I think my intentions for my last post were not 100% clear. I am going to blame the antihistamines and try it again with a different point of view.
This holiday season I'd like to challenge the members of the Old School Community (and the New School and No School ones as well) to give a gift of your favorite game. It really doesn't matter which one to be honest.
The only requirements are you need to give it to a kid who has not played before, or who has only played a little, and then promise them you will show them how to play.
So pick the D&D 4E boxed set or the Pathfinder one.
OR for the normal audience of this blog, pick a game from the OSR and give it to them.
My favorites are Labyrinth Lord, Basic Fantasy RPG and Spellcraft & Swordplay. Order them now so you can have the print version in time to give.
Speaking of which DriveThruRPG is running a special this week on Teach Your Kids to Game. There are a ton of great games here, many of which are not even discussed int he OSR realm or in the 4E/Pathfinder realms.
Here are some of the ones they suggested that I have reviewed in the past.
Adventures in Oz: Fantasy Roleplaying Beyond the Yellow Brick Road - great game and available in softcover.
Cartoon Action Hour 2 - great easy game to learn and a great hook, play your favorite cartoon!
Cat - John Wick has been putting out some fun little games lately. Cat might be one of my favorites. Play a cat and fight monsters.
DC Adventures - what kid today doesn't like super heroes? And why not play the greatest super heroes in the world!
Meddling Kids - Got younger kids? Maybe ones that like to watch shows with kids solving mysteries with their animal side kick? Then this is the game for you!
Witch Girls Adventures - great game for kids that love magic, wizards and monsters.
These are ones I have known about but have not reviewed yet.
Toy War - grab some toys and play!
Faery's Tale - an excellent game that I really need to review.
Kids, Castles & Caves - I have this, but have not read it yet. Looks great for younger kids.
So here are my questions.
Where are some good places to give games for those of you that don't have kids of your own?
What other ideas do you have to give the gift of gaming to others?
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Give the gift of Adventure!
I was out shopping today with my kids today at the toy store. I was looking down the alisle of games and it got me thinking about Christmas and games.
I was thinking it would be a great idea to give a game this year for Christmas. It can be anything, really the new Pathfinder box set, the D&D4 box set from last year, or even your favorite OSR product.
The idea here is to buy a game for someone, a kid or a group and introduce them to the hobby.
So what are some of choices for gifts?
The Pathfinder box set is nice, but the 4E one beats it in one key respect, the 4E starter set is only 20 bucks; a great intro price.
What would you like to give?
Who would like to give it too?
I was thinking it would be a great idea to give a game this year for Christmas. It can be anything, really the new Pathfinder box set, the D&D4 box set from last year, or even your favorite OSR product.
The idea here is to buy a game for someone, a kid or a group and introduce them to the hobby.
So what are some of choices for gifts?
The Pathfinder box set is nice, but the 4E one beats it in one key respect, the 4E starter set is only 20 bucks; a great intro price.
What would you like to give?
Who would like to give it too?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Zatannurday: Zatanna XXX in 3D
Obviously I have noting against porn or anything like that. But this blog tends to be more PG or PG-13 rated.
So forwarned is forearmed.
Zatanna will be the star in a new Super Hero Parody Porn.
You can read all about it here, http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/11/10/zatanna-and-emma-frost-come-to-superhero-parody-porn-xxx-in-3d/
It stars Chanel Preston as Zee.
Honestly she is not that bad as this pic will show, no worries, this is a safe one.
I have no idea what the story is about but it features Catwoman, Supergirl and oddly enough, Emma Frost.
Did I also mention it is in 3D?
No? Well yeah it is in 3D. The Red/Green type, but still.
If you are curious here is a link, Not safe for work.
http://superheroine3d.com/
Up for pre-order now, and you can use your 3D glasses on the website too. How's that for value add.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Red Sonja: She Devil with a Sword: Red Sonja / Witchblade Crossover
Red Sonja: She Devil with a Sword: Red Sonja / Witchblade Crossover: Dynamite Entertainment (Press Release) Join Dynamite Entertainment and Top Cow Productions as they bring two of comics most celebrated ...
Read More at Red Sonja: she Devil with a Sword
Rethinking Immortality in my games
I had also gone on to AD&D and "looked down" on the "kids game" of Basic D&D. But some characters in my games did achieve immortality, others had it thrust on them.
Like many gamers of my age I saw Immortality not as a pathway to Godhood, but rather a Kewl Way of Not Dying. Eventually what was considered immortality became heavily influenced by the Highlander movie. And that was that for a number of years. I only have one immortal character and I don't play him very often.
A while back I was watching "Morgane et ses Nymphes" for the October Challenge and I started thinking about immortals and immortality some more. Over the weekend I re-watched one of my favorite old Doctor Who episodes, The Brain of Morbius and this got me thinking about it again. In BoM there is the Sisterhood of Karn, protectors of the Sacred Flame. I have used them as inspiration before for my own Daughters of the Flame coven. Like the "nymphes" of Morgan Le Fay, this was a sisterhood of immortals. They also had something else in common, they never changed. They not only never grew old, they never learned anything new, never experienced anything different. In one scene in "Morgane" two girls are play chess and one complains she has never won. Why? Simple she could never learn anything from all her past games their ability was frozen in time at the point they became immortals.
Now think about vampire tales of the last few years. Where is it you usually find vampires? Well not crypts anymore and if it is outside of Bon Temps, then it seems to be in High School. Buffy, Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, My Babysitter's a Vampire; the list goes on. The issue is vamps, like other immortals, are stuck in the mentality of when they were made immortal. Yes Anne Rice goes in a completely different direction with this. Ignoring Lestat's "I'm the super vampire and perfect in every way" schtick, there is the horrifying reality of Claudia; a intelligent woman trapped in the body of a child.
Immortals then need to work hard to overcome this lack of inertia. In games with skills I think I will have Immortal characters have to pay twice the listed cost for skills. This would help explain why and how an immortal character/npc is stuck in older modes of thinking and doing things (or just hanging out at high schools all the time).
Now with D&D like games? Maybe I'd follow the lead of the demi-human races. Since an immortal can't die, I'd have to give them a huge bump in XP per level. Maybe a 20% penalty.
Just some random thoughts.
TRPBTNTWA
I know I am about a week late on this one. But here is my contribution to "Things Role Playing Bloggers Tend Not To Write About". You can see the original posting at Monsters and Manuals, followed by Back to the Keep, Tower of the Archmage and Stargazer's World.
Book binding.
Maybe I have been lucky, but even some of the most notorious examples of crappy binding in RPG biz have held up for me. So it hasn't been an issue.
"Doing a voice".
I do voices all the time. It helps set the tone of the game and the NPC I am portraying. Plus my kids like it.
Breaks. How often do you have breaks within sessions?
At least one break for snacks or lunch. The characters can get a short rest, why not the players.
Description. Exactly how florid are your descriptions?
Description is the difference between a game and an immersive experience. I want the players to be able to see in their minds eye just as vivid as their characters would.
Where do you strike the balance between "doing what your character would do" and "acting like a dickhead"?
As a player I don't play dick-heads. I think PC-on-PC violence is stupid (see below) and regardless of the story at hand the group is supposed to be acting like a group of heroes.
PC-on-PC violence. Do your players tend to avoid it, or do you ban it? Or does anything go?
As a player I don't do it. As GM I forbid it. It has no place at my table. Act like the heroes you are supposed to be, not the asshole you think you can get away with being. I don't find it fun and that is not why I play.
(Actually bloggers tend to talk about this one a lot)
How do you explain what a role playing game is to a stranger who is also a non-player?
Most people know about D&D so I say it is like that.
Alcohol at the table?
Eh. I did it a couple of times in college and it never really worked out.
Now I am at an age where I don't need to have a beer at every social gathering. Mt. Dew is still fine with me.
What's acceptable to do to a PC whose player is absent from the session? Is whatever happens their fault for not being there, or are there some limits?
Players have lives outside of the game. If they can't make it they can't make it. If so then I work out an excuse for the character to be absent or GM-PC them in passive mode. They are there, but not contributing as much.
Book binding.
Maybe I have been lucky, but even some of the most notorious examples of crappy binding in RPG biz have held up for me. So it hasn't been an issue.
"Doing a voice".
I do voices all the time. It helps set the tone of the game and the NPC I am portraying. Plus my kids like it.
Breaks. How often do you have breaks within sessions?
At least one break for snacks or lunch. The characters can get a short rest, why not the players.
Description. Exactly how florid are your descriptions?
Description is the difference between a game and an immersive experience. I want the players to be able to see in their minds eye just as vivid as their characters would.
Where do you strike the balance between "doing what your character would do" and "acting like a dickhead"?
As a player I don't play dick-heads. I think PC-on-PC violence is stupid (see below) and regardless of the story at hand the group is supposed to be acting like a group of heroes.
PC-on-PC violence. Do your players tend to avoid it, or do you ban it? Or does anything go?
As a player I don't do it. As GM I forbid it. It has no place at my table. Act like the heroes you are supposed to be, not the asshole you think you can get away with being. I don't find it fun and that is not why I play.
(Actually bloggers tend to talk about this one a lot)
How do you explain what a role playing game is to a stranger who is also a non-player?
