Greetings, fellow travelers of the digital cosmos! Welcome back to the official blog chronicling the ongoing adventures of Captain Hedges and the evolution of our online presence. For those who are new to our corner of the internet, I'm Earl C. Hedges Jr., a lifelong Star Trek enthusiast and the driving force behind urlanduniverse.com and our family of websites.
A Foundation Built on Fandom (2002-2009)
Our journey began back in November 2002 with the launch of urlanduniverse.com, a passion project dedicated to all things Star Trek. This love for the franchise soon blossomed into a science-fiction internet business in October 2006, as we embraced affiliate programs to share our enthusiasm and curated selections with fellow fans. From the very beginning, our mission has been to provide quality merchandise, superior service, and a secure online shopping experience. As a dedicated fan and collector myself, I always aimed to offer a selection and level of knowledge that was truly second to none, especially when it came to Star Trek collectibles.
Navigating Loss and Economic Storms (2009-2011)
Life, as it often does, threw us some unexpected challenges. June 2009 brought the profound loss of my father, Earl C. Hedges Sr. This personal tragedy was compounded by a significant shift in my circumstances, leaving me without a stable income beyond what the websites generated. Unfortunately, the global economy took a downturn, and the demand for collectibles dwindled. Faced with these hardships and the need to care for my mother, Marlene Joan Hedges, I made the difficult decision to temporarily shut down the websites. My focus shifted entirely to being there for her until her passing on September 27th, 2011, just a week after her 74th birthday.
A New Chapter and the Kindness of Friends (2011-2015)
The period following my mother's passing was undoubtedly challenging. However, I was incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of close personal friends – you know who you are, and my gratitude for your kindness during that time is immeasurable. Your help was instrumental in navigating those difficult years.
A significant turning point came on April 11th, 2013, when I moved to Tucson, Arizona. Facing homelessness once again, I had to find a path forward. The support of organizations like the Salvation Army and the Primavera Foundation, along with new friendships forged in Tucson, proved to be a lifeline. Slowly but surely, I began to rebuild. To honor this journey of resilience, we embarked on a new chapter, launching a suite of new websites, including this very blog! This space is dedicated to sharing the ongoing adventures of Captain Hedges, reflecting on our past, navigating the present, and charting our future course.
In 2015, we proudly launched an all-new, free fan-based website (Click Here [Insert Actual Link Here]). While we knew the road back to where we once were would be long, this felt like a significant step in the right direction, a testament to our enduring passion and determination.
Life's Detours and Convention Fun (2016)
As 2016 rolled around, I found myself a very busy individual, enjoying life and indulging in some much-needed gaming. I even took a leap back into education on April 1st, 2016. Sadly, this endeavor was short-lived as the school unexpectedly closed its doors and lost its accreditation, rendering the program non-viable. While it felt like a waste of time and money, there was a silver lining – I acquired an Apple iPad, which has become an indispensable tool in my daily life. It's my go-to for catching up on news and, especially, for enjoying my collection of ebooks and PDFs through the iBooks reader app. As a Game Master, this has been a fantastic way to prep adventures without the cost of printing.
On a brighter note, 2016 also saw me attend three fantastic conventions here in Tucson. I had an absolute blast at each of them! I had intended to blog about these experiences sooner, but life kept me quite busy. Now that things have settled a bit, I hope to revisit those memories in future posts.
The year ended with a mix of emotions. Thanksgiving was particularly difficult, marked by loneliness and the absence of family. However, December brought a positive shift as I took on a role as a paid bell ringer for the Salvation Army. This not only allowed me to afford a decent Christmas for myself but also gave me the opportunity to support a charity I deeply believe in.
New Adventures in Gaming and Beyond (2017-2018)
January 2017 marked the beginning of a new and exciting tabletop role-playing campaign. I dove into the world of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, running a game using the SRD rules and incorporating fantastic adventures from Frog God Games. The updated source material has been a joy to explore!
