While investigating a Toad statue, the party is surprised by a relatively small yellow & green toad that had been lurking beneath the thing. I had said nothing more, but two of my Players, knowing my love of Futurama, said, "Do its eyes light up?/Does it start buzzing?", referring to the Hypnotoad from the cartoon. Thing was, it was a Hypnotoad, and so I said, "Yeah, everyone in the room make a Save!" I think they thought I was just going along with their inadvertent suggestion, but I swear, I had "Hypnotoad" written in the room description. Only one PC succumbed to Hypnosis, Xy the Mutant Mastermind. At this cue, the three Froglodyte Mummies hidden in plastered-up niches burst forth, also gaining surprise. These were top-of-the-line Spellcasting Froglodyte Mummies, former Wizards in life, and so in the first two rnd of action, one PC had been Hypnotized, Tarkas was Charmed and made to attack the party, one Mummy managed to cast Mirror Images (2), and the third Mummy cast Darkness, which enclosed both the hypnotized Xy and Quinn (thief) in inky black. Quinn took a cue from his opponents, and downed his Potion of Mirror Images in the dark, stumbling out afterward as three Quinns, two of which promptly disappeared in puffs of smoke as the Mummy in Darkness cast a spread of Magic Missiles at all three of them.* The unfortunate Rose (cleric) took the brunt of fellow PC Tarkas' Charm-fueled attack, and was soon mowed down by the death-dealing Fighter, but not before using a precious charge from her Horn of Valkyrie Summoning. Tarkas then went after the Wizard, Sot Palad, who had used his Potion of Human Control to attempt to take over control of the Charmed fighter, to no effect ("Sure, now I make my Save!"). Borune (cleric) took a Missile from another Mummy, ruining his Spell, as did Sot, but his Shield Spell negated it, allowing his desperation-driven Web to affect... two of the Mummies, as well as Quinn, but not the Charmed Tarkas, Dark Mummy or Xy (also took out the hypnotoad). It was then pointed out that the Hypnotoad could not function w/in the Darkness, so (with some cajoling) it was ruled out, and Xy, still w/in Darkness, engaged his Sonar Mutation, and attacked the Darkened Mummy. (oddly, this one had managed to cast Invisibility on itself, intending to exit the Dark at an advantageous point and attack, but since Xy's Sonar detects only a rough outline, the Mastermind, still in Darkness, didn't even realize his opponent was Invisible!) At this point, a shimmering Amazonian /Nordic Valkyrie appeared, attempting to take out the Mummy who held Tarkas in Charm and somehow managed to fail Save (and Magic resistance!), and was caught in the Web! While various pointless acts of desperation were performed, Quinn used a special property of his magic sword to cut himself free of Webs**, and those others who were Webbed eventually broke loose, the Mirror Image Mummy withered a few limbs with his Undead touch, Sot was reduced to near death by Tarkas in the hallway, and Borune attempted valiantly but unsuccessfully to overbear Tarkas. Quinn, low on HP, but plucky, joined the Valkyrie in beating on the Charm Mummy, as did Xy, who turned his back on his opponent to fire his Gnartian quill pistol at the Charm Mummy as well! (Tarkas on your side is great... but when he switches sides, all that damage the Party so loves becomes a serious threat!) Sot had fled, as did Borune, immediately after reviving the fallen Rose, who took advantage of her foe's Darkness, and hid in it from the other Mummies! Then, the tide turned; Charm Mummy fell, freeing Tarkas, who, along with the now unengaged Valkyrie, and doughty Quinn, finally eliminated the Mirror Images, and soon dispatched the second Mummy. Darkness Mummy, just about to attack the nearby, unsuspecting Rose, also soon fell - Borune had returned and cast Light, and the exposed final Mummy was borne down by everyone with any HP, plus the Valkyrie! Everyone took a deep breath, applied First Aid, and looked around at the carnage... everyone reduced to single-digit HP (Except Tarkas!) and totally depleted of Spells. It was near-perfect. It was at this point I realized I had forgotten the Mummies' Fear aura, and had not made the Party Save vs Fear at the outset!
(best Yakov Smirnov voice) "What a combat!"
Also, Sot Palad became aware of a rattling in his backpack; the Living Dagger of Venom was hungry. In one of those moves that make me love my Group, he took it upon himself to roll a d20 "vs Stupidity" (INT check), and said, "Yeah, I'm stupid enough... I open the box and take out the (unidentified, though certainly poisonous) dagger!" Using it to dispatch an unfortunate Sleeping Froglodyte, he realized that it was a potent weapon indeed, and wisely stowed it again for further examination later. Sometimes... he not so stupid!
MVP candidate: Xy, for exposing himself to near-certain limb Withering in order to do the most profitable action for the Party.
*if ya didn't know, MM is the ideal response to Mirror Images
** the Sword of Free Passage is a short sword +2, allows bearer to cut through Webs in 1rnd, Knock 1/day, and renders him immune to Hold/Paralysis when held
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
LAND OF THE LOST! ('74)
I loved the original Sid & Marty Krofft series when I was a kid... wonder what I'd think of it now? But tell me this link to Geography & Technology of the LOTL doesn't inspire your appetite for Brontoburger!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_of_the_Lost_%281974_TV_series%29_geography_and_technology
Gates, dinosaurs, "undead", hidden subterranean god-creature, crashed spaceship... Sandbox, anyone? The quintessential sandbox - there is no "beyond the borders"! You're going to have to keep track of every single looted Sleestak crossbow bolt, because there is no Town, no Trader Caravans... also, no Hirelings, no Temples (well, one!)... In short, no "support", only what you can scrounge. Gold and gems would hold little value, but any kind of survival tool/aid would be priceless!
I'm DOING this!
Encounter Tables: lots of dinos, of course, giant-sized critters seem to "fit", perhaps a few more monstrous beasties underground, plus the occasional non-native, anything from 60's Surferboy (bad wave, man) to Judge Crater to a cunning Mind Flayer... subtable for determining if they are n00bs or long-term residents
Pylons: the keys to finding a way out, perhaps several or all must be discovered and used toward this end, perhaps each controls a certain aspect of the Land (seismic stability, temporal stasis, gravity, weather...)
Lost Vehicles: crashed WWI biplane, 1990 Jeep Range Rover, Egyptian Galley...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
DEMIHUMANS, THE XP "CAP", and what it means to be HUMAN
I've always hated the idea that demihumans can only reach a certain XP level, esp given their longer lives. Sure, they get nifty abilities like "determine approx depth underground", but is it worth grinding to a halt in all other areas around lvl 8?
My solution when designing "Player Species" for Gnarth was to allow unlimited advancement for all, regardless of Class. But what about the Humans? What makes them "special"? Like everything else on Gnarth, I took a cue from pulpy sci-fi romance and adventure media; The Human Protagonist is always quite adept at Adapting, picks up the necessary skills relevant to the Alien World Quickly, seems extraordinarily Lucky, and proves surprisingly Difficult to Kill! In game terms: Humans receive +10% earned XP, have +1 to all Saves, and add +1HP/lvl to rolled HP. No extraordinary, specific ABILITIES like "Infravision", but rather a few generalized, broadly useful EDGEs!
My solution when designing "Player Species" for Gnarth was to allow unlimited advancement for all, regardless of Class. But what about the Humans? What makes them "special"? Like everything else on Gnarth, I took a cue from pulpy sci-fi romance and adventure media; The Human Protagonist is always quite adept at Adapting, picks up the necessary skills relevant to the Alien World Quickly, seems extraordinarily Lucky, and proves surprisingly Difficult to Kill! In game terms: Humans receive +10% earned XP, have +1 to all Saves, and add +1HP/lvl to rolled HP. No extraordinary, specific ABILITIES like "Infravision", but rather a few generalized, broadly useful EDGEs!
Monday, February 14, 2011
THE GRAND LEGACY OF PROF. HUBERT J. FARNSWORTH
A little re-tooling of this excellent list of inventions makes a gnarly gonzo DungeonStocking/Room Contents/Weird Encounter table... (use link at bottom for details, links w/in table are broken)
(d50)
