tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12421598301223986432024-01-09T03:16:35.173-08:00Tailslap4th edition Dungeons & Dragons monsters, powers, magic items and more from the people who bring you <a href="http://clawclawbite.blogspot.com">Claw/Claw/Bite</a>Howling Mimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252944357956386480noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-86176266197535148092018-11-01T12:46:00.002-07:002018-11-01T12:46:37.871-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
New blog site: <a href="https://clawclawbite.com/">ClawClawBite</a><br />
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For more content like this, check out our new blog at <a href="http://clawclawbite.com/">http://ClawClawBite.com </a><br />
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Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-69137068354149296852010-11-24T08:23:00.000-08:002010-11-24T08:23:00.159-08:00Vargyr Feywolves<span style="font-size: medium;">These savage beast-men hail from the dark woods of the Feywild, descended from both wolves and wild elves. Feral, they live in tribes and hunt the untrammeled moon-lit forests of the deepest depths of that enchanted land. In appearence they are much like wild elves, small of stature but strong and fast, with light beards that grow into wild sideburns, long, furry ears, and pronounced cannine teeth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Occasionally a great warrior will arise from the Vargyr and lead their tribes in forays into the lands of the seelie fey, raiding, killing, and tearing down the strongholds of the Eladrin nobles.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">This adventure is the tale of one Eladrin's war to revenge himself upon the horde of Vargyr who descended upon his family's lands, killed every member of his family and household, and left him for dead upon the battlefield. Now he quests for a group of heroes who will return with him to his family stronghold, drive the Vargyr warriors out, and slay the mighty warrior who leads them. This is the war of the last Silma-Eltha.</span><br />
<br />
<hr /><span style="font-size: medium;">Vargyr Feywolf </span><span style="font-size: medium;">✦ </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Level 16 Skirmishers</span><br />
Size origin type <b>✦ </b>XP 1,400<br />
<hr /><b>Initiative </b>+15 Senses <b>Perception </b>+8<br />
<b>HP </b>148; <b>Bloodied </b>74<br />
<b>AC </b>30; <b>Fortitude </b>28, <b>Reflex </b>28, <b>Will </b>28<br />
<b>Speed </b>8<br />
<hr /><span style="font-size: medium;">Powers</span><br />
<br />
<b>Claw ✦At-Will, Standard Action, Melee 1</b><br />
melee basic<br />
<i>The wolf-elf lunges at you with tearing claws.</i><br />
Attack: +21 vs. AC<br />
Hit: 2d8 + 7 damage.<br />
<br />
<strong>Short Bow ✦At-Will, Standard Action, Ranged 10/20</strong><br />
ranged basic<br />
Attack: +19 vs. AC<br />
Hit: 1d8 + 5 damage.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Longtooth Shifting</b> ✦ Encounter, Minor Action, Personal<br />
Healing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The wolf-elf unleashes the primal beast within and takes on a more savage countenance.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Special: The </span><span style="font-size: small;">Vargyr Feywolf must be bloodied to use this power.<br />
Effect: Until the end of the encounter or until rendered unconscious, </span><span style="font-size: small;">the Vargyr Feywolf gains a +2 bonus to damage rolls. In addition, for as long as </span><span style="font-size: small;">the Vargyr Feywolf is bloodied, it gains regeneration 4.</span><br />
<hr /><b>Alignment </b>neutral <b>Languages </b>Common<br />
<b>Skills </b>Athletics +20, Nature +13 <br />
Str 24 (+15) Dex 21 (+13) Wis 11 (+8)<br />
Con 12 (+9) Int 10 (+8) Cha 21 (+13)<br />
<hr /><b>Equipment</b>:small hand weapon, leather armor, short bow<br />
<hr />Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-11824636133209978802010-11-23T07:37:00.000-08:002010-11-23T07:37:37.714-08:00MilleniumCon 13 & PathfinderWe rolled up to Round Rock last weekend to play some D&D, and ended up playing Pathfinder all weekend. <br />
<br />
For those who don't know, MilleniumCon is a yearly convention put on by Lone Star Historical Miniatures and is primarily focused on, as their name implies, historical miniature wargames. It's pretty much the closest convention to us here in Austin, so we usually make it. They generously provide space for the RPGA folks, and this year they also had Pathfinder Organized Play set up in one of the four-table conference rooms. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clawclawbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMAG0917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-703" height="300" src="http://clawclawbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMAG0917-225x300.jpg" title="IMAG0917" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">contemplating the entrence to the dungeon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Originally Dan and I had intended to get in some XP for our 4e RPGA characters. I was looking forward to honing my tactics with my elven barbarian Sithadel, specifically figuring out how to play him without getting him killed. He tends to die once per convention - that's what I get for making a dex-based barbarian I guess. I like to play unconventional characters. <br />
<br />
That all got derailed when I took the Pathfinder core book to work. Dan picked them up when they came out however long ago but I had only read the alpha version they put out online when Pathfinder was first announced. At any rate, I decided to roll up a character just for grins. I came up with Kes, a 1st level wizard specialized in abjuration and prohibited from casting evocation and necromancy. At the end of the process I was really curious to see how this character played, and how Pathfinder played. <br />
<br />
So when we got to MilleniumCon we went ahead and jumped in on a Pathfinder game and played. It reminded me a bit of the old RPGA, with the adventure record sheets given out at the end of each session. I liked how some of the organized play elements were structured. For example, at the end of each adventure you get a list of magic items you can buy with the gold you've accumulated. By the end of four adventures we had a decently broad list to pick from. Overall it seems nicely structured to keep the characters balanced and play fun. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clawclawbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMAG0921.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-704" height="225" src="http://clawclawbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMAG0921-300x225.jpg" title="IMAG0921" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facing an owlbear skeleton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, we played two slots of Pathfinder on Friday night, and two more slots on Saturday. At the end of it all I have to say that I enjoyed playing Pathfinder quite a bit. Of course I think the changes to skills in PF are great moves: I've hated Hide vs Spot and Move Silently vs Listen since the first time I had to roll them both when 3e first came out. The changes to the classes are great, too. My 1st level wizard was able to contribute to the combat on every round because now 0th level spells aren't used up when you cast them, so I could throw an acid splash or cast daze every round. The changes to concentration and spell casting times also pleased me - I've always thought that spellcasters had it too easy in melee. Now you really have to think twice about where you put your wizard. The changes to how poison work also impressed me. <br />
<br />
There were a few downsides, or course. Over and over again I had to hear from the other players how much more they liked Pathfinder then 4th edition D&D. I play 4e, 3.5e, and a little Pathfinder in one game, and I don't like the "us vs them" these conversations usually take, so I always get turned off when the topic comes up. And of course the Pathfinder fans trotted out the same old saw about how confusing grapple was in 3e. I have always disagreed - 3e grapple wasn't a blocker for us, and as far as I can tell it's pretty similar in Pathfinder. <br />
<br />
But the real downside for me was all the minmaxing. Just like in the bad old days of ultimate 3.5 cheese some of the players were rolling with some uber powerful summoner class that they couldn't stop talking about. I was lucky enough to not actually have to play with the roll-players, but it reminded me of how much less 4e games seem to breed uber-powergamers. And I was reminded once again how much I disliked that. <br />
<br />
But that was really minor for me and was totally overshadowed by how much fun I had and by how well-organized the mustering and gaming was. Kudos to the Pathfinder Organized Play folks. Next year I'll definitely be back for more. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://clawclawbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMAG09251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-703" height="300" src="http://clawclawbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMAG09251-225x300.jpg" title="IMAG0917" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my wizard Kes at the end of 4 adventures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-78883632029639485632010-11-15T12:22:00.000-08:002010-11-16T09:20:25.384-08:00Frost MaidenDaughters of the frost giants, these ice-cold maidens stalk the frozen wastes, luring unwary warriors to their death on the chill bettlefields of the north.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><hr />Frost Maiden ✦ Level 16 Controller<br />
Medium elemental humanoid ✦ XP 1,400<br />
<hr /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQKFgkZl5jeHAOdcyd-1VqTeDQ85KfK9w3p_LX_53sHN9qilFKmOl57LaGR-94FZMr_AWuiHTtWH-rz3YD9_jQds8d5ixY0x3BS74OiShF__S888eSuRYd9jk32z_JZWM7Ydn7hjFVq_Q/s1600/Conan_frost_daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQKFgkZl5jeHAOdcyd-1VqTeDQ85KfK9w3p_LX_53sHN9qilFKmOl57LaGR-94FZMr_AWuiHTtWH-rz3YD9_jQds8d5ixY0x3BS74OiShF__S888eSuRYd9jk32z_JZWM7Ydn7hjFVq_Q/s320/Conan_frost_daughter.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Initiative +13 Senses Perception +10</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">HP 154; Bloodied 77</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">AC 29; Fortitude 28, Reflex 30, Will 28</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Speed 6, Icewalk </div><hr /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Traits</strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Icewalk </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Frost Maidens move at normal speed on difficult or challenging terrain that is icy or snowy. </div><hr /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Standard Action Powers</></></strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Maddening Mock ✦ At-Will, Close Burst 10</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Charm, Psychic </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Hahahahahahaha!</em></div>Target: one creature <br />
Attack: +20 vs. Will <br />
Hit: 3d8 + 11 psychic damage.<br />
<hr /><strong>Minor Action Powers</strong> <br />
<br />
Alluring Lure ✦ At-Will, Range 10 <br />
Charm, Psychic <br />
<em>Come, warrior, catch me if you can!</em><br />
Target: One Creature <br />
Attack: +20 vs. Will <br />
Hit: The Target is pulled 4 squares and dazed until the end of the Frost Maiden's next turn. <br />
<hr />Alignment neutral Languages Giant, Common Skills Intimidate +20, Thievery +18 <br />
Str 13 (+9) Dex 21 (+13) Wis 15 (+10) <br />
Con 18 (+12) Int 10 (+8) Cha 24 (+15) <br />
<hr />Equipment: Gossamer garment.<br />
<hr />Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-59059355859394625992010-11-08T09:34:00.000-08:002010-11-08T09:34:00.584-08:00The Ruins of Soguer - The Mages's Guild Tower, Part 2Once again we return to the adventure The Ruins of Old Soguer, being posted piece-by-piece here on Tailslap. Today's post details the first two floors of the Mage's Guild Tower in the central portion of the ruins. There, a figure from the past languishes under a mysterious curse.<br />
<br />
Previous sections of the adventure can be found here:<br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/10/ruins-of-soguer.html">The Ruins of Soguer - Introduction</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/11/ruins-of-soguer-start-of-adventure-in.html">The Ruins of Soguer - Start of the Adventure in Aguies Town & Castle</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/12/ruins-of-soguer-river-journey-to-ruins.html">The Ruins of Soguer - River Journey to the Ruins</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2010/01/ruins-of-soguer-western-ruins.html">The Ruins of Soguer - The Western Ruins</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2010/04/ruins-of-soguer-central-ruins.html">The Ruins of Soguer - the Central Ruins</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2010/10/ruins-of-soguer-magess-guild-tower-part.html">The Ruins of Soguer - The Mages's Guild Tower, Part 1</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8CHAUVnRz1KayNSumD01-OErKIK372Pn2DJb0e32AlqJUUqN4H2TpyONeoVdWZm3Kkm49i3teiIsTqXT8jCEe5EJdDK89kWYqp2cr2oFgcOT4muEpGlGOG8KrowcXoK5mBcbvRtR3tiM/s1600/Tower3-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8CHAUVnRz1KayNSumD01-OErKIK372Pn2DJb0e32AlqJUUqN4H2TpyONeoVdWZm3Kkm49i3teiIsTqXT8jCEe5EJdDK89kWYqp2cr2oFgcOT4muEpGlGOG8KrowcXoK5mBcbvRtR3tiM/s320/Tower3-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Journeyman's Hall</span><br />
<br />
<strong>I - Haunted Mirror</strong> - here a cursed magic mirror shows the night of Soguer's destruction and serves as a conduit to the Shadowfell.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Stepping into the thick fog at the top of the stairs you see the corpse of a long-dead man in worn leather armor. Patches of fog fill the room and partially conceal the tables and chairs scattered about. Corpses of men in ragged leather armor and light hand weapons surround a stand-up mirror near the center of the hall. </blockquote>A DC 10 Arcana check reveals that the mirror is magic. DC 16 Arcana reveals that is is useful for scrying, DC 21 Arcana to know that it is somehow broken. A DC 25 Arcana check reveals that the barrier between the worlds is thin in the city, and that the mirror is stuck showing scenes from the land of the dead - the Shadowfell.<br />
<br />
Looking at the mirror causes it to show scenes of the twilit city as it once was - bustling with people and commerce - with the regal king in gleaming mail astride a green dragon outside a magnificent palace. Then, the scene turns to night. Some type of calamity seems to grip the city. Some people shuffle down the street with blank looks, transfixed by some type of ominous droning, while others scream and flee in the opposite direction. Then shadowy figures are drawn to the scene, approach the mirror's view, and come out of the mirror into the hall.<br />
<br />
<strong>Encounter</strong> (level 12 +, xp 2400 / 3000 / 3600)- Wraiths from the Shadowfell come through the mirror and attack the players. A DC 28 Arcana check is required to control the mirror enough to stop the additional wraiths from coming through, or a DC 25 Strength check to break it will stop the tide of wraiths. Otherwise another wraith comes through the mirror every other round. <br />
2 x oblivion wraiths (level 14 brute - xp 1000)<br />
1, 2, or 4 vortex wraiths (level 9 soldier - xp 400 each) + one additional vortex wraith every other round.<br />
<br />
<strong>Treasure</strong> - the dead adventurers carry shoddy armor and weapons, and 500 gold worth of scavenged jewelry, flatware, and other art objects.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>J - Dead Journeyman's Apartment</strong> - Here a dead journeyman, Malaki guards his chambers and his spellbook.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>These chambers feature two small apartments, each with a disheveled bed, and a chair and small table broken and knocked to the ground. Debris litter the floor, including a large illuminated tome lying open on the floor, its pages open to reveal some type of arcane diagram. Standing above the book is a ghostly apparition of a young mage wearing robes and wielding a runed dagger and a wand of oak.</blockquote><strong>Encounter</strong> - xp 1200 <br />
