3POINT75

JourneyQuest - Episode 2: Sod the Quest

2011-10-29T06:56:00.001-07:00

JourneyQuest - Episode 1: Onward

2011-10-29T06:48:00.001-07:00

Blood on the Game Dice - a D&D inspired film

2011-10-29T03:17:00.001-07:00

Typical Vaegould or Varm Nomad

2011-07-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Human CR 3
XP 800
Any Medium Humanoid
Warrior level 3 (skill points 9) Light Horse
Barbarian level 1 (skill points 5) Animal Handler
Init +2; Senses ; Perception +3

DEFENSE

AC 14, Touch 12, flat footed 12 (+ Leather, + Shield, none)
(+2 Dex, +2 armour)
hp 30 (0d8+3d10+1d12+4+3);
Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +2

OFFENSE

Speed 40
Melee
Single Attack Longspear +6 (1d8+2)
or Shortbow +6 (1d6 X3)
Full Attack
Longspear +6 (1d8+2)
Handaxe +0 (1d6+1 X3)
or Shortbow +6 (1d6 X3) range 70
Space 5ft.; Reach 5ft.
Special Attacks
Rage +4 con +4 Str +2 will save -2 AC per day 4

STATISTICS

Str 14, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Chr 9
Base Attack 4 CMB 6; CMD 18
Feats
Armour Prof Heavy,
Armour Prof Light,
Armour Prof Medium,
Martial Weap Prof,
Mounted Archery: Ranged attacks are at -2 instead of -4,
Mounted Combat: Negate hit on mount with ride check DC opponents attack roll,
Ride-by Attack: When charging can carry on after the attack,
Shield Proficiency: Can use shields,
Simple Weapon Proficiency,
Tower Shield Proficiency: Can use the tower shield and suffer only normal shield skill penalties
Skills Acrobatics 8, Climb 6, Craft 1, Handle Animal 4, Intimidate 3, Know Nature 0, Perception 3, Profession 1, Ride 9, Survival 1, Swim 6
Languages Common

ECOLOGY

Environment Any
Organization Comapny 10-20, Band 30-100, Squad 4-8
Treasure Standard

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Fast Movement Land Movement raised by 10

MAGIC ITEMS (max value 390)

Vaasan Wolfhound

2011-07-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Vaasan wolfhound is a massive guard and war dog that is today bred primarily by nobles , merchants, and Vaasan Houndmasters (Rangers). These dogs are prized for their intelligence and loyalty. The average specimen stands nearly three feet tall at the shoulder and weighs around 200 pounds, though some large males have been known to reach 250 pounds.These impressive and loyal dogs generally are of great size and commanding appearance, the Vaasan wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. They are very muscular, strong though gracefully built; movements easy and active; head and neck carried high, the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity.
This breed is an excellent guard dog, guarding both home and flock loyally. Vaasan wolfhounds will fight to the death to defend their master.
Vaasan wolfhounds are used in military strategy in the Cold Lands. Vaasan wolfhounds can unmount knights or break the lines of enemies. The sight and sound of a wave of a pack of charging Vaasan wolfhounds has been known to cause terror among even the most experienced soldiers.

XP 200
N Medium Animal
Init +2; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +8

DEFENSE

AC 13, touch 12, flat-footed 11 (+2 Dex, +1 natural)
hp 13 (2d8+4)
Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1;

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.,
Melee bite +3 (1d6+3 plus trip)

STATISTICS

Str 15, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 3, Wis 12, Cha 11
Base Atk +1; CMB +3; CMD 15 (19 vs. trip)
Feats Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Acrobatics +6 (+14 jumping), Perception +8, Survival +1 (+5 scent tracking); Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics when jumping, +4 Survival when tracking by scent

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Loyal Beyond Death (Ex)
If a Vaasan Wolfshound is fighting in direct defense of its master or its master’s family or property, the Vaasan Wolfshound will continue fighting even if its hit points fall below 0. The Vaasan Wolfshound is staggered and loses 1 hp each round, and finally dies once its hit points reach a negative total equal to its Constitution score.

Frightful Howl (Ex): As a standard action, a Vaasan Wolfhound can emit a howl in a 60-foot-radius spread that affects opponents with fewer Hit Dice or levels than the Vaasan Wolfhound has. The affected creature must make a successful Will save DC 12 (DC 10 + ½ HD + Cha) or become shaken for 2d4 rounds. Success indicates that the target is immune to that Vaasan Wolfhound's frightful howl for one day. Frightful howl is a mind-affecting fear effect.

ECOLOGY

Environment Any
Organization Solitary, pair, or pack (3-10)
Treasure None
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a Vaasan Wolfshound is up to 99 pounds; a medium load, 100-200 pounds; a heavy load, 201-300 pounds. A Vaasan Wolfshound can drag 1,500 pounds.
Vaasan wolfhounds are very intelligent and can learn up to nine tricks (see handle animal skill)
Average Price: 150gp (untrained)

Steppe War Pony

2011-07-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

CR 1 XP 400
Neutral Medium Animal
Init +3; Senses Low-light Vision, Scent; Perception +8

DEFENSE

AC 15, Touch 13, flat footed 12 (+ No Armour, + Shield, none)
(+3 Dex, +2 Natural)
hp 19 (2d8+10);
Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +3

OFFENSE

Speed 40
Melee
Single Attack Hoof +8 (1d3+7)
Full Attack
2 Hoof +8 (1d3+7)
Space 5ft.; Reach 5ft.
Special Attacks

STATISTICS

Str 24, Dex 17, Con 20, Int 5, Wis 17, Chr 13
Base Attack 1 CMB 8; CMD 21
Feats
Endurance: +4 on checks to resist non-lethal damage
Skills Perception 8
Languages

ECOLOGY

Environment Temperate plains
Organization Solitary
Treasure None

New Races

2010-07-13T23:54:00.000-07:00

For you Pathfinder/Forgotten Realms gaming pleasure

ABEIRIAN DRAGONIANS
Abeirian dragonians are a race of native draconic creatures. They have a strong hatred of dragons, who enslaved them

+2 Strenght +2 Charisma, -2 Dexterity: Abeirian dragonians are both stronger and more charismatic than the typical humanoid, traits inherited from their draconic relatives.
Medium: Abeirian dragonians are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
Normal Speed: Abeirian dragonians have a base speed of 30 feet.
Dragonblood: Abeirian dragonians are considered both a dragon creature and a humanoid for the purpose of spells, abilities, and effects that affect those types. In addition, an Abeirian Dragonians may use magic items with racially specific qualities as though it were of the dragon type.
Frightful Presence: +2 racial bonus on Intimidation, Abeirian dragonians are immune against Frightful presence as if they were dragons
Learned: Abeirian dragonians receive a +2 racial bonus on Knowledge (History)
Dragon Breath: Abeirian dragonians can exhale a line of fiery energy. The line’s length is 5 feet per Hit Die the abeirian dragonian has, up to a maximum of 100 feet at 20 HD. The breath weapon deals 1d8 points of damage, plus an extra 1d8 points for each 3 HD the abeirian dragonian possesses. A successful Reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 the abeirian dragonian’s HD + her Con modifer) halves the damage. An abeirian dragonian can use her breath weapon once every 1d4 rounds. An abeirian dragonian is not immune against other Breath Weapons directed against her.
Language: Abeirian dragonians begin play speaking Common and Draconic. Abeirian dragonians with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Celestial, Dwarven, Elven, Giant

ARVANDORAL HIGH ELVES
Arvandoral high elves (or gray elves) are graceful warriors and wizards that originated from the realm of Faerie. All elven subraces are descended from avandoral high elves.

