Skeletons - Clawing Delvers Since 1975

Skeleton

Monster Rating: 35

Combat Dice: 4d6+ 18 

Special * Blunt Weapons (Mace / Hammer / Staff / etc) do full damage. All others do 1/2 damage after dice roll and adds

Once I lived. Once I breathed. Once I loved. Now I seethe. I feel nothing but hate for what I was. Hate for what you are. I am dead that has died yet will not rest. I am Hate.


(Thanks to Craig Brasco for giving me permission to use the above art)

What's Your Favorite "Off the Shelf" Setting?

I've already asked about wether you prefer homebrew or off the shelf settings, but now I'm actually asking about those "off the shelf" or commercial RPG settings.

I want to know which one(s) are your favorites.

For me, there are a handful:

The World of Greyhawk folio - my first ever experience with an RPG setting, this is the one that has stuck with me through the years. Minimalist in nature but continent spanning, in many ways it's the bar I hold other setting up to it.

Blackmarsh from Bat in the Attic Games - an excellent, localized setting that is "hexcrawl" in nature. The price is also right, as it is free in PDF.

Wilderlands of High Fantasy - an amazingly huge hexcrawl setting that is a reworking of the classic Judges Guild line. I have the boxed set. Simply awesome but has the potential to overwhelm. It's also technically for 3e, but down converting is usually pretty painless

Keranak Kingdoms Fantasy Setting - Although technically written for use with Barebones Fantasy, it is actually systemless and would work with any fantasy RPG that uses the usual tropes. My current AD&D / OSRIC campaign is technically set in this setting, but my players are hacking through Rappan Athuk, so setting is fairly minor in importance at the moment. It has a town named Tenkar and a Tenkar's Tavern too ;)

So, what are your favorite settings and why?

10 Hours to Raise Over 100k - Can the Pathfinder MMO Kickstarter Fund Without Corporate Shenanigans?

Lets cut to the chase.

The Pathfinder MMO Kickstarter has over $100k to go with just 10 hours to get there.

That's $10k plus an hour.

I'd say it's safe to assume the vast majority of Pathfinder fanboys and fanatics have already donated more blood than their bodies can support to fund this project.

Not for the MMO.

No, they fund it for the attached loot. Many don't care about the MMO itself. In the off chance this funds, it still doesn't show that the MMO is a legitimate money maker down the line. It just means there are enough Pathfinder fanatics to follow their fellow lemmings off their own financial cliff.

What happens if it looks like the funding is going to be $25k short?

Does Lisa or Ryan pony up the extra to push the project over?

Would anything be more foul or dishonest in the world of Kickstarters?

Well, yeah - this wouldn't be the worst sin committed, but it certainly would be sleazy. I had never thought of Paizo as "sleazy" before this project...

Adding Life to Monsters in Tunnels & Trolls

If you haven't noticed, I've recently gotten into a "Tunnels & Trolls Monster Creation Kick" on this blog over the past week or so. Sure, you can blame it on the Deluxe Tunnels & Trolls Kickstarter that recently "kicked off" (and is doing amazingly well), but that's only part of the reason. In truth, I do it because it's fun and because monsters are pretty sparse in 5 / 5.5e T&T (which just happens to be the baseline T&T that I tend to gravitate to).

How sparse? The sample short list of monsters takes up one page in the Corgi Edition of the T&T 5e rules. That's sparse. It's also simple, as the one number, MR or Monster Rating tells you all you need to know - hits to kill, combat dice and combat adds. Everything but flavor.

T&T 5.5e adds in Spite Damage. Spite Damage is cause with every natural 6 rolled, and it ignores armor and can even be suffered by the side that wins the combat. With T&T 7 / 7.5e, Spite Damage can also be used to indicate when Special Damage is caused, such as a spell effect, or extra damage beyond the simple Spite Damage. Special damage allows for each creature to have a unique power and ability. It also keeps the party on their toes.

I've also taken to giving my daily monster creations a short paragraph description. Over the last few days, I've taken to writing that description from the point of view of the monster itself. In most cases, I think this is more effective, especially when it comes to the GM using it in gameplay.

