Buffoons & Beasts

HEX MAP (VIVID GREY SCALE)

2011-11-12T10:18:00.005-06:00

I present a map illustrating the different stages of fantasy cartography. Please feel free to use it in your own game.

BLANK MAP (no labels)

HEX MAP (no labels)

HEX MAP (labeled)

The final hex map with labels shows many locations man made and natural. What awaits heroes in Giant's Teeth Mountains? What dangers challenge them in the Wight Wood? Who dwells with in Castle Red Rune?

HEX MAP (IN VIVID COLOR!)

2011-11-10T19:23:00.006-06:00

Here is a hex map on vivid color for use in your campaign. A little nonstandard but none the less useful. The scale is region so each hex can be any size you wish. I have also included a non-hex version for those of you new school kids.

Campaign Kick Starters

Medieval City States - Three or more power city states fight with there neighbors on land and at sea. Think of many small byzantine states each with a different patron deity and each fearing magic user cabal's dark conspiracies. The patron deities play a grand game as the less immortal magic users fight for their own vision of the world.
Reverse Races - Halflings, Elves, Dwarves, and Gnombs are evil and Orcs, Goblin, Bubbear, and Hobgoblins are good. Humans are either out of the picture or on the good side.
Stone Age - A network of traders connects small villages and towns amid dangerous mega fauna and wilderness. Agriculture is slowly being introduced and larger settlements are forming. All races have human lifespans and subject to the danger and brutality of the age.

NON-HEX MAP

HEX MAP

Blank Hex Map

2011-11-09T19:21:00.003-06:00

I present a blank hex map. Feel free to use it it your own games. It is in a regional scale so it cam be any thing from 1 mile per hex to 25 miles per hex. It uses standard hex map icons: Mountains, Hills, Forest, Grassland and Swamp.

There are many campaign possibilities having a island chain between two larger land masses.

For example:

Pirates Kingdoms - Competing pirates preying on merchants ships traveling from the northern land to the southern. Pirate strongholds conducting pirate on pirate warfare.

Exile Dumping Grounds - For centuries the northern kingdom and southern kingdom have dumped their criminals, undesirables and anything dangerous on the island. The exiles now are conducting raids on their former homes. The have a grudge and the power to fulfill their revenge.

Races Living on Different Islands - The goblinoid races of orc, hobgoblin, goblin, bugbear have taken over the northern and southern land masses. The surviving good humanoid races live on isolated islands between the land masses. Halflings have a mercantile island, Dwarves have a strongholds defending their island and trade in stone and steel, Elves have magic glowing forests and sell enchanted items, Gnombs farm and fish and make ornaments, Humans formed a corsair society on their island serving one island or another raiding goblinoid ships .

APPENDIX ACTION : P

2011-11-08T21:58:00.004-06:00

In the back of the DMG of AD &D 1st edition there is a often overlooked section titled "Appendix P: Creating a party on the spur of the moment." This section provides a base to build a party from. A little dry at first glance but when studied a greater meaning comes to light.

The first paragraph focus on creating a party in a short period of time thereby focusing on valuable game time. The game time is actively playing not just spending time creating a character which in latter editions take eons. Less about number-stacking a character and more about play. After all that is the reason the players and DM are there for.

It mentions scenarios and levels and crafting a character appropriate for them. There are apparently three groups of levels of scenarios Low, Medium, and High. This parsing indicates that players may be of any level as long as all of them are with in a level range. For instance a party of Low level players may be a two 1st level, one 2nd level, and one 3rd level. It suggest inequality or just varying skill level. Equality should be striven for but if a characters stats are very high then putting them at a lower level would be that unfair to make them equal to a less advantaged character.

Also it mentions that players may not have suitable characters to adventure in the DM's campaign . What this speaks of is creating characters specifically for the campaign and doing so together. Crafting characters quickly but with a idea of how they fit in the world and possible ways the characters may be intertwined. It has a side effect of already laying the ground work for teamwork which is a vital part of any campaign.

Replacement heroes are discussed as well and how it is import to create them for the campaign as well. The implication is that the same above process be followed. The new character needs to fit into the empty space the dead or missing character left and not necessarily their shoes.

The appendix also discuses in brief the basic building blocks of a character: Abilities, Race &Class, Alignment, Level, Standard Equipment, Magic Items .This descriptions are pretty basic but there are a few treasures to be gleaned from them.

Cautiously choose alignment allowable to the characters so that it is not so diverse that the game breaks down in creature quarrels. It then breaks them down once again to groups: Neutral, Neutral Good, Lawful Neutral, and Chaotic Neutral. This of course can be done for other alignments as well such as: Lawful Evil, Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral. Alignment as a tool for party cohesion.

Finally it provides a few tables for Armor, Scrolls, Weapons, Miscellaneous Items. The final tools for adventurers to become successful. Nothing to incredible until we get to Miscellaneous Items a.k.a. Magic Items. These are reserved for parties of 5th level or high who travel into more dangerous areas. All are useful adventuring magic items and some even have the potential to randomly disrupt the game. But a good DM should always reward a character with clever use of a magic item. At last a parting word of wisdom that if the above guidelines are followed the DM is assured that the characters will be right for the campaign they adventure in. Relatively anyway.

All in all it teaches DMs and Players good lesson and simplifies the process of crafting a campaign specific party of characters.

Unicorn

2011-10-23T17:48:00.000-05:00

Z is for Zombie

2011-04-23T18:45:00.000-05:00

Zombies are a cultural zeitgeist. They are also fun to fight and a disgustingly determined foes. They may be slow but they often have great numbers. Add Zombie to a regular monster to make a memorable and horrifying foe.

List of Zombies

Roc Zombie

Blink Dog Zombie

Dragon Zombie

Eye Tyrant Zombie

Pixie Zombies (lots)

Giant Zombies

Gelatinous Cube Zombie

Merman Zombie

Manticore Zombie

Harpy Zombie

Halfling Zombie

Unicorn Zombie

Y is for Yonder

2011-04-23T18:43:00.001-05:00

Yonder a place over there…

Yonder is useful in many ways. It allows a game master to drop hints of distant lands. It inspires the player characters to plot a journey to a new and rumored local. It opens a wider world of possibility for the players.
A simple peasant from say Harken Hamlet would find the following yonder locations full of wonder.

Blister Crags - Treacherous and confusing rocky wasteland of hills haunted by bodiless undead their lure victims over cliffs.

Woods of Woe - A dark forest of vengeful mocking fey who love to trick and demean all others.

Hammer Mountains - Mountains ruled by the iron fist of dwarves prying gold and gems from the goblin plagued peaks.

X is for "X marks the spot"

2011-04-23T18:40:00.005-05:00

Here is a treasure map. Please note that “X” does in fact mark the spot.

Does it hold pirate treasure of a deep dark secret? Or maybe a reused map from a prior blog post?

W is for Witches

2011-04-23T18:40:00.001-05:00

Witches are the rural magic user. They concoct potions, cast spells and hoard familiars. With spell caster few and far between the witch serves her community and in a way the community serves her. She or he uses their witchcraft to improve their own lot.
If you need a love potion or a curse see the witch , but she has a price. Witches often send the indebted to seek items and perform deed for them. The witch has her own troubles. She has dark pacts she is obligated to fulfill, spirits she must commune with regularly, and rivals she must plot against and defeat. This requires a great deal of time and energy. Often a witch is worn out by her middle year due to the stress and being exposed to alchemicales and the horrors which she visits with. In short a witches life has little time for social visits and little patience for useless fools. The witch is all too happy for a dangerous reputation in order to be left simply alone to enjoy her calling.

V is for Vampires

2011-04-23T18:37:00.001-05:00

Sample Vampire
Master Kobo Gumgee

Description:
He is paunchy Halfling vampire with beady eyes and wooly mutton chop side burns. He is dressed in the velvet coat and brocade britches. He has a thinning tawny hair with edges of white. He smells of rose water.

History:
Kobo Gumgee in life was a rather well off Halfling. He was a bit aloof but always attended the festivals of the his kin folk. His mansion was nestled in the picturesque and little traveled western edge of the Hawk Hills. Kobo being a bit of a gluten was having a late night snack in the kitchen when a sound of breaking glass startled him. A large bat had flown in through the glass window. Kobo went to the creature to see if it still lived. He was bitten viciously on the hand and the Kobo passed out. He awoke later in his cellar. A dark figure stood over him and declared he was now a vampire the slave of Lord Percy - he of the ivory fang. Kobo being at this point very frightened ran stumbling through the cellar with Lord Percy in pursuit. Kobo tripped over the old broken hand cart As Lord Percy lunged. Lord Percy impaled himself on the carts handle. Kobo was horror struck but giggle with dark delight at his luck. He was free and full of dark powers so he thought. Lord Percy the vampire was just incapacitated a but appeared dead. Kobo buried the body in the dirt floor cart and all. Being a practical Halfling he decide that he would make the most of being a vampire. He would recover the lost glory of the family name. He first charmed his small house hold staff and slew those who showed any sign of rebellion. Then he summoned rats to ruin the fields for his neighbors so he could buy them cheap. After that he summoned a pack of wolves and staged a false rescue of the village. He his selves fought off the wolves in the dead of night. He was give the title of Master Kobo Gumgee savior of the Hawk Hills. Being a vampire he covered up his pallor with rouge and bathed in rose water. He also complained of a allergy to the sun due to the mole bit he had gotten as a child. His cunning a cleverness have made him the virtual and real master of the region. If only he had a bride to share the bounty of Master Kobo Gumgee’s realm…

Plots:

The Bride of the Halfling Vampire - Kobo holds a festival and beauty contest for the fairest Halfling maid of the land. He is dosing this to find a bride he requires for true respectability and to have a companion to while away eternity. The winner will receive a golden brush, a golden dress, and a golden kiss from Master Kobo Gumgee.

Bat in the Hand - Master Kobo Gumgee being portly has difficulty flying in bat form. So much so he has fallen out of the air several times. The most recent time, he was knocked out of the air by a sling shot from the young Halfling rogue Perry Whippen. He has out the bat I an cold iron cage and plans to sell the unusual plump bat as an oddity at market. Kobo is stuck in a cold iron cage unable to change back and fearing the sun of day. Perry is in the Shuffling Sheep Tavern with the bat that night showing it off. Who will rescue the Kobo.

Lord Percy’s Revenge - He is still buried in the cellar but the gnawing of a mole is weakening the wood that impaled him. He has revived and now seeks out his former slave Kobo to teach him a final lesson. Lord Percy slew the staff and took over the manor house. Clever Master Kobo seeks adventures to slay a evil vampire who took his home. He promise gold and titles as well as a large amount of farm land. He arms them with all manor of wooden stakes and a garden full of garlic. He states he will be sheltering in the Shuffling Sheep Tavern and comforting his people.

U is for Underdark

2011-04-17T17:13:00.001-05:00

The underdark in the simplest terms as underground campaign settling. To expand on this definition lets parse the word "Underdark". Under meaning below but it also has lesser connotations which evokes the underground. Dark meaning absence of light which has it's own associations such as hidden and blackness. The underdark is seemingly lightless realm of empty deep caves and tunnels. For our gaming uses, it is a dark analog of the surface world. Filled with illuminating fungus and lichen. Inhabited by prowling ravenous beasts. Dominated by continuously warring humanoids trying to survive in a land of scarcity. Races below parallel those from above but are honed by the need to survive in a harsh environment. The need to survive and compete has made them isolationist, aggressive, cunning, territorial, and greedy. They also have adapted their bodies and developed new skills to function in near darkness and in a barren wilderness. Despite these challenges they have over ages created farms and cities. Precarious at best a small change in the environment or a stronger group may destroy the culture. Ruins of lost civilization dot the under dark. Discovering let alone exploring the underdark are immense challenges. Escaping it may be more of difficult then getting in. The underdark is campaign setting unto itself and should be treated as such.

T is for Tunnel

2011-04-17T17:12:00.002-05:00

S is for Secret

2011-04-17T17:07:00.001-05:00

Secrets are things that are intentionally hidden. Everyone has secrets and every place does too. They are a wonderful tool for game masters as well. Every time you create a non-player character, location, or unique item consider creating one to three secrets. This links the subject to the larger campaign background. It also gives the opportunity to for players to discover the secrets. For a game master it also plants hooks for further adventures and in a way allows you to guide players by what secret or subject interests them. One method for secrets is to link the subject of the secret to another subject. This allows the players to unravel other mysteries and explore the larger setting. As a game master designs a secret another subject will most likely present it's own connection.Another it to create tiers of secrets. As the players delve deeper they uncover deeper knowledge. Each tier is more obscure and in a way more meaningful. Tiers of secrets: uncommon, obscure, forbidden.

Examples of Secrets

Harken Hamlet

Description: This sea side hamlet is surrounded by orchards and fields. Those that do not work the fields fish Haven Bay. The town is ruled by a town council and have a sheriff. The people are friendly towards strangers and ask a lot of question. Most are colonists from the town of Seaburg.

Secrets

Uncommon - The few natives of the region have been force into serfdom to the council. A small group fled to the north in Dapple Wood. They commonly sneak into the town to steal and visit their kin. The people of the hamlet refer to them as bandits. Many of them are half elven and say that their ancestors use to sail the great ship that was kept in the port before the great waves.

Obscure - The council members are not in fact elected by the townsfolk but determined by the ruler of Seaburg. Lord Jansen of Seaburg sells the council seats to those who collect the highest taxes and those who provide the most produce from the Good Fields. One council member Lyndon Pearpress is plotting to overthrow the council and proclaim himself lord of the hamlet and the surrounding lands.

Forbidden - The hamlet was built upon the ruins of the elven port. A passage under the a whale shaped fountain leads to a forgotten boathouse. It contains a elf warship. Lyndon Pearpress grandmother found the passage years ago and it was the source of the families wealth. Lyndon has been working with the sheriff to capture the so called bandits to force them as slaves to dig out boat house to free the warship. He has planned a new harbor and has used his an excuse to open a passage to the warship. He plans to use the warship to destroy the Seaburg fleet.

R is for Riddle

2011-04-17T17:06:00.000-05:00

A riddle veiled in double meaning has been a way to entertain and challenge since ancient times. Riddles challenge the players forcing them to use something other than their swords to solve a problem. They provide a memorable encounter and if the answer correctly they reap the rewards and if the don't suffer the consequences. They are a great way to add detail about an area as well as background information. The key with riddles are to make them challenging with out making them so difficult to solve the players become frustrated. One of the easiest ways to make it easier for the players is to foreshadow the riddle. Give clues about the riddle before the riddle is given. Drop references in the game sessions before the riddle is give or the very least at the beginning of the adventure well before the riddle is given. This give a frame of reference if the riddle contains seldom used words, double meanings, and specific items. In most RPGs riddles are presented as formalized guessing games. Others are in the form of poems and are often the most baroque. Often the person charged with answering the riddle has but one guess or face a penalty. Many cant resist posing or answering a riddle to prove their cleverness. The key the riddle is to make it solve-able yet challenging enough to give the players a since of accomplishment. Remember that riddles may have more then one answer that is acceptable. If you are not that adept at creating riddles find a suitable short riddle and replace key words to change the meaning enough to make it met your needs with out making it insolvable. Or just research riddles and find one uncommon enough that it is unknown to the players. Presenting riddles in the game are a fun way to break up the monotony of hack and slash and add interest to a game.

Q is for Quests

2011-04-17T16:53:00.001-05:00

Quest is a formal vow to seek out something or accomplish a deed. Knights are not the only ones who quest but they often pursue them. Any group of adventures may strive to accomplish a common goal. Of course they may have their own motives. A common quest but different motives. When ever you come up with a quest create at least one motivation for the players. This can be drawn from the characters background or preferences of the player. This tailoring makes it more fun for the players and the game master. It is also very important that the quest be an over arching goal not necessarily an immediate. Conversely it is advisable not to drag put a quest until the players tire or in the extreme become apathy. Simple put a quest should be more then two sessions and less then eight. Just long enough to make them feel like something they have accomplished but not a slow and meandering trial of endurance. To break up any boredom add a little side trek adventure to keep the players on their toes. Quests may be the beginning and ends of characters in a book but players want more then a epic continuous pursuit of an illusive goal. Still quest used properly can be fertile ground for adventure and give a great feeling of accomplishment.