+2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, –2 Constitution: Elves are nimble, both in body and mind, but their form is frail.
Medium: Avandoral high elves are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
Normal Speed: Avandoral high elves have a base speed of 30 feet.
Low-Light Vision: Avandoral high elves can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light. See Vision and Light.
Feyblood: Avandoral high elves are considered both a fey creature and a humanoid for the purpose of spells, abilities, and effects that affect those types. In addition, an Avandoral High Elf may use magic items with racially specific qualities as though it were of the fey type.
Spell-Like Abilities: An avandoral high elves can cast blur, light, and longstrider each once per day, using his total character level as his caster level.
Elven Immunities: Avandoral high elves are immune to magic sleep effects and get a +2 racial saving throw bonus against enchantment spells and effects.
Elven Magic: Avandoral high elves receive a +2 racial bonus on caster level checks made to overcome spell resistance. In addition, elves receive a +2 racial bonus on Spellcraft skill checks made to identify the properties of magic items.
Keen Senses: Avandoral high elves receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception skill checks.
Weapon Familiarity: Avandoral high elves are proficient with longbows (including composite longbows), longswords, rapiers, and shortbows (including composite shortbows), and treat any weapon with the word “elven” in its name as a martial weapon.
Languages: Avandoral high elves begin play speaking Common and Elven. Elves with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Celestial, Draconic, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, and Sylvan.

Terror of the Songhaunt Crypt

2009-05-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the grand one-page-dungeon contest. Thanks guys for this wonderful idea. Since the contest is closed and Chatty DM encourage everybody to share their entry, I present you...

Terror of the Songhaunt Crypt

Background

Laleth Numandhyr was a celebrated elven bard in the kingdoms of elves and men alike. While he was sometimes described as a little bit overambitious and hard to handle by his hosts, he wrote many significant pieces of art, and was even trying to incorporate his elven magical talent into his music, to create wondrous performances. But all the fame and glory was not enough for Laleth. There was still one thing to be done. He hasn't wrote a symphonies yet that would turn him into an immortal bard. He locked himself away in a secret hideout and began to experiment with his mystical music. Over the time however his compositions became more and more bizarre, while he was exploring spheres of music that were incomprehensible for most of his audience. During one of his rare public appearances the audience started to boo him. In a fit of rage he hurled a terrible necromantic infused cacophony at them, which turned the terrified listeners into undying and pitiful Songhaunts that became his loyal eternal audience. With them he fled the theater to one of his secret hideouts where he jealously guarded all his musical treasury. From this hideout he used his dark bardic powers of performance and persuasion to cause strife and havoc, while he was turning slowly into a creature of vileness. At one point his hideout was discovered by elven agents of good who wished this evil be removed. They sealed his domain and tried to eradicate all memory of Laleth. Now he is cursed to forever exist in an undead state, and blames those who are still alive for his state. Laleth seeks revenge on all philistines who blew his masterplan to become the greatest bard in history - and fortune played him well again.
In his underground tunnels a Destrachen was attracted to Laleth's lair by strange melodies. With his sonic powers the Destrachen shattered a wall that led to Laleth's lair...

Character Hooks

* PC's were actively looking for the crypt to prevent the evil Order of the Lyre from finding Laleth using his powers
* PC's stumble accidentally upon the lair, while hunting the Destrachen in his underground tunnels
* An elven warden approaches the PC's and tells them that the ancient seals that guard a terrible evil have weakened
Dungeon Features
Magically treated masonry walls, flagstone floors, strong wooden doors, unlit unless otherwise specified.

Room Key

These are the lower rooms of Laleth's hideout. Before he was imprisoned there where upper rooms that contained mostly his living areas. These rooms were destroyed and collapsed by the elves before they locked at the lower level. The lower rooms could not be destroyed by the elves because they were magically treated, so they sealed this part of Laleth's hideout and bound the evil bard to this place. He cannot leave this place in his spectral form. However if he finds a host he can posses he is free again.

Map

1. Entrance Hall. This is where the destrachen arrived. The room contains the magically sealed passage to the collapsed upper floors, as well as a magically trapped door to Laleth's chambers. The destrachen triggered a powerful enthrallment spell when it investigated the room. If the destrachen is attacked or otherwise disturbed the spell wears off and it attacks anyone in sight. The room is covered with elven warnings and magical abjuration spells that can be deciphered by PC's with the appropriate skills.

2. Hallway of Remembrance. The walls of this hallway are full with self-aggrandizing paintings of Laleth. One of these paintings shows him playing some actual notes. These notes must be played to open the door to his inner chambers (and the magically sealed door to area 7). It's a relatively easy melody to play. However Laleth often forgot the tune because his mind was so busy composing his next masterpiece. If they PC's try to open the magical locked door without playing the tune, they are instantly attacked by three Songhaunts that emerge from the wall.

3. Music Chamber. In this room the ghost of Laleth's former elven muse Sharlain is trapped in eternal sorrow and woe. Laleth strangulated her in rage with a string of his lute without a reason. Her spirit cannot rest while Laleth still exists. She is sitting on a hapsichord and playing a sad waltz. With her enchanting ghostly female voice, she is crafting beauteous tapestry of sound, while telling the sad tale of her murder (for those who understand elvish). When the PC's enter the room she has turned her back on them, since she don't want anyone to see her facial expression in the moment of her death. She does not give any answers if she is spoken to. She even seems not to notice the PCs at all. However if there is a bard in the party and they leave her in peace, she might appear in the battle against Laleth, aiding the party with her music (providing a moral bonus for combat and save rolls). The hapsichord is already in a bad shape and almost unplayable unless it's repaired. If the PC's search the room they can find a silver ornate tuning fork. In addition the sheet music of the tune she plays lies on the hapsichord. It's a complex masterwork elven tune. If a bard can master it he gets some benefits when playing it (like more money, more reputation, or more girls)

4. Rehearsal Room. This room contains a small stage and a couple of chairs before the stage. Three summoned instruments hover in the air and play a horrible melody, while four Songhaunts sit in front of the stage listening and applauding (silently) to the off tune music. When the PC's enter the room the Songhaunts turn around and attack. While in the room the PC's get a -2 morale penalty to attack rolls and saving throw because of the terrible jingle jangle music that somehow weakens their fighting ability. This effect can be countered by a bard.

5. Garderobe. Behind the stage is a small garderobe. The room contains a large mirror and a dressing table. Always suspicious Laleth stored a magical elven dagger in the table. There is also an enhanted gong here that can store a single spell up to level three. Laleth used the gong to trigger special illusions for his audience.

6. Instrument Storage. This room contains Laleth's collection of mundane musical instruments. The PC's can find a delicate harp, a chime staff, a painted mandoline, a bell chord, a dulcimer and a pair of resonant orcish war drums. All instruments are of masterwork quality. Some of the instruments are unfortunatly defunct, because of broken strings, etc. Two Songhaunts inhabit the room and are stoically trying to maintain the instruments. The Songhaunts attack when the PC's enter the room.