1 x watchful ghost (with magic ritual dagger instead of sword and spectral wand instead of crossbow) - (Open Grave)<br />
<br />
<strong>Treasure</strong> (parcel 8) - The ghost's ritual book contains the following rituals: Water Walk, Phantom Steed, Silence, Shadow Walk, Wizard's Sight, Water Breathing, Arcane Barrier, Detect Treasure and Shrink.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>K - Crumbling Masonry </strong>- An open pit that falls through to area A.<br />
<br />
<strong>Hazard</strong><br />
<strong>Level 10 Warder - xp 500 </strong><br />
<blockquote>The bottom ten feet of these stairs have collapsed, leaving a large hole that plunges down to the floor of the main hall twenty feet below.</blockquote>Hazard - Careful climbing or a great leap are needed to ascend these stairs. Failure results in a painful fall.<br />
<br />
DC 21 perception or dungeonering check to notice the cracked stonework at the edges of the pit. <br />
<br />
Trigger - If anyone comes within 5' of the edge of the pit.<br />
Attack - immediate interrupt <br />
Target - the first creature coming within 5' of the stairs<br />
+13 vs Reflex<br />
Hit - 2d10 falling damage and secondary attack from falling stones<br />
-Secondary Attack - +13 vs Fortitude, 1d10+5 damage<br />
-Effect - the floor at the edge of the pit crumbles, widening the pit that looks down into the Main Hall (area A). <br />
<br />
Countermeasures <br />
- DC 16 Acrobatics check to to gingerly stand at the edge of the pit without the masonry opening up further (player is attacked as above on failure).<br />
- DC 21 Athletics or Acrobatics check to cross the pit (player falls for 2d10 damage on failure).<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Master's Chambers </span>- these rooms contain only fine furniture in various states of decay, except one chamber. <br />
<br />
<strong>R - Alidol's chamber</strong><br />
<br />
<blockquote>This chamber's walls and ruined furniture bear are cracked, scorched, and twisted. Above the door a curse still burns on the wall in letters of cold black magical flame - it reads "Alidol - you are cursed to languish here, un-helped within your tower until you have died here."</blockquote><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Master's Workshops </span>- The landing at the top of the stairs leading up to this floor features doors carved with stars and constellations over tall mountain peaks.<br />
<br />
<strong>L - Master's Workshops</strong> - these chambers contain tables and a few pieces of discarded alchemical equipment but are otherwise empty.<br />
<br />
<strong>M - Alidol's Private Laboratory</strong> - The door is arcane locked and requires a DC 21 Strength or Thievery check to open it. The laboratory is currently occupied by a mute, mad naked old man who is an incomplete simulacrum that looks just like Alidol, and a shield guardian that guards the clone.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Overturned tables and broken alchemical equipment litter this chamber. A stone door leading to a side chamber on the north wall lies broken on the ground. A large humanoid made or stone, wood and metal stands still near the southwest corner for the room, and in the middle of the chamber stands a naked old man with a long beard that hangs to his knees and a mad gleam in his eyes. Catching sight of you, he screams wordlessly and lunges at your throat!</blockquote>A DC 16 Arcana check identifies the old man as some type of magical copy of Alidol. DC 21 Arcana reveals that it is a simulacrum - a copy made of snow - that is incomplete and therefore not controlled by its creator.<br />
<br />
<strong>Encounter</strong> - level 12 - xp 2800<br />
Uncontrolled simulacrum (use flesh golem stats) - xp 1400<br />
shield guardian - xp 1400<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>N - Warded Treasury</strong> - The secret door to this area is DC 21 Perception check to find, unless they specifically search that wall, in such chase it is a DC 16 Perception check. Within is a magic staff and a tome guarded by two deadly traps. <br />
<br />
<blockquote>Opening the secret door reveals a small vault, with a table at the west end. Upon the table are a steel staff tipped with a pointed mason's plumb and a brass-bound tome.</blockquote><strong>Traps</strong> - spectral tendrils - level 13 trap - xp 800 - (DMG p.91) will attack any entering the treasury, and a kinetic wave (level 19 trap - xp 2400) which wards the staff's display table and will also attack any who approach the table.<br />
<br />
<strong>Treasure</strong> - PARCEL #1 - Architect's Staff +3 (level 15, Arcane Power), Summoner's Tome +1 (level 5, Arcane Power) - contains the Summon Fire Warrior (Arcane Power) and Summon Shadow Serpent (Arcane Power) powers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>O - Simulacrum Creation Chamber</strong><br />
<br />
<blockquote>The stone door to this chamber lies broken on the floor outside in the laboratory. Within a large metal coffin covered with runes lies empty, and various labeled vials and boxes of reagents stand on some shelves and a table.</blockquote>A DC 16 Arcana check reveals that this coffin is the focus for a ritual used to make magical copies of oneself.<br />
<br />
Treasure - PARCEL #9 - 1,000 gp worth of arcanum and 2 emeralds worth 500 gold each.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">P - Master's Hall</span> <br />
<br />
<blockquote>A large stone table is set in the middle of this solemn hall, surrounded by four stately chairs and flanked by stout pillars. Surrounding the table is an engraved magic circle.</blockquote>A DC 10 Arcana check reveals that the circle is some type of runes of protection or privacy, and a DC 16 Arcana check determines that the circle is inactive.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Q - Roof</span><br />
<blockquote>From the wide, flat platform that is the top of the mage's guild tower there is a magnificent view of the ruins of the city - the river, the trees, the ruined buildings, the walls and gates, and towards the sea, another stone tower. Near the south edge of the roof there are faintly glowing arcane runes in several overlapping circles.</blockquote>A DC 21 Arcana check reveals that these hastily summoned but very powerful runes ward the tower and permanently protect it from intrusion by demons.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-90858923529849758642010-11-04T17:39:00.000-07:002010-11-15T12:06:36.039-08:00Character Race: Treant<div><span style="font-style: italic;">Wise and long lived,</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> these fey creatures are guardians of the forests and the wild places of the world.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Sometimes, when they are very young, these tree-people will venture out into the world to explore it, or to defeat an evil that threatens their homes.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzPWeFwo3LioMKA74uJIsigzqZda5chyphenhyphenGkyTT6Agu-gnmyTWOeY9bXhyphenhyphen4ROFrqG9g9Ul_h7G59EhuYIb7cd58fTwNQwrolJZmfG6OAwCXwU8jymOIAcMVVtLMZpkm7uiO4NTGPkmAWEA1/s1600/IMAG0911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzPWeFwo3LioMKA74uJIsigzqZda5chyphenhyphenGkyTT6Agu-gnmyTWOeY9bXhyphenhyphen4ROFrqG9g9Ul_h7G59EhuYIb7cd58fTwNQwrolJZmfG6OAwCXwU8jymOIAcMVVtLMZpkm7uiO4NTGPkmAWEA1/s320/IMAG0911.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">RACIAL TRAITS</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Average Height: 4´ 2˝– 7´ 2˝</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Average Weight: 150–520 lb.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ability Scores: +2 Constitution, +2 Wisdom</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Size: Medium</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Speed: 5 squares</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Vision: Normal</div>Languages: Common, Elven<br />
Skill Bonuses: +2 Nature, +2 Insight<br />
Nature's Health: You have one additional healing surge per day.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Firmly Rooted: You can use Firmly Rooted as an encounter power.</div><br />
<strong>Firmly Rooted</strong> ✦ Treant Racial Power<br />
<em>Digging your root-toes in, you hunker down and stand your ground.</em>Encounter ✦ Immediate Reaction when effected by a push, pull or slide<br />
Target: Personal<br />
Effect: You are not moved by the push, pull or slide that triggered the power. <br />
<br />
<strong>Nature's Stilness</strong> ✦ Treant Racial Power<br />
<em>Composing yourself and standing still, you become indistingushable from a normal tree to the untrained eye.</em><br />
Encounter - Standard Action<br />
Target: Personal<br />
Effect: As long as you stay still, you are indistingushable from a normal tree. An opposed Nature Skill Check is required for a observer to notice your true nature.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/TREEBEARD.jpg/240px-TREEBEARD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/TREEBEARD.jpg/240px-TREEBEARD.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><br />
Play a Treant if you want . . .<br />
✦ to play a tough character who is connected to the natural world<br />
✦ to play a wise champion of nature<br />
✦ to be a member of a race that favors the cleric, fighter, shaman, and warden classes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Physical Qualities</span><br />
Treant resemble humanoid trees, with two thick legs ending in many root-like toes, two arm-like branches with twiggy fingers, and generally with leaves and foliage sprinkling their bodies and as hair and beards. Young treants can be anywhere from 4 feet to 7 feet tall, and quite heavy due to their woody bodies. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Playing a </span><strong>Treant</strong><br />
To a Treant the natural state of the wilderness is home. Not hunted by predators, they are not combatative in the way most other humanoids are. Generally the only threat to their lives comes from those other humanoids, either by the destruction of their natural habitats or directly. Not requiring food or shelter the way most races do, they are generally uninterested in wealth and posessions beyond the simple things they need to live. Ocassionally, a young treant will have a curiosity about the world and will go wandering, generally unnoticed by those they pass among.<br />
<br />
<strong>Treant Characteristics</strong>: Most treants are slow, thoughtful, sedentary, in tune with nature and the wilderness, solitary, and traditional.<br />
<br />
Male Names: Treebeard, Quickbeam, Fangorn, Leaflock, Finglas, Skinbark, Fladrif, Beachbone, Bregalad, <br />
<br />
Female Names: Fembrithil, Wandlimb<br />
<br />
<strong>Treant</strong> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adventurers</span><br />
Three sample Treant adventurers will appear in upcomming posts.</div>Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-34268134387737827352010-10-28T10:34:00.000-07:002010-10-28T10:34:00.473-07:00Jäällätaudin - IcetongueThis ancient blade's full history is known only to the most studious Dwarven sages of the Dunheng Kingdoms. In its centuries of existence it has appeared in the hands of many heroes only to be lost again with their passing. Most recently it was wielded by Jak, a King of the Fridon people who in tales is called the Giant Slayer. He was a king of the Fridon many years ago, when his people were attacked by the giants from the Danor Mountains. He fought against them wearing the hide of a dragon and wielding Jäällätaudin, and drove them back to their burning peaks.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Icetongue - Paragon Level</span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Description</span><br />
Icetongue is a +4 mithrail fullblade (Adventurer's Vault - superior weapon, +3 profeciency, 1d12 damage, high crit (+2d12 on crit))<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical</span>: +4d6 cold damage<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Power </span>(At-Will ✦ Cold): Free Action. All damage dealt by this weapon is cold damage. Another free action returns the damage to normal.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Power </span>(Daily ✦ Cold): Free Action. Use this power when you hit with the weapon. The target takes an extra 2d8 cold damage and is slowed until the end of your next turn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Goals</span><br />
Cold forged of mithrail, Icetongue was made by the Dwarves of Danor to slay fire giants and all their thrall. Any creature with the fire subtype is an enemy to Icetongue, be it azer, elemental, or dragon, and it will demand their death without consideration.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Roleplaying Icetongue</span><br />
Icetongue speaks in a clear, ringing voice. It speaks Common, Dwarven, Giant and Draconic.<br />
<br />
Flame and passion are anathma to Icetongue, and its will is deliberate and implacable as a glacier. It will calculatedly drive its wielder to confrontation with its hated foes. Patient, unforgiving and heartless, Icetongue does not care what cost must be paid for victory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Concordance</span><br />
Starting Score 5<br />
Wielder gains a level: +1d6 <br />
Wielder kills a creature with the fire subtype (max 1 / day) +1<br />
Wielder refuses to fight a creature with the fire subtype -3<br />
Wielder refuses to obey Icetongue's command -1<br />
<br />
<b>Pleased (16-20)</b><br />
Icetongue becomes a +6 weapon that deals +6d6 cold damage on a critical.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Power </span>(Daily ✦ Cold): Free Action. Use this power when you hit with the weapon. The target takes an extra 4d8 cold damage and is restrained until the end of your next turn. <br />
<b>Power </b>(Encounter ✦ Cold): Standard Action, Melee 1. Thrust Icetongue into any normal fire to douse it. If the fire is magical in nature, such as a zone or conjuration of fire, make a weapon attack against the caster's Will defense to end the effect.<br />
<br />
<b>Satisfied (12-15)</b><br />
Icetongue becomes a +5 weapon that deals +5d6 cold damage on a critical. <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Power </span>(Daily ✦ Cold): Free Action. Use this power when you hit with the weapon. The target takes an extra 3d8 cold damage and is immobilized until the end of your next turn.<br />
<b>Property</b>: The wielder gains Icewalk, the ability to move through difficult icy or snowy terrain at normal speed.<br />
<br />
<b>Normal (5-11)</b><br />
Icetongue's statistics are as listed above (+4 weapon, +4d6 cold on a critical). <br />
<br />
<b>Unsatisfied (1-4)</b><br />
Icetongue becomes a +2 weapon that deals +2d6 cold damage on a critical.<br />
Icetongue will not use its daily slow power.<br />
The wielder gains vulnerable 5 cold.<br />
<br />
<b>Angered (0 or lower)</b><br />
Icetongue is considered a non-magical weapon for the purposes of attack and damage.<br />
If Icetongue's wielder rolls a 1 on an attack roll, they take 2d8 cold damage and are slowed for one turn. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Moving On</span><br />
When Icetongue has defeated the fiery menace that it arose to battle it will leave the stage again. Typically it is buried with the corpse of whatever hero it chose to wield it for that battle, as Icetongue's heartless drive often causes the death of its bearer even as they slay its foes. If by terrific fortitude or cunning they win Icetongue's epic battle with their life intact he will either make them seek out a new fiery foe or else make them leave him in a desolate, icy location, such as thrust into the ice atop a glacier or hurled into a mountaintop lake.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-61768350385971456862010-10-26T14:21:00.000-07:002010-10-26T14:21:28.082-07:00The Ruins of Soguer - The Mages's Guild Tower, Part 1Once again we return to the adventure The Ruins of Old Soguer, being posted piece-by-piece here on Tailslap. Today's post details the first two floors of the Mage's Guild Tower in the central portion of the ruins. There, a figure from the past languishes under a mysterious curse.<br />
