Halls of the Nephilim: Swords & Wizardry

Showing posts with label Swords & Wizardry. Show all posts

Friday, January 13, 2023

Thank God It's Friday!

I know my posts have been few and far between. Lot of things draining my creativity and taking my focus at the moment. I'm not doing #Dungeon23, but have been working on #Zombie23. Not sure how I'm going to share that. Right now I'm thinking an update post either every two weeks or last day of the month.

Moving on, it's Friday the 13th so you know I have to show some Voorhees love.

Here are links to all of the Friday the 13th game content I've created over the years.

SURVIVE THIS!! Friday the 13th Fan Sourcebook
Jason Voorhees - Living and Undead (SURVIVE THIS! Dark Places & Demogorgons)
Jason Voorhees - Undead (Dungeon Crawl Classics)
Jason Voorhees - Deadite/Jason Goes To Hell (Cinematic Unisystem - Specifically Army of Darkness)
Jason Voorhees - Tom Savini video game design (Cinematic Unisystem)
Jason Voorhees - Undead (Cinematic Uniystem)
Jason Voorhees - Cybernetic Undead/Jason X (Cinematic Unisystem)
Jaycee Voorhees - Lady Killers Fan Film (Cinematic Unisystem)
Jason Voorhees - Undead (Classic Unisystem/All Flesh Must Be Eaten)
Jason Voorhees - Reboot (Slashers & Victims Light/Swords & Wizardry Light
Shelly Finkelstein's Hockey Mask (Slashers & Victims Light/Swords & Wizardry Light)

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

#RPGaDay2022 What Is A Great Introductory RPG?

While I think Old-School Essentials or Swords and Wizardry would probably be the simplest way to introduce folks into RPG's, I'm personally going to say D&D 5e. It's one of the most popular games on the market and I've taught several folks to play it with little to no difficulty. The 2014 Starter Set which featured The Lost Mines of Phandelver is my favorite starter set for any rpg. The adventure itself is really fun. It isn't too complex, but involves some sandbox action and intrigue. It's easy to play and it's even easy to run. I've went back to the contents of this starter set a few times. A new starter set drops soon. I'll probably pick it up too.

Monday, January 24, 2022

Character Creation Challenge - Day 24

Since I actually have a pet, I decided to stat out my cat, Trixie, using the Super-Pet class I created for Light City. If you want to know more about Light City, check out Light City: The Assembly.

Name: Trixie

Class/Level: Super-Pet

Str 6 Int 10
Dex 18 (+1) Wis 11
Con 10 Cha 15 (+1)

1 HD (6 HP)

BHB +1

Save: 14

Movement: 24/ 24 climb
AC 8 [11] (Dex)

Attacks

Super Powered Claws (+1 to hit, 1d6 dmg)

Super-Pet Tricks

Climb, Super Speed

Equipment

Silly human that cleans litter box and fills water/food bowls (as Swords & Wizardry Light Torchbearer - AC 9[10] Attacks None Special changes litter box/refills food and water bowls Move 12)

Background

Trixie is the protector of the small southern Ohio city of Portsmouth, though no one knows. She uses her super speed to do what she can. Her silly human suspects she might be more than she seems, but isn't sure how.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Character Creation Challenge - Day 4

Swords & Wizardry Light is a great osr game if you want fantasy action and you want it quick.

Name: Flynn the Goat

Class/Level: Fighter 1

Race: Human

Str 15 (+1) Int 10
Wis 9 Con 14
Dex 8 Cha 11

1+1 HD (4 HP)

Save: 16

Movement: 12
AC 4 [15] (chain armor and shield)

BHB +2

Attacks

Battle Axe +2 to hit, 1d6+1 damage

Bow +1 to hit, 1d6 damage, 50 ft

Other

One attack per level each round against foes 1 HD or fewer

+1 on Saving Throws vs. death and poisons

Equipment

battle axe, chain armor, shield, bow, quiver, 12 arrows, backpack, bedroll, flint and steel, 6 torches, 50' rope, crowbar, 7 days rations, water skin

Background

Some adventures are born from battle and tragedy. Flynn the Goat is not one of them. The son of a goatherd, Flynn grew up in the country. He chaffed under rural life and with his father's blessing he sought to see the sights of the world. A man of simple pleasures, Flynn is eager to join up with an adventuring band. He has several nieces and nephews and plans to get them presents from across the world.

