Back to the Dungeon!

Diorama Fantasy Idea

2012-01-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

I have had this Diorama Fantasy Event Idea for many years. Imagine a huge floorspace with twenty or more 8' x 4' plywood tables all spaced all around the room where two people could easily pass. In some cases like villages and cities one could have seating around the tables. Now imagine each table had a huge Diorama made for miniatures on it making a huge map. Each table fully detailed with trees and buildings, built in mood lighting and sound effects. Now imagine a huge game with multiple Game Masters and Multiple Parties of Adventurers running all over this map. Kind of like a huge indoor Miniature Event? A giant living game? The system would have to be easy to run.

Not just one small scene but the entire village, the lands surrounding it, and in rooms off to the side huge multilevel dungeons.

Heck even a few villages.

Possibly not even human settlements.

Now many of the dungeons would have to use modular pieces to be used over and over again.

Huge Old School Dungeons

Full of Mystery and magic.

Think about mood lighting and such. Maybe even spotlights in dark dungeon areas to get the feel of being in a dungeon. Imagine day and night scenes. Flashes of lighting and thunderstorm sounds. Smoke and Fog? Imagine the rumbling of the room and red lights as a volcano went off!

What adventures could you have in something like this? How fun would it be to Game Master an event of the kind? How fun would it be to run an event of the kind?

Imagine if something like this really got big and there even started to have castle sieges. The system would have to support huge battles!

SO is it possible to create such a huge event/ playing area? If the space was not permanent then all of it would have to be mobile but imagine if somehow a huge floorspace was secured and something like this could be played all the time. Indoor miniature diorama parks? Places to play, hang out, eat and drink, and be merry? For a nominal fee? Wouldn't that be cool? Somebody go make one!

Classic Fantasy Role Playing Game PLAYTEST VERSION 0.9 Released Today!

2012-01-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

PLAYTEST VERSION 0.9 Released Today! January 28 2012.Willing and able to be dissected by the OSR and other populace Eldrad and D&DCharlie present: Playtest Classic Fantasy Role Playing Game Version 0.9!!!Cut and past link below because the Link button is being stupid and not posting a damn thing. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XVpb8_3ol4P4v_doAdIKoWvMpvYgLE0lBZU2pgpCY_0/edit

What I think D&D 5E is going to look like.

2012-01-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

Well listening to everything so far it appears that D&D Next is going to re-energize the hobby but disappoint a few edition fanatics. If they can pull this off I think it is going to look more like a modular version of D&D Essentials. Essential got a very harsh rap but it is an attempted olive branch to the older version players. Regardless someone is going to get left out in this attempt. I wish they would quit jabbering and get the freaking play test material out there to try. Are they going to keep the overly HUGE amount of hit points that bogged 4th edition down? Are they going to get rid of needless complexity such as +27 to hit an Armor Class of 32 instead of a +1 to hit an AC of 14? Yes I know you can add but it slows down the game for just a second and these seconds add up. Math makes your mind break from the imagination. Another problem is many players are good role players but terrible rule players. The burden of the player now having to know the ALL the rules is totally wrong for some gamers and wrong for the game. Some people want to play a game not read a freaking huge rulebook. I hope they put the Dungeon Master back in the seat of having to know the rules and the players just to have fun with the story. Will that happen? Most likely not.On that, the rules need to be easy to run a game. Full page monsters are a worthless addition to the realm of the DM save a few important NPCs. This seems to be the wave of the future but we shall see.

What Level are You?

2012-01-16T19:35:00.001-08:00

What Level are You?In the world of gamers what level are you in gamer street cred? If you played OD&D then you are at least 20th level.If you played AD&D or Holmes you are at least 18 level.If you played the Basic Expert you are at least 16th level.If you played AD&D 2nd Edition you are at least 12th level.If you played D&D 3E you are at least 10th level.If you played D&D 3.5 you are at least 8th level.If you played D&D 4E you are at least 6th level.If you played Pathfinder you are at least 4th level.If you played D&D Essentials you are at least 2th level.If you have never played then you are now level 1 and need to start leveling up!!!

WORTHLESS! Steam and Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale

2012-01-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

I did not notice that the really cheap ass game Daggerdale was a Steam Powered Product. What is Steam? Only the crappiest of all security online delivery systems of PC Games in the history of gaming. FUCK STEAM! I once had a working copy of Half-Life2 and went to install it on a new computer and forgot which email I used for the account. Banned forever. No support or help of any kind. I tried to get help with hundred of emails but to no avail. SO I go and buy Daggerdale and don't notice the Steam bullshit logo on the game. I decide to give Steam a try again. Poor stupid me. Even with high speed internet it takes almost 3 days to download something. What the fuck did I buy the disk for? My ass hurting after all that downloading of something I finally get to play Daggerdale. Not too bad. I really don't like Steam coming on hogging resources if I don't need it so I take it off my start menu. Maybe that was my sin. SO I play the game a total of 35 minutes.Tonight I try and start it up and it crashes. It's downloaded a total of 2779 MB so the mother fucker should have all the resources to run but no! It crashes. It crashes again and again. WOW I am so impressed. Yet another STEAMy piece of shit. Do yourself a favor. Don't buy Dungeons and Dragons Daggerdale. Don't EVER use a Steampowered product. STEAM sucks. STEAM does not care or answer their customers concerns. When I called the Valve studios and explained that no one from STEAM will help me they hung up on me.Dicks! Instead of throwing the STEAMpowerd product away like I should have I gave them another chance and they once again failed.

The Passing of Bob Bledsaw Sr.

2012-01-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

A tribute. I really bet his games were awesome! If any of his former players would like to post a few stories it would be great!04/22/08 - The Passing of Bob Bledsaw Sr. Born May 18, 1942 in Decatur, succumbed peacefully to cancer April 19th, 2008 in the home of his son, surrounded by family. A graduate of Lakeview Highschool and Richland Community College, attended Millikin University. He was employed as an engineer by A.W.Cash, Grigoliet, Essex Wire, General Electric and Zexel Illinois, contributing to the developement of quadrophonic sound-systems. In 1976, with partner Bill Owen, founded The Judges Guild Game Company of Decatur, manufacturers of role-playing games and supplies. Through this venture, he became known world-wide as an author and pioneer of Fantasy Gaming, and president of the company. Robert was a faithful member of the Parkway Church of the Nazarene, with deep affection for his church-family there. Politically, he was an active liberal Democrat, who hated all war, and supported our constitutional liberties. He contributed to many charities, and was a devoted and loving son, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather. He touched, through his life and works, many lives throughout this world. He was survived by his father, Walter C. Bledsaw of Decatur, IL; two brothers, Jim (Lynette) Bledsaw of Chanhassen, MN, Bill (Priscilla) Bledsaw of Niantic, IL, and three sisters, Judith (Decie) Huffaker of Murfreesboro, TN, Kathy (Patrick) Eytchison of Lincoln, IL, and Debi (Marc) Summerlott of Decatur, IL; his former wife, Norma Ellrick of Latham, IL; three sons: Robert E. (Jenny) Bledsaw Jr. of Harristown, IL, Bruce A. (Tammy) Bledsaw of Warrensburg, IL, and Walter S. (Kathy) Bledsaw of Decatur, IL; seven grandchildren: (Robert Jr.) Robert E. Bledsaw III, Martin F. Bledsaw, Samuel J. Bledsaw, Aaron J. Bledsaw, Jason W. Bledsaw, Courtney L. Bledsaw, and (Walter) Zane T. Bledsaw; several nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Dorothy E. "Dort"; infant daughter, Kathleen Sue and infant granddaughters: (Bruce) Elizabeth, Lucinda, and Hope. Services to be held at Parkway Church of the Nazarene, 2701 E. Faries Parkway, Decatur, Illinois at 10A.M. Wednesday, April 23rd, followed by interment at Graceland Cemetery. It is the wish of family that any memorials in his honor be made to this good church.http://judgesguild.org/archives/index.html

CFRPG Monsters Finished

2011-12-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

CFRPG Monsters Finished (Kinda)Well I finally added all I was going to add to the monster list. Hopefully I have time to get them on the entire list tonight but at least SOME major progress is better than no progress. One thing is the document(s) will be ready for you to print it yourself.

Seeing the reactions to other RPGs out there is kinda scarey to look at. Some get catapulted up on high, some get cast aside and never looked at again, some (not many)get mocked.

Since I listen and study what the OSR masters say I won't be trying to make a living doing this. Hell I already make a pretty good living. I am just doing this for the love of the game and to present the Neo-Clone in a slightly different way.

Yeah but anyway...

Kowloon

2011-12-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

What was it like to live here?

THE CITY

The Walled City or the Pirate City. Thousands of people living in the most densely populated area in the world.

All gone now. They tore it down. BUT the images inspire me. I will one day make a city setting for a RPG using Kowloon as an inspiration.

Awesome

What adventures are to be had in the fantasy version of this city?

There are various youtube videos on Kowloon.

The city strangely started to crumble and die as soon as they cut the power and water.

Test Copy of CFRPG

2011-12-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

This is a test copy.What I am hoping for is one 40 page booklet but it looks like the game will be longer.Charlie and I have decided to split it up into at least 3 books. There is no schedule on this but we are hoping sometime in January to release a no art version beta test.Don't really care if it is perfect it just needs to have good content presented where gamers can understand and play it.

CFRPG Monsters and how they work.

2011-12-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Goblin AC13+ HD1-1 Move20 Damage 1d6 Weapon and Ranged.

Unless stated otherwise the monster has a chance to hit of 1/2 HD. That is also it's Difficulty + 10 for any saves from it's abilities unless otherwise stated. The 1/2 HD is also the number rolled for any saves or actions done unless otherwise noted.

A Goblin Bloodcaster AC 11 HD3-3 Move20 Damage Staff 1d6.
Has the spells of Magic Missile x3 and Sleep DC 12 to Save.

Nothing more to it than that. But just say you want to create a more "modern" monster. No problem!

Garron Beast AC16 HD7 Move60/30c Bite 1d8, Claws 1d6 x2, Tail 1d6
The Garron Beast is a creature that is know to attack entire parties, They are very intelligent beast and collect treasure for various missions of evil. They can track +3. The Garron Beats appears to look like a cross between a tiger and a lizard. It's origins are unknown but many scholars think Garron Beast are demonic.

Well there seems to be very little difference in function just in how much of the page it takes up.

CFRPG Goblin and Dog Man (Kobold)

2011-12-13T17:37:00.001-08:00

A few post back I posted the stats for a Goblin and a Kobold for LL and PFRPG. Now I am going to post the stats for CFRPG.

Goblin AC HD1-1 Move2 Damage 1d6 Weapon and Ranged.
Small 4' tall evil stinking humanoids of various bestial looks. They only live to destroy. They are the ancient enemy of the dwarves but the plague all when they come to an area and multiply.

Dog Men AC14+ HD1-3hp Move20 Tricky! Daggers 1d4 or Shortbow 1d6
These are small evil cunning creatures that look like 3' tall men with dog's heads. Also called Kobolds by some! They only exist to breed and kill out mankind and their kin.

That's it. That is all there is to it. If I leave off the description it looks even shorter.

Goblin AC HD1-1 Move2 Damage 1d6 Weapon and Ranged.

Dog Men AC14+ HD1-3hp Move20 Tricky! Daggers 1d4 or Shortbow 1d6

One thing I know when messing with the OSR type rules is simple to write an adventure. Creativity flows with rules-lite that cannot flow as they do with rules heavy.

SO with all the rules out there why the hell am I writing another game? Well I am not writing a Retro Clone per say I am writing a Neo Clone. I was thinking about writing a rules variance for LL/S&W/OSRIC but those are their own game. They have their charm but class race and class race restrictions as well as level limits as well as some of the mechanics just need to be left out and changed. They to me are just not any fun.

My daughter's boyfriend was getting ready to play a Labyrinth Lord/AEC and he wanted to play an Elven Ranger. When I told him of the rules restrictions he just didn't seem interested anymore. Why is that restriction there? For no better reason than to retain the spirit of the old rules and no other. Yes I should have let him just play it but why is the restriction there? It makes no sense. Elves live in the wood and they should be rangers and Druids. The OSR needs to let go of the restrictions and come out with each their own "Unearthed Arcana" rules variations.

At the same time if someone wants to play any old school game restrictions and all I am there!

Rules should be there to facilitate role playing not restrict it. This game I hope will be one of the answers

I have decided that this game will be from the hobbyist approach. This mean the game will be free and I am even going to include instructions on how to print it out and make your own fold over booklets. There are plans to make a version to sell but really it's going to be done for the love of the hobby.

Some more rantings about CFRPG

2011-12-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

The CFRPG is going really well. Editing is happening in spurts in DnD Charlie's life. Far more than I could do being CUT OFF from a full computer and the internet and having severe ADD.

I was having some deep gaming thoughts while trying to cope with work the other day. Agree or disagree with this philosophizing.

Old School = Less Rules but with More Restrictions
New School = More Rules but with Less Restrictions

We all know the More and Less part of the Rules.

What many players DON'T like are the Old School restrictions. Like what? For example in many Retroclones Elves can't be rangers or druids? Why? They live in the freaking woods. It would seem natural that they would be able to be rangers and druids but these restrictions are held onto and in my opinion need to be written out of the next generation of Simulacrums.

Damn these sacred cows!

For many new players the cat is out of the bag on races being able to play the class they want. Every time I pull out an Old School game and start explaining the restrictions of what class each race can play the "this sucks!" face comes out and they just don't play.

This is with new and old players alike. Level limits do the same thing. They chase away players and can't really be explained without forcing the story.

Now I understand that a DM could force his story to explain the rules but that restricts in a small way some of the stories freedom and the player's fun. Now it may not restrict it at first but when your demi-human goes down every time due to lack of hit points and progresses so slow that the player gets bored and gives up because he is not having fun anymore what then?

I want as many race and character options as I can get to be able to play what I want but without the game ever getting rules heavy and I really think the CFRPG has done this very well.

Most of all it's easy to run and easy to play. Fast flowing and large combats are very manageable by Player and GM alike.

The CFRPG will be know as a Neo-Clone as it it's going to be somewhat a Retroclone but with many of the modern options. Most of all it will be easy to run and easy to play! Easy to make a character in about five minutes.

I know the purpose of the retro-clones were to be able to recapture the Old School Style of gaming but so many of the ridiculous restrictions restrict the fun while so much of the New School Style's huge multiple volume rules you have to stop and look up or can't play without computer cut and paste assistance restrict the fun as well.

Now I don't stand here upon a hill poking bears with sticks challenging the powers that be I just have my opinion formed from my observations of what is going on with gaming here lately.

Oh did I also mention that there are plans to have a published version of CFRPG but like many of the clones out there I plan to give it away for free as well. Not only that the books will be in a format to print them out yourselves and put a cardboard cover on it making it look very close to the size and style of the LBBs.

There may even be a small business opportunity in printing them out yourself as well.

Monster List from CFRPG

2011-11-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

Nope Eldrad is not dead. Almost but not yet. Working on monsters.

Here is the Monster List from CFRPG. Damn there seems to be a huge shortage of monsters from level 7th to 11th. Got any ideas out there? I will include the Easy to create monster rules below the monster list so feel free to create away!

Send them to solomanwolf777@yahoo.com

0- Bat Cat Dogmen Goblin Rat

1- Bat,Giant Bee Centipede Dwarves,Dark Dark One Deepmen Dog, Common Dwarf Eagle Elf Elf, Dark Ferret Fey,Tiny Fey,Winged Fly Ghost Halfling Hawk Human Mermaid Orc Rat, Giant Ratmen Skeleton

2-Ant,Worker Baboon Badger Beetle,Blue Cat, Large Cavemen Dinosaur,SC Wardog Dolphin Dryad Fallen Fish,Scaler Flamedead Frogmen Ghoul Gnoll Green Slime Hobgoblin Horse, Pony Lizard, Screamer Ooze, Brown Rat,Dire Saurians Serpent Vampire Spawn Wolf Zombie

3-Ant,Warrior Beetle,Glow Bugbear Camel Choker Cow, Heifer Dinosaur,SH Donkey Horse,Riding Lizard,Spitting Wolfrat Wererat Wight Wolf,Black

4- Ape Bear BlinkDog Cat,Great Centaur Cow,Bull Crab Dino,MC Dopplganger Ethereal Fiend Fish,Reaper Gargoyle Gorgon Harpy Hawk,Giant Horse,War Lizard,Hunter Mule Nymph Oger Pegasus Scorpion Spider,Hunter Tentacle Unicorn Werewolf Wolf,Dire Wraith

5- Beetle,Stag Boar Cockatrice Crocodile Eagle,Giant Elemental Ettercap Ferret,Giant Horse,Work Ooze,Yellow Vampire,Lesser Weasel,Dire

6-Basilisk Bargheist Bear,Grizzley Cat,Sabertooth Cloker Cyclops Demon,Reaver Dinosaur,MH Displacer Drider Elephant Formorian Frog Manticore Minotaur Mummy Rhinoceros Slug Specter Stalker Troll

7- Dragon,Swamp Griffin Oooze,Black

8-Bar,Hunter Chimera Dinosaur,LC Dragon,Forest Giant,Hill Hellhound Shambler

9-Bulette Dragon,Desert Roc Treeman

10-Ant,Queen Bear,Dire Devil Dragon,Fire Ettin Genie Giant,FOrest Hydra Mastodon Rhinoceros,Dire Toad Vampire

11-

12-Dinosaur,LH Devourer

13-

14-

15- Delver

16- Dinosaur,HC

24-Dinosaur,HH

Monster have AC, HD, Movement. The descriptions are deliberately left vague and simple in order for you to customize your game world.

AC is the Armor Class. Here below is the table to explain.
None Skin 10
Padded or tough skin 11
Leather Fur or very tough skin 12
Studded Leather Scales Fur with very tough skin 13
Chain Chitin Bone Plates Wood 14
Scale Stone 15
Plate Metal 16
Shield adds +1,+2, or +3
Small Adds +1
Quick or Tricky Adds +1
Very Quick or Tricky adds +2
Extremely Quick or Tricky +3
Magical +1 and up
Large Subtracts -1
Huge Subtract -2

Armor Class m=Magic is the only way this creature can be harmed. Normal weapons simply bounce off or the wound instantly heals and e=elemental means that the attack must be from some elemental source such as earth, air, fire, or water as described in monster description and s=silver means silver weapons must be used to hit this creature. A Plus + mean Armor can give greater AC

Hit Dice are how many d6 that you roll for the monster's hit points. All monster save at +1 for every 2 hit dice for attacking and any skill check unless there is another modifier listed. Saves against monster's spells or poisons is at 10 + ½ Hit Dice Some monsters may have an additional save against certain types of attacks.

Movement is how many feet the monster moves per round in combat or in a turn on a map. If there are different modes here will be the symbols: Flying = f, Burrowing =b, Jumping = j Swimming = s, and Climbing = c

Making Monsters! I fully expect with these simple rules that you make your own monsters Use the information provided to help you out. Send them to me and I will put them in a future book. AC HD Move

Hero's Mag PART DUEX!

2011-11-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

http://backtothedungeon.blogspot.com/2010/04/heros-mag.html

My Friday, April 2, 2010 post of Hero's Mag a nearly free-form superhero role playing game has a few changes. The number AFTER the result is a difficulty if you want to assign a difficulty number to roll against. The next is an elaboration on character creation. Read the old post and then read this one. What do you think? I was amazed on the negative reaction I got on the Forge. Most gamers can't wrap their head around free-form.

WRITING INSTEAD OF ROLLING A CHARACTER:
When you want to make a character you need to forget all that you know about attributes, hit points, and anything else you have learned from other RPGs. Remember what you have learned on Free Form RPG boards on the Internet. If they work there they will work here. There is a dice roll mechanic but it exist “outside” the game itself. The players write up Characters and give the Characters reasonable powers and equipment based on the power level being played. The game master will have the final say on “how powerful” your character is.

First chose a power level of your character.

Four Color – This is you standard superhero comic book. In this level cars get throw around the place and building are leveled.
Teen Supers – Here the players are young super powered beings with the problems of youth and the problems of superpowers.
Street Level – In this play level the players are against street thugs and mafia. There are a few superheroes and supervillains lurking around but most are low powered.
Epic – Here are the planet sized adventures where the planet, solar system, galaxy, or the very fabric of time and space is in danger. Seven points (or more) Perfection Maximum.

Second Choose a Concept. There is a large list of Super Hero Concepts farther back in the book.

There may be a concept that I missed that's fine write it up and submit it for a future Hero's Mag's Ultimate Concept Book.

Third elaborate on the character's concept.

Here are a few guidelines called the 8 Ms. Discuss the 8 Ms of the character concept if they are above or below average.
-Might or how resistant to damage and harm.
-Muscle or how strong you are compared to an average human.
-Moves or your agility and speed.
-Mind as is how strong mind is and will power.
-Manipulation as in your personality and manipulative ability.
-Martial as in your raw brawling ability.
-Missile as in your accuracy at ranged combat.
-Mystical is your intuition and ability to manipulate arcane forces.
What is his physical description? What is his personality?

Forth discuss your Powers, Abilities, Devices, and Skills.

How powerful they are and what they do. It's fine to add an array of powers, devices, and abilities just don't go overboard.

Fifth is background.

Does your character have a life other than super heroics? What does he do for a living? What hobbies does he have? What is his social status and wealth? Many of these backgrounds will provide skills and abilities that may provide useful in some game events.

Sixth is Mental and Physical Condition

Does your character have a bad back? Is he afraid of the dark? Has he an addiction to drugs? Is he completely healthy? All these are noted on the sheet. This is also the area where you note damage from combat.

Seventh is Equipment

What do you have equipment wise? You and the game master get together and discuss your hero's equipment and then your person equipment such as home and cars.

Eighth guideline is all these “rules” are just guidelines! The point is to have fun!

Edition Likes and Dislikes

2011-10-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

What do you like about...

1. OD&D
2. Basic D&D
3. AD&D 1st
4. AD&D 2nd
5. D&D 3rd
6. D&D 3.5
7. D&D 4th
8. Pathfinder

What do you dislike about...

1. OD&D
2. Basic D&D
3. AD&D 1st
4. AD&D 2nd
5. D&D 3rd
6. D&D 3.5
7. D&D 4th
8. Pathfinder

I want to know what you like and dislike about the different versions of the game.

CFRPG Update.

2011-10-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well my partner in crime D&D Charlie on my yahoo group has been pecking away as the editor of my CFRPG. So far he has the document looking professional. I got kinda teary eyed on how good he made it look.

I never seem to have time to keep this going but seeing all organized is well INSPIRING!