Sample Quests

Find and defeat a monster

Example: Seek out the hidden horde and defeat Rasgath the Ogre

Seek and destroy and enemy stronghold

Example: Storm the red ramparts of castle Blood.

Recover a lost item and return it

Example: Claim the black chalice and return it to the high temple.

Prevent something from happening

Example: Prevent the assassination of the Arch Druid Bosco.

Rescue someone

Example: Save the Pixies from a fate worse then dead at the Parlor of Delights.

Destroy a dangerous item

Example: Destroy the evil Halfling Ring of Megalomania.

Find a lost race

Example: Whatever happened to those albino Lizardmen?

Defeat a certain number or type of monsters

Example: Thirteen Kills, Thirteen Trills!

Fulfill a prophecy

Example: Prevent the Darklord’s rise to power, No way I’ll help him and be rewarded.

Explore enemy territory

Example: So the bandits are in Dapple Wood, sound kind of pleasant for bandits.

Find a new path or passage for travelers

Example: Mark the trail from the Hammer Mountains to Woods of Woe.

Solve a riddle

Example: I hate riddles, I’ll pass.

Uncover a secret

Example: Every one has them and if your clever you have three.

P is for Peril

2011-04-17T16:51:00.002-05:00

Peril is the potential for danger. Adding peril to an adventure adds excitement and keeps the players on their toes. Also it stimulates creative problem solving. The players my imperil their character in order to accomplish something. Peril adds fun and action to an other wise static adventure.

Examples of peril

Enter a burning building to save some one or something

Waking on a tight rope over a gorge or rushing river.

Climbing a steep cliff

Diving into a dark under water cave

Testing mysterious pools of colored liquid

Spending the night in an crumbling tower

Jumping from the roof of one building to another

Riding on an aerial mountWalking across a cracking glacier or frozen lake

Jumping off or on fast moving wagon or coach

Swinging from a chandler or ship's rigging

O is for Old School Renaissance

2011-04-15T00:35:00.002-05:00

The OSR is about recapturing the more direct gaming experience not just nostalgia. Also for new players to explore a different way to game. It is by the most part supported by enthusiasts and fans. This passion enlivens the base material as well bring the home brewed goodness to others. It is more than taking a board game out of a box playing and putting it aside again. It is about being a part of a dynamic interactive experience, mutual make believe and fun!

N is for N.P.C.'s

2011-04-14T00:45:00.002-05:00

Firdir Hookbill

He Has a broken nose, wears a homespun green sash, harassed by common bats

Genedle the Spry

He has a Mane of dirty blonde hair, has a conical helmet with weird symbol on it, has an servant employed by his family for generations

Jertalynn the Spear-maiden

She has a tattoo of fox on her shoulder, wears armored boots, quotes from two books titled "Fortuitous Fables & Sages Sagas"

Vervet of Cragmoot

He is Pale with dark eyebrows, is a vegetarian, has a fondness for beheadings

Kirtaan Dovequill

She has freckles, wears furs of undetermined animals, fears the men of the moon

Ostiquin the bountiful

He Portly but has a quick step, wears a toupee, collects shells to build a grotto shrine

Hurn the Rake

He has heavy lidded eyes and appears asleep, has an ivory drinking horn covered in magical symbols, covets fine clothing

Jilti Staffcracker

She has a beauty mark, wears red leather boots and spurs, is trying to learn how to play a lyre

Ulis the Old

He Has a white beard, drinks only tea, scribbles in a diary he calls his staff "mr hoof"

Damar of Ramad

He Hears a hunting hat with a very long feather, has a pet hedge hog he calls Lickadaisy, enjoys the singing upbeat tempo songs

Ennagwaine Surespell

She wears a wimple, has a habit of avoiding night watch, has a large traveling spell book of reportedly made of dragon leather

M is for Map

2011-04-13T09:52:00.004-05:00

Maps can be used by game masters and players a like. Below is an example of a players map and a game masters map. There are differences between the two. This method gives all the correct info to the game master and a lot of inaccurate info to the players. The players will fill in the gaps on the map. It is one of the most useful handouts for a player. Information and atmosphere all in one.

Thank You Readers!

2011-04-12T00:25:00.003-05:00

I wanted to thank Deirdra at

http://astorybookworld.blogspot.com/

for the great award.

L is for Labyrinth

2011-04-12T00:18:00.002-05:00

The twisting corridors and chambers unlike a dungeon they are designed to confuse the explorer. The common goal is to prevent the explorer from the protected area or from exiting. There is the danger of getting lost as well.

K is of Knight

2011-04-11T09:43:00.003-05:00

The knight is an iconic martial character of fiction and history. He is often a armored member of the cavalry and adapt at armed combat on foot. What sets him apart from just being a warrior with armor and a sword is his or her code of conduct and membership in an group established for a purpose. Code of chivalry: Formal rules and practices the knight follows.

Duties to countrymen and feudal lord

The virtues of mercy, courage, valor, and fairness.

Protecting the weak and the poor.

Being a faithful servant to the feudal lord.

Being willing to give one’s life for another, be it for a poor man or a noble.

Duties to Gods

Being faithful to Gods.Protecting the innocent.

Being faithful to the temple.

Championing of good against evil.

Providing charity to the poor.

Obeying the Gods above the feudal lord.

Duties to Opposite Sex

Knight is to serve a gentlemen or lady and after that thier companions.

Remain gentle and gracious to the opposite sex.

Knightly Order: A organization of knights who have jointed together for some reason.

Knightly orders by purpose

These knight joint together for are particular task. Knights must swear an oath of mutual loyalty and that they will complete the quest or task.

Statutes - Required to fulfill the vow of completing the task unless released from the task by the orders leader.

Restriction - Must share the same goal and prove capable of performing the task.

Examples - Recover an artifact, defeat a villain, slay a dragon, etc.

Knightly orders by religion

These knights join together to serve a god or gods. Knights must swear an oath the the god or gods to defend the faith and temple.

Statutes - Bound to perform the duty to the gods they serve and obey the priesthood.

Restrictions - Membership is available only to the faithful of a particular god or gods.

Examples - Protect pilgrims, defeat cultist, crusade, etc.

Knightly orders by war

These knights join together for war.

Knights must swear an oath to serve the country and the feudal lord.

Statutes - Obligated to defend the country and the feudal lord.

Restrictions - May be limited to nobles or sponsored by a noble

Examples -Defend the country from invasion, service to the feudal lord, patrolling the boarders, etc.

Exception to Knightly Orders

Knight-Errant

These roving knights typically do not join an order but may at some point in their careers. They travel the land search for adventures to prove themselves. The knight performs the deed in the name of a love interest or for a righteous cause. He wanders the land performing noble deeds. This is either to prove his worth to himself, a love interest or a noble who he wishes to serve. He also tests his skills by competing in tourneys, completing quests and performing duals. He may be noble or peasant but must acquire the abilities and equipment as he travels.

J is for Jewelry

2011-04-10T13:13:00.000-05:00

Jewelry is more then rare metals and gems they both status symbols and portable concentrated wealth. Gold may glitter but shimmers with clever craftsmanship. Gems may gleam by cut properly and in a setting bring out their deep luster.

Sample Jewelry

Diadem of the Lost Lords

Description: This platinum and sapphire diadem has intricate images of eagles in flight with tear shaped sapphires.

History: The diadem was once worn by the fabled Lost Lords of the mountains whose realm was destroyed by giant invasion. The eagles adorning the diadem are giant eagles which guarded the sky's above the realm and the sapphire symbolized the alpine lakes. Only ruins remain of the might realm. The diadem speaks of a gentler and more refined age.

Secret: If the diadem is placed over a map of the realm of the Lost Lords the arrangment of the sapphire match the lakes. The eagles indicate the location of castles and settlements. The largest eagle is located where the royal tombs are.

Effects: Nobility and wealthy merchants will automatically believe the wearer is wealthy or at the very least born of ancient noble blood.

Worth: 5,000 g.p.

I is for Idol

2011-04-09T00:21:00.003-05:00

An idol is not just the image of god but the body of the false god. Given power over time by countless prayers and offerings. There are two types of Idols ones being Beneficent and the others being Maleficent. The Beneficent Idols have received positive prayers and kindly offerings While the Maleficent Idols have gotten maledictions and dark offerings. Each has its own powers and are revered in their own way. When an Idol does speak it is in Old Common and is usually short and only a few words. If angered the Idol will put an end to the offender by direct or indirect means. Each Idol has a number of powers expressed as beneficent or maleficent. Idols delight in converting normal priests and clerics into idolatry. They my impart one of their powers to the new convert exchange for defiling their former gods temples, shrines and holy symbols.

Random Idol Generation

Material Form Roll 1d4

Metal

Stone

Wood

Ceramic

Graven Image Roll 1d6

Animal

Humanoid

Hybrid animal and humanoid

Monster

Plant

Hybrid plant and humanoid

State of Idol Roll 1d6

Eroded badly

Cracked

Painted

Melted/Burnt

Polished

Marred

Offering receptacle Roll 1d6

Bowel

Brasier

Pool

AlterCenser

Offering Types

Beneficent idol Roll 1d6

Incense

Spices

Flowers

Honey

Milk

Grain

Number of Powers 1d4

Three

Four

Five

Maleficent idol Roll 1d6

Gold

Blood

Entrails

Animal sacrifice

Humanoid sacrifice

Maleficent Idol Powers Roll 1d12

Curses - Victim has a -1 to all actions for a week.

Cause disease

Insect plague

Infertility

Foolishness - Victim looses 1 point of wisdom for a week.

Cause deafness

Cause blindness

Cause wounds

Control weather (bad)

Answers questions falsely

Famine - reduces the available food by half

Drought

Beneficent Idol Powers

Roll 1d12

Blessings - Victim has a +1 to all actions for a week.

Cure disease

Halt insect plague

Fertility

Wisdom - Victim gains 1 point of wisdom for a week.

Cure deafness

Cure blindness

Heal wounds

Control weather (good)

Answers questions truthfully

Bounty - doubles the available food in the areaRain

Idol

No. Enc. 1

Alignment: (Neutral) Good or (Neutral) Evil

Movement: 30’ (10’)

Armor Class: 2

Hit Dice: 6 Attacks: 2 (fists)

Damage: 1d8/1d8

Save: F6

Morale: 11 Treasure: Incidental

An Idol attacks with its arms and is slow moving. They always attack cleric or priest first.

H is for Hex Map

2011-04-08T09:40:00.004-05:00

Hex maps are useful tools for a game master and player alike. Also movement is accurately determined in any direction. Below is a sample map showing a wilderness area full of adventure possibilities.

G is for Gods

2011-04-07T00:56:00.005-05:00

Menrope

Goddess of Beekeeping

Title: Queen Comb, Mead Mother Honey

Home plane: Material Plane

Power Level: Demigod

Alignment: Neutral (Good)

Portfolio: Bee keeping, mead, apiaries, healing

Domain: Animal, Plant, Healing

Superior: none

Description Menrope wears a long dress and a diadem, from which falls a veil. Her left gloved hand holds bee hive and in her right gloved hand is a goblet which she is offering to a badger. She is the nature and agriculture goddess of beekeeping.

Dogma Menrope’s order of cleric teaches that beekeeping and the production of honey is a duty. That all must share in the benefits of honey and derivatives in order to remain healthy and happy. She is also said to walk among beekeepers and mead makers I disguise teaching them the proper way to do things. The badger associated with her symbolized the greediness and that the cup symbolizes that the greedy must only take their share.

Worshipers

Commoners She is venerated whenever mead is drunk with a pantomimed toast to her. Paying a small tithe when visiting a temple or being visited by a Cleric.

Clergy A scattered small clusters of clerics make up the bulk of the clergy of Menrope. There are a few small temples and shrines but no central authority. It is common for worshipers to anoint their lips with honey or bees wax when entering the temple. The clergy whisper the reason Menrope’s face is veiled is because she herself is honey.

Paladin Paladins of Queen Menrope are almost unheard of, but a few are rumored to exist.

Temple The few temples to Menrope have colonnaded porches with a bee hive shaped conical domes. They serve both as infirmary and mead brewing. It rumored that the strength of the mean is increased due to the venom of bees added to it. The clergy and brewers dismiss the claim.

Holy Days High Honey Day - It is held during the harvesting of honey in Late Spring. Must mead is drunk and honey drizzled loaves of bread eaten.

F is for Figurine

2011-04-05T22:26:00.002-05:00

Sunstone Camel

This figurine appears to have been crafted from the finest of sunstones. It is has a golden orange and has a spangles luster. Upon utterance of the command word, the Sunstone Camel grows to the size of a true adult camel.

It can be used once per week for a continuous time period of up to 24 hrs. After that it must rest for a day before being used again. It can carry 300 lbs. and move at a camels normal rate or carry up to 600 lbs at half its movement rate.

It can carry up to two riders. Like other true camels it can go long periods without food or water.

If the figurine is slain in combat it may not be summoned again for 1 week.

E is for Epithet

2011-04-05T00:09:00.001-05:00

Every hero and villain deserves a epithet. It serves as both an hint of the characters traits and history. Few will remember Roy Smith, but Roy Red-tress that is a name to remember. It invokes the image of a red hair and red hot temper.

Thief Epithets

The Warty

Green-tooth

Gallows-bait

Fighter Epithets

Eagle-road

Cave-finder

Sure-Strike

Worm-smiter

Wizard epithets

White-whisker

The Esoteric

The Sequestered

Cleric Epithets

Snake-tamer

The Corpulent

The Idol-Smasher

Druid Epithets

The Fawn

Wood-wise

Old-ways

Bard Epithets

The Wine-sodden

The Jinx

The Warbler

Ranger Epithets

Wolf-racer

Fog-Stalker

The Bold

Barbarian Epithets

Swine-seeker

The Vast

The Plunderer

D is For Dungeons

2011-04-03T23:07:00.003-05:00

C is for Castle

2011-04-02T15:52:00.007-05:00

The castle is not just the fortified residence of a lord or noble. Its is the anchor which holds a region together. A nexus of activity, center of trade and political heart of a region. It is majestic, imposing and a landmark. Be it occupied, abandoned, or under construction it is a site not easily ignored.

B is for Backpacks and Bags

2011-04-02T14:47:00.003-05:00

Random Backpack and Bags Type of Backpack and Bags Roll 1d20

Backpack

Rucksack

Knapsack

Pack

Saddle bag

Haversack

Basket

Duffel bag

Papoose

Sling bag

Bindle

Messenger bag

Satchel

Holdall

Carpet Bag

Money bag

Handbag

Medical bag

Gunny sack

Portage pack

Contents Roll 1d6

Mundane

Exotic

Weird

Monster

Treasure

Empty

Mundane Roll 1d10

Simple Clothes

Candles

Soap

Rags

Razor

Food

Wine skin

Cooking supplies

Oil Flask

Personal Mementoes

Exotic Roll 1d10

Letter of introduction to a Noble

Letters of Credit from a merchant Guild

Rich Clothes

Spell Components

Clerical paraphernalia

Mechanical Clock

Sextant, compass and spyglass

Matched set of Local Idols

Fancy Hats

Cursed, cut and combed animal pelts.

Weird Roll 1d10

Pickled body parts

Treasure Map with a hole in it were the treasure would bee.

Love letters between two Liches.

Gallon of monster musk.

Puppets resembling the adventurers.

Collection of doorknobs (every one gets a turn).

