Claw/Claw/Bite

New blog site!

2010-05-31T19:32:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone!

We've been busy setting up some new infrastructure and typesetting material for release on rpgnow.com.

As today is Memorial Day in the U.S., we'd like to further celebrate by laying to rest our old site. Be advised that the URL you should be using to access this blog is clawclawbite.com.

We've moved to our own self-hosted Wordpress installation, leaving the Google-hosted Blogger home we've been using for the last 4 years. This will give us more flexibility and control over our IP as we move forward as a collaboration between Unicorn Rampant Publishing and Inverspace Press.

Thanks, Blogger, for helping to get us off the ground. And thanks, dear readers, for your support these past four years.

Onward and upward!

Cloak of Humility

2010-05-12T01:16:00.000-05:00

This plain, slightly tattered clock projects the wearer's more humble virtues. As a result, against onlookers with any sense of humility, the wearer receives a +5 on all diplomacy and bluff checks.

Wearing the cloak in scenarios that call for more formal attire will penalize these skill checks.

The minor version provides a +2 bonus, and the greater version provides a +10 bonus on the associated skill checks.

Price: 1,000gp, Craft Wondrous Item. Owners of the cloak will often require a humble deed be done before they part with the cloak as the result of a transaction.

Return from hiatus with claws and bite

2010-05-10T11:16:00.002-05:00

Thanks everyone who sent in an entry to our April contest. We'll post the results, including the top 3 entries soon. And, send in an entry for May's contest, eh?

Thanks also for bearing with us as we finalize plans to migrate our site to a Wordpress installation on our own servers. There's something downright satisfying about that.

We are also about to embark on an 8-post journey of virtuous items for any adventuring avatar. They should be fun additions to your role playing games, and bring back shades of your gaming past.

Stay tuned.

May Contest: Awe-inspiring Items

2010-05-01T12:07:00.021-05:00

Thanks to all of you who submitted entries to our April contest, Dastardly Denizens. We're happy to announce May's contest, Awe-inspiring Items.

Write up your favorite item with a description of its origin, magical (or non-magical) effects, price, construction costs in materials, skills, and (if appropriate) time and experience. Artifacts are also welcome, as they are physical items wielded in much the same way as any other item.

"Post"mark your entries (to clawclawbite ATE gmail.com) by the end of May to be considered for the contest. Winners will appear in CCB 19 this summer.

By submitting an entry, you allow us to post the content of your entry, and reuse the entry for Claw/Claw/Bite magazine.

April Contest: Dastardly Creatures

2010-04-06T02:07:00.003-05:00

Use the month of April to create a dastardly creature, and you'll win free copies of Claw/Claw/Bite and our inaugural issue of Tailslap. Entries are due on the last day of the month, at which point, our next contest will be announced.

Be creative. Be crazy. Enter as often as you'd like; no purchase necessary. Have fun with this. Email entries to clawclawbite@gmail.com.

Winners will be printed in CCB 18!

Entries may be printed in future issues of CCB or future collections released by Unicorn Rampant Publishing.

UPDATE (response to Comment #1): To help structure your entries, borrow a template from one of our recent creature entries, described in detail in the D20 SRD, or use the Pathfinder bestiary system, including an introduction, stat block, and a description in your entry.

New blog site about to go live

2010-04-04T23:54:00.001-05:00

In case you've wondered what we've been up to these past few weeks, well...

After almost 4 years working with Blogger, we've decided to move on to Wordpress, and will be hosting the site off our own shiny server. We expect to make this move in another few days, once the blog software is completely installed, configured, and the data migrated over. We'll keep you posted as to when the move will be made.

Those of you using the clawclawbite.blogspot.com address, please migrate over to clawclawbite.com, which will stay with us wherever we move in the future. Consider that link the permanent home of the magazine.

Thanks again for your support...

Dark Hounds of Sin

2010-03-08T16:52:00.001-06:00

Dark Hounds of Sin wander the earth, tempting humans and their brothers with sin. Some take the forms of humans to lure their prey into dark alleys and private homes where they can strike.

There are different dog types for each sin, each of which embody a particular sin. Here is an example of a Dark Hound of Gluttony, who may be encountered at a banquet in the court of a castle.

Dark Hounds of Sin (Gluttony)
Size/Type: Medium Outsider (Evil, Extraplanar, Lawful)
Hit Dice: 16d8+32 (103 hp)
Initiative: +9
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 28 (+5 Dex, +10 natural, +3 hide armor), touch 13, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +16/+24
Attack: Bite +18 melee (1d10+5/19-20 plus 1d6 poison)
Full Attack: Bite +13 melee (1d10+5/19-20 plus 1d6 poison)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Breath weapon, poison bite, rend
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., protection from good, scent, vulnerability to water, shape shift
Saves: Fort +14, Ref +11, Will +12
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 21, Con 15, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 4
Skills: Intimidate +22, Jump +20, Listen +16, Spot +18, Survival +10*, Tumble +12
Feats: Alertness, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (bite)
Environment: Outer Planes and urban environments
Organization: Solo
Challenge Rating: 12
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always lawful evil
Advancement: 17-26 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment: --

A typical hound of sin stands 5 feet high at the shoulder and weighs 140 pounds.

Hounds of sin are always encountered alone.

Shape Shift (Su): Three times a day, hounds of sin can shape shift into humanoid forms in order to tempt their humanoid prey.

Combat

Hounds of sin sneak up behind their prey, employing razor-sharp teeth to bite into and rend their opponents.

The natural weapons of hounds of sin are treated as evil-aligned and lawful-aligned for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

Breath Weapon (Su): 10x10 area of noxious poison that quickly fills an area, dealing 2d6 poison damage, Fortitude DC 25 to negate. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Poison Bite (Su): Hounds of sin deal an extra 1d6 points of poison damage every time they bite an opponent, as if these bites are a poison weapon.

Skills

Hounds of sin have a +10 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks, which are commonly used.

*They also receive a +8 racial bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent, due to their keen sense of smell.

Suffering Souls

2010-02-28T10:15:00.002-06:00

"Alas! how feeble is our faith! If a domestic animal, a little dog, falls into the fire, do you delay to draw it out? And see, your parents, benefactors, persons most dear to you, writhe in the flames of Purgatory, and you do not consider it your urgent duty to relieve them; you delay, you allow long days of suffering to pass for those poor souls, without making an effort to perform those good works which will release them from their pains."

-Fr. Schouppe, from his book: Purgatory, pp. 238-239, 1893 Imprimatur

Suffering Souls
Medium Outsider (Neutral, Extraplanar, Incorporeal, Swarm)
Hit Dice: 4d8+3 (24 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+11 (+1 for each soul)
Attack: Swipe +5 melee
Full Attack: Swipe and Grapple
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Haunt, soul link
Special Qualities: Incorporeal, strong-willed, immunity to charm and sleep effects
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +7
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 11, Con 3, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 11
Skills: Climb +6
Feats: Improved Grapple
Environment: Hell, any haunted locale
Organization: Swarm
Challenge Rating: 3
Treasure: None
Alignment: TN
Advancement: None
Level Adjustment: None

Haunt (Su): Suffering souls haunt an area, trying to escape their torment on the Nine Planes of Hell. Creatures within a haunted area (usually a 400' diameter circle) receive -1 penalties to all rolls.

Combat

Suffering souls swarm all who enter their unhallowed grounds. They will attack relentlessly until repelled, at which point they return to Purgatory until they are returned in an unending cycle to their place on the Prime Material Plane to haunt it evermore. The only way to free suffering souls from this torment is to travel to Hell to confront the devil that binds them.

Soul link (Su): When suffering souls make eye contact with a humanoid within 20' for a full round, they establish a soul link with them. For the duration of the encounter, all damage they experience is also experienced by those whose souls are linked with them. When the encounter ends, the soul link lingers for multiple days, during which time the affected experience the torment of the suffering souls in Hell.

OwlCon XXIX Recap

2010-02-28T10:03:00.000-06:00

It's not often enough that we're able to get out of our regularly scheduled lives and game for a few days straight. But it was time!

Last weekend, we attended OwlCon at Rice University, a handsome campus smack in the middle of Houston. Since we could stay at a hotel just a few blocks away, we could walk to the con itself, which this time of the year is brisk but enjoyable.

Adam spent the weekend at the RPGA tables, which were well-run, complete with an organizer taking orders for food, which was then delivered at your table so you could keep gaming. Very enabling of our addictions...

And very well run. Their adventures take part in the Forgotten Realms, which allows players to come in knowing much of the world, helping to paint the scene for easier role playing. I have to admit I don't know enough about FR, so I'll need to pick up a book and do some background reading before my next con. That way I'll know where Aldric is from and where he's been. Seems like harmless enough homework...

I spent Friday and Sunday at the RPGA tables playing the same adventures, and Saturday I played board games. It's hard to find the groups to play Advanced Civ and Rail Baron since people are rightfully daunted by these classic Avalon Hill titles and their many complex dynamics. But at my last two cons, I've seen these listed, and simply had to play. When it all shook down, as Asia I came in second in Civ (Egypt taught us all a lesson in economics) and as Minneapolis-based "white player" came in third in Rail Baron (first time playing; I'm clearly not a optimal capitalist).

We learned on Saturday night (in the last game of the night) that Battletech pods are fun as hell! Providing a hands-on 'Mech pilot experience, they confounded me, but Adam racked up tons of points. I did have fun jumping all over the map and firing missiles at long range toward every 'Mech I could track down. Good times, and a desire I've had since middle school fulfilled.

Our final game on Friday was run by a great DM who embodied many of the traits of other favorite con DMs -- he controlled the action, telling an engaging story, didn't read any of the mechanics aloud, occupied the long end of the table, stood for much of the session, and used traps, hazards and classic DM trickery to get us to fall into them. We learned a lot from his presentation. So, Phil of the Houston RPGA, this post is for you.

All in all, a very well-organized con, especially one hosted by a university. Good people, DMs, and miniature dungeons and battlescapes. Adam got a few photos of the scapes, but I put it off too long...

Late night diner runs led us to 59 Diner, a friendly joint with tasty greek salads. Try 'em the next time you're in downtown Houston.

Finally, on our way out of town, we dropped by some old friends' place for some home cooked lasagna and caught up. A great weekend! Looking forward to next year's.

Abysm's Dread Kraken

2010-02-27T08:31:00.001-06:00

Deep beneath the waves of the oceans of Abysm, Demogorgon's realm in the Abyss, lurks a creature of unfathomable might. Spawned and nurtured by the Sibilant Beast, Drigular is to a squid what Demogorgon is to a monkey. Drigular will rise to the surface at his master's bidding to whelm and destroy intruders on Demogorgon's waters.

Drigular
Size/Type:     Colossal Magical Beast (Aquatic, evil, outsider)
Initiative:     +4

Hit Dice:     44d10+484 (726 hp)
Armor Class:     28 (-8 size, +26 natural), touch 2, flat-footed 28
Damage Reduction: 10 / magic
Saves:     Fort +35, Ref +22, Will +18
Resistances: cold & fire 20
Spell Resistance: 30

Speed:     Swim 20 ft. (4 squares)
Attack:     Tentacle +42 melee (4d6+22/19-20) with 10 point power attack
Full Attack:     2 tentacles +42 melee (4d6+26/19-20) and 6 arms +37 melee (1d8+18) and bite +37 melee (4d8+18) with 10 point power attack
Base Attack/Grapple:     +44/+76 (+56 if not concentrating completely on a single target)
Space/Reach:     30 ft./ 20 ft. (90 ft. with tentacle, 45 ft. with arm)
Special Attacks:     Improved grab, constrict 4d6+16 or 1d8+8, swallow whole, smite good (+20 damage 1/day)
Special Qualities:     Darkvision 60 ft., ink cloud, jet, darkvision, spell-like abilities

Abilities:     Str 42, Dex 10, Con 33, Int 21, Wis 20, Cha 20
Skills:     Concentration +58, Diplomacy +7, Hide +0, Intimidate +32, Knowledge (geography) +30, Knowledge (nature) +25, Listen +51, Search +51, Sense Motive +34, Spot +51, Survival +5 (+7 following tracks), Use Magic Device +32
Feats:     Blind-Fight, Combat Expertise, Improved Critical (tentacle), Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Iron Will, Improved Natural Armor (x7), Power Attack

Environment:     Abyssal Ocean
Organization:     Solitary
Challenge Rating:     20
Treasure:     Triple standard
Alignment:     any evil
Advancement:     21-32 HD (Gargantuan); 33-60 HD (Colossal)
Level Adjustment:     —

Improved Grab (Ex)
To use this ability, the kraken must hit with an arm or tentacle attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can constrict.

Constrict (Ex)
A kraken deals automatic arm or tentacle damage with a successful grapple check.

Jet (Ex)
A kraken can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 280 feet. It must move in a straight line, but does not provoke attacks of opportunity while jetting.

Ink Cloud (Ex)
A kraken can emit a cloud of jet-black ink in an 80-foot spread once per minute as a free action. The cloud provides total concealment, which the kraken normally uses to escape a fight that is going badly. Creatures within the cloud are considered to be in darkness.

Spell-Like Abilities
at-will-deeper darkness, bestow curse, contagion, control weather, control winds, resist energy
3/day-dominate animal (DC 27 Will negates), insanity (DC 22 Will negates)
1/day— unholy aura (DC 23 Fort. or 1d6 strength damage when hit).
Caster level 17th. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Abyssal Headlesses

2010-02-26T11:13:00.003-06:00

Created by Orcus from the corpses of Demogorgon's subjects when he began reshaping Abysm to suit his will, these horrors now stalk the burning jungles of the 88th layer of the Abyss. They mindlessly kill all they encounter other than their own kind.

These horrible maimed wretches are as varied as the demons of the abyss in appearance, but all share the trait of having no head - just a bloody stump for a neck.

Abyssal Headless CR 15
CE size large monstrous humanoid (outsider, undead)
Init: +1 Senses: tremorsense 60 ft.
Languages: none

AC: 30 (+1 dex, +20 natural, -1 size) touch 10, flatfooted 16
HP: 199 (HD 30d12)
Immune: mind-effecting and illusions, fire, poison & electricity
Resist: 15 cold, acid & sonic
DC 15 / magic
Fort: +18 Ref: +9 Will: +13

MV: 40 feet
Attack: claw +28 (1d8+12) or greatclub +27 (2d8+18)
Full Attack: 2 claws +26 (1d8+12) or greatclub +27 / +22 / +17 (2d8+18)
Attack Options: improved grab, rend, combat reflexes
Space / Reach: 10 ft. / 10 ft.
Base Attack: +15 Grapple: +39

Abilities Str 34, Dex 10, Con -, Int -, Wis 14, Cha 6
SQ: tremorsense 90 feet, senseless, undead traits
SA: improved grab, rend
Feats: Improved Grapple, Weapon Focus (claws), Combat Reflexes, Iron Will, Improved Natural Armor (7 times)
Skills: climb +46, jump +46

Rend (Ex): If a headless hits with both claw attacks it can automatically rend for 4d6+18 damage.

Improved Grab (Ex): If a headless hits with a claw attack it can start a grapple as a free action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity. Once it establishes the grapple it can either attack with it's claws at a -4 penalty or it can roll a grapple checks to deal claw damage.

Senseless (Ex): having no heads, these creatures are blind, deaf and dumb. Beyond the reaches of their tremorsense, they are not aware of their surroundings.

Burning Treant Husks

2010-02-25T10:38:00.002-06:00

These eternally burning undead treants were created by Orcus when the Savage Tide was thwarted, Orcus became Prince of Demons, and he began to transform Abysm, the 88th layer of the Abyss, to his liking.

This blackened, shrieking, humanoid tree rushes toward you, its panicked expression back-lit by the blazing fire in its foliage.

Burning Treant Husks CR 15
CE size huge plant (outsider, undead)
Init: -1 Senses: darkvision
Languages:abyssal, common
Aura: creatures within 5 feet take 3d6 fire damage

AC: 29 (-2 size, -1 Dex, +22 natural), touch 7, flat-footed 27
HP: 187 (HD 28d12)
Immune: mind-effecting and illusions, fire, poison & electricity
Resist: 15 cold, acid & sonic
DC 15 / magic
Fort: +18 Ref: +9 Will: +11
SR: 20

MV: 30 feet
Attack: slam +32 (2d6+18)
Full Attack: 2 slams +30 (2d6+18) and 3d6 fire
Attack Options: trample 2d6+18 and 6d6 fire, (DC 32 Reflex for half damage)
Space / Reach: 15 ft. / 15 ft
Base Attack: +15 Grapple: +31

Abilities Str 37, Dex 8, Con -, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 12
SQ: plant traits, undead treaits
SA: trample

Skills: climb +46, jump +46

Owlcon XXIX

2010-02-18T22:15:00.002-06:00

We'll be at OwlCon this year, which starts tomorrow!

Look for us with the unicorns on our shirts. We'll have a few copies of our issues, including hardcover copies of Claw/Claw/Bite Omnibus 1.1 for you to peruse.

Whelmer of Ships

2010-02-17T22:33:00.001-06:00

This part air, part water elemental is a powerful force, devouring ships on the open seas.

To visualize whelmers of ships, think pf a whirlpool with its complementary winds.

Whelmer of Ships
Size/Type: Huge Elemental (Air, Water, Extraplanar)
Hit Dice: 24d8+120 (228 hp)
Initiative: +15
Speed: Below-water portion: 30 ft. (6 squares), swim 120 ft. Above-water portion: Fly 100 ft. (perfect) (20 squares)
Armor Class: 27 (-2 size, +11 Dex, +8 natural), touch 19, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +18/+35
Attack: Slam +27 melee (2d10+9/19-20)
Full Attack: 2 slams +27 melee (2d10+9)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./15 ft.
Special Attacks: Water mastery, drench, vortex
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 10/-, darkvision 60 ft., elemental traits
Saves: Fort +19, Ref +25, Will +10
Abilities: Str 28, Dex 33, Con 21, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 11
Skills: Listen +29, Spot +29
Feats: Alertness, Blind-Fight, Great Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Flyby Attack, Improved Critical (slam) Improved InitiativeB, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Mobility, Power Attack, Spring Attack, Weapon FinesseB
Environment: Storm Plane
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 14
Treasure: None
Alignment: Usually neutral
Advancement: 25-48 HD (Colossal)
Level Adjustment: —

Whelmers of ships speak Auran and Aquan, though they rarely choose to do so. A whelmer can't venture out of the body of water from which it was conjured, and cannot be conjured into a body of water too small for it to fit into.

Whelmer of Ships Height Weight Whirlpool
Save DC Damage Height
Elder 40 ft. 24,000 lb. 34 2d8 10-60 ft.

Combat

Their rapid speed at the intersections of bodies of water and fast-moving air make them well-suited to battlefields beneath the waves where their whirlpools and heavy winds suddenly swell up behind its opponents.

Air Mastery (Ex): Airborne creatures take a -1 penalty on attack and damage rolls against a whelmer of ships.

Whirlwind (Su): The whelmer can transform itself into a whirlwind once every 10 minutes and remain in that form for up to 10 rounds. In this form, the whelmer can move partially along the surface of a body of water at its fly speed.

The whirlwind is 5 feet wide at the base, up to 30 feet wide at the top, and up to 60 feet tall. The whelmer's movement while in whirlwind form does not provoke attacks of opportunity, even if the whelmer enters the space another creature occupies. Another creature might be caught in the whirlwind if it touches or enters the whirlwind, or if the whelmer moves into or through the creature's space.

Creatures one or more size categories smaller than the whelmer might take damage when caught in the whirlwind (use the table from the air elemental) and may be lifted into the air. An affected creature must succeed on a Reflex save when it comes into contact with the whirlwind or take the indicated damage. It must also succeed on a second Reflex save or be picked up bodily and held suspended in the powerful winds, automatically taking the indicated damage each round. A creature that can fly is allowed a Reflex save each round to escape the whirlwind. The creature still takes damage but can leave if the save is successful. The save DC is Strength based.

Additionally, creatures trapped underwater must make saves or begin drowning, as per the PHB.

Creatures trapped in the whirlwind cannot move except to go where the whelmer carries them or to escape the whirlwind.

