The picture below was installed 1999, located on SR 179 25 chapel road.
Artist Was Sam Adamov.
These are the New Adventures of Captain Hedges and the Urland Universe re-launched in a whole new blog for your enjoyment! Welcome to this week's edition of the urland-universe updates. What’s new? See Blog Posts and updated pages. Now for the Sci- Fi Update the year is 8,950 in the 90th Century and I want to welcome all of you to my new post I'll get back to you, Laters about Zimrala One Space Station Pictured Here. Yours Captain Hedges
Star Trek Capatins!
Sunday, June 27, 1999
Historical Sedona Arizona
The first documented human presence in Sedona area dates to between 11,500 and 9000 B.C. Around 9000 B.C., the pre-historic Archaic people appeared in the Verde Valley. Around 650 A.D., the Sinaqua people entered the Verde Valley. Their culture is known for its art such as pottery, basketry and their masonry. The Yavapai came from the west when the Sinaqua were still there in the Verde Valley around 1300 A.D.
About 1,500 people were marched in midwinter to San Carlos, reminiscent of the forced Trail of Tears from the Eastern States to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) almost 30 years before. My Great, Great Cherokee Grandmother, Mariah Ross Mulkey, died on the Trail of Tears, where 4,000 Cherokees perished.
Several hundred Yavapai and Apache lost their lives. The survivors were interned for 25 years. About 200 Yavapai and Apache people returned to the Verde Valley in 1900 and have since intermingled as a single political entity although culturally distinct residing in the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
Saturday, January 3, 1998
My First Contact at Star Trek: The Experience - A Blast from the 1998 Past!
My First Contact at Star Trek: The Experience - A Blast from the 1998 Past!
The year was 1998. The airwaves were buzzing with dial-up modems, Titanic dominated the box office, and for a wide-eyed Star Trek fan like myself, something truly extraordinary had just opened its doors in the dazzling landscape of Las Vegas: Star Trek: The Experience. And on one unforgettable day, armed with my best Starfleet uniform and a heart full of Trekkie excitement, I made my first contact.
Stepping through those doors at the Las Vegas Hilton felt less like entering an attraction and more like beaming directly onto a Federation starbase. The attention to detail was astounding. From the LCARS interfaces glowing invitingly to the hum of what I could only imagine was a warp core, every corner whispered of the 24th century.
And then there were the people! Fellow enthusiasts, each radiating their own unique Starfleet pride. Seeing so many others decked out in their uniforms – from classic TOS tunics to the more modern DS9 jumpsuits – created an instant sense of camaraderie. We were all there, united by our love for Gene Roddenberry's vision.
My first adventure was navigating the interactive exhibits. I remember geeking out over the props and set pieces, feeling an almost reverent touch as I peered at recreations of iconic technology. The sheer dedication to authenticity was breathtaking. It wasn't just a museum; it was a living, breathing Star Trek environment.
But the real highlight of that first day was undoubtedly the "Star Trek: The Adventure" ride. I won't spoil the specifics for anyone who never got to experience it, but let me just say it involved a simulated shuttle flight gone awry, encounters with hostile aliens (played by enthusiastic actors, of course!), and the thrilling sensation of being part of a real Starfleet mission. My heart pounded as phaser fire erupted around us and the fate of our "crew" hung in the balance. Emerging from that experience, adrenaline still coursing through my veins, I felt like I had truly lived a Star Trek episode.
Of course, no visit to Star Trek: The Experience would be complete without a stop at Quark's Bar. Grabbing a Romulan Ale (or a cleverly named non-alcoholic equivalent!) and soaking in the atmosphere of the infamous Ferengi establishment was surreal. The bartenders, in character, haggled and bantered, adding another layer of immersion to the experience.
Leaving Star Trek: The Experience that first day, I felt a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. It wasn't just an attraction; it was a celebration of a universe that had inspired me for years to come. It was a place where fantasy became reality, if only for a few glorious hours.
Looking back on that day in 1998, dressed proudly in my Starfleet uniform, I can still feel the excitement. It was a reminder of the power of storytelling and the incredible connection that Star Trek fosters among its fans. It was, without a doubt, a first contact I'll never forget.
