Publishing Socks
Description: Ares was an American science fiction wargame magazine published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI), and then TSR, Inc., between 1980 and 1984. In addition to the articles, each issue contained a small science-fiction-themed board wargame. Through the 1970s, SPI had specialized in military history wargames. But the 1977 publication of Metagaming Concepts's science fiction MicroGame titled OGRE proved enormously popular, and other publishers such as Task Force Games, Operational Studies Group, and Chaosium started to develop their own microgames.
Description: The annihilation of a colony of humans leads Captain Lexia of the Starship Sunfire and her second in command, Parallax, on a journey to discover those responsible. Meanwhile, the remaining crew explores the Universe through the unpredictable behavior of a traveler with extensive knowledge of the past, present, and future. Two paths of discovery lead to ancient life forms, each appearing to be benevolent in nature, but only one will prove to be an ally. Lexia must discover who she can trust, who will betray her, and save the lives of all on board the Sunfire before it’s too late.
Description: In the ancient past, six civilizations formed an alliance bound by magic. Generations passed before the prosperity of this union was shattered, as devastation was unleashed upon the world. After these events faded into history, a jewel stone is discovered by Benjamin. Alongside the elf warrior, Fera, he begins a quest inspired by a mysterious force. With the aid of Gertrude, a brilliant inventor, and a gnome named Gregory, they explore the world in a steam powered carriage. The past and present collide as a malevolent entity prepares for war. It is determined to finish what it began long ago.
Description: Captain Lexia and the crew of the Starship Sunfire receive a message from Tinker, the cyborg that once served as the ship’s engineer. It is a revelation of his greatest discovery and a warning that they must stop what has already been set into motion before it’s too late. Encountering colossal giants, breaking into a high security prison, and being trapped in a holographic reality of 1950s Earth is only the beginning. Guided by a cybernetic ghost, they must confront a cataclysmic event that reaches beyond the boundaries of space and time. Luckily for the Universe, Lexia loves a good challenge.
Description: Sebastian, Nathaniel, and Zoe had thought that their days of heroism had come to an end. Having survived the cursed soul of an ancient king and the wrath of a maleficent sorcerer, they have found sanctuary within a city shrouded in mystery. However, their journey has just begun. Psychic vampires, feeding upon memories, transform their victims into horrid abominations. Wolves that take human form hide within human civilizations. Spirits of the dead haunt the living as ancient sorcery guides the final days of the Age of Shadows. There is no haven to turn to. So much for the quiet life.
Description: The Starship Sunfire has begun its maiden voyage as the extraordinary crew who call it home explore the possibilities of the Universe. The worlds in which Dryad, Brent, and Hallie originate from provide a unique insight into their potential. Gold serves as therapist for Parallax who is coping with the atrocities that she is responsible for as she confronts a threat lurking inside her mind. When Tedorn is temporarily appointed captain, Ter convinces him to visit a city dominated by corruption and greed. Meanwhile, Lexia and Glen follow information that may lead to answers concerning the mystery of her mother.
Description: Curiosity has led Felicity down through the pages of antiquity to an obscure figure that she believes to be the inspiration behind many of the greatest turning points in human history. Her research has developed into obsession. Her thoughts are fixated on a man she believes to be the cornerstone of the utopia she now lives within. To have the opportunity to meet him, she embarks on the next step in human exploration. However, her journey to discover the truth will lead to a startling revelation. The future meets the past as two souls transcend time to find one another.
Description: In defiance of death, an immortal sacrifices eternal life to protect an innocent soul. An unexpected transformation occurs, leading two souls to a mysterious small town that is a sanctuary to individuals from around the world. Most consider how their lives ended up there as coincidence, while others speak of divine intervention. For some it is a start of a new life, freed from painful memories. Others have escaped persecution, abuse, and those who would threaten their lives. It is here that the tapestry of humanity that calls this place home provide a beacon of hope to those in need.
Description: A weapon fueled by spiritual energy threatens to erase the existence of billions of lives. Not just mortal death, but the removal of all traces of their presence upon the world. The keys to prevent this cataclysmic event will be discovered across the globe as unexpected allies are revealed. The man who inspired Frankenstein’s monster. A hidden vault of artifacts guarded by a spirit and a vampire. An apprentice of the Alchemist. Demon hunters determined to end the world in bloodshed. A unique group of companions led by the arbiters of the Quaternity will decide the fate of the world.