1.Adolf Hitler Shark
2Albino Shouting Gorillas
3Anti-Pressure Pill
4Atomic Supermen
5Bacterial Spew Chamber
6Bad-Ass Gravity Pump
7Birthing Machine/Reanimator
8Clone-O-Mat
9Colossal Tammy-Tinkle Doll
10Cool-O-Meter
11Dark Matter Afterburner
12Dark Matter Engines
13Death Clock
14Forward Time Machine
15Doomsday Devices
16Electronium Hat
17Electric Frankfurter
18Empathy Chip
19Enlarging Ray/Super-Sizer
20F-Ray
21Fing-Longer
22Mind-Switcher
23Galactic Terminatrix 3000
24Gizmometer
25Killbots
26Makeup for Dogs
27Maternifuge
28Micro-Droid Machine
29Net Suit
30Nose Machine
31Parallel Universe Box
32Planet Express Ship
33Pointy Rock Tied to a Stick
34Q. T. McWhiskers
35Relative Box
36Smell-O-Scope
37Sport-Utility Robot
38Universal Translator
39What-If Machine
2Albino Shouting Gorillas
3Anti-Pressure Pill
4Atomic Supermen
5Bacterial Spew Chamber
6Bad-Ass Gravity Pump
7Birthing Machine/Reanimator
8Clone-O-Mat
9Colossal Tammy-Tinkle Doll
10Cool-O-Meter
11Dark Matter Afterburner
12Dark Matter Engines
13Death Clock
14Forward Time Machine
15Doomsday Devices
16Electronium Hat
17Electric Frankfurter
18Empathy Chip
19Enlarging Ray/Super-Sizer
20F-Ray
21Fing-Longer
22Mind-Switcher
23Galactic Terminatrix 3000
24Gizmometer
25Killbots
26Makeup for Dogs
27Maternifuge
28Micro-Droid Machine
29Net Suit
30Nose Machine
31Parallel Universe Box
32Planet Express Ship
33Pointy Rock Tied to a Stick
34Q. T. McWhiskers
35Relative Box
36Smell-O-Scope
37Sport-Utility Robot
38Universal Translator
39What-If Machine
40 Safety Sphere
42 Doom-proof Platinum Vest
42 Doom-proof Platinum Vest
43 Assorted lengths of wire
44 Universal Robot Controller
45 Scooty-Puff Jr. (or Sr.)
46 Chicken Walker
47 Holophonor
48 Suicide Booth
49 Head Jar
50 Quantum Interphase Bomb
#44-50 are not Farnsworth creations, and were added to increase the list to an even 50 entries. Details for all entries can be found on the Infosphere (except #43)
It is possibly worth noting that the Prof also invented Fast Cars, Beautiful Women, and Trendy Nightspots, all while living in a tiny apartment.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
GROOVY
Found new interest and excitement in my game (that had started to fall by the wayside), largely thanks to:
http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2010/04/master-index-of-freely-available-planet.html
http://carcosa-geoffrey.blogspot.com/
http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.html
http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html
http://www.goblinoidgames.com/spacemen.html
Thank You. I really needed a fresh jump-start, and soon my campaign will gain its own momentum again!
http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2010/04/master-index-of-freely-available-planet.html
http://carcosa-geoffrey.blogspot.com/
http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.html
http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html
http://www.goblinoidgames.com/spacemen.html
Thank You. I really needed a fresh jump-start, and soon my campaign will gain its own momentum again!
PLAYER "SPECIES"
HUMAN/DEMI-HUMAN
TERRAN Either Earthman or Gnarth-born. Have a "general" rather than "specific" evolutionary edge; +1 to all Saves, +10% earned XP, +1 HP/lvl
GNARTIAN Humanoids originally bred from human stock by Snake Men for color-coded ritual sacrifice. Appear mostly human, except for slight webbing of digits, minor cranial ridge, lack of hair (females do have hair on their heads), and coloration. Ultravision 6", +4 Save vs Poison. PCs start with two Hit Dice at first level; one maximum value (as all PCs receive), and one rolled randomly and added to this base. Skin color (d6): yellow, orange, red, green, blue, purple. Eyes (d6 ): emerald, sapphire, ruby, topaz, diamond, onyx. Hair (d6) gold, silver, copper, bronze, black, white
APEMAN Neanderthal-like "cavemen" with simian features, originally brought to Gnarth by Snake Men for use as slaves. STR+2 (% STR available), CON+1, INT-2, CHA -2
NON-HUMANS
REPTILIAN (DEX +1, CHAR -1) Dinosaur/lizardman humanoid, scaly hide (base AC 9). AT by claw(x2)/bite routine for 1d4(x2)/1d6 or BW (as XP lvl)+ one bite/rnd. Infravision 60', Chameleon blending, Suspend Animation/Hibernate for up to 90 days on full stomach, Prehensile tail can carry light objects and possibly manipulate them (could carry a flashlight, but not wield a dagger), Climb Walls (Base 50%, +10%/lvl), Superior sense of smell
INSECTAUR (CON +1, INT -1) Mantis-man humanoid, having six limbs and an exoskeleton (base AC 8). Wide-Angle Vision, surprised only 1 in 8, Back legs allow Jump 10' vertical, 20' ahead, 10' backward, Vibration-detecting antennae, Flexible thorax allows movement on four limbs (MV 15) or only two (MV 12), and rearing up to employ all four forward limbs to manipulate objects, attack, etc. Insectaur limbs are not as large or powerful as a bipeds, requiring two hands to employ primary weapons, such as longswords, which would normally only require one hand. When employing all four frontal limbs, they may attack as follows:
1. 2x/r, with two weapons of size/dam equal to short swords or smaller, or
2. with a two-handed weapon (great sword, polearm) held in all four hands, as XP lvl, or
3. if a Fighter or Thief, standard primary/secondary combo (req. 2 hands to weild the primary) as XP lvl
Note that Insectaurs may not wield two primary weapons simultaneously, and although up to four weapons may be in hand, only two may be used to strike during a rnd. Any hands not wielding weapons may employ a small shield, each granting +1 to AC.
HERBIVOID (STR +1, DEX -1) Sentient, motile, plant-based humanoid, having fibrous exterior (base AC 7), and woody skeleton. SA: Immune to most mind-affecting spells and most poisons, Blunt weapons and constriction do only 1/2 damage, Punch 1x/rnd for 2d4, Resist Fire and Cold at -1 damage/die, Rooting ability during rest period (once/day) Heals damage for 1d6 rather than standard 1d4, and can also Root and Photosynthesize during daylight hours, regenerating 1HP/hr
Note: The body structure of non-human player species does not allow them to utilize normal clothing and armor; Reptilians can employ magic cloaks or robes, but not helms, and generally only wear tunics or loincloths, Insectaurs and Herbivoids do not wear any clothing at all, except a harness or baldric to facilitate carrying items. Each species does produce their own armor; Reptilians fashion Scale mail from armored dino hide, Insectaurs forge breastplates which add to AC, and Herbivoids carve suits of wooden Banded mail, and of course magic examples of these may be acquired while adventuring.
https://docs.google.com/View?id=df6nwzfx_5gx6vnzgb
http://savageafterworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-character-race-insectaur.html
TERRAN Either Earthman or Gnarth-born. Have a "general" rather than "specific" evolutionary edge; +1 to all Saves, +10% earned XP, +1 HP/lvl
GNARTIAN Humanoids originally bred from human stock by Snake Men for color-coded ritual sacrifice. Appear mostly human, except for slight webbing of digits, minor cranial ridge, lack of hair (females do have hair on their heads), and coloration. Ultravision 6", +4 Save vs Poison. PCs start with two Hit Dice at first level; one maximum value (as all PCs receive), and one rolled randomly and added to this base. Skin color (d6): yellow, orange, red, green, blue, purple. Eyes (d6 ): emerald, sapphire, ruby, topaz, diamond, onyx. Hair (d6) gold, silver, copper, bronze, black, white
APEMAN Neanderthal-like "cavemen" with simian features, originally brought to Gnarth by Snake Men for use as slaves. STR+2 (% STR available), CON+1, INT-2, CHA -2
NON-HUMANS
REPTILIAN (DEX +1, CHAR -1) Dinosaur/lizardman humanoid, scaly hide (base AC 9). AT by claw(x2)/bite routine for 1d4(x2)/1d6 or BW (as XP lvl)+ one bite/rnd. Infravision 60', Chameleon blending, Suspend Animation/Hibernate for up to 90 days on full stomach, Prehensile tail can carry light objects and possibly manipulate them (could carry a flashlight, but not wield a dagger), Climb Walls (Base 50%, +10%/lvl), Superior sense of smell
INSECTAUR (CON +1, INT -1) Mantis-man humanoid, having six limbs and an exoskeleton (base AC 8). Wide-Angle Vision, surprised only 1 in 8, Back legs allow Jump 10' vertical, 20' ahead, 10' backward, Vibration-detecting antennae, Flexible thorax allows movement on four limbs (MV 15) or only two (MV 12), and rearing up to employ all four forward limbs to manipulate objects, attack, etc. Insectaur limbs are not as large or powerful as a bipeds, requiring two hands to employ primary weapons, such as longswords, which would normally only require one hand. When employing all four frontal limbs, they may attack as follows:
1. 2x/r, with two weapons of size/dam equal to short swords or smaller, or
2. with a two-handed weapon (great sword, polearm) held in all four hands, as XP lvl, or
3. if a Fighter or Thief, standard primary/secondary combo (req. 2 hands to weild the primary) as XP lvl
Note that Insectaurs may not wield two primary weapons simultaneously, and although up to four weapons may be in hand, only two may be used to strike during a rnd. Any hands not wielding weapons may employ a small shield, each granting +1 to AC.
