Neal Litherland
Founding member
Bio
Neal Litherland is an author, freelance blogger, and RPG designer. A regular on the Chicago convention circuit, he works in a variety of genres.
Blog: Improved Initiative and The Literary Mercenary
Stories (309/0)
- Top Story - July 2019
Who Was the Real James Bond?Top Story - July 2019
James Bond 007 is perhaps the most well-known fictional espionage agent in history. The grand-daddy of Jimmy-come-lately characters like Jason Bourne, it's been estimated that over half of the world's population has seen a film starring the suave super spy. Though not as many people have read the originals penned by creator Ian Fleming (who was sort of an insane badass in his own right), the books have survived, and even thrived for decades now. For all that time there has been one, burning question in the minds of many franchise fans; who is the real James Bond?
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Geeks
How to Build Doc Holliday in The 'Pathfinder RPG'
John Henry "Doc" Holliday is one of the most famous names from the era of the Wild West. A Southern gentleman of means and education, Doc was struck by one tragedy after another. When he could no longer practice his trade due to his tuberculosis, he had to turn to another one to make his way in the world. That's how he became a gambler, using his sharp intellect to come out ahead. Unfortunately, his hot temper often got him into the sort of trouble he had to shoot his way out of. A friend to the famous Earps, Doc was both a great strength, and a great weakness for them.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Gamers
The Supercomplication
When pocket watches were first invented in the 16th century, they were products strictly for the wealthy and privileged. The first truly mobile, mechanical means of telling time, initial watches were worn around the neck, and they could be off by more than an hour due to the inaccuracies of early mechanisms. It wasn't until spiral springs (the height of technology in the year 1675) were invented that accurate pocket watches could even be made.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in 01
5 Barbarian Multiclass Concepts Your Table Won't See Coming
The barbarian hero has been an icon of fantasy ever since Conan first trod the kingdoms of the earth beneath his sandaled feet, and it's been an archetype of roleplaying games ever since the first PC kits were released in Dungeons and Dragons. For those playing Pathfinder, the barbarian base class is always a great option for those who want a martial class with a bit of an edge to it. Especially when you consider all the archetypes the class has available, allowing players to really customize their characters.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Gamers
How to Build Harriet Tubman in 'The Pathfinder RPG'
Harriet Tubman is one of those names we hear in our history classes, but we rarely associate her with anything more. She's talked about primarily as an abolitionist, and as someone who fought for women's suffrage at a time where that was less than popular among the power structures of the nation. It's mentioned that she was a former slave who managed to escape the south, but her achievements are significantly downplayed in favor of the drier, political movements she was a part of.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Gamers
5 Paladin Multiclass Character Concepts Your Table Won't Expect
The paladin is one of the most iconic heroes of fantasy RPGs. Knights in shining armor, holy warriors, and more, these characters can accomplish truly astonishing feats of heroism through faith, and adherence to a rigorous code of honorable conduct. While there are a dozen different ways to play this class, one of the more interesting twists you can add is to multiclass your character. Because, as long as you maintain your lawful good alignment, you will also maintain all your class abilities.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Gamers
How to Build Captain America in 'The Pathfinder RPG'
Behind the closed doors of a secret lab during World War II, American scientists in the Marvel Universe created the world's first super soldier. The formula's creator was assassinated by a Nazi spy moments after the experiment's success, but Steve Rogers was not willing to let the fact that he was one man stop him from changing the course of the war. With his signature shield, and a costume that boldly displayed the colors of his country, Captain America was born. The rest, as they say, is history.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Gamers
5 True Facts About Ian Fleming, the Author of 'James Bond'
James Bond is one of the most well-known fictional characters in popular culture today. His shoes have been filled by memorable actors like Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and most recently by Daniel Craig, making him feel like an always new and culturally immortal character. However, while Bond's exploits are known practically around the world, not everyone knows the unique story of his creator. There was far more to Ian Fleming than met the eye.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Geeks
How to Build Jason Voorhees in the Pathfinder RPG
Camp Crystal Lake is cursed, or at least that's what they say. Ever since that kid drowned there, the place has been called Camp Blood by the locals. People keep winding up dead there, and every time someone tries to re-open the thing, tragedy strikes. Most people don't even know about it now, but you still hear screams sometimes. Because murder lurks in those trees; a vengeance that will never truly be slaked, no matter how many people it eats.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Gamers
Bartitsu: The Original Mixed Martial Art
Who would win in a fight? It's a conversation we've all had at one point in time or another. A heavyweight boxer against a judo master? An Olympic wrestler versus a Brazilian Jujitsu fighter? Obama in a cage match with Mitt Romney? Batman versus Superman? We want the answers to these questions.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Unbalanced
5 True Facts About Christopher Lee
There are few faces or voices as instantly recognizable as that of British actor Christopher Lee. With amazing film credits, such as the Star Wars villain, Count Dooku, and Lord of the Rings baddie Sarumon, Lee appeared in over 200 films, which have grossed some of the highest amounts in Hollywood history. That said it's the unusual happenstance and bizarre coincidences of Lee's life that make the man more interesting than any of the characters he's portrayed.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Geeks
How to Knock Someone Out with One Punch
Anyone who's ever watched a fight knows how impressive a one-shot knockout can be. And anyone who's ever actually been in a fight knows that it's a lot harder to pull off than it looks in the movies. The secret to the one-punch knockout isn't really a secret though; it simply requires a basic understanding of your opponent's body and how you can take advantage of its inherent weaknesses. In short, the perfect knockout punch has almost nothing to do with size and strength and everything to do with technique and precision.
By Neal Litherland5 years ago in Unbalanced