7. Tomb of Laleth. Most of this room is taken up by a octagonal platform. Three steps led up to the platform. The room is lit in an eerie blue fire by a single large brazier in the middle of the platform. Faint ghostly whispers can be heard throughout the tomb. Slowly Laleth the undead revenant of an ancient bard becomes visible. His translucent fingers hold a long, ornately carved flute. His cold lips produce twisted and malevolent sounds of some strange and dreadful enchantment, when four Songhaunts appear out of nowhere and attack while Laleth utters a terrible and blistering curse from the black dephts of his soul. During combat Laleth employs fear invoking sounds, deadly illusions, as well as soul shredding dirges capable of slaying the PC's where they stand. These effects can be countered by a bard. During combat Laleth also tries to possess a PC or NPC with the highest charisma to escape his prision. He tries to kill everybody else.
Encounter: 4 Songhaunts, 1 Spectral Bard
Treasure: Laleth's Magical Flute

8. Treasury. Laleth's magical flute also acts as a key to his treasury. Other attempts to open the hidden door trigger a strong sonic trap. His treasure includes a single magical instrument, a instrument bag with a hidden weapon compartment, some of his finest musical works before he got insane, and his adventuring equipment (magical elven blade, an elven chain, and a magical cloak)

New Monsters:
Songhaunt: Songhaunt are incoperal undead capable of dealing charisma damage, and sonic based effects with they moans.
Spectral Bard: see the description of Laleth for possible powers and defenses.

Good news from the next world

2009-03-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

Wow. What a week! Many great things are happening in den 3E/Pathfinder scene.
Let's start with:

Game veteran Monte Cook has presented another surpise. At the Alliterates blog he announced his new project dungeonaday.com, a subscription-based website that will offer new game content every weekday. The website is supposed to start at march 2009. Dungeonaday.com describes Dragon’s Delve, a mysterious (mega-)dungeon of vast size, fascinating secrets, and great danger. The website will have a blog, where Monte shares some insight information, and it will have some community functions like forums and polls. Best of all: The whole thing is based on 3.5E and maybe conversions for pathfinder will be available. "The cost for membership–if you join in March and become a charter member–is only $7 a month." Go for it!

Finally Pathfinder has released the Pathfinder Compatiblity License and the Paizo Community Use Policy. Check out both links for details.
The good folks at paizo have also provided the Compatibility Logo:

Automated Character Sheet for Pathfinder RPG

2009-02-11T02:32:00.000-08:00

The Only Sheet, a powerful automated Character Sheet available for the D&D3.5, is now compatible with the PF RPG system. There is a demo available in the download section. Check out The Only Sheet at www.theonlysheet.com

Ecology of the Gaming Table - Part 1: The Table

2009-01-29T03:26:00.001-08:00

Welcome to this new series! Find out how to optimize your gaming pleasure in the real world. Learn how to create a comfortable gathering place and thus how to maximize the roleplaying experience for you and your friends.

Let's start with the gaming table itself. Some cool roleplayers have already posted pictures of their projects. Gone are the days when you had to play at the kitchen table.

The guys at Agyris built a custom rpg table from scratch, complete with player stations and a MDS (message delivery systems).

You may already know this from Dragon Magazine, but it's always a classic worth re-posting. See how the cool people from Pen, Paper, and Pixel used a projector to enhance their gaming table.

“If there’s a Gamer Heaven, I hope it has rooms like this.” said Andy Collins about this ultimate gaming table. This table even has a name. Check out "The Avenger"

Motherland Campaign Setting part 7 - The Drow of Talem-Dûr

2009-01-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

The drow were once known as dark elves for their obsidian colored skin. At that time drow were simply underground cousins of the elves that lived in the valleys and forests above. Although only a few dark elves were downright evil, most were at least moody, arrogant and generally nasty.

The dark elves were always masters of the realms below. They built fantastic and bizarre underground cities, and were very knowledgeable in arcane matters and warfare. Maybe because of the harsh environment they were living in, the dark elves always felt a little bit superior compared to their surface brethren. On many occasions this feeling turned into haughtiness that continuously isolated them from other friendly races.

One such event, caused a dramatic change in the dark elves society. A powerful dark elven wizard managed to summon an ancient spider demoness from her vile dimension. Immediately the demon began to taint and seduce the susceptible chaotic underground elves. Soon the spider demon and her vassal gained control over an army of at least ten thousand dark elves, willing to wreak havoc and cause chaos among the weak races.

Every dark elf who spoke against the spider demon was brutally sacrificed at her unholy altar. Then something unexpected happened. When a group of rebels led by a high elven cleric of Sharladalain prayed for help and guidance in their misery, an avatar of the elven goddess appeared, and led them into battle against the evil spider demon. Under the guiding light of the goddess Sharladalain they found the demoness in her spidery lair and attacked. The two powerful beings clashed together in a gigantic battle. When it seemed that the elven goddess would prevail suddenly the dark elf army of the demon swarmed upon the avatar like millions of tiny spiders. When Sharladalain looked into the insane faces of her children, she felt incredible grieve for a single moment. In this very moment the demon spider attacked the goddess with a vicious bite that killed the avatar. Within seconds the spider demon wrapped the body into a big cocoon. Then the demoness started to suck from the dead body. After she absorbed enough divine essence, she left the body for her followers, who in turn feasted upon the slain avatar like frenzied ghouls. As they gulped the last pieces of the goddess and absorbed her power a new race was born: the drow

Today the drow are a sinister race of twisted demon-worshiping elves. Over the years they formed a matriarchal society, ruled by bloated mother-queens who continuously spawn young drows, each one suited for a certain purpose, like assassin, soldier, worker, wizard or priestesses. Their society is full of decadence and malice. From their spider demon patron the drow adapted many perverse habits, such as keeping living creatures webbed and left to ripen. They also found a way to control spiders and even developed spider related magic. The Drow see themselves as the pinnacle of all intelligent races. All other races will eventually be either slaves or exterminated like vermin. Beside the spider demon drow venerate other demons like a fiendish aboleth lord, and many more dark entities.

A small number of dark elves escaped the transformation. They lack the supernatural powers of the drow, and live somewhere hidden in exile.

(c) Copyright 2009 by Markus Brixius. All rights reserved.

Motherland Campaign Setting part 6 - The Dwarves of Talem Dûr

2009-01-13T03:13:00.000-08:00

This article describes the dwarves of the Motherland Campaign setting. Here you find a general write up, and a particular breed of the Talem Dûr dwarves. Stay tuned for other dwarvenkin in the future.

Dwarves are shorter and stockier than humans. They average four feet in height, with squat, broad bodies, and solidly muscled. Their bodies seem purposely built for manual labor and warfare. Dwarves are nearly always bearded and grow thick facial hair. Female dwarves normally don't grow beards, and are very rarely seen outside dwarven realms. Dwarves are a very long lived race with lifespans of more than 300 years. As a dwarf becomes older so his beard becomes longer and thicker. Since dwarfs have a deep respect for age they would not cut off or trim their beards. Instead they skillfully groom their beards with braids and adorn them with other decorations but let them always grow naturally. Their skin, eye, and hair color ranges from a gray to a brownish tan.

Dwarven society is organized into strongholds each governed by a mountain king or thane. The kings of each stronghold are independent but during times of trouble a dwarven High King is elected, who takes ultimate charge. With the regalia of power he is fighting at the forefront of the battle, leading by valiant example. Unfortunately the dwarven regalia of powers are currently lost deep under Mount Ironheart, after a terrible incident. Outside of their strongholds dwarves are organized into clans. Clans are family-like structures of common ancestry.

Dwarves are widely known for their fine craftsmanship both with stone and metal, as they have a deep knowledge of the earth's secrets, which they protect jealously. As a result they pretty much distrust everyone else.

Dwarves venerate their ancestors, especially from their own clans.

The dwarven language (auld dwarwish or dwarvish for short) has not changed noticeably in the past 2500 years. The first original runes used as a written language are displayed in a temple in the city of Ironheart. However dwarves normally don't speak dwarvish in the company of others. When they speak their native tongue they do that in deep, resonant voices.

When not working or fighting dwarves love to drink, ruble and revel heavily in their clan's feast hall.