So far there has been no open bridge between the old and new school gaming and I hope this may be the answer for a few people. Old school simplicity of rules with new school options WITHOUT getting bogged down in huge rulebooks.

Easy to run and easy to play.

Free to very cheap, pay if you like it or not, free to kids, print it yourself, make copies for your friends, distribution model. Once perfected there could be a POD version but that is far away for now.

I hope other people take the rules and...
Make books of more spells!
Make monster manuals!
Make more races and classes! More options the better but still keep em simple.
Make Modules! Lots of modules!
Fanzines!
Living Campaign Based on your real world geography?
Would people oppose a free approval process where one's creation would be checked over and approved so not to come out with a game killing class or race?

So is there room for another retro-clone? Yes, No, and Maybe.

Is there room for a Bridge-Clone? OR whatever you want to call what the heck we are doing? I don't know. I will have to hear what people think.

Labyrinth Lord and Pathfinder Stats for the Goblin and Kobold

2011-09-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Let's compare these two easy to kill iconic monsters. One set of stats from Labyrinth Lord and one set from Pathfinder.

A full page Stat Block for a monster that can be killed one hit.

Has modern gaming went to far?

Goblin
#Enc. 2d4 (6d10), AL C, MV 60` (20`), AC 6, HD 1 -1, #AT 1 (weapon), THAC0 19, DG 1d6 or weapon, SV 0 human, ML 7, THC III (XX), XP 5, BOOK LL, PAGE 78

Goblin

This creature stands barely three feet tall, its scrawny, humanoid body dwarfed by its wide, ungainly head.

Goblin CR 1/3

XP 135

Goblin warrior 1

NE Small humanoid (goblinoid)

Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception –1

Defense

AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+2 armor, +2 Dex, +1 shield, +1 size)

hp 6 (1d10+1)

Fort +3, Ref +2, Will –1

Offense

Speed 30 ft.

Melee short sword +2 (1d4/19–20)

Ranged short bow +4 (1d4/×3)

Statistics

Str 11, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 6

Base Atk +1; CMB +0; CMD 12

Feats Improved Initiative

Skills Ride +10, Stealth +10, Swim +4; Racial Modifiers +4 Ride, +4 Stealth

Languages Goblin

Ecology

Environment temperate forest and plains (usually coastal regions)

Organization gang (4–9), warband (10–16 with goblin dog mounts), or tribe (17+ plus 100% noncombatants; 1 sergeant of 3rd level per 20 adults; 1 or 2 lieutenants of 4th or 5th level; 1 leader of 6th–8th level; and 10–40 goblin dogs, wolves, or worgs)

Treasure NPC gear (leather armor, light wooden shield, short sword, short bow with 20 arrows, other treasure)

Goblins prefer to dwell in caves, amid large and dense thickets of thistles and brambles, or in structures built and then abandoned by others. Very few goblins have the drive to build structures of their own. Coastlines are favored, as goblins are quite fond of sifting through junk and flotsam in an unending quest to find treasures among the refuse of more civilized races.

Goblin hatred runs deep, and few things inspire their wrath more than gnomes (who have long fought against goblins), horses (who frighten goblins tremendously), and regular dogs (whom goblins regard as pale imitations of goblin dogs).

Goblins are also quite superstitious, and treat magic with a fawning mixture of awe and fear. They have the habit of ascribing magic to the mundane as well, with fire and writing both taking on mystical power in goblin society. Fire is much loved by goblins for its capacity to wreak great destruction and because it doesn't require size or strength to wield, but written words are hated. Goblins believe that writing steals words out of your head, and as a result of this belief, goblins are universally illiterate.

Goblins are voracious and can eat their body weight in food daily without growing fat. Goblin lairs always have numerous storerooms and larders. While they prefer human and gnome flesh, a goblin won't turn down any food—except, perhaps, vegetables.

Kobold
#Enc. 4d4 (6d10), AL C, MV 60` (20`), AC 7, HD 1d4 hp, #AT 1 (weapon), THAC0 19, DG 1d4 or weapon -1, SV 0 human, ML 6, THC I (XIII), XP 5, BOOK LL, PAGE 83

Kobold

This short, reptilian humanoid has scaled skin, a snout filled with tiny teeth, and a long tail.

Kobold CR 1/4

XP 100

Kobold warrior 1

LE Small humanoid (reptilian)

Init +1; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +5

Defense

AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+2 armor, +1 Dex, +1 natural, +1 size)

hp 5 (1d10)

Fort +2, Ref +1, Will –1

Weaknesses light sensitivity

Offense

Speed 30 ft.

Melee spear +1 (1d6–1)

Ranged sling +3 (1d3-1)

Statistics

Str 9, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 10,Wis 9, Cha 8

Base Atk +1; CMB –1; CMD 10

Feats Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills Craft (trapmaking) +6, Perception +5, Stealth +5; Racial Modifiers +2 Craft (trapmaking), +2 Perception, +2 Profession (miner)

Languages Common, Draconic

SQ crafty

Ecology

Environment temperate underground or deep forest

Organization solitary, gang (2–4), nest (5–30 plus equal number of noncombatants, 1 sergeant of 3rd level per 20 adults, and 1 leader of 4th–6th level), or tribe (31–300 plus 35% noncombatants, 1 sergeant of 3rd level per 20 adults, 2 lieutenants of 4th level, 1 leader of 6th–8th level, and 5–16 dire rats)

Treasure NPC gear (leather armor, spear, sling, other treasure)

Special Abilities

Crafty (Ex) Craft (trapmaking) and Stealth are always class skills for a kobold.

Kobolds are creatures of the dark, found most commonly in enormous underground warrens or the dark corners of the forest where the sun is unable to reach. Due to their physical similarities, kobolds loudly proclaim themselves the scions of dragonkind, destined to rule the earth beneath the wings of their great god-cousins, but most dragons have little use for the obnoxious pests.

While they may speak loudly of divine right and manifest destiny, kobolds are keenly aware of their own weakness. Cowards and schemers, they never fight fair if they can help it, instead setting up ambushes and double-crosses, holing up in their warrens behind countless crude but ingenious traps, or rolling over the enemy in vast, yipping hordes.

Kobold coloration varies even among siblings from the same egg clutch, ranging through the colors of the chromatic dragons, with red being the most common but white, green, blue, and black kobolds not unheard of.

Return of the Heroes

2011-09-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

Return of the Heroes

So what is a Return of the Heroes? It's the game to get some of the old group back together as well as invite new ones. First of all you need to have everyone recollect their favorite characters or a combination of their favorite characters. Give them 6050 XP and start (re)making characters. You could also make the players the children of their favorite characters! Tell them to not buy equipment as you the DM will make an equipment list for them. Give them a minor few magic items and such.

Next start with the adventure. Try and reuse or rehash old villains (or the children of the villains). This automatically makes the party join together and be ready to fight. Remake and expand you dungeons of old. Really go all out on this.

Ronvug that evil wizard is now a Lich and he has many minions out there! The players will have to get more powerful to defeat him!

Deep in the the wilderness in the middle of a caravan attack is how it needs to start and the goal is the Tavern in the small walled keep or town!

Where were the characters coming from? Were they at war or on a quest that required them to all separate and years later come back together?

Now they have all received a summons to return to their old meeting place. They have heard dark news that their old enemy (or his offspring) have returned.

It is a time for the Return of the Heroes!

BLAH

2011-09-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Due to lack of time interest and drive I am putting CFRPG on the backburner and just working with LL/AEC for now and my setting. When I get a good few weeks off with money in the bank I may sit back and finish...or...start and stop on it again.

Writing a game is hard...

If any of you in the Yahoo Group want to work on the skeleton that I have feel free to do so. For the love of god someone please correct my grammar and layout.

What Do YOU want out of a Classic Fantasy Role Playing Game?

2011-08-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

What Do YOU want out of a Classic Fantasy Role Playing Game?

So what I am asking is for the people who have not made their own Old School Rules (but want too!) is to join with me in making the ultimate/kinda good mixture of Old School with New School Options rules set.

This game may be the ANSWER that you have been looking for.

Hobbyist need to apply! Join me and at least get credit for helping make this game. Are you are sick of the Simulacrums that repeat the rule restrictions of the old days.I never really liked Race Classes. No skills and feats! Quick to make a character. NO FULL PAGE MONSTER STATS!

EASY to run and EASY to play!

This game could be the ANSWER that you have been looking for. If not still have fun with what you like to do!

Join me at http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/CFRPGOSR/.

IF you are not satisfied with what rule systems are out there then Join us!!!
We need to combine the new school with the old school to achieve the gaming independence that we truly want!

You need and want to have a game that is simple to create a story. As a GM in the CFRPG you CAN create any story you want.

The goal is to make one complete rulebook then from there expand by making Books of Magic, Monster Books, Class and Race Books all made by others. Of course it will have to go through approval process but nothing too stringent.

I plan to if ever I finish my/our game to have it free and/or cheap.

If you want to help then join my Yahoo Group.

PS: Send me your email and I will send you a copy as well. Be warned it's not edited or finished.

Why do some think Dungeons Suck?

2011-08-13T04:51:00.000-07:00

Why do some think Dungeons Suck?

You hear this crap all the time from old and new school gamers. With a defiant sniff...

"Me and my players don't like dungeons. We believe in deep role-playing. Dungeons are so boring. Just going from room to room killing stuff, It's so boring and blah."

Well Then whomever has been running (and writing) your dungeon needs a bit of schooling. If you limit your game to "no dungeons" then you are doing it wrong.

FIRST When creating a dungeon don't just make rooms fill it with monsters and start playing.

ADD FLAVOR!

All dungeons should have their first purpose before they were dungeons. In my huge megadungeon "The Black Stairs" it was originally an underground colony from some unknown time.

An underground city populated by humans long ago then something terrible happened! It seems they all just disappeared or left in a great hurry.

Nature should also play a role in a dungeon. In the black Stairs water has worked it's way in many places. There are two waterfalls that now pour through huge holes that go deep into the dungeon never filling it up. In some cases if one drops down can access the dungeon from multiple ways other than the front door.

There are also chimneys that are pouring out smoke from unknown depths as well as tracks and trails showing that this dungeon is a living place.

Dungeons should also have factions and some some way of trade and commerce though some are connected to the mythic underworld and have no rhyme or reason to them.

If a dungeon is large enough then there should also be various interested parties other than the PCs. In my Labyrinth Lord version there is a huge group of NPCs that belong to the local adventurer's guild who have staked "official" claim to the dungeon. A large party of over 12 NPCs. Always increase NPCs if the players were foolish enough to go back to town and brag on their adventures and show off all the treasure they found.

In the Pathfinder version I did not have time to make them (Cause the system is a clunky mess of too many rules) so they are just found dead.

You should use various descriptions to portray a sense of ancientness and oldness. The players should be able to feel the textures and smell the smells of the place.

Also make odd traps and tricks that strike the fear of death into the players.

Add elements of video games such as doors that can ONLY be unlocked by certain magical keys.

Have various NPCs from civilization give the players quest to find certain objects within the dungeon.

Let many treasures not all be gold jewels and gems. Sometimes and ancient set of books, tapestries, furniture, clothing, wine, or whatever can be the most valuable treasure.

Many intelligent monsters will be ready for the next visit of the adventurers with ambush and traps.

Maybe even a less intelligent pet is corralled for the PCs to encounter...

ANON

Update on Classes

2011-08-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Well nothing new under the gaming sun. Just a simplified D20 system that harkens to the old days. A special "If you roll a "20" SOMETHING cool happens" mechanic.

So far my test character an Elvin Thief took only 5 minutes to create.

Easy to Run, Easy to Play:ETRETP! Would Etretp be a good name for an RPG? Kinda stupid yet catchy!

Not finished, bad grammar, bad editing, lack of attention span, no time to write, and other excuses.

Wonder whatever happened to my free file posting site? It did not work and the guy never emailed me back....

CLASSES

Clerics
The cleric is a priest of the old and ancient gods. He heals the sick and uses the powers from his god to further his gods cause. A cleric must have a Wisdom of 9 or more. A cleric may use his Wisdom to receive an insight from his god. He also may use his Intelligence on questions of Lore and Theology. The Cleric may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. Normal difficulty is 10 + Damage done. The Cleric may also use his Charisma to preach to people to keep their spirits up and convince them of the “right” path to take. Can turn undead. Can cast Cleric Spells. He is able to fight quite well and can use any armor. The various religions restrict most clerics to blunt weapons though some gods allow for their chosen weapons. A cleric may convert any memorized spell into a healing spell at will. May use Chosen weapons of God. May wear any armor. When a Cleric rolls a natural “20” every ally gets 1d6 healing and all undead take 1d6 damage in Wisdom radius in feet and 1d6 spell levels are recharged. Every two levels the dice increases. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level.

Fighting Men
The brave and strong Fighting man is the backbone of any adventuring group. The Fighting Man answers most conflict with weapons drawn. They are trained at all weapons and armor. They are the simplest class to play. A Fighting Man must have a Strength of 9 or more. The Fighting man may use his Strength to perform a feat of Strength such as moving heavy objects that no other characters can use. The Fighting man may also use his Intelligence to see the quality of weapons and armor. A fighting man may also use his Wisdom to keep control of his horse or other steed. You are proficient in all weapons and armor. Fighters get the Critical Hit ability. When they roll a natural “20” they automatically do triple damage. This damage continues to cleave to the next monster if the first one dies from the massive damage. Critical hits improve to x4 at 4th level x 5 at 8th level improving every 4 levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10 HP+ 1d10 a level.

Magic-Users
The magic user is the wizard and witch of old. They can cast many spells but are untrained at all forms of weapons and armor. A magic User must have an Intelligence of 9 or more. A magic user may use his intelligence to see if he knows any lore about any certain occult subjects. Can cast Arcane Spells. The magic user may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. Normal difficulty is 10 + Damage done. Has 2+ Int bonus of 0 level spells and 1 plus Int bonus of first level spells plus ALL magic-users have Read Magic for free. The magic-user must look for or buy any future spell he needs to cast. Can create scrolls at 1st level and create magic items at 7th level and beyond. Has the ability of Wand Use if he buys the proper wand of power. Can poorly use any weapons and armor but cannot cast in armor. The Magic-User does an Arcane Overload. This causes a magical energy to blast out at Intelligence Radius and do 1d6 to any chosen enemy in an area. In addition the Arcane Overload recharges 1d6 spell levels. +1 to hit every 6 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Thief
The Thief is a trained criminal. He is the master of stealth and locks. You are a Thief. You must Have Dexterity of 9 or more. A wisdom of 9 or more is helpful also. A thief can use his Dexterity to pick locks, pick pockets, disarm traps, do acrobatic feats, and move completely silently. He uses his Wisdom to hear noises that no one else can hear, find traps, and hide in the shadows. The thief uses his Strength to scale sheer surfaces that no one else can provided there is some sort of grip. The thief also has a secret language called thief’s cant. If the thief can sneak up on a person or do a surprise attack it does extra damage. Last but not least the Thief may use his Charisma to trick a magic item into working for him that would otherwise only work for another class. You can use any weapons and wear any armor but can only do most thieving in Leather Armor. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point from any thieving skills you try for every point past AC 12. You can also do a sneak attack that does +1D6 every 4 levels. On a natural “20” a thief may Slow an opponent causing him to move at half speed until healed, Stun the opponent for 1d4 rounds, or cause 1 point bleeding for 1d6 rounds. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Assassin
Assassins are hired killers. To be an assassin one must have a Strength of 9, Dexterity and Wisdom of 12 or more. They specialize in the quick kill only if the opponent is unaware and fails his save. Only one chance is given for a surprise attack. They tend to wear light armor and can use any weapons and armor. An assassin has all the abilities of a thief but not as good. If the assassin uses his Intelligence he may brew up poisons. He uses his Wisdom to shadow a victim. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 12. On a natural “20” the Assassin may Eviscerate an opponent causing instant death unless the victim saves 10 + damage done, Gory Bleeding that does 1d6 for 1d4 rounds, Blinded giving a -4 to all actions, or Gimped giving you -2 to all actions and half speed. +1 to hit every 4 levels. Assassinate (DC10-Level)+(+1 DC) per level of victim only on a surprise attack. Unarmed Attack. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level.

Barbarian
Barbarians are warriors from primitive civilizations. To be a barbarian one must have a Strength and Constitution of 14 or more. They tend to distrust magic and have trouble with any technology greater than Stone Age. Barbarians tend to use large two-handed weapons. Barbarians use their Strength to perform Feats of Strength, Jumping long distances, and climbing sheer cliffs but not as good as a thief. They use their Dexterity to perform stealth as good as a thief as long as they are in leather armor or less. They use their Constitution to drink large amounts of alcohol, ignore pain, and resist poisons and drugs. They use their Wisdom to sense the weather and wilderness survival. They use their Charisma to intimidate and push around lesser people. With two handed weapons may cleave +1 creature per level. Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. This means that when you kill one creature your blade passes through it to the next creature. You continue this until you run out of cleaves or movement. Rage which gives +2 to hit and damage for Constitution in Rounds plus 1 a level. Must roll Wis or Higher to come out of Rage. All barbarians gain +5 Movement every 2 levels. On a natural “20” you hit all adjacent friend or foe sending them flying 10 feet and stunning them for one round. The distance increases by 10ft every 5 levels. The flying opponents take 1d6 per 10 ft thrown. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 12 HP+ 1d12 a level.

Bard
A bard is a jack of all trades using his Charisma to influence others and cast magic. The bard is a traveling teller of tales and magician. A bard must have a Dexterity and Charisma of 12 or more. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 12. A bard has all the skills a thief does but not as good. The bard also can use his Charisma to con, Seduce, charm, and convince people to do his bidding. He uses his Intelligence to see if he knows and lore or theology like a druid, wizard, or cleric just not as good. The bard knows spells like a sorcerer but picks them from any of the spell list. Leather Armor Only and Can use any weapons. On a natural “20” the Bard Inspires everyone to get a free attack at +2. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+1d8 a level.

Druid
A druid is an priest of nature. He has many powers and abilities to protect the wilderness. A druid must have a Wisdom and Constitution of 9 or more. The druid can use his Intelligence or Wisdom to see if he has any Lore about survival, plants, animals, or the weather. The Druid also has the ability to use his Wisdom to sense the unnatural when he is in a natural setting. Natural Weapons and Armor only. On a natural “20” the Druid releases Nature's Fury! This causes 1d6 damage and unable to move to all enemies in Wisdom Radius. The exact description is up to the individual Druid of what is causing the effect such as lighting, entangling vines, or insects. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level. Has Spells from the Druid list.

Monk
A monk is a trained martial artist. A monk does 1d6 per hand to hand attack adding another 1d6 every 2 levels as a separate attack. A monks defense goes up one every two levels as well. A monk adds five feet to his fall distance every two levels. The monk is immune to any from of mind control and illusions at eighth level and is immune to any quest or geas at tenth. A monk may fake death at fifth level. The monk can use his Dexterity to do incredible acrobatic feats far better than the thief as well as scale sheer surfaces, move silently, and hide in shadows. The Monk may use his Wisdom to sense danger far better than any other character. The Monk can use his Wisdom or Intelligence on minor Lore questions. All Monks gain +5 Movement every 2 levels. On a natural “20” The monk can do a Flurry of Blows hitting 1d6 hits, Knockback 10-60 ft, Shout that stuns the opponent for 1d6 rounds, Knockdown and stun all adjacent for one round, or Leap 10-60 ft onto and enemy. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 12 HP+ 1d12 a level.

Noble
The noble is a steadfast fighter and natural leader. The noble uses his Intelligence to recall many subjects of Lore and Heraldry. He uses his Wisdom to perceive the true motives of others. The noble also uses his Charisma to inspire or intimidate others. Many dabble in the use of magic items and scrolls as their training in lore allow them to use such things. The noble doubles the amount of starting gold. On a natural “20” you may Command all allies to move and attack as a free action and get a +2 to the attack. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+1d8 a level.

Paladin
A paladin is a holy knight. The paladin may use his Wisdom to sense evil within a 20 foot radius. This ability automatically works within five foot of the Paladin. The Paladin may also use his Intelligence to see if he has any Lore like a Magic User or Cleric just not as good. He also has the Lore of Demons and Devils. The Paladin may also use his Charisma to command and inspire his party. He uses his Wisdom to ride his steed into combat. Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. The paladin can heal his Charisma bonus plus 2 Hit Points a level per day. Cast cleric spells at -5 Levels. On a natural “20” you get a Divine Strike which works as an assassins Evisceration against evil opponents. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10HP+ 1d10 a level.

Ranger
The Ranger is a warrior and a scout who is very skilled in wilderness survival. The ranger uses his Strength to climb great cliffs and trees as well as great leaps. The Dexterity attribute for Stealth and Trapsetting. His Constitution for endurance to keep running far longer than others before tiring. He uses his Wisdom for the Lore of Beast, Weather Sense, Tracking and Survival in the wilderness. He uses his Charisma for calming wild beast. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 14. Humanoid Hatred gives the Ranger +1 every 2 Levels to Damage Done. +1 Bow attacks. May fight with offhand weapon at –2 to hit if wearing Chainmail or less. Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. Cast Spells as Druid -5 levels. On a natural “20” you get a Healing Surge and heal yourself of 1d6 damage every two levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10 HP+ 1d10 a level.

Sorcerer
A sorcerer is a caster of magic much like a magic user except that his magic is not learned it comes naturally. A Sorcerer must have a Charisma of 9 or more. Sorcerers always look odd or exotic and tend to look in a certain way such as angelic, bestial, draconic, or (or whatever) demonic. The Sorcerer may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. He may use his Intelligence for lore but past that he knows very little. He can use his Wisdom to perceive magic in an area and at higher levels even tell what the magic is. The sorcerer can also use his Charisma for fashion sense, to fascinate or manipulate others, seduce, and hypnotize them. Sorcerers know half of the spells that can use per day rounded down and naturally gain spells whenever they gain a level. Unlike wizards they do not have to memorize their spells and use their Charisma instead of Intelligence for obtaining spells per level. They can use any weapons and armor but cannot cast in armor. On a natural “20” the sorcerer does a Sorcerer Storm that does 1d6 damage plus blasted back 10 feet every two levels at Charisma Radius. +1 to hit every 6 levels. 6HP +1d6HP a level.

Spellblade
The spellblade has all the abilities of a fighting man and a magic-user. Unlike a magic user he can wear armor but he is limited to chainmail and cannot use a shield. The spellblade starts off with all the abilities of a fighter and a magic-user at first level and his spell casting goes up every odd level. Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. On a natural “20” uncontrolled energy surges through blade doing and additional 1d6 a level damage to one opponent. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8HP+1d8HP a level.