Creatures caught in the whirlwind can otherwise act normally, but must succeed on a Concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) to cast a spell. Creatures caught in the whirlwind take a -4 penalty to Dexterity and a -2 penalty on attack rolls. The whelmer can have only as many creatures trapped inside the whirlwind at one time as will fit inside the whirlwind’s volume.

The whelmer can eject any carried creatures whenever it wishes, depositing them wherever the whirlwind happens to be. A summoned whelmer always ejects trapped creatures before returning to its home plane.

Water Mastery (Ex): A whelmer gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls if both it and its opponent are touching water. If the opponent or the whelmer is touching the ground, the whelmer takes a -4 penalty on attack and damage rolls.

A whelmer can be a serious threat to a ship that crosses its path. A whelmer can easily overturn vessels up to 200' in length. Ships over 200' can be slowed to half speed.

Drench (Ex): The whelmer's touch puts out torches, campfires, exposed lanterns, and other open flames of nonmagical origin if these are of Large size or smaller. The creature can dispel magical fire it touches as a dispel magic spell.

Vortex (Su): The whelmer can transform itself into a whirlpool once every 10 minutes, provided it is underwater, and remain in that form for up to 10 rounds. In vortex form, the whelmer can move through the water or along the bottom at its swim speed. The vortex is 5 feet wide at the base, up to 30 feet wide at the top, and 60 feet tall.

The whelmer's movement while in vortex form does not provoke attacks of opportunity, even if the whelmer enters the space another creature occupies. Another creature might be caught in the vortex if it touches or enters the vortex, or if the whelmer moves into or through the creature's space.

Creatures one or more size categories smaller than the whelmer might take damage when caught in the vortex and may be swept up by it. An affected creature must succeed on a Reflex save when it comes into contact with the vortex or take the indicated damage. It must also succeed on a second Reflex save or be picked up bodily and held suspended in the powerful currents, automatically taking damage each round. An affected creature is allowed a Reflex save each round to escape the vortex. The creature still takes damage, but can leave if the save is successful. The save DC is Strength-based.

Much like in the whirlpool form, creatures trapped in the vortex cannot move except to go where the whelmer carries them or to escape the whirlwind. Creatures caught in the whirlwind can otherwise act normally, but must make a Concentration check (DC 10 + spell level) to cast a spell. Creatures caught in the whirlwind take a -4 penalty to Dexterity and a -2 penalty on attack rolls. The whelmer can have only as many creatures trapped inside the vortex at one time as will fit inside the vortex's volume.

The whelmer can eject any carried creatures whenever it wishes, depositing them wherever the vortex happens to be. A summoned whelmer always ejects trapped creatures before returning to its home plane.

A whelmer in vortex form cannot make slam attacks and does not threaten the area around it.

Skills

A whelmer of ships has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.

Image: The Shipwreck, Joseph Mallord William Turner, exhibited 1805

Moment of Clarity

2010-02-13T14:36:00.001-06:00

For just a second, you see things are they truly are. Mostly.

Moment of Clarity
Universal
Level: Brd 0, Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 10 ft.
Target, Effect, or Area: Self
Duration: 1 round
Saving Throw: See text
Spell Resistance: No

You briefly acquire the ability to see all things as they actually are. For one round, you see through normal and magical darkness, notice secret doors hidden by magic, see the exact locations of creatures or objects under blur or displacement effects, see invisible creatures or objects normally, see through illusions, and see the true form of polymorphed, changed, or transmuted things. The range of this effect is 120 feet.

Moment of clarity does not penetrate solid objects, negate concealment, expose mundane disguises, spot creatures who are simply hiding, or allow you to notice secret doors hidden by mundane means. In addition, the spell effects cannot be further enhanced with known magic, so one cannot use moment of clarity through a crystal ball or in conjunction with clairaudience/clairvoyance.

Note that any level 4 or higher effects are not affected by this spell.

Material Component

A sprig of mint, rosemary, or a salve of salt to wake the senses.

Grove of Bones

2010-02-09T04:30:00.004-06:00

This location was created when a mad druid took up the necromantic elements of sorcery. First he consecrated the area with an evil bent, then he turned an entire grove of fine alder trees into bones, using the limbs to raise up an army of skeletons and bone golems.

Throughout the grove are creeping vines, represented in dark green on the map. There is a 1 in 6 chance that each vine will attack as the party passes within the 10' reach of the vines. Once one vine attacks, every vine will attack a character that steps within 10' of the vine. This automatic attack includes vines within 10' of a character when the first vine attacks.

Each white circle on the map represents the trunk of bone. Those lying sideways are horizontal with the exception of two that are leaning against other bones. The grey areas are stone, the brown wood or road. Each number on the map corresponds to a location or set of locations described below.

1 The Approach

The wind grows still and the squawk of avians silent as you approach this fork in the road. The primary direction continues before you where it is blocked by a felled, forty-foot trunk. A smaller path heads into a grove of birch trees, their trunks covered in a white bark. The area smells of charnel.

If the characters study the trees more carefully, for instance walking up to one and trying to harvest its bark for parchment, they will notice that the trunks are not normal. A DC 15 Knowledge Nature check will reveal that they have a sturdy-yet-porous feel not unlike bone.

2 Felled Trunk

A tree with a 7' diameter trunk blocks the road before you. Spider webs cling to the underside of the rounded trunk, running to the ground in threads woven so thick that you cannot see the ground.

If characters try to scale the bone tree, they must make a DC 20 Jump check to reach the upper side of the bone, and then a DC 20 Climb check to continue to scale the bone. if they fail, they will find the trunk too smooth to climb, and will slip off. Those who succeed can walk along the trunk at half speed with a DC20 Balance check.

Characters who linger at the base of the trunk for more than 3 turns will be attacked by a group of 4 dire spiders, who climb up through the webbing. Characters within 15' of the trunk when the combat begins have a 1 in 6 chance of standing in some webbing, requiring them to make a DC 20
Reflex save or be stuck as if under the effect of a web spell as the fight breaks out.

After the combat, if the characters search under the trunk, they will find the crushed remains of a skeletal humanoid, his leather backpack intact. The backpack contains 2 cure medium wounds potions, a potion of momentary clarity, and a scroll of freedom of movement. On the skeleton's feet is one boot of speed. The other is on one of the skeletons that the party faces with the necromancer. If they check carefully, they will notice the match on the skeleton.

3 Summoning Circle

Chips of wood and bone dot the ground around this 15' circle surrounded by four stone obelisks. The obelisks have wooden adornments that serve as appendages emanating from the stone bases. The circle is rimmed with alternating white and black stones the size of a human fist. The weeds are kept at bay just outside the rocks; inside the circle there is no grass nor weed.

The chips are fairly long and narrow, and do not appear to have been made with axes or other normal blades, as the edges are serrated.

The obelisks are abstract representations of four woodland animals: bear, boar, owl, and wolf. The wooden portions provide the representations, as the stone portions are the same on each obelisk, constituting the base and the trunk. These obelisks belong to the long-dead druids who once cared for this grove.

This is where the necromancer summons creatures, growing his undead army.

4 Pile of Bones

A neatly-arranged pile of assorted bones lies in the center of the dirt path in the center of the grove.

Characters who linger at the base of the pile for more than 3 turns will be attacked by 2 bone golems, who, when killed, will rattle their bones, alerting the necromancer. If the time is right, he will attack the party. This is up to the DM. In most cases, he will attack when the party reaches location 6.

The bones are of assorted lengths, from 3" wide and 2' long to 3' wide and 10' long, and appear to have been shaped into bones. Perhaps they are true bones, perhaps they are trees-turned-bones.

5 Fitted-Stone Slab

This slab of fitted stones is stained a deep rust color.

The rust color is from blood used in sacrifice to aid the necromancer in his foul deeds.

The workmanship suggests that this slab was built some hundred or more years ago. If the characters look carefully, they will notice that the stones are arranged in the form of an owl mized with a bear. This grove once was the home of a great owlbear clan, the remains of which have been disturbed by the necromancer. This clan was befriended by the druids who then took over mantenance of the grove before their untimely end at the treacherous hands of the necromancer.

6 Stone Hut
When the party nears the hut, read or paraphrase the following:

A mound of vines obscures something large and grey underneath.

If the party clears off some of the creeping vines (by killing or otherwise dispatching with them), read aloud the following:

A well-mortared wall of a 10'x15' fitted-stone structure shows signs of age, yet is impressively intact in the face of the strong vines that once covered it.

Inside the stone hut, in among rusted rakes and shovels with rotted handles, the party will find various necromantic items, including a scroll of transmute wood to bone, a scroll of protection from good, and a collection of notes on the anatomy of human bones and trees, with strange connections drawn between them.

Once the party loots the hut, the necromancer will appear outside and begin summoning assistance. When they fight him, he will by flanked by 12 medium skeletons, 2 large skeletons, 3 bone golems, and 2 animated owlbear skeletons, all of which quickly rush up to engage the party in melee, while he casts spells from afar. In their rush into the melee, the owlbears knock over some of the remaining bone trees, creating dynamic terrain hazards. The bone golems and large skeletons will even lift some of the bones out of the pile at location 4 to use as large bone clubs against the characters.

7 Twin felled bones

Two twin bones have been knocked over here, forming a small space between which run thickly-woven spider webs.

In among the bones, the party discovers the remains of an old graveyard, with headstones written in a strange and ancient language. This is where the necromancer raised his skeletons out of their ancient graves.

8 Angled bone

A large bone leans against a standing one, providing a perilously balanced cover.

This bone of course, could at any moment be knocked loose, for instance in combat or if a character attempts to walk upon it, requiring anyone above or below it to make a DC 20 Reflex save to avoid taking 2d8 damage from the falling bone.

Asteroth: Demon Liche

2010-02-04T01:00:00.009-06:00

Asteroth is an ancient demon who through a bizarre series of events and a strange curse survived his own destruction. Now, by the use of his arcane powers, he persists as a liche.

In the centuries since then he has served as a mercenary wizard, enchanter and sage to many of the most powerful and important personages of the underworlds. None know where his sanctum lies.

Asteroth is the creator of the spell Asteroth's Snare.

His normal form is a towering skeletal humanoid with the skull of a jackal and glowing, red eyes, but often he appears in other guises. He leaves a trail of ash wherever he walks.

Asteroth CR 22
Size Large Undead Outsider (Evil)
Wizard 17
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Languages: Abyssal, Telepathy to 100 feet
Senses: darkvision, Listen +12, Spot +15
Initiative: +6

AC: 26 (flatfooted 19, touch 14), +1 dodge bonus against one target, +4 with Shield cast, +4 vs. attacks of opportunity when moving
DR 15 / bludgeoning and magic and 10 / adamantium from Stoneskin
Hit Dice: (22d12)
Hit Points: 136
Saves: Fortitude: +11, Reflex: +13, Will: +21
Immune: cold, electricity, paralysis, mind-affecting attacks, poison, acid
Resist: 20 cold, 20 fire
Aura: fear (affects creatures of 5 HD and less within 60 feet, Will DC 24 negates)
Turn Resistance: +4
Spell Resistance: 29

Speed: 40 ft.
Attacks: +13 negative energy touch
Damage: 1d8+5 (Will DC 24 halves) and permanent paralysis (Will DC 24 negates)
Face / Reach: 10 ft. / 10 ft.

Feats: Combat Casting, Craft Wand, Craft Wondrous Item, Dodge, Forge Ring, Improved Initiative, Mobility, Scribe Scroll, Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration

Special Abilities & Qualities: See Below

Abilities: STR 17 (+3), DEX 15 (+2), CON - (-), INT 28 (+9), WIS 18 (+4), CHA 19 (+4)

Skills: Appraise 10; Balance 2; Bluff 5; Concentration 29; Decipher Script 9; Diplomacy 9; Hide 11; Knowledge (Arcana) 28; Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) 10; Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 9; Knowledge (Geography) 10; Knowledge (History) 13; Knowledge (Local) 14; Knowledge (Nature) 10; Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 14; Knowledge (Religion) 12; Knowledge (The Planes) 15; Listen 12; Move Silently 10; Ride 4; Search 17; Sense Motive 13; Spellcraft 30; Spot 15; Survival 3; Swim 1;

Possessions: Amulet of Natural Armor +3; Ring of Protection +3; Bracers of Armor +4; Cloak of Resistance +4; Headband of Intellect +4; Wand of Cat's Grace; Wand of Scorching Ray (11th level caster); Wand of Lightning Bolt (10th level caster); Wand of Magic Missile (9th level caster); Wand of Polymorph; Wand of Suggestion;

Spell-like Abilities (as 17th level wizard, save DC 19 + spell level): At-Will: alter self, greater teleport. 3/Day: geas, true seeing

Wizard Spells:
Spell Save DC:19 + spell level
Mana: 193
Level 0 (4 / day): Arcane Mark, Daze, Detect Magic, Touch of Fatigue
Level 1 (7 / day): Identify, Ray of Enfeeblement x 2, Shield, True Strike, Charm Person, Protection From Good
Level 2 (6 / day): Mirror Image, Detect Thoughts, Invisibility, Resist Energy, Touch of Idiocy, Web
Level 3 (6 / day): Blink, Slow, Fly, Fire Ball, Vampyric Touch, Protection From Energy
Level 4 (6 / day): Enervation, Fire Shield, Greater Invisibility, Mass Reduce Person, Stoneskin, Resilient Sphere
Level 5 (6 / day): Feeblemind, Baleful Polymorph, Telekinesis, Dominate Person, Wall of Force, Cloudkill
Level 6 (5 / day): Flesh to Stone, Globe of Invulnerability, True Seeing, Greater Dispel Magic, Repulsion
Level 7 (4 / day): Mage's Sword, Spell Turning, Finger of Death, Force Cage
Level 8 (3 / day): Horrid Wilting, Clenched Fist, Temporal Stasis
Level 9 (2 / day): Mass Hold Monster, Time Stop

Summon Daemon: once per day, Asteroth can summon 3d6 Canaloths or 2d4 Nycaloths with 100% chance of success, or 1d6 Nycoloths or 1 Ultroloth with a 50% chance of success. See the Manual of the Planes for statistics of these fiends.

Fear Aura (Su): Liches are shrouded in a dreadful aura of death and evil. Creatures of less than 5 HD in a 60-foot radius that look at the lich must succeed on a Will save or be affected as though by a fear spell from a sorcerer of the lich’s level. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected again by the same lich’s aura for 24 hours.

Turn Resistance (Ex): A lich has +4 turn resistance.

Immunities (Ex): Liches have immunity to cold, electricity, polymorph (though they can use polymorph effects on themselves), and mind-affecting attacks.

Transmute Wood to Bone

2010-01-20T02:26:00.000-06:00

Transmute Wood to Bone
Transmutation [Healing]
Level: Drd 4, Sor/Wiz 5, Clr 5
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Area: Up to two 10-ft. cubes/level (S)
Duration: Permanent; see text
Saving Throw: See text
Spell Resistance: Yes

This spell turns natural, uncut or unworked wood into an equally-sized bone, complete with marrow. Magically-enhanced wood is not affected by the spell.

If cast on living wood, for instance a tree, the wood must make a saving throw with a DC equal to the caster's level + attribute bonus. Wooden structures must also make such a save. If cast on wands, staves, and other wood in possession of a living creature, the living creature rolls for the item.

The bone remains until a successful dispel magic or transmute bone to wood (reverse of this) spell restores its original subtance but not necessarily its form, especially if the bone has been chipped, fractured, or otherwise broken.

This spell can also be used to turn forests into components or raw material for necromantic magic, as the bones can be animated and turned into giant skeletons.

Arcane Material Component

A rib from a human or demihuman and a piece of bark off of a live tree.

Lord Dunsany's The Sword of Welleran and Other Stories

2010-01-10T00:10:00.001-06:00

The Sword of Welleran and Other Stories is the influential third book by Irish fantasy writer Lord Dunsany, aka. Edward J. M. D. Plunkett. Dunsany's stories have been major influences on the work of J. R. R. Tolkien, H. P. Lovecraft, Ursula LeGuin and many others writing fantasy today. This collection of stories was first published in hardcover by George Allen & Sons in October, 1908, and has been reprinted a number of times since.

Some of the short stories in this collection are linked by Dunsany's invented pantheon of deities who dwell in Pegāna, which were the focus of his earlier collections The Gods of Pegāna and Time and the Gods. One of the stories, "The Fortress Unvanquishable, Save for Sacnoth," was afterwards (1910) published by itself as a separate book, a now very-rare "Art-and-Craft" style limited edition. A scene from "The Highwaymen" is very similar to a scene I'd written a few weeks back in one of my Proppian adventures.

To me Dunsany is a true master of the fantastic form. His collection, The Hashish Man has been a major influence on my writing and my own thinking about creating interesting characters in role playing games since I first read it back in 2000. This heightened imagination continues to inspire me to this day.

This collection is well worth finding at a used book store for $2 (thanks, Half Price Books!), but also available for free online at Project Gutenberg. Check it out for inspiration in your fantasy role playing games.

Memory Eater

2010-01-09T19:48:00.001-06:00

This floating, mostly-mandible creature eats memories, dealing XP damage rather than normal damage. Watch out for crits!

Memory Eater
Size/Type: Small Aberration (Evil, Psionic)
Hit Dice: 8d8+15 (50 hp)
Initiative: +7
Speed: fly 60 ft. (12 squares)
Armor Class: 24 (+1 size, +6 Dex, +7 natural), touch 17, flat-footed 18
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+3
Attack: Bite +8 melee (1d3+1)
Full Attack: Double bite +8 melee (1d3+1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Psi-like abilities, steal memory
Special Qualities: Blindsight 60 ft., damage reduction 10/adamantine, immunity to fire, power resistance 23, resistance to electricity 15, vulnerability to protection from evil, shift alignment
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +8
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 23, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 14
Skills: Bluff +15, Concentration +11, Hide +16, Listen +16, Move Silently +16
Feats: Combat Manifestation, Toughness, Up the Walls, Wild TalentB
Environment: Underground
Organization: Solitary or pod (2-4)
Challenge Rating: 8
Treasure: standard coins of various sorts; double goods; standard items
Alignment: Always chaotic
Advancement: 9-12 HD (Medium), 13-16 (Large)
Level Adjustment: +7

Memory eaters understand common and all the tongues of the Dream and Astral Planes, and can understand any of the languages of prey whose memories they have stolen.

Combat

Steal Memory (Su): Upon a successful critical hit (range 18-20) on a creature, memory eaters steal memories from the creature, dealing 5d20 xp damage. Exactly which memories are taken is up to the DM. If the memory eater is killed, the memory is split among the party, who all feel as if they have the memory all to themselves. The XP taken is also split back among the party.

Psi-Like Abilities

Like their rival yet much smaller brethren, intellect devourers, memory eaters have supernatural mental abilities, including: at will—cloud mind, compression, detect psionics, ego whip (2d4, DC 16*), empty mind (+5 on Will saves*), id insinuation (three targets, DC 16*); 3/day—body adjustment (2d12*), intellect fortress, painful strike. Manifester level 7th.

The save DCs are Charisma-based.

*Includes augmentation for the memory eater's manifester level.

Blindsight (Ex): A memory eater can use nonvisual means to ascertain all foes within 60 feet as a sighted creature would.

Alignment Shift (Ex): Memory eaters' alignments shift based on the experiences they have experienced second-hand.

Skills

Memory eaters have a +4 racial bonus on Bluff checks. They also have a +8 racial bonus on Move Silently checks and Listen checks. Finally, they enjoy a +8 on all Knowledge checks, since they have learned more than their physical bodies have experienced.

Issue 17 Released!

2010-01-06T22:38:00.006-06:00

As you know, Claw/Claw/Bite is a magazine devoted to developing new material for Pathfinder and d20 system role playing games.

This issue of Claw/Claw/Bite includes the following:

* 4 new elements of campaign flavor, including medallions of honor!

* 6 new characters with backgrounds, including a wandering pair of NPCs!

* 7 new creatures, including 2 devious NPC rakshasas and a new construct!

* 3 new locations, including Bale Morrow and a lone tree within!

* 12 new magic and special items, including sylvanthread armor!

* 3 mini plot threads to weave into your campaign!

* 1 new presige class, the Arcane Runethrower!

* 1 new race, a return to classic storytelling with hobbits!