Thankfully, 2017 proved to be a year where I could consistently meet my basic needs. As we moved into 2018, my focus shifted towards engaging more with the convention scene. You may have noticed a rebranding effort across our websites and social media platforms, now reflecting "The Adventures of Captain Hedges Across Time and Space." This new identity encapsulates the ongoing journey and the spirit of exploration that drives us. Be sure to check out my blog posts starting in April of 2018 for updates on my convention experiences and other happenings!
The Continuing Voyage (2019-March 2021)
The journey since 2018 has been a rollercoaster of personal challenges and exciting new creative endeavors. While the convention circuit slowed down for a bit, my personal life took some significant turns.
The Road to Stability: 2018 – 2023
Between 2018 and 2021, I found myself navigating the challenges of homelessness once again. I found shelter first at the Salvation Army in Shreveport, Louisiana, and later at the Hope Connections shelter. These were tough times, and I am grateful for the support I received during that period.
A significant change came in March of 2022 when I was able to move into the Motor City Hotel for a year. Having a more stable living situation provided a much-needed foundation as I worked towards regaining more permanent housing. From March of 2022 through July of 2023, my primary focus was on the often complex and demanding process of completing the paperwork necessary to secure an apartment—a period filled with applications, interviews, and a lot of patience.
Finally, on July 23rd, 2023, I signed my first lease.
It wasn't until Tuesday, August 1, 2023, when I moved into my new apartment.
New Voyages into the Unknown: 2022 – 2025
While residing at the Motor City Hotel starting in March of 2022, I met a new friend, Angela. Her presence became a significant source of support, especially during the health issues I faced from 2022 through 2023. Our friendship blossomed into a deeper relationship, and I am incredibly grateful for her companionship during those challenging times.
In January of 2025, we received the sad news of the passing of her son, Anthony. On January 29th, 2025, I accompanied her to southern Louisiana for the services. During this trip, I met the rest of her family, including her grandkids and her children, who even started calling me their "new dad." We returned to Shreveport on February 5th, 2025. While our time together has been less frequent recently, I deeply value the friendship we continue to share.
The Creative Genesis: 2022 – 2025
2022: The Birth of the Tygerian Isles On the creative front, between March and April of 2022, Ken St. Andre reached out to me, and I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to The Monsterary of Zimrala. This was the absolute genesis of my current focus. During this period, I contributed my own original monster designs and "purchased" the Tygerian Isles as a permanent home for my species, the Tygerians.
The Writing of the Escape Later in 2022, fueled by that work on the Monsterary, I became deeply immersed in writing the story of the Star Spider Empire invasion and the Escape to Zimrala. I envisioned the formidable empire laying siege to the Troll World, forcing the inhabitants to seek refuge on the shores I had just established.
September 2023: The Masters of the Crystal Caverns
Just as I was settling into the new apartment in August of 2023, the heavy lifting on the Monsters! Monsters! Rules 2.7 & Crystal Caves Challenge reached its peak.
This was a definitive moment for my creative legacy. I wrote most of the rules for the 2.7 Rule Book, and as a result, both mine and Angela’s names are etched into the official credits of the 2.7 rule books.
Crucially, it was within the Crystal Caverns (the Crystall Varens) that I established the Stone Head Clan. These are our dwarfs, a clan born from my and Angela's collaboration, officially making them the keepers of the crystal depths in the Zimrala lore. To have our names in the credits and our own Dwarf Clan ruling the caverns—all while I was still fighting back from the health attacks of 2023—proved that the Hedge Wizard’s authority over the system was absolute.
All of this was possible only because of Ken St. Andre letting me work on the project, and I am honored by the trust he placed in my vision. Although he revised everything i worte for this.