HERBIVOID (STR +1, DEX -1) Sentient, motile, plant-based humanoid, having fibrous exterior (base AC 7), and woody skeleton. SA: Immune to most mind-affecting spells and most poisons, Blunt weapons and constriction do only 1/2 damage, Punch 1x/rnd for 2d4, Resist Fire and Cold at -1 damage/die, Rooting ability during rest period (once/day) Heals damage for 1d6 rather than standard 1d4, and can also Root and Photosynthesize during daylight hours, regenerating 1HP/hr
Note: The body structure of non-human player species does not allow them to utilize normal clothing and armor; Reptilians can employ magic cloaks or robes, but not helms, and generally only wear tunics or loincloths, Insectaurs and Herbivoids do not wear any clothing at all, except a harness or baldric to facilitate carrying items. Each species does produce their own armor; Reptilians fashion Scale mail from armored dino hide, Insectaurs forge breastplates which add to AC, and Herbivoids carve suits of wooden Banded mail, and of course magic examples of these may be acquired while adventuring.
https://docs.google.com/View?id=df6nwzfx_5gx6vnzgb
http://savageafterworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-character-race-insectaur.html
EARTHMAN ORIGINS (a la Algol)
I love the classic sci-fi device of transporting (modern) humans from Earth to Strange New Worlds, a fun idea also found on both Athanor and Algol, to name only two. Link below to the original tables I stole the idea from!
EARTHMAN ORIGIN TABLE (d24) and the Things They Carry.
01 Archaeological accident &/or curse, has safari helmet
02 Was LARPing in steam tunnels, has aluminum foil hat and dice
03 Is dreaming... maybe? Has any one minor mundane item of choice
04 Out of body experience/Astral Projection, has earplugs and eye-mask
05 Took bad drugs, believes reality is an hallucination, has disposable lighter
06 Bitten by mysterious wolf, has pentacle on palm
07 Was dabbling in Super Science, has calculator watch
08 Unwilling/Willing subject of occult experiment gone right, has faith
09 Unwilling/Willing subject of scientific experiment gone wrong, has vendetta
10 Remembers only a beam of light... has car keys, credit card, and cell phone
11 Stayed up late exploring RPG Blogs on the net, passed out, has beer bottle
12 Abducted by aliens, has repressed memories
13 Was trying to find the lavatory at a Grateful Dead show, has ticket stub
14 Cursed by a filthy street person, still has the 75 cents
15 Deceased and and bodily reincarnated, has embalming scars
16 Was at Stonehenge at the wrong solstice, has worthless quartz crystal
17 Was in a tornado, is accompanied by small dog
18 Was in an seeking the hollow earth, a cryptozoid, or lost city, has machete
19 Lost in a corn maze on Halloween, has costume &/or mask
20 Rock climbing/hiking/kayaking, met with strange cloud, has Swiss army knife
21 Passenger, crew or pilot, sailed into the Bermuda Triangle, has flask of liquor
22 Separated from tour group at the Great Pyramids, has visitor's map
23 Shipwrecked, has a compass and probably a beard
24 Struck or seriously injured and is in a coma, was clutching hospital bill
http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2009/11/post-100-d24-earth-man-on-planet-algol.html
http://swordsofathanor.blogspot.com/
EARTHMAN ORIGIN TABLE (d24) and the Things They Carry.
01 Archaeological accident &/or curse, has safari helmet
02 Was LARPing in steam tunnels, has aluminum foil hat and dice
03 Is dreaming... maybe? Has any one minor mundane item of choice
04 Out of body experience/Astral Projection, has earplugs and eye-mask
05 Took bad drugs, believes reality is an hallucination, has disposable lighter
06 Bitten by mysterious wolf, has pentacle on palm
07 Was dabbling in Super Science, has calculator watch
08 Unwilling/Willing subject of occult experiment gone right, has faith
09 Unwilling/Willing subject of scientific experiment gone wrong, has vendetta
10 Remembers only a beam of light... has car keys, credit card, and cell phone
11 Stayed up late exploring RPG Blogs on the net, passed out, has beer bottle
12 Abducted by aliens, has repressed memories
13 Was trying to find the lavatory at a Grateful Dead show, has ticket stub
14 Cursed by a filthy street person, still has the 75 cents
15 Deceased and and bodily reincarnated, has embalming scars
16 Was at Stonehenge at the wrong solstice, has worthless quartz crystal
17 Was in a tornado, is accompanied by small dog
18 Was in an seeking the hollow earth, a cryptozoid, or lost city, has machete
19 Lost in a corn maze on Halloween, has costume &/or mask
20 Rock climbing/hiking/kayaking, met with strange cloud, has Swiss army knife
21 Passenger, crew or pilot, sailed into the Bermuda Triangle, has flask of liquor
22 Separated from tour group at the Great Pyramids, has visitor's map
23 Shipwrecked, has a compass and probably a beard
24 Struck or seriously injured and is in a coma, was clutching hospital bill
http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2009/11/post-100-d24-earth-man-on-planet-algol.html
http://swordsofathanor.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Temple o' the Toad pt 2
FEB 10, 2011
Both Gorn and Thorax remain in "room 11", lamenting their numerous Withered limbs, the result of a previous encounter with Froglodyte Mummies, sharing Quinn's "Ring of Regenerating (1HP/hr) While you Sleep", which apparently also restores atrophied limbs in lieu of its usual effect.(1limb/day). Thorax's idea!
A new Gnarticle was added to the lexicon when the tarry, coin-encrusted Froglodyte Mummy burst forth from what Tarkus Traptripper termed a "Gnarcophagus"! Rose employed her Silence Spell to great effect, rendering the Spellcasting abilities of the ancient amphibian Mummies useless.
After returning to the "locked, seemingly secure" room 11 for like the fourth time, the party finally decides to investigate the mysterious stone block with undecipherable runes! Xy the Mutant Mastermind used Psychometry to reveal a vision of the block being pivoted aside to reveal a cavity... from which Sot Palad drew forth a Dagger of Venom from a suspiciously-unlocked box, and Failed save vs Spells to avoid plunging it into his chest! Reduced to 2HP, the Wizard chose to immediately place the weapon "back in the box"... not realizing that the Save vs Suicide Stab was written as a one-time occurrence, which only happens the FIRST time a character handles the object! Otherwise, it is a semi-living um... thing, which produces up to 3 doses of Venom/day, doing 3d6 dam, save for 1/2. I had concerns that introducing this weapon would spur the combat-foolhardy mage into ill-advised melee even more often, or that the unscrupulous PCs would pull something like, "Would you trade that Potion for a Magic Dagger? Here, check it out..." However, in typically unpredictable fashion, nothing I anticipated occurred, and this potent, deadly weapon now lies "safe" in a box somewhere in Sot's backpack! Still, its gonna be fun when it gets hungry, and starts rattling around in there!
A second visit to the "Hatchery" room revealed that the strange reptilian egg remains incubating in its nest, and Tarkus once again expressed desire to take it, noting that "and least I could throw it at something", but is once again dissuaded, "at least till we leave the dungeon"
We leave off with the party entering the natural caverns where the natural pool is located, and being confronted by five table-sized Massive Toads...
("Temple of the Toad" is my version of The Fane of St Toad ... but there are so many Frog Gods and God Frogs and such... isn't it also the name of another adventure, or something?)
Both Gorn and Thorax remain in "room 11", lamenting their numerous Withered limbs, the result of a previous encounter with Froglodyte Mummies, sharing Quinn's "Ring of Regenerating (1HP/hr) While you Sleep", which apparently also restores atrophied limbs in lieu of its usual effect.(1limb/day). Thorax's idea!
A new Gnarticle was added to the lexicon when the tarry, coin-encrusted Froglodyte Mummy burst forth from what Tarkus Traptripper termed a "Gnarcophagus"! Rose employed her Silence Spell to great effect, rendering the Spellcasting abilities of the ancient amphibian Mummies useless.
After returning to the "locked, seemingly secure" room 11 for like the fourth time, the party finally decides to investigate the mysterious stone block with undecipherable runes! Xy the Mutant Mastermind used Psychometry to reveal a vision of the block being pivoted aside to reveal a cavity... from which Sot Palad drew forth a Dagger of Venom from a suspiciously-unlocked box, and Failed save vs Spells to avoid plunging it into his chest! Reduced to 2HP, the Wizard chose to immediately place the weapon "back in the box"... not realizing that the Save vs Suicide Stab was written as a one-time occurrence, which only happens the FIRST time a character handles the object! Otherwise, it is a semi-living um... thing, which produces up to 3 doses of Venom/day, doing 3d6 dam, save for 1/2. I had concerns that introducing this weapon would spur the combat-foolhardy mage into ill-advised melee even more often, or that the unscrupulous PCs would pull something like, "Would you trade that Potion for a Magic Dagger? Here, check it out..." However, in typically unpredictable fashion, nothing I anticipated occurred, and this potent, deadly weapon now lies "safe" in a box somewhere in Sot's backpack! Still, its gonna be fun when it gets hungry, and starts rattling around in there!
A second visit to the "Hatchery" room revealed that the strange reptilian egg remains incubating in its nest, and Tarkus once again expressed desire to take it, noting that "and least I could throw it at something", but is once again dissuaded, "at least till we leave the dungeon"
We leave off with the party entering the natural caverns where the natural pool is located, and being confronted by five table-sized Massive Toads...
("Temple of the Toad" is my version of The Fane of St Toad ... but there are so many Frog Gods and God Frogs and such... isn't it also the name of another adventure, or something?)
'WELCOME TO THE WORRRLD OF TOMORRROW!"