Stuffed animal resembling an adventurers childhood pet

Bundle of painted sticks.

Wooden masks resembling famous people.

Uncured, stinking and puss covered monster pelt.

Monster Roll 1d10

Chatty talking Skull

Rats dressed as musketeers

Bats eating fruit

Beatles with small instruments

Mold, slime, oozes, and lichen.

Ferocious saber-toothed rabbit.

Snakes tied in a knot

Fish in a fish bowel

Wasp nest

Friendly skunk

Treasure Roll 1d10

Gold ingot with the of a nearby despot on it.

Sapphire cut to look like a bird

Gold dust

Hack silver

Incense cakes

Ivory pieces

Fine steel bars

Rare spices

Amber Beads

Jewelry attached to long dead body parts (grave robbers).

A is for Artifact

2011-04-02T14:46:00.000-05:00

Artifacts are powerful almost world shattering items that embody grandiose themes. They serve as background elements in the greater campaign that touch all aspics of the world with their shadowy tendrils. That being said the should be seldom encounter but their effects should always lap at the edges of the players deeds. The riddle of the artifact as a mythic element should cause both wonder an awe and force the actions of whole nations but lay just out of reach. The unattainable but persistent goal whispering in the ears of peasant and prince. As a practical matter the artifact should be compelling in it's naming. Be it the "one ring" , "the black cauldron" or "the grail". Or lurid and brazen such as "scourge of time", "ravagers regalia" and "sword of omens". It should be striking in the singleness of it. An artifact is the mythic foundation of the campaign world. Events my be directly tied to it's use or just attributed to it. At least three world changing events are some way tied to it. Such as war, disaster, discoveries, and creations. Clustered around the artifact are secret societies both opposed and supporting the myth of the artifact. Quests for the artifact pervade the land be it false paths or true trails. Compelling the foolish and wish to dabble and search out the dark corners. In effect stirring up heroes and villains alike. Artifacts like all things must meet their end but do so in the most dramatic way and by the strangest of methods. Suitable paths to destruction are convoluted and multiple staged. By wondrous and improbable means with complex rites and esoteric ingredients. Artifacts are not magic items they magic pure and powerful as elements. Desired, feared and above all else coveted.

Blogging A to Z Challenge!

2011-04-02T14:08:00.007-05:00

I have decided to join the OSR Blog community and take on the task of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. My entries will be mainly odds and ends that I hope you are interested in gentle reader. Some may be essays, how to articles, bits and bobs, and art. So I here by throw down my gauntlet.

A is for Artifact

B is for Back Packs and Bags

C is for Castle

D is for Dungeon

E is for Epithet

F is for Figurine

G is for Gods

H is for Hexmap

I is for Idol

J is for Jewels

K is for Knight

L is for Labyrinth

M is for Map

N is for N.P.C.'s

O is for OSR

P is for Peril

Q is for Quests

R is for Riddles

S is for Secert Doors

T is for Tunnels

U is for Underdark

V is for Vampires

W is for Witches

X is for "X marks the spot"

Y is for Yonder

Z is for Zombie

One Page Dungeon Contest 2011

2011-04-01T09:43:00.001-05:00

Once again i have submitted my entry to the annual "One Page Dungeon Contest 2011"

My humble offering has a touch of the exotic and a really cool dungeon map. It is entitled "VENTURE TO THE VIMANA"

I dedicate it to my friend The Baroness who inspired the adventue.

Too view my entry and the other fine ones Click the link below.

http://campaignwiki.org/wiki/DungeonMaps/One_Page_Dungeon_Contest_2011

The Forest Road

2010-11-17T09:44:00.008-06:00

What can one enounter upon the forest road?

Road Encounters
Roll 1d20
1. Angry Animal(s)
2. Bridge (wood)
3. Campsite
4. Caravan
5. Horse Race
6. Overgrown
7. Road kill (animal)
8. Dung (animal)
9. Wagon Tracks
10. Cart tracks
11. Gallows (empty)
12. Animal tracks
13. Empty Sack(s)
14. Mating Animals
15. Horseshoe(s)
16. Ditches
17. Shrine
18. Side path(s)
19. Pilgrims
20. Performers

Random Road Encounters

2010-11-17T09:40:00.002-06:00

Travel has always been perilous and filled with roadside discoveries. The following is a brief encounter table of things encountered upon the road.

Random Road Encounters
Roll 1d20
1. Burning Wagon(s)
2. Chicken Crossing
3. Wagon Wheel(s)
4. Herd of domestic animals
5. Washed out road
6. Pothole(s)
7. Fallen Tree(s)
8. Barricade(s)
9. Barrel(s)
10. Sign post correct
11. Sign post incorrect
12. Animal bones
13. Abandoned carriage(s)
14. Boulder(s)
15. Quicksand
16. Flooded
17. Mud hole(s)
18. Old saddle
19. Sack(s) of grain
20. Gravel

INSPIRATIONAL LOCATIONS

2010-05-08T15:26:00.003-05:00

A voyage on a Underdark sea. Seen via infra-vision.

DYING EARTH

2010-05-08T14:43:00.004-05:00

I just finished Jack Vance's 'Dying Earth' series. The series was a bit rambling and dense at times. Although I really enjoyed the episodic Cugel stories. I now really get the whole 'Vancian Magic' concept. Memorizing complicated spells, intoning strange syllables and making odd gesturing. Then after the spell is used it is wiped from your memory. I also learned some cool spell naming schemes.

Here is a few spell names of my own design.

Fastidious Rending Lash
Doubtful Distracting Hiccup
Radiant Glow of Ennui
Resplendent Parting Gesture
Flippant False Feign
Tilting Perception of Time
and
Fragrant Urge of Embarrassment

I whole heartily recommend the series.

ONE PAGE DUNGEON CONTEST 2010

2010-02-17T16:49:00.003-06:00

Once again it is time to ready your submissions for the One Page Dungeon Contest. I have already submitted my own creation title "The Horrible Hermitage". Good luck to all!

http://campaignwiki.org/wiki/DungeonMaps/One_Page_Dungeon_Contest_2010

Happy Birthday H.P. Lovecraft

2009-08-20T22:40:00.001-05:00

LANKHMAR - REFRENCES

2009-07-06T13:44:00.004-05:00

Fritz Lieber's 'Lankhmar' series is sprinkles with references to people, places, and things. Most of the time these are never explained. If they are revisited it is only obliquely. These casual comments do a great deal to add depth to the world of NEHWON. They rely on the reader to let their imaginations ponder and brood. The reader gains an understand that there are many things just outside of the story. In short this makes for a more rounded world with a since of history and depth. In essence they are like a reverse fill-in-the-blanks. We have the answers but what are the questions.

Examples:
Beast Dodgers - An old man asked if Fafhrd & Grey Mouser where 'beast dodgers'. Gladiators?
Famed Quarmallian Vineyards - An underground city with extensive vine yards.
City of Black Idols - Fafhrd & Grey Mouser escaped this place with the help of Mingol slave.
Glow Wood - Wood which glows. What is made out of this wood? Why does it glow?
School of the Roaring Skald - A bardic school. Who are the members? How widespread is it?
Slim Spired Tisinilit - A city with high towers. Who made them and how were they made?
Mazes of Klesh - A jungle kingdom with mazes or is it just maze like.
Water Burials - Burials at sea or in lakes. Why are burials performed this way?
Doom Current - An equatorial current which travels eastward and south. Why is it so dooming?
The Boneless Death - Disease which melts one's bones. How do you catch it?

NEHWON - STEPPES AND GREAT FOREST

2009-07-06T13:33:00.004-05:00

I created this regional map of NEHON circa 1996. It depicts the STEPPES, THE GREAT FOREST, COLD WASTE, SEA of MONSTERS. I think I used water color markers. Anyway the color gives it an enchanting feel. The map is based on Fritz Leiber's 'Lankhmar' novels.

NEHWON - COLD WASTES AND LAND OF THE EIGHT CITIES

2009-07-06T13:23:00.008-05:00

Here is a NEHWON map I made circa 1997 of the COLD WASTES and the LAND of the EIGHT CITIES. The world is based on Fritz Lieber's 'Lankhmar' novels.

BEASTS

2009-07-01T23:57:00.002-05:00

In keeping with my Lankhmar theme the next few articals will be related to Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar setting. Campigne Concepts

Magical Constructs

Taking a cue from Fritz Leiber's "Jewels in the Forest"

LANKHMAR

2009-07-01T23:54:00.001-05:00

LANKHMAR MEMORIES

2009-07-01T23:35:00.003-05:00

I visited the http://scrollsoflankhmar.com/ today and was reminded of the sweet smoggy sirens call of "LANKHMAR - THE CITY OF A THOUSAND SMOKES"

I had the pleasure to run a game set in Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar setting many years ago. It was both a challenge and wondrous experience. The players and the setting became literally as thick as thieves. It was a challenge to create a game in the spirit of Leiber's world of NEHWON. I think I managed to capture some of the sophistication of the setting with a liberal dose of excitement. The game last almost five years off and on. The players battled Behmoth, Night Gaunts, White Rats, Marsh Leopards, and each other. Saddly all things must come to an end. Still to this day the old players have fond memories. I was just happy to invite them into the strange and wondrous "City of the Black Toga - Lankhmar"

One Page Dungeon Contest :(

2009-07-01T16:05:00.004-05:00

Well I did not win the 'One Page Dungeon Contest'. I did not even get mentioned. The contest was to produce a generic one page dungeon using a template with certin layout and style. I'm a little sad but, that's life!

ONE PAGE DUNGEON CONTEST

2009-07-01T15:54:00.002-05:00

Well I did not when the 'One Page Dungeon Contest'. I did not even get mentioned. The contest was to produce a generic one page dungeon using a template fro lay out and style. Since I did not win or get close I will post it for posterity. I'm a little sad but, that's life!

HAUNTED HULK

RECIPE!

2009-06-05T12:52:00.004-05:00

The feast day of the Roman Goddess Vesta is on June 9th. To celebrate it I'm ruining another recipe.

Vesta's Vindaloo

Yield : 4 Servings
This curried crane dish goes best with rice or flat breads

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 cup seeded and chopped tomato
3 tablespoons distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon minced ginger
2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon coriander
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 skinless boneless crane thighs, cut into 1-1/2 pieces
1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peel and cut into 1/2 pieces
1 1/2 high salt crane broth or salt water
4 cups vodka or cooking cherry

Preparation
Blend first 11 ingredients using hard slave labor or a food processor which ever is easier. Add the 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper in as well.
Heat oil over medium heat in a large pot. Test the temperature with a fallen vestal virgin or two.
Add the paste your slaves possessed to the hot oil and take out the fallen vestal virgins if applicable.
Cook paste; not the former virgins; until golden brown. Should take 3 minutes.
Add the potatoes and crane to the pot, saute for 5 minutes. Add broth of crane and let boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and put lid on pot. Stir often.
Uncover and cook 5 minutes while stirring.
Season as desired.
Pour one cup cooking sherry or 200 proof vodka on the Vesta's Vindaloo then serve and ignite.

A meal Vesta herself would enjoy.

WANDERING TERRAIN TABLE

2009-06-05T12:26:00.003-05:00

This tool will allow you to generate terrain when the P.C. tromp about the wilderness. This is best used for hex crawls. Yes it is a bit random but it there is a method to the madness. Every thing is based on the old frequency encounter tables. Yes you could end up with two very different terrains next to each other. With a little imagination you can justify it or you can disregard a result. It is inspired by the Monster Manual II frequency tables. Just use the result to fill in a hex.

Template
Roll 1d8 + 1d12
2. Very Rare
3. Very Rare
4 Very Rare or Rare
5. Rare
6.Rare
7. Uncommon
8. Uncommon
9. Common
10. Common
11. Common
12. Common
13. Common
14. Uncommon
15. Uncommon
16. Rare
17. Rare
18. Very Rare or Rare
19. Very Rare
20. Very Rare

Wandering Terrain Table
Roll 1d8 + 1d12
2. Glacier
3. Desert
4. Steppes
5. Canyons
6. Badlands
7. Dense Forest
8. Wooded Hills
9. Fields
10. Grassland
11. Hills
12. Lite Forest
13. Marshland
14. Mountains
15. Lake/River
16. Coastline
17. Mudflat
18. Geyser Field
19. Tar pits
20. Volcanic Lands

FLOOR PLANS

2009-06-05T12:24:00.002-05:00

MAGIC ITEMS!

2009-06-05T11:55:00.003-05:00

Shield of Sap
This shield is formed of freshly hewn wood. It functions as a +1 shield. If the command word 'SAP' is spoken the front of the shield starts producing sticky sap. All weapons striking the shield have a 25% of sticking to the shield. This is useful for disarming the attacker. The command word 'HARDEN' cause the sap to harden and can be chipped off the shield and the weapons can be freed from the surface.

Boots of the Mountain Goat
These sturdy dwarven style mountain boots allow the user to always find footing on a mountain slope. The wearer never slips while climbing. Also all movement is at the normal movement rate.
Quirk
Mountain goats are attracted to the wearer of the boots. They will follow the wearer around and bleat at them
Variants
Cursed Boots of the Mountain Goat
These boots work as above but if they are worn for more than a day the wears feet turn into goat hooves. Also mountain goats attack the wearer on sight regardless if the wearer's feet have been transformed or not.

Sash of Usefulness
This silken sash can upon command transform into other objects.
1. Wool Blanket
2. 50 foot silk rope
3. Canvas Tent (2 person)
4. Large Sack
5. Towel (everyone needs one!)
6. Cloak with hood

My Appendix N

2009-05-08T15:04:00.003-05:00

In the 1ed Dungeon Masters Guide Gary Gygax included a section on books that inspired his game. Once again I have hopped on the band wagon. So here is my Appendix N.

Inspirational Reading:

Asprin, Robert Lynn and various authors - Sanctuary Novels
Beagle, Peter - The Last Unicorn, Giant Bones
Chaucer, Geoffrey - The Canterbury Tales
Eddings, David - The Belgariad
Goldman, William - The Princess Bride
Goodkind, Terry - Wizard's First Rule
Grimm, Brothers - Fairy Tales
Howard, R. E. - Conan series.
Leiber, Fritz. - Fafhrd & Grey Mouser Series; et al
Le Guin, Ursula K. - Tales from Earthsea
Lovecraft, H.P. - Complete Works
McKiernan, Dennis L. - Tales of Mithgar
Salvatore, R.A. - The Dark Elf Trilogy
Tolkien, J. R. R. - The Hobbit

BEASTS!

2009-04-27T14:18:00.001-05:00

Mysterious Map!

2009-04-19T19:13:00.005-05:00

This is a missing map for some perilous adventure which may or may not have happened. I discovered this precious wedged into an ancient tome. Maybe you can use it as a spring board for adventure. It is in glorious color pencil as well!

Scale
Each Hex = 5 mile
Locations
Smuggler's Walk
Demon Spirit Cave
Stacked Stones
Cavern Cave
Unnamed Road
Unnamed River

SHIPS AHOY!

2009-04-19T19:05:00.003-05:00

Here is a blank medivel ship deck plan for your enjoyment. So, set sail upon the high seas of adventure.

GLOSSARY

2009-04-15T12:41:00.004-05:00

Long ago in the primordial mist old rpg adventure modules use to include a glossary. This was a useful tool not only for vocabulary but for imparting the flavor and tone of the setting. So I plan to resurrect this as a feature on my blog.

"Arise! Glossary! Walk among the living! Arise!"

