tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42945407342193574992024-03-13T13:44:03.692-04:00THAC0 BLOGThe Post-OSR Blog and my "Cash Cow" WebsiteRyan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-45746390779748670132023-10-05T11:21:00.005-04:002023-10-05T12:21:30.600-04:00Falkrest Abbey Review<p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello All – It has been quite some time since we talked. There was this little pandemic that happened, and life got all crazy. I played a hell of a lot of D&D/<a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/279183/old-school-essentials-classic-fantasy-rules-tome?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">OSE</a> in that time, but kind of got discouraged with the community at large. I think there was a lot of stress going on and people were just being a bit savage online, and I didn’t like the negativity and just went off on my own. I stopped recording my games and posting to Youtube and stopped writing the blog. I just started gaming for gaming’s sake.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaY1gtBcgOzhid4zPfzV5bYf2KIDevqzixnAyI51sYc9aaQ-lvOAHKWFXjkffIy7Ivrp-nIknHMTaVnLptCq8DtwH6bItJXK0Q0I3eYtkso4r92F1EcXT0URimiX7E6ZrxYw0nadGRQJzN6CgC7Xjtj5SGZm6vxm-9WPQWVm1pzsW17gjDpl3p3sGpk70/s3808/blowing-the-dust-off-a-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1955" data-original-width="3808" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaY1gtBcgOzhid4zPfzV5bYf2KIDevqzixnAyI51sYc9aaQ-lvOAHKWFXjkffIy7Ivrp-nIknHMTaVnLptCq8DtwH6bItJXK0Q0I3eYtkso4r92F1EcXT0URimiX7E6ZrxYw0nadGRQJzN6CgC7Xjtj5SGZm6vxm-9WPQWVm1pzsW17gjDpl3p3sGpk70/s320/blowing-the-dust-off-a-book.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Times are a bit different now and I wanted to dip my toe back into the water especially since <a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/279183/old-school-essentials-classic-fantasy-rules-tome?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">OSE</a> is in a totally different place than when I first started writing. It has grown by leaps and bounds, products are rampant around the community, and it really has become a brand unto itself. I am proud of the community that has been built and the extremely small part I played in that construction. Anyways, enough of my prattle, lets dust off the keyboard and review a product that kicks ass.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQDRJytx_VFGByoX5DeV0o99umWNU9g4KXA5JVW3aif8JAtht3FfL61ZVZiKVKmhtkdiyJ1mgIWW-Hi_u4LzLHZzDUB0LrYTe7_9y8tXBCuQUyJ0xgaXohPG8i_EG7uOmoctIiOhkbxQkFa0FwMJm75pStMSAJOGKOnicB6JkwaINHadrAV3gPoExXi6A/s1389/409280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="899" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQDRJytx_VFGByoX5DeV0o99umWNU9g4KXA5JVW3aif8JAtht3FfL61ZVZiKVKmhtkdiyJ1mgIWW-Hi_u4LzLHZzDUB0LrYTe7_9y8tXBCuQUyJ0xgaXohPG8i_EG7uOmoctIiOhkbxQkFa0FwMJm75pStMSAJOGKOnicB6JkwaINHadrAV3gPoExXi6A/s320/409280.png" width="207" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Have you all seen <a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/409280/falkrest-abbey?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Falkrest Abbey</a>? What am I saying of course you have it is a Mithral Best Seller on DTRPG. For those of you living under a rock, you are generally missing out on, in this DM’s humble opinion, the best dealing in gaming. For ONE SINGLE DOLLAR, you can get this great adventure with all the trimmings. I go to my local Wawa and get a fountain drink and it is twice that amount. So for half a fountain drink in price, one can obtain a true gem of an adventure. You are crazy to not buy it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What do you get, you might ask? Well, quite a bit for a single dollar. A forty-page dungeon suited for low level play. The maps are done in an extremely clean fashion that allows the DM to immediately know what is going on. The layout of the entire book is in a fashion (now well respected) akin to the main <a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/279183/old-school-essentials-classic-fantasy-rules-tome?affiliate_id=230285">OSE</a> products and can only be also described as clean. To sum it up, this book is a DMs best friend as far as easy of use. I could easily run this without reading it beforehand and still be fine.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The content of the adventure is simple, but evocative. The abbey, once a holy place, was corrupted by a former abbot and it led to its ruin. The book comes with a few hooks if you want to use them and plenty of rumors about the abbey. I think this adventure is a great 2nd adventure for a party as characters around level two will find it appropriate. Also, I think the best hook can be done after a first adventure. The abbey is known for its healing waters, this gives you the opportunity to have it needed by the PCs. In the first adventure did one of your PCs get poisoned, diseased, or even die? Maybe a quest to get magical healing waters to bring them back. Maybe an NPC that helped them early on took a near fatal wound and the clock is ticking, only the magical waters of the abbey can save them. You can see the adventures write themselves with this.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjsAROftQ5cTtaXkVcfVqV75Dyamzmf_Mpe9q9yEsx0XYOIAN_816S1gcOpFL-s1VMnm1ava8ulqXghIozRj_dAi4wWL6O8lFnWVRr2kR3j-bd4v4Is0QK1tZDmqYxVDfkK4NF3KLNqWna_LA6zX2QXsgQswK-hc-CG4ESS5PoNPVCXyelpXjccdYHAwg/s525/222119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjsAROftQ5cTtaXkVcfVqV75Dyamzmf_Mpe9q9yEsx0XYOIAN_816S1gcOpFL-s1VMnm1ava8ulqXghIozRj_dAi4wWL6O8lFnWVRr2kR3j-bd4v4Is0QK1tZDmqYxVDfkK4NF3KLNqWna_LA6zX2QXsgQswK-hc-CG4ESS5PoNPVCXyelpXjccdYHAwg/s320/222119.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The abbey itself and its background are generic enough that it can be squeezed into any setting, and you really could go gonzo with it if you like. Why not change the mythology slightly and this is a corrupted Jedi temple in a galaxy far, far away? Or a rumored safe place away from the toxic and irradiated wastelands in which they travel. With minor tweaking, you can use this in a variety of formats. Since this runs on the OSE/BX engine, it is about to be ported into <a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/222119/white-star-galaxy-edition-swords-wizardry?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">White Star</a>, <a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/86683/mutant-future-revised-edition?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Mutant Future</a>, etc. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Final say, get it if you have not already. If you have it, run it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">To purchase Falkrest Abbey click <a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/409280/falkrest-abbey?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></p><div><br /></div>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-767746324007347612021-11-17T14:03:00.004-05:002021-11-17T18:20:35.366-05:00My Changes to the BX/OSE Thief Class<p> <span style="font-size: large;"> The three most common classes I see mentioned for change is the Magic-User, Fighter, and Thief. I have discussed ways to balance out the first two, but I left the thief off the list because I honestly did not know what to do with them. They desperately seem like they need SOMETHING, but it is hard to place a finger on exactly what it is. In most games that I have run the parties do not even have a thief and seem to get by well enough. It was not until I really started to examine the thief and look at what the class had and did not have that I discovered how I was going to change them in the future. <b>I was not going to change a single thing about the class. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lbFeJtJVmRIjFzJGl5DyvXgWDUVmFVeItFT69AG55lOL60bhPQqG4klpL7SbRsAd__OgAid7NVkSXqGjy_1JcA1P2bbwYf-MUc2fXRDADulUuGa_CO0otVFXMc3YlOLp7IMHM7A6m07H/s230/download+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="230" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lbFeJtJVmRIjFzJGl5DyvXgWDUVmFVeItFT69AG55lOL60bhPQqG4klpL7SbRsAd__OgAid7NVkSXqGjy_1JcA1P2bbwYf-MUc2fXRDADulUuGa_CO0otVFXMc3YlOLp7IMHM7A6m07H/w328-h312/download+%25281%2529.jpg" width="328" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> The class is perfect just the way it is and is quite useful to a party, but not to the point that it is an absolute necessity (like the cleric imho). Is this purely a bait and switch article that tells me that everything is just dandy with the thief and to go about your day? No. To be completely honest the thing that ruins the thief more than anything is you. Yes. You. The Game Master, for convenience’s sake or lack of rules knowledge, often makes the thief useless. The thief is generally an amazing class when the rules are used correctly and as written. Let me give some examples.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Your characters find a treasure chest that is locked in the game full of God knows what? Many GM’s I know (I am guilty here too) allow their players to search the chest for traps using their 1 in 6 chances on the D6. This seems to be incorrect. The party’s chance of finding traps is specifically for room traps, not treasure traps. Treasure traps seem to be the sole purview of the thief class. If you are allowing the party to use their room trap feature on treasure, you are hampering the usefulness of the thief, not the class. The chest is also locked, if you allow the players to just bust it open easily (and without risk), you are reducing the viability of the thief. If the party cannot open the chest and decides to take it with them and you do not use encumbrance, you’ve reduced the effectiveness of the thief. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Here is another example that I constantly get incorrect. Many GMs interpret the player’s ability of “Listen at Door” to be the same thing as “Hear Noise”. Words matter greatly when interpreting these rules and “Listen at Door” is specific. You can only use this to literally listen at a door, not hear monsters approaching, or in my opinion get specifics of what is behind the door. With “Hear Noise” the wording is much broader and can be used in a variety of situations. If you are giving all your non-human PCs a 2 in 6 chance to “Hear Noise” and not “Listen at Door” then you are harming the thief, it is not that the class is bad or needs correction.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Another example is the Open Doors skill that all PCs have 1 in 6 chances, plus there STR modifier. This is specifically for stuck doors, not locked doors. In theory ALL doors in a dungeon are considered stuck, unless noted. I often do not go with that because to me it is a bit weird. But for the longest time I allowed this to open locked doors which completely undermines the point of the Pick Lock skill. The thief can allow a party to get through a locked door much earlier then intended. Many times, in a game there is a key that needs to be found to access certain parts of the dungeon. The thief can “hack” the dungeon and skip certain parts.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> One of the primary abilities that can come in useful for a thief is moving silently. Generally, I handle sneaking with the surprise rules. Any class can try, and sneak and the enemy have a base chance of 1 or 2 on a D6 to discover they are being approached. I then consider modifiers like armor. Plate for me adds 3 to the roll so on a 1-5 on a D6 they will be discovered. Is the guard distracted? Maybe reduce the number by 1 etc. If the thief makes their Move Silently roll, they are completely silent and there is no chance of detection. If they fail, they are still moving quietly and thus the monster has a base 1 or 2 on a D6. I have seen many GMs rule that a failed Move Silent roll is an automatic discovery, and, to me, this is wrong. This is not a wholly original idea, and while I disagree with some interpretations, I got this idea from <a href="http://web.fisher.cx/robert/rpg/dnd/thief.html">http://web.fisher.cx/robert/rpg/dnd/thief.html</a>. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Wm1qfx_cFju6VXH1y5UeYyzWDfw4N-FMgo4gYWrkyihMhXQgc8LzFuLIOKGO8jwgQeC8ORd2aK8NswXRMLpsZGyOTrixgB-1AGbia91I6OjkcDqa8c7MaIL314LxHh1qz8G8TTOaM5b/s1062/PH_thief+attack.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1062" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3Wm1qfx_cFju6VXH1y5UeYyzWDfw4N-FMgo4gYWrkyihMhXQgc8LzFuLIOKGO8jwgQeC8ORd2aK8NswXRMLpsZGyOTrixgB-1AGbia91I6OjkcDqa8c7MaIL314LxHh1qz8G8TTOaM5b/w367-h275/PH_thief+attack.png" width="367" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> The thief class does not need to be changed, you need to change how you GM the game to make them useful. To me the biggest enemy of the thief is not an ogre with a magic sword, it is a GM that does not allow them to fill their niche in the party. They are certainly an accessory class (they where not in the original rules), but they still are a great class, and many creative players can do a lot with them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p><div><br /></div>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-11154892373654320382021-10-13T14:05:00.007-04:002021-10-13T14:23:11.796-04:00The Chronicles of Amherth Setting<p><span style="font-size: large;"> I was encouraged to check out Small Niche Press’ “<a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/91350/COA01-The-Chronicles-of-Amherth?src=also_purchased&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Amherth</a>” setting. This was originally created for Labyrinth Lord
which makes it perfectly compatible with all BX/OSE products specifically, and
OSR products as a whole. DrivethruRPG had a small press sale and I thought it would
be the perfect time to try these products out. The PDF itself is 77 pages and
comes with a free adventure all for the cost of $1.49. Once I read it, I liked is
so much I invested in the POD which came in at a staggering $5.99.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBJ8RKK11WPTBHqnGHbY1ajBCVuhaUQku_Q8rPl2T5CSzXNBI8gh3qAxfx-oes5P6N-Lmd4FckMacy5UWtreow-_nSzvVgJdy_R_5yUWweLn5GIJSsZGj6oH1P-rSky-aSxFopHyuSP99/s300/91350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="232" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBJ8RKK11WPTBHqnGHbY1ajBCVuhaUQku_Q8rPl2T5CSzXNBI8gh3qAxfx-oes5P6N-Lmd4FckMacy5UWtreow-_nSzvVgJdy_R_5yUWweLn5GIJSsZGj6oH1P-rSky-aSxFopHyuSP99/s0/91350.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amherth
is what I would call a classic D&D setting. The world is humancentric, magic
is considered rare (1 in 10,000 people), and it has an ancient past with civilizations
that have long since left the world. The book has several different cultures
throughout the world each with notes about their creative inspirations. An
example might be the Empire of Xanne, which is a Roman inspired area with an
Emperor that apparently cannot die. Another example is Guildeland which use to
be a part of the Empire but broke free to be a merchant paradise. This was
inspired by the merchant princes in the Italian Renaissance. Each entry has a
few pages dedicated to fleshing out the environment of the area which give you
a good idea of what is going on, but enough room to make you own ideas. I think
there is where the strength of the product lays, enough details for clarity,
but a lot of room to grow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBtocTb3PFWzmv3eAm3vf2MpqYAVabTIJtS2SbC-5BlobBNoHFcaIm2ny6TYpc8f6khBtNpKIBWyAhmRaRbEFimJvR9dptkjPRVXtW1oQpHm7SN7oxGGmTG3FBAoSYb1OL1twnV5sEu07/s769/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="769" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBtocTb3PFWzmv3eAm3vf2MpqYAVabTIJtS2SbC-5BlobBNoHFcaIm2ny6TYpc8f6khBtNpKIBWyAhmRaRbEFimJvR9dptkjPRVXtW1oQpHm7SN7oxGGmTG3FBAoSYb1OL1twnV5sEu07/w444-h255/Capture.PNG" width="444" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Beyond
the world description of the various areas, you get the following (from
Drivethru):</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<i>The Gods of Amherth:</i> Twelve detailed gods and how they fit into the setting.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<i>History of the Ancients:</i> Details of the powerful beings who almost destroyed the world and the legacy they left behind.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<i>The Known World of Amherth:</i> A detailed overview of the setting's major realms and regions, including the Duchy of Valnwall. (Gazetteer-style guidebooks to follow!)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<i>New Flora:</i> Twelve new magical plants.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<i>New Monsters:</i> 40 fully detailed races and monsters for use in your Labyrinth Lord campaign.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<i>New Magic Items:</i> 22 new magic items.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89Kk0L3KDH8RuzwnARpHMlvRocAIxjZPNNLMUeGSjgWDmxDRXexn4Y9SzxrgoLAsvWQQqnK7Z99uSISh4eMVe3wVmeTjY7cWtUXaznJxSZ4wb_64kWoAukz27DrPY8CXZDBbzVZb1evwp/s267/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="267" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89Kk0L3KDH8RuzwnARpHMlvRocAIxjZPNNLMUeGSjgWDmxDRXexn4Y9SzxrgoLAsvWQQqnK7Z99uSISh4eMVe3wVmeTjY7cWtUXaznJxSZ4wb_64kWoAukz27DrPY8CXZDBbzVZb1evwp/w348-h240/Capture.PNG" width="348" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you are
the type of person that wants more information, there are three books that
expand on the details of the material. There are two guidebooks to specific city-state
regions of the world and one book dedicated the <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/106239/COA02-Ghoul-Keep-and-the-Ghoul-Lands?src=also_purchased&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Ghoul Lands</a> which is an area
dominated by the undead that frequently likes to invade neighboring territory. I
believe the PDFs are currently under a $1, with one being pay what you want. Overall,
I am quite impressed with this little setting, and I am planning to use this as
my setting in my upcoming games.<br /><br />If you are looking for the book click <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/91350/COA01-The-Chronicles-of-Amherth?src=also_purchased&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">
PS: Small Niche Press also makes <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/251318/OWB001-WWII-Operation-WhiteBox-FREE?src=hottest_filtered&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">WWII: Operation Whitebox</a> a World War II ruleset
based on Swords & Wizardry. I really like it too and the main PDF is pay what you want.