<br />
Previous sections of the adventure can be found here:<br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/10/ruins-of-soguer.html">The Ruins of Soguer - Introduction</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/11/ruins-of-soguer-start-of-adventure-in.html">The Ruins of Soguer - Start of the Adventure in Aguies Town & Castle</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/12/ruins-of-soguer-river-journey-to-ruins.html">The Ruins of Soguer - River Journey to the Ruins</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2010/01/ruins-of-soguer-western-ruins.html">The Ruins of Soguer - The Western Ruins</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2010/04/ruins-of-soguer-central-ruins.html">The Ruins of Soguer - the Central Ruins</a><br />
<br />
5 - The Mage's Guild Tower, A reclusive old mage named Alidol lives within this tower, trapped by a curse.<br />
<blockquote>Standing here among the ruins of the city is a tall square tower with smooth, windowless, slightly tapered sides. The once-fine facade is cracked and crumbling and vines crawl up the walls. A single wide doorway stands open, the door long gone. You see an old man in tattered clothes and with long, tangled beard and hair peering at you from the doorway.</blockquote>If the players apprach, the old man greets them cautiously. If not threatened, he will converse with them, telling them that his name is Alidol, and that he was the Master of the Mage's Guild of Soguer before the fall, and that he has lived in the tower since then. He is hesitant to reveal more detail then that, though he can be convinced to reveal some of his secrets with a skill challange (below). <br />
<br />
What he cannot reveal are the details of the curse that he languishes under. <br />
<br />
<strong>Skill challenge - xp 200 </strong>(4 successes before 3 failures) <br />
DC - 14 Diplomacy, Bluff, Intimidate and Arcana skill checks to learn the old man's history - that when he was young the pleasures of the flesh and his ambition consumed him and he pledged his soul to Grazz't. After he amassed great power he became the high mage of the guild, and that then he used forbidden magic to share his soul to make simmalacrum of himself (magical copies who share his soul - and therefore his pact with Grazz't). He goes on to tell that when the city was attacked he used up all of his power to ward the tower against the demon god that rose up out of the sea and now has no more magic in him. <br />
<br />
He then tries to say "With my power gone my simmalacrum were free to act as they willed. They made separate deals with Grazz't, I believe, then betrayed and cu... cur..." (as part of his curse he is unable to say that they cursed him and left him here to die, and will become angry at this point and begin tearing at his hair and beard in frustration. Once he calms down a bit he will implore the players to help him, though he is unable to say anything about the curse or its nature - he can't even say that he can't speak about it.<br />
<br />
If asked about creatures in the tower, he will mention his shield guardian, but will say it should not be hostile - it will just protect him, though that's useless since it is trapped above, where he cannot reach due to the stairs having fallen apart.<br />
<br />
If asked about his past and his pact with Grazz't, the old man will sadly relate that he once burned with ambition and lust, but that after spending forty years alone in the tower he has repented those things and now just wishes to live out the rest of his days in peace.<br />
<br />
If the players try to leave the tower, Alidol warns them about the hezrou (toad demon) that stalks the ruins. He will go on to say that his final spell - a ward against demons - still protects the tower and that the Hezrou cannot enter.<br />
<br />
<strong>Minor Quest (Level 10 - xp 500 for each player):</strong> <strong>Free the guildmaster from his tower</strong>. <br />
The curse laid on Alidol prevents him from leaving the tower until he has died there. It also prohibits him from helping anyone lift his curse in any way. If the players kill his simmalacrum he has technically died in the tower and is then free to leave. <br />
<br />
Success - If the players free Alidol from the tower, he will thank them gratefully and promise to assist them any way he can. If the subject of the inquisition comes up he will inquire about it, and if the church of Baccob is mentioned he will let them know that one of his simmalacrum was working to join the church of Boccob many years ago. He will accompany them out of the ruins if they will allow him to join them, eventaully making his way back to Aguies with them. While with the party, he will happily share his vast knowledge of the arcane, making Arcana skill checks to identify creatures and help with arcane skill challanges at +30.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkg1LdwlFuLQCFWx8ok8nANxrnMtIDKfCss8YbI-rnaBYRD9du29FHyxEZLgHqunTVrwtFU9fLd8UM8U1MXVpjv5MT9wuzunA4Rwrw808SjATojFkGafFzV2OqfFHavh38z7ObgsJkIn_/s1600/Tower1stand2nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkg1LdwlFuLQCFWx8ok8nANxrnMtIDKfCss8YbI-rnaBYRD9du29FHyxEZLgHqunTVrwtFU9fLd8UM8U1MXVpjv5MT9wuzunA4Rwrw808SjATojFkGafFzV2OqfFHavh38z7ObgsJkIn_/s320/Tower1stand2nd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tower Locations</span><br />
<br />
Much of the tower is shrouded with patches of dense fog, all corridors are filled with fog, all doors are Arcane Locked (DC 21 Theivery or Strength to open), and there are some illusionary features thoroughout. The entire tower is also warded by a spell that protects against demons - Alidol's ward from the fall of Soguer - that keeps the hezrou out.<br />
<br />
<strong>Ground Floor</strong><br />
<br />
A - Main Hall<br />
<blockquote>A chair stands alone near the door in this large open room. The floor is littered with dirt and bits of wood and fallen masonry. Pillars support the ceiling twenty feet above, which shows cracks and some dark holes where pieces of stone are missing. A door leads to a hallway with smaller chambers - also with long-rotted chairs and tables. At the end of the hall is a spiral staircase leading up. Empty sconces and burned out torches line the walls.</blockquote><br />
B - Meeting Rooms - These chambers contain only the broken remains of tables and chairs.<br />
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<br />
C - Guest Chambers - Here three bedrooms hold simple furniture that looks fragile with age - a bed, chair, table, and empty chest.<br />
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<br />
D - Kitchen - This kitchen features a large rusty stove, and some tables and shelves still stand among the debris. <br />
<br />
<blockquote>A simple wooden spoon lies on the table, next to a worn wooden bowl. The spoon is magical - if it is placed in the bowl or any container it fills with plain-tasting but nutritious gruel (as Everlastng Provisions - it provides food and water for up to 5 people a day). If Alidol sees the players examining with the spoon - his only source of food - he becomes agitated and takes it away from them.</blockquote><br />
<strong>Novice's Chambers</strong><br />
<br />
E - Warded Door (Arcane Locked - DC 21 Theivery or Strength to open) - The password is "korth" (draconic for danger), but Alidol's curse prevents him from telling them what it is.<br />
<br />
<br />
F - Scribe's Workshop<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Two long tables with benches and a bookshelf fill this chamber. Scraps of paper and a set of quills sit on the tables. Some books stand on the shelves. A few small vials, bits of paper and a few books sit among the thick dust that coats the floor. </blockquote>This is where books and documents were copied and some scrolls were made - a search of the papers on the floor (easy perception check - DC 10) will turn up a complete scroll of water breathing. The books on the shelves that have survived the ages and vermin cover arcane and mundane topics, history "Wars of the Fridon", philosophy "Natural Science of the Rivers", "On Rulership", religion "Tracts of Truth and Guidance", fiction "There and Back Again", erotica "Ten Tales of Romance". There are 10 salvagable books all told.<br />
<br />
<br />
G - Novice's Dormotories<br />
<blockquote>These simple rooms hold a single bed, a footlocker, a small table and a chair in various stages of decay. </blockquote>The rooms are empty, the novices having taken their posessions with them as they left the city after the fall.<br />
<br />
<br />
H - Unstable Masonry - Hazard <br />
<br />
<strong>Level 10 Lurker - XP 500</strong><br />
<blockquote>Small debris litter the dusty staircase here.</blockquote>Hazard - These crumbling stairs could collapse at any moment - plunging the unwary down to the hall below and leaving a pit that must be climbed or jumped over.<br />
<br />
Perception - A DC 21 Perception or Dungeoneering notices the cracked and dangerous stonework on the stairs.<br />
<br />
Trigger - The first creature to climb the stairs causes them to crumble under them. The stairs make the following attack.<br />
<br />
Attack - immedeate interrupt <br />
Target - the first creature climbing the stairs<br />
+13 vs Reflex<br />
Hit - 2d10 falling damage and secondary attack from falling stones<br />
-Secondary Attack - +13 vs Fortitide, 1d10+5 damage<br />
-Effect - the staircase crumbles, opening up a pit that looks down into the Main Hall (area A). Once the pit opens, a DC 21 Athletics or Acrobatics check is required to cross it.<br />
<br />
Countermeasures <br />
- DC 16 Acrobatics check to carefully cross the stairs one at a time without triggering the stairs to collapse (player is attacked as above on failure).<br />
- DC 16 Athletics check to run and jump over the stairs without triggering the collapse (player is attacked as above on failure).<br />
- DC 21 Athletics or Acrobatics check to cross once the stairs have collapsed (player falls for 2d10 damage on failure).Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-27370613098631648192010-10-07T09:21:00.000-07:002010-10-07T09:44:00.263-07:00New Structures for Skill ChallangesSkill challenges are a great addition to Dungeons & Dragons. They take those non-combat obstacles that players face and turn them into legitimate encounters with clear criteria and consequences for success and failure. Perhaps more importantly for the players they also provide experience point rewards for overcoming the challenges.<br />
<br />
However, I have found that when I'm DMing the structure presented in the DMG for skill challenges doesn't always make a lot of sense for the encounter I'm presenting the players. Sometimes I present a challenge that requires a single skill check - one success or failure right there and the challenge is over - like climbing over a wall or jumping a chasm. Other times the skill challenges I present have a clear chain of skill checks that need to be performed in the correct order, and the traditional skill challenge structure doesn't make sense for those challenges. For example, if the players fail their Perception skill check to notice the scrap of parchment in the top branches of a tree, there's no reason for them to make Athletics checks to climb up there. Some puzzles and trap skill challenges benefit from this structure as well.<br />
<br />
Because of these structural differences in how skill challenges can be played, I came up with two new structures for skill challenges that I run: <strong>minion skill challenges</strong> and <strong>chain skill challenges</strong>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Minion Skill Challenges</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Structure</strong><br />
<br />
As mentioned above, some skill challenges are a simple yes or no, success of failure on one skill check. Can the party sneak past the napping guard dog? Can they bribe the watchman? Can they swing on the rope across the chasm? One skill check is all it takes, and if they succeed, they pass the challenge and move on to the next one. If they fail, there are consequences. The watchman rejects their bribe and shouts the alarm. The guard dog wakes up and begins barking. They lose their grip on the rope and plunge into the chasm.<br />
<br />
The minion skill challenge is also useful when playing in a more free-form fashion. The players may be at court on a diplomatic mission, trying to win over allies to their side. I may be presenting the players with NPCs that they meet, but I don't have any specific goals in mind for most of them. But I know that they players are going to find some hook about some NPCs interesting and try to win them over as allies, or stymie their plans if they become enemies. So I let them make skill checks as they want, treating each as a minion skill challenge: if they succeed they impress the NPC, if they fail they make a bad impression and likely an enemy. The minion skill challenge structure lets me DM this scene in a nice free-form fashion, awarding XP for success and consequences for failure as I go.<br />
<br />
As mentioned in the DMG, every skill check does not qualify as a minion skill challenge. Only when there are consequences for failure should a skill check be considered a minion skill challenge.<br />
<br />
Skill challenge DCs for minion skill challenges should be set by level, using the DCs by level chart in the DMG.<br />
<br />
<strong>Experience</strong><br />
<br />
For each successful minion skill challenge, award experience points for a minion of the level used to set the skill challenge's DC.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Chain Skill Challenges</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Structure</strong><br />
<br />
Chain skill challenges are designed for situations where skills have to be used in a certain order in order to successfully complete the whole challenge. Often, these skill challenges might be part of overcoming a trap or a hazard. <br />
<br />
An example of this might be a magically protected, hidden wall safe. Step one of the skill challenge would be a Perception skill check to determine if any of the party members notices the hidden safe. If no one makes that check the challenge can't proceed and ends. If someone notices the safe, they then must overcome the magical ward protecting it. This might be an arcana check to disable the Glyph of Warding, or a Strength or Thievery check to bypass the Arcane Lock placed on the safe. If they can open the safe they get experience and whatever valuables are in the safe. If not they might get blasted, or else are just unable to open the safe. If they spend a lot of time retrying their Thievery checks, a monster is likely to come to investigate the noise. Either way the skill challenge fails and there are consequences.<br />
<br />
Skill challenge DCs for chain skill challenges should be set by level, using the DCs by level chart in the DMG.<br />
<br />
<strong>Experience</strong><br />
<br />
To award experience points for a chain skill challenge, count up the total number of successful skill checks needed to complete the challenge and compare them to the following chart:<br />
<br />
Complexity Successes XP<br />
1 4-5 1 monster worth<br />
2 6-7 2 monsters worth<br />
3 8-9 3 monsters worth<br />
4 10-11 4 monsters worth<br />
5 12-13 5 monsters worth <br />
<br />
Award XP for successfully completed chain skill challenges by handing out XP for a number of monsters of the skill challenge's level equal to the complexity of the challenge. For example, if a 10th level chain skill challange requires 7 sucessful skill checks to complete, award 1000 XP for the challange upon success.<br />
<br />
If the chain skill challenge requires less than 4 successes, award experience for a number of minion monsters equal to the number of surceases required.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Other Thoughts on Running Skill Challanges</span></strong><br />
<br />