Most people know about D&D so I say it is like that.
Alcohol at the table?
Eh. I did it a couple of times in college and it never really worked out.
Now I am at an age where I don't need to have a beer at every social gathering. Mt. Dew is still fine with me.
What's acceptable to do to a PC whose player is absent from the session? Is whatever happens their fault for not being there, or are there some limits?
Players have lives outside of the game. If they can't make it they can't make it. If so then I work out an excuse for the character to be absent or GM-PC them in passive mode. They are there, but not contributing as much.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Delays
Hey everyone.
I know. I am late with a few projects.
Not to get into too deeply, but have had some illnesses and surgeries at home (everyone is fine, except for me and I have a bad cold) and work has been really, really busy.
So without further ado here is the status of various projects.
Eldritch Witchery
Done. In the hands of the editor now. There might be rewrites.
The Witch
85-90% done.
I am working on some of the spells and had to redo how I do ritual magic in Basic Eras games.
This one I am going to hold off on till Dec. 22. The release will include blog posting on Befana, The Christmas Witch.
Vampire Queen Adventure
Done. Need to get it typed up and sent off.
Here There Be Dragons...
Slower progress here. But we have a lot of ideas and have been working on it a lot.
Bought some more art yesterday for it too.
We are hoping to release it on April 23, 2012; St. George's Day.
In the meantime Ghosts of Albion should be out in stores by the end of this month!
I know. I am late with a few projects.
Not to get into too deeply, but have had some illnesses and surgeries at home (everyone is fine, except for me and I have a bad cold) and work has been really, really busy.
So without further ado here is the status of various projects.
Eldritch Witchery
Done. In the hands of the editor now. There might be rewrites.
The Witch
85-90% done.
I am working on some of the spells and had to redo how I do ritual magic in Basic Eras games.
This one I am going to hold off on till Dec. 22. The release will include blog posting on Befana, The Christmas Witch.
Vampire Queen Adventure
Done. Need to get it typed up and sent off.
Here There Be Dragons...
Slower progress here. But we have a lot of ideas and have been working on it a lot.
Bought some more art yesterday for it too.
We are hoping to release it on April 23, 2012; St. George's Day.
In the meantime Ghosts of Albion should be out in stores by the end of this month!
Having a Wicked time in Oz
File under: You Knew This Was Coming Sooner or Later
Ever since I was little, I mean really little, I have enjoyed "The Wizard of Oz". I can recall being about 4 or so and being frightened of the flying monkeys, the Winkies and of course the Wicked Witch. I also remember we had this old copy of the Wizard of Oz book in the house and I remembered how different it was than the movie.
Oz is a fascinating place really, and I was amazed the first time I learned how much of it was there beyond Dorothy and her friends. I learned about names like Mombi and Ozma.
I will admit I have always wanted to put a "pumpkin head" in my games largely in part due to "Journey Back to Oz". In my WitchCraft games we also used to call witch hunters "Dorothies".
So I was thrilled when I heard of Douglas Wall's Adventures in Oz RPG.
http://fdouglaswall.blogspot.com/ and
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/575175333/adventures-in-oz-beyond-the-deadly-desert
It is, like the literary Oz, a great game for the younger set. The rules are fast, simple to learn and you can be up and playing in no time at all.
They game is also really, really fun. If you never play it, the book offers a good resource to using Oz in your own games.
I think Oz is a bit under rated to be honest. It's not the drug referenced lands of Alice or even the purely fantasy of Peter Pan, it is, in a way, pragmatically American. But it is fertile land as well. It gave us "The Wiz" and "Tin Man" and of course, "Wicked".
I never saw Wicked on stage, despite living in Chicago. I did read the book and enjoyed it. The world of Wicked is not exactly the same as that of Oz. The names and places are familiar, but there is some differences. Most notable is the character of Elphaba.
Elphaba is the Wicked Witch of West. Though here she is a smart, green skinned young woman with a talent for sorcery and getting into trouble. In the musical (and in the book) she is friends with Glinda (the good Witch) and learns that the Wizard is nothing more than a fake.
She fights against the Wizard, and for animal rights. Falls in love. Creates the Scarecrow and Tin Woodsman. Plus she is the protector of her younger sister Nessarose, aka the Wicked Witch of the East.
The main feature of the musical (and the book to a lesser extent) is the close friendship that Glinda and Elphaba have. After all, check out those posters for the musical.
Running a game in a "Wicked" version of Oz is not that difficult. It just takes a bit creativity on the Narrator's part.
Elphaba
Template: Sorcerer
Basic Skills
Athletics: 1
Awareness: 4
Brains: 5
Presence: 3
Sneaking: 2
Wits: 4
Traits: Sorcery, Magical Toolkit, Yookoohoo Magic
Elphaba also possesses the Grimmerie, the most powerful book of magic in all of Oz. She can cast any known spells and only Glinda is her equal in magic. She also made a pair of Ruby Slippers for her sister to help her walk (takes the place of the Silver Slippers of the game and novels).
In musical Elphaba is the daughter of the Wizard, so she is both of Oz and Earth. Despite rumor to the contrary she has no particular dislike of water.
Playing in this world the characters could encounter Elphaba since after her supposed murder she found a life outside of Oz. Maybe even in the desert.
If you want more Oz goodness then check out Doug's Kickstarter for his next Oz book, http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/575175333/adventures-in-oz-beyond-the-deadly-desert
Ever since I was little, I mean really little, I have enjoyed "The Wizard of Oz". I can recall being about 4 or so and being frightened of the flying monkeys, the Winkies and of course the Wicked Witch. I also remember we had this old copy of the Wizard of Oz book in the house and I remembered how different it was than the movie.
Oz is a fascinating place really, and I was amazed the first time I learned how much of it was there beyond Dorothy and her friends. I learned about names like Mombi and Ozma.
I will admit I have always wanted to put a "pumpkin head" in my games largely in part due to "Journey Back to Oz". In my WitchCraft games we also used to call witch hunters "Dorothies".
So I was thrilled when I heard of Douglas Wall's Adventures in Oz RPG.
http://fdouglaswall.blogspot.com/ and
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/575175333/adventures-in-oz-beyond-the-deadly-desert
It is, like the literary Oz, a great game for the younger set. The rules are fast, simple to learn and you can be up and playing in no time at all.
They game is also really, really fun. If you never play it, the book offers a good resource to using Oz in your own games.
I never saw Wicked on stage, despite living in Chicago. I did read the book and enjoyed it. The world of Wicked is not exactly the same as that of Oz. The names and places are familiar, but there is some differences. Most notable is the character of Elphaba.
Elphaba is the Wicked Witch of West. Though here she is a smart, green skinned young woman with a talent for sorcery and getting into trouble. In the musical (and in the book) she is friends with Glinda (the good Witch) and learns that the Wizard is nothing more than a fake.
She fights against the Wizard, and for animal rights. Falls in love. Creates the Scarecrow and Tin Woodsman. Plus she is the protector of her younger sister Nessarose, aka the Wicked Witch of the East.
The main feature of the musical (and the book to a lesser extent) is the close friendship that Glinda and Elphaba have. After all, check out those posters for the musical.
Running a game in a "Wicked" version of Oz is not that difficult. It just takes a bit creativity on the Narrator's part.
Elphaba
Template: Sorcerer
Basic Skills
Athletics: 1
Awareness: 4
Brains: 5
Presence: 3
Sneaking: 2
Wits: 4
Traits: Sorcery, Magical Toolkit, Yookoohoo Magic
Elphaba also possesses the Grimmerie, the most powerful book of magic in all of Oz. She can cast any known spells and only Glinda is her equal in magic. She also made a pair of Ruby Slippers for her sister to help her walk (takes the place of the Silver Slippers of the game and novels).
In musical Elphaba is the daughter of the Wizard, so she is both of Oz and Earth. Despite rumor to the contrary she has no particular dislike of water.
Playing in this world the characters could encounter Elphaba since after her supposed murder she found a life outside of Oz. Maybe even in the desert.
If you want more Oz goodness then check out Doug's Kickstarter for his next Oz book, http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/575175333/adventures-in-oz-beyond-the-deadly-desert
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Horror is everywhere
I have recently seen some posts on how to do horror games. Inevitably someone posts something like "You can't do Horror with XXXX system."
To which I always mentally add "Maybe YOU can't, but the rest of us have."
Horror is about tone. It is about style. The system can support it, even add to it. Think about the game Dread and it's Jenga block mechanic or Call of Cthulhu and it's sanity system. Those are system supported horror. But can you do horror with say Toon or d20? Yes. But expect it to be a little different.
In d20 systems the characters will have more power as the level up. You could take the cheap path and up the baddies too, but that isn't horror really. You need to get them where their fears live. Even the most powerful character will find themselves in a situation they can't control or even properly understand. Lovecraft said it best, the greatest fear is the fear of the unknown. So keep players in the dark. The powers they have are not the ones they need. Modern supernatural books do a good job of this. When solving a problem Harry or Rachel have all the magic they need, but what they don't have are answers. They have allies, they don't have knowledge of who or what their enemy is.
What about Toon? Well if a picture is worth a 1,000 words then here are 100 score words to illustrate my point.