Description: Captain Lexia has been left for dead. Her crew murdered or missing. Hope for the future has been shattered. Five years later… The Oria, once thought to be the greatest threat to the Universe, now faces extinction at the hands of a living weapon of their own creation. A lost soul seeks vengeance as intergalactic allies must unite to stop this relentless force. All that stands between a devastating power that can destroy planets and the annihilation of all life is a human woman determined to achieve the impossible. The final voyage of the Starship Sunfire is nearing the end…
Description: An immortal arbiter alongside his protégé, enter the city of the dead. Separated from their mortal bodies, Aethel and Emma explore the Necropolis, where spirits exist beyond the boundaries of time. Along with their unique allies, they must discover the truth about themselves before it’s too late. Should they fail, billions of lives will be sacrificed to stop a growing threat to mankind. With the Quaternity preparing for war, myths and legends begin to reveal themselves as King Arthur, citizens of Wonderland, and Frankenstein’s monster emerge to offer aid in a confrontation that will decide the fate of the world.
Description: Suffering from domestic abuse from an early age, a vision of hope inspires Logan to escape his tortured existence. Now a respected artist, he is driven by his passion for a woman he believes only exists in his mind. Kimberly found freedom from the rigid life of her youth through her drawings of a boy she dreamed about. As an adult, she has found sanctuary as an artist for a global comic book industry, famous for the mysterious man appearing in her work. The lines between fantasy and reality become blurred as these two strangers are about to meet.
Description: The European Alliance is a technologically advanced utopia. It is here that Lilly, a neuroscientist who is haunted by the death of her father, has devoted her life to discovering the essence of existence. She was tasked with designing a replication of a human brain, part of a larger project to construct a synthetic being. She never expected her creation to come to life. He is now trapped within an unconscious body, unable to escape. Where science and technology has failed, an ancient magic may provide the answer. One found in the pages of a fairy tale. True love’s kiss.
Description: Artemis has led a sheltered life, secluded from the world due to a health condition that a single mistake could prove fatal. She enters a contest to share her talents as a singer with the world to prove to herself that she has the courage to overcome her fears and to achieve her dreams. Belinti is a man from a small Irish village, drawn to London where he will reveal his skills as a dancer at a talent contest that will be aired across the globe. He must overcome his anxiety of the fast-paced life of the city to achieve his dreams. Music becomes the key to opening a gateway between parallel worlds as two souls are reunited once more.
Description: In the depths of a forest secluded far from Human Born civilizations, a family unlike anything known of in the world has found refuge to raise their triplets. They have been provided sanctuary by a benevolent deity. They live in secret near a community of beings that are human in shape and form but have a closer kinship to plant than animal. This unique race lives a quiet life, protected by a mythical being they only know of as Gaia. This tranquility is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious stranger. A vampire created by a malevolent goddess has arrived.
Description: At the dawn of human civilization, four separate tribes joined together to form the Quaternity. They have guided mankind throughout the centuries, responsible for such events as the rise of the Roman Empire, the Black Plague, and the Industrial Age. The tenuous peace between them has shattered, forcing those aware of their existence to prepare for war. Spirits of the dead, beings known only in myth, and a legendary immortal are drawn to five-year-old Emma who is the key to the salvation of the world. Through her, hope is rekindled as the journey to reunify the primordial elemental artifacts begins
Description: Alice is a modern-day princess, born into privilege. Having broken free from a dominating matriarch, she lives in fear of what her mother will do next. When a mysterious man crosses her path, she is inspired by his noble soul buried under self-doubt. Hoven has never known love. Abandoned by his parents, abused by all who entered his life. Each day he thinks of suicide, a man without hope. An accidental meeting leads to a glimmer of happiness in a world of despair. Can a chance encounter reveal a future no longer shackled by uncertainty before it’s too late?
Description: Three mythical objects have been discovered by Silvermane, a vampire who desires to use them to eliminate the goddess that created him. Before he can unlock their secrets, they are stolen by someone determined to spark a global war. Two close friends, Jenna and Max, are innocent lives trapped between those vying for control. Liz, a cyborg haunted by her past, is thrust into a deadly conspiracy. Their survival will depend on discovering unexpected allies in the form of a goblin and a jinn. The fate of the human born nations hang in the balance as the truth is revealed.
Description: Oliver is an idealist with an unwavering faith in true love. Mina considers herself a pragmatist, questioning the world around her with skepticism. Together they have formed a union of passionate harmony. The scars of the past provide each with reasons to hesitate as they consider the possibility of matrimony. In these moments of doubt, the opportunity of lifetime presents itself. Mina must choose between a career on the other side of the world or the life she will be forced to leave behind. Fate began their journey together, but now they must decide if two paths will become one.
Description: The daughter of a cheating husband and his mistress, Mina shields herself behind a mask of frigid indifference. She thinks of love as a weakness, refusing to become a victim of its influence. Oliver was given the ultimatum by his ruthless matriarch: Choose a life of luxury or to follow his heart into an unforgiving world. However, what was meant to be happily ever after ended in tragedy, leaving him a broken man. Fate guides two lives who are about to cross paths, their future shrouded in uncertainty. In the depths of winter’s desolate landscape, a heartbeat begins to sound.