Digital Orc

100 Followers & Irony!

2012-03-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

Today my follower count reached 100 for the first time. Unlike page views, this number tells a more accurate story of how well my little blog is actually read.

Ironically, I also sold my 50th copy of THE BLASPHEMOUS BREWERY OF PILZ! today.

To acknowledge this little milestone, I’ve replaced my Digital Orc icon with an orc wearing 100 glasses. I’ll keep it up for a while, at least.

Thank you for your attention, support, and feedback.

Map: Worm Tunnels

2012-03-07T12:27:00.000-05:00

How do I express a large number of worm tunnels in a D&D map? The tunnels are obviously three dimensional, but I don't know how to do a 3D map of the type of tunnels seen above.

Hog Wild!

2012-03-06T20:14:00.000-05:00

I found this pig "mini" in my daughter's toy bin. It reminded me of an adventure featuring pigs I wrote called VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE. It's free, so go ahead and click the link. If you like it, though, please consider buying my very affordable adventure, THE BLASPHEMOUS BREWERY OF PILZ!

Thanks!

Saving Throw House Rule Analysis

2012-03-06T14:43:00.002-05:00

I always keep an eye out for B/X house rules that are easy to implement and either streamline play or increase the fun factor. I was interested by Stuart’s recent post about using Hit Points as a factor in a saving throw. And while I don’t prefer a lot of crunch IN my game, I do enjoy USING crunch to analyze and hopefully improve my game. To that end, I made a spreadsheet to help me wrap my head around Stuart’s proposition. I’ve also uploaded the spreadsheet (select "download" to download a version you can modify) for your analysis as well.

The spreadsheet calculates the probability (P) of making a saving throw with variable target numbers (cell k2) using either a twelve or twenty-sided die.

For example, to make a saving throw with a target of 15 using the d20 house rule, a character with five Hit Points has a 55% chance (P=0.55) of success. That same character has only a 25% chance (P=0.25) of success in using the d12 variant.

Using this spreadsheet, a couple implications of this house rule became immediately clear:

Characters with sufficient Hit Points will never fail a saving throw, e.g., a character with fourteen Hit Points cannot fail (P=0.0) a saving throw target of fifteen using the d12 variant.
Characters with dramatically low Hit Points will likely never succeed at a saving throw, e.g., a character with three Hit Points will make a saving throw target of fifteen only 8% of the time (P=0.8333…) using the d12 variant.

I conclude that this method is too narrow, being applicable only to low-level play, and therefore will not use it. That said, it’s an interesting idea I might tweak.

The Cost of Conventions

2012-03-06T07:35:00.002-05:00

I'm attending and running games of THE BLASPHEMOUS BREWERY OF PILZ! at Gencon 2012. Today I started thinking about how this will likely affect my wallet.

You can click to enlarge, but it won't make the numbers any prettier.

There are a couple items that may (and I hope) change. Namely, the cost of the hotel and the amount of sales revenue I receive.

As of now, it is likely my group will have three people in the hotel, which drives the following formula, hotel cost = 3 (nights) * $200 (cost/night) * 1/3 (in which three people share the room). I'm hoping my host can get a few more people into the room. Just a couple, though. After a few more, the diminishing returns aren't worth the crowded space.

I also hope that my "sales" category will offset more than $100. That is how much my game, THE BLASPHEMOUS BREWERY OF PILZ! has generated (net) so far. If sales continue and I am able to release my second game, there is a good chance I can up this to $200.

The "My Game" amout of $36 assumes I have a full table at each of my three sessions. This may likely not be the case, but the amount we're talking is relatively small, so it's no great concern.

Note the most important cost factor is missing: Buying Stuff!

Oh well. I'll hope for a cash-filled birthday.

Digital Orc Blog Update

2012-03-04T13:06:00.002-05:00

Today I reorganized my blog to include pages underneath the blog header. For those of you who get your Digital Orc fix through reader, you may want to visit the website from time to time as I continue to upload resources that I have created. At this point I have the following pages; shop, license, fanzine, maps, modules, misellaneous, and tools.

Everything except for "shop" is completely free and available for download. I have several projects in the works now, but who knows when and how they're come up.

Keep rolling those dice, and have a nice weekend.

Map: Cavern 3

2012-02-26T15:27:00.001-05:00

The Sigil of Pron

Often called "The Inverted Rose". These caverns represent the home of Pron, a powerful demon.

Convention Games 2: Critical Hits & Failures

2012-02-24T12:22:00.001-05:00

An rpg convention game is different than campaign play at home. Currently I am working on a tournament/convention edition of my adventure module, THE BLASHPEMOUS BREWERY OF PILZ! In this post I explain two House Rules I plan to include at this year’s Gencon, examples of play, and the reasons I have for including them in convention play using Labyrinth Lord Basic.

At a convention I don’t know who my players are and I don’t know what house rules, if any, they use. When a player signs up for one of my games, they only know the system. It behooves me, then, to both minimize house rules and provide a clear explanation of what the house rules are before gameplay begins. This creates a comfortable common ground from which an exciting adventure may grow.

Convention Rule: Critical Hits

Anytime a natural twenty is rolled on a d20 attack roll, the attacker may roll to attack again. Normal damage is rolled for every successful hit. This effect may stack and is accumulative.

Example: Aaron is playing Ogarn the fighter. Ogarn attacks an orc (gasp!) and rolls a natural twenty. He rolls a second time and (gasp!) rolls a second unmodified twenty! He rolls a third time and the outcome is a 17, which is high enough to hit, but is not a natural twenty, so Aaron stops rolling to attack and now rolls 3d6 (1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6) to determine the total damage dealt by his long sword.

Reason: Rolling dice is fun. My role as a convention Labyrinth Lord (Gamemaster) is to celebrate the players and help them have a fun time. This doesn’t mean giving them an automatic hit each time or making them incapable of dying, but it does mean giving them the occasional opportunity to do something spectacular. In this case, the probability of rolling a twenty on a single roll is 5% (1/20). The probability of rolling two twenties in a row (as in my example above) is 0.25% (1/20*1/20=1/400). This means that there is likely to be several natural twenties in the course of a typical two to three hour convention game with several encounters. It also means that it is very unlikely to have a character roll two criticals in a row. So, it won’t throw the mechanics off too much, but will create several memorable attacks for the players.

Convention Rule: Critical Fumble

Anytime a natural one is rolled on a d20 attack roll, the attacker must make a paralyze saving throw. If the saving throw is successful, nothing else happens. If the saving throw is unsuccessful, the character may not act on their next turn.

Example: Cameron is playing Izzy the Wizard. Izzy has used all of his spells (and isn’t using my awesome magic user gonzo rules), so he decides to attack a snarling orc with his dagger (gasp!). Cameron rolls a natural one (gasp!). Cameron now rolls a four, well below his paralyze saving throw number. Izzy is incapable of doing anything his next turn. The orc gets a free attack and…

Reason: This adds a bit of danger to the game. It’s also a nice bookend to the natural twenty convention rule (above). I also like that this gives the Labyrinth Lord wiggle room. If, in the example above, Izzy only has three hit points left, I, as the Labyrinth Lord, may choose to have the orc attack someone else to prevent a death. Or, maybe I won’t. What’s important is that I have a choice to drive the game in the direction I want without blatantly breaking rules and immersion.

Question for You: What house rules do you think are particularly valuable at a convention game?

Speaking of conventions, Happy Jacks most recent podcast is all about convention games. If you haven’t listened to this rpg podcast yet, I highly recommend it.

Zelda = D&D: The Province of Sleepwalkers

2012-02-21T11:33:00.000-05:00

Pack of Gnolls posted this cool article link about how Zelda, the video game, has changed for the worse over the years. Sully proposes that the article, while focusing on a video game, gives voice to an analogous OSR argument about how D&D has changed.

To that end, I made the following substitutions for several paragraphs:

Video game title = D&D
Hyrule = D&D
Miyamoto = Gary Gygax
Link = Player Characters
Screen = Dungeon

Each substitution is noted by brackets.

"It's only gotten worse over the years. [D&D 4.0], with its segregated, recycled areas and puzzly overworld dungeons, is not an outlier; it is the culmination of years of reducing the world to a series of bottlenecks, to a kiddie theme park... But a world is not one predetermined sequence after another, and a world is not a puzzle with a single solution. A world is more than a space, more than a place; it is something to inhabit and be inhabited by. What you infuse a space with to make it habitable, to make it memorable (since memory is profoundly spatial), gives the place its character, its soul.

Tolkien knew this. His landscapes speak more convincingly than his characters. And [Gary Gygax] knew this too. The … discovery of secret caves makes perfect sense when you play the original [D&D]. That spirit of wonder, of potential secrets on [in] every [dungeon], permeated the map (and even the instruction booklet – it discreetly placed hints on the bottom of the page, inviting the player to pay attention because the hidden was everywhere). The rules of [OD&D] were not at all clear to its first visitors, and one of the greatest pleasures came in intuiting the underlying logic... The very existence of a second quest that remixed all the dungeons and all the secrets spoke of a world that was open and supple. The magic of the first [OD&D] was not locked down, given to a single iteration. It was its own sequel. It seemed like it could go on forever.

It did not. If [D&D] is to reclaim any of the spirit that [Gary Gygax] first invested in its world, it needs to do a few things. It needs to make most of the map accessible from the beginning. No artificial barriers to clumsily guide [Player Characters] along a set course. Players know that game; they know when they're being played. [Player Characters] must be allowed to enter areas [they’re] not ready for. [They] must be allowed to be defeated, not blocked, by the world and its inhabitants.

This world, dangerous, demanding exploration, must also be mysterious. This means: illegible, at least at first. [Player Characters] needs new unstated rules, ones that must be relearned, even by [Player Character] veterans like myself. How can you truly explore if you know how everything works already? How can you ever be surprised if every ‘secret' is conspicuously marked as such? [D&D] needs space to breathe, fields of purposeless grandeur… where secrets could be anywhere because they're not obviously right there. What is an adventure if not a journey through an unknown landscape? It's not a retread across familiar ground, the car ride to work, the province of sleepwalkers."

Gonzo Fighters Reflection

2012-02-20T15:02:00.001-05:00

After some reflection, I’ve decided to re-write my gonzo fighter.

