Hello all.
No White Dwarf Wednesday today. I am out of town on a family emergency and I am not back yet.
You can read about it here.
http://www.buchanancody.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1399499&fh_id=12328
Back when I can.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Prestige Class: Queen of Witches
While I enjoy the Pathfinder Witch there is a serious lack of good witchy prestige classes. Here is one based on my own Liber Mysterium witch and was going to appear in the 3.5 update. Some of the powers and ideas here are actually based on my playtests of my Basic Witch class.
Section 15: Queen of Witches, Copyright 2012, Timothy. S. Brannan.
OGC Declaration: The following content is considered Open Content for term of the OGL.
Queen of Witches
There are witches so dedicated to their path and to their Patron that they become not only the de-facto leaders of many covens, but of their traditions as well. They are considered to be the chief agent of the Patron’s will. Sometimes these witches can claim divine parentage, others are chosen by her peers for her deeds. In all cases the Queen of Witches is imbued with a spark of divine power.
Generally speaking there is only one Queen of Witches per Tradition, so only 13 (or less) in the world at any given time.
Hit Dice: d4
Requirements
To qualify as a Queen of Witches, a character must fulfill all of the following criteria.
Knowledge (Religion) or Knowledge (Arcana): 7 Ranks
Knowledge (Witchcraft): 13 Ranks
Feats: At least one Witch feat.
Spell casting: Ability to cast 7th level spells
Special: the Queen of Witches must belong to a coven.
The Queen of Witches typically has a high wisdom.
Alignment: Any.
Class Skills
The Queen of Witches class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (Alchemy) (Int), Craft (any) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (religion), (Int), Knowledge (witchcraft) (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier
Class Features
All of the following are class features of The Queen of Witches prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The Queen of Witches gains no proficiency with weapons or armor.
Special: The Queen of Witches gains special powers at each level of her progression.
Spells per Day: The Queen of Witches continues to progress in spell casting as if she had gained another level as a witch. This does not include any special powers or benefits, such as extra feats or occult powers (except as noted below), she would normally receive for progressing as a witch.
Awesome Presence (Su): At first level, the Queen of Witches is infused with the power of her faith and by the faith her Coven has in her. This supernatural ability has two main effects. First all witches can “see” this presence as a bright aura. All witches will treat her with deference and respect. Secondly enemies can also detect this aura. Any morale checks made by enemies are at a –1 penalty.
Occult Powers (Su): At 2nd level the Queen of Witches gains additional occult powers as if she were a witch of that Tradition. The Queen of Witches will choose occult powers form her own Tradition first always at 2nd level, then branching out to the other Traditions for her next Occult power.
Note: Some witches call their Occult Powers “Hexes”. These witches may choose a new Witch Hex at these levels. The first Hex must be of the Minor sort. The second Hex may be Major or Grand as appropriate.
A Thousand Faces (Su): At 3rd level the witch gains the ability to change her appearance at will, as if using the disguise self spell. This affects the witch’s body but not her possessions. It is not an illusory effect, but a minor physical alteration of the witch’s appearance, within the limits described for the spell.
Timeless Body (Su): At 5th level the witch no longer takes ability score penalties for aging and cannot be magically aged. Any penalties she may have already incurred, however, remain in place. Bonuses still accrue, and the witch still dies of old age when her time is up.
Section 15: Queen of Witches, Copyright 2012, Timothy. S. Brannan.
OGC Declaration: The following content is considered Open Content for term of the OGL.
Queen of Witches
There are witches so dedicated to their path and to their Patron that they become not only the de-facto leaders of many covens, but of their traditions as well. They are considered to be the chief agent of the Patron’s will. Sometimes these witches can claim divine parentage, others are chosen by her peers for her deeds. In all cases the Queen of Witches is imbued with a spark of divine power.
Generally speaking there is only one Queen of Witches per Tradition, so only 13 (or less) in the world at any given time.
Hit Dice: d4
Requirements
To qualify as a Queen of Witches, a character must fulfill all of the following criteria.
Knowledge (Religion) or Knowledge (Arcana): 7 Ranks
Knowledge (Witchcraft): 13 Ranks
Feats: At least one Witch feat.
Spell casting: Ability to cast 7th level spells
Special: the Queen of Witches must belong to a coven.
The Queen of Witches typically has a high wisdom.
Alignment: Any.
Class Skills
The Queen of Witches class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (Alchemy) (Int), Craft (any) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (religion), (Int), Knowledge (witchcraft) (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier
Class Features
All of the following are class features of The Queen of Witches prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The Queen of Witches gains no proficiency with weapons or armor.