Ironheart Dwarves: These were once the stone dwarves (also known as mountain dwarves) of the Ironheart Mountain. Almost nine generations ago they were driven from their underground kingdom by a terrible enemy. Now they live above ground in the shadow of the snow-capped Ironheart Mountain in the city of Thunderhold. The Ironhearts are a stoic and sullen breed of dwarves, always talking about their glorious past and their return to the depths of the mountain when the time is right. They almost never talk about how they lost their home for they regard the circumstances of the incident as a great shame.
Nowadays most of these dwarves have lost their touch to the old days in the underground, as they live urban lives for generations now. Some established shops, inns, or merchant houses in the mountain city, and have earned a reputation as honest but tough traders. Other less honorable dwarves live in the lower parts of Thunderhold as beggars or muggers.
The Vigilant Lamplighters Guild is almost exclusively run by Ironheart Dwarves. While they pretend to be a normal guild they also have another agenda. The Lamplighters Guild constantly guard the street, looking for any signs of danger from their former underground realm. They patrol the old gateways to the mountains, looking for any sign of their enemy. The lights they carry through the streets is also a sign of importance to the dwarves. Since they were driven off their homes they tend a flame in their headquarter that they will one day carry to the depths of the mountain to lit their halls again. Carrying the light through the city is also a sign for their enemies that the dwarves are always watchful and will not tolerate another assault on their new homes from above or below. The Ironheart dwarves have developed a silent language they can use with their lanterns which they employ as signal lamps then.

(c) Copyright 2009 by Markus Brixius. All rights reserved.
(c) image by Ivan Gil, used with permission

Instant high quality fantasy music

2009-01-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

Every now and then the topic background music for gaming sessions pops up. Most of the time people discuss cd's featuring soundtracks or other genres that could enhance a session. I'd like to introduce you to a quick way to find the right music for your sessions.
Check out Radio Rivendell - the fantasy station. These guys have a very good selection of the best fantasy music around.
Have fun!

Motherland Campaign Setting part 5 - Lay of the Land

2009-01-02T12:58:00.001-08:00

The Kingdom of Calhaligon stretches approximately 3000 miles in diameter from north to south and covers about 6000 square miles. Most of the land is wilderness (76%, 4600 square miles), the rest is civilized area (24%, 1400 square miles).

A total of 252,000 people of different races live in Calhaligon, with about 42 per square mile. Most of the population lives in urban regions (91% 231,840 people). Only 5 percent (12,600 people) live in cities. The rest (3%, 7,560 are wandering or have no residence). These number change slightly, depending on the season.
The biggest urban population centers are:
* Thunderhold 9445
* Gatetown 1635
* Elvenwatch 1520

The rural population is divided between the villages and hamlets, and five castles.
With the Winding Waters Calhaligon features a major lake. Smaller lakes can be found at other places.

The borders of Calhaligon are marked naturally by a large mountain range in the north and in the east. The western and southern borders are political borders that were subjects to many conflicts in the past.

As a kingdom Calhaligon is ruled by a monarch, Queen Lucya. The kingdom grants minor lords of the lands in exchange for their service estates or plantations, complete with any villages or serf who live there. These lords and ladies claim a portion of the crop, herd, or other goods, produced on on his land. From that portion he pays tribute to the monarch. Sometimes a stretch of land is granted to a faith. Then the rulers are noble-clergymen, that also run monasteries (like the Stern Tower), cathedrals and abbeys (the town of Ortwyn is such a place). Other towns are controlled by merchant-princes (Crossroads Inn), guilds (Gatetown) or wizards(Sundall).

Calhaligon consists of three dales that are ruled by the duke. Minor nobles report to the duke, who in turn reports to the queen.

Calhaligon has a relatively strong economy that consists of:
* Agriculture. Mostly in the river floodplains, and sometimes even in the grasslands.
* Fishing at the Winding Waters. the halfling population at Denderlum also produces great quantities
* Forestry. Calhaligon has large forests, however there are often conflicts with the druids, as they try to tease the hunger for wood of the big cities. The elves of Darkwood are known to cultivate the forest without disturbing the natural beauty of the woodlands.
* Herding. You can find large herds of animals grazing in the vast grasslands and sometimes in the mountains.
* Hunting/Gathering. The forests offer game and other goodies for those who dare to enter the sometimes dangerous woodlands.
* Manufacturing and crafting is normally found in the cities or in the mountains.
* Mining is found mostly in the mountains and sometimes in the Adder Hills.

(c) Copyright 2009 by Markus Brixius. All rights reserved.

Undead Template Locator

2009-01-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

I've put together a list of all undead templates currently available, for your gaming pleasure.

I'd love to hear your stories of your undead pc's

Locator

Bone Creature – Book of Vile Darkness

Corpse Creature – Book of Vile Darkness
Crypt Spawn – Magic of Faerûn
Curst - Monsters of Faerûn, Lost Empires of Faerûn

Death Knight - Monster Manual II, Dragonlance Campaign Setting
Demi Lich - Epic Level Handbook
Draco Lich – Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting
Dread Warrior - Lost Empires of Faerûn, Unapproachable East

Evolved Undead - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead

Ghastly Creatures - Dragon #307
Ghost - Dragon #300, Savage Species, Ghostwalk
Ghost Brute - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead
Ghoul - Call of Cthulhu
Ghoul Lord - Denizens of Darkness
Ghoulish Creature - Dragon #307
Gravetouched Ghoul - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead
Gravewright – The Standing Stone

Half-Vampire - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead
Heucuva - 3E Fiend Folio
Husk Vermin - Drow of the Underdark

Keening Spirit - City of the Spider Queen

Lich, Dry - Sandstorm
Lich - Monsters of Faerun
Lich, Good - Monsters of Faerun

Monstrous Vampire - Ghostwalk
Mummified Creature - Dragon #300, Savage Species
Mumia - Ghostwalk
Mummified Creature - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead
Mummy, Greater - Deities and Demigods

Naga, Bone - Serpent Kingdoms
Necromental - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead
Necropolitan - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead
Mummy - Call of Cthulhu

Pennaggolan - Oriental Adventures

Revenant - Monsters of Faerun
Revenant - City of the Spider Queen
Revived Fossil - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead

Sepulchral Thief - Cityscape
Scion of Kyuss - Dragon #307
Shadow Creature - 3E Manual of the Planes
Shadowslain - Shadowdale: The Scouring of the Land
Silveraith - City of the Spider Queen
Skeleton – wizards.com
Skeletal Warrior - Dragonlance Campaign Setting
Spectral Mage – Magic of Faerûn
Spectral Minion - Dragonlance Campaign Setting
Skeleton Dragon - Dungeon 100
Spectral Creature - Savage Species
Spectral Savant - Complete Psionic
Swordwraith - 3E Fiend Folio

Tainted Minion - Heroes of Horror

Umbral Creature - Libris Mortis: The Book of the Dead

Vampire - 3E Monster Manual
Vampire Lord – wizards.com
Vampire, Monstrous - Ghostwalk
Vampire Spawn, Elven - Denizens of Dread
Vampire Strains - Denizens of Dread

Wight - Dragon #300, Savage Species
Wraith - Dragon #300, Savage Species

Zombie – wizards.com
Zombie Lord - Denizens of Dread
Zombie, Juju - Unapproachable East

Pathfinder Bestiary overview

2008-12-31T04:09:00.000-08:00

I've put together some information from the Pathfinder Bestiary announcement thread over at paizo.com about the upcoming Pathfinder Bestiary. Have fun.
The upcoming Pathfinder RPG is a much improved version of the D&D/d20 rules. The rules are currently available as beta playtest at paizo.
Now paizo announced a monster book called Pathfinder Bestiary that will feature the same improvements of your favorite game for your critters.

