The Danish axe—also called the Dane axe and the great axe—is one of the better-known Norse weapons. Although perhaps not as uniquely Norse as the bearded axe, most military history buffs and many fantasy fans can identify it accurately. The forging techniques and basic construction are very similar to the bearded axe, but both the […]
Real Steel: The Danish Axe Read More »
Encounter Codex presents encounters that can be quickly slotted into any adventure. They are system neutral and easily adapted to any edition (and other games for that matter) with little effort—just add stats from your favorite monster manual. [previous encounter] ___ A radiant yellow orb—like a miniature sun—gleams from beneath a veil of crushed rubies.
Encounter Codex: The Eye of Ihmrahotep Read More »
No desert dweller travels near the dunes of despair. Death itself stalks those dunes and you would be wise to follow in the caravan’s tracks. The dunes of despair is a desert region riddled with quicksand. Over time, the quicksand has claimed the lives of many travelers, animals, and monsters. Their desperation fuels the haunt
Harrowing Haunts: Dunes of Despair Read More »
The All Hallows Eve edition of the Kobold Courier was sent out yesterday (and most of them made it through the ghosts and goblins!). As always, the Courier is packed with news: the word on upcoming projects, evil gnomes, Skip Williams’ take on initiative, a big discount on some exclusive MapTools-compatible maps, a Zombie Sky
Kobold Courier #10 Has Shipped Read More »
Calvert Thome—a successful rancher until his prize cows began to mysteriously disappear—approached the field where his herd grazed. While he braced himself for more bad news, he did not expect the sight that greeted him. Next to the mutilated carcass of another cow, the smallest of his cows was digging a grave, using claws rather
Trick or treat? As a kobold treat, here’s a specially creepy monster for the holiday (that fits right in with the new Dark Deeds in Freeport patron project). Happy Halloween from all the kobolds! ___ Moored by gulfweed, the derelict ship creaked with each tide that passed under the entangling sargasso. Light streamed in from
Welcome to Greg “Manly Man” Vaughan’s One Too Many (Voices in My Head). His last, best chance to exercise those pesky demons. In his column, you’ll find… I really have no idea, but he gave me $20, so… all yours Greg! [previously] ___ Though I am an Okie through and through, I spent a portion
One Too Many (Voices in My Head): Men’s Mountain Adventure Read More »
Sometimes, editors change their minds for silly reasons. This time, it was for a good reason — we got lucky with a new cover, and it’s a looker. Those of you who examine the “Coming Next Issue” art might hve noticed that Kobold Quarterly #15 doesn’t sport the art found in issue #14. But the
Kobold Quarterly #15 Is Beautiful Read More »
Q: Is it possible to “take 10” or “take 20” on an initiative check? You can “take 10” on a check only when you are not threatened or distracted. Combat, even impending combat, is both threatening and distracting. So, in general, you cannot “take 10” on an initiative check. I can think of one possible
Ask the Kobold: Taking the Initiative Read More »
Welcome to Colin McComb’s Now, the Twist. A dangerous journey that will force him to take a long, hard look at game design. Join him, won’t you… in his ongoing struggle to pass Go. [previously] ___ Banned Book Week recently passed, and it got me thinking. I picked up gaming way, way back when I was
Now, the Twist: The Price of Freedom Read More »
One of the most daring new classes from the Pathfinder Advanced Player’s Guide, the summoner lets your imagination run wild creating your own monster—from flight of fancy to darkest nightmare. Is your eidolon a two-headed black serpent that breathes fire? Or a giant flying albino ferret that swallows its victims whole? Anything’s possible with this
Advanced Feats: The Summoner’s Circle Now Available! Read More »
Trap themes are templates that can be applied to existing traps to give them a distinct and shared flavor. Each theme introduces new powers—adding one does not affect a trap’s XP value, but upgrade a trap to an elite or solo if you apply two or more themes. [part 1][part 2][part 3] ___ Few places
Trap Themes (Part 4 of 5): Daemonic Implements Read More »
Haul anchor, patrons—we’re setting sail for Green Ronin’s Freeport! You heard aright, ye scurvy dogs: two of the most infamous outlaws to sail the seas of the RPG world have signed articles and are setting out on a joint venture of danger and glory! Open Design is launching a new adventure design project for Green
Dark Deeds in Freeport Launches Today! Read More »
Oblivion’s Eye hovers before you—throbbing, unblinking. The massive, unwholesome eyeball — 5 ft. in diameter — is marked by a violet iris, mixed with orange patterns like radiating flames. Called forth by terrible cults on moonless nights, Oblivion’s Eye is regarded as the herald of annihilation. Precious and unique items are brought before it to
The gruesome, the ghastly, the horrific, the sick. How often have we come across monsters, traps, or adventure scenes and wondered just how morbidly dreadful they are? Sure, I’m both drawn and repelled by it, but how much? Is it more grisly than the last book I read? Less so than the last guest I
The katana is a bigger-than-life weapon with a long and colorful history. It is surrounded by so much legend and mystery that it is sometimes difficult to get to the truth. In the previous article we discussed tamahagane, the steel from which traditional katana are made, and before that we talked in some detail about
Real Steel: The Katana Read More »
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