GLOSSARY

Austringer - A falconer.
Bodkin - A dagger, hair-pin, or ornament.
Codpiece - A bag-shaped flap on breeches covering the genitals. They tie with laces and are embroidered and padded.
Doxy - A begger's wench.
Eyas - A young hawk.
Fap - A very drunk person.
Gauntlet - Armour gloves to defend the hands.
Hackney - A common work or riding horse that was common and had no special training. Also sometimes called a rouncy.
Itinerant Judges - These judges moved about the countryside, carrying the power of the king's justice far beyond the king's immediate presence.
Jerkin - A jerkin is essentially the medieval form of a modern vest.
Kettle-hat - A domed helmet, made in three or more pieces, with a wide brow around the outside.
Labyrinth - A confusing maze, usually of tunnels underground.
March - A frontier territory often entrusted to a vice-regent with special military responsibilities. Laws appropriate to a mixed population and unsettled conditions prevailed in these areas. Marches could also be areas of land bordering two neighboring countries that both countries contest.
Notion - understanding, or the mind.
Obliged -pledged.
Pennon - Similar to a banner, but with the addition of a triangular point, charged with arms, and borne before knight bachelors. It is often flown from the tip of a lance.
Quatch - A word of unknown meaning. (It means what ever you want it to.)
Rag-tag - rabble
Sword Knot - A loop of leather thong or silk cord attached to the grip of the sword and slipped on the wrist.
Tofore - previously or prior to.
Umbrage - shadow
Vellium - A very strong cream-colored paper.
Wattle-and-Daub - A type of building (especially a peasant cottage) constructed of wattle and daub.
X - Ten or X marks the spot.
Yonker - A fine young man, novice, or greenhorn.
Zagbnal - A steel pike or beaked axe.

Wilderness Encounters

2009-04-13T20:51:00.004-05:00

'So Maltag, which way to Zartin the Elder's hidden tower?' Sverna said. 'Well I do believe its that way, as the mole burrows.' the dwarf pointed down to the valley below. 'I wonder what trouble awaits us there.' Sverna pondered. 'Don't be worrying about that we have company, Werebadgers!' Maltag spat. Snaring ill tempered werebagers charged out from behind the rocks.

Wilderness travel can be both perilous and wondrous. What is just over the hill could be either or even both. Exploration of the wilderness is an arduous take both for the player and the game master. There is less control for the game master being outside the dungeon. The players may wonder anywhere, even off the map.

The most basic tool is a map. Before the adventure have a map of the region and a variety of terrain features. Start the adventures near the center of the map or near an area they have been too before. Have two copies. One for the game master and on for the player. The player map has the areas they have traveled through to get where they are now and the game master has one with all the detail. Up date the players map as they go along. Either by telling them what type terrain or just drawing on the players map.

Wither it is grid, hex, or plain free form map it is up to you. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three different terrain types on the map.

Terrain Types
Marsh
Hills
Mountains
Forest
Plain
Desert
Coastal
Moor
Badlands
Farmland
Tundra

Then add some sub-terrain types as well to give the map some depth.

Sub-Terrain Types
Rolling Hills
Fen Grassland
Alpine Forest
Canyons
Riverbed
Shrub land

Create at least three encounters for each terrain type. One major, one intermediary, and one minor. Don't assign them to the map but when the players are in the terrain type either roll randomly for an encounter or decide when it is the right time. Remember not all encounters are hostile.

Also have some pre-made 'wilderness window dressing'. These are objects, sites, and oddities that the players encounter.

Wilderness Window Dressing
A large stone covered in carved spirals.
A pool which reflects the players trues selves.
A large burnt oak with a twisted face.
A glyph of a dragon carved into a hill.
A set of bone wind chimes hanging from a tree.
A abandoned gypsy wagon covered in moss.

Also a traditional random encounter table based on the region may be helpful as well to flesh out the area. So when traveling trough the Fang Hills there may be a lot of werebadgers.

'Sverna are you wounded?' Maltag questioned eyeing her weary. 'Nope not a one got with claw raking distance.' Sverna said relieved. 'Lets put as much distance from the werebadgers and us as possible. By the Forger's Braded Beard! That hill in the distant it has a outline of a dragon and its glowing!' Maltag exclaimed. 'I'm still sharp if you are greybeard' Sverna smiled. The two trudged out of the Fang Hills. In the distance the moonlight illuminated the outlining of a dragon and dancers upon the hill.

Magical Items

2009-04-05T15:19:00.002-05:00

"A Magical Axe +1 so what I'm 9th level dwarven fighter, who needs it!" - a player

Power and Usefulness
A simple magical item may prove useful in the beginning but slowly its importance fades as the hero gains powers and abilities each level. The magic becomes less wondrous and less useful. I present a few humble alternatives to this dilemma. Remember not to let the player know what the magic item's true power is until they research it with sages and wizards or test the item out.

Progressive Power
Progressive power magical items become stronger the longer the hero wields them during their careers. They improve in hit probability and damage dealt. An alternative would be to make it either hit probability or damage bonus increase. They could alternate between the two every two levels. Adding special effects can be a cool way to highlight this. For example: A +2 sword may shed brighter light than a +1 sword

Example table:
Hero Level Hit Probability Damage Bonus
1-2 +1 +1
3-4 +2 +2
5-6 +3 +3
7-8 +4 +4
And so on ...

Sword of Resolve
Description: This long sword is simple and well crafted. The blade has the word 'Resolve' engraved on it. It is said that the powers of the sword increase with the warriors resolve. It sheds white sparks when wielded in combat.Powers: Progressive PowersHero Level Hit Probability Damage Bonus
1-2 +1 +1
3-4 +2 +2
5-6 +3 +3
7-8 +4 +4
And so on ...

Unlockable Powers
These are conditioned upon the hero accomplishing a task or discovering the powers by chance. Then these events take place a ability of the item is unlocked. The item's power is unlocked when the item is used successfully in combat. Another power is unlocked when the item uses it to save another life.

Shield of Assurance
Description: This sturdy medium sized round metal shield is emblazoned with a heraldic beast. It glow with purple light when a blow hits it.
Powers: Unlockable Powers
+1 increase to AC (When used first used in battle.)
+2 increase to AC (Defeat a foe in single combat.)
+3 increase to AC (When used to defend another.)
+4 increase to AC (When used in defending against magical weapons.)

Purposed Powers
These powers are useful when accomplishing a specific purpose. When the purpose is not being done the powers are dormant. While on the quest to complete the purpose the powers are active. The simplest way to think of making up a wand's purpose is to think of an adjective and noun. Examples: Destroy Wands, Save Halflings, Find the Lost, Protect Others.

Axe of Wand Woe
Description: This sturdy dwarven throwing axe is well balanced and rings when thrown.
Powers: When the wielder of the axe uses it to destroy a wand or accomplish the task of destroying a wand the axe gains a magical bonus.
+1 increase to hit prob and damage (traveling to wand wielders lair)
+1 increase to hit prob and damage (defeat a wand wielders henchmen)
+1 increase to hit prob and damage (in the lair of wand wielders)
+1 increase to hit prob and damage (in combat with wand wielders)
* Note: The bonus are accumulative while on the purpose of destroying a wand. The effect ends once a wand is destroyed until another it started.

Combinations
Take two or more of the magic item modifications and combine to make the item both memorable and useful. These makes the item much more wondrous and interesting.

'I vow by my Axe of Wand Woe to the lord of the forge, to chop the Wand of Wickedness in two!' said Maltag the Dwarf. With that the axe hummed with the need to clever wands and be came razor sharp. Maltag marched towards the wizards tower.

Scenarios!

2009-03-18T11:48:00.003-05:00

So kids, what is your favorite kind of serial?
SCENARIOS!

Seriously one of my avid readers has requested a sample of lite and toasty scenarios. So here they be, crunchy and full of whole grain goodness.

Scenarios
Coliseum of Creatures - The party encounter two monsters battling. A mysterious and magical controlling person(s) is having the beasts fight each other for his or their amusement. With the arrival of the P.C.‘s he sends the monsters to attack them as a team. The controller may want to add the P.C.‘s to his fighting creatures collection. The P.C. can fight, escape, or defeat the controller and have him fight his monsters as just punishment.

Talking Animals Plea for Help - A group of talking animals arrive and seek help to defeat an Neutral Evil Druid that transformed them into animals. The talking animals are really human settlers in the area controlled by the Druid. The P.C.'s must force the Druid to reverse the curse, which is easier said than done. If he is killed the settlers will stay animals forever.

An Island called Mood! -The P.C.'s gain treasure map. The map leads to a island called Mood just of the coast. This dark rock island is shrouded by fog. It is home to a intelligent monster leader and a small band of servant creatures. The intelligent monster leader sends out fake treasure maps to lure adventures to the island. It does this for one purpose. It desires magical items and knows adventurers always have them. The villain is magically imprisoned on the island and cant leave it's shores. The villain needs a certain magical item so that it may free it's self from the magical island prison. The certain magical item of course is one of the P.C.'s magical items.

Un-fair Ground! - The P.C.'s are at a fair. Merchants and merrymakers provide entertainment and a chance for P.C.'s to spend money. Something is stocking the many fair tents and commoner’s tents at the fair ground. The guards at the fair and the local lord are trying to cover up the grisly deaths. The murders are being committed by a tent shaped killer mimic of enormous size. It snuck into the fair and is feasting upon the fair goers. It is up to the P.C.'s to find clues about the fairgoers and the murders and track the creature down and dispatch it.

Return what you have taken! - (This scenario is best run after the P.C.'s have looted at least 2-3 dungeons‘.) The P.C.'s are at a tavern (where else) a breeze picks up in the tavern and the fire goes out. A glow is coming from outside and slow strobe light. The doors fly open. Coming down the road is a transparent larger then life spectral face. It repeats 'Return what you have taken!
Return what you have taken!" It moves slowly but directly for the P.C.'s. Everyone panics. Then it disappears after coming face to face with the P.C.'s. This happens every night. They P.C.'s may brush it off, but the locals will not and demand that the P.C.'s leave the town or return what was taken (what ever it is the thing wants.). The P.C.'s will be dogged by this spectral face where ever they go and always at night. Eventually the P.C.'s will have to return loot to one of the former dungeons. Other adventures may trail the P.C.'s to steal the loot. Which dungeon was the being from and which loot do the P.C. return. The spectral face can't be destroyed and only avoid temporarily. The spectral face may be a guardian spirit or a magical illusion cast by a reveal adventurer to gain the adventures loot. What ever the reason what ever town the P.C. enter will not be happy the P.C.'s are there. Also their reputation is at stake.

Cloud Castle - So the P.C.'s are traveling the country side and then they find a rope dangling in mid air. The top of the rope disappears into the clouds. The cloud is slowly floating away with the rope and the castle. The P.C.'s have a short time to decide wither to climb the rope and into the castle or not. If the P.C.'s climb the rope they find a small castle in the clouds. The occupants are not home and the place looks very old and abandoned. The castle is a ruin and filled with squatting flying monsters. Hidden treasure are with in and danger. What keeps the castle in the clouds? (Magical crystals, chained air elementals, cloud giant spells.) How is it controlled? (A cauldron and the mixing of vapors and alchemy and magic. A map with a cotton ball and castle on it. Where the castle is moved on the map the real one is moved.) Could the P.C.'s use this as their base of operation? Will the occupants return some day?

Chain Link Scenario - A evil wizard casts a geas and curse on the P.C.'s They must find a spell book. He instructs them to kidnap a prince. The prince is prophesy to be the only one who can handle the magical key. The magical key is being guarded by both man and monster. The magical key must be used to unlock a tomb, temple, or tower. The location holds a magical book needed by the evil wizard.

BEASTS!

2009-03-13T13:06:00.004-05:00

So I stumbles across an old TV cartoon. I'll let you deduce which one... This inspired me to create a beast based on it. So two themes clashed together. Oozes and friendly cute monsters.

Glop
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Subterranean or Any Surface land
FREQUENCY: Very Rare
ORGANIZATION: Solitary or pair
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Always
DIET: Omnivore
INTELLIGENCE: Low (7)
TREASURE: nil
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Good
NO. APPEARING: 1-2
ARMOR CLASS: 7
MOVEMENT: 12"
HIT DICE: 2
THAC0: 19
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-8
SPECIAL ATTACKS: nil
SPECIAL DEFENSES: 1/2 damage from blunt weapons, immune to energy attacks.
MAGIC RESISTANCE: 50%
SIZE: M (5') -L (7')
MORALE: Steady (12)
XP VALUE: 200

The Glop is bronze colored amoeba with two eye-spots and a mouth orifice. It speaks its own simple language and understands common.

Combat: The glop strikes like a snake slamming the target and causing 2d4 damage.

Habitat/Society: Their society composes of a parent and a offspring. They typically shun others other own kind outside of the parent and offspring bond. The offspring reaches adulthood within 5 years and leaves the parent. The adult then reproduces again. Some Glop about 25% have a strange habit of imprinting on other creatures and forming a proto-family unit with the creatures. They will act to defend and protect them. In this case both the parent and the offspring stay together.

Ecology: A Glop is a proto-plastic creature distantly related to the oozes. They reproduce by division once every five years. It is normally solitary but my be found with its own divided offspring.

MY TOP TEN D&D MONSTERS

2009-03-12T14:19:00.006-05:00

OK, Everyone is doing it and so why can't I.

10. Berbalang - (FF) - These creepy fiends is into meditation and astral projection. It also engages in bizarre and complex courtship and mating rituals with other berbalangs.
9. Kampfult - (MMII) - These grumpy tree creatures are known as 'sinewy mugger' by their friends. They enjoy lurking in forest and dungeons and attacking many foes at once.
8. Drider - (MMII) - These creatures are a cross between a spider and a dark elf. They are pushed by the spider queen and are are bitter, fearsome and cruel. Plus they like bows and arrows. The arrows are coated with spider venom by the way.
7. Flump - (FF) - These little flying discs with protruding eyes and tiny tentacles are goodie two shoes. They are too cute or ugly to kill and have a habit of squirting foul smelling liquid.
6. Lurker Above - (MM) - These carnivorous creatures hang out in subterranean chambers aka dungeons. They pretend to be part of the ceiling and drop on a foe and smother them. They have many cousins like the Lurker Below, Lurker Beside and Lurker Beyond.
5. Peryton - (MM) - These creatures have the body of a eagle and the head of a buck deer. They like feeding on human hearts with they need for reproduction purposes. They also cast a shadow in the shape of a man.
4. Crypt Thing -(FF) - This urbane and sedentary skeletal undead guard tombs the world over and enjoy chatting with visitors briefly then teleporting them in random directions and distances.
3. Dire Corby -(FF) - These jet black subterranean bipedal avians enjoy chanting 'Doom! Doom! Doom!" They are fond of warring with giant bats as well.
2. Penanggalan - (FF) - These cunning undead look like living humans. They eat and sleep as well. But at night their heads fly off to feast upon the flesh of the unwary. Organs and tissues trail out of the neck as they fly about. They enjoy deceiving people and gaining their trust then revealing themselves.
1. Disenchanter - (FF) - These sneaky spindly dromedary-like animals have a long flexible snout which they enjoy draining enchantments from magic items. Plus they shimmer and their coats are electric blue and translucent too.

Totals: FF - 6, MM - 2, MMII - 2

Random Encounter as Campaign Tools

2009-03-05T19:42:00.008-06:00

So when crafting a campaign setting making encounter tables is very useful tool to flesh out a region. It both answers questions about the region and provides inspiration. Below is a sample encounters table for a people one would meet on the road. To spice it up a bit you can have 2-4 travellers traveling togather for protection or they could all be going to the same location. Really great inspiration for this is Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales." Another interesting option it to combine two encounters into one. For example combine "Honeymooners" and "Cultist", and you get a pair of Honeymooners who met at a cult coven and got married. They may want to make their first sacrifice together as a newly wed couple. What is the back story of the travelers. Is the "Fugitive" a hardened criminal who killed his way out of prison or a political prisoner escaping with his loyal retainers. Are the "Wandering buffoons" really entertainers or are they deadly assassins in disguise so they can enter and exit high society. A random encounter table is not simple a table of encounters but a tool to add depth and flavor to the campaign setting.