Special: The Queen of Witches gains special powers at each level of her progression.
Spells per Day: The Queen of Witches continues to progress in spell casting as if she had gained another level as a witch. This does not include any special powers or benefits, such as extra feats or occult powers (except as noted below), she would normally receive for progressing as a witch.
Awesome Presence (Su): At first level, the Queen of Witches is infused with the power of her faith and by the faith her Coven has in her. This supernatural ability has two main effects. First all witches can “see” this presence as a bright aura. All witches will treat her with deference and respect. Secondly enemies can also detect this aura. Any morale checks made by enemies are at a –1 penalty.
Occult Powers (Su): At 2nd level the Queen of Witches gains additional occult powers as if she were a witch of that Tradition. The Queen of Witches will choose occult powers form her own Tradition first always at 2nd level, then branching out to the other Traditions for her next Occult power.
Note: Some witches call their Occult Powers “Hexes”. These witches may choose a new Witch Hex at these levels. The first Hex must be of the Minor sort. The second Hex may be Major or Grand as appropriate.
A Thousand Faces (Su): At 3rd level the witch gains the ability to change her appearance at will, as if using the disguise self spell. This affects the witch’s body but not her possessions. It is not an illusory effect, but a minor physical alteration of the witch’s appearance, within the limits described for the spell.
Timeless Body (Su): At 5th level the witch no longer takes ability score penalties for aging and cannot be magically aged. Any penalties she may have already incurred, however, remain in place. Bonuses still accrue, and the witch still dies of old age when her time is up.
| Class Level | Attack Bonus | Fort Save | Ref Save | Will Save | Special | Spells per Day |
| 1st | +1 | +0 | +0 | +2 | Awesome Presence | +1 level of existing class |
| 2nd | +1 | +1 | +1 | +3 | Occult Power / Hex | +1 level of existing class |
| 3rd | +2 | +1 | +1 | +3 | A Thousand Faces | +1 level of existing class |
| 4th | +2 | +2 | +2 | +4 | Occult Power / Hex | +1 level of existing class |
| 5th | +3 | +2 | +2 | +4 | Timeless Body | +1 level of existing class |
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sabrina the Witch
Oddly enough one witch I almost never talk about is Sabrina The Teen Aged witch.
Not because I don't like her, I just don't know all that much about her. I knew of the Archie comic, but never read it. I watched the old Filmation Saturday Morning Cartoon and enjoyed that. I never watched the TV series though with Melissa Joan Hart or the cartoon spun off from it.
Truthfully I never gave her much thought other than starting up a sheet for her in Buffy with a note to watch some of the episodes. My idea then (2001-2002) was to have the MJH version meet up with the Cast. That never happened since I went full on into another series. She never even guest stared in my next series about witches, which is kind of a shame really.
It probably would have stayed that way until fellow Eden writer Thom Marrion hadn't included her in his "Swinging 70's" character write-ups. Course there she was "Sabrinia, the Late-20 to Early-30s Witch".
http://edenstudiosdiscussionboards.yuku.com/sreply/34780/Swinging-Seventies-
But I liked the idea so much that I thought I'd update that version of her. I always wanted an older matriarch sorta witch character in my game. Someone that was not active in the normal affairs, but had history. Plus I also wanted someone that pretty much had the entire supernatural world owing her favors.
And of course I was dying to use Stevie Nicks as casting in something. Given my history with her, it had to be something special. Sabrina as a character might not have been my first choice, but I am happy how it all worked out.
Sabrina the Late Middle Aged Witch
(based on Thoms original)
Note: All respect to Thom Marrion for this. This is an idea I had kicking around in my head for a while. Plus I have ALWAYS wanted to use Stevie Nicks as the Queen of Witches in my games. I was listing to the "Wild Heart" today and decided to do this.
