Ophir publisher Terra Nova aims to bring an ancient economy to tabletops

Ophir, the upcoming board game from Denver-based publisher Terra Nova, is a battle of commerce. Players take the roles of merchants in an ancient civilization, amassing trading fortunes by outwitting and outmaneuvering their opponents on the high seas. Thematically, it’s like Monopoly or Steam, but with an interesting twist: Building…

Getting started with Dungeons & Dragons

Psst, hey kid — want to go on an adventure? Fight some fearsome beasts, save the day, take home some loot? Maybe collect a shitload of polyhedral dice and a stack of arcane rulebooks as tall as you are? Sound fun? Then step into the world of pen-and-paper roleplaying –…

Another 100 Colorado Creatives: Andy Juett

#69: Andy Juett Andy Juett came to the local comedy scene via radio, and has blossomed into a booster, standup comic, producer, stage host, behind-the-scenes guy and co-owner of the High Plains Comedy Festival, which kicks off its second year in August. But he also rolls out comedy shows all…

Jaws is the only Fourth of July film that matters

There are a lot of great, geeky Christmas movies. Halloween? Shit, that holiday was practically made for geeks, and the list of geek films tied to holiday is fantastic. But Independence Day? There’s exactly one movie tied to that holiday that any self-respecting geek should give a shit about it,…

Playbill: This week’s performing arts picks

As a break from this weekend’s flag-waving and fireworks, wouldn’t it be nice to cool off indoors in a darkened theater for an hour or two? Here are some options — ambitious, naughty or light-hearted, depending on your mood — to chill with over the holiday. See also: Dead Man…

Ten ways to join the train gang in Colorado this summer

All aboard! Colorado has a strong railroading heritage, and with Denver’s Union Station reopening this month, now is the time to get out and ride the rails. Train fans marvel at the tourism lines running in this state, which wind through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world…

Ten best fashion events in Denver in July

Summer is finally here, and the winter clothes are safely tucked away. It’s time to celebrate Denver’s hottest season at a series of cool events, everything from Neiman Marcus’s Last Call sale to fashion workshops offered by Fashion Denver. Here are our ten favorite fashion-forward activities in Denver this month…

Top five interviews with Denver tattoo artists

For the past six months, Westword has been talking to tattoo artists around town, exploring the talent and diversity of the Mile High ink scene. While there are different styles and philosophies, most artists agree that succeeding in the tattoo industry requires passion, creativity and hard work. Here are five…

Another 100 Colorado Creatives: Thomas Scharfenberg

#70: Thomas Scharfenberg As an artist, Thomas Scharfenberg isn’t so interested in getting ahead. Instead, he prefers to brighten the underground with patterned murals and painted rocks placed in unexpected settings. He borrows a little from street art, the DIY movement and his one-time mentor at the Rocky Mountain College…

Fancy Tiger celebrates its eighth birthday with a bash on Saturday

The owners of Fancy Tiger, the clothing store, and Fancy Tiger Crafts will celebrate their eight-year run of keeping Denver stocked with stylish wears on Saturday, June 28. Although both stores are throwing parties, each will have a different atmosphere and festivities. “The anniversary is a celebration of the customers…

Another 100 Colorado Creatives: Andy Lynes

#71: Andy LynesAndy Lynes toiled behind the scenes at MCA Denver for seven years, eventually overseeing the art museum’s visitor services and managing its super-cool shop. And for the last few years, he also presided at Black Sheep Fridays, MCA’s silly Friday-night series of adult activities, ranging from an annual…

From Basket Case to Raiders, the undying cult of genre film

On Saturday the Alamo Drafthouse is showing the cult-classic horror film Basket Case. Given that the movie was made for around $35,000 with a largely amateur cast and crew, it’s hard to imagine a film less likely to still be showing in theaters more than thirty years after it was…

Jüna Hæm is bright and bold at the Westword Music Showcase

The twentieth annual Westword Music Showcase turned the Golden Triangle into a block party — make that blocks party — on Saturday. We spotted all kinds of outfits in the crowd, but the most energetic menswear look came courtesy of Jüna Hæm. Keep reading to learn what inspires his style,…

Kitty Newlin is a festival fairy at the Westword Music Showcase

On Saturday, the Westword Music Showcase transformed the Golden Triangle into a block party — make that blocks party. In the fashion-forward crowd that filled the streets, we spotted a woman with a pair of iridescent wings that raised her style above the rest. Keep reading to learn more about…