* 2 new spells, including one to bless and fortify structures!

* 2 new traps and hazards, including map pins and false traps!

* 2 variant rules, including a new attribute, cunning!

* and a new comic, the next installment of Trolls and Tribulations!

Note the new landcape design, complete with 3-column presentation.

Buy the new issue at rpgnow, or if you simply must have it for free for review purposes, email us at clawclawbite AT gmail DOT com.

DnFnD #1 - Bards

2010-01-04T04:13:00.003-06:00

Bards are the quintessential fantasy role playing characters. They are the ones who tell the stories. They write the songs that make the XP ring. In a way, the players playing DnFnD are bards.

I'm not suggesting you sing at your games, but you know what I mean. And why rule singing out? It's a heck of a way to liven up a session. Not recommended in apartment complexes with thin walls...

As stated in Appendix II of the PHB, in 1st Edition DnFnD, ...

Read the rest of the article here.

Statue of Limitations

2009-12-16T22:05:00.005-06:00

Each statue of limitations appears to be a humanoid statue between eight and twelve inches, with one feature diminished in size. These features correspond with which stat attribute they limit to a highest value of 14. Greater statues of limitations limit these values to 10, lesser to 18.

When the figurine is worn around one's neck, its effects radiate 5' in all directions, affecting others.

If a statue of limitations is broken or destroyed, its effects are nullified, its power departed.

Each feature on the statue that appears diminished on the statue is so limited. Figurines with all six attributes limited appear with all six features diminished.

Price: 8,000gp, lesser 4,000gp, greater 16,000gp.

Map Pins

2009-12-11T23:20:00.000-06:00

This campaign flavor is also a nice trap, or in the modern parlance, a hazard. Have a map available on a desk or pinned to a wall in a mage's tower, with a map pin corresponding to the current location. As the characters remove the pins and place them in new locations, the tower teleports them to the new location.

See how this can be used in various forms and in various environments, for instance representing the location of a large floating disk in a catacomb riddled with pit traps. The party will have to play with the pins on their confusing map (where are they, for instance?) until they find which one will bring them the disk. Meanwhile, other pins correspond to beholders and other nasty creatures, which the party inadvertently teleports in in their search for the disk.

Cut-up Construct

2009-12-01T11:16:00.002-06:00

Cut-ups are magically created automatons of varying power. Constructing one involves a decoupaged collage of scroll parchment and the employment of summoning magic, which pulls together the components for the Cut-up out of the ether. The tasks to be performed by the Cut-up must be written along the edge of the collage in a magical runic script. This is usually done in chalk so the collage may be reused.

The animating force for a Cut-up is a spirit from the Ethereal Plane. The process of creating the Cut-up assembles the component corporeal matter and breathes a temporary life into them, subjecting the ethereal spirit to the Cut-up’s creator, at least until their servitude is complete, as dictated by the tasks set forth in runes.

Combat

Since they are collections of multiple life forces all bent on competing their tasks and thus being set free, Cut-ups are strong-willed and tenacious in combat. They make any and all decisions based on this drive for freedom. They follow instructions explicitly and are incapable of any strategy or tactics outside this fundamental urge. For this reason, some may even attack their creators, if their creators are not careful to make their tasks clear.

Fatal Flaw

Cut-ups are destroyed if the collage used to summon them is destroyed, whether by fire, evisceration, or even a simple tear down the center of the parchment. Creators of Cut-ups must thus stow their collages with care, especially if they intend to reuse them.

Construction

The cost to create each Cut-up includes the cost of the scroll parchment used to breathe life into the collages and a bag of holding to provide the link the Ethereal Plane. Completing the Cut-up’s creation drains 50 XP from the creator. The bag of holding is not consumed in the creation, and once the Cut-up returns to the Ethereal Plane, the bag is left on the ground.

The resulting Cut-up can be up to 1’x1’ per level of the spellcaster. For instance, Mialee, a 14th-level spellcaster, creates a collage, and summons the ethereal energy to manifest a Cut-up up to 14’x14’. This creature is included in the stat block below.

The physical characteristics of a Cut-up come from its design on parchment, so there is infinite variation in their final forms.

Mialee's Cut-up
Size/Type: Large Construct
Hit Dice: 14d10+30 (105 hp)
Initiative: 0
Speed: 30 ft.
Armor Class: 23 (-1 size, 0 Dex, +14 natural)
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+19
Attack: Slam +14 melee (2d8+8 plus deep cut)
Full Attack: 2 slams +14 melee (2d8+8 plus deep cut)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Deep cut
Special Qualities: Construct traits, fatal flaw, flip sides, fold space, damage reduction 10/bludgeoning and piercing, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to magic, low-light vision
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +5
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 11, Con Ø, Int Ø, Wis 11, Cha 1
Skills: —
Feats: —
Environment: Any
Organization: Solitary or gang (2-4), up to ¼ the level of the caster
Challenge Rating: 11
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 15-21 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —

Cut-ups take the forms depicted on their collages.

A Cut-up cannot speak or make any vocal noise. It moves with a wide gait like the folding of paper. It appears weightless, yet is strangely corporeal.

Combat

Flip Sides (Ex): Every round a Cut-up is in combat, there is a 5% chance each round that it will determine that the easiest path to setting its ethereal energy free is to flip sides, turning on its creator. While fighting against its creator, there is a 5% chance that the Cut-up will return to its creator’s side.

Deep Cut (Ex): Since Cut-ups are made of pure ethereal energy, damage dealt by a Cut-up doesn’t heal naturally and resists healing spells. A character attempting to cast a healing spell on a creature damaged by a Cut-up must succeed on a DC 10+ the constructor’s caster level check, or the spell has no effect on the injured character.

Vulnerable to Blades (Ex): Cut-ups are especially susceptible to damage from slashing weapons, which deal double damage.

Immunity to Magic (Ex): A Cut-up is immune to any spell or spell-like ability that allows spell resistance. In addition, certain spells and effects function differently against the creature, as noted below.

A blade barrier spell or other non-magical blade slows the Cut-up (as the slow spell) for 1d6 rounds and deals 2d6 points of damage.

Fold Space (Su): At will, Cut-ups can take shortcuts through the Prime Material Plane by folding themselves through the ether as per the spell ethereal jaunt.

CL 11th; Craft Construct, animate objects, resurrection, caster must be at least 11th level; Price 5,000gp in fine scroll parchment, a bag of holding; Cost 21,500gp, 1,540xp.

Blessed Structures

2009-11-13T15:02:00.004-06:00

In some regions of Proppia, it is rumored that the buildings themselves are touched by a powerful force.

In order to bless a structure, a 4th level spell, bless structure must be cast with the appropriate magical material component to provide the base bonus.

The effects of these enchantments are due to magical amulets and ward statues mortared within the structures themselves. These bonuses can come in many forms, including strength, AC, saves, temporary hit points, etc.

A common recipient of these blessings are walls, which add bonuses to all those on defense within the walls. This is a great way to achieve mass effects upon entire forces.

Blessings placed in structures are nullified if removed from the structures themselves, for instance if excavated. In these situations, the amulets, statues and other magical items which provided the wards often retain their bonuses, but travel with their new owners. In order for them to bless a new structure, they must be used as material components in the new bless structure invocation.

Bless Structure

2009-11-11T15:09:00.001-06:00

Bless Structure
Enchantment
Level: Cleric 4, Paladin 5
Components: V, S, M
Casting time: 10 minutes
Range: Medium
Target: Structure that the material component is within
Duration: 10 min./level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

This enchantment adds a bonus to all creatures within a structure who side with the caster. The structure is treated as having an enhancement bonus of the type of the alignment of the caster. In addition, those on the side of the caster receive additional bonuses depending on the magical item used in the casting of the spell.

See here for more.

Alternate Lanterns

2009-10-31T22:25:00.000-05:00

We're bringing you some campaign flavor this Halloween night, in the form of alternate lanterns to light up the night.

Hollowed Vegetables

Citizens of towns and villages carve out the centers of excess vegetables from the harvest, placing them on their doorsteps to light the paths. Commonly carved vegetables include pumpkins, potatoes, and turnips, which, when carved, are called jack o'lanterns, named after the phenomenon of strange light flickering over peat bogs, called ignis fatuus.

Hammered Tins

Tins will often have holes pressed through them to allow light through. These are filled with candles and set out as long-term light sources with short-term fires.

Wooden Barrels

Some townsfolk are fond of chiseling or sawing holes in wooden barrels set at intersections, wherein smaller lamps are often placed. These holes allow light to pass through, illuminating the path, while protecting the wick from wind and rain.

Archaeopteryx

2009-10-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

Archaeopteryx, sometimes referred to by its German name Urvogel ("original bird" or "first bird"), is the earliest and most primitive bird known.

Archaeopteryx
Size/Type: Small Animal
Hit Dice: 2d10 (12 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 10 ft (2 squares), fly 40 ft. (average)
Armor Class: 16 (+1 size, +5 Dex), touch 15, flat-footed 11
Base Attack/Grapple: +1/-11 (+1 when attached)
Attack: Bite +7 melee (3d4-1)
Full Attack: Bite +7 melee (3d4-1)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Attach, sawteeth
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +1
Abilities: Str 7, Dex 21, Con 10, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Hide +8, Listen +2, Spot +4
Feats: Alertness, Weapon Finesse B
Environment: Warm marshes and moors
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 2
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: —
Level Adjustment: —

A archaeopteryx's coloration ranges from rust-red to tan, with a coat of feathers that ranges from ochre to turquoise.

A archaeopteryx's body is about 3 feet long, with a wingspan of 3-5 feet. It weighs about 50 pounds.

Combat

A archaeopteryx attacks by biting into a victim, and making a sawing motion with its beak.

Attach (Ex): If a archaeopteryx hits with its bite attack, it uses its saw-like teeth to latch onto the opponent’s body. An attached archaeopteryx is effectively grappling its prey. The archaeopteryx loses its Dexterity bonus to AC and has an AC of 12, but holds on with great tenacity. Archaeopteryx have a +12 racial bonus on grapple checks (already figured into the Base Attack/Grapple entry above).

An attached archaeopteryx can be struck with a weapon or grappled itself. To remove an attached archaeopteryx through grappling, the opponent must achieve a pin against the archaeopteryx.

Sawtooth (Ex): Archaeopteryx deal 1d6 points of damage in any round when it begins its turn attached to a victim.

A Series of False Trap Sketches

2009-10-29T02:25:00.003-05:00

Inspired by a brief conversation from tonight's role playing session, here are some false trap ideas for your dungeons. They're brief themselves; so be it.

Alternate Flooring

One way to keep your party (especially the rogues) on their toes is to mix up the flooring. Drop in fitted stone where there is mostly naturally-hewn rock, or parquet in the middle of a wealthy treasure chamber. These false positives will set the party up to let their guard down for the real traps awaiting them!

Spurious Tripwires

Have tripwires in dungeons that don't set off any traps. These wires might set certain levers, building to a larger trap, be lines to traps already set off, or simply be duds, traps that never seem to work.

False Pits

Have floors drop out from under the party, only to have them land 6" below the normal floor. This will set them at ease... Or will it!?!?

Anti-trap Tripwires

Have these tripwires drop shields that protect the party from the falling rocks in the next room, or provide other potential escapes and work-arounds, such as opening up a side chamber or otherwise revealing a potential escape.

Giant Pipefish

2009-10-24T18:58:00.002-05:00

Slithering out from the the reef, a giant eel of a beast swims toward you.

Giant Pipefish
Size/Type: Large Animal (Aquatic)
Hit Dice: 12d8+46 (107 hp)
Initiative: +8
Speed: Swim 90 ft. (12 squares)
Armor Class: 27 (-1 size, +6 Dex, +12 natural)
Base Attack/Grapple: +10/+23
Attack: Bite +17 melee (2d6+5)
Full Attack: Bite +17 melee (2d6+5)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab, constrict
Special Qualities: Keen scent
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +15, Will +8
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 23, Con 15, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Listen +14, Spot +10, Swim +24
Feats: Improved Natural Attack (bite), Weapon Focus (bite)
Environment: Cold aquatic
Organization: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 10
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 13-18 (Huge); 19-32 (Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: —

Giant pipefish attack anything they perceive to be edible, even larger creatures, constricting them until they stop breathing.

This monstrous fish can grow to a length of 25 feet and weigh more than 4,000 pounds.

Combat

Giant pipefish entangle their foes in their long, tentacle-like bodies.

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a dire shark must hit with its bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can try to swallow the foe in the following round.

Constrict (Ex): A creature with this special attack can crush an opponent, dealing bludgeoning damage, after making a successful grapple check. The amount of damage is given in the creature’s entry. If the creature also has the improved grab ability it deals constriction damage in addition to damage dealt by the weapon used to grab.

Keen Scent (Ex): A giant pipefish can notice creatures by scent in a 180-foot radius and can detect blood in the water at a range of up to 1 mile.

Skills

A giant pipefish has a +12 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered, and get a free tumble check to move through opponents spaces, avoiding attacks of opportunity.

It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.

Proppian Player's Guide (Oct 20 DRAFT)

2009-10-20T22:01:00.001-05:00

Here is the next installment of the Proppian Player's Guide.

Spending the last two weeks in a cabin in the Finger Lakes has continued to inspire the development of the guide, as has The Oxford Illustrated History of Medieval Europe and a few fairy tales I've had my head planted within. We've experienced autumn and winter in the same week, and it's been memorable -- lots of hauling wood and fire-stoking, interspersed with storytelling and lots of writing.

The result in this guide is more depth in the NPC classes, and at the request of some upcoming players to the realm, more information on the key nations of the region that they'll begin in. These nations will be fleshed out in much more detail in the Proppian Storyteller's Guide, since it's information that shouldn't be well known by the players, since the idea is to have them learn it in-game. However, to get my new players in the right frame of mind to create their characters, it helps to have some basis for their made up reality.

New NPC classes include:

Acrobat: Sneaking about the urban landscape under cover of darkness, the acrobat balances tight rope walking with weapon finesse to provide an athletic character class.

Friar: Traveling the world to preach their own interpretation of the gospel, friars know much of the world and contemplate the afterlife often. Others may see them as overly dogmatic, but they insist they are faithful to their faith, and this keeps them going as they journey from hamlet to township, making observations that they tie back to ancient parables in homilies delivered to all who will listen.

Hunter: Wandering the forest in search of food, hunters have learned where to aim, how to stand, and when to attack their prey. This makes them formidable foes in woods, cities, and dungeons, wherever they may roam.

Jongleur: The ballads sung by wandering minstrels don’t do their adventuring lives justice. In their long-winded tales, they tend to dance around the central theme as well as they dance rings around the local nobility and robber barons alike with their wordplay and wit.

Merchant: Nearly every society requires commerce to thrive, and who but merchants ensure that commerce is successful. Found in almost every settlement, merchants live for one of two things: to see the community prosper through their individual actions, or to see themselves prosper as the expenses of the community grow.

Scholar: Living physically sheltered lives in cloisters and monasteries, these true monks known as scholars receive exemplar educations. Others call them bookish, but when the need for ancient knowledge or other long-dead lore arises, they are often the only ones able to provide the proper perspective for the situation.

Shepherd: Astute animal handlers with aptitude for deep thinking and spending long periods of time in concentration, shepherds are known for their no-nonsense understanding of the ways of the world.

Tinker: Toiling away in their laboratories, tinkers develop new devices to solve society’s problems. Some of these improvements are seen on the battlefield, others in the healer’s tent, and still others remain in their labs, to one day be discovered by some courageous adventurer.

Get the latest version of the fairy-tale-oriented, Medieval guide here. Remember that this guide is still under development, to be released by the end of this year.

Wild Arbors of Mahdihly Vale

2009-10-17T19:54:00.005-05:00

Outlaws defied the local law, setting up a camp in the local baron's private wood. On a sacred night for believers of the dominant religion in the area, the Baron Allain sent his men into the wood, attacking the outlaws while they were in prayer. The outlaw men were hanged from the trees overhead while their families watched. They wept and prayed out loud, finally shouting insults at the baron's men.

One of the women shouted, "for many days have these men cared for your arbors! May these trees enact a tax on your bloodthirsty life!". She was run through on the spot by the baron himself.

A week later, he passed through the scene of the crime on his way back from battle with a small retinue, including some of the men who carried out the hangings. The baron never made it home that night, nor did any of his men. When his castle guard returned to investigate, they noted that the roots of the trees had grown in a circular barrier and that the baron and his men's bodies were found hacked to pieces in the corral, and there were no signs of his horses, nor the corpses of the outlaws that had been left to rot.

Llana d'Arth

2009-10-15T16:32:00.001-05:00

This woman of the sea would sun herself on rocks a good deal off the coast of the Jæruel for those few summer weeks when the clouds would part and the light stream in sharp contrast to the grey clouds in the distance.

One summer, she was caught in the nets of a fishing trawler, and dragged up on deck. The men were frightened by her until she spoke in their tongue, asking to be set free. They complied, and she thanked them and swam off, back to her rocks to sun. They returned to the rocks the next day and she was gone.

Later that season, she swam up to their vessel and warned them of an approaching storm. Turning back to shore, they returned in time to warn the rest of the town, which boarded up and weathered the storm with minimal damage.

The fishermen were branded heroes by their fellow citizens.

Rumor has it that fishermen still see her in those sunny summer weeks out there on the rocks.

Sylvanthread Armor

2009-10-10T19:46:00.004-05:00

This extremely light cloth armor is made of finely-woven sylvanthread. Speed while wearing sylvanthread is 40 feet for medium creatures, or 30 feet for small. The armor has an arcane spell failure chance of 5%, a maximum Dexterity bonus of +6 and no armor check penalty. It is considered extra-light armor and weighs 5 pounds.

Sylvanthread armor provides a +4 AC bonus.

No aura (nonmagical); Price 3,250 gp.

Holy Caltrops

2009-10-05T09:17:00.003-05:00

Holy caltrops are runes the wielder drops on the ground to slow and damage the undead. The runes have a single activation keyword, the name of the rune. The runes deal 2d8 holy damage to and slow any undead in a 20' radius which fail a DC 20 reflex save. Undead creatures which step on the caltrops must make a DC 25 reflex save or take 3d8 holy damage.

If laid as a trap, the caltrops do not require the keyword to activate them, but also do not affect all those in a 20' radius; only those undead which step upon the caltrops are affected.

Greater holy caltrops raise the DC by 5 and the damage by a d8; lesser remove 5 DC and a d8.

Moderate enchantment. Must be blessed by a cleric of at least level 9. Price: 2,500 (lesser), 5,000 or 7,500 (greater) gp.

Proppian Player's Guide (Oct 1 DRAFT)

2009-10-01T23:18:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Proppia, a fantastic land of medieval fairy tales, where knights in plate armor occupy turreted castles of stone, where struggling merchants hawk exotic wares in the town squares, where an ordinary journey becomes a dangerous adventure, where priests claim miraculous powers, alchemists bent on affecting the world mix powerful concoctions, and where scholars study arcane tomes written in long-dead languages for the secrets to powerful incantations.

Based on feudal medieval history, this world is chaotic and violent, and differs from traditional d20 worlds in that arcane and divine magic are hard for player characters to acquire and require intense in-game activity to wield. Without instant healing and three fireball spell slots a day to ward off the many bandits, the roads and rivers are unsafe, let alone the deep wilderness with its dark denizens. In the monarchies, republics, theocracies, and military states, bribery and corruption are as commonplace as poverty and superstition. The fears and superstitions that manifest in the songs of bards and the whispers in dark corners of taverns are likely true, though often embellished when shared with the intoxicated masses.

In this midst of this general disorganization, expansionist kingdoms send their armies to ravage the countryside, strange creatures infest underground mines, thieves stalk mountain passes, witches intone loathsome curses, and various cults deliver dogmatic sermons in forest clearings as they vie for the allegiances of the people. Aggressive animals and strange creatures have reported throughout the land, especially in the forests.