Rather than start a brand-new, 1st lvl campaign in my newly designed World of Gnarth, the existing party has been transported from (tradit. mythological/fantasy) Calantos to (futuristic, weird science) Gnarth via a Gate of the Serpent People. Arrive clueless to find a battle raging between a One-Eyed Psionic Giant and a party of (mostly!) Humanoids, are immediately attacked themselves by the Giant, which is dispatched with the aid of the native strangers. The abused survivors take refuge in a Barrow Tomb (?) entrance, but their leader, Gamma Ray Gary, expires from a fatal combination of old age and radiation poisoning. Before departing, the bespectacled, bearded Gary informs the party that they're not in Oz anymore, divides his loot among his alien companions, and gives his Earth Man revolver to the party (along w/20 silver bullets!), and asks that "his boys" be taken on by the Party - both sides heartily agree - and finally requests that the party at some point journey to Og to deliver a deed for some property in the Eternal City to his brother... Irradium-Ray Ernie.
And so, standing atop a set of damp, dank stairs descending to darkness, silhouetted by the light of two moons, we find our intrepid adventures poised on the brink of yet another subterranean (subgnartian?) excursion:
THE CALANTOSI
Sot Palad -wiry and ruthless Wizard, lvl 4, he may only have 1st and 2nd lvl Spells, but his Ring duplicates whichever formulae he memorizes!
Tarkus Traptripper - F5 he's the big guy who opens the doors, covers the retreats, and generally kicks ass in between. Also "checks for traps" by aggressively walking into/over/near, touching/pressing/pulling whatever is likely to do him damage
Borune of Und - confused Cleric of a Fire God, not dealing well with being cut-off from his deity but determined to survive
Rose of Uller - cautiously resigned Cleric, kept generally cheery by her Rose Colored Spectacles. The lone voice of reason
Quinn "The Medicineman/woman" - Wary thief whose skills, and ability to transform into an Owlbear courtesy of the mangy pelt he always wears, have turned the tides on many occasions
THE NEW GUYS
Gorn - a Reptillian fighter with a big axe and an appetite for flesh
Xy - a Green Gnartian whose strange abilities as a Mutant Mastermind are proving most appreciated, particularly his Regeneration, Object Reading, and "Lucky" (auto make any one Save/day)
Thorax - iridescent Insectaur fighter, leaping into melee with a flurry of short swords and shields
also featuring Skully, the Talking Skull, whose Legend Lore and Practical Knowledge had been rendered mostly useless on this unfamiliar planet, but who (which?) has found new purpose in relating the extensive stored knowledge of the recently-departed Gamma Ray Gary, which, to everyone's surprise - even mine - he was able to "download a copy of" when the well-traveled Earthman made his final (?) voyage. (seems this is how Skully arrived at his store of knowledge; he has gained a lifetime of experience from each of his former owners! I dread the day Xy decides to use Object Reading on Skully, and I have to invent a list of departed owners on another planet)
What mind-bending weirdness awaits in the Temple of the Toad?
http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2010/03/planet-algol-artwork-preview-and-robust.
http://shirosrpg.blogspot.com/2009/04/fane-of-st-toad.html
And so, standing atop a set of damp, dank stairs descending to darkness, silhouetted by the light of two moons, we find our intrepid adventures poised on the brink of yet another subterranean (subgnartian?) excursion:
THE CALANTOSI
Sot Palad -wiry and ruthless Wizard, lvl 4, he may only have 1st and 2nd lvl Spells, but his Ring duplicates whichever formulae he memorizes!
Tarkus Traptripper - F5 he's the big guy who opens the doors, covers the retreats, and generally kicks ass in between. Also "checks for traps" by aggressively walking into/over/near, touching/pressing/pulling whatever is likely to do him damage
Borune of Und - confused Cleric of a Fire God, not dealing well with being cut-off from his deity but determined to survive
Rose of Uller - cautiously resigned Cleric, kept generally cheery by her Rose Colored Spectacles. The lone voice of reason
Quinn "The Medicineman/woman" - Wary thief whose skills, and ability to transform into an Owlbear courtesy of the mangy pelt he always wears, have turned the tides on many occasions
THE NEW GUYS
Gorn - a Reptillian fighter with a big axe and an appetite for flesh
Xy - a Green Gnartian whose strange abilities as a Mutant Mastermind are proving most appreciated, particularly his Regeneration, Object Reading, and "Lucky" (auto make any one Save/day)
Thorax - iridescent Insectaur fighter, leaping into melee with a flurry of short swords and shields
also featuring Skully, the Talking Skull, whose Legend Lore and Practical Knowledge had been rendered mostly useless on this unfamiliar planet, but who (which?) has found new purpose in relating the extensive stored knowledge of the recently-departed Gamma Ray Gary, which, to everyone's surprise - even mine - he was able to "download a copy of" when the well-traveled Earthman made his final (?) voyage. (seems this is how Skully arrived at his store of knowledge; he has gained a lifetime of experience from each of his former owners! I dread the day Xy decides to use Object Reading on Skully, and I have to invent a list of departed owners on another planet)
What mind-bending weirdness awaits in the Temple of the Toad?
http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2010/03/planet-algol-artwork-preview-and-robust.
http://shirosrpg.blogspot.com/2009/04/fane-of-st-toad.html
YOUR OWN... PERSONAL... FORCE FIELD
*turn on your tranceiver, I'll make you a believer... just try to touch me!*
If you're gonna crawl across an alien landscape, ya gotta have a personal EFG. Where else are you gonna clip your Raygun, your loincloth? Gnoob!
ENERGY FIELD GENERATORS
Harness/Webgear apparatus with Power Pack (25 ch)
TYPE/CH per TRN/EFFECT
1. Mirror 1 Reflects/Dissipates Lasers
2. Electro 1 20 HP/rnd Shield vs Electric
3. Sonic 2 30' radius Silence
4. Kinetic 3 10 HP/rnd Shield vs Physical
5. Cloak 2 Invisibility
6. Holo 3 Illusory Projection
7. Force 4 30 HP/rnd Shield vs (any) Energy
8. Antigrav 1 Levitate/Feather Fall
9. Antirad 4 Negates Radiation (only)
10. Nullfield 5 Impervious Shield
11. Displacer 1 -2 AC, first AT auto misses
12. Enviro 1 Filters viruses, disease, gas
Figure each has an on/off switch, possibly an input for a larger, backpack Power Pack (50ch)
Also thought it might be cool to have "modular" EFGs; the more-or-less standard basic harness and Power Pack, but with a selector switch (on/off/output A, output B, output ALL) the type of field generated dependent on which type(s) of emitter modules are attached. This could be fun... possibly a harness and emitter module could be found at separate times/locations... a player could be seeking additional new modules to add to his gear... "I'm not messing with this one - he's got four different emitters attached to that thing!"
If you're gonna crawl across an alien landscape, ya gotta have a personal EFG. Where else are you gonna clip your Raygun, your loincloth? Gnoob!
ENERGY FIELD GENERATORS
Harness/Webgear apparatus with Power Pack (25 ch)
TYPE/CH per TRN/EFFECT
1. Mirror 1 Reflects/Dissipates Lasers
2. Electro 1 20 HP/rnd Shield vs Electric
3. Sonic 2 30' radius Silence
4. Kinetic 3 10 HP/rnd Shield vs Physical
5. Cloak 2 Invisibility
6. Holo 3 Illusory Projection
7. Force 4 30 HP/rnd Shield vs (any) Energy
8. Antigrav 1 Levitate/Feather Fall
9. Antirad 4 Negates Radiation (only)
10. Nullfield 5 Impervious Shield
11. Displacer 1 -2 AC, first AT auto misses
12. Enviro 1 Filters viruses, disease, gas
Figure each has an on/off switch, possibly an input for a larger, backpack Power Pack (50ch)
Also thought it might be cool to have "modular" EFGs; the more-or-less standard basic harness and Power Pack, but with a selector switch (on/off/output A, output B, output ALL) the type of field generated dependent on which type(s) of emitter modules are attached. This could be fun... possibly a harness and emitter module could be found at separate times/locations... a player could be seeking additional new modules to add to his gear... "I'm not messing with this one - he's got four different emitters attached to that thing!"
"NEGATE WOUND"
I thought a cool idea for a variant Healing option would be an item or spell that would completely heal any ONE wound received, no dice roll involved. For ex: our hapless PC has run afoul of two sword-thrusts, doing 10HP and 7HP damage, respectively, and also a stray arrow for 3HP. He decides to down his Potion of Wound Negation, which completely heals his worst unhealed wound, and so negates the first sword thrust and he is healed for 10HP. Of course, players will try to hoard this one, but that's what dinosaurs are for.
DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT
HOUSERULE - SPELLCASTING
Wanted an alternate to automatically losing the Spell if struck during casting. These rules allow the possibility of completing the Spell despite being hit, if the Player chooses to take the risk, and also provides for a chance of a more severe penalty to occur...