Here's an example from today's Succubus posting:

Like what you see? Stay with me forever. Forever less a day. I don't bite - much. There is nothing to fear. Your soul will join the others in endless service. What could be better than an eternity with me? Ignore the shrieks you hear in your head. They are nothing but memories and regrets...

 And here's the Mind Melter from earlier this week:

The tentacle mouthed Mind Melter. They have a different name for themselves, and the unwary Delver may hear the name in his mind when encountering one, but he'll never be able to pronounce it. Highly intelligent, Mind Melters have been known to communicate with Delvers via mental images, requesting certain items in return for safe passage - sticks, gold, a perfect diamond, a lump of coal and more have been asked for. Those that pay may pass. Those that don't may not, or they may try and possibly die. 

They are Delvers. What actions do you expect them to take?

Personally, I think the first example is a little stronger (not to mention shorter).

In any case, I'm interested in seeing where Ken takes monster creation / description / listing / etc in dT&T. Because without the monsters, the tunnels are kinda empty...

(more than willing to give my conversion to the cause Ken. Can't speak for the artists tho ;)

Is There a MMORPG That Effectively Mimics a True RPG Experience? Because the Pathfinder MMO Certainly Isn't It

Is there a MMORPG that is currently out or currently being worked on that replicates the actual experience of tabletop roleplaying?

I can't think of any.

The Pathfinder MMO won't even be replicating the the Pathfinder RPG rules, as the OGL won't allow it. So, it's Pathfinder in name (and possibly setting) only.

Heck, I'll lower the bar. Is the are multiplayer computer RPG that effectively simulates tabletop play?

Inquiring minds want to know ;)

Rappan Athuk - Modified Lineup - Unmodified Results

Nope, the party hasn't come across this - yet...

Last night was the weekly AD&D / OSRIC session that is delving into the depths of Rappan Athuk. We were down one of out usual six, so +Gus L joined the party for the night.

Last week I remarked about how the party actually parlayed with the bandits that surrendered, and even let them leave Rappan Athuk with their daggers. Alive I may add.

Last night? The party encountered a group of gnolls, and when the encounter went quickly south, the two surviving gnolls threw down their weapons and surrendered. +gus l 's character apparently doesn't take well to prisoners, and quickly gutted the injured gnoll with his trident and cleaved the other prisoner. The party's response "we tend to do that AFTER we interrogate". Gus also advocated poring oil under a doorway where Giant Ants were waiting on the players. He kills prisoners and advocates killing prisoners - he fits well with the group and has an open invite on Saturday Nights ;)

The other highlight? +Joe D 's return and the party leading him back to the "Slot Room". The party came close to leaving him behind as he put his pennies into the "magical slot machine". End result? 700 XP won on the slots and about 200+ gp burned off. Not a bad trade off ;)

You Walk Into a Room and See Nine Were-rats Playing Poker...

This is a scene I can see so perfectly in my head.

My players walk into the back room of a seedy, underland (you know - the lands "under the earth" - where the drow and the duegar play) tavern. In the room they see nine were-rats playing poker with copper coins stacked in front of each player, and a pile of copper coins in the middle.

Without looking up from the game, the dealer says:

"If you want in for the next hand, the buy in is 20 gold worth of coppers."

At which point my players would probably attack, kill the were-rats rats and steal each rat's 2000 coppers.

Ah well, one can always hope they'll talk first AND then kill ;)

The Succubus - Stealing One Soul at a Time in Tunnels & Trolls

Succubus

Monster Rating: 300

Combat Dice:  31D6 + 150 + Special

Special Damage: 1 / Each natural 6 causes 2 Spite Damage on target and heals 2 points damage on the Succubus. 13 / Yassa Massa (SR vs INT or be in thrall of the Succubus. Target does NOT need to be subdued first

Like what you see? Stay with me forever. Forever less a day. I don't bite - much. There is nothing to fear. Your soul will join the others in endless service. What could be better than an eternity with me? Ignore the shrieks you hear in your head. They are nothing but memories and regrets...


(Thanks to Craig Brasco for giving me permission to use the above art)

Contest Map Preview Over at Mithril & Mages

The above is just one of the maps +Mark Hassman is previewing over at Mithril & Mages.

