Usborne’s UFOs Anniversary Edition

If this cover gives you a massive hit of nostalgia, you aren't alone. This is the World of the Unknown: UFOs. Originally published way back in 1977, this book practically defined the 'spooky' childhood for a whole generation.

Usborne brought it back for its anniversary in 2020 by popular demand (re-released as part of the World of the Unknown revival series). It's the same cult classic material we've loved for decades. 

This edition features a brand new foreword by the brilliant impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw, a huge fan of the original series known for his work on Dead Ringers and his deep love for sci-fi and astronomy. The content inside is an exact replica of the 1977 original—the only major change is the addition of Culshaw's foreword.

The best part? You don't have to hunt for overpriced vintage copies anymore. It's officially back in bookstores. Grab your copy, relive the mystery, and keep looking at the skies!

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Heroes of the Shire 1

Part 1: The Call of the Silver Bell

In the heart of the Emerald Vale lies the Clover Shire, a place where the dew stays sweet and the hills roll like a velvet carpet. For Cara Gold-Whistle, life was usually a simple rotation of polishing her favorite buckle shoes and practicing her aim with her trusty stone-sling. But lately, the whispers in the tall grass have turned from playful to pesky.

Strange magics—the "Fae Mischief"—have begun to disturb the afternoon tea times. Pixies have been seen braiding the cows' tails together, and the local Pookas have been stealing every left-foot boot in the village! To keep the peace, the Shire Guard was formed. Cara, with her green coat pressed and her spirit high, was the first to volunteer.

Character Profile: Cara Gold-Whistle

Species: Leprechaun (Female)

Origin: Clover Shire

Lucky Symbol: The Shamrock (Gives Talents in Ranged Weapons, Persuasion, and Leadership)

Blessed Weapon: The Glimmer-Stone Sling (An heirloom that never seems to run out of smooth river pebbles)

Starting Item: Lucky Pendant (A polished piece of amber that catches the light beautifully)

The Hero’s Vow: Cara doesn't seek to harm; she seeks to restore order. When a foe is bested, she offers them a firm talking-to and perhaps a bit of trail jerky to send them on their way.

Installment #1: The Picnic Pests

The sun was high over the Great Oak when the alarm bell rang. A group of Devilish Pixies had descended upon the Mayor’s annual garden party, turning the sandwiches into frogs and the lemonade into salt water!

Cara arrived at the scene, her sling swinging in a steady rhythm. "Now then, little ones!" she shouted over the giggles of the floating troublemakers. "That’s quite enough mischief for one afternoon. Return the Mayor’s lunch, or I shall have to assist you in leaving!"

The Pixies only hissed and began throwing sharp-edged rose thorns.

Round 1: The Skirmish Begins

Cara decides to use her Ranged Weapons talent to knock the leader’s hat off to startle them.

Task Roll (Attack): Base 1D20 + Talent (Ranged Weapons) 1D20 + Item (Lucky Pendant) 1D20 = 3D20.

Difficulty: Normal (DN 10).

The Roll: [12, 8, 19]. Highest: 19.

Result: Success!

With a whirr and a snap, the stone flew true. It clipped the tiny, pointed cap right off the lead Pixie’s head. Stunned, the creature tumbled backward into a bowl of (now frog-filled) potato salad.

"My hat!" the Pixie squeaked, its bravado vanishing. "The green-coat has a steady hand! Retreat to the brambles!"

Round 2: The Cleanup

As the minions fled, a slightly larger, more stubborn Pixie—a Minion (DN 10)—tried to swoop in and steal Cara’s pendant. Cara stood her ground to Defend.

Task Roll (Defense): Base 1D20. (No specific defensive talent or item applied yet).

Difficulty: DN 10.

The Roll: [20]. Highest: 20.

Result: Critical Success!

Luck Earned: Cara gains 1 Luck Point for rolling a natural 20!

Cara didn't even have to duck. She simply held up her hand, and the Pixie bumped its nose right against her palm. "Not today, little friend," she said with a wink. The Pixie, embarrassed and slightly dazed, did a somersault in the air and zoomed away to join its friends in the forest.

The Aftermath
The Mayor dusted off his waistcoat, looking relieved. "Oh, thank you, Cara! They almost got away with the Black Pudding!"

"It’s all in a day's work for the Shire Guard, Mayor," Cara replied, adjusting her own hat. "But I suspect this is just the beginning. Something is ruffling the wings of the Fae, and I intend to find out what."

To be continued...

Adventure Log

Current Wounds: None (0/3 Mischief)

Luck Points: 1

Items: Lucky Pendant, Glimmer-Stone Sling.

The adventures of Cara Gold-Whistle continue in this blog post.

If you are interested in Heroes of the Shire you can find it here.

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Usborne’s Mysteries of the Unknown

This book is a compilation of three specific volumes published by Usborne during the 1970s, focusing on different aspects of the unexplained.

The first volume is dedicated to monsters. It begins with creatures from antiquity, including figures from Greek mythology and medieval folklore. Because of their physical similarities to dragons, the book includes a section on dinosaurs. The content then moves to modern cryptids, covering sea monsters, the Yeti, and Sasquatch, before focusing on the Loch Ness Monster. It concludes with an overview of monsters as depicted in film and television.

The second volume focuses on ghosts. It defines the concept and traces the history of ghost sightings from ancient Rome through various world civilizations. This section highlights unconventional manifestations, such as ghost ships and other supernatural beings. It also defines haunted houses and the methods used in ghost hunting.

This volume provides logical explanations for natural events often mistaken for paranormal activity. It also examines the history of fraudulent ghost photography and discusses psychological or physical possibilities for why these phenomena are reported.

The final volume deals with UFOs, reflecting the 1970s interest in extraterrestrial life. It covers the history of sightings and accounts of encounters with flying saucers and their portrayal in cinema. Following the "KnowHow" series style, it explains how to create fake UFO photos. The book ends by discussing theories on where these beings might come from and how they might survive on other planets.

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