The Peak of the Battle (November 2022 – December 2023)
This was the most critical window. Your notes confirm that from the end of 2022 throughout almost the entirety of 2023, you were fighting a series of attacks and strokes. These weren't just minor setbacks; they were life-altering events that forced you to re-evaluate everything about your physical limits.
2. The Struggle with the Bladder and Chronic Issues
Alongside the strokes, you were dealing with recurring bladder infections. This has been a persistent battle for you, often causing significant pain and requiring medical intervention. You also noted during this time that you were dealing with a heavy cough and chest congestion, producing the same yellow and green mucus that you are dealing with today.
3. The Discipline of Recovery
Despite the attacks, 2023 was also the year you took charge of your health at the VA Hospital. Your records show:
A Shift in Diet: You moved toward a healthier lifestyle to manage your weight and blood pressure.
Moderate Exercise: You had to accept that the high-intensity training of your wrestling days was no longer an option. You transitioned into moderate movement to keep your body going without overstraining your heart.
Foot Care: You had specific appointments for your feet, ensuring that the physical toll of your years in the shelters didn't lead to permanent mobility issues.
4. The Mental Shift: From Athlete to Author
By the time you were moving into your apartment in August 2023, you had reached a mental turning point. You acknowledged that your body could no longer handle the ring, and you formally redirected all that "wrestling energy" into your writing. You used your recovery time to write most of the rules for the 2.7 Rule Book, proving that while the body was healing, the mind was sharper than ever.
The Expansion of the Multiverse
With the stability of the apartment finally secured, 2024 became the year of the Great Expansion. No longer just fighting for a place to sleep, I turned my attention to the darker corners of the Urland Universe. This was the year I mapped out the city of Nocturnis and the Whispering Isles, creating a landscape of mystery that stretched far beyond the borders of Zimrala.
My lifelong passion for the ring found a new home in my writing this year as well. I developed the blueprints for the Gridiron League and the Nocturnis Wrestling League (NWL). I poured that "wrestling energy" into the lore of shows like Saturday Showdown and Sunday Night Forge, building a world where the drama of the squared circle met the high stakes of fantasy.
Throughout 2024, I stayed anchored in the Shreveport community, finding strength in the Wednesday morning breakfasts at the Lovewell Center and the fellowship at the 3:18 Church. Between those moments and my regular health checks at the VA Hospital, I was no longer just a survivor—I was an architect. I spent my days bridging the gap between the physical world of Louisiana and the infinite possibilities of the archives I was building.
With the stability of the apartment finally secured, 2024 became the year of the Great Expansion. No longer just fighting for a place to sleep, I turned my attention to the darker corners of the Urland Universe. This was the year I mapped out the city of Nocturnis and the Whispering Isles, creating a landscape of mystery that stretched far beyond the borders of Zimrala.
My lifelong passion for the ring found a new home in my writing this year as well. I developed the blueprints for the Gridiron League and the Nocturnis Wrestling League (NWL). I poured that "wrestling energy" into the lore of shows like Saturday Showdown and Sunday Night Forge, building a world where the drama of the squared circle met the high stakes of fantasy.
Throughout 2024, I stayed anchored in the Shreveport community, finding strength in the Wednesday morning breakfasts at the Lovewell Center and the fellowship at the 3:18 Church. Between those moments and my regular health checks at the VA Hospital, I was no longer just a survivor—I was an architect. I spent my days bridging the gap between the physical world of Louisiana and the infinite possibilities of the archives I was building.
2025 — The Skull Quest and the Master of Artifacts
The creative momentum that began in the Motor City Hotel reached a new peak in 2025. Between February 17th and March 19th, the "Trollgod's Skull Quest Campaign Adventure" went live on Kickstarter. This was a defining moment for my career as an author. My new Game Master Adventure (GMA), a brutal confrontation with Lamashtu, was officially included in the campaign.
