I recently picked up two books from Brian O'Sullivan, Fionn: Defence of Ráth Bládhma and Fionn: Traitor of Dún Baoiscne. While the books are about Fionn MacCumhail (Finn MacCool) they feature younger versions of the druidess Bodhmal and the warrior Liath Luchara.
Like I did, he has both women as lovers. I have not read the books yet, but a quick flip and I like what I see.
His Liath and Bodhmal are not exactly like my versions of them and that is cool.
Like what I have been doing with Skylla I wanted to do some versions of Liath and Bodhmall to test out different systems. I wanted to do "by the book" versions for both Labyrinth Lord:AEC (as a stand in for any OSR game) and D&D5. Another good choice would be Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea.
I made minor changes in each case to reflect what works best for that game.
Previous Versions:
Castles & Crusades
Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition, Essentials
Since I am currently running a D&D5 game around 5th-7th level, I set them around that. I did both versions of the characters around that level.
Liath Luachra
NG Female Half-elf*
Ranger 7th Level
Abilities
Strength: 13 (+1)
Dexterity: 16 (+2)
Constitution: 18 (+3)
Intelligence: 10 (0)
Wisdom: 10 (0)
Charisma: 11 (0)
Saves
Breath: 9
Poison or Death: 8
Petrify or Paralyze: 10
Wands: 9
Spells or Spell-like: 12
AC: 7
HP: 50
Base To Hit AC 0: 14
Abilities
Half-elf
Infravision 60'
Equipment
Long bow (1d8)
Spear +1 (1d6+1)
Leather Armor +1
Water skin, belt pouches, travellers gear, boots.
*I am going with half-elf since I am going with the idea that Liath has some fae or Sidhe blood in her ancestry. I have a lot of "in-universe" reasons for this, but for me it just works out nice.
Bodhmal
N(G) Female Human
Druid 8th Level
Abilities
Strength: 10 (0)
Dexterity: 10 (0)
Constitution: 14 (+1)
Intelligence: 14 (+1)
Wisdom: 18 (+3)
Charisma: 11 (0)
Saves
Breath: 14
Poison or Death: 9
Petrify or Paralyze: 12
Wands: 10
Spells or Spell-like: 12
AC: 7
HP: 37
Base To Hit AC 0: 17
Spells
1st Level: Divine weather, detect magic, faerie fire, shillelagh
2nd Level: barkskin, cure light wounds, produce flame, charm person
3rd Level: call lightning, pyrotechnics, protection from fire
4th Level: flash fire, summon sylvan beings
Equipment
Scimitar
Leather Armor
Amulet of Protection +1
Water skin, belt pouches, travellers gear, boots.
Stating these two for LL was exactly like AD&D/D&D. I have made scores of characters for LL but I am always surprised how quick and easy it always is.
Having already done 5e versions; they were just as fast as these.
In the past I had made Liath a barbarian. Here I went a ranger. I thought a fighter might also work, but a ranger to me seems closer. I will have more thoughts on this when I post the 5th edition stats.
Showing posts with label character. Show all posts
Showing posts with label character. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Friday, June 19, 2015
The Witch Queen of Summer
I have been reading a lot of adventures of late. Having a lot of fun even if I don't get a chance to play these (but it is looking more and more like I will!). So here is what I have so far.
A3 Wicked Cauldron (C&C)
B7 - Rahasia (Basic D&D)
Drmg083 (AD&D_1e)
Fane of the Witch King (3.0/d20)
Irrisen - Land of Eternal Winter (Pathfinder)
Night of the Spirits (C&C)
No Salvation for Witches (LotFP)
Reign of Winter Players Guide (Pathfinder)
Saga of the Witch Queen (DCC)
The Baleful Coven (Pathfinder)
The Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga (AD&D_2e)
The Ruins of Ramat (S&W)
The Stealer of Children (LL)
The Witch Queen's Revenge (Pathfinder)
The Witchwar Legacy (Pathfinder)
The_Manor_Issue_6 (OSR)
Witch of the Tarriswoods (OSR)
Witches Court Marshes (AD&D_ish)
So a lot really to work with.
One of the things I noticed right away that there are LOT of Witch Queens associated with winter. I have talked about Witch Queens many times before. I even have a Pathfinder/d20/3.x Prestige Class and converted one over from another game.
But the one thing I don't have and what no one seems to have is a Witch Queen of Summer.
Well with Summer coming up this weekend I thought why not cover the Witch Queen of Summer.
Given the adventures above I wanted someone with a bit history, a bit of gravitas and if I can manage it, someone that is a "daughter" of Baba Yaga.
Thankfully everything I need is in Dragon Magazine #83.
This issue featured one of the early versions of Baba Yaga's Dancing Hut as an adventure. Among other things it also featured two daughters. Natasha, the evil one, who was also "Tasha" of "Tasha's Hideous Uncontrollable Laughter" fame and "Elena the Fair" a Lawful Good wizard.
If Natasha can become Iggwilv, the Witch Queen of Perrenland then Elena the Fair can become Elena the Witch Queen of Summer.
Of course there are tales of Elena the Fair from Russian folk tales. I see no reason why those tales can't be true and she still became the Witch Queen of Summer.
Elena the Fair
Witch Queen of Summer
Witch (Daughter of Baba Yaga Tradition) 24th level
| Strength: | 11 | Death Ray, Poison | 5 | |
| Dexterity: | 16 | Magic Wands | 6 | |
| Constitution: | 10 | Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone | 5 | |
| Intelligence: | 17 | Dragon Breath | 8 | |
| Wisdom: | 17 | Rods, Staffs, Spells | 7 | |
| Charisma: | 18 |
Alignment: Lawful (good)
AC: 1 (Ring of Protection, Garter of Defence)
Occult Powers (Daughter of Baba Yaga Tradition)
Familiar: Mouse
7th level: Kitchen Witchery
13th level: Detect Bloodline
19th level: Boon (instead of Curse)
Spells
Cantrips (7): Alarm Ward, Daze, Detect Curse, Object Reading, Open, Spark, Warm
First (7+2): Bewitch I, Burning Hands, Command, Drowsy, Faerie Fire, Far Sight, Minor Fighting Prowess, Sleep, Handfasting (Ritual)
Second (7+2): Alter Self, Biting Blade, Blast Shield, Ecstasy, Enthrall, Fever, Hold Person, Phantasmal Spirit, Rose Garden
Third (6+2): Astral Sense, Bestow Curse, Cleanse Air, Continual Fire, Feral Spirit, Fly, Mind Rash, Imbue Witch Ball (Ritual)
Fourth (6+1): Air Walk, Betwitch IV, Elemental Armor, Grandmother's Shawl, Moonlit Way, Neutralize Poison, Spiritual Dagger
Fifth (5): Anti-Magic Candle, Bull of Heaven, Dream, Primal Scream, Song of Discord
Sixth (5): Control Weather, Find the Path, Heroes' Feast, Moonbow, True Seeing
Seventh (4): Ball of Sunshine, Breath of the Goddess, Etherealness, Serpent Garden
Eighth (4): Astral Projection, Creeping Doom, Greater Mislead, Mystic Barrier
As the Queen of Summer one of Elena's duties is to guard the gates of the Summerlands. This is the afterlife of the Witches and where their spirits go for rest prior to being reincarnated to their next life.
She is also the Protector of Midsummer and sees to it that all witches are protected on the night of Mid-Summers' Eve.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Skylla: Adventurer Conqueror King & Players Companion
Trying to tie a few loose threads together and I noticed this was missing from my mix.
So here are some purposes this post serves for me.
- I wanted to go back and have another look at Skylla. In particular how this version compares to Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea.
- I wanted to go and have a look at the witch from the Adventurer Conqueror King System and the ACKs Player's Companion.
- I am gathering together some threads for my "Adventure Path" War of the Witch Queens.
When it comes to "Old School" Witch classes. Adventurer Conqueror King System and Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea tie for second place in my mind. Both are so close to what I like doing with witches. There are plenty of great ones out there, but these are closest to how I like to play.
Adventurer Conqueror King System also limits characters in terms of levels. While AS&SH goes to 12, ACKs tops off at 14. ACKs is also closer to my favorite version of D&D, Moldvay Basic/Cook-Marsh Expert. In fact all three systems do work pretty well together. In fact I tend to think of the world used in ACKs as being just a little "south" of the world in AS&SH. I have not spent as much time with ACKs as the other games, but what I have played I do like.
Like my witch the ACKs witch can belong to a Tradition. In truth you could move traditions back and forth between the two with relative ease. The problem here though is that none of the traditions really seem to fit the "knowledge at all costs" mentality I see Skylla as having. Chthonic is the closest with Voudon coming in a close second. In the end the powers and spells the Chthonic witch gets tips it into favor.
ACKs though also has a Warlock class. The warlock as described is a much better fit for Skylla than the witch is. Since the warlock is an arcane spellcaster and the witch is more divine it also makes more sense to go with the warlock. The Corrupted Scholar template from the Warlock is also a perfect fit.
Skylla, 7th Level Warlock (ACKS)
Template: Corrupted Scholar
Strength: 9
Dexterity: 11
Constitution: 10
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 11
Charisma: 12
Hit Points: 20
Alignment: Chaotic
AC: 4 (Ring of Protection AC 4)
Proficiencies: Alchemy, Loremastery, Knowledge (Occult)
Powers
1st level: Familiar (owl)
2nd level: Secrets of the Dark Arts (control Undead as a Chaotic Cleric 3)
4th level: Hex
6th level: Contact Dark Powers
7th level: Scribe Scrolls, Magic Reserach (minor)
Spells
First: (2+1) Charm Person, Light, Magic Missile
Second: (2) Detect Invisible, Levitate
Third: (1): Lightning Bolt
Magic Items
Ring of Protection AC 4, Dagger +1
This Skylla has less spells, but what makes her shine here is the same thing that makes ACKS shine and that is the proficiency system.
So here are some purposes this post serves for me.
- I wanted to go back and have another look at Skylla. In particular how this version compares to Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea.
- I wanted to go and have a look at the witch from the Adventurer Conqueror King System and the ACKs Player's Companion.
- I am gathering together some threads for my "Adventure Path" War of the Witch Queens.
When it comes to "Old School" Witch classes. Adventurer Conqueror King System and Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea tie for second place in my mind. Both are so close to what I like doing with witches. There are plenty of great ones out there, but these are closest to how I like to play.
Adventurer Conqueror King System also limits characters in terms of levels. While AS&SH goes to 12, ACKs tops off at 14. ACKs is also closer to my favorite version of D&D, Moldvay Basic/Cook-Marsh Expert. In fact all three systems do work pretty well together. In fact I tend to think of the world used in ACKs as being just a little "south" of the world in AS&SH. I have not spent as much time with ACKs as the other games, but what I have played I do like.
Like my witch the ACKs witch can belong to a Tradition. In truth you could move traditions back and forth between the two with relative ease. The problem here though is that none of the traditions really seem to fit the "knowledge at all costs" mentality I see Skylla as having. Chthonic is the closest with Voudon coming in a close second. In the end the powers and spells the Chthonic witch gets tips it into favor.
ACKs though also has a Warlock class. The warlock as described is a much better fit for Skylla than the witch is. Since the warlock is an arcane spellcaster and the witch is more divine it also makes more sense to go with the warlock. The Corrupted Scholar template from the Warlock is also a perfect fit.
