From the last post in late June, until now, lots has happened. Ditched my isp and went to cable internet, sort of caved and tried to run a Pathfinder game (that did not work out). Got more writing done on the myriad of projects currently crowding my mind, and I think I finally figured out that I am actually a raving psychotic.
The Pathfinder game died, because what I want, no one can give me. The best I can hope for is to read it in a book. I want intrigue, plans within plans, machinations of princes and kings. Unfortunately, no one I know wants these things, or misunderstands what it is that I'm looking for. I started the Pathfinder game, more just because I wanted to play something, than I was hoping for political intrigue. I killed the Pathfinder game, because it just wasn't fun for me, it was turning into "just another dungeon crawl". Now, I know that using Pathfinder and trying for political intrigue, is like to using a banana to drive a nail (i.e. Can't be done), and that wasn't my intention. I don't think what I am looking for will ever be achievable with any rpg. I haven't figured out how to do it... yet. I will keep trying, and I will make it happen one day.
Recently I have turned my attention to designing a space setting for Savage Worlds. More of a mental exercise, with end results. I'm learning the Savage Worlds system, keeping my brain in a gaming mode, and I'll more than likely end up with some things I can use. I have 3 PC races so far, and 2 NPC races. Though I really want of the NPC races to be a playable PC race, it'll just take some more work. I'm still trying to determine if I want the setting to be gritty hard scifi or more towards the fantastic, like John Carter of mars. It's and ongoing argument with myself, which won't end anytime in the immediate future.
I have the basics written for an rpg I designing, as a way of moving away from the Vancian magic systems so prevalent today. I have the magic system worked out, it's just writing the rest of it that's turning into the real challenge. I might have to figure out a way to make this system a replacement for other games' magic systems, but I may not be that talented. Just have to cross my fingers and hope for the best.
Well... Currently, that's all I can think of to tell you. Hope everyone attending GenCon has a splendid time.
Peace and Happy Gaming.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Random Swamp/Marsh Encounter Table
aaand, because needed to get it done beofore Saturday's game. Here's part 4, the Swamp/Marsh Random Encounter table. Hope it helps some struggling DM/GM out there.
Happy Gaming, Enjoy!
Happy Gaming, Enjoy!
D30 Swamp/Marsh Random
encounter table
1 – Gray Render CR8
2 – Marsh Giant CR8
3 – Medusa CR7
4 – Young Black Dragon – CR7
5 – Dinosaur, Iguanadon CR6
6 – Ahuizotl CR6
7 – Will-o-Wisp CR6
8 – Vodyanoi CR5
9 – Manticore CR5
10 – Large Water Elemental CR5
11 – Voonith CR4
12 – Gray Ooze CR4
13 – Lizard Folk Warband (# App 3-12/1d10+2)
14 – Crocodile CR2
15 – Stirge Swarm (# App 4-40/4d10)
16 – Giant Crab CR2
17 – Giant Frogs (# App 3-8/1d6+2)
18 – Boggard Hunting Party (# App 3-12/1d10+2)
19 – Hydra CR4
20 – Leech Swarm CR4
21 – Basilisk CR5
22 – Green Hag CR5
23 – Ochre Jelly CR5
24 – Shambling Mound CR6
25 – Giant Mosquito CR6
26 – Annis Hag CR6
27 – Chuul CR7
28 – Huge Water Elemental CR7
29 – Giant Slug CR8
30 – Dire Crocodile CR9
Random Hills/Mountains Encounter Table
Welcome to part 3 of the 4 part series of random encounter tables. Today I give to you, Hills and Mountains.
Enjoy and Happy Gaming!
Enjoy and Happy Gaming!
D30 Hills/Mountains Random
Encounter Table
1 – Pukwudgie CR7
2 – Hill Giant CR7
3 – Death Worm CR6
4 – Troll CR5
5 – Large Earth Elemental CR5
6 – Peryton CR4
7 – Yeti CR4
8 - Fire Beetles (# App 7-12/1d6+6)
9 – Gargoyle CR4
10 – Bugbear Warband (# App 7-12/1d6+6)
11 – Giant Vulture CR4
12 – Chupacabra CR3 [Night Encounter]
13 – Medium Earth Elemental CR3
14 – Dire Bat CR2
15 – Hobgoblin Warband (# App 10-24/3d6+6)
16 – Bat Swarm CR2
17 – Giant Eagle CR3
18 – Ogre CR3
19 – Grizzly Bear CR4
20 – Degenerate Drow Raiding Party (# App 4-40/4d10) [Night
Encounter]
21 – Griffon CR4
22 – Ice Troll CR4
23 – Basilisk CR5
24 – Leucrotta CR5
25 – Ettin CR6
26 – Wyvern CR6
27 – Hippogriff (# App 7-12/1d6+6)
28 – Bullette CR7
29 – Chimera CR7
30 – Huge Earth Elemental CR7
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Random Plains encounter table
Continuing on the game prep theme, I present a Plains random encounter table for your consumption. Use it well and Happy gaming.