Remember, the contest will kick off early in the coming week and last approximately a month.

Imagine if you could win an original Dyson map like the one above ;)

At What Level(s) Does a Megadungeon Work Best?

We've touched on themes. We are still talking about which systems work best with the megadungeon format (surprisingly it's a very varied grouping of systems).

What I'd like to talk about now is "what levels work best for a megadungeon?"

Does the format work best with lower levels, middling levels, high levels?

Does it work equally well across the board, or do you need to make certain adjustments at one extreme or the other?

Does it work better or worse with a system that is level-less (generally sill based), such as GURPS, RQ/Legend, Savage Worlds, etc?

Is it feasible to have one megadungeon go from level 1 to 20, or should there be a grouping of smaller megadungeons that are linked thematically / by story / regionally / etc and are broken down by level ranges?

Can a megadungeon actually be a campaign setting? Can it be a sandbox styled setting?

You've all given me much to think about over the last few days. I suspect you've given each other a lot to think about to. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Imps - Treating Delvers Like Piñatas in Tunnels & Trolls

Imp

Monster Rating: 50

Combat Dice: 6D6 + 25 + Special

Special Damage: 1 / Each natural 6 adds + 1D6 Fire Damage from the Imp's sword. (sword only flames for Imps) Imps can leap 30' in any direction

Gold and silver and gems are what we likes. Yes, fine treasures they are. Look! Here comes our walking treasure chests! Come to us. See how polite these "Delvers" are. Let's open them up and find all the gold! Then we will burn their remains, incase we missed anything on their insides...

(David Fisher's Deviant Art page can be found here)

Butt Kicking For Goodness! - Passing the Torch or Just Passing it Off?

When it comes to "Backer Only" posts, I usually don't mention the Kickstarter in question - but that seems pointless as folks start responding to the actual Kickstarter post in question - thereby ruining my efforts to obscure.

So, new policy - "Backer Only" posts will get summaries, but will be ID'ed. This shit isn't national security, and nothing is "Top Secret".

On that note, let's look at the latest "late ones", shall we?

Dwimmermount - ( No update yet this week) Update's have been weekly for quite a bit as Tavis had taken over the reigns of communication. Weekly Friday updates with charts and shit. Last week, backers got a survey that included the following as an answer choice: (paraphrasing) "June for the PDF and August for the physical goodsis as late as I will wait after the current delays". Now, the latest delivery estimate had been to the following effect: "PDF will be complete on 3/1/13, the books and the rest of the physical rewards reaching backers on 4/26/13" but we've been told now there is no current estimate. It appears based the the survey) that's being pushed back a MINIMUM of 3 to 4 months, which would coincide with the project being AT LEAST a year late. I understand now why Tavis has passed the reigns of communications over to James Mal.

+Greg Gillespie didn't have a problem getting Barrowmaze II out on time, so I know it's not a Canadian thing ;)

Swords & Wizardry: The Actual 1st Edition Roleplaying Rules - (Direct Quote From Update 1/11/13) "The good news is the rule books are here! And look great. Matt has already signed the inside sheets so we are ready to start packing these up and sending them out.

The bad news is, the introductory modules that came with have the right covers but unfortunately the wrong interior text. They have Bill's module inside Matt's module. We have already asked the printer to fix and re-ship.

We will go ahead and start packing the 100+ orders that do not contain the Intro Book or Monster Book. We should have the replacement intro books in a few weeks and can send out those order. We have not received the date from the printers on the Monster Books yet, but will keep everyone updated." (I'm in for a Monster Book - Gonna be a long fucking wait it seems)

Ogre Designer's Edition - Ogre Parking Causes Delay
(Direct Quote - Edited for Space 1/11/13)

• The maps, counters, dice and play references (rulebook, scenario book and reference sheet) were sent to print in November.

• More counter test sheets and color proofs have arrived, surpassing our expectations for vibrancy and die accuracy. We won’t know for sure that everything is 100% until all the tests come in, but don’t anticipate these causing delays.