Wanderer
A wanderer is a character that is not a standard adventurer type and when you roll too low to be any useful class. He can start off by using leather armor and can increase his armor by every five levels. All wanderers have dumb luck once per day per level where they can re roll any failed roll. What he does with his abilities is up to the Game master and the players. Many can dabble in the use of magic items although not as good as a thief. Their Critical hits go up every eight levels but start out at only x2 damage. On a natural “20” all allies get +2 to any one action and all opponents get -2 to their next action. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Star Wars Empire at War: Gold Pack

2011-07-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the very few who has the computer that this game is compatible with then you are lucky. If you have the older versions then don't respond because you don't have the problem. All I get is the Lucasarts Intro Sound and a white box. Cosmi was nice enough to send me a replacement but it does not work either. I have two copies of crap.

Don't buy Star Wars Empire at War Gold Pack. I hope I can get my money back from Wal Mart.

Their release of SW Battlefield II was also a glich filled stinker which was never patched either.

Lucasarts as usual are ignoring their customers. How can Lucasarts keep releasing glich filled crap? Do us a favor Lucasarts. Get out of the video game business if you don't give a damn about your customers.

What happened to the excellent titles like Jedi Knights and X-Wing and Rebel Assault?

Rolling a 20 will mean something again!

2011-07-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about expanding the natural "20" to do something cool every time it is rolled.

Here are a few ideas.

Clerics
HOLY Healing Strike!!!!! Heals 1d6 HP per level to all friends within Wis in feet and damages all undead.

Fighting Men
Fighters get the Critical Hit ability. When they roll a natural “20” they automatically do triple damage. This damage continues to cleave to the next monster if the first one dies from the massive damage. Critical hits improve to x4 at 4th level x 5 at 8th level improving every 4 levels.
EXTREME DAMAGE!!!!

Magic-Users
RECHARGING BLAST!!!! Spells are recharged? I will have to think about that.

Thief
KNOCKOUT STRIKE!!! or BLEEDING or SLOWING

Assassin
EVISERATION!!! Save or die.

Barbarian
Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage.
KNOCKBACK STRIKE!!! All victims that don't die are thrown back 5ft per +1 of Strength.

Bard
EMOTIONAL/INSPIRED BLAST!!! Everyone gets a free attack and +2 to hit

Druid
NATURAL FURY!!!! Storm clouds burst around Druid doing 1d6 a level in Wis radius damage to all enemies.

Monk
FLURRY OF BLOWS!!!! Monk gets 1d6+Level hits.

Noble
COMMAND AND MOVE!!!! Everyone gets a free movement and attack and +2 to damage

Paladin
Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage.
DIVINE STRIKE Any unholy or undead creature must save or die.

Ranger
Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage.
FLURRY!!! Many dual weapon attacks or many Arrows fly

Sorcerer
EXPLODING!!! All enemies within Chr range take 1d6 per level.

Spellblade
Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8HP+1d8HP a level.
MAGIC BLADE BLAST!!!!!All enemies within Int range take 1d6 every 2 levels.

Wanderer
Their Critical hits go up every eight levels but start out at only x2 damage.
LUCKY TO EVERYBODY!!! Everyone gets to roll 2 dice and pick the best.

Classes Updated

2011-07-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

I may have a few more classes to add soon. I want all the options that I can get.

CLASSES

Clerics
The cleric is a priest of the old and ancient gods. He heals the sick and uses the powers from his god to further his gods cause. A cleric must have a Wisdom of 9 or more. A cleric may use his Wisdom to receive an insight from his god. He also may use his Intelligence on questions of Lore and Theology. The Cleric may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. Normal difficulty is 10 + Damage done. The Cleric may also use his Charisma to preach to people to keep their spirits up and convince them of the “right” path to take. Can turn undead. Can cast Cleric Spells. He is able to fight quite well and can use any armor. The various religions restrict most clerics to blunt weapons though some gods allow for their chosen weapons. A cleric may convert any memorized spell into a healing spell at will. May use Chosen weapons of God. May wear any armor. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level.

Fighting Men
The brave and strong Fighting man is the backbone of any adventuring group. The Fighting Man answers most conflict with weapons drawn. They are trained at all weapons and armor. They are the simplest class to play. A Fighting Man must have a Strength of 9 or more. The Fighting man may use his Strength to perform a feat of Strength such as moving heavy objects that no other characters can use. The Fighting man may also use his Intelligence to see the quality of weapons and armor. A fighting man may also use his Wisdom to keep control of his horse or other steed. You are proficient in all weapons and armor. Fighters get the Critical Hit ability. When they roll a natural “20” they automatically do triple damage. This damage continues to cleave to the next monster if the first one dies from the massive damage. Critical hits improve to x4 at 4th level x 5 at 8th level improving every 4 levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10 HP+ 1d10 a level.

Magic-Users
The magic user is the wizard and witch of old. They can cast many spells but are untrained at all forms of weapons and armor. A magic User must have an Intelligence of 9 or more. A magic user may use his intelligence to see if he knows any lore about any certain occult subjects. Can cast Arcane Spells. The magic user may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. Normal difficulty is 10 + Damage done. Has 2+ Int bonus of 0 level spells and 1 plus Int bonus of first level spells plus ALL magic-users have Read Magic for free. The magic-user must look for or buy any future spell he needs to cast. Can create scrolls at 1st level and create magic items at 7th level and beyond. Has the ability of Wand Use if he buys the proper wand of power. Can poorly use any weapons and armor but cannot cast in armor. +1 to hit every 6 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Thief
The Thief is a trained criminal. He is the master of stealth and locks. You are a Thief. You must Have Dexterity of 9 or more. A wisdom of 9 or more is helpful also. A thief can use his Dexterity to pick locks, pick pockets, disarm traps, do acrobatic feats, and move completely silently. He uses his Wisdom to hear noises that no one else can hear, find traps, and hide in the shadows. The thief uses his Strength to scale sheer surfaces that no one else can provided there is some sort of grip. The thief also has a secret language called thief’s cant. If the thief can sneak up on a person or do a surprise attack it does extra damage. Last but not least the Thief may use his Charisma to trick a magic item into working for him that would otherwise only work for another class. You can use any weapons and wear any armor but can only do most thieving in Leather Armor. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point from any thieving skills you try for every point past AC 12. You can also do a sneak attack that does +1D6 every 4 levels. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Other Classes
Assassin
Assassins are hired killers. To be an assassin one must have a Strength of 9, Dexterity and Wisdom of 12 or more. They specialize in the quick kill only if the opponent is unaware and fails his save. Only one chance is given for a surprise attack. They tend to wear light armor and can use any weapons and armor. An assassin has all the abilities of a thief but not as good. If the assassin uses his Intelligence he may brew up poisons. He uses his Wisdom to shadow a victim. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 12. +1 to hit every 4 levels. Assassinate (DC10-Level)+(+1 DC) per level of victim only on a surprise attack. Unarmed Attack. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level.

Barbarian
Barbarians are warriors from primitive civilizations. To be a barbarian one must have a Strength and Constitution of 14 or more. They tend to distrust magic and have trouble with any technology greater than Stone Age. Barbarians tend to use large two-handed weapons. Barbarians use their Strength to perform Feats of Strength, Jumping long distances, and climbing sheer cliffs but not as good as a thief. They use their Dexterity to perform stealth as good as a thief as long as they are in leather armor or less. They use their Constitution to drink large amounts of alcohol, ignore pain, and resist poisons and drugs. They use their Wisdom to sense the weather and wilderness survival. They use their Charisma to intimidate and push around lesser people. With two handed weapons may cleave +1 creature per level. Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. This means that when you kill one creature your blade passes through it to the next creature. You continue this until you run out of cleaves or movement. Rage which gives +2 to hit and damage for Constitution in Rounds plus 1 a level. Must roll Wis or Higher to come out of Rage. All barbarians gain +5 Movement every 2 levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 12 HP+ 1d12 a level.

Bard
A bard is a jack of all trades using his Charisma to influence others and cast magic. The bard is a traveling teller of tales and magician. A bard must have a Dexterity and Charisma of 12 or more. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 12. A bard has all the skills a thief does but not as good. The bard also can use his Charisma to con, Seduce, charm, and convince people to do his bidding. He uses his Intelligence to see if he knows and lore or theology like a druid, wizard, or cleric just not as good. The bard knows spells like a sorcerer but picks them from any of the spell list. Leather Armor Only and Can use any weapons. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+1d8 a level.

Druid
A druid is an priest of nature. He has many powers and abilities to protect the wilderness. A druid must have a Wisdom and Constitution of 9 or more. The druid can use his Intelligence or Wisdom to see if he has any Lore about survival, plants, animals, or the weather. The Druid also has the ability to use his Wisdom to sense the unnatural when he is in a natural setting. Natural Weapons and Armor only. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level. Has Spells from the Druid list.

Monk
A monk is a trained martial artist. A monk does 1d6 per hand to hand attack adding another 1d6 every 2 levels as a separate attack. A monks defense goes up one every two levels as well. A monk adds five feet to his fall distance every two levels. The monk is immune to any from of mind control and illusions at eighth level and is immune to any quest or geas at tenth. A monk may fake death at fifth level. The monk can use his Dexterity to do incredible acrobatic feats far better than the thief as well as scale sheer surfaces, move silently, and hide in shadows. The Monk may use his Wisdom to sense danger far better than any other character. The Monk can use his Wisdom or Intelligence on minor Lore questions. All Monks gain +5 Movement every 2 levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 12 HP+ 1d12 a level.

Noble
The noble is a steadfast fighter and natural leader. The noble uses his Intelligence to recall many subjects of Lore and Heraldry. He uses his Wisdom to perceive the true motives of others. The noble also uses his Charisma to inspire or intimidate others. Many dabble in the use of magic items and scrolls as their training in lore allow them to use such things. The noble doubles the amount of starting gold. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+1d8 a level.

Paladin
A paladin is a holy knight. The paladin may use his Wisdom to sense evil within a 20 foot radius. This ability automatically works within five foot of the Paladin. The Paladin may also use his Intelligence to see if he has any Lore like a Magic User or Cleric just not as good. He also has the Lore of Demons and Devils. The Paladin may also use his Charisma to command and inspire his party. He uses his Wisdom to ride his steed into combat. Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. The paladin can heal his Charisma bonus plus 2 Hit Points a level per day. Cast cleric spells at -5 Levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10HP+ 1d10 a level.

Ranger
The Ranger is a warrior and a scout who is very skilled in wilderness survival. The ranger uses his Strength to climb great cliffs and trees as well as great leaps. The Dexterity attribute for Stealth and Trapsetting. His Constitution for endurance to keep running far longer than others before tiring. He uses his Wisdom for the Lore of Beast, Weather Sense, Tracking and Survival in the wilderness. He uses his Charisma for calming wild beast. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 14. Humanoid Hatred gives the Ranger +1 every 2 Levels to Damage Done. +1 Bow attacks. May fight with offhand weapon at –2 to hit if wearing Chainmail or less. Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. Cast Spells as Druid -5 levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10 HP+ 1d10 a level.

Sorcerer
A sorcerer is a caster of magic much like a magic user except that his magic is not learned it comes naturally. A Sorcerer must have a Charisma of 9 or more. Sorcerers always look odd or exotic and tend to look in a certain way such as angelic, bestial, draconic, or (or whatever) demonic. The Sorcerer may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. He may use his Intelligence for lore but past that he knows very little. He can use his Wisdom to perceive magic in an area and at higher levels even tell what the magic is. The sorcerer can also use his Charisma for fashion sense, to fascinate or manipulate others, seduce, and hypnotize them. Sorcerers know half of the spells that can use per day rounded down and naturally gain spells whenever they gain a level. Unlike wizards they do not have to memorize their spells and use their Charisma instead of Intelligence for obtaining spells per level. They can use any weapons and armor but cannot cast in armor. +1 to hit every 6 levels. 6HP +1d6HP a level.

Spellblade
The spellblade has all the abilities of a fighting man and a magic-user. Unlike a magic user he can wear armor but he is limited to chainmail and cannot use a shield. The spellblade starts off with all the abilities of a fighter and a magic-user at first level and his spell casting goes up every odd level. Their Critical hits go up every four levels like Fighting Men every four levels but start out at only x2 damage. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8HP+1d8HP a level.

Wanderer
A wanderer is a character that is not a standard adventurer type and when you roll too low to be any useful class. He can start off by using leather armor and can increase his armor by every five levels. All wanderers have dumb luck once per day per level where they can re roll any failed roll. What he does with his abilities is up to the Game master and the players. Many can dabble in the use of magic items although not as good as a thief. Their Critical hits go up every eight levels but start out at only x2 damage. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Attributes and their uses.

2011-07-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Using Attributes
The simple way is to roll a D20 and add the Attribute bonus (or subtract) plus ½ your level. Every 4 levels you get to improve one attribute by 1. The higher the roll the better the result. Some tasks have a difficulty number. The game master may require the Player to write a good character history to determine background skills.

DIFFICULTY NUMBER or DN
Easy 5
Average 10
Moderate 15
Hard 20
Impossible 25+

Backgrounds as Skills
Instead of a huge complicated skill list you just make up a background and from there you get your skills. For instance if you say your character was raised on a farm he would have the knowledges that a rural farm boy would have such as tending to crops and animals, barn building, and a few wood wise skills as well. A city dwelling character would have different knowledges as well. The game master will be the final decider on what a character can have as there will always be the player that tries to great at everything. Give anyone wanting a background as such many troubles that such an adventurous background would give.

Hope to soon have a file hosting site to use.

My non-Perfect RPG

2011-06-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well I finished my races, classes, spells, equipment, monsters, and NOT treasure.

Monsters ah Monsters, they are just mostly 3 stats. AC HD and Move with a brief description of damage and the monster.

After spells, Treasure Tables really suck. Have not made any yet. Oh how I dread.

I mean my spells are still only BARELY described hoping that GM Fiat and judgement will make the final decision.

The best part of the game is GM Fiat. The GM not the rules are the ultimate judge in this game. The other part is the GM not the players need to learn the rules. The players will just play their characters and have fun.

I also made the game to be played FAST! I decided on using the BASIC style of initiative.

It works.

It works with HUGE combats.

The game should be easy to run most of all and allow the GM to tell a story with fast action and deep story. EASY to run!

Hope to playtest this 4th of July with my Pathfinder Group as I am running out of patience with PFRPG.

I hope to start a spark and let it burn. This is not going to be another Simulacrum but a hybrid of old and new.

I hope that I can get comments good or bad to let me make this into a great RPG. I know that there will be many disagreement from those who have their own ideas but I have been gaming for 30 years and I know what makes a great game despite the intent of other designers.

No one purposely designs a game bad they just don't think of the practicality of their rules all the way through.

The Old School stuff I left out was Level Limits, Racial Limits, Weapon vs Armor Restrictions, and other stuff...

New School I left out Skills, Feats, Whole Page Monster Stat Blocks, Stupid Huge Hit Point Amounts, Level Adjustments and many other things.

Well been drinking and got to get ready for bed and work.

Feats defeat.

2011-06-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well why were Feats created? In new school gaming the idea was to provide a way to do cool things.

Like tripping someone.

But why do you need a Feat to do things?

In a game with Gamemaster Fiat things such as a bullrush, trip, sundering of a weapon were done on the fly by adding a few points of difficulty to the too hit number or subtracting from the player's roll.

Wow in this short article I just provided you with an unlimited source and list of feats.

Lord of the Rings Bonus Features!

2011-04-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

Lord of the Rings Bonus Features!

THE APPENDICES PART V: "The War of the Ring"
Disc intro by director Peter Jackson
"J.R.R. Tolkien: The Legacy of Middle-earth" documentary

From Book to Script:
"From Book to Script: Forging the Final Chapter" documentary
Abandoned Concept: Aragorn Battles Sauron

Designing and Building Middle-earth
"Designing Middle-earth" documentary
"Big-atures" documentary
"Weta Workshop" documentary
"Costume Design" documentary

Design Galleries - 2,123 images
The Peoples of Middle-earth (galleries with docent audio)
The Realms of Middle-earth (galleries with docent audio)
Miniatures (galleries with docent audio)
"Home of the Horse Lords" documentary

"Middle-earth Atlas: Tracing the Journeys of the Fellowship" interactive map
"New Zealand as Middle-earth" interactive map w/on-location footage
THE APPENDICES PART VI: "The Passing of an Age"
Disc intro by Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan

Filming The Return of the King
"Cameras in Middle-earth" documentary
Production Photos (gallery) - 69 images

Visual Effects
"Weta Digital" documentary
"The Mumakil Battle" demonstration / multi-angle interactive feature

Post Production: Journey's End
"Editorial: Completing the Trilogy" documentary
"Music for Middle-earth" documentary
"The Soundscapes of Middle-earth" documentary
"The End of All Things" documentary
"The Passing of an Age" documentary

Cameron Duncan: The Inspiration for "Into the West"
"Cameron Duncan: The Inspiration for 'Into the West'" documentary
"DFK6498" short film
"Strike Zone" short film

Here are great short films and such. Great inspiration for creating a setting. Details that you can use for your games. There are many small details that one might not think of. Damn I was going to write more but it's really tough right now.

How the hell do you do it?

2011-04-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Oh lord it is really hard! Get your minds out of the gutter slimes! It's really hard to write a freaking game. Even simulacrums that many accuse of it being "just copying". Well you shut the F*&^%K up and try to do it yourself. Oh I didn't think so Beeearch!

Many of us have "a take on what we would like to see" and THINK we can do it to but NOOOO! You won't and you can't. Either no free time or not the patience when there is free time. I envy those with that little extra spark that can get off their ass and write a game.

Hell trying to write up a decent module with production value is a task as well.

Lord knows I have built and burnt down my take on the OSR rules and such. Then loooooooose interest and then write a few lines. Should I truck on or gather a team? Should I just write a supplement of house rules? Damn a game is a huge undertaking!

SO my question to all writers and creators is : "How the hell do you do it?"

More Adventure Updates.

2011-04-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

03-05-11
PLAYERS:
Tony - Dwarf Cleric
Carson - Dwarf Fighter
Jade - Half-Elf Sorceress
Machelle - Drow Rogue
Ryan - Human Fighter

XP:
Machelle was brought up to 2nd level by escaping her zoo prison. So from there:
250 + 280 = 530 XP Each
Ryan also had an additional 200XP, I believe.

LOOT:
Potions - Magic Fang, Grease, Bless Weapon, Cat's Grace, Delay Poison, and
Protect from Energy III (Cold)
Scrolls - Magic Missile, Detect Secret Doors, Eagle's Splendor, Sephia Snake
Sigil, Fireball
Longsword +1 --> Human Fighter
Bag of Dust --> Drow Rogue
Bag of Purple Powder --> Drow Rogue
Large Jade Key
400 GP
2000 SP
10,000 CP (yeah, really)
Headmisstress' Diary
8 Hand Crossbows
8 Rapiers
5 Gems (unknown value)

NOTES:
As will be told in the next session summary, the Drow, Sorceress, and Dwarf
Fighter disappeared once we got to Barton's Manor, so no booty for them! So the
Human Fighter and Cleric both get 410 GP Each.

03-12-11
PLAYERS:
Ryan - Human Fighter
Machelle - Sylph Druid
Jade - Human Barbarian
Kevin - ? Ranger
Tony - Dwarf Cleric

XP:
350 + 45 + 30 + 20 + 265 + 500 + 100 + 200 + 100 = 1610 XP Each

LOOT:
Book of Embalming
20 bottles of Embalming Spices
Holy Book of the Grain Goddess
Large Silver Key
Javelin --> Cleric
945 GP
302 SP
1276 CP

NOTES:
We lost track of the Drow Rogue, Half-Elf Sorceress, and Dwarven Fighter, but we picked up a trio of adventurers (Sylph Druid, Human Barbarian, and a Ranger) who were looking for adventure. We ventured from Barton's Manor back to the entrance of the ruins and continued our scouring. We are becoming more self-reliant as a group, which gives us more time to explore these caverns. We are currently resting in the Steward's chamber. We will need to go back to civilization soon to off-load our loot and restock our supplies.

03-26-11
PLAYERS:
Ryan - Gareth - Human Fighter Weapons Master
Machelle - Istari - Elven Dual-Weapon Fighter
Tabby - Raven - Human Barbarian
Tony - Ingrid - Dwarven Cleric of Torag
NPC - Necros - Half-Elven Necromancer
NPC - Lighter (Lyder?) - Human Ranger

XP:
Tabby - 200 + 400 = 600 XP
Ryan, Mac, Tony - 200 + 400 + 300 + 200 + 265 + 200 + 200 + 200 + 200 + 100 =
2265 XP Each

LOOT:
Warhammer --> Tony, Tabby
Lt Crossbow --> Tony, Mac, Ryan
Crossbow Bolts (10) --> Tony, Mac, Ryan
6 PP
128 GP
87 SP
1259 CP
600 GP
Masterwork Dagger --> Mac
Necros' Spellbook (I say we keep this for any future wizards in the party)
Flint & steel, backpack --> Tony
42 GP --> Sold various warhammers
12 PP
423 GP
922 SP
1334 CP

NOTES:
Total treasure split as follows:
Tabby - 45.38 GP
Ryan, Mac, Tony, Lighter - 357.51 GP Each

Another marathon session. First, Lighter shows up after delivering the blind chicky to her village. He shows up with an elf maiden warrior. They showed up just in time to help us defeat a rust monster. We then destroyed a small group of Duergar dwarves who tried to ambush us. The barbarian then started suffering from claustrophobia, so she exited to the surface for a while.

We carried on, encountering some Morlocks. Funny-looking creatures. But then almost all of us fell into a spiked pit trap. Alas! Necros fell prey to the trap. So after looting his corpse, we came across a talking door. We were pretty banged up at this point, so we decided to go back to Barton's Manor to restock and heal our wounds. There, we purchased a few items, sold a few items, and buried Necros.

Back to the dungeon we went. On our way to the talking door, we encountered and defeated some Stirges. The talking door room was called the Room of Mysteries. That was an apt name, since the purpose of the room remains a mystery to us.You put something in the Box of Mysteries, and it disappears, and nothing happens that we can see. We moved on down the hallway to encounter first a Wight, then some Ghouls, then some Zombies. We rested again in the supply room. After a few days in there, some humans knock on the door and demand we let them in. After speaking with them, they are explorers as well. They are searching for the Talisman of the Sphere in the levels below. We agreed that if we come across it, we would let them have it for a finder's fee. We came across one more trap, but survived it. We are currently moving west in a corridor leading roughly towards the entrance.