Template: Corrupted Scholar
Strength: 9
Dexterity: 11
Constitution: 10
Intelligence: 15
Wisdom: 11
Charisma: 12
Hit Points: 20
Alignment: Chaotic
AC: 4 (Ring of Protection AC 4)
Proficiencies: Alchemy, Loremastery, Knowledge (Occult)
Powers
1st level: Familiar (owl)
2nd level: Secrets of the Dark Arts (control Undead as a Chaotic Cleric 3)
4th level: Hex
6th level: Contact Dark Powers
7th level: Scribe Scrolls, Magic Reserach (minor)
Spells
First: (2+1) Charm Person, Light, Magic Missile
Second: (2) Detect Invisible, Levitate
Third: (1): Lightning Bolt
Magic Items
Ring of Protection AC 4, Dagger +1
This Skylla has less spells, but what makes her shine here is the same thing that makes ACKS shine and that is the proficiency system.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Saga of the Witch Queen
I did not get to go to North Texas RPG con this year. It is a shame really since there is always something really cool happening. In the past I have been able to pick up copies of things that were sold there after the fact; Palace of the Vampire Queen comes to mind. But this year had something really special. This year +Goodman Games was reprinting +Harley Stroh's "Saga of the Witch Queen" and I had to have a copy.
Thankfully, a good friend and co-worker of 10 years was going. And look what he brought back for me!
He even got it signed by +Jon Hershberger!
Yeah...that is the kind of friend I have!
Still though, thanks Scot! This is great.
You can read my review of the PDF here, http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/2015/06/witch-adventures.html or here, http://www.rpgnow.com/product_reviews_info.php?affiliate_id=10748&reviews_id=126425&products_id=50480
Now I want to talk about the physical book.
The book is 80 pages and printed on very heavy paper. It is softcover, but the binding looks good. With the heavy paper and glossy cover I expect this to hold up to wear and tear. The cover is bound on, so no taking it off to use as a GM screen with maps. I am glad I have this as a PDF too to print out the maps and the handouts. I am really, really happy with this module.
NOTE: I can't get to http://goodman-games.com/ while I am at work (we have a lot of sites blocked) but I bet there are some things that you can download for free for this adventure.
But for my own use, here is a conversion of Kyleth, the Witch Queen using the "Advanced Options" from The Witch.
Lady Kyleth, The Witch Queen
"A slender half-elf with sharp features, midnight hair and icy blue eyes." - Saga of the Witch Queen, p. 19
8th Level Witch (Malefic Tradition)
Female Half-elf, Chaotic Evil
AC Base: 3* (will typically have Death Armor, Elemental Armor and Intangible Cloak of Shadows cast)
Movement 12”
HD 8d6, HP 35
No. of Attacks 1
Damage per Attack 1-6+1/1-8+1 (+1 spear)
Special Attacks spell use,
Special Defenses Infravision, MR 30% resistance to charm and sleep, Regenerate 1 hp extra per day.
STR 7, DEX 16, CON 13, INT 17, WIS 10, CHA 17,
Possessions: bracers of defense AC 5, ring of protection +1, spear +1, nigh hag’s heartstone, Crown
of Sett (see p. 65), Ars Maleficus (her Book of Shadows) (see p. 71).
Occult Powers:
1st Level: Familiar ("Loki", Imp)
7th Level: Evil's Touch
Witch Spells Known (spells per day: 5/5/3/3 [includes CHA spell bonuses equivalent to
WIS spell bonuses]):
Cantrips: Alarm Ward, Black Flame, Blur, Flare, Inflict Minor Wounds
1st Level: Charm Person, Darkness, Detect Magic, Blindness, Magical Circle Against Evil
2nd Level: Burning Gaze, Death Armor, Identify, Minor Image, Scare
3rd Level: Arctic Grasp, Dispel Magic, Fly
4th Level: Elemental Armor, Emotion, Intangible Cloak of Shadows
Not quite as powerful as her magic-user counterpart in terms of spells. But that is easily fixed with some scrolls or raise her to 9th level. In any case this will be fun.
Thankfully, a good friend and co-worker of 10 years was going. And look what he brought back for me!
He even got it signed by +Jon Hershberger!
Yeah...that is the kind of friend I have!
Still though, thanks Scot! This is great.
You can read my review of the PDF here, http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/2015/06/witch-adventures.html or here, http://www.rpgnow.com/product_reviews_info.php?affiliate_id=10748&reviews_id=126425&products_id=50480
Now I want to talk about the physical book.
The book is 80 pages and printed on very heavy paper. It is softcover, but the binding looks good. With the heavy paper and glossy cover I expect this to hold up to wear and tear. The cover is bound on, so no taking it off to use as a GM screen with maps. I am glad I have this as a PDF too to print out the maps and the handouts. I am really, really happy with this module.
NOTE: I can't get to http://goodman-games.com/ while I am at work (we have a lot of sites blocked) but I bet there are some things that you can download for free for this adventure.
But for my own use, here is a conversion of Kyleth, the Witch Queen using the "Advanced Options" from The Witch.
Lady Kyleth, The Witch Queen
"A slender half-elf with sharp features, midnight hair and icy blue eyes." - Saga of the Witch Queen, p. 19
8th Level Witch (Malefic Tradition)
Female Half-elf, Chaotic Evil
AC Base: 3* (will typically have Death Armor, Elemental Armor and Intangible Cloak of Shadows cast)
Movement 12”
HD 8d6, HP 35
No. of Attacks 1
Damage per Attack 1-6+1/1-8+1 (+1 spear)
Special Attacks spell use,
Special Defenses Infravision, MR 30% resistance to charm and sleep, Regenerate 1 hp extra per day.
STR 7, DEX 16, CON 13, INT 17, WIS 10, CHA 17,
Possessions: bracers of defense AC 5, ring of protection +1, spear +1, nigh hag’s heartstone, Crown
of Sett (see p. 65), Ars Maleficus (her Book of Shadows) (see p. 71).
Occult Powers:
1st Level: Familiar ("Loki", Imp)
7th Level: Evil's Touch
Witch Spells Known (spells per day: 5/5/3/3 [includes CHA spell bonuses equivalent to
WIS spell bonuses]):
Cantrips: Alarm Ward, Black Flame, Blur, Flare, Inflict Minor Wounds
1st Level: Charm Person, Darkness, Detect Magic, Blindness, Magical Circle Against Evil
2nd Level: Burning Gaze, Death Armor, Identify, Minor Image, Scare
3rd Level: Arctic Grasp, Dispel Magic, Fly
4th Level: Elemental Armor, Emotion, Intangible Cloak of Shadows
Not quite as powerful as her magic-user counterpart in terms of spells. But that is easily fixed with some scrolls or raise her to 9th level. In any case this will be fun.
Friday, June 5, 2015
The Amazing Adventures of Libby Sawyer
I am playing around some more with the witch in Castles & Crusades still and also thinking about how she might work in Amazing Adventures and the new Amazing Adventures Companion.
Since I am having +Chrys Fey and Libby Sawyer day here. Let's see how Libby might look in Amazing Adventures.
Libby Sawyer
8th Level Witch (Cha-based Arcanist) / 4th level Gumshoe (Police Detective) (Multiclassed)
Family Tradition Witch
Strength: 12 (0)
Dexterity: 16 (+2) p
Constitution: 13 (+1)
Intelligence: 15 (+1) P
Wisdom: 13 (+1)
Charisma: 18 (+3) P
Hit Points: 50
Alignment: Lawful Good
AC: 13
BtH: +4
MEP: 65
Languages: English, Latin, (native language is English)
Background: Law Enforcement +2,
Traits: Spellgifted
Skill: Knowledge (Arcana)
Gender: Female
Age: 33 (Born 1982)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 138 lbs
Powers
Ritual Magic
Abilities
Climb (Dex)
Cat and Mouse (Wis)
Hide (Dex)
Move Silently (Dex)
Face in the Crowd (Cha)
Spells
Cantrips: (8) Arcane Mark, Detect Illusion, Detect Magic, Light, Magical Aura, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Stun
First: (5+1) Change Self, Command, Daze, Identify, Shield, Sleep
Second: (3+1) Blur, Hold Person, Knock, Pyrotechnics,
Third: (2+1) Fear, Nondetection, Remove Curse
Fourth: (1) Seeming
Items
Gun (police issue .45), cell phone
Works for me! Still need to figure out how to do traditions.
Since I am having +Chrys Fey and Libby Sawyer day here. Let's see how Libby might look in Amazing Adventures.
8th Level Witch (Cha-based Arcanist) / 4th level Gumshoe (Police Detective) (Multiclassed)
Family Tradition Witch
Strength: 12 (0)
Dexterity: 16 (+2) p
Constitution: 13 (+1)
Intelligence: 15 (+1) P
Wisdom: 13 (+1)
Charisma: 18 (+3) P
Hit Points: 50
Alignment: Lawful Good
AC: 13
BtH: +4
MEP: 65
Languages: English, Latin, (native language is English)
Background: Law Enforcement +2,
Traits: Spellgifted
Skill: Knowledge (Arcana)
Gender: Female
Age: 33 (Born 1982)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 138 lbs
Powers
Ritual Magic
Abilities
Climb (Dex)
Cat and Mouse (Wis)
Hide (Dex)
Move Silently (Dex)
Face in the Crowd (Cha)
Spells
Cantrips: (8) Arcane Mark, Detect Illusion, Detect Magic, Light, Magical Aura, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Stun
First: (5+1) Change Self, Command, Daze, Identify, Shield, Sleep
Second: (3+1) Blur, Hold Person, Knock, Pyrotechnics,
Third: (2+1) Fear, Nondetection, Remove Curse
Fourth: (1) Seeming
Items
Gun (police issue .45), cell phone
Works for me! Still need to figure out how to do traditions.
Chrys Fey, Libby Sawyer and the Witch of Death
Recently I had the pleasure to read a pre-release copy of The Witch of Death thanks to author and fellow A to Z Blogging survivor +Chrys Fey. This introduced me to her newest character Liberty "Libby" Sawyer, a police detective and kick-ass witch. Which of course means she is perfect for this blog!
So please allow me to introduce Libby and Chrys.
Liberty “Libby” Sawyer
“Actually, I’m a witch.” She smiled when Reid jolted and turned to face her. “I’m Detective Liberty Sawyer." She stuck out her hand.
Cinematic Unisystem Rules (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Magic Box, Ghosts of Albion)
Experienced Hero
Drama Points: 10
Life Points: 39
Attributes
Strength: 2
Dexterity: 3
Constitution: 3
Intelligence: 3
Perception: 4
Willpower: 5
Qualities: Attractiveness 2, Contacts (criminal) 2, Contacts (occult) 1, Empathy 2, Hard to Kill 3, Magic 2, Magical Family, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 2, Psychic Visions 1, Rank (Detective) 2
Drawbacks: Adversaries (various. supernatural and criminal) 3, Honorable 2, Love (Reid) 4, Obligation (uphold the Law)
Skills: Art 1, Computer 3, Crime 3, Doctor 2, Driving 3, Getting Medieval 2, Gun-Fu 3, Influence 2, Knowledge 3, Kung-fu 2, Language 2 (English, latin), Mr. Fix-it 1, Notice 3, Occultism 5, Science 2, Sports 1
Initiative: +2
Spellcasting: 1d10 + 12
Notice: 1d10 + 7
Magical sight: 1d10 + 9
Gender: Female
Age: 33
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 138 lbs
Combat
Gun +6 by type
Punch +5 4
Kick +5 5
Spells +12 by type
- Witch Bolt +12 damage 4
- Deflect +14
Liberty "Libby" Sawyer is a witch from a long line of family witches.