Road Travelers
Table 1-1
Roll 1d20
1. Pilgrims
2. Actors/ Bards/ Wandering buffoons
3. Wandering tinker
4. Gypsies
5. Refugees
6. Honeymooners
7. Courtiers
8. Merchants
9. Knights
10. Brigands
11. Monks
12. Settlers
13. Priests/Cultist
14. Curriers
15. Diplomats
16. Farmers
17. Teamsters
18. Caravan
19. Fugitive
20. Soldiers/Sheriff - with deputies.

Parallel Worlds!

2009-02-24T22:57:00.005-06:00

"A parallel world is often a hiding place for unpleasant things, and often the protagonist is forced to confront effects of this other world leaking into his own." - Wiki pedia author.

Ok like you when I hear parallel world I groan! But the can be fun and interesting too!

Parallel World Technique
This technique is used to spice up a game and add a bit of wonder and open the PC's eyes to alternate worlds just beyond their perceptions. The main reason to use this is to take and existing dungeon or region and use the old maps and info but change it so it is new and different. The PC's are in a well known area and they are transported to an alternate world. This can be by magical accidents like to magic items striking each other. A tear in the fabric of the veil of the universe. A magical doorway or mirror. Or just taking the wrong fork in a path. The result is the same. The PC's are in an alternate world where things are similar to their world but there are a few differences. The reason this is a useful tool is that it allows the DM to break the monotony of the setting. Also the PC's get a change of venue. With delicate handing this can be a useful tool to both surprise and challenge player. This technique is best used sparingly and with caution. Nothing ruins a game more then inconsistency.

Rules
1. It is best used in an existing game where the agreed upon nature of the setting is established.
2. Do not over use or it will irate the players.
3. Always provide an exit back to the normal world and make it attainable to the PC's.
4. Never let the PC's over use the means to travel between worlds. Limit it. Or the PC's will be hopping back and forth all the time. This will cause the DM lots of extra work.
5. Make the parallel world different but not so alien that the players are annoyed.
6. Be consistency. Things should be just about the same in the parallel world each time the PC's visit. Normal everyday things change but not the main flavor of the parallel world.
7. Have a good parallel hook. Make the parallel world interestingly different.
8. Make the experience rewarding and fun for the players.

Examples of Parallel Worlds.
A world where there are only talking animals and no humanoids.
A ruined dark world filled with undead.
A fey world filled with magic both wild and beguiling.
A frozen wasteland filled with rugged survivors and Arctic version of common monsters.
An very similar world where evil is good and good is evil.

Alchemical Emblems

2009-02-23T13:47:00.005-06:00

Alchemical emblems were like guides to the alchemists of old. They can still inspire wonder. A cool tool to use as a spring board for the imagination.

An example using the top emblem: A talking stag discussing antler maintance with a unicorn. A polymorphed druid in a stags form seeking help from a wise unicorn.

An example using the bottom emblem: A group of gnombs in fish disguises planning to pirate a passing boat. A pair of magically summoned giant fish to block a pursuing boat.

How To … Make a Classic Dungeon.

2009-02-23T13:41:00.001-06:00

Supplies
1 sheet Notebook Paper
1 Piece of Grid Paper
Pencil
Pen

Key Points
Take a few minutes to decide the location and type of dungeon. It does not have to be to involved.

Location
Where is the dungeon. Is it on a mountain top, swamp, cave or other location.

Type
What was the dungeon previously a prison, keep, monastery, or some other structure.

Theme
A theme is the dominant idea or flavor of the dungeon. Each room has a bit of the theme in it. Items and monsters, and NPC’s carry the theme through out. A few examples are : An evil undead haunted temple. A mushroom filled echoing cave. A salt encrusted wrecked pirate ship beached on the rocks.

Maps
Compass rose - This gives the directions of North, South, East and West.
Legend - This shows what the symbols on the map represent. It shows what the symbols for doors, bars, gates, secret doors, concealed door and furniture are.
Room Key - A room key gives a description of each rooms. Some rooms have non wandering monsters, non-random traps, and non-random treasure in them. Some rooms may be empty.

Tables
Wandering Monster Table - This random table provides a list of monster’s name and number encountered while traveling from room to room and outside the dungeon.
Monster Restock Table - This random table provides a list of monster’s name and number that repopulate the dungeon once the monsters on the wandering list are killed.
Trap Table - This random table provides a list of traps encountered in the dungeon.
Treasure Table - This random table provides a list of treasure found in the dungeon.
Rumor Table - This random table provides a list of rumors about the dungeon.

Lists
Bestiary - This lists the monsters and NPC’s in the dungeon and their stats and behavior. Some monsters may be armored, wield weapons and cast spells. Think about which monster fits best in the dungeon.
NPC - NPC means Non Playing Characters. A list of helpful NPC in the starting area.

The Step by Step Method
Step 1
Starting Location
A safe small settlement is usually the best way to start. This is where the PC’s learn about the dungeon. A farm village, tavern or inn is a good starting place. Name the starting location.

Step 2
NPC LIST
A list of helpful NPC in the starting area. A few good NPC”S to populate the starting area are cleric, blacksmith, inn keep, and provision provider.

Step 3
Rumor Table
This random table provides a list of rumors the players have gotten fro the local people about the dungeon. They may be true or false. Note wither they are or not on the rumor table.

Step 4
Naming the Dungeon
This is an name given the dungeon by the local people who fear and dread it. The name may be completely unknown. The players should only learn of the name in play.

Step 5
Mapping the Dungeon
Draw the Dungeon Map on graph paper with pencil. After you are finished use a pen. You don’t have to use all the sheet. A few rooms varying in size connected be halls, stairs, ramps or ladders. Don’t forget to make at least on entrance. Include a few empty safe rest stop rooms so the PC’s can heal between encounters. Add a compass rose or arrow pointing north to the map.

Step 6
Number and Key the Rooms
Number each room starting at the entrance and going deeper with the dungeon. Make a room key on the blank note book paper listing all the numbers of each room. Don’t forget to leave space for descriptions and notes.

Step 7
Bestiary and Monster tables
On the sheet of note book paper write a Bestiary. Then wandering monster table. After that a restock table.

Step 8
Traps and Treasure Tables
On the sheet of note book paper write a Trap Table and then a Treasure Table.

Step 9
Check for Problems
Take a couple of minutes to see if there was something you forgot to add or something you wanted to change.

Step 10
You’re done!

CLASSIC DUNGEON EXAMPLE :

2009-02-23T13:28:00.004-06:00

The Hallow Hall

Introduction
This module was designed based of the classic model. It is simple and straight forward. That being said it also allows the DM to fill in the blanks.

The Scope of the Module
The module is concerned with the village of Nook and to a greater extent The Hollow Hall. All other areas are left for the DM to flesh out.

DM’s Background.
Around 250 years ago the tyrant Tyrone the Terrible ruled the valley from his mountain side hall. He built and expanded the small hall he had captured from the former ruler. His wife Nivanna was more then a bit maddened by the horrors she witnessed her husband perform. This amused him and it was more to his twisted liking. The warlock Dreggal of the Red Tome tired of being in the tyrants service and was more tired of the insane cackling of Nivanna as well. He knew he could never be free for them while they lived. He crafted two matching golden crowns and then magically poisoned them with the spirits for those Tyrone vanquished. Dreggal presented them the reignments and crowned them both. They died is swoons of mad cackling. Dreggal took over the horde and the hall. Dreggal slowly slipped over the years into a lesser lichdom. The keep slowly fell to ruin. The Black Claw bugbear tribe found the hall and inhabited it. They are wise enough to avoid the more deadly areas. Now it is present day and The Hallow Hall is but a fireside tale in the village of Nook.

Player Background
You are passing through a rather remote area and in need of rest. By chance you stumble upon the village of Nook.

Village of Nook
This village is surrounded by woods. The nearby peaks loam overhead.

Buildings
Old One Eye - Tavern/Inn - Clean and modestly priced.
The Merry Anvil - Blacksmith shop - Sturdy and expensive.
Bounty and Barter - Provisions - Variety of goods and expensive.
Temple of the Just - Temple - Spiritual and bodily aid. Offerings welcome.
The Sleepy Stallion - Stable - Well tended and modestly priced.
The Constabulary - jail - Well built and defended.

NPC’s List
Elsa the tavern keeper, Human female.
Sareen the blacksmith, Human female.
Dalt the provision provider, Halfling male.
Fadrick the cleric, Human male.
Karst the stable hand, Half-elf male.
Harwort Goldtooth the sheriff, Dwarven male.

Rumor Table
Roll 1d10
1.The tyrant Tyrone’s old hall is on the mountain side overlooking the valley. Tyrone and his of warriors of the rounded table ruled the area with an iron fist about 200 years ago. (True)
2.The place is haunted by the old tyrants mad queen Nivanna. On still nights you can hear her cackling. (True)
3.People call the place The Hallow Hall for a reason. It is an empty gutted shell of a hall with nothing but bat and rat poo. (False)
4.The old warlock Dreggal of the Red Tome still lives up their. He must be close to 300 years old and is said to look it. (True)
5.A hansom entranced one is said to sleep in Hallow Hall through the ages awaiting his true loves kiss. (False)
6.A tribe of flea bitten Bugbears live in the hall and it and they should best be avoided. (True)
7.The word ‘DYSCUM’ means friend in Bugbear. (False)
8.The old tyrant and his mad queen’s warlock murdered them with a set of poisoned crowns. (True)
9.The Hallow Hall is said to hold a hidden army waiting to be lead by the tyrants successor. (False)
10.The Hallow Hall rooms go deep into the mountain and into the under-deep below. (True)

The Hallow Hall
1.Porch - The porch is supported by pillars with carved snakes rapping around them. Monster: (3) Giant Wasp
2.Great Hall - This large hall is drafty and canopy of web float in the breeze. Monster: (2) Animated Full Plate Armor and (1) spider Treasure: Random
3.Throne Room - The open throne room has to dark wooden thrones in them set skeletons wearing crowns. Monster: (2) Cackling Skeletons Treasure: Two gold crowns worth 300 g.p. each.
4.Master Bedroom - The large bed room has a four post bed. Monster (1) Spirit Treasure: Silver Chamber Pot worth 20 g.p.
5.Setting Room - This dark wood paneled room has several couches.
6.Servants Quarters - This small room has bunk beds and footlockers.
7.Trophy Room - This secret room is filled vile trophies of war. Treasure: Magicians Hat - (cast one extra spell per day)
8.Council Chamber - This room car a large round table and chairs around it. Monster : (1) Bugaboo Trap: Anyone setting at the table must have sworn an oath to defend the hall. If not the victim must save vs. paralyzation. The effect last as long as the victim is setting at the table. Treasure: Random
9.Kitchen - This foul smelling room is a kitchen.
10.Pantry - This damp cold room appears to have been a pantry. There is a well as well. Monster: Water Weirdo
11.Shrine - A small domed shrine holds a statue of the god of tyranny and battle. Trap: Magical - Anyone gazing upon the statue must save verses spell or attack the next person they see armed with weapons. Treasure: Random
12.Servants Quarters - This room holds several dusty cots and footlockers. Monster: (3) Bugbears Weapon Maces (1) Bugbear chief (double hit points) Weapon: Mace and ring-mail armor Treasure: Random
13.Closet - This room is filled as would be a closet.
14.Dinning - This chamber has a round table with several chairs. Plates and tankards cover it. Monster: (3) Bugbears.
15.Guard Room - This room has a weapon rack and a table and two chairs. Monster: (2) Bugbears. Weapon Maces.
16.Vault - This room has a iron door. Inside are two chest and three sacks of treasure. Door: Locked Trap: Spikes 1d6 damage to all near door and resets. Monster: (1) Zombie Mimic Treasure: One chest has a Ring of Shadowy Form - Turn into a shadow once per day. Unable to attack or be attacked except by magic. Sack one has 700 c.p., 27 s.p., 32 e.p. 45 g.p. Sack two has 92 c.p., 24 e.p. 10 g.p. 2 p.p. Sack three has 3 gems worth 20 g.p. each.
17.Upper Barracks - This room is filled with bunk beds footlockers and weapon racks. A small table and four chairs are in the center. Monster: (4) Animated weapons. Treasure: 24 g.p. in footlocker. Silver tankard worth 30 g.p.
18.Armory - This room is filled with suites or various armor. Treasure: Shield of the Drake (+ 1 AC and immune to fire damage)
19.Torture Chamber - This reeking room is a horrid torture chamber. Monster: (5) Skeletons
20.Lower Barracks - This room is filled with bunk beds footlockers and weapon racks. A small table and four chairs are in the center. Monster: (2) Skeletal Berserkers Treasure: Random
21.Master-at-arms Room- This room appears to be a private bed room and has armor and a weapons rack. Treasure: Rope of Binding - On command binds one opponent. There is a 25% chance to break free.
22.Guard Room - This open room has a table and chair. A ring of keys is on the wall. A crank operates the portcullis and a switch board controls which cell opens. Monster : (2) Skeletal War-dogs Treasure: Random
23.Cell - This dismal cell has straw on the floor. Monster: (1) Elf
24.Cell - This dank cell has bones on the floor. Monster: (1) Bugbear
25.Cell - This dire cell has straw on the floor. Monster: (1) Elf
26.Cell - This dark cell has dead rats on the floor. Treasure: Random
27.Cell - This damp cell has straw on the floor. Treasure: Random
28.Wizard’s Room - This incense filed room has a bed and laboratory table. A large chest and a heavy wardrobe are in it as well. Monster: Skeletal Warlock Treasure: Wand of Frost - 1d6 (+ 1 damage per every 4 levels); Random Treasure.
29.Secret Study - This secret chamber has a skylight. Two shelves of books line the walls. A chair and desk set in the middle. Treasure: Clay of Animation - 10 pounds. Can be sculpted into one small sized monster or animal that is loyal to the sculptor. Spell book (5 spells of appropriate level and class)

Wandering Monster Table
Roll 1d12
1.Bugaboo
2.Bugbear
3. Giant Rats
4.Bats
5.Menace Mushroom
6.Dire Slug
7.Red ooze
8.Spider
9.Skeleton
10.Skeletal War-dog
11.Spirit
12.Roll twice, use both results.

Restock
Roll 1d6
1. Monster
2. Monster & Treasure
3-6. Empty (25% hidden treasure)

Random Treasure
Roll d% (percentiles)
01 -25 500 copper pieces/per level
26- 50 400 silver pieces/per level
51-65 300 electrum pieces/per level
66-80 200 gold pieces/per level
81-90 100 platinum pieces/per level
91-94 1d4 gems worth 25 g.p. each/per level
95-97 1 piece of jewelry 100 g.p /per level
98-00 Magic (roll once on magic table)

Random Magic Treasure Table
Roll 1d12
1.Potion of Healing
2.Potion of Cold Resistance
3.Potion of Speed
4.Potion of Levitation
5.Scroll of Spell (appropriate level and class)
6.Scroll of Spell (appropriate level and class)
7.Dagger 1d4 (+ 1 damage per every 4 levels)
8.Short Sword (+ 1 damage per every 4 levels)
9.Mace (+ 1 damage per every 4 levels)
10.Bracers of Armor (+ 1 AC per every 4 levels)
11.Leather Armor (+ 1 AC per every 4 levels)
12.Roll twice, use both results. Ignore duplications.

Bestiary
Animated Full Plate Armor - AC 0; Mv 12”; HD 3; hp 24; #attack 1; damage 1d4 slam, Awl Pike 1d6; intelligence non; Size m; Special Defense - If reduced to half hp it falls apart. They reform with in 1d10+1 rounds. The hp regenerate to full when they reform. If parts are missing they do not regain hps.

Animated Weapons - AC 0; Mv 12” fly; HD 1; hp 8; #attack 1; damage 1-6; intelligence non; Size s. These ordinary weapons have been enchanted to fly and attack intruders.