If caster is struck for damage prior to starting the Spell, the
Spell cannot be cast, but is not lost. If caster is struck after beginning, but prior
to completing a Spell, a save vs Spells may be (Player option) made to determ if casting may be completed (-1/Spell lvl). If failed, the spell is lost, and if the fail result is "1" or less, caster is subject to the Spellcasting Failure Table. Damage greater than 1/2 of the Spellcaster's HP negates the option of saving, Spell is lost, no other effect.
SPELLCASTING CRITICAL FAILURE (d6)
1. Spell attempted affects caster, and possibly others
in area of effect (save, if any, applies)
2. 1d4 additional random Spells memorized also lost
3. Auto Stunned 1d4 rnds
4. Unable to employ Spells for 1d4 trns
5. Unconscious for trns = to lvl of Spell attempted
6. Feebleminded, save -4, permanent until Dispelled, a successful
Save requires a second roll on this table, using a d4
Athanor has the best take on this I've seen, I just wanted something less extensive.
Monday, February 7, 2011
MAGIC RINGS
Like anybody needs another Ring Table, but here's the one I'm using for Gnarth, which incl the classics, some variants, some restrictions and clarifications, and removes those I just didn't like
2. FREE ACTION immune Webs, Holds, Sleep
3. PROTECTION bonus to AC (1 in 10 Displacement +2)
4. WATER WALKING/BREATHING/ACTION
5. WIZARDRY memorize one additional spell of ea lvl
6. SPELL TURNING % as per Dispel Magic at 12th lvl
7. SPEAKING w/ANIMALS
8. SHOCKING TOUCH +1d4 dam by contact, 1/trn
9. ULTRAVISION 12"
10. HASTE*
11. HEALTH immune disease/sickness
12. LONG YEARS age at 1/2 normal rate, immune to unnatural aging
13. HYPNOTISM one sentient creature at any one time, of =/< HD/lvl
14. INVISIBILITY*
15. HEALING as Heal spell *
16. ALERTNESS improved/bonus to Initiative, Surprised 1 in 8, immune to Sleep
17. FEARLESSNESS immune Fear
18. SUSTENANCE need not eat/breathe for # weeks/days = to lvl
19. FREE WILL immune mental influence/control such as Charm, Hypnosis, etc
20. FIRE (or other) RESISTANCE as Scroll
21. TRUTH auto Detects Lies, user unable to lie
22. MAGIC MISSILES 2d4+1 missiles/day, fire up to 3/rnd
23. MAGIC DETECTION* glows if previously undetected magic enters w/in 10'
24. LIGHT & DARKNESS as Light spell, unlimited, plus Darkness 10' rad, 1/day
25. UNSEEN SERVANT 1/day
26. KNOCKING*
27. MIRROR IMAGES* 1d4 images
28. ETHEREALITY 1d4+2 charges
29. POLYMORPHING* 1d4 forms, predetermined &/or selectable
30. NON-DETECTION immune to scrying or detection
31. VENOM NEUTRALIZATION*
31. JUMPING*
32. BURNING HAND*
33. BLESSING* (1 in 10 apllies to 1" radius)
34. LUCK bonus to saves (1 in 10 auto Save, 1/day)
35. BLINKING*
36. FEATHER FALLING
37. TONGUES*
38. TALKING DEAD*
39. SHIELDING as Shield Spell
40. GAINFUL REST regenerate 1HP/hr, while sleeping only
41. COLOR SPRAY*
42. CHANGE SELF*
43. ESP 30’ range
44. WOUND NEGATION* completely heals any one specific wound/strike
45. IDENTIFICATION 10 charges
46. GASEOUS FORM*
47. STRENGTH* STR of 18
48. TRAP DETECTION*
49. ABILITY BONUS adds to Primary Ability, lowest Ability, or specific Ability
50. DM SPECIAL (new Ring, roll twice, etc, possibly limited ch &/or uses)
RINGS (d50) * = up to 10 Charges or 1/Day, Duration (if any), 1 turn
1. FLYING up to 6 trns/day
2. FREE ACTION immune Webs, Holds, Sleep
3. PROTECTION bonus to AC (1 in 10 Displacement +2)
4. WATER WALKING/BREATHING/ACTION
5. WIZARDRY memorize one additional spell of ea lvl
6. SPELL TURNING % as per Dispel Magic at 12th lvl
7. SPEAKING w/ANIMALS
8. SHOCKING TOUCH +1d4 dam by contact, 1/trn
9. ULTRAVISION 12"
10. HASTE*
11. HEALTH immune disease/sickness
12. LONG YEARS age at 1/2 normal rate, immune to unnatural aging
13. HYPNOTISM one sentient creature at any one time, of =/< HD/lvl
14. INVISIBILITY*
15. HEALING as Heal spell *
16. ALERTNESS improved/bonus to Initiative, Surprised 1 in 8, immune to Sleep
17. FEARLESSNESS immune Fear
18. SUSTENANCE need not eat/breathe for # weeks/days = to lvl
19. FREE WILL immune mental influence/control such as Charm, Hypnosis, etc
20. FIRE (or other) RESISTANCE as Scroll
21. TRUTH auto Detects Lies, user unable to lie
22. MAGIC MISSILES 2d4+1 missiles/day, fire up to 3/rnd
23. MAGIC DETECTION* glows if previously undetected magic enters w/in 10'
24. LIGHT & DARKNESS as Light spell, unlimited, plus Darkness 10' rad, 1/day
25. UNSEEN SERVANT 1/day
26. KNOCKING*
27. MIRROR IMAGES* 1d4 images
28. ETHEREALITY 1d4+2 charges
29. POLYMORPHING* 1d4 forms, predetermined &/or selectable
30. NON-DETECTION immune to scrying or detection
31. VENOM NEUTRALIZATION*
31. JUMPING*
32. BURNING HAND*
33. BLESSING* (1 in 10 apllies to 1" radius)
34. LUCK bonus to saves (1 in 10 auto Save, 1/day)
35. BLINKING*
36. FEATHER FALLING
37. TONGUES*
38. TALKING DEAD*
39. SHIELDING as Shield Spell
40. GAINFUL REST regenerate 1HP/hr, while sleeping only
41. COLOR SPRAY*
42. CHANGE SELF*
43. ESP 30’ range
44. WOUND NEGATION* completely heals any one specific wound/strike
45. IDENTIFICATION 10 charges
46. GASEOUS FORM*
47. STRENGTH* STR of 18
48. TRAP DETECTION*
49. ABILITY BONUS adds to Primary Ability, lowest Ability, or specific Ability
50. DM SPECIAL (new Ring, roll twice, etc, possibly limited ch &/or uses)
GNARTIAN "ARTIFACTS"
In my Carcosa/Algol-influenced world of Gnarth, the term "Artifact" is used specifically to refer to polyhedral, psychically controlled magic items. Most need further detailing.
ELDER ARTIFACTS (d24)
Exceptionally powerful magic items of the Elder Species, always in the form of a sphere,
cube, or other polyhedron, though of varying material. Some contain charges, some usable only
by Spellcasters, possible side effects, all very rare. Often hover/float as GNARN stones (many
operate while levitating), and may in fact be large GNARNS. Some Artifacts "bond" with a specific
user, some charged items are Level Variable; # charges = to user's lvl (subtract 1 ch per use,
gain one ch per XP lvl advance), plus 1d10 ch.
1. CUBE O' FORCE Hematite, Projects Energy Fields, 6ch/day, 1 trn dur, Type &
Cost/Trn: 1. Cloak, 2. Hologram/Illusion, 3. Anti-grav, 4. Kinetic (20 HP/r), 5. Force, 6. Nullfield
Cost/Trn: 1. Cloak, 2. Hologram/Illusion, 3. Anti-grav, 4. Kinetic (20 HP/r), 5. Force, 6. Nullfield
2. SPHERE O' ANNIHILATION Ultrablack metallic sphere, creates Antimatter copy which auto
interposes between user and any one attacker, and attacks 1/rnd as user, save vs. Disintegration.
User must save vs INT on d20 ea time used, or Orb floats 10'/rnd random direction for 10+1d10 rnds
3. PYRAMID O' RESURRECTION Smoky crystal "scans" corpse, restores life, removing all BM,
as well as 1d4 GM, no loss of XP, Save vs 1 lvl Drain when first grasped, thereafter has level-
variable ch
4. CUBIC GATE Bronze cube composed of 27 smaller cubes, Allows instantaneous access to
predeterm or previsited site, 1/wk (d6): 1. on Klaatu, 2. on Verrada, 3. on Nikto,* 4. 1000'
Teleport, 5. predeclared Recall Point, 6. Random Location (useable anytime)
5. ORB O' IMPRISONMENT Dull gray stone sphere, effect as Spell, # ch lvl variable, Save for no
effect/no loss of ch, 1/day
6. PRISMATIC PYRAMID Multicolored crystal, Prismatic Sphere 1/wk, Prismatic Spray #ch lvl
variable, Color Spray 1/day
7. SHINING TRAPEZOHEDRON Metallic, Doubles first level spells, increases Spell effects as
if +4 XP lvls, can recall Spells cast, total # Spell lvls/day recalled = to XP lvl
8. ORB O' NULLIFICATION Deep purple stone, No Magic, Mutations, or Energy Devices will
work w/in 100' rad of user, duration/day 1trn/XP lvl
9. OMNISCIENT OCTAHEDRON Pale blue dbl pyramid Answers any question fully, 1/wk, and
allows consult table 1/day/XP lvl with ANY question, will be answered as best as possible from
following possibilities, 1 in 8 uses results in completely random response (d8): 1. As I see it, Yes
2. Signs point to Yes 3. You may Rely on it 4. Ask Again Later (24 hrs) 5. Concentrate and Ask
Again 6. Don't Count on It 7. Sources say No 8. Outlook Bad
10. CELESTIAL STAR Translucent diamond-like twelve-pointed crystal, "Turns" Undead as Cleric
of XP lvl +2, sheds light causing 1d6 dam/rnd to Undead w/in 10', 1 trn/day, 1/day Undead
Disruption beam, 100', save vs Spells
11. CUBIC KEEP Rough, dull white stone, enlarges to impervious 10' cube, Phasedoor 5'x5'
only bearer can activate, 20 cubic foot interior; load it up!