Release date: July 2009 (a month before the PF RPG)
Format: Hardcover, cover by fan-favorite Wayne Reynolds
Content:
* Minimum 250 monsters approximatly one per page
* Contains mostly Monsters from SRD plus some from Tome of Horrors, Pathfinder (a few monsters from Adventure Paths or modules) & other sources
* Compatible with the 3.5 & the new Pathfinder RPG
* No Monsters as PC infos (maybe handled in a dedicated book)
* Alphabetical layout plus index or chart that breaks out monsters by CR and by type
* Much flavor text/ecology/society type information
Licence: Probably all content will be open content
Misc: Pathfinder Bestiary II seems to be inevitable

Get it!

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: The Pathfinder Bestiary

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Core Rulebook

Pathfinder Link Collection

2008-12-27T03:38:00.001-08:00

For those of you who never heard of Pathfinder RPG or those who are simply newbies I've put together a list of links where you get all the free stuff to get started

PATHFINDER RPG BETA RELEASE - The core book. A nice free download. It's also available as a softcover book (pre-order at amazon.de Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Beta Playtest (Pathfinder))

INDEX - Two guys from the paizo messageboards wrote an index for the alpha playtest rules. Very usefull, as the original documents has no index.

NEW FEATS FOR PLAYTESTING - Lots of new feats for your pleasure

MAGIC ITEMS ATTENDUM - Lots of magic items that did not fit into the book

PRESTIGE CLASSES - Some prestige classes that did not fit into the book

CHARACTER SHEETS

NECRO'S SHEET

ROB RANGER'S SHEET

When the hurlyburly's done - A Forgotten Realms CS review

2008-09-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

I) I'm a Grognard. I don't like 4E. I never will. I won't support this edition. I'm a battleworn paladin in the Edition Wars. I'll smite 4E whenever I can!

II) I'm a huge Forgotten Realms fan for almost twenty years now. I had my best times at the gaming table in the Forgotten Realms. I love all stuff from Ed Greenwood.

III) It seems I have a problem! What should I think of the new FRCS?
Finally I decided to get a copy of the new FRCS. Mainly out of curiosity. Full stop. Here is my review:

The good news:
There is not much crunch in the new FRCS, but mostly fluff. Thus you can easily convert what 4E stats you find to your favorite system (like Pathfinder RPG). Most npcs even don't have a level given. So you are fairly free to play the setting with the rules you want.

The bad news:
The new Realms (or the Shattered Realms by some) feel very different for experienced FR gamers. You might feel alienated with some of the changes, like [spoiler] that the concept of magic with Mystra and the weave was never true, or what will happen to your favorite npcs, places, or organizations, or the sudden appearance of new empires, or the drastic changes in the FR cosmology[/spoiler]
The book also reads at some points, as if it was put together in a hurry. It lacks many explanations about what has happend during the time jump, which may annoy you if it comes to some of the major changes to the Realms, as well as these little lovely details you find in other FR books.

Conclusion:
The new FRCS really looks and feels like it has been designed like a completly new campaign setting with only as much information provided as needed to get things running. Which is basically what was WotC's idea for the Realms - to make them playable for new gamers who might feel overwhelmed by the tons of realmslore available.
The Realms feel flat and colorless, which is already announced on the back cover "lands of dark peril await" - Indeed, but IMO WotC has gone one step to far.

Here are my suggestions:
Don't buy the book...
... if you can't live with major changes to the realms. Don't buy it even if you are curious, because the new FRCS will even affect how you see the old Realms when you read it.
... if you like to find plausible explanations for the major changes
... if you are interessted what has happend during the time jump
... if you are an old school FR fan.

Remeber to tell WotC why you did not buy the book.

Buy the book...
... if you think that the old Realms are overloaded with too much Realmslore, but if you still like some of the elements of FR.
... if you are a new gamer
... if you don't care about anything at all

consider to play it not with 4E but with Pathfinder RPG.

As an alternative try the new Pathfinder Campaign Setting or Motherland Campaign Setting at 3POINT75.org, which is strongly influenced by the old Realms.

Poll results

2008-09-01T02:13:00.000-07:00

In august we asked our visitors 'What products would you like to see pathfinderized?'
Here are the results:

1. Book of monsters 19
2. alternate classes, like warlock 17
3. campaign settings 14
4. Book of spells 11
5. Book of magic items 9
Book of feats 9
Book of skills 9
modern roleplaying 9
6. future roleplaying 7

Most people would like to see a book of monsters. As you might already know this may happen. There are plans to do a Tome of Horror (Necromancer games) Pathfinder edition.

Second place is 'alternate classes'. As some popular classes like the warlock are not part of the SRD, it is interessting to see what paizo, or other companies will do to make this come true.

Third place is 'campaign settings'. Obviously people are not happy about the way WotC changes their realms. Check out our new poll about this topic.

A 'book of spells' is fourth in line. Of course we have the massive spell compendium, but there is still much to do, for example remove absolutes.

'Book of magical items' is fifth. We already have a magic item compendium. Still some people would like to see basic items overhauled, and new items added to this book.

'Book of feats' is fifth. As PRPG claims to be compatible with 3e this is no surprise. However it would be nice to have a single reference with balanced feats.

'Book of skills' also fifth. PRPG changed the skill system slightly. Maybe a book about expanded skill use would be interessting to some people.

'Modern roleplaying' the pathfinder way is of minor interest for most people.

'Future roleplaying' as well, but check out WARP20 to change your mind ;o)

New poll:
We'd like to know...
If you could cast a powerful spell that would be able to steal a WotC campaign setting, and give it to Paizo, what setting would that be.

Motherland Campaign Setting part 4 - Evil Deities

2008-08-28T01:28:00.000-07:00

In the Motherland Campaign Setting many vile gods are plotting in the dark realm of Mag-Mor against the gods of light that dwell in the celestial realm of Tiren-Ag.
Here's a first introduction of the evil immortals of the realm.

Ravager, the Destroyer
chaotic evil
God of destruction, slaughter, bloodlust
Chaos, Evil, Destruction, War, Weather
bared claw

Gothmol, Planter of Strife
chaotic evil
God of plotting, foul intrigues, lies
Trickery, Chaos, Evil, Knowledge, Charm
whip

Nefrast, the Deathwalker
neutral evil
God of undeath and nightmares
Death, Evil, Repose, Knowledge, Earth
axe

Arkul, Master of Tyranny
lawful evil
God of tyranny, slavery
Law, Strenght, Evil, War, Nobility
morning star

Murzul, Lord of Pestilence
chaotic evil
God of disease, poison, pain, loss
Artifice, Evil, Madness, Destruction, Water
spiked chain

Yagúl, Prince of Darkness
neutral evil
God of Shadows, Darkness, Murder,
Darkness, Trickery, Air, Evil, Travel
dagger

Laysia, the Seductress
neutral evil
Godess of trickery, lust, secrets
Charm, Evil, Fire, Knowledge, Nobility
shortspear

(c) Copyright 2009 by Markus Brixius. All rights reserved.

WARP20 - Klingon Mythology part 2

2008-08-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

Check out two remaining major deities from the Klingon pantheon. While there are many cults of indiviual Klingon heroes. Stay tuned for part 3 of this series for more mythical stuff.

Molor, the Tyrant
lawful evil
God of Tyranny
Evil, Law, Strenght, War, Destruction
mek'leth

Lukara,
neutral good
Godess of Freedom and Family
Community, Protection, Liberation, Charm, Healing
(small food) knife

WARP20 - Klingon Mythology part 1

2008-08-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

While legend says that the Klingon gods were slayed by mortals, there are near-divine figures, that are likewise important to todays Klingons as the ancient gods. Since there are also Klingon clerics WARP20 assumes that the strong believes in these figure made them new gods again. There might also be cults that believe in ancient gods or other cults that deny the existence of gods.