This method will create fighters that can destroy and defend from the most powerful foes one moment and be reduced to withered and decrepit invalids content with telling stories of long-past battles the next. While gonzo clerics and magic users can cast spell after spell each round, a fighter in my gonzo system can repeatedly cause a devastating amount of damage in a single moment of battle. They may also effectively defend against innumerable immensely powerful attacks. However, every time a fighter attempts to do so, they put their life and livelihoods on the line.

Step 1: Fighters may regain 1d6 Strength and Dexterity each time they ascend a level, but not exceed 18.

Step 2: Fighters can multiply their attack damage by any bonus factor of their choice between one and their Strength attribute. They must, however, declare this intent before rolling to hit. If the hit attempt is unsuccessful, the fighter permanently loses Strength points equal to the bonus factor. If the hit attempt is successful, the fighter rolls normal damage and then multiplies it by the bonus factor.

Step 3: Fighters may improve their Armor Class by any number not exceeding their current Dexterity attribute at the start of each round. They must, declare this intent before any monster rolls to hit. The fighter must make a save versus Paraylze. If the save is successful, the fighter’s Armor Class is modified by the declared number for the duration of the round. If the save is unsuccessful, the fighter’s Dexterity attribute is permanently reduced by the earlier declared number.

Step 4: If a fighter’s Dexterity or Strength becomes zero, they are crippled and unable to fight ever again and are, thereafter, forever controlled by the referee.

Gencon 2012 Meet-Up Update

2012-02-18T12:23:00.000-05:00

As of 2/18/12 thirteen different RPG bloggers have signed in via my Gencon 2012 Meet-Up spreadsheet. If you’re interested in meeting some fellow RPG bloggers at Gencon this year, you can submit your information HERE.

I also give any blogger permission to use the image above if they want to provide a link to the sign in sheet.

I will post updates and other information more often the closer we get to Gencon dates.

The sign-in link is: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGFaRmg0NHBGdTF6bkE2OXp4LVZTSkE6MQ#gid=0

Gonzo Your D&D

2012-02-13T07:38:00.000-05:00

I compiled my disperate posts on my gonzo mechanics into a single illustrated PDF. You can find it by clicking HERE or by scrolling to the bottom right-hand side of my blog under "Miscellaneous". Did I mention that it's free?

Even though this product (and many others I host here on Digital Orc) is free, I am selling my first self-published fantasy adventure module for the low price of $2.99. Why don't you check it out by clicking HERE? All income generated from my sales are reinvested into the online RPG community.

Gonzo Fighter

2012-02-12T07:43:00.003-05:00

This is the last in my Gonzo house rule series. See links below for my magic user and cleric rules.

This method will create fighters that can destroy the most powerful foes one moment and withered and wilted decrepit invalids content with telling stories of long-past battles the next. While clerics and magic users can cast spell after spell each round, a fighter in my gonzo system can repeatedly cause a devastating amount of damage in a single moment of battle. However, every time a fighter attempts to do so, they put their life and livelihoods on the line.

Step 1: Fighters may regain 1d6 Strength each time they ascend a level, but not exceed 18.

Step 2: Fighters can multiply their attack damage by any bonus factor of their choice between one and their Strength attribute. They must, however, declare this intent before rolling to hit. If the hit attempt is unsuccessful, the fighter permanently loses Strength points equal to the bonus factor. If the hit attempt is successful, the fighter rolls normal damage and then multiplies it by the bonus factor. If a fighter’s strength becomes zero, they are crippled and unable to fight ever again and are, thereafter, forever controlled by the referee.

Example 1: Jacomus, a level five fighter with a +1 magical sword, attacks Durjaya, a Red Dragon, with a long sword. He declares a bonus factor of twelve and rolls a seventeen, hitting the foul beast. Next he rolls a five on the 1d8 for damage. Because 5*12>51, Durjaya is destroyed in a single round.

Example 2: Jacomus (same attributes as above) rolls a seven with the same bonus factor declaration (12). Because it’s a failure, Jacomus’ Strength attribute permanently changes from the original 15 to 3 and Durjaya takes no damage.

Click for...

Gonzo Magic Users

Gonzo Clerics

Two Clerics One Chalice

2012-02-11T14:37:00.000-05:00

Two Clerics One Chalice is also known as the Book You Can’t Unread. It is an illustrated cursed tome written by the Demon-Lord, Pron. Lurid, obscene, and shockingly detailed, it describes the desecration and subsequent atrocious fetishistic acts of two, previously, holy and lawful female clerics. It is rumored to be based on true events detailing a particular triumphal evening of Pron. Others claim it is fiction. Regardless, its power cannot be denied even if it is clouded in myth.

Anyone coming within thirty feet of the terrible tome must make a save versus spell-like-device. If the save is successful, the character feels a disturbing and evil presence and immediately becomes nauseous. If the save is unsuccessful, the character becomes charmed by the book and cannot help themselves from immediately finding and reading it in its entirety. Afterwards, they become uncontrollably ill for 2d4 days and suffer a -1 to all rolls for the same period of time. The character will also keep the book in their belongings until they can give it to someone who has not read it, preferring those of Lawful alignment.

Author's Note: While I restrained myself from drawing Pron, I couldn't help myself to do an illustration to accompany this post. Turned out pretty good, I think.

Fear This Porn, er Demon Pron!

2012-02-10T16:20:00.002-05:00

I saw this today at the Underworld Cleaning Service and I wanted to clarify what he meant by "Pron" since many of you are probably uninitiated:

Click to Enlarge

Pron
No. Enc.: 1
Alignment: Chaotic
Movement: 180’ (60’)
Armor Class: 2
Hit Dice: 10
Attacks: 4 (2 claws, 1 whip, 1 spell)
Damage: 1d8 poison, 1d12 hold person, spell
Save: F10
Morale: 4
Hoard Class: XVIII + 15,000 gp
XP: 3,500

Pron is a powerful demon-lord residing in the fourth level of a hell-like dimension. Known for his sadistic pleasures and predilection for torturing hapless dungeon crawlers, Pron is often found in the company of several bound succubae. He is never found without his barbed whip.

Pron stands fifteen feet tall with a human-like torso and the legs of a goat. A gigantic, curved, blood-red horn also bursts from his forehead. His black, razor-like fingernails inject a killing poison. Once per night he can cast the following spells, Imprisonment, Irresistible Dance, Mass Charm, Polymorph Any Object, Project Image, Shape Change and Teleport.

He is also credited with authoring several obscene, but highly sought-after underworld tomes, including his two most famous, “Two Clerics, One Chalice” and “Behind the Green Portcullis”. Clerics fear him, fighters fall to him, and Republicans around the world seek his destruction. If wounded or intimidated, however, he will surely flee.

Even though this horrible monsters (and many others I host here on Digital Orc) is free, I am selling my first self-published fantasy adventure module for the low price of $2.99. Why don't you check it out by clicking HERE? All income generated from my sales are reinvested into the online RPG community.
Dear Readers,

I could not bring myself to draw Pron for fear he would see my pitiful attempts. If you, however, can bring yourself to bring crayon to paper, please email me the results and I will post them for the world to see.

Creating Memorable & Consistent NPCs

2012-02-10T14:50:00.002-05:00

This is a simple technique for creating unique and memorable non-player characters (NPCs). Print and cut a series of pictures of characters from movies that are memorable. Keep them stacked and hidden behind the Game Master’s screen. At no time do the player characters (PCs) see these pictures.

When a NPC is needed, simply pull from the pile, dash their name and maybe a quick note on the bottom and lay it on the Game Master’s side of the screen. The NPC assumes the majority of the unique characteristics of that movie character. If the PCs encounter that same NPC at a far later time, simply pull the card out again, look at the picture and brief notes as a reminder.

What is the result? NPCs that are unique with consistent and memorable characteristics. Because they’re behind the screen, rarely will it register with the players, especially if you carefully tweak the giveaways.

Below are a few I use for examples I use.

Gonzo Clerics

2012-02-08T12:12:00.000-05:00

Bored with your everyday Cleric do-gooder? Add an element of faith to turn your pious and pure turner of the undead into an astonishing beacon of holy power one minute and a cowering atheist the next by following the steps below.

Step 1: Rename “Charisma” as “Faith”. Use “Faith” as the check number for all social interactions and retainer probabilities. Clerics may regain 1d4 Faith once at each level, but not exceed 18.

Step 2: Rename cleric spells as “prayers”.

Step 3: Clerics may cast any Cleric spell (prayer) of any level as many times as they want. They must, however, make a spell saving throw to pray successfully. If successful, the prayer works as described with no ill effects. If unsuccessful, the prayer does not work and the Cleric permanently loses Faith points equal to the prayer level. Once Faith is zero, the character has lost all Faith and may not pray successfully ever again.

Optional Step 4: The spell (prayer) level number represents the number of rounds it takes to perform. Make the saving throw at the end, immediately before spell (prayer) activation.

What is the result of this house rule? Powerful, but schizophrenic, religious fanatics who can destroy legions of undead without pause, only to permanently lose all faith healing a sick beggar on the way back to town.

OSR Meet-Up At Gencon!

2012-02-06T15:30:00.002-05:00

I'm going to Gencon this year and would love to game with some of you fellow OSR bloggers. I don't know if there is an official meet-up site for us Grognards, but I went ahead and started THIS. You can join by filling out the form below. It's basically just a sign up sheet in which you're publically saying, "Yes, I'm going to Gencon and would like to meet some fellow OSR bloggers." It will update in real-time, so you can check the spreadsheet from time to time to see any changes. It's a fairly easy way to organize those of us who are going to Gencon and would like to share a pint or roll some dice wtih like-minded old-school players.

If something like this already exsits, let me know. Otherwise, help me out and pass the word. Even if you're not planning on attending, let other grognards know so they can sign up if they want. Crowd-sourcing is always a sketchy thing. We'll see how it goes. If you want to help, you can send people this blog post link.

Convention Editions

2012-02-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

I wrote and published my first for-sale Labyrinth Lord module a couple of months ago. It’s called THE BLASPHEMOUS BREWERY OF PILZ! I’m hoping to run it three times at Gencon this year. To that end, I received my second email confirmation in the on-going process two days ago. As soon as Gencon sends approval that the games are finalized, I will write a post explaining how to register.

