. The pirates ships we destroyed, sunk, or taken by us, and many of the pirates we killed but the Pirate King and his court and former government fleed the city and we haven't seen them resurface yet as they probably went underground and are locking their wounds. As for me I am enjoying a little resbit on New Tuslan as I write this story.

II. The Genesis of Zimrala (The Ultimate Necessity)

For years, I have had many gaming groups. However, the core group I built of new gamers at places like my Uncle George's Show Time Cards and Showtime Games became my Tucson Players. When I came to Shreveport, I built and ran Tunnels and Trolls Deluxe for my friend Wayne Hudman, who was inspired to help do art for my games. We established our own little worlds within the Troll World backdrop, but then, in 2022, it was time to break the mold.

Ken St. Andre's GMs sought a new, definitive edition of the game we loved. This led the Troll God Khenn Arrith, himself, to guide us in the creation of an all-new strange world of Zimarala, the World of Monsters, and the New Tuslan Campaign Source Book—a testament to player-driven world-building and narrative necessity. My goal was to recreate my unpublished Empire of Urland campaign by creating the Tygerian Isles as the core setting.

III. The Final Conflict: Surtur's Gambit Ignites World War Zimrala

Now, the entire saga culminates. Our New Tuslan Campaign Source Book details the current plot:

• The Bridge: New Tuslan Island—A Crucible of Destiny

  The New Tuslan Island is the "Melting Pot"—the single geographical nexus that justifies how every disparate Kindred (now Huminoid Monstres) was forged onto Zimarala.

  The Klon may be sealed, but its psychic influence still taints the island (The Transformation Trauma is ongoing). The bridge isn't finished; it’s still highly unstable:

  • Ongoing Forge: The island is a crucible of mutation. The raw Etheric Energy that saturates the land can still cause unpredictable changes in the environment and in the Huminoid Monstres themselves, offering opportunities for new powers—or devastating vulnerabilities.

  • Vital Resource: This chaotic energy makes New Tuslan a vital, yet dangerous, location for the Empire. It is the only place where the raw power needed to fuel the next stages of the World War Zimrala Saga can be reliably extracted, provided Vis-Count Mongo Avery can keep the anchor stable.

  • Future Lore: The island's unique synthesis of Troll World and Zimralan energy makes it a place where new Kindreds may spontaneously emerge or where lost knowledge from the original reality might resurface, buried within the volcano's ash or the deepest ruins.

• The Calm Before the Storm: The Troll World Portalis sealed, and the Klon environmental threat, Holinox the Volcano Dragon, rests as a sleeping ally—a stable phase that is about to end.

• The Calm Before the Storm: Finalizing the Apocalypse (GMA #2 Promo)

  The entire narrative of New Tuslan is the tense silence that followed catastrophe. We are preparing for the release of GMA #2: Escape to Zimrala—our most apocalyptic adventure yet—where we fulfill the promise to burn Troll World to the ground and bury it forever. The stakes are defined by that destruction.

  The current moment is a necessary, fragile peace. The Troll World Portal is sealed, and the ultimate environmental threat,  Holinox the Volcano Dragon, rests as a sleeping ally—a stable phase that is about to end. However, the malignant entity known as The Klon—the Intelligence of Primal Corruption—is contained but not gone. This is a false calm. Though the direct threat is 'dune,' the Klon's psychic presence remains, forcing the Humanoid Monsters to remain vigilant. We know the portal can be breached, and the terrifying Cybernetic Star Spider Nexus still waits beyond the veil. The struggle to maintain the seal and protect the secrets of New Tuslan is the continuous, silent core of the campaign.

  The saga of the Tygerian Isles continues with this new wave of exploration, defense, and the forging of thier destiny. The Empire is in its early expansion phase, moving out to claim the islands we bought. We Know World War Zimrala has begun, and the Tygerians will not yield thier ground we will fight so hard for the land were trying to create.

