Trapsmiths try very hard to impede, disable, and destroy intruders, but sometimes, trapsmiths wish that tomb robbers would just destroy themselves. The undead druid known as the “Thing at the Soul of the Mire” (see Kobold Quarterly #3) was one of the first to develop the painful lure trap: a trap where intruders cause their […]
Trapsmith: Biological Warfare Read More »
I’m happy to announce that Tales of the Old Margreve has reached the commissioning goal and is moving into design! The project has strong direction from the supremely talented design duo of Tim and Eileen Connors—and the raw horsepower of a hundred sharp and crafty GMs and designers, including RPG Superstar semi-finalist Jim Groves and
Green Light:
Tales of the Margreve Commissioned Read More »
Tim Connors and the patrons have already brainstormed more than 50 forest monsters for Tales of the Old Margreve, and they are winnowing the list to the best dozen or so for use in the adventures. Just as a sample of how these are not exactly typical forest denizens, here’s the smallest of the monsters,
Monday Monster: Suturefly Read More »
The first (of 5!) playtests is complete. Here’s what designer Tim Connors had to say (without spoilers!) on changes to the design introduced as a result of playtest feedback. Added event-triggered