Her personal occult library is growing, but she has access to much larger collections through her magical family connections. Unfortunately because of these ties enemies of her family are hers as well. She is not sure, but suspects that she is distantly related to Elizabeth Sawyer.
Like most witches Libby can read auras, is sensitive to psychic impressions, and has magical sight.
She is likely to have the Anamchara quality with Det. Reid, but it is still undeveloped at this point.
New Spell: The Bleeding
Quick Cast: Yes
Power Level: 4
Philosophy: Evil
Requirements: A command word, line of sight, and a drop of blood from the target.
Effect: This spell causes the target’s blood to evaporate if he is within 50 feet. He must resist the spellcasting roll with a Constitution (doubled) roll each Turn or suffer one-third of his total Life Points in damage (round up). The effect lasts for a number of Turns equal to the half the Success Levels (round down) of the spellcasting roll. Multiple castings of this spell on one target have no effect.
Once the blood has been removed from the body the witch casting the spell gains the victim’s Magic Levels. For every 2 levels of magic the victim has the caster gains 1.
Note: This is not one of Libby's spells.
You can find Chrys on the web at http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/
And more about Libby at The Faux Fountain Pen and Tasha's Thinkings.
So please allow me to introduce Libby and Chrys.
Liberty “Libby” Sawyer
“Actually, I’m a witch.” She smiled when Reid jolted and turned to face her. “I’m Detective Liberty Sawyer." She stuck out her hand.
Cinematic Unisystem Rules (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Magic Box, Ghosts of Albion)
Experienced Hero
 |
| Libby, off duty obviously |
Drama Points: 10
Life Points: 39
Attributes
Strength: 2
Dexterity: 3
Constitution: 3
Intelligence: 3
Perception: 4
Willpower: 5
Qualities: Attractiveness 2, Contacts (criminal) 2, Contacts (occult) 1, Empathy 2, Hard to Kill 3, Magic 2, Magical Family, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 2, Psychic Visions 1, Rank (Detective) 2
Drawbacks: Adversaries (various. supernatural and criminal) 3, Honorable 2, Love (Reid) 4, Obligation (uphold the Law)
Skills: Art 1, Computer 3, Crime 3, Doctor 2, Driving 3, Getting Medieval 2, Gun-Fu 3, Influence 2, Knowledge 3, Kung-fu 2, Language 2 (English, latin), Mr. Fix-it 1, Notice 3, Occultism 5, Science 2, Sports 1
Initiative: +2
Spellcasting: 1d10 + 12
Notice: 1d10 + 7
Magical sight: 1d10 + 9
Gender: Female
Age: 33
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 138 lbs
Combat
Gun +6 by type
Punch +5 4
Kick +5 5
Spells +12 by type
- Witch Bolt +12 damage 4
- Deflect +14
Liberty "Libby" Sawyer is a witch from a long line of family witches.
Her personal occult library is growing, but she has access to much larger collections through her magical family connections. Unfortunately because of these ties enemies of her family are hers as well. She is not sure, but suspects that she is distantly related to Elizabeth Sawyer.
Like most witches Libby can read auras, is sensitive to psychic impressions, and has magical sight.
She is likely to have the Anamchara quality with Det. Reid, but it is still undeveloped at this point.
New Spell: The Bleeding
Quick Cast: Yes
Power Level: 4
Philosophy: Evil
Requirements: A command word, line of sight, and a drop of blood from the target.
Effect: This spell causes the target’s blood to evaporate if he is within 50 feet. He must resist the spellcasting roll with a Constitution (doubled) roll each Turn or suffer one-third of his total Life Points in damage (round up). The effect lasts for a number of Turns equal to the half the Success Levels (round down) of the spellcasting roll. Multiple castings of this spell on one target have no effect.
Once the blood has been removed from the body the witch casting the spell gains the victim’s Magic Levels. For every 2 levels of magic the victim has the caster gains 1.
Note: This is not one of Libby's spells.
You can find Chrys on the web at http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/
And more about Libby at The Faux Fountain Pen and Tasha's Thinkings.
Title: Witch of Death
Author: Chrys Fey
Genre: Supernatural/Suspense
Format: eBook Only
Page Count: 45 (short story)
Release Date: May 20th, 2015
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Blurb:
Detective Reid Sanders doesn’t believe in the supernatural, but when he’s faced with a crime scene that defies the laws of nature, he has no other choice but to start believing. And solving a magical murder involves working with a witch.
Liberty Sawyer embodies the look of your classic evil witch, so, it’s no surprise when she uncovers the murderer is a witch that she becomes Reid’s number one suspect. If she can’t convince him otherwise, more people could lose their lives to dark magic, including her.
BOOK LINKS:
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Blurb:
Jolie Montgomery, a twenty-one-year-old woman, wakes up in an alley next to her corpse. She has no memories of her murder or the night she died. She didn’t even see the killer’s face before he or she took her life. Wanting justice, Jolie seeks answers in the only way a ghost can...by stalking the lead detective on the case.
Avrianna Heavenborn is determined to find the person responsible for a young woman’s death. She gets closer to the killer’s identity with every clue she uncovers, and Jolie is with her every step of the way.
But if they don’t solve her murder soon, Jolie will be an earth-bound spirit forever.
Book Links:
BIO:
Chrys Fey is the author of Hurricane Crimes and 30 Seconds. She is currently working on the sequel to Hurricane Crimes that’ll serve as book two in the Disaster Crimes series.
When Fey was six years old, she realized her dream of being a writer by watching her mother pursue publication. At the age of twelve, she started writing her first novel, which flourished into a series she later rewrote at seventeen. Fey lives in Florida where she is waiting for the next hurricane to come her way.
You can connect with her on Facebook and her blog, Write with Fey. She loves to get to know her readers!
Author Links:
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
D6 Dracula
David Baymiller, blogger and owner of The OSR Library, has been doing a lot of posts about the D6 system.
I am planning on doing something with D6 over the summer (been working on it for a bit), but this is too good not to share now.
He has stated up Dracula for the D6 system.
http://theosrlibrary.blogspot.com/2015/04/d6-supernatural-monsters-not-show.html
Have a look.
I am planning on doing something with D6 over the summer (been working on it for a bit), but this is too good not to share now.
He has stated up Dracula for the D6 system.
http://theosrlibrary.blogspot.com/2015/04/d6-supernatural-monsters-not-show.html
Have a look.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Strahd Von Zarovich for Blue Rose / True20
True20 might be dead, but that's doesn't mean I have to like it. So to celebrate the new version of Blue Rose AND the start of my month of vampires here at the Other Side. Here is D&D's first "Vampyre", Strahd as he appears in my Black Rose games.
STRAHD VON ZAROVICH
Type: 15th level Undead (Adept 4/Expert 1/Warrior 9)
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft
Abilities: Str +8, Dex +7, Con -, Int +3, Wis +1, Cha +3
Skills: Acrobatics 18 (+25), Bluff 7 (+10), Climb 8 (+16), Concentration 6 (+7), Diplomacy 10 (+13), Disable Device 2 (+5), Disguise 2 (+5), Escape Artist 2 (+9), Gather Info. 7 (+10), Handle Animal 2 (+5), Intimidate 13 (+16), Jump 2 (+10), Languages 5 (+5), Medicine 4 (+5), Notice 2 (+3), Ride 6 (+13), Search 4 (+7), Sense Motive 2 (+3), Sleight of Hand 2 (+9), Stealth 5 (+12), Survival 7 (+8), Swim 0 (+8), Knowledge (History) 2 (+5), Knowledge (Arcane) 2 (+5), Knowledge (Religion) 2 (+5)
Feats: Iron Will, Menacing, Leadership, Armor Training (Heavy), Armor Training (Light), Weapon Training, Armor Training (Heavy), Weapon Training (Long Sword), All-out Attack, Canny Dodge, Attack Focus (Long Sword), Defensive Attack, Diplomatic, Improved Strike, Dedicated, Influential, Fascinate, Uncanny Dodge, Power (Imbue Unlife), Smite Opponent, Greater Attack Focus, Power (Suggestion), Power (Summon Beasts), Power (Corrupting Shadow)
Traits: No Constitution, Dark Vision (60ft), Proficiency (Natural Weapons), Immunity (Mind Influencing Effects), Immunity (Sleep,Poison,Paralysis,Stunning), Immunity (Critical Hits,Fatigue), Immunity (Fortitude Saves), Unhealing, Healed by Harm (Harmed by Heal)
Powers: Imbue Unlife 7 (+10) DC 15, Suggestion 7 (+10) DC 15, Corrupting Shadow 7 (+10) DC 15, Summon Beasts 7 (+10) DC 15
Combat: Unarmed +18, Damage +8 (20/+3), Longsword +18, Damage +11 (19/+3), Defence +18/+19, Initiative +7
Saving Throws: Toughness +7, Fortitude +5, Reflex +11, Will +10
Not too bad I think. Poor Queen Jaellin isn't going to know what hit her.
STRAHD VON ZAROVICH
Type: 15th level Undead (Adept 4/Expert 1/Warrior 9)
Size: Medium
Speed: 30 ft
Abilities: Str +8, Dex +7, Con -, Int +3, Wis +1, Cha +3
Skills: Acrobatics 18 (+25), Bluff 7 (+10), Climb 8 (+16), Concentration 6 (+7), Diplomacy 10 (+13), Disable Device 2 (+5), Disguise 2 (+5), Escape Artist 2 (+9), Gather Info. 7 (+10), Handle Animal 2 (+5), Intimidate 13 (+16), Jump 2 (+10), Languages 5 (+5), Medicine 4 (+5), Notice 2 (+3), Ride 6 (+13), Search 4 (+7), Sense Motive 2 (+3), Sleight of Hand 2 (+9), Stealth 5 (+12), Survival 7 (+8), Swim 0 (+8), Knowledge (History) 2 (+5), Knowledge (Arcane) 2 (+5), Knowledge (Religion) 2 (+5)
Feats: Iron Will, Menacing, Leadership, Armor Training (Heavy), Armor Training (Light), Weapon Training, Armor Training (Heavy), Weapon Training (Long Sword), All-out Attack, Canny Dodge, Attack Focus (Long Sword), Defensive Attack, Diplomatic, Improved Strike, Dedicated, Influential, Fascinate, Uncanny Dodge, Power (Imbue Unlife), Smite Opponent, Greater Attack Focus, Power (Suggestion), Power (Summon Beasts), Power (Corrupting Shadow)
Traits: No Constitution, Dark Vision (60ft), Proficiency (Natural Weapons), Immunity (Mind Influencing Effects), Immunity (Sleep,Poison,Paralysis,Stunning), Immunity (Critical Hits,Fatigue), Immunity (Fortitude Saves), Unhealing, Healed by Harm (Harmed by Heal)
Powers: Imbue Unlife 7 (+10) DC 15, Suggestion 7 (+10) DC 15, Corrupting Shadow 7 (+10) DC 15, Summon Beasts 7 (+10) DC 15
Combat: Unarmed +18, Damage +8 (20/+3), Longsword +18, Damage +11 (19/+3), Defence +18/+19, Initiative +7
Saving Throws: Toughness +7, Fortitude +5, Reflex +11, Will +10
Not too bad I think. Poor Queen Jaellin isn't going to know what hit her.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Going Beyond the Murder-hobo
I have professed my love for many old-school adventures here. Both ones published "back in the day" and the current crop of new old-school adventures.