I’m also thinking of creating a print convention edition of the adventure for sale only at Gencon. It would include the original adventure along with materials I use for convention games. Since the primary setting is a brewery, I’ll title it “Extra Stout Edition”. I’m considering adding the following items:

Pilz Beer Mug
Paper Miniature Cut-Outs
HP Tracker
Beer Bottle Labels
Pilz Coasters
New Afterward
New Art
Rearranged Tables and Maps
Giant Fold-Out Map
Laminated Grid
Binder with Inserts
Pilz Bottle Opener

I don’t kid myself to actually get all of these things. It’s just my brainstorm list.

Question 1: What are the important components of a convention edition?

Question 2: What extras do you like in your re-releases?

I Cast Word Cloud!

2012-02-04T11:11:00.001-05:00

I used an online word cloud generator to make two word clouds. Word clouds organize the text from a document or website into an interesting picture in which the size of each word is determined by the number of times it occurs in the entire text.

The first cloud is derived from the complete text of Labyrinth Lord Basic. The second is from my own published module, THE BLASPHEMOUS BREWERY OF PILZ! For my module cloud, I removed the OGL and afterward text. If you don't understand why I made the Pilz cloud in the shape of a beer mug, click HERE and find out before it's too late!

Click to Enlarge

Gonzo Magic Users

2012-02-02T07:40:00.000-05:00

Want to spice up your magic users in a gonzo way? Look no further! Below is a simple recipe that will transform your ho-hum sorcerer of any level into a raging master sorcerer immensely powerful and feared one minute and a mewling lunatic clawing out his eyeballs while wetting himself in a dungeon corner the next.

Step 1: Rename Charisma as Sanity. Use Sanity as the check number for social encounters/skills. Magic Users may re-gain 1d4 Sanity points each level, but not exceed 18. [The first two sentences represent a name change only. If you don’t want to break from the hallowed six traditional characteristics, follow all the rules described herein, but continue to use “Charisma” as the term.]

Step 2: Magic Users may cast any spell of any level as many times as they want. They must, however, make a spell saving throw to cast each spell successfully. If successful, the spell works as described with no ill effects. If unsuccessful, the spell does not work, and the Magic User permanently loses Sanity points equal to the spell level. Once Sanity is zero, the character is insane and permanently transferred to the control of the DM.

What is the result of this house rule? Powerful, unbalanced, and inconsistent mad sorcerers who are objects of both extreme fear and pity.

Optional Step 3: Print the list of spells from the game you're playing as a small booklet. Hand it to your Magic User as their spell book. Magic Users may spend one round looking up the spell they want to use.

Your Homework Answers

2012-01-31T07:42:00.002-05:00

Click to enlarge.

Above is the answer key to yesterday's homework regarding tessellations and hex crawls. I have graded and updated the appropriate DO XP scoreboard on the right-hand side of the blog.

And for those of you who like a challenge...

Advanced Homework

Question 1: Boric and Bob want to tile their hexcrawl maps with regular octagons and squares. How many ssemiregular tessellations that use octagons and squares exist?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 4

Question 2. For a combination of regular polygons to tessellate, the angles that meet at each vertex must add to what?
A. 90 degrees
B. 180 degrees
C. 360 degrees
D. 720 degrees

Question 3. What combination of squares and octagons will form a semiregular tessellation?
A. 2 squares, 1 octagon
B. 2 squares, 2 octagons
C. 1 square, 1 octagon
D. 1 square, 2 octagons

Question 4. Which nonregular polygon can always be used to tile a hexcrawl map?
A. pentagon
B. triangle
C. octagon
D. hexagon

Note: Because these are multiple choice answers, I will award 10 Digital Orc experience points for each correct answer. I will post an answer key this Thursday (2/2/12).

Your Homework

2012-01-30T11:07:00.002-05:00

Click to Enlarge

From time to time what I do in my job as a teacher overlaps pleasantly with gaming. When that is the case, I assign the same assignment to both my students in class, students in my online classrooms, and to readers here on the Digital Orc.

This assignment is about tessellations. It relates directly to hex maps.

Give the questions, above, a try. I will post an answer key this Tuesday (1/31/12). You receive 100 Digital Orc points for each correct response submitted prior to Wednesday(for a total possible of 300 points).

Enjoy.

Digital Orc Maps 3: The Hex Crawl

2012-01-29T14:03:00.000-05:00

The video above is a brief introduction to creating fantasy hex maps using a computer. Two examples are below.

Click here to buy my fantasy adventure, The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz! which includes several hand-drawn maps.

Digital Orc Maps 2: Touch-Ups & Coloring

2012-01-27T12:12:00.002-05:00

In this video I briefly describe a single technique for touching up and coloring your rpg maps. If you find this interesting, you may want to watch the first video on maps I made.

Color Map Example
click to enlarge

Digital Orc Maps: An Introduction

2012-01-26T15:02:00.001-05:00

I enjoy making maps. The video above is a brief overview of the hand-drawn introductory part to the many maps you see published here in Digital Orc. Below are a few examples. You can find many more by clicking on my "map" tag on the right-hand side of the blog. Click to enlarge each.

Map: Mansion 3

2012-01-25T16:19:00.003-05:00

I'm working on my next fantasy adventure module. This one uses the map above and, like my previous adventure titled The Cell Within, is located in a mansion. This project is currently titled Forgive Us Our Debts and features a demoness, a chained dragon watchdog, and and a really really old guy who wants everything you own... including your soul. Here's the kicker; unless you either help the demoness or find the hidden loot, your soul is, indeed, forfeit.

Forgive Us Our Debts will be a free adventure. However, I would greatly appreciate it if you'd consider buying my first foray into self-publishing: The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz!

D&D, WotC, & Paizo: Google Searches & Geography

2012-01-25T11:58:00.000-05:00

I used Google Trends to quantify the searches for "dungeons & dragons", "wizards of the coast", and "paizo".

Here is a breakdown of the geography behind those data.

Notice the positive correllation between regional "paizo" and "wizards of the coast" with a negative correllation to "dungeons & dragons". What else do you notice?

Ach! Zombies!

2012-01-22T12:42:00.000-05:00

I didn’t play Dungeons & Dragons this weekend, but I did play a fun game of Last Night on Earth (LNoE) with my wife. I love role-playing and the zombie genre and LNoE has some role-play elements, so I think it’s fair to call it a “board game” first, and “role-playing” game second, granted a far second. LNoE pits humans against a zombie hoard and strives for the feel of a zombie movie.

The board is build either randomly or with a specific design through modular pieces. Each human character has specific strengths and weaknesses, and each side, zombies and humans, have their own cards which affect gameplay in a variety of ways. It lends itself very well to house rules and other modifications. The beautiful rulebook, for example, states, “Several additional counters have been provided. These are not needed for the main game but can be used for house rules, homemade Scenarios, and new Official Scenarios to come.” How cool is that?

I bought the first box set at Gencon a few years ago. My wife was with me, and we both enjoyed talking with the creators and their family, many of whom posed for the pictures on the cards. I got a few signatures and bought some limited edition cards. In the two years since then I’ve bought a used copy of the first box, and new copies of the first two expansions. It’s a fun and versatile game with many different ways to play.

The quality of LNoE is incredible. The many counters, cards, and boards are thick and glossy. They hold up to use very well. Many of the counters are general enough for use in other games, too. The website and wiki, while not updated in some time, are fairly substantial as well. They includes PDF’s of rulebooks, new Scenarios, characters, etc.

Some of the problems players might have with LNoE, such as James Mal's problem with weapon balance, are easily fixed via house rules. In some cases, though, I think Flying Frog Productions (the company that released LNoE) really missed some good opportunities. The l-shaped modular board pieces, for example, are awesome, but why are they one sided? If they were double-sided the number of different maps and play areas also double! I can somewhat “fix” this lost opportunity with the extra sets I bought cheap on eBay, but for this option doesn’t exist for most owners.

Overall, it was a fun night. While my wife shies away from my D&D and Dark Heresy games, she was all in on something like this. Who knows, with a few more LNoE sessions, she may be ready to roll some d20’s?

If you’d like to earn some Digital Orc points, post a comment about your use of zombies in your games or thinking. 100 points for each appropriate comment.

Rock The Weekend With These Babes!

2012-01-20T15:55:00.003-05:00

I turned my latest monster and post into a one-shot adventure, complete with four awesome characters, sexy art, and a weird magical skeleton-dude-with-milky-goo chained to a wall! It's a little more tongue-in-cheek than most of my products, but I think it could still be a lot of fun. You can get the PDF free by clicking here or by looking to the bottom right-hand side of this blog clicking the "Definitely Miami" link under the Multi-Page Modules. Did I mention it's free?

Take your socks and belt off, stop shaving this weekend, and for god's sake, roll some Miami Dice!

Have a nice weekend.

Don't fear the pastels. Love the pastels.

P.S. Trivia time. I'm awarding 5,000 Digital Orc points to the first person to post a comment naming what famous statue I used for inspiration in "Definitely Miami". I'm also awarding 100 DO points to the first two readers who respond, regardless of veracity.

Miami Dice: Glowing Scorpions

2012-01-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

I’m excited to announce a new post series here on the Digital Orc. In addition to monster stats and a description, I will also run an encounter with a group of adventurers to test the monster in combat. I will assume both the role of monster and all the party members. Think of it as a way to see the monsters in action. These posts will be given various titled under the heading “Miami Dice” for reasons you may soon discover. I will also use the same four characters each time to act as a sort of constant to better make comparisons between monsters.

Who are these poor souls, you ask?

Meet the crash test party: A beautiful cleric, silent elf, brash fighter, and irritating magic user. They are all fifth level with randomly generated attributes created by rolling 3d6 in order. Their equipment, hit points, and spells are also randomly created. I have spoken with them and their lawyers at length. They have signed and notarized the proper wavers and completed their health insurance forms. Two of them completed final will and testaments.

The crash test party members have accepted the daunting task of engaging the various dangerous monsters I create and to follow the rules.

Here are some of the rules:

Rule 1: The dice rule. No fudging.