For more on different ways to handle skill challanges in your game, check out <a href="http://at-will.omnivangelist.net/2010/10/skill-challenges-all-in-the-cards/">this post</a> at At-Will.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-50038682934531718842010-09-17T11:02:00.000-07:002010-09-17T11:02:31.233-07:00Talk Like a Pirate Day!Ahoy there! As ye my know this Sunday be international Talk Like a Pirate Day! <br />
<br />
To celebrate we're shanghing you to embark on a grand adventure to search for <a href="http://www.rpgnow.com/index.php?&src=fbPiratePost&affiliate_id=169794">20 hidden treasure chests</a>, containing all sorts of fantastic and <a href="http://www.rpgnow.com/index.php?&src=fbPiratePost&affiliate_id=169794">TOTALLLY FREE eBooks</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rpgnow.com/index.php?&src=fbPiratePost&affiliate_id=169794"><img border="0" height="79" qx="true" src="http://www.rpgnow.com/images/site_resources/piratedayad-home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So <a href="http://www.rpgnow.com/index.php?&src=fbPiratePost&affiliate_id=169794">get to hunting</a>, ye scurvey dogs!<br />
<br />
-C'pn Thompson, ISS Unicorn RampantAdam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-12699987623772762802010-08-16T13:47:00.000-07:002010-08-16T13:47:00.113-07:00Two-Headed HoundLiving in small packs in the deepest wilds of the Feywild, these Two-Headed Hounds are terrifying monsters that the seelie fey tell their children frightening tales of. Those who wander into the green depths of the Feywild sometimes find that the tales are no exaggeration. Occasionally, some of the wilder Fey will befriend a lone male of these creatures and accompany them through the wilds.<br />
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Standing almost as tall as a horse at their shoulders, these shaggy wolves bear two heads where most have one, each large enough to eat a child up in one bite.<br />
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Two-Headed Hound ✦ Level 16 Elite Soldier<br />
Medium Fey Magical Beast ✦ XP 2,800<br />
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Initiative +17 Senses Perception +8<br />
HP 296; Bloodied 148<br />
AC 34; Fortitude 30, Reflex 28, Will 30<br />
Saving Throws +2<br />
Action Points 1<br />
Speed 8<br />
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Powers<br />
<br />
Bite ✦At-Will, Standard Action, Melee 2<br />
melee basic<br />
Attack: +21 vs. AC<br />
Hit: 3d8 + 11 damage.<br />
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Horror of Tearing Teeth ✦At-Will, Standard Action<br />
Effect: The hound makes two bite attacks.<br />
<br />
Leaping Death ✦Encounter, Standard Action, Melee 2, Recharge 6<br />
<em>The hound hurls itself across the battlefield, knocking down and tearing those it lands on.</em><br />
Special: The hound may make this attack as part of a charge.<br />
Attack: +23 vs. Reflex against up to 4 targets<br />
Hit: 3d6 + 8 and the target is slid 1 and knocked prone.<br />
<br />
Overwatch ✦ At-Will, Minor Action, Melee 2<br />
The hound's heads look around, ready to take advantage of any opportunity to strike.<br />
Effect: The Hound marks one or two targets within 2 squares. If those targets make an attack that does not include the Hound, the Hound may make an opportunity attack against that target.<br />
<br />
Rending Counterattack ✦ Encounter, Immedeate Reaction<br />
Special: Triggered when first bloodied.<br />
Effect: the hound's Leaping Death power recharges and the hound uses the Leaping Death attack as a free action. For the rest of the encounter, while still bloodied, the hound recieves a +2 to damage.<br />
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Alignment neutral Languages Sylvan<br />
Skills Athletics +20, Nature +13 <br />
Str 24 (+15) Dex 21 (+13) Wis 11 (+8)<br />
Con 12 (+9) Int 10 (+8) Cha 21 (+13)<br />
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<br />
Two-Headed Hound Lore<br />
The following can be recalled about Two-Headed Hounds with the following Nature skill checks:<br />
15: Two-Headed Hounds are dangerous predators from the depths of the feywild. Though some understand Sylvan, few choose to speak it.<br />
20: Two-Headed Hounds prefer to leap upon their prey and knock them down, and become very dangerous when seriously hurt.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-85690293580278515352010-08-13T12:17:00.000-07:002010-08-13T13:23:13.052-07:00GenCon 2010I'm just now getting a chance to write about the great time I had at GenCon this year, but I wanted to make sure y'all saw the pictures I got of all the great games, costumes, and miniatures I got. So welcome to Unicorn Rampant's virtual walking tour of GenCon 2010!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Games and Minis</span><br />
<br />
In the "big tables" category, I saw a giant version of Ticket to Ride that looked like a lot of fun. Also present but not pictured were giant Settlers of Catan and a few other giant versions of some great board games.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURArKPaxWxjjMpS9JE7tLNVL9P91a-ZJ6co82LmI0jjU_kGkcoJCziErNlz3zv4ySqrN85a-C92zTtqobpcudpryxjwypNnzmZzpQ9vSmHqJrAYMtaRq5l567jT0MIW5Nhk-DiBbweX9D/s1600/IMAG0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURArKPaxWxjjMpS9JE7tLNVL9P91a-ZJ6co82LmI0jjU_kGkcoJCziErNlz3zv4ySqrN85a-C92zTtqobpcudpryxjwypNnzmZzpQ9vSmHqJrAYMtaRq5l567jT0MIW5Nhk-DiBbweX9D/s320/IMAG0680.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Geek Chic had their beautiful gaming tables in evidence as well. This year they've branched out some and have many styles of hand-made, beautifully finished game tables, end tables, coffee tables, all with lots of neat hidden compartments, removable tops, drink holders, die cubbies, and such.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaC0SwSeGrQHopEJO0Boj6sJ1MJpkOZPoy8PqtQ9Zv5d1nniZHSwkmCdM0PBw-GL6-2V63XiZ_7U8MEJ6a4vEM4lAYbkSgzuu3Q1_KhgJ18m97t5uZ8Wod17K74hg5TwP8jQCBYNFzTqL/s1600/IMAG0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaC0SwSeGrQHopEJO0Boj6sJ1MJpkOZPoy8PqtQ9Zv5d1nniZHSwkmCdM0PBw-GL6-2V63XiZ_7U8MEJ6a4vEM4lAYbkSgzuu3Q1_KhgJ18m97t5uZ8Wod17K74hg5TwP8jQCBYNFzTqL/s320/IMAG0684.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love Babba Yaga, and these guys had put together a fun 3' x 3' piece of terraced terrain for her hut to live on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd2sqc03s56XrYvLzZHGUKJwCY1uw5BSTdfVWbcF0GyNU_LmEoCYWghXdE48Gic5CD6Lxbfc5miCEkR8t7kLUePW6n9dRCNsFA7HbqxWpCtLoD7Mrmy0zS32H1WSNMlGEiK35LuOCBahp/s1600/IMAG0742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd2sqc03s56XrYvLzZHGUKJwCY1uw5BSTdfVWbcF0GyNU_LmEoCYWghXdE48Gic5CD6Lxbfc5miCEkR8t7kLUePW6n9dRCNsFA7HbqxWpCtLoD7Mrmy0zS32H1WSNMlGEiK35LuOCBahp/s320/IMAG0742.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close up of the chicken-legged hut itself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTwAy_ssZ4bc8_rPUcdQCiL2QHzCaTRhsg3LvZjbS9edlXrJu9GCmziohgCBLMjrEY-3pQ2aOPs6aEzOlwVt6x-fcNZvXPA5vdNbvY_nRsyMVcbIIf-FqTQBHMv24oH-4QzvVBY2y8t8e/s1600/IMAG0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTwAy_ssZ4bc8_rPUcdQCiL2QHzCaTRhsg3LvZjbS9edlXrJu9GCmziohgCBLMjrEY-3pQ2aOPs6aEzOlwVt6x-fcNZvXPA5vdNbvY_nRsyMVcbIIf-FqTQBHMv24oH-4QzvVBY2y8t8e/s320/IMAG0744.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of terrain, if you want to make assloads of walls and caverns for cheap, this is for you. Molds that you pour your own resin into and then paint the resulting walls yourself. Available in castle flavor, gothic cathedral flavor...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUwxDP8Rt0GUPDTdwBTKPKrPJLrjPWgT8hrrSxJe3DaJCIFZEmmsbomwtWtHz8rUxY0JFURqARe1_IQPeMbZnmQASZ37-rKPizP2fibga_jzrm0oecnNyJC3v22jc7CUuQOoxk-b5vf_4/s1600/IMAG0706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUwxDP8Rt0GUPDTdwBTKPKrPJLrjPWgT8hrrSxJe3DaJCIFZEmmsbomwtWtHz8rUxY0JFURqARe1_IQPeMbZnmQASZ37-rKPizP2fibga_jzrm0oecnNyJC3v22jc7CUuQOoxk-b5vf_4/s320/IMAG0706.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and of course Egyptian flavor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C_66ilN7_zDJb5XkCBbEwbJrBSxboKUiy2nGUKWdNXaH-4uI3CFX0zIn4mzeJY1PyoylxqcjR7yAIIsZTOW8EX3Mg4hvdS44dl5WF2G-Ui9BoFh_nK5vZyynw8BYYxFZxa6IIfd-cXz5/s1600/IMAG0707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C_66ilN7_zDJb5XkCBbEwbJrBSxboKUiy2nGUKWdNXaH-4uI3CFX0zIn4mzeJY1PyoylxqcjR7yAIIsZTOW8EX3Mg4hvdS44dl5WF2G-Ui9BoFh_nK5vZyynw8BYYxFZxa6IIfd-cXz5/s320/IMAG0707.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was really impressed by the level of detail, and the multiple levels of these paper playscapes. Also, super-affordable compared to any of the resin pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6yma8oymmgtq_TXCFHqF5o800OIO-UgwIRzPL9B97Biog-ZMZfr-BOaTnqtYxLus4mxA-mdCKZ4fr1YxvT_SxchD7ufHEjNc8Ipla8Ao0afMIyQrQsVREmm5R6DnEri5lX4hdwpllXdN/s1600/IMAG0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6yma8oymmgtq_TXCFHqF5o800OIO-UgwIRzPL9B97Biog-ZMZfr-BOaTnqtYxLus4mxA-mdCKZ4fr1YxvT_SxchD7ufHEjNc8Ipla8Ao0afMIyQrQsVREmm5R6DnEri5lX4hdwpllXdN/s320/IMAG0736.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arr, that be a fine-lookin' vessel, ripe for the plundering! And a bargain at twice the price!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideOJJcOcNKVr3Y0FJcsdz6Np4WpyDHI0JIzWoZCWP1VTrvonmeKHQ2QZGc26WKHXltsjjPV62Fc9BD0m3W8KFlswAezoH7H4aTXfjEfFr9vggi3t9vQ5WUCWUcU4l3pBP4Ri5TF-GLUf_/s1600/IMAG0737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideOJJcOcNKVr3Y0FJcsdz6Np4WpyDHI0JIzWoZCWP1VTrvonmeKHQ2QZGc26WKHXltsjjPV62Fc9BD0m3W8KFlswAezoH7H4aTXfjEfFr9vggi3t9vQ5WUCWUcU4l3pBP4Ri5TF-GLUf_/s320/IMAG0737.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">In terms of high-quality finished work, these guys always stand out head and shoulders above everyone else. Of course you get what you pay for in this case. This Caribbean Spanish settlement actually gave me flashbacks to my trip to San Juan in Puerto Rico.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonbIwGbipEBJ6E1Ncq2lOHbmeS4eNj0qfWa1tveT09S_g0HdLJ67Ui5D-Gd9r4KwjWCtoaFvq0TgoeVChOQ7hEdBWv_QUbPzdqgFah0m38AZaQQRhXv0jfQamuu6-OKwjyEyzomSrkIk0/s1600/IMAG0739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonbIwGbipEBJ6E1Ncq2lOHbmeS4eNj0qfWa1tveT09S_g0HdLJ67Ui5D-Gd9r4KwjWCtoaFvq0TgoeVChOQ7hEdBWv_QUbPzdqgFah0m38AZaQQRhXv0jfQamuu6-OKwjyEyzomSrkIk0/s320/IMAG0739.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course the miniatures. First of all, you need a bunch of dragons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLKE2whZB_Ya2JWVBHBxtNFiM3nkBBGbBL__LeDmHVrjDHm2CCyVxuxTxVDau1bkgxF6hKMs8zX8I5QzIpaFxHaRt0gfqYIeXLvTSnacOyeG_ejtN5z4jVyEyxiaCQs33F1fTgeTw49VR/s1600/IMAG0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLKE2whZB_Ya2JWVBHBxtNFiM3nkBBGbBL__LeDmHVrjDHm2CCyVxuxTxVDau1bkgxF6hKMs8zX8I5QzIpaFxHaRt0gfqYIeXLvTSnacOyeG_ejtN5z4jVyEyxiaCQs33F1fTgeTw49VR/s320/IMAG0682.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No. More dragons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QSld-fnNN3awPDbgEuc7giOEKZqOMk42o8aP-I9Rr2JnkCYFKeCGRlhYk7w6cMHMJhhNh88cWVmT00g-VqOHZfUT1_CegRvzrXYcNkApjQdAmr8QL3DyZbxdDeJbNFUERrMYVYdMqTeq/s1600/IMAG0683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QSld-fnNN3awPDbgEuc7giOEKZqOMk42o8aP-I9Rr2JnkCYFKeCGRlhYk7w6cMHMJhhNh88cWVmT00g-VqOHZfUT1_CegRvzrXYcNkApjQdAmr8QL3DyZbxdDeJbNFUERrMYVYdMqTeq/s320/IMAG0683.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of Reaper's display cases. I love those guy's work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2n4uH8mhyU-_XWXk-RCf06a70UPTfOLpGyWMSxFEGwiPSPtkbHXvyufyaP1eTbC9SgqE2NsthN1TtkQLd8Hj2dAp-Ru0WlJynN1IcXxu57f1678UjaDGLQUzCqPHK8HIZxidpu7ovU_D/s1600/IMAG0685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2n4uH8mhyU-_XWXk-RCf06a70UPTfOLpGyWMSxFEGwiPSPtkbHXvyufyaP1eTbC9SgqE2NsthN1TtkQLd8Hj2dAp-Ru0WlJynN1IcXxu57f1678UjaDGLQUzCqPHK8HIZxidpu7ovU_D/s320/IMAG0685.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close up of a Remorahaz.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9JIhF3FYYXaNFOy04-y29Qfk0CiNChZt8yYagG-OEtV8HbYNhjjDfkB3oUlw_FVNMHA-bDsp157EEvcCTnRL-xCYA6TjQhkgIF6oTFoicEXx8X-KnFHqBQYKjvcrCpvE46l5vAeZ7pS1/s1600/IMAG0694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9JIhF3FYYXaNFOy04-y29Qfk0CiNChZt8yYagG-OEtV8HbYNhjjDfkB3oUlw_FVNMHA-bDsp157EEvcCTnRL-xCYA6TjQhkgIF6oTFoicEXx8X-KnFHqBQYKjvcrCpvE46l5vAeZ7pS1/s320/IMAG0694.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Frost giants! We got your frost giants!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk6YBOsXObPtEB7XiEzdMTWXAJ-VZjz4vGcT7KG6SvEE2sT_Pth_Rfs1D-ZPlDgxTKr6ZFduJPfioB6miwrRATK4OiRn4W-4psZxGUCn38OPPw0_8b7VQWOLbX4q0lGfqalKFhHf2fMKK/s1600/IMAG0695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk6YBOsXObPtEB7XiEzdMTWXAJ-VZjz4vGcT7KG6SvEE2sT_Pth_Rfs1D-ZPlDgxTKr6ZFduJPfioB6miwrRATK4OiRn4W-4psZxGUCn38OPPw0_8b7VQWOLbX4q0lGfqalKFhHf2fMKK/s320/IMAG0695.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scorpion-man-things and dinosaurs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof-3y4EV27t5z3pjTPuTf8xJpQNLUv-FM1O3FZARUDUTWtjspa5reVXOg1dRcsLIqdKJN2Gn5b5v3fqxNJcOXNZZ7es8XNB6fUJ6_InQ5mlPA_GVWhYKmb1WpAz9L3Y2a9jJGJ8IGzfB_/s1600/IMAG0714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof-3y4EV27t5z3pjTPuTf8xJpQNLUv-FM1O3FZARUDUTWtjspa5reVXOg1dRcsLIqdKJN2Gn5b5v3fqxNJcOXNZZ7es8XNB6fUJ6_InQ5mlPA_GVWhYKmb1WpAz9L3Y2a9jJGJ8IGzfB_/s320/IMAG0714.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A good specimen of a Type 6 demon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLloK5cVqRXdu4Ied450-8ge4BVhY0sHxOi3N4RfEu10y49X8OZ3qk6_hJlCUsErsbqVxh8NftJbWWT-k1ArFbtsEEnzYr5l_sDSOqOT9C4xMhGUs6qxAjFUVKTavFjMYD71N8VX-JT43U/s1600/IMAG0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLloK5cVqRXdu4Ied450-8ge4BVhY0sHxOi3N4RfEu10y49X8OZ3qk6_hJlCUsErsbqVxh8NftJbWWT-k1ArFbtsEEnzYr5l_sDSOqOT9C4xMhGUs6qxAjFUVKTavFjMYD71N8VX-JT43U/s320/IMAG0715.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Demons, djinn and dastardly dark steps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOVJ_rH2keLJxZAbScJ-3FZ01V7qoJlkJZcckBhMHqNspTvqS6lget12yUOtpnU8utbGSyvG3SUrAF5XfTNMMut3E9RRDRuJlgriQ0VRfEqJknaJI37NPen_wPkhe5xQ-BMbRyGg0RRKq/s1600/IMAG0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOVJ_rH2keLJxZAbScJ-3FZ01V7qoJlkJZcckBhMHqNspTvqS6lget12yUOtpnU8utbGSyvG3SUrAF5XfTNMMut3E9RRDRuJlgriQ0VRfEqJknaJI37NPen_wPkhe5xQ-BMbRyGg0RRKq/s320/IMAG0716.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course a plague rat-a-pult?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbag12j55bEmdLyO6JIUag4Fxl0QuNkY8halqxBbT2x1JIzI0dZkzD7zn72G_iNjjp8FcDkLXBClMxYENtAxRiDSMHd2Tw1hxtVXdnpbgATrOA_ma5s3J3ipbXJi-fnNhSLZmaZXTwC3zx/s1600/IMAG0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbag12j55bEmdLyO6JIUag4Fxl0QuNkY8halqxBbT2x1JIzI0dZkzD7zn72G_iNjjp8FcDkLXBClMxYENtAxRiDSMHd2Tw1hxtVXdnpbgATrOA_ma5s3J3ipbXJi-fnNhSLZmaZXTwC3zx/s320/IMAG0740.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love digging around for old gaming books, particularly anything from the late 70's and early 80's when I first started gaming. I found some real gems, like this. Who doesn't love a game of hot man-to-man combat?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3Kkr102JOE7UxPaz5qGvTocYTYupO1BFYXZ6ewQ7ngY8tQwve5bBe08QiUtY7PGFMaRDoSZ86Ef0BksITyF1aMugDozf-j6eUuovIXZL70UV0GyyVL1Pid-1EHf7VeUIba64DC55thZn/s1600/IMAG0709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3Kkr102JOE7UxPaz5qGvTocYTYupO1BFYXZ6ewQ7ngY8tQwve5bBe08QiUtY7PGFMaRDoSZ86Ef0BksITyF1aMugDozf-j6eUuovIXZL70UV0GyyVL1Pid-1EHf7VeUIba64DC55thZn/s320/IMAG0709.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My assembled loot from the Exhibitor's hall; the 1980 D&D red box, just like the one I bought in the toy store at 7 years old, a couple of AD&D adventures from the same era, and a couple of vinyl transfers from Berserk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAl0ko6iIGfZWF24WtRO_sn5okfbPd_-N3IMFcUkRXPWO0OHWa6XXR9eZN3akFgswCjubq8ftlQzRQwkn26UBM58hA30uxahkjR1zvMHWwn05J8K_7dDjN72snrClggtNQ7gAdl1S7gpU/s1600/IMAG0722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAl0ko6iIGfZWF24WtRO_sn5okfbPd_-N3IMFcUkRXPWO0OHWa6XXR9eZN3akFgswCjubq8ftlQzRQwkn26UBM58hA30uxahkjR1zvMHWwn05J8K_7dDjN72snrClggtNQ7gAdl1S7gpU/s320/IMAG0722.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">Costumes</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the highlights of GenCon for me is always all the great costumes everyone puts together. Most are hand-made. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Satyr girls always make me horny (pun intended - sorry).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYDIgLPPrFV4FvSXwqwkl2WCzEUpwcJGEKhFujNxCFIiIbQs46DOkz4IQWnefntFz1GRwAw27pZFJykZwll-OZXNwhk2eY5QlRFGQanSmGVNAiIvqOmEY1KTsdZJYFI9NdDBTMFoO1CPL/s1600/IMAG0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYDIgLPPrFV4FvSXwqwkl2WCzEUpwcJGEKhFujNxCFIiIbQs46DOkz4IQWnefntFz1GRwAw27pZFJykZwll-OZXNwhk2eY5QlRFGQanSmGVNAiIvqOmEY1KTsdZJYFI9NdDBTMFoO1CPL/s320/IMAG0681.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not sure if these girls were officially supporting the new DC comics game that just came out, but I really liked the costumes either way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjV8NJFs6C4Q0CpTItvC1WkUKMwC1ydVBQNiMyE9XIWVgA_i6IRlyIYqC5ceWMzidt64vkQxEQmlYIKfzwHATZXpZqbpyMB6MqgwPPzFzxBk_a5hpGqKMCMU8uGtgYxmTplI2ALmKxCaM/s1600/IMAG0689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjV8NJFs6C4Q0CpTItvC1WkUKMwC1ydVBQNiMyE9XIWVgA_i6IRlyIYqC5ceWMzidt64vkQxEQmlYIKfzwHATZXpZqbpyMB6MqgwPPzFzxBk_a5hpGqKMCMU8uGtgYxmTplI2ALmKxCaM/s320/IMAG0689.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steampunk, Victorian styles, corsets and bustiers continued to be popular costume themes this year. I also saw a lot of savage or primitive costumes this year, a newer trend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCU9S4gXUZwoalipvJb_OyFOD4F35My7EJ8qoXXcISFUX9WrF9FGxnZTiyPtqiVL7ZD0wf0PpsMzjOYNqgYFcUU-RDcSiR6dx0DTRytRKf6F4xZo6w7O5fPWPZ8nRs2GHDQ2yM7B3S8C6/s1600/IMAG0692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCU9S4gXUZwoalipvJb_OyFOD4F35My7EJ8qoXXcISFUX9WrF9FGxnZTiyPtqiVL7ZD0wf0PpsMzjOYNqgYFcUU-RDcSiR6dx0DTRytRKf6F4xZo6w7O5fPWPZ8nRs2GHDQ2yM7B3S8C6/s320/IMAG0692.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice brass jetpack!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHQRM6U58gSrnhTuthGeIsqpgr-Fruf3xTpbNS-u6yiX_IfoY9B1g0rDi73AMqFcYqVesZ9J2OIivRcFHzyFfw3SPoYluyeP7nCFqDN9kF6WW_fbkwl8lbqhHXUT36JBL3TeMknffD6B0/s1600/IMAG0693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHQRM6U58gSrnhTuthGeIsqpgr-Fruf3xTpbNS-u6yiX_IfoY9B1g0rDi73AMqFcYqVesZ9J2OIivRcFHzyFfw3SPoYluyeP7nCFqDN9kF6WW_fbkwl8lbqhHXUT36JBL3TeMknffD6B0/s320/IMAG0693.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of Paizo's iconic characters made an appearance at their booth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sY7unyW0ol4Pi-1s0Igj8A7WM1q_pRrwGobSpCZZ2sRyR7ufdCD1-A4DBWX87qgS2zyIRzIORzb_V38IwUV8AFTTRhJ6VjJLqgx1aWdLZEA9HJRsavi-0Ve3DnFpUhg5GcXcXsSHI73Z/s1600/IMAG0711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sY7unyW0ol4Pi-1s0Igj8A7WM1q_pRrwGobSpCZZ2sRyR7ufdCD1-A4DBWX87qgS2zyIRzIORzb_V38IwUV8AFTTRhJ6VjJLqgx1aWdLZEA9HJRsavi-0Ve3DnFpUhg5GcXcXsSHI73Z/s320/IMAG0711.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A picture of me enjoying the costumes. That's my renfaire garb, minus the cowl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglACBmJR3WWXva0KBuIzK7GlJdCwz1xYipfijRctDdk-eGQdwF2osEochePkvCyNPn-ESL1cGNAVmARiPgjHyvlkTIXoN__8gRnsZmID5LohoKrmDF1i3HufWLCu-6XFDLbuzRfh_uieLD/s1600/IMAG0712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglACBmJR3WWXva0KBuIzK7GlJdCwz1xYipfijRctDdk-eGQdwF2osEochePkvCyNPn-ESL1cGNAVmARiPgjHyvlkTIXoN__8gRnsZmID5LohoKrmDF1i3HufWLCu-6XFDLbuzRfh_uieLD/s320/IMAG0712.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some fun and overtly sexy costumes - I particularly like the caution tape miniskirt. Caution indeed! In seriousness, I really like the atmosphere of acceptance at GenCon when folks want to let their freak flag fly. Last year there were kids going around with "gay gamer" shirts, and this year there was a fair amount of cosplay / anime / genderqueer / raver costuming going on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jOD_cvcpmk2ZIIEl1PU8HloND8zTxcZPxDWP_E7igEjfmVJF-VbNVU1EcY_LrsQ7F54ZuDzAWqUKKFc4c8UkpSDEjhRtO7oKhSZoV7nzPQtCajQdGuvJG57VO6Mq4MAwM38quXsCxf33/s1600/IMAG0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jOD_cvcpmk2ZIIEl1PU8HloND8zTxcZPxDWP_E7igEjfmVJF-VbNVU1EcY_LrsQ7F54ZuDzAWqUKKFc4c8UkpSDEjhRtO7oKhSZoV7nzPQtCajQdGuvJG57VO6Mq4MAwM38quXsCxf33/s320/IMAG0713.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This lady put together an excellent Goblin King costume, a'la David Bowie in Labyrinth. I tried to take several pictures of her costume, but I think she cast blur on my camera.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZA-ElnOh-WjPTci-Rv29TNdZWVmwSXKyRpLAidVpltOMo-yc0vvZfsPRmhyphenhyphenkF3BYCJsQWOrEXhwE7LG2pj3mATH8MwUjUAgTmswnCgk3_PeONjZ6gZo05W11TNwb_XvFlZtskxB0678k/s1600/IMAG0720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZA-ElnOh-WjPTci-Rv29TNdZWVmwSXKyRpLAidVpltOMo-yc0vvZfsPRmhyphenhyphenkF3BYCJsQWOrEXhwE7LG2pj3mATH8MwUjUAgTmswnCgk3_PeONjZ6gZo05W11TNwb_XvFlZtskxB0678k/s320/IMAG0720.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The blur spell took a while to wear off my camera.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrz1sFW309qC8k9z-infIodyIGs9LjfRjlJVtYNQ3sPqYaxRVh1ToovsEQm6tbOUzxoMe8afuKioxL6Trom7cuVQIHKR93IumHHWZI36aEeT1mZ4FUZHdvkvJgoFX_MDu1Isr1zZjKOQ-/s1600/IMAG0719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrz1sFW309qC8k9z-infIodyIGs9LjfRjlJVtYNQ3sPqYaxRVh1ToovsEQm6tbOUzxoMe8afuKioxL6Trom7cuVQIHKR93IumHHWZI36aEeT1mZ4FUZHdvkvJgoFX_MDu1Isr1zZjKOQ-/s320/IMAG0719.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another savage-looking outfit from this pink-haired elven sorceress or shaman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxTJHfERwHrH7ChfA01ArJDQn1vOTtdVKw5rz8qJJEw135CJLPyFmT-ZWoRmCL8BYpK-fFp6TwG3e3tJcNGyE6y2jZ7UpQMCL1799j_LOIOxfgEm0L7dbXtVYtXe6keoyI4qm4Kv7SQ-N/s1600/IMAG0733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxTJHfERwHrH7ChfA01ArJDQn1vOTtdVKw5rz8qJJEw135CJLPyFmT-ZWoRmCL8BYpK-fFp6TwG3e3tJcNGyE6y2jZ7UpQMCL1799j_LOIOxfgEm0L7dbXtVYtXe6keoyI4qm4Kv7SQ-N/s320/IMAG0733.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The world's tallest leprechaun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-4k1wpTTChPO07KZyRpIIeZXWZL1mZLbFfo3gJBasqXU2P4n3hDbBCyGO-K94Wz4C3gy7PUNntDASipKS05hW20Lrfb8QjtP3Yu-gAhtE6RgU1nspNJE2kTnnLY-OPmbH3Q-RT7V_7vj/s1600/IMAG0735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-4k1wpTTChPO07KZyRpIIeZXWZL1mZLbFfo3gJBasqXU2P4n3hDbBCyGO-K94Wz4C3gy7PUNntDASipKS05hW20Lrfb8QjtP3Yu-gAhtE6RgU1nspNJE2kTnnLY-OPmbH3Q-RT7V_7vj/s320/IMAG0735.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Games<br />
<br />
And of course, I played a lot of games at GenCon this year. In years past I had made a point of trying to promote Unicorn Rampant, either by meeting people in the industry that we have partnerships with, like Paizo and RPGnow, or by running games. Of course that meant I was either exhausted or missed out on having fun playing myself. This year I tried to maximize the fun by playing as much as I wanted to, and giving myself breathers between games if I wanted. As a result, I had the most fun this year that I've had a GenCon.<br />
<br />
I played some great RPGA games - the Ravens of Winter's Mourning game was lots of good investigative fun, and the Curse of the Gray Hag was simply awesome. Here are a few pics from the Curse of the Gray Hag game.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here we're trying to get away from the shambling mounds and into the Hag's tower, since I had convinced her that we were there to help free her. I played the eladrin priestess of Loth that is in the rear of the party there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8FF-UlLwo3b_Qhr3ScHN5OaHypzeO8pbNojS30kLou4ydpOjJhvYafMM29OzvpxtP-ikqv8XSgRLyUHfysz9LzCi4e-U0XFh8feuBZoVFiD7KNLpSk9Oscn3wJ9bRyn3r6VmcKtVZSqN/s1600/IMAG0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8FF-UlLwo3b_Qhr3ScHN5OaHypzeO8pbNojS30kLou4ydpOjJhvYafMM29OzvpxtP-ikqv8XSgRLyUHfysz9LzCi4e-U0XFh8feuBZoVFiD7KNLpSk9Oscn3wJ9bRyn3r6VmcKtVZSqN/s320/IMAG0700.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the unfortunate other players in the Curse game. Notice the 'cursed' status markers on half the party? That meant they took 20 damage or lost their highest level spell every time they attacked the hag or her defenders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcrcoccLu0p0pu39gGDSUOsa5H54qNM_aIM3OOZl3SUgwnHsjPwhSQIA7jklg6ghodQMrsujbIir8DNrANZUfB3iodNj53nRZjrF9viWpB_Y1li88-hfFE01PR6oeeaNIqZogm4a4NiRv/s1600/IMAG0701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcrcoccLu0p0pu39gGDSUOsa5H54qNM_aIM3OOZl3SUgwnHsjPwhSQIA7jklg6ghodQMrsujbIir8DNrANZUfB3iodNj53nRZjrF9viWpB_Y1li88-hfFE01PR6oeeaNIqZogm4a4NiRv/s320/IMAG0701.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The actual battle against the Hag, a solo monster, and her flesh golem, an elite monster. With half the party unable to effectively attack, this ended up being too tough of a fight for us, and some of the players got frustrated and called it quits when we hit the end of the time slot. Since my character had already accomplished her objective of getting some deadly nightshade from the surrounding fey-swamps, she had no problem bailing on the fight at that point. In one of my prouder moments, I took no damage at all in the entire adventure, and managed to parley past two of the combat encounters. Note my strategic position hiding on the stairs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BOpyzTAUary_djGGyM09uYy646qo4EnfBzwtYHEklCZ5PuDbQmNwM1QI-AGm7eck8VavHgZ7SooiH6Qb-j_9zJUv5mqK-GaGLuhX6aAsoCDCIF4-cUsdAK8d3PuHKnXgmJSgjd75eUZm/s1600/IMAG0702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BOpyzTAUary_djGGyM09uYy646qo4EnfBzwtYHEklCZ5PuDbQmNwM1QI-AGm7eck8VavHgZ7SooiH6Qb-j_9zJUv5mqK-GaGLuhX6aAsoCDCIF4-cUsdAK8d3PuHKnXgmJSgjd75eUZm/s320/IMAG0702.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, of course, there was the Tower of Gygax. This event has become the highlight of the con for me. I even got a chance to run the Tower for a bit late Saturday night. Now with a Facebook group, even! Check it out for even more pics and memories from the Tower: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=145288208818624">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=145288208818624</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel like this character sheet I found illustrates the excitement that the tower created.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenGzRsqft9I4rzcaAg6iUcCcav1dICVO572BD_fmVatprXuEc_8yuFjSbYMf9UPp2FICvg8Ohck149s6ymJqryhEiqbWKUb9YH74n_h0nAnslxMtn7hQCZ7bNlK1U-eYdq0ogPPk0unFM/s1600/IMAG0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenGzRsqft9I4rzcaAg6iUcCcav1dICVO572BD_fmVatprXuEc_8yuFjSbYMf9UPp2FICvg8Ohck149s6ymJqryhEiqbWKUb9YH74n_h0nAnslxMtn7hQCZ7bNlK1U-eYdq0ogPPk0unFM/s320/IMAG0725.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's Steve, another of Unicorn Rampant's writers, running a room he contributed to the Tower of Gygax. We had lots of girls playing in the Tower, which is always nice to see. In fact, it seemed like more women come to GenCon to play every year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBXF_wzyTjKYaexXQyNrabi45i7LOPbCDcjSxM7ZmEbYBD5m2V5A0R76iBEiwkFZt6amiR2K8V-3UkWulbLI60OXi8S2y4LuYp3BV___4hiwISblW3RSsCDNqyjM-xKBVZXnOYHEV5CMt/s1600/IMAG0687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBXF_wzyTjKYaexXQyNrabi45i7LOPbCDcjSxM7ZmEbYBD5m2V5A0R76iBEiwkFZt6amiR2K8V-3UkWulbLI60OXi8S2y4LuYp3BV___4hiwISblW3RSsCDNqyjM-xKBVZXnOYHEV5CMt/s320/IMAG0687.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The chamber that Steve ran: a chasm, rope bridges, sinkholes in the floor, rushing torrents, and an enormous air elemental.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJa6MmWAG2pkUI3VAgynWFxG9T-yeDozkzZ4AFCchBvJidC-ktaMHwhQlIYsKrjD7M2cDAMe6qkWNepKKPVEdJwaCmRL2x2fLbBPlrgWzqcNDGCm4p376anY1z0Nc7Z7sMoHgC1pXAPdM/s1600/IMAG0728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJa6MmWAG2pkUI3VAgynWFxG9T-yeDozkzZ4AFCchBvJidC-ktaMHwhQlIYsKrjD7M2cDAMe6qkWNepKKPVEdJwaCmRL2x2fLbBPlrgWzqcNDGCm4p376anY1z0Nc7Z7sMoHgC1pXAPdM/s320/IMAG0728.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The master of the Tower: Save Versus Death and Kobold Quarterly's Scott A. Muarry running The Tomb of Horrors for the Tower players Saturday night. I was thrilled to survive a few rooms delving into the Tomb.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagJD7BLXhUbP-wDYppisoMrPyNGfXfFOPlCyvgNzLEmKaxa9jkDNy3kNPll3HSqex2jfsEubA74lSCktYWYiD49xUyiDWKZnp_NygP9kGt-GP8ZIgw1wBjQz_GFr9f3XoomPnsOCIxba0/s1600/IMAG0727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagJD7BLXhUbP-wDYppisoMrPyNGfXfFOPlCyvgNzLEmKaxa9jkDNy3kNPll3HSqex2jfsEubA74lSCktYWYiD49xUyiDWKZnp_NygP9kGt-GP8ZIgw1wBjQz_GFr9f3XoomPnsOCIxba0/s320/IMAG0727.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the Tower's deadly rooms: the Arcane Monolith. I won't ruin the details, but I'm stealing parts of this for my home game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrBkGc0NFHsWqyC-OIO_eH0Oxm7u4ZOhn8PsupX_ZHKbj81uaArg6mlyH95l-fUsGYUvTAuATbBQmLV5pzI1kVM7UnBpyrootW6GoAEAEtMZO6myFYF-ya7u-rv9_4vSG13zBCuQ16LIi/s1600/IMAG0726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrBkGc0NFHsWqyC-OIO_eH0Oxm7u4ZOhn8PsupX_ZHKbj81uaArg6mlyH95l-fUsGYUvTAuATbBQmLV5pzI1kVM7UnBpyrootW6GoAEAEtMZO6myFYF-ya7u-rv9_4vSG13zBCuQ16LIi/s320/IMAG0726.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Towards the wee hours, Scott decided to throw out the books and wing it off the cuff. Hilarity and death ensued.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBsRXQ10GojnPXW-LolAzps6bPlZA8NeTjXPtRuscCmEA8phe6XqxVI1esp0y6iPFjmq3_SoGvE4qtCc0HlZaCEApx96qDxd2HrqCITbRbgMU7sZLumMTIuykTCfLoyb3DjvU3aMboiLz/s1600/IMAG0729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBsRXQ10GojnPXW-LolAzps6bPlZA8NeTjXPtRuscCmEA8phe6XqxVI1esp0y6iPFjmq3_SoGvE4qtCc0HlZaCEApx96qDxd2HrqCITbRbgMU7sZLumMTIuykTCfLoyb3DjvU3aMboiLz/s320/IMAG0729.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, in the wee hours of the night, I stepped in to run a few rooms in the Tower. This is me explaining how the chest they just opened is full of poisonous vipers that are now biting them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sH2o4SIrLMxWTuH-I7Glj6KBOuty_VNoxFABahY-j_bbyToCz3VVlx833_9izERculh1jf2Wki64bhhJM_aH0T6KitCWN3T0Z3i_vHGG_bfeCqIIXSFdrv0D7Rrg0DeyeKMPWIg7YEG8/s1600/39668_1161513255700_1763891954_309236_7671851_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sH2o4SIrLMxWTuH-I7Glj6KBOuty_VNoxFABahY-j_bbyToCz3VVlx833_9izERculh1jf2Wki64bhhJM_aH0T6KitCWN3T0Z3i_vHGG_bfeCqIIXSFdrv0D7Rrg0DeyeKMPWIg7YEG8/s320/39668_1161513255700_1763891954_309236_7671851_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here I am describing how the lever that they just pulled has sent half the party to their deaths at the bottom of a 100 foot pit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97AVFIiO65jWbInmGdCvvZ2LcYBl3CzuIzemMEPt6XUXW8xXs-HOPw528nyorv-IbbO2ncocK8bhIq9YJtfEhOISz6Rjea5nZYeI_eTtiiNl0fxVFOiIAHi6oCha-yGBNxxqmErPPFssK/s1600/35953_1161513095696_1763891954_309234_3233309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97AVFIiO65jWbInmGdCvvZ2LcYBl3CzuIzemMEPt6XUXW8xXs-HOPw528nyorv-IbbO2ncocK8bhIq9YJtfEhOISz6Rjea5nZYeI_eTtiiNl0fxVFOiIAHi6oCha-yGBNxxqmErPPFssK/s320/35953_1161513095696_1763891954_309234_3233309_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, once they removed the treasure from one of the tests, a fusillade of darts strikes those nearby. The dwarf grabbing the box survived and got away with a magic ring of protection. Those who dare win!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE2bebAeoMime09wjSdy9SMXXAhSDsoGQTvGWBEOQzBvGgt9f0O9To12H8FVeeK6gs5-IAbkuWw7qiCDYkgD4NVZ_RZ1DaP8G-n5VfrGJz8XlW46v2kLmtnVQ0U30NS9dCYtjdxGI0rIs/s1600/39668_1161513295701_1763891954_309237_4779010_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAE2bebAeoMime09wjSdy9SMXXAhSDsoGQTvGWBEOQzBvGgt9f0O9To12H8FVeeK6gs5-IAbkuWw7qiCDYkgD4NVZ_RZ1DaP8G-n5VfrGJz8XlW46v2kLmtnVQ0U30NS9dCYtjdxGI0rIs/s320/39668_1161513295701_1763891954_309237_4779010_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, this was just a fraction of the gaming going on, but with 20,000 gamers gathered and playing, there's no way I could see everything. It was awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the many rooms full of gamers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJe9UUx7SxKdGHONEzVrND8T_lmll8z3S6b_G0MukSFViXqqmVrH-tWrJ40Tyx4PlwmQfufciGqWjCztQper8fGAFrFF4N4YRC5t0JnSnFt3Cv_e5d1AGZmlNEvfH1MadaWyc8bdfF6ml/s1600/IMAG0699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJe9UUx7SxKdGHONEzVrND8T_lmll8z3S6b_G0MukSFViXqqmVrH-tWrJ40Tyx4PlwmQfufciGqWjCztQper8fGAFrFF4N4YRC5t0JnSnFt3Cv_e5d1AGZmlNEvfH1MadaWyc8bdfF6ml/s320/IMAG0699.