Well I was listening to a you video on Dungeon! recently and the parallel was drawn yet again between the Fellowship in the mines of Moria and your average dungeon crawl. There are lots and lots of similarities and by now everyone knows it. But there is a fundamental difference between the Fellowship and what a lot of dungeon crawls assume. The Fellowship was only there on their way to become heroes, not to loot the dungeon and kill orcs.
Sometimes I do feel out of step with my Old-School brethren because I do think a character in D&D should aspire to be more than just a "murder-hobo". I think part of that stems from my involvement with other games very early on. In Chill for example you start out as the "everyman/everywoman". Heck even one of the archetypes is "Socialite". The point is that you start out like this but the horrors in the world force you to become something else.
There is an old saying in the horror genre. Take a movie's Final Girl and turn into a buff male with a gun and then you have an Action Movie. I say put a sword in her hand (or a wand) and you have a D&D adventure. The point though for me is whether horror, action or D&D the characters must be the heroes of the tale.
That is one of the reason why I like to weave a coherent story in my adventures. Each one is a clue to the next to the larger threat. A cult in the Cave of Chaos tips off the adventurers to a series of deaths on Bone Hill which leads to the rumors of slave traders that tie into attacks by giants...
Maybe I am taking too much of a modern supernatural story line to my adventures, but I find one endless dungeon crawl after the next to be boring. Its one of the reasons I never liked mega-dungeons either. And yes I like character development. I like heroes.
What are your favorite kinds of adventures? What do you do?
Well I was listening to a you video on Dungeon! recently and the parallel was drawn yet again between the Fellowship in the mines of Moria and your average dungeon crawl. There are lots and lots of similarities and by now everyone knows it. But there is a fundamental difference between the Fellowship and what a lot of dungeon crawls assume. The Fellowship was only there on their way to become heroes, not to loot the dungeon and kill orcs.
Sometimes I do feel out of step with my Old-School brethren because I do think a character in D&D should aspire to be more than just a "murder-hobo". I think part of that stems from my involvement with other games very early on. In Chill for example you start out as the "everyman/everywoman". Heck even one of the archetypes is "Socialite". The point is that you start out like this but the horrors in the world force you to become something else.
There is an old saying in the horror genre. Take a movie's Final Girl and turn into a buff male with a gun and then you have an Action Movie. I say put a sword in her hand (or a wand) and you have a D&D adventure. The point though for me is whether horror, action or D&D the characters must be the heroes of the tale.
That is one of the reason why I like to weave a coherent story in my adventures. Each one is a clue to the next to the larger threat. A cult in the Cave of Chaos tips off the adventurers to a series of deaths on Bone Hill which leads to the rumors of slave traders that tie into attacks by giants...
Maybe I am taking too much of a modern supernatural story line to my adventures, but I find one endless dungeon crawl after the next to be boring. Its one of the reasons I never liked mega-dungeons either. And yes I like character development. I like heroes.
What are your favorite kinds of adventures? What do you do?
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Skylla: D&D 4th Edition
For this conversion I am doing it completely by hand. No character builder what so ever.
My sources are:
- Player's Handbook, for Wizard and Warlock
- Player's Option: Heroes of the Feywild, for the Witch
- Arcane Power, for additional powers for the Wizard and Warlock
In this case however I think I am going to find that the Witch build (based on the Wizard) is going to be closer to what I want. Though I am willing to be surprised.
In this case since so many of the ability scores are expected to rise I started her slightly lower than her Basic D&D counterpart and raised score by the rules. She did end up with a greater score in Intelligence. While getting high for a Basic D&D character this actually puts her on the "low average" side of a D&D4 character.
Skylla, level 7
Human, Wizard (Witch)
Moon Coven Option: Dark Moon Coven
Dark Apprenticeship (+2 to Intimidate)
ABILITY SCORES
STR 9 (+2)
CON 10 (+3)
DEX 11 (+3)
INT 17 (+6)
WIS 12 (+4)
CHA 11 (+3)
AC: 16 Fort: 14 Ref: 17 Will: 17
HP: 49 Bloodied: 24 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 12
TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +14, Dungeoneering +9, History +11, Insight +9, Intimidate +10, Nature +9
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +3, Athletics +2, Bluff +5, Diplomacy +3, Endurance +3, Heal +4, Perception +4, Religion +6, Stealth +5, Streetwise +3, Thievery +3
POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack, Staff +2
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack, Dagger (thrown) +3
CANTRIPS
Chameleon's Mask
AT-WILL
Magic Missile
Ray of Frost
Witch Bolt
ENCOUNTER
Dread Presence
Color Spray
Lightning Bolt
DAILY
Acid Arrow
Sleep
Bigby's Icy Grasp
Web
UTILITY
Feather Fall
Dimension Door
Invisibility
Shield
FEATS
Arcane Familiar (Dragonling), Action Surge, Toughness, Skill Focus (Arcana), Ritual Caster, Arcane Reserves
ITEMS
Battle Staff +1 x1
Delver's Cloth Armor (Basic Clothing) +1 x1
Cloak of Resistance +1 x1
Cloth Armor (Basic Clothing)
Adventurer's Kit
Staff Implement x1
While going through this I am very sure what the Warlock class would give me. Skylla is a seeker of knowledge so a pact with a demon or vestige might work, but the spells are rather different.
Still. I could see it working.
This build shows again how powerful the 4e characters are vs other editions. Skylla here has 14 spells she can use at least once per day, often more. I have always said that D&D4 characters are about 2-3 levels in power compared to a same "name" level character of other editions.
5e really scales this back.
Compare the stats above to her BECMI, Pathfinder and 5th Edition D&D versions.
I like this witch class, just not sure if it works as well as I want here.
In case I forgot them, here are some more links about Skylla and her proposed appearance in the classic Dungeons & Dragons Cartoon.
http://www.dungeonsdragonscartoon.com/2009/08/yugol-and-curse-of-stone.html
http://www.dungeonsdragonscartoon.com/2009/08/skylla.html
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Hero Forge Mini
Yesterday I got my Hero Forge mini in the mail. Here is Larina!
The mini is nice but there is far less detail than I expected. True I picked the "Strong" mini and not the "Ultra Detailed" one, so I think I need to try that one out.
Shipping took about 4 weeks, no idea what it would take now.
If I get the other characters I want I am going to be in the market for someone to paint them!
The mini is nice but there is far less detail than I expected. True I picked the "Strong" mini and not the "Ultra Detailed" one, so I think I need to try that one out.
Shipping took about 4 weeks, no idea what it would take now.
If I get the other characters I want I am going to be in the market for someone to paint them!
Monday, December 15, 2014
Skylla: D&D 5th Edition
Time to revist one of D&D's iconic witches, Skylla. Since I began this series I have had a few people email with interesting little tidbits of information. Such as how she was supposed to have a larger figure produced (like the likes of Warduke and Kelek). Most interesting though was how she was supposed to appear in the D&D cartoon.
http://www.dungeonsdragonscartoon.com/2009/08/skylla.html
http://www.dungeonsdragonscartoon.com/2009/08/yugol-and-curse-of-stone.html
She appears as an old hag but that is only an illusion to cover her true features; that of a beautiful woman. Interesting switch there, but she certainly sounds like a witch to me.
It seems even more fitting that I try her out under the latest version of the D&D rules.
I always knew I wanted to try her out under the 5th edition rules and I wanted to wait till I had a better grasp of those rules.
Well now I do; give or take, and I wanted to see how she stacks up. But 5th edition gives me an interesting choice. Do I stat her up as a Wizard or as a Warlock? Both have their advantages.
The Wizard of course is closer to the source stats of Skylla. The Warlock is really closer to the concept. I suppose in truth she would have started out as a wizard and her desire for more power lead her on a path towards becoming a warlock. I investigated both and it was educational.
In both cases I started with her same base stats and made her level 7. In each case her primary stat was 16 (Int vs. Cha) and reversed for the 11 (Cha vs. Int). Though I mix up Wisdom a bit in there as well.
Skylla's Background
For her Background I chose "Sage" since that deals with finding knowledge. For Skylla knowledge is power. She was a former Wizard's Apprentice (Ringlerun) now turned to chaos and evil.
Personality Traits: "I am convinced that people are trying to steal my secrets."
Ideals: "Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination."
Bounds: "I sold my soul for Knowledge." (seems perfect)
Flaws: "Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization."
Skylla
7th Level Wizard, Female, Chaotic Evil
Strength: 9 (-1) [-1]
Dexterity: 11 (0) [0]
Constitution: 10 (0) [0]
Intelligence: 16 (+3) [+6]
Wisdom: 12 (+1) [+4]
Charisma: 11 (0) [0]
Proficiency Bonus: 3
AC: 12 (Cloak of Protection, +2)
Hit Points: 34 (d6)
Skills
Acrobatics 0, Animal Handling +1, *Arcana +6, Athletics -1, Deception 0, *History +6, *Insight +4, Intimidation 0, *Investigation +6, Medicine +1, Nature +3, Perception +1, Performance 0, Persuasion 0, Religion +3, Slight of Hand 0, Stealth 0, Survival +1
Common, Elven, Draconic, Abyssal
School of Enchantment
Spells
Cantrips: Light, Mage Hand, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost
1st: Charm Person, Detect Magic, Magic Missile, Tenser's Floating Disk
2nd: Knock, Invisible, Levitate
3rd: Hold Person (2nd level spell), Fear, Lightning Bolt
4th: Dimension Door
Skylla
7th Level Warlock, Female, Chaotic Evil
Strength: 9 (-1) [-1]
Dexterity: 11 (0) [0]
Constitution: 10 (0) [0]
Intelligence: 12 (+1) [+1]
Wisdom: 11 (0) [+3]
Charisma: 16 (+3) [+6]
Proficiency Bonus: 3
AC: 12 (Cloak of Protection, +2)
Hit Points: 38 (d8)
Skills
Acrobatics 0, Animal Handling 0, *Arcana +4, Athletics -1, Deception +3, *History +4, Insight 0, *Intimidation +6, *Investigation +4, Medicine 0, Nature +1, Perception 0, Performance +3, Persuasion +3, Religion +1, Slight of Hand 0, Stealth 0, Survival 0
Common, Elven, Draconic, Abyssal
Pact of the Tome
Patron: The Fiend
Invocations
Book of Ancient Secrets
Armor of Shadows
Agonizing Blast
Mask of Many Faces
Pact Powers
Dark One's Own Blessing
Dark One's Own Luck
Spells
Cantrips: Chill Touch, Mage Hand, Eldritch Blast, +Light, +Poison Spray, +Ray of Frost
1st:Burning Hands, Command, Comprehend Languages (Ritual), Detect Magic (Ritual)
2nd:Blindness/Deafness, Scorching Ray
3rd:Fireball, Stinking Cloud
4th: Fire Shield, Wall of Fire
So, I like how the Warlock version plays out in terms various powers and role-playing elements. In particular I really like her pact. The wizard though has spells closer to the base version of Skylla. Also since the wizard's primary stat is Int, her skills are better overall as a wizard.