Rule 2: Individual initiative.

Rule 3: Morale checks used for monsters at onset and after third round if there is one. +1 to morale check if characters have attacked.

Rule 4: All encounters happen in the same map I’ve created below.

Rule 5: No PvP unless controlled by remote forces; all characters are Lawful.

Rule 6: The engagements ends when either all party members are dead/incapacitated or the monsters have successfully fled.

Rule 7: Monsters are randomly placed.

Meet the party!

Gina
A raven-haired beauty, Gina is a compassionate cleric with large dark eyes and flawless pale skin. Beneath the exquisite exterior is a fiery and dedicated force for good evidence by the religious tattoo on her forehead. She is secretly in love with Sonny.

HP: 22, AC: 1

Str: 10, Dex: 12, Con: 12, Int: 10, Wis: 16 (2 save versus magic modifier), Cha: 11

Breath Attacks: 14, Poison or Death: 9, Petrify or Paralyze: 12, Wands: 10, Spell or Spell-Like Devices: 12

Level 1 Spells: Light, Remove Fear, Resist Cold

Level 2 Spells: Silence 15’, Snake Charm

Level 3 Spells: Striking

Equipment: Mace +1, Plate Mail +1, Shield, backpack, blanket, shovel, 1 torch, rations, holy water, silver holy symbol, Scroll of Silence 15’

Sonny

Handsome and intense, Sonny’s quick temper is matched by an unwavering loyalty to his party and the forces of good. At times brash, he often leaps into battle with little thought towards his own safety. Outwardly he berates and insults Izzy, but in truth appreciates the zany wizard. He finds Castillo’s restrained commands irritating at times.

HP: 24, AC: 6

Str: 14, Dex: 13, Con: 10, Int: 14, Wis: 8, Cha: 10

Breath Attacks: 13, Poison or Death: 10, Petrify or Paralyze: 12, Wands: 11, Spell or Spell-Like Devices: 14

Equipment: Spear +1, Leather Armor, Wolfsbane, Crowbar, Rations

Izzy

A talkative oddball, Izzy is a lanky wizard that few can stomach for long periods of time. He means well, but often involves his friends in uncomfortable and unusual situations. Izzy often throws half-hearted attempts of ardor at Gina, who never reciprocates. He will talk continuously with whoever is in earshot.

HP: 10, AC: 7

Str: 11, Dex: 14, Con: 11, Int: 10, Wis: 7, Cha: 12

Breath Attacks: 16, Poison or Death: 13, Petrify or Paralyze: 13, Wands: 13, Spell or Spell-Like Devices: 14

Level 1 Spells: Read Languages, Ventriliquism

Level 2 Spells: Continual Light, Detect Invisible

Level 3 Spells: Haste

Equipment: Dagger, 50’ silk rope, candles, small sack, rations, spell book, paper, ring of protection +1, Polymorph Self potion.

Castillo

As the leader of the group, Castillo keeps a level head at all times. Castillo is taciturn, self-disciplined, thoughtful, and fully dedicated to the protection of the innocent. Castillo’s intensity and silence lead many, incorrectly, to assume he is angry and unbalanced. Beneath the stone-like exterior is a compassionate and empathetic heart.

HP: 17, AC: 1

Str: 10, Dex: 11, Con: 12, Int: 9, Wis: 9, Cha: 11

Breath Attacks: 13, Poison or Death: 10, Petrify or Paralyze: 11, Wands: 11, Spell or Spell-Like Devices: 13

Level 1 Spells: Read Languages, Ventriloquism

Level 2 Spells: Detect Evil, Detect Invisible

Level 3 Spells: Hold Person

Equipment: waterskin, block & tackle, hammer, +1 dagger, plate mail, shield

After descending a narrow stone staircase several stories, you come to a wood door standing open. Inscribed in thick block text on the door are the letters “D.O.” Behind the door a narrow crumbling stone corridor approximately five feet wide, recedes into shadows. A faint damp breeze carries the scent of mildew and stale smoke. The tomb-like breeze raises gooseflesh along your exposed arms and legs. You hear the scuttling of small insects scampering across the uneven dirt floor as you push the door further open and step into the corridor…

Play Report Narrative

Castillo, as the party leader, took the lead down the narrow corridor. The glowing scorpion in the center of a large room was obvious to locate, even in the flickering light from Izzy’s torch. Castillo quickly commanded Izzy to stay behind as the others attacked. The scorpion seemed hesitant, slowly backing into the center of the room as Castillo and Sonny advanced. Castillo missed with his dagger, but Sonny’s speak sunk deep into the scorpion, which emitted a shrill clacking. Gina cast striking and Izzy caste haste.

Recovering from its shocking wound, the scorpion counter-attacked, hitting Sonny with its claw and stinger. Sonny fell to the ground writhing in pain as Gina stepped into battle, defending his fallen form. Gina and Castillo continued to attack the scorpion, which eventually fell to a mighty blow of Gina’s mace.

The party quickly huddled around Sonny. They watched in amazement as his skin took on an increasing bright grin glow. Castillo shielded his eyes and backed away. After a couple of turns for bandaging wounds, the party entered a narrow stone corridor to the west, quickly encountering another glowing scorpion. The giant creature backed up uncertainly as Sonny attacked ineffectively with his spear. Apparently angered, the scorpion struck Sonny with three mighty blows. Exhausted and bloodied, Sonny retreated with the party following.

After some thought, Castillo decided to try another corridor hoping to gain better angles of attack. After advancing down the northern corridor the party soon discovered another glowing scorpion. This one, apparently agitated, attacked immediately. Castillo, Gina, and Izzy battled the monstrous scorpion. Each drawing blood time and time again until the beast’s stinger found a gap in Gina’s armor. In a brief scream of pain, she fell to the stone floor her mace falling by her side, never to be held again.

Sonny, who had held back from battle due to his extreme wounds, rushed forward and, in Gina’s final breathes, told her at long last that he too loved her in return. In desperation, he kissed her cold lips for the first and last time.

Angered, Castillo and Izzy, both seriously wounded, continued to fight until Izzy, too, fell to the giant beast. Sonny gathered his wits and stood to Castillo’s side as they both attacked with renewed intensity. A powerful spear strike struck deep into the scorpion’s head and it fell silent.

Sonny returned to Gina’s fallen corpse, straitened her body and removed her silver necklace, wrapping it tightly around his wrist. Castillo tended to Izzy’s twisted corpse.

Both men, bloodied and dedicated, decided to split up and attack the final scorpion. Castillo grabbed Izzy’s torch as it sputtered its dying breath and Sonny quickly lit several of Izzy’s candles.

The man and elf flanked the final scorpion, which, again, seemed hesitant to attack. Castillo’s blows rained down again and again without effect against the glowing carapace. The scorpion whirled around, grabbing Castillo in its mighty claws, and before Sonny could utter a single oath, cut the stoic elf in half with a sharp pinch of its claws.

With a mighty warrior’s yell, sonny drove the spear deep into the scorpion’s side. It jerked away, before counter-attacking with two pincher attacks that decimated the powerful form of Sonny. He dropped to the floor dead.

Reflection: I think I need to give Gina some healing powers. Or maybe give the party a couple of scrolls of healing. Other than that, I think this simulation did what it was designed to; provide a brief and singular account of what battle with glowing scorpions in a dungeon will be like. Man, they’re pretty tough!

Stay tuned for further episodes of Miami Dice!

Monster: Glowing Scorpion

2012-01-16T23:35:00.003-05:00

Glowing Scorpion
No. Enc.: 1d6 (1d6)
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 150’ (50’)
Armor Class: 3
Hit Dice: 3
Attacks: 3 (2 claws, sting)
Damage: 1d8/1d8/1d4, poison
Save: F3
Morale: 10
Hoard Class: IV
XP: 65

Glowing Scorpions are giant scorpions that, because of their blood, give off an intense green light and are incapable of surprise. Characters and monsters with infravision experience -1 to all hit rolls against these creatures because of the intensity. Characters stung must make a saving throw versus poison. Those who fail, die an excruciating death. Those who pass, experience debilitating pain for 1d4 rounds as their blood becomes a bioluminescent green color. Forever afterwards, the stung character bleeds green blood and their skin gives off an intense green light in 15’ radius. Because of this effect, stung characters are incapable of surprise unless all of their skin is covered in thick clothing. They also cause all creatures and non-player characters with infravision to experience -1 to all hit rolls targeting them (unless covered).

Map: Dungeon 4

2012-01-16T18:58:00.003-05:00

Here's another map for you! I'm using this in an unusual way for my next project. You should see this in use in the next couple of days. It's simple and symmetrical for a specific reason. You'll see why soon!

My First Hex Map

2012-01-15T13:33:00.000-05:00

I've published quite a few maps over the past couple of years here on this blog. I decided to try my first hex map. I hand-drew the keys, then copy and pasted before coloring with a fill tool. What do you think?

This map represents the primary location for my next published adventure module. My first one, The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz!, received favorable comments about the hand-drawn maps, so I will include more in my next project. However, I think I'll add hex maps (bigger than the one above).