You should take a look.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BSf6hoPUwZC7d4OJOiBNyHhbCmZ04b2Xr42yIUje43ztV9QBoMB-ulNE7LifFicUi1Ejn_1YlVcrlAg2WadisJWXbVluToWbnBGP90fX52uIeHuLZEfC_zHozPE01teQUt_BYr-_kaaI/s648/251318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BSf6hoPUwZC7d4OJOiBNyHhbCmZ04b2Xr42yIUje43ztV9QBoMB-ulNE7LifFicUi1Ejn_1YlVcrlAg2WadisJWXbVluToWbnBGP90fX52uIeHuLZEfC_zHozPE01teQUt_BYr-_kaaI/s320/251318.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-51829279930804758812021-09-30T10:13:00.001-04:002021-09-30T10:14:09.130-04:00Spell & Blade - OSR Retainers Review<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> This is a quick review of a cool product by Mesozoic Press
called <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/254142/Spell-and-Blade-OSR-Retainers?term=spell+and+blade&affiliate_id=230285">Spell
& Blade OSR Retainers</a>. I am reviewing both the digital and physical
product. What is the product? This solves the problem of having to come up with
retainers on the fly. Each 1<sup>st</sup> level retainer comes on its own card
with stats, gear, personality, appearance, and a quirk. It includes the
following: 15 Clerics, 10 Dwarves, 10 Elves, 20 Fighters, 10 Halflings, 15
Magic-Users, and 20 Thieves. As you can imagine this makes creating rival
adventuring parties easier too by just dealing out a hand. Need a quick thieves
guild representative, pull one. Party wants to hire on some added muscle, let
them draw and find out. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcXKuh6DPuFYYKPtRlJVImc00ATawkQ9gMAErdnowHvM5UQeDQpTiySjqVF7IrYZ3ijf4TGSzvcI2rNAJ70TvIksz6m1cqOLaQocNciJAmJQGNGJpfxxVKJgPFYriukAmxPNz2NIgPyD0/s1125/254142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="825" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcXKuh6DPuFYYKPtRlJVImc00ATawkQ9gMAErdnowHvM5UQeDQpTiySjqVF7IrYZ3ijf4TGSzvcI2rNAJ70TvIksz6m1cqOLaQocNciJAmJQGNGJpfxxVKJgPFYriukAmxPNz2NIgPyD0/s320/254142.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the main uses I see for this
is quick character generation too. When I go back to face-to-face gaming, if I
get a last-minute addition to the party, pull a card, and let them have at it.
I used to run a gaming club at the college where I teach, and I would often
have players show up with little to no experience. I had pre-made characters
that took time to create and would just give them to new players. At the end of
the session, I would allow them to keep the character or make their own PC and
transfer the XP and gold acquired in the first session. This deck makes it that
easier to do that then ever. At the end of the session have them transfer the
card to an actual sheet and you are good to go. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsmlc2QXtsZ4DxO7uvqSGed6gsJIbQnDBsK5-lui_VM-XUR9oSZ-RsgAtVJxs1ef7Y7bcfr9EgiMw_6-OgW9coGgaJr0GETwG481OQ3zoPE_hgWRYVe7aknXil3n7-8JCoRQ7UJwwgfxk/s960/242773656_10218368086104607_2189738636960449252_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsmlc2QXtsZ4DxO7uvqSGed6gsJIbQnDBsK5-lui_VM-XUR9oSZ-RsgAtVJxs1ef7Y7bcfr9EgiMw_6-OgW9coGgaJr0GETwG481OQ3zoPE_hgWRYVe7aknXil3n7-8JCoRQ7UJwwgfxk/s320/242773656_10218368086104607_2189738636960449252_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Card Box</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The characters are made with <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?src=hottest_filtered&filters=100099_0_0_0_0&affiliate_id=230285">Old-School
Essentials</a>/BX in mind but would work for almost any OSR system with light
conversion. One point that has been made, and specifically spoken to on there
webpage, is that the NPCs have slightly hirer than average stats if you are a
3d6 down the line sort of person. This to me is one of the things that separates
it from the official <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/293327/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rogues-Gallery-I?filters=100099_0_0_0_0&affiliate_id=230285">OSE
Rouges Gallery</a>. I love the quirky style of the OSE characters, but many of
them are quite a bit…quirky. There is nothing wrong if that is your taste, but Spell
& Blade is a bit more my speed. These NPCs reflect more of how my PCs in my
party look and fit like a glove. If you are a 3d6 straight down the line sort,
then these might not be for you. If you are a 4d6, drop the lowest, and place
as desired type, these will work well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwhsTWLKrldZt6poEUZDmzE1a38X8RjZWRULhMbYUJ3tWJZx-drxKQgpAkswT-SAVnq7s_Pnsx9L-0ge-qXE30xsXjF8bu9jyYv1LZkfY4iZrfJsR6aFGnKqT6br5pRkEfx3jyqvf5Ysv/s960/242805375_10218368086744623_6516442879103888699_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwhsTWLKrldZt6poEUZDmzE1a38X8RjZWRULhMbYUJ3tWJZx-drxKQgpAkswT-SAVnq7s_Pnsx9L-0ge-qXE30xsXjF8bu9jyYv1LZkfY4iZrfJsR6aFGnKqT6br5pRkEfx3jyqvf5Ysv/s320/242805375_10218368086744623_6516442879103888699_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of a Card</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am not the biggest computer whiz,
but I have some experience with printing on cardstock for game materials and I
do not think it would be hard to accomplish that with these files. For the time
and effort though I would recommend buying the cards from DriveThruRPG. This is
my first experience ordering physically anything other than books from DriveThruRPG
and it was quite the success. The cards are reasonable, seem as durable as you
would expect, and the box fits them nicely. If you plan to use them at the
table, I recommend sleeving the cards, but other than that you are all set. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDbIVLye11ugBwSqbObLiawM5r8gdBJ3knZA9E4fXwquDnacqywvw5pM3TLkOMWJbvZuzFemZKT86XUSsCR4xKdACkQr3hc4cTPsLpWbZrOrG14gOcdP-3_3oLUNtjND0JRhL7o3uqn6p/s960/242826232_10218368087344638_488559766200776052_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDbIVLye11ugBwSqbObLiawM5r8gdBJ3knZA9E4fXwquDnacqywvw5pM3TLkOMWJbvZuzFemZKT86XUSsCR4xKdACkQr3hc4cTPsLpWbZrOrG14gOcdP-3_3oLUNtjND0JRhL7o3uqn6p/s320/242826232_10218368087344638_488559766200776052_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of a Card</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">If you want to purchase this product, click <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/254142/Spell-and-Blade-OSR-Retainers?term=spell+and+blade&affiliate_id=230285">HERE</a>.
</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-8835130557848214682021-09-23T15:12:00.002-04:002021-09-23T15:13:00.198-04:003 Great OSR Zines<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I relatively recently backed/bought
3 new OSR zines and I was waiting to get all of them in so that I could do one
review for all of them. That day has come, and I can say from the get-go that I
enjoy all three of them and I do not regret getting any of them. Let’s not bury
the lead and just get straight into it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">#1 – Delver</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLiNlFCJEmXhZUVsKxgqprBE5-good3YIUNWRKq6F-r4ch6uMq0fXQHTVA8qpO23qzD6zYqmzb1GFo1e8Xt9NPynI4OxUvAGpO0E2p_5CMHqZCyjRPICYMuLw5EnbMoJ1FPIoKsTZPhXA/s1370/369377.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLiNlFCJEmXhZUVsKxgqprBE5-good3YIUNWRKq6F-r4ch6uMq0fXQHTVA8qpO23qzD6zYqmzb1GFo1e8Xt9NPynI4OxUvAGpO0E2p_5CMHqZCyjRPICYMuLw5EnbMoJ1FPIoKsTZPhXA/s320/369377.png" width="210" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> This
zine was created by James Floyd Kelly and it is specific to support the “random”
Dungeon Master. The zine is a collection of random chart, tables, and other
little goodies that can add flavor to your game or help with specific circumstances.
Charts like, “Keeping Watch”, “Ixra’s Wondrous Tomes”, and “The Auction House” are
arrayed throughout the book. Each listing has multiple charts underneath it for
added detail. James also has a section in the zine for DM advice called, “The
Referee Roundtable” where he passes out some knowledge from his years of
gaming. Lastly, you get an entire low-level adventure called “Secret of the
Shattered Fist Monastery.” This adventure is designed to be played with
Old-School Essentials for 4 to 8 1<sup>st</sup> level characters. It is a
small-ish 3 level dungeon that seems perfect for a one-night starter adventure
or a 4-hour convention game. It has an illustrated map and some handouts for
the players. All-in-all this “zine” comes in at almost 50 pages and was more
than worth the price I paid for it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in purchasing this item, please click <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/369377/Delver-Magazine-Issue-1--OSR-Resource?affiliate_id=230285">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">#2 – Carcass Crawler Issue #1</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqThU52fcHYDYZcX29cQ5RNsW63btHJdaBwOfJsQkmnmejHQMFUgA1Il9E5kvxEYEID7_fCiZuXvMWHJqY2JTvP5sbFHPYIXb4LAK9So5s2MJ1E3toq0XVcXbnHvoJ3x0qeux6gcLNpLW/s1200/CarcassCrawlerIssue1_1200x1200.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="846" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqThU52fcHYDYZcX29cQ5RNsW63btHJdaBwOfJsQkmnmejHQMFUgA1Il9E5kvxEYEID7_fCiZuXvMWHJqY2JTvP5sbFHPYIXb4LAK9So5s2MJ1E3toq0XVcXbnHvoJ3x0qeux6gcLNpLW/s320/CarcassCrawlerIssue1_1200x1200.png" width="226" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> Carcass
Crawler, if you do not know, is the official zine of Old-School Essentials.
With issue #1 Gavin Norman (and team) come up with a variety of useful add-ons
to the base OSE game. All of these are completely optional but do add a lot of
cool flavors to the game. So, what do you get inside? You get six new Character
Classes, of which 3 are new Race-as-Class. These include some of the following,
Acolyte, Goblin, and Gargantua. You also get the Character Race adjustments for
the new Race-as-Class if that is your style of game. We get an entire section
on adding black powder firearms to your game. Lastly, you get an option rules
section that has some expanded Fighter options, a new method for using thief
skills, and some advice on adjudicating thief skills. To me this is a great edition
to any OSE collection, and I have already put some of these rules into play for
my Tuesday night game.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in purchasing this item, please click <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/367602/Carcass-Crawler-Issue-One?term=carcass+crawle&affiliate_id=230285">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">#3 – Back to BasiX Compilation (1-10)</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LfcYxV5plni9c7XkwD48JD0MJwAOpzX_yP7f0CufEb4uSf7dqxwOOP2qjyzBGqmOr40ctBk6SSfjEA-te3DapzWogRl_ZEjh4lkrXxqwiOBefgK59lms0kUAoTzLoUbPJ-vCpyM5OOOC/s944/367561.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="651" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LfcYxV5plni9c7XkwD48JD0MJwAOpzX_yP7f0CufEb4uSf7dqxwOOP2qjyzBGqmOr40ctBk6SSfjEA-te3DapzWogRl_ZEjh4lkrXxqwiOBefgK59lms0kUAoTzLoUbPJ-vCpyM5OOOC/s320/367561.png" width="221" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></u></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> This is
both a new and old product to the scene dating back to 2017. Back to Basix was
created by ThrowiGames and is in the vein of old Dragon Magazines. Each issue
has a smattering of different material in it. There are always new monsters, new
items, a small dungeon, and an interview with a figure from the community.