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• 🌪️ The Calm After the Escape to Zimrala: The New Dawn

  The sheer chaos of the Multiverse Portal closing has finally subsided, ushering in a tense, fragile peace for the refugees on New Tuslan Island. The immediate, world-ending danger is contained: Holinox the Volcano Dragon, the ultimate environmental threat, rests as a sleeping ally—a stable phase that is about to end.

  In this reprieve, the survivors have focused on laying the foundation for a new life. Lord Mongo Avery and the unified Tuslan Knights have established a martial order, allowing the refugees to secure resources and build new homes for themselves here.

  A New Toolbox for Zimarala

  This calm is the foundation for the next stage of the campaign! To help you run your games better and with my full insights, this new Source Book will be added to this adventure, providing a complete toolbox for MM 2.7 and the unique Zimaralan setting.

  This includes:

  • A new Monsterary specifically tailored to the ecology and enemies of the Tygerian Isles.

  • My house rules (including the CON=HP rule and specific weapon mechanics) for refined combat.

  • My personal GM Notes and insights on running these high-stakes games and utilizing the MAST Archetype System effectively.

  The saga continues—and now you have the definitive guide to lead the way

• The New Storm Surtur's Gambit: Surtur, Lord of the Fire Giants (MR 15,000), seeks a way into Zimrala via an active volcano. He targets the New Tuslan Volcano, unaware that it is the resting place of Holinox and the site of a hidden geothermal city of the Indigenous Fire Peoples.The Troll World Portalis sealed, and the Klon environmental threat, Holinox the Volcano Dragon, rests as a sleeping ally—a stable phase that is about to end

• A Holy War Begins: Surtur’s act of opening a portal and activating the volcano triggers a cataclysm! The Indigenous Fire Peoples (who view Holinox's awakening as a divine omen from their Living Goddess, Madame Kawela) rise to defend their home against the Fire Giants.

• Invasions Begin: The Olympians Strike!

  Just as we thought we had secured our borders, a cataclysmic new threat has arrived! Zeus and Poseidon themselves have breached the dimensional fabric, bringing forth the entire Greek Isles and a monstrous Greek army of mythical origins! Every mythical Greek monster imaginable now invades Zimarala, led by their Land General, Ares, while Poseidon commands their devastating naval forces.

  They declare war on all of Zimarala, with but one purpose: to conquer and rule our world. However, the Olympians did not account for the military might of the Tygerian Isles! Nor did they foresee the Tygerian King's (my own!) sacred power to call upon the Nemean Lion—and through it, to command all felines across the multiverse! This extraordinary gift from Waghoba, the Tyger Leopard God, means that even the monstrous Greek feline armies shall turn on their masters and obey the Tygerian King!

  This is no mere skirmish; this is an all-out World War Zimrala! The fate of our fledgling Empire hangs in the balance as we face the might of Olympus itself!

The stage is set: The World War Zimrala Saga begins right here at New Tuslan's fiery ground zero. The Tygerian Empire is now fully committed to expanding and securing the new world we created.

Yours for now,

Captain Hedges.

 

The Honor of the Tygerian Hunter: Final Narrative Compilation

(Setting: Hawthorne Castle Gates & Bodeleaf Forest)

I. The Setup: The Pledge and the Ceremony

WELCOME MY FELLOW GAMEMASTER PLAYER MONSTERS!

The morning is crisp and clear, the air thick with anticipation beneath the gates of the Tygerian Garrison. Mayor Barry Hawthorne—who, in this region, acts as the official representative of King Errol Hawthorne—stands before the young warrior, Kaleen.

"Young Kaleen," Mayor Hawthorne’s voice booms, carrying his inherited authority. "The strength of our Kindred lies not in our laws, but in the blood we spill and the spirit we claim. You set forth this day for the first hunt of your maturity. You must return with a kill worthy of the Tygerian name. You must prove yourself a hunter."