D&D 5.0: Appendix N

2012-01-11T14:54:00.001-05:00

More Recent:

In Recending Chronological Order:

Jeff's Gameblog: http://jrients.blogspot.com/2012/01/type-v.html
Grognardia: http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2012/01/quelle-surprise.html
The Other Side Blog: http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2012/01/dungeons-dragons-5th-edition.html
Back to the Keep: http://backtothekeep.blogspot.com/2012/01/everything-new-is-old-again.html
Bat in the Attic: http://batintheattic.blogspot.com/2012/01/wizards-remakes-d.html
A Pack of Gnolls: http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#stream/user%2F11775844132818908455%2Fstate%2Fcom.google%2Freading-list
Greyhawk Grognard: http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#stream/user%2F11775844132818908455%2Fstate%2Fcom.google%2Freading-list
I'd Rather Be Killing Monsters: http://www.heropress.net/2012/01/cat-is-out-of-bag.html
Jeff's Gameblog: http://jrients.blogspot.com/2012/01/open-letter-to-wotc.html
Warlock's Homebrew: http://warlockshomebrew.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-evolutions.html
Gothridge Manor: http://gothridgemanor.blogspot.com/2012/01/5e-d-in-word-of-tom.html
Digital Orc: http://digitalorc.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-v-if-i-were-wotc.html
Lawful Indifferent: http://lawfulindifferent.blogspot.com/2012/01/so-5th-edition-huh.html
Mythmere's Blog: http://swordsandwizardry.blogspot.com/2012/01/5e-initial-thoughts.html
Tenkar's Tavern: http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2012/01/wotc-big-non-event-d-5e-is-coming.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FCOwX+%28Tenkar%27s+Tavern%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2012/01/sowhat-would-we-like-to-talk-about.html
Lamentations of the Flame Princess: http://lotfp.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-guess-i-must-comment-do-i-care-about.html
Swords Against the Outer Dark: http://swordandsanity.blogspot.com/2012/01/announcements-that-i-should-be-excited.html
Rather Gamey: http://rathergamey.blogspot.com/2012/01/cognitive-dissonance.html
Greyhawk Grognard: http://greyhawkgrognard.blogspot.com/2012/01/game-company-interior-design.html
Tenkar's Tavern: http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2012/01/dungeons-dragons-series-of-half.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FCOwX+%28Tenkar%27s+Tavern%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Tower of the Archmage: http://towerofthearchmage.blogspot.com/2012/01/obligatory-5e-post.html
How to Succeed in RPGs or Die Trying: http://psychicmayhem.blogspot.com/2012/01/delusions-of-grandeur.html
Beyond the Black Gate: http://beyondtheblackgate.blogspot.com/2012/01/reading-5th-edition-right-now.html
Trollsmyth: http://trollsmyth.blogspot.com/2012/01/confu5ion.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Trollsmyth+%28Trollsmyth%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Mythmere's Blog: http://swordsandwizardry.blogspot.com/2012/01/winter-of-discontent-more-5e.html
Untimely: http://untimately.blogspot.com/2012/01/type-v-thoughts.html
I'd Rather Be Killing Monsters: http://www.heropress.net/2012/01/what-do-i-want-from-5e.html
Trollsmyth: http://trollsmyth.blogspot.com/2012/01/marketing-5trategery.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Trollsmyth+%28Trollsmyth%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Beyond the Black Gate: http://beyondtheblackgate.blogspot.com/2012/01/5e-what-works-in-d.html
Greyhawk Grognard: http://greyhawkgrognard.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-5e-information-roundup.html
Grognardia: http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2012/01/rebound.html
En World: http://www.enworld.org/index.php?page=dnd5e

Oh wait. Nevermind.

D&D V: If I Were WotC

2012-01-09T11:54:00.003-05:00

I would not make a fifth edition, but work toward two goals.

Goal 1
Organize re-release of existing material. This would include beautiful, layered, and bookmarked PDF’s and equally gorgeous hard copies of past modules, articles, and rulebooks. You could comission new art, or keep the old. You could write new introductions as well, but you wouldn't have to.

Goal 2
Create a common conversion text between existing rule versions. It would be tightly organized and cross-referenced. This product is the one that would, in my opinion, require the most intense play-test and input. This conversion text would include everything you need to convert one edition to any other edition. Rules conversions for AC, HP, HD, spells, encumbrance, etc. (think of the AC converter in Lamentations of the Flame Princess). Linear conversions may not be possible with all rules. In such a case, the text could address rule intent and history between each. Think of this as the Rosetta Stone of D&D. Finally, this conversion text should be either free as a PDF or as cheap as possible, or be included with products derived from goal 1, above.

I don't think WotC can make everyone happy or bring all D&D factions together. However, this proposal would bring many players together. It also features low production costs with a huge profit potential. More importantly, it would be awesome fun!

Tokens as Reward & XP

2012-01-06T12:03:00.001-05:00

I love using tokens in my game. They’re tangible, easy to manage and organize, and encourage the development of the kind of game my players and I want. I’ve explained my use of tokens in my own game system, but in this post I briefly outline my use of tokens in D&D.

What are they?
I use pennies for my tokens because they’re cheap, plentiful, and money enjoys positive connotations. However, one could just as easily use poker chips, squashed marbles, Hershey Kisses, or some DIY homemade token. You could design tokens to match the mood or campaign of your game. For example, if you’re playing in a spider-themed dungeon, print tokens with a spider on it. I saw Cthulhu tokens at Gencon two years ago; they would be great for some games.

When do I give them out?
Each time a player does something I like; I reward them with a token. Some Dungeon Masters can use tokens to reward combat, while others may want to develop interesting storylines. As I speculated yesterday, some Dungeon Masters may use tokens to encourage alignment play.

What do players do with the tokens?
My players have four choices concerning what to do with their tokens. They can hoard them until the end of the game at which point they can cash them in. My exchange rate is 1 token = 10 XP. A second option is to use them as attack roll modifiers. My exchange rate for this is 1 token = +1 to hit for one attack roll. Players must declare this intention before rolling, but there is no limit to the number of tokens they may use. Also, the bonus effect is cumulative. The third option is to give their tokens to a character in need. The fourth option is a combination of any of the previous three. Dungeon Masters, in fact, could replace the traditional XP system entirely with the token method.

For Example: Bob, a first level fighter, declares an attack against Ergo the Orc. So far, he has amassed 13 tokens. Because Bob is a first level fighter and Orcs enjoy an Armor Class of 6, Bob needs to roll at least a 13 to hit Ergo. He hands me (the DM) four pennies, then rolls his 1d20 to attack. The die result is 11, and I add the token points for a total result of 15. Bob hits. He tosses two pennies to Ermac, the magic user and then holds the rest of his tokens through the rest of the night. At the end of the session he hands me his remaining 7 tokens thereby gaining 70 XP. This is, of course, in addition to any other XP he may or may not have earned through money, murder, and mayhem whilst exploring my beautifully crafted dungeon.

There are countless other ways to use tokens. Maybe you allow players to use them for damage bonuses, ability checks, or temporary Armor Class improvement. It’s up to you. Regardless of how you use them, tokens also bring a new element of strategy and communication to the game table. I think it’s an easy and fun way to develop the type of game you want.

Achievement, XP, & Alignment

2012-01-05T15:02:00.001-05:00

Alignment is an element of D&D that divides gamers at times. At others, it is easily dismissed entirely. It is possible for alignment to bring a lot of fun to your gameplay. Below I outline a method for using cards to encourage, reward, and enrich alignment play. Cards aren’t necessary; they’re just a method of recording and transferring information. Players could just as easily use hand-written lists or character sheets. This method builds on my achievement idea from an earlier post.

The Dungeon Master creates a series of alignment-specific achievement cards. For example:

At some point the player can “cash in” their cards for something cool. Maybe, if they are Lawful, they can cash in 2,000 XP worth of achievement cards to receive a +1 weapon from the gods or something along those lines. Chaotic players might get a special poison potion or a cursed dagger (to give away). The Dungeon Master could easily work it into the game in an exciting way. For the Lawful example above, the character, while traveling, could see an odd ray of light hitting an object just over the hill and when they crest it, a beautiful sword on the ground. Unable to resist, they pick up the weapon and are amazed at the balance and almost razor-like edge. Anyway, you get the idea.

This method is easy to track and, if the Dungeon Master provides an achievement list or reward list, increases player meta-gaming and strategy.

D&D Achievement Unlocked

2012-01-04T11:36:00.002-05:00

Those of you who own an Xbox 360 know the image above very well. Each time a player performs a specific action, which vary from game to game, they unlock an achievement. Each achievement is worth a specified number of points, which all accumulate into a gamer's overall achievement score. This number is always featured prominently along with your avatar. I suggest here that this achievement concept can be used to improve your D&D game, whether it is at-home or tournament.

The Dungeon Master creates a list of specific actions he judges deserve achievement points (experience points). This is an easy thing to do, but it's based on what the referee and/or players want out of their game. Players, for example, who are interested in exploration and storytelling can get an achievement for talking to at least ten Non-Player Characters. Players more interested in finding magical items can have points for discovering or using such items.

Just like Xbox achievement points, the Dungeon Master can make some achievements known and others unknown. This may also foster a sense of adventure and exploration. It will also factor into a player's decision making process as they explore dungeons dark and dangerous. The Dungeon Master might even reveal some achievements, keep some hidden, and also reveal the total number and total number of points available.

In some ways this is already being done with monsters and loot given specific XP. It's also been done in some tournament modules in which player performance is quantified. I'm advocating here, however, taking it a step farther. Naming specific events or sequences as an achievement, quantifying them, and actively using them as a tool.

Each achievement could also be easily put onto a card, which the players may collect and use to reflect (i.e., gloat) on past achievements. Such a format could also be used as hooks, lead-ins, and other useful techniques employed in the course of a large campaign.

This system could both replace and/or augment the existing experience points or storytelling system already in place.

Surprise Advertisement

2012-01-01T21:24:00.000-05:00

Click to enlarge. You may post this image on your website.

Click here to buy The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz!

The "surprise" exists on two levels; in the titular monsters themselves, and hidden in the print of the module. That I know of, only one person has uncovered the Easter egg thus far. Will you be the next one? Brave the horrors of the underground brewery and find out!

The end is not the end if you know when

And how to look for the first, not last

Words and how they begin. And then

You book it back in time real fast!

The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz! Scoreboard
High Scores
Stuart Pate.....................10000
................................09000
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Order of discovery adjusts points earned.

Of Mines & Men

2011-12-31T15:39:00.002-05:00

Only once a year, when the sky fills with blazing stars, may the Mine of Shadows Past be explored.

“The buildings had been burnt down, the mining plant had been destroyed, the mining population had disappeared from the neighbourhood [author’s spelling] years and years ago; the very road had vanished under a flood of tropical vegetation as effectually as if swallowed by the sea; and the main gallery had fallen in within a hundred yards from the entrance. It was no longer an abandoned mine; it was a wild, inaccessible, and rocky gorge of the Sierra, where vestiges of charred timber, some heaps of smashed bricks, and a few shapeless pieces of rusty iron could have been found under the matted mass of thorny creepers covering the ground.” Joseph Conrad, Nostromo

I have not read many of the books from Appendix N. Many, in fact, hold little appeal due to both my ignorance and personal taste. As a dungeon master, however, I may find inspiration in whatever I read, and so, create my own appendix n, as it were, as I read literature of my own choosing. Typically I read literature (excluding blogs, modules, newspapers, and magazines) three or four hours a week. Perhaps this year I can organize myself to increase this embarrassingly low number. My father is a librarian and both my parents and grandparents read to me every day from my infancy (or so I’m told) through elementary school (which I can, with pleasure, recall in vivid detail). To this day, one of my life rules I have followed consistently is to take a book with me everywhere I go.