People like Frank Mentzer, David Cook, and Erol Otus all offer some insights
into the creation of the hobby along with some interesting stories. I admit
that I really enjoyed reading these again because it made me feel like I was
young again. Getting a copy of Dragon going home and cracking it open to see
all the different stuff this month. As the issues increase so does the page
count and the issues get longer and longer. The dungeons tend to get a bit larger,
and I have already incorporated them into a sandbox I am planning on running
soon. There is really something in there for everyone and it gets my highest recommendation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in purchasing this item, please click <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/354589/10-Issue-Back-to-BasiX-BUNDLE?affiliate_id=230285">HERE</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p><div><br /></div>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-42900197867986336052021-09-09T08:55:00.002-04:002021-09-09T08:55:58.933-04:00Froglings, Harpies, Zombies and More! Random Encounters for Barrowmaze or any Swamp<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I received a gift and I decided to
share it with the masses. One of my best friends in the world, who just so
happens to have a PhD in English asked me for a favor. He said he was feeling a
little burnt out on RPGs and wanted a “writing assignment”. I mentioned that I
was running Barrowmaze and could use some interesting swamp/barrow encounters.
He never fails to impress me. Not only did he produce several interesting encounters
that have amazing potential for hooks and NPCs, but he also did layout for it
and spruced it up. His talent is only overshadowed by his lack of confidence in
his own work, so I asked if I could share it with the world? He agreed but made
sure that I mentioned that the art was not original, and he wanted to credit
the artists, but could not find many of them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lvGQ9igEk_HGBbLLyxfLv8yVrNLTGkMRpTwxIig8a_9RT4PosenbwDmOw_H4drjyGqcHZH2cPjITQZCs0uZd5VIPmmR5Qak4suaNLjDfiVb2hDWfNvTpGI9HvUqyd6TCw2wRHWJtIjl_/s591/jota-swamp-2577775506-1537646489896.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="591" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lvGQ9igEk_HGBbLLyxfLv8yVrNLTGkMRpTwxIig8a_9RT4PosenbwDmOw_H4drjyGqcHZH2cPjITQZCs0uZd5VIPmmR5Qak4suaNLjDfiVb2hDWfNvTpGI9HvUqyd6TCw2wRHWJtIjl_/w423-h238/jota-swamp-2577775506-1537646489896.jpg" width="423" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Below is a single example of an
encounter, the PDF I am linking below for free, has many more. I hope you all
enjoy it. He is a member of the THAC0 Blog Facebook group, so if you feel
inclined, you can thank him there. Enjoy!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trader
Grobe and His Flapmen</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The group encounter a group of fifteen <i>Froglings </i>led
by 3 2HD leaders. Once of them has been cursed by a golden circlet that gives
him access to spells but forces him to speak in haikus, another is a warrior
looking to defeat and devour his siblings, and the third is a skilled rogue
that has fallen in love with a swamp nymph.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<b><i>Trader Grobe: </i></b>Is the leader of the group. He
was able to break into a few barrows and loot metal weapons from the corpses,
and since then, Grobe learned to trade with the odd explorer or cultist in the
Barrowmoors for additional gear. He wears leather armor, bears a shield, and
uses a short sword. He also has a few daggers. Grobe possesses the ability to speak
a rudimentary form of the common tongue to trade with other peoples. He wants
to acquire more weapons and armor for his band, and he can supply a group
willing to sell him weapons with what seems to be a limitless buffet of fresh
fruit and pure water. A swamp nymph, Antheia of the Mangroves, blesses this
group with fruit, swamp prawns and other freshwater crustaceans, and water, in
exchange for their armed protection against logging groups and marauding
visitors to the Barrowmaze. Grobe is deeply in love with the nymph and will
protect the location of her tree with his life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<b><i>Skudsku the Swallower: </i></b>Skudsku works as
Grobe’s muscle. Unlike most Froglings, he stands five feet tall, weighs twice
as much as the average Frogling, wears a chain shirt, and carries a battle axe
that is larger than he is. Skudsku discovered he had a taste for other
Froglings when he first hatched and devoured a dozen of his brother tadpoles.
The rest fled. Since then, Skudsku has continued practicing cannibalism, but he
is secretly terrified his siblings will return in a group to punish him for
eating half his parent’s spawn. He believes that the equipment Grobe provides
him will give him an edge in the final battle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">-<b>Lorehunter Fuguuzzi: </b>Fuguuzzi was a normal Frogling
that had the unenviable job of testing out possible magical items Grobe found
in the barrows. She was normal until the day she put a magic item called the <i>Torc
of Gwyn Boddell </i>around her neck. The torc is a ring made of metal with a
single green jewel in the center that glows when activated that is permanently locked
on Fuguuzzi’s neck. It can only be removed by killing Fuguuzzi, and then once
it is clasped around another creature’s neck, it can only be removed if the
creature is killed. The Torc allows its wearer to cast several spells at will,
but it carries a major curse. The wearer of the Torc can cast <i>Detect Magic,
Read Languages, Read Magic, Find Traps, </i>and <i>Locate Object</i>, all at
will, although each spell drains 1d4 hit points from the wearer. In addition,
it increases the wearer’s Intelligence to 14 if it is lower than 14. Also, the
wearer can only speak in haikus. Each line must be five syllables, seven
syllables, and then five additional syllables. Besides being forced to speak in
these patterns, the wearer also must use his or her words to describe concrete,
natural things (a tree, clouds, a rock) in a way that is suggestive or symbolic
of his or her meaning. Grobe knows that Fuguuzzi is useful, but all the
Froglings also find it extremely frustrating to communicate with her. If
characters come to Fuguuzzi seeking advice, Grobe will negotiate for useful
goods in exchange for the Lorehunter’s services.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Want all the encounters? Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TAu0Y9bykYfi5PacVptdf6B829SKXUS6/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-34697267628562852182021-09-08T14:35:00.005-04:002021-09-08T14:35:56.570-04:00Shielding My Woes<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ugh…I have been wrestling with this one for a while.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Rj5KhZiS8I86dRkzuPe3Xz4NbvLcCF7qpaiyjeixIDWw1yePNj5nVuJG23hj7EW1KivvqA0VVOTE0oe0GG4GWSiM2KFUU8EEihtKmKPEwAX_-8YcVgEk0T3Zwc_faWJVkl0rWnDujKv/s300/shields.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38Rj5KhZiS8I86dRkzuPe3Xz4NbvLcCF7qpaiyjeixIDWw1yePNj5nVuJG23hj7EW1KivvqA0VVOTE0oe0GG4GWSiM2KFUU8EEihtKmKPEwAX_-8YcVgEk0T3Zwc_faWJVkl0rWnDujKv/s0/shields.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The rules for shields in most
D&D games are amazingly simple and amazingly awful all at the same time. I
want good rules for shields that are both simple but are a bit more accurate to
what shields do in combat. I will not claim to be a great military historian or
a super reenactor of the period, but I was a nerd in the 2000s that played a
decent amount of boffer LARPing and a shield is an amazing piece of defense.
Something to me that deserves more than a simple plus one to AC. A basic human
armed with a spear and shield should have a better AC then 8, especially versus
missile weapons. Considering all that, the flip side is that it is simple and
keeps the game flowing. Complex shield rules with parrying and variable AC
depending on the size of the shield. Different bonuses with close combat with
different number of opponents and/or range fire just tends to bog things down
in unwanted minutia. Below is a few of the shield rules I have seen in the OSR
community that I like for different reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Shields Shall Be Splintered</u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://trollsmyth.blogspot.com/2008/05/shields-shall-be-splintered.html">http://trollsmyth.blogspot.com/2008/05/shields-shall-be-splintered.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">First off, if you are not familiar with
Trollsmyth’s blog, you should. There is a ton of great content there. You will
not be disappointed. To sum up “Shields Shall Be Splintered” quickly, shields
function as written in the rules but a character that has a shield may sacrifice
the shield to ignore the damage of a single attack. Powerful, simple, and quite
useful for PCs. This adds quite a bit of survivability to characters that use a
shield. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z1cgDkF7-gB9JWmBMy7jcRdJr4Apj6VfQBD2nk8XhOxXw742-URbr39vG1p94_wpR0Ta0VUhsUYZcRR9SHhLNssRdck-RX5nVHRgvFF5l0ErK2ejpJlGe1fFIshqlekZJakQ1TTZ4xYX/s350/download+%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="350" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z1cgDkF7-gB9JWmBMy7jcRdJr4Apj6VfQBD2nk8XhOxXw742-URbr39vG1p94_wpR0Ta0VUhsUYZcRR9SHhLNssRdck-RX5nVHRgvFF5l0ErK2ejpJlGe1fFIshqlekZJakQ1TTZ4xYX/w444-h183/download+%25285%2529.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I decided to use this rule in my
games, but ONLY Fighters could use it. This was an attempt to get people to
play Fighters, because in my games no one would play one (I also gave the
Fighters Weapon Specialization too). It did not work in seducing people to play
Fighters. I have yet to have a Fighter in my multi-year campaign. For my game
this failed on two fronts, one, the rule has not been used ever, two, it was
not enough to get people to play Fighters. I guess I will just have to start
offering signing bonuses for playing Fighters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Crawford’s Shields</u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/308470/Wolves-of-God-Adventures-in-Dark-Ages-England?affiliate_id=230285">Wolves
of God</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of
the other sets of shield rules that I like is from the myriad Kevin Crawford’s
games (I cite Wolves of God above, but there are plenty of others). In WoG, shields
are divided into broad shields and heavy shields categories. Broad shields give
you an instant AC 5(15) and if you have an equal or better AC it provides the
usual +1 bonus. Heavy shields give you an instant AC 6(14) and if you have an
equal or better AC it provides the usual +1 bonus. They also are used to bash
your opponents, thus provide a +2 to damage. Shields in his game also
completely protect you from shock, which is a great benefit, but does not
translate into general D&D.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyvwnXri_G1LZSFLALxE2DRArttyfx6NWyL07sjJGsAxMLd6RX5OrzHCsqyL3UZsAqS0FKP1rM4wlUZMlJDZtLPBa83BfM7nDEZ8VBJ2xm_9Pc_Pt9vP0fVUZvVPcsU0D_5kS79pGClB1/s1080/308470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="699" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyvwnXri_G1LZSFLALxE2DRArttyfx6NWyL07sjJGsAxMLd6RX5OrzHCsqyL3UZsAqS0FKP1rM4wlUZMlJDZtLPBa83BfM7nDEZ8VBJ2xm_9Pc_Pt9vP0fVUZvVPcsU0D_5kS79pGClB1/s320/308470.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I like
these rules a lot. I think they make a lot of sense and make shields a bit more
effective than the standard D&D plus one AC bonus. The main issue is that issue
I see is that I do not see the rules coming up that often in a standard BX/OSE
game. In WoG armor is much more rare and much more limited in scope. Many to
most PCs in BX/OSE will have chain/plate or cannot use shields. Thus, the rules
really do not change for them (accept doing more damage with a heavy shield),
they are just getting the standard +1 AC bonus. Why add in all the complexity,
if it really is only going to change things in the margins?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>AD&D 2e (The rules I grew up with)</u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">This set of rules has a lot to it, so I am just going to
quote the source:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">“A buckler (or target) is a
very small shield that fastens on the forearm. It can be worn </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">by crossbowmen and archers
with no hindrance. Its small size enables it to protect against </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">only one attack per melee
round (of the user's choice), improving the character's Armor </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">Class by 1 against that
attack.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">A small shield is carried on
the forearm and gripped with the hand. Its light weight </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">permits the user to carry
other items in that hand (although he cannot use weapons). It </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">can be used to protect against
two frontal attacks of the user's choice.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The medium shield is carried
in the same manner as the small shield. Its weight </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">prevents the character from
using his shield hand for other purposes. With a medium </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">shield, a character can
protect against any frontal or flank attacks.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The body shield is a massive
shield reaching nearly from chin to toe. It must be firmly </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">fastened to the forearm and
the shield hand must grip it at all times. It provides a great </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">deal of protection, improving
the Armor Class of the character by 1 against melee attacks </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">and by 2 against missile
attacks, for attacks from the front or front flank sides. It is very </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">heavy; the DM may wish to use
the optional encumbrance system if he allows this shield.”</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></o:p></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzP0INpCP7wCCE9AA-qQjZMwLkcmEObHRlN3jHzwPNHCMJuBe-04ufjZ-d4_xhasqGqxmvpt1XNi56YiWjP87nJrYww1gqK21wdgqYEgGBIW4qAiWnqGY2PkGPN6_5-0iWu2z2oDblCes/s705/5e1e278988356d3e23ab5e0423c541f6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzP0INpCP7wCCE9AA-qQjZMwLkcmEObHRlN3jHzwPNHCMJuBe-04ufjZ-d4_xhasqGqxmvpt1XNi56YiWjP87nJrYww1gqK21wdgqYEgGBIW4qAiWnqGY2PkGPN6_5-0iWu2z2oDblCes/s320/5e1e278988356d3e23ab5e0423c541f6.jpg" width="256" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These
rules while giving an assortment of different shields each with their own
pluses and minuses is far to fiddly for me personally. Tracking four different
weights, four different number of opponents, different directions that the
attacks are coming from, etc. Doing all of this for a 5% modifier to your
percent chance to be hit seems like a lot to me. I would rather just use the
base BX/OSE model with a single shield with a +1 AC bonus compared to this.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Overall</u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
have not found a set of rules that I am completely happy with involving
shields. I might be chasing something that does not exist. There are parts of
me that enjoy each one of the rule sets mentioned here (some more than others),
but each one has just something that does not click correct for me. How about
you? Is there a system that you like that I did not mention? Do you like the
plain +1 AC bonus and leave it at that? Let me know and maybe I can find
something I like.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p><p></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-25782121403177466022021-06-23T15:29:00.001-04:002021-06-23T15:29:35.194-04:00Lands of Legend OSR Toolkits<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do you like random charts? Do you
like Mork Borg style layout? Then these are the books for you. I recently was
sent a copy of Axian Spice’s Lands of Legends – Mundane and Lands of Legends –
Grim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both books provide you with 100
random encounters (broken up into ten d10 charts) and 100 random area. The
encounters and areas and reasonably generic to be used with most games, but the
two different books add a bit of flavor. The Mundane book most likely has the
most versatility as it could be used in almost any setting. The Grim book has a
darker twist that might not be suitable to certain campaigns and fit others
like a glove (I am looking at you Warhammer Fantasy). These encounters do not contain specific "monster" encounters or layouts to small dungeons. They are more like seeds for overall plotlines and interesting obstacles that the party must overcome. You will not find an entry like, "You run into D20 Kobolds hauling a chest." The entries are more unique and engaging. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2amZfED4llN2HUaE0FxDGGW08jTjf8uAtuwJxLGsT5BVN1OCJ7cPEwV2TiiD7uUilBlm2TXoBTMp6c1pDuA9YUmKGyphcN7YukjNRNeOu-ZDe5Ldl-dY0WxX9tfAUzbdkqxoL8WRic03F/s434/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2amZfED4llN2HUaE0FxDGGW08jTjf8uAtuwJxLGsT5BVN1OCJ7cPEwV2TiiD7uUilBlm2TXoBTMp6c1pDuA9YUmKGyphcN7YukjNRNeOu-ZDe5Ldl-dY0WxX9tfAUzbdkqxoL8WRic03F/s320/Capture.PNG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The layout for these books has a
large leaning into the style department. To me, it does really look like Mork
Borg and that artistic outlook. Some people absolutely love that style some favor
a cleaner layout like Old-School Essentials. Taste will vary on this issue. I
find that it increases the experience of reading the entries and is part of the
flavor of the text. While flipping through the PDF you get a sense for how the
author wants you to feel about a certain section, with the layout. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNQqsWJSuwjTWFah8-Z_tueqeJvF4tstDAQFxoeY8be7JvP2NJ5p83pJQEfzM0PDTPJWgu-jmiUKwUW4xbelpL_nCeNeyS7MP68yo0Ugqd3MaU23bfUREVzSEat8j5RHkley6fp3alHtD/s435/Capture1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNQqsWJSuwjTWFah8-Z_tueqeJvF4tstDAQFxoeY8be7JvP2NJ5p83pJQEfzM0PDTPJWgu-jmiUKwUW4xbelpL_nCeNeyS7MP68yo0Ugqd3MaU23bfUREVzSEat8j5RHkley6fp3alHtD/s320/Capture1.PNG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will admit, I am not the biggest
on using random tables at my game on the fly. On occasion I use them in prep,
but I mostly read through them for ideas and then use the ones I like. These
books are chocked full of those. Here is an example from the chart labeled Grim
Civilization. <i><b>“NIGHTMARISH EXECUTION. A murderous witch is about to be burned
in the main square. A crowd has gathered, as many blame her of all their ills.