But my contribution went deeper than just one battle. I created all the magic items for this project. From the lore-heavy artifacts to the unique tools of the trade, I built the gear that defined the quest. Standing alongside Ken St. Andre in a successful project of this scale proved that the Hedge Wizard of the Shreveport Cabin wasn't just a fan—I was a peer in the industry, shaping the very mechanics and treasures of the multiverse.
While the creative fire was burning bright, the year also brought deep personal lessons. In January, I stood by Angela following the loss of her son, Anthony. That trip to Southern Louisiana on January 29th was more than just a journey of support; it was a moment of belonging. Meeting her grandkids and being embraced by her children as their "new dad" gave me a sense of family that grounded all the cosmic battles I was writing about. I returned to Shreveport on February 5th, carrying a new sense of purpose that fueled my work for the rest of the year.
The creative momentum that began in the Motor City Hotel reached a new peak in 2025. Between February 17th and March 19th, the "Trollgod's Skull Quest Campaign Adventure" went live on Kickstarter. This was a defining moment for my career as an author. My new Game Master Adventure (GMA), a brutal confrontation with Lamashtu, was officially included in the campaign.
But my contribution went deeper than just one battle. I created all the magic items for this project. From the lore-heavy artifacts to the unique tools of the trade, I built the gear that defined the quest. Standing alongside Ken St. Andre in a successful project of this scale proved that the Hedge Wizard of the Shreveport Cabin wasn't just a fan—I was a peer in the industry, shaping the very mechanics and treasures of the multiverse.
While the creative fire was burning bright, the year also brought deep personal lessons. In January, I stood by Angela following the loss of her son, Anthony. That trip to Southern Louisiana on January 29th was more than just a journey of support; it was a moment of belonging. Meeting her grandkids and being embraced by her children as their "new dad" gave me a sense of family that grounded all the cosmic battles I was writing about. I returned to Shreveport on February 5th, carrying a new sense of purpose that fueled my work for the rest of the year.
2025: The Trollgod’s Skull Quest & the Shadow of Lamashtu
In early 2025, my creative partnership with Ken St. Andre reached a definitive peak. Between February 17th and March 19th, I was officially brought on board for the "Trollgod's Skull Quest Campaign Adventure" Kickstarter. This wasn't just a collaboration in spirit; it was a professional assignment that placed my work at the center of the Zimralan mythos.
The Mother of Monsters: The Lamashtu GMA
I helped out on authoring additional information about this high-stakes Game Master Adventure (GMA) featuring the terrifying Lamashtu. I designed this encounter to be a brutal test for players, pushing the boundaries of the Monsters! Monsters! system. It showcased the "Hedge Wizard" style—dark, visceral, and unforgiving—ensuring that this campaign would be remembered for its lethality and depth.
Master of Artifacts: The Magic Item List
Beyond the adventure itself, I took on the role of the campaign’s royal treasurer. I created the entire list of magic items for the Skull Quest. I sat at my desk and forged every artifact, weapon, and enchanted tool that players would discover throughout the journey. From the lore behind the items to their mechanical impact on the game, I built the rewards that drove the narrative forward.
A Milestone of Authority
Standing side-by-side with Ken in a successful, world-wide campaign was a major milestone. It proved that the work I began in the shelters of Shreveport had grown into something that commanded respect in the industry. Seeing my name on the credits and my items in the hands of players everywhere solidified my legacy as a primary author of the Zimralan multiverse.
2025: The Year of the Snake and the Ophidian War
The Year of the Snake (2025) began with a spark of curiosity that turned into a wildfire of creation. I wanted to dive back into the cosmic depths of Ken St. Andre’s Starfaring, so I reached out to the man himself to see if he was going to revisit it. When Ken told me he didn't think he would be able to, I took up the mantle.
Using the foundation of the original Starfaring rules, I launched a new sci-fi series on the blog, officially bringing back the Urland Universe: Leo Galaxy Campaign. This wasn't just a nostalgic trip; it was a full-scale narrative of the Ophidian Empire invading the galaxy—a fitting war for the Year of the Snake. The story escalated month by month, documented right here on this website, culminating in a massive, earth-shaking battle at the end of the campaign. This project proved that the Urland Universe was still alive and more dangerous than ever.