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until next year, thanks for reading, and happy gaming!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-Adam A. Thompson</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unicorn Rampant</div>Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-39671838746349190142010-06-25T09:53:00.000-07:002010-07-07T14:25:42.729-07:00Arc-Inquisitor LiodlaArc-Inquisitor Liodla is the leader of the <a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/search/label/subplot%3A%20the%20Shan%27n%27nur">Shan'n'nur Inquisition</a>. Many years ago he was a powerful wizard who lived at a temple of Boccob. When the An-Magus Crusade was declared by the High Pointiff of Heironeous and the knights of the Sword of Light began raiding the temples of Boccob. Liodla was captured and forced to convert and renounce the use of magic along with many other worshipers of Boccob. Too canny to die in the inquisition's jails, Liodla emerged from the Sword of Light's clutches an apparently zealous supporter of the Crusade.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPsik1jivqAKW-__7opqGVLV53qVKgXv-hjSIeyQs4erbG7BmowqVwQXajCZHv7CJqqBjKo_I9IzpKUr0Into1n2oDdYBg-zwLUu2lJU8nHDsjmqaULbHRFTxCD48vxUaPcxPrEDb_uhk/s1600/aufziehen+der+inquisition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPsik1jivqAKW-__7opqGVLV53qVKgXv-hjSIeyQs4erbG7BmowqVwQXajCZHv7CJqqBjKo_I9IzpKUr0Into1n2oDdYBg-zwLUu2lJU8nHDsjmqaULbHRFTxCD48vxUaPcxPrEDb_uhk/s320/aufziehen+der+inquisition.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Some time after his conversion Liodla approached Mikail Brightbrow, the leader of the Sword of Light, with an idea. He suggested that a cult to Heironeous be established. This cult could be composed of former mages, sanctified by Heironeous's priests, and sworn to the eradication of non-sanctified arcane magic. He suggested that the cult be called the Shan'n'nur - from the Nimberlan Elvish tongue - which translates as "those who hate magic". Liodla put forth a convincing argument at a time when the Sword of Light was meeting more organized resistance from the worshipers of Boccob, lead by their hated enemy <a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/02/barael.html">Barael</a>, and Mikail agreed.<br />
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Thus were the Shan'n'nur established. Liodla recruited some of his former comrades from the temples of Boccob, and through their use of magic helped the knights of the Sword of Light defeat those who resisted them in Boccob's houses of worship. Among those captured the Shan'n'nur forced more conversions and their ranks grew.<br />
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Now that the An-Magus crusade is over the Shan'n'nur Inquisition polices magery in the counties of former Soguer and the middle kingdoms to the west. There is a sanctum of the Shan'n'nur Inquisition, as they are now known, in most major cities throughout the region. Whenever they find the use of magic they descend upon the practitioner and take them back to their temples to be purified either through conversion or death.<br />
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Throughout all of these events Liodla's secret patron Graz'zt reveled in all of the anguish and betrayal. What no one knows even now is that Liodla is one of several simulacrum created by the wizard Alidol when he was First Mage of the Mage's Guild of Soguer. When Alidol lost his powers during the Fall of Soguer his magical slaves gained their freedom and took their revenge upon him. They left him trapped in the Mage's Guild tower in the ruins of Soguer and went their separate ways in the world. Like his original, Liodla's soul is bound to Graz'zt in a dark pact and he has worked the Dark Prince's will to this day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MFh-LqlYFGVTePYh4IVdQdTxofUAXZWMduR23HGg5aa8Zi8qfHs8Ne4KIRqma3O3ryNbjOlauazigZ9KSbqaqgR7JpQbakNIZbs49UaMpRmcu2vA7skQCVJcrnYkSGtm8Q2rRoKOEXqP/s1600/inquisition+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MFh-LqlYFGVTePYh4IVdQdTxofUAXZWMduR23HGg5aa8Zi8qfHs8Ne4KIRqma3O3ryNbjOlauazigZ9KSbqaqgR7JpQbakNIZbs49UaMpRmcu2vA7skQCVJcrnYkSGtm8Q2rRoKOEXqP/s320/inquisition+.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Using Liodla in your game</span><br />
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The Arc-Inquisitor is a major villain. In the Heir of Soguer campaign he is the leader of the Inquisition, and as such leads forces who confront the players throughout the campaign. <br />
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After many social and martial confrontations throughout the campaign, one or several of the players with the arcane power source will be captured by the Inquisition and taken to their headquarters in Merton for cleansing - either by death or conversion.<br />
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At that point the players must either submit to the Inquisition's regiment of drugs and enchantment, or face the tortures of the Inquisition's pits - a very dramatic challenge. During the long conversion process Liodla will converse with the PCs many times, attempting to coerce them into converting by hook or by crook. Generally he plays the benevolent father-priest figure, offering the tortured player his love and protection if only they will renounce their former allies and gods, sign false confessions, and other repugnant acts. His goal is to break down their wills and make them his minions, and also to enjoy seeing them suffer as they betray the things they love.<br />
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The climax to the Inquisitor's sub-plot would be a dramatic rescue & escape adventure, where the imprisoned must resist the tortures and deceit of the Inquisitors, and the rest of the party must find their comrade's prison and break in to rescue them. Re-united the party would then confront Liodla and, if victorious, discover the secret of his demonic pacts.<br />
<div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Arc-Inquisitor Liodla </span><span style="font-size: medium;">✦ Elite </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Level 20 Controller<br />
</span>medium construct humanoid (human simmalacrum)<b>✦ </b>XP 5,600<br />
<hr /><b>Initiative </b>+12 <b>Perception </b>+11<br />
<b>HP </b>380; <b>Bloodied </b>190<br />
Healing Surges 2; Healing Surge Value 95 <br />
<b>AC </b>36; <b>Fortitude </b>31, <b>Reflex </b>34, <b>Will </b>35<br />
<b>Saving Throws</b> +2<br />
<b>Speed </b>6<br />
<hr /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Action Points:</b> 1</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Powers</span><br />
<br />
<b>Eyebite Warlock (Fey) Attack 1</b><br />
<i>You glare at your enemy, and your eyes briefly gleam with brilliant colors. Your foe reels under your mental assault, and you vanish from his sight.<br />
</i>At-Will ✦ Arcane, Charm, Implement, Psychic<br />
Standard Action Ranged 10<br />
Target: One creature<br />
Attack: +25 vs. Will<br />
Hit: 1d6 + 15 psychic damage, and you are invisible to the target until the start of your next turn.<br />
<br />
<b>Quickened Arcane Blast</b><br />
At-Will ✦ Arcane, Force<br />
Minor Action Close Blast 3<br />
+25 vs Fort, 1d6 + 15 force damage, and the target is pushed 3 squares.<br />
<br />
<b>Killing Flames Warlock Attack 13</b><br />
<i>You use an enemy's recent injury to fuel infernal flames and sear the foe. </i><br />
Encounter + Arcane, Fire, Implement<br />
Immediate Reaction Ranged 10<br />
Trigger: An enemy within 10 squares of you becomes<br />
bloodied<br />
Target: The triggering enemy<br />
Attack: +25 vs. Fortitude<br />
Hit: 3d8 + 15 fire damage.<br />
Infernal Pact: The damage ignores resistance to fire.<br />
<br />
<b>Vile Lightning (Infernal) Attack 17</b><br />
<i>Black lightning leaps from your hand and wracks your foe. The evil energy allows you to feed on his life essence.</i><br />
Encounter ✦ Arcane, Healing, Implement<br />
Standard Action Ranged 10<br />
Target: One creature<br />
Attack: +25 vs. Fortitude<br />
Hit: 3d6 + 15 damage, the target is weakened until the end of your next turn, and you can spend a healing surge.<br />
<br />
<b>Void Star Warlock Attack 19</b> - Recharge & use when bloodied<br />
<i>You summon a fragment of a dark star and hurl it at your foe, causing the creature's flesh to slough away.<br />
</i>Daily. Arcane, Healing, Implement, Necrotic<br />
Standard Action Ranged 1 0<br />
Target: One creature<br />
Attack: +23 vs. Reflex<br />
Hit: 4d8 + 13 modifier necrotic damage. The target takes ongoing 10 necrotic damage, and whenever the target would regain hit points, you regain the hit points instead (save ends both).<br />
Miss: Half damage, and ongoing 5 necrotic damage (save ends).<br />
<br />
<b>Summon Seducer - 20th level Attack<br />
</b>Daily - Minor Action (Minor sustain)<br />
Liodla summons* a succubus that has Speed: 6, fly 6 and the following powers:<br />
<ul><li>Corrupting Touch (standard; at-will)<br />
+25 vs. AC; 1d6 + Int. Modifier damage.</li>
<li>Dominate (standard; at-will) ✦ Charm<br />
Ranged 5; +25 vs. Will; the target is dominated until the end of the succubus’s next turn.</li>
<li>Change Shape (minor; at-will) ✦ Polymorph<br />
The succubus can alter its physical form to take on the appearance of any Medium humanoid, including a unique individual (see Change Shape, page 280).</li>
</ul>* Per the summoning rules detailed in Arcane Power, p. 98.<br />
<br />
<b>Infuriating Elusiveness Warlock (Fey) Utility 16<br />
</b>You will yourself across the boundary between worlds, teleporting a short distance. When you appear from the Feywild, you are surrounded by a glamor of invisibility.<br />
Encounter ✦ Arcane, Illusion, Teleportation<br />
Move Action Personal<br />
Effect: You become invisible and then teleport 4 squares.<br />
The invisibility lasts until the start of your next turn.<br />
<br />
<b>Spell Betrayal (11th level)</b> - Once a round, when you hit a target with an arcane power against whom you have combat advantage you deal an extra 1d8 damage.<br />
<br />
<b>Dark Charisma (11th level)</b> - You gain a +2 vile bonus on Diplomacy and Bluff checks against evil creatures. This bonus increases to +4 at 21st level.<br />
<br />
<b>Spellstrike (16th level)</b> - When you spend an action point to cast an arcane power at a foe who is engaged in melee or against whom you have combat advantage, you deal an additional 1d12 damage with the power. <br />
<br />
<hr /><b>Alignment </b>evil <b>Languages </b>Common, Draconic, Elven, Abyssal, Promordial<br />
<b>Skills </b>arcana + 23, bluff +21<br />
Str 12 (+11) Dex 15 (+12) Wis 13 (+11)<br />
Con 22 (+16) Int 23 (+16) Cha 26 (+18)<br />
<hr /><br />
<b>Equipment</b>: Robes, <a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2010/01/inquisitors-mask.html">Master's Mask of the Shan'n'nur</a>, Wand, Amulet, Dagger</div>Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-56417060343990962472010-06-21T08:46:00.000-07:002010-06-21T08:46:48.736-07:00Altar of TransfixionLevel 5 Warder (500 XP) <br />
<br />
<i>The ziggurat altar ahead has a swirling aura about it, oscillating wildly in scintillating patterns. </i><br />
<br />
<b>Trap</b>: This shrine is linked to the Abyss, and attempts to daze those in its area of of effect while its worshipers strike.<br />
<br />
<b>Perception</b>: No skill check required.<br />
<br />
<b>Additional Skills</b>: Religion <br />
DC 20: Recognizes the altar as a source of active, malevolent evil. <br />
DC 30: Read runes - see Additional Description, below.<br />
<br />
<b>Trigger</b>: Approach within 3 squares.<br />
<br />
<b>Attack</b>: Attack again when others enter. <br />
Free Action Close Burst 3 <br />
Attack: +10 vs. Will<br />
<br />
<b>Hit</b>: Target is dazed (save ends). <br />
Countermeasure: An adjacent character can disable the trap with a DC 24 Thievery check or a DC 24 Religion check (with a holy symbol).<br />
<br />
<b>Additional Description</b>: <br />
Runes run along the steps of the ziggurat spelling out the name “Tharizdun” in Abyssal and the horrors that he inspires.<br />
<br />
<b>Additional Effect</b>: <br />
If Tharizdun’s name is uttered in Abyssal in the aura of the altar, the altar makes a +10 Will attack, dealing 3d10 damage to all affected.Howling Mimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252944357956386480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-9106573504266786272010-06-18T09:12:00.000-07:002010-06-20T16:14:32.259-07:00Red Nails - a Classic Tale of ConanAmong fantasy gamers of my generation, Conan the Barbarian stands as one of the best fantasy movies ever produced, along with Dragonslayer, Legend, Fritz Lang's Sigfried, and a few others. But even John Milius and Dino DeLurentis's masterful screen adaptation of Robert Howard's tales of Conan pales in comparison to the original stories.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/32759/32759-h/images/001.png" width="320" /></div><br />
Now, Project Gutenburg has made available to the public one of the most gripping adventures Conan faced, Red Nails. Originally published in 1936's Wierd Tales magazine.<br />
<br />
Enjoy this thrilling tale of adventure here: <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/32759">http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/32759</a>Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-33978362227375504482010-05-23T13:09:00.000-07:002010-05-23T13:09:24.226-07:00Thug ScurfThe first in a series of humanoid thugs that can be applied to any of the humanoid races. Place these creatures on windy roads between towns or in salty warehouse districts riddled with slippery docks, or even in dungeons as parties who are on their own looting raids.<br />
<br />
<b>Thug Scurf Level 6 Minion</b><br />
Medium natural humanoid XP 63 <br />
<br />
Initiative +4 Senses Perception +3 <br />
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. <br />
AC 18; Fortitude 16, Reflex 14, Will 15 <br />
Speed 6 <br />
<br />
<b>Powers</b><br />
Short sword (standard; at-will) ✦ Weapon <br />
+12 vs. AC; 6 damage. <br />
<br />
<b>Cut to Shreds</b><br />
At-will ✦ Weapon<br />
Immediate Reaction<br />
The thug scurf receives an attack of opportunity whenever their allies make a critical hit. <br />
<br />
Alignment Any Languages Common <br />
Skills Acrobatics +8, Athletics +7, Endurance +5, Perception +8, Streetwise +10<br />
Str 16 (+6) Dex 13 (+4) Wis 12 (+4) <br />
Con 14 (+5) Int 10 (+3) Cha 13 (+4) <br />
<br />
Equipment leather armor, short swordHowling Mimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252944357956386480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-12896276608671566322010-05-12T10:13:00.000-07:002010-07-07T14:01:19.889-07:00Tailslap issue #1 Released!<span id="goog_1752236539"></span><span id="goog_1752236540"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5ruMME0irlF29PotEV8u1G_4ko_NJKCFonqp2WeO7C6eKdSBhRQgOEzpwxSLu6AuyijGFJLMh6-FgnB-vOFZWzZEltkA27inWT0uLbBcPBNjFLSCZpC67zy6iN36Gst-pdToLY0K63WQ/s320/TS1coversmall.jpg" /><span id="goog_1752236534"></span><span id="goog_1752236535"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=81174&src=blog&affiliate_id=169794">Tailslap</a> is a new 4th edition magazine of articles detailing new characters, creatures, magic items, encounters, spells, powers, rituals, plot hooks, adventure seeds, playable classes, races, campaign settings and area descriptions for use in your games. We also like to mix in cool little details and intriguing features that will enrich your game world.<br />
<br />
These features are intended to be ready for you, be you player or gamemaster, to drop into your games as you see fit. In addition, many of these articles will combine to form complete adventures and campaigns that you can play. We work hard to make this material as easy to use as it is fantastic, and we hope that you enjoy using it in your games. To this end Tailslap is formatted in landscape for easy online reading.<br />
<br />
The inaugural issue of <a href="http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=81174&src=blog&affiliate_id=169794">Tailslap </a>contains the following articles:<br />