The world of Proppia is inspired by Europe between the 15th and 16th centuries, covering the end of the Dark Ages, the emergence of the Renaissance, and the folk tales captured by the Brothers Grimm and others. The new ideas of the Renaissance have begun to usher in a period of change to the world. The strange, miraculous and magical elements simply reflect popular beliefs, superstitions and myths. This is an era before formal logic or widely-accepted science, a time when anything is still possible in the minds of the people. In short, if medieval Europe believed something might be true, in Proppia it may actually be true. In fact, the players are responsible for and encouraged to bring the fantastic ideas from fairy tales to life within the world. This is, after all, your story; your place to game. Make it fun.

Over the course of the campaign, you will travel across many lands, meet diverse personalities, wage war, crawl from from the ashes of battle, and discover and wield new and ancient magics. You will explore many different city and nation states, castles, hamlets, monasteries, dungeons, and a dangerous, unforgiving landscape of moors, primeval forests, and deep caverns. You will encounter unique creatures as well as those traditionally found in fantasy role playing settings. You will trip over and unwillingly discover specially-designed traps.

There are many opportunities to perform heroic deeds that live forever in the minds of the people, and that fill your purse. If you travel far and wide and accomplish enough, you will be known among Sigfried, Beowulf, Roland, Frodo, and other heroes whose stories are still told today. You may even have your story told and retold by each new generation. One of the goals of Proppia is to generate enough story material for a series of medieval fairy-tale sagas.

And so you are invited to relax your notion of the rigid rules of the 3.5 (and 4th ed) systems and enter Proppia, a world where history and fantasy meld together in a low-magic, high-adventure campaign of politics, intrigue, and mystery. Tiptoe forward from the back of the tavern and take the stage as a lead character in Proppia, and prepare yourself for a lifetime of quests and heroic adventures...

Download a draft copy of the Proppian Player's Guide. Note that it's still in the works, but is coming along.

Flute of Dancing

2009-09-26T02:30:00.003-05:00

Inspired by a recent history of heresy in medieval times, and Richard Wunderli's telling of the story of the Drummer of Niklashausen, Hans Behem, here is a magic item that should please fans of the Pied Piper of Hamlin.

This flute appears to be a normal, oversized flute. When played by a person who succeeds on a DC 15 Perform (wind instruments) check, the flute creates an hypnotic rhythm of a tune. Those within 30 feet who fail DC 20 Will saves are forced to dance for 2d6 rounds. Those affected can still attack, but at a -4. They also receive a +2 bonus to AC while dancing.

Flutes of dancing can be sounded with this effect twice a day.

Faint enchantment; CL 4th; Craft Wondrous Item, scare; Price 5,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.

Cunning

2009-09-24T17:03:00.003-05:00

Michael Kane, a new contributor to Claw/Claw/Bite, came up with this new skill that gives DMs and players a fun way to introduce some cinematic action and daring-do into their games.

If you wish to use it in your game, you could make it available as a class skill to rogues, bards, and other quick martial characters.

Cunning (Wis+Int) - Take the average of the two scores.

You are a quick thinker. You can quickly survey a area and see cause and effect. A decorative rug on the floor looks nice to everyone else but to you its a trip attempt, or an elaborate pulley system on a boat is complex, but you know which rope to cut that could pull you to safety and possibly collapse the sails on its crew.

Check- A successful check lets you spot out situations that could come to be. Once in a area you scan the room paying more attention to detail then everyone else. Dms can use this skill in their game, either to place fun and creative situations on the pre-existing maps or make it up from the hip during gameplay.

DC: All check DC will be determined by the DM. A handy rule of thumb - DCs can be set at 10 + Encounter Level for easy tasks, +5 to spot harder situations, or +10 for really tough longshot situations.

Task: Example: Nadira the crafty little Rouge walks into the Thirsty Throat Saloon. The bar is full of patrons all having too much of a good old time. She could make a Cunning check to notice a simple rope holding up a chandler made of antlers, wooden barrels of ale sitting at the the top of a stairway, or a floor plank that is loose and that could be shot up with a solid stomp - causing damage or tripping someone over.

Example: Nadira is on top of a moving carriage being chased by bandits. A standing dead tree on the side of the road just needs a good yank to come tumbling down, stopping the bandits from their chase. Dms can use multiple skills together making a situation have a possible out come good or bad. Here's a round-by round example of how it could be played out:

1st round: While on-top of the carriage Nidira notices the dead tree ahead and quickly pulls out some rope.
2nd: Attempting to make a lasso Use rope DC 12, if its a success she will be granted a +2 circumstance to lasso the tree, if failed Nadira can another attempt next round
3rd: Lasso in hand Nadira will spend the round setting up for the touch attack on the dead tree (+2), rope in hand Use Rope DC 12, if fail situation is missed
4th: Nadira make touch attack to lasso tree AC 11, if failed situation is missed
5th: Rope is lassoed to tree and rope is beginning to tighten (this is where the good or bad situation occurs) Nadira makes a Wis DC 12-14 if successful she'll notice that she doesn't have enough weight to pull the dead tree down and can attempt to tie the rope to the railing of the carriage, if failed Nadira will hold on to rope.
6th: The rope will tighten on the railing and dead tree will come toppling down on the bandits, or if she is still holding on to the rope Nadira is yanked from the carriage and is swung towards the bandits. Nadira makes a swinging kick attack at the surprised bandit knocking him off of his mount. They both tumble to the ground. Nadira may use the downed bandits horse to catch up with the party.

This skill is optional for a player and a DM to use in the game. There is no limit to the creativity of craftiness.

-Michael Kane

Alternative Level Advancement System

2009-09-17T12:47:00.003-05:00

Sean K. Reynolds, co-designer of 3rd edition D&D, has shared an alternative character leveling system he developed that uses "Steps" instead of XP. Read all about it on his site here!

DnFnD

2009-09-13T04:51:00.003-05:00

Inspired by the Friday and Saturday night shift running of the Tower of Gygax at GENCON 2009, I have begun to delve deeper into 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, and have been reminded of why I liked this edition so much as a kid. I'm documenting pros and cons of this (just about) original edition at DnFnD.blogspot.com.

Follow along if you too want to reminisce.

Arcane Runethrower

2009-09-11T23:30:00.001-05:00

This prestige class is a natural fit for dwarven spellcasters steeped in their runic lore.

Arcane runethrowers have honed their stonecutting skill to be able to precisely chisel arcane runes into them. These runes replace most standard material components (excluding any with material cost and any others that the DM deems essential) when the spell is to be cast. Arcane runethrowers cast their runes and intone arcane words to bring about their spell effects.

NPC runethrowers usually lead lead solitary lives in towers and reclaimed caves. Some specialize in a particular set of runes, organizing into groups that trade their runes among themselves.

Hit Die: d6.

Requirements

To qualify to become an arcane runethrower, a character must fulfill the following criteria.

Alignment: Any
Skills: Spellcraft +6, Craft (Stonecutting) +6

Class Skills

Arcane runethrowers are intended to hone their Spellcraft and Knowledge: Arcana skills while keeping their tools and Stonecarving skills sharp.

Class Features

Arcane runethrowers gain the ability to cast spells at the same rate as sorcerers, and can elect to use their dexterity bonuses the way sorcerers use intelligence. They gain access to all the spells up to their arcane runethrower level plus any levels of spellcasting they have acquired through other classes. In addition, the following skills are are available: Concentration, Knowledge: Arcana, Knowledge: Dungeoneering, Spellcraft, Stonecarving, and Use Magic Device.

Arcane Skill Bonus: For every 10 points (ranks + ability modifier + misc modifier) in Stonecarving, arcane runethrowers cast spells at an additional level.

Initiative Around the Table

2009-09-10T21:51:00.003-05:00

One variant that I have seen work well in multiple sessions is having whoever wins the initiative start the round, and have play proceed around the table from there at the discretion of the first player. This makes it easier to know who moves next, and players can stay close to the action until their turn is up before grabbing a snack or using the restroom.

This can really keep the action moving, but may upset players who want to go next. Use at your own risk.

Silvex

2009-09-02T21:15:00.002-05:00

The two rakshasas go by Zilves and Chanaras when they take their human forms, the bards from the Salty Grog. This is where they learn their stories which they weave into stories, stories into song, songs into spells. They do not work with Salodrin, but know of him, and have a fork tuned to the Plane of Knowledge which allows them to plane shift here using Silvex's ring.

Silvex is the younger of the duo, traveling with Janarax and for the most part following his directions. He could be persuaded to help the party for a large sum of gems, for which he has a certain overwhelming fascination.

Silvex
Medium-size Male Rakshasa
Rakshasa 7 Sorcerer 6 Rogue 1

Hit Dice: (7d8)+(6d4)+(1d6)+85
Hit Points: 160
Initiative: +9
Speed: Walk 40 ft.
AC: 32 (flatfooted 27, touch 15)
Attacks: Bite +8; 2 Claws +15/+15
Damage: Bite 1d6+4; 2 Claws 1d6+4
Vision: Darkvision (60')
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Change Shape (Su), Damage Reduction (Su), Detect Thoughts (Su), Spell Resistance (Ex), Summon Familiar, Sneak Attack +1d6
Saves: Fortitude: +12, Reflex: +13, Will: +12
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 20, Con 22, Int 20, Wis 12, Cha 22
Skills: Appraise 4; Balance 12; Bluff 23; Climb 9; Concentration 18; Craft (Alchemy) 4; Craft (Trapmaking) 13; Craft (Untrained) 6; Diplomacy 10; Disguise 24; Escape Artist 7; Forgery 6; Gather Information 6; Heal 2; Hide 5; Intimidate 6; Jump 7; Knowledge (Arcana) 22; Knowledge (Tactics) 10; Knowledge (The Planes) 9; Listen 6; Move Silently 15; Perform (Comedy) 8; Perform (Dance) 10; Ride 5; Search 5; Sense Motive 5; Spellcraft 23; Spot 13; Survival 2; Swim 4
Feats: Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Improved Natural Attack (Claw), Quicken Spell, Simple Weapon Proficiency
Challenge Rating: 14
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Possessions: 5 Tiger Eyes; Bracers of Armor +8; Cloak of Charisma +2; 2 Blue Diamonds; Emerald; Ring of Plane Shift; Star Ruby; Wand of Hold Monster; Tablas of Persuasion

Spells:
Spells per Day: (6/8/8/7/7/7/4/0/0/ DC:16+spell level)
Sorcerer - Known:
Level 0: Arcane Mark, Daze, Detect Magic, Flare, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Read Magic, Resistance
Level 1: Alarm, Expeditious Retreat, Hold Portal, Magic Missile, Shield
Level 2: Arcane Lock, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Knock, Touch of Idiocy
Level 3: Displacement, Fly, Haste, Hold Person
Level 4: Fire Trap, Charm Monster, Ice Storm, Phantasmal Killer
Level 5: Cone of Cold, Dismissal, Telekinesis
Level 6: Dispel Magic, Legend Lore, Shadow Walk

A closer look at a rakshasa reveals that the palms of its hands are where the backs of the hands would be on a human.

A rakshasa is about the same height and weight as a human.

Rakshasas speak Common, Infernal, and Undercommon.

Combat

In close combat, which a rakshasa disdains as ignoble, it employs its sharp claws and powerful bite. Whenever possible, it uses its other abilities to make such encounters unnecessary.

Detect Thoughts (Su): A rakshasa can continuously use detect thoughts as the spell (caster level 18th; Will DC 15 negates). It can suppress or resume this ability as a free action. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Spells

Change Shape (Su): A rakshasa can assume any humanoid form, or revert to its own form, as a standard action. In humanoid form, a rakshasa loses its claw and bite attacks (although it often equips itself with weapons and armor instead). A rakshasa remains in one form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but the rakshasa reverts to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell reveals its natural form.

Skills

A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks. *When using change shape, a rakshasa gains an additional +10 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks. If reading an opponent’s mind, its circumstance bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks increases by a further +4.

Rakshasas As Characters

Rakshasa characters possess the following racial traits.

* +2 Strength, +4 Dexterity, +6 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +6 Charisma.
* Medium size.
* A rakshasa’s base land speed is 40 feet.
* Darkvision out to 60 feet.
* Racial Hit Dice: A rakshasa begins with seven levels of outsider, which provide 7d8 Hit Dice, a base attack bonus of +7, and base saving throw bonuses of Fort +5, Ref +5, and Will +5.
* Racial Skills: A rakshasa’s outsider levels give it skill points equal to 10 × (8 + Int modifier). Its class skills are Bluff, Disguise, Listen, Move Silently, Perform, Sense Motive, and Spot. A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks, and it can gain further bonuses by using change shape (+10 on Disguise checks) and detect thoughts (+4 on Bluff and Disguise checks).
* Racial Feats: A rakshasa’s outsider levels give it three feats.
* +9 natural armor bonus.
* Natural Weapons: Bite (1d6) and 2 claws (1d4).
* Detect Thoughts (Su): The save DC is 12 + the character’s Cha modifier.
* Spells: A rakshasa character casts spells as a 7th-level sorcerer. If the character takes additional levels of sorcerer, these levels stack with the rakshasa’s base spellcasting ability for spells known, spells per day, and other effects dependent on caster level. A rakshasa character likewise uses the sum of its racial spellcasting levels and class levels to determine the abilities of its familiar.
* Special Qualities (see above): Change shape, damage reduction 15/good and piercing, spell resistance equal to 27 + class levels.
* Automatic Languages: Common, Infernal. Bonus Languages: Sylvan, Undercommon.
* Favored Class: Sorcerer.
* Level adjustment +7.

Janarax

2009-09-01T18:03:00.003-05:00

A devious bard who has focused his sorcerous powers on murder and deceit, Janarax partners with Silvex, one of his brethren. The two make a powerful spellcasting force, wandering the planes causing trouble.

Recently, he has learned about the power of Magesilver and has been wielding a large chunk. In his research into powerful artifacts, he has discovered the Silver Orb of the Ages, which he seeks in the Great Library that is the Plane of Knowledge.

Janarax
Medium-size Male Rakshasa
Rakshasa 7 Sorcerer 7

Hit Dice: (7d8)+(7d4)+70
Hit Points: 140
Initiative: +9
Speed: Walk 40 ft. (8 squares)
AC: 32 (flatfooted 27, touch 15)
Attacks: *Bite +8;*Claw +13/+13; ;
Damage: *Bite 1d6+1;*Claw 1d6+3; ;
Vision: Darkvision (60')
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Change Shape (Su), Damage Reduction (Su), Detect Thoughts (Su), Spell Resistance (Ex), Summon Familiar
Saves: Fortitude: +12, Reflex: +12, Will: +12
Abilities: STR 16 (+3), DEX 20 (+5), CON 20 (+5), INT 22 (+6), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 22 (+6)
Skills: Appraise 6; Balance 5; Bluff 26; Climb 3; Concentration 22; Craft (Alchemy) 11; Craft (Trapmaking) 9; Craft (Untrained) 6; Diplomacy 10; Disguise 27; Escape Artist 5; Forgery 6; Gather Information 6; Heal 2; Hide 5; Intimidate 8; Jump 7; Knowledge (Arcana) 23; Knowledge (Tactics) 10; Knowledge (The Planes) 10; Listen 6; Move Silently 12; Perform (Comedy) 8; Perform (Dance) 8; Ride 5; Search 6; Sense Motive 7; Spellcraft 25; Spot 11; Survival 2; Swim 3;
Feats: Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Improved Natural Attack (Claw), Quicken Spell, Simple Weapon Proficiency
Challenge Rating: 17
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Possessions: Alexandrite; Tiger Eye; Amethyst; Aquamarine; Bite; Bracers of Armor +8; Claw; Cloak of Charisma +2; Blue Diamond; Emerald; Ring of Blinking; Star Ruby; Wand of Ice Storm; Sizable chunk of Magesilver (adds +2 to all spell levels while wielded)

Spells:
Spells per Day: (6/8/8/7/7/7/6/3/0/ DC:16+spell level+2 for the Magesilver)
Sorcerer - Known:
Level 0: Arcane Mark, Daze, Detect Magic, Flare, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Read Magic, Resistance
Level 1: Alarm, Expeditious Retreat, Hold Portal, Magic Missile, Shield
Level 2: Arcane Lock, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Knock, Touch of Idiocy
Level 3: Fireball, Fly, Haste, Lightning Bolt
Level 4: Black Tentacles, Charm Monster, Phantasmal Killer, Solid Fog
Level 5: Baleful Polymorph, Dismissal, Wall of Force
Level 6: Chain Lightning, Greater Dispel Magic
Level 7: Spell Turning

A closer look at a rakshasa reveals that the palms of its hands are where the backs of the hands would be on a human.

A rakshasa is about the same height and weight as a human.

Rakshasas speak Common, Infernal, and Undercommon.

Combat

In close combat, which a rakshasa disdains as ignoble, it employs its sharp claws and powerful bite. Whenever possible, it uses its other abilities to make such encounters unnecessary.

Detect Thoughts (Su): A rakshasa can continuously use detect thoughts as the spell (caster level 18th; Will DC 15 negates). It can suppress or resume this ability as a free action. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Spells

Change Shape (Su): A rakshasa can assume any humanoid form, or revert to its own form, as a standard action. In humanoid form, a rakshasa loses its claw and bite attacks (although it often equips itself with weapons and armor instead). A rakshasa remains in one form until it chooses to assume a new one. A change in form cannot be dispelled, but the rakshasa reverts to its natural form when killed. A true seeing spell reveals its natural form.

Skills

A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks. *When using change shape, a rakshasa gains an additional +10 circumstance bonus on Disguise checks. If reading an opponent’s mind, its circumstance bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks increases by a further +4.

Rakshasas As Characters

Rakshasa characters possess the following racial traits.

* +2 Strength, +4 Dexterity, +6 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, +6 Charisma.
* Medium size.
* A rakshasa’s base land speed is 40 feet.
* Darkvision out to 60 feet.
* Racial Hit Dice: A rakshasa begins with seven levels of outsider, which provide 7d8 Hit Dice, a base attack bonus of +7, and base saving throw bonuses of Fort +5, Ref +5, and Will +5.
* Racial Skills: A rakshasa’s outsider levels give it skill points equal to 10 × (8 + Int modifier). Its class skills are Bluff, Disguise, Listen, Move Silently, Perform, Sense Motive, and Spot. A rakshasa has a +4 racial bonus on Bluff and Disguise checks, and it can gain further bonuses by using change shape (+10 on Disguise checks) and detect thoughts (+4 on Bluff and Disguise checks).
* Racial Feats: A rakshasa’s outsider levels give it three feats.
* +9 natural armor bonus.
* Natural Weapons: Bite (1d6) and 2 claws (1d4).
* Detect Thoughts (Su): The save DC is 12 + the character’s Cha modifier.
* Spells: A rakshasa character casts spells as a 7th-level sorcerer. If the character takes additional levels of sorcerer, these levels stack with the rakshasa’s base spellcasting ability for spells known, spells per day, and other effects dependent on caster level. A rakshasa character likewise uses the sum of its racial spellcasting levels and class levels to determine the abilities of its familiar.
* Special Qualities (see above): Change shape, damage reduction 15/good and piercing, spell resistance equal to 27 + class levels.
* Automatic Languages: Common, Infernal. Bonus Languages: Sylvan, Undercommon.
* Favored Class: Sorcerer.
* Level adjustment +7.

Lars

2009-08-31T02:38:00.002-05:00

As the dust from the swordfight clears, there is one man standing. In profile, he is tall and slender, and when the light of the re-lit lanterns fills the room, his bruises become apparent. He holds one hand over his eyes squinting in the brightness of the light, a stoic expression over the rest of his face.

Lars and his traveling companion Faris hail from the eastern edge of Besht, where they live in an intentional community of woodsy folk. His skills in leatherwork give him a keen eye for craftsmanship, and his long hours of toil have tightened his muscles.

Mild-mannered and soft spoken, he is not quick to respond to stimuli, unless he feels immediately threatened, but when he does speak, his words ring with the wisdom of one who has lived on his own for much of his life.