I digress.

Various pieces of literature have provided both direct and indirect inspiration. A few recent ones include Dan Simmon’s Song of Kali, Harlan Ellison’s anthology Dangerous Visions, and Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. I highly recommend the last. Each, however, have provided inspiration for maps, NPCs, story hooks, items, and spells. Currently, I’m reading Joseph Conrad’s excellent Nostromo and am now brimming with ideas to develop. Namely, a haunted mine.

In Nostromo, Conrad describes a silver mine in which the workers were so oppressed and driven by the owners that many died.

“… it’s [the mine] yield had been paid for in its own weight of human bones. Whole tribes of Indians had perished in the exploitation; and then the mine was abandoned, since with this primitive method it had ceased to make a profitable return, no matter how many corpses were thrown into its maw. Then it became forgotten.”

What an excellent source of dark inspiration for a mine, long forgotten, and now haunted by the hundreds of extinct natives once forced to work its depleted depths!

Creativity & Editing in RPG Adventures

2011-12-29T15:12:00.001-05:00

I published my first old-school adventure module December 15th. Since then, I have made twenty-one sales at $2.99 each and one sale via coupon a customer had independent of my product. Twenty-six people have placed my product in their wish list, but haven’t yet confirmed a purchase. Because I signed an exclusive contract with RPGNow, I have made $43.95 before taxes. I say this because I must claim these earnings on my income tax. However, I believe I can also now enjoy additional tax benefits. More important than the financial aspect are the conclusions at which I’ve arrived about creativity, writing, and editing in general.

Stephen King, in his fantastic book On Writing, wrote something along the lines of, “Write with the door closed and edit with the door open.” I think this is especially applicable in RPG writing. In brainstorming and first drafts, I enjoy complete authority and seclusion to develop whatever crazy harebrained concepts I might find flittering about my cerebrum. I find particular enjoyment in playing what I call the “next step” game. I take an adventure or setting concept that I think is cool, then ask myself, “OK, what does this infer?” I continue chasing this train of thought through various rabbit holes, taking notes along the way. I don’t care how crazy or stupid the ideas seem at first, I let it flow onto paper. Sometimes I use web techniques and at others flowcharts or outlines. Sometimes I just sketch a bunch of pictures, which is how I got the idea for Ghemin Cave in my latest publication. Later, I build these first draft components around a unifying theme or themes. Often, this building process is just as effective for generating ideas as any other. In other words, I oscillate from inductive to deductive methods to create a quality adventure.

If I get stumped with writer’s block I use a technique Robert Pirsig described in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. The writer focuses on a specific, small object or aspect and extrapolates from there. If, in writing about a city, for example, the writer feels blocked, they focus on a single section of the city. If the writer still feels blocked, they focus on a single building or inhabitant. If there is still blockage, the writer zooms in further to something more specific still, such as a person’s watch, or fingernail, or, to use a Pirsig example, a specific brick on a building. This method of induction is often an effective remedy for writer’s block.

Opening the door to editing requires an open mind and thick skin, but is critical to developing a quality product. Putting ideas from my head onto paper is one thing. Translating these ideas into both the English language and mechanic confines of a RPG system is another. And making sure this infrastructure of information flows smoothly into the readers mind, then other player’s minds is something else altogether. This is a very challenging objective, one which having effective editors makes far more likely to succeed.

For example, my recent publication has drawn favorable and unfavorable reviews. The negative aspects have included my overall organization, implementation of elf spell mechanics in Labyrinth Lord, and effectively gauging difficulty level. If I listen carefully, I hear that something rings true in all of these criticisms. On reflection, I agree with these criticisms, especially the first two.

Regarding organization, I wrote The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz! as a small one-shot adventure comprised of three pages. Later, I decided to expand it to seventeen pages. My thinking was to build around the core adventure. I see now that this was a bad idea because it broke the overall organization scheme. For my next project, I will take pains to organize the material into a coherent outline in my second draft, but I still won’t let it interfere with my brainstorming and first draft process as described above.

Regarding the use of elf spell mechanics, I agree that my level for Shadow of Grass is, indeed, too high. My intent was to ensure only elf elders were able to perform this spell. This error occurred because my story-telling intent may have interfered with Labyrinth Lord rules regarding elf spell level caps. Again, editing for both storytelling and mechanical quality will catch future errors such as these.

Regarding accurate analysis of difficulty, I have no good answer. I don’t think good editing will help this particular problem because it is far too subjective and given to the variance of referee/DM methods. I have discussed this issue here before, and have arrived at no clear method. It, therefore, bears increased scrutiny.

A common counter-argument for editing and reviewers in general is one I hear as a teacher often. It can be summed up, “If you can’t do, you teach”. In this case, “If you can’t write, you review”. However, this is an ad hominem fallacy and one I find often in the OSR blogosphere. Furthermore, it is dangerous for writer’s to employ because it blinds them to sometimes corrective feedback.

When feeling insulted, as writers often are at the mercy of editors and reviewers, it is far easier to dismiss their criticisms, however worded, by dismissing them as a person. This is a relatively easy way to wipe away the entire set of criticisms instead of dealing with the veracity of the criticisms themselves. As I said, however, this is sometimes difficult to overcome. I think it may take time, patience, thick skin, and practice. This is something I hope to practice in the years of self-publication ahead.

In conclusion, aim for quality. If, by any standard, you don’t succeed, heed feedback and persevere. Do so, if possible, in spirit of enjoyment. And if you’re interested in purchasing the product I mention above, click here. Maybe you can use it to both find enjoyment and provide criticisms.

Next Project & More!

2011-12-26T17:15:00.003-05:00

My wife, ever supportive, bought me a high quality tablet and pen for doing digital art. This is something I've only dabbled in here and there over the past couple of years. In light of my recent projects, I think it's time to start using better software. Of course, now that I have higher quality tools, I feel a bit more pressure to increase the quality of my work.

Not only do I have new games to read, Death Frost Doom and Vornheim in particular, but the idea for my next project came to me while I was walking my daughter today. The picture above is my first graphic representation of this project, which I will name at a later date. The idea came in a brief image, which soon built on itself. I then took a couple hours to brainstorm extensions. As it looks now, my next project is not a specific adventure, but more of an adventure locale, complete with new items and monsters. It is, I think, fairly original and I am very excited about it.

By the way, if you have some holiday cash and are looking for a fun old-school adventure, be sure to check out my Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz! Don't take my word for it, thought. Here are a few reviews:

B/X Blackrazor

Tenkar's Tavern

How to Succeed in RPG's or Die Trying

More Pilz Reviews!

2011-12-20T22:04:00.002-05:00

This is a good one at B/X Blackrazor.

Here is another good one at Tenkar's Tavern.

More Reviews Forthcoming

2011-12-20T07:30:00.003-05:00

Keep your eyes peeled for a review of my module The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz! coming soon at Tenkar's Tavern.

Can you solve the deadly mystery of the Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz?

Click here to find out!

(It makes a perfect Christmas mug-stuffer!)

First Blasphemous Review

2011-12-18T09:33:00.002-05:00

It's a good one, too.

I've received a few more hits on my hidden Easter Egg site using the clues in The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz! adventure module, but no one besides S.P. has posted about their success. Oops, just gave away another hint.

Can You Find It? Someone Else Already Did!

2011-12-17T14:10:00.000-05:00

Meet the Burpee.

The Burpee, above, is one of the new monsters in my first fantasy adventure module for sale, The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz! Thank you, many readers, for your kind words and helpful responses over the past two weeks as I worked towards publication. Thanks, also, to those of you who have made a purchase. I've made quite a few sales already, and am looking forward to seeing some reviews.

It's now time to reveal that I've hidden an Easter Egg in this module. The reward for finding the egg is an interesting bit of information that may change the way you play Pilz. A couple of hours ago, I received an update about the first person to find it! Congratulation S.P. at How to Succeed in RPGs or Die Trying! Well done!

For those of you who haven't found it yet, don't worry, the prize won't disappear. I doubt, however, that anyone finding the prize will reveal the information easily, or without a price. I'd like to tell you what it is, but Mr. Burpee above would have to kill you then.

Click Here to Buy The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz!

Self-Publication: The Final Chapter!

2011-12-15T14:00:00.001-05:00

The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz!

17 Pages (2 for license)!

2 New Monsters!

1 New Elf Spell!

4 Hand-Drawn Maps!

6 Tables!

7 Interesting Characters!

Over 10 Original Drawings!

14 Adventure Extension Ideas!

All this and more for the low price of $2.99!

Click here to purchase.

Self-Publication: Part 4

2011-12-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

What terrors lurk in the stinking brewery? Find out soon!

I'm happy to report that my soon to be published adventure module, The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz!, is nearly finished! I'm working on final edits and layout this week. I have a question for you, Constant Reader, regarding layout. I have a picture on the first page that is large and has a lot of dark space. Because people will be, I presume, printing this document on home printers, I am concerned about printer toner costs and such.

My Question: Should I fade the picture a bit so that it's not so demanding on your printer cartridge? (The picture to which I refer is above.)

The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz!

(for sale soon)

16 Pages (of which 2 are license)
2 New Monsters!
15 Game Extension Ideas!
1 New Elf Spell!
4 Hand-Drawn Maps!
9 Original Old-School-Style Illustrations!
PDF-Friendly Layout!
All this and more for only $2.99!

NPC XP: How Do I Do It?

2011-12-12T11:18:00.001-05:00

How do you calculate the amount of experience points non-player characters are worth in Labyrinth Lord Basic? I use the Monster table on page 49 to calculate it for monsters, but am not aware of an algorithm for non-monsters.