Bugaboo - AC 0 ; Mv 12”/12“ fly; HD 2 ; hp 16; #attack 1 ; damage nil; intelligence non ;al N ; Size m; Special Attack: Spooky Sounds - 20foot radius -Save vs. Spell of fall into fit of trembling and fright. The victim is at a -1 to AC, Damage, Saving throws. The affect lasts 1d6+1 rounds.
Special Defense: +1 or better to hit. Turned as a Ghoul.

Bugbear - AC 5 ; Mv 12”; HD 3+1; hp 25; #attack 1; damage 2-8 or by weapon; intelligence average; al: CE; Size L.

Bats - - AC 2; Mv 24”fly; HD 1/8; hp 1; #attack 1; damage 1 bite; intelligence animal; al N; Size s.

Cackling Skeletons - AC 6; Mv 12”; HD 2; hp 16; #attack 1; damage 1-6; intelligence low; al CE; Size m; Special Attack: Cackling - Save vs. Spell or fall into fits of cackling for 1d10+1 rounds. Victims are at a -4 to hit, damage, and all saves for the duration. Spell casting is impossible while under the affect. Special Defense: Turned as a Zombie.

Dire Slug - AC 8; Mv 12”/12“ climb; HD 1; hp 8; #attack 1; damage 1-4; intelligence semi; al N Size S; Special Attack: Corrosive spit - 6 foot range and 50% change to hit target. This small slug is a sneak foe. It crawls on ceiling, floors and walls.

Elf - 10 AC ; Mv 12”; HD 1+1; hp 9; #attack 1; damage by weapon or 1d10 ; intelligence high; al CG; Size m. These elves are wood elves and have normal elf abilities.

Giant Rats - - AC 7; Mv 12”/6“ climb; HD 1/2; hp 4; #attack 1; damage 1-3; intelligence animal; Al N(e) Size s; Special Attack: Disease bite - 5%. Victim must save vs. poison or lose 1d4+1 hp and have a -1 to hit, AC, damage, and saves. The disease ends in 1d6 weeks. A cure disease spell ends the affect.

Giant Wasp - AC 4; Mv 6”/ 21“ fly; HD 1; hp 8; #attack 2; damage 1d4 sting/1d6 bite; intelligence animal; aL N; Size m; Special Attack -Poison - Svae vs. posion or become paralyzed permanently. Death will occur if untreated in 2-5 days. Neutralize poison spell or antidote.

Gremlin - AC 6; Mv 12”; HD 1+1; hp 9; #attack 1; damage 1d4 bite; intelligence average; al CE; Size s; Special Attack: Chaotic Aura - 30foot radius. All victims in the area must save vs. spell or act randomly for 1d6+1 rounds. Random action table: 1d6: 1. Take off all equipment and cloths. 2. Wander off. 3. Fight nearest creature. 4. Defend nearest creature.5. Sing and dance. 6. Give treasure away.

Menace Mushroom - AC 7; Mv 6”; HD 2; hp 16; #attack 1; damage 1-4; intelligence non; al N; Size M; Special Attack - Explode- After taking half of it’s hp in damage it explodes releasing a cloud of spores. The explosion does 1-6 damage to all with in a 30 foot radius. Special Defense: 25% move silently. These creatures appear as humanoid shaped mushroom.

Red ooze - AC 8; Mv 12”; HD 2+2; hp 18; #attack 1; damage 2-12; intelligence animal; Al N; Size M; Special Attack - Acid - 2-12 damage. This red colored ooze dissolves organic matter on contact.

Skeleton - AC 7; Mv 12”; HD 1 ; hp 8; #attack 1; damage 1-6; intelligence non; al N; Size m; This skeleton patrol the hall and attack intruders.

Skeletal Berserker - AC 6; Mv 12”; HD 2; hp 16; #attack 2; damage 1-8; intelligence low; al CN; Size m; Special Attack: Rage - They have a +1 to hit. They fight all targets until they are dead focusing on one then the next. Special Defense: Turned as a zombie.

Skeletal War-dog - AC 6; Mv 12”; HD 2+2 ; hp 18; #attack 1; damage 2-8; intelligence non; al N; Size m. Special Defense: Turned as a zombie. This large skeletal dogs hunt and case down foes.

Skeletal Warlock - AC 4; Mv 12”; HD 3; hp 24; #attack 1; damage 1-6; intelligence average; al NE; Size m; Special Attack: This lesser lich is able to cast a few magic user spells. (5) 1st level, (3) 2nd level, (2) 3rd level, (1) 4th level. Special Defense: +1 or better to hit. Turned as a ghoul. Aura of Scariness 20foot radius -Save vs. Spell of fall into fit of trembling and fright. The victim is at a -1 to AC, Damage, Saving throws. The effect lasts for 2-12 rounds. The monsters phylactery must be destroyed or it will reform in 1 day.

Spider - AC 8 ; Mv 12”; HD 1+1; hp 9; #attack 1; damage 1; intelligence non; al N; Size ; Special- Poison Bite - Save vs. poison at +2 or suffer 1d4 damage.

Spirit - AC 0 ; Mv 12”/12“ fly; HD 2 ; hp 16; #attack 1 ; damage 1-4 ; intelligence low ;al CE; Size m; Special Attack chilling touch 1-4 damage. Special Defense: +1 or better to hit. Turned as a Ghoul. The spirits float about performing action as if they are alive and if interrupted will attack.

Water Weirdo - AC 4; Mv 12”; HD 1; hp 8; #attack 2; damage nil; intelligence average; Size L (10 feet long); Special Attack: Drowning - save vs. breath weapon or drown in 1-4 rounds. Special Defense: sharp weapons do only 1 damage and blunt do normal damage. If broken apart reforms in 1-2 rounds. This elemental creature enjoys drowning foes.

Zombie Mimic - AC 8; Mv 6”; HD 3; hp 24; #attack 1; damage 1-6; intelligence non; al N; Size L; Special Attack: Diseased Puss - Each hit inflicts a rotting disease on the victim. It will be fatal in 1-2 months. The victim loses 2 points charisma each week until dead. Special Defenses: Camouflage - It appears as a rotten and moldy piece of furniture. Turned as a ghoul.

World Creation!

2009-02-18T12:35:00.003-06:00

So I have been once again laboring to create a fantasy RPG setting. I have attempted this several times with varying degrees of success. This time I think I have balance. I have started from the bottom up approach due to lack of time. I have focused on one geographic region. I have made a skeletal frame work to hang adventures on. The adventures and the players actions will flesh it out. Of course I have tried to make it some what generic to be more palatable to new players. Although I have added a bit of flare with the names conventions and what they evoke. At this time I am still working on it. I still don't know if I'm going to keep it system free or tie it to another game system. I will refrain from publishing but will provide some concepts from time to time.

Roman festival of Fornacalia the oven Goddess

2009-02-16T20:05:00.004-06:00

So today is February 17th the Roman festival of Fornacalia the oven Goddess. It is a festival of bread and ovens. To commemorate this day I have written a brief generic side adventure. I will include guidelines for generating stats for monster and foes.

A Bakers Dozen
By Friar Deep

Set up
Location: Any town
Date: February 17th or your games equivalent

Background
Bombastus the baker and his wife Malitiria have operated the towns only bakery. The Laughing Loaf is known through out the province for the quality of it baked goods. A last years heat-wave reduced the amount of flour produced and the bakery has started to run out.
To top this off the local tax collector Horvicus a patron and friend pasted away. He was replaced by Faladorri. Faladorri has increased the taxes on local merchants and singled out Bombastus due to Faladorri coveting Malitiria. He hopes to drive Bombastus out of business and then poison him like he did the former tax collector.
Bombastus hired Truvius as his apprentice and has taught him the ancient art of baking from the Book of Baking. Bombastus told young Truvius about the Fornacalia the oven Goddess and about her devotions.
The flour shortage greatly diminished the bakeries profits but still the Faladorri charged the same tax. Complaints to the distant lord of the province go unheard. Truvius decided to save his master and the bakery. He secreted the Book of Baking from Bombastus and hatched a plan. He will beseech the Goddess to provide sacred flour so that the baker could survive. The Goddess was touched by this and Truvius discovered a ever-full bag of flour when he awoke the next morning.
Truvius in his excitement decided to use one of the rare recipes from the Book of Baking. He then rashly baked a batch ginger bread men golems and sent them to subdue the Faladorri. Unfortunately for Truvius he substituted ginger for another root he got from a herbalist. So the gingerbread men rebelled.

Hooks
A Prostrate Tax Collector
The P.C.’s are traveling to town to get provisions. They see a man crawling on the ground with burns on him. He appears to be the new tax collector. Six gingerbread men attacking him. Their touch burning the poor man. If the P.C.’s save the tax collector he immediately accuses the Baker Bombastus of witchcraft and offers a reward for his capture of 30 gold. Faladorri in the fight dropped a note concerning his poisoning of the former tax collector Horvicus. The P.C.’s may find in the road a note detailing the cost of certain poisons and a list of the number of doses. Its up to the P.C.’s to put it together.

Can’t Catch the Gingerbread Man
The P.C.’s are in town and they see a small gingerbread man running down the street. Following it leads them to new tax collector who is being attacked by them. If the P.C.’s save the tax collector he immediately accuses the Baker Bombastus of witch craft and offers a reward for his capture of 30 gold each.

Ride em Gingerbread Man
The P.C.’s are in town and they see a terrified chicken being ridden by a Gingerbread Man. The Gingerbread man takes them on a wild goose chase but leads them to his fellow with the tax collector.

The Adventure
The Laughing Loaf Bakery
The P.C.’s arrive at the bakery and find Malitiria on top of the cupboard screaming as two gingerbread men throwing crockery at her. Bombastus is doing battle with three other ginger bread men with a rolling pin. Truvius is be shoved into a oven by two other ginger bread men. The P.C.’s have to save the victims.

Monsters
(2) Gingerbread Men (Crockery Throwing)
Tactics
Throw crockery at the P.C.’s.
(3) Gingerbread Men (Knife Wielding)
Tactics
Attack the P.C.’s with knives.
(2) Gingerbread Men (Bread Paddle Wielding)
Tactics
Attack the P.C.’s with bread paddle.

Conclusion
If the P.C.’s dispatch the Gingerbread Men and capture Bombastus the tax collector Faladorri rewards them with 30 gold each. Poor Bombastus will be burnt at the sake for witchcraft. Faladorri is very happy and will now pursue the poor soon to be widowed Malitiria.

If the P.C.’s dispatch the Gingerbread Men and refuse to turn Bombastus over to tax collector Faladorri. After all Faladorri is not the sheriff. The P.C.’s will incur the wrath of Faladorri.

If the P.C.’s confront Faladorri about his poison note denies it. If the sheriff Valturvis is summon he will try place Faladorri under arrest for suspicion of murder. Sheriff Valturvis dismiss the charges of witch craft since he did not see the Gingerbread Men and he is opposed to burning people at the stake and especially the baker his wife’s brother.

If the P.C.’s question Truvius they learn the truth that his was misguided and rashly used baking magic with out understanding its danger. Good intention do not always bring good results. Bombastus and his wife easily for give Truvius after they discover that the Goddess Fornacalia gifted the bakery with the ever-full flour sack. The bakery is saved for now but Faladorri is now the bakers and now the P.C’s enemy.

Monsters
Gingerbread Men (13)
Golem
Size: 1 foot tall.
Armor: Medium (due to flexibility)
Damage: Medium (due to being hot cookies)
Health: Medium (due to being Golems)

N.P.C.’s
Bombastus
Human, Baker
Size: Rotund
Armor: Low
Damage: Low
Health: Low

Truvius
Human, Baker’s apprentice
Size: Short
Armor: Low
Damage: Low
Health: Low

Malitiria
Human, Good wife
Size: Rotund
Armor: Low
Damage: Low
Health: Low

Faladorri
Human, Tax collector
Size: Tall
Armor: Low
Damage: Low (dagger and poison)
Health: Low

5 Room Dungeons

2009-02-16T16:40:00.003-06:00

Here is my recommendation for the very cool and simple dungeon format. The really outstanding web site Roleplaying Tips was the birthplace of the dungeon format. The author of this really useful tool is Mr. Johnn Four.

So here is the "5 Room Dungeons" format in brief. For a more lengthy discription on the format as well as premade "5 Room Dungeons" please go to Roleplaying Tips .

Room One: Entrance And Guardian

Room Two: Puzzle Or Roleplaying Challenge

Room Three: Trick or Setback

Room Four: Climax, Big Battle or Conflict

Room Five: Reward, Revelation, Plot Twist

Here is Friar Deep's "5 Room Dungeons"
Beyond the Skull Portal

Room One: Entrance and Guardian
SKULL PORTAL
A large stone façade in the shape of a skull with iron door in the mouth. Two black iron clockwork crows set in the eye sockets. They squawk a riddle one at a time. Each crow’s riddle must be answered for the door to be opened.
Riddle 1 “I'm the part of the bird that's not in the sky. I can swim in the ocean and yet remain dry. What am I?” -A shadow.

Room Two: Puzzle or Role-playing Challenge
A CHATTY SPIRIT
This hexagonal room has a pile of bones in it. A spirit appears and starts to chit chat with the P.C.’s. If it is attacked then it defends itself. If not threatened it talks about the weather and everyone’s health. It is basically harmless. In the course on idle talk it mentions that it is befell a trap long ago and wish the P.C.’s to recover its bones and give it a decent burial. It tells them that it befell a trap and it was in this room. If asked the nature of the trap it says it was swift and painful. It points out its bones. There is no indication what befell it. The spirit is actually lying. The bones are of its last victim. Each round that the P.C.’s talk to it the are loosing both constitution until they are dead. If the P.C.’s take the bones then the spirit fades from view. It really lurks unseen still draining the P.C.’s constitution. Only a successful search of the room reveals a corked tin flask. The flask is labeled ‘Sprits’. If the flask is uncorked then the spirit will be drawn into. It will be unable to harm the P.C’s. The spirit in the flask will plead to be freed and promise to be good. It is lying.

Room Three: Trick or Setback
THE GOLDEN CHERUB
This room has a fountain and in the basin is a golden cherub. Close inspection reveals that the cherub once was the centerpiece of the fountain.
If the cherub is removed from the water a round later it animates as a gold golem-like imp and attacks. If killed then the wounds revealed that it is hollow. There are a number of gold rings matching the number of the party. If the P.C.’s put on the rings they teleport to the next room in the dungeon. After that the rings are normal rings.
If the imp is placed upon the fountain centerpiece then the water will recedes from the fountain for one round and a trapdoor will be revealed leading to the entrance of the dungeon.

Room Four: Climax, Big Battle, or Conflict
EVIL WIZADRIES
The Wizard Gortho stands before you beside him stand two tall armored warriors. A maiden is bound and hangs from the ceiling above a magic circle. A blank looking man cranks a wench and the maiden is lowered into the circle. “Fools you shall not hinder my summoning of a fiend. You will soon see the fate which will befall you, when Lady Marla is devoured. HA HA HA!“ Then Gortho casts a protection shield spell and turns and chants. The tall armored warriors attack. The two tall warriors are in fact animated suits of armor. The man cranking the wench is Lady Marla’s faithful retainer Rilf now a juju zombie. Gortho takes four rounds to summon the fiend. The fiend will wait 2 round examining Lady Gortho then devour her. During that next 2 rounds Gortho will bind the fiend. If interrupted the fiend be unbound and if the circle is broken will attack Gortho and take him against his will to a fiendish plane. So the P.C.’s must stop Rilf using the winch and winch Lady Marla up. Defeat the animated armor. Stop Gortho’s summoning and or binding. If saved Lady Marla makes them Knights of the Golden Garter and gives them the spoils of Gortho’s defeat. The treasure is magic items. Roll randomly.