D30 Random Plains
encounter table
1 – Dinosaur, Ankylosaurus CR6
2 – Herd Animal, Bison CR4 (# App 3-30/3d10)
3 – Rhinoceros CR4
4 – Barghest CR4
5 – Dire Hyena CR3
6 – Cockatrice CR3
7 – Ankheg CR3
8 – Goblin War party (# App 6-16/2d6+4/on Goblin Dog mounts)
9 – Worg Pack CR2 (# App 2-12/2d6)
10 – Herd Animal, Aurochs CR2 (# App 3-30/3d10)
11 – Boar CR2
12 – Giant Bee CR1
13 – Goblin Scout CR1 (Ranger 1)
14 – Small Air Elemental CR1
15 – Ruins (Undead Encounter)
16 – Gnoll Scout CR1
17 – Hyena CR1
18 – Krenshar CR1
19 – Cheetah CR2
20 – Monitor Lizard CR2
21 – Hippogriff CR2
22 – Gnoll War party (# App 2-5/1d4+1/plus 1-2 Hyenas)
23 – Centaur CR3
24 – Medium Air Elemental CR3
25 – Chupacabra CR3 (Night encounter)
26 – Dire Boar CR4
27 – Dinosaur, Pachycephalosaurus CR4
28 – Giant Vulture CR4
29 – Giant Queen Bee CR5
30 – Large Air Elemental CR5
Friday, June 15, 2012
Random Forest Encounter Table
For my new game, I needed a random encounter table for the forest. After much labor intensive research into the Pathfinder Bestiaries, I have come up, with what I think, is a passable table for generating random forest encounters. I present it to the interwebs for general consumption. All monsters on this list are from the Pathfinder Bestiaries 1,2,&3 Enjoy!
D100 Random Forest
Encounter chart
1 – Ancient Graveyard (Undead
encounters)
2 – Giant Owl CR 5
3-4 – Large Earth Elemental
CR 5
5-6 – Leucrotta CR5
7-8 – Giant Stag Beetle CR4
9-10 – Gargoyle CR4
11-12 – Slicer Beetle CR4
13-14 – Forest
Drake CR4
15-16 – Mandragora CR4
17-18 – Dire Ape CR3
19-20 – Assassin Vine CR3
21-22 – Medium Earth
Elemental CR3
23-24 – Ettercap CR3
25-26 – Giant mantis CR3
27-28 – Giant Scorpion CR3
29-30 – Gorilla CR2
31-32 – Leopard CR2
33-34 – Giant Ant CR2
35-36 – Monitor Lizard CR2
37-38 – Worg CR2
39-40 – Krenshar CR1
41-42 – Wolf CR1
43-44 – Giant Spider CR1
45-46 – Small Earth Elemental
CR1
47-48 – Badger (# App
1-6/1d6)
49-50 – Kobolds (# App
3-18/3d6)
51-53 – Tower Ruins
(Necrophidius X2/CR3 each)
54-55 – Goblins (# App 2-12/2d6)
56-57 – Giant Centipede (#
App 2-8/2d4)
58-59 – Fire Beetles (# App
3-6/1d4+2)
60-61 – Yellow Musk Creeper
CR2
62-63 – Sasquatch CR2
64-65 – Garden Ooze CR2
66-67 – Giant Toad CR2
68-69 – Dire Badger CR2
70-71 – Dinosaur, Deinonychus
{Velociraptor} CR3
72-73 – Moss Troll Cr3
74-75 – Giant Black Widow
Spider CR3
76-77 – Giant Whiptail Centipede CR3
78-79 – Dire Wolf CR3
80-81 – Giant Wasp CR3
82-83 – Mimic (Campsite
encounter)
84-85 – Owlbear CR4
86-87 – Tiger CR4
88-89 – Decapus CR4
90 – Giant Dragonfly CR4
91-92 – Peryton CR5
93-94 – Basilisk CR5
95-96 – Cyclops CR5
97-98 – Giant Frilled Lizrd
CR5
99 – Girallon CR6
100 – Pyramid Ruins
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
New game
So I made it about six months, before I caved and decided to run a fantasy game. Just can't find anyone interested in playing anything but D&D. So I'm currently looking for players for a Pathfinder game I'm going to run. Here's the intro...