04-02-11
PLAYERS:
Ryan - Gareth - Human Fighter
Machelle - Istari - Elven Dual-Weapon Fighter
Tony - Ingrid - Dwarven Cleric of Torag
NPC - Lyder - Human Ranger

XP: 600 + 200 + 200 + 200 + 100 + 200 + 50 + 200 = 1750 XP Each

LOOT:
42 GP
11 SP
312 CP
527 GP
-10 GP (given to merchant lady)
-2 CP (given to merchant lady)
Diamond (unknown value)
Golembane Scarab

NOTES:
Total split of treasure is 140.8 GP Each. (42 + 1.1 + 3.12 + 527 - 10)/4 =
140.80 + 2 CP. (extra 2 CP given to merchant lady) We still have 5 gems worth
300GP each, and a diamond with unknown value in our possession.
First, we continued our exploration of the first level of the ruins. We defeated some human bandits. We freed the female prisoner they were holding from one of their raids. She tagged along while we completed our search, during which we encountered some fire beetles and orcs. We then went back to Barton's Manor to deliver the lady merchant to civilization, and gave her some GP's to get herself to Raven's Keep.
After resting and restocking, we headed back to the ruins. This time, we decided to go down to the 2nd level. While descending the main staircase, we were attacked by a giant spider. I got bit, and the poison spread through my system like wildfire. Barely able to breathe, my companions got me back to Barton's Manor, where I healed myself after a few days of rest. (I was left with 1 point of Strength - CLOSE CALL!)
So we returned AGAIN. We found the partying skeletons again, where they PROMPTLY gave us the promised gem for the disposal of the Bugbears. They also lent us the gold key for the gold door. So we went through the gold door after destroying a group of non-partying skeletons. The doors led to the antechamber of the Drow undercity.We ran into and freed a Deep Elf escapee, then attempt to sneak around the Drow undercity. It all went fine until the giant bats attacked us. We defeated them, and are continuing on. Hopefully, our battle went unnoticed...

The Incredible, Expanding Gamer Brain: "Our collective gaming brain has grown larger and larger, and therefore seeks out deeper, more complex games."

2011-03-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here below is the new Legends and Lore article by Mike Mearls. I think he is trying to reach out to all the "lost" gamers who are not playing 4th edition. I just bet there are going to be some really pissed off old school gamers.

"Our collective gaming brain has grown larger and larger, and therefore seeks out deeper, more complex games."

Are gamers of older editions being called stupid? I don't think so but someone is going to get their proverbial panties in a wad and we shall see.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/20110315

The Incredible, Expanding Gamer Brain by Mike Mearls

Last week, I talked about character classes. Using the fighter as an example, I showed how the game’s complexity has steadily risen over the years. That trend goes far beyond the fighter. In general, each version of the game requires more math, has more detailed rules, and features more specific corner cases than the one before it. 3rd Edition combat featured many rules that were optional in 2nd Edition’s Player’s Option: Combat & Tactics. 4th Edition’s power system requires every player to understand how to read a power, apply conditions, and manage ongoing effects.

When you look at games and how they develop over time, there’s a natural tendency to see ever increasing complexity. Picture an old Atari 2600 controller. It was a joystick with one button. Now compare that to an Xbox 360 controller. The 360 has two control sticks, a d-pad, two triggers, two bumpers, four buttons, a start button, and a select button. (At least, I think that’s what it has. I’m going off of a picture of one I found on the Internet.) That’s two elements for the Atari and thirteen for the 360.

If you look back at last week’s article, you see a similar rise in the complexity of D&D. With each passing year, the game has become more complicated. So what’s going on here? As the title of this column indicates, I think we’re seeing an overall rise in player skill, more established tropes of gaming, and a better network of tutoring and knowledge. Our collective gaming brain has grown larger and larger, and therefore seeks out deeper, more complex games.

Player skill is the easiest and most obvious factor to look at. If you started playing D&D back in 1974, you soon learned the basics of the character classes and perhaps gave each one a play. At some point, you’d start to hunger for more options. You probably also spotted a few areas where you thought a few new rules or changes would improve the game. While all of that happens on an individual level, it also translates across the entire player community. As a whole, we gain more experience and learn more about games and what we want out of them.

That process feeds into the next layer, the rise of tropes and clichés. This one is fairly easy to explain via an example. The first time you entered a dungeon and the character at the head of the party fell into a pit trap, it was a big event. The fifth or sixth time you came across such a trap, you probably discovering it first by tapping ahead with a pole or searching for traps; it was something you expected.

In the same manner, a lot of the rules of the game become second nature. If you understand how attack rolls work, adding a bit more complexity to them is no problem for you. Something like 3rd Edition’s flanking is easier to understand for a veteran because it makes intuitive sense. If you surround a guy, he’s easier to hit. Since you already understand the game’s basic framework, you can more rapidly absorb and understand changes.

Finally, all that knowledge spreads between players. A new player in 1974 could perhaps find a gaming tutor who had been playing D&D for a few months. Today, you might find someone with three decades of gaming. As the community develops its expertise, it also sharpens its ability to teach new players.

All of those factors point to why we’ve seen a steady increase in complexity over time. As a group, we’ve mastered the rules and started to seek more options. We’ve assimilated various tropes and mechanics to the point that they’re intuitive, providing a foundation for more mechanics to rest upon. And against the backdrop of this complexity, we’re better overall at teaching the game to new players.

But of course, explaining why we see complexity on the rise overlooks the real question. Is complexity a good thing—is the game better served by having lots of rules and options? Should it feature a lot of depth, should it remain relatively simple—or are we best served by a game that offers a broad range of complexity?

I imagine that most people would prefer a game with a complexity level that they can set themselves. Traditionally, D&D has featured that by making fighters relatively simple and wizards more complex. Instead, I’m interested in hearing about your views on the different editions of D&D over time.
Legends & Lore: Poll #3 Results

Your fighter loses all his or her feats, skills, powers, and non-weapon proficiencies. Yet, your standard swing with a sword/shot with a bow is effective enough that you don’t feel overshadowed by any of the other characters in the group. How do you feel about that?

* I’d be bored doing the same thing over and over again, round after round in a fight: 40.7%
* I’d miss the mechanics that made my fighter unique compared to other fighters: 30.4%
* I’d be happy that I can have an effective character without the complexity: 14.5%
* As long as my character is equivalent in power to the rest of the party, I’m fine: 10.5%
* I’m not concerned about the mechanics or balance, so I don’t care: 3.9%

What has been going on.

2011-03-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

Well I converted my old school setting to Patfinder. Cool system but still too much crunch. Going to get someone else to run really soon or try and convert them to LL. My god it would run so much FASTER! My creativity is being held back by the CLUNK.

Here BELOW is the session from three weeks ago and I will post this weekend's session. I really am enjoying seeing the players experience a HUGE megadungeon. With the vast amounts of advice from all over the OSR I have truly created a fantastic scary mysterious dungeon.

It's funny how many of the players said how a dungeon adventure would be boring and now they love it. It was like beating them over the head and they resisted kicking and screaming but now they are beginning to see. I love that glazed look of wow I am enjoying it.

From what they can tell some years ago a large group of people began a life under the ground. They tried to carve out a wonderful society and then something went wrong. Maybe they dug too deep and found....

My dungeon has multiple areas with different ecosystems, societies, and just plane inhospitable places. In some cases like all areas left to decay, nature has began to retake the place as there are collapsed areas. Some are huge gaping holes that open to even deeper levels of the dungeon and even to the mythic underworld. Some are holes caused by water flowing. It's funny how the place has water flowing into it and it never fills up. Where does the water go?

From Tony's Post
PLAYERS:
Tony - Dwarf Cleric
Ryan - Human Fighter
Machelle - Drow Rogue
Carson - Dwarf Fighter
Tabby - Half-Elf Sorceress

XP:
Tony, Ryan: 200 + 450 + 400 + 520 = 1570 XP Each
Machelle: 200 + 450 + 400 = 1050 XP
Carson, Tabby: 400 + 520 = 920 XP Each

LOOT:
3 Malachite Gems (100 GP ea)
408 GP
102 SP
517 CP
Belt of Dexterity +2 --> Machelle
Gold Statue of Gnoll (300 GP)
211 GP
Lump of Gold (300 GP)
Lump of Gold (200 GP)
100 GP Reward

NOTES:
Total loot comes to 325.72 GP Each (except Machelle, who gets 205.72 GP.
We met up with a Necromancer who wanted to team up with us on an adventure. So we agreed and entered a sanctioned dungeon. We flubbed our entry of the dungeon and ended up on the 2nd level. Even still, we kicked butt, but decided not to press our luck. So we went back to town to heal up. We went back to the dungeon and ran into two more members of our group, who joined up with us.
We defeated some bugbears and gnolls and went back to town. The industrious Rogue decided to steal some potions from an alchemist shop. She got caught, killed one of the workers, and was captured by the city guard. The rest of us feigned ignorance and went back to the dungeon. We had a rough go against some goblins, but we defeated them and freed some slaves at the same time.
The only thing that is unsettled is a gem that some intelligent party-skeletons promised us in exchange for getting rid of their bugbear problem. A Dwarf never forgets...
... except that everything mentioned here may not have happened exactly in the order described, but it all happened at some point. :-)

Thief: The Dark Project

2011-02-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

Thief...One of the greatest PC games ever made.

A medieval world of machines, cults, and many stories of the City.

Always trouble for Garrett our hero for lack of a better word.

Always a pawn in their games...

The graphics are mediocre in our modern standards and most modern machines won't run it without alot of tweaking or just play it on an old PC.

The sound is what really sets this PC game apart. You can most likely find it for a few bucks. ThiefII The Metal Age is the second in the series. It is just as good as the first game.

Thief: Deadly Shadows is barely the thief experience. Although better graphics it failed to give the same experience.

There is a place to get a FREE Thief type experience so long as you own a copy of Doom3. A group of saints created "The Dark Mod" for Doom3. It is a free engine for those who wish to create Thief type missions. They have succeeded in capturing the feel of Thief and it is free. There are many FREE fan missions and most are fantastic.

Monsters

2011-02-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Here is some of the monster section.

Monster have AC, HD, Movement. The descriptions are deliberately left vague and simple in order for you to customize your game world.
AC is the Armor Class. Here below is the table to explain.
None Skin 10
Padded or tough skin 11
Leather Fur or very tough skin 12
Studded Leather Scales Fur with very tough skin 13
Chain Chitin Bone Plates Wood 14
Scale Stone 15
Plate Metal 16
Shield adds +1
Small Adds +1
Quick or Tricky Adds +1
Very Quick or Tricky adds +2
Extremely Quick or Tricky +3
Magical +1 and up
Large Subtracts -1
Huge Subtract -2
Armor Class m=Magic is the only way this creature can be harmed. Normal weapons simply bounce off or the wound instantly heals and e=elemental means that the attack must be from some elemental source such as earth, air, fire, or water as described in monster description and s=silver means silver weapons must be used to hit this creature.
A Plus + mean Armor can give greater AC

Hit Dice are how many d6 that you roll for the monster's hit points. All monster save at +1 for every 2 hit dice for attacking and any skill check unless there is another modifier listed. Saves against monster's spells or poisons is at 10 + ½ Hit Dice Some monsters may have an additional save against certain types of attacks.

Movement is how many feet the monster moves per round in combat or in a turn on a map.

Making Monsters! I fully expect with these simple rules that you make your own monsters Use the information provided to help you out. Send them to me and I will put them in a future book.

A selection of monsters.

Dragon, Fire AC19 HD10 Move40/60f Bite 1d12, 2 claws 1d12, Tail 1d10, or Breath Weapon Fire 10d6
A red scaled dragon that prefers the volcanic areas but may be found anywhere.
Dryad AC16 HD2 Move30/50t Charm 11, Slam 1d12
A fey nature spirit that lives in the woods that enjoys charming young and hansom men to live with her in the fey real for ten years or more without aging.
Dwarf AC10+ HD1 Move20 By Weapon
The 4' tall stocky race of miners. The men have beards and the females don't. Very quick to anger and very serious. They all enjoy drinking and fighting goblins.

Okay gonna go eat a sandwich.

More of my RPG

2011-02-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

First of all this in not a simulacrum. First of all level limits suck. Race as class only makes sense with major story limitations. It's a rules lite D20 in the spirit of old school gaming but with some of the options of the OGL. With the OGL monsters that have full character stats suck. Too many hit points suck.

Made to play with large or small groups. Made to be simple and FAST to make characters. Made easy to run. I have built and tore down this system hundreds of times throughout the years. First inspired by the clunk of 3E and the nostalgia of yesteryear's gaming.

Here is how stats are generated. No surprise here.

Roll 4d6 don't count the lowest dice this generates a number from 3-18 6 times in order for the following attributes. Switch any two abilities if you like or leave the dice to fate. This prevents from having min maxed characters.

Strength (STR)– How strong you are. Your bonus to hit and damage in melee combat.
Dexterity (DEX)- How agile you are. How quick you can dodge or run. How well you can aim.
Constitution (CON)- How tough and resilient you are. Your bonus to hit points and ability to save from poisons and magic.
Intelligence (INT)- How smart you are as well as your knowledge. Your bonus to languages and arcane spells.
Wisdom (WIS)- How wise and perceptive you are. Your ability to resist mind magics.
Charisma (CHA)- How powerful your personality is and possibly how attractive you are depending on description.

Here is how you do things in my game.

The simple way is to roll a D20 and add the Attribute bonus (or subtract) plus your Primary or Secondary bonus plus ½ your level. Every 4 levels you get to improve one attribute by 1. The higher the roll the better the result. Some tasks have a difficulty number. The game master may require the Player to write a good character history to determine background skills.

DIFFICULTY NUMBER or DN
Easy 5
Average 10
Moderate 15
Hard 20
Impossible 25+

More later...

My Classes for my RPG

2011-02-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

Here is from my Classic Fantasy Role Playing Game (New name coming)a selection of classes. Hope you enjoy. Hope you don't die from the terrible writing style.

CLASSES

Clerics
The cleric is a priest of the old and ancient gods. He heals the sick and uses the powers from his god to further his gods cause. A cleric must have a Wisdom of 9 or more. A cleric may use his Wisdom to receive an insight from his god. He also may use his Intelligence on questions of Lore and Theology. The Cleric may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. Normal difficulty is 10 + Damage done. The Cleric may also use his Charisma to preach to people to keep their spirits up and convince them of the “right” path to take. Can turn undead. Heal Can cast Cleric Spells. He is able to fight quite well and can use any armor. The various religions restrict most clerics to blunt weapons though some gods allow for their chosen weapons. A cleric may convert any memorized spell into a healing spell at will. May use Chosen weapons of God. May wear any armor. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level.

Fighting Men
The brave and strong Fighting man is the backbone of any adventuring group. The Fighting Man answers most conflict with weapons drawn. They are trained at all weapons and armor. They are the simplest class to play. A Fighting Man must have a Strength of 9 or more. The Fighting man may use his Strength to perform a feat of Strength such as moving heavy objects that no other characters can use. The Fighting man may also use his Intelligence to see the quality of weapons and armor. A fighting man may also use his Wisdom to keep control of his horse or other steed. You are proficient in all weapons and armor. Critical hits improve to x3 at 4th level x 4 at 8th level improving every 4 levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10 HP+ 1d10 a level.

Magic-Users
The magic user is the wizard and witch of old. They can cast many spells but are untrained at all forms of weapons and armor. A magic User must have an Intelligence of 9 or more. A magic user may use his intelligence to see if he knows any lore about any certain occult subjects. The magic user may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. Normal difficulty is 10 + Damage done. Can cast Arcane Spells. Has 6 + Int bonus of 0 level spells and 2 plus Int bonus of first level spells. The magic-user must look for or buy any future spell he needs to cast. Has the ability of Wand Use if he buys the proper wand of power. Can poorly use any weapons and armor but cannot cast in armor. +1 to hit every 6 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Thief
The Thief is a trained criminal. He is the master of stealth and locks. You are a Thief. You must Have Dexterity of 9 or more. A wisdom of 9 or more is helpful also. A thief can use his Dexterity to pick locks, pick pockets, disarm traps, do acrobatic feats, and move completely silently. He uses his Wisdom to hear noises that no one else can hear, find traps, and hide in the shadows. The thief uses his Strength to scale sheer surfaces that no one else can provided there is some sort of grip. The thief also has a secret language called thief’s cant. If the thief can sneak up on a person or do a surprise attack it does extra damage. Last but not least the Thief may use his Charisma to trick a magic item into working for him that would otherwise only work for another class. You can use any weapons and wear any armor but can only do most thieving in Leather Armor. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point from any thieving skills you try for every point past AC 12. You can also do a sneak attack that does +1D6 every 4 levels. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Assassin
Assassins are hired killers. To be an assassin one must have a Strength of 9, Dexterity and Wisdom of 12 or more. They specialize in the quick kill only if the opponent is unaware and fails his save. Only one chance is given for a surprise attack. They tend to wear light armor and can use any weapons and armor. An assassin has all the abilities of a thief but not as good. If the assassin uses his Intelligence he may brew up poisons. He uses his Wisdom to shadow a victim. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 12. +1 to hit every 4 levels. Assassinate (DC10-Level)+(+1 DC) per level of victim only on a surprise attack. Unarmed Attack. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level.

Barbarian
Barbarians are warriors from primitive civilizations. They tend to distrust magic and have trouble with any technology greater than Stone Age. Barbarians tend to use large two-handed weapons. Barbarians use their Strength to perform Feats of Strength, Jumping long distances, and climbing sheer cliffs but not as good as a thief. They use their Dexterity to perform stealth as good as a thief as long as they are in leather armor or less. They use their Constitution to drink large amounts of alcohol, ignore pain, and resist poisons and drugs. They use their Wisdom to sense the weather and wilderness survival. They use their Charisma to intimidate and push around lesser people. To be a barbarian one must have a Strength and Constitution of 14 or more. With two handed weapons may cleave +1 creature per level. Rage which gives +2 to hit and damage for Constitution in Rounds plus 1 a level. Must roll Wis or Higher to come out of Rage. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 12 HP+ 1d12 a level.

Bard
A bard is a jack of all trades using his Charisma to influnce others and cast magic. The bard is a traveling teller of tales and magician. A bard must have a Dexterity and Charisma of 12 or more. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 12. A bard has all the skills a thief does but not as good. The bard also can use his Charisma to con, Seduce, charm, and convince people to do his bidding. He uses his Intelligence to see if he knows and lore or theology like a druid, wizard, or cleric just not as good. The bard knows spells like a sorcerer but picks them from any of the spell list. Leather Armor Only and Can use any weapons. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+1d8 a level.

Druid
A druid is an priest of nature. He has many powers and abilities to protect the wilderness. A druid must have a Wisdom and Constitution of 9 or more. The druid can use his Intelligence or Wisdom to see if he has any Lore about survival, plants, animals, or the weather. The Druid also has the ability to use his Wisdom to sense the unnatural when he is in a natural setting. Natural Weapons and Armor only. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+ 1d8 a level. Has Spells from the Druid list.

Monk
A monk is a trained martial artist. A monk does 1d6 per hand to hand attack adding another 1d6 every 2 levels as a separate attack. A monks defense goes up one every two levels as well. A monk adds five feet to his fall distance every two levels. The monk is immune to any from of mind control and illusions at eighth level and is immune to any quest or geas at tenth. A monk may fake death at fifth level. The monk can use his Dexterity to do incredible acrobatic feats far better than the thief as well as scale sheer surfaces, move silently, and hide in shadows. The Monk may use his Wisdom to sense danger far better than any other character. The Monk can use his Wisdom or Intelligence on minor Lore questions. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 12 HP+ 1d12 a level.

Noble
The noble is a steadfast fighter and natural leader. The noble uses his Intelligence to recall many subjects of Lore and Heraldry. He uses his Wisdom to perceive the true motives of others. The noble also uses his Charisma to inspire or intimidate others. Many dabble in the use of magic items and scrolls as their training in lore allow them to use such things. The noble doubles the amount of starting gold. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8 HP+1d8 a level.

Paladin
A paladin is a holy knight. The paladin may use his Wisdom to sense evil within a 20 foot radius. This ability automatically works within five foot of the Paladin. The Paladin may also use his Intelligence to see if he has any Lore like a Magic User or Cleric just not as good. He also has the Lore of Demons and Devils. The Paladin may also use his Charisma to command and inspire his party. He uses his Wisdom to ride his steed into combat. The paladin can heal his Charisma bonus plus 2 Hit Points a level per day. Cast cleric spells at -5 Levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10HP+ 1d10 a level.

Ranger
The Ranger is a warrior and a scout who is very skilled in wilderness survival. The ranger uses his Strength to climb great cliffs and trees as well as great leaps. The Dexterity attribute for Stealth and Trapsetting. His Constitution for endurance to keep running far longer than others before tiring. He uses his Wisdom for the Lore of Beast, Weather Sense, Tracking and Survival in the wilderness. He uses his Charisma for calming wild beast. If medium or higher armor is worn subtract one point for every point past AC 14. Humanoid Hatred gives the Ranger +1 every 2 Levels to Damage Done. +1 Bow attacks. May fight with offhand weapon at –2 to hit if wearing Chainmail or less. Cast Spells as Druid -5 levels. You get +1 to hit every 2 levels. 10 HP+ 1d10 a level.

Sorcerer
A sorcerer is a caster of magic much like a magic user except that his magic is not learned it comes naturally. A Sorcerer must have a Charisma of 9 or more. The Sorcerer may use his Constitution to keep his concentration if he is hit while casting a spell or distracted in any way. He may use his Intelligence for lore but past that he knows very little. He can use his Wisdom to perceive magic in an area and at higher levels even tell what the magic is. The sorcerer can also use his Charisma for fashion sense, to fascinate or manipulate others, seduce, and hypnotize them. Sorcerers know half of the spells that can use per day rounded down and naturally gain spells whenever they gain a level. Unlike wizards they do not have to memorize their spells. They can use any weapons and armor but cannot cast in armor. +1 to hit every 6 levels. 4HP +1d4HP a level.

Spellblade
The spellblade has all the abilities of a fighting man and a magic-user. Unlike a magic user he can wear armor but he is limited to chainmail and cannot use a shield. The spellblade starts off with all the abilities of a fighter and a magic-user at first level and his spell casting goes up every odd level. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 8HP+1d8HP a level.

Wanderer
A wanderer is a character that is not a standard adventurer type. He can start off by using leather armor and can increase his armor by every five levels. What he does with his abilities is up to the Game master and the players. Many can dabble in the use of magic items although not as good as a thief. +1 to hit every 4 levels. 6 HP+ 1d6 a level.