The Pact of the Tome sorta fixes some of this, she can take some wizard spells as a ritual.
I want to try out a few more warlocks with different pacts to see how they play.
http://www.dungeonsdragonscartoon.com/2009/08/skylla.html
http://www.dungeonsdragonscartoon.com/2009/08/yugol-and-curse-of-stone.html
It seems even more fitting that I try her out under the latest version of the D&D rules.
I always knew I wanted to try her out under the 5th edition rules and I wanted to wait till I had a better grasp of those rules.
Well now I do; give or take, and I wanted to see how she stacks up. But 5th edition gives me an interesting choice. Do I stat her up as a Wizard or as a Warlock? Both have their advantages.
The Wizard of course is closer to the source stats of Skylla. The Warlock is really closer to the concept. I suppose in truth she would have started out as a wizard and her desire for more power lead her on a path towards becoming a warlock. I investigated both and it was educational.
In both cases I started with her same base stats and made her level 7. In each case her primary stat was 16 (Int vs. Cha) and reversed for the 11 (Cha vs. Int). Though I mix up Wisdom a bit in there as well.
Skylla's Background
For her Background I chose "Sage" since that deals with finding knowledge. For Skylla knowledge is power. She was a former Wizard's Apprentice (Ringlerun) now turned to chaos and evil.
Personality Traits: "I am convinced that people are trying to steal my secrets."
Ideals: "Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination."
Bounds: "I sold my soul for Knowledge." (seems perfect)
Flaws: "Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization."
Skylla
7th Level Wizard, Female, Chaotic Evil
Strength: 9 (-1) [-1]
Dexterity: 11 (0) [0]
Constitution: 10 (0) [0]
Intelligence: 16 (+3) [+6]
Wisdom: 12 (+1) [+4]
Charisma: 11 (0) [0]
Proficiency Bonus: 3
AC: 12 (Cloak of Protection, +2)
Hit Points: 34 (d6)
Skills
Acrobatics 0, Animal Handling +1, *Arcana +6, Athletics -1, Deception 0, *History +6, *Insight +4, Intimidation 0, *Investigation +6, Medicine +1, Nature +3, Perception +1, Performance 0, Persuasion 0, Religion +3, Slight of Hand 0, Stealth 0, Survival +1
Common, Elven, Draconic, Abyssal
School of Enchantment
Spells
Cantrips: Light, Mage Hand, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost
1st: Charm Person, Detect Magic, Magic Missile, Tenser's Floating Disk
2nd: Knock, Invisible, Levitate
3rd: Hold Person (2nd level spell), Fear, Lightning Bolt
4th: Dimension Door
Skylla
7th Level Warlock, Female, Chaotic Evil
Strength: 9 (-1) [-1]
Dexterity: 11 (0) [0]
Constitution: 10 (0) [0]
Intelligence: 12 (+1) [+1]
Wisdom: 11 (0) [+3]
Charisma: 16 (+3) [+6]
Proficiency Bonus: 3
AC: 12 (Cloak of Protection, +2)
Hit Points: 38 (d8)
Skills
Acrobatics 0, Animal Handling 0, *Arcana +4, Athletics -1, Deception +3, *History +4, Insight 0, *Intimidation +6, *Investigation +4, Medicine 0, Nature +1, Perception 0, Performance +3, Persuasion +3, Religion +1, Slight of Hand 0, Stealth 0, Survival 0
Common, Elven, Draconic, Abyssal
Pact of the Tome
Patron: The Fiend
Invocations
Book of Ancient Secrets
Armor of Shadows
Agonizing Blast
Mask of Many Faces
Pact Powers
Dark One's Own Blessing
Dark One's Own Luck
Spells
Cantrips: Chill Touch, Mage Hand, Eldritch Blast, +Light, +Poison Spray, +Ray of Frost
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
4th: Fire Shield, Wall of Fire
So, I like how the Warlock version plays out in terms various powers and role-playing elements. In particular I really like her pact. The wizard though has spells closer to the base version of Skylla. Also since the wizard's primary stat is Int, her skills are better overall as a wizard.
The Pact of the Tome sorta fixes some of this, she can take some wizard spells as a ritual.
I want to try out a few more warlocks with different pacts to see how they play.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Hero Forge: Meet Roryn, Xothia of the Rock
Next week is the premier of the last Hobbit movie.
When the first movie premiered I posted the Dwarven Witch, the Xothia.
Well thanks to the magic that is Hero Forge I can now see Roryn come to life...er sorta.
She is complete with seer stone and laybrs.
I also did some of my iconic witch Larina. I opted for the hat over her normal hood because, well I love pointy hats. I might try one with her with a hood.
And her daughter and apprentice Taryn,
I am having way too much with this!
The best thing is making characters I might never have been able to get before.
Such as Justice,
It's not a perfect representation, but it is really, really close and I really like it. I kind of dig the armor look vs. the tunic. The pose and blindfold make it perfect.
I will post some pictures when my backer figure comes in.
When the first movie premiered I posted the Dwarven Witch, the Xothia.
Well thanks to the magic that is Hero Forge I can now see Roryn come to life...er sorta.
She is complete with seer stone and laybrs.
I also did some of my iconic witch Larina. I opted for the hat over her normal hood because, well I love pointy hats. I might try one with her with a hood.
And her daughter and apprentice Taryn,
I am having way too much with this!
The best thing is making characters I might never have been able to get before.
Such as Justice,
It's not a perfect representation, but it is really, really close and I really like it. I kind of dig the armor look vs. the tunic. The pose and blindfold make it perfect.
I will post some pictures when my backer figure comes in.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Sleepy Hollow & Katrina Crane
Yesterday I talked a lot about Colonial Gothic and their Sleepy Hollow book. It was a lot of fun but it reminded me that it was not the only Sleepy Hollow book I own.
Last year for Halloween, Barrel Rider Games published their own Sleepy Hollow book.
It also includes the full text of the story. But like all (or rather now most) of Barrel Rider Games' books this one is for Labyrinth Lord.
The book is 30 pages and contains the complete tale of the Headless Horseman.
Also included are writeups for Ichabod Crane, Katrina, Brom Bones and of course the Headless Horseman. A new class is introduced, the Scholar (for Ichabod). Rules for flint-lock firearms and some new magic are thrown in for good measure. There are also five adventure hooks for adventures in Sleepy Hollow.
It's all a pretty good deal really.
For just under $3 total you should get both books and have a both characters and maps.
Though neither have much to do with the TV series "Sleepy Hollow" save that all have the same source material.
One of my favorite characters from the show is quite naturally Katrina Crane (nee Van Tassel). She is a powerful witch sworn to protect the world from evil. Sounds pretty awesome if you ask me.
Katrina Crane
8th Level Witch Family Tradition
From The Witch
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 14
Charisma: 17
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 11
Magic Wands: 12
Paralysis: 11
Dragon Breath: 14
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 13
To Hit AC 0: 18 / 17 (missile)
Hit Points: 22
Alignment: Lawful
AC: 9
Occult Powers
Familiar: Family Spirit
7th level: Favored Enemy (Demons)
Spells
Cantrips: Alarm Ward, Animate Tool, Dancing Lights, Object Reading, Spark
First: Light, Magic Circle Against Evil, Consecration Ritual (Ritual)
Second: Augury,Guard Watch, Mind Obscure, Rite of Remote Seeing
Third: Astral Sense, Scry
Fourth: Analyze Magic, Ethereal Projection
Last year for Halloween, Barrel Rider Games published their own Sleepy Hollow book.
It also includes the full text of the story. But like all (or rather now most) of Barrel Rider Games' books this one is for Labyrinth Lord.
The book is 30 pages and contains the complete tale of the Headless Horseman.
Also included are writeups for Ichabod Crane, Katrina, Brom Bones and of course the Headless Horseman. A new class is introduced, the Scholar (for Ichabod). Rules for flint-lock firearms and some new magic are thrown in for good measure. There are also five adventure hooks for adventures in Sleepy Hollow.
It's all a pretty good deal really.
For just under $3 total you should get both books and have a both characters and maps.
Though neither have much to do with the TV series "Sleepy Hollow" save that all have the same source material.
One of my favorite characters from the show is quite naturally Katrina Crane (nee Van Tassel). She is a powerful witch sworn to protect the world from evil. Sounds pretty awesome if you ask me.
8th Level Witch Family Tradition
From The Witch
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 14
Charisma: 17
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 11
Magic Wands: 12
Paralysis: 11
Dragon Breath: 14
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 13
To Hit AC 0: 18 / 17 (missile)
Hit Points: 22
Alignment: Lawful
AC: 9
Occult Powers
Familiar: Family Spirit
7th level: Favored Enemy (Demons)
Spells
Cantrips: Alarm Ward, Animate Tool, Dancing Lights, Object Reading, Spark
First: Light, Magic Circle Against Evil, Consecration Ritual (Ritual)
Second: Augury,Guard Watch, Mind Obscure, Rite of Remote Seeing
Third: Astral Sense, Scry
Fourth: Analyze Magic, Ethereal Projection
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Cinematic Unisystem: Witches of East End
It really should be no surprise that I enjoy Lifetime's Witches of East End.
Yes it is a "chick show" and yes it is soap opera-y but really I don't care. It is a a fun show and it has witches in it. Plus I love Mädchen Amick and was drawn in because of her.
But a few surprising things happened. First I was not prepared to walk away saying "wow Julia Ormond was really great in that!" I NEVER liked Julia Ormond, I never liked her work. Yet this show made me do a complete 180. I think she is great in this and now I am wondering if I was just underestimating her as an actress. OR I think she needed to mature a bit more (and maybe me too) so I could appreciate how good she is.
Rachel Boston and Jenna Dewan-Tatum are both great as the younger witches Ingrid and Freya respectively.
Honestly it is like the a crossover between "Charmed" and "Practical Magic".
Of course I was bummed out when Lifetime canceled it after Season 2.
Though there maybe hope yet. There is a massive campaign to get the show back and it seems to be making a lot of head way. Even William Shatner is Tweeting that it should not have been canceled.
Checking on the #RenewWitchesOfEastEnd hashtag on Twitter it seems to be gaining more and more ground.
Witches of East End for Cinematic Unisystem
My normal mode here is to use Classic Unisystem for books and Cinematic for TV shows. Well Witches of East End is both. For this posting I am going to focus soley on the TV show and do Cinematic Unisystem. This is mostly Buffy/Angel stats, but a lot of Ghosts of Albion added in since it is a better fit for the show.
The Beauchamp witches are considered to be a supernatural race so they can choose some supernatural qualities and drawbacks normally denied to humans.
Joanna Beauchamp
Witch
Str: 2 Dex: 2 Con: 2 Int: 5 Per: 4 Wil: 7
Life Points: 39
Drama Points: 10
Qualities
Age 10, Attractive 1, Contacts 2 (occult), Control Weather 5, Hard to Kill 5, Healing Touch 3, Immortal, Magic 7, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 3 (The Grimoire), TK 7, Unique Kill (Argentium)
Drawbacks
Adversary 5 (various witches, warlocks and members of Asgard that support her father), Emotional Problems (must protect her girls above all else) 1, Honorable 2, Love (Tragic), Obsession (Find a cure for her family curse), Secret (is immortal from another world) 2
Skills
Acrobatics 1, Computer 1, Crime 1, Doctor 3, Driving 3, Engineering 1, Getting Medieval 3, Gun Fu 1, Influence 3, knowledge 6, Languages 4 (English, Latin, Greek, Asgardian), Notice 5, Occultism 8, Science 2, Sports 1
Spellcasting: +22
Deflect: +22
Joanna is the matriarch of the Beachamp witches. She is sister to Wendy and mother to Ingrid and Freya. Joanna is over 1,000 years old and has been living on earth in exile. She tries to maintain a low profile when she can in order to keep her girls safe.