The entries for the deities use the following format:

Deity
Alignment
Portfolios
Domains
Favored Weapon

Kortar, Slayer of Gods
neutral evil
God of the Dead
Law, Evil, Destruction, Death, Repose
Kut'luch

Kahless, the Unforgettable
lawful neutral
God of Honor and Tradition
Law, Strenght, War, Protection, Glory
bat'leth

Motherland Campaign Setting part 3 - Good Deities

2008-08-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

The following article describes some of the major good deities of the Motherland setting. Stay tuned for the evil gods and more information about the pantheon. The entries for the deities use the following format:

Deity
Alignment
Portfolios
Domains
Favored Weapon

Earthmother
neutral
Godess of nature, balance, life
Earth, Air, Water, Fire, fifth domain depends on order
depends on order

Merdi, the Shining
lawful good
Godess of justice, charity, light
Glory, Good, Law, Sun, Fire
Longsword

Oneron, the Keeper of All Knowledge
lawful neutral
God of knowledge, self perfection, history
Healing, Knowledge, Law, Rune, Strenght
unarmed strike

Merta, Matron of Artisans
lawful neutral
Goddess of Commerce, Crafting, Invention
Law, Artifice, Nobility, Knowledge, Trickery
light crossbow

Sasne, Mistress of Pleasure and Healing
chaotic good
Goddes of Healing, Beauty, Happiness
Healing, Good, Charm, Liberation, Protection
unarmed strike

Fardi, Master of the Minstrels
neutral good
God of Poetry, Music, Art
Charm, Travel, Knowledge, Rune, Nobility
short sword

Fina, Seneshal of the Forest
neutral good
Godess of woodlands, wild beats, hunting
Animal, Plant, Earth, Protection, Charm
punching dagger

Naim, the Warrior
lawful neutral
God of battle, skill at arm, strenght
War, Strenght, Protection, Glory, Law
battle axe

Farr, the Unweary
chaotic good
God of Freedom, exploration, travel
Travel, Protection, ...
quarterstaff

Spick, the Everlaughing Jester
chaotic neutral
God of trickery, luck and mischief
Chaos, Trickery, Charm, Luck, Repose
rapier

(c) Copyright 2009 by Markus Brixius. All rights reserved.

WARP20 - two new feats for Klingons

2008-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Today we continue with a new Klingon racial trait and a new feat for Klingons. Feel free to discuss WARP20 and other topics in the message boards. Have fun.

Human Augment [trait]
Due to secret DNA experiements many Klingons lost their cranial ridges, which results in a more human-like appearance. If a Klingon with the Human Augment trait behaves normal, he does not suffer the -2 penalty on diplomacy checks when dealing with non-klingons. In addition a Klingon gets a +1 bonus when attempting to disguise himself as a human.

R'uustai [feat]
R'uustai is a bonding ceremony similar to brotherhood. You fight better with your bonded friend.
Benefit: When using the Aid Another special attack you or your bonded friend gain a +4 bonus to the next attack roll or as an armor class bonus against that opponent’s next attack.
Normal: Without this feat you only get a +2 bonus

WARP20 - Space - the final frontier

2008-08-20T02:02:00.000-07:00

WARP20 is a series of conversions of star trek related fiction for the Pathfinder Roleplaying game.
Warp20 is settled in the so called "Pre-Classic" era in the years 2150-2250. That's basically the era "Enterprise" is set in. But why this era? Easy. It's always a good idea to start at the beginning. As this era is not overloaded with technical issues, it's more easy to put trek terms into rpg terms. Once the WARP20 conversion guide is finished later eras can easily be developed from this starting point. But it has another reason. You can tell better stories. Having to rely on low tech gadgets, means you have to be more creative. Remember the DS9 episode that showed how Worf retrieved the Sword of Kahless . Well, something like that. A little less science, a little more fantasy - that's what WARP20 will be about.
WARP20 will cover the races of the alpha quadrant, equipment, and classes. Spaceship combat will not be handled.

Disclaimer: This is a series of innofficial fan created material.

Have fun. Let's start with...

Klingon (Qu'noS)
Klingons are humanoids ranging from 1.8-2.2 meters in height. They have dark hair, and their skin tones range from ebony to light brown. Klingons have a series of bony ridges on their forehead and down their spine. Klingons are warlike, glorious, and direct. They live by a warrior's code of honor.

Example names are: Worf, Gowron, Martok, Duras, Mogh

Starting Klingon Racial Traits

+1 Strenght, +1 Constitution: Klingons are strong, impulsive and tough. Klingons use force and intimidation, and not diplomacy.
Medium: Klingons are Medium creatures, and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
Normal Speed: Klingon land speed is 10 meters.
Keen Senses: Klingons receive a +2 bonus on sight- and smell based perception checks.
Forcefull Personality: Klingons recieve a +2 bonus on intimidation checks.
Hardened: Klingons learned to rely on their own and recieve a +2 bonus on survival checks.
Brak’lul: Qo’noS is a harsh environment, unforgiving to the weak. Klingons posses duplicates of many of their vital organs to help them survive. Called brak’lul, this redundancy, which includes an eight-chambered heart and two livers, makes it harder to kill a Klingon. Klingons gain a bonus second wind, as well as halving the duration of a weapon’s stun effect (round down to a minimum of one). In addition Klingons get +4 starting hit points, and a +1 racial bonus on fortitude saving throws. However due to their physiology they suffer a -2 penalty on any medical diagnosis or treatment used on a Klingon, by a non Klingon.
Warlike Demeanor: Klingons suffer a -2 penalty on diplomacy checks when dealing with non Klingons.
Weapon Familiarity: Klingons may use their traditional special melee weapons (such as the bat'leth, d’k tahg, and mk’leth) as if they had the Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat
Languages: Klingon, some may also learn English
Favored Class: Combatant (substitude with fighter until we provide other rules)

Addtitional Racial Traits

Each time a Klingon recieves a new feat he may choose one of the following additional racial traits instead. These traits are only available to Klingons.

Klingon Fury: This works exactly like the barbarian rage, with the following exceptions: You cannot use Elemental Rage, Low-Light Vision, Night Sight as rage powers. This racial trait can be taken only once per character.
Klingon Defence: You recieve a +2 natural armor as your bony ridges harden. This racial feat can be taken only thrice.
Klingon Brawler: Klingons love to brawl. When making an unarmed attack, the character receives a +1 competence bonus on attack rolls, and the character deals nonlethal damage equal to 1d6 + his or her Strength modifier. Normally Unarmed attacks deal nonlethal damage equal to 1d3 + Strength modifier. This racial trait can be taken only twice per character. If you take it a second time to competence bonus on attack rolls is increased by 1 and the nonlethal damage increases to 1d8 + Str modifier.
Frightful Klingon: The Klingon can use his Intimidation skill to terrify others. When he uses this ability all opponents within 10 feet who have fewer levels than the character must make a Will saving throw (DC is equal to the Klingon's intimidation roll). An opponent who fails his save is shaken, taking a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks for a number of rounds equal to 1d6. The character can use the ability once per encounter as a free action.
A successful save indicates that the opponent is immune to the character’s use of this feat for 24 hours. This ability does not affect creatures with an Intelligence of 3 or lower.
Cold Tolerance: Some Klingons have a natural cold tolerance granting them a +2 bonus on fortitude saves against cold effects.