Sabrina Spelman-Krinkle
Age: 63, played by Stevie Nicks
Very Experienced Investigator (Semi-Retired)
Name: Sabrina Spelman-Krinkle
Motivation: Not much motivates her now
Creature Type: Human
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 2, Constitution 2, Intelligence 4, Perception 4, Willpower 5
Ability Scores: Muscle 10, Combat 12, Brains 16
Life Points: 26
Drama Points: 20
Special Abilities: Attractiveness +2, Contacts (Supernatural) 5, Emotional Problems (Depression, -2), Love (Tragic), Magic Family, Occult Investigator, Occult Library(Amazing), Secret (She's a witch who belongs to a powerful magical family), Magic 8, Supernatural Senses (Basic and the Sight)
Maneuvers
Name;Score;Damage Notes
Dodge;12;;Defense Action
Grapple;14;;Resisted by Dodge
Kick;11;8;Bash
Magic;21;Special;Varies by spell
Punch;12;6;Bash
Thom gives us an idea of what Sabrina was doing in the 70s since that time Sabrina married her long time love Harvey Krinkle which was no end of controversy, a Spelman marring a mortal (though it had been done before) and eventually she rose up in ranks in the Witches Council. After the death of Samantha Spelman-Stephens, Sabrina was the logical choice as the successor to the Queen of Witches. Logical to everyone except to Sabrina herself and maybe Harvey (but not like the Council cared for his opinion), it was in fact their mistreatment of her husband and their non-magical daughter (though their other children were magical) that she finally took on the role. She had hoped to change the Council from the top down. The trouble was the Witches Council is an old organization and moves slow. It took her months to even get them to install a computer in her office.
After years of fighting the system Sabrina is now tired of fighting. Her reason to fight, Harvey, died a couple of years ago and now she is not much more than a figurehead with the true operations of the Witches Council being run by Tabitha Stephens.
However dont let her apathy fool you, Sabrina saw more of the supernatural before age 17 than most teams of occult investigators see their entire lives. Like the previous Queen of Witches, her (great) Aunt Samantha, Sabrina has the full might and power of the Council at her disposal. Though it would take something considerable to get her attention.
In your games: Sabrina looks over her life and sees the wasted years fighting the council, working to keep the council and her family both happy and she has ended up here, older, alone and pleasing no one. Her stats have not changed much to reflect this stagnancy of her life. Think Queen Victoria after Albert died. I even have her wearing black.
Also I like the idea that if you bring her into the game it needs to be for a really good reason.
Not because I don't like her, I just don't know all that much about her. I knew of the Archie comic, but never read it. I watched the old Filmation Saturday Morning Cartoon and enjoyed that. I never watched the TV series though with Melissa Joan Hart or the cartoon spun off from it.
Truthfully I never gave her much thought other than starting up a sheet for her in Buffy with a note to watch some of the episodes. My idea then (2001-2002) was to have the MJH version meet up with the Cast. That never happened since I went full on into another series. She never even guest stared in my next series about witches, which is kind of a shame really.
It probably would have stayed that way until fellow Eden writer Thom Marrion hadn't included her in his "Swinging 70's" character write-ups. Course there she was "Sabrinia, the Late-20 to Early-30s Witch".
http://edenstudiosdiscussionboards.yuku.com/sreply/34780/Swinging-Seventies-
But I liked the idea so much that I thought I'd update that version of her. I always wanted an older matriarch sorta witch character in my game. Someone that was not active in the normal affairs, but had history. Plus I also wanted someone that pretty much had the entire supernatural world owing her favors.
And of course I was dying to use Stevie Nicks as casting in something. Given my history with her, it had to be something special. Sabrina as a character might not have been my first choice, but I am happy how it all worked out.
Sabrina the Late Middle Aged Witch
(based on Thoms original)
Note: All respect to Thom Marrion for this. This is an idea I had kicking around in my head for a while. Plus I have ALWAYS wanted to use Stevie Nicks as the Queen of Witches in my games. I was listing to the "Wild Heart" today and decided to do this.
Sabrina Spelman-Krinkle
Age: 63, played by Stevie Nicks
Very Experienced Investigator (Semi-Retired)
Name: Sabrina Spelman-Krinkle
Motivation: Not much motivates her now
Creature Type: Human
Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 2, Constitution 2, Intelligence 4, Perception 4, Willpower 5
Ability Scores: Muscle 10, Combat 12, Brains 16
Life Points: 26
Drama Points: 20
Special Abilities: Attractiveness +2, Contacts (Supernatural) 5, Emotional Problems (Depression, -2), Love (Tragic), Magic Family, Occult Investigator, Occult Library(Amazing), Secret (She's a witch who belongs to a powerful magical family), Magic 8, Supernatural Senses (Basic and the Sight)
Maneuvers
Name;Score;Damage Notes
Dodge;12;;Defense Action
Grapple;14;;Resisted by Dodge
Kick;11;8;Bash
Magic;21;Special;Varies by spell
Punch;12;6;Bash
Thom gives us an idea of what Sabrina was doing in the 70s since that time Sabrina married her long time love Harvey Krinkle which was no end of controversy, a Spelman marring a mortal (though it had been done before) and eventually she rose up in ranks in the Witches Council. After the death of Samantha Spelman-Stephens, Sabrina was the logical choice as the successor to the Queen of Witches. Logical to everyone except to Sabrina herself and maybe Harvey (but not like the Council cared for his opinion), it was in fact their mistreatment of her husband and their non-magical daughter (though their other children were magical) that she finally took on the role. She had hoped to change the Council from the top down. The trouble was the Witches Council is an old organization and moves slow. It took her months to even get them to install a computer in her office.
