Colin McComb’s Now, the Twist takes a long, hard look at game design. [previously] __ So we’ve discussed the importance of editors already and why it’s important to make their lives easy. Here’s one great way to do that: make a clean turnover. It’s much easier to say this than to do this. It’s extra […]
Now, the Twist: How to Make a Good Turnover Read More »
Organizations provide a great way to add verisimilitude and dynamism to a campaign world. Each installment in this series presents a new organization, complete with shared attack and utility powers—akin to monster themes—which lend a unique, memorable feel to the organization’s members. Since each organization comes with several variants, you should find one which matches
Memorable Factions: The Scond Read More »
A metallic, barrel-shaped, quadrupedal contraption systematically makes it way along the underground passageway. It pauses suddenly as the mechanical “head” on top spins around, pointing a glowing red gemstone and an odd-looking nozzle in your direction. Sewer sweeps were created ages ago to keep sewers and underground chambers clean of vermin, slime, mold, fungi, and
Week 1 of the Midgard campaign setting is now complete, and it has been full of surprises! One non-surprise is that the Pathfinder RPG is the most popular set of rules patrons want for the setting. The bigger surprise of the week is that the Dragon Age RPG is the second most-popular. The shocker is
Midgard Progress, Week 1 Read More »
Master Pett’s Your Whispering Homunculus presents only the finest in British gaming. Indeed, you are not likely to find a more comprehensive assortment of miscellany anywhere. (So much more than just another bloke in a dress.) [previously] __ “Listen to the rain pounding on the rooftops, the waters pouring down swollen guttering and over broken brickwork
Your Whispering Homunculus: For One Night Only—Heavy Rain and Wind in Urban Environs Read More »
Manipulating time has long been a staple of fantasy worlds and—with a little planning—can add new dimensions to your games and your players’ characters. It can open up new and wondrous locations and leave your players wondering, “When will we wind up next?” Killing Time One way to make your players more aware of time
Templates give you an easy way to update a creature from a normal version to an elite version. Each template is assigned one or more roles, and—although it isn’t necessary—a creature is best served by using a template that matches its original role. See the 4E Dungeon Master’s Guide for more on templates. Achillean (Elite
Mythic Templates (Part 1 of 3) Read More »
The Laughing Dolphin is a popular inn not far from the harbor, and the innkeeper, Kolven, is a former sailor who said goodbye to the waves at the behest of his wife. Kolven recently acquired a rusted anchor for decoration, but he is unaware this particular anchor is haunted. It carries the souls of the
Harrowing Haunts: Soul-Weighted Anchor Read More »
The latest and greatest issue of Kobold Quarterly is now available! And frankly, after the big holiday extravaganza, it’s nice to kick back with a magazine full of cool ideas for a new year’s worth of gaming. And by “holiday extravaganza”, we do mean the big Seahawks win over the Saints… It’s a sexy issue,
Kobold Quarterly #16 Now Available Read More »
Poised on all fours, ready to strike, this gangly beast of matted fur and bony protrusions is barely as large as an ocelot. Nevertheless, the sheer savagery in its four slit-like eyes hints that it is more dangerous than its size suggests. Few predators are as feared as the notorious gut tiger. Rather then shred
For almost five years now, I’ve shared bits and pieces of my home campaign with you in articles and adventures. And because Open Design is, well, open, “sharing” meant more than merely “publishing.” Those who became patrons of the design projects set in the world I eventually came to call Midgard brought their astounding creativity
Midgard: Build A New World Read More »
Tonaxian’s small group headed deeper into the caverns. He knew their query was close by the smell. The foul odor grew stronger as they crept quietly forward. From the front, a muffled curse burst forth from Kurlak, and the room bloomed with light to reveal Kurlak’s left leg buried knee deep in a pile of
Been There, Dung That… Read More »
[previously] The shipment is supposed to be food for the prince’s wedding. The route is supposed to be one of the safest traveled by the merchant caravans. The wagons, well defended as they are, are thought to be at little risk. Yet you have been summoned to investigate rumors of a planned ambush. “Stop that
Use Skill Challenges to Start Combat (Part 2 of 3) Read More »
Welcome to Colin McComb’s Now, the Twist. A dangerous journey, forcing him to take a long, hard look at game design. Join him, won’t you… in his ongoing struggle to pass Go. [previously] __ Last column, I wrote about the essential similarities of games across the spectrum, positing that—at a fundamental level—they share qualities that are
Now, the Twist: … and Tear Us Apart Read More »
(Illustration by Josef Sparrow) The print edition of Courts of the Shadow Fey for 4E recently shipped to patrons. Since roachlings and their demon patron Lord Akyishigal feature prominently in the adventure, new options—8 feats and a paragon path—are presented today for your roachling PC. Arthropod [Roachling, Heroic Tier] Benefit: You have grown two smaller, weaker arms
Roachling Feats and Paragon Path Read More »
(Illustration by Blanca Martinez de Rituerto) The print edition of Courts of the Shadow Fey for 4E recently shipped to patrons. Since roachlings and their demon patron Lord Akyishigal feature prominently in the adventure, roachlings—those oft-misunderstood monsters—are presented today as a playable race. __ Loathed, often unnoticed, and underestimated, roachlings scuttle in city alleys, subterranean systems, and
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