Room Five: Reward, Revelation, Plot Twist
TREASURY OF SONG
A large chest locked and chained is in the center on the room. The chest is locked and trapped. Within the chest is another chest likewise locked and trapped. Within this another smaller chest likewise locked and trapped. Within this another smaller chest likewise locked and trapped. Within this a golden egg with a wend-up key in it. It wound the egg hatches and a gold song bird appears. It sings a song which gives the P.C.’s a permanent +1 bonus on all saving throws. This works only once and the bird becomes a plain music box like golden bird.

The Adventure is in the Cards

2009-02-16T15:51:00.002-06:00

By Friar Deep

Overview
This adventure generator uses both the player input and the Game Master‘s judgment to create an adventure. This method is best used with players who are creative. It is designed to allow the players to determine their own adventure or campaign.

STEP 1 : So just get a stack of index cards and write on the blank side the card’s category.

STEP 2 : Have a equal number of cards per category for each player. For example you have 5 players so there would be 5 card titled “Beginnings”, “Events”, “Monsters” etc.

STEP 3 : Deal out a card from each category to every player. So the players will have one card of each category.

STEP 4 : Have them fill out the card.

STEP 5 : Shuffle the cards keeping them separated into each category.

STEP 6 : Have the players each pick a random card from the piles.

STEP 7 : Collect the cards from each player. Write on the back of the cards “Adventure #1”, “Adventure #2”, “Adventure #3” etc. for each collection of cards.

STEP 8 : After the process is complete the game master will have to create a coherent game or several games from the info on the cards. Therefore the method does not give a instant adventure or campaign.

Supplies
Index cards
Divider cards
Pencils
Players
Game Master

Categories

Beginning

(Part 1)
Locations I
Events I
Villains I
Monsters I

(Part 2)
Location II
Event II
Villains II
Monster II

(Part 3)
Location III
Event III
Villains III
Monster III

Endings

Recipe!

2009-02-15T14:13:00.003-06:00

Axomama Fries

Ingredients
6 medium potatoes
Canola, peanut or vegetable oil
Salt to taste

Equipment
Cauldron, pan, deep fryer

Directions
Peel potatoes.
Cut each in 3/4-inch slices.
Carve into the shape of heathen potato goddess.
Place in a bowl of ice water to soak for 30 minutes. (Soaking removes starch, so that potatoes will be crisp when deep fried.)
Heat oil to 325*F (160*C) in deep fryer.
Drain heathen potato goddesses and pat dry thoroughly using paper towels. Any excess water will splatter when they are added to the hot oil.
Dip frying basket in oil (this prevents the heathen potato goddesses from sticking to it), then add a handful of potatoes into basket.
Lower into oil and par-fry for 3 minutes or until potatoes are tender, but not browned. Lift basket and allow heathen potato goddesses to drain.
Turn out onto a brown paper bag lined with paper towels.
Repeat procedure with remaining potatoes.
Increase the temperature of the heated oil to 375*F (190*C).
Return the par-fried heathen potato goddesses to the oil in batches and cook a second time for 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
Drain on a fresh brown paper bag lined with paper towels.
Salt to taste and serve hot.
Makes 6 servings.

Axomama
a.k.a. Lady of Potatoes
The Goddess of the Potato

Her name means "Potato Mother." Potatoes have been the staple food of the peoples of the Andes since ancient days; they come in a wide variety.

BUFFOONS!

2009-02-15T14:04:00.003-06:00

Slygoon Bone Scrather
*defaulted to 3rd ed
male human Ftr4
CR 4; Size M (5 ft., 9 in. tall); HD 4d10+4; hp 40; Init +4 (+4 Improved initiative); Spd 30 ft.; AC 10 (+1 helmet+4chain shirt); Attack +7 melee, or +4 ranged; SV Fort +5, Ref +1, Will -1; AL LN; Str 16, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 8.
Armor: +1 helmet; +4 chain shirt
Weapons: Longsword 1d8, crit 19-20/x2; heavy crossbow 1d10, crit19-20/x2
Languages Spoken: Common.Skill points: Ftr 21Skills and feats: Craft +6, Handle animal +5, Hide +2, Jump +5, Listen +0, Move silently +0, Spot +0, Swim +8; Alertness, Improved initiative, Point blank shot, Power attack, Weapon focus (heavy crossbow), weapon focus (longsword).Possessions: 3,300 gp in gear.
Slygoon is a sell-sword.

History: Slygoon Bone Scratcher is shifty and nervous sell-sword. He got his nick name by his constant scratching. He is unfortunately is the favored enemy of the common wood loose. He likes the nick name due to his claim that his so called magic sword is called 'Bone Scrathcer'. He is currently in the North working for all manner of despots and mad mages. He has a talent for skipping out on his employers when their end is near.

Beasts! (Clockwork Beasts!)

2009-02-15T13:58:00.004-06:00

Clockwork Creature (Template)
*Note - Defaulted to 3rd ed.

The clockwork creature is a construct made of gears, wires and springs. It is main composed of metal but other materials can be used as well. It is constructed to appear and act as the base creature it was modeled after. They may be crafted from rare materials such as gems and precious metals.

Creating a Clockwork Creature
The Clockwork is a template that can be added to any creature except elemental, ooze and undead (referred to hereafter as the "base creature").
Hit Dice: Changed the Hit Dice from that of the base creature to 10-sided Hit Dice. Because its body is a mass of unliving matter, a construct is hard to destroy. It gains bonus hit points based on size: Fine (0), Diminutive (0), Tiny (0), Small (10), Medium (20), Large (30), Huge (40), Gargantuan (60), Colossal (80).
Speed: As the base creature. They retain all modes of movement as the base creature.
AC: Natural armor changes to a number based on the clockworks creature’s size: Tiny: 1, Small: 3, Medium: 6, Large: 9, Huge: 12, Gargantuan: 15, Colossal: 18
Special Attacks: The clockwork creatures loses all special attacks once possessed by the base creature.

Alarm (Ex): The clockwork creature can be set to issue a loud ringing sound when it is roused from passive mode. This functions as the Alarm spell cast at 10th level wizard. The audible alarm is centered on the clockwork creature. The audible alarm lasts for 1d8 rounds. The audible alarm is so loud spell casters must make a concentration check DC 20 to cast a spell. Failure means that the noise prevented them from being able to cast the spell and it was botched. If there is a wind-up key then the key holder may get a mental alarm as per the spell.
Cacophony (Ex): Clockwork creatures of Medium size or greater can generate a dreadful cacophony. First or second round of combat- the sound of a loud bell rings. It fills a area of 30 ft. cone directly in front of the clockwork creature and is instantaneous, and can be used as a free action every 1d4+1 rounds. The victim takes 1d8 points of sonic damage and must make a will save DC 15 to avoid being stunned for one round. A stunned victim can’t act and loses any dexterity bonus to AC. Attackers gain a +2 bonuses to attack it.
Special Qualities: Construct, magic immunity.

Self-winding (Ex): About 50% of clockwork creatures have the ability to wind-up themselves and does not need an out side agent to do this. They can stay in active mode indefinably. They will follow the last orders that where given them by their creator. If their creator orders the clockwork to follow another’s orders then the clockwork creature will follow the new masters orders until ordered otherwise by the new master.

Wind-up (EX): About 50% of clockwork creatures are wound with a key and don’t have the ability to self-wind. Commonly they are found wound and will become active upon command of the key holder or if conditions meet the instructions given to them. Until activated they remain motionless in passive mode. They stay wound for 1d20 rounds + 1 round per hit die while in active mode. If wound down the become motionless. The user of the control key allows the user to issue simple commands to the clockwork creature. The clock work creature will only follow the orders of the key holders.

Tick-tock (Ex): The clockwork creature make a audible ticking noise. They are at a -5 to all move silently check due to this.

Rust Vulnerability (Ex): A clockwork creature is affected normally by rust attacks, such as that of a rust monster or a rusting grasp spell.
Saves: Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless).

Abilities: The new clockwork's Strength increases by +2, it has no Constitution or Intelligence score, its Wisdom changes to 11, and its Charisma decreases to 1.
Skills: The clockwork creatures loses all skills once possessed by the base creature.
Feats: The clockwork creatures loses all feats once possessed by the base creature.
Climate/Terrain: Any land and underground except cold.
Organization: Solitary or Gang (2-4)
Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +1.
Treasure: None.
Alignment: Always neutral

Sample Clockwork Creature
Key-Wound Clockwork Chimera
Large Construct
HD 9d10+30 (hp 75)
Init +1 (Dex)
Spd 30 ft., fly 50 ft.(poor)
AC 20 (+1 dex., -1 size, +9 natural), touch 19, flat-footed 19;
Attacks: Bite + 12 melee, bite +10, butt + 10 melee, 2 claws +10 melee
Damage: Bite 2d6+5, bite 1d8+5, butt 1d8+5, claws 1d6+5
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 10 ft./5 ft;
SA: As per clockwork creature template.
SQ: As per clockwork creature template.
SV: Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +3
Str 21, Dex 13, Con -, Int -, Wis 10, Cha 1
Skills: nil.
Feats: Multiattack
Climate/Terrain: Any land and underground except cold
Organization: Solitary or Gang (2-4)
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: None.
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: Same as the base creature.
Note: This clockwork chimera is will stay wound for 18 rounds. It still has its key on it’s back.

Beasts!

2009-02-15T13:51:00.002-06:00

Birds of Aeustras
*default to 3rd ed.

Awakened, Tiny Animal
Hit Dice: 3d8(12 h.p.)
Initiative: +6 (+2 dex,+4 improved initiative)
Speed: 10ft,fly 40ft(average)
AC: 14(+2 size, +2dex, +0 natural)
Attacks: Beak +2 melee (base attack bonus +2, +2 weapon finesse beak )
Damage: Beak 1d3-4
Face: 2 1/2ft X 2ft ½ / 0 ft
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Low-light vision
Saves: Fort:1 (+0) Will:4 (+4) Ref:5 (+2)
Abilities: Str:3 (-4) Dex:15 (+2) Con:10 (+0) Int:18 (+4) Wis:14 (+2) Chr:14 (+2)
Skills: Bluff +3 (1 rank, +2 cha), Gather info +3 (1 rank, +2 cha), Innuendo +3 (1 rank, +2 wis), Listen +6 (4 rank, +2 wis), Sense motive +3 (1 rank, +2 wis), Spot +6 (4 rank, +2 wis), Know (all skills) +6 (2 rank, +4 int), Search +5 (1 rank, +4 int)
Feats: weapon finesse (Beak), improved intuitive (+4)
Climate: any forest, hill, plains, and mountains
Organization: Solitary, pair(2), Covey (3-5), Nest (5-20)
CR: 2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Advancement: -

The Birds of Aeustras are intelligent talking medium-sized mostly insectivorous or omnivorous birds. The male is usually red, and the females are either similar to the male or dark red. Are about 2 feet long and have wingspans about 4 feet. They normally that inhabit temperate and cold forests of the North.
They have brighter red patches found on the shoulders and sometimes the head. Their glossy feathers reflect strongly in daylight. The plumage is peppered with small dark spots. Their beaks and claws are dark red to almost black.
The Birds of Aeustras where once common thrush like birds. Through the druidic magic of the treant Aeustras he awakened their intelligence and new purpose. They once serve as the treants eyes and ears. After the treant Aeustras was slain they often adopt a new patron and gather info for them or just gossip with any one that happens to pass by. They do this out of a need for a greater purpose. Once in their life they migrate to the fallen treant Aeustras’s body to pay homage.
COMBAT
The Birds of Aeustras use their long sharp beak to peck at foes. If one is wounded they others swarm in and attack in force.
They speak Common and Sylvan.

Friar Deep's RPG Reviews

2009-02-15T13:29:00.003-06:00

Broadsword RPG
by Deep7 / 1PG

Price: Very Affordable!
Format: PDF (no printed version)
Value: Great Value for Money!
Content: Quick and Clean!

I greatly enjoyed the simple and elegantly simple game system. The focus is on play as opposed to complicated game mechanics and rules. No one is going to get bogged down in arguing over movement or who grappled whom. Also it is simple enough that user created content can be done in a matter of minutes. The only thing lacking is a how to section for the Game Master. But with luck and good judgment that can be over came. I ran a 3 night campaign and had loads of fun. The players seemed relieved at how easy it was to pick up and use.

http://www.deep7.com/

Home Brewed Encounter Tables for Tegal Manor

2009-02-15T13:14:00.004-06:00

Tegal Manor Encounter Tables
*Note - Defaulted to 2nd ed

On the Grounds of Tegal Manor
1d20
1. Straw dummies wearing cloths and wooden weapons similar to the P.C.’s party.
2. Statue of a cherub peeing into a bird bath.
3. Very large animal bones. Possibly a dire animal.
4. Rotten wooden potting shed.
5. Gazing ball that has horrible reflections of the viewer in pain and terror.
6. A hand cart with a pile of 37 dead mandrake roots in it. Each shows hoe marks.
7. Dead patch of sod in the shape of a human , animal, or monster.
8. Ruined gypsy wagon. Has a crystal ball in it and a skeletal gypsy woman.
9. Small pond with skeletal coy swimming in it. 100 gp is at the bottom in the mud.
10. Sundial on a pedestal. It casts no shadow. It points south. If turned north stairs form in the ground and lead downward to a random room on the lower dungeon level.
11. Dense undergrowth or zombie treant.
12. Ships anchor
13. Lawn Gnomb Ornament (petrified gnomb)
14. Ruins of a picnic basket and two bear skeletons.
15. Random monster tracks or biting insects.
16. Tar pool & dead animals stuck in it.
17. Rain barrel next to gutter pipe.
18. Cloths line and rotten linen.
19. Wild wolvesbane and garlic
20. Fallen stones shaped like tormented faces.

In the attic of Tegal Manor
1. Chest full of brightly colored feathers and a bucket of hardened tar.
2. A complete T-rex skeleton articulated which animates.
3. Medium sized mummified frog has 10 gems worth 80 gold in it.
4. A window which is cloaked in illusions to appear as plain roof.
5. An entrance is conceal to appear as normal wall.
6. Giant white snake skin.
7. Empty medium size cage with set of keys to it.
8. Skylight with stained glass.
9. Door to the roof that is conceal by shingles on the outside.
10. Broken furniture moaning in sadness.
11. Fishing trophy of a mermaid. Has a red coral necklace worth 240 gp.
12. Trap door to room below.
13. Dust cloud obscures vision.
14. Stone with ruins on it teleports the P.C.s to a random area out doors.
15. 12 Stuffed reindeer and a stuffed clown in a red suit in a sled.
16. Boxes, crates, barrels full of ruined items.
17. Weak floor fall into room below.
18. Fireplace and chimney connects to others in the manor.
19. Nik-naks
20. Giant ball of twine

In the halls of Tegal Manor
1. Shoe with a bloody foot in it.
2. Mop and bucket and broom and dust pan.
3. Standing pool of: Blood, water, grease, oil, acid.
4. Fog patch or incenses patch
5. Strong wind blowing. Half movement toward the wind. Double movement away from it.
6. Cobweb filled. Half movement.
7. Trip wire. 1d2 falling damage.
8. Invisible bear trap 1d6 damage.
9. Pouch of coins. 120 copper, 76 silver, 93 gold.
10. Small wooden maids cart.
11. Graffiti carved into the wood. “Karg Weasel Fang was here!”
12. 30 loose black pearls worth 300 gp.
13. Trap door to room below.
14. Broken and shattered weapons.
15. Lantern with oil.
16. Trap door in ceiling.
17. Rug with pattern that disorients the viewer for 1d20 rounds.
18. Fencing sword having a dual then suddenly mount themselves to their brackets on the wall.
19. Stuffed animal head watches the P.C.s
20. Stains, foot print, animal and monster tracks.