Sunday, January 2, 2022

Character Creation Challenge - Day 02

Light City was created by Jonathan of Monstrous Matters. It's a supers take on Swords & Wizardry Light and I created quite a bit of content for it. Check that out here. Today's character is created using Light City: The Assembly. The artwork is from Benjamin Widdowson.

Code Name: Citizen IX

Secret Identity: Raymond Thompson

Class/Level: Supersoldier 1

Str 16 (+1) Int 10
Dex 14 Wis 14
Con 19 (+1) Cha 13

1 HD (7 HP)

BHB +1

Save: 15

Movement: 12
AC 6 [14] (Shield, Light Armor)

Attacks

Throwing Shield (+2 to hit, 1d6+1 dmg, medium range)

Equipment

Costume/Light Armor, throwing shield

Background

Raymond Davis grew up in a rough part of Light City. Seeing few options, he joined the military at 18. He served a few tours oversees, though his second tour was cut short when wounded during an operation. Raymond was chosen to take part in a new treatment being developed by a military contractor's corporation, known as the Citizen Project. The process healed his body and made him stronger. He currently operates as a vigilante in Light City. He's recently started chaffing under the corporate shadow he works in and has started teaming up with Marxman II. While they have wildly different views, the pair have done a lot of good together and have become close friends. They are currently considering forming new iteration of The Assembly.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Black Lung Zine

Black Lung was a special zine created to benefit rpg author, Rocky Gardner. This is what you get with Black Lung.

Cursed Barrow of the Whispering Skulls by Levi Combs

This short osr adventure is the same one found in Phylactery #3. It's a fun and has some great hooks and encounters.

Darkness Within by Jack Cull

While the description might not say so, this is a quick adventure written for Shadowrun. Because I don't know much about the system, I can't tell you how it would play out. I will say it's an interesting lead and sounds fun.

The Dying Light of Sunshot Hollow by Gabriel Rotberg

This is a system neutral underground exploration adventure. There are several charts and new items and monsters described (though again it's system agnostic so no stats). This would be a great resource for things like Out of the Abyss or Glimmering Crypt of the Ioun King.

Ki Sorcerer by Brendan LaSalle

The Ki Sorcerer is a new class for human and non-human DCC characters that presents a different kind of spellcaster. The ki sorcerer feels the flow of magic within themselves and taps into that.

Mutant Maladies by Skeeter Green

This feature presents us with three new afflictions for MCC. Each condition is given an over overview, game effects and a cure.

The Festering Hunger by Ian McGarty

The Festering Hunger is an otherworldly force worshiped by the vile and depraved written for 5e. Manifestations of this evil force are given stats as are its infected servants. Additionally a sample lair with a cultist is detailed.

Buggans Blackwood Pipe by James M. Spahn

This osr magic item is the tool of an evil fey.

The Orc Pyromancer by Jim Wampler

The Orc Pyromancer is a one room osr dungeon that can be dropped into any game or adventure.

Barrow Mimic by Greg Gillespie

This massive mimic (with osr stats) appears to be a simple barrow mind.

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Black Lung is a cool zine that was created for a good cause. Print copies aren't the easiest to find. Levi Combs of Planet X Games picked up a copy for me recently. You can still get the pdf version here.

Monday, October 4, 2021

October Horror Movie Challenge - PG: Psycho Goreman (2020)

Plot

On a backwater planet known as Earth an eccentric little girl and her brother unleash a powerful evil. Able to control him with a magic stone, they must contend other powerful ancient beings.