12. ORB of the ALL-SEEING EYE White crystal with floating "eye", total of 3 uses/day, any
effect(s), dur 1 trn; Clairvoyance 100', Find Traps, Detect Magic, Secret/Concealed/Hidden,
Invisibility, Illusion
13. ICOSAHEDRON O' INFLUENCE Multi-colored ceramic, allows "re-roll" of any d20, #ch/day=
to lvl
14. DECAHEDRON O' HEALING White metal, Completely Heals all wounds, 1/day(?)
15. OCTAPLEX O' SUCCESS 24-sided flat yellow stone, allows substitution of d24 for d20 for
self or others w/in 60, 1 ch/day/XP level, max 12/day
16. HYPERCUBIC MAZE Dolm Tesseract, Hypnotizes, and if successful, target can be
commanded to enter extra-dimensional Maze for 1d4 trns
17. GLOBE O' INVULNERABILITY Orange crystal grants constant Minor Globe (unaffected by
spells lvls 1-3) 1/day, Anti-Magic Shell (5' rad) 1/wk
18. DODECAHEDRON O' DOOM Black stone riven with random crimson "cracks", can call down
a Meteor Strike doing 10d10 dam, roll for ea w/100' diam area, 1 use/month,ea drains 1,000 XP
19. THE GRAND RHOMBIC TRIACONTAHEDRON none living know the exact nature/powers of
this 30-sided golden Artifact... some postulate that it is a weapon of inconceivable might,
possibly a Doomsday device designed to extinguish the sun, while others believe it to be an
Omega-13 device which alters/amends the flow of time itself...
20. PYRAMID O' PLAGUES Calls forth the Creeping Doom, a swarm of 101-500 biting/stinging
creepy-crawlies (determ total by 1d4 for # of hundreds, +1d% additional), ea does 1 HP auto
damage, once ea attacks, it dies, first use summons an uncontrolled swarm, attack all w/in 10",
ch = to lvl (w/o addit 1d10ch)
21. RUNIC CUBE Mottled, rough stone, each face can project a Symbol (Discord, Fear, Insanity,
Hopelessness, Pain, Sleep), two uses/day, total
22. DEATH STAR Dark gray six-pointed star, control Undead as Cleric of same XP lvl, beam
drains 1d4 XP lvls, and when these equal 2x bearer's lvl, he transforms into an Undead himself
23. ASTRAL OCTAHEDRON "Appears as a piece of the night sky", allows out-of-body,
"Silver Cord"-style Astral travel, 1/day
24. HENAGONAL SINGULARITY The first person to view this impossible 1-sided thing must
save vs INT (minus 1d4) on a d20, or thereafter be afflicted with a drooling, gibbering form of
Feeblemind, if successful, can call upon the HS to fulfill one Wish, whereupon it collapses in upon
itself and disappears from normal space
Monday, January 31, 2011
INTO THE GREAT WIDE-OPEN
Also a good idea
Few weeks back I forgot to pack my trusty DM screen, and was having difficulty using a loaner, so I cleared my end of the gaming table, set my adventure/map notebook on my lap, and rolled 'em for all to see. The lack of a physical barrier has made a noticeable difference in the game which is difficult to describe, but it seems more of a group effort, as opposed to an "us against that guy with the screen" dynamic. Anyhow, its back in my D&D bag, but now it lies flat on the table. I say, ditch the screen!
However, if you like your screen, here's a 10GP idea for ya: get some of those black spring-steel paper clips, and attach a few to the bottom when setting up. Bigger clips provide a broader base, and the added weight keeps it upright even under the impact of a wildly-flung d30. These will tend to mar the screen over time, but you could prob wrap them with duct tape to provide a cushion between the cardboard and the metal, or maybe sandwich the screen between two additional layers of cardboard before clipping.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
"GNARTH"
THE WORD "GNARTH"
So I started working on this campaign world, and needed to name it. I wanted something simple, no more than one or two syllables, which would be easy to pronounce and would somehow evoke the spirit of a pulp sci fi world, possibly based on the word "Mars". An examination of "Cthulhu mythos celestial bodies" led me to Kynarth, "A mysterious celestial body located past Yuggoth (or Pluto?) on the edge of the solar system," which sounded kinda cool, but I wanted a more original name, without a Wikipedia listing, so I toyed with K'narth, which incl the sci-fi/fantasy vocab cliche of an apostrophe instead of a vowel, which in turn suggested Knarth (with another cliche, the silent consonant!), and I thought of a dungeon I created years ago, the "Maze of Gnar", and I said, yeah... Gnarth! Sounds like a Gnarly version of Mars+Earth, cool! My natives would be called "Gnartians"! To be sure it wasn't already a bargain-bin novel or B-movie, I Wikied "Gnarth", and was asked "Are you sure you didn't mean Garth?" I had my own original name! Or so it seemed...
Halfway through designing Gnarth I was on the Urban Dictionary, and just for giggles I entered the name of my new world, and that's when I realized there really isn't anything new under the sun. Any sun.
GNARTH (buy gnarth mugs, tshirts and magnets) Can mean pretty much anything depending on the context it's used in. "oh man I totally gnarthed that test today."
and there was more... much more...
I'm planning to use all of these in the campaign! The puns will be merciless. Party on, Kane. Party on... Gnarth.
Oh, there's this thing, too. I like it. Needs OSR stats.
So I started working on this campaign world, and needed to name it. I wanted something simple, no more than one or two syllables, which would be easy to pronounce and would somehow evoke the spirit of a pulp sci fi world, possibly based on the word "Mars". An examination of "Cthulhu mythos celestial bodies" led me to Kynarth, "A mysterious celestial body located past Yuggoth (or Pluto?) on the edge of the solar system," which sounded kinda cool, but I wanted a more original name, without a Wikipedia listing, so I toyed with K'narth, which incl the sci-fi/fantasy vocab cliche of an apostrophe instead of a vowel, which in turn suggested Knarth (with another cliche, the silent consonant!), and I thought of a dungeon I created years ago, the "Maze of Gnar", and I said, yeah... Gnarth! Sounds like a Gnarly version of Mars+Earth, cool! My natives would be called "Gnartians"! To be sure it wasn't already a bargain-bin novel or B-movie, I Wikied "Gnarth", and was asked "Are you sure you didn't mean Garth?" I had my own original name! Or so it seemed...
Halfway through designing Gnarth I was on the Urban Dictionary, and just for giggles I entered the name of my new world, and that's when I realized there really isn't anything new under the sun. Any sun.
GNARTH (buy gnarth mugs, tshirts and magnets) Can mean pretty much anything depending on the context it's used in. "oh man I totally gnarthed that test today."
and there was more... much more...
I'm planning to use all of these in the campaign! The puns will be merciless. Party on, Kane. Party on... Gnarth.
Oh, there's this thing, too. I like it. Needs OSR stats.
SUPER-SIMPLE RANDOM BEASTIES
Easy system for producing weird, random-assembly monsters/mutants.
1. BASIC STRUCTURE Determ creature's body structure & appearance by
combining the features of two or more Random Monsters (d6): 1-3 combine two, 4 or 5 combine three, 6 combine four. Select any features you like, get an idea of appearance, attack forms & damage, movement, abilities. Average combined HD and AC. I like to mix AD&D, Gnarth (my own campaign), Gamma World, and Mutant Future
2. APPEARANCE Modify size and outward appearance, if you like. Size is best
left to discretion; most are Large, while a small number are Medium, Huge, or
even Gigantic.