In conclusion, revisiting the memories of Star Trek: The Experience underscores its lasting impact on this devoted fan. While the journey of rewriting these blog posts about past Star Trek Adventures continues, and the cherished fan photos from that era remain inaccessible in storage, the vivid recollections of that immersive attraction in Las Vegas are undiminished. The dedication to recreating the Star Trek universe, from the detailed sets to the engaging encounters, left an indelible mark. As this rewriting project progresses, the hope is to eventually reunite these written accounts with the visual memories captured in Las Vegas, completing the picture of a truly unforgettable experience for this lifelong Trekkie.
Did you ever visit Star Trek: The Experience? Share your memories in the comments below!
Wednesday, December 31, 1997
New Year's Eve in Vegas: Ringing in '98 with Fireworks and Future Treks!
For a lifelong Star Trek enthusiast like myself, the end of 1997 held a unique promise. I was on vacation in the dazzling, electrifying city of Las Vegas for the New Year's holiday, staying right in the heart of the action at the iconic Las Vegas Hilton. The energy was palpable, a vibrant hum of anticipation for the dawn of a new year. But for me, the excitement went beyond the typical New Year's Eve revelry. Just around the corner, on January 3rd, 1998, something truly special was set to open its doors within the very hotel I was calling home: Star Trek: The Experience.
The anticipation was almost as thrilling as the spectacle unfolding outside my window. New Year's Eve in Las Vegas is legendary, and the highlight is undoubtedly the breathtaking fireworks display launched from the rooftops of the numerous hotels lining the Strip. Standing there, gazing out at the kaleidoscopic explosions painting the desert sky, felt like witnessing a cosmic event in its own right. Each burst of color and light echoed the boundless imagination of the Star Trek universe I so adored. The sheer scale of the celebration was mesmerizing, a collective cheer erupting with every thunderous boom as 1997 faded into memory.
Being at the Las Vegas Hilton during this momentous occasion felt serendipitous. While the city pulsed with New Year's Eve energy, I knew that in just a few short days, that same location would become a portal to another galaxy entirely. The anticipation for Star Trek: The Experience was a constant undercurrent to the holiday excitement. I could almost feel the hum of the transporter pads and hear the murmur of alien languages within the yet-to-be-opened attraction. It was a unique convergence – celebrating the turning of the calendar in a city synonymous with fantasy, while eagerly awaiting the unveiling of a real-world immersion into my favorite fictional universe.
The memories of that New Year's Eve in Las Vegas are vivid: the glittering lights of the Strip, the roar of the crowd, and the spectacular fireworks display that painted the night sky with fleeting bursts of brilliance. It was a quintessential Vegas experience, amplified by the knowledge that something extraordinary for a Star Trek fan was just days away, right within the walls of the hotel I was staying in. The anticipation for my first "contact" with Star Trek: The Experience was a wonderful counterpoint to the New Year's Eve festivities, making this holiday in Las Vegas truly unforgettable.
Note to readers: As I continue to rewrite my blog posts about past Star Trek adventures for this archive, please note that the fan photos I took during this New Year's Eve trip and my subsequent visits to Star Trek: The Experience are currently inaccessible, residing in my storage unit in Tucson, Arizona. I look forward to eventually reuniting these written accounts with the visual memories.
Saturday, October 1, 1994
Masque of the Red Death for Ravenloft
Just Unboxed! The Chilling Elegance of Masque of the Red Death for Ravenloft!
Friends, fellow gamers, purveyors of the macabre! You will absolutely not believe what just graced my doorstep. The mail carrier must have felt a palpable sense of dread emanating from this package, and for good reason! I've finally gotten my hands on the legendary Masque of the Red Death boxed set for Ravenloft! For those unfamiliar, this isn't just another foray into the Demiplane of Dread; it's a deep dive into its own sub-setting: the hauntingly familiar yet terrifyingly twisted 1890s Gothic Earth. Forget your Transylvanian castles for a moment; we're talking gaslit streets, burgeoning industrialization shadowed by ancient evils, and a societal structure ripe for supernatural infiltration. My initial impressions? Let's just say the hairs on the back of my neck are already standing on end!
Diving into the Darkness: First Impressions of the Boxed Set
The presentation alone is a masterclass in gothic aesthetics. The box art immediately sets the tone – a blend of Victorian elegance and creeping dread. Inside, it's like unearthing a forbidden tome. We have the main Campaign Setting/Module book, and let me tell you, it's substantial. Just flipping through the pages, I'm struck by the sheer depth of the lore. This isn't a cursory overview; it's a meticulously crafted world, complete with detailed descriptions of the various nations, the intricate social hierarchies, and, most importantly, the pervasive sense of unease that hangs over everything. The NPCs already feel vibrant and potentially dangerous, each with their own secrets and shadows.