As soon as the flames touch her, the crone curses the city, laughing and
prophesying the death of all those who have gathered within the next new moon.
After that, her twisted body becomes a cloud of bats, flying towards the
nearest dungeon or Grim area. In the following days, the authorities might hire
adventurers to investigate.”</b></i> This to me is a good plot device that can be used
to kick off an adventure. This starts the wheels turning in my head as to what
I can do with the witch, who is the witch, or who will come for revenge because
of the witch. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7sJiKCA_OlYam0faYl37kVHRAcjYq0hQet6hyPvQA75YYj12kMjpRaANRXB9A5715QV2ATxhLXm4-V_asjZ_cztKz6O6G4V3ZAoDqq5AV4emihbJ8hTPDE-yxM43ywg882h7nIWcdQq4/s530/Capture2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="379" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7sJiKCA_OlYam0faYl37kVHRAcjYq0hQet6hyPvQA75YYj12kMjpRaANRXB9A5715QV2ATxhLXm4-V_asjZ_cztKz6O6G4V3ZAoDqq5AV4emihbJ8hTPDE-yxM43ywg882h7nIWcdQq4/s320/Capture2.PNG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overall, I think these products are
good and you can get some great inspiration from the entries. According to the
author, these are the first two of a series of Lands of Legends. I cannot wait
to see what comes from this company.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you want to purchase these products, please click the link <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/361022/Lands-of-Legends--Grim?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-70143082702705344552021-06-08T12:14:00.005-04:002021-06-08T14:44:44.582-04:00Word of Wisdom from the Past – The Polyhedron Magazine #7<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJGMmkcULHkG6007W88BYVyHG9H1BpOU-Q-OsibpBaRiOahgPkzD2VNnMyREETvVC5vDfpLrwyvNLC55KyGVuL6aHiPvByrs2n1NNQhYcKlanfITqwuzOMEX4SZ1JlirFxtFC3Pmws2br/s490/Capture3.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="371" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJGMmkcULHkG6007W88BYVyHG9H1BpOU-Q-OsibpBaRiOahgPkzD2VNnMyREETvVC5vDfpLrwyvNLC55KyGVuL6aHiPvByrs2n1NNQhYcKlanfITqwuzOMEX4SZ1JlirFxtFC3Pmws2br/w237-h314/Capture3.PNG" width="237" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I started reading some of the old
Polyhedron magazines and I am enjoying them quite a bit. I seem to like them
more than Dragon or Dungeon Magazines. I really like their Living City articles
and Rouges Gallery and find them useful. Reading through these lost tomes of
yore you get a glimpse into the zeitgeist of the time in a way that is
reasonably unfiltered. Many times, people question what people back in the day
thought about X issue in the community. The response is usually, “They are
still alive, ask them.” This has merit and is valuable, but not a complete
story. Often time colors the past with rose-tinted glasses and memories change over
time. Seeing these articles give us a clear understanding of the thought
processes back in the day and the issues with the games that people were
discussing. Here is a hint, it is the same stuff we discuss today. Apparently,
the Thief class was always an issue and “fixing” it was always on the table as
example. Below are two things I picked out of issue #7 that I thought were
interesting and I wanted to share.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIZU0vmGLsFNdGZ8cOqawRx2e5_sfhYyieNV-Ys03C8MtBiSNtxWPw8QJkDiECj170ZXm8CEP4DjcYDguHKp-C1YP5xEGicvLcPXGdsTI_Ai_81W_5ciOkzUYPjykxbAM3ltpO0FS4QUl/s263/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIZU0vmGLsFNdGZ8cOqawRx2e5_sfhYyieNV-Ys03C8MtBiSNtxWPw8QJkDiECj170ZXm8CEP4DjcYDguHKp-C1YP5xEGicvLcPXGdsTI_Ai_81W_5ciOkzUYPjykxbAM3ltpO0FS4QUl/s0/Capture.PNG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">A person wrote into the “Dispel
Confusion”, the Q&A column for Polyhedron, and asked about their created
spell that healed at range. The reaction is stark and not even a bit nuanced,
it is a bad idea. They go so far as to invoke the name of one of the creators,
Gary, saying it is range cure is too powerful. They discuss it as an issue of balance,
and this is the reason that Clerics get any armor is to be able to wade into
the front lines and heal. Something of note too is in older editions you cannot
move and cast, placing further limits on capability. I do not want this to turn
into a 5e bash fest, as I do play 5e regularly, but is there a single heal that
is not ranged now? I admit, I am not a 5e expert, though I have played it a
lot. I am not trying to say, “See 5e is bad! You are bad for liking it,” but
look at the changes to the thoughts of people in a relatively small amount of
time. Changing rules like this change the focus of the game (not stating that
is good or bad, just a given). When you change the healing mechanics (making
range healing possible, using hit dice to heal, healing as a bonus action, etc)
the core of the game changes with it. The game becomes less focused on the idea
of survival in the face of imminent death, and more about grand champions
boldly destroying foes. Am I stating anything new? No. Will people miss the
bigger point and most likely argue in the comments about edition wars? Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRBCCKnlwoxcAyiGBOZkHorN5WubQiN4BnNjRR-7oNF4abXuOmKxJt4axapNNwOiTUas_w0Do4xKHIv9fBeuNaw81gZQMwweBlpHfNYVyKurPQiFSrEXJN1mqiq2OlINZq7oKMgDnq1s0/s542/Capture1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="346" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRBCCKnlwoxcAyiGBOZkHorN5WubQiN4BnNjRR-7oNF4abXuOmKxJt4axapNNwOiTUas_w0Do4xKHIv9fBeuNaw81gZQMwweBlpHfNYVyKurPQiFSrEXJN1mqiq2OlINZq7oKMgDnq1s0/w407-h638/Capture1.PNG" width="407" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next, was a piece for “Notes for
the Dungeon Master”. In this article the writer, discusses an old topic in the
community, “What do you do with a player when their character dies?” A big
point of pride for many in the OSR/Old-School community seems to be when a
character dies the player makes a new character and builds from level 1 again. I
am generally for this, up to a point, and I agree with the article. Once the group
gets its feet underneath it and starts to grow in levels this becomes silly. If
the party is averaging 7<sup>th</sup> level making a veteran player start over
at level 1 seems silly. The article sets some ground rules and recommendations on
how to handle this. The author tends to focus on levels, whereas I would focus
on total XP instead. The article also recommends on how to possibly handle
magic items and gear. I used the exact same system in my games before and it
worked perfectly. I only mention this piece because I hear in the “meta” around
the game online stories about how this was not even a thing “back in the day”.
Death equaled reset always. It is the way the founders intended it. Etc.
According to this, that is not the whole story. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The real focus of this piece for me
is that even back in the day there was a plethora of ideas and ways of play,
not one dogmatic “old-school” way of play. Odds are people in the comments will
argue the merits of healing and starting PCs at level one, but there is not
much I can do about that. Hell, odds are that people will comment without even reading the blog post. That is all for this issue. I am really enjoying
reading these articles and I might write another of these if I find anymore
gold. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-509954010776408262021-06-07T16:01:00.002-04:002023-10-12T09:46:46.218-04:00In the Shadow of Tower Silveraxe Review<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">Have you seen this module? It is a bit of the alright. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3z2yLLQEtFF2TLDGDqDhWQR28TD64DbELGgmrUZgq7w5av5lCCUlzgX9ouLq91omCZQJ8dXLB0Y8-MyUsAXKcYefWAAriwPzViOzRnbjXfWSL1LM4WAAkc7msHfM2sxPcilf6rS7ICbm/s358/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="266" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3z2yLLQEtFF2TLDGDqDhWQR28TD64DbELGgmrUZgq7w5av5lCCUlzgX9ouLq91omCZQJ8dXLB0Y8-MyUsAXKcYefWAAriwPzViOzRnbjXfWSL1LM4WAAkc7msHfM2sxPcilf6rS7ICbm/w379-h510/Capture.PNG" width="379" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">This zine was a part of Zinequest
III from this past year and it is the type of module that I love. It hits the
low to mid-levels of your favorite fantasy-based RPG (<a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/279183/old-school-essentials-classic-fantasy-rules-tome?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">OSE</a>), it is a sandbox, and it
is wonderfully organized. This is akin to <a href="https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/17150/thunder-rift-basic?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Thunder Rift</a> of days-gone-by with a
small setting that is infinitely expandable. Coming in at 64 pages it is jammed
with wall-to-wall dungeon delving action with roughly 15 locations to explore.
The module has a just enough backstory to push the DM off in the right direction
but allow them to do their own thing with it. For me these would be low-prep
dungeons to run, and you can even take the dungeons and sprinkle them in another
setting if you wanted.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NV9YI17n_i2Nw4iCBgHgiustueq3pik91qzs7p7jpBnf9eCr-2AZDOEtIlOy3UXU4ivYJSvoyqHsgT3oLUlQQMZogUp5UZGojP0BGo4ZfIbzfqXQ7LbXoipfIfQvVzQbdTYfXcjZg1b8/s310/Capture2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="263" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NV9YI17n_i2Nw4iCBgHgiustueq3pik91qzs7p7jpBnf9eCr-2AZDOEtIlOy3UXU4ivYJSvoyqHsgT3oLUlQQMZogUp5UZGojP0BGo4ZfIbzfqXQ7LbXoipfIfQvVzQbdTYfXcjZg1b8/w321-h378/Capture2.PNG" width="321" /></a></div><br />
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The basics of the setting is that at
the heart of the area is a dwarven settlement. The area was once occupied by
and ancient race that is no longer with us. They left a great tower in the
woods that the elves dedicated to protecting. For some reason, the creatures of
the great woods are now fleeing and that is leading to conflict with the local
settlers. Throughout the area is old ruins and places of power to explore and
there is even a plot brewing under the surface if the players want to engage
with it. There are numerous rumor charts for different areas and the players are
truly free to go where the please and seek their fortune. This is certainly
going to go into my circulation at some point. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book is $15 and comes with the
PDF. You can also tack on $3 more and get a lovely map of the region printed
out as a small poster. My hats off to Jacob Fleming for this little piece of brilliance.
You can purchase the physical copy at <a href="https://gelatinouscubism.bigcartel.com/">https://gelatinouscubism.bigcartel.com/</a>
or you can get the PDF by clicking <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/358825/In-the-Shadow-of-Tower-Silveraxe?term=in+the+shadow+of+tower&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-31038695903207128042021-06-02T14:45:00.002-04:002021-06-02T15:18:42.293-04:00Killing Save or Die Mechanics<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Hello. My name is Ryan and I do not like save or die
mechanics.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlspjbp6KxGgSV_M1O1jZvGbBq_N2g7wG4q656KEZoRaaRnVlYHNX1nWShaRge0ndlvBBz5EoEtyPcbwIhJr3hcaqWzJUj9103PbfUDXGEVnem8Ld0fPxD5eEY8dZsC8gz0I5L_ffeAK0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="709" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlspjbp6KxGgSV_M1O1jZvGbBq_N2g7wG4q656KEZoRaaRnVlYHNX1nWShaRge0ndlvBBz5EoEtyPcbwIhJr3hcaqWzJUj9103PbfUDXGEVnem8Ld0fPxD5eEY8dZsC8gz0I5L_ffeAK0/w326-h326/image.png" width="326" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I know
the reason why they exist. That does not mean that I must like it. The game, in
general, is dangerous enough without this mechanic, so why do we need it? Does
this mean that I am abandoning the principles of old-school gaming and going to
convert over to 5e? No. What it does mean is that I am going to steal other people’s
good ideas on the subject and apply them to my own game. I do not want the threat
of death to leave my games and player death should happen, but I prefer to mar
and cripple my PCs over death. At times death is letting them off too easy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm0bQz1nrny1eFk4t2fuqWKW4yeSTMGSPzZdcHiEE7MjSBcstb1DCc4C3-KTaWkcHTSIwbvLqVrY7-PWdA_rwYFnheRNesZQxV9PlggTOZy3K_XhnJl7K6TUuEthz8iPEn1AY2f1u7WBi/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm0bQz1nrny1eFk4t2fuqWKW4yeSTMGSPzZdcHiEE7MjSBcstb1DCc4C3-KTaWkcHTSIwbvLqVrY7-PWdA_rwYFnheRNesZQxV9PlggTOZy3K_XhnJl7K6TUuEthz8iPEn1AY2f1u7WBi/" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I saw
an alternative rule that I am tending to lean towards that is still extremely
deadly, but also not a binary result. When someone has a save or die mechanic
(i.e. poison, death ray, etc) they take the creatures hit dice in damage.