Review

You can read my original review here. There is currently a Kickstater project for a Pyscho Goreman comic book seeking funding.

In Your Game

Templar Pandora

Armor Class 3 [16]
Hit Dice 10
Total Hit Bonus +7
Attacks Templar Blade (1d6+6 vs evil) or Containment Cube (2d6)
Saving Throw 9
Movement 12
HDE/XP 12/2,600

Templar Pandora can use her attack to trap anyone she sees in a containment cube of divine energy. Foes must make a successful saving throw to avoid being trapped. While trapped in a cube, the victim can do little more than speak. On the victim's turn they may attempt another saving throw to escape the cube. Pandora can cause the cube to contract doing 2d6 damage.

Movie Count

New To Me: 3

Total Movies: 6

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

PG: Psycho Goreman (2020)

Synopsis

A disturbed young girl and her brother friend find an ancient alien gem that gives her control of a super powerful overlord. Dubbing him Psycho Goreman (or PG for short). Soon creatures from across the galaxy come to Earth searching for PG.

Review

Psycho Goreman is one of those unique and insane flicks. It's really dark, but instead of being depressing, the it's really humorous. There's tons of random murder and body horror, but it's all really cheesy looking. The film is bloody and gross, but in an over the top, unrealistic way. There's tons of fake blood and viscera. PG and the other aliens look like cheesy Power Ranger/Super Sentai foes. Honestly the whole film kind of feels like Power Rangers on crack.

The cast are memorable. Mimi is an absolute monster in the body of a small child and her long suffering brother Luke seems to be the only sane person in the flick. The interactions between the family, PG, and the community are fantastic.

Finally, the score is top notch. There's a great 80's dark synth vibe that tends to go with these wild horror flicks with purple themes (like Mandy). In addition to the great score you also have I'm The Heckin' Best and PG for Short, which are definitely memorable tracks.

In Your Game

As I mentioned this movie had a Power Rangers vibe to me, so I statted PG out in the vein of my White Star Power Rangers.

Pscyho Goreman (or PG for short)
Armor Class 1 [18]
Hit Dice 10
Total Hit Bonus +6
Attacks Goreblade (1d6+6) or Diabolic Magic (3d6)
Saving Throw 9
Special Horrific Transformation, Juggernaut
Movement 12
HDE/XP 12/2,600

PG is an ancient powerful evil. His goreblade is crafted from pieces his hated foe, Pandora. Though not truly a blade, it can slice through nearly anything. PG also has the ability to fire dark magic at a range of 120'. He can grow to immense size (which allows him to destroy buildings and go toe-to-toe with mecha should that sort of scenario rise). PG also has the ability to transform weaklings into hideous monstrosities. This is more of a plot power and a tool for the GM. Feel free to give PG other powers if the plot requires or it just makes a scene cooler.

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Character Creation Challenge - Day 3

Today's character was created with my own free game, Six-Shooters & Wagons.

Deputy Jedediah Lang
Level 1 Gunslinger

Str 16 (+1) Int 10
Dex 14 Wis 14
Con 14 Cha 11

1 HD (6 HP)

Save: 15

Movement: 12
AC 9 [10]

Attacks

Pistol (+1 to hit, 1d6 dmg, 60' range)

Pirate Rapier (-4 to hit, 1d6+1)

Other

Quick Draw - Lang's party receives a +1 bonus to their initiative.

1 on 1d6 chace to track foes in wilderness

1-2 on 1d6 chance to hunt forage in wilderness

1-2 on 1d6 to apply first aid

Equipment

Horse, backpack, bedroll, flint and steel, 50' rope, crowbar, canteen, bottle of cheep hooch, mess kit, 7 days rations. $5.00

Background

Deputy Jedediah Lang is a young idealistic lawman in the Dakota territories. He is well liked by most folks, though he has earned the ire of a few local land barons. Though he rarely uses it in combat, he carries his great great grandfather's rapier and does his best to maintain it.