Beyond the setting book, the inclusion of a separate module is a fantastic touch. It's like getting a ready-made nightmare to unleash on my players right out of the box! I haven't had a chance to delve into the specifics yet (resisting the urge to spoil myself!), but the premise hinted at on the cover is suitably chilling.
What truly excites me are the "new rules" mentioned in the product description. Ravenloft is already a fantastic system for horror, but the idea of mechanics specifically tailored to the unique flavor of 1890s Gothic Earth has me practically giddy. I'm eager to see how these rules enhance the atmosphere of societal constraints, technological advancements juxtaposed with ancient superstitions, and the ever-present threat of both the mundane and the monstrous.
This isn't just a supplement; it feels like a complete toolkit for running a truly unique horror campaign. The level of detail in bringing this era to life, with its societal norms, technological marvels, and underlying anxieties, is truly impressive. I can already picture my players navigating fog-choked London streets, attending opulent yet sinister galas, and uncovering dark secrets hidden beneath the veneer of Victorian society.
The Shadows Beckon: My Next Campaign Takes Shape
So, after just a brief but intense immersion into the Masque of the Red Death, I can confidently say that my next campaign will undoubtedly be set within the haunting confines of Gothic Earth. The possibilities are simply too enticing to ignore.
I'm envisioning a campaign that blends social intrigue with creeping horror. My players might find themselves as investigators unraveling a series of bizarre murders that hint at something far more sinister than a mere mortal killer. Perhaps they'll be members of a secret society dedicated to combating the supernatural threats that lurk beneath the surface of polite society. Or maybe they'll be individuals caught in the machinations of powerful and morally bankrupt nobles who dabble in forbidden arts.
The beauty of this setting is the inherent tension between the advancements of the era and the ancient evils that refuse to be forgotten. Imagine gaslight flickering as a spectral figure glides through the fog, or the unsettling hum of a new electrical device masking the scratching of something inhuman within the walls. The juxtaposition of the familiar and the terrifying is what truly excites me.
I'm already brainstorming character concepts that fit this world – perhaps a brilliant but eccentric scientist who stumbles upon a terrifying discovery, a hardened detective haunted by a past encounter with the supernatural, or a charismatic socialite with a dark secret and connections to the occult underground.
The Masque of the Red Death isn't just a campaign setting; it's an invitation to explore a unique flavor of horror, one that is both grounded in a specific historical period and ripe with supernatural dread. Get ready, my players. The gas lamps are lit, the fog is rolling in, and something wicked this way comes. I have a feeling this is going to be a truly unforgettable descent into darkness! Have any of you braved the horrors of Gothic Earth? Share your experiences – I'm eager to hear them!
Wednesday, December 25, 1991
Ringing in the New Year with a Body Slam
Our Christmas Review of All-Star Wrestling!
Well, folks, it’s almost Christmas, and what better way to celebrate the holidays than by stepping into the squared circle? This year, Santa brought us a real contender: All-Star Wrestling, the brand-new role-playing game from Afterthought Images, hitting shelves just in time for some serious holiday grappling action!
If you’ve ever dreamed of lacing up your boots, cutting a promo, and delivering a devastating finisher, then this game is for you. Designed and illustrated by Paul Schulze, this 96-page softcover book is your ticket to becoming a professional wrestling legend.
Building Your Champion: Character Creation That Hits Hard!
Right out of the gate, All-Star Wrestling impresses with its character creation system. Forget generic archetypes; this game lets you craft your wrestler from the ground up. You’ll be allocating points to key attributes like Power, Agility, Quickness, Technical Ability, and Endurance. These aren't just numbers; they directly influence your secondary stats, like your Damage Bonus, Recovery, Attack Value, and Defense Value, which then determine how many actions your superstar can perform in a single round.
But it’s not just about raw stats! You can delve into your wrestler’s background, which might even net you more creation points to pump into those core attributes. Feeling brave? Take on a "drawback" like an "Old Injury" for even more points to customize your character.
The Bell Rings: Combat That Feels Real!
Once your wrestler is ready, it’s time for the main event! The combat system in All-Star Wrestling is where the rubber meets the road, or rather, where the boot meets the canvas. It’s a turn-based system that feels incredibly strategic. You’ll determine who gets the first move, then choose your action – a powerful strike, a debilitating hold, an escape attempt, or even a moment to catch your breath.