Toon:
Toon + Horror:
Artist here: http://sideshowmonkey.deviantart.com/art/CASPER-ISSUE-41-by-Hartman-191809383
Yes that is the same Hartman who did animation for Rob Zombie. So Wendy here is cut from the same cloth as The American Witch.
I'll keep talking about how you can do horror in future posts.
To which I always mentally add "Maybe YOU can't, but the rest of us have."
Horror is about tone. It is about style. The system can support it, even add to it. Think about the game Dread and it's Jenga block mechanic or Call of Cthulhu and it's sanity system. Those are system supported horror. But can you do horror with say Toon or d20? Yes. But expect it to be a little different.
In d20 systems the characters will have more power as the level up. You could take the cheap path and up the baddies too, but that isn't horror really. You need to get them where their fears live. Even the most powerful character will find themselves in a situation they can't control or even properly understand. Lovecraft said it best, the greatest fear is the fear of the unknown. So keep players in the dark. The powers they have are not the ones they need. Modern supernatural books do a good job of this. When solving a problem Harry or Rachel have all the magic they need, but what they don't have are answers. They have allies, they don't have knowledge of who or what their enemy is.
What about Toon? Well if a picture is worth a 1,000 words then here are 100 score words to illustrate my point.
Toon:
Toon + Horror:
Artist here: http://sideshowmonkey.deviantart.com/art/CASPER-ISSUE-41-by-Hartman-191809383
Yes that is the same Hartman who did animation for Rob Zombie. So Wendy here is cut from the same cloth as The American Witch.
I'll keep talking about how you can do horror in future posts.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Jeff Dee kickstarter
I guess at some point TSR threw out all the art he did. So he is not only redoing them, but also doing some new ones for gods not pictured.
You can read more and donate some money here:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jeffdee/re-creating-my-egyptian-art-from-deities-and-demig
I have supported other Kickstarters in the past and would love to support this one too.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Zatannurday: Zee with ink?
Is it me or does Zee look like she has a tattoo on her right arm?
Hard to say at this point.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Heroes of the Feywild: first look
I got my copy of Heroes of the Feywild today.
I skipped right ahead to the witch and her associated paragon paths and epic destiny.
So far??
I LIKE IT.
No really, I do. The witch is really cool.
I can't wait to roll up a new witch character and compare her not only the 4e warlock and the Pathfinder witch.
I will be honest here. I like this witch much, much more than the Pathfinder one, but I'll no more soon.
Details later.
I skipped right ahead to the witch and her associated paragon paths and epic destiny.
So far??
I LIKE IT.
No really, I do. The witch is really cool.
I can't wait to roll up a new witch character and compare her not only the 4e warlock and the Pathfinder witch.
I will be honest here. I like this witch much, much more than the Pathfinder one, but I'll no more soon.
Details later.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Ghosts of Albion. In print!!
Posted by Eden's Zombie Lord, George Vasilakos.
Ghosts of Albion. In Print!!!
To say I am excited is a major understatement!!
No idea when it will hit your shelves, but it is coming!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Well...it's not YDIS
But I got called out anyway.
http://misstress-of-doom.blogspot.com/2011/10/it-only-gets-better.html
Out of the Closet blog. That made me laugh.
Mistress of Doom doesn't quite have the same level of gravitas as YDIS. But give her time and I am sure she will end up pissing someone off just the right way to get some attention.
Until then I'll give her some free clicks. What the hell.
Now if I can only remember where I left my flash-drive with my 10,000 page massive Willow/Tara and Xena/Gabrielle crossover epic. Maybe it is in that jar she mentions.
http://misstress-of-doom.blogspot.com/2011/10/it-only-gets-better.html
Out of the Closet blog. That made me laugh.
Mistress of Doom doesn't quite have the same level of gravitas as YDIS. But give her time and I am sure she will end up pissing someone off just the right way to get some attention.
Until then I'll give her some free clicks. What the hell.
Now if I can only remember where I left my flash-drive with my 10,000 page massive Willow/Tara and Xena/Gabrielle crossover epic. Maybe it is in that jar she mentions.
Sir Gannon, the Gold Knight
I normally don't mix my professional day-to-day job with my gaming or blog writing, but I was on campus recently and this thought came to me.
So here is a character you can steal for your game.
Sir Gannon, the Gold Knight
There is a small hamlet on the shores of a large lake in the Land of Penn that has known peace for nearly three generations. The land has had a history of great war, the Burg of Getty in east still sees the ghosts of long dead warriors from their bloody battles there. Even the home of the King in the Burg of Harris is constantly prepared for war and many of the best warriors come to this town to learn the arts of combat. But these towns do not have the one thing that has insured peace of small village of Erie.
They are not the home of Sir Gannon, the Gold Knight.
Gannon began, and many say remain to this day, a modest man of simple means. He inherited his father's castle at a young age. While he could have been content with the life of a land-owner he instead began his trainning for the priesthood. He spent long hours in quiet meditation, prayer and scholarship. His studies began early as a child and continued long past what others had done into his manhood. He turned his father's castle to a place where all could come and learn as he had done to make their lives better or just to satisfy an intellectual hunger. He only asked that help contribute to the town, and embrace his values of good over evil, charity over greed, and lawfulness over chaos. Some said he was naïve of the world and even old-fashioned, but Gannon knew better, he simply wished for a peaceful, quiet life.
Gannon would have been at peace, but peace was not offered to him. His land was plagued by foul undead, goblins and fell spellcasters. Reluctantly he took up the sword and defended the people that had come to learn from him.
He doned the only armor he had available to him, his father's magical gilded platemail and he met the challenges. For years Sir Gannon defended his lands. He always meant to exchange his armor for something less ostentatious, but his renown had grown. While not vain, he knew that the stories of "The Golden Knight" were often enough to persuade evil men and creatures to find spoils elsewhere. Plus the sight of his gilded armor on horseback was a welcomed and reassuring sight to those he defended.
Though now the great Sir Gannon is old and there are few willing, or able, to take up his cause.
Here is the great Sir Gannon as a Spellcraft & Swordplay Paladin (Warrior Elite-path).
Sir Gannon, The Gold Knight
Paladin 10th level
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 13
Constitution: 11
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 17
Charisma: 18
HD: 10+7 (60 hp)
AC: 12 (magical Field Plate and shield)
Attacks: 8+6
Special: +2 to Con-based saves (+4 total), Combat Style Mastery: Mounted Combat +2, Healing touch 20hp per day, +2 to all saves, disease immunity, detect and dispel evil, Holy Sword +3 ("Aggredior"), Holy Mount ("Charger").
Sir Gannon has recently taken on a young squire to aid him. Del is not a knight, but he will to aid the Gold Knight and that makes up for his lack of combat skill.
Bards are an elite path found in Monstrous Mayhem.
Del, his squire
3rd level Bard
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 16
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 14
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 16
HD: 2+2 (11 hp)
AC: 3 (magic leather)
Attacks: 2+1
Special: Favored Abilities (Indigence, Charisma) +1, Open Locks +3, Trapsmith +3, Pick Pockets +4, Stealth +4, Perception +2, Expert Linguist, Climb, Vital Strike, Uncanny Dodge, Lore +1, Prestidigitation
Currently Sir Gannon and Del are perusing what they believe to be a coven of evil witches. They are in fact Succubi. The Succubi though have no greater plans than to stir up some trouble and maybe claim a couple of souls, or at least enough gold to move on to the next town. They were summoned by an old warlock that died before he could send them back and now they are running free. They have taken false names to hide their True Names.
Succubi, witches and warlocks all appear in Eldritch Witchery.
"Sabrina", "Raven" and "Destiny"
So here is a character you can steal for your game.
Sir Gannon, the Gold Knight
There is a small hamlet on the shores of a large lake in the Land of Penn that has known peace for nearly three generations. The land has had a history of great war, the Burg of Getty in east still sees the ghosts of long dead warriors from their bloody battles there. Even the home of the King in the Burg of Harris is constantly prepared for war and many of the best warriors come to this town to learn the arts of combat. But these towns do not have the one thing that has insured peace of small village of Erie.
They are not the home of Sir Gannon, the Gold Knight.
Gannon began, and many say remain to this day, a modest man of simple means. He inherited his father's castle at a young age. While he could have been content with the life of a land-owner he instead began his trainning for the priesthood. He spent long hours in quiet meditation, prayer and scholarship. His studies began early as a child and continued long past what others had done into his manhood. He turned his father's castle to a place where all could come and learn as he had done to make their lives better or just to satisfy an intellectual hunger. He only asked that help contribute to the town, and embrace his values of good over evil, charity over greed, and lawfulness over chaos. Some said he was naïve of the world and even old-fashioned, but Gannon knew better, he simply wished for a peaceful, quiet life.
Gannon would have been at peace, but peace was not offered to him. His land was plagued by foul undead, goblins and fell spellcasters. Reluctantly he took up the sword and defended the people that had come to learn from him.
He doned the only armor he had available to him, his father's magical gilded platemail and he met the challenges. For years Sir Gannon defended his lands. He always meant to exchange his armor for something less ostentatious, but his renown had grown. While not vain, he knew that the stories of "The Golden Knight" were often enough to persuade evil men and creatures to find spoils elsewhere. Plus the sight of his gilded armor on horseback was a welcomed and reassuring sight to those he defended.
