We're getting the perfect Halloween ready!

At Shades of Gray, we're pulling out all the stops to ensure the perfect staff party for Halloween!

First, we had a staff meeting and gathered input from those working onsite, as well as remotely.

Then, Clara Bow made sure the Halloween Spirits were properly summoned...

... and Elizabeth Montgomery took point in getting the pumpkins carved and ready...

... while Mother Hubbard and Judy Garland made sure the famous Shades of Gray Halloween Punch (because it wouldn't be a party without it) was brewed properly with the right amount of pumpkin spice, almond milk, and spirits!

Finally, as a service to all of our readers, we dispatched Vera-Ellen to visit with rain gods and goddesses Raijin, Tohil, Shala, and Bunzi. We hope she'll get them to make the weather friendly for the trick-or-treaters!

 

It's no bull...

 ... that Elizabeth Montgomery was born on this day, 88 years ago.

Before her marriage to a mortal...

... Samantha was an up-and-coming model.

She sat for many sessions. Literally. She was a chair model. 

Just before marrying Darrin Stephens, Samantha landed the biggest gig of her career: She was central to the roll-out campaign for the line of matching leisure-wear and upholstery, Chairmoflage by Arthur.

Few mortals ever saw the results of Samantha's modeling career, but it was one of the reasons many of the Witchkind were unhappy that she decided to live among the mortals--and even build a family with one. They thought it was foolish of her to not only put her promising future as a Witch on hold, but to also walk away from her fame and fortune as a chair model.

(If you enjoyed Bewitched [which this post featuring photos of actress Elizabeth Montgomery riffs off], and you also enjoy roleplaying games, you might find "Secrets of the Witchkind" a source of inspiration for a different kind of campaign. It was written by yours truly.)

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving!

Here at Shades of Gray, we're hunting and gathering everything needed for a great Thanksgiving feast! We hope that all our visitors will be getting together with family and friends and be thankful for the time you have with one another.

Meanwhile, someone decided to remind Elizabeth Montgomery that November is National Native American Indian Heritage Month…

Countdown to Halloween: 22 Days to Go!

Today, I'm showing off the first sketch of the cover illo for "Secrets of the Witchkind," a d20 System product I designed for NUELOW Games that's releasing this week. You can see the final at the NUELOW Games blog by clicking here.


Sketch of cover for "Secrets of the Witchkind." Art by Bradley K. McDevitt

"Secrets of the Witchkind" was partially inspired by the classic television show "Bewitched." It chronicles the adventures of a witch who falls in love with a mortal, marries him, and tries to give up her magic. The first season is especially interesting, as many of the episodes almost seem like allegories for anti-racism and pro-equal rights arguments, and an interesting look into how gender roles have changed for married couples since the 1960s Does the sort of "normal housewife" that Samantha tries so hard to be even exist anymore?

To see previews of "Secrets of the Witchkind," or to get your own copy, click here.

In memory of Elizabeth Montgomery

It's 20 years today since the passing of the great Elizabeth Montgomery. She is best remembered for her role as Samantha in the "Bewitched" television series, but she had a thriving career both before and after what became her signature role. Read more IMDB.com.

For more images from the "polar bear shoot," click here.

A Picture Perfect Wednesday with Elizabeth Montgomery

My thanks to Elizabeth Momtgomery (and friend) for ably demonstrating the blog's unifying theme,