When you attack, you combine your Attack Value with your skill level for the chosen maneuver, then subtract your opponent’s Defense Value. A successful roll on a twenty-sided die (D20) means your move connects, and then you roll a number of six-sided dice (D6s) to determine the damage.
The rulebook also hints at a remarkably expansive campaign world, with numerous fictitious wrestling leagues, their titles, and top contenders, giving you plenty of scope for long-term play.
The Verdict: A Champion Is Crowned!
All-Star Wrestling is a fantastic addition to any role-playing game collection, especially for fans of professional wrestling. The writing is clean, the illustrations are engaging, and the game is packed with flavor pages that read like real insider reports from the wrestling world.
Now, if we had one minor quibble, it’s that the game focuses so heavily on the in-ring action that it doesn't really delve into the crowd's reaction, self-promotion, or the role of managers.
Overall, All-Star Wrestling is an admirable product, and we’re giving it a solid thumb-up! It’s a must-have for anyone looking to bring the high-flying, body-slamming drama of professional wrestling to their tabletop. Go grab a copy and get ready to rumble into 1992!
Saturday, June 3, 1989
The Panther’s Roar: Graduation, Black Chrome, and the Road to Zimrala
The Panther’s Roar: Graduation, Black Chrome, and the Road to Zimrala
Date: June 3, 1989 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona... and Beyond Mood: Primal, Hungry, V8 Engine Growling in the Dark
Well, we did it. As of an hour ago, I am officially a graduate of Coconino High School.
Walking across that stage in my red and black cap and gown, looking out at the crowd, it felt surreal. The wind was kicking up outside (classic Flagstaff spring weather, even in June), but inside, it was all "Panther Pride." It feels like just yesterday we were freshmen trying to figure out the hallways, and now we’re tossing our caps and getting ready to take over the world.
But let’s be real—the highlight wasn't the diploma. The highlight was walking out to the parking lot under the rising moon, tossing that piece of paper into the passenger seat of my 1965 Mustang Fastback, and turning the key.
It's not just any Mustang. I painted it myself this spring—a deep, midnight black that looks wet even when it's dry. All the chrome is blacked out. It sits low and mean, like a big cat waiting to pounce. When that 289 V8 fires up, it doesn't rumble; it growls.
The Soundtrack of a Full Moon Night
My tape deck is getting a serious workout tonight. It depends on who I'm riding with, but the playlist is split right down the middle between the twang and the electric guitars.
Country: You can’t live in Flagstaff without a little country. Clint Black is huge right now—everyone is blasting "A Better Man." It’s practically the anthem of the summer already. We’ve also got Shenandoah’s "The Church on Cumberland Road" and, of course, the King himself, George Strait.
Rock: When we hit the open road near the forest, the volume goes up. Guns N’ Roses is still king with "Patience" playing every hour. Tom Petty just dropped "I Won't Back Down," which feels perfect for graduation. And you can’t escape Bon Jovi’s "I’ll Be There For You."
At the Movies: The Summer of Sequels
We’ve been spending way too much time and money at the theater.
Indy: We all just saw "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." It is so much better than Temple of Doom. Seeing Indy ride off into the sunset felt like a sign for us graduates.
The Bat: The anticipation for the new "Batman" movie is unreal. Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne? We’re all skeptical, but the trailer looks dark and awesome.
Sci-Fi Fix: I’m a sci-fi junkie, so I’m counting down the days until "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" hits theaters this Friday. I know the reviews are mixed, but it's Kirk and Spock—I’m there.
Life in the High Country
Living here in Flagstaff in 1989 is a trip. The city just passed those new "Dark Sky" lighting codes recently, so when we’re out late tonight, the Milky Way is going to look insane over the San Francisco Peaks.
My friends and I have big plans. We aren't just going to work jobs; we're going to build things. We’ve been messing around with our own game campaigns—I’ve got this idea for a massive story involving soldiers and a shadow war (I'm calling it the Tiger Force Shadow Saga), and we’re definitely not stopping our Monsters! Monsters! sessions anytime soon.
Actually... speaking of Monsters! Monsters!, I think I know why I feel so different tonight. It's not just graduation. The moon is almost full. I feel my skin itching, my senses sharpening. The beast inside is scratching at the door.