Okay here is where I would like some comments. Now don't be too rough as these are all "rough drafts" as I am trying to just get the ideas down and hopefully later I can clear things up.

In a Wicked Age

2011-01-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

In a Wicked Age

What exactly is this game? It uses oracles to come up with a story and a cast of characters. For example:

a Nest of Vipers

10S: A court dandy, casually cruel, exiled from the presence of the prince for a petty slight.

4S: One mistakenly condemned, fled into hiding.

6H: A tower of silver and alabaster, which rises from the sea under the new moon.

9C: An underground chamber, eerie with blue-green lights.

From this from what I have read (as I don't have the game as of yet) the group then makes a cast of characters. Using above I come up with..

Humatru A court dandy I imagine an vicious cruel effeminate unich fat and disgusting. Full of bright clothes and makeup. He must go and get back the princess from the dark night.

Garmelesh The prince tired of life, very tall and gaunt. A manly man. Long hair and beard. He is an expert swordsman and has only one love his sister the princess.

Anetriesha A virgin princess clad in only the thinnish of clothing. Melodramatic and crying from the slight made by the unich. She is constantly making a scene for attention. Her games are many and she cares not if people are harmed or killed in them.

The Tower Meklashia a vicious imprisoned spirit lives within this tower. He calls the virgin princess to get her to go into the underground chamber, eerie with blue-green lights. There the place will drain her life and he will awaken to torment the world.

You could at this time come up with a few more characters such as the guards, the king, some mercenaries, or whatever you can think of.

The players stat out their PCs and the GM stats out the rest and you start playing. There are very few rules present. Read over some of the reviews of this strange game.

Here are a few more oracles to see the strangeness that I am talking about.

Blood & Sex

10D: A note written in an elegant hand, sweetly perfumed.

QH: The rehearsal of the funeral of the city's aged and beloved mayor.

3H: The sorcerously animate homunculus of a wizard, more clever than wise, recently dead.

1H: A farm manor, peaceful and prosperous.

God-kings of War

10D: The country fort, made mostly of mud bricks, of a local warlord.

QH: A warrior-woman, queen of her small wild tribe, hard-pressed by advancing civilization.

3H: An unspeakable demon of atrocity and rage, bound in chains for a thousand years, aware suddenly of a minute loosening of his bonds.

1H: A secret order of warrior-mystics, defending their relics.

the Unquiet Past

10D: The young, beautiful wife of an old man whom the gods have touched.

QH: A reader of omens and caster of auguries, with grim news.

3H: The guardian of a tomb, a statue cast in silver with ruby eyes.

1H: A girl with the soul of a leopard, born inappropriately into a human body.

a Nest of Vipers

10D: The written deed to a certain house, affirmed and sealed.

QH: The return of a reclusive enchantress to her home.

3H: An imbiber of sorcerous drugs, seeking congress with demons.

1H: A vicious gang of cutthroats and alley-thieves.

Comments?

Many NPCs and Megadungeons

2010-12-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

So have you noticed that since 3E on up UNLESS you had a Character Builder of some sort that NPCs were hard to make?

Even if you made them in 3E that would be cumbersome to run and ever more so in 4th edition.

Notice from 2E on down that a huge party of PCs and NPCs were easy to make and run? I mean I use NPCs as cannon fodder to keep the heroes alive. Not a problem when you can make one up in less that a minute. Just try running a party of 8-10 players with 12 or so NPCs in the 3rd or 4th edition. It works in 3rd edition BUT they will have full stats IF you use the rules as written. If not they will be massive unskilled retards. God I would not even have enough room on my table for a 4th edition game of this sort.

Now for something completely different!

With the 4th edition the age of the Megadungon is over for the modern gamer. Just go and try and make one. I already have for LL/S&W. You go make one for 4th edition with at least 100 rooms per level. See you in a 100 years. We of the OSR shall enjoy the mysteries of the huge Megadungeon!

Happy Jacks RPG Podcast

2010-11-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

http://rpgpodcasts.com/show/HappyJacksRPGPodcast

They were my first podcast.

They still are the best so far compared to all other podcast that I have listened to.

Swords and Wizardry Complete Rulebook

2010-10-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Full power old school feel!

This book expands the Swords and Wizardry Core Rules (http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/) to cover all of the early phase supplements from the 1970’s. It creates a 1-volume resource allowing the players and game masters alike to create and run adventures and campaigns that will last for an entire lifetime. The game is supported by a vast array of adventures, and other resources that are produced by Frog God Games.

This is the game you played 20 years ago. It’s true to the original style and philosophy that made the game great. No “Spot Checks” here. Simple, flexible rules that allow players and game masters alike to roll play and roleplay. This stand-alone tome provides all the rules you need to play the game. Its easily transferable as a rules set for other retro-clone games as well as those old dusty modules you still have in the attic.

In 1974, Gary Gygax (1938-2008) and Dave Arneson (1947-2009) wrote the world’s first fantasy role-playing game, a simple and very flexible set of rules that launched an entirely new genre of gaming. In the year 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc. (holder of the “Dungeons & Dragons” trademark) released the “Open Game License,” which allows third parties, like us, to use various intellectual properties historically associated with the Dungeons & Dragons game – although not the actual trademarked name itself, and with specific terms and restrictions.

This book is an unofficial, “re-stated” version of the original Gygax & Arneson rules (0e), created using the Open Game License. This original game consisted of a boxed set of three booklets: Men & Magic, Monsters & Treasure, and The Underworld & Wilderness Adventures. Four supplements were also written by Gary Gygax, Rob Kuntz and others between 1975 and 1977, containing options for expanding the game with new rules. Collectively, all those booklets are often referred to as “0e,” standing for “zero edition,” and we mention the “Original Game” from time to time in this book, as a reference point. Swords & Wizardry re-describes selected rules from all seven of the Original Game booklets, taking some and leaving some. In general, Swords & Wizardry adopts class, monster, and spell rules from all the supplements, but sticks to the simpler combat mechanics from the boxed set and the first supplement only. Tim Kask, the first editor of the Dragon Magazine(TM), the first employee of TSR, Inc., and the editor of Supplements 2-4 for Original Dungeons & Dragons (TM), has more to say about that in the Foreword.

The Swords & Wizardry rules are extremely short, compared to the multi-paged rule-libraries required to play most modern role-playing games. Yet this game contains within itself all the seeds and soul of mythic fantasy, the building blocks of vast complexity, the kindling of wonder. “Edition Zero” is so powerful because it’s encapsulated in a small formula, like a genie kept imprisoned in the small compass of an unremarkable lamp. Take this framework, and then imagine the hell out of it!

Estimated Retail Price: $39.99, limited edition signed, numbered, hardcover (100 copies) and pdf, $19.99 perfect bound softcover and pdf (200 copies only of the first printing), $9.99, pdf only.

Estimated Page Count: 128
Authors: Matt Finch
Scheduled Release: November 2010

Empire of the Petal Throne

2010-09-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Wow just looked at a PDF of the game. A reprint from 2000 from Tigree Enterprises that is now Defunct! Wow what a piece of work.

I quit playing 4E for an undetermined time and other musings

2010-09-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

Well I told my gaming group that I was just burnt out on 4th edition. Yep I know that is former post I said I was going to put away my OSR setting and embrace the 4th edition and just shut up and play!

AND play we did. I was playing a cleric. The battles were few but LONG. We had in the past discussed that the players need to know their characters and use strategy. Much strategy was used and many monsters fell. It still took too long and many battles just drug along.

Due to my job I had to give up the DM chair and we had some of the other members running games.

The system is fairly clunky. The monsters have a full page of stats. Why? Worst of all everything except minions has way too many hit points. Why would someone design a game in a way that purposefully makes battles last over 30 minutes?

I thought they play-tested it for over a year. How can there be so much errata? Then the Essentials are coming out which is a whole another version.

I remember one battle where a character did over 30 points of damage to a gnoll and this had just only bloodied it after 20 minutes of battle.

Slow. boardgamish, no story just battle, well I just stopped having fun or at least very much fun.

I had suggested many times for my group to try my LL mega-dungeon but I always got the blow off and the statement "I only like 4th". I always stated that we did not have to stop playing 4th but every so often try another system.

The standard answer was "I only like 4th" even though many of them have never played anything else or very little of anything else. In the past when anything else was going to be ran they would not show up that day.

So we were back to the every Saturday only playing 4th edition and it stopped being fun. I mean I love my group of friends but every weekend we were just playing a game and using per encounters, dailies, healing surges, too many hit point, too much math, too many rules, and it just got all the same. I asked my wife and my 14 year old what they thought. They too had not been having fun for a long time either. That settled it.

What about the fear of your character dieing? What about running out of spells and supplies? What about having to go back to town to heal up? What about it being a challenge?

A game where your character had fought and clawed his way for every XP he ever got.

SO..

I told my players for an undetermined time no 4th for me and soon I will be playing something else. The reaction was not surprising and I was not surprised by "I only like 4th and only want to play 4th" and one of the players said that if any other game was ran "he would not be attending".

I was even schooled on how I should have finished the 4th game that we were playing and then they would think about another game.

I did not recall asking them to stop playing 4th nor would I ever. I do not want this to end friendships but they seem to be taking the less than savory path. I will continue to be friendly and hope the best for them.

I only asked for them to try another style of gaming and was shot down for at least as long as I have had this blog save a few sessions.

OTHER MUSINGS

So the new Red Box is out? It only cover 2 levels. Gee sounds like a sample more than a game sight unseen. Gee I told WOTC to do that back on their forums during the first really crappy 3rd edition boxed set.

It's causing a stir and that is good and now the OSR Game Writers need to get off their asses and make a real basic set.

There needs to be a LL/AEC, OSRIC, BFRPG. and/or S&W (S&W is already kinda basic though) intro/basic set.

It should cover all the races and all the classes up to 5th level.

Have a selection of monsters and a guide on how to play as well as an adventure included.

Make it cheap. Get it out there!

A boxed set? Possibly but the OSR publishers need to get off their asses and take advantage of what is going on.

The OSR in me never died.

2010-08-22T11:33:00.001-07:00

Well after a few more sessions of 4th Edition I decided to bring out my LL/AEC setting and work on it again. Not that the 4th edition sessions went "bad" per say it's just they didn't go "well". I had to give up the reigns of the DM as well as I have a LONG day that involves waking up a 3:25 in the morning and then getting to bed at 100:00 at four days a week and the fifth is an 8 hour shift but the 71.5 mile drive one way is the killed plus the 25 minute bus ride, plus the almost a mile walk. See very little time for rules intensive RPGs. Funny I can still create for the LL/AEC as all I think of is the story and then the rules just allow me to just write them down in minutes. The 4th has some good qualities and really good story ideas but it still does not offer that "certain magic" that the OSR does. I just recently reconnected with a few Old Schoolers in the area and may see if they want to play some RPGs old school style.

D&D Essentials and other musings

2010-08-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

So what's the opinion on this new cost efficient version of D&D? Any of you Old School Gamers have any interest in it at all? After looking at a few examples it appears to be the very same ol 4th edition just presented in a different format. I still see many 4th edition "purist" especially the ones I know freaking and fuming about the whole thing. I kinda like the small 6 x 9 inch booklets idea.

Possibly (but unlikely due to life and time constraints) one day I will try to write my RPG that is a mix of the old and new school.

Old school simplicity with the new school options.

Let's face it some of the rule restrictions and such in the world of old school gaming is just stupid. Level Limits being the most and racial class restrictions as well.

In the new school it's monster stats that are as long and complicated as character stats, too many hit points, too much math, way too many rules.

Someone needs to mend these with a really cool game that mixes the old and new in a simple way.

It might just be me (or somebody else with time and a life).

Cracks Forming?

2010-08-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Wow the essentials has quite a few 4th edition players and DMs paranoid! More on this on a later post.

Once again another session of 4th edition that went well EXCEPT that more that half of the party got bored. Once again through no fault of anyone at the table the combat went WAY too long.

I once again asked about the S&W and LL game that we played in the past and was told by another memebr guilty of falling asleep during 4th edition games MORE that anyone else that she did not really like the old school gaming for no real clear reason other than not alot of stuff that I can do and not alot of hit points. It was too easy to die in the old school games.

What? Only one PC died and he replaced his character in about 5 minutes as that's all it took to roll one up?

Later on my wife said the same thing? What?!?!?!? her character made it to second level?

Cracks are forming as we level up and combat no matter what get's more and more boring even though we can do some really cool stuff the slower less gamer-centric players get left behind in the dust of the complication. They get to made to feel stupid and slow as the gamer-centric players get the rules.

In the old days only the DM needed to know the rules and the players just played. In fact it was not until the 90s that I learned the rules. I started in 81 or so.

The Players

2010-07-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

PLAYERS:
Tony - Per'en Moonbeam - Elven Cleric of Corellon
Larry - Travok Ironfist, Nala - Dwarven Invoker of Moradin, Dragonborn Fighter
Amy - Darlet of Ashton - Human Fighter
Tabby - Shyla - Elven Seeker
Jade - Wynne - Elven Rogue
Machelle - Piper, Piper II - Shadar-kai Assassin, Shadar-kai Warden

The New Game

2010-06-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Well the last 4th edition D&D game was a success. Everyone had fun and using the old school techniques it really went well. I decided to use the Dungeon Tiles that I had acquired and I must say they are an excellent product. Most of all the players are having fun. I have decided to use my monsters in order and stove pipe the dungeon forgoing a premade map. I will go over the details of the story so far in a later post.

Time to give up on the Old School (well mostly)

2010-06-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like my group has won.

They just don't dig the old stuff, or will even try it. They have had good times but the OSR type of gaming just don't have the features they like.

SO I just have started only writing adventures for the 4th edition only and will put my OSR stuff on the shelf to collect dust.

Most of all are they having fun? Do I push the OSR and not play at all or run the games they want? I would rather game then not.

Old School Gaming the Album

2010-05-22T01:56:00.000-07:00

Old School Gaming the Album

What music do you like during Fantasy gaming? Yes someone already posted something like this somewhere back awhile ago. BUT

List a few of your favorite artist, songs or Albums for gaming moods.

Here are a few of mine.

Lorena McKenitt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B7sH5QLyXY

Dead Can Dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJhVM930YXY

Danzig's Black Aria
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=BBDDEC6562D9CC82

Tool
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhjG47gtMCo

Iron Maiden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5Snehl2bAk

LotR Soundtrack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=408lJ0svE0Q

Braveheart Soundtrack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wvapr8WvBs

Rob Roy Soundtrack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpN93TT8nT4&feature=PlayList&p=EC1E2301EC61B7DA&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=22

What are yours?

Now a message about Wine from Dr Steve Brule!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91dLiozxRY0

The Ancient Ways of the Grain Goddess

2010-05-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

The Ancient Ways of the Grain Goddess

As written by Celenoious the Sage from the university of Raven's Keep.

Let's face it the religion of the Grain Goddess Keres whose spiritual leader is Shel-Elene (the ugly Baroness of Raven's Keep) is not a very good deal for worshipers. First of all many a young maiden is expected to have relations with the male hierarchy of the church set up by her husband the Baron Strah-Kahar.

He being the Lord and Savior of the Temple of the Horseman God, know in other parts as Kerne the Hunter, Mal the Slayer of Invaders, and Tyre God of War. Only fellow nobles are allowed to be Horsemen and worship in his temple.

All who are filthy foreigners and not of the ever dying Hattir blood. They are the filthy stinking Mastdellian race whose symbol is a Mastodon when the feel not putting up the raven.

The religion is supported to keep the baron's wife busy with silly intrigues all set up by the Baron to keep his ugly fat ignorant wife occupied. Tis sinister as they practice many lotteries that end up in death by stoning, drowning, stabbing, and poly-morphing if not even more sinister things.

Wort of all is the Wicker Man! Woe to ye who are the victim and fool of this ritual!

The baroness conveniently tries to kill any of the baron's other mistresses, slaves, and whores to keep her place that she soon knows will be taken away if she be not ever vigilant, treacherous, and militant.

The baron usually cares not as there are many stirges in a cave as he always says. He also says there are many goblins, kobolds, hobgoblins, and orcs to stab in the dark! Oh what a sense of humor our leader has.

The the worship of the Grain Goddess Keres is a filthy foreigner religion that is slowly taking over raven's Keep as the Mastdellian filth keeps moving in.

They are trying to breed us out as the Baron and the Nobles have the right of First Night with our brides.

They shall one day push the people and we shall have enough!

October Surprise!

2010-05-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

Many economist are saying get ready for the October Surprise!

Another wave or Mortgage Rate Resets! Just like the kind that started the bailouts we oh so love!

My question is if the holders of the mortgages are currently making money and IF the rate goes up causing a default wouldn't you just NOT raise the mortgage rate and allow the person to keep the house?

What exactly happens to a house that sits empty for any period of time? What are these idiots going to do with these thousands of empty houses that nobody will buy?

Are these idiots TRYING to crash the economy on purpose?

Worst of all look at the peak of ARM Rate Resets in 2011.

What will most likely result is a devaluation of the actual value of the greenback and then people we are in real trouble. Depending on how much the greenback devalues we may see our beloved USA become a third world country.

This Dungeon

2010-04-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have found a few pictures of what ruins and dungeons look like. This is a test of what this blog can do.

Stairs down

We make it to a door

We find an atrium

Suddenly goblins are coming...

If you don't put lots of space the images will overlap.

You think you can take these Dungeons?

2010-04-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is a little experiment to see how much I can post on a blog.

I am the guide for the adventurers. They are young and stupid full of piss and vinegar and gold.

Stupid all stupid they are they actually "want" to go deep into a dungeon. I bring them to the entrance. The foolishly make noise and sounds of glee. If I did not need the money and not have these men working for me oh how I would get a young wife and start a farm BUT all my gold goes they way of drinking.

There are the two young lovers. The Thief and the Druid. She could do so much better.

The Wizard

The Fighter

Not enough to enter this dungeon. Me and my men grumble at these idiots. The entrance looks like this...

Will we survive?

Hero's Mag Setting

2010-04-28T21:20:00.001-07:00

I have this world that I have used for years in various incarnations. Here is what I have so far from the North American Continent.

Mega-Earth present day:

North America was slit up into five distinct nations after the civil war with many smaller city states in between. These nations are roughly called the United Megalopolis North America. These nations are nothing close to being United.

United Megalopolis North America 1-7
Republicia
The nation that is the remnants of the old USA. It is in the current midst of an economic crisis and is bogged down by wars in the middle east. This area is know as the East Coast or Neo England. It is primarily thought of as a Republic but it is at the begging stages of a Fascist State.

Steelton
A corporatist owned industrial giant that has been rotting from the inside due to free trade. Much of Steelton's factories are closed down. This area is know as the North East or the Great Lakes Nations. The nation is owned by warring corporations.

Tropica
The nation of sun and sand also know as the Southeast Coast or The Peninsula that goes out into the Gulf and Atlantic. It is ran by various families of great power.

Confederation
The southern gulf coast is home to the Confederation Megalopis. The Confederation is the very successful nation that won their freedom from the former United States which is now Republica. The Confederation has many petroleum refineries and very good farmlands. The Confederation has not been without it's problems as the slave rebellion in 1962 will attest. On that year slavery was finally abolished but it nearly tore the nation apart. Justice Johnson lead the rebellion and is still alive today. It is a very loose libertarian and/or anarchist state.

Desert
This is a nation know as the high desert. It is a highly religious area and is quite self sufficient. It is ran by a theocracy and various warring sects.

Rain
Know as the Nortwest this area is a mecca of industry. It is ran by various powers of all kinds.

Liberalia
Know as the East Coast this area is a huge Socialist Democracy. It is ran by the state but there are many factions all at war.

The Black StairsNPC party idea

2010-04-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Well up till 3:40 in the morning drinking fine vodka(because I ran out of bourbon) and working on my huge maps. About a hundred rooms per level. It's going to be a massive undertaking for anyone to take on this dungeon.

Once again I came up with a twist. One of the monsters I rolled up was an NPC party.

Now that can be interesting in itself as on a previous session the NPCs that were not hired went to the dungeon to explore on their own and best of all attack the weakened party to steal their stuff.

But why not give them more of a story?

When the players reenter the Black Stairs there will be a letter claiming the dungeon to the Raven's Keep Adventuring Society. The letter will also say that only sanctioned RKAS members may enter the dungeon if not legal action will be taken on the offenders. On the back will be a waiver of liabilities and a HUGE list of more that 15 NPCs in the party.

How will the players react to this? This is the dungeon that they bled in many times and now some upstart is claiming it?

This should be pretty good...

FALLOUT3 PC

2010-04-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Fallout 3 is just one of the best first person RPGs ever made.
The graphics and game play are fantastic if you got the machine with the ass to run it. If you don't have the machine to run it the enemies won't render at a distance but they still can shoot you.

The story is gritty and very deep as you explore the wastelands of a futuristic art deco Washington DC wasteland.

The game is huge with months of game play. Its so big that you wonder how did they have the time or budget to make a world on a massive scale.

If your looking for something to take up far too much time then F3 is the game to be.

The Black Stairs

2010-04-19T03:11:00.000-07:00

Well this week I am going to work on my old school dungeon The Black Stairs.

I will incorporate story into a megadungeon and it will be good.

Am I going to try and publish it? Hell no!

So far as my other projects are in limbo as well.

This is going to be a character grinder that does not forgive but any who survive shall be wealthy and gain levels.

It shall be at least 4 sheets of graph paper per level with some even larger.

One requirement I have is it shall not be work but pleasure and enjoyment.

Gamers and Health

2010-04-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

With so many Original Gamers dying off this last few years at way of a too young of an age in my opinion, is the gamer lifestyle a killer lifestyle?

Are there things that we need to do more like watching what we eat and getting exercise?

How many of us have had a checkup in the last few years?

Many of us need to make a change on how we live or die too early.

Plus there is still LOTS of gaming to do so I ain't got time to die.

Hero's Mag: My Super Hero RPG Concept!

2010-04-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is my nearly freeform Super Hero RPG.

You don't roll up a character you write up one.

I have tried this "system" with many different genres and it really works with good role players but not at all with min-maxers and rules lawyers.

It's basically a freeform system with an Outside the game and story mechanic to decide what happens. Try it out and see. Soon buildings and cars will be flying!

Hero's Mag

Hero's Mag is a superhero game that takes minutes to make a character and provide hours of fun. The only dice you need for this game is a 20 sided dice. Roll the dice and see what result you come up with from the chart below.