After years of fighting the system Sabrina is now tired of fighting. Her reason to fight, Harvey, died a couple of years ago and now she is not much more than a figurehead with the true operations of the Witches Council being run by Tabitha Stephens.
However dont let her apathy fool you, Sabrina saw more of the supernatural before age 17 than most teams of occult investigators see their entire lives. Like the previous Queen of Witches, her (great) Aunt Samantha, Sabrina has the full might and power of the Council at her disposal. Though it would take something considerable to get her attention.
In your games: Sabrina looks over her life and sees the wasted years fighting the council, working to keep the council and her family both happy and she has ended up here, older, alone and pleasing no one. Her stats have not changed much to reflect this stagnancy of her life. Think Queen Victoria after Albert died. I even have her wearing black.
Also I like the idea that if you bring her into the game it needs to be for a really good reason.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Zatannurday: Deviant Art
Zatanna Zatara- Cosplay Fever by *Andserkiel on deviantART
Under the Streets of Gotham by *Andserkiel on deviantART
Zatanna at London Expo Oct 2011- 3 by *Andserkiel on deviantART
ZATANNA IN WONDERLAND by ~jdavidlee1979 on deviantART
The cat in the hat by *TorqueStudio on deviantART
Zatanna 2012 by =Supajoe on deviantART
Zatanna Commission by *martheus on deviantART
The bat and the magic ian .... by ~CoOkIexDoUgH on deviantART
Nothing Up My Sleeve by *BestNameEver on deviantART
Zatanna commission by *monkeymarc on deviantART
dc: shining like a spider's web by ~bakhu on deviantART
Zatanna by ~judittondora on deviantART
Zatanna Zatarra by *OverGround-EIC on deviantART
Careful What You Wish For by *petercotton on deviantART
dc: behind the blinds the dancing snow by ~bakhu on deviantART
Friday, February 17, 2012
Player & Character morality
Read these two descriptions of how two different groups of players deal with a potential threat of otherwise incapacitated humanoids.
1) http://lotfp.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-my-players-taught-me-today-no-rope.html
2) http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/06/they-didnt-kill-ubues.html
Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that both groups are equally as dangerous to the PCs and if given the chance will kill them. Which is the "better" solution?
Now this is not limited to adults or kids as one or the other. I just played a 4e game with a bunch of 10-11 year olds that wanted "to slaughter everyone" and fight the other characters. I have played with adults that are the same way. I have played with both age groups that would rather fine a more rational action.
Here is a question from Tenkar on "Why are PC's so hooked on Torture?"
And we wonder sometimes why we can't get new blood into our games.
Do we as a group encourage this sort of play? Is it something inherent in the rules or the agreed upon reality? That is a "violence begat violence" sort of deal?
I did my fair share of immature violence back n the day, but my DM quickly cured me of that.
I had a thief that I felt was a real bad ass. So while going through the adventure "Death's Ride" he shot a guy in the back with a crossbow. The NPC was annoying him (aka me) so I shot him. Throughout the entire run of the classic H-Series modules (Throne of Bloodstone) this NPC, now an undead revenant kept coming back to screw things up for me at the exact wrong moments. He went from a vague pest to a Deadpool like character that couldn't be killed or turned. And that included the insane humor. In the process the already deadly modules turned into a meat grinder with this guy (Kirkroy was his name) letting all the demons know we were coming.
In the adventures above if I were the DM for both. In #2 (which I was the DM) the characters were rewarded and considered to be heroes and saviors, not mass murdering thugs. In #1 (where I wasn't), well nothing screws up your day like a bunch of unstoppable undead warriors claiming vengeance on the murder of innocents.
What do you all think? Am I being overly sensitive?
Mind you for this argument I am not accepting "it's just a game" as an excuse. Maybe it is just a game. But I am talking about in-game behavior. You might as well say "oh that is because we are on Earth".