For example, an important NPC in my upcoming module for sale, The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz, is a fifth level fighter with a +1 sword. Looking up human fighters in the monster section of my Labyrinth Lord Basic states 10 xp for brigands, or 21 for beserkers. Another NPC is a seventh level magic user. If I use the monster xp table from Labyrinth Lord he would be worth hundreds of xp, which is clearly unreasonable.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Self-Publication: Part 3

2011-12-09T19:10:00.001-05:00

In continuing towards self-publication I've completed several new pieces of art, including the Orb of Chaos as seen above. Pray you don't find this hideous artifact.

Currently I'm at sixteen pages, but I've recently installed a new font with an open license that will, in all likelihood, bump the page count up by at least one.

Otherwise, the OGL is looking good as does the layout. I'll tweak a few stats for play-test this weekend then work on more grammatical editing afterwards.

I was going to publish at $1.99, but have recently entertained thoughts of $2.99. What do you think?

Map: Cavern 2

2011-12-07T07:14:00.001-05:00

Here is another map to my upcoming module, The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz! This is Ghemin Cave, a small, but unique cavern. Hot springs warm the two large pools to a comfortable temperature and steam fills the air beneath the low stone ceiling speckled with stalactites. A briny, slightly bitter smell infuses the air and ancient Elven murals are barely visible through the steam. A strange and persistent scutteling sounds tickles at your ears from time to time and several moving lights seem to dance around your peripheral vision. However, the water is so warm and inviting on your travel-weary form that all concern slowly fade away...

Map: Mine 1

2011-12-06T16:46:00.001-05:00

This is the rough draft of the mine for my upcoming module for sale, The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz. I have much of the entire module finished, so start saving those pennies! In fact, the only remaining details are:

Key Mine
Create new Burpee Art
Create Ragnocchio Art
Create Map of Shattenberg
Insert OGL & Format Document
Clarify Nagging Font Legality Issue
More Playtesting (already got that scheduled for this Saturday before the UFC event)
Editing (I already have three excellent editors lined up)

(More or less in that order.)

Oh yeah, I will be tagging all posts relating to this module with "pilz" for your convenience. I will also retroactively apply appropriate tags.

Self-Publication: Part 2

2011-12-05T23:44:00.001-05:00

Earlier I asked several questions about self-publication in our gaming world. Since then, my readers and I have answered a few and I've added a few.

Some Questions:

~~What do you think?~~ Answer: Overwhelmingly positively yes.
~~RPG Now vs Lulu vs RPG vs Drivethrough RPG?~~ Answer: RPGNow and RPGDrivethrough are the same thing. RPGNow better suited towards games in general. I've already set up a seller's account.
~~What price to charge?~~ Answer: Not dirt cheap at first. Affordable and appropriate for size. I'm starting at $1.99.
~~What font size to use?~~ Answer: Big enough for typical Grognardian eyes. no less than 11.
~~Which retro-clone to use~~? Answer: First, what I play. Second, what is the best fit. My answer: Labyrinth Lord Basic.
How do I do write the license? Answer: I still need help with this. Several readers, such as Daddy Grognard, have offered help. I plan on following that up along with a series of posts on the Goblinoid Games forum.
~~Two column layout~~? Answer: Nope, at least, not when there is a good chance people will read my product electronically. I acknowledge that two column layouts typically look better when printed, but I will default to digital considerations.
What common pitfalls exist of which I am (probably) not aware? Answer: Zeno's paradox. The closer I get to finished with the rough draft, the more I want to add. Arg!
What questions am I not, but should, be asking? (see below)
How do I organize editing comments as they come in?
How do I market my product?
How do I get artists to contribute work free?
How do I cite editors, artists, etc appropriately?
What is up with me not being able to use Word fonts?

Spending & Writing

2011-12-04T09:14:00.001-05:00

As part of my own Call to Action challenge, I recently bought Vornheim, Tower of the Stargazer, and Death Frost Doom. I've been reading about these products long enough and this recent deal was enough to spur a purchase.

I am also working on my first adventure module for publication. Work is progressing well and I continue to receive lots of positive feedback and support. I'm currently at ten pages, with a finished outline. I need to write a few more descriptors, one spell, one map, and do a little more fleshing out on my keys. I imagine at this point that the whole shebang will be about 20 pages.

I've also made the following decisions:

One Column Layout
$1.99 Price Point
RPGNow/Drivethrough (NOT Lulu)
Font Size 11

First Playtest (Aside From My Own)

2011-12-01T16:02:00.001-05:00

I got a huge rush after reading this recent post on Swords & Dorkery in which one of my adventure modules was enjoyed by someone I have only met through the OSR blogosphere. This is truly timely inspiration.

The post mentions the pros and cons about the adventure. This is something I greatly appreciate as I am, as you may be aware, contemplating making the jump into self-publishing, and have no problem owning my mistakes. I only hope to catch the great majority before going to the presses.

Currently I am organizing the many comments and emails I have received with support and advice for self-publishing an RPG (see link above). I hope to organize these thoughts into a cohesive post sometime in the near future to use as a guide through this weird and wonderful new world of publishing and copyright laws.

As for now, I am hard at work on my module for release. I'm thinking it's time to make some artwork for a new monster I made last night. Actually, I had a weird vision just before sleep that provided the inspiration for this monster which I have tentatively named Ragnocchio.

Self-Publication: Heeding Zak's Call

2011-11-30T16:03:00.001-05:00

I removed my eleventh free module, The Blasphemous Brewery of Pilz, after forty downloads because I plan on making it my first module for sale. I have substantially enhanced it by adding new characters, items, monsters, and locations. Where the original PDF was three pages, the enhanced version is 10-15 pages. I'm thinking of charging between two and five dollars and selling it as a PDF only.

Some Questions:

What do you think?
RPG Now vs Lulu vs RPG vs Drivethrough RPG?
What price to charge?
What font size to use?
Which retro-clone to use (I typically play Labyrinth Lord or White Box if not BECMI)?
How do I do write the license?
Two column layout?
What common pitfalls exist of which I am (probably) not aware?
What questions am I not, but should, be asking?

A Call to Action!

2011-11-29T11:22:00.001-05:00

The OSR/DIY RPG blogosphere is buzzing about self-publication right now, largely because of Zak’s recent post. This growing movement is exciting and could lead to a great increase in the number of good products. Just as important, it could lead to an increase in the interconnectivity of our community as people offer their unique services to others working towards self-publication. For example, even though I only enjoy 79 followers and about three thousand visits each month, every time I have asked for editors to help with a self-publication project I have received no less than three replies. None have asked for recompense and many have humbly waved even a mention of their name on the finished product.

The OSR community is filled with intelligent, creative, and helpful people.

Being both a DIY gamer and consumer of game products may appear contradictory, but it is not. In fact, being a DIY gamer actually enriches the consumption of gaming products, especially those of the self-published variety, regardless of whether they see action at the table. I self-publish my own products and when I buy what others have made I not only enjoy them for the gaming material, but analyze them for ideas on which I might build. This is, truly, an enriching experience and one, I might add, that is often inexpensive.

This brings me to my next point.

I have a habit of buying a $2 energy drink every time I get gas on the way to work, which is typically once a week. If I forgo this unnecessary pleasure I have eight bucks a month which I may then devote to RPG products. These are products that are available on my hard drive or shelf long after I have thrown out an empty can and recovered from my caffeine buzz. Maybe in the glossy world of Paizo and Wizards of the Coast this wouldn’t get me much, but here in the DIY RPG/OSR blogosphere it gets me a considerable amount of material. Just last night, for example, I bought Tim Short’s awesome Knowledge Illuminates for a buck!

My call to action is directed to my readers and the RPG Blogosphere. It has two parts, both of which will support and grow this wonderful community.

The Digital Orc Call to Action
1. Spend a few bucks each month on self-published materials.

2. Offer to help someone with their project. You can edit, review, provide artwork, help with layout design, or any of the other many elements composing a typical self-publication. As Zak pointed out, the primary investment is time. You have something to offer!

DIY IRS

2011-11-27T20:55:00.001-05:00

Like most of you, I have read Zak’s recent post offering encouragement to would-be writers and artists to go for it (citation). Not only does technology present a unique opportunity for us in the DIY RPG community to write, publish, and distribute with ease and affordability, but tax codes also present other incentives. Writers and artists can, for example, claim computers, convention costs, magazine subscriptions, travel expenses, and others (citation).

I have self-published eleven adventure modules and one supplement on this blog, but they are all free (and available to the right of this post). Creating, marketing, and selling a product is a significantly different animal altogether. It is one that I have, from time to time, considered trying to ride for a bit, if not tame outright. Along those lines, I direct your attention to Stuart Pate’s recent post regarding two subjects close to my heart: my adventures modules and beer (citation).