The Town of Ryln's Reach has asked you and your companions to investigate the rumors of a snake cult being revived in the ancient Temple of Set, a few hours outside of town. Upon your arrival you were beset by mad cultists and strange monsters. You fought bravely, and were finally ready to destroy the temple, when you found you couldn't move! A soft sinister voice came to you from behind the Altar of Set, "I am so very tired of you meddlesome do-gooders, interfering with my plans." Just then a man walks out from behind the altar. He is of slight build, with black hair, and glowing red eyes. He slowly walks towards you and says, "I believe I will let you know what it is like to be in my position, alone and besieged. He flicks his fingers and the world goes black...
When you regain your vision, you are standing at the mouth of a cave, high up on a mountain side. No town or signs of civilization to be seen. Looking inside the cave you see a skeleton lying on the floor, covered in the tattered remnants of a suit of leather armor. Scratched into the stone wall of the cave just above the skeleton is one word... BANISHED.
The Town of Ryln's Reach has asked you and your companions to investigate the rumors of a snake cult being revived in the ancient Temple of Set, a few hours outside of town. Upon your arrival you were beset by mad cultists and strange monsters. You fought bravely, and were finally ready to destroy the temple, when you found you couldn't move! A soft sinister voice came to you from behind the Altar of Set, "I am so very tired of you meddlesome do-gooders, interfering with my plans." Just then a man walks out from behind the altar. He is of slight build, with black hair, and glowing red eyes. He slowly walks towards you and says, "I believe I will let you know what it is like to be in my position, alone and besieged. He flicks his fingers and the world goes black...
When you regain your vision, you are standing at the mouth of a cave, high up on a mountain side. No town or signs of civilization to be seen. Looking inside the cave you see a skeleton lying on the floor, covered in the tattered remnants of a suit of leather armor. Scratched into the stone wall of the cave just above the skeleton is one word... BANISHED.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Geek Cred
It occurred to me this morning, while drinking my coffee, that I have recently made a whole passel of new electronic friends. Some of them I talk to directly, some have orbits that have intersected mine.
For the recent arrivals, I'm going to reveal the sordid tale of my origin...
Sherman, set the wayback machine for 1979. Whereupon you will see a wee lad of 11 years old playing some indescribable game involving running and several other activities which have become hazy over the long years. This young man arrives at a friends house, to find his friends older brother sitting on the front porch, open book on lap, tossing strange colored plastic bits about. This was my first exposure to D&D. In it's red book form. This caught my attention, I don't know why, can anyone really pin down what about D&D attracted their attention in the beginning.
Understand dear reader, I was already well on my way to geekdom. I woke up every morning at 5am to watch "Battle of the Planets" with G-Force, and the Phoenix ship. (yes I am "that" old). My parents must have thought me insane, no pre-teen boy, wakes up that early voluntarily. My dad used to have to pry me out of bed to go fishing at 7am. To continue, I had spent the summer of 1977 in the Cooper Cameo 70mm movie theater watching Star Wars, like every other boy on my block, and I had a wicked collection of action figures.
I do not clearly remember how long it was after that that I went to a friends house, Chris is the only thing I remember about him, that and he wore glasses and braces, but I do remember seeing that strange book in his room, and I asked him what it was. He went on to explain to me that this was Dungeons & Dragons, a role playing game. I believe it was at this point I said the most intelligent thing I could think of at the time, "Huh?". What did you expect, I was 11 or 12. Here is where it really begins, I made my first D&D character. I don't remember what I named him, but I do recall he was an Elf. I had Plate mail and a Battle Axe (because, Battle Axe just sounded cool). The details of my first adventure are hazy, like everything in my life at that age, however I remember most vividly ending up in a graveyard at night. While taking my nighttime stroll through said necropolis, I came to be entangled by something grasping my foot. Imagine a Basic D&D Elf, in plate mail, flailing about with a battle axe. Comedic gold nowadays, back then, I was fighting for my life. It was during this tussle, I managed to cut off my toe. I rolled a 1 *sadface*. It was then the hideous undead thing crawled out of ground and it was reveled to me to be a Wight. Sorry, I don't remember how that encounter ended but I was hopelessly hooked. I wanted to do this all the time, I wanted to live in that world, I wanted to explore, and fight monsters, and explore some more. Then I discovered Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. This is where my story differs from most others. My mother, for christmas, bought me The Dungeon Masters Guide. Most folks, when asked, will say they got the Players Handbook first. I take that as a sign of my impending doom. I was destined to become the unrepentant control freak I am today. I was destined to become a Dungeon Master, creator of worlds.