<ul><li>Vault of the Clay Medusa - a trap-filled encounter by <a href="http://saveversusdeath.wordpress.com/">Save Versus Death's</a> Scott A Murray</li>
<li>Player's Corner - new feats and races for players</li>
<li>Wizard Paths and Powers - two new paragon paths for arcane casters</li>
<li>The Lair of Jurgen the Learned - an encounter where solving puzzles leads to a sage</li>
<li>The Lands of Soralia - geography and history of a region for use in your campaigns</li>
<li>People of Soralia - NPCs with stats, backgrounds and suggestions for use in your games</li>
<li>Leviathans & Other Aquatic Terrors - new aquatic monsters for players to conquer</li>
<li>All That Glitters - powerful magical treasure for your hordes</li>
<li>Mundane Equipment - new equipment for your players to wield against their foes</li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;">So don't delay: <a href="http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=81174&src=blog&affiliate_id=169794">get your copy of Tailslap now!</a></span>Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-81225004544883560752010-05-07T09:43:00.000-07:002010-05-07T09:46:32.539-07:00Gourgh the Beast Man<div class="western" style="page-break-before: always;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gourgh grew up in the <a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/04/beastmen.html">Naahaogo </a>society deep in the hills, in which adolescents are forced to fight to assert their position in the tribe. Every year, on the summer solstice, a competition of strength and physical prowess is held to establish the pecking order. Only the top half are allowed to remain in the tribe, and in the 17th year of his birth, Gourgh was narrowly beaten out for a place as an adult in the tribe by his good friend. Because of his fond feelings for his friend, he was unable to bring himself to exact revenge, which would have allowed him to return to society.</span></div><div class="western"><br />
</div><div class="western">Exiled from his homeland, he wanders the forests and hills in anguish, searching for adventure to make his name for himself, and for peace and a new home.</div><div class="western"><br />
</div><div class="western">Gourgh’s powers are defined by his humility. Considered a failure by his society’s terms, he has embraced the monk’s way of life, channeling his psionic energy into a new way of being. He has taken on a new surname, and now goes by Gourgh Do-Au.<br />
<br />
<div class="western"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gourgh Do-Au ✦ Level 1 Monk</b></span></div><div class="western">Medium natural humanoid ✦ XP 300<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western">Initiative +9 Senses Perception +8 Insight +8</div><div class="western">HP 22; Bloodied 11; Healing Surge 5; Healing Surges: 7</div><div class="western"><b>AC 17; Fortitude 12, Reflex 16, Will 14</b></div><div class="western">Speed 6</div><div class="western">Action Points 1<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Powers</b></span></div><div class="western"><b>Unarmed Strike</b> ✦ At-Will, Standard, Melee 1, Weapon</div><div class="western">+3 vs. AC, 1d8 + 5 damage<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western"><b>Centered Flury of Blows</b> ✦ At-Will, Standard, Melee 1</div><div class="western"><b>Trigger</b>: You hit with an attack during your turn</div><div class="western">Target: One creature</div><div class="western"><b>Effect</b>: The target takes 5 damage, and you slide it 1 square to a square adjacent to you, or 1 square in any direction if the target wasn't targeted by the triggering attack.</div><div class="western"><b>Special</b>: You can use this power only once per round.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western"><b>Dragon's Tail</b> ✦ At-Will, Standard, Melee touch</div><div class="western">+5 vs Fortitude, 1d6+5 damage, and you knock the target prone.</div><div class="western"><b>Movement Technique</b></div><div class="western">Move Action, Melee 1</div><div class="western"><b>Effect</b>: You swap places with the target.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western"><b>Five Storms</b> ✦ At-Will, Standard, Each enemy you can see in close burst 1</div><div class="western">+5 vs. Reflex, 1d8 + 5 damage</div><div class="western"><b>Movement Technique</b></div><div class="western">Move Action, Personal</div><div class="western"><b>Effect</b>: You shift 2 squares.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western"><b>Open the Gate of Battle</b> ✦ Encounter, Standard, Melee Weapon</div><div class="western">+5 vs Reflex, 2d10+5 damage and the target takes 1d10 extra damage if it was at full hit points when you hit it with this attack.</div><div class="western"><b>Movement Technique</b></div><div class="western">Move Action Personal</div><div class="western"><b>Effect</b>: You move your speed + 2. During this movement, you don't provoke opportunity attacks from the first enemy you move away from.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western"><b>Whirling Mantis Step</b> ✦ Daily, Standard, Melee touch</div><div class="western"><b>Effect</b>: You shift your speed. If you enter a square adjacent to any enemy during this shift, you slide that enemy 1 square.</div><div class="western">You can slide each enemy only once during the shift. After the shift, make the following attack.</div><div class="western"><b>Target</b>: One, two, or three creatures</div><div class="western"><b>Attack</b>: +5 vs. Fortitude<br />
</div><div class="western"><b>Hit</b>: 2d10 + +5 damage, and the target is slowed (save ends).</div><div class="western"><b>Miss</b>: Half damage, and the target is slowed until the end of your next turn.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western"><b>Second Wind </b>✦ Encounter, Personal</div><div class="western"><b>Effect</b>: You spend a healing surge and regain 5</div><div class="western">hit points. You gain a +2 bonus to all defenses</div><div class="western">until the start of your next turn.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="western"><b>Alignment</b> Alignment <b>Languages</b> Common, <span style="font-size: small;">Naahaogo</span></div><div class="western"><b>Feats</b> Improved Initiative</div><div class="western"><b>Skills</b> Acrobatics +10, Athletics +5, Endurance +5, Insight +8, Perception +8</div><div class="western">Str 11 (+0) Dex 20 (+5) Wis 16 (+3)</div><div class="western">Con 10 (+0) Int 10 (+0) Cha 8 (-1)</div><div align="LEFT" class="western"><b>Equipment</b>: Wool Clothes, Backpack, 5 days of food</div></div>Howling Mimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252944357956386480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-30707868666773003862010-04-28T08:22:00.000-07:002010-05-07T08:57:57.024-07:00The Ruins of Soguer - the Central RuinsOnce again we return to the adventure The Ruins of Old Soguer, being posted piece-by-piece here on Tailslap. Today's post details some of the notable locations in the central area of the vast ruined city. There, the remains of a great cathedral, the overgrown market square, and a mysterious still-intact tower beckon to brave explorers.<br />
<br />
Previous sections of the adventure can be found here:<br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/10/ruins-of-soguer.html">The Ruins of Soguer - Introduction</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/11/ruins-of-soguer-start-of-adventure-in.html">The Ruins of Soguer - Start of the Adventure in Aguies Town & Castle</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2009/12/ruins-of-soguer-river-journey-to-ruins.html">The Ruins of Soguer - River Journey to the Ruins</a><br />
<a href="http://tailslap.blogspot.com/2010/01/ruins-of-soguer-western-ruins.html">The Ruins of Soguer - The Western Ruins</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div><b>3 - The Broken Cathedral</b> - The following can be seen from the streets of the ruins.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KG8tVHaxL4Cxi08Z1Y4cmL1eZW8yQXr0nY0gAgz8UvZJeK1OnarJ3NN2qLa6ZDzS90AKaGE1gDZB031Pxx5l5Q5zS-D394q7o5d1eOR8PiaqMEZEqDX2JLmjhzHbd7UHJRfuZ1Z0q3IU/s1600/cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KG8tVHaxL4Cxi08Z1Y4cmL1eZW8yQXr0nY0gAgz8UvZJeK1OnarJ3NN2qLa6ZDzS90AKaGE1gDZB031Pxx5l5Q5zS-D394q7o5d1eOR8PiaqMEZEqDX2JLmjhzHbd7UHJRfuZ1Z0q3IU/s320/cathedral.jpg" width="165" /></a></div><br />
<i>An iron fence, twisted and flattened in several places, surrounds the grounds of a large cathedral here. The south face of the cathedral is tumbled down into rubble that chokes the steps leading up to its open doors. The windows of the cathedral still hold a few shards of stained glass. The wind makes a low moaning sounds as it blows through the empty openings. A cemetery occupies he northwestern portion of the grounds, and low stone walls - all that remain of several smaller buildings stand to the west and north of the cathedral. Carvings on the cornerstones of buildings at the intersection indicate that the large road heading east-west is Market Road, and the road leading north is Gods Road.</i><br />
<br />
A search of the grounds and the remains of the rectory and other buildings with a successful DC 10 Perception check reveals old and weathered personal belongings such as combs, bits of wooden dishes, and even some human bones. A successful DC 21 Perception check uncovers a dirt-encrusted golden holy symbol of Pelor worth 150 gold.<br />
<br />
Should the players enter the cathedral they see the following:<br />
<br />
<i>Climbing up the steps over piles of stone blocks and rubble, you enter through the open doorways, through a entryway with two side passages, both filled with rubble, and into the large chapel</i>. <i>Wild birds, disturbed by your entrance, screech in alarm and fly up and out of the chapel. Large stone pillars rise up to support what remains of the ceiling above. Much of the southern part of the roof is missing, revealing the sky above. Before you, wooden pews are smashed beneath more stone rubble. At the far end of the chapel is a raised dais upon which a bare stone altar stands, carved with a relief of a sunburst, an eight-pointed star, and a gauntlet holding a sword. Detritus lies on the ground around the altar, and three large windows stand open to the sky on the far wall.</i><br />
<br />
A DC 10 Religion check allows a character to recognize the carvings on the altar as the holy symbols of Pelor, Kord, and Heironeous. <br />
<br />
If the players investigate the north side of the chapel they see the following:<br />
<br />
<i>The floor of the dais, like the rest of the chapel, is covered with dirt, some leaves, and bits of broken stained glass. There, behind the altar, lies a gruesome sight: the dessicated corpse of a priest in age-browned robes. His face is twisted in a horrible rictus of fear, and his outstretched arm points to the rear face of the altar. Following his dead gesture, you read the single word that is written there in long-dried blood: DOOM.</i><br />
<br />
Searching the rest of the cathedral reveals side passages which lead to a staircase leading down. Beneath are long-ago-ransacked offices and catacombs with cardinal's and bishop's sepulchers there, opened up and looted. <br />
<br />
<b>Treasure </b>- A search of the side chambers and offices can yield the following treasure with the corresponding Perception skill checks; DC 10: 5 gold worth of Sanctified Incense, DC 16: 50 gold worth of Sanctified Incense, DC 21: 100 gold worth of Sanctified Incense and 100 gold worth of Residuum.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div></div><div><b>4 - Overgrown Market Square</b> - Traveling east down Market Road leads to the overgrown remains of the market square.<br />
<br />
<i>A grove of trees hundreds of feet across fills this large open area between the ruins. The roots of the trees have pushed aside the cobblestones and their branches spread out above the walls of the empty buildings surrounding the grove. Walking through the woods briefly, you come upon the remains of a large fountain in the center. The large round stone basin contains some muddy dirt and chunks of stone, and in the center, upon a pedestal a set of stone legs stand broken off at the knees.</i><br />
<br />
A DC 16 History check brings to mind the tale of the statue of the King of Soguer that once stood in the vast market square of this city. During the height of Soguer's power goods from all corners of the known world were traded here. Over them stood a statue of the Lidwen Staledo, King of Soguer 70 years ago, carved holding aloft the scales of justice and a sword. A DC 21 History check reminds the observer that the statue was depicted wielding the royal family's sword The Judge's Tongue, the family's symbol of the supremacy of law.</div><br />
<br />
<div><b>5 - The Mage's Guild Tower</b>, A reclusive old mage named Alidol lives within this tower, trapped by a curse.</div><br />
<i>Standing here among the ruins of the city is a tall square tower with smooth, windowless, slightly tapered sides. The once-fine facade is cracked and crumbling and vines crawl up the walls. A single wide doorway stands open, the door long gone. </i><br />
<br />
Details of what can be found within the tower coming in the next installment of The Ruins of Old Soguer....<i> </i>Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-17999606936385949962010-03-22T14:35:00.000-07:002010-03-29T09:48:12.824-07:00Adventure Backdrop: Deep RoadsI've been playing a lot of the computer game <i>Dragon Age: Origins</i> recently and I've really enjoyed the great writing of the game: they really put together a deep and interesting history for the game's setting. One of the elements of this history keeps inspiring me with adventure ideas and encounters every time I think about it: The Deep Roads.<br />
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In the game's history the dwarven people once had a vast underground empire. The cities of this empire were connected by a massive series of tunnels that the dwarves had dug and that spanned hundreds of miles underground.<br />
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This idea, a series of underground highways, just keeps inspiring me as a DM. What heroic adventures must have been undertaken as those roads were first carved? What difficulties must have faced those undertaking the creation of such an ambitious work? What troubles and opportunities did the Deep Roads create during the heyday of the dwarven empire? And after the empire's fall, when the deep roads were lost to them, taken over by horrors from below, what opportunities for adventure do they present? Who could resist the lure of the lost treasures of a dwarven empire? What needful items might be lost down their dark and crumbling avenues?<br />
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In the coming days I will be posting some encounters, creatures, and adventure seeds that take place against this inspiring backdrop. For today, I refer you to one of the creatures that slithers along the dark passages of the underdark: the Crawling Drake.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crawling Drake</span><br />
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This creature's common name is something of a misnomer, as this dragon-like creature has no legs, just a scaly, sinuous, serpentine body and a pair of muscular wings. Able to rise and strike by propping itself up with its wings, these drakes deliver vicious wounds with their snapping jaws.<br />
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The origin of their species is speculated to be a mixture of dark things of the underlands, such as a corruption of fang dragon touched by creatures from the outer realms of cruelty and madness. Able to speak a few words of broken draconic and undercommon, crawling drakes are not especially intelligent, but they are tremendously fearsome, nasty and cruel.<br />
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Crawling drakes are crafty combatants and adept stalkers, and so will ambush their prey when possible. Once they pick a target, they will attempt to crush them in their coils while delivering bite after bite. If possible they will attack the weakest-looking member of a group first.<br />