Shattenberg & Surrounding Areas

2011-11-23T21:37:00.001-05:00

This is the map the DM gives the players:

This is the map and tables the DM uses:

5D10	MOUNTAIN ENCOUNTER
5	Roc, Giant
6	Cyclops
7	Giant, Fire
8	Giant Stone
9	Chimera
10	Salamander, Flame
11	Wyvern
12	Manticore
13	Lycanthrope, Werebear
14	Hell Hound
15	Cockatrice
16	Scorpion, Giant
17	Weasel, Giant
18	Wolf, Dire
19	Hippogriff
20	Hawk, Giant
21	Bugbear
22	Wolf, Ordinary
23	Dryad
24	Gnoll
25	Snake, Spitting Cobra
26	Stirge
27	Pixie
28	Hawk, Ordinary
29	Rot Grub
30	Dwarf
31	Pterodactyl
32	Neaderthal
33	Pegasus
34	Herd Animals
35	Harpy
36	Cat, Large Mountain Lion
37	Gargoyle
38	Lycanthrope, Werewolf
39	Ogre
40	Snake, Giant Rattler
41	Bear, Grizzly
42	Pterandon
43	Roc, Small
44	Djinni
45	Giant, Hill
46	Hydra
47	Demon Boar
48	Dragon, Red
49	Roc, Large
50	Giant, Storm

5D10	CONIFEROUS FOREST ENCOUNTERS
5	Salamander, Frost
6	Golem, Amber
7	Demon Boar
8	Chimera
9	Giant, Hill
10	Cat, Large Sabre-Tooth
11	Phase Tiger
12	Cat, Large Tiger
13	Boar, Giant
14	Owl Bear
15	Weasel, Giant
16	Lycanthrope, Werewolf
17	Cat, Large Panther
18	Bear, Black
19	Lycanthrope, Wereboar
20	Hawk, Giant
21	Boar, Ordinary
22	Sprite
23	Wolf, Ordinary
24	Golem, Wood
25	Neaderthal
26	Fly, Giant Carnivorous
27	Rot Grub
28	Giant Ferret
29	Hawk, Ordinary
30	Pixie
31	Elf
32	Gnoll
33	Dryad
34	Pegasus
35	Herd Animals
36	Bugbear
37	Harpy
38	Gargoyle
39	Wolf, Dire
40	Blink Dog
41	Centaur
42	Unicorn
43	Cockatrice
44	Bear, Grizzly
45	Lycanthrope, Weretiger
46	Lyncanthrope, Werebear
47	Djinni
48	Dragon, Green
49	Hydra
50	Giant, Stone

6d12	DECIDUOUS FOREST ENCOUNTERS
6	Roc, Large
7	Golem, Amber
8	Demon Boar
9	Hydra
10	Giant, Hill
11	Djinni
12	Basilisk
13	Cat, Large Tiger
14	Lycanthrope, Weretiger
15	Bear, Grizzly
16	Cockatrice
17	Ant, Giant
18	Rhagodessa, Giant
19	Lycanthrope, Werewolf
20	Cat, Large Panther
21	Bear, Black
22	Lycanthrope, Wereboar
23	Insect Swarm
24	Carcass Scavenger
25	Hawk, Giant
26	Boar, Ordinary
27	Sprite
28	Baboon, Higher
29	Spider, Giant Crab
30	Beetle, Giant Spitting
31	Wolf, Ordinary
32	Golem, Wood
33	Neaderthal
34	Fly, Giant Carnivorous
35	Centipede, Giant
36	Elf
37	Pixie
38	Bee, Giant Killer
39	Hawk, Ordinary
40	Ferret, Giant
41	Rot Grub
42	Bat, Normal
43	Stirge
44	Gnoll
45	Dryad
46	Pegasus
47	Bat, Giant
48	Snake, Pit Viper
49	Toad, Giant
50	Herd Animals
51	Bugbear
52	Harpy
53	Beetle, Giant Carnivorous
54	Spider, Giant Black Widow
55	Gargoyle
56	Wolf, Dire
57	Blink Dog
58	Centaur
59	Unicorn
60	Spider, Giant Tarantula
61	Ape, Albino
62	Owl Bear
63	Boar, Giant
64	Snake, Giant Python
65	Lycanthrope, Werebear
66	Roc, Small
67	Dragon, Green
68	Treant
69	Chimera
70	Giant, Stone
71	Dragon, Gold
72	Roc, Giant

4D4	FRESH WATER ENCOUNTER
4	Aquatic Hydra
5	Giant Leech
6	Giant Python Snake
7	Giant Crab
8	Pit Viper Snake
9	Man, Pirate
10	Spitting Cobra Snake
11	Nixie
12	Ordinary Crocodile
13	Giant Piranha
14	Large Crocodile
15	Giant Catfish
16	Giant Crocodile

4D10	URBAN ENCOUNTERS
4	Chimera
5	Djinni
6	Spectre
7	Cockatrice
8	Statue, Animated Iron
9	Gargoyle
10	Statue, Animated Crystal
11	Horse, Draft
12	Undead
13	Shadow
14	Ghoul
15	Bat, Giant
16	Rot Grub
17	Men, Nomad
18	Men, Brigand
19	Halfling
20	Ferret, Giant
21	Bat, Normal
22	Rat, Ordinary
23	Dwarf
24	Gnome
25	Men, Berserker
26	Men, Merchant
27	Pixie
28	Skeleton
29	Fly, Giant Carnivorous
30	Mule
31	Zombie
32	Bugbear
33	Lycanthrope, Wererat
34	Wight
35	Medusa
36	Wraith
37	Statue, Animated Stone
38	Troll
39	Vampire
40	Demon Boar

D&D Biome-Based Encounter Table: Coniferous & Deciduous Forest & Mountain

2011-11-23T19:27:00.001-05:00

5D10	CONIFEROUS FOREST ENCOUNTERS
5	Salamander, Frost
6	Golem, Amber
7	Demon Boar
8	Chimera
9	Giant, Hill
10	Cat, Large Sabre-Tooth
11	Phase Tiger
12	Cat, Large Tiger
13	Boar, Giant
14	Owl Bear
15	Weasel, Giant
16	Lycanthrope, Werewolf
17	Cat, Large Panther
18	Bear, Black
19	Lycanthrope, Wereboar
20	Hawk, Giant
21	Boar, Ordinary
22	Sprite
23	Wolf, Ordinary
24	Golem, Wood
25	Neaderthal
26	Fly, Giant Carnivorous
27	Rot Grub
28	Giant Ferret
29	Hawk, Ordinary
30	Pixie
31	Elf
32	Gnoll
33	Dryad
34	Pegasus
35	Herd Animals
36	Bugbear
37	Harpy
38	Gargoyle
39	Wolf, Dire
40	Blink Dog
41	Centaur
42	Unicorn
43	Cockatrice
44	Bear, Grizzly
45	Lycanthrope, Weretiger
46	Lyncanthrope, Werebear
47	Djinni
48	Dragon, Green
49	Hydra
50	Giant, Stone

6D12	DECIDUOUS FOREST ENCOUNTERS
6	Roc, Large
7	Golem, Amber
8	Demon Boar
9	Hydra
10	Giant, Hill
11	Djinni
12	Basilisk
13	Cat, Large Tiger
14	Lycanthrope, Weretiger
15	Bear, Grizzly
16	Cockatrice
17	Ant, Giant
18	Rhagodessa, Giant
19	Lycanthrope, Werewolf
20	Cat, Large Panther
21	Bear, Black
22	Lycanthrope, Wereboar
23	Insect Swarm
24	Carcass Scavenger
25	Hawk, Giant
26	Boar, Ordinary
27	Sprite
28	Baboon, Higher
29	Spider, Giant Crab
30	Beetle, Giant Spitting
31	Wolf, Ordinary
32	Golem, Wood
33	Neaderthal
34	Fly, Giant Carnivorous
35	Centipede, Giant
36	Elf
37	Pixie
38	Bee, Giant Killer
39	Hawk, Ordinary
40	Ferret, Giant
41	Rot Grub
42	Bat, Normal
43	Stirge
44	Gnoll
45	Dryad
46	Pegasus
47	Bat, Giant
48	Snake, Pit Viper
49	Toad, Giant
50	Herd Animals
51	Bugbear
52	Harpy
53	Beetle, Giant Carnivorous
54	Spider, Giant Black Widow
55	Gargoyle
56	Wolf, Dire
57	Blink Dog
58	Centaur
59	Unicorn
60	Spider, Giant Tarantula
61	Ape, Albino
62	Owl Bear
63	Boar, Giant
64	Snake, Giant Python
65	Lycanthrope, Werebear
66	Roc, Small
67	Dragon, Green
68	Treant
69	Chimera
70	Giant, Stone
71	Dragon, Gold
72	Roc, Giant

5D10	MOUNTAIN ENCOUNTER
5	Roc, Giant
6	Cyclops
7	Giant, Fire
8	Giant Stone
9	Chimera
10	Salamander, Flame
11	Wyvern
12	Manticore
13	Lycanthrope, Werebear
14	Hell Hound
15	Cockatrice
16	Scorpion, Giant
17	Weasel, Giant
18	Wolf, Dire
19	Hippogriff
20	Hawk, Giant
21	Bugbear
22	Wolf, Ordinary
23	Dryad
24	Gnoll
25	Snake, Spitting Cobra
26	Stirge
27	Pixie
28	Hawk, Ordinary
29	Rot Grub
30	Dwarf
31	Pterodactyl
32	Neaderthal
33	Pegasus
34	Herd Animals
35	Harpy
36	Cat, Large Mountain Lion
37	Gargoyle
38	Lycanthrope, Werewolf
39	Ogre
40	Snake, Giant Rattler
41	Bear, Grizzly
42	Pterandon
43	Roc, Small
44	Djinni
45	Giant, Hill
46	Hydra
47	Demon Boar
48	Dragon, Red
49	Roc, Large
50	Giant, Storm

First, I organized all my D&D creatures from Labyrinth Lord Basic into a spreadsheet including Hit Dice (HD) and Biome data.

Second, I sorted the data by the particular biome for which I wanted to create a table.

Third, I counted the number of different creatures and looked for that number on this table. If the number was present, I used that dice combination for my table. If the number was not present, I went to the next highest number of dice combination.

Fourth, I sorted just the monsters for that particular biome (see second step) by HD.

Fifth, I put the monsters into the table starting with the lowest HD on the median outcome, then distributing them out to the maximum and minimum using this method.

Map: Dungeon 3

2011-11-21T22:58:00.001-05:00

Monster: Burpee

2011-11-20T15:57:00.001-05:00

Burpee
Alignment: Chaotic
Movement: 60’ (20’)
Armor: 6
Hit Dice: 2
Attacks: 1 (weapon)
Damage: 1d6 or weapon
Save: F2
Morale: 8
Hoard Class: III
XP: 92

Burpees are reptile-like green monsters standing between four and five feet tall. Their light green skin is thin and stretched tight against perpetually distended bellies. Burpee stomachs are continually gurgling, generating a never-ending pressure of gas. As a result, these creatures are surrounded by a constant stink of recent belches and farts and, if struck by a weapon, can explode in a final gaseous discharge. When a Burpee takes damage it explodes on a D6 roll of 1-4. Any character causing a Burpee explosion from a melee strike has their melee weapon blown away by the force of the explosion. Because of the continuous stink and noises, Burpees can never surprise.

Maps: Dungeon 2

2011-11-14T22:08:00.001-05:00

Click to Enlarge

This is a new map I've completed for an upcoming module. This dungeon represents a small mountain monastery that has been overrun by goblins intent on brewing a special Mushroom Stout beer.