Lars
Male Human; Medium Humanoid ( Human )
Fighter2 Expert1
Hit Dice: (2d10)+(1d6)+3
Hit Points: 29
Initiative: +6
Speed: Walk 30 ft.
AC: 16 (flatfooted 14, touch 12)
Attacks: Dagger +4; Dagger (Thrown) +4; Shortbow +5; *Sword, Short +4;
Damage: Dagger 1d4+2; Dagger (Thrown) 1d4; Shortbow 1d6; *Sword, Short 1d6+2;
Vision:
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities:
Saves: Fortitude: +4, Reflex: +2, Will: +4
Abilities: STR 15 (+2), DEX 14 (+2), CON 12 (+1), INT 12 (+1), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 8 (-1)
Skills: Appraise: 1; Balance: 0; Bluff: -1; Climb: 3; Concentration: 2; Craft (Leatherworking): 2; Craft (Untrained): 1; Diplomacy: -1; Disable Device: 3; Disguise: -1; Escape Artist: 0; Forgery: 1; Gather Information: -1; Handle Animal: 3; Heal: 2; Hide: 0; Intimidate: 3; Jump: 1; Knowledge (Geography): 2; Knowledge (History): 2; Listen: 4; Move Silently: 0; Ride: 6; Search: 1; Sense Motive: 3; Spot: 2; Survival: 2; Swim: 1;
Feats: Armor Proficiency (Heavy), Armor Proficiency (Light), Armor Proficiency (Medium), Improved Initiative, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Point Blank Shot, Power Attack, Precise Shot, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Tower Shield Proficiency, Weapon Focus (Shortbow)
Challenge Rating: 2
Alignment: Neutral Good

Possessions: Arrows (50); Backpack; Bedroll; Buckler; Caltrops; Dagger; Flint and Steel; Outfit (Explorer's); Rope (Silk/50 Ft.); Sack; Shortbow; Studded Leather; Sword, Short; Torch;

Faris

2009-08-28T02:38:00.000-05:00

There is a quick double thwap sound, and the boar falls to the mud before you, its snout landing on your chest. Rolling out from under the beast, a young man giggles as he approaches. "You're not bored, are you?" he quips. As he retrieves his spent arrows from the deceased beast, you note his well-kempt features and the standard of a far-off land tattooed on the insides of his wrists.

Faris
Medium-size Male Human
Ranger3
Hit Dice: (3d8)+3
Hit Points: 27
Initiative: +3
Speed: Walk 30 ft.
AC: 15 (flatfooted 12, touch 13)
Attacks: Dagger +5;Dagger (Thrown) +6;*Shortbow +6; ;
Damage: Dagger 1d4+2;Dagger (Thrown) 1d4;*Shortbow 1d6; ;
Vision:
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Archery Combat Style, Favored Enemy (Giant) +2, Wild Empathy (Ex) +4
Saves: Fortitude: +4, Reflex: +6, Will: +2
Abilities: STR 14 (+2), DEX 16 (+3), CON 12 (+1), INT 11 (+0), WIS 12 (+1), CHA 13 (+1)
Skills: Appraise 0; Balance 3; Bluff 1; Climb 5; Concentration 3; Craft (Untrained) 0; Diplomacy 1; Disguise 1; Escape Artist 3; Forgery 0; Gather Information 1; Handle Animal 2; Heal 4; Hide 4; Intimidate 1; Jump 4; Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1; Knowledge (Geography) 4; Knowledge (Nature) 4; Listen 4; Move Silently 6; Ride 3; Search 3; Sense Motive 1; Spot 5; Survival 5; Swim 4;
Feats: Armor Proficiency (Light), Endurance, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Point Blank Shot, Quick Draw, Rapid Shot, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Track
Challenge Rating: 3
Alignment: Chaotic Good

Possessions: Arrows (20); Leather; Dagger; Outfit (Explorer's); Shortbow;
Spells:
Spells per Day: (0/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/ DC:11+spell level)
Ranger - Known: None, as in Proppia, all magic is learned in-game.

Kamgai Parzi

2009-08-24T18:12:00.005-05:00

Kamgai was trained in a martial monastery on the border of the Fjordlands, a region inhabited by hordes of orcs that patrol the hills. He received his best training wandering those hills, picking fights and knowing when to flee before orc reinforcements arrived on the scene. His ability to sneak in behind enemy lines has been put to use on multiple occasions by the militias keeping sentry over the border between the Central Valley and Orkrun. This has won him a medallion of honor from the shared governance of Central Valley.

His history picking fights makes him come off as abrasive when he is first met, but over time he warms to groups who show themselves full of valor and thus worthy of his respect. Beating him in a feat of strength, dexterity, or combat will instantly win him over.

Kamgai Parzi
Medium-size Male Human
Monk11
Hit Dice: (11d8)+33
Hit Points: 97
Initiative: +8
Speed: Walk 60 ft.
AC: 25 (flatfooted 21, touch 18)
Attacks: *Flurry of Blows +11/+11/+11/+6; ;
Damage: *Flurry of Blows 2d8+3; ;
Vision: normal
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Diamond Body (Su), Greater Flurry of Blows (Ex), Improved Evasion (Ex), Ki Strike (Magic and Lawful), Purity of Body (Ex), Slow Fall (50), Still Mind (Ex), Stunning Fist attack 12/day (DC 16), Wholeness of Body (Su) 22 hp/day
Saves: Fortitude: +12, Reflex: +13, Will: +10
Abilities: STR 16 (+3), DEX 18 (+4), CON 16 (+3), INT 12 (+1), WIS 12 (+1), CHA 7 (-2)
Skills: Appraise 1; Balance 11; Bluff -2; Climb 5; Concentration 9; Craft (Untrained) 1; Diplomacy 2; Disguise -2; Escape Artist 11; Forgery 1; Gather Information -2; Heal 1; Hide 12; Intimidate -2; Jump 20; Knowledge (Arcana) 4; Knowledge (Religion) 4; Listen 4; Move Silently 14; Perform (Dance) 2; Profession (Soldier) 3; Ride 4; Search 1; Sense Motive 8; Spot 6; Survival 1; Swim 5; Tumble 16;
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Improved Unarmed Strike, Mobility, Multiattack, Power Attack, Stunning Fist
Challenge Rating: 11
Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Possessions: Belt, Monk's; Ring of Water Walking; Boots of Levitation; Bracers of Armor +5; Cloak of Resistance +2; Flurry of Blows; Outfit (Monk's); Medallion of Honor from Central Valley (AC +2)

Medallion of Honor

2009-08-20T23:25:00.000-05:00

As a means of introducing campaign flavor, we recommend using Medallions of Honor. these medallions exist in many forms, and are awarded by communities and organizations to those who perform honorable deeds, for instance a party which saves a village from a marauding goblin army or saves a favored daughter of the hamlet.

Most common Medallions of Honor grant a +1 AC bonus (Sacred) to the wearer. However, they range through +5 bonuses, and can also bestow a number of other powers to the wearer. For instance, Medallions of Honor in aquatic communities often grant waterbreathing.

Prices range based on ability as dictated by the DMG, with additional cost bonuses for the stones which adorn them, be they turquoise, copper, or diamond.

Gloves of Choking

2009-08-19T21:55:00.001-05:00

This normal-looking pair of leather gloves is laced with a set of extra-long laces. Once worn, the long laces wrap around the wrists and arms of the wearer, binding the gloves to the wearer. Once this happens, the wearer must make a DC 20 Will check or be forced to choke the nearest creature as if under the affect of a charm person spell. If the wearer successfully chokes his neighbor, he will move on to his next-nearest neighbor until the enchantment is broken.

This is particularly deadly when characters try on the gloves while their companions sleep.

Moderate transmutation, CL 7th, Craft Wondrous Item, charm person, Price: 2,000gp.

A Gnomish barbarian

2009-08-18T15:27:00.010-05:00

Hey, all. Just got back from GenCon this sunday, and I must say the experience was awe inspiring. I was so inspired, in fact, that I decided to take a try at a character that is bereft of the min/maxing typical of players of Dnd/4th ed. This character is, in particular, specific to Pathfinder (which just came out officially. If you like 3.5, it is a significant improvement. Especially the fighters and barbarians). You can see the 4th ed version over at our sister blog, Tailslap.

Luk was not born terribly lucky, despite what his name would tell. His parents were outcast from gnome society while his mother was with him. By the time of his birth, they were destitute, and forced to abandon him in the heart of the Naljin Forest. There, he was rescued by a pack of wolves, whose alpha female happened to be awakened. Life for Luk was fine, until the day the wolf he called "mother" was killed in the jaws of a hidden trap. He brutally avenged her death by fur collecters, and left the pack to seek his fortune.

This gnomish warrior could be considered strange even by the standards of his race. Mercrurial and tactless, Luk will pick the absolute worst time to speak the truth with nary a negative intention. But while the insulting replies he receives will roll off his tough hide, the mistreatment of animals--especially wolves and dogs--will immediately send him flying off the handle in a violent rage.

Luk
Male Gnome Barbarian 1(favored class)
Chaotic Neutral Small Humanoid
Init: +1 Senses: Perception +4 Low-light Vision
Languages: Common, Gnome, Sylvan

defenses
AC: 17 (+5 scale +1 size +1 dex bonus, ) touch 12, flatfooted 16

+4 dodge bonus vs. monster of the Giant type
HP: 18 (HD 1d12+2 con+3 toughness+1 favored class)
Fort: +4 Ref: +1 Will: +0

+2 morale bonus to Will while Raging, +2 racial bonus to Will vs. illusions

attacks
Speed: 30 ft.
Attack: +1 (+2 to damage 1-handed)
Full Attack: Great Club +3 (1d8+3 / x2)
Attack Options:

Battle Axe one handed +3 (1d6+2 / x3) slash

Spiked Gauntlet one handed +3 (1d3+2 / x2) pierce
Space / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Base Attack: +1 Grapple: +2 (Pathfinder: CMB: +2, CMD: 13)

SQ: Illusion resistance, Keen Senses, Obsessive, Weapon Familiarity: Gnome
SA: Rage 6 rounds/day, Fast Movement
Feats: Toughness

skills & abilities
Skills: Intimidate +4, Knowledge (nature) +3, Perception +6
Abilities Str 15 Dex 12 Con 15 Int 8 Wis 11 Cha 11

Spell-Like Abilities: 1/day-dancing lights, ghost sound, prestidigitation, and speak with animals

Possessions: Scale Mail(note, in Pathfinder, barbarians are allowed the use of medium armor), Great Club, Battle Axe, Spiked Gauntlet, Backpack, Belt Pouch, Weapon Harness, Waterskin, 10 days rations, torch x3, 50 foot hempen rope. Total weight: 35 lbs.--light load (note: in Pathfinder, a small creature's weight allowance is 3/4 that of a medium creature)

GenCon 2009: Saturday

2009-08-16T08:20:00.000-05:00

This day was all about two events -- our Arena of Death Battletech game and a late night playing of Tower of Gygax that ran until 7am. I didn't know I could sit that long! Well, actually, I stood for most of the Battletech game, giddy with excitement and playing, and also at co-running the event.

Odd thing happened most of the way thru the game tho -- the fire alarm went off and we all had to vacate the premises. When we returned, we were almost out of time to complete the game. This was too bad; we had a bunch of smaller 'Mechs taking on two Marauders and I was still sneaking about in my Commando. Oh well, at least everyone ended up okay, save a guy who got a little run over in the excitement. He seemed okay tho; I saw him being carried out on a stretcher as I walked back into the Convention Center.

Tower of Gygax redux... played a Monk this time, and feigned death after getting my ass handed to me by a Minotaur/dragon. While the rest of the party were slaughtered, I snuck back and retrieved the Blueprints of the Tower from the beast's chest behind his throne. Then, after hiding in the shadow of one of his tapestries, I snuck my way back out after he returned to his throne. Two nights, two powerful artifacts. I was proclaimed the Ultimate Champion of the Tower. Huzzah!

Good times both nights. I would play Tower of Gygax a hundred more times. I even became attached to my characters in this meant-to-go-through-characters-by-the-dozen adventure.

That was all I had time for; by the time I'm getting to sleep in the morning (8:30am), there will only be time to wake and bus to the airport.

GenCon 2009: Friday

2009-08-15T07:09:00.000-05:00

What can I say? Tower of Gygax rocked my world. A return to old school 1st edition D&D, before everything got so complicated. Before the terms taint, bloodied, and grapple entered the scene. Back when you just took 2 actions -- move and attack, move and cast, or double move. Back when dungeons consisted of puzzles rather than long battles.

The main premise of Tower of Gygax is that you've entered this tower that was built by a wizard, and that constantly shifts and changes. But this Nethack-like dungeon is not dull; the room description s are rich and the puzzles challenging. Some rooms need to be pushed through with combat, but most require the lining up of symbols or the solving of a riddle, or even just the careful use of the elven ability to search for secret doors. Tread softly; there are deathtraps around every corner! So the premise if fairly ridiculous, and you're expected to die as if you're in a Paranoia game, but this experience is too fun to pass up. You must try it next time you're at a con where it's being offered.

Of course, I started the day playing a nine hour game of Advanced Civ, coming in 3rd out of 7 players. Since I've never seen the end of a Civ board game, it was nice to have this run to completion. When it comes to board games, this may be my favorite; it's definitely in the top five.

A good two games of Pompeii later, I was ready for Tower of Gygax. You know the rest. I emerged from the game at 7am after almost 5 hours of playing and then chumming with the DM afterward. I was the lone survivor and had the Crown of Paradise to show for it, providing command abilities and the ability to open up pocket planes at will. Good times!

GenCon 2009: Thursday

2009-08-13T05:17:00.000-05:00

Ugh, the day started early. 7am is earlier than I'd normally drag myself from slumber, but for tickets to fun, I suppose I could do it. Signed up for a Diplomacy game at 10am, a SF film by Richard Garriott and others actually filmed in space, and picked up 10 generic tickets at $2 apiece for use all over GenCon.

The line took forever. If it's possible to line up generics beforehand, that's the plan for next year. I mean, sheesh, why waste valuable time in line!?!? Luckily, this gave me time to figure out my schedule for the next few days. Also a good thing that I tried to sign up for things on Friday afternoon, so the dude behind the counter could remind me that the Civ game is actually Friday, not Saturday. Good thing he told me or I'd have missed it!

Then off to games, and the exhibition floor. I found the floor a bit overwhelming, with all these vendors pushing their products with vim and vinegar. Nice to see the gaming world pushes ahead full throttle despite the many reports of a dismal economy out there. WotC had a glossy exhibit; Crazy Egor had a nice warehouse of all you'd ever want feel. There was everything in-between. Next year, we may try to get a table if we start printing our modules. Stay tuned for news of this over the coming months.

Got into a few games over the course of the day, including Diplomacy, Pompeii, and Junta. I'd say the Junta game went best, with everyone really getting into it. Pompeii is a nice 45 minute fire-and-forget kind of game. Diplomacy is hard if people come in as a strong voting block. I got screwed by a strong Turkey/Austro-Hungary alliance and my Russian people were forced to take Berlin at the cost of losing Sevastopol to Turkey, Warsaw to Austria, and St. Petersburg to Britain. Can you say "squeezed?!?"

Back to the focus of this blog. I was excited to see so many role players, people dressed up (photos perhaps to follow), and general goodwill toward gamers all in the first day of the con. Looking forward to tomorrow, where I hope to get in some good old fashioned role playing after an 8 hour Advanced Civ game. Where else other than GenCon can you get in a game?

GenCon 2009: Wednesday

2009-08-12T23:36:00.000-05:00

Today, three of us from Unicorn Rampant hopped flights from Austin to Indianapolis. Had to figure out Indy's public transit system, which isn't terribly well documented. In the end, I discovered the Green Line 7, which heads from the airport to the downtown area, passing by the Convention Center and most of the hotels, including the Hyatt where I'm staying for the next few days.

We'll be running a few games, most notably For Love of Evil all day Thursday and Friday. Though it's already sold out, this is highly recommended for you 4th Edition gamers out there! We'll be releasing this as a module soon.

After an okay meal at a sports bar across from the Convention Center, we headed back to get tickets to get involved in some fun. There were a number of things already going on Wednesday; if I'd known this, I might've flown out late Tuesday night to partake. Unfortunately, they cut off the line right in front of us, so we weren't able to get into the Wednesday night games we'd hoped to play. But we did get in a Battletech session in a two-on-two battle which was almost resolved.

Now to get a (mostly) good night's sleep before getting up by 7 to get in line for tickets!

GenCon 2009 Preview

2009-08-12T22:37:00.000-05:00

For those of you heading to GenCon, Unicorn Rampant will be running two sessions of our new 4th Edition adventure, For the Love of Evil, one on Thursday from 8am-10pm, and one on Friday at the same time. We'll be running a Battletech game, Arena of Death on Saturday from 1-10pm. Come join the excitement!

Taking July Off

2009-07-01T08:43:00.001-05:00

We're taking July off to spend with family, friends, and also to prepare for GenCon!

In the meantime take a look at our sister publication: Tailslap!

See you in August!

Time in a Bottle

2009-06-25T11:54:00.001-05:00

This item appears to be a normal glass bottle with an hourglass printed on the cork. When opened on the Prime Material Plane, it allows the character to take one full round action. This can be repeated once every minute (hence, once every 10 rounds). The side effect is that the wielder ages a day per use.

If the bottle breaks, the wielder falls unconscious for a day. This is the tactic that those who know of this item use against the wielders. For this reason, Time in a Bottle is sometimes found in areas where there is much broken glass. But often they are found in very secret locations known only by powerful mages.

It is unknown how Time in s Bottle reacts on other planes.

Major transmutation; CL 19th; Craft Wondrous Item, phase self; Price 37,500 gp; Weight 1 lb.

Belt of Singing

2009-06-23T00:23:00.000-05:00

Origin of the term "belt it out!" this belt can be adjusted around the waist of the wearer to improve their pitch and vocal range. The belt gives the wearer a +3 competence bonus on Perform checks and vocal skill checks. Worn by bards, it improves such rolls to perform acts by +5.

Minor divination; CL 6th; Craft Wondrous Item, creator must be a bard with Perform (voice) at least 5; Price 2,500 gp; Weight 1 lb.

Wild Boots

2009-06-21T22:35:00.004-05:00

These brightly-colored leather boots provide benefits to the wearer. First, he receives a +5 Insight Bonus to knowledge checks in the wild. Spellcasters that wear the boots also add 1 additional spell of level 3 or below to their daily spell allotment. For games using mana, add 3 mana to the wearer's mana pool.

Faint abjuration and transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, imbue with spell ability; Price 4,500 gp; Weight 1 lb.

Polonico Colouz

2009-06-19T12:47:00.005-05:00

Polonico is the scruffy-yet-trustworthy paladin who runs Adin Temple, the main church in Central Valley. This church contains multiple wings, each of which is dedicated to a god - Pelor in the north and largest wing, Heironeous in the east wing, and Kord in the west wing. Polonico himself worships Pelor, but works in a partnership with adepts and warriors who worship other gods in typical Central Valley fashion.

Polonico Colouz
Medium-size Male Human
Paladin 9

Hit Dice: (9d10)+18
Hit Points: 79
Initiative: +1
Speed: Walk 20 ft.
AC: 22 (flatfooted 21, touch 11)
Attacks: *Mace +2 (Light) +13/+8; ;
Damage: *Mace +2 (Light) 1d6+4; ;
Vision:
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Aura of Courage (Su), Aura of Good (Ex), Divine Grace (Su), Divine Health (Ex), Lay on Hands (Su) 27 hp/day, Remove Disease (Sp) 2/week, Smite Evil (Su) 2/day, Special Mount (Sp), Turn Undead (Su) 6/day (turn level 7) (turn damage 2d6+10)
Saves: Fortitude: +11, Reflex: +7, Will: +9
Abilities: STR 15 (+2), DEX 13 (+1), CON 14 (+2), INT 13 (+1), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 16 (+3)
Skills: Appraise 1; Balance -5; Bluff 3; Climb -4; Concentration 14; Craft (Sculpting) 3; Craft (Untrained) 1; Diplomacy 15; Disguise 3; Escape Artist -5; Forgery 1; Gather Information 3; Handle Animal 7; Heal 15; Hide -5; Intimidate 3; Jump -10; Listen 3; Move Silently -5; Ride 5; Search 1; Sense Motive 5; Spot 3; Survival 3; Swim -10;
Feats: Armor Proficiency (Heavy), Armor Proficiency (Light), Armor Proficiency (Medium), Combat Casting, Craft Wondrous Item, Improved Turning, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Power Attack, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Spell Penetration
Challenge Rating: 9
Alignment: Lawful Good
Possessions: Banded Mail +2; Mace +2 (Light); Potion of Cure Serious Wounds; Potion of Fly; Shield +1 (Heavy/Metal);

Spells:
Spells per Day: (0/2/1/0/0/0/0/0/0/ DC:13+spell level)
Paladin - Known:
Level 1: Bless, Bless Water, Bless Weapon, Create Water, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Poison, Detect Undead, Divine Favor, Endure Elements, Magic Weapon, Protection from Chaos, Protection from Evil, Read Magic, Resistance, Restoration, Lesser, Virtue
Level 2: Bull's Strength, Delay Poison, Eagle's Splendor, Owl's Wisdom, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy, Shield Other, Undetectable Alignment, Zone of Truth

Padaric Malloy

2009-06-15T11:03:00.005-05:00

Padaric Malloy is the leader of a small rebel unit that has held out against the Baroese army's advances into its home nation. The group of wild-dwellers has evaded the large, organized army by living at the edge of a great forest. The Baroese tactics do not account for heavy forests. Malloy's group is able to steal supplies and sneak attack the troops in their bivouacs when the sun is down. Malloy's men and women number six.