Though now the great Sir Gannon is old and there are few willing, or able, to take up his cause.
Here is the great Sir Gannon as a Spellcraft & Swordplay Paladin (Warrior Elite-path).
Sir Gannon, The Gold Knight
Paladin 10th level
Strength: 16
Dexterity: 13
Constitution: 11
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 17
Charisma: 18
HD: 10+7 (60 hp)
AC: 12 (magical Field Plate and shield)
Attacks: 8+6
Special: +2 to Con-based saves (+4 total), Combat Style Mastery: Mounted Combat +2, Healing touch 20hp per day, +2 to all saves, disease immunity, detect and dispel evil, Holy Sword +3 ("Aggredior"), Holy Mount ("Charger").
Sir Gannon has recently taken on a young squire to aid him. Del is not a knight, but he will to aid the Gold Knight and that makes up for his lack of combat skill.
Bards are an elite path found in Monstrous Mayhem.
Del, his squire
3rd level Bard
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 16
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 14
Wisdom: 12
Charisma: 16
HD: 2+2 (11 hp)
AC: 3 (magic leather)
Attacks: 2+1
Special: Favored Abilities (Indigence, Charisma) +1, Open Locks +3, Trapsmith +3, Pick Pockets +4, Stealth +4, Perception +2, Expert Linguist, Climb, Vital Strike, Uncanny Dodge, Lore +1, Prestidigitation
Currently Sir Gannon and Del are perusing what they believe to be a coven of evil witches. They are in fact Succubi. The Succubi though have no greater plans than to stir up some trouble and maybe claim a couple of souls, or at least enough gold to move on to the next town. They were summoned by an old warlock that died before he could send them back and now they are running free. They have taken false names to hide their True Names.
Succubi, witches and warlocks all appear in Eldritch Witchery.
"Sabrina", "Raven" and "Destiny"
AL: E
SZ: M
AC: 7
Move: 90' / Fly: 120'
HD: 6 (25)
Attacks: Claw/Claw/Special (2 dagger-2)
Special: Fly 120', Energy Drain (kiss), Darkvision, Dominate, Magic Resistance (fire), Immune to mundane weapons
Treasure: 6
XP: 345
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
What happening on the Web today?
Here are some posts that I thought you might like to take another look at.
ChicagoWiz is closing down shop.
http://oldguyrpg.blogspot.com/2011/11/winding-down-and-what-ill-leave.html
Tenkar wants to know if you can do Horror with OSR/d20 games.
http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2011/11/can-d20-ogl-osr-be-used-for-effective.html
Ckutalik over at Hill Cantons wants to know if it is time for an RPG Publishing Co-Op.
http://hillcantons.blogspot.com/2011/11/time-for-diy-gaming-publishing-coop.html
Laura, a new blogger to me, does a fantastic analysis of Mina Murray from the novel Dracula.
http://turntheworldoffwithhersmile.blogspot.com/2011/10/re-reading-dracula-was-mina-murray.html
You might recall I did something similar only with the movie versions of Mina, http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/09/juxtaposition-blogathon-mina-harker.html
Actually just go read her whole blog, Who Can Turn The World Off With Her Smile?, it's great.
ChicagoWiz is closing down shop.
http://oldguyrpg.blogspot.com/2011/11/winding-down-and-what-ill-leave.html
Tenkar wants to know if you can do Horror with OSR/d20 games.
http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2011/11/can-d20-ogl-osr-be-used-for-effective.html
Ckutalik over at Hill Cantons wants to know if it is time for an RPG Publishing Co-Op.
http://hillcantons.blogspot.com/2011/11/time-for-diy-gaming-publishing-coop.html
Laura, a new blogger to me, does a fantastic analysis of Mina Murray from the novel Dracula.
http://turntheworldoffwithhersmile.blogspot.com/2011/10/re-reading-dracula-was-mina-murray.html
You might recall I did something similar only with the movie versions of Mina, http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/09/juxtaposition-blogathon-mina-harker.html
Actually just go read her whole blog, Who Can Turn The World Off With Her Smile?, it's great.
Halloween Purchases
Every halloween I treat myself to a horror-themed RPG purchase.
This year was no different except I didn't limit myself to one.
So here are my Halloween RPG gifts to myself and what I thought of them.
Mutants & Masterminds Threat Report #43: Dracula
Drac is one of my favorite villains of all time and he is especially fun in a Supers game. I really liked what they did here and the plot hooks are good ways to pull Dracula into your games quickly.
Savage Worlds Horror Companion
I am not a huge Savage Worlds fan, but you can't say I don't give the game a fair shake. I also keep getting books for it in hopes that I begin to feel some of that same love that others do for this game. I thought this one might do it. But no.
Now don't get me wrong, this is a fine book.
There is a lot of meat here (145 pages). There are new Hindrances and Edges for heroes (though a lot of the horror standards are in the main core book) There are even ways to make monsters into friends (to quote the late, great Joey Ramone) or rather to make monsters into Player Characters. I particularly like their Dhampyr and might yoink it for Unisystem. There are new weapons, not as extensive as the listings in some other games, but still fine, though if you wanted to do "Savage Ghostbusters" or even "Savage Blade the Vampire Hunter" then everything you need is here. There is an obligatory section on sanity. It is better than most, but I still don't like it (AGAIN that is more about me as a former QMHP than as a gamer). There is a good section about Rituals and one about Magick (with a k) that does much in strengthening what I have always perceived as SW's greatest weakness, it's magic system. Lots and lots of great monsters too, much more than I expected. So this is a huge plus. The book falls down a bit at the Game Mastering Section. But in it's defense what it does cover is perfectly suited to a Savage Worlds game. So SW Gamemasters can start here and then move out to other sources to get more info. All in all this was a good purchase.
Rotworld
Believe it or not, I Am not a huge fan of Zombie games. I love All Flesh Must Be Eaten, but as an addition to my WitchCraft/Ghosts of Albion games. Rotworld will be similar.
Produced by Daniel Proctor of Labyrinth Lord and GORE fame, Rotworld capitalizes on the 5 billion dollar a year business of Zombies (As of October 2011). RW uses the old Time Master system that Proctor bought from Pacesetter. He did not however buy Chill, so he can't say it is compatible with Chill 1st Edition. But with some work it is and that is why I picked it up. I love Chill and plan to see what sort of goodness Rotworld could add to a Chill game. OR the other way around. Either way this small game (65 pages) packs a punch and shows that "Old School Gaming" is more than just making the next retro-clone of Holmes Basic or AD&D 1st ed. I hope Rotworld is successful so Goblinoid Games does a generic horror game with this system. There are not a lot of monsters in this book, outside of zombies, but there is plenty of text on character creation, combat and skills. There is a good Game Master section (Corpse Master) about how to setup and run a game.
Rotworld is a fine game. It won't unseat AFMBE as the premiere Zombie survival game out there, but it is a lot of fun and great for an evening's distraction or even gathering up a bunch of friends with fond memories of gaming in the early 80s.
Darker Paths 1: The Necromancer
The Necromancer is the first in a set of alternate classes for the Adventures Dark and Deep RPG. Adventures Dark and Deep is an interesting "what if" experiment in gaming. The what if here is "what if Gary Gygax had not left TSR and headed the development of the AD&D 2nd Edition rules. Based on interviews, publications of the man himself at the time, and a healthy dose of conjecture, we get a game that is familiar yet new at the same time.
The Necromancer is one of the more popular "alternate classes" developed for any fantasy RPG. Almost always an alternate class and never a core one, the necromancer is the ultimate foe in many games or the ultimate PC in others. But as long as horror and undead are popular in game, then the necromancer is right there with them.
Darker Paths 1: The Necromancer packs a lot of punch in a small book. At only 24 pages, we get a new class, a "new" race and 75 new spells. No small feat really. The material is for the Adventures Dark and Deep game, but it certainly can be used with any retro-clone, near-clone or any other game that emulate AD&D 1st ed or Basic D&D. The art is mixed, but very evocative of the era. Some new pieces and some public domain works (and it looks like the editor did his research too).
If you like Necromancers and play an older edition of the game, whether an honest older edition or a newer clone, then this is a good choice.
Darker Paths 2: The Witch
I am always a bit hesitant to review other peoples work on witch-related classes since I have products of my own out there. I fear of being too critical or too lax, each to out weigh the other. In the end I think I just need to review the product as is. Like DP1: The Necromancer this product is for the "Adventures Dark and Deep" RPG, OR any other near-clone of AD&D. Also like the first Darker Path book this presents the witch as an evil character class; not the Earth loving priestess of old faiths or even the spiritual seeking witches of modern tales. This must be recalled when reading the rest of this book. These witches are more Baba Yaga and not Circe for example. There is the obligatory disclaimer on Contemporary Witches and how this game is not that. (As an aside, as someone that has written these myself this one does seem more of a disclaimer of "don't email me" rather than a "I am not trying to offend", but that could just be me. EDITED: I did get an email clarification on this and the author was very much in the "I am not trying to offend, but these are different things" camp, which is cool by me.)