OD&D - Back to the roots: 1E

2008-08-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

You are an old school gamer, but your 1E Dungeons & Dragon books have been fallen to dust at your attic? You are a new gamer who wishes to delve into the golden times of roleplaying, but the old books on ebay are way to expensive? Don't panic - try OSRIC.
OSRIC is an old school reference & index compilation that aims at recreating 1E Dungeons & Dragons within the OGL. On their webpage you find a free download with all the rules you need to start playing with a 1E look and feel as well as some classic items and monsters. 'Monsters of Myth' - a monster manual that contains more than a hundred and fifty new creatures is in the works. So nothing can stop you now from having your 1E experience. Check it out!

Keep 'em alive and kicking - A Complete Guide to healing part 3/3

2008-08-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Heal Checks – Take 20
Game Designer Sean K. Reynolds suggests on his website that you can ‘take a 20’ on heal checks except for treating poison.
www.seankreynolds.com

New spell

OGC by Andy Collins www.andycollins.net

Share Injury
Conjuration (Healing)
Level: Clr 2, Drd 2
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 round
Range: Touch
Target: One creature
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless) and see text
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless) and see text

You cure 2d4 points of temporary ability damage to one of the subject’s ability scores (such as from poison or disease), but suffer temporary Constitution damage equal to half the number of points cured. There is no saving throw allowed for the caster to resist this damage, nor does spell resistance apply. This spell does not restore permanent ability drain.

Quick reference for maxed heal checks for mundane npc healers
Healers charge 1gp per treatment plus 1sp per additional hour for long term care. For every hit point healed the character must pay 1sp for material like bandages, salves, ointments, etc. This does not count for the use of healing incense which costs extra.

Expert Level / Heal Check
1 / 10
2 / 11
3 / 12
4 / 13
5 / 14
6 / 15
7 / 16
8 / 18
9 / 19
10 / 20
11 / 21
12 / 22
13 / 23
14 / 24
15 / 15
16 / 27
17 / 28
18 / 29
19 / 30
20 / 31
Ω

KEEP 'EM ALIVE AND KICKING is open game content and is available for use under the terms of the OGL. To use it correctly, please add the following line to the section 15 of the OGL linked below:

KEEP 'EM ALIVE AND KICKING copyright 2008 by Markus Brixius (exepct when otherwise noted)

This article is published under the open gaming licence.

Motherland Campaign Setting part 2 - Adventures in Calhaligon

2008-08-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

The Kingdom of Calhaligon is on the brink of destruction. After the death of King Balkor XII his wife queen Lucya struggles hard for the survival of the kingdom and the safety of it's people. It's the time of heroes.

While there are currently thousands fires that need to be quenched, the kingdom of Calhaligon faces six major threads:

The elven retreat of Darkwood is constantly attacked by ravaging barbarians and evil humanoids. They do not only cause wanton destruction to the ancient forest, but also seem to search for something preciuous that was carefully hidden by the elves a very long time ago.

Mount Ironheart was once inhabited by a proud kingdom of dwarves. A millenium ago the dwarves were driven out of their ancient halls by an unspeakable evil. Only few dwarves survived to tell the tale. Now that evil seems to leave the underground to seep into the city of Thunderhold.

In the Barren Lands were the grip of Queen Lucya and her loyal followers is weak, a civil war threatens to bring chaos to the region, as power groups from within and from outside try to control the borderland.

A terrible stench comes from the fetid Great Swamp. A stench of evil, as something that was thought destroyed returns to Calhaligon with a vengance.

The druids and rangers of Deeptree face a new enemy, as a powerful dark druid announces a new druidic order that claims to be supreme to the four ancient traditions. At the same time the Earthmother hasn't spoken to any druid for more than two cycles.

The Knight Defenders of Stelwerd, the largest knightly order in Calhaligon is troubled by inner political conflicts, and fail to perform their duties. Most confilcts are seeded by an unseen enemy.

(c) 2008 by Markus Brixius, map by Marjon

Keep 'em alive and kicking - A Complete Guide to healing part 2/3

2008-08-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

Official Rules

Reserve Points
The reserve point rule was first presented in Wizards of the Coast’s Unearthed Arcana supplement. Reserve points give the character a second wind after a combat. With Reserve Points you speed up game pace a lot.

Action Points
If you use action points in your game you should remember that you can spend an action point to stabilize your dying character. Action points are presented in Unearthed Arcana as well.

Skill tricks
Skill tricks were first introduced in Wizard’s of the Coast’s Complete Scoundrel. With the Healing Hands Skill trick you can heal characters, while stabilizing them.

Alternate Rules

Durability
A character is dead when his hit points are reduced to his negative constitution score. Normally a character dies at -10 hit points.

Staying conscious
A character is allowed Constitution check each round while dying to stay conscious. The DC of this check is 10 + the number of hit points below zero. The character is still disabled and dying. Normally a character becomes unconscious at zero hit points. This replaces the diehard feat.

Faith Healing
If a cleric and an injured character are of the same faith, each cure spell automatically heals maximum hit points. If a cleric heals an injured character of the same faith while praying to his deity he may roll twice for the heal check and use the better die roll.

Quick Recovery
You may add your constitution score to the 10% percent chance to check if you are recovering hit points naturally while being disabled

KEEP 'EM ALIVE AND KICKING is open game content and is available for use under the terms of the OGL. To use it correctly, please add the following line to the section 15 of the OGL linked below:

KEEP 'EM ALIVE AND KICKING copyright 2008 by Markus Brixius (except when otherwise noted)

This article is published under the open gaming licence.

Keep 'em alive and kicking - A Complete Guide to healing part 1/3

2008-08-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ever been hit by a raging orc barbarian with a fiery greataxe? Man that hurts! While cinematic scenes like this add to the excitement of the game such an event can quickly result in a Total Party Kill (TPK). Even if such an attack is not deadly, each lethal encounter can also slow down the pace of the adventure drastically when the party needs to rest after combat for about a week to gather its strength again.
This can be frustrating for the Game Master and his players alike.
There are many solutions to this problem, most however rely on magical means like clerical aid or healing potions. But not always such resources are available to the players. In the following article you find some useful equipment und rules to avoid this problem.

Equipment

Healer’s Kit
(taken from SRD)
It is the perfect tool for healing and provides a +2 circumstance bonus on Heal checks. A healer’s kit is exhausted after ten uses.

Weight: 1lb. Costs: 50 gp

Antitoxin
(taken from SRD)
If you drink antitoxin, you get a +5 alchemical bonus on Fortitude saving throws against poison for 1 hour.

Weight: - Costs: 50 gp

First Aid Kit
This kit contains bandages and everything you need to stabilize a dying character. The first aid kit provides a +4 circumstance bonus to first aid heal checks only. With a successful check the character stops losing hit points (at the rate of 1 per round, 1 per hour, or 1 per day). This bonus does not stack with the bonus granted from a normal healer’s kit. A first aid aid kit is exhausted after ten uses.

Weight: 1 Costs: 50 gp

Antidote Kit
This kit contains everything you need to treat a poisoned character. The antidote kit provides a +4 circumstance bonus to treat poison heal checks only. This bonus stacks with the alchemical bonus granted through the use of Antitoxin. An anti-poison treatment kit is exhausted after ten uses.

Weight: 1 Costs: 50 gp

Apothecary Kit
This kit contains everything you need to cure a diseased character. The kit provides a +4 circumstance bonus to treat disease heal checks only. This bonus does not stack with the bonus granted from a normal healer’s kit. An Apothecary kit is exhausted after ten uses.

Weight: 1lb. Costs: 50 gp

Medicine Pouch
A medicine pouch contains rare ointments, herbs, and other materials that help to treat injuries, diseases and poisons. A medicine pouch provides a +2 alchemical bonus to heal checks. This bonus does not stack with antitoxin. A medicine pouch is exhausted after ten uses.