Malloy himself was once a soldier, so he understands tactics. His recent need to survive in the the woods has led to his greater understanding of nature, and he has recently gained the ability to cast ranger spells.

Padaric Malloy
Medium-size Male Human
Fighter 5 Ranger 3

Hit Dice: (5d10)+(3d8)+8
Hit Points: 67
Initiative: +1
Speed: Walk 20 ft.
AC: 20 (flatfooted 19, touch 14)
Attacks: Dagger +12/+7;Dagger (Thrown) +9/+4; Shortbow (Masterwork) +10/+5; Sword +1 (Bastard) +14/+9; ;
Damage: Dagger 1d4+4; Dagger (Thrown) 1d4; Shortbow (Masterwork) 1d6; Sword +1 (Bastard) 1d10+5; ;
Vision: normal
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Favored Enemy (Humanoid (Orc)) +2, Two Weapon Fighting Combat Style, Wild Empathy (Ex) +5
Saves: Fortitude: +8, Reflex: +5, Will: +1
Abilities: Str 18 (+4), Dex 12 (+1), Con 12 (+1), Int 10 (+0), Wis 9 (-1), Cha 14 (+2)
Skills: Appraise 0; Balance -4; Bluff 2; Climb 1; Concentration 3; Craft (Blacksmithing) 3; Craft (Untrained) 0; Diplomacy 2; Disguise 2; Escape Artist -4; Forgery 0; Gather Information 2; Handle Animal 6; Heal 2; Hide -1; Intimidate 10; Jump -5; Knowledge (Geography) 1; Knowledge (Nature) 3; Listen -1; Move Silently -4; Ride 5; Search 2; Sense Motive -1; Spot 1; Survival 1; Swim -4;
Feats: Armor Proficiency (Heavy), Armor Proficiency (Light), Armor Proficiency (Medium), Diehard, Endurance, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Sword (Bastard)), Leadership, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Power Attack, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Tower Shield Proficiency, Track, Weapon Focus (Sword (Bastard))
Challenge Rating: 8
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Possessions: Arrows (20); Arrows +1 (20); Banded Mail (Masterwork); Dagger; Medallion of Honor (AC Bonus+2) (Sacred); Shortbow (Masterwork); Sword +1 (Bastard); Wild Boots - AC Bonus (Insight) (+1);

Spells:
Spells per Day: (0/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/ DC:9+spell level)
Ranger - Known:
Level 1: Alarm, Animal Messenger, Charm Animal, Delay Poison, Detect Animals or Plants, Detect Poison, Entangle, Jump, Longstrider, Magic Fang, Pass without Trace, Resist Energy, Speak with Animals, Summon Nature's Ally I

The Thousand Eyes of Prince Sangor

2009-06-10T01:46:00.004-05:00

This prince of a nomadic tribe is said to have a thousand eyes.

In actuality his tribe has over 500 warrior-aged men and women who act and fight in his name. As nomads, they are known to travel in many directions, even away from the tribe. They keep watch wherever they go, reporting news back to Prince Sangor through a specialized sending spell.

In person, the middle-aged prince can seem distant, since reports from his "thousand eyes" stream in constantly. To his credit, he is amazingly attentive for someone who has the central node in a hive mind in his head at all times.

The prince rarely sleeps for more than a few hours (whenever his "eyes" sleep, he is able to), leading many outsiders (and even some closer to him) to question his humanity. However, to many he comes off as a kind and generous leader who believes very strongly in core principles of honesty and justice.

The story element here is that the prince's counsel has gone missing, and he has been unable to sort through the many messages that fill his mind. The party will be sent on a search and rescue mission across the desert in order to win his trust. Sandor's top archers will accompany the party, and will teach those who use bows how better to use them. They will, of course, be able to be impressed.

Roadside Shrines

2009-05-30T16:19:00.002-05:00

Roadside Shrines are found throughout Farghoal. Some are even far off the road, in the middle of the wilderness. Wherever people have found a reason to note a piece of ground, shrines can be found.

These shrines have multiple uses:

* providing a location to worship while on the road
* providing a source of (holy) water for travelers
* consecrating an area that once was tainted
* memorializing an event, such as a successful battle or a treaty
* memorializing a hero, especially one of the traveling saints
* providing spiritual or holy defense of an area

Sample Roadside Shrines

In the Central Valley, shrines are common roadside reminders of times past. The rich histories of the people who live in the valley are woven together in detailed, sometimes cryptic poetry and prose.

Every mile or so (twenty minutes walk) between towns and inns there is some shrine serving as a reminder of the teamwork and sharing that keeps the valley thriving.

Some towns have markers in the form of shrines on every corner, telling some part of the story. Though these have mostly taken on a more secular meaning. Those that have not are homages to Farlagn, though others praise Pelor, Moradin, or Toddemere Wolfhaven, a minor god of travel.

Soup Stone

2009-05-25T14:00:00.005-05:00

Dropped into a cauldron or pot filled with water, this knobby stone will leak the taste of onions, carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables into the mix, proving a nutritious and tasty meal. The stone shrinks by a negligible margin with each use; a new soup stone lasts up to a year.

This meal will not cover all the nutritional needs of an adventurer, but will provide more than half, making soup stones a valuable, if not expensive item. Multiple soup stones add to the nutritious value of the meal, and make the meal tastier.

Unfortunately, if soup stones get wet (by rain or accidental dunking in a river), they wear away much quicker.

To make a soup stone, the caster must be able to create food through magical means and must be able to enchant objects. Price: 750 gp.

Drawing by Ben Dare.

Trangúll Dřevo Rumors

2009-05-18T01:20:00.002-05:00

The following are quotes that various people who have heard of Trangúll Dřevo, or who are putting the party on, will say to them.

"It is said that southwest of Olde Bay is an ancient wood, wherein lives elf folk. Mischevious, kiniving they are, and will steal your pack if you don't keep it close you. Be careful traveling in those parts."

"I daresay, you should never head there. Only death and despair. 'Tis why the Olde Bay's been so haunted all these years. Foul beasts come form there, beasts half stone and half flesh. Carry you out to their island. Don't go into those woods."

"I never venture south of the Bay. Recommend you don't either. It is said there is a haunted wood down there. Filled with dark fey folk."

"In the heart of Trangúll Dřevo is a portal to another world -- on the other end is a dragon. Can't imagine anyone would ever want to find it."

"We have seen wandering patrols of armed men dressed in deep robes, with shiny armor sneaking out from under their adornment. Their faces have a slight green hue, and they are armed with impressive weapons. If you're heading there, be sure to be well armed, or you will face certain disaster."

Byzozius

2009-05-09T13:40:00.000-05:00

Byzozius is an ancient unicorn who lives in the Forest of Light on Solania, a subplane of Celestia, accessible from a portal in the center of Trangúll Dřevo, a giant elven forest in Farghoal full of fey creatures. It is by making connections with them, and serving them for a time, that he is able to be encountered.

Byzozius lives on, but has grown weak and withered without his horn. Byzozius' horn was carved by Kardâsuan, an elven carver who didn't know its origin.

Fully restored with his horn, Byzozius has the following stats. Without his horn, Byzozius is roughly as powerful as a heavy war horse. This makes his very vulnerable until restored with his horn.

Byzozius (Level 11 Celestial Charger)
Size/Type: Large Magical Beast (Extraplanar, Celestial)
Hit Dice: 8d10+11d8+75 (177 hp)
Initiative: +10
Speed: 60 ft. (12 squares)
Armor Class: 27 (-1 size, +5 Dex, +7 natural, +5 bracers of armor +6), touch 13, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +15/+26
Attack: Horn +24 melee (1d8+10)
Full Attack: Horn +24 melee (1d8+10) and 2 hooves +16 melee (1d4+3)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Turn undead 13/day, smite evil, ride-by attack, spells
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 10/magic, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to poison, charm, and compulsion, low-light vision, magic circle against evil, resistance to acid 10, cold 10, and electricity 10, scent, spell-like abilities, spell resistance 20, wild empathy
Saves: Fort +18, Ref +14, Will +20
Abilities: Str 24, Dex 20, Con 20, Int 13, Wis 29, Cha 22
Skills: Concentration +15, Knowledge (nature) +10, Knowledge (planes) +12, Knowledge (religion) +8, Listen +15, Move Silently +19, Spellcraft +12, Spot +17, Survival +15 (+17 aboveground)*
Feats: Alertness, Combat Casting, Extra Turning, Improved Initiative, Improved Turning, Run, Skill Focus (Survival)
Environment: Celestia
Organization: Unique, solitary
Challenge Rating: 17
Treasure: None
Alignment: Chaotic good
Advancement: 11 Cleric levels
Level Adjustment: +12 (cohort)

Byzozius is an 11 HD celestial unicorn with eleven levels of cleric.

A unicorn has deep sea-blue, violet, brown, or fiery gold eyes. Males sport a white beard.

A typical adult unicorn grows to 8 feet in length, stands 5 feet high at the shoulder, and weighs 1,200 pounds. Females are slightly smaller and slimmer than males.

Unicorns speak Sylvan and Common.

Skills

Unicorns have a +4 racial bonus on Move Silently checks. *Unicorns have a +3 competence bonus on Survival checks within the boundaries of their forest.

Combat

The save DC for this celestial charger’s neutralize poison ability (DC 20) is adjusted for its greater Hit Dice and altered Charisma score.

Byzozius’ natural weapons are treated as magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

Smite Evil (Su): Three times per day, Byzozius can make a normal melee attack to deal 15 points of extra damage against an evil foe.

Magic Circle Against Evil (Su): Three times per day, Byzozius can create a 20' magic circle against evil, as the spell, with the larger area of effect.

Cleric Spells Prepared (6/7/6/5/4; save DC 18 + spell level)

0th: detect magic, detect poison (2), light, virtue (2)
1st: bless (2), calm animals*, obscuring mist, remove fear, sanctuary, shield of faith
2nd: aid* (2), animal messenger, lesser restoration, remove paralysis, shield other
3rd: prayer, protection from energy, remove curse, searing light (2)
4th: air walk, divine power, holy smite*, restoration
5th: atonement, flame strike, spell resistance
6th: blade barrier, wind walk

*Domain spell. Domains: Animal and Good.

Unicorn Rampant Heading to GenCon

2009-04-19T11:38:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know we'll be there in Indy from the 12th-16th of August. Looking forward to 4 days of non-stop gaming.

We'll post which games we expect to attend once we register for them.

See you there!

PS - One of the games we'll be DM'ing at GenCon is "For Love of Evil", an adventure for evil 30th level characters. Find out more here.

Issue 16 Released!

2009-04-15T17:35:00.004-05:00

In time for tax day, we're happy to announce the release of Claw/Claw/Bite Issue 16 - Winter 2009.

Claw/Claw/Bite is a resource for storytellers and gamemasters to help create thrilling worlds of adventure for your players to test their mettle in. In each issue, you'll find new characters, creatures, magic items, encounters, and locations for use in your campaigns. We also include little nuggets that will enrich your world with interesting details and intriguing features.

Our goal is to be a "one-stop shop" for you, the gamemaster. With little or no tweaking on your part, you will be able to drop any game element from Claw/Claw/Bite into your adventure setting and run it how you see fit. All of our creations are designed for d20 fantasy rules. And of course, everything is carefully reviewed and balanced to fit into your game without disrupting your play balance or awaking the dogs of war.

This issue of Claw/Claw/Bite includes:

* Campaign Flavor in the form of Traveler's Tables
* Two new dieties, Saha Ra and Ohases
* One new spell, Cone of Silence
* Four new characters, including a Vanaran Shaman-Scientist
* Four new creatures, including the Dogs of War and Rug Rats
* Ten new magic items, including three new transport-reated Tomes
* Five new locations, including Dindle Keep and two towns in the Jaeruel
* Three new Ale Break editorials on improving the gaming experience
* And Session 2 of the new comic Trolls and Tribulations.

Download it here.

Trolls and Tribulations 3: A Player's Worst Nightmare...

2009-04-14T21:43:00.002-05:00

Hobbits

2009-04-10T23:30:00.002-05:00

This is a race TSR stole from Tolkien... we're stealing it back!

In response to halflings being dragged all over creation in the many incarnations of fantasy role playing games, recast as kender, tallfellows, even cannibals in the Dark Sun world, it's time to take them back. We're giving them a new name that's an old name, and giving them back their proper identity.

Hobbits

* +2 Charisma, -2 Strength.
* Small: As a Small creature, a hobbit gains a +1 size bonus to Armor Class, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, and a +4 size bonus on Hide checks, but she uses smaller weapons than humans use, and her lifting and carrying limits are three-quarters of those of a Medium character.
* Hobbit base land speed is 20 feet.
* +2 racial bonus on Disguise, Gather Information, Listen, and Perform checks.
* +1 racial bonus on all saving throws.
* +1 morale bonus on saving throws against fear: This bonus stacks with the hobbit's +1 bonus on saving throws in general.
* +1 racial bonus on attack rolls with thrown weapons, slings, and daggers.
* Automatic Languages: Common and two Hobbit languages. Bonus Languages: Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, Halfling.
* Favored Class: Bard. A multiclass hobbit's bard class does not count when determining whether she takes an experience point penalty for multiclassing.

Inspired by a justified rant of a blog post and of course the work of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Sending Stones

2009-04-08T19:57:00.001-05:00

Sending Stones allow messages to be transmitted between themselves over large distances on a single plane. The stones must be keyed to one another; two randomly-selected sending stones will likely not be compatible, though with the careful application of a sending spell cal be keyed to the same frequency. When two stones are synced in this manner, they lose their connections to their previously-connected stones.

Unfortunately, these stones tend to be found by themselves, as they are rarely kept together (this would undermine their usefulness). However, a locate object spell can help locate the destination stone.

Price: 5,000 gp. Create Wondrous Item; sending.

Direction Sense

2009-04-03T15:58:00.000-05:00

Divination
Level: Ranger 1, Magic 2, Sor/Wiz 1, Clr 2
Components: V, S, M/DF
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch
Targets: One touched object
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

The spell provides the target with a better sense of direction, even underground. The target receives a +5 on all tracking and direction sense checks and all checks to sense spinners and other direction-obfuscating mechanisms both above and below ground.

The arcane material component is a handful of iron filings and a metal rod. The divine component is a metal spinning top. Rangers whistle on the winds as a verbal component and toss a small leaf in the air.

Trolls and Tribulations 2: Diplomacy

2009-03-31T21:04:00.003-05:00

Text: S.D. Hilderbrand
Image: Jason Maggitti and S.D. Hilderbrand

Whisk o'Way

2009-03-30T15:50:00.000-05:00

This ornate whisk appears as a typical kitchen implement, unless carefully studied by an onlooker. When properly used, this item imbues the resulting food with natural wayfinding abilities, improving travel for those who consume it.

For 8 hours after consuming a meal prepared with a whisk o'way, creatures receive a +5 on all tracking and direction-finding checks. They are also compelled to travel, which assists in all Will saves along the journey within the same 8 hour duration.

Price: 300gp; CL3, Create Wondrous Item, direction sense.

Horn of the Unicorn

2009-03-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

This musical instrument is a unique artifact, carved from the horn of Byzozius, the ancient unicorn of the clouds, by the master hornmaker, Halupin. The Horn of the Unicorn grants its good-aligned wielder resistance to sonic effects. In addition, the horn emanates a 15' magic circle against evil as the spell.

Those who play the instrument with a DC 20 perform check deal 5d6 points of sonic damage to all creatures within a 60' cone in the direction of its playing. All evil creatures creatures within earshot receive an additional 2d6 points of sonic damage, including those within the 60' cone.

Kurdt Menstan

2009-03-22T11:14:00.002-05:00

Leader of the garrison at Rido Savo in the steep cliffs at the north edge of the Southern Reaches that sprawl across the southeast quadrant of Farghoal. Gruff. Intimidating. The perfect NPC for a DM who likes role playing in deep voices.

Kurdt Menstan
Medium-size Male Human
Fighter 15
Hit Dice: (15d10)+45
Hit Points: 153
Initiative: +6
Speed: Walk 20 ft.
AC: 24 (flatfooted 24, touch 13)
Attacks: *"Crash" Greatsword +4 (Thundering) +25/+20/+15;
Damage: *"Crash" Greatsword +4 (Thundering) 2d6+14;
Vision:
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities:
Saves: Fortitude: +12, Reflex: +7, Will: +7
Abilities: Str 19, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 18
Skills: Appraise 0; Balance -4; Bluff 4; Climb 0; Concentration 3; Craft (Armorsmithing) 1; Craft (Untrained) 0; Diplomacy 4; Disguise 4; Escape Artist -4; Forgery 0; Gather Information 4; Handle Animal 15; Heal 2; Hide -4; Intimidate 22; Jump -4; Listen 2; Move Silently -4; Ride 16; Search 0; Sense Motive 3; Spot 2; Survival 2; Swim -7;
Feats: Armor Proficiency (Heavy), Armor Proficiency (Light), Armor Proficiency (Medium), Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Greater Weapon Focus (Greatsword), Greater Weapon Specialization (Greatsword), Hold the Line, Improved Critical (Greatsword), Improved Initiative, Improved Shield Bash, Leadership, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Ride-By Attack, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Tower Shield Proficiency, Trample, Weapon Focus (Greatsword), Weapon Specialization (Greatsword)
Challenge Rating: 15
Alignment: Neutral Good

Possessions: "Crash" Greatsword +4 (Thundering); Cloak of Charisma +2; Gloves of Dexterity +2; Half-Plate +3 (Electricity Resistance (Improved)); Mithral Heavy Shield; Outfit (Traveler's); Smoky Quartz; Ring of Protection +3; Star Ruby;

Mount: Ta N'ing

Ta N'ing
Large-size Male Warhorse, Light
Animal3
Hit Dice: (3d8)+9
Hit Points: 28
Initiative: +1
Speed: Walk 40 ft.
AC: 19 (flatfooted 18, touch 10)
Attacks: *Bite +2;*Hoof +4/+4;
Damage: *Bite 1d3+1;*Hoof 1d4+3;
Vision: Low-light
Face / Reach: 10 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Animal Traits, Scent (Ex)
Saves: Fortitude: +6, Reflex: +6, Will: +2
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Appraise -4; Balance -4; Bluff -2; Climb -2; Concentration 3; Craft (Untrained) -4; Diplomacy -2; Disguise -2; Escape Artist -4; Forgery -4; Gather Information -2; Heal 1; Hide -8; Intimidate -2; Jump 3; Listen 2; Move Silently -4; Ride 1; Search -4; Sense Motive 1; Spot 4; Survival 1; Swim -7;
Feats: Lightning Reflexes, Multiattack
Challenge Rating: 1
Alignment: Neutral Good

Possessions: Barding (Chainmail); Saddlebags; Saddle (Exotic Military);

Bog Maid

2009-03-20T21:49:00.002-05:00

Size/Type: Medium Fey Humanoid (Aquatic)
Hit Dice: 7d8+14 (45 hp)
Initiative: +3
Speed: Walk 40 ft. (8 squares), Swim 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 19 (+3 Dex, +6 natural), touch 13, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+18
Attack: Claw +13 melee (1d6+5)
Full Attack: 2 claws +11 melee (1d6+5) and rancid bite +6 melee (2d6+1)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab, rake 1d6+7, rancid bite 2d6+1, spell-like abilities
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 2/bludgeoning, darkvision 60 ft., shape change, spell resistance 19, swamp walk
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +6
Abilities: Str 21, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 13, Cha 14
Skills: Bluff +6, Diplomacy +4, Disguise +6 (+8 when shape changed), Hide +6, Intimidate +2, Listen +10, Spot +10
Feats: Alertness, Great Fortitude
Environment: Marshes, bogs and swamps
Organization: Solitary or covey (3 maids of various enticing forms)
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually chaotic evil
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: —

These sirens of the swamp have been known to lure many an adventurer into brackish waters and bramble patches.