She works as an art teacher in the small town of North Hampton
Wendy Beauchamp
Witch
Str: 3 Dex: 4 Con: 2 Int: 4 Per: 4 Wil: 5
Life Points: 54
Drama Points: 10
Qualities
Acute Senses 2 (night vision, smell), Age 9, Attractive 2, Contacts 2 (occult), Control Weather 4, Hard to Kill 8, Healing Touch 2,Immortal, Magic 6, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 3 (The Grimoire), Supernatural Form (dual form, human and cat), TK 6, Unique Kill (kill all her nine lives)
Drawbacks
Addiction 1 (mild lechery), Adversary 4 (various witches, warlocks and members of Asgard that support her father), Love (Tragic), Secret (is immortal from another world) 2
Skills
Acrobatics 3, Crime 2, Doctor 2, Driving 3, Engineering 1, Getting Medieval 4, Gun Fu 1, Influence 4, Knowledge 6, Languages 3 (English, Latin, Asgardian), Notice 6, Occultism 8, Science 2, Sports 3
Spellcasting: +19
Deflect: +19
Wendy is Joanna's younger sister. She is flighty and free spirited, but is fiercely devoted to her sister and nieces. Wendy and Joanna were estranged for while when Wendy accidentally killed one of Ingrid's incarnations.
Ingrid Beauchamp
Witch
Str: 3 Dex: 2 Con: 2 Int: 6 Per: 4 Wil: 4
Life Points: 39
Drama Points: 10
Qualities
Attractive 2, Bookish, Control Weather 1, Hard to Kill 2, Healing Touch 2, Magic 3, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 3 (The Grimoire), TK 3,
Drawbacks
Adversary 2 (various witches, warlocks), Honorable 2, Love (Tragic), Secret (is a semi-immortal from another world) 2
Skills
Acrobatics 1, Computer 4, Crime 1, Doctor 3, Driving 3, Engineering 1, Getting Medieval 3, Gun Fu 1, Influence 3, Knowledge 6, Languages 3 (English, Latin, Greek), Notice 5, Occultism 5, Research 4, Science 5, Sports 1
Spellcasting: +12
Deflect: +12
Ingrid is the oldest daughter. She has only discovered that she is in fact a witch. She spent most of her life as a rational skeptic. She has similar powers to her mother but can also write new spells.
Ingrid currently works at the local East End library. She is also working on her dissertation on witches and witchcraft.
Freya Beauchamp
Witch
Str: 3 Dex: 2 Con: 3 Int: 4 Per: 4 Wil: 3
Life Points: 37
Drama Points: 10
Qualities
Attractive 3, Control Weather 1, Hard to Kill 1, Healing Touch 1, Magic 3, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 3 (The Grimoire), TK 3,
Drawbacks
Adversary 2 (various witches, warlocks), Honorable 2, Love (Dash, Killian), Secret (is a semi-immortal from another world) 2
Skills
Acrobatics 2, Computer 2, Crime 2, Doctor 3, Driving 3, Engineering 1, Getting Medieval 3, Gun Fu 1, Influence 3, Knowledge 5, Languages 1 (English), Notice 4, Occultism 4, Research 3, Science 2, Sports 2, Wild Card (Making Potions) 3
Spellcasting: +10
Deflect: +10
Frey is the youngest and usually the first to fall in love. She is not as strong in her magic as her sister or mother, but has a special affinity for making potions. She is also the daughter that gets along the best with Aunt Wendy.
Freya has calmed down a lot since her "wild child" days (which also makes her Wendy's favorite) to get married to a man named Dash. Though she falls in love with his brother, Killian. Both brothers are warlocks though. Freya currently works as a bartender.
Personally I think they would work great in any Cinematic Unisystem game.
I'd love to see more of this show (and so would the rest of the fans).
If you feel so inclined, send a Tweet to @Lifetime with the hashtag #RenewWitchesOfEastEnd.
I would consider is a personal favor.
Also if you are so inclined then please check out this petition.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/renew-witches-of-east-end
But a few surprising things happened. First I was not prepared to walk away saying "wow Julia Ormond was really great in that!" I NEVER liked Julia Ormond, I never liked her work. Yet this show made me do a complete 180. I think she is great in this and now I am wondering if I was just underestimating her as an actress. OR I think she needed to mature a bit more (and maybe me too) so I could appreciate how good she is.
Rachel Boston and Jenna Dewan-Tatum are both great as the younger witches Ingrid and Freya respectively.
Honestly it is like the a crossover between "Charmed" and "Practical Magic".
Of course I was bummed out when Lifetime canceled it after Season 2.
Though there maybe hope yet. There is a massive campaign to get the show back and it seems to be making a lot of head way. Even William Shatner is Tweeting that it should not have been canceled.
Checking on the #RenewWitchesOfEastEnd hashtag on Twitter it seems to be gaining more and more ground.
Witches of East End for Cinematic Unisystem
My normal mode here is to use Classic Unisystem for books and Cinematic for TV shows. Well Witches of East End is both. For this posting I am going to focus soley on the TV show and do Cinematic Unisystem. This is mostly Buffy/Angel stats, but a lot of Ghosts of Albion added in since it is a better fit for the show.
The Beauchamp witches are considered to be a supernatural race so they can choose some supernatural qualities and drawbacks normally denied to humans.
Joanna Beauchamp
Witch
Str: 2 Dex: 2 Con: 2 Int: 5 Per: 4 Wil: 7
Life Points: 39
Drama Points: 10
Qualities
Age 10, Attractive 1, Contacts 2 (occult), Control Weather 5, Hard to Kill 5, Healing Touch 3, Immortal, Magic 7, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 3 (The Grimoire), TK 7, Unique Kill (Argentium)
Drawbacks
Adversary 5 (various witches, warlocks and members of Asgard that support her father), Emotional Problems (must protect her girls above all else) 1, Honorable 2, Love (Tragic), Obsession (Find a cure for her family curse), Secret (is immortal from another world) 2
Skills
Acrobatics 1, Computer 1, Crime 1, Doctor 3, Driving 3, Engineering 1, Getting Medieval 3, Gun Fu 1, Influence 3, knowledge 6, Languages 4 (English, Latin, Greek, Asgardian), Notice 5, Occultism 8, Science 2, Sports 1
Spellcasting: +22
Deflect: +22
Joanna is the matriarch of the Beachamp witches. She is sister to Wendy and mother to Ingrid and Freya. Joanna is over 1,000 years old and has been living on earth in exile. She tries to maintain a low profile when she can in order to keep her girls safe.
She works as an art teacher in the small town of North Hampton
Wendy Beauchamp
Witch
Str: 3 Dex: 4 Con: 2 Int: 4 Per: 4 Wil: 5
Life Points: 54
Drama Points: 10
Qualities
Acute Senses 2 (night vision, smell), Age 9, Attractive 2, Contacts 2 (occult), Control Weather 4, Hard to Kill 8, Healing Touch 2,
Drawbacks
Addiction 1 (mild lechery), Adversary 4 (various witches, warlocks and members of Asgard that support her father), Love (Tragic), Secret (is immortal from another world) 2
Skills
Acrobatics 3, Crime 2, Doctor 2, Driving 3, Engineering 1, Getting Medieval 4, Gun Fu 1, Influence 4, Knowledge 6, Languages 3 (English, Latin, Asgardian), Notice 6, Occultism 8, Science 2, Sports 3
Spellcasting: +19
Deflect: +19
Wendy is Joanna's younger sister. She is flighty and free spirited, but is fiercely devoted to her sister and nieces. Wendy and Joanna were estranged for while when Wendy accidentally killed one of Ingrid's incarnations.
Ingrid Beauchamp
Witch
Str: 3 Dex: 2 Con: 2 Int: 6 Per: 4 Wil: 4
Life Points: 39
Drama Points: 10
Qualities
Attractive 2, Bookish, Control Weather 1, Hard to Kill 2, Healing Touch 2, Magic 3, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 3 (The Grimoire), TK 3,
Drawbacks
Adversary 2 (various witches, warlocks), Honorable 2, Love (Tragic), Secret (is a semi-immortal from another world) 2
Skills
Acrobatics 1, Computer 4, Crime 1, Doctor 3, Driving 3, Engineering 1, Getting Medieval 3, Gun Fu 1, Influence 3, Knowledge 6, Languages 3 (English, Latin, Greek), Notice 5, Occultism 5, Research 4, Science 5, Sports 1
Spellcasting: +12
Deflect: +12
Ingrid is the oldest daughter. She has only discovered that she is in fact a witch. She spent most of her life as a rational skeptic. She has similar powers to her mother but can also write new spells.
Ingrid currently works at the local East End library. She is also working on her dissertation on witches and witchcraft.
Freya Beauchamp
Witch
Str: 3 Dex: 2 Con: 3 Int: 4 Per: 4 Wil: 3
Life Points: 37
Drama Points: 10
Qualities
Attractive 3, Control Weather 1, Hard to Kill 1, Healing Touch 1, Magic 3, Nerves of Steel, Occult Library 3 (The Grimoire), TK 3,
Drawbacks
Adversary 2 (various witches, warlocks), Honorable 2, Love (
Skills
Acrobatics 2, Computer 2, Crime 2, Doctor 3, Driving 3, Engineering 1, Getting Medieval 3, Gun Fu 1, Influence 3, Knowledge 5, Languages 1 (English), Notice 4, Occultism 4, Research 3, Science 2, Sports 2, Wild Card (Making Potions) 3
Spellcasting: +10
Deflect: +10
Frey is the youngest and usually the first to fall in love. She is not as strong in her magic as her sister or mother, but has a special affinity for making potions. She is also the daughter that gets along the best with Aunt Wendy.
Freya has calmed down a lot since her "wild child" days (which also makes her Wendy's favorite) to get married to a man named Dash. Though she falls in love with his brother, Killian. Both brothers are warlocks though. Freya currently works as a bartender.
Personally I think they would work great in any Cinematic Unisystem game.
I'd love to see more of this show (and so would the rest of the fans).
If you feel so inclined, send a Tweet to @Lifetime with the hashtag #RenewWitchesOfEastEnd.
I would consider is a personal favor.
Also if you are so inclined then please check out this petition.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/renew-witches-of-east-end
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The Amazing Adventures of Rachel Morgan
Wow. What a great week. I finally got copy of "The Witch With No Name" and I have been doing a lot of stuff with Amazing Adventures. I have also been going through all my material for the Castles & Crusades witch class.
So I am seeing a lot of convergence here.
Amazing Adventures works well as a fully modern game as well as a Pulp era one.
I am toying with the idea that WIS is for casting Earth Magic, INT is good for Ley Line magic and CHA for Demonic and Elf magic. Though I also really need for Rachel to be able to cast Astral Projection, she is 18th level. True, the only real Astral plane is the Ever After so it should be a lower level spell. But Rachel in WWNN is pretty damn powerful.
