OPERATION: FRESNEL
| Start Date & Time | Saturday - 8:00 AM CST |
| Duration | 4.0 hours |
| Type | Role Playing Game |
| System | TOP SECRET: NEW WORLD ORDER |
| Location | New Holland Lower - 408 |
| Gaming Experience | Some Gaming Experience |
| Age Range | Teens and Up (13+) |
| Host | Merle Rasmussen |
Ticket Information
| Cost | $20.00 |
| Availability | 6 of 6 available |
Automated lighthouses along the Alaskan Coast have been signaling passing ships with undeciphered codes. The United States Coast Guard is concerned that the blinking will confuse passing ships resulting in a maritime disaster. The U.S. Intelligence Community is concerned there is a more nefarious purpose. Your team’s mission is to travel to Unimak Island, Alaska. Infiltrate the Scotch Cap lighthouse, interrogate those involved, and discover their plans. (Pre-generated secret agent characters provided.)
Special Guest
Merle Rasmussen
Merle appeared in a live Zoom interview with Don Semora. He was also interviewed on "This 'Ol Dungeon Episode 50!" with Luau Lou. Merle was mentioned in the book, "How to Celebrate Your Fandom" by Zepo Publishing. He had a Zoom interview with Stephen Clements. Merle was interviewed on Shane Play Geek Talk Blog. He also made a cameo appearance in "Dreams in Gary's Basement," a film by Pat Kilbane. Merle was mentioned in "Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons" a book by Ben Riggs. He appeared in the 2022 documentary, "The Satanic Panic and the Religious Battle for the Imagination."
Released during February 2024, Black History Month, Merle and Dr. Artika Tyner co-authored "I Choose to R.I.S.E. (C)," an educational card game honoring Black Heroes who chose to R.I.S.E. and make a difference. "I Choose to R.I.S.E.(C) Card Game" will support youth in developing their leadership skills and making a difference in the world around them. For more information, visit: ppgjli.org
Merle’s 370-page "Rasmussen’s Planetarium" by Frog God Games contains a collection of 20+ evergreen, system neutral, scientific settings (with Adventure Hooks and Campaign Seeds) for use with science fantasy or science fiction role-playing games. "Rendezvous Oasis" by Solarian Games is a 56-page rewrite by Peter “Blix” Bryant of Merle’s earlier mission module for TOP SECRET®. "Rendezvous Oasis" is now available for use with TOP SECRET: NEW WORLD ORDER®.
Five photos courtesy of Merle and Jackie Rasmussen, Merle’s wife, appear in "Game Wizards: The Epic Battle for Dungeons and Dragons," a history by Jon Peterson. Merle’s name is mentioned three times and TOP SECRET is mentioned four times. Merle’s “Schematic Diagram of Game Plan,” from a draft of Top Secret (c. 1977). appears in "The Elusive Shift: How Role-Playing Games Forged Their Identity" by Jon Peterson. Merle is also credited with introducing fame and fortune points into role-playing games.
TRIVIA: Merle created the crossbow-toting, migrating-by-wagon, non-player character (NPC): TORTLE, which is now a viable player character (PC) in DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (R).