THE NOVEL RPG UNIVERSAL CHART

20 Perfection
18-19 Extremely Good
16-17 Very Good
13-15 Good
9-12 Average
6-8 Bad
4-5 Very Bad
2-3 Extremely Bad
1 Disastrous

WRITING INSTEAD OF ROLLING A CHARACTER:
When you want to make a character you need to forget all that you know about attributes, hit points, and anything else you have learned from other RPGs. Remember what you have learned on Free Form RPG boards on the internet. If they work there they will work here. There is a dice roll mechanic but it exist “outside” the game itself. The players write up Characters and give the Characters reasonable powers and equipment based on the power level being played. The game master will have the final say on “how powerful” your character is.

First chose a power level of your character.

Four Color – This is you standard superhero comic book. In this level cars get throw around the place and building are leveled.
Teen Supers – Here the players are young super powered beings with the problems of youth and the problems of superpowers.
Street Level – In this play level the players are against street thugs and mafia. There are a few superheroes and supervillains lurking around but most are low powered.
Epic – Here are the planet sized adventures where the planet, solar system, galaxy, or the very fabric of time and space is in danger. Seven points (or more) Perfection Maximum.

Second Choose a Concept. There is a large list of Super Hero Concepts farther back in the book.
There may be a concept that I missed that's fine write it up and submit it for a future Hero's Mag's Ultimate Concept Book.

Third elaborate on the character's concept.

Here are a few guidelines called the 7 Ms. Discuss the 7 Ms of the character concept if they are above or below average. Might or how resistant to damage and harm. Muscle or how strong you are compared to an average human. Moves or your agility and speed. Mind as is how strong mind is and will power. Manipulation as in your personality and manipulative ability. Martial as in your raw brawling ability and Missile as in your accuracy at ranged combat. What is his physical description? What is his personality?

Forth discuss your Powers, Abilities, Devices, and Skills.

How powerful they are and what they do. It's fine to add an array of powers, devices, and abilities just don't go overboard.

Fifth is background.

Does your character have a life other than super heroics? What does he do for a living? What hobbies does he have? What is his social status and wealth? Many of these backgrounds will provide skills and abilities that may provide useful in some game events.

Sixth is Mental and Physical Condition

Does your character have a bad back? Is he afraid of the dark? Has he an addiction to drugs? Is he completely healthy? All these are noted on the sheet. This is also the area where you note damage from combat.

Seventh is Equipment

What do you have equipment wise? You and the game master get together and discuss your hero's equipment and then your person equipment such as home and cars.

Eighth guideline is all these “rules” are just guidelines! The point is to have fun!

Example One: The LIZARD LAD
I am making a character with the powers of a lizard. I decide I want him to have chameleon skin , wall crawling, great leaping ability, prehensile tongue, and regeneration. I want him to be able to be able to dodge bullets so his great leaping ability should do the trick, be fairly strong as to be able to throw at least a mail box at someone. He could opt to just have better than normal strength but the power of super strength is way cooler. He has to be mostly naked for his chameleon power to work until he finds a super laboratory. I will make the story up that he was studying different lizards when he was caught in a strange dimensional warp that molded the lizard's DNA in his laboratory to him. What he does not know is this was done by a supervillain in order to mold him into a lackey. I also decide that the player is a recently graduated shy kid that had very little going for him. No college or future just a dead end job at a laboratory. The lab was at the local college so he was made fun of by the college kids. He now lurks the city streets looking for trouble as The Lizard Lad. He is unknown in the Confederation.

Example Two: STONE
Stone is a Brute. He is Super Strong able to lift weights as large as a train. His skin is super tough able to withstand any bullets and even some missiles and explosions. He was transformed into to Stone as a child when he was exposed to an alien radiation from a UFO crash. He is currently a very popular super in the Republicia Nation.

Example Three: SAMSON
Samson was an Epic super from the great world war and still survives today. He was though killed as he was seen being destroyed by the galaxy eater back in the early 90s. Samson has Super Strength able to lift a train, able to fly, is invulnerable to most physical damage, has x-ray vision, and laser eyes. Samson had always been a devout Christian and since he returned in the early 90's has been seen wearing upside down crosses and marking himself up with satanic symbols. There are stories of him victimizing women and children. Some say Samson was destroyed and something evil came and took his place.

Game Master Section

If a character tries to do something and is able to do with ease the charter succeeds. If there is a pivotal time in the adventure the Character rolls on the chart. The roll is not modified in any way. The result is read from the vantage of the skill of the character. For example if a skilled person and an unskilled person both get a Very Bad result it will mean different things for each Character. A skilled person may have his result shifted upwards to Bad while an unskilled would leave the roll as it is. A bad roll is not always a failed attempt to do something. It also can be a change of plot against the positive flow of the Story. This is actually a good thing as it makes very exciting stories. Damage is judged from the weapon used, the protection offered from cover, armor, and stamina and the result of the Plot Roll. Make it dramatic!

Combat

Each player declares what they are doing based on their descriptions and power levels. Each player rolls and attack and defense plus any other rolls they are doing. The higher result usually wins unless the other player pulls a cool stunt or is just far more superior.

The effects of combat can be very detailed from a detailed description of each body area to a simple Uninjured, Scratch/Beat Up, Injured, Severely Injured, Incapacitated, and Dying. It all depends on how you want to run the game. It is up to the players and the game master as well as the dice to figure out where your character stands. Mental states can be done this way as well. You have to decide how much damage or effect was done according to the power and skill level described in the characters text minus any relevant defenses.

Minions and Goons

Minions – Minions are weak bad guys that are wiped out in usually one hit. Most won't have powers but will have weapons and possibly armor and devices.

Goons – Goons are more powerful bad guys that work for large organizations and more powerful bad guys. Some goons will even have powers or super equipment but are still quite weak compared to a four color hero.

EXAMPLES OF SUPER COMBAT:

Example 1:
Lizard Lad is at the museum crawling on the ceiling looking at the different displays of tribal mask. An accidental electrical surge blast the largest tribal mask and it opens up a dimensional portal. Out leaps Utor. “Where am I? Some strange world full of weak humans! I shall rule them all!” Utor decides to pick up giant stone statues and throw them at security guards that have came in response. He rolls a 13 which is a Good result. The Game Master decides that is good enough to wipe out the guards as it shift up to an Extremely Good result unless... Lizard Lad decides to leap in midair and knock the stone statue aside and gets Injured.Lizard Lad rolls a 15 which is a Good result as well modified to a Very Good result. The game master decides he does it but how does he land? He ask for another roll. Another 15 is Good which becomes a Very Good for the Agility but back down to a Good for the injury which in this case the Lizard Lad lands flawlessly.
“ Hey ugly we were all enjoying a great day at the museum until you showed up. Why don't you go back to where you cam from” Lizard Lad leaps forward to knock the crap out of Utor and rolls a 12 Average modified up to a Good Result minus his Armor which goes down to an Average result. The both trade blows and nothing happens except for much of the museum getting damaged.

Example 2:
Scope come up on the warehouse where the Mafia Kings gang was rumored to be. He climbs up the fire escape and gets his throwing sticks ready. Scope had the uncanny ability to throw and almost never miss. The warehouse went up five stories but Scope saw all he needed from the second floor. Blade the Sword Master, Machine Gun Eddie, Sledge Hammer Pete, and Sally the Purse plus ten thugs (minions) from the Mafia Kings Gang.
Scope is Stealthy and rolls a 17 which is a Very Good result which is pushed up one level to an Extremely Good result. In other words the player and game master decide that Scope gets to sneak in without a problem. He sees two of the thugs talking to each other and decides to throw a few throwing sticks to knock them out. He has the Bullseye skill/power and rolls a 5 which is a Very Bad result! His Bullseye skill/power brings the result up to an Average which means that only one bad guy got knocked out and the other one is alerted. He begins to scream and alert the others and fires his pistol at Scope rolling an 18 Very Good result with his average skill. Scope attempts to jump out of the way AND throw a stick rolling an 13 which is a Good result. The game master decides that Scope can jump out of the way but his stick misses. The four goons call for backup and begin to head upstairs. The thug fires again getting a 15 which is a Good result. Scope decides to collapse a crate shelf with a stick throw on top of the thug and jump to the side and rolls a 6 which with his agility and his Bullseye Skill combined, the game master decides that the shelf is collapses but Scope gets Injured from the bullet. Damn! He got shot in the shoulder the Game Master Decides! This will make everything a bit more difficult. Sally the purse makes it upstairs and begins throwing ink pens and coins at Scope with deadly accuracy rolling a 10 Average roll. Scope rolls a 6 which is a Bad result and the game master decides that Scope is injured and is flung into a bunch of boxes. He returns fire at Sally the Purse rolling a 5 or Very Bad result. Sally easily dodges the stick and returns a volley of old dirty change rolling a 14 which is a good result. Scope rolls a 5 which is a Very Bad result and Scope is knocked back out the window he cam and falls two stories into the trash heaps below. Scope is now Severely Injured. Scope decides to get a super team together and gets away through the back alleyways.

A Few Adventure Concepts

The Game Master writes up adventure. The Game Master would make up a few villains and a few normal people to interact with.

1.Villain of the Week
2.Crime Spree
3.Terrorist Take over
4.Ancient Evil Awakens
5.Enemy Country Invades
6.Alien Attack
7.A Team of Villains Form
8.A Super Power Villain Attacks
9.Another Superhero or Superhero Team have a disagreement with the Players.
10.Player is Framed
11.Giant Monster Attack
12.Natural Disaster
13.Burning Building
14.Government Agency Begins to Attack or Harass the Players.
15.Lost or Hidden Country in Trouble.
16.Strange Dimensional Portal Opens.
17.Family or Friends Kidnapped
18.Villains Approach Players to Fight a Greater Evil.
19.Demons, Devils, Ghost, or Other Supernatural Enemies Attack
20.Make Up Another or Choose One

EXAMPLE OF WRITING AN ADVENTURE AND A VILLAIN

The Game Master rolls a 16 which is “Strange Dimensional Portal Opens”. A primitive Wildman appears and begins a rampage that the players must stop. The game master decides to name the Wildman Utor the Barbarian.

UTOR
Utor has superhuman agility and superhuman strength able to leap at least three stories into the air and throw a car. His skin is super tough able to withstand small gunfire though larger calibers will harm him. He has primal sense of a predator able to see hear and smell like a devilish hunting beast. Utor sees this world as a place full of weak victims. He goes on a wild rampage taking what he wants. It will be very bad for everyone if he is not stopped and he becomes acquainted with this world.

Super Hero Concepts

Here is a Concepts List and a few suggested skills.

Absorber – You have the ability to absorb physical or energy damage and make yourself more powerful.
Acrobatic – You are a highly trained acrobat capable of doing incredible feats of crime fighting daring.
Agent – You are a super agent of some government agency. You have many weapons and devices each issue.
Alien – You are an alien from another planet with strange and terrible powers.
Amphibian – You are a hero with the ability to breath underwater and withstand the great pressures of the deep.
Android – You are a highly advanced living machine of great power. You can have many powers and abilities.
Angel – You are a divine being of great power. Most angels have wings.
Arachnoid – You are a hero with the powers of wall crawling and web spinning as well as incredible feats of agility and perception.

Battlesuit – You have a powerful Battlesuit with sensor array, flight system, weapons systems, and super strength.
Beastman – You are a hero with beast like powers such as claws, tracking, and quick healing.
Birdman – You are a winged hero. Many are mistaken for angels.
Blaster – You have the power to project powerful blast of energy of your choice.
Bowman-You are a skilled archer with many arrows of different powers.
Brute – You are a super strong and super tough able to withstand huge amounts of damage.
Bullseye – You have the ability to throw or shoot any item and not miss.

Controller – You can control some kind of energy or force of your choice.
Contaminator – You touch either poisons, weakens, or diseases others.
Crazy – You are a hero or villain with a gimmick such as clown makeup, riddles, or something from arty to silly.
Cyborg -You are half man and machine of great power.

Detective – You are a costumed detective fighting against the underworld with your stealthy ability, fighting skill, and devices.
Density Control – You can control your density where you can become incorporeal or immovable.
Demon – These are fallen angels. Most seek to cause trouble on this world.
Devil – You are a powerful evil god of fearsome appearance of some ancient time.
Drainer – You have the ability to drain other heroes powers for a short time and use them
Driver – You drive a very special vehicle full of weaponry and devices.

Elemental Body – You have the ability to change into something else such as fire, stone, metal, liquid, or whatever you think of.
Elemental Control – You have the ability to control a form of energy or matter.
Emotion Controller – You control the emotions of others.
Explosive- You have the ability to release large amounts of energy damaging all people in the area.

Gadgetry Master – You are a heroes full of devices each issue.
Genius – You have super high intelligence able to create new science, devices, and come up with plans.
God – You are an ancient god of great power.

Hex – You have the ability to make other have really bad luck and hurt themselves.

Immortal – You are a hero that cannot die
Immovable – You can plant yourself into one place and cannot be moved. This makes you kind of a brute.
Insectoid – You are a hero with the powers of an insect such as flight, stinger, wallcrawling and any others you think of.
Invulnerably – You cannot be harmed by most physical damage. Most Invulnerable people are quite strong as well.

Knight -You are a highly trained hero trained in martial weapons and with powerful armor.

Lucky – You can make yourself lucky to win against opponents.
Lycan -You are a were creature. Most Lycans are werewolves but you can be of any other kind of were creature.

Mage -You are a master of magic. The mage is the most common name but there are many others such as Wizard, Warlock, Witch, Druid, and whatever you think of.
Martial Artist – You are a master of the martial arts. There are many titles such as monk, kung-fu or karate master, ninja, and whatever you can think of.
Master of Disguise- You have the skill to change your appearance to completely fool others.
Mecha – You have giant robot that you drive around.
Merc – You are a highly trained solider of fortune with many weapons. You are trained enough to take on supers.
MIXED – This is a character that is mixed with many of the other clinches.
Morph – You can shape shift into anything you desire.
Multiplier – You can make copies of yourself that function independently. You are a one man army.
Mutant – You are an evolved human of great power. Most mutants are hated due to their fearsome power and unusual looks.

Ninja- Many Ninja are simple shadow assassins but there are many super powered beings that are also ninja.
Nullify – You have the power to nullify others powers.
Omnivore – You have the ability to bite through anything and digest it.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES – Any other skills and abilities not listed here.

Perfect – You are a super strong, invulnerable, flying super person with possibly x-ray vision and laser eyes.
Psion – You are a master of mental powers such as mental blast, force fields, telekinesis, and any other cool neat psionic powers.
Phase – You can become incorporeal and phase through solid objects. You are able to damage things from the inside out.
Plantman – You have the abilities of plant and human. You must decide what these powers are as there are thousands of plants.

Reptileman – You are a person with the powers of a lizard, frog, turtle, or some other kind of reptile.
Robot – You are a free willed machine.

Shooter – You are a hero with a special type of super gun that does different types of damage.
Size Changer – The kind of hero who can get bigger and/or smaller.
Speedster – The super fast speeding hero.
Spinner – A rotating and spinning character.
Streetwise – The skill of knowing the street.
Stretchy – You are a hero with the ability to stretch.
Super Soldier – You are a highly trained and genetically altered soldier.
Summoner – You can summon minions of some kind to fight for you.
Swashbuckler – The fancy talking sword/bow/whip/throwing dagger using throwback from another era who is dashing and heroic.

Teleporter – You have the ability to jump from one place to another without crossing space.
Time Traveler – You can travel through time.
Tunneler -You have the ability to tunnel thought the earth.

Undead – You are one of the living dead that exist to fight evil or get vengeance with many powers.
Unstoppable – You are the type of hero that can ram into things like a bull or rino and cannot be stopped by normal means.

Vampire – You are one of the undead of great power that must feed on blood to survive. Vampires have many different powers but common ones are gaseous form, bat and wolf form, claws and teeth, regeneration, and super strength and speed.
Wealthy – You are super rich and can afford almost anything.
Weapons Master – You can use ancient weapons of all sorts with superior martial skill.
Wildman – You are a primitive hero in a modern world. You have superior hunting, fighting, and survival skills.

Comicpalooza

2010-03-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.comicpalooza.com/

I am going to Comicpalooza this weekend in Houston, TX.

If any of you are going let me know! Would love to meet fellow gamers and roll a few dice.

What to do? Should I use OSRIC or LL and the AEC?

2010-03-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

Should I use OSRIC or LL and the AEC?

Both are good.

Both have merits and such.

My FIRST experience with gaming was the Basic Set with the Earl Otus cover so LL is a natural fit and with the AEC it plugs in the "advanced" style of play with the "basic" style of play.

OSRIC is the "advanced" style of play apologetically.

Which system do you like out there and why?

TARGA Controversy and the OSR.

2010-03-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

TARGA Controversy and the OSR.

As an almost libertarian (in belief but not in the party) and almost anarchist I never want the freedom of speech and expression of another held back as long as I know what their content of information is.

The poster of the "I Hit With My Axe" did nothing maliciously. He posted what he felt was TARGA worth news. The short film was from the Blog "DnD with porn stars".

http://dndwithpornstars.blogspot.com/

They seem like sweet cool girls and from the short snippets seem to really be gaming.

http://traditionalgaming.wordpress.com/

A few people were surprised by the content and dropped out of TARGA.

My suggestion (and there will be no more discussion with this) is invite back the people that quit and promise to post a warning on any possible adult content BUT for the most part try and keep TARGA growing and out of controversy.

I live in South West Louisiana and did suffer through the D&D Inquisition of the 80s. We don't need that to happen again but at the same time we don't need to dumb down and edit OUR games for the approval of others who HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH GAMING lest we have another 2nd edition AD&D!

TARGA is a great thing and this needs to first be made whole then this situation moved on from.

Chase Dat Gold!

2010-03-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tovznQvqVok

Chorus:
Oh, no! Here we go, with the flow (here we go).
Chasin' gold 'cause that's the goal, or so we've been told (with the flow).
I think we've all played that role, so I don't care what you say (chasing gold).
'Cause everyday we role play. Everyday we role play (ooohhhwowowohh).

Verse:
I'm not a 9 to 5'er, a daily grinder.
I smack a wench in the mouth, just to remind her (smack her in the mouth).
I'm not a stranger to danger. I, myself, am a Ranger.
I got a Dark Elf and a Wizard in my crew. So, don't think we're afraid of you.

I'm a Dark Elf, I'm my bad ass self (that ass is so bad).
Slitting throats, killing folks, trying to be myself.
I'm like, "Don't be mad because I'm bad." You know,
I was born that way. It's like being gay (Uncle Larry!).

Chorus

Verse:
Rule # 1: No hitting in the face.
Rule # 2: If you get hit in the leg, drop to your knees and let out a shout. If you get hit again, then you're out.
Rule # 3: Memorize these...(Follow these rules)

Look at their face, see their fear.
A puff of smoke and the wizard appears (wizard appears).
I don't care if you stare at my wicked warez,
my Wiccan flair, my white flowing wizard hair.

Chorus

Verse:
Wait, is this like playing WOW?

No, Ogre licker. I'm a real wizard kicker. If you snicker, it will trigger my sword to grow bigger.
To all you WOW kids: you know what joblessness is, or who's job it is to gargle goblin jizz (gargle goblin jizz)?
And it's not PC in this PVE to diss another brothers MMORPG.
But it aint PVP, this is you versus me, and I make all my weapons out of PVC.

I'm true to this game. I got a unicorn tattoo.
So, all you role playa haters. Is this real enough for you?
I'm a wizard. I'm an elf. I like sparring. By yourself.
You both suck. Rangers rule. I challenge you to a duel.

(We're jousting on Sprees)

Watch me hack. Watch me slash. Watch me steady, spend that cash.
Maidens sing their siren song. Let me see that iron thong.
Chastity belts really turn me on. Wizard staff grows hard and long.
L to the A to the R to the P-ing. Hand to the hilt, grab the sword and swing.

Chorus

Just got my OSRIC Economy Version.

2010-02-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

Just got my OSRIC Economy Version. IT is in my hands. IT only was around $15 with shipping. IT is perfect bound. Everything you need is here! Totally worth the price. Nice high gloss cover. All B&W inside. The binding seems very good. Lulu I love you!

Got my LL and AEC in as well.

OSRIC 2.0 Review

2010-02-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

OSRIC 2.0

What a game!

Nothing new here under the sun but the organization and presentation of the entire project is just amazing. It allows OGL publishing of the first edition rules of some certain game we all know. After trying and trying to write my own retro clone mixed with new stuff and giving up for the millionth time yet again I stand looking at OSRIC in amazement.

Overall I love it!

Character Creation is what we all know. Simple and fast compared to "modern" rule systems. Still full of Class and Race restrictions that make no sense but to some it is a tradition. However I will play it like the rulebook says to and make up the rest.

The Initiative system is going to be really interesting. My group says they will try it soon. They play 4th edition mostly. They were not impressed with S&W even though it was some of my best GMing I have ever done.

Some of the artwork is as good as mine which is not saying much but other bits of artwork are fantastic. The OSR need to embrace the professional and the amature artist and this book reflects this.

The Spell List is detailed and I have yet to find any problems.

The equipment list is lacking transports and there is an absence of Ship Combat. There also seems to be no construction and siege rules as well. There is no Mass Combat. I am sure that the writers are working on it as we speak as another book is coming out. With the talent here it will be good.

The Monster list is HUGE. The writers put the treasure roll WITH the monster description. Genius and LOTS of work. It will make running monsters very easy for the GM. I just wish there was a monster chart with the basics of all the monsters just like on the old DMG.

The non OGL text on how to play and such are done so very well and does it's job in stirring up the old school feeling of the dungeon crawl.

Tables and more tables. Just fantastic! I wish the writes would make a book of more tables and these were done so very well!

My question is how did just a handful of people rewrite and organize this OGL project so very well? OSRIC is an obvious labor of love, done by people who love the hobby and are keeping Old School Gaming alive.

I still don't understand Old School dissenters of the OSR. Their hobby will die as they know is because the old games are sold no more except used. This piece of art will keep it alive.

This rulebook is perfect as it is and needs to stay unchanged.

A Messy Recap of my Old School games.

2010-02-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a recap of all the adventures that have been played in my Raven's Keep Sandbox Setting.

After this point I will be using OSRIC as opposed to S&W. Hopefully more to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJhVM930YXY

Listen to Dead Can Dance while you read! You can thank me later!