Combat

Bog maids usually draw upon their shape change ability to alter its physical form to appear as a beautiful young female elf, half-elf, or other humanoid. Then, they grapple their opponents in what seems a lustful embrace, proceeding to bite into them with their rancid maws.

Rancid Bite (Ex): The rancid bite of a bog maid deals 2d6+1 damage. In addition, a DC 18 Fortitude save is required to avoid 1d4 temporary Con damage.

Skills

Shape Change (Ex): Bog maids have the natural ability to change their shape into other humanoid forms, typically choosing a beautiful maiden of a humanoid species.

Swamp Walk (Ex): Because of their innate knowledge of the terrain, bog maids can move at normal speed through swamp, marsh, and bog.

Thanks to Rakehell over at Tailslap for the 4e version of this creature!

Lone Tree

2009-03-16T02:31:00.002-05:00

This single tree stands out in the vast stretch of Bale Morrow. It is said that this tree is so affected, that birds will not even land in its branches.

Many a shady deal has gone down in this location, with many an ill consequence. Here is a random encounter table (d100).

1-10: A small party of adventurers huddles around a crude map. If approached with care, they will serve as porters through the Bale Morrow in exchange for being led through.

11-15: A wandering wizard has set up a small camp under the tree, and is busy collecting mosses and fungi for use as spell components. If approached, the party will set off his glyph of warding, and he will turn on them.

16-20: A merchant has wandered off course, and his cart is stuck in the mud. If assisted, he will offer the party a few items.

21-35: A party of gnolls waits in ambush!

36-42: The skull of a humanoid provides the first clue of a deeper mystery, culminating in uncovering a murder.

43-50: The weather turns violent, and the party must seek shelter or risk being struck by lightning.

51-95: Choose a random encounter from an appropriate table.

96-100: A magical item has been left leaning against the tree. There is a 50/50 chance that it is cursed.

Further, if anyone tries to climb the tree, the limbs will emit a low shriek, causing a 20' fear aura (DC 20). Finally, the limbs give off a murky poison (Fortitude save DC 25 or suffer 1d4+2 permanent Con damage).

Bale Morrow

2009-03-10T02:44:00.001-05:00

Part peatland, part bog, part moor, this region lies to the east of the Ten Princedoms, west of the Flordlands, and north of the Central Valley. In Bale Morrow, the sky is eternally overcast, and the ground moist, making camping difficult. Even the most stalwart travelers find the land uncomfortable.

This region is also infamous as the last known location of many an adventurer. It is said a chill wind passes over Bale Morrow at night, catching wanderers in its icy grip and drowning it in the shallow, murky waters that dot the landscape. Indeed, flying Vs, wargoyles, and even wyrmholes patrol the night skies, and wolves, trolls, and giant caterpillars are known to stalk the grounds.

One reason adventures venture into Bale Morrow is for the unique muds, mosses, and foliage. The bogmoss is a natural curative, and can be harvested to make healing salves and tinctures. Morrow mud is a beauty aid, and the various wildflowers and small shrubberies produce flowers and berries that top the reagent lists of many a mage. Even the still water itself is prized, even though it is a low-grade poison if consumed.

It is rumored that there are settlements toward the center of Bale Morrow, but none in the known world has made it both to and from the center of the vast region.

Approaching the vast mix of bog and peat from the west, the last tree before Bale Morrow is known as Lone Tree, and it is avoided by birds and animals of all types. It is as if they can sense the corruption in the land. Poisoned by the waters that have seeped into its roots, Lone Tree has not had leaves upon its branches in years.

Ale Break: Questing for spells

2009-03-09T06:05:00.002-05:00

One way to add some meaning (and difficulty) to spell-casting is to require spell casters to learn their spells in-character. Some characters may have a formal tutor, but many others will likely not, especially if they are sorcerers, woodland casters (druids, rangers, less-structured clerics) or rogue casters.

For these characters, there is a great way to make them (and their players) really respect and cherish their spells. Make them quest for them! Here are a few ideas.

* The party learns about an ancient tome containing a story about a historical figure who could disappear and reappear across town almost instantly. They decide to track down the tome, which leads them into a large city or the Plane of Knowledge (giant library, the size of a plane, with all known knowledge within -- see upcoming CCB post) for more information.

* Someone in the party is killed or otherwise rendered incapacitated (due to an expected player unavailability for the next few sessions), and the rest of the party needs to gather the rare reagents to create the ritual environment for a raise dead, remove curse or similar to be successful.

* A young apprentice wants to learn the invisibility spell, but in order for his master to feel that he has learned the spell, she will hide the scroll that must be scribed in a secret location, and the scroll itself is invisible. The apprentice will need to locate the scroll, and this earn the spell, before he will learn the spell. The master might quip, "First you must know what it is like to be on the other side before you are mature enough to wield the spell."

* A high-level spell is spread across multiple scrolls, which have been sent via courier to the princely barons of the land. Only by convincing these royals to hand over their parts of the scroll will the party acquire the spell, which happens to be, for instance, charm monster. This may require the party to perform tasks and take on quests for each of the barons, leading to even more adventure!

More to come in a future post...

Positive Reviews - Winter 2009

2009-03-07T03:33:00.001-06:00

There are a few reviews of our material out there or about to be out there. Here are a few quick links:

We have received multiple positive reviews on rpgnow.

We are mentioned fairly prominently in the upcoming reviews on rpg-resource.org.uk.

Happy reading (and reviewing!)

Fallon House

2009-03-05T22:10:00.000-06:00

This location is inspired by the work of E.A. Poe, though none of it explicitly derives from his work.

This three-story dwelling is characterized by its distinctive lean. Each of the floors melds into the others, with very few staircases. Instead small one-step and two-step passageways pass from floor to floor, leaving all but the most astute dungeoneers disoriented. The corridors within are also oddly-shaped, starting wide and ending narrow. Ornate doors lead to rooms which face the outside in all cardinal directions, and a raised passage leads from the second floor main hallway to a two-story gazebo out back.

Throughout the house, cobwebs fill the corners, and a layer of dust coats the furniture and floors. Small animal footprints gather around the central hearth and lead off in all directions. Bats and giant caterpillars complete the ecosystem, in the broken rafters and under loose floorboards, respectively. Under these floorboards are old catacombs which predate the house itself. These catacombs can be cited as another reason for the lopsidedness of the house.

Outside, the barren trees have long-since grown away from the house, all they can do to distance themselves from the darkness within. A darkness that grows with each passing night. The timbers themselves have rotted from the inside, just like the human denizens of Fallon House.

The Fallons were once skilled translators of ancient texts, counting the most prominent political figures among their clientele. Since those halcyon days, however, the eldest couple in the Fallon household faced marital problems, eventually disintegrating the marriage. This collapse of the foundation of the family had visible physical effects, leaving the house and family lopsided as relationship upon relationship ended. The inhabitants left the house, one broken relationship at a time, until it was left deserted, as it has remained for a few years now.

This location holds many ancient secrets in the moldy tomes still within. It also hosts many creatures, as mentioned above.

Drawing by Ben Dare.

CCB tips picked up by roleplayingtips.com!

2009-03-02T20:21:00.004-06:00

One way we try to actively give back to the gaming community is getting our ideas out there in less conventional formats. Johnn Four runs a great little gaming magazine, where he gathers and dispenses tips from game masters the world over. He recently included one of our posts on the use of the written (and spoken) word in role playing campaigns:

http://www.roleplayingtips.com/readissue.php?number=433

Keep sharing ideas, everyone!

Also, check out the rest of his site. It's chock full of good ideas.

Saha Ra and Ohases

2009-02-26T15:22:00.005-06:00

Saha Ra is a neutral deity who provides clerics with access to the Sun and Earth domains. His wife Ohases provides his cool complement, Moon and Water.

He is concerned with the role of light and heat, and she with the role of shadow and cold. They are both favored by cultures which live in or near deserts.

His symbol is a the sun with the earth below, represented by a horizon line. A simplified version of the symbol is a circle with a horizontal line under it. Hers is a crescent with a wavy line below.

Tales of their troubled romance peppers the mythologies of those who worship them, as well as those whose religious practices allow for them in their larger pantheons.

Flying V

2009-02-25T15:09:00.000-06:00

These are nasty bat-like creatures that drift along the stratosphere until dark, when they swoop down to the surface to feed.

Flying V
Size/Type: Huge Magical Beast (extraplanar)
Hit Dice: 8d8+20 (60 hp)
Initiative: +8
Speed: fly 60 ft.
Armor Class: 23 (-2 size, +8 Dex, +7 natural), touch 16, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+26
Attack: Bite +10 melee (1d8+6)
Full Attack: 2 Bites +10 melee (1d8+6)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./20 ft.
Special Attacks: Fly-by Attack
Special Qualities: Darkvision (200'), Low-light Vision (500')
Saves: Fort +11, Ref +15, Will +8
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 26, Con 18, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills: Hide +12, Listen +18*, Move Silently +18, Spot +14*
Feats: Alertness, Stealthy, Fly-by Attack
Environment: Lofty Peaks, Night Sky
Organization: Colony (5-8)
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 9-16 HD (Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: —

A flying V has a wingspan of 25 feet and weighs about 400 pounds. They have hands near the ends of their wings that allows them to grip their prey.

Combat

Scouting the night sky with their strong nightvision and low-light vision, flying Vs swoop down upon unsuspecting prey from above, using a fly-by attack to either grapple or simply attack their unsuspecting prey.

Skills

Flying Vs have a +4 racial bonus on Spot and Listen checks.

Khadiya Umberbær

2009-02-19T23:32:00.001-06:00

Khadiya was born and raised by the Bær tribe on the edge of a vast desert. From his upbringing, he has learned to worship Saha Ra, god of sun and sand, and live off the fruits of this deity. As he's moved into more urban environments, he's taken up various rogues skills to survive.

Khadiya Underbær
Medium-size Male Human
Rogue 5 Ranger 2
Hit Dice: (5d6)+(2d8)+14
Hit Points: 54
Initiative: +4
Speed: Walk 30 ft.
AC: 18 (flatfooted 18, touch 14)
Attacks: *Shortbow +1 +10;Sword (Short/Masterwork) +7;
Damage: *Shortbow +1 1d6+1;Sword (Short/Masterwork) 1d6+1;
Vision:
Face / Reach: 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Qualities: Archery Combat Style, Evasion (Ex), Favored Enemy (Humanoid (Reptilian)) +2, Sneak Attack +3d6, Trap Sense (Ex) +1, Trapfinding, Uncanny Dodge (Dex bonus to AC), Wild Empathy (Ex) +3
Saves: Fortitude: +6, Reflex: +11, Will: -1
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 13, Wis 7, Cha 12
Skills: Appraise 2; Balance 16; Bluff 1; Climb 6; Concentration 5; Craft (Untrained) 1; Decipher Script 2; Diplomacy 1; Disable Device 7; Disguise 1; Escape Artist 10; Forgery 3; Gather Information 4; Heal -2; Hide 10; Intimidate 1; Jump 6; Listen 4; Move Silently 14; Ride 8; Search 5; Sense Motive 0; Sleight of Hand 9; Spot 1; Survival -1; Swim 2; Tumble 10; Use Magic Device 4;
Feats: Armor Proficiency (Light), Dodge, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Mobility, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Track
Challenge Rating: 7
Alignment: Chaotic Good

Possessions: Aquamarine; Rope (Silk/50 Ft.); Arrows (20); Arrows (20/Mithral); Backpack; Bedroll (Fine); Case (Map or Scroll); Elixir of Sneaking; Fishhook; Flint and Steel; Grappling Hook; Leather +2; Magnifying Glass; Onyx; Piton; Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds; Pouch (Belt); Rose Quartz; Sack (Large); Sack (Small); Sard; Shortbow +1; Signet Ring; Sword (Short/Masterwork); Thieves' Tools; Torch; Waterskin (Filled); Whetstone;

Spells:
Spells per Day: (0/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/ DC:8+spell level)
Ranger - Known:
Level 1: Alarm, Animal Messenger, Calm Animals, Charm Animal, Delay Poison, Detect Animals or Plants, Detect Poison, Detect Snares and Pits, Endure Elements, Entangle, Hide from Animals, Jump, Longstrider, Pass without Trace, Read Magic, Resist Energy, Speak with Animals, Summon Nature's Ally I

Traveler's Tables

2009-02-15T17:13:00.007-06:00

Traveler's tables are nice little elements to add some spice (and encounter locations) to your worlds. Placed outside the city walls, though often in view of the town guard, these are simple tables set up so that merchants and travelers can regroup, take in a meal, and generally rest up before heading into the hustle and bustle of town and city centers.

The construction of the tables varies per region, with some city-states erecting magnificent stone tables, complete with moderate shelter, horse ties and posts, working wells and shrines. Other, less well-to-do locales offer more meager accommodations, but all municipalities consider it their duty to accommodate the weary traveler, and this is one such gesture of welcome.

These locations are often named for famous adventurers who hail from the towns in which they are placed.

Tablas of Persuasion

2009-02-12T20:14:00.000-06:00

These portable drums appear normal until played by someone who succeeds at a DC 15 Perform (drums/percussion) check. At this point the rhythm of the drums causes all who are within earshot (typically 60') to make a DC 15 Will save or be at a -10 on all Will saves while the drums are played. This makes them more susceptible to persuasion, charm, and command effects originating from the player or those aligned with her.

Faint enchantment; CL 8th; Craft Wondrous Item, creator must have the bardic music class feature, charm person; Price: 15,000gp; Weight 5 lb.

Ale Break: Immediacy in Storytelling

2009-02-09T15:27:00.003-06:00

Here is a problem that plagues many role playing campaigns. The story isn't driven enough by the need to move. Think of many classic fantasy stories that inspired the creation of dnd and have been written since then - Lord of the Rings, Golden Compass, the novels of Jack Vance, etc. time and time again, these stories move from location to location because the protagonists aren't allowed to idle. There are no two-month periods where they sit around spending loot in bars and brothels. Sadly, too many dnd games devolve into this, with players playing out their adolescent fantasies in the campaign world. This is also the pacing of games like World of Warcraft, where the goal is to level your characters without ever actually role playing. This too has become too often the norm. Sure, players love shouting one-liners across the table, and this should be encouraged, especially when it's done in character. But in too many games, real role playing is often the afterthought.

Unfortunately, World of Warcraft has made its snickering (and highly profitable) way into the latest edition of the rules, which are written to entice players to want to level up to get that next encounter power, and making that the focus, rather than actual role playing. This perversion of the rules (huh... why's everyone able to heal themselves fully ~10 times a day?!?! and where's spellcasting gone?!? it feels like fighters wield as much magic as mages...) More reasons why 4th ed is subpar compared to other, more realistic, though perhaps more loop-hole-ridden systems to follow in a later opinion post.

Back to the topic at hand. One thing I've noticed (remember that this is an opinion piece) is that so many decent fantasies come from Britain, and so few from the U.S. It's not to say that Americans (and I'm one of them) can't create them, but why are we as a culture so stunted when it comes to deep storytelling? Maybe because there's not much of an oral tradition anymore, or really any sense of history at all. More people my age can name all the thundercats and transformers than can name all the U.S. state capitals or the 44 presidents. And don't dare utter the term Magna Carta unless you want to face blank stares.

In role playing sessions (and outside them as well), this bugs me, for without knowing your history you have no context for what you're doing. History (though often confined to thick tomes and a certain not-so-aptly-named cable channel that shows more infomercials than actual history) is living... history provides context... history provides immediacy. And it's this immediacy that makes role playing fun and exciting. Not all campaigns feature short people who travel the land to deliver an evil ring to its maker, but certainly any epic-scale campaign should include some reason for the characters doing what they're doing.

Otherwise they're just floundering around the world, a drunk gambler with a penchant for whores, like a gamer with no opposing alignment. And thus, no need to move!

So if you're a DM, keep reading up on history (or make some up!), and introduce or maintain a sense of immediacy in your storytelling. Your players will thank you... maybe not today, but when they look back on your campaign through the lens of their future's past.

Rug Rats

2009-02-07T16:56:00.000-06:00

Created by a mage who once sought world dominance through sales of a specially-tainted rug, rug rats are now relatively common in most lands.

Rug Rats
Size/Type: Tiny Magical Beast(Swarm)
Hit Dice: 8d8 (26 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares), climb 20 ft.
Armor Class: 16 (+2 size, +4 Dex), touch 16, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/—
Attack: Swarm (1d6 plus disease)
Full Attack: Swarm (1d6 plus disease)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./0 ft.
Special Attacks: Disease, distraction
Special Qualities: Half damage from slashing and piercing, low-light vision, scent, swarm traits, meld with fabric
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +9, Will +6
Abilities: Str 2, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 2, Wis 16, Cha 2
Skills: Balance +16, Climb +16, Hide +16 +18, Listen +8, Move Silently +10, Spot +8, Swim +8
Feats: Alertness, Stealthy, Weapon FinesseB
Environment: Any
Organization: Pack (2–4 swarms), or infestation (7–12 swarms)
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: None
Level Adjustment: —

Combat

Rug rats seek to climb up from the rug they're in and attack any warm-blooded prey they encounter. A rug rat swarm deals 1d6 points of damage to any creature whose space it occupies at the end of its move, 2d6 if they stand upon the rug they inhabit.

Disease (Ex): Filth fever—swarm attack, Fortitude DC 14, incubation period 1d3 days, damage 1d3 Dex and 1d3 Con. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Distraction (Ex): Any living creature that begins its turn with a rug rat swarm in its square must succeed on a DC 14 Fortitude save or be nauseated for 1 round. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Meld with Fabric (Su): A rug rat swam can meld with the rug it inhabits. This makes them unable to be attacked, though the rug can still be destroyed. If the rug is destroyed, they immediately meld back into their rat forms and scatter, at which point they are treated as normal rats.

Skills: A rug rat swarm has a +4 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks, and a +8 racial bonus on Balance, Climb, and Swim checks. A rug rat swarm can always choose to take 10 on all Climb checks, even if rushed or threatened. A rug rat swarm uses its Dexterity modifier instead of its Strength modifier for Climb and Swim checks. A rug rat swarm has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard.

Tasun Sölya

2009-02-03T07:59:00.004-06:00

A hooded figure clutching an ornately carved shortbow steps quietly from the shadows. He bows slightly, intoning a solemn greeting in a foreign tongue, the light revealing a silver medallion around his neck in the shape of a moon eclipsing a sun.

Tasun Sölya was raised by a monastic order in a kloster (Kloster Saiben) overlooking in a small alpine village along a trading route. He studied the crafts of brewing and writing and would sneak out into the fields where he practiced archery and herbalism. From time to time, wandering traders would come through the small town offering tales of far away places and strange herbs and spices. He memorized some of these stories, which have moulded the way he thinks about the world. In his late adolescence, he learned that the interactions of salt, pepper, and other spices have a profound affect on food, something he has begun to explore in his alchemical concoctions. Toward the end of his stay in the kloster, he began to think he is a half-elf, and so he has taught himself to read elvish script out of one of the elven tomes in the kloster (there were no elves around to teach him to speak).

He set off to adventure as soon as he could, in dire spiritual need of new forms of spices and herbs. Along the way, he has come to realize that his religious beliefs are aligned more with those he believes are his blood brethren, rather than the monks from the kloster who raised him.

In game terms, I Tasun is a cleric with druidic leanings and a penchant for skills commonly associated with rogues and bards – archery, sneaking, and storytelling. He’ll take levels of rogue and/or bard in time.