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Presented below is the wyrmling version of this monstrosity, as it is encountered while still young and relatively small.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wyrmling Crawling Drake Level 5 Elite Lurker</span><br />
<b>Medium Aberrant Magical Beast (Reptile)- XP 400</b><br />
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<b>Initiative </b>+11 <b>Senses </b>Perception +9<br />
<b>HP </b>96; Bloodied 48<br />
<b>AC 19 Fortitude 17, Reflex 18, Will 16</b><br />
Vulnerable 5 poison <br />
Saving Throws +2<br />
Speed 4, fly 8<br />
Action Points 1<br />
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<b>Powers</b><br />
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<b>Venomus Bite</b> - At-Will, Standard Action, Poison<br />
+10 vs AC, 1d10 + 4 damage, the target is grabbed, and make a secondary attack: <br />
Secondary Attack - Venom<br />
+8 vs Fortitude, 1d6 + 4 posion damage and ongoing 5 poison damage (Save Ends).<br />
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<b>Crushing Coils</b> - At-Will, Minor Action<br />
Target must be grabbed<br />
+8 vs Fortitude, 3d8 + 4 damage and the target is weakened until the end of its next turn.<br />
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<b>Hypnotic Coils</b> - Immediate Interrupt when Attacked, One target within close blast 5, Recharge 4-6<br />
<i>As you prepare to strike the loathsome beast, its moving coils cause a sudden disorienting vertigo.</i><br />
+6 vs Will, the target is dazed (save ends) and takes -4 on the triggering attack's to-hit roll.<br />
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<b>Alignment </b>Evil - <b>Languages </b>some Undercommon, Draconic<br />
<b>Skills </b>Perception +9, Stealth +12<br />
Str 18 (+6) Dex 21 (+7) Wis 15 (+4)<br />
Con 12 (+3) Int 9 (+1) Cha 9 (+1)<br />
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A character knows the following about crawling drakes with the following Dungeoneering skill checks:<br />
DC 15: These large aberrant reptiles, called Crawling Drakes by the dwarves, are dangerous hunters of the caverns below the surface.<br />
DC 20: Crawling Drakes use a venomous bite and their crushing coils to kill their prey, and have strangely hypnotic power over men's minds.<br />
DC 25: Ironically, though venomous, Crawling Drakes are themselves particularly susceptible to poison.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-64713616013903419602010-03-18T11:16:00.000-07:002010-03-18T11:16:31.808-07:00Phylactery of Faithfulness<i>This small container holds pieces of parchment bearing holy tracts. Worn tied to the head with leather straps it serves as a constant reminder of your god's commandments.</i><br />
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Level 8 <br />
3,400 gold<br />
Head Slot Item<br />
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<b>Effect</b>: while worn this item gives a +2 sacred bonus to your Will defense against attacks with the Charm keyword.<br />
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<b>Power (At-Will, Standard Action):</b> by praying to your god for guidance, you learn weather a stated course of action will violate your god's code of conduct or offend your god's principals.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-5541761567872945762010-03-15T11:56:00.000-07:002010-06-25T10:39:00.518-07:00Altar of TransfixionAltar of Transfixion<br />
Level 5 Warder (500 XP) <br />
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<i>The ziggurat altar ahead has a swirling aura about it, oscillating wildly in scintillating patterns. </i><br />
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Trap: This shrine is linked to the Abyss, and attempts to daze those in its area of of effect while its allies strike. <br />
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Perception: No skill check required. <br />
Additional Skills: Religion <br />
DC 20: PC recognizes the altar. <br />
DC 30: PC can read the runes on the altar.<br />
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Trigger: An enemy approaches within 3 squares.<br />
Free Action, One enemy within Close Burst 3 Attack: +10 vs. Will <br />
Hit: Target is pulled 1 square and dazed (save ends) <br />
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Countermeasure: An adjacent character can disable the trap with a DC 24 Thievery check or a DC 24 Religion check (with a holy symbol). <br />
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Additional Description: Runes run along the steps of the ziggurat spelling out the name "Tharizdun" in Abyssal and the horrors that he inspires. <br />
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Additional Effect: If Tharizdun's name is uttered in Abyssal in the aura of the altar, the altar makes an attack at +10 vs. Will against all enemies within close burst 3, dealing 3d10 damage to all affected.Howling Mimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06252944357956386480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-63300065463548867322010-03-03T16:34:00.000-08:002010-03-03T16:35:22.173-08:00Mirror & Door PuzzleEveryone loves puzzles thrown into their games every now and then. They provide an opportunity to stretch the player's brain-muscles in a different way, and can really draw the players into the adventure by giving them a compelling reason to explore their surroundings carefully. This area is a locked and warded room with a puzzle-locked door and a couple of trapped items. <i> </i><br />
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<i>Comfortable furniture adorns this room - a chair and small table with a lit oil lamp, </i><i>and a closed wooden chest. On the walls hang several</i><i> paintings of priests ministering to the needy, and a small framed mirror hangs on the west wall. Other than the door you entered by two closed doors lead out - one north and one east. </i><br />
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Upon the false door to the north and the empty chest are magical petrification traps (Hard DC Thievery or Arcana check to spot, DC hard + 5 Thievery to disarm) for intruders that trigger when opened - blackness pours out and attacks at +(Level -2) vs Fortitude, on a hit the target is slowed (save ends), on first failed save target is immobilized (save ends), on second failed save target is petrified.<br />
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This door is arcane locked (DC Level + 26 Thievery or strength to open) with an inscription: "I am deaf, dumb and blind, but I always tell the truth" Reading the inscription phonetically backwards opens the door.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-63611930870382520022010-02-26T09:35:00.001-08:002010-02-26T12:45:37.571-08:00New Figures: Reaper, Dwarven Forge, and othersHere's pictures of a couple of figures I painted last night.<br />
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The armored lady is <a href="http://www.reapermini.com/OnlineStore/flaming%20sword/sku-down/03149#detail/03149_G">Reaper's undead hunter</a>, a figure I got because I loved the pose - very dynamic - and the flames on the sword so much. I feel like I did a good job, but of course my camera doesn't capture it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkITcJSULqhHA2fdEtS_BHtGfj7fIFO4Pue_oqBHZYxZ1R8M0n4-_2ym9nQEwTTjWkr1NRdHjfavl351PB03URRV3qyBF6llvc0sugJ70wHOhZGNL6K2igQKpA4tGtPHRbilaVPWK5B5hF/s1600-h/undead+huntress+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkITcJSULqhHA2fdEtS_BHtGfj7fIFO4Pue_oqBHZYxZ1R8M0n4-_2ym9nQEwTTjWkr1NRdHjfavl351PB03URRV3qyBF6llvc0sugJ70wHOhZGNL6K2igQKpA4tGtPHRbilaVPWK5B5hF/s320/undead+huntress+front.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw0Mmrfs44XSvKrAcnhpsld2vGSjM4lglfo7dtyjwTfyqKJ8phOzHn5xDlRjfRNTZ1PWs4-dAg3s7nQVeYKXw3K3J5dE-GQVI-14QcPBcPqn1Fmz7JNyVxGRqPOmnvBywoZBw9rsuikNk/s1600-h/vampire+huntress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw0Mmrfs44XSvKrAcnhpsld2vGSjM4lglfo7dtyjwTfyqKJ8phOzHn5xDlRjfRNTZ1PWs4-dAg3s7nQVeYKXw3K3J5dE-GQVI-14QcPBcPqn1Fmz7JNyVxGRqPOmnvBywoZBw9rsuikNk/s320/vampire+huntress.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And here's one of her backside, since we all love a lady's backside. Seriously though, I like this figure because she's in full armor instead of a chainmail bikini. Another part of me is happy that they left a generous amount of cleavage showing through a low neckline on the breastplate. I'm complicated like that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaCF6hMHrqDlMSp3qXrHZMRB8ibV7tb_6nRbW5osvGSVjtD00zH_9GL8G9gXK-FdGboFJbScEGLJ77dan3M8kj7sm4vcO6NBW5AiBH1AsJt0p_NaVCNZitqsAjZZ0hClFRql1W5SEVLxZ/s1600-h/undead+huntress+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaCF6hMHrqDlMSp3qXrHZMRB8ibV7tb_6nRbW5osvGSVjtD00zH_9GL8G9gXK-FdGboFJbScEGLJ77dan3M8kj7sm4vcO6NBW5AiBH1AsJt0p_NaVCNZitqsAjZZ0hClFRql1W5SEVLxZ/s320/undead+huntress+back.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The spider is another Reaper figure, and the paintjob on it was pretty perfunctory. Sometimes it's nice to not care too much how a figure turns out. I just need painted spiders to throw at the players every so often. Now my monster collection is that much closer to being complete!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgem8dyFJnGbQlzgnGutGoFqQwh7sFDvOpqCJm9Bxjd8AAghrannkV6lm0THrw_hQGrxtcSANXCyxM7zENdgrug5vuFTJat-GkSLA9bTvTk9U17PdVzuLqQDIUHfY_a5bbSw4FmRhKXTKH7/s1600-h/spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgem8dyFJnGbQlzgnGutGoFqQwh7sFDvOpqCJm9Bxjd8AAghrannkV6lm0THrw_hQGrxtcSANXCyxM7zENdgrug5vuFTJat-GkSLA9bTvTk9U17PdVzuLqQDIUHfY_a5bbSw4FmRhKXTKH7/s320/spider.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The third guy is some type of space-centurion one of my friends gave me. Not sure who made him. I'm having fun painting him blue-green and purple with white details. He just has his base coat and a blackwash on him at this point.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaz8xR-qjT1tztfurBVciz3_A4NRsPngxqeTvXJJdVdhEl-DebAzhjYGTusSerOD36D86BWFmzSL2fMRwyL_82_w8D8GGeZcSgLksBLOuNe4ZBG7pS6mFm0F__UdTth3toPoQkZDWHtQt/s1600-h/space+centurian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaz8xR-qjT1tztfurBVciz3_A4NRsPngxqeTvXJJdVdhEl-DebAzhjYGTusSerOD36D86BWFmzSL2fMRwyL_82_w8D8GGeZcSgLksBLOuNe4ZBG7pS6mFm0F__UdTth3toPoQkZDWHtQt/s320/space+centurian.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I also received a box from Dwarven Forge last night, and we used the dungeon furniture I got in the game. I was suprised at how quickly the figures arrived. I also got a whole mess of pre-painted skeletons for half price. Not bad! I really like how the archers have real string for their bowstrings. It gives them a nice texture that you don't usually see in archer minis, and of course they came pre-painted which I appreciate in large mobs like this. Also, they are cast from a nice hard plastic and so aren't deformed or bent like Reaper's pre-painted plastic figures or Wizard's D&D minis. I'm sure it means they will break instead :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Click thumbnail for larger image.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC2468uBT2zhp2LrOtBNm7JIzZ6TS-fXkiG8Mjejc-Qe_3XuLfmeutXbMAByWpHPR5fztsweG_YVLJzjep7Fqo1dhk_XJZxKXCCRJ7NrQg0peUIqIy0dE6MrdVGjf48dH89Bmk4Eeguyh/s1600-h/dwarven+forge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC2468uBT2zhp2LrOtBNm7JIzZ6TS-fXkiG8Mjejc-Qe_3XuLfmeutXbMAByWpHPR5fztsweG_YVLJzjep7Fqo1dhk_XJZxKXCCRJ7NrQg0peUIqIy0dE6MrdVGjf48dH89Bmk4Eeguyh/s320/dwarven+forge.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You can see our party enjoying a meal at a table in the background - all the furniture and food are from Dwarven Froge's dungeon & tavern furniture sets.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242159830122398643.post-51433907754765736202010-02-24T02:39:00.000-08:002010-02-25T09:40:49.958-08:00Gremlins!Of all the unseliee fey none are better known for causing annoying mischeif then gremlins. Cruel pranksters of the first order, gremlins love to untie knots, steal linchpins, pull stoppers out of drains, or anything else that will cause consternation in their victims. So sneaky are gremlins that their victims usually never see them, only hearing cruel, sniggering laughter as the gremlin's pranks come to fruition.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku-boAr6qEpITXJVqjWJvHejMfrtNHND71r1YsDR2rFzl0_ZzfWqhHl773q_HhpwVfhamDRsZa0y3cua_bWQTW5b_qKNYfuM_bp9olXKrU3j9PCr_YMr8gCDZBqmWFTvJySuVgEbtuIUy/s1600-h/gremlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku-boAr6qEpITXJVqjWJvHejMfrtNHND71r1YsDR2rFzl0_ZzfWqhHl773q_HhpwVfhamDRsZa0y3cua_bWQTW5b_qKNYfuM_bp9olXKrU3j9PCr_YMr8gCDZBqmWFTvJySuVgEbtuIUy/s320/gremlin.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Gremlins make their homes in caves and caverns, and are found in large numbers in the feywild's underdark. They live by theft, and usually take food from a target. If retaliated against they will make a career out of harassing someone with dangerous pranks and sabotage.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gremlins - Level 2 Lurker</b></span><br />
small fey humanoid - XP125<br />
Initiative +6 Senses darkvision, Perception +3<br />
<b>HP </b>25 <b>Bloodied </b>12<br />
<b>AC 15 Fortitude 12 Reflex 16 Will 13</b><br />
Speed 6<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Powers</b></span><br />
<b>Dagger </b>(At-Will, Standard, melee 1)<br />
+6 vs AC, 1d4-1 damage.<br />
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<b>Steal </b>(At-Will, Standard, only usable while invisible)<br />
<i>Younk!</i> <br />
+6 vs Reflex (note: Gremlin will usually have combat advantage while making this attack)<br />
Hit: the gremlin has stolen a small piece of non-held equipment, such as a purse or a loaf of bread, from the target without being noticed. If the target is aware of the Gremlin's presence they take a -10 on this check.<br />
Special: if the gremlin misses by 5 or more the target notices the attempted theft.<br />
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<b>Sneak </b>(At-Will, Standard)<br />
<i>As stealthy as a kitten in mittens, the gremlins tiptoe towards their victims.</i> <br />
The gremlin becomes invisible until the end of its next turn.<br />
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<b>Disappear </b>(At-Will, Immediate Interrupt, when attacked)<br />
<i>You raise your weapon to strike the horrid little thing, only to find it is no longer there!</i><br />
The gremlin becomes invisible until the beginning of its next turn and teleports 2.<br />
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<b>Alignment </b>Evil - <b>Languages </b>Elven, Common<br />
<b>Skills </b>Acrobatics +11 Stealth +11 Theivery +11<br />
Str 8 Dex 20 Wis 14<br />
Con 13 Int 12 Cha 6<br />
Equipment leather clothes, dagger<br />
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<b>Tactics</b><br />
Gremlins who come upon adventurers will often sneak up on them and steal all of their food, though they may instead take an object that the heroes consider especially important or valuable, such as a quest item. Usually this happens during several surprise rounds, since the gremlins are so stealthy. This can then lead to a rollicking chase, perhaps culminating in a challenge of riddles or some other such frustrating confrontation.<br />
Gremlins will never simply attack someone. They would rather set a trap or, better still, sabotage their victim's equipment and watch them die as a result. Climbing kits and ropes are favorite targets for this treatment.<br />
As cowardly as they are cruel, gremlins will never stand and fight. If somehow cornered or caught they will bite and scratch desperately to try to escape, and may plead for their lives if unable to do so.<br />
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<b>Gremlin Lore</b><br />
The following can be recalled with a successful Arcana check of the following DCs:<br />
DC 15 - That horrid little madly grinning goblin is a Gremlin, awful pranksters from the faerie lands.<br />
DC 20 - Gremlins like to steal and sabotage things, and can disappear at will.Adam A Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075389057479805020noreply@blogger.com1