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Moon Daughter's Fate

Moon Daughter's Fate is the latest Indiegogo project from Necromancer Games/Frog God Games. Written by Alice Peng this mid-level adventure taps into Chinese folklore. Starting with an encounter with a disguised god, the adventure features several different areas and new monsters, and an opportunity to deal with quarreling gods.

I recently spoke with Alice and asked her the inspiration for the adventure:

It really is from my childhood. As a child, I was raised with all these Chinese High Fantasy stories born from myths and lore. There's lots of TV shows, movies, and books that don't have English translations.

Playing TTRPGs for so many decades, I've found an absolute void of these stories in the hobby and wanted to share a piece of my childhood and a culture that is rarely translated.

I've GMed this subgenre of fantasy for a number of gaming groups and they've all loved it but it's funny that when I try to explain to them what they can expect, there are very few movies/tv shows/books in English that I can reference them to so I always end up saying "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is Wuxia and Sorcerer and the White Snake is more FengShen/XianXia."

Representation is important and I'm really excited to see how Alice brings Chinese folklore to the gaming table. I think it's wonderful when folks share their cultural heritage and I know this adventure is going to rock.

Do yourself a favor, if you player 5e, Pathfinder 1e, or OSR (particularly Swords & Wizardry), check out this adventure.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The Gruubhuuber

Here is your first taste (pun intended) of the classes of Warlords of Flavortown. the Gruubhuuber. The zine will have light vehicle rules that will be built around saving throws (which is why the class gets bonuses).

Gruubhuuber

You are a delivery specialist. No one can drive like you and you know if you want to keep your head to make sure the Warchef’s food gets to them in 30 minutes or less.

Chart

Column 1 - Level Column 2 - HD Column 3 - BHB Column 4 - Save

Level: 1-7

HD: 1, 1+1, 2, 2+1, 3, 3+1, 4

BHB: +1, +2, +2, +3, +3, +4, +4

Save: 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9

Drive Like A Demon: Gruubhuubers add their level to all vehicle related saves.

Feed the Machine: Gruubhuuberss know how to push a vehicle beyond its normal limits. They can make a machine vehicle move at 1.5 times it’s max speed for 1d6 rounds minutes. After this time they must make a save for the machine. If the saving throw fails the machine breaks down and 10 minutes must be taken to repair it. If the save is a natural 1 the vehicle explodes, dealing 6d6 damage to everyone in 30 ft (successful save reduces damage by half).

Starting Gear: Delivery Cycle or Car, Insulated Bag, Club

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Are You Ready To Travel Fieri Road?!

Here's a teaser for a Lone Bards project I'm working on:

The world that you know is gone. The Franchise Kings and Queens battled the Master Warchefs and the results blew everything to bits in nuclear fieri and eldritch cuisine. Now the surviving Warchefs rule their own restaurant fortresses. You are no mere diner though...

You are a Gruubhuubber, making your way through the twisted landscape to deliver food and resources to your Warchef and his allies.

You are a Po’ Boy, and with your Ass Kickin’ Sauce you rage at your Warchef’s enemies in hopes of earning a spot on the Wall of Fame.

You are a clever Spiceraider, using subterfuge to get what the Warchef needs.

You are a Kitchen Witch, and one day you will use your gourmet magic to rival the Warchefs.

Source

Warlords of Flavortown will be a standalone zine/game built using Swords & Wizardry Continual Light. I'm working on the draft now. I have a lot of ideas jotted down and a few of the classes are done.

Friday, December 20, 2019

The Horror Out of Hagsjaw

NECROMANCER Games has a new Indiegogo, The Horror Out of Hagsaw. Written by the amazing Levi Combs (of Planet X Games), the adventure is old school Lovecraftian horror. Just check out the adventure's description:

Travelers have long considered Hagsjaw a place best avoided, haunted by whispered tales of witches and strange doings in the old days. Once terrorized by a wretched coven of witches known as the Karnley Hags, the town was held in a grip of fear that saw its citizens oppressed, its children stolen and anyone who dared oppose them viscously murdered. Though the witches were eventually overthrown and hung in the town square, they muttered a unified curse with their last breaths, promising nothing less than misery and doom for all who remained.