APPEARANCE/EXTERIOR (d6)
1. Hairy (shaggy, matted, patchy, scruffy, dreaddy)
2. Scaly (reptilian, fishy, overlapping, plated)
3. Skin (leathery, wrinkly, warty, lumpy, bumpy)
4. Spiky (bristly, horny)
5. Exoskeleton (carapace; partial or full, "shell")
6. Slimy (covered, oozing, trailing)
3. SPECIAL ABILITIES Add 1-4 Mutations &/0r Attributes of Interest.
Apply any features already selected toward these totals, or tack on additions
ATTRIBUTES OF INTEREST (d50) Detail as you like
1. Displaced; -2 TH, first AT auto miss 26. Bio-luminescent
2. Plant-like feature(s) 27. Prehensile tongue/tail
3. +1d4 HD 28. +1d4 AC
4. Specific Weakness 29. Contagious/Infectious
5. Ability Score/level Drain 30. Changes color to suit mood or blend
6. +1d24 HP 31. +1d4 Save vs Magic or other
7. Increased/Special/Weird Movement 32. Weird fascination with...
8. Detects Invisibility or other 33. Ultravision/Extra sense
9. Duplicates/Splits when hit 34. Corrodes/Dissolves
10. Spell Casting Ability 35. Random spell, 1d4/day
11. STR bonus, +1d4 36. Berserker!
12. Slime producing 37. Acidic Blood
13. Poison (AT, Contact, Ingested) 38. Wounding, Unhealing
14. Immune or Aura - Heat or Cold 39. 1/2 dam from Blunt weapons
15. - Spells, lvls 1-3, or specific 40. Thief Skill (Backstab, CW, MS, HN)
16. - Lasers, other Energy 41. Vampiric, gains HP by AT
17. - Radiation 42. Specific enmity (Wizards, Mutants, etc)
18. - Mental Influence, general/specific 43. Increased rate or # of AT
19. Highly territorial 44. Odd, disturbing, or scary noise
20. Sticky (weapons, etc adhere) 45. Regenerate 1d4/rnd
21. Magic Resistance 46. Damaged by Magic only
22. Vorpal, Amputating, Withering 47. Takes extra damage from ?
23. Detects &/or Dispels Magic 48. Able to employ weaponry
24. Speaks the tongues of men 49. Ability as Magic Potion, 1d4/day
25. Elongated/retractable neck/limbs 50. Pick One or New Idea
1. BASIC STRUCTURE Determ creature's body structure & appearance by
combining the features of two or more Random Monsters (d6): 1-3 combine two, 4 or 5 combine three, 6 combine four. Select any features you like, get an idea of appearance, attack forms & damage, movement, abilities. Average combined HD and AC. I like to mix AD&D, Gnarth (my own campaign), Gamma World, and Mutant Future
2. APPEARANCE Modify size and outward appearance, if you like. Size is best
left to discretion; most are Large, while a small number are Medium, Huge, or
even Gigantic.
APPEARANCE/EXTERIOR (d6)
1. Hairy (shaggy, matted, patchy, scruffy, dreaddy)
2. Scaly (reptilian, fishy, overlapping, plated)
3. Skin (leathery, wrinkly, warty, lumpy, bumpy)
4. Spiky (bristly, horny)
5. Exoskeleton (carapace; partial or full, "shell")
6. Slimy (covered, oozing, trailing)
3. SPECIAL ABILITIES Add 1-4 Mutations &/0r Attributes of Interest.
Apply any features already selected toward these totals, or tack on additions
ATTRIBUTES OF INTEREST (d50) Detail as you like
1. Displaced; -2 TH, first AT auto miss 26. Bio-luminescent
2. Plant-like feature(s) 27. Prehensile tongue/tail
3. +1d4 HD 28. +1d4 AC
4. Specific Weakness 29. Contagious/Infectious
5. Ability Score/level Drain 30. Changes color to suit mood or blend
6. +1d24 HP 31. +1d4 Save vs Magic or other
7. Increased/Special/Weird Movement 32. Weird fascination with...
8. Detects Invisibility or other 33. Ultravision/Extra sense
9. Duplicates/Splits when hit 34. Corrodes/Dissolves
10. Spell Casting Ability 35. Random spell, 1d4/day
11. STR bonus, +1d4 36. Berserker!
12. Slime producing 37. Acidic Blood
13. Poison (AT, Contact, Ingested) 38. Wounding, Unhealing
14. Immune or Aura - Heat or Cold 39. 1/2 dam from Blunt weapons
15. - Spells, lvls 1-3, or specific 40. Thief Skill (Backstab, CW, MS, HN)
16. - Lasers, other Energy 41. Vampiric, gains HP by AT
17. - Radiation 42. Specific enmity (Wizards, Mutants, etc)
18. - Mental Influence, general/specific 43. Increased rate or # of AT
19. Highly territorial 44. Odd, disturbing, or scary noise
20. Sticky (weapons, etc adhere) 45. Regenerate 1d4/rnd
21. Magic Resistance 46. Damaged by Magic only
22. Vorpal, Amputating, Withering 47. Takes extra damage from ?
23. Detects &/or Dispels Magic 48. Able to employ weaponry
24. Speaks the tongues of men 49. Ability as Magic Potion, 1d4/day
25. Elongated/retractable neck/limbs 50. Pick One or New Idea
VIEW ASKEW
"You've got a bit of red on you"
So my buddy Dan inquires about purchasing darts for his Fighter while they're in a town, which was kinda weird, but OK, sure. Next thing I know, his low-lvl Fighter is getting 3AT/rnd, and sure, they are only doing 1-3/1-2 damage, but here's the kicker: cumulative STR bonus! Tarkas has +3 STR bonus, meaning his damage is 4-6/4-5, per dart! With a long bow, albeit at much longer range, he could conceivably do 12 HP dam/rnd, if both arrows strike, while at shorter range, three dart hits (ea at +1!) could more easily deal out 18!So... if your character has a Girdle of Giant Strength, ask about buying some darts next time you're in town!
MAGIC WAND
"Wand of Affixing" an idea stolen from Jack Vance; tap any item, and it can be permanently affixed/joined/bonded to another, as if somehow "glued". Figure a Bend Bars roll or something similar might break this bond. A second tap negates a previous bonding. (1charge/tap) Does NOT work on living creatures... but no one has tried it on an Undead, yet... Current party uses it primarily to "lock" dungeon doors by affixing door to frame, esp. when trying to rest/recoup in a dungeon setting... oddly, no one has yet used it to keep a door permanently OPEN...
Link o' Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magonia_(mythology)
Link o' Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magonia_(mythology)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
RAYGUNS
There are few things more iconic to weird science/space pulp than a strange, sinister raygun! Produced only by highly advanced Alien technology. 100' range (unless noted otherwise), one shot/rnd, power source/ammo is non-standard and unlikely to be replaceable, charges/shots avail as per DM. Require Save vs R/S/W/Raygun rather than rolling an attack to hit on the combat table.
(d30)
1. SHRINK RAY 50% of height/weight per shot, effects either permanent, or reverts at 1" height/day, might just have a Growth Ray selector as well!
2. FOSSILIZER 3" beam, petrifaction, effect permanent
3. NEURAL DISRUPTOR save -2, stuns 1d4 rnds, failed save of "1" causes head to explode!
4. BUG GUN fires swarm of stinging, flying bugs, or clutch of boring worms
5. WEB GUN 30'x20' cone, as Spell
6. SONIC BLASTER 6" cone, effect selectable: 3d6 DAM, Stun 1 rnd, Deafen, or "Brown Noise"
7. MUTATOR roll on Bad Table (possible selector for Good Mutations!), only mutates target on first use, subsequent exposure = 6d6 Radiation dam
8. DEVOLVER as per the Mutation, Devolution, failed save of "1" causes Complete Body Devolution
9. NERVE FIRE causes uncontrollable movement at top speed in random direction
10. BLUE GOO viscous, hardening goo causes Slowing (no save) or complete immobility (failed save), dur 1 trn
11. GINGIFICATION RAY (TELEPORTER) no save (?), safely transported 100" in random direction
12. TRACTOR/REPULSOR BEAM "telekinese" up to, say... 1000 lbs?
13. SICKLY PURPLE DEATH RAY liquifies flesh, leaving only bones, save vs Death Magic, +2
14. FREEZE RAY 3" beam, or cone, selectable, 6d6 Cold damage
15. OXIDIZER (RUST GUN) metal items (not just iron, steel) must save vs Disintegration or rust/flake into dust
16. POLLINATOR (SPORE GUN) range 3", creates 1" radius cloud, effects a s per DM
17. THE DREAD BLACK RAY save at -2, drains one XP lvl/HD per shot
18. BLUE BOLT/BLUE BALL 8d6 Radiation damage, selectable bolt (save -1) or 30' radius ball, save for 1/2 dam
19. RUBBERAY tranforms matter into rubbery substance, save vs Disintegration, does not affect living beings
20. IDIOCY lowers INT to 3, regain 1 pt/day
21. AMNESIA FLASHWAND if save failed, roll d4 and lose: 1 day, 1 week, 1 year, all memory! (also wipes all Spells from memory)
22. METABOLIC REFRAGULATOR/DEFRAGULATOR heal or harm for 10 HP, selectable
23. ANTI-GRAV PULSE "levitates" target 30-60' (1d4+2, times 10), effect ends in 1d4 rnds
24. FUN GUN victim undergoes spastic fit of laughter for 1 trn, -1AC, TH, Dam, Saves, Initiative, cannot speak or cast Spells, no save
25. BUBBLE GUN encases target in Force Field bubble for 1d4 trns
26. CHRONOTRON PROJECTOR target is propelled through time, either backward or forward (selectable), 1d24 hrs (random)
27. BERZOOKA all creatures w/in 3" sphere are simultaneously affected by Haste, and a berserk, murderous rage, and attack closest being
28. REANIMATOR zombifies recently deceased corpses (AC 10, HD&Dam 1/2 original, Always attacks last), dur 24 hrs, Undead save vs Disruption
29. COMBO WEAPON Roll again, and also has secondary, lesser function; auxiliary laser, electric discharge, grenade launcher, motion detector, accuracy scope (-1 save)...