Six months after that, for my birthday, I got the Players Handbook, and the Monster Manual. I still have those same books, if it matters. Within a mile of the middle school where I was tortured for 3 years, was a store called "Hobbies". Run by a gruff gentlemen we only knew as "Al", this is where I checked in two to three times a week after school, to keep up on the latest publishings from TSR. Over the years, I became involved in Star Frontiers and Traveller, but I always come back to where it all started, D&D.
I collected the original Dragon Lance modules, brand new, as they were released. All kender must DIE!
Throughout middle school, and high school, I and my friends ran everything we could afford to buy. I had 3 main characters that survived those days. Lethric Gillenhammer, Half Elf, Ranger/Magic User. Steelgarn Swordmaster, Barbarian carrying flintlock pistols, and Eubeen Hadd, Halfling Thief, who wore Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a Girdle of Storm Giant Strength.
There you go folks, that's how it all started. My origins, as snore-fest inducing as an episode of "Grass Growing weekly", or "Let's watch Cars Rust". But now you know.
For the recent arrivals, I'm going to reveal the sordid tale of my origin...
Sherman, set the wayback machine for 1979. Whereupon you will see a wee lad of 11 years old playing some indescribable game involving running and several other activities which have become hazy over the long years. This young man arrives at a friends house, to find his friends older brother sitting on the front porch, open book on lap, tossing strange colored plastic bits about. This was my first exposure to D&D. In it's red book form. This caught my attention, I don't know why, can anyone really pin down what about D&D attracted their attention in the beginning.
Understand dear reader, I was already well on my way to geekdom. I woke up every morning at 5am to watch "Battle of the Planets" with G-Force, and the Phoenix ship. (yes I am "that" old). My parents must have thought me insane, no pre-teen boy, wakes up that early voluntarily. My dad used to have to pry me out of bed to go fishing at 7am. To continue, I had spent the summer of 1977 in the Cooper Cameo 70mm movie theater watching Star Wars, like every other boy on my block, and I had a wicked collection of action figures.
I do not clearly remember how long it was after that that I went to a friends house, Chris is the only thing I remember about him, that and he wore glasses and braces, but I do remember seeing that strange book in his room, and I asked him what it was. He went on to explain to me that this was Dungeons & Dragons, a role playing game. I believe it was at this point I said the most intelligent thing I could think of at the time, "Huh?". What did you expect, I was 11 or 12. Here is where it really begins, I made my first D&D character. I don't remember what I named him, but I do recall he was an Elf. I had Plate mail and a Battle Axe (because, Battle Axe just sounded cool). The details of my first adventure are hazy, like everything in my life at that age, however I remember most vividly ending up in a graveyard at night. While taking my nighttime stroll through said necropolis, I came to be entangled by something grasping my foot. Imagine a Basic D&D Elf, in plate mail, flailing about with a battle axe. Comedic gold nowadays, back then, I was fighting for my life. It was during this tussle, I managed to cut off my toe. I rolled a 1 *sadface*. It was then the hideous undead thing crawled out of ground and it was reveled to me to be a Wight. Sorry, I don't remember how that encounter ended but I was hopelessly hooked. I wanted to do this all the time, I wanted to live in that world, I wanted to explore, and fight monsters, and explore some more. Then I discovered Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. This is where my story differs from most others. My mother, for christmas, bought me The Dungeon Masters Guide. Most folks, when asked, will say they got the Players Handbook first. I take that as a sign of my impending doom. I was destined to become the unrepentant control freak I am today. I was destined to become a Dungeon Master, creator of worlds.
Six months after that, for my birthday, I got the Players Handbook, and the Monster Manual. I still have those same books, if it matters. Within a mile of the middle school where I was tortured for 3 years, was a store called "Hobbies". Run by a gruff gentlemen we only knew as "Al", this is where I checked in two to three times a week after school, to keep up on the latest publishings from TSR. Over the years, I became involved in Star Frontiers and Traveller, but I always come back to where it all started, D&D.
I collected the original Dragon Lance modules, brand new, as they were released. All kender must DIE!
Throughout middle school, and high school, I and my friends ran everything we could afford to buy. I had 3 main characters that survived those days. Lethric Gillenhammer, Half Elf, Ranger/Magic User. Steelgarn Swordmaster, Barbarian carrying flintlock pistols, and Eubeen Hadd, Halfling Thief, who wore Gauntlets of Ogre Power and a Girdle of Storm Giant Strength.
There you go folks, that's how it all started. My origins, as snore-fest inducing as an episode of "Grass Growing weekly", or "Let's watch Cars Rust". But now you know.
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