Wow I played Swords and Wizardry last night with my two girls. They were both elves. My 11 year old rolled a fighter elf and my oldest 13 year old rolled a fighter magic user elf. I had them hire four Men at arms and then sent them into the dungeon. They were there to rescue the Baron's Daughter who had been kidnapped by the Kobolds. Bloodrock Keep was the ruins they haunt and had never been a problem until now. The heroines went in swords swinging and lost the initiative and two of the four retainers died right away. The girls managed to fight off and kill the rest of the kobolds. They then went back to town and hired a set of twing chin and shield fighters, a thief, and a second level wizard. They kicked in the door of the next room for a surprise attack and did they ever miss! My two girls quickly dispatched two of the surprised guards and the Mage and rogue killed two as well. The next round one of the fighters were dead as well as the mage. The rest of the combat ended messily with all the guards being killed. Only one of the fighters and the thief was left. In the corner of the room was a cell that contained a 2nd level elf. While they were talking goblins busted in from the north room and killed the fighter and the thief NPC. The more experienced elf NPC showed the players the use of a bow and the goblins were killed. They will play again soon.

A Human Fighter and two Female Elves.

The Fighter had been traveling for the last 14 days from the Capital to Raven's Keep. A few hours before the city he met up with two female elves. Two Adarian Elves who told a story of the baron of Raven's Keep ravishing an elvish princess of their tribe and now they were at war with the baron. The Fighter groaned as he knew these elves would be trouble.

As they approached the city there was a great crowd of people and screams of pain! There was a man burning at the stake! A few rotting bodies hung by the neck from the wall, people in brass pots with only their heads sticking out who would be left to die slowly in their own filth. Stocks of ten with four unfortunates in them, to be left for days outside the city walls and anything could happen to them.

Then there was this raven haired girl with bright blue eyes and pale white skin. She wore strange black and red leather armor. She and two guards were at the top of the great stone wall some 20 ft high. She was abut to be hung by the neck until dead. The elves began to complain and the fighter told them this is the law and this is crime and punishment. As they were discussing the girl who was proclaiming her innocence and said she had spurned the baron, was throw off the wall and the noose caught on (1d6 damage) but it did not snap her neck but she would die (1 pt of damage a round) soon. One of the elves pulled out her bow and shot through the rope allowing the girl fall. The rather large crowd went wild and began to run into the town as someone screamed goblins attacking! The elf maidens quickly escorted the girl back into the city where she disappeared into the crowds. The fighter suggested that they do the same.

They found a rowdy inn and found rumors of all sorts of things going on. The baron was a womanizer, slavery was very popular here, two dungeons Bloodrock Castle and the Black Stairs beckoned adventurers to explore them and a few adventurer parties had went but never returned. Much adventure was to be found here.

A sage of great wisdom invited the party for a drink and told of Bloodrock Castle and a Tome that he wanted for a hefty price. He would tell them of the location and they would return him the Tome.

SO they went....

Drunk and stupid the Fighter and the two elf maidens were. The entire group of five hirelings had died in the first three rooms of Bloodrock Castle. The first room was a portrait room with pictures of great art that fell apart when touched. Filthy kobolds ambushed us and killed two of our nameless hirelings. The next room a former bedroom of a rich maiden, has human bandits that wiped out the rest of our retainers when goblins from the third room came in and ambushed from behind. It seems that old school has more deadly consequences than new school gaming. Lucky the players let their retainers die and they had to flee back to the inn to wait for another adventure. They sit there now drinking and regretting the senseless deaths of their retainers. Maybe they will be more careful next time

Expedition to the Black Stairs Part 1

PCs
Eachern M The Cleric
Dalkon M The Dwarven Warrior
Aowen F The Elf Thief
Eva F The Thief

NPCs
Marts MF With Plate and 2H Sword
Melenad FF With Ring Spear and Bow plus Dagger
Belenad FF With Ring Spear and Bow plus Hand Ax
Melenad and Belenad are two attractive foreigner twins.

NPCs not hired
Raph MF With Chain, Shield, and Sword plus Crossbow
Tran MF With Plate, Battle Ax, and Spear

The Black Stairs Servant's quarters.
Dalkon get's let down on rope and he gets shot at by 2 goblins. Aowen goes down below to help. As well as Eva, Belenard, and Marts. Eachern and Melenard tie rope to bush and go down. Belenard proves to be a great shot! Killing one of the goblins and the Dwarf kills the other but not until Melenard is horribly injured! Two goblins are dispatched. Three more goblins come out. The party quickly dispatches them all but poor Marts is killed. The adventurer's explore the rest of the servant's quarters and find much gold and an amulet of protection.

They find door on the western end on the main hallway with a warning written in goblin”No go in here” The Cleric feels unholiness in the area and decides to go to the door to the south instead that opens up into a three way hallway.

The western hallway has a smell (Now as a house rule Dwarves will be able to tell the different kinds of humanoids by their smell!) of some kind of humanoid but the dwarf can't tell what it was.
The southern hallway opens up into a greenhouse.
The eastern hallway goes down to a room with a lit fire.
The players go south into the greenhouse and find two knotted ropes coming down. The cleric decides to cut the ropes ten foot up as the Elf decides to climb up the rope. She finds a mulemaster and a pack mule. The mulemaster is heavily question by the elf as the dwarf climbs up. The dwarf finds out that two of the NPCs that were not hired Raph and Tran have decided to come to the Black Stairs themselves. The Dwarf pays the mulemaster 3 gold and tells him to cut the rope when they get back down. The elf and dwarf climb back down and the rope begins to get pulled back up with the mulemaster explaining that he did not have a knife to cut the rope so he would just pull it up. The Dwarf runs and leaps grabbing the rope. The mulemaster surprised by this does not let go of the rope and accidentally gets pulled down headfirst to his death 20 feet below. The party rolls in laughter with this strange turn of events.
The party then decides to go down the eastern hallway and the elf scouts down the hall and sees three goblins completely distracted by something farther down the hallway. The elf decides to sneak up and gives a battle cry too early allowing the goblins a chance to attack but somehow they all miss. The party quickly dispatches the goblins and find an old mine, 6 slaves and a freshly dug gold mine with many nuggets of gold.

The party decides to get the heck back to Raven's Keep and right in the servant's quarters they are ambushed by Raph and Tran. Raph and Tran attack with crossbow and Spear and miss! They close in and the Dwarf is killed (CRIT!) by Tran as well as Melenad and Beledad. The cleric is taken out as well as the elf but she does manage to kill Raph. Only Eva the thief is left standing as she fires her arrows at Tran hitting him but he still is up. She drops her bow and draws her sword as the battle axe barely misses. They both make a last strike his axe cutting her nearly to death and her blade hitting the mark killing Tran. She tires to heal the cleric and fails and succeeds on the elf who quickly pours a potion of healing that they found earlier in the cleric's mouth. They limp back to town.

I use the Dave Arneson method of spend the gold in order to get the Experience Points for it.

The cleric is a worshiper of Bobber the god of fishing. He find the temple of Bobber in great disrepair and their acolytes lax. The local priest of Bobber is an old man who claims to be 115 years old. Much gold is spent getting the temple in repair.

The Thief spends her money on much partying.

The Elf Thief spends her money of a fully armored warhorse. A new set of armor, some caltrops, a couple of tattoos, new fancy sets of clothing, and the rest is wasted on partying.

The brother of the Dwarf comes to the city looking for his brother. He is saddened to find that he is dead and is gladdened to find he died in battle with honor.

The party hires the following NPCs
Mark the Fighter M Chain and Shield with Sword.
The Band of Dwarves M, Dully, Martrus, Dontar, Dunkin, and Brannoc. All had Ring and Shield with Battle Axes!
There was Stryder the Elf Warrior and Mage with Longbow ready to fire.

They all headed back to the Black Stairs ready for Part 1.5!

The party went back in and found the slaughter house. An animal pen, a blood pit that scraps and blood was drained to the unused 3rd level and the actual kitchen.

The party and their retainers bumbled around until they attracted the attention of some zombies. The cleric turned all of one of the dead but the party foolishly pursued the zombies and lost two dwarfs. The zombies were dispatched though.

The fighter Mark kept talking smack about the superiority of humans as the party explored the slaughterhouse area of the dungeon. The Player Dwarf pushed him down the bloodhole. He survived the fall but the party discovered he met a gang of ghouls who quickly dispatched foolish Mark but not before he beheaded one of them. A quick application of oil dispatched another ghoul but the party knows going deeper they will have to face them.

They explored a bit more and found a horde of dishes and silverware. The best find was a huge set of gold candle holders. The headed back to Raven's Fort where they cashed in the items for gold.

A party of legend has happened for the last three weeks as the Adventurers have unleashed a time of drunken debauchery right during The Summer Festival of the Lottery. With the huge amount of gold the party has shut down much of the city for the last three weeks. Crops have not been tended, cows not milked, jobs not done, the city has put in a virtual standstill. Drunken citizens lay all about the street for the last three weeks! The party is out of money and the Baron is now displeased. Time to leave town!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CABVhBrm6Nk

My post on Back Screen Pass - A DM's Secrets

2010-02-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

The 4th edition has it's great parts.

There are some really cool things about 4th edition such as my sorcerer, rouges, and the whole at will, per encounter, and per day powers setup.

Where it goes wrong is too many modifiers, too many hit points, not enough damage done to monsters, too long of combats as you go up in levels.

In fact last night it took 9 hours to do 3 encounters.

It's a completely different play style from any other version of D&D.
There is no fear of death as your character can mow through most encounters.
You have no need for NPCs and if like in the old days one would hire NPCs the DM would have lot's of trouble running the monsters and NPCs.

In S&W, Basic and OSRIC I can run HUGE combats with a party of five, plus ten NPCs against 20 orcs with no slow down of the story.

I am trying to convince my group to try OSRIC in an old school dungeon crawl as they did not dig S&W or BFRPG. I got dungeons ready to roll just need a few more overly long sessions of 4th to convince them.

Don't get me wrong there are some things I like about 4th edition just liking the system less and less every game.

The original post
http://backscreenpass.blogspot.com/

My review of Labyrinth Lord: Advanced Edition Companion

2010-02-09T06:10:00.000-08:00

Well well Mr. Proctor has outdone himself this time.

That little raised eyebrow that I first had when I saw Labyrinth Lord for the first time with all it's "Basic" rules and restrictions that just never felt right after playing more advanced versions of our favorite game. But still there was that yearning for that simple game I played at 11 years old. So simple yet so full of possibilities. A character made is minutes with weapons and armor and equipment ready to adventure. Yes almost perfection.

BUT

The "advanced" version had overcomplicated stats and rules that made me wish and wash for my many years of gaming. Alas it solved the "issues" I had with the "basic" version of the game but it came with more rules and restrictions.

But ALAS! There is the Labyrinth Lord: Advanced Edition Companion! It is a merge of the Basic and the Advanced! Still keeping those magic set of rules I love only slightly altering them with a few advanced options.

Is this the system that I shall choose for my Old School Renaissance setting? Save for a few minor house rules this may be it.

The classes capture the "advanced" without clogging one down with many modifiers that did scare away some recent makers of characters. They became bored and one even fell asleep before finishing an OSRIC character. This will not happen here! A mere five minutes and one is adventuring!

No goblin horde is safe and no dragon sleeps soundly! Might add that the monster list for Labyrinth Lord now grows quite LARGE with a great many monsters added.

This is a good thing for the magic spark that ignited my passion so long ago exist here.

Still it is the days of the mega dungeon! The feeling of being deep underground exploring the ancient carved out dungeons that lead deep into the depths of the ground opening into the mythic underworld!

My perfect Classic Fantasy RPG Again!

2010-02-01T01:07:00.000-08:00

Take the simplicity of 0E and S&W.

Add attribute modifiers of B/X.

Attribute checks like D20 and C&C per the class.
No skills or feats!

Add many of the classes of D20 3.5. At least 15 classes.
Cleric, Thief, Wizard, Fighter, Barbarian, Druid, Bard, Sorcerer, Assassin, Paladin, Knight, Ranger, Monk, Psionic, and Warlock.

At least 10 races.

Simple spell list at first as I have killed myself in past efforts with a "big ol spell list".

Monsters as simple as 0E and S&W. As many monsters as possible.

Old school art. Self published.

What system to use for my OSR expeirence?

2010-01-29T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well I have thought in the past that I could just write up the perfect RPG. I can't. Real Life issues take up too much time. I do have time to write a bit here and there BUT what system will do what I need it to do?

I was driving back home on a surprise weekend off and it hit me. Castles and Crusades. It's got all the goodies of the old school mixed with the new school BUT most of all it's easy to run and play. It's easy to write for as well.

Well it will take very little time to "convert" my adventures to C&C.

My group still has the 4th edition blinders on but this weekend there will be another victim running 4th edition and I will be the player! Aha! I shall reek havoc on his poor brain!

I also shall let him borrow my old C&C rulebooks as well. Then he shall see!

WOW! I just talked to Ernie Gygax!

2010-01-21T03:02:00.000-08:00

I was on facebook and he was online. He was just a cool guy. I thought that any Gygax would be a multi-millionaire and not have to work. Come to find out he is not super rich. Huh? Who would have figured?

He invited me to Gary Con.

As of this time there will be no action taken on C&C Castle Zaygig. Gary's assistant that worked on CZ will be at Gary Con so beg him to finish CZ!

I invited him to join the OSR movement.

The History of RPGs in Lake Charles, La? Boring?

2010-01-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

The History of RPGs in Lake Charles, La or should I say the history of gaming in South West Louisiana?

I am attempting to find out the history of Role Playing Games in the Lake Charles area and surrounding SWLA in the late 70s and early 80s specifically, but also up to the current age we live in now.

This may be a hard task but will be a cool endeavor IF I succeed in getting a loose history of such a arcane subject. This will not be an easy task.

Of course history is always told by the victors and will change in time.

Hell I may even awaken some old school gamers from their slumber and reignite the old gaming flame.

Huzzah!

DIE! NPC DIE! Musings on newer editions and OSR.

2010-01-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Some (not all) of my players who are 4th edition players complain that the old school games are just too deadly (but back to that later).

I just bet if they were running the clunky 4th edition rules they would not be so loving of the game. After a long absence from gaming, we as a group are trying to get back into our weekly game.

The problem is I have forgotten the many rules that drive the 4th edition. Like the 3rd edition the 4th edition has it's problems. While the 3rd edition was a complete monster to write for it was fairly easy to run. It just took HUGE amounts of time setting up the stats.

The 4th edition is not at all hard to set up with the DDI tools they provide. But running it is becoming a monster.

If everyone does not know their character the game stops. All information is printed on cards from the character creator for ease but still some of the players just don't learn their class. At the same time they don't want try try something with less rules.

For me my cleverness as a Dungeon Master is zapped due to having to keep up with the per round conditional stats and modifiers. Too many damn hit points! Every monster is a full character! I like less rules and more story.

I keep getting that look from some (but not all) my players when I suggest "let's play something else like S&W?"! The 4th Edition D&D is not a religion or cult but there always seems to be the fanatics. I swear to god it's a look of disgust at any idea that we actually try something else. I am an edition whore who will play any version and like it BTW.

Well friends 4th edition is burning me out.

The old versions too deadly eh? Well I just am going to have to amp up my 4th edition games if I decide to run anymore for awhile as I will be working many hours the next few weeks. It will be deadly at the Old School level.

When I pick up a copy of Swords and Wizardry plus my short and few house rules it just allows me to create. I don't need a computer program to assist me. I write these wonderful dungeons and make these cities like Raven's Keep and the entire land in just a few hours.

BUT back to the point of this musing.

The game play flows FAST! Blood flows! Very few rules to keep up with. AC, HP, Mov, and damage. I can run a huge group of monsters and NPCs with not the least bit of pause to look up rules. But players die. They die very easily and quickly. Many of the times they die with long range weapons in hand that would have dropped the monsters before they even got to the players. Strategy is what it is called.

The main strategy that I use is called DIE! NPC DIE! This saves the player's lives when they don't use strategy, for a short time at least. When there is a chance for an enemy to shoot at the party they always aim at the NPCs first. NPCs in my games die like sheep to a slaughter.

Now there is a small chance a stray arrow or attack will hit the players but the random dice roll always leans to the NPC. Many players have gotten mad when their characters had a crush on the NPC but ultimately it the player's fault if the NPCs die in droves.

I also try and help the players with the NPCs as well. Many of the NPCs will use the Ranged Weapons on the monsters while they are closing on us strategy. The NPCs will also scold and advise the players that are not using strategy. There is one NPC I really like a wise Elf bowman who has amazingly wiped out many a goblin with his bow. If I can ever get the players to play some old school I might just get to run him again.

If your Old School game is too deadly try serving the party to the monsters in courses. First as an appetizer a delicious NPC then for the main course the Players, UNLESS they decide to make it real hard for them.

Well will have to start a job for the next 10 days or so so no gaming for me for awhile.

Raven's Keep

2010-01-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

Just to help inspire others here are my incomplete notes for The Little Barony: Raven's Keep. Left very bare so that story can be added.

1.Baron's Keep F10 Stra-Kahar
2.Baroness' Temple C7 Shel-Elene Worshiper of the Goddess of Grain Keres.
3.Temple of the Horseman God
4.Stewart's Home: Many saves and servants.
5.Barracks
6.Lockclank Prison
7.Blacksmith Dwf8
8.Stables
9.The Blue Boar Inn T7
10.The Store Room
11.Carriage House
12.Front Gate
13.Back Gate
14.Temple of the God of Luck: Old Pagan God
15.The Muddy Axe Inn
16.The Wizard's Shop
17.The Shire Reeve
18.Adventurer's Guild
19.The Brotherhood (Rangers)
20.The Arena
21.Lady Arlena's Brothel
22.The Lord Mayor & Courthouse
23.Barber and Surgeon
24.Bath House
25.Play House
26.Opera House
27.Slave House
28.Museum
29.Graveyard
30.University: There are various mage orders at odds with each other. They will take it to the streets after dark. There are other non university mage orders but the University Mages believe themselves the authority over all mages. They are trying to get the authority to have a Mage License.
31.Wellspring
32.House Blood Rateveur
33.House Paldinor
34.House Arcanos
35.House Crimson

Adarian Elves are considered criminals
Baron and his women
Baron's son and daughter
Dungeon below the city.

Eastern Front is where most of the slaves in the west come from. Zeuzalonian from the Land of Zeuzaylon. Looks are above average. Most braid hair upon adulthood and they wear Romatoga a light cloth wrapped clothing.

The Zeuzalonians are the lowest of all people followed by the Hattir, Dwarves, Halflings and any other foreigners.

To the NE there is the Gras-zi. They have jet black hair and pale skin. They are know as a race of “Thieves”. This native race has very few people left as the Mastdellian Empire conquered them long ago. Very prized and sought out as slaves.

There are the people of the NW Desert know as the “Juin”

The Hattir are the natives of the western borderlands that were conquered by the Mastdellian Empire.

The Mastdellian Empire are the people of the eastern kingdom some 14 days away to the east.

Elves are mistrusted. There are the Adarian (Adara) and the Felsparaians (Felspara). The Felsarians come to trade wines, skins and weaponry. The Baron ravaged an Adarian Elf Princess and now there is a state of war and any elf found to be Adarian is to be imprisoned and interrogated.

Crimes:
Any insults by a lower.
Murder
Thievery
Rape
Duels are good if both agree.

Warhammer Fantasy Role Play 3rd Edition

2010-01-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

GREETINGS!

Well I was one of the dum...I mean people who bought the $100 WHFR3rd.

Have not played it yet.

SO far it appears that I bought $30 worth of game for $100. When I actually get around to testing it out it actually might be worth the price. It might just be the best damn thing ever. I am going to keep telling myself that.

I think that a $100 price is going to kill this edition of the game and for the most part it will rot on the shelves. Once I get over what I think I will try it out.

My Perfect Classic Fantasy Role Playing Game

2009-12-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Looooooong ago I started on the CFRPG or the Classic Fantasy Role Playing Game.

Went very simple, then got complicated, then got rewritten then overcomplicated with over 100 skills, then redone, then I have given up due to loosing my regular job and having to go out of town and work stupid ungodly hours.

I think I need to define "what I want" in MY Old School RPG.

What I want is the feel and the simplicity WITH all the good things of old school RPGs MIXED with the innovations of the New School.

Good New School stuff that works.
Ascending AC that tells you what you roll.
The D20 initiative system.
At Will Spells and Powers as well as Per Encounter and Per Day. These are GREAT innovations.
More as I think of them but I am working another 7 day a week job.

The last play test was "not so good" but there were lots of learning experiences in the session.

BUT Must go and bathe and think about the future...

Temple of the Monkey God part 9 million

2009-11-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Well my computer is fried but I managed to save my S&W stuff before it died. Still should have not wiped reinstalled everything as that was not the problem, it was the Mother Board.

Upgraded to a new processor and mother board but BENT a few of the pins on the processor so I have ordered another.

Pissed....

BUT onto the Temple of the Monkey God. No I have not forgotten the module.

It is on the back burner. I just worked an out of town job for 67 days straight 12-13 hours a day then went to another 40 day job for 10 hours a day. I have been accused of "not ever finishing projects" by some of the Old School community but I know said accusers have no idea of the kinds of hours I have to endure.

I still have my 4th edition game which will now be on the back burner as well as three of my key players will be on a holiday schedule which is less time as two of them work for Salvation Army and one is wife of.

So this may free up the players for S&W! Back to TotMG!

Plans are to redo the map as it is very liner in design and the Temple needs to flow. The wilderness maps will be redone MADE DARKER and more encounters added in case the PC's "get off the path".

I now realize that I am a man alone when it come to getting help from my friends to edit, draw, and design anything but that is okay.

It seems that if you come out with a good old school product you can actually make a small amount of cash which is nearly impossible in the main stream gaming (non)community.

How do I make my own small and low budget gaming convention?

2009-10-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

How do I make my own gaming convention?

I want it to be low budget and low cost.

Like having in a rec center for one day only

Low like five dollars a person.

It would be in the Lake Charles, La area.

Any ideas out there?

Quentin Tarantino Style Combat Part II

2009-10-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

Seems a bit juvenile making combat some extremely violent thing that could possibly ban all Role Playing Games.

BUT

Gamers just like the extreme nature of a Quentin Tarantino Style Combat. Combat as described in D&D is a series of blows and parries until a hit is made.

Is it just fighters that do the dirty tricks?

What about the tricksy thief? Nay ye are not old skew enough! There be no thieves! Well poo to you all! If you make it a subclass of the fighter it's even better! The backstab ability to do double damage is great for the Quentin Tarantino Style Combat forms of violence.

The backstabs can be treated as broken necks, decapitations, and any other form of gory display. When an enemy dies horribly a morale role is needed for the rest of it's group.

The enemy might just run away!