30. LAZY GUN mysterious ancient objects, possibly the creation of an Elder Species. The Lazy Gun is the only weapon known to display a sense of humour, and oddly, weighs three times as much when turned upside down. It is the Ultimate Ray Gun, auto destroying whatever it is fired at, although it can only be fired 1/day, and there is a 1 in 10 chance/use that the user will be drawn through a temporary Black Hole into another reality, while the Lazy Gun Teleports 100-1000 miles away.
DETAILING (d30) roll twice, adds to the fun
1. Brushed Aluminum 2. Gold filigree 3. Hepatizon!
4. Mother o Pearl Inlay 5. Xenowood stock 6. Bronzed
7. Blued 8. Rusty 9. Brightly enameled
10. Brass/Copper fittings 11. Fins 12.Shiny chrome
13. Muzzle nozzle 14. "Radar dish" 15. Indecipherable engraving
16. Scary prongs 17. Bedazzled 18. Transparent casing
19. Scuffed plastic 20. Ceramic 21. Barrel etched w/notches
22. Crystal encrusted 23. Blinking nodes 24. Sparking aperture
25. Buzzes 26. Hummmmms 27. Emits colored smoke puff
28. Ultrablack 29. No barrel 30. Wing It!
http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2009/09/technological-artifacts-ceramic-knife.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazy_gun (haven't read it, yet)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatizon (leave it to Blair at planet Algol; I love his weird details - obviously)
(d30)
1. SHRINK RAY 50% of height/weight per shot, effects either permanent, or reverts at 1" height/day, might just have a Growth Ray selector as well!
2. FOSSILIZER 3" beam, petrifaction, effect permanent
3. NEURAL DISRUPTOR save -2, stuns 1d4 rnds, failed save of "1" causes head to explode!
4. BUG GUN fires swarm of stinging, flying bugs, or clutch of boring worms
5. WEB GUN 30'x20' cone, as Spell
6. SONIC BLASTER 6" cone, effect selectable: 3d6 DAM, Stun 1 rnd, Deafen, or "Brown Noise"
7. MUTATOR roll on Bad Table (possible selector for Good Mutations!), only mutates target on first use, subsequent exposure = 6d6 Radiation dam
8. DEVOLVER as per the Mutation, Devolution, failed save of "1" causes Complete Body Devolution
9. NERVE FIRE causes uncontrollable movement at top speed in random direction
10. BLUE GOO viscous, hardening goo causes Slowing (no save) or complete immobility (failed save), dur 1 trn
11. GINGIFICATION RAY (TELEPORTER) no save (?), safely transported 100" in random direction
12. TRACTOR/REPULSOR BEAM "telekinese" up to, say... 1000 lbs?
13. SICKLY PURPLE DEATH RAY liquifies flesh, leaving only bones, save vs Death Magic, +2
14. FREEZE RAY 3" beam, or cone, selectable, 6d6 Cold damage
15. OXIDIZER (RUST GUN) metal items (not just iron, steel) must save vs Disintegration or rust/flake into dust
16. POLLINATOR (SPORE GUN) range 3", creates 1" radius cloud, effects a s per DM
17. THE DREAD BLACK RAY save at -2, drains one XP lvl/HD per shot
18. BLUE BOLT/BLUE BALL 8d6 Radiation damage, selectable bolt (save -1) or 30' radius ball, save for 1/2 dam
19. RUBBERAY tranforms matter into rubbery substance, save vs Disintegration, does not affect living beings
20. IDIOCY lowers INT to 3, regain 1 pt/day
21. AMNESIA FLASHWAND if save failed, roll d4 and lose: 1 day, 1 week, 1 year, all memory! (also wipes all Spells from memory)
22. METABOLIC REFRAGULATOR/DEFRAGULATOR heal or harm for 10 HP, selectable
23. ANTI-GRAV PULSE "levitates" target 30-60' (1d4+2, times 10), effect ends in 1d4 rnds
24. FUN GUN victim undergoes spastic fit of laughter for 1 trn, -1AC, TH, Dam, Saves, Initiative, cannot speak or cast Spells, no save
25. BUBBLE GUN encases target in Force Field bubble for 1d4 trns
26. CHRONOTRON PROJECTOR target is propelled through time, either backward or forward (selectable), 1d24 hrs (random)
27. BERZOOKA all creatures w/in 3" sphere are simultaneously affected by Haste, and a berserk, murderous rage, and attack closest being
28. REANIMATOR zombifies recently deceased corpses (AC 10, HD&Dam 1/2 original, Always attacks last), dur 24 hrs, Undead save vs Disruption
29. COMBO WEAPON Roll again, and also has secondary, lesser function; auxiliary laser, electric discharge, grenade launcher, motion detector, accuracy scope (-1 save)...
30. LAZY GUN mysterious ancient objects, possibly the creation of an Elder Species. The Lazy Gun is the only weapon known to display a sense of humour, and oddly, weighs three times as much when turned upside down. It is the Ultimate Ray Gun, auto destroying whatever it is fired at, although it can only be fired 1/day, and there is a 1 in 10 chance/use that the user will be drawn through a temporary Black Hole into another reality, while the Lazy Gun Teleports 100-1000 miles away.
DETAILING (d30) roll twice, adds to the fun
1. Brushed Aluminum 2. Gold filigree 3. Hepatizon!
4. Mother o Pearl Inlay 5. Xenowood stock 6. Bronzed
7. Blued 8. Rusty 9. Brightly enameled
10. Brass/Copper fittings 11. Fins 12.Shiny chrome
13. Muzzle nozzle 14. "Radar dish" 15. Indecipherable engraving
16. Scary prongs 17. Bedazzled 18. Transparent casing
19. Scuffed plastic 20. Ceramic 21. Barrel etched w/notches
22. Crystal encrusted 23. Blinking nodes 24. Sparking aperture
25. Buzzes 26. Hummmmms 27. Emits colored smoke puff
28. Ultrablack 29. No barrel 30. Wing It!
http://planetalgol.blogspot.com/2009/09/technological-artifacts-ceramic-knife.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazy_gun (haven't read it, yet)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatizon (leave it to Blair at planet Algol; I love his weird details - obviously)
Monday, January 17, 2011
well... they can't all be gems
Been yoinking ideas from everyone else for a while, figure I should post what few ideas I have! Would love to start with a mind-blower, but like the title says... they're just minor treasures, for the most part.
Other "Attractive" ideas:
MAGNETIC MONSTER-SUMMONING OBELISK Hematite structure effectively immobilizes PCs in metal armor, then acts as beacon to attract local Wandering beasties
HALL OF MAGNETIC SHIELDS Partway through traversing a long hallway adorned with metal shields, the party is attacked by humanoid (or other) monsters rushing in. Just as they prepare to respond, the magnetized shields "turn on", possibly tearing weapons, etc, from their hands and leaving them unarmed! (Save to avoid being disarmed, and also to pry item off of wall-mounted shield) Possibly blink on/off every few rnds; items attached drop to floor, maybe monsters wait for this opportunity to snatch them up, maybe metal-armored PCs w/in 5' must save or get stuck...
MAGNETIC ANTI-PIT Pit opens in ceiling, floor of which is magnetized, and when party passes, everyone in armor gets snatched up. Hopefully the other PCs will be standing directly beneath this pit when the effect suddenly stops a round or two later.
MAGNETIC IRON GOLEMS
As originally conceived, immune to damn near everything but +3 or better weapons, but what if the one fighter with the requisite tool steps up, whacks it for damage, then finds his prized weapon... stuck! I imagine a reaction similar to Fleck in Christmas Story, "Stuck? Stuck! STUCK!!!" Maybe there's a lever on the wall that negates this effect. Possibly healed by electric rather than fire. (I once had an Iron Golem breathe crimson gas which Heated Metal... that was cool.)Other "Attractive" ideas:
MAGNETIC MONSTER-SUMMONING OBELISK Hematite structure effectively immobilizes PCs in metal armor, then acts as beacon to attract local Wandering beasties
HALL OF MAGNETIC SHIELDS Partway through traversing a long hallway adorned with metal shields, the party is attacked by humanoid (or other) monsters rushing in. Just as they prepare to respond, the magnetized shields "turn on", possibly tearing weapons, etc, from their hands and leaving them unarmed! (Save to avoid being disarmed, and also to pry item off of wall-mounted shield) Possibly blink on/off every few rnds; items attached drop to floor, maybe monsters wait for this opportunity to snatch them up, maybe metal-armored PCs w/in 5' must save or get stuck...
MAGNETIC ANTI-PIT Pit opens in ceiling, floor of which is magnetized, and when party passes, everyone in armor gets snatched up. Hopefully the other PCs will be standing directly beneath this pit when the effect suddenly stops a round or two later.
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