• Sam, our production manager, is working hard on getting the counter trays for over twelve hundred pieces right with the factory. It’s like solving a gigantic 3-D puzzle, where Sam sets the parameters!

The trays from the first test came back a little wonky, despite Sam sending a carefully calibrated CAD file. (The sample is reground plastic, while the final game uses a higher quality plastic.)

Unfortunately, the extra back-and-forth getting the trays right means that the soonest the game will arrive at our warehouse is late May – if everything goes smoothly. This is partly due to the upcoming Year of the Water Snake – the extended Lunar New Year holiday season in Asia in February, when everything grinds to a halt. We might get a second test in before the factory closes. If so, that will help our schedule.

Ogre is now very close to the finish line, and we’re proceeding with all possible dispatch. We know that you’ve been very, very patient with us over the delays. We could over rush it – and have a sucky tray forever – or beg a little bit more patience, and have it right for you when it arrives.

(I guess we'll get this for "Christmas in July" ;)

Does System Matter in the World of Megadungeons?

Map by by Tim Hartin

Does the system used to play through a Megadungeon matter? I'm not talking about converting from one system to another.

What I mean to say is this: "Are some RPG systems a better match for the Megadungeon format than others?"

I suspect that less heavy systems fair better in a Megadungeon environment.

So, OD&D through AD&D and their assorted clones would be a good match. D&D 3.5 / Pathfinder less so, as combats get more intricate and drawn out. D&D 4x would be a horror from a time investment alone.

Dungeon World would probably fair very well, as would Tunnels & Trolls.

Rolemaster / HARP I think would crumble under the lethality (and long term crippling potential) of the combat system without some major houseruling.

GURPS Fantasy would probably make a poor fit for the above reasons.

I don't have enough experience with Savage Worlds to definitively say one way or another, but I suspect not.

Am I wrong? Would 4e work in a Megadungeon?

I'm sure I missed some systems, so let me know what you think? Which ones would work and which ones wouldn't.

Heck, could you make a Megadungeon that plays to the strengths of the systems that wouldn't otherwise be a good fit?

A True "Spider-man" - Spinning Webs in Tunnels & Trolls

Spider-Men

Monster Rating: 250

Combat Dice: 26+125

Special Damage: 6/ Glue You(Single Target - Save Vs INT or only act on every other round due to webs.)   11/ Summon One Additional Spider-Man

We are Legion. We have no fear. What we once were we can never be again. Come, play with us. Feed us. Perhaps, if you are cursed, be one of us. We are The Men of the Spider and the only rest we seek is death - your death...

(David Fisher's Deviant Art page can be found here)

What Makes a Dungeon "Mega"?

What makes a Dungeon "Mega" to you?

Is it the size? The challenge? The backstory?

Does it need to be deadly? Gonzo? Epic?

Is it a dungeon the players can leave, come back, leave and return yet again? Or is it a mini campaign, where the players keep at it to they hit their goal?

Should it have a goal? and endgame? a way to "win" or should it be primarily exploration and gathering loot?

Barrowmaze, Rappan Athuk and Dwimmermount will all play out very differently, yet they are all megadungeons.

Are some RPG systems a better fit for megadungeons? why?

You would think with all of those questions, I'd have some answers, but no. I have my thoughts on it, but I want to hear your thoughts.

What makes a MegaDungeon special for you?

When the Real World and Fantasy Collide, You Get Posts Like This: Pathfinder SuperDungeon - My Plea!

First things first - the post in question referes to the Pathfinder MMO Kickstarter, but you wouldn't know it from the post, as it's all about the MegaDungeon!

There are 3 days left to raise the next $270k needed to fund the Pathfinder MMO Kickstarter - it may or may not happen. The original poster has decided it's on course to fund at $1.2 million - no idea where he got that number.

In any case, at $1.2 million the Emerald Spire Megadungeon comes in at 12 levels. That not enough for  "Mr. Reality Doesn't Have a Place in My Life", who is all gung-ho about raising another $3.8 million over the course of 3 days so it can be a 50 level Megadungeon.

The fucking kickstarter couldn't raise $750k in a month and a half, and he wants to raise $3.8 million in a 10th of that time.