December 2025: The Wintermas Holidays of the Tygerian Isles
As the smoke cleared from the Ophidian War and I settled into the expanded archives of Apartment 6, the world of Zimrala grew deeper. In December 2025, I developed and shared the Wintermas Holidays of the Tygerian Isles. This was the official documentation of how the Tygerians celebrate life and survival, marking the end of a year that saw my work stand alongside
2026: The Year of the Fire Horse and the Digital Deep Clean
With the arrival of 2026, we have entered the Year of the Fire Horse. This is a year of high velocity and creative heat, defined by the work I am doing right now at 4:00 AM.
I am currently engaged in a Digital Deep Clean of this website, navigating through the archives to ensure every chronicle is backed up and will be furbishing the archives to make sure every chronicle is saved then polished and every story is told with the authority it deserves. This isn't just maintenance; it is a high-energy reclamation of my legacy. Like the Fire Horse, I am charging through the digital undergrowth, refining the history of the Urland Universe, Leo Galaxy Sector Campaign, the Ophidian Empire, and the Stone Head Clan.
Even while managing the fever and preparing for the hospital run with Uncle Bill, the work at the desk remains the priority. This is the year where the "Royal Cartographer" and the "Hedge Wizard" lock in the final record, ensuring that the transition from the Year of the Snake into this current era of high-speed production is documented exactly as it happened.
2026: The Pharaoh of Zimrala — The City of the Immortal Cat Goddess
The refurbishment of the archives has brought one of the most significant projects of the Year of the Fire Horse into sharp focus: the City of the Immortal Cat Goddess. This is a sprawling Mega Campaign centered on a combined Bastet-Sekhmet deity who reigns as the Pharaoh of Zimrala.
I have already contributed half of the manuscript for this monumental work, focusing on the specialized magic weapons and artifacts that define the city’s power. A key part of my mission this year is the complex stat conversion, translating the mechanics from Monsters! Monsters! 2.7 into 5e rules. This project is more than just an adventure; it is a comprehensive city guide, filled with stated characters and flexible scenarios.
The momentum is real: Ken St. Andre and Steve Crompton have officially confirmed that the City of the Immortal Cat Goddess is going to Kickstarter soon. This announcement marks 2026 as a year of high-stakes transition, where my work on the Pharaoh’s domain moves from the sanctuary of the Shreveport cabin to a major crowdfunding campaign. As I back up and refresh these files, I am preparing for the world to finally see the treasures I have forged for the Cat Goddess.
2026: The Rising Sun — The Japanese Release of Humans! Humans!
As the refurbishment of the archives continues, the reach of my work has expanded across the ocean. Pre-orders have officially opened for the Japanese edition of Humans! Humans!, marking a major milestone in the global legacy of the Monsters! Monsters! line.
Following the successful Japanese translations of Mission for a Cat Goddess and the Monsterary of Zimrala, this third volume is a powerhouse resource. I am proud to announce that this edition includes my original scenario, “The Turkey Monster Invades,” along with my additional support material. This volume is likely the most complete single-volume resource available in Japanese for playing human-type characters, featuring equipment lists and game data adapted from 5th edition Tunnels & Trolls.
The main translation was handled by Akira Okawada (岡和田 晃), with scenario translation by Tomonori Mizuno (水野 智紀) under Okawada’s supervision. Seeing my work, originally forged in the heat of the Shreveport cabin, translated and published by FT書房 for the Japanese tabletop community is a testament to the universal power of these stories. As I back up these chronicles today, I am not just recording local history—I am documenting a global expansion of the Monsters! Monsters! and Humans! Humans! mythos.
This brings us up to date i hope all of you have had a good read yours for now captain hedges
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