In the closets of Tegal Manor
1. Once fine dress now rags
2. Old worn out and chewed on boots.
3. 20 exotic and different hats
4. Bear, wolf, seal fur coat. Turns wearer into an animal when worn. When removed the wear returns to normal.
5. A pair of dead giant moths arranged as if having a tea party.
6. A 4 foot tall powdered blue wig with a naval ship in it.
7. Rotten linen and a medium size live moth eating them.
8. A demon holding a pink ladies’ parasol that looks embarrassed and disappears in a puff of brimstone.
9. A one way teleport chamber to another closet.
10. A large reptile egg paint with a dragon on it.
11. Animated shoe polishing brush and rags cleaning boots.
12. Rich looking doll clothing
13. Trap door in ceiling.
14. Trap door in floor.
15. Secret door to adjacent room.
16. A medium sized wicker man with burnt brownies in it.
17. Filled with bones that spill out.
18. A standing mirror with a dust cloth on it. The mirror is cracked but reflects the P.C.s misshapen horrors.
19. A four medium sized dead beetles with musical instruments.
20. A bucket of rancid lard.

Random Rooms
1. Spike Room - This room has floor spikes sticking up out of the floor. It appears to be s set off trap. A skeleton in armor and equipment is impaled on them.
Trap - The spikes are electrified.
Trigger: Touching the spikes
Damage 1d6 per round of contact.
Disable: A hidden panel with two levers. The fist turns off the current and the other lovers the spikes and set the trap.
2. Bust Room - The room has 5 busts on pedestals arranged in a pentacle facing inward. Strange red beams come from their eyes meeting in the center of the pentacle. If the gaze of the Busts are interrupted then a demon appears in the center. Any low level one will do. Returning the bust to the original position banishes the fiend.
3. Attic Access Room - A stone stair case leads upward to the ceiling. A bared and banded wooden trap door is in the ceiling. It has a large pad lock. The key is on the floor in a corner of the room. It appears to be covered in old dry blood. This trap door lead to the attic.
4. Giant Skull Room - A giant’s skull is in the middle of the floor when the party enters. It has two large rubies for eyes. When the party enters it hovers off the floor and faces the party. It below “What is your will my master?” If the party answers at all roll on the following table. Roll 1d6 - 1. Explodes doing 1d8 damage to all in the room. 2. It hover to the floor and deactivates. 3. It laughs at what ever the party says. 4. It says “By your command!” Nothing happens. 5. It screams for 1d20 rounds. It can be heard in the entire wing of the manor. 6. It performs one wish and then shatters.
Note: The gems are red glass.
5. Model Room - This room is very dusty. On a bow legged table sets a model on Tegal Manor.
Trap: A teleported trap. After 1 round in the room the teleport trap begins. On the 1st round a slight breeze is felt. On the 2nd round the air is heavy with moisture. On the 3rd round the victims have a sinking feeling. On the 4th round the victims vision blurs. On the 5th round the illumination changes. On the 6th round the victims have vertigo. The victims are 300 feet above Tegal manor standing on an invisible wall of force 30X30 feet. The manor appears to be in the same scale as the model. The victims have be creative to get down.
Trigger: Entering the room.
Damage: Nil. Possible falling damage.
Disable: Exit the room before the 6th round.
6. Room With a View - A four large paints cover the walls. Each is of a local landscape. Painting 1. Lighthouse and seascape. Victim is teleported to rocky island in (Hex 5004) and faces south east . Painting 2. Pastoral and temple on a hill. Victim is teleported to field in (Hex 1503) and faces south east. Painting 3. A field with a village in the distance. Victim is teleported to monastery tower roof in (Hex 1531) and faces north west. 4. Victim is teleported to a wood land over looking a fetid swamp on (Hex 2908) and faces south.
Trap: The paints are landscapes of the region around tegal manor.
Trigger: The teleport a viewer to the location after viewing it for 2 rounds.
Damage:Nil
Disable: Turn the paints around and dint look at them.
7. Disappointment Room - A large iron cage fills up the center of this room. The cage door has a deadbolt lock. (the keep is lost) A cot and table and chair are in the cage. Someone is under the blankets on the bed. Toys cover the floor of the cage. A illegitimate deformed child of one of the Rumps was keep here until he died. Its hideous skeleton is under the covers. A poltergeist inhabits the cage and will throw toys at anyone in the room and screams loudly.
8. Crocodile room - This room has a 3 foot wide ledge around it. 4 feet down is a is a pool of fetid water. A zombie crocodile ‘lives’ here. It was a forgotten exotic pet. In its stomach are 39 gp, 49 sp, 89 cp and 98 pp.
9. Chair Room - This room has a pyramid of chairs stacked in the center of the room. A secret trap door to the attic is above the highest chair. The chairs are rickety and may break under someone’s weight.
10. Desert Room - This mosaic tiled room looks of middle eastern influence. Worn pillow and chairs and a fair amount of sand are in the room. A water pipe sets on a brass table in the center. Two dead palms set in pots.
Trap: Sand blast trap that blows sand from a water pipe.
Trigger: Touching the hookah.
Damage: 1d4 per round and 25% blindness until eyes are flushed.
Disable: Taking apart the water pipe carefully.
11. Armor Room - A full plate of armor is scattered on the floor. It slowly forms together and stands up. It attacks. If it looses all its h.p. it falls apart.
12. Column Room - A ivory column is in the center of the room. A 100 face twisted in leers cover it. They moan and then 4 foot long tongues lash out from them. They do not damage but are disguising and covered in pustules.
13. Unfinished Room - Exposed beams and saw horses are scattered about this room. Piles of bricks and buckets of mortar set about. Various workmen tools raise from the floor and attack the party. Some start bricking up the entrances. Note: Use the Flying Dagger Stats for tools.
14. Looking Glass Room - This room has mirrors on all the walls ceiling and floor. They are unbreakable. The mirror reflect monstrous horrors in the place of the part.
15.Transparent Wall Room - The one way transparent walls of this rooms show the contents of the adjacent rooms.
16. Giant Foot Room - A giant webbed reptilian foot made of stone fills the majority of the room and disappears into the ceiling. The manor was built around the titanic foot. The stump at mid shin level can be found in the attic.
17. The Languishing Lift or The Exasperating Elevator - This room has a tiny metal chamber has metal barred door which folds to the side. A metal leaver is on the wall. A metal arrow on the wall points to stylized symbols. A range of stylized symbols fans in a arch from right to left. If the door is closed and the metal level is pulled the elevator sinks or rises and appear in a random room in Tegal Manor. When the party exit’s the elevator sinks or rises disappearing traveling to a different room.
18. Bone Room - The room is filled all sizes and shapes of bones from floor to ceiling. It is all but impassable unless one whole day is spent clearing a path.
19. Spinning Wheel Room - The room is covered in hey a skeletal woman is on the stool are in the center at a wooden spinning wheel. The thread is made from gold. (worth 37 g.p.)
20. Rump Stone Room - A large wood thrown has a stone for a seat. A indention of a persons bottom is worn into the stone. This is the sacred Rump stone where the Lord of the Rumps is coroneted. Ghostly trumpets sound when someone sets on it.

My Tegel Campaign Came to a Close.

2009-02-14T20:47:00.003-06:00

A few months back I decided to run the fabled "Tegel Manor" dungeon crawl. I had only three mid-level players but they were more than a hand full. Each player had played in the dungeon prior on several occasions. After several months and many laughs the campaign came to a close. I learned many things about running the module. First that something old can be presented in a new light and invigorated. Secondly that the players will always surprise you and breath the second breath of life into an adventure. Thirdly surprises on both sides of the table await any one wanting to run the adventure module. I'm still stunned by a player conjuring a iceberg and dropping it on a black dragon squishing it dead. I was also very amused by one player getting turned into a horse twice in one game. I recommend it to both players and DM's alike.

Friar Deep's Adventure Generator

2009-02-14T20:28:00.005-06:00

Friar Deep's Adventure Generator

The following is a random adventure generator is an adventure in a story format where capitalized words are replaced with words from the corresponding tables. For example TABLE A : OCCUPATION is replaced by Mercenaries. Once each space has been filled a simple adventure skeleton will be formed. Put a little meat on the bones so to speak changing or adding to the words. For example TABLE F : TERRAIN is replaced by Hills then replaced with the Hillocks of the White Horse. As always alter as needed.

In a time long ago, a band of mighty heroes challenged both men and gods. An unlikely band of TABLE A : OCCUPATION where spurred into action by TABLE B : HOOK. The heroes are TABLE C : MOTIVE to go on a quest to TABLE D: ACTION the TABLE E : GOAL. They must travel trough TABLE F : TERRAIN to the TABLE G : PLACE. Along the way they must deal with TABLE H : HAZARD in a TABLE G : PLACE, TABLE I : MINOR VILLIAN in a TABLE G : PLACE, and TABLE K : MONSTER in a TABLE G : PLACE. In their travels they meet an TABLE K : ALLY. When they finally reach the destination they must deal with TABLE H : HAZARD, TABLE I : MINOR VILLIAN, and TABLE K : MONSTER. The ally they made arrives to help them. The heroes discover a TABLE L : TWIST which changes the situation. In a final scene of TABLE M : CLIMAX with the TABLE N : MAJOR VILLIAN they triumph and return the way they came and receive a TABLE O : REWARD. What became of the heroes is another tale yet to be told.

TABLE A : OCCUPATION
Roll 1d6
1. Mercenaries
2. Pirates
3. Thieves
4. Outlaws
5. Travelers
6. Prisoners

TABLE B : HOOK
Roll 1d6
1. An employer
2. An Event…
3. Personal Motives…
4. Rumor or Clue…
5. Strange event…
6. Chance encounter…

TABLE C : MOTIVE
Roll 1d6
1. Bribed
2. Hired
3. Blackmailed
4. Tricked
5. Threatened
6. Asked

TABLE D : ACTION
Roll 1d6
1-2. TABLE D1 : PERSON
3-4. TABLE D2 : GROUP
5-6. TABLE D3 : THING

TABLE D1 : ACTION : PERSON
Roll 1d6
1. Defeat
2. Slay
3. Capture
4. Kidnap
5. Rescue
6. Save

TABLE D2 : ACTION : GROUP
Roll 1d6
1. Expose
2. Break-up
3. Ally
4. Escort
5. Save
6. Defeat

TABLE D3 : ACTION : THING
Roll 1d6
1. Recover
2. Find
3. Destroy
4. Steal
5. Manipulate
6. Hide

TABLE E : GOAL
1-2. TABLE E1 : PERSON
3-4. TABLE E2 : GROUP
5-6. TABLE E3 : THING

TABLE E1 : GOAL : PERSON
Roll 1d6
1. Magic user
2. Prince/Princes
3. Warrior
4. Scholar
5. Thief
6. A Body

TABLE E2 : GOAL : GROUP
Roll 1d6
1. A Cult
2. Merchant House
3. Band of …
4. Magic Users
5. Assassins
6. Thieves

TABLE E3 : GOAL : THING
Roll 1d6
1. Artifact
2. Weapon
3. Armor
4. Idol
5. Treasure
6. Book/Scroll

TABLE F: TERRAIN
Roll 1d6
1-2 TABLE F1: TERRAIN
3-4 TABLE F2: TERRAIN
3-4 TABLE F3: TERRAIN

TABLE F1: TERRAIN
Roll 1d6
1. Hills
2. Forest
3. Grassland
4. Badlands
5. Lake
6. Moor

TABLE F2: TERRAIN
Roll 1d6
1. Mountain
2. Jungle/Rainforest
3. Moor
4. Desert
5. Sea
6. Swamp

TABLE F3: TERRAIN
1. Fields
2. Scrub
3. Tundra
4. Volcanic landscape
5. Coastal
6. River Delta

TABLE G : PLACE
Roll 1d6
1. TABLE G1 : PLACE
2. TABLE G2 : PLACE
3. TABLE G3 : PLACE
4. TABLE G4 : PLACE
5. TABLE G5 : PLACE
6. TABLE G6 : PLACE

PLACE G1 : PLACE
Roll 1d6
1. Arena
2. Docks/Ship
3. Sewer
4. Prison
5. Academy
6. Village/town/city

PLACE G2 : PLACE
Roll 1d6
1. Graveyard/Necropolis
2. Lodge
3. Watchtower/Tower
4. Lighthouse
5. Pyramid/Ziggurat
6. Caravanserai

PLACE G3 : PLACE
Roll 1d6
1. Tomb/Monument
2. Temple/Shrine
3. Ruins
4. Fortress
5. Trading post/Outpost
6. Palace

PLACE G4 : PLACE
Roll 1d6
1. Oasis
2. Cave/Mines
3. Cliffs
4. Canyon/Rift
5. Volcano
6. Glacier

PLACE G5 : PLACE
Roll 1d6
1. Island
2. Fjord/Cove
3. Waterfall
4. Jetty/Spit
5. Coral Reef
6. Kelp Bed

PLACE G6 : PLACE
Roll 1d6
1. Peak/Mesa
2. Pass
3. Tar pit
4. Hot spring
5. Battlefield (abandoned)
6. Megalith Circle

TABLE H : HAZARD
Roll 1d6
1-2. TABLE H1 : Natural
3-4. TABLE H2 : Supernatural
5-6. TABLE H3 : Trap

TABLE H1 : NATURAL
Roll 1d6
1. Quick-sand
2. Water hazard
3. Weather
4. Obstacle
5. Landslide/earthquake/Avalanche
6. Plant/Animal

TABLE H2 : SUPERNATURAL
Roll 1d6
1. Ghosts
2. Magical
3. Curses
4. No magic zone
5. Elemental
6. Other …

TABLE H3 : TRAP
Roll 1d6
1. Water room
2. Ceiling and floor
3. Gas/Acid/Poison
4. Pits/shoots
5. Weapons
6. Magical

TABLE I : MINOR VILLIAN
Any Low-Medium level NPCs.

TABLE J : MONSTER
Any monsters.

TABLE K : ALLY
Roll 1d6
1-2 TABLE K1 : ALLY
3-4 TABLE K2 : ALLY
5-6 TABLE K3 : ALLY

TABLE K1 : ALLY
Roll 1d6
1. Barbarian
2. Magic-user: Druid, Priest, Wizard
3. Mercenary
4. Nobleman
5. Scholar
6. Thief/Bandit/Outlaw

TABLE K2 : ALLY
Roll 1d6
1. Warrior
2. Peasant
3. Brute
4. Sailor
5. Hunter/Gather
6. Assassin/Thug

TABLE K3 : ALLY
1. Hedge-Mage: Witch, Witch doctor, Charlatan
2. Minstrel
3. Sage
4. Oracle
5. Animal
6. Monster

TABLE L : TWIST
Roll 1d6
1. The villain is not the true villain
2. The villain is related to the hero
3. The goal is a monster
4. The goal is the villain
5. The goal is a fake.
6. The monster is good.

TABLE M : CLIMAX
Roll 1d6
1. Magical Battle
2. Aerial fight
3. Aquatic fight
4. Sword fight
5. Food Fight
6. Moving Battle

TABLE N : MAJOR VILLIAN
Roll 1d6
1-3 TABLE N1
4-6 TABLE N2

TABLE N1 : MAJOR VILLIAN
1. Old Enemy
2. Warlord
3. Magic user
4. Nobleman
5. Thief
6. Monster

TABLE N2 : MAJOR VILLIAN
1. Pirate
2. Assassin
3. Barbarian
4. Merchant
5. Gladiator
6. Slaver

TABLE O : REWARD
Roll 1d6
1. Treasure/Wealth
2. Magical items
3. Titles
4. Boon
5. Their lives
6. Thanks

Zealots have Zeal!

2009-02-14T20:22:00.002-06:00

My aim is to illuminate the world of roleplaying games to a larger audience. So with fanfare and pomp I Friar Deep present Buffoons and Beasts or B&B.