It's true - kids these days have no idea the value of a dollar.

Some key quotes:


So if we could raise an extra $3.8Mill we could add an extra 38 levels to the dungeon bringing it to a whopping 50 level SuperDungeon! This would also mean there would be at least 50 flip-mats. In order to do this we would need a good deal of people backing the project. So for this to work here are the numbers:

19,000 people pledging $200 for the PDFs, PnP products (including all the miniatures) This would be the Crowdforger Pioneer with Print Pack Addon.

Notice something missing there? Any mention of the ACTUAL Kickstarter Project. I guess it's true - the funding they are raising is not because people want to fund the MMO, but despite the MMO.

Not a good sign even if the project funds.

In any case, here's the link to more Pearls of Wisdom from the Paizo Boards.

Oh, before I forget - best quote from the thread:


Berik
I do really want a copy of Emerald Spire and even though I already have a lot of the PDFs the ones I don't have would be nice to get. To be honest though it doesn't really feel right to me to back a Kickstarter when I'm not really interested in the main product of the Kickstarter. So I've been wavering back and forth a bit over whether to back it or not. Need to decide soon though!

Sharpen Your Pencils - Big Contest Announcement Coming Next Week!

+Dyson Logos (Dyson's Dodecahedron), +Mark Hassman (Mithril & Mages) and little ole' me will be kicking off a contest next week. Yep, three websites, one frickin' awesome contest!

The only hint you are getting right now is the picture above.

The prizes are generous, the contest should be a blast and in the end, everyone, even our gaming community will be the winners.

You know what? You may not need to sharpen your pencils, but you will need to stretch those fingers of yours and get your creative juices pumping.

Details to come...

Tentative Kick-off of the Monthly Tunnels & Trolls Hangout is Friday, January 25th

Yep, Friday January 25 is the "Tentative" first night of gaming for the monthly T&T Hangout game. I'm thinking 7 / 730 kickoff time and game to 11ish.

Wow, isn't that in depth news? heh

I've got 2 slots reserved and four open. I'll ask for victims volunteers to sign up this weekend and possible set up some random-like short sessions for character gen before we kick off.

I need to put my T&T house rules together, as I plan on running a bit of a mish-mash of 5.5 / 7.5, but here's the main points:

DARO and TARO are in effect.

You'll create 3 characters, arrange stats as you will. If a character has negative adds, he doesn't have to be kept (unless he is a wizard). If you first character dies, we have your backup waiting in the wings

Races will be limited. I'll announce the races when I open the recruitment doors this weekend.

Talents are in.

Specialists MAY be in. Depends on how you present it to me ;)

Speed and Wiz are in.

I'll allow spells from 5.5 and 7.5 - I'll "wing" and DM Fiat any discrepancies. 

I'll be using Dyson's Delves for the dungeons - very appropriate I think for "Delvers".

James Mishler's Latest - Hercynian Grimoire Issue #1

It seems that when James Mishler makes a return, he makes the return full throttle.

James' latest is the Hercynian Grimoire, written by James and his non-gaming wife Jodi. I'll let James explain what it is, then I'll let you know what I think of it.



Welcome to the first issue of the Hercynian Grimoire, a new, irregular publication dedicated to providing new and cool stuff for your Castles & Crusades and Labyrinth Lord games! Yes, you read that right – every article in every issue will have dual stats, primarily in Castles & Crusades terms, with notations and additions as needed for Labyrinth Lord. In such cases, the needful stats for Labyrinth Lord will be indicated in brackets, thus and so: [LL: Stats for Labyrinth Lord].

The Hercynian Grimoire will be released on an irregular schedule, in that new issues of the publication may be released every week or every other week, depending on sales and our ability to write in a timely fashion. Each issue of Hercynian Grimoire will be released at an initial discount, with the discount to be rescinded when the next issue releases, though no sooner than one week after release. This is to give our core fans the benefit of the discount for their early adoption of each issue. We have no plans to compile issues of Hercynian Grimoire, or to offer issues on sale or discounted through bundles at a later time.

