D-Pad, Defend, Double Jump

This blog talks largely about the finer aspects of storytelling. Tips on keeping players engaged, to bringing life and expanding our story worlds, and video game tie-ins. Rarely do we focus on a singular character that captures our imaginations. A hero to the masses. Perhaps even someone that may one day define a generation... or perhaps as one history's great villains. Time will tell. Sure, we’ve talked about Tapper, and Bad Dudes like the Nazis, but this week it's only fitting that we focus on someone else. Someone recently in the news even. So sit back a moment and indulge us as we extort the virtues of this particular individual.

Appearances

At this point, it would be hard to believe if you don't know the name. He's been everywhere! I hear the ladies think he is pretty attractive, too. Sure, he isn’t the tallest fellow at 5’8”, but one would imagine he's still taller than most of his crew . Besides, with the dark hair and blue eyes, I’m sure it's quite striking to those that are into that sort of thing. While original images of him may have been grainy and pixelated, even to the point where you couldn’t always be sure whether it was him or someone else, certainly things have gotten better over time. His visage has been cleaned up, and you can see all of his finer features... we certainly wouldn’t blame anyone finding themselves an attraction to him, even if this blog does not. However, any singular individual is always more than their collective appearances. What truly defines them to the public?

In Defense

Some characters turn out to be heroes, and some turn into villains. For some, it depends on which side of an some per-determined line you fall on. History remains the only thing to truly bear the public opinion of any individual in the end. What we can say, though, as that this individual fights for what he believes in; fights to protect those he feels are his people against anyone that might consider themselves some sort of evil King, making the rest of us little toadies in his kingdom. While the ruling party might see things differently, that battle will continue on, even while it's determined if the subject of this post is good or evil. Deny it as much as you like, though, he would defend those seen by the people in power as mere toadies, and depose those that rule with uncaring authority.

Have you figured it out by now? We’re talking about Luigi. No, not that Luigi! The Luigi from Mario brothers! Did you not get that from his physical description? From his fight against the creature who would be come to be known as King Koopa? His quest to help defend the Mushroom Kingdom, and all the toadstool people therein? How anyone could see him as a villain, we’re not sure. Perhaps in the Mario Kart games? Even still, for this March 10th, which has been declared as MAR10 day, we want to celebrate Mario's brother Luigi. So this year while you’re sitting around and playing your Mario games, eating your Mario-related food, or watching Mario-themed media, take a second to remember his brother Luigi along with us. While you’re at it, maybe throw a donation to an organization that works to defend those in our own world taking on the greedy and powerful, as opposed to spending more money on more corporate IP to line the pockets of the rich. Either way, until next week folks, enjoy your tables and your dice.

- A

Send questions, comments, and Marxist NES hacks to neversaydice20@gmail.com or tweet us @neversaydice2. Art by the fantastic Merch Hall - we've already ordered the Revolution Pack for ourselves!

The Weather Stone

If the rock is wet, it's raining. If the rock is swinging, the wind is blowing. If the rock casts a shadow, the sun is shining. If the rock does not cast a shadow and is not wet, the sky is cloudy. If the rock is difficult to see, it is foggy. If the rock is white, it is snowing. If the rock is coated with ice, there is a frost. If the ice is thick, it's a heavy frost. If the rock is bouncing, there is an earthquake. If the rock is under water, there is a flood. If the rock is warm, it is sunny. If the rock is missing, there was a tornado (or the Rogue stole it). If the rock is wet and swinging violently, there is a hurricane. If the rock can be felt but not seen, it is night time. If the rock has white splats on it, watch out for birds. If there are two rocks, stop drinking, you are drunk. If the rock is glowing, get to a fallout shelter. Weather Stones have been "prognosticating" the current conditions for as long as…well, probably as long as there have been rocks. ...

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