Witches in this game are all evil and their main ability is Wisdom. Their Charisma must start high, but it degrades as the witch rises in level. Interesting. I am not sure I like that since it seems here that Charisma is used as an "Appearance" proxy and not as a "Force of Personality" one. It would make it hard to make a character like Circe, who was evil, attractive and had a lot of force of personality, as a witch in these rules. That is fine, she would have to be something else, but I do want to point it out.
Witches advance to 13th level; so reminiscent of the druid. She has a nice variety of spells to choose from (more on this) and there are rules for her brewing potions and poisons. Like other witches of folklore, this witch can also have multiple familiars. A nice touch in my mind.
The spells are the real gem of this book. Nearly 50 new spells there are a lot of classics here. There are spells on Candle Magic (and done differently than my own) and nearly every base is covered (curses, storm summoning, afflicting others).
Like with DP1, the art is a mix of new and public domain art, but all of it is appropriate to the feel of the book. In the end this is a very good evil witch class. It does make me wonder how the author might do a good witch.
Happy Halloween!
This year was no different except I didn't limit myself to one.
So here are my Halloween RPG gifts to myself and what I thought of them.
Mutants & Masterminds Threat Report #43: Dracula
Drac is one of my favorite villains of all time and he is especially fun in a Supers game. I really liked what they did here and the plot hooks are good ways to pull Dracula into your games quickly.
Savage Worlds Horror Companion
I am not a huge Savage Worlds fan, but you can't say I don't give the game a fair shake. I also keep getting books for it in hopes that I begin to feel some of that same love that others do for this game. I thought this one might do it. But no.
Now don't get me wrong, this is a fine book.
There is a lot of meat here (145 pages). There are new Hindrances and Edges for heroes (though a lot of the horror standards are in the main core book) There are even ways to make monsters into friends (to quote the late, great Joey Ramone) or rather to make monsters into Player Characters. I particularly like their Dhampyr and might yoink it for Unisystem. There are new weapons, not as extensive as the listings in some other games, but still fine, though if you wanted to do "Savage Ghostbusters" or even "Savage Blade the Vampire Hunter" then everything you need is here. There is an obligatory section on sanity. It is better than most, but I still don't like it (AGAIN that is more about me as a former QMHP than as a gamer). There is a good section about Rituals and one about Magick (with a k) that does much in strengthening what I have always perceived as SW's greatest weakness, it's magic system. Lots and lots of great monsters too, much more than I expected. So this is a huge plus. The book falls down a bit at the Game Mastering Section. But in it's defense what it does cover is perfectly suited to a Savage Worlds game. So SW Gamemasters can start here and then move out to other sources to get more info. All in all this was a good purchase.
Rotworld
Believe it or not, I Am not a huge fan of Zombie games. I love All Flesh Must Be Eaten, but as an addition to my WitchCraft/Ghosts of Albion games. Rotworld will be similar.
Produced by Daniel Proctor of Labyrinth Lord and GORE fame, Rotworld capitalizes on the 5 billion dollar a year business of Zombies (As of October 2011). RW uses the old Time Master system that Proctor bought from Pacesetter. He did not however buy Chill, so he can't say it is compatible with Chill 1st Edition. But with some work it is and that is why I picked it up. I love Chill and plan to see what sort of goodness Rotworld could add to a Chill game. OR the other way around. Either way this small game (65 pages) packs a punch and shows that "Old School Gaming" is more than just making the next retro-clone of Holmes Basic or AD&D 1st ed. I hope Rotworld is successful so Goblinoid Games does a generic horror game with this system. There are not a lot of monsters in this book, outside of zombies, but there is plenty of text on character creation, combat and skills. There is a good Game Master section (Corpse Master) about how to setup and run a game.
Rotworld is a fine game. It won't unseat AFMBE as the premiere Zombie survival game out there, but it is a lot of fun and great for an evening's distraction or even gathering up a bunch of friends with fond memories of gaming in the early 80s.
Darker Paths 1: The Necromancer
The Necromancer is the first in a set of alternate classes for the Adventures Dark and Deep RPG. Adventures Dark and Deep is an interesting "what if" experiment in gaming. The what if here is "what if Gary Gygax had not left TSR and headed the development of the AD&D 2nd Edition rules. Based on interviews, publications of the man himself at the time, and a healthy dose of conjecture, we get a game that is familiar yet new at the same time.
The Necromancer is one of the more popular "alternate classes" developed for any fantasy RPG. Almost always an alternate class and never a core one, the necromancer is the ultimate foe in many games or the ultimate PC in others. But as long as horror and undead are popular in game, then the necromancer is right there with them.
Darker Paths 1: The Necromancer packs a lot of punch in a small book. At only 24 pages, we get a new class, a "new" race and 75 new spells. No small feat really. The material is for the Adventures Dark and Deep game, but it certainly can be used with any retro-clone, near-clone or any other game that emulate AD&D 1st ed or Basic D&D. The art is mixed, but very evocative of the era. Some new pieces and some public domain works (and it looks like the editor did his research too).
If you like Necromancers and play an older edition of the game, whether an honest older edition or a newer clone, then this is a good choice.
Darker Paths 2: The Witch
I am always a bit hesitant to review other peoples work on witch-related classes since I have products of my own out there. I fear of being too critical or too lax, each to out weigh the other. In the end I think I just need to review the product as is. Like DP1: The Necromancer this product is for the "Adventures Dark and Deep" RPG, OR any other near-clone of AD&D. Also like the first Darker Path book this presents the witch as an evil character class; not the Earth loving priestess of old faiths or even the spiritual seeking witches of modern tales. This must be recalled when reading the rest of this book. These witches are more Baba Yaga and not Circe for example. There is the obligatory disclaimer on Contemporary Witches and how this game is not that. (As an aside, as someone that has written these myself this one does seem more of a disclaimer of "don't email me" rather than a "I am not trying to offend", but that could just be me. EDITED: I did get an email clarification on this and the author was very much in the "I am not trying to offend, but these are different things" camp, which is cool by me.)
Witches in this game are all evil and their main ability is Wisdom. Their Charisma must start high, but it degrades as the witch rises in level. Interesting. I am not sure I like that since it seems here that Charisma is used as an "Appearance" proxy and not as a "Force of Personality" one. It would make it hard to make a character like Circe, who was evil, attractive and had a lot of force of personality, as a witch in these rules. That is fine, she would have to be something else, but I do want to point it out.
Witches advance to 13th level; so reminiscent of the druid. She has a nice variety of spells to choose from (more on this) and there are rules for her brewing potions and poisons. Like other witches of folklore, this witch can also have multiple familiars. A nice touch in my mind.
The spells are the real gem of this book. Nearly 50 new spells there are a lot of classics here. There are spells on Candle Magic (and done differently than my own) and nearly every base is covered (curses, storm summoning, afflicting others).
Like with DP1, the art is a mix of new and public domain art, but all of it is appropriate to the feel of the book. In the end this is a very good evil witch class. It does make me wonder how the author might do a good witch.
Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Spellcraft & Swordplay: The Necromancer
The Necromancer
One of the most oft created sub class, new class or alternate class is the Necromancer.
Gamers in good campaigns look to them as the penultimate foe. Gamers in evil campaigns dream of controlling scores of undead.
The Monstrous Mayhem book for Spellcraft & Swordplay introduced the Necromancer Elite Path. He is also featured in the Deluxe Core Rule book.
The Necromancer
Level 8
HD: 6+4 (36 hp)
Attacks: 5+3 (Staff, spells)
S: 10 D: 12: Con: 13 Int: 18 Wis: 16 Cha: 13
Bane of the Dead, Enhanced Undead, Skeletal Minion, Undead Apotheosis: +3
Spells:
First Level: Bane, Chill Ray, Detect Evil, Inflict Light Wounds
Second Level: Cause Fear, Death Knell, Hold Person, Protection from Good
Third Level: Curse, Speak with Dead, Unholy Blight
Fourth Level: Death Ward, Vampiric Killer
Fifth Level: Shadow Armor
The Necromancer prowls the night looking for crypts to raid or fresh corpses to use in his unholy experiments of the dead.
He is armed with a Skull Staff that gives him a +1 on his spellcasting rolls.
One of the most oft created sub class, new class or alternate class is the Necromancer.
Gamers in good campaigns look to them as the penultimate foe. Gamers in evil campaigns dream of controlling scores of undead.
The Monstrous Mayhem book for Spellcraft & Swordplay introduced the Necromancer Elite Path. He is also featured in the Deluxe Core Rule book.
The Necromancer
HD: 6+4 (36 hp)
Attacks: 5+3 (Staff, spells)
S: 10 D: 12: Con: 13 Int: 18 Wis: 16 Cha: 13
Bane of the Dead, Enhanced Undead, Skeletal Minion, Undead Apotheosis: +3
Spells:
First Level: Bane, Chill Ray, Detect Evil, Inflict Light Wounds
Second Level: Cause Fear, Death Knell, Hold Person, Protection from Good
Third Level: Curse, Speak with Dead, Unholy Blight
Fourth Level: Death Ward, Vampiric Killer
Fifth Level: Shadow Armor
The Necromancer prowls the night looking for crypts to raid or fresh corpses to use in his unholy experiments of the dead.
