Sheesh. Looking at the datestamps for previous pages, I’ve realized how long it’s been since the last update. I’m very sorry about that. The summer season has been rather insane in my household this year, and what free time I’ve had has been devoted to other things (as demonstrated in the recent blog update). That said, the approach of Reach has generated some creative energy, and I’d like to wrap this current arc before Reach falls next Tuesday. I hope you enjoy this update (and that it helps alleviate your withdrawal jitters), and hopefully you’ll see some flashy new scenes starting next week!

I know, I know. I’ve really let Reclaimer languish lately, and I’m sorry about that. I haven’t forgotten about it. Honest. I’ll get back to our hero and his quest to save the universe. Eventually. Maybe Reach will provide some much needed rejuvenation.

In the meantime, though, I haven’t dropped completely out of the fiction business. I’ve been honing my craft with some (super-)short fiction over at Ficly. The deal is that no story can be more than 1024 characters, so they’re really more like bite-size vignettes, which is perfect for me right now with my busy schedule.

How about a sample? Alright. Here you go.
——
Clanks at Midnight

The place smelled like shit and piss.

“I thought these things didn’t have bodily excretions,” I called out to my partner.

“They’re not supposed to,” she replied. “For some reason this one does. Someone’s been hard at work making a clank that can process food the way humans do.”

The clank was a junker, alright, especially since someone had unloaded several rounds of buckshot into the thing. Oil and grease spattered the wall around where it was slumped, and a puddle of very human sewage was leaking onto the floor around the thing.

“Makes you wonder what happened here,” I said thoughtfully. No answer. I looked around. “Mel?”

I found her in the next room looking at a scrap of paper she’d found on the desk. I looked over her shoulder and read: Nobody loves a clank at midnight.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“Hell if I know, Joe. Nothing about this makes sense. We still haven’t found Mr. Peabody.” She sighed. “Maybe when we find him, we’ll have our answers.”

Maybe, I thought, but I wouldn’t count on it.
——
If you liked this, there’s plenty more where that came from and new additions on a regular basis. I try (try!) to write something every day, but that’s not always easy (or possible). Feel free to head over and check out my writing.

Also, Reclaimer regular HSAR maintains a presence on Ficly. He and I have been tag-teaming a science fiction story called Cartographer. It’s a fun experiment in cooperative story-telling that Reclaimer fans may find right up their alley.

So, while Reclaimer’s taking a break, check out some more fiction, and don’t hesitate to leave your comments. As always, feedback is not just welcome, it’s highly coveted.

Cheers!

Today is the first day of GenCon (and my birthday), so I’ll be down in Indy all day today through Saturday (I love living within easy driving distance) wandering the halls, visiting the Exhibitors area, and demoing as many games as I can. This will be my first GenCon, despite living in the greater Indianapolis area for the last several years. If you happen to be at GenCon this weekend, as well, comment on this post and let me know!

I’m excited to finally be able to attend GenCon Indy this year. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for several years now, especially since it takes place right in my back yard. I’ll be strolling the halls on Thursday and Friday for sure and possibly Saturday, as well, taking in as many sights as possible, meeting a number of people with whom I’ve only ever met through email, and just generally having a good time. I would be thrilled to meet as many of you as possible who will be in attendance, as well, so if you’re planning to be at GenCon Indy this year and would be interested in touching base with me while there, leave a note in the comments below or email me and let me know.

I also still have most of my stock of “I Flew” t-shirts, and I’d really like to sell as many off as possible so that I can stop storing them. At this point, I’m not even really looking to make a profit so much as just recoup my expenses, so I’ll be letting them go for just $8 apiece. GenCon Indy would be a great place to grab a shirt from me and save yourself the additional shipping costs. If you’ll be at GenCon and want a t-shirt, email me with your interest and shirt size. We can make arrangements to meet for the exchange from there.

I’m looking forward to experiencing this event, and I hope to see you there!

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Reclaimer makes a triumphant return the fires of oblivion.

The 4-page mini-arc entitled “Stone Epitaph” was a brief glimpse into the future of Reclaimer. Great things are coming to the Reclaimerverse when Reach drops in the fall. In the meantime, you may want to go back through the archives for a quick refresher.

Things are always calmest just before…

I’m having a hard time finding the time and energy required to produce Reclaimer comics on a regular basis. The part of the process that’s really hanging me up is the screenshot capture step. Most evenings right now I just haven’t had the time to fire up my Xbox and set up the scenes I need for the next two or three comics. As such, I’m asking for some help.

I’m looking for four to six individuals who would be willing to volunteer to produce screenshots for Reclaimer. I’ll send you a description of the types of images I’m looking for, then you collect said images and email them back to me. This would greatly aid me because then I can set up just about anywhere and put everything together. Not only will you be doing me a great service, you’ll receive acknowledgment and an official Reclaimer t-shirt.

If you’re interested in helping out, email me and let me know.