Weight: 1lb. Costs: 50 gp

Healing Incense
If someone uses his heal skill on you or if you rest normally, and you are within 10 ft. of burning healing incense you have one of the following benefits:
Natural healing: you heal twice the number of hit points you normally would for resting.
Long term care: you heal twice the normal amount of hit points or ability score points.
Treat Poison or Disease: every time you make a saving throw against the effects of poison or a disease, you get a +2 bonus.
Note that a single incense burns for eight hours. If you wish to rest for a whole day you need to burn three incenses to heal accordingly.

Weight: - Costs: 100 gp

Smelling Salts
With smelling salts you can keep a character conscious while he is dying (see the staying conscious rule below). When smelling salts is used on a dying character he gains a +5 roll to his Constitution check to stay conscious. If a character was already unconscious before, he gets another Constitution check to become conscious again. Smelling salts can also be used to wake up sleeping characters as a standard action without a check. It is not effective against magical sleep effects. Smelling salts is exhausted after ten uses.

Weight: - Costs: 20 gp

KEEP 'EM ALIVE AND KICKING is open game content and is available for use under the terms of the OGL. To use it correctly, please add the following line to the section 15 of the OGL linked below:

KEEP 'EM ALIVE AND KICKING copyright 2008 by Markus Brixius (except when otherwise noted)

This article is published under the open gaming licence.

Motherland Campaign Setting part 1 - Welcome to Talem Dur

2008-08-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

Corynn sat in the semi-shade of the Bullride Tavern and nervously assayed the strings of his old lute. Most dearly he would have liked to hide and fuse himself entirely in the darkened corner next to the smoking fireplace, forever merging with the protecting shadow in order to avoid playing before this aggregation of cutpurses, cutthroats and other such thugs…

The most peculiar shapes cavorted themselves in the narrow public room before the yet smaller, shaky, wood scaffolding that should serve Corynn as a stage. None of these crooks made the impression of looking forward to the presentation of the young bard. Instead, Corynn had the feeling that his appearance would only prove disturbing to the conspiratorial murmurings of the guests.
Corynn had not imagined the life of a bard to be like this when he passed the portcullis of Gatetown…

Talem-Dur is a world of Intrigues, high sorcery and unlimited adventures. One of the most oldest countries on Talem-Dur is Calhaligon. Once Calhaligon was a mighty kingdom, ruled by a conclave of just landlords and their King Balkor XII. For five years now King Balkor XII is dead, leaving behind behind his young wife Queen Lucya, who struggles hard to settle down the inner conflicts and power games that constantly shake the kingdom, as there is currently no heir to the throne. Since that time Calhaligon is called the Shattered Kingdom by some of it's neighbours and by spiteful persons.
While the queen is fighting against power-hungry rioters, influences from neighbouring lands grow in some cities of the kingdom, not always for the benefit of Calhaligon.

Gatetown

Gatetown is one of these cities on the brink of civilization. Surrounded by dangerous and harsh lands it constantly strives to survive. Gatetown was build atop the ancient ruins of an old civilization that exists no more. In its long history the town was almost completely destroyed by inhuman armies at many occasions. Each time the people of Gatetown build it up again. Today Gatetown is a sturdy fortress which protects its inhabitants from the dangers of the surrounding lands, and the ruins below. Gatetown is ruled by a council, which mostly consists of the most powerful (and often corrupt) traders of the city, and is headed by Mayor Grundle. The true power is however held by the infamous Bladebearers Guild led by the ruthless Sword Captain Shalandra Keeneye, the only significant martial force in the vicinity. The Bladebearers Guild is an organization of mercenaries and sell-swords, which always supports those councilmen, who pay the most bribe money.
Secret cults and forces from outside seeking to take control of the town, add to the chaotic life in Gatetown.

Gatetown (small town): Conventional; AL CN; 500 gp limit; Assets 98,000 gp; Population 1635; Isolated (Human 94%, elf 3%, halfling 2%, humanoids 1%).
Authority Figures: Mayor Grundle (LE male human aristocrat 3); Shalandra Keeneye (CN female human fighter 5 / rogue 3);

WONDERS OF DIVINITY: Sanctify Yourself - Ceremony spells for divine casters

2008-08-09T01:27:00.000-07:00

Some churches offer their services like healing or even resurrection only to dedicated members of their faith.
The following spells help clerics to identify the true nature of an inquirer. These spells can be cast spontaneously like cure spells.

Sanctify
Divination
Level: Clr 1, Drd 1
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Target: One object or person
Duration: Permanent
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: None

The recipient of the spell is taken into the ranks of the casting cleric’s deity, making that person an accepted worshiper of that deity. The effect is permanent, unless the Faithful wishes to convert to another deity. The spell can also be cast to consecrate objects to the caster’s faith of up to 1 lb. per caster level.

Detect the Faithful
Divination
Level: Clr 0, Drd 0
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 ft.
Target: One object or person
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: No

Detect the Faithless enables the caster to detect if an object or person that has been sanctified to a deity is of his own faith. This spell causes the symbol of the deity to appear above the object or person. The symbol is only visible to the caster. Persons and intelligent items get a will saving throw, non-intelligent objects get no save.

Detect Patron
Divination
Level: Clr 3, Drd 3
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 ft.
Target: One object or person
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: None

Detect Patron enables the caster to detect the faith of an object or person that has been sanctified to a deity. This spell causes the symbol of the deity to appear above the object or person (Possible Knowledge, Religion DC 10 to recognize familiar symbols (DC 15+ for those which are rarer or no longer used). The symbol is only visible to the caster. Persons and intelligent items get a will saving throw, non-intelligent objects get no save.

Improved Detect Patron
Divination
Level: Clr 5, Drd 5
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 ft.
Target: One object or person
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: None

Detect Patron enables the caster to detect the name and symbol of the faith of an object or person that has been sanctified to a deity. Persons and intelligent items get a will saving throw, non-intelligent objects get no save. Ω

WONDERS OF DIVINITY: Sanctify Yourself is open game content and is available for use under the terms of the OGL. To use it correctly, please add the following line to the section 15 of the OGL linked below:

WONDERS OF DIVINITY: Sanctify Yourself copyright 2008 by Markus Brixius.

This article is published under the open gaming licence.

Welcome to the new iteration of 3POINT75.org

2008-08-09T00:33:00.000-07:00

Mission statement
3POINT75 is a small but shiny little point of light in the D&D Community. It was the makeshift home of Players and Dungeon Masters alike, who wanted to stick to their favorite game after the announcement of 4th edition D&D. Now it has a new agenda.

At that time 3POINT75 was a place for those people who wanted to polish their game, rather than to invest money in a new edition of D&D that completely overhauls the game in such a radical manner as 4E did. At the 3POINT75 message boards members shared their ideas about how 3.75E should look like.
3POINT75 also hosted a petition where people could ask companies to provide some sort of polished 3.5 edition (at that time called 3.75E), so that they could continue their games, with some major rules issues settled.

Finally Paizo announced Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (PRPG), that would exactly be what the people wanted. The new PRPG is now the new benchmark for all 3.75 fans.
But the journey for 3POINT75.org does not end with the final release of PRPG, as other companies decide to stay 3E.

3POINT75 is a place where you can find information about all thing 3E and meet other like-minded people, for example at the message boards.

There are many things to be done:

* Collect news about other 3.75 movements
* Talk about other 3rd party stuff and it's compatibility to PFRPG
* Conversion of 3.x stuff to PRPG
* Settings for the PRPG

We'd be happy to welcome you at 3POINT75