Mayor Hawthorne hands Kaleen the ritual pouch. "Go, and let the ferocity of your ancestors guide your spear. Return successful, and you will receive the Proof of the Hunter—the reward of a warrior who honors his pledge."

(Kaleen, Level 1, steps onto the pine-needle floor of the Bodeleaf Forest, his journey—and the threat of the Turkey Monster (MR 1800)—begins.)

II. The Hunt: Tactical Maneuver and Psychic Attack

(Location: Bodeleaf Forest Clearing)

Kaleen uses his specialized Acute Senses (Smell/Hear), confirming the path forward. The environment is described: The woods are mundane but beautiful, filled with Bodeleaf trees that this time of year are full of colors. Mushrooms and leaf litter cover the ground so that no dirt can be seen. The air smells like wet earth at all times from the winter rains.

The pursuit confirms the target: The Turkeys are clumsy and fairly dumb. Kaleen successfully uses his Hunter's Track to find the flock and makes his kill, triggering the ultimate response.

A. The Gobbler Wail (The GPM Ambush)

The death of the third turkey triggers the emergence of the true threat. The colossal, multi-headed Turkey Monster (MR 1800) appears within 50 feet and unleashes its sonic attack: Ahgobeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrr!!!

Kaleen successfully makes his Level 2 SR on IQ (Target 20) to resist the stun effect. He stumbles but remains conscious and ready to fight.

B. The Tactical Trap

Kaleen immediately recognizes the mismatch in power. He uses his superior agility (DEX/SPD) to initiate a critical maneuver: forcing the colossal Monster into a narrow bottleneck between two massive Bodeleaf trees.

The Monster, enraged and massive, attempts to smash through the gap but fails a difficult L6 SR vs. STR (Target 60), becoming immobilized.

C. The Decisive Blow

Kaleen, knowing the Monster is vulnerable, chooses trickery over brute force. He leaps onto the Monster's flank and utilizes a specific psychological attack: the Turkey Call (the distress call of the Monster's flock).

The Monster fails a high INT SR (Level 5, Target 50), becoming stunned and immobile due to its primal, protective instinct.

The Action: Kaleen drives the spike of his Hunter's Spear into a soft spot, following immediately with the full force of the Tiger Claw Shield Bash across the exposed heads.

• Total Damage: $(\text{4D}6+76\text{ Adds})\times 2$ (Double Damage applied for the Coup de Grâce).

• Result: The concentrated, doubled damage is too much for the massive MR 1800. The Turkey Monster collapses, and the hunt is over.

III. The Conclusion and Rewards Ceremony

The populace erupts in cheers as Kaleen drags the immense corpse back. Mayor Barry Hawthorne officiates the end of the hunt.

A. Rewards and Penalties (The Rules of the Town)

• Final Reward (The Artifact): Mayor Hawthorne presents the Proof of the Hunter—The unique Hide of the Fowl God. When worn, the hide provides plus 2 AP and grants Advantage on all INT SRs against fear effects.

• Total Success (Reward): The party claims 1 pouch containing 5 gold nuggets.

• Partial Success (Fails to return corpse): If only regular fowl are returned, Mayor Hawthorne provides 1 gold nugget each for their trouble.

• Total Failure (Empty Handed): They are simply invited to the disappointing turkey-free feast.

• Total Party Kill (TPK): The villagers will be disappointed that their potential heroes have never returned. GMs are encouraged to make their notes and run this adventure next year.

B. AP and Status

All participating Player Monsters (PMs) receive the following benefits:

• AP (Experience): AP = to MR of Fowl Turkey Birds killed + 2,000 AP for killing the Turkey Monster.

• Status: A letter of Mark declaring them the new Monstrous Heroes of Hawthorne Valley.

• Exploration Pack: As a GM Reward from Earl, they each get a monster explorer pack at no cost.

• Social Benefit: They receive Free Room and Board at the Hawthorne Inn and Tavern, where the locals will call upon them to tell the story of the hunt.

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