That was a century ago, and now Hagsjaw is little more than a forgotten watering hole on the way to bigger and better places. Time has not treated the decaying town or it’s folk kindly, as it seems to die out more and more as each generation passes. The farms at the edge of town are empty of cattle and crop, the town’s buildings are crumbling and even the sagging roofs of the abandoned, twin-steepled church don’t look like they’ll hold up much longer. There’s little left to suggest that the town hadn’t withered away completely… until recently.

To everyone’s surprise, Hagsjaw seems to be awakening from its century-long slumber. The old sawmill has fired back up again and the townsfolk have inexplicably started to go back out into the forests to log, hunt and trap. Talk of renewed industry is circulating and some say that the town’s cursed days might finally be over.

For all this talk of prosperity, a sinister undertone ripples throughout the town. The locals remain more suspicious than ever and many whisper that the Karnley Hags have returned to make good on their promise to bring their ageless curse of doom full circle. Folk have begun to act strangely. Some have even turned on each other. Paranoia and mistrust run rampant. Has witchery and the depraved worship of strange, old gods returned to the land? Do the whispers of ancient curses ring true? What nameless dread has spread its wings over the terrified folk of Hagsjaw?

Can the characters uncover what lies beneath the surface and, if so, will they survive it?

If that adventure doesn't sound intriguing to you, then we have very different tastes. Support the project and get a cool adventure written by a radical dude.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Fishmen....

I just wanted to direct everyone over to MonkeyBlood Design & Publishing's page. Today Glynn posted free Fishman stats for Swords & Wizardry. The three page pdf has monster stats (a monster and npc) and a racial class. Go here to grab the Fishman now.

Monday, May 20, 2019

Monstrous Monday - Guyholder, Lord of Flavortown and Destroyer of the Munchies

Guyholder, Lord of Flavortown and Destroyer of the Munchies
Armor Class: 4 [15]
Hit Dice: 8
Attack: Bite (1d6) or Eye Ray
Special: See Below
Move: 12 (Hover)
HDE: 8/800

The Guyholder can never be surprised. Instead of making an attack he can choose to use an eye ray.

Central Eye - For the betterment of Flavortown - Target must search mead halls, taverns, and dives for a new flavor to bring back to the Guyholder to try. Treat as the Quest spell.
Stalk 1 - Welcome to Flavortown - Charm Person spell
Stalk 2 - Dinner is served - Create Food and Water spell
Stalk 3 - Mmmm, flavor that will blow your mind - Confusion spell
Stalk 4 - Turning up the heat - Fireball spell
Stalk 5 - The Itis - Sleep spell

Now one knows the true origins of the jovial beholder mutant known as the Guyholder. Unlike most members of his species, he's outgoing and loves interacting with others. He has been known to set up resturants in dungeon complexes. He always refers to these as Flavortown. While in the dungeon he will recruit monsters and adventurers to work in the establishment. When he feels it's complete and fully staffed he will continue his journey to find the true essence of flavor.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Z is for Zaebos

Zaebos is a grand-count in the infernal nobility. He is a mighty warrior and tactician. Despite his battle prowess, he is also extremely polite. He is a shield brother to Forcas and a favorite of Hell's knight. Though a fiend, he also embodies many aspects of polite courtly society.

Zaebos
Armor Class: 2 [17]
Hit Dice: 12
Attack: Spear (1d6, 40' range), Shield (1d6+special)
Special: See Below
Move: 12
HDE: 10, 1400

Zaebos and his mount, an over-sized crocodile, are immune to nonmagical weapons. He can bash opponents with his shield. If the attack hits, they must make a saving throw or be knocked to the ground. He can also cast Quest 1/day.