Example: the character is struck with a death ray from an Eye of Terror
(Beholder). The character fails their save and would take 11d8 points of
damage. Odds are the character will still die, but there is always the chance
that the damage roll is low. In addition, if the character fails the save, takes
damage and lives, they will have an appropriate permanent effect. In the
example above I might have the death ray destroy part of the character’s health
and they take 1d3 CON loss.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
could have a character that fails a save against a medusa gaze and live. They
then might have some calcification of the joints and they lose 10’ of movement and
are just slower the rest of their career. That effect could in theory be
removed with a Stone to Flesh spell which would in theory cure them if they
were turned into a statue too. This also is the same with poison. A character
can fail a save and take huge amounts of damage, but if Neutralize Poison is
used, they instantly regain that hit point loss.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQAKe7kvbgBZK9AkgugR43f7BZN-O7XUm_EL6wrKAwhRCpDqihf78xJfbhT3m68uiRymWz8AAtSWv1k2GnCIuGh4tNYUZ7Uc9a9SdP96OVR-vTv20OVwmzPa0Zmvb-agds2NWTdctOt_p/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQAKe7kvbgBZK9AkgugR43f7BZN-O7XUm_EL6wrKAwhRCpDqihf78xJfbhT3m68uiRymWz8AAtSWv1k2GnCIuGh4tNYUZ7Uc9a9SdP96OVR-vTv20OVwmzPa0Zmvb-agds2NWTdctOt_p/w478-h239/image.png" width="478" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lastly,
I use a Death & Dismemberment chart for my characters because again, I like
to mar and injure the characters. I would skip this step though in the case of
a save or die mechanic. If you hit zero, from a failed save, it is lights out.
This adds another level of danger and still makes those save or die mechanics
scary, but not cheap. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> I do not judge people who use the mechanic and like it. It is certainly a preference. I think it is a little more acceptable at lower levels, but as you put time into a character the thought of losing it to one bad die roll tends to sting more. Might just be me?</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-55082489055394815302021-03-29T13:06:00.003-04:002021-03-29T13:07:09.643-04:00Skills in Old-School Gaming<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: large;"> One of the most important things in any role-playing game is
WHEN should a die be rolled. Controlling this is one of the DMs most coveted
tools because it can set the tone for a game. In general rolls can be done in
one of three places, before the fiction, during the fiction, and after the
fiction. When a roll is called for and used determines a lot. If we are
discussing D&D (and its clones) the older we go the less skills there tends
to be. So, when should you roll a Find Traps roll with a PC? Does the PC have
to say they are using the skill? Should the PC roll it or should the DM? How
detailed should the PC be about what they are doing? These are some of the
questions that DMs face when running a game. I am sure that some people will
claim to have the “right” answer to this question. I personally feel there is
no “right” answer, just the answer that works for me. This is how I use skills
in my game and some of my rationale for why I use them that way. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSU2kBciy5-mLl3ky14s3wjjrfWH2N5Zynjr7qatnVv7kRMy4ZP3ngGrGJr3LzO2VCxCG51VdWORljU-8SsWkAKMmXPRRHP0YbTZ6n5HgzTc2DD4yhKTfiYipIv8Rc5eG9GjngSEPldZY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSU2kBciy5-mLl3ky14s3wjjrfWH2N5Zynjr7qatnVv7kRMy4ZP3ngGrGJr3LzO2VCxCG51VdWORljU-8SsWkAKMmXPRRHP0YbTZ6n5HgzTc2DD4yhKTfiYipIv8Rc5eG9GjngSEPldZY/w325-h379/image.png" width="325" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> To ruin
some of my “old-school credibility” I play in a semi-monthly 5e game with my
friend who I started D&D with in 1990. One thing that I hated with the 5e
system (that many, but not all people do) was the idea that if my character does
something directly it triggers a roll, not a solution. Example: My dwarf
examines a treasure chest, I specifically state that I am looking in the
keyhole for a needle or device. I even stick a knife blade into it to spring a possible
trap if one is there. I am told to roll a Perception check with advantage, I
still roll poorly. My character decides to open the chest and I am stabbed with
a poison needle. If I were running this in my games, the PC would have seen the
trap without a roll, because they were looking in the right place. If the player
does a thing and, in the fiction, it makes sense they would see a thing, then
they do. I assume competency on the part of the PC characters. I see DMs report
running this style of game all the time. One in which the PCs must be EXTREMELY
specific in what they do to figure out traps and the like. You might believe
this is abundantly correct, but then the issue comes up, what is the Find a
Trap skill used for exactly? If I need to be specific about what I am doing,
and I don’t specifically mention I look in that keyhole should I roll? Should I
automatically get hit with the trap? How much detail does a PC need to go into to
gain a benefit? More importantly, what is more fun?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"> This is
how I run it, I am not claiming this is the only or best way to do it, just how
I run it for my games. First off, if the PC does an action, they do an action. If
they state they are searching the throne for buttons that activate a pit and there
is one, they find it. Second, I use the 1-in-6 type rolls often as a passive
alert. If the PCs are moving at “Dungeon Speed” the idea is that they are
mapping, trying to be quiet, and looking for things out of the ordinary. I will
roll for them to find a trap even if they are not specifically looking for it.
If they approach a door and they should be able to hear a ruckus party going on
in the other side of the door, they hear it. If there is a possibility of
hearing it, I will roll for them, many times without them even knowing. I allow
these skills to be used as shorthand too, to speed up game play. If we went
into EXTREME detail for every room the PCs come into with their searching, we
would possibly clear three rooms a night. I allow them to say “We search the
room for X.” I will then make the appropriate rolls. I will often telegraph in
rooms with interesting things (secret doors, hidden treasure, etc) with details
so they can zoom in on that. If they want to tell me specifically what they are
searching, I will then decide accordingly. I do not think this was the intended
way to handle these situations, but I think it is fair and efficient.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Demi-Humans often must pay a
premium (in XP) to get bonuses to these skills, so let them be skilled in it. I
often roll the player(s) with the highest in each skill first, to see if they
notice, then everyone else. Once one player achieves the roll, I usually stop.
I let that character shine. You will notice that the Elf in my game often hears
things and finds hidden doors and no one else does. Because I tend to roll him
first and he then gets to take his moment in the spotlight. Making sure that
everyone feels their character adds something to the party is important. Even
the filthy Demi-Humans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPPDzdW5e1k5R-rETYVjJAodYxbHML4kQtI8V0W4po1asUlQtH573chiVTS1wF3ebzJWIPZBZ-G7TBVSb52uOaauMUS5vyEaaTfSUAK90t00WV3Mao7Ihmb6Rlox4HdPdDtln5prJcG5D/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="630" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPPDzdW5e1k5R-rETYVjJAodYxbHML4kQtI8V0W4po1asUlQtH573chiVTS1wF3ebzJWIPZBZ-G7TBVSb52uOaauMUS5vyEaaTfSUAK90t00WV3Mao7Ihmb6Rlox4HdPdDtln5prJcG5D/w337-h337/image.png" width="337" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also tend to use Ability Checks
which can be controversial in the Old-School community. I do not think I overuse
them, because of assumed competency, but they are still used. I try to keep in
mind that Magic-Users know magical stuff, Clerics know religious stuff, Dwarves
know dwarven stuff, etc. I generally give them automatic information based on
their realm of expertise. Ability checks come in to adjudicate things that fall
outside the common in those realms, they fill in the gaps so to speak. I also
admit that I do far more INT and CON Ability Checks then others because I think
the stats are under used compared to the others. This means having a higher INT
and CON has some more useful benefits. I generally see Ability Checks as the
opposite of Saving Throws. Saving Throws happen when something is done to the
PC, Ability Checks are when the PC does something to something else. I can see
a game going on just fine without them and the DM just coming up with a X-in-6
chance of everything, but I enjoy them and will keep using them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overall, the thing I like about
older systems is that they do not have a robust skill system. To me this was
something that kind of spoiled AD&D and D&D beyond that. Second Edition’s
proficiency system was too limiting in that they had TONS of skills, but you
got so few you felt your character was inept. Third Edition you could do any
skill and skills stacked with skills and had bonuses from class and feats and synchronicity
and what phase the moon was in and the list goes on. It was too much. I like
the way that OSE/BX keeps things simple, and it is a big reason I continue to
use it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p></div>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-71246111889564278352021-03-18T11:15:00.001-04:002021-03-18T11:15:18.647-04:00Simulacrum: Exploring OSR Design: A Historical Look at the OSR — Part I<a href="https://osrsimulacrum.blogspot.com/2021/02/a-historical-look-at-osr-part-i.html?spref=bl">Simulacrum: Exploring OSR Design: A Historical Look at the OSR — Part I</a>: In August 2000, Wizards of the Coast released the third edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Having acquired TSR, the creators of D&D, in...Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-77580190443381324392021-03-05T10:30:00.001-05:002023-10-30T00:12:59.992-04:00The Isle of the Plangent Mage Review<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Isle of the Plangent Mage</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By Donn Stroud</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> I am
going to get this out of the way in the beginning, I love this adventure. Not
that I did not love the other two that I have reviewed so far, but this one fits
my exact GM style. This, to me, is not an adventure, but a mini-campaign in the
style of Keep on the Borderlands. It is designed for characters in the 3<sup>rd</sup>
– 5<sup>th</sup> level range with the appropriate old school caveat that encounters
are not balanced. It is hard to know where to start on this one, because I like
so much, but I also do not want to give away crucial details of the adventure.
In general, there is a seaside town, and it has the support of a local
Magic-User and his wife. Both have gone missing, and some strange occurrences
have started to happen, like sea life beaching itself regularly. The DM has
several hooks provided to get the players to the town and searching, the rest
is up to them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz-B5HD2OslPkj4ejZjO5Cv6Ha3I5KH91mnVpJcQEc0-iTXPmxh-3w8JP7-aADRyoHbTK33mNHoWKIN_ktTvOS7Z9RWqkSZpa9bDcH7ALE42WbfG80ct-N3AsYuA_0_FKsYtBwUNfwXtm/s533/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="378" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz-B5HD2OslPkj4ejZjO5Cv6Ha3I5KH91mnVpJcQEc0-iTXPmxh-3w8JP7-aADRyoHbTK33mNHoWKIN_ktTvOS7Z9RWqkSZpa9bDcH7ALE42WbfG80ct-N3AsYuA_0_FKsYtBwUNfwXtm/w340-h479/Capture.PNG" width="340" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> The adventure
is set around the town of Imbrich and anyone who has read their Lovecraft will
see another obvious connection with a seaside village. The town had formed a
relationship the local Magic-User, Cetus, who ran local lighthouses. Cetus used
the lighthouses and the grounds underneath them for his experiments with both
sea life and sound. You get a complete work up of the local village complete
with notable locations and personalities. This can serve as your party’s home
base as they delve into the various locales of the setting. Several of the
villagers are noted as willing to pay for certain items or information from
Cetus’ grounds. An example might be that the local blacksmith wants some of
Cetus’ ever-burning logs. This gives the players even more reason to venture
into the locations and find these items for the locals. <br />
There are several locations
that the parties can explore that each have their own feel, dangers, and
rewards. There are a series of caves along the coast, a place called Darksand
Isle just offshore, the isle has two separate Lighthouses that can be explored
as well. Then you get the Magic-User’s Undertower, which his underground
domicile and laboratory. This Undertower is eight levels deep and certainly
qualifies as a dungeon. Each level generally has about six to ten locations in
them, so it will take the players a bit of time to explore. Strange beings lurk
through these halls along with strange devices imagined by Cetus himself.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlbGt6naAn9WrUVCQHTXLDIm4073QLJCEKFNl-ImXGG8YULHBvvs8R4NxbzNOKnEVz2xayhSn9ypeyfCtfVSR2-FlZJLbZA3sREcvkGEmTNwCWXQBklqDNPV6zN9vXHeugXZFXx9h3DU5/s241/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="168" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlbGt6naAn9WrUVCQHTXLDIm4073QLJCEKFNl-ImXGG8YULHBvvs8R4NxbzNOKnEVz2xayhSn9ypeyfCtfVSR2-FlZJLbZA3sREcvkGEmTNwCWXQBklqDNPV6zN9vXHeugXZFXx9h3DU5/w285-h408/Capture.PNG" width="285" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> As for
the book itself, it has the same quality layout that Old School Essentials is
becoming known for throughout the industry. Maps are clearly readable and accessible
without excessive page flips. The bullet-point format allows a GM to easily run
this off the cuff, but a read through before would not hurt. The art is brilliant
and colorful, it brings the setting to life. This is also a bit of a unique
setting. There is a lovely nautical feel throughout the entire book. If you are
looking for a classic sandbox that is not a typical dungeon, then you have
found it. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><o:p></o:p></span> I
think this is a great example of a sandbox adventure. There is not set destination
that the players must go, but they get to make their own choices about what to
explore. There is not a “quest” per se, but there is a story to what has
happened at this town and it unfolds as the players gather information. You can
plunk this little town into almost any setting, and it will blend in with the
background seamlessly, the only thing you need is a coastline. I give this this
my highest recommendation and think everyone should check this out.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Click here to buy</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/348884/The-Isle-of-the-Plangent-Mage?term=The+Isle+of+the+Plangent&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">The Isle of the Plangent Mage</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">DriveThruRPG is currently having GM's Day Sale click <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/rpg_gmsday.php?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the deals.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I run Old School Essentials weekly and post our games to YouTube, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p><div><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-27677967209302566872021-03-04T11:35:00.005-05:002021-03-04T11:38:10.230-05:00The Incandescent Grottoes Review<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Incandescent Grottoes</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">By Gavin Norman<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><span style="font-size: large;"> A bubbling stream cascades into a hole in the earth, leading to a series of underground watercourses and scintillating grottoes. Adventurers who delve within may discover odd mosses and fungi, a ruined temple complex, and the lair of a crystal-eating dream dragon.</span></i></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lS3X1ubMbiHxojY8hfxke9PyWhsreixLoz4gjUWyAz6TbcGpAui4TFheVu1sAfWGIp2XRTd3waVKq911h2iGUog3wORZ6LvFLWyum55LtoDSDbV7xs6bo0NtXfcQBU4WUU7n_oMAPa-g/s532/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="378" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lS3X1ubMbiHxojY8hfxke9PyWhsreixLoz4gjUWyAz6TbcGpAui4TFheVu1sAfWGIp2XRTd3waVKq911h2iGUog3wORZ6LvFLWyum55LtoDSDbV7xs6bo0NtXfcQBU4WUU7n_oMAPa-g/w331-h467/Capture.PNG" width="331" /></a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is
the next installment of adventures from Old School Essentials creator Gavin
Norman. This adventure is for beginning characters of 1<sup>st</sup> – 2<sup>nd</sup>
level. It is designed with challenges that are way above a 1<sup>st</sup> level
character’s ability, thus the characters will have to play smart or die
quickly. The format of the book seems to be standardized and resembles Halls of
the Blood King. The maps are incredibly functional, and this adventure would be
simple to run with little prep and straight from the book. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
is no over-arching plot in this adventure, but a couple of key factions that
have cross purposes in the dungeon. Examples of these factions are a Dream
Dragon who has their lair in the Grottoes, a Necromancer looking for knowledge,
and even a Cult who has run on hard times. This dungeon does not have the gonzo-like
features of Halls of the Blood King, but a more classic fantasy approach with a
lot of whimsy. Norman tends to write in an almost fairy-tale like manner and
the creativity is abundant. It feels like a child’s storybook with meat. Just
when the whimsy of the setting is taking you in, your characters catch a glance
of something that is just a bit not right. They then only discover some concept,
item, room, or monster that is deeply disturbing. It combines a lot of what these
kind f stories are expected to be, cautionary tales. Adventurers can profit
greatly from entering these halls, but the more they travel the more likely
they are to die, or worse.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjjnomMktQzZ59d3pWOz6AZDje2W4Pk5L9SpJ26lZXO2Od4UGbtKipQ0mJCaCPHBnmS3eulllmAvfGkuHTlstUpv7vzPdDLRIemnhB2bUsgoldF9smnzQOrDEdP9wIGKNUGgaiH-A6gU3/s199/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="177" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjjnomMktQzZ59d3pWOz6AZDje2W4Pk5L9SpJ26lZXO2Od4UGbtKipQ0mJCaCPHBnmS3eulllmAvfGkuHTlstUpv7vzPdDLRIemnhB2bUsgoldF9smnzQOrDEdP9wIGKNUGgaiH-A6gU3/w244-h274/Capture.PNG" width="244" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
has a hugely similar feel to me as A Hole in the Oak. I would say if you liked
that adventure you are almost guaranteed to enjoy this one as well. If you are
a fan of Norman’s Dolmenwood setting this adventure will fit in perfectly. The
art style in the book reflects the tone and nature of the adventure with a
magical and fae-realm quality. The adventure itself is great for first time OSR
players to give them a taste of what a classic adventure feels like, but it has
all the modern sensibilities as far as layout, structure, and production value.