Rachel Morgan
18th Level Witch (Amazing Adventures/C&C) (Arcanist)
Eclectic Tradition* (I have not worked out any traditions yet)
Race: Witch, now uncursed Demon
Strength: 12 (0)
Dexterity: 11 (0)
Constitution: 12 (0)
Intelligence: 15 (+1) P
Wisdom: 13 (+1) P
Charisma: 18 (+3) P
Hit Points: 70
Alignment: Chaotic Good
AC: 13 (Rachel likes leather)
BtH: +4
MEP: 114
Languages: English, Latin, Elven (native language is English)
Background: Runner (Law Enforcment) +4,
Traits: Spellgifted (demon curses)
Skill: Knowledge (Arcana)
Powers
Familiar: Bis the Gargoyle (ok Bis is not really her familiar, but close in this world).
Herb Use
Ritual Magic
Spells
Cantrips: (9) Arcane Mark, Dancing Lights, Detect Illusion, Detect Magic, Light, Magical Aura, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Stun
First: (5+1) Change Self, Command, Daze, Identify, Shield, Sleep
Second: (5+1) Blur, Burning Hands, Hold Person, Knock, Pyrotechnics, Scare
Third: (4+1) Aid, Fear, Heat Metal, Nondetection, Remove Curse
Fourth: (4) Dispel Magic, Fear, Polymorph Self/Other, Seeming
Fifth: (4) Contact Other Plane, Magic Jar, Projection, True Seeing
Sixth: (3) Guards and Wards, Mislead, Veil
Seventh: (3) Power Word Stun, Teleport without Error, Word of Recall
Eighth: (2) Symbol, Trap the Soul
Ninth: (1) Astral Projection
Magic Items
Splat-ball gun* (a paint ball gun with sleep potions in the paint balls).
Various charms, pain amulets, charmed handcuffs.
I like her! I might need to fiddle with her stats just a bit to get the right feel, but I like what I have here.
Plus this will give a chance to try that Hollows/Dresden Files crossover I have been dying to do.
Don't forget the Amazing Adventures Kickstarter. Last Days!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/676918054/amazing-adventures-rpg
BTW Witch With No Name is Awesome! Love it.
So I am seeing a lot of convergence here.
Amazing Adventures works well as a fully modern game as well as a Pulp era one.
I am toying with the idea that WIS is for casting Earth Magic, INT is good for Ley Line magic and CHA for Demonic and Elf magic. Though I also really need for Rachel to be able to cast Astral Projection, she is 18th level. True, the only real Astral plane is the Ever After so it should be a lower level spell. But Rachel in WWNN is pretty damn powerful.
 |
| Camille as Rachel Morgan |
Rachel Morgan
18th Level Witch (Amazing Adventures/C&C) (Arcanist)
Eclectic Tradition* (I have not worked out any traditions yet)
Race: Witch, now uncursed Demon
Strength: 12 (0)
Dexterity: 11 (0)
Constitution: 12 (0)
Intelligence: 15 (+1) P
Wisdom: 13 (+1) P
Charisma: 18 (+3) P
Hit Points: 70
Alignment: Chaotic Good
AC: 13 (Rachel likes leather)
BtH: +4
MEP: 114
Languages: English, Latin, Elven (native language is English)
Background: Runner (Law Enforcment) +4,
Traits: Spellgifted (demon curses)
Skill: Knowledge (Arcana)
Powers
Familiar: Bis the Gargoyle (ok Bis is not really her familiar, but close in this world).
Herb Use
Ritual Magic
Spells
Cantrips: (9) Arcane Mark, Dancing Lights, Detect Illusion, Detect Magic, Light, Magical Aura, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Stun
First: (5+1) Change Self, Command, Daze, Identify, Shield, Sleep
Second: (5+1) Blur, Burning Hands, Hold Person, Knock, Pyrotechnics, Scare
Third: (4+1) Aid, Fear, Heat Metal, Nondetection, Remove Curse
Fourth: (4) Dispel Magic, Fear, Polymorph Self/Other, Seeming
Fifth: (4) Contact Other Plane, Magic Jar, Projection, True Seeing
Sixth: (3) Guards and Wards, Mislead, Veil
Seventh: (3) Power Word Stun, Teleport without Error, Word of Recall
Eighth: (2) Symbol, Trap the Soul
Ninth: (1) Astral Projection
Magic Items
Splat-ball gun* (a paint ball gun with sleep potions in the paint balls).
Various charms, pain amulets, charmed handcuffs.
Plus this will give a chance to try that Hollows/Dresden Files crossover I have been dying to do.
Don't forget the Amazing Adventures Kickstarter. Last Days!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/676918054/amazing-adventures-rpg
BTW Witch With No Name is Awesome! Love it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Feiya, Pathfinder Iconic Witch
I have been thinking and working a lot in Pathfinder for the last few weeks. Gearing up for the release of Strange Brew. I have been reading over all their witch material and that includes material on their iconic witch Feiya.
She certainly has an interesting background and one tailored to the Pathfinder/Golarian world. But I have wondered, on a few occasions, on how she would fare in one of my worlds where witches have, how shall I say it, a bit more freedom of expression.
So here is the Pathfinder Iconic Feiya as a Basic Witch.
In Pathfinder we have stats for her at 1st level, 7th level and 12th level. Since I typically like to do stats at 1st, 7th and 13th level for witches this sounds good to me.
I am going to start with her 1st level stats and move out from there. In the Basic Era abilities did not improve over time so they are locked in at 1st level. I am going to swap her Intelligence and Charisma to reflect the different spell casting abilities.
Also given her background of being taught by Hags I am giving her the Faerie Tradition.
Feiya
Witch stats for the Witch for Basic Era Games
1st level Witch, Faerie (Hag) Tradition
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 13
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 18
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 13
Magic wand or devices: 14
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 13
Dragon Breath: 16
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 15
Hit Points: 3
Alignment: Neutral
AC: 7 (Leather Armor)
Occult Powers
Familiar: Fox (+1 to Intelligence and Wisdom checks) "Daji"
Spells
Cantrips: Chill, Daze, Detect Curse, Object Reading, Open, Sound
First: Sickly
To hit AC 0: 20
Weapons: Dagger, Quaterstaff
Feiya
7th level Witch, Faerie (Hag) Tradition
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 11
Magic wand or devices: 12
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 11
Dragon Breath: 14
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 13
Hit Points: 19
Alignment: Neutral
AC: 6 (Leather Armor, Ring of Protection +1)
Occult Powers
Familiar: Fox (+1 to Intelligence and Wisdom checks) "Daji"
Herb use
Lesser: Speak to Plants/Animals
Spells
Cantrips: Chill, Daze, Detect Curse, Object Reading, Open, Sound
First: Cause Fear, Charm Person, Sickly
Second: Levitate, Rose Garden
Third: Bestow Curse, Dispel Magic
Fourth: Emotion
To hit AC 0: 18
Feiya
13th level Witch, Faerie (Hag) Tradition
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 9
Magic wand or devices: 10
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 9
Dragon Breath: 12
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 11
Hit Points: 33
Alignment: Neutral
AC: 4 (Leather Armor, Ring of Protection +1, Bracers of defense +2 )
Occult Powers
Familiar: Fox (+1 to Intelligence and Wisdom checks) "Daji"
Herb use
Lesser: Speak to Plants/Animals
Minor: Fae Shape (Hag)
Spells
Cantrips: Chill, Daze, Detect Curse, Object Reading, Open, Sound
First: Cause Fear, Charm Person, Chill Touch, Sickly
Second: Agony, Evil Eye, Levitate, Rose Garden
Third: Bestow Curse, Bewitch III, Dispel Magic
Fourth: Animal Growth, Emotion, Withering Touch
Fifth: Baleful Polymorph, Bull of Heaven
Sixth: Eye Bite, True Seeing
Seventh:Wave of Mutilation
To hit AC 0: 16
All in all similar powers but overall not as powerful. But that is also part of the power growth between the Basic Era games and Pathfinder/3rd Era games.
But I really liked how she turned out. I would love to use this character in a game someday.
She certainly has an interesting background and one tailored to the Pathfinder/Golarian world. But I have wondered, on a few occasions, on how she would fare in one of my worlds where witches have, how shall I say it, a bit more freedom of expression.
So here is the Pathfinder Iconic Feiya as a Basic Witch.
In Pathfinder we have stats for her at 1st level, 7th level and 12th level. Since I typically like to do stats at 1st, 7th and 13th level for witches this sounds good to me.
I am going to start with her 1st level stats and move out from there. In the Basic Era abilities did not improve over time so they are locked in at 1st level. I am going to swap her Intelligence and Charisma to reflect the different spell casting abilities.
Also given her background of being taught by Hags I am giving her the Faerie Tradition.
Witch stats for the Witch for Basic Era Games
1st level Witch, Faerie (Hag) Tradition
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 13
Wisdom: 10
Charisma: 18
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 13
Magic wand or devices: 14
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 13
Dragon Breath: 16
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 15
Hit Points: 3
Alignment: Neutral
AC: 7 (Leather Armor)
Occult Powers
Familiar: Fox (+1 to Intelligence and Wisdom checks) "Daji"
Spells
Cantrips: Chill, Daze, Detect Curse, Object Reading, Open, Sound
First: Sickly
To hit AC 0: 20
Weapons: Dagger, Quaterstaff
7th level Witch, Faerie (Hag) Tradition
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 11
Magic wand or devices: 12
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 11
Dragon Breath: 14
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 13
Hit Points: 19
Alignment: Neutral
AC: 6 (Leather Armor, Ring of Protection +1)
Occult Powers
Familiar: Fox (+1 to Intelligence and Wisdom checks) "Daji"
Herb use
Lesser: Speak to Plants/Animals
Spells
Cantrips: Chill, Daze, Detect Curse, Object Reading, Open, Sound
First: Cause Fear, Charm Person, Sickly
Second: Levitate, Rose Garden
Third: Bestow Curse, Dispel Magic
Fourth: Emotion
To hit AC 0: 18
13th level Witch, Faerie (Hag) Tradition
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 9
Magic wand or devices: 10
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 9
Dragon Breath: 12
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 11
Hit Points: 33
Alignment: Neutral
AC: 4 (Leather Armor, Ring of Protection +1, Bracers of defense +2 )
Occult Powers
Familiar: Fox (+1 to Intelligence and Wisdom checks) "Daji"
Herb use
Lesser: Speak to Plants/Animals
Minor: Fae Shape (Hag)
Spells
Cantrips: Chill, Daze, Detect Curse, Object Reading, Open, Sound
First: Cause Fear, Charm Person, Chill Touch, Sickly
Second: Agony, Evil Eye, Levitate, Rose Garden
Third: Bestow Curse, Bewitch III, Dispel Magic
Fourth: Animal Growth, Emotion, Withering Touch
Fifth: Baleful Polymorph, Bull of Heaven
Sixth: Eye Bite, True Seeing
Seventh:Wave of Mutilation
To hit AC 0: 16
All in all similar powers but overall not as powerful. But that is also part of the power growth between the Basic Era games and Pathfinder/3rd Era games.
But I really liked how she turned out. I would love to use this character in a game someday.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Zatannurday: The Amazing Adventures of Zatanna!
While Amazing Adventures is a "Pulp Era" game there is no reason that you couldn't use it for a Modern Game. In fact it might be fun to try doing something more Silver Age.
A while back I did a Pulp/Golden Age version of Giovanni "John" Zatara for AA. So I am saying this version of Zee exists in the same universe.