I say “our” ability to write because I am joined in this endeavor, as in all my future writing endeavors, by my lovely and talented wife, Jodi Moran-Mishler. She is not, sad to say, a gamer, but she has played from time to time, and her interest in myths, legends, monsters, and magic go back to her early childhood. She is not merely my writing partner, she is my muse. I am sometimes relieved that she is not a gamer, as her ability to conjure up creatures deadly and evil is diabolical. Her knowledge and creativity will come into good use in future developments.

Most materials to be included herein are framed in terms applicable to my new campaign setting, the Olden Lands, detailed in the forthcoming Chronicles of Mhoriedh line of products. The Olden Lands is a classic fantasy role-playing game campaign setting, incorporating elements of High and Low Fantasy, Swords & Sorcery, and Historical Adventure, and thus any materials herein presented should be readily adaptable to any fantasy campaign setting with minimal effort.

Regarding the name of this publication, in myth and legend the hercinia was a bird native to the vast, mysterious and mystical Hercynian Forest of the ancient world, of which the Black Forest of Germany is the largest remnant. The plumage of the hercinia was of such a bright and shining nature that travelers through the great forest did not need torches, as the light from the birds acted as their guide in the darkness. And so we hope this publication to be, a guide to Judges and players in negotiating the development of their games, a light in the wilderness of adventure. And so welcome to the first issue of Hercynian Grimoire!

The first issue includes the following articles:

MEN & MAGIC
Gnolls, the Hyena-Men
Gnoles, the Man-Beasts
D66 Ferocious Fighters
Spells Arcane and Occult
Spell Songs of Salamacine

MONSTERS & TREASURE
D66 Fairies and Nymphs
Gnoll Tribe Generator
Magical Miscellanea
Monstrous Menagerie
Hyena
Hyena, Cave
Lycanthrope, Werehyena
Mandayan Nyumbanyama
Ardhirengo “Small-Wings”
Chinajinyama “Butcher-Beasts”
Hewarengo “Sky-Wings”
Kidolekuta “Finger-Nippers”
Kuvutanyama “Dray-Beasts”
Milimanyama “Mountain-Beasts”
Mindajikuva “Hunter-Killers”
Mudahatu “Long-Striders”
Vitanyama “War-Beasts”
Zelzangyi
D666 Demonic and Devilish Traits

UNDERWORLD & WILDERNESS
D66 Underworld Oddities
Olden Lands Preview: Alspadia
Olden Lands Preview: The Oldenwood

GODS & DEMI-GODS
Olden Lands Preview: The Blood God

If the above sounds like a lot - it is! This is a meaty diet of gaming goodness that James wants to feed us. No art to distract you, just gaming info, charts, tables, creatures - the list goes on.

James plans on releasing this weekly or every other week. I'm stunned. This is not a light fanzine - it's a well weighted gaming supplement. I would think that putting this out monthly would be nearly a full time endeavor. Hopefully James squirreled away some gaming material when he was away from publishing and has a bit of a backlog he can pick through.

Did I mention the random tables? Fun!

In any case, this reminds me quite a bit of James' old C&C stuff for the Wilderlands - well written, info heavy and inspiring - because I really want to work the Gnoll stuff into my current AD&D game. Of course, it's Rappan Athuk, so that might take just a little work.

(The Olden Lands Preview reminds me again of Jame's work on the Wilderlands. I'm looking forward to the full release of this one)

Mind Melters - Flaying the Minds of Tunnels & Trolls

Mind Melter

Monster Rating: 180

Combat Dice: 19 +90

Special Damage: 6/ Mind Pox (Single Target - Save Vs INT or be confused and unable to act for 3 turns. A successful Mind Pox casting heals the Mind Melter for 5D6 MR)

The tentacle mouthed Mind Melter. They have a different name for themselves, and the unwary Delver may here the name in his mind when encountering one, but he'll never be able to pronounce it. Highly intelligent, Mind Melters have been known to communicate with Delvers via mental images, requesting certain items in return for safe passage - sticks, gold, a perfect diamond, a lump of coal and more have been asked for. Those that pay may pass. Those that don't may not, or they may try and possibly die.

They are Delvers. What actions do you expect them to take?

(David Fisher's Deviant Art page can be found here)