Tasun Sölya (goes by Tæsundel Sölya-mun because he thinks he’s half-elf)
Medium-size Male Human
Cleric of Eilistraee

HP: 18 (2d8+2)
Initiative: +2
Speed: Walk 30 ft.
AC: 15 (leather armor, dex+2)
Base Attack Bonus: +2 melee, +3 ranged
Attacks: Shortbow +1 (+4 to hit), Dagger (+2 to hit)
Damage: Shortbow 1d6+3, Dagger 1d4+1
Vision: normal
Face/Reach: 5ft, 5ft.
Special Qualities: none
Saves: Fort +4 Ref +2 Will +3

Abilities: Str 12 +1 Dex 15 +2 Con 13 +1 Int 10 - Wis 13 +1 Cha 12 +1
Skills of note:
Bluff 2
Concentration 4
Diplomacy 2
Heal 4
Knowledge: Nature 2
Knowledge: Religion 2
Listen 1
Spellcraft 3
Survival 1

Languages: Common, Elven (Read/Write, not speak so well - knows a few catch phrases, but has a strong human accent)

Feats: Point Blank Shot, Brew Potion

Possessions: Shortbow +1, Leather Armor, Leather Belt, Spell Component Pouch, Travelers Outfit, Tinwhistle, Hooded Cloak, Leather Boots, Boot Sheath, Masterwork Dagger, Quiver, 40 arrows, Small Backpack, Holy Symbol, Silk Gown, 3 Days of dried food, Quill, Scroll Case with 2 pieces of parchment, Small Traveller’s Journal, 2 Potions of Cure Light Wounds

Deity: Eilistraee
Domains:
Community (Use calm emotions as a spell-like ability once per day. Gain a +2 competence bonus on Diplomacy checks.)
Rune (Free Scribe Scroll feat.)
Spells:
Spells per Day: (5/4/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/ DC:10+spell level)

Often Prepared:
0th: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Mending, Read Magic
1st: Cause Fear, Detect Undead, Entropic Shield, Shield of Faith

Sitar of Confusion

2009-02-01T20:14:00.002-06:00

While the sitar of confusion is played, all within earshot must make a (DC 10 + the Perform (music) skill of the player) Will save or find themselves under the effect of a confusion spell. The player must make a DC 10 check or be affected.

Those under a silence spell or similar effect are immune to the effect of the sitar.

Ft. Wood Area Map

2009-01-27T03:22:00.003-06:00

This map shows the area around Ft. Wood. There will be a series of posts related to an upcoming Unicorn Rampant release over the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Dindle Keep - Level 2

2009-01-26T18:54:00.001-06:00

On level 2, most of the entrances to the rooms need to be approached through the hallways that line the outer walls. This means that the keep is dark on the inside, except when the torches are lit. These are found in the center of each of the hallways and hanging at the top of each stairwell. This floor is full of secrets, passageways leading to caches of items and information.

T1-T7 Towers: Each of the towers contains a small, wooden sitting chair at the top of a circular flight of stairs. The chairs face small windows through which guards keep watch on the surrounding countryside.

Hallways: The hallways between the towers are empty save torches in sconces which provide moderate light and decorative crossed swords behind wooden shields hastily painted with the logo of Dindle Keep. Spent torches are propped up against the wall. The exception is the hallway between T1 and T2, which features two guard chairs, one on each side of the door leading to 6, where the daughters are being kept under Silas' orders, who fears that goblins will otherwise take them.

1 Master Chambers

The plushness of this room has faded with time. It appears the master has not kept up with recent trends which have swept the Jæruel, as the hardware is decades old. An unmade bed lies in the center of the room, the concave mattress showing signs of heavy use. On the floor in front of the bed is a brown bear rug. Under a colorful woven fabric, a wide armoire fills the eastern wall. An old dresser lines the southwest wall, its mirror rimmed with a black smudge.

The armoire is filled with dirty clothes. At the bottom are a leather belt with a fancy belt buckle and a pair of fur riding boots.

In the drawers of the dresser are an ornate dagger, a pouch of gold dust, and a small key. The key fits in a small, invisible keyhole in the west wall hidden by the dresser, which the party will find on a successful DC 30 search check combined with a detect invisibility spell. An 8'x5' door opens inward once the key is placed in the keyhole and turned.

1a Secret Walk-in Closet

Chests line the walls, two deep. Hanging above the chests are ornate outfits from various events in a man's life. Across from those are a set of outfits befitting a lady, from age eight to twenty-eight.

Creature: Babau (See MM page 40) Living here is Silas Dindle's demon, Nadas Baran, or if you have the need to make this a more powerful encounter, substitute this demon for a marilith or other, more powerful demon. This demon will occasionally masquerade as a merchant, bringing ill news from the surrounding forests, and driving Silas into his fearful state. Nadas Baran's minions bring plunder from surrounding lands, and this is traded for writs and other powerful pieces of paper. Nadas Baran's ultimate goal is to lure Silas into conflict with the goblins on their terms, in their lands, or at least to convince him to send his guard out and leave the keep alone, so that he may acquire the keep.

Two of Silas' seven guards work for Nadas Baran as do countless other merchants who operate both inside and outside the Jæruel merchant collective. Nadas Baran's men are very loyal, and will fight on his side if he is challenged.

Silas knows nothing of this demon; Nadas Baran has been able to successfully hide from him and his men for months now, patiently running the operation of influencing Silas from the shadows.

Nadas Baran will only attack if the party has already explored much of the second floor of the keep. Otherwise, he will remain hidden until the dramatically-appropriate moment.

Treasure: various coins, gems, and jewelry totalling 2,500gp.

2 Interior Hall

This dimly-lit hall is lined with small paintings of rustic objects - a hoe, a still-life of fruit and a loaf of bread, and the portrit of a multi-generational family dressed to work the land. Sturdy-looking wooden doors lead in various directions and a man-sized mirror at the east end of the hall makes this room feel like it is larger than it is.

If the party studies the mirror in great detail, they will notice that along the frame is a latch. Flipping the latch, they are able to remove the mirror from the wall, where whoever removes it will need to make a DC 15 Balance or Strength check, due to the topheaviness of the mirror, or drop it and have it shatter. If it shatters, the various pieces attack the party as mirror shards (to follow in a future post).

In the space behind the mirror is a small archway hiding a makeshift closet.

2a Secret Hall Closet

A pile of papers fills this closet. Among them are many unsigned writs of passage and recommendations filled out in Silas' name, as well as personal letters.

Treasure: scrolls full of information and unsigned writs. These can be sold or used to curry favor with other merchants and landowners. They would need to be signed and stamped with the Dindle seal to be made official.

The letters tell the story of Silas Dindle as a series of personal communiques. If the players read through these papers in depth, they will find out that Lady Dindle was the true keeper of the fortune, and that Silas took her surname in marriage. He once considered leaving her, but feared the wrath of her father. Then, when she took ill, he felt guilty for having considered divorce, and began to see his twin daughters as her, and thinkinghe was seeing double, began turning mad. The latest letters are written in an illegible hand.

It turns out these last letters have been written under the influence of his demon. They have, luckily, not been sent, but Nadas Baran is trying to get him to send them through legitimate channels to legitimize his claim to Dindle Keep.

3 Small Nursery

The walls are a pleasant color resembling a robin’s egg, which is slightly faded. Off to one side is one crib, and off in the room's corner is another. The musty smell mixed with the stench of rotten eggs and the large amount of dust and cobwebs throughout the room indicates this room has not been used in years.

If the cribs are searched, down below the cobwebs which hang over them, they each contain a shiny, black egg with brown speckles. These are Babau eggs. Nadas Baran is already acting as if he owns the keep, turning this room into his nest.

4 Large Room

This room is set aside for children's studies, with two desks facing opposite walls stacked with books.

Reading the books on local history and geography will improve the characters' knowledge skills. If the party searches the desks closely enough, they will discover a small latch behind one of them. The latch opens a child-sized door leading to a secret cache.

4a Secret Cache

A bookcase is nestled into the corner, and a chest lies on the other end of this secret cache.

Treasure: Among the children's books on the shelf is a minor tome of ensnarement. In the chest are various toys and dolls.

5 Long Room

This bedroom contains a bed, a chest of drawers, and a small chest serving as a footlocker at the end of the bed. A pile of rugs occupies the far end of the room.

One of the rugs contains a pack of rug rats (see future post), which rise up from the rug if anyone pulls the rug from the pile and steps upon it. The bed is normal. The chest of drawers is full of female young adult clothes.

6 Long Room

This chamber is sparsely decorated with a pair of cots, a small lantern on a wooden table. Two tomes lie open in the light.

This is where the daughters have been kept behind lock and key. They are still here, unless some other event has caused them to be moved. As the DM, use your judgment here. The books are fantasy novels that the daughters have been reading, something like Wuthering Heights but backdated to match your campaign world.

If the party is able to enter this room, they will have to have convinced Silas to let them speak with them (difficult), occupied or disabled the guards (moderate challenge), or used some form of magic or sneakery to accomplish the task (less difficult).

The daughters both know the story of what has transpired, but are unaware of much of the secret information found in 2a. They are both ready to escape the keep; living as captives in their home is unacceptable. However, because of their love for their father, they will want to help him first. Once he is freed of his demon, they will leave, Emmaigne with Lieutenant Hass and Antaigne with Captain Danus.

7 Bedroom

This bedroom contains a fine bed, a dresser, and an old rocking horse.

The bedpost farthest from the center of the room contains a small, hidden compartment, visible with a DC 30 Search check. Within the bedpost is a small scroll. Upon the scroll is a love note written in a finely-printed male hand.

The note is from the lieutenant, who is in love with one of the daughters. If pressed, he will admit this and beg the party to help him free her so they can leave this haunted place, even issue an order to the guards to let the party see the girls. He will help in the battle against the Babau if the party agrees to let the lovers leave.

The dresser contains a woman's clothes, mostly dresses and floral tunics. The rocking horse is masterwork, built by one of the master wood workers of the Jæruel at his shop in Tannen.

7a Secret Cache

The dresser slides away, revealing a wood-paneled room. Weapons are stockpiled in this triangular room, stuffed haphazardly into the corners of the room.

Treasure:Among the weapons are a long sword +1 and a masterwork dagger. Both belong to the Dindle household.

8 Lieutenant's Quarters

This neat room is sparsely decorated. The white sheets on the bed are clean and pressed. The keeper of this room is very organized. A lone armoire stands at the other end of the room.

Inside the armoire are two tunics and a jerkin, folded neatly. Hanging above them is a canvas uniform with multiple honors pinned upon the lapels. In the bottom of the armoire is a pair of leather sandals.

This is where Lieutenant Hass sleeps.

9 Captain of the Guard's Quarters

The elements in this room are slightly dissheveled. Apparently the room is not regularly cared for as its 15'x15' size deserves. The room is filled with wall-to-wall shelves, some open, some closed, some half-open, half-closed.

The open shelves reveal trophies from past battles, including chalices, small figurines, and other trinkets taken from the battlefield or potentially traded for. The closed shelves contain items considered more personal to the captain - clothing, a small, jade figurine, and various writs of passage and commendations from nobles across the Jæruel.

This is where Captain Danus sleeps. He has been troubled of late by needing to follow his liege's orders to imprison his love, Antaigne in 6.

10 Head Archer's Quarters

This room is decorated with a collection of feathers from various flying and non-flying avians. Used bows are hung on the wall, trophies of battles past. Leather straps and bowstrings are scattered atop the desk which serves as a workbench for a bowyer.

The head archer keeps watch not far from this room (hallway between T3 and T4), where he can see down over the south-facing cliff that faces the road below, so if the party spends much time here, he will come and watch them as they peruse his items. He also has a few uncommon items for trade if the barter is right.

Pernice is one of the more accurate archers in the Jæruel, and has worked for their organization for some time. He secretly works for the Jæruel administration in Tannen and has been stationed in Dindle Keep to keep watch on Silas. The Jæruel seeks an excuse to have him arrested so that they may take control of the keep. In this, Pernice is not evil, he is merely serving his true master. For this, he is well paid. he carries an official writ from the Jæruel which grants him the authority to make arrests in their name.

This will lead to a tense moment that the party gets to involve themselves in. Once the action reaches the climax, where Nadas Baran is exposed, Pernice will attempt to haul Silas off to Tannen, citing treacherous behavior. Of course, he has committed no crime, so this is a false accusation. The discussion will be handled in the follow-up post, The Story of Silas Dindle (part two), coming soon!

(To reiterate, the conclusion of Silas Dindle's story is to follow in a later post!)

Ale Break: Use of the written word

2009-01-23T09:38:00.008-06:00

It's nice to take a break every now and again and reflect upon running role playing games in a way that adds drama and excitement to the experience.

The written word doesn't tend to take place so much in fantasy worlds, partly due to the historical precedent of illiteracy in Medieval European societies. However, most player characters end up interacting with the upper classes and powermongers of the societies they roll in, so at some point, they will likely encounter the written word.

This can provide a fun game element, especially if many of the characters do not read the official written language. Present your characters with a riddle, cryptogram or a set of hieroglyphs and watch the players try to solve the puzzle. This will likely lead to various competing interpretations, which, if your players are really role playing, will play out in their interactions. A cleric may consider it a message from a god and consider it his word and thus up to him to interpret. A rogue may see it as a coded message leading to a treasure. A fighter may see it as a document of surrender. An elf may find it primitive dribble. Hopefully your players will find a more nuanced position, assuming you present the right symbols.

For sources, check out books in the library or have a look online in old books for something that looks right. Or make one up yourself. It's easy to sit down and write something up. For instance, in a recent session, I presented my characters with a sheet that was nailed to the door of an abandoned keep. What was written wasn't as important as that fact that it was written in three distinct languages. So I made up some characters and used them in ways that looked like a fancy, almost magical script, a character-based language, and a hieroglyphics-inspired pictoral representation.

In addition, consider using writs of passage and official documents that travel the land, as well as secret messages sent out during the night. These present opportunities for characters to be sent on missions as couriers, and end up starting or preventing a war upon delivery, involving them very directly in the overarching story of the campaign and thus have the players feel agency in the game itself. These scenarios also allow the party to discuss the ethics of opening mail before it arrives at its intended destination, etc. Some may find this despicable, others may consider it the only way to ensure that the right things is done. Still others may be dastardly rogues who just want to meddle in other people's affairs. All of these are welcome (nay, encouraged) in fantasy role playing games!

This drama is harder to sustain and play out with the common use of message, sending and other spells. Limit the use of these spells in your campaign if you want the written word to have any use. I recommend it; in my opinion, convenience kills role playing. It is urgency that propels storylines, not convenience.

The same is true for the use of multiple spoken languages. One way to spice up your game is to give NPCs who do not speak so-called "common," or perhaps speak a different common than the PCs, strange accents and broken use of the language. Imagine a Frenchman or German speaking English. Even when they do speak it well, there are regular pronunciation artifacts that tag someone as having a "French or German accent." This can be a great way of linking an NPC that the party knows nothing about with a specific region, based entirely on accent, no in-game "Where are you from?" "I hail from the Kingdon of Blah" dialogue, which can be cumbersome, and not necessarily realistic. Why would this person who doesn't know you tell you where he's from or even more fundamental, why would this NPC parley with the party in the first place? But if the characters overhear him gloating about killing a giant, they learn much about where he's from and what's been doing.

Of course, spells like tongues can completely negate the use of different languages in your game. This is why it may make sense to remove these spells entirely from the game, or have them only be able to be learned after a considerable amount of work or a quest.

Questing for spells is another way to add texture to your campaign. More on that in a later post.

Dogs of War

2009-01-20T11:16:00.001-06:00

Dogs of war and men of hate
With no cause, we don't discriminate
Discovery is to be disowned
Our currency is flesh and bone
-- the bard band Floidus Pinkus

Dogs of War
Size/Type: Medium Outsider (Neutral, Extraplanar, Lawful)
Hit Dice: 8d8+16 (52 hp)
Initiative: +7
Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 22 (+3 Dex, +6 natural, +3 hide armor), touch 13, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+16
Attack: Bite +13 melee (1d8+3/19-20 plus 1d6 electricity)
Full Attack: Bite +13 melee (1d8+3/19-20 plus 1d6 electricity)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Breath weapon, electric bite
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft., immunity to electricity, scent, vulnerability to water
Saves: Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +6
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 17, Con 15, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 4
Skills: Intimidate +15, Jump +16, Listen +12, Spot +15, Survival +8*, Tumble +7
Feats: Alertness, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (bite)
Environment: Lawful plains, battlefields
Organization: Pack (5-12)
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always lawful neutral
Advancement: 9-12 HD (Large); 13-16 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: +3 (cohort)

A typical dog of war stands 5½ feet high at the shoulder and weighs 160 pounds.

Dogs of War are never encountered alone. They travel only in packs, and are often conscripted to fight both sides of large battles. They do not speak but communicate through a series of barks, yelps, and growls and can be taught battle commands.

Combat

Dogs of war are trained to fight as tight packs, using their strong initiative and skill with their razor-sharp teeth to swarm and flank their opponents. They are also often used as artillery, breathing bolts of lightning into melee.

The natural weapons of dogs of war are treated as neutral-aligned and lawful-aligned for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

Breath Weapon (Su): 10-foot-long bolt that travels up to 100 feet, once every 3 rounds, damage 2d6 electricity, Reflex DC 17 half. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Electric Bite (Su): Dogs of war deal an extra 1d6 points of electric damage every time they bite an opponent, as if these bites are electric weapon.

Skills

Dogs of war have a +5 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks, though these are rarely used, except in surprise raids.

*They also receive a +8 racial bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent, due to their keen sense of smell.

Omnibus 1 Released!

2009-01-18T10:46:00.003-06:00

The first fifteen issues of Claw/Claw/Bite for the price of five!

Welcome to our world of strange and wonderful things, traveler. Bizarre treasures, cunning adversaries, powerful adventurers, and mystic realms are waiting for you. This omnibus is a collection of some of our best work over the past two and a half years.

It's been a great joy to bring this material to you for the past few years, and we have every intent to continue this magazine, even as our new periodical, Tailslap, is gaining in popularity alongside the new edition of the core rules.

Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for you, the storyteller. All of our creations are designed for d20 3.5 rules. Many of the game elements that you see in this periodical will find their way into modules published by Unicorn Rampant, which will be available on RPGnow.com!

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Silverhorn

2009-01-17T23:55:00.000-06:00

first you wanna kill me, then you wanna kiss me... blow!

The Silverhorn is an instrument famous for its powers of aiding negotiation. When blown, the horn emits an enchantment that encourages compromise. Those within earshot (including the blower) must make a DC 25 Will save or end up under the enchantment that finds middle ground between a buyer and a seller, or between multiple parties in a political negotiation.

A strategy employed by previous owners of the Silverhorn is to ask a ridiculous price for an item up for sale, then blow the horn, waiting for the best offer to come in. Of course, the Silverhorn does not guarantee that the average of the prices be affordable to the buyer, nor does it necessarily compel them to make a purchase.

The Silverhorn itself is tarnished from years of use, but is just as potent as when it was wrought a hundred years ago by a dwarf high in the mountains, one who participated in the conquest of a dragon. This is how he spent his horde, in the hopes of taking the other dwarves' shares slowly, one financial transaction at a time. Whether or not he was successful is lost to the winds like so many story endings.

Cone of Silence

2009-01-16T17:49:00.001-06:00

Illusion (Glamer)
Level: Brd 1, Clr 1
Components: S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Area: 30-ft.-long cone that emanates from the caster
Duration: 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw: Will negates; see text or none (object)
Spell Resistance: Yes; see text or no (object)

Upon the casting of this spell, complete silence prevails in the affected area. All sound is stopped: Conversation is impossible, spells with verbal components cannot be cast, and no noise whatsoever issues from, enters, or passes through the conic area. The effect emanates from the cone held aloft by the caster. An unwilling creature can attempt a Will save to negate the spell and can use spell resistance, if any. Items in a creature's possession or magic items that emit sound receive the benefits of saves and spell resistance, but unattended objects and points in space do not. This spell provides a defense against sonic or language-based attacks.

The material component is a small cone that the caster holds in her hand when casting the spell.