I give this one a 5 out of 5 if you are in the market for a dark fairy-tale
dungeon crawl. This would be a great product to do for a short campaign or even
a convention, as long as you focused just on one aspect of the dungeon.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/348878/The-Incandescent-Grottoes?term=The+Incandescent+?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">The Incandescent Grottoes</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">DriveThruRPG is currently having GM's Day Sale click <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/rpg_gmsday.php?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the deals.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p><div><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-27638019056997468862021-03-03T16:06:00.003-05:002021-03-04T10:07:26.016-05:00Halls of the Blood King Review<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Halls of the Blood King</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">By Diogo Nogueira<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>With the rising of the Blood Moon, the accursed abode of the
Blood King returns to this world. The lord of all vampires comes to claim the
blood that is owed to him. His halls contain treasures and secrets that would
make any ambitious adventurer abandon reason and caution to seek them out. Will
you risk your soul for gold and glory in the Halls of the Blood King?</i></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></em></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #333333; line-height: 107%;"></span></em></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9yhe27DKYMED_R3Y-k9deIwkzoZqW2qcg3wy6R6-5tohJql_T0VrVRzHWQ4Zvc31DsplZz_H4Ufpwaieu3M4hWARNukVltlHIqfT2IfEh9hDnZKX0rTq_qwesT-k2xU_tZk2J1R49bR4/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="560" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9yhe27DKYMED_R3Y-k9deIwkzoZqW2qcg3wy6R6-5tohJql_T0VrVRzHWQ4Zvc31DsplZz_H4Ufpwaieu3M4hWARNukVltlHIqfT2IfEh9hDnZKX0rTq_qwesT-k2xU_tZk2J1R49bR4/w322-h458/image.png" width="322" /></a></em></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><em><br /><br /></em></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With
OSE releasing all of its adventures today from the latest Kickstarter, I figured
I would go ahead and start reviewing them and seeing if they are worth the
purchase.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This adventure
is a bit different from what I have seen so far from Old School Essentials. Halls
of the Blood King is certainly not a “boot-it and loot-it” adventure. This adventure
is a bit more subtle if you want to get everything out of it. This adventure will
require the players to use their heads, sneak, and parley if they do not want to
get slaughtered. I feel this has a lot of the great things about good
Lamentations of the Flame Princess modules, without a lot of the troubling
things that can sometimes appear in them. Overall, I like the adventure and it
is well thought out and put together, but what were you expecting from OSE?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Halls of
the Blood King is made for adventurers of 3<sup>rd</sup> – 5<sup>th</sup> level
(though if the party is smaller you might be able to get away with slightly
higher) in which they are venturing forth into the manor house of the Blood
King. Who exactly is the Blood King? He is the first vampire ever that all
other vampires come from. His manor house hops from dimension to dimension
where he can inspect the local vampires and collect his blood tax. The book
gives several quite dissimilar hooks to get the PCs involved in this plot,
which is nice so that you can tailor it to your setting. Once on the grounds of
the manor the PCs are thrust into a strange world with different factions vying
for different goals. Most of the NPCs are in fact vampires and unless the party
comes quite prepared to deal with them subterfuge and parley are the ways to
go. The scenario also has a built-in time limit too because the manor house is continuing
to hop from location to location and the PCs most likely do not want to get
caught inside. This also means the party cannot take extended time or rest to
recover spells, once they head inside, they basically have what they have.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yTJno2fPlbGTY496AESgpTrx7pWUU4MhHkJA7EeAh7wT1lvGDDUeeX8fmWAzAAzo62pVjrr36Dw3mlldLsb9dh4E96L1WabqGsQO1zSCDvJERcnGBD-Rh5cELS9ul2j2VzqIAUtD2l4C/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="505" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yTJno2fPlbGTY496AESgpTrx7pWUU4MhHkJA7EeAh7wT1lvGDDUeeX8fmWAzAAzo62pVjrr36Dw3mlldLsb9dh4E96L1WabqGsQO1zSCDvJERcnGBD-Rh5cELS9ul2j2VzqIAUtD2l4C/w499-h365/image.png" width="499" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The adventure
is leaning a bit more towards the gonzo side as opposed to the classic medieval
fantasy tropes. The setting reminds me more of the French Sun King’s court,
then something out of Arthurian lore. The various vampires vary quite a bit in
style and substance. These are not all your dark, brooding Vampire Hunter D
clones, but one is a pile of red gel with eyeballs floating about. This might
be amazing or terrible depending on your taste. The one thing I can say is the
environment is evocative and never dull.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As for
the book itself (I am reviewing the PDF) the layout is everything you expect
from OSE. The layout is concise, yet detailed. The different locations on the
make highlight the important descriptors of each location. There is a lovely
map of the manor house and mini-maps are provided throughout highlighting the
areas in which the players currently are exploring. The PDF comes with a
Virtual Table Top map for use with the various VTT programs available nowadays.
This is a nice little bonus that more companies need to include. The art in the
book is amazing and strikingly different from much of the OSE materials thus
far. There is something with the color pallet choice that seems both alluring,
yet off in some way. I will provide some examples throughout this article.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
module is for the DM that wants something a bit different than the standard dungeon
crawl. It can be easily slid into any campaign and the good thing is that it
can exit just as easily. I think there will be a lot of newer DMs that really
dig how different this journey can be and how nicely the book creates a mood. The adventure is designed for Old School Essentials, but can work with any OSR/D&D like game. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">You should check this out if you have not already. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/348880/Halls-of-the-Blood-King?term=hall+of+the+bloo&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Halls of the Blood King</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">DriveThruRPG is currently having GM's Day Sale click <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/rpg_gmsday.php?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the deals.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-77092962826049847252020-12-16T18:13:00.007-05:002020-12-16T18:17:01.200-05:00Review of The Temple of the Blood Moth<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Temple of the Blood Moth</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>By Jacob Butcher</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Edited by Skerples</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YywFQsi9kYaKawGc3s1ifkpCqDR4HbmPPpDNth0yo-bn7NNq4_EgLtZN25LXqbnB5Pwk0smds8XRaH4a-uldZPJF0IfM_Ju8Er790iQ8IRVhGLqzMRqZgQWhdBmCs0I0INDdhAZ26lSi/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="540" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YywFQsi9kYaKawGc3s1ifkpCqDR4HbmPPpDNth0yo-bn7NNq4_EgLtZN25LXqbnB5Pwk0smds8XRaH4a-uldZPJF0IfM_Ju8Er790iQ8IRVhGLqzMRqZgQWhdBmCs0I0INDdhAZ26lSi/w286-h443/image.png" width="286" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you want a bit more science in your fantasy The Temple of the Blood Moth by Jacob Butcher is a great place to start at the price point. This 24-page, black and white module is a perfect short adventure for an extended session at a convention or a 2-4 nights delve for your weekly game. The book is designed to work with your standard OSR games, like <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?term=old+school+es&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Old School Essentials</a>, but could easily be converted to 5e with little problem. It is considered a “hard” adventure for levels 1-3 and “moderate” difficulty for levels 4-5. The layout of the book conforms to the 2-page spread motif that is popular right now. This makes for easy use at the table whether in physical form or on a PDF reader. The art and maps of the books matches the tone, which is an eerie and grotesque mutation of a common D&D type temple adventure. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>According to the zine you will find, “Inside you’ll find Monsters, original Spells, new Magic Items, and three Random Tables for Mutations, Revelations, and Madness” and it is true. The adventure has plenty of cosmic-style horror with a healthy side of body-horror. The basic premise of the plot, without spoiling the adventure is that zealots are kidnapping people for sacrifice to their abomination of a god, The Blood Moth. If you put this into your existing campaign world just know it could forever change it with the ramifications of the story. Also, the PCs can go through some intense, will say “changes”, over the course of play. This adventure is not for the faint of heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> The adventure is provided with several hooks to get the PCs started, in general they mostly revolve around the players finding an abandoned town with tracks leading to the temple. This leaves a lot of room for interpretation or hacking. One option given is to have the players wake up in the temple, taken as prisoners and working their way out. This would be a good option for convention play in my assessment.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WTGXT4AqPsFPf_eqDxc2IK9EyQhZ0YDTuHFRZlG-wFze2oiWt-OGHPYd0TZc5y7ZvPhpxnr5BYYPiwWKoZmmce4LxLE9abBdn7sbzi-dzZeYVozBffj9bJZvfk1ylGueIFsGW86Ee47d/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="210" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WTGXT4AqPsFPf_eqDxc2IK9EyQhZ0YDTuHFRZlG-wFze2oiWt-OGHPYd0TZc5y7ZvPhpxnr5BYYPiwWKoZmmce4LxLE9abBdn7sbzi-dzZeYVozBffj9bJZvfk1ylGueIFsGW86Ee47d/w313-h312/image.png" width="313" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One of the features that I like a lot was an escalating random encounter chart. The chart goes from one to twelve with the challenges being greater the higher the number rolled. Surface level encounters roll a d6 and the deeper you go the die grows to a d8, d10, and then 2d6. I am sure this has been used before, but this is the first time that I have seen it, so I was impressed. It comes with several handy random charts and a few new spells that fit the theme of the zine overall. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I think this is a great zine for the $5 pdf price point. Is it perfect, no. It has some issues with the many of the combatants having the Sleep spell, some of the damage by the new creatures is a bit intense, and without modification the BBG is going to be rarely seen in any adventure. All these issues are significantly outweighed by the other quality bits you receive inside with a cool setting and theme. You can smooth out the rough edges with just a minor amount of work. It is a strong recommendation from this blogger, check it out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to buy <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/282346/The-Temple-of-the-Blood-Moth?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">The Temple of the Blood Moth</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-11649275062318628272020-10-07T15:29:00.000-04:002020-10-07T15:34:44.227-04:00Faux-Adversarial Dungeon Master<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF628clKbe-gooUXzqpykOUH-lp3sqwb98zC8eYdama1F27ob1-1uTps03Yk6twwphWaCpXrdXj12sJQLTogeHaxIBOCCEV9CgOkSFvx150DPGrEa-xIZKo3TabsXo5_Q6Lff2D-8ds-6U/s550/dm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="550" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF628clKbe-gooUXzqpykOUH-lp3sqwb98zC8eYdama1F27ob1-1uTps03Yk6twwphWaCpXrdXj12sJQLTogeHaxIBOCCEV9CgOkSFvx150DPGrEa-xIZKo3TabsXo5_Q6Lff2D-8ds-6U/w388-h388/dm.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="rtw-pin-container" id="rtw-pin-container"><div class="rtw-pin"><div class="rtw-pin-top"></div><div class="rtw-pin-bottom"></div></div></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> I have seen many a discussion on Facebook groups, YouTube,
and Blogs that there are different styles of being a Dungeon Master. One style
that is often looked upon negatively is the Adversarial Dungeon Master. This is
a Dungeon Master that feels they are in competition with the players and one of
their objectives is to “beat the players” often resulting in a total party
kill. It is often stated that the Dungeon Master must be a fan of the
characters and be there as a supporter of the characters. Some with an older
mindset might feel that the Dungeon Master is a neutral arbiter basically
calling “balls and strikes” in the fantasy world that is created. But what if
you project the aura of an Adversarial Dungeon Master, while really supporting
the players in the long run?<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let us
be clear from the get-go that if a Dungeon Master wants to kill a party, they
will have not an ounce of difficultly in doing so. No amount of clever play
