Interview: Robert "Doc" Cross

Unknown Stranger: I'm Robert "Doc" Cross: Gamer, Game Writer, Husband & Witty Fellow. (not necessarily in that order) I'm a native born Californian and darned smug about it.

GG: I'll call you DocCross--simply because I feel like it!

Name your Gaming Industry credits--past and present!

DocCross: Well, I haven't written anything in a few years, BUT...I'm the guy behind Tooniversal Tour Guide, Toon Tales & Toon Ace Catalog for Steve Jackson Games. I also wrote the adventure "It Waits..." for Over The Edge by Atlas Games. In addition, Atlas Games used me as a character in OTE and on a card in the On The Edge CCG. My name also pops up as a playtester or in other credits in a few RPG products. Last but not least, I've been a regular contributor to Alarums & Excursions for the last 11 years.

GG: What do you mean, you haven't written anything for a few years? I smell a story. Quick--give us the tragic tale, Star Trek style!

DocCross: No tragic tale, really. Unlike many game writers, who sluttily write for anyone who offers them money, I only write for games I LIKE. This limits my choices somewhat. Add into that the fact that I hate dealing with any but the simplest rules, and that eliminates even more RPGs. Hmmm...I suppose getting married might have have taken up some of my time as well. And that thing with the Canadians and the Moose Rituals...but let's move on.

(That wasn't Star Trek style, but then, I'm not Shatner or Stewart)

GG: You got that right! (laughs)

Favorite beverage of choice when you were writing for the Gaming Industry?

DocCross: Favorite Beverage? No doubt about it: TEA...very very strong, no sugar, hot. And when I'd finish a writing job: Guinness Stout.

GG: MMMMmmmmm...Stout!

How did you get into the Gaming Industry?

DocCross: Though my writings in A&E. Steve Jackson is a longtime fan of A&E and he gave me my first chance, which was Tooniversal Tour Guide. He gave a few other A&Eers their first breaks, too. Gotta love Evil Stevie.

GG: He IS the leader of the Illuminati, you know!

DocCross: If there WERE an Illuminati (which there isn't), then they would be fools NOT to let Steve lead them (which he doesn't). FNORD

GG: FNORD

If you had to be asked any question in the world, what would it be? And what would your answer be?

DocCross: I'd want the question to be "Doesn't it get boring spending all of Bill Gates money?" To which my answer would be "Are you on drugs?"

GG: Mmmmm....money!

How is the state of the gaming industry right now in your opinion?

DocCross: Despite all the halfwitted goobers who think Hasbro/WOTC/TSR is the Antichrist of Gaming or who insist that face to face roleplaying will be dead in 5 years or that there are no new RPG ideas, I think the hobby is doing pretty darned well. Especially now that that awful CCG thing has loosened its icey grip. There are some great games out there and the internet is letting more people have access to them. Also, the web has made finding a gaming group much easier, even if said group is spread out all over the Map. Hmmm....D&D Third Edition just might give the industry a BIG shot in the arm, too. I hope so. So, I'm pretty up about the industry and the hobby. I think we'll be around awhile. And I'm not just saying that to get free game stuff from game companies, either.

Of course, if they INSIST on sending me free stuff, i'll take it:)

GG: MMMMMMM...free stuff!

OK, if you had to be reincarnated, what animal would you become?

DocCross: I think I'd want to be a Rabbit Eared Bandicoot.

GG: What the heck is that? The only Bandicoot I know is Crash Bandicoot!

DocCross: It's a real animal...one of those wacky Australian marsupials.

Crash Bandicoot actually looks more like some kind of mutant fox or dog or something.

GG: Enough talk--defend yourself! It's time for Celebrity Deathmatch!

In the ring stands one of the giants of the Gaming Industry--Scott D Haring, editor of Pyramid Magazine! His opponent, none other than a new upstart--David Edelstein, writer of many In Nomine supplements! Who would win, and how do they pull it off? (note: be creative!)

DocCross: Scott would win, definitely. He's got the size, the savvy and a bigass bunch of Car Wars weaponry. I figure in the first round, he's just slap Dave around a bit, maybe let him land a punch or two. Then, in round two, Scott would use a few Flaming Oil dispenser to get things cooking, then hit Dave with an Austin Headbuster or a Texas Tornado Bodyslam. If Dave survived that, Scott would have no choice bit to take him out with a Laser Guided Missle and a Sleeper Hold. After all, Scott is an EDITOR, and those guys know how to reduce a writer to a bloody pulp.

GG: *brrrr*

OK, here's a cool question. What would you see yourself doing next in the gaming industry?

DocCross: Well, if I can get my engine revved enough, I'd like to write another TOON book. I'd also like to write something more for Over The Edge. And I have a project titled "CyberPulp" that I think would be cool to get into print. I get maybe 10 new RPG ideas a day. It's just my own laziness and the lack of some smart company offering me the right incentive that keeps me from cranking things out:)

GG: I see!

Any advice you'd care to dish out to the masses before I release the hounds?

DocCross: Sure: Never pass up free food, beer or sex. And if you do pass any of that up, let me know where to find it.

GG: Don't forget--yer married!

Thanks for your time, Doc! The hounds have now been released...five seconds ago. I fear your stay will be brief. Any last words?

DocCross: Get that dog off of my leg!!!

GG: Goodnight folks!