If life were a game, here is what my stats would look like right now:
The Character Sheet: Class of '89 Werepanther
A shapeshifting hunter. In human form, a tactical thinker. Under the moon, a sleek, lethal predator of the night.
Kindred: Lycanthrope (Werepanther) Attributes (Rolled on 3d6 & Adjusted for Hybrid Form):
Strength (STR): 30 (Base 15 x 2 multiplier) – Primal, bone-crushing power.
Constitution (CON): 24 (Base 16 x 1.5 multiplier) – Incredible stamina and health.
Dexterity (DEX): 21 (Base 14 x 1.5 multiplier) – Silent, stalking agility.
Speed (SPD): 18 (Base 15 x 1.2 multiplier) – Explosive speed.
Intelligence (IQ): 12 – Retains human cunning.
Luck (LK): 11
Charisma (CHA): 10
Combat Stats:
Personal Adds: +42
Weapons: Claws & Bite (4d6 damage in hybrid form)
Special Powers:
Lycanthropic Regeneration: Heals 1d6 CON at the start of every combat turn (unless hit by silver).
Night Hunter: Enhanced vision and scent tracking in darkness.
The Mount: The Black Panther (1965 Mustang)
A sleek, midnight-black construct of steel and shadow, prowling the asphalt.
Monster Rating (MR): 150
Deadliness Rating: 4
Combat Dice: 16d6 + 75 adds
Special Abilities:
Pounce: Overruns enemies for double damage on a massive win, like a cat taking down prey.
Sleek Hide: The blacked-out body grants a bonus to stealth checks at night.
Shadow Speed: Rolls 4d6 for Speed/Chase checks in low light.
The Chronicle: The Midnight Detour
So, here is how the night actually went.
The graduation party was winding down, but the hunger was just waking up. I was behind the wheel, heading east on Route 66 past the old Museum Club. The cool mountain air ruffled the fur that was starting to sprout on my forearms through the open window.
I was contemplating my future—Conquer a small kingdom? Hunt in the royal forests?—when the road ahead decided to stop being a road. A swirling vortex of violet and sickly green energy erupted from the ground. It looked like a doorway to somewhere else. Somewhere wild.
A lesser creature would have slammed on the brakes. Me? The moon was up, and my blood was singing.
I shifted into hybrid form, my graduation gown tearing at the seams as muscle and fur burst through. With a growl, I slapped the shifter down a gear and stomped the gas pedal. The Black Panther Mustang roared in response, leaping toward the portal like its namesake.
The world turned inside out. Then, with a silent, graceful landing that only a cat could pull off, we touched down on purple dirt. Two moons hung in a sky the color of a bruised plum.
Definitely not Arizona. We were in Zimrala.
Chapter 1: Welcome to the Purple Plains
Standing about fifty feet away was a patrol of five squat, green-skinned goblins. They were staring, terrified, at the sleek black beast that had just appeared from nowhere, its headlights glowing like yellow predatory eyes.
"By Gristlegrim's beard!" one squeaked. "It... it's a shadow demon riding a metal jaguar!"
I leaned out the window, my panther head filling the frame, and flashed a grin filled with very sharp teeth. "Sup, snacks. Which way to the nearest dungeon?"
The goblins scattered, screaming into the night. I laughed a low, guttural laugh and gunned the engine. The terrain was rough—spongy moss and jagged violet rocks—but the Panther Mustang was built for the prowl.
I hadn't gone a quarter-mile when the ground beneath me rumbled. A massive Acid-Spitting Land Anemone (MR 80, Deadliness 3) burst from the ground, blocking my path. Before I could react, it heaved, spraying a massive glob of sizzling green acid directly at me.
It hit me square in the chest. The torn remnants of my graduation gown dissolved instantly.
I looked down at my chest fur, which was steaming but unharmed. "Hey!" I roared, my voice a mix of man and beast. "Regeneration, buddy! You're gonna have to do better than that!"
I slammed the Mustang into first gear. The Anemone wobbled, confused. That was its last mistake.
"Eat Ford, you overgrown weed!"
The dice hit the table. It was a massacre. The Mustang’s black chrome bumper caught the beast mid-wobble. POUNCE EFFECT TRIGGERED.
The creature exploded in a shower of goo. I turned on the windshield wipers, cranked Guns N' Roses back up to max volume, and sped off toward the distant mountains where I could see dragons circling.
The hunt is on.
Class of '89, baby. We’re just getting started.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)