will save you or amazing build for a character will survive. If the DM is out
to get you, you are going to die. For all intents and purposes the DM is god in
the game, and that give them the ability to interject deadlier challenges until
the PCs die, they cannot be defeated. I think this fear exists in every player
that the DM at some point could turn against them and it is all over. As
Dungeon Masters, we can use this to make a more exciting game.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We can
take on the mantle of the Faux-Adversarial Dungeon Master. What do I mean by
this? Oftentimes in my game I will state things like, “Oh, you are going to die
now.” Or maybe, “I am going to kill your character.” I FULLY have no intention on
doing so, but this makes the player fell there is a viable threat. I become the
makeshift “enemy” and they then become the team that is opposing me. This bonds
them together. When I then make the proclamation, “You guys are not walking
away from this fight!” They have that slight moment of fear, but when they
overcome that obstacle, that the all-powerful DM said they could not win, they feel
like they really accomplished something. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Zjg0EmQ3xTgDBfSwHJa38s-F6CvrT4nHA-KYrURBcCx275qgzeR1FF_gLECN5s6OioKsKG9mjitysujaypMMQYNAPNDDRMF1kavTAeKb3cC00Edhvs_fs6i_KMCHmuNOoAmWUtoLncM/s310/download+%25284%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Zjg0EmQ3xTgDBfSwHJa38s-F6CvrT4nHA-KYrURBcCx275qgzeR1FF_gLECN5s6OioKsKG9mjitysujaypMMQYNAPNDDRMF1kavTAeKb3cC00Edhvs_fs6i_KMCHmuNOoAmWUtoLncM/w430-h226/download+%25284%2529.jpg" width="430" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Give the players this look and make them think twice.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I first
noticed this phenomenon when I was playing dungeon crawl-like board games that
have a competitive edge to the game. I am talking about games like HeroQuest,
Star Wars: Imperial Assault, and Descent. These games mimic the Dungeon Master and
player relationship of an RPG, but the difference is that the Dungeon Master is
on their own side and out to win. In these games I was almost always the DM
figure role. I noticed that players started calling me names, like “Dirty
Imperial Scum” or “Bastard Sorcerer”. I became the personification of their
enemy in the game because I was it. I was there to try and win, because if I
won, I got cool stuff in the game too. This led to me playing hard to win and
really pushing the players if they wanted to win. I remember playing Imperial Assault
and I won the first 3 missions; I was killing it. The fourth mission they
managed to win with only one character left on the board. The Rebel players
literally jumped out of their seats they were so excited. High fiving each
other and rubbing it in my face.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
difference between these two situations though is that the power of the Dungeon
Master role in the board games is limited by the rules. The power that is
afforded a Dungeon Master in an RPG is virtually unlimited. The idea of the
board game is that it is an equal playing field between the two groups whereas in
a traditional RPG there is a clear imbalance in the way the power dynamic is
structured. Thus, some kid gloves need to be applied. You cannot use this tactic
when the players are already almost down and out. You cannot use this tactic on
a player that has already had a string of terrible luck. You can use this
tactic when the players are fully rested and ready-to-go. You can use this
tactic when the players have a string of good luck. A basic guideline is to not
pile-on the player or group but antagonize them a bit when they feel superior
or immune from harm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtB-sVVvIMF6tVohi3x89j2cAeZVYPaqsgOKplODaVh3bvwFZTFR-aSMqIm2rHDrhgUni4FoKh_eOqfiyiny78IbVmGHTwX3sNW7A0T9mKKuooSHAxQOgzMtutgxF90N_e5itQowU6lt4/s640/rocksfall.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtB-sVVvIMF6tVohi3x89j2cAeZVYPaqsgOKplODaVh3bvwFZTFR-aSMqIm2rHDrhgUni4FoKh_eOqfiyiny78IbVmGHTwX3sNW7A0T9mKKuooSHAxQOgzMtutgxF90N_e5itQowU6lt4/s320/rocksfall.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bottom line
is that I want my players to be successful and I want their characters to do
well and grow. I do not want it to be easy for them, because the struggle is
the fun. I want my players to have ups and downs, but always feel like their
character’s life could be in danger. If I must tease them a bit to make the win
feel good, I will. Remember that a dramatic statement like, “I going after you,
because I want you to die,” and a roll to hit out from behind the DM’s screen
will add tons of tension to the game. Push on your players a bit, but do not
push too hard.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-87199230773653922252020-10-07T10:15:00.002-04:002020-10-07T10:15:13.336-04:00Old School Essentials (OSE) - Barrowmaze/Stonehell #5 on YouTube<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnFocmrNUEs2MClox5agh5CWZs4tfpXYvY50aBwMzXvRHdTRnab2plNpc23md-ReIq_Nb7c_OXusHlt6BWoWTr1zoWEpuFxz7ZEx0TId5fv8uefnlbTk-1uYMMpeI4K3M7snhdGBtVxPs/s497/1mqkznnv-front-shortedge-384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="384" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnFocmrNUEs2MClox5agh5CWZs4tfpXYvY50aBwMzXvRHdTRnab2plNpc23md-ReIq_Nb7c_OXusHlt6BWoWTr1zoWEpuFxz7ZEx0TId5fv8uefnlbTk-1uYMMpeI4K3M7snhdGBtVxPs/w336-h435/1mqkznnv-front-shortedge-384.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> This week the party travels back to Stonehell and clears out the old gatehouse. They have a pretty comical run in with goblins and a a not-so comical run in with Stirges. I hope you are enjoying the series.</span><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uxVa96TUcYE" width="320" youtube-src-id="uxVa96TUcYE"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Some are reporting not being able to see the videos above (Especially on mobile devices), if so, here is a direct link to the channel. Click </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA?view_as=subscriber" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">My Twitch channel for live videos is <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/doctorduckbutter" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-68517388354352679952020-09-29T10:26:00.009-04:002020-09-29T11:07:58.981-04:00Lessons On Using Roll20 - Tokens & Websites<p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPE8J9tFa8pgwtvOaFOWWukxFCy7WM28c8SwjRJafVgQAGdTiCcL7W4DcH4UAup3FIcIhNPZXvl6n7Dj32tmN7mRu0e56fU2UJHlYGdXCvTGxAUkEhDzxVFAC278owgqgUd_t1oia-zpuX/s640/8029139755_71926ae325_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPE8J9tFa8pgwtvOaFOWWukxFCy7WM28c8SwjRJafVgQAGdTiCcL7W4DcH4UAup3FIcIhNPZXvl6n7Dj32tmN7mRu0e56fU2UJHlYGdXCvTGxAUkEhDzxVFAC278owgqgUd_t1oia-zpuX/s320/8029139755_71926ae325_z.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> <span face="Calibri, sans-serif">After
I posted the first video on setting up a Roll20 game and using the character
sheet, I had plenty of people wanting to know how I created tokens in my games.
This video goes over token creation and implementation on Roll20. The video
also covers some of the websites I use in my <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Barrowmaze</a>/<a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/michael-curtis/stonehell-dungeon-into-the-heart-of-hell/paperback/product-1mqkznnv.html" target="_blank">Stonehell</a> game. These
cover the Barrowmaze random tables page and the <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Old School Essentials</a> SRD
website. I hope people are enjoying and getting use out of the videos and if
they have something they want to know about, please let me know in the
comments.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z4aYWzrwF-8" width="320" youtube-src-id="Z4aYWzrwF-8"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><p style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">If you are having problems viewing the video (happens with mobile users) here is a direct link to the YouTube channel. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><br /></p><p>Lesson #1 on Basics in Roll20 and the Character Sheet is <a href="https://thac0rpg.blogspot.com/2020/09/lessons-on-using-roll20-character-sheet.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p style="font-size: medium;"><br /></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">My Twitch channel for live videos is <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/doctorduckbutter" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></p></span><p></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-10872535677502501582020-09-28T11:18:00.013-04:002020-09-28T13:14:54.886-04:00Why Rolling to Cast is a Bad Idea<p><span style="font-size: large;"> This article is really in response to Professor Dungeon
Master and his video(s) where he professes to like random results for casting
spells. Let me be clear here first, I love the Dungeon Craft YouTube videos and
I love the FB group. I have stolen many of the Professor’s ideas and agree with
him about 90% of the time, but I must break from him on this subject. This
video also runs in complete opposition to the magic system that is used in
<a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/101050/Dungeon-Crawl-Classics-RPG-DCC-RPG?src=hottest_filtered&affiliate_id=230285">Dungeon Crawl Classics</a>. I love DCC’s style and I think their approach is wild.
I like many of their adventures, but I will not be running any straight DCC
anytime soon. The game, for me, is a bit too random. Though if that is your
thing, more power to you.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fILuGpWssHbC1Sbs78JFAfItBxPhaddpKH9M4Ilruvit6kfNtSfCr0LM3LcuYmBQpucVsjhZ4b6-jqSYPcxzlDa0SHGChqBm2CdTym4QVTW5Bb-fbwU_ibyf3PwkyjSNwee3xLkeemaI/s290/download+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fILuGpWssHbC1Sbs78JFAfItBxPhaddpKH9M4Ilruvit6kfNtSfCr0LM3LcuYmBQpucVsjhZ4b6-jqSYPcxzlDa0SHGChqBm2CdTym4QVTW5Bb-fbwU_ibyf3PwkyjSNwee3xLkeemaI/w430-h258/download+%25282%2529.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DCCs art is rad.</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I brief
synopsis of what I call “random” casting (or rolling to cast) is when a wizard/cleric casts a spell
the player rolls a d20 to see if it is successful or not. Spells in this type
of setting are not automatic (though I would argue that they are not automatic
in classic D&D either). Depending on the d20 roll you can have about four
outcomes. The spell goes off normally, the spell fails, the spell critically succeeds,
the spell critically fails. The other bonus to this system is that spells can
be cast an unlimited amount of times, but there is always a chance that the
spell will backfire. I am sure that I am underselling the system a bit, but I
think this is an accurate rough outline of how this system works.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6HOFGk3QCM8" width="320" youtube-src-id="6HOFGk3QCM8"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here is the video with his house rules. I agree with many, but not "Roll to Cast".</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here
are some of the reasons that I think this is not the best system to use. These
opinions are coming from a classic D&D OSE/OSR perspective, so please keep
that in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>1 – It is already tough being a low-level caster</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
been running <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?affiliate_id=230285">OSE</a>/OSR now hardcore for about the last years and the biggest pile
of dead heroes that I have is wizards. In my opinion they have the highest bar
to cross as far as gaining levels, with the least going for them. They have bad
ACs, they cannot use weapons, they have low hit points, and the list keeps going.
The one thing they do have is a spell that possibly can turn the tide of battle
once a day. Clerics are similar in that they have earn an entire level before
even getting a spell and (odds are) that spell will be crucial in keeping
another character alive. I just do not see the reason for having the one thing
that makes both the classes unique fail or go catastrophically horrible. Why
would people then really want to play these classes? The wizard sits back
biding his moment and does little in the combats of the night. The Ogre rounds
the corner, the party looks at towards the wizard and the wizard grins. He chants
his magic as his eyes glow and casts Sleep. He then rolls a 1 and puts his
entire party to Sleep and gets his head caved in by the Ogre. Fun times. They
get one thing, let that thing be reliable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>2 – Unlimited casting is not a good option either</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I can
hear the comments now, just allow the casters to cast unlimited spells with a
risk and that solves everything. I am currently playing in a Microlite20 game
where my character can cast not unlimited, but quite a few spells compared to his
OSE counterpart. I can drop Sleep like it is nobody’s business. This makes
fights boring for the other party members. Since I can cast it roughly 10
times, we can navigate most of a dungeon without many combats. I go out of my
way to not cast it because I want other party members have a chance to shine.
When you can cast that many spells at low level, even with the chance of
failure, it can reduce the dramatic tension of a session a lot. Combat, Sleep,
Bash, Next, Combat, Sleep, Bash, Next, Etc. Spells as a limited resource is a
good thing and even plays into the fiction well. The wizard is tiring and
cannot produce more magic, the cleric is desperate, and their faith is wavering.