Quentin Tarantino Style Combat Part I.

2009-09-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

I like vivid blood and gore Quentin Tarantino type combat. Most players love it as well. Take your game to a "whole nuther level". I will site 3 examples. Boring mechanical combat, textbook exciting combat, and then Quentin Tarantino Style over the top Grindhouse combat. Combat is a fury of blows and one combat roll is a successful combination of all your character's deadliness not just his one weapon attack. Try it in your game. Always come up with some new way for an enemy to die. Remember that a fighter will not only use his sword. He has a shield, fist, feet, and whatever else is in the room. Use the furniture and fixtures to cause death on your enemies!

Example 1: You attack with the sword. Roll. You hit you do 5 points of damage. The goblin dies.

Example 2: Your sword lands a solid blow. Blood sprays from the goblin's chest as he dies messily.

Example 3: Your shield bashes the goblin in the face and blood and goblin teeth fly across the room landing on the three other goblins who flinch in fear. You come forward with an elbow smash to the nose then a stab to the goblin's chest follows. Blood sprays as the goblin falls.

More on Part II

Backgrounds and Variations on a Theme of a Fighter Part II

2009-09-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Alas why do we need skill list?

I mean skills are great in some systems but in S&W is it needed?

YES and NO!

The background of a character is his or her skills.

A character raised in the wilderness or raised in the city would be different.

What I do is allow a simple 1d20 roll plus level plus attribute bonus.

The higher the better.

For "thieves" this is what I do as well.

I give them a simple 1d6+1 per level HPs as well.

"Ranger" types will be handled the same way as well.

A ruling on the spot with no game stopping delay.

I have many players ask about "Feats".

All characters have all "feats" and can try to do anything such as trips, pushes, and power attacks.

A simple attack roll with a possible + or - to the roll and to damage.

Being a Referee for S&W is fun and easy.

Backgrounds and Variations on a Theme of a Fighter Part I

2009-09-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

Backgrounds and Variations on a Theme of a Fighter Part I

A fighter is rolled up.
Str 14
Dex 11
Con 15
Int 12
Wis 14
Cha 16

What to do? How do I make this a character and not just a dead sheet of stats?

Ah yes! A background and a theme! Such as the magic of old school.

First idea is a chiseled and well disciplined soldier trained in the roughest of fighting academies ready to go to war. He is stout and his hair is cut very short. He is disciplined and serious. A leader of men.

or

He is a streetwise and scummy type tested in the streets of a big fantasy city. He is wiry yet cut used to using his muscles for various labor jobs. Tested is street brawls and gang fights this long haired scraggly fighter has a roughcast appeal to the ladies.

or

A very well dressed son of former noble who now penniless and is adventuring to remake his fortune.

More variations later...

Temple of the Monkey God part deux!

2009-09-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

When I get back home TOTMG is going to get finished. I went back over the module and corrected much of the grammatical errors as well as took out some of the cartoonish artwork. I am going to redo all the maps. I will have one of my old friends produce some artwork for the project. I had many people interested in the module so I need to finish it. I will be adding many of Matt's suggestions as he seems to know a lil bit about gaming. There are going to be at least 5 more areas to explore if the players get off the trail.

Got 99 problems but a dice ain't one.

2009-09-14T01:11:00.000-07:00

Well I am still on a job that has been going on for the last 42 days at 13 hours a day. Stuck in El Dorado, Ar a place void of all game shops. Thought I did meet an AD&D2nd player. There are maybe 20 gamers is all of mid south Arkansas. Was sick tonight. The first time I ever missed a day on the road EVER.

My two gaming groups are falling apart as I am not there to keep it real.

EDITED out the details...

How will this effect our group? Damn I wish people would act right...

NOW for something completely different.

I watched all the players seemingly have fun with my S&W game. I typed out all the cool things that happened. Was I deceived by those nights of gaming and great story flow? BUT now I find out that nobody seemed to like it as it was not 4th edition.

WHAT!?!
I really do love the 4th edition in may ways as it has a great flow and is definitively far more simple than 3.5.

Some of the players are so very defensive of "their" 4th edition that they will play nothing else. I have even been told by one player that he has invested lots of money in 4th and that's all he is gonna play. I guess they seem to forget my entire 14' x 20' mead hall full of games.

They ain't invested nutin compared to me. I have been at it for 29 years!

Nuff said on that!

My plans are to play 4th edition when I get back. Write some 4th edition adventures. Try and run my S&W sandbox setting with my daughters and their friends and maybe some of mine.

Well ANON!

The Black Stairs 1.5

2009-07-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Black Stairs 1.5 NOT that anybody cares due to lack of comments...

The party hires the following NPCs
Mark the Fighter M Chain and Shield with Sword.
The Band of Dwarves M, Dully, Martrus, Dontar, Dunkin, and Brannoc. All had Ring and Shield with Battle Axes!
There was Stryder the Elf Warrior and Mage with Longbow ready to fire.

They all headed back to the Black Stairs ready for Part 1.5 which I will tell NOW!

The party went back in and found the slaughter house. An animal pen, a blood pit that scraps and blood was drained to the unused 3rd level and the actual kitchen.

The party and their retainers bumbled around until they attracted the attention of some zombies. The cleric turned all of one of the dead but the party foolishly pursued the zombies and lost two dwarfs. The zombies were dispatched though.

The fighter Mark kept talking smack about the superiority of humans as the party explored the slaughterhouse area of the dungeon. The Player Dwarf pushed him down the bloodhole. He survived the fall but the party discovered he met a gang of ghouls who quickly dispatched foolish Mark but not before he beheaded one of them. A quick application of oil dispatched another ghoul but the party knows going deeper they will have to face them.

They explored a bit more and found a horde of dishes and silverware. The best find was a huge set of gold candle holders. The headed back to Raven's Fort where they cashed in the items for gold.

A party of legend has happened for the last three weeks as the Adventurers have unleashed a time of drunken debauchery right during The Summer Festival of the Lottery. With the huge amount of gold the party has shut down much of the city for the last three weeks. Crops have not been tended, cows not milked, jobs not done, the city has put in a virtual standstill. Drunken citizens lay all about the street for the last three weeks! The party is out of money and the Baron is now displeased. Time to leave town!

No more nameless NPCs!

2009-07-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

After the first batch of NPCs were killed in last night's S&W game I decided to make a few more and it was easy.

I rolled a D6 plus 10 for AC and a 1d8 for hit points. Blam seven NPCs! Guess what I made five of them dwarves, one human, and one elf fighter and mage. I gave them weapons and Blam I was done in about five minutes. I gave each one a name.

The party hires the following NPCs
Mark the Fighter M Chain and Shield with Sword.The human was a Mastedellian or the main imperial human race. He was a racist who did not hold his tongue and was subsequently thrown down a pit by the Dwarf only to survive for a few more rounds while ghouls attacked.

The Band of Dwarves M, Dully, Martrus, Dontar, Dunkin, and Brannoc. All had Ring and Shield with Battle Axes!The five Dwarves were from a clan far to the northeast and they bragged that their caverns had never been taken by goblins much to the annoyance of the PC Dwarf.

There was Stryder the Elf Warrior and Mage with Longbow ready to fire.The lone elf was an archer and wizard. He mostly stuck with his trusty longbow.

Not to attack the newer systems but I could not do that in less than five minutes like I did with S&W.

Expedition to the Black Stairs Part 1

2009-07-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Expedition to the Black Stairs Part 1

Written in very rough draft form.

PCs
Eachern M The Cleric
Dalkon M The Dwarven Warrior
Aowen F The Elf Thief
Eva F The Thief

NPCs
Marts MF With Plate and 2H Sword
Melenad FF With Ring Spear and Bow plus Dagger
Belenad FF With Ring Spear and Bow plus Hand Ax
Melenad and Belenad are two attractive foreigner twins.

NPCs not hired
Raph MF With Chain, Shield, and Sword plus Crossbow
Tran MF With Plate, Battle Ax, and Spear

The Black Stairs Servant's quarters.
Dalkon get's let down on rope and he gets shot at by 2 goblins. Aowen goes down below to help. As well as Eva, Belenard, and Marts. Eachern and Melenard tie rope to bush and go down. Belenard proves to be a great shot! Killing one of the goblins and the Dwarf kills the other but not until Melenard is horribly injured! Two goblins are dispatched. Three more goblins come out. The party quickly dispatches them all but poor Marts is killed. The adventurer's explore the rest of the servant's quarters and find much gold and an amulet of protection.

They find door on the western end on the main hallway with a warning written in goblin”No go in here” The Cleric feels unholiness in the area and decides to go to the door to the south instead that opens up into a three way hallway.

The western hallway has a smell (Now as a house rule Dwarves will be able to tell the different kinds of humanoids by their smell!) of some kind of humanoid but the dwarf can't tell what it was.
The southern hallway opens up into a green house.
The eastern hallway goes down to a room with a lit fire.
The players go south into the greenhouse and find two knotted ropes coming down. The cleric decides to cut the ropes ten foot up as the Elf decides to climb up the rope. She finds a mulemaster and a pack mule. The mulemaster is heavily question by the elf as the dwarf climbs up. The dwarf finds out that two of the NPCs that were not hired Raph and Tran have decided to come to the Black Stairs themselves. The Dwarf pays the mulemaster 3 gold and tells him to cut the rope when they get back down. The elf and dwarf climb back down and the rope begins to get pulled back up with the mulemaster explaining that he did not have a knife to cut the rope so he would just pull it up. The Dwarf runs and leaps grabbing the rope. The mulemaster surprised by this does not let go of the rope and accidentally gets pulled down headfirst to his death 20 feet below. The party rolls in laughter with this strange turn of events.
The party then decides to go down the eastern hallway and the elf scouts down the hall and sees three goblins completely distracted by something farther down the hallway. The elf decides to sneak up and gives a battle cry too early allowing the goblins a chance to attack but somehow they all miss. The party quickly dispatches the goblins and find an old mine, 6 slaves and a freshly dug gold mine with many nuggets of gold.

The party decides to get the heck back to Raven's Keep and right in the servant's quarters they are ambushed by Raph and Tran. Raph and Tran attack with crossbow and Spear and miss! They close in and the Dwarf is killed (CRIT!) by Tran as well as Melenad and Beledad. The cleric is taken out as well as the elf but she does manage to kill Raph. Only Eva the thief is left standing as she fires her arrows at Tran hitting him but he still is up. She drops her bow and draws her sword as the battle axe barely misses. They both make a last strike his axe cutting her nearly to death and her blade hitting the mark killing Tran. She tires to heal the cleric and fails and succeeds on the elf who quickly pours a potion of healing that they found earlier in the cleric's mouth. They limp back to town.

I use the Dave Arneson method of spend the gold in order to get the Experience Points for it.

The cleric is a worshiper of Bobber the god of fishing. He find the temple of Bobber in great disrepair and their acolytes lax. The local priest of Bobber is an old man who claims to be 115 years old. Much gold is spent getting the temple in repair.

The Thief spends her money on much partying.

The Elf Thief spends her money of a fully armored warhorse. A new set of armor, some caltrops, a couple of tattoos, new fancy sets of clothing, and the rest is wasted on partying.

The brother of the Dwarf comes to the city looking for his brother. He is saddened to find that he is dead and is gladdened to find he died in battle with honor.

The party hires the following NPCs
Mark the Fighter M Chain and Shield with Sword.
The Band of Dwarves M, Dully, Martrus, Dontar, Dunkin, and Brannoc. All had Ring and Shield with Battle Axes!
There was Stryder the Elf Warrior and Mage with Longbow ready to fire.

They all headed back to the Black Stairs ready for Part 1.5 which I will tell later...

The Wicker Man

2009-07-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

It is said that each year in order in ensure a good harvest the Grain Maiden requires a husband the Wicker Man. She on good years takes any and all such as a slave or criminal but on desperate days she takes a person of pure blood preferably a virgin. Such as the old ways of Raven's Fort.

Drunk and Stupid!

2009-07-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

Drunk and stupid the Fighter and the two elf maidens were. The entire group of five hirelings had died in the first three rooms of Bloodrock Castle. The first room was a portrait room with pictures of great art that fell apart when touched. Filthy kobolds ambushed us and killed two of our nameless hirelings. The next room a former bedroom of a rich maiden, has human bandits that wiped out the rest of our retainers when goblins from the third room came in and ambushed from behind. It seems that old school has more deadly consequences than new school gaming. Lucky the players let their retainers die and they had to flee back to the inn to wait for another adventure. They sit there now drinking and regretting the senseless deaths of their retainers. Maybe they will be more careful next time.

Raven's Keep

2009-07-12T10:56:00.001-07:00

RAVEN"S KEEP

She is a city that is build upon the ruins of another. No Dwarf woulds do such a thing but the wellspring in the center of the city that flows water as if from the elemental plane of water itself feeds all things in the area an makes them green. The ruins below will give you grief for we warned ye of the goblins and kobolds but we were called stubby little busybodies. Well we will make money off of our steel and will desert your foolish asses when it is unsafe. A city of 8000 or more people. I say more than 8000 cause there are many coming from the east escaping the war with the Zezusalonians. Most for work on farms and in the city. A small few are adventurers wanting the gold that lies in these ruined lands. I hope they stir up not the foul things that lay quiet forgetting how evil and powerful they be. Humans have a tendency to stir up ancient and foul beast who end up being a huge problems that we dwarves have to take care of. Stupid humans always wanting to fight for expansion when you can't make what you got at home perfect.

The Little Barony far far into the Western Frontier

2009-07-12T10:38:00.001-07:00

Here it is my sandbox map that has been going around in my head for the last few years. Ever since I went to make a really detailed setting for 3rd edition and found it near impossible due to the length of time it took to create I began looking at the older more simpler versions of the system.

I created the Odd Earth concept with the original Odd Guild group on a few postings. Later on with the new Odd Guild members came out with a setting called Odd Earth but I assume forgot to give me credit for the name and initial concept. Their concept of it a dream world of the know world has failed and as it was I that came up with it originally I will now use it in the background for my game world's name.

Being that I am unemployed I will most not likely be able to go to Babelcon. I was so hoping to play S&W with the Red Priest I do have one redeeming possibility, with half the gaming group being away at the con I will have the rest play my S&W setting. There has been game CLUNK with the hours long combat in 4th edition. People have began to notice that battles are long and get boring no matter how good the DM is AND we have fantastic DMs. S&W will show these gamers a new way (OR their munchkinisims will come through) that simple can and does work.

Raven's Keep

2009-07-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

Well a quick summery.

A Human Fighter and two Female Elves.

The Fighter had been traveling for the last 14 days from the Capital to Raven's Keep. A few hours before the city he met up with two female elves. Two Adarian Elves who told a story of the baron of Raven's Keep ravishing an elvish princess of their tribe and now they were at war with the baron. The Fighter groaned as he knew these elves would be trouble.

As they approached the city there was a great crowd of people and screams of pain! There was a man burning at the stake! A few rotting bodies hung by the neck from the wall, people in brass pots with only their heads sticking out who would be left to die slowly in their own filth. Stocks of ten with four unfortunates in them, to be left for days outside the city walls and anything could happen to them.

Then there was this raven haired girl with bright blue eyes and pale white skin. She wore strange black and red leather armor. She and two guards were at the top of the great stone wall some 20 ft high. She was abut to be hung by the neck until dead. The elves began to complain and the fighter told them this is the law and this is crime and punishment. As they were discussing the girl who was proclaiming her innocence and said she had spurned the baron, was throw off the wall and the noose caught on (1d6 damage) but it did not snap her neck but she would die (1 pt of damage a round) soon. One of the elves pulled out her bow and shot through the rope allowing the girl fall. The rather large crowd went wild and began to run into the town as someone screamed goblins attacking! The elf maidens quickly escorted the girl back into the city where she disappeared into the crowds. The fighter suggested that they do the same.

They found a rowdy inn and found rumors of all sorts of things going on. The baron was a womanizer, slavery was very popular here, two dungeons Bloodrock Castle and the Black Stairs beckoned adventureres to explore them and a few adventurer parties had went but never returned. Much adventure was to be found here.

A sage of great wisdom invited the party for a drink and told of Bloodrock Castle and a Tome that he wanted for a hefty price. He would tell them of the location and they would return him the Tome.

SO they went....

To be Continued

Raven's Keep.

2009-06-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

Well I have started on my S&W sandbox setting.

The little barony far far in the western frontier. First of all the walled city of Raven's Keep came out really well. It is a city of around 8000 (or more) people. I placed it in the middle of the map with a road going back to the eastern kingdom. The western road comes out and joins a north south road.

It is well know that the city was founded long ago but the history is very mysterious. The most popular story is the city was founded because of a wellspring. A never ending wellspring that gives the entire city running water unless the cold freezes it. The water drains down to an ancient sewer that depths are unknown. The city is surrounded by bountiful fields that are are watered by the wellspring.

The oldest and most poplar religion of the people is of the Grain Goddess Keres. The city will live and breath the ancient festivals dominated by this goddess including one inspired by the original 70s movie The Wicker Man. There are other churches as well. A few will be written by the players.

The scale is rather small. One inch equal five miles. On an 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper not a large setting but I have packed this page with lots of possibilities.

There are two dungeons the simple Bloodrock Castle and The Black Stairs less than a day away.

From Blog to Blog to Blog! ALAS the West Marches!

2009-06-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

After starting to read about Dwimmermount I went to Greyhawk Grognard and then found one of the most incredible Old School Blog sites that I have ever seen: Ars Lundi and the West March post. Wow I have to say that there just might be some universal consciousness out there. A world much like the one that has been on my mind for years.

http://arsludi.lamemage.com/index.php/78/grand-experiments-west-marches/

BUT the level of detail and the ideas that I can mine from this! His blog is one of the most impressive I have ever seen.

Well reading over the west marches has given me the UMPH! to get my setting started.

ARGH!

2009-06-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well I have been unemployed for 5 weeks. Should have would have could have lot's of projects. I will be starting up on the first back at the plant that laid me off.

Should I call my setting Odd Earth? When I originally posted about it on the Odd Guild many years ago it was seemingly ignored. The Odd Guild ends and then restarts and lo and behold a setting with the name I came up with: Odd Earth.

I of course joined the group but no one gave me credit for the concept. I suppose that none remember. I did mention another direction to go with Odd Earth but not one person has responded.

Does it matter really? I hope not.

I am still going to work on a setting that starts from the inside out. Almost every campaign setting starts out with a huge world map that they cannot possibly finish. It will be a very European and primordial setting. A barony upon a hill with a rather large town. A barony foolishly built on ruins that unbeknown to the town people is a huge rotting dungeon. The Barony was a former dungeon reclaimed by the current's baron's father. It is the farthest to the west of the frontier lands. Some 14 days to the east is the great imperial city which will not be detailed until I get to it.

The Barony shall be Map 0, 0 on an 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper. The first number is Vertical and the second Horizontal Positive (up and left) negative (down and right). Perhaps someone shall take interest once I get the first map down. I want it to be totally old school as crude hand drawn maps and dungeons. I want the artwork to be crude line drawings. Most of all I want the story to be good.

If this ever gets done (as well as Temple of the Monkey God) I may just LULU it myself. All my notes on the Barony really are looking good. I want a "Towns of the Outlands" type document that one can read over and just enjoy it even if they never play it. Most of all it shall not become a job but a work of joy.

Adventures in Odd Earth

2009-06-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

An ancient world lost in time where the capital of the world is Babylon, the City of a Thousand Gods.

Where the Old Gods walk the Earth.

To the north is the Icelands. The oceans are low and there are far more lands of man and monster.

The base of this setting will be the Little Barony located somewhere around where England is today some mythic age possibly 15,000 to 25,000 years ago.

Huge animals run free.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:EarlyPleistoceneAnimals.png

I want to include Silurian animals and forest.

Pangea or Ice age world with the sea levels a few hundred feet lower?

Just a few ideas.

Odd Earth

2009-06-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

My original Odd Earth concept and post on the old ODD Guild site was a very simple concept. I finally found the old file that contained the original post on my old computer.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Odd Earth
Odd Earth is our world in a lost ancient time. The ice caps are huge and there are now massive continents making the oceans and seas smaller. The world is very primitive as volcanoes and savage storms beat down upon mankind. Lands can be changed and destroyed by the violent earthquakes, floods, and other disasters. Some lands have disappeared all together. Different areas of the world will correspond to the cultures and lands of history and today but in a more magical ancient forgotten time.
It is a time of great and terrible wars (Chainmail anyone?) that tear across the different lands destroying and conquering. Odd Earth is very sparsely populated and with all its centuries of wars and destruction the lands are filled with forgotten dungeons and crypts.
There is a land that lies many miles from what will be off the coast of England. This land long flooded and forgotten is a land full of ancient tales.

It all starts in a little Barony far southeast in the borderland frontier…

The little growing village lies right outside the Baron's castle. From here you shall adventure and clear out the dungeons in the area. This village like the Odd Earth shall grow into a town in a few years and then a city. The players themselves may become barons and start their own Baronies. All is rumored not well. To the south the Black Dragon's goblins attack outlying farms and lumber camps. To the east the villain only know as the Black Baron is harassing and claiming some of the lands of this fair Barony. To the north a vile army of the undead frequently attacks small settlements. The baron is loyal to the King to the east though none from this village have ever traveled to his lands.

Far into the eastern lands is the rumored city of Babylon, a city older than any other built before time, a city of a thousand gods. It is where the Emperor of the world lives.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Where most people go wrong with making a setting is they start with a huge map and then try to fill it with details. Even with a large group you just can't do it. My Original concept for Odd Earth was to start out with a small land and completely detail it then expand in all directions from that map.

Back to the Drawingboard

2009-06-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

After having my module critiqued by one of the nameless "new masters" it seems that I need to go back to the drawing board. That's okay. At least I know what I need to improve. I knew that the idea was sound but the presentation was weak. I will get with a close friend who will go over it for me and won't go Chthulu Insane from my writings and grammer. I have another who can do artwork. I will be redrawing the maps with no detail and then Gimping the maps. I think I am ging to assemble a game studio IF they agree. For the love of the game and not for the money!

Temple of the Monkey God

2009-06-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well I am going out on a limb and actually going to finish a module and try and get someone to publish it.

I really like the vibe of Brave Halfling publishing and they are asking for submissions. Being that they are an established OSR company I feel they are my best choice because of their OSR fame.

The Temple of the Monkey god is going to be a really tough wilderness and dungeon adventure. It will require many Men-at-arms to succeed.

IF the players are crafty they will survive with no problem. In the old days MY parties would wipe out most of the enemy with missile attacks before they got to us then dispatch them by sword!