This is a young Zatanna. Maybe soon after her first appearance with the Hawks, but long enough that she has some magical experience.
 |
| Stephanie Buscema |
Arcanist (CHA) 8th level
Human* Female, Chaotic Good
hp: 30
MEP: 60
AC: 14 (dex, stage outfit)
Move: 30'
STR: 10 (0)
DEX: 16 (+2)
CON: 10 (0)
INT: 16 (+2)
WIS: 12 (0)
CHA: 19 (+4)
*Zatanna is a member of the Home Magi race. She gains a +1 to CHA and a -1 to CON.
Zatanna, as a quirk of her own style of magic, must speak all her spells backwards in order to work.
Languages: English, Italian, Latin, Greek (native language is English)
Background: Entertainer (Actor/Performer) +4,
Traits: Spellgifted (transmutation), Spellgifted (illusion)
Skill: Knowledge (Arcana)
Gear: Top hat, wand (magical focus +2), tuxedo
Spells
0: Arcane Mark, Detect Illusion, Detect Magic, Influence, Light, Mage Hand, Message, Prestidigitation
1: Change Self, Charm Person, Daze, Obscuring Mist, Silent Image
2: Alter Self, Blur, Misdirection, Pyrotechnics
3: Major Image, Suggestion
4: Mirage Arcana
A note about spells. I opted for spells that look best on a stage or in front of a group of people. So no fireballs or even a lot of damage causing spells. Also I choose spells I felt she had access too; ones in her father's library. Zee gets her own powerful collection of spells later on.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Amazing Adventures: The Refrigerator
A while back I did a series of posts for Superbabes. It was a lot fun. Part of the conceit of the posts was that all these various super-women like Kim Possible and Justice were gathered together to face an evil so bad that it takes all of them. Well that evil was a mad scientist by the name of the Refrigerator.
Here is what I posted then:
The big bad is this mad scientist known as The Refrigerator. He captures women and freezes them. Plenty of subtle and overt S&M and dominance context that makes this guy a bit creepier than Mr. Freeze or Captain Cold, yet fits rather well in this. After all the perfect foil for a Good Girl is a creepy misanthrope. All these heroes are gathered together, kick his ass and rescue the original team.
I also found this the other day from the August 1937 issue of Horror Stories.
Now here is the deal. This guy came, literally, out of a nightmare. Around 1982 or so (I was 12) I was hit with a double shot of women being frozen alive, the movies were "In Like Flint" and "Kiss the Girls and Make them Die". It really bugged the hell out of me and gave me nightmares for a long time.
Still kind of bugs me. Of course later I learned there is a whole creepy fetish thing related to this. I think my issue is far more basic. I hate being cold and think being frozen is quite possibly the worst thing ever.
But that picture above deserves a villain. I have not found the issue yet so I can't say if there is a story that goes with that cover. But I have enough of my own nightmare fuel.
History of The Refrigerator
Dr. Andreas Gelé was born to wealth and privilege but never to love. His father was a was a rich industrialist who made his money on the work of others and his mother was a noted and beautiful stage actress. From his father he gained his intellect and from his mother he learned lessons in cruelty.
As his mother aged she became more and more cruel. In his mind's eye he saw her as beautiful. This was reinforced by all the pictures of her on the wall of their estates where she was young, beautiful and happy. Frozen in time. Gelé began to work on a process to forever keep the beautiful women young. He was drawn to beautiful women, and his prestige later as a doctor and his wealth made that easy. But he never could talk to or relate to them having grown up socially stunted. So Gelé embarked on a plan so he could have his desires met.
His first experiments in cryonoics were failures. Animals would not return to life when frozen and even when he perfected the process they still had damage. Finally through a combination of fluids and gases at super cooled temperatures. He tested it first on his hated father. He died soon after he was free of the ice, but Gelé expected that since the old man's heart was now weak. He froze his mother next. He was overjoyed that the ice preserved her remaining beauty.
All his research though has left his fortunes depleted so he robs banks to keep himself funded for more research and to keep his "beauties" on ice.
Dr. Andreas Gelé "The Refrigerator"
12th level Gadgeteer, Male, Chaotic Evil
STR: 10 (0)
DEX: 13 (+1)
CON: 14 (+1)
INT: 18 (+3) P
WIS: 14 (+1)
CHA: 9 (0)
AC: 16 (protective lab coat, gloves, goggles)
HP: 51 (d6)
BtH: +3
Sanity
- Starting: 70
- Current: 55
- Max: 85* (Using his science as roughly the same as Arcana)
Fate Points: 10
Abilities: Medicine (removed Jury rig)
Background: Scientist (medical doctor, cryonics)
Trait: Focused
Languages: English, French, German, Russian
Gadget: Refrigeration Gun (self-created gadget)
Powers
- Freezing Stun (Sleep, 1st level)
- Freeze (Hold Person, 3rd level)
- Wall of Ice (Wall of Ice, 4th level)
- Freeze Ray (Cold of Cold, 5th level)
All in all a nasty piece of work. But a good bad guy. I can't wait to try him in other systems too.
Don't forget to support the Amazing Adventures Kickstarter.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/676918054/amazing-adventures-rpg
Here is what I posted then:
The big bad is this mad scientist known as The Refrigerator. He captures women and freezes them. Plenty of subtle and overt S&M and dominance context that makes this guy a bit creepier than Mr. Freeze or Captain Cold, yet fits rather well in this. After all the perfect foil for a Good Girl is a creepy misanthrope. All these heroes are gathered together, kick his ass and rescue the original team.
I also found this the other day from the August 1937 issue of Horror Stories.
Now here is the deal. This guy came, literally, out of a nightmare. Around 1982 or so (I was 12) I was hit with a double shot of women being frozen alive, the movies were "In Like Flint" and "Kiss the Girls and Make them Die". It really bugged the hell out of me and gave me nightmares for a long time.
Still kind of bugs me. Of course later I learned there is a whole creepy fetish thing related to this. I think my issue is far more basic. I hate being cold and think being frozen is quite possibly the worst thing ever.
But that picture above deserves a villain. I have not found the issue yet so I can't say if there is a story that goes with that cover. But I have enough of my own nightmare fuel.
History of The Refrigerator
Dr. Andreas Gelé was born to wealth and privilege but never to love. His father was a was a rich industrialist who made his money on the work of others and his mother was a noted and beautiful stage actress. From his father he gained his intellect and from his mother he learned lessons in cruelty.
As his mother aged she became more and more cruel. In his mind's eye he saw her as beautiful. This was reinforced by all the pictures of her on the wall of their estates where she was young, beautiful and happy. Frozen in time. Gelé began to work on a process to forever keep the beautiful women young. He was drawn to beautiful women, and his prestige later as a doctor and his wealth made that easy. But he never could talk to or relate to them having grown up socially stunted. So Gelé embarked on a plan so he could have his desires met.
His first experiments in cryonoics were failures. Animals would not return to life when frozen and even when he perfected the process they still had damage. Finally through a combination of fluids and gases at super cooled temperatures. He tested it first on his hated father. He died soon after he was free of the ice, but Gelé expected that since the old man's heart was now weak. He froze his mother next. He was overjoyed that the ice preserved her remaining beauty.
All his research though has left his fortunes depleted so he robs banks to keep himself funded for more research and to keep his "beauties" on ice.
Dr. Andreas Gelé "The Refrigerator"
12th level Gadgeteer, Male, Chaotic Evil
STR: 10 (0)
DEX: 13 (+1)
CON: 14 (+1)
INT: 18 (+3) P
WIS: 14 (+1)
CHA: 9 (0)
AC: 16 (protective lab coat, gloves, goggles)
HP: 51 (d6)
BtH: +3
Sanity
- Starting: 70
- Current: 55
- Max: 85* (Using his science as roughly the same as Arcana)
Fate Points: 10
Abilities: Medicine (removed Jury rig)
Background: Scientist (medical doctor, cryonics)
Trait: Focused
Languages: English, French, German, Russian
Gadget: Refrigeration Gun (self-created gadget)
Powers
- Freezing Stun (Sleep, 1st level)
- Freeze (Hold Person, 3rd level)
- Wall of Ice (Wall of Ice, 4th level)
- Freeze Ray (Cold of Cold, 5th level)
All in all a nasty piece of work. But a good bad guy. I can't wait to try him in other systems too.
Don't forget to support the Amazing Adventures Kickstarter.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/676918054/amazing-adventures-rpg
Friday, August 8, 2014
#RPGaDAY Day 8, Favourite character
#RPGaDAY Day 8, Favourite character
I have a number of favorite characters but currently it is my iconic witch Larina that occupies my time.
I am not exactly sure where the name came from to be honest. I have her very first sheet where she was a dual classed Wizard/Witch in AD&D 1. Her background was she started out as a Wizard and wasn't very good at it because her "natural" magic was witchcraft. I used the Dragon #114 version of the witch then, but had supplemented more and more of my own house rules. On the back of her sheet I scribbled the following: "Larina Nix was only six when she heard the Call of the Goddess". The idea was she was witch from the start.
Since I have been playing in the same game world for ever each version of the rules represents another generation. So Larina in 2nd Ed used my Netbook of Witches and Warlocks book and was the alternate version of the 1st ed Larina who got stuck Ravenloft. I got very, very loose with the rules and had multi-class as one of my witches and as one of the Witches from the Complete Wizards Handbook. She was quite powerful.
Right now Larina is a major NPC in my kids D&D 3.x game. She is a 20th level Witch / 1st level cleric / 2nd level Witch Priestess. Yeah, we are into the Epic levels now. She is the reincarnation of the 1st ed Larina who was killed by a vampire.
Currently I have no plans (yet) to move her to D&D5. Though I do have Pathfinder, C&C, Basic and D&D4 versions of her.
I have a number of favorite characters but currently it is my iconic witch Larina that occupies my time.
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| Larina by Jabob Blackmon |
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| Larina Witch by Rick Hershey |
Larina was my first witch character ever. I have played her in every version of D&D I have ever played. Often times I start her over at level 1 and play her through various versions of the witch rules. She is my "playtest" character in many cases. I keep her stats the same and see how she plays through the different rules. As I played her I would write notes on her sheets and ideas I had. Spells that worked well were noted and spells that didn't work so well were also detailed.
I am not exactly sure where the name came from to be honest. I have her very first sheet where she was a dual classed Wizard/Witch in AD&D 1. Her background was she started out as a Wizard and wasn't very good at it because her "natural" magic was witchcraft. I used the Dragon #114 version of the witch then, but had supplemented more and more of my own house rules. On the back of her sheet I scribbled the following: "Larina Nix was only six when she heard the Call of the Goddess". The idea was she was witch from the start.
Since I have been playing in the same game world for ever each version of the rules represents another generation. So Larina in 2nd Ed used my Netbook of Witches and Warlocks book and was the alternate version of the 1st ed Larina who got stuck Ravenloft. I got very, very loose with the rules and had multi-class as one of my witches and as one of the Witches from the Complete Wizards Handbook. She was quite powerful.
Right now Larina is a major NPC in my kids D&D 3.x game. She is a 20th level Witch / 1st level cleric / 2nd level Witch Priestess. Yeah, we are into the Epic levels now. She is the reincarnation of the 1st ed Larina who was killed by a vampire.
Currently I have no plans (yet) to move her to D&D5. Though I do have Pathfinder, C&C, Basic and D&D4 versions of her.
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