While I believe low-level casters, especially wizards, need a few more spells,
unlimited spell casting just does not seem to fix this problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X3qt05GGYWQd8TIQYhraPAnCsfOxcjPjLBngm9KRMydaqMOQrYnEQ3XC9HwVptNrE4rLh34BSgzOXAAce3ljKjpWIqoG2O4Ib_1Ju3bAn2S_Cwswv4zI-P5p4zYfxWYiq3R5tzDIWkpa/s475/9780786911486-us.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X3qt05GGYWQd8TIQYhraPAnCsfOxcjPjLBngm9KRMydaqMOQrYnEQ3XC9HwVptNrE4rLh34BSgzOXAAce3ljKjpWIqoG2O4Ib_1Ju3bAn2S_Cwswv4zI-P5p4zYfxWYiq3R5tzDIWkpa/s320/9780786911486-us.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This supplement does have a critical system for magic if people are interested.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I
said in the beginning, I do not want this to come off as an attack on Dungeon
Craft. I love the channel and respect the Professor. This is just one professor
sharing his opinion on the subject as well. I would highly encourage you to
check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6ERRdXrF2IZ0R888G8PQg" target="_blank">Dungeon Craft as a YouTube station</a> and a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1620296361377654" target="_blank">FB book group</a>, you will not
regret it. I also want to state that I like DCC and Goodman games. I own several products. I encourage people to buy DCC, because even though I do not run it, I have farmed it for many ideas and their adventure modules are some of the best in print now.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7fXyrDgqmoU" width="320" youtube-src-id="7fXyrDgqmoU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is one of my favorite of his videos and rings so true.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have previous blog posts on my thoughts on Wizards and possible ways to improve them at low levels. Check them out <a href="https://thac0rpg.blogspot.com/2019/06/make-wizards-great-again.html">HERE</a> and <a href="https://thac0rpg.blogspot.com/2019/07/make-wizards-great-again-part-ii.html">HERE</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-49479448117617211442020-09-21T14:44:00.006-04:002020-09-23T08:32:23.108-04:00Lessons On Using Roll20 - Character Sheet<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7eQGlb6TJpFs6WZ7igUIIJYXYYst-IVPWpyXwY1dZ1kmM9PZ07nvNb8KXaUEwnK2DZ44f9gKT9B5SlDlLu0Rl6i45H_aesT2EBULnOS1FLYZPDKaMnGgf502c5kmPt7X4CU7o1ru7Eqj/s640/8029139755_71926ae325_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7eQGlb6TJpFs6WZ7igUIIJYXYYst-IVPWpyXwY1dZ1kmM9PZ07nvNb8KXaUEwnK2DZ44f9gKT9B5SlDlLu0Rl6i45H_aesT2EBULnOS1FLYZPDKaMnGgf502c5kmPt7X4CU7o1ru7Eqj/s320/8029139755_71926ae325_z.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> With Covid playing such a large part in the world today and D&D groups not being able able to get together, Roll20 is becoming more of a utility. I had plenty of people ask after watching my videos about Roll20 and some of the ways that I use it. I decided to make a video explaining some of the basics of Roll20 and things I have learned so far. This video focuses mainly on setting up a game for <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?affiliate_id=230285">Old School Essentials</a> (or any of the games in the BX umbrella) and how to use the character sheet. The sheet that was built for Roll20 is amazing and really does do a lot of the heavy lifting for both players and the DM. I hope you enjoy the video and learn a thing or two along the way.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_DnVMHArFJY" width="320" youtube-src-id="_DnVMHArFJY"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><p style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">Some are reporting not being able to see the videos above, if so, here is a direct link to the YouTube channel. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><br /></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">My Twitch channel for live videos is <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/doctorduckbutter" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></p><p style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></p></span></div>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-54723611398057492362020-09-15T10:26:00.025-04:002020-09-15T12:27:45.270-04:00Stonehell - A Megadungeon for the DM on a Budget<p> </p> <span style="font-size: large;"> Stonehell is one of the neo-classic OSR megadungeons that I am currently running on Roll20. This has given me ample time to study the book(s) and see how I am planning on implementing it into my current shared universe. I am trying to weave both Stonehell and <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285">Barrowmaze</a> together into one grand cohesive area and it think it will go over well. I have already reviewed <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285">Barrowmaze</a> and I gave it quite the kudos for its quality and abundance of play material. Stonehell and <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285">Barrowmaze</a> are similar and vastly different in many ways. I believe with both games you are getting some amazing products, but the devil is in the details on both.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSK-JyktMgzlsTgtnEqzknXhoemxB39qlvtAaNIT8z9Gd6xFPfRkWog4DjY8A5B5ds5_8t36TkKdf8iVfdhdJRvGXgSkv0xWXVtfimgbieyLZTVMo95-qv7swYDmx6hp0Z3YlpSqES8Y6/s319/41VDvCfbAsL._SX244_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="246" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSK-JyktMgzlsTgtnEqzknXhoemxB39qlvtAaNIT8z9Gd6xFPfRkWog4DjY8A5B5ds5_8t36TkKdf8iVfdhdJRvGXgSkv0xWXVtfimgbieyLZTVMo95-qv7swYDmx6hp0Z3YlpSqES8Y6/w385-h499/41VDvCfbAsL._SX244_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="385" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What is Stonehell?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stonehell is a megadungeon that has been constructed in a clever manner. It was designed for Labyrinth Lord Revised, so that means it is easily compatible with all TSR/OSR products, like <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?affiliate_id=230285">Old School Essentials</a>. All dungeon levels are made up of four separate smaller dungeons that when combined make a super level. Each of the areas has its own flavor and its own unique traps and denizens, but the game has some lovely theme going on here. The full dungeon is separated into two books, basically the first 5 levels, and the last 5 levels. As the dungeons go deeper, they get not only more dangerous, but more and more unusual. There are some gonzo things that can be thrust upon the players, and the survivability of the dungeon is grueling. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Stonehell in the fiction was a social experiment gone wrong. It was designed to be a prison that the prisoners dug for themselves. Eventually the prison became filled with so many people, it took on a life of its own. The prisoners dug deeper to escape the prying eye of guards and rules and set up mini-domains in the dungeon’s depths. Eventually the prison was liberated, but many decided to stay, and many were driven so mad by their time they had no choice but to stay. Time has passed and it is now the gathering place for many a strange group of people and humanoids. If I had to give it a feel from a video game, I might suggest Bioshock.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> There is an overall thread/plot happening in the dungeon, in fact, besides the main plot there are a bunch of mini-plots that can be latched onto as well. The players can slowly over time see the danger Stonehell presents and choose to stop it, or just steal its riches and run far away. I find the plot to be interesting and quite fun, but I am not going to spoil it here, buy the books and find out. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKWvkJapIWz2PBl4cDaJsfSCCWhvgTUj_YMs8Y9jVLl432J5YX6zDb7eIJ7ddeQWi7kmeQmXXGwVnIRHFaJds3WxJwchcrhx1Dvbbw2aOcIQr8-T4h2qjP3wFSo4nt5CWL-yfhsoqspte/s485/Capture1.PNG.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKWvkJapIWz2PBl4cDaJsfSCCWhvgTUj_YMs8Y9jVLl432J5YX6zDb7eIJ7ddeQWi7kmeQmXXGwVnIRHFaJds3WxJwchcrhx1Dvbbw2aOcIQr8-T4h2qjP3wFSo4nt5CWL-yfhsoqspte/s320/Capture1.PNG.PNG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section would be 1/4th of a level in a dungeon.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Good and the Bad</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I think the biggest feature you receive with Stonehell is a lot of bang for your buck. For people that were turned off at the price tag of <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285">Barrowmaze</a>, this is a much easier pill to swallow. The first book, Down Night-Haunted Halls, is $13 for a printed copy. The second book, Into the Heart of Hell, will run you $18 for a printed copy. You get roughly 40 dungeons for $31 which is an amazing deal. The print quality is good for the price and comes in a black and white paperback format. I love the fact that I can just take a small chunk out of these books and make my own dungeon out of it. In fact, you do not need to run Stonehell itself for this to be useful. Want to throw your players into a snake cults ancient temple? There is a dungeon for that. Want to have a dungeon out-of-time? There is a dungeon for that. Want to have a lair of trolls? There is a dungeon for that. It is a grab bag full of goodness.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The thing people might not like about this dungeon is that there are not a lot of bells and whistles as far as production value. The book is straight forward and does not have a lot of amazing art or a town with which to venture from into Stonehell. You get a basic background and a plot thread, then it is straight into the meat of the project. Not a lot of frills to go with it, but in general it is not needed for many DMs. I connected this adventure to <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285">Barrowmaze</a> and now Bogtown is the base of operations for going into Stonehell, simple and effective. We all have a “base camp town” in our back pocket we can use for an adventure like this. Whether is a Keep on the Borderlands or a Village named Hommlet, it is easy to get around this perceived negative. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPASzBtOIjhuOuGdXXB8YH8zN6Z4T6tcjRVPdaXqKcyJ8wtp-I1yl5n-m0ZW4QfbhFIEMtv05HBK_72C6ubtcWNb9-2iqIkACdiurc710_Z2QYPbFz2zGuweybeRnZLpf9_B8HLQEq-5y/s497/1mqkznnv-front-shortedge-384.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="384" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPASzBtOIjhuOuGdXXB8YH8zN6Z4T6tcjRVPdaXqKcyJ8wtp-I1yl5n-m0ZW4QfbhFIEMtv05HBK_72C6ubtcWNb9-2iqIkACdiurc710_Z2QYPbFz2zGuweybeRnZLpf9_B8HLQEq-5y/w386-h500/1mqkznnv-front-shortedge-384.jpg" width="386" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Overall, you are not going to get a much better dungeon for the price. This product is for the thrifty DM, that does not want a lot of extras, but a lot of meat. I think comparing it to <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285">Barrowmaze</a> is fair and to say they are similar products. Some people will want the car with a lot of extras and a shiny coat of paint. Some people will want an affordable car that certainly gets the job done. Let’s face it, many of us will want them both! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are you lacking a town to run Stonehell out of? Try Niklas Wistedt's free town <a href="https://www.wistedt.net/2020/08/30/welcome-to-fourtower-bridge/">HERE</a>.</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">You can check out my full review of <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Barrowmaze</a> by clicking <a href="https://thac0rpg.blogspot.com/2020/03/why-i-finally-decided-to-purchase.html">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You can purchase Stonehell <a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/michael-curtis/stonehell-dungeon-into-the-heart-of-hell/paperback/product-1mqkznnv.html">HERE</a>.</span></p><p><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in; white-space: pre;">.</span><span style="font-size: x-large; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><div><br /></div>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-49696650061298290082020-09-10T12:31:00.003-04:002020-09-10T21:39:16.433-04:00Old School Essentials (OSE) - Barrowmaze #3 and Stonehell #1 on YouTube<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW3bPeljrHjpiZXpf1qZ6xurbg1ekYPRTZ9IbHAjnwn1SNTAA-zKe76oKlJv0PKVOP3HXnduD1itJanspyyQeoW1VeKkoLEkKjaAdG1K8W6oSWbQdyMrseiXT-D7gvIxofuPqFxAmg7me/s268/images+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="188" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW3bPeljrHjpiZXpf1qZ6xurbg1ekYPRTZ9IbHAjnwn1SNTAA-zKe76oKlJv0PKVOP3HXnduD1itJanspyyQeoW1VeKkoLEkKjaAdG1K8W6oSWbQdyMrseiXT-D7gvIxofuPqFxAmg7me/w368-h524/images+%25281%2529.png" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div> <span><span style="font-size: large;"> This week I am dropping two more videos for my </span><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?affiliate_id=230285" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Old School Essentials</a><span style="font-size: large;"> campaigns. Yes, the plural is correct. I went ahead and added a second game to my </span><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?affiliate_id=230285" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">OSE</a><span style="font-size: large;"> list, this time it is the also infamous Stonehell. I am actually setting the two games in the same area and allowing them to effect one another. I am hoping to base one game out of Helix for </span><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Barrowmaze</a><span style="font-size: large;"> and I am setting up the other to be out of Bogtown for Stonehell. This way, down the line, I might have some crossover in the games and allow players to jump between them. We will see how it goes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Barrowmaze </a>#3</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> This week the Magic-User was not able to show, but the group did manage to make it to the Barrowmoors and open another mound. They were waylaid by a set of zombies and almost did not make it out alive. I did have a GM mess up that I remembered after the game, Zombies always go last in combat. This could have changed things greatly for the party, so I plan to retcon a bit next week and give a special bonus to the group. I hope you enjoy it.<br /></span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rIs8ikUKxJk" width="320" youtube-src-id="rIs8ikUKxJk"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stonehell #1</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This is an interesting situation. I was running a game for this group for about 6 months before the pandemic hit. We have not played since, because honestly I was a bit overwhelmed and also not comfortable with Roll20. This group consists of a Dwarf, a Half-Orc, and a Cleric. All of them are 3rd level and the only "new" character is the Cleric. The Cleric rolled AMAZING stats and was watched by all of us. I use 4d6, drop the lowest, in order and it was something amazing to be seen. I allowed him to carry over half his XP from a previous character that was eaten by goblins. <br /><br /> We had some technical issues and some learning curve with the players that are new to Roll20, but I think the game went smoothly. We got a late start due to having to get are ducks in a row and transferring characters into the Roll20 platform, but that is all before the recording. I am really excited about the Stonehell campaign and I want to see how it compares to Barrowmaze.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d74ZFkGpn0o" width="320" youtube-src-id="d74ZFkGpn0o"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">Some are reporting not being able to see the videos above, if so, here is a direct link to the channel. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">You can check out my full review of <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?site=&manufacturers_id=4249#_=_&affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Barrowmaze</a> by clicking <a href="https://thac0rpg.blogspot.com/2020/03/why-i-finally-decided-to-purchase.html">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">My Twitch channel for live videos is <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/doctorduckbutter" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4294540734219357499.post-20835861737771038612020-09-02T10:02:00.004-04:002020-09-02T14:47:11.273-04:00Old School Essentials - Barrowmaze on YouTube<p> <span style="font-size: large;"> I have started a Twitch/YouTube with my current games. I am running <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/279183/OldSchool-Essentials-Classic-Fantasy-Rules-Tome?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">OSE</a> as the rules and <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Barrowmaze</a> as the setting. The games are being conducted via Roll20 and they are nothing fancy. You see them from my perspective as the DM and you can see many of the resources I use throughout the games. Also, I play in a 5e game with my longtime friends that got me into AD&D when I was about 10. That game I am not running, but I am playing with my friend Mike as the DM. </span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOnPQQ_DSTTV9Gz5miXs0am69l0Zjvz6EPHOvlhYlQ7GiJGytEZTPfbhYiBuyEGFIA-WQpIRxDXnTAaje02hiusqJGCNnbk0K9XzJiv3bRyM96XUDk6YQKXMQ4ZAZMOVmgYn73SELB_mm/s1200/EfaiE7mU4AAjH2R.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="922" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOnPQQ_DSTTV9Gz5miXs0am69l0Zjvz6EPHOvlhYlQ7GiJGytEZTPfbhYiBuyEGFIA-WQpIRxDXnTAaje02hiusqJGCNnbk0K9XzJiv3bRyM96XUDk6YQKXMQ4ZAZMOVmgYn73SELB_mm/s640/EfaiE7mU4AAjH2R.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">Here is episode #1, it was a little bit of a technical mess. We were getting use to the new technology. I have played on Roll20 a decent amount, but running games was a new proposition. We got into the story a bit, but if you want to skip to #2 you will not be too lost.</span></span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WekJ4gxp0jY" width="320" youtube-src-id="WekJ4gxp0jY"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">Here is episode #2 and I feel much better about this one. We get into some real action in the game and you can see how OSE and Barrowmaze really play out. I have run Barrowmaze in person before for about a year and have been running D&D most of my life. I hope I have a least some skill in the area. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iw-d_S8J1eA" width="320" youtube-src-id="iw-d_S8J1eA"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"> As many know, I am a college professor and advisor. I also run a gaming club at the college for students. They were playing in my <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/139762/Barrowmaze-Complete?affiliate_id=230285" target="_blank">Barrowmaze</a> campaign and we are going to try and pick up the game after a 6 month hiatus due to the virus. I plan to merge the games and have what happens in one, effect what happens in the other. We'll see how that works. I plan to let my group in the videos above have a bit more time in the Barrow Mounds before the other group comes back. My students will therefore be on a separate adventure for awhile before heading back to Helix.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">Some are reporting not being able to see the videos above, if so, here is a direct link to the channel. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHEyafEqCnvY5JU2ai8eYA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">You can check out my full review of Barrowmaze by clicking <a href="https://thac0rpg.blogspot.com/2020/03/why-i-finally-decided-to-purchase.html">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;">My Twitch channel for live videos is <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/doctorduckbutter" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><b style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like my work? Follow me on Facebook</b><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/416950248903688/" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cc6600; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;" target="_blank">here</a><span face="" style="background-color: #333333; color: #cccccc; font-size: large; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></p>Ryan Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05403155803696085747noreply@blogger.com4