1) http://lotfp.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-my-players-taught-me-today-no-rope.html
2) http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/06/they-didnt-kill-ubues.html
Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that both groups are equally as dangerous to the PCs and if given the chance will kill them. Which is the "better" solution?
Now this is not limited to adults or kids as one or the other. I just played a 4e game with a bunch of 10-11 year olds that wanted "to slaughter everyone" and fight the other characters. I have played with adults that are the same way. I have played with both age groups that would rather fine a more rational action.
Here is a question from Tenkar on "Why are PC's so hooked on Torture?"
And we wonder sometimes why we can't get new blood into our games.
Do we as a group encourage this sort of play? Is it something inherent in the rules or the agreed upon reality? That is a "violence begat violence" sort of deal?
I did my fair share of immature violence back n the day, but my DM quickly cured me of that.
I had a thief that I felt was a real bad ass. So while going through the adventure "Death's Ride" he shot a guy in the back with a crossbow. The NPC was annoying him (aka me) so I shot him. Throughout the entire run of the classic H-Series modules (Throne of Bloodstone) this NPC, now an undead revenant kept coming back to screw things up for me at the exact wrong moments. He went from a vague pest to a Deadpool like character that couldn't be killed or turned. And that included the insane humor. In the process the already deadly modules turned into a meat grinder with this guy (Kirkroy was his name) letting all the demons know we were coming.
In the adventures above if I were the DM for both. In #2 (which I was the DM) the characters were rewarded and considered to be heroes and saviors, not mass murdering thugs. In #1 (where I wasn't), well nothing screws up your day like a bunch of unstoppable undead warriors claiming vengeance on the murder of innocents.
What do you all think? Am I being overly sensitive?
Mind you for this argument I am not accepting "it's just a game" as an excuse. Maybe it is just a game. But I am talking about in-game behavior. You might as well say "oh that is because we are on Earth".
Zombies vs. Robots
IDW has a new series of short stories up called "Zombies vs. Robots".
I'll admit I knew nothing about it but today my friend (and Ghosts of Albion RPG co-writer) Amber Benson has a new book out in the series.
Zombies vs. Robots: Mademoiselle Consuela and Her Army of One
She is also running a contest around the book and you could win a lunch with her over Skype.
So go. Download. 99 cents won't buy you much, but it will get you Amber's newest book. And would make her happy. Unless of course you have something against happy.
In other Amber/Tara news, Zap2It is running a poll on the most "crush worthy" dearly departed TV character. If you enjoy my blog, pop over and give "Tara Maclay" a vote.
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2012/02/tvs-most-crushworthy-dearly-departed-mischa-barton-ian-somerhalder-amber-benson-vote-now.html
I'll admit I knew nothing about it but today my friend (and Ghosts of Albion RPG co-writer) Amber Benson has a new book out in the series.
Zombies vs. Robots: Mademoiselle Consuela and Her Army of One
She is also running a contest around the book and you could win a lunch with her over Skype.
So go. Download. 99 cents won't buy you much, but it will get you Amber's newest book. And would make her happy. Unless of course you have something against happy.
In other Amber/Tara news, Zap2It is running a poll on the most "crush worthy" dearly departed TV character. If you enjoy my blog, pop over and give "Tara Maclay" a vote.
http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2012/02/tvs-most-crushworthy-dearly-departed-mischa-barton-ian-somerhalder-amber-benson-vote-now.html
Thursday, February 16, 2012
February DriveThru Deals
It is that time again.
The new February Discount code for the following items is now out from DriveThruRPG. Here are the games:
Aruneus Bundle - Troll in the Corner
Part-Time Gods - Third Eye Games
A Peculiar Pentad - Savaged - Super Genius Games
Ultimate Dice Tower 2 - Fat Dragon Games
Exodus Post Apocalyptic RPG Survivor's Guide - Glutton Creeper Games
And here is the code to get 20% off: GeekLoveRules2012
This code is good until March 14th, 2012.
Enjoy!!
The new February Discount code for the following items is now out from DriveThruRPG. Here are the games:
Aruneus Bundle - Troll in the Corner
Part-Time Gods - Third Eye Games
A Peculiar Pentad - Savaged - Super Genius Games
Ultimate Dice Tower 2 - Fat Dragon Games
Exodus Post Apocalyptic RPG Survivor's Guide - Glutton Creeper Games
And here is the code to get 20% off: GeekLoveRules2012
This code is good until March 14th, 2012.
Enjoy!!
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