Summoning/Bargaining Ritual Modifiers: occultist is polite and courteous (+1)

Potential Boons: knowledge of battle tactics, training in a weapon (non-fighter gains ability to use weapon with no penalty)

Potential Banes: max HP lowered, character cannot lie

Y is for Yan-gant-y-tan

Not much is known about the strange demon named Yan-gant-y-tan. The fiend travels the mortal realm by night. He holds five candles in one hand and spins them like a flaming wheel. He is cautious about making abrupt and sudden turns. He seems more amicable than most of his kind and perhaps he wanders because he's not evil enough for Hell.

Yan-gant-y-tan
Armor Class: 3 [13]
Hit Dice: 4
Attack: Claw (1d6)
Special: See Below
Move: 12
HDE: 5, 120

Xaphan cannot be damaged by nonmagical weapons and is immune to all damage from fire. He can squeeze his mighty bellow and knock his opponents back 20' (successful saving throw to avoid being knocked down). If opponents are blown into objects they take 1d6 damage.

Summoning/Bargaining Ritual Modifiers: Agreeing to protect him for a length of his journey (+5)

Potential Boons: guidance to a destination, knowledge of an area

Potential Banes: none,

X is for Xaphan

In some ways, the fiend known as Xaphan is much like his friend, Ukobach. He is an important part of Hell's foundries and is quite inventive. He is also obsessed with fire. However, he's much more malicious than his friend and is also a fan of wanton arson and has even proposed lighting the Heavens aflame.

Xaphan
Armor Class: 5 [14]
Hit Dice: 5
Attack: Claw (1d6)
Special: See Below
Move: 12
HDE: 5, 240

Xaphan cannot be damaged by nonmagical weapons and is immune to all damage from fire. He can squeeze his mighty bellow and knock his opponents back 20' (successful saving throw to avoid being knocked down). If opponents are blown into objects they take 1d6 damage.

Summoning/Bargaining Ritual Modifiers: Commit arson in Xaphan's name (+1 base and +1 for every victim killed)

Potential Boons: inspiration, immunity to fire damage

Potential Banes: occultists touch leaves ash smudges

W is for Wall

Wall (also known as Uval and Vual) is a powerful duke of Hell. He is a staple at court and is considered very wise by his peers. He sees all: past, present, and future. Unlike other fiends with the knowledge, he uses it to his benefit, making sure to always stay one step ahead of his rivals.

Wall
Armor Class: 6 [13]
Hit Dice: 7
Attack: By weapon
Special: See Below
Move: 12
HDE: 8, 800

Wall cannot be damaged by nonmagical weapons. Because of his knowledge of time and fate when rolling attacks for him, the game master rolls 2d20's and uses the better of the two rolls. He cannot be surprised.

Summoning/Bargaining Ritual Modifiers: there are no special means to aid in summoning Wall

Potential Boons: knowledge of the past, present, or future

Potential Banes: occultist grows a camel hump, permanent loss of hp

Monday, April 29, 2019

V is for Volac

Volac is an insidious fiendish lord. He appears as a delightful cherub. However, his heart is dark. His favored mount is a two-headed dragon. He has great knowledge of astronomy and astrology and the knowledge of the locations of rare reptiles. He's a close friend and confidant of Tap.

Volac
Armor Class: 7 [12]
Hit Dice: 8
Attack: By weapon
Special: See Below
Move: 12/Fly 12
HDE: 8, 800

Volac cannot be damaged by nonmagical weapons. He can cast Charm Person 6/day. His two-headed mount is treated as an ancient red dragon (except it's cone of breath is 60 feet wide).

Summoning/Bargaining Ritual Modifiers: there are no special means to aid in summoning Volac

Potential Boons: ability to speak with serpents, ability to detect serpents, knowledge of astronomy or astrology

Potential Banes: occultist is constantly followed by serpents and other reptiles