He is armed with a Skull Staff that gives him a +1 on his spellcasting rolls.
October Challenge: Spielberg Film Fest
Steven Spielberg is one of the best, if not the best director of the modern age. Say what you like about some of his movies, there is no doubt that he can do horror and suspense. I decided to end my October Horror Challenge with some really, really good movies. So this weekend I did some ones I have seen before.
There is different kind of horror here, and I'll go as far as to say was invented by Spielberg; the Suburban Horror film. Look at his movies, Close Encounters, Poltergeist, and ET. He took something so innocuous and innocent made it the stage for aliens and ghosts.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Richard Dreyfus' descent into madness is key to this movie; the fear, uncertainty and doubt. We even have a final girl, in the form of Dreyfus.
I chose this movie because I had just picked it up on Blu-Ray and it holds up really, really well. Even the bits that are dated seem fine and there is not a lot of those. This movie could be released today and have just as much impact.
Though I wonder if these days the aliens might appear different, or if the inside of the spaceship might change. Between this movie and now there is a whole lot of "Alien" culture that has happened.
Tally, 28 movies, 24 new
Poltergeist (1982)
And let us not forget the "Poltergeist Curse".
Tally, 29 movies, 24 new
Jaws (1975)
Like the first two this film is very nearly perfect in every respect. Ok, so, some the things the shark does are a bit much, but it is still a shark and not a ghost or alien.
Roy Scheider, like Craig T. Nelson and Dreyfus of a later film, has tyified the role of the "Speilberg Dad". A role, oddly enough, missing from his Magnum Opus, E.T. The Speilberg Dad though is strong, loves his family and is ready to do battle with the monsters, even if he has no idea what he is doing at all. Dreyfus in CE is the dad that fails, but Scheider here and Nelson in Poltergeist are cut from the same cloth.
Like Poltergeist lets pretend the sequels don't exist ok?
Tally, 30 movies, 24 new
Jurassic Park (1993)
In this movie we treated to breath taking views and wonders. Then the "screaming and blood" starts.
So much of this movie is right that it is easy to ignore what it gets wrong (those are Velociraptors, it should be called Cretaceous Park...), but none of that matters when there is a T-Rex chasing after you.
I can remember back in college my wife (then my girlfriend) had just finished reading this book and she was going on and on about how great of a movie it would make. She was right.
Tally 31 movies, 24 new.
That is the final review for this Challenge!
I watched more new movies this year than last year and that was my personal goal.
More Spellcraft & Swordplay love
A couple more good posts on Spellcraft and Swordplay this fine Halloween morning.
A new post at newer blog (for me anyway), Adventures and Shopping.
http://adventuresandshopping.blogspot.com/2011/10/classic-old-school-rpg-spellcraft.html
And a mini-review from Tenkar's Tavern,
http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2011/10/mini-review-spellcraft-swordplay.html
Looking forward to seeing more.
A new post at newer blog (for me anyway), Adventures and Shopping.
http://adventuresandshopping.blogspot.com/2011/10/classic-old-school-rpg-spellcraft.html
And a mini-review from Tenkar's Tavern,
http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2011/10/mini-review-spellcraft-swordplay.html
Looking forward to seeing more.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Going back to School with Spellcraft & Swordplay
I was over at my regular DM's house this weekend helping get his new router up and running. He mentioned that he wants a new fantasy game to run at the high school. He is a high school football coach and he runs the D&D group.
I had just gotten a couple of copies of the Spellcraft & Swordplay core rules from Drivethru's Print on Demand service and I gave him a copy to try out. Well he came back to me says he going to give it a try with his group.
You can read his blog here, http://rhoninsramblings.blogspot.com/2011/10/kids-in-agc-have-requested-fantasy-game.html, and check on his group's progress.
I am glad to see this game getting some more love!
OSR Publisher's List, Graphical Guide
There is a rather impressive list of many of the Old School products over at Dargon's Foot.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=51024
I suggest having a look!
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=51024
I suggest having a look!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
October Challenge: Alone in the Dark (2005)
But no. I got Boll'ed again.
Alone in the Dark (2005)
The movie starts out good enough. Ancient Native American artifacts. Monsters that come from a world of darkness. Shadowy government agency. All the things you need for a cool movie.
The build up of combining the artifacts and half-human sleeper agents is also very cool.
In right up to the final battle at the gold mine everything was ok. Slow, but ok.
Then the story just falls apart. Christian Slater's rogue, neer-do-well character is brought back into the fold of the Government organization and then it all goes to crap.
We never learn why the bad guy was doing what he wanted to do, why some of the creatures were out but not all of them. Why Slater's character's implant was "dead". Why Tara Reid still gets work when she can't act for a damn.
These are questions that Uwe Boll will never answer for us.
The monsters were really cool though and that is something.
Tally 27 movies, 24 new.
Game ideas: I should stat up the xenos (hate that name) but maybe I'll just take some of their powers for an advanced Displacer Beast like monster.
Zatannurday: Halloween
Here is a great Zatanna Halloween costume.
She is just missing a hat! Found anyplace that sells costumes.
And another one found here,
Happy Halloween everyone!!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Elizabeth Bathory: Spellcraft & Swordplay
A while back I posted a bunch of character write-ups on Elizabeth Bathory.
I thought, given the season and to celebrate Spellcraft & Swordplay in physical print copies I'd bring them both together. Based on my Dracula stats from early today, Bathory also has the advantage of being a coven witch.
This build is based on my earlier ones, as well as the material from Eldritch Witchery, which is coming out soon.
Elizabeth Bathory
Vampire / Witch (Demonic Tradition)
AL: E
SZ: M
AC: 5
Move: 90'
HD: 15 (48 hp)
Attacks: 2 claws (short sword), 1 bite OR Spells as a 6th level coven Witch
Special: Climb 40', Blood Drain, Animal Empathy (Improved; Rats, bats, wolves), Dominate, Spawn (Blood or Energy drain), Energy Drain (bite), Alternate Form (wolf, incorporeal gas, improved), Resist electricity, Immune mundane weapons, Vulnerable sun, fire, holy water (treat as 2d6 acid), witch abilities
Treasure: 8
XP: 2100
S: 21 D: 16 C: 18 I: 14 W: 16 Ch: 19
Bathory can not change into a bat as other vampires. She can also only summon wolves. Unlike Dracula, Elizabeth is damaged by the sun.
In addition to being a vampire, Elizabeth Bathory is also a coven witch of the 6th level. She is not the highest level witch, but she is the coven leader.
Her familiar is demonic black coated wolf with red eyes. When she is done draining her victims she feeds the remains to this monster.
She may cast the following spells
First level: Charm, Ghostly Slashing, Increase Sex Appeal
Second level: Ecstasy, Rite of Remote Seeing, Virgin Innocence
Third level: Dance Macabre, Toad Mind
Fourth level: Masque
These spells, the Demonic tradition, and what a coven witch is will all be detailed in Eldritch Witchery.
I thought, given the season and to celebrate Spellcraft & Swordplay in physical print copies I'd bring them both together. Based on my Dracula stats from early today, Bathory also has the advantage of being a coven witch.
This build is based on my earlier ones, as well as the material from Eldritch Witchery, which is coming out soon.
Elizabeth Bathory
Vampire / Witch (Demonic Tradition)
AL: E
SZ: M
AC: 5
Move: 90'
HD: 15 (48 hp)
Attacks: 2 claws (short sword), 1 bite OR Spells as a 6th level coven Witch
Special: Climb 40', Blood Drain, Animal Empathy (Improved; Rats, bats, wolves), Dominate, Spawn (Blood or Energy drain), Energy Drain (bite), Alternate Form (wolf, incorporeal gas, improved), Resist electricity, Immune mundane weapons, Vulnerable sun, fire, holy water (treat as 2d6 acid), witch abilities
Treasure: 8
XP: 2100
S: 21 D: 16 C: 18 I: 14 W: 16 Ch: 19
Bathory can not change into a bat as other vampires. She can also only summon wolves. Unlike Dracula, Elizabeth is damaged by the sun.
In addition to being a vampire, Elizabeth Bathory is also a coven witch of the 6th level. She is not the highest level witch, but she is the coven leader.
Her familiar is demonic black coated wolf with red eyes. When she is done draining her victims she feeds the remains to this monster.
She may cast the following spells
First level: Charm, Ghostly Slashing, Increase Sex Appeal
Second level: Ecstasy, Rite of Remote Seeing, Virgin Innocence
Third level: Dance Macabre, Toad Mind
Fourth level: Masque
These spells, the Demonic tradition, and what a coven witch is will all be detailed in Eldritch Witchery.
Dracula: Spellcraft & Swordplay
I think it would be awesome to run a total old school dungeon crawl in Castle Dracula. Not Castle Ravenloft, with it's puzzles and puns. Castle Dracula. It would be a blast.
And what better system to do it with than Spellcaft and Swordplay?
Anytime I stat up a character for S&S I have to ask myself the question, could this guy go toe to toe with Conan? Sort of like what I did with Red Sonja.
Vlad Dracula
Warrior Vampire Lord
AL: E
SZ: M
AC: 4
Move: 90'
HD: 15 (54 hp)
Attacks: 2 claws (short sword), 1 bite OR 1 weapon as a 15th level warrior (8 + 6)
Special: Fly 40', Climb 40', Blood Drain, Animal Empathy (Improved; Rats, bats, wolves), Dominate, Spawn (Blood or Energy drain), Energy Drain (bite), Alternate Form (bat, wolf, incorporeal gas, improved), Resist electricity, Immune mundane weapons, Vulnerable sun, fire, holy water (treat as 2d6 acid), +2 to all Con based saves.
Treasure: 9
XP: 2400
S: 24 D: 18 C: 18 I: 15 W: 15 Ch: 17
This incarnation of Dracula is the Transylvanian warlord with vampire powers to make him far more brutal than he ever was in life. He will be surrounded by an army completely loyal to him, though only human, not vampire.
As per the Vampire, Dracula is immune to sleep, charm and hold spells. He may summon 10-100 rats (5-20 giant rats), 10-100 bats (3-18 giant bats) or 3-18 wolves (2-8 dire wolves). Dracula may shapechange into a large bat or wolf, but his hit points remain unchanged. Dracula may also regenerate 5 hit points per round as long as he has fed.
And what better system to do it with than Spellcaft and Swordplay?
Anytime I stat up a character for S&S I have to ask myself the question, could this guy go toe to toe with Conan? Sort of like what I did with Red Sonja.
Vlad Dracula
Warrior Vampire Lord
AL: E
SZ: M
AC: 4
Move: 90'
HD: 15 (54 hp)
Attacks: 2 claws (short sword), 1 bite OR 1 weapon as a 15th level warrior (8 + 6)
Special: Fly 40', Climb 40', Blood Drain, Animal Empathy (Improved; Rats, bats, wolves), Dominate, Spawn (Blood or Energy drain), Energy Drain (bite), Alternate Form (bat, wolf, incorporeal gas, improved), Resist electricity, Immune mundane weapons, Vulnerable sun, fire, holy water (treat as 2d6 acid), +2 to all Con based saves.
Treasure: 9
XP: 2400
S: 24 D: 18 C: 18 I: 15 W: 15 Ch: 17
This incarnation of Dracula is the Transylvanian warlord with vampire powers to make him far more brutal than he ever was in life. He will be surrounded by an army completely loyal to him, though only human, not vampire.
As per the Vampire, Dracula is immune to sleep, charm and hold spells. He may summon 10-100 rats (5-20 giant rats), 10-100 bats (3-18 giant bats) or 3-18 wolves (2-8 dire wolves). Dracula may shapechange into a large bat or wolf, but his hit points remain unchanged. Dracula may also regenerate 5 hit points per round as long as he has fed.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
October Challenge: Legion (2009)
Legion (2009)
The story is really though nothing new. Angel "falls" to Earth and cuts off his wings (and his symbolic link to the Master Plan) and then heads out to the desert. Here he finds a pregnant woman and we learn that her baby has a huge destiny in front of him as mankind's next savior.
The angel in this case though is the Arch Angel Micheal. And the woman and her unborn are not being hunted by demons, but other angels. They make a stand off in the diner in the middle of the desert with Denis Quaid and Charles S. Dutton (two actors that are always really fantastic in what they do).
The baby comes and so do the trumpets. Micheal's BBF Gabriel is here and the action turns up a bit.
Long story short, mother, baby and new boyfriend that always loved her from afar drive a new town with a car full of guns. Not exactly a Christmas story, but hey.
I liked how the angels looked, there was an alieness about them that we only normally see in demons or Lovecraftian horrors. These are not fat, nekkid babies with little wings. These warriors that are willing to commit genocide in their Creator's name AND with the knowledge that what they are doing is right.
Plus they can posses people. Why should demons have all the fun.
Now this movie got some pretty bad reviews. Some of those are deserved. The plot is thin at best, but this is a fun movie. There are some good scares in it and really it combines many different horror tropes together rather nicely.
I liked it and thought it was fun.
Tally 26 movies, 23 new.
Game Ideas: This is an Armageddon or WitchCraft game blended with All Flesh Must Be Eaten.
In fact it has been done already, http://edenstudiosdiscussionboards.yuku.com/topic/4226. I have to admit I really, really like Thom's take on the Arch Angels.
Dracula: Lord of the Vampires, Threat Report
Mutants & Masterminds Threat Report #43: Dracula
I really like these M&M Threat Reports. They are a quick and easy way to add a villain to your game in a second.
What I like about these is they remind me so much of the old Chill supplements and the Con X ones. Not that I Am saying they are copies, far from it! But rather all three games went to the same well and each came back with something a little different, and each one was very cool for their own game.
So of course I had to get this one on my favorite villain of all time, Dracula.
The vampire lord is presented with stats for M&M3, as well as some plot hooks for adding him to your game. Included is his "classical" history and personality profile. His powers are also discussed, which is nice since the new M&M3 book does not have a Vampire Lord like the old 2nd ed book did.
My only complaint about this one. Dracula in the books was immune to the effects of sunlight. He should be unique in this regard.
I would have given him the complication Powerless during the day. It would have added some nice flavor AND been a big surprise to the players. I have used Dracula in every game I have played and the look on player's faces when he walks out into the sunlight and then grabs them by throat is PRICELESS.
I like the Plot Hooks and the "Power in the Blood" is a great idea. You could use it with Dracula or even some new vampire upstart.
Since M&M3 is the same system as DC Adventures then this is also perfect for that.
Also they should edit the boiler-plate credits and licensee page for this one. Dracula can't be Product Identity. His history in the M&M universe is, but his "real world" history can't be.
But all in all a great product.
You can see my M&M 2nd Ed version here: http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2010/05/dracula-mutants-masterminds.html
What I like about these is they remind me so much of the old Chill supplements and the Con X ones. Not that I Am saying they are copies, far from it! But rather all three games went to the same well and each came back with something a little different, and each one was very cool for their own game.
So of course I had to get this one on my favorite villain of all time, Dracula.
The vampire lord is presented with stats for M&M3, as well as some plot hooks for adding him to your game. Included is his "classical" history and personality profile. His powers are also discussed, which is nice since the new M&M3 book does not have a Vampire Lord like the old 2nd ed book did.
My only complaint about this one. Dracula in the books was immune to the effects of sunlight. He should be unique in this regard.
I would have given him the complication Powerless during the day. It would have added some nice flavor AND been a big surprise to the players. I have used Dracula in every game I have played and the look on player's faces when he walks out into the sunlight and then grabs them by throat is PRICELESS.
I like the Plot Hooks and the "Power in the Blood" is a great idea. You could use it with Dracula or even some new vampire upstart.
Since M&M3 is the same system as DC Adventures then this is also perfect for that.
Also they should edit the boiler-plate credits and licensee page for this one. Dracula can't be Product Identity. His history in the M&M universe is, but his "real world" history can't be.
But all in all a great product.
You can see my M&M 2nd Ed version here: http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2010/05/dracula-mutants-masterminds.html
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
October Challenge: Morgane et ses Nymphes
Morgane et ses Nymphes (1971)
The biggest problem comes in the form of Yael, who does not want Françoise to become Morganne's new favorite. She and the other favorites, Sarah and Sylviane work to get Françoise out of the picture. Françoise tries to escape, only to learn she does not have the magic to summon the boat, but Gurth does.
During the final scene where Anna and Françoise are to give their souls to Morganne, Françoise decides to seduce Yael. Afterwards Gurth gets lowered into the pit for having the girls perform on each other for his own amusement. There is some twisted irony in there.
Françoise gets his ring to summon the boat and then a horse. But it doesn't matter because once Françoise sees an old woman and a dead one she realizes she would rather be young and beautiful forever. She calls out to Morganne who comes to get her. They walk back to the boat but stop by the farm house where Anna and she had spent the night. Inside still sleeping she sees Anna and Yael (at least I think it is Yael) sleeping in each other's arms, happy. Françoise smiles.
Ok so. Is this horror?
Again there are plenty of elements of horror even if the movie is not scary. Françoise does give up her soul to stay immortal and live with Morganne forever. Judging by the number of women here it seems she is not lacking in volunteers. Morganne is not an unkind witch, she does let Anna and Yael go off to live their own "happily ever after".
The girls though are still victims of Morganne, or are they all co-dependent on each other. Morganne needs them to live and they need her so they can remain forever young; trapped even in a moment in time. In the end that might make more horrific than any number of monsters or slashers.
Many have commented on the surrealistic nature of this film, and that is true. It is like Françoise has passed over into a mytic land. Sort like Mist of Avalon, if Morganne had been a lesbian.
Tally 25 movies, 22 new.
Game ideas: Obviously Morgane Le Fey is still alive and living on the Isle of Avalon. I would fix this with Mists of Avalon and even a bit of my own Daughters of the Flame to get some interesting.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
October Challenge: Shower of Blood
but other times you get this.
Shower of Blood (2004)
So what do we have here? Well five college kids are going on a weekend trip. Lisa has an Uncle Marty she has not seen in 10 years and figures she can just pop in with her drunk and horny friends to spend the night. Of course we are also supposed to buy that Lisa and Heather are virgins. Casting tip: Girls with breast implants do not make convincing virgins. Trouble is Uncle Marty is a vampire and he wants Heather to be his new bride.
Well what is good about this movie? The basic plot is not bad. The special effects are surprisingly well done. And there is plenty of flesh for all.
The bad points are, well pretty bad. The acting is sub high school play, in fact I think many of the "actors" were purposely trying to be bad. The sound editing is beyond terrible and into the amateur. Adding burbs and farts to the actresses moving around is either stupid, mean spirited or both. While the basic plot is not bad, the execution of said plot is terrible. Beyond it really.
Honest this is not the worse movie I have seen this challenge, but it is really, really close.
What I can't understand is how a sequel was made. I might have to watch that one too.
Tally 24 movies, 21 new.
Wizard's Witch
Wizards of the Coast put up their preview of the new Witch class, er sub-class, for their Heroes of the Feywild.
http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ex/20111024#76933
So far I like what I see. The witch uses Intelligence and Wisdom as her primary abilities with high scores in Charisma and Constitution being favorable. There seems quite a bit of overlap in the role (small r) of the witch and the warlock, but that only gives me a lot of ideas.
Witches do not gain the Ritual Caster as do Wizards, but given the way Essentials has downplayed the rituals I think that it might be fine.
There are some loosely defined covens (Dark Moon and Full Moon) which act mechanically like the Warlock Pacts, but thematically are different.
When the witch is out I want to start comparing it to the warlock and to my own witches.
I think the 4e witch is positioned to more of a direct competitor to the Pathfinder witch.
What I dislike about it is that the Witch is just a sub-class of the Wizard. But I guess I shouldn't complain. We are getting a witch afterall.
http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ex/20111024#76933
So far I like what I see. The witch uses Intelligence and Wisdom as her primary abilities with high scores in Charisma and Constitution being favorable. There seems quite a bit of overlap in the role (small r) of the witch and the warlock, but that only gives me a lot of ideas.
Witches do not gain the Ritual Caster as do Wizards, but given the way Essentials has downplayed the rituals I think that it might be fine.
There are some loosely defined covens (Dark Moon and Full Moon) which act mechanically like the Warlock Pacts, but thematically are different.
When the witch is out I want to start comparing it to the warlock and to my own witches.
I think the 4e witch is positioned to more of a direct competitor to the Pathfinder witch.
What I dislike about it is that the Witch is just a sub-class of the Wizard. But I guess I shouldn't complain. We are getting a witch afterall.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Lolth Love
I have always rather liked the Demon Queen of Spiders. Sure she is totally the bad girl cliche, but I am only human.
Others share my love it seems and have also played on the Lolth/Lilith connection some.
Mythopoeic Ramblings has some good material on the Spider Queen, http://mythopoeicrambling.blogspot.com/2011/10/respinning-demon-queen.html
Lawful Indifferent also give us their take, http://lawfulindifferent.blogspot.com/2011/10/lolth-spider-bitch-of-abyss.html
Enjoy!
Others share my love it seems and have also played on the Lolth/Lilith connection some.
Mythopoeic Ramblings has some good material on the Spider Queen, http://mythopoeicrambling.blogspot.com/2011/10/respinning-demon-queen.html
Lawful Indifferent also give us their take, http://lawfulindifferent.blogspot.com/2011/10/lolth-spider-bitch-of-abyss.html
Enjoy!
October Challenge: Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Ok so Depp's Ichabod is a detective for the NYPD in 1799. He is sent to the village of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a murder. His Ichabod is still a bit of coward and has a weak stomach, which I am glad they preserved, but is quite smart. And apparently his mother was some sort of witch.
Christina Ricci is here and I'll be honest. I think she is great, I love her in just about everything she does, but all her characters sound exactly the same. Granted, I have not seen a lot of "Monster" but nearly everything else.
We get cameos and co-stars of some of the highest quality and number are (or will be) Burton alums.
I was particularly pleased to see Christopher Lee, Michael Gough, Martin Landau, and Michael Gambon. Of course the award for biggest surprise casting goes to Christopher Waken as the Headless Horseman.
The actors are first rate and script is good too.
The effects looked a bit dated in some cases, even though it is only 10 years old, but still good enough.
I enjoyed the story in all it's supernatural spookiness. I think I was thinking that it was going to be a more mundane killer than a supernatural one, but instead we got both and that was kind of cool.
Tally 23 movies, 20 new.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
More OSRIC Player's Guide woes
EDITED TO ADD: I am getting a lot of links to this. To be clear: WotC is NOT going after OSR blogs or books. They asked 1 author to remove 1 product that had some clear violations of the OGL.
A while back I posted the tales of the OSRIC Player's Guides/References.
The first one I detailed here, http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/09/osric-players-guide-retraction.html
It was just a copy-paste job of the OSRIC rules and some stolen cover art. The author claimed he did not know, which is fine, but then he turned around and did it AGAIN with Holmes Basic producing something called "Mazes & Perils", detailed here, http://theresdungeonsdownunder.blogspot.com/2011/10/ok-ill-keep-blog-open-3-reasons-why.html, http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2011/10/mini-review-mazes-perils-core-rules-osr.html and http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2011/10/fool-me-once-shame-on-you-fool-me-twice.html
Frankly that guy has lost all benefit of the doubt from me.
But that is not the tragedy today.
Today I want to mention the OSRIC Player's Guide, the one detailed here http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/10/other-osric-players-guide.html and here http://underdarkgazette.blogspot.com/2011/10/osric-tale-of-two-players-books-and-no.html
This one was done by the same guy that ran the blog BreeYark!. Unlike the first, this one had been in the works since Jan/Feb of 2011. Unlike the first this one also was full of original art. But like the first one, this one has also been taken down from OneBookShelf and the BreeYark! blog is now gone.
I am not going to speculate as to why. There was a C&D order issued and you can read some more at the K&KA forum, http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=8038
I just think it is too bad really that all the work that went into it was lost.
I guess the learning point here is if you are going to publish something and put it up on DriveThru/RPGNow/OBS then you better be sure you know what you are doing. Make sure you understand the OGL (if you are using it), know where your art is coming from. Though I'll admit I thought the OSRIC Player's Guide was fine as far as copyrights/trademarks are concerned. Just goes to show you can't know everything.
I am reminded of something though Clark Peterson of Necromancer Games once said about OSRIC. I won't detail it here, but I am wondering if the eye of Hasbro/WotC is becoming more focused on the OSR. I know they read these blogs, they are gamers afterall. And I am sure that the sales of legit products are nothing compared to what a multi-billion dollar company like Hasbro makes. But all the same we have had some pretty spectacular screw-ups and it might not be long for that attention is on all of us.
I do hope the BreeYark! blog comes back tough.
A while back I posted the tales of the OSRIC Player's Guides/References.
The first one I detailed here, http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/09/osric-players-guide-retraction.html
It was just a copy-paste job of the OSRIC rules and some stolen cover art. The author claimed he did not know, which is fine, but then he turned around and did it AGAIN with Holmes Basic producing something called "Mazes & Perils", detailed here, http://theresdungeonsdownunder.blogspot.com/2011/10/ok-ill-keep-blog-open-3-reasons-why.html, http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2011/10/mini-review-mazes-perils-core-rules-osr.html and http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2011/10/fool-me-once-shame-on-you-fool-me-twice.html
Frankly that guy has lost all benefit of the doubt from me.
But that is not the tragedy today.
Today I want to mention the OSRIC Player's Guide, the one detailed here http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/10/other-osric-players-guide.html and here http://underdarkgazette.blogspot.com/2011/10/osric-tale-of-two-players-books-and-no.html
This one was done by the same guy that ran the blog BreeYark!. Unlike the first, this one had been in the works since Jan/Feb of 2011. Unlike the first this one also was full of original art. But like the first one, this one has also been taken down from OneBookShelf and the BreeYark! blog is now gone.
I am not going to speculate as to why. There was a C&D order issued and you can read some more at the K&KA forum, http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=8038
I just think it is too bad really that all the work that went into it was lost.
I guess the learning point here is if you are going to publish something and put it up on DriveThru/RPGNow/OBS then you better be sure you know what you are doing. Make sure you understand the OGL (if you are using it), know where your art is coming from. Though I'll admit I thought the OSRIC Player's Guide was fine as far as copyrights/trademarks are concerned. Just goes to show you can't know everything.
I am reminded of something though Clark Peterson of Necromancer Games once said about OSRIC. I won't detail it here, but I am wondering if the eye of Hasbro/WotC is becoming more focused on the OSR. I know they read these blogs, they are gamers afterall. And I am sure that the sales of legit products are nothing compared to what a multi-billion dollar company like Hasbro makes. But all the same we have had some pretty spectacular screw-ups and it might not be long for that attention is on all of us.
I do hope the BreeYark! blog comes back tough.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
October Challenge: The Amityville Horror (1979)
The Amityville Horror (1979)
So what do we have. There is a great build up here to a creepy story. The actors are great, and this is back when Margot Kidder was still really good. Rod Steiger of course was fantastic and Josh Brolin's descent into madness is great. The haunting itself is a bit lame. The flies are kinda cool, the red room is neat and the house still looks creepy as all heck.
Though watching this makes really want to see Poltergeist again.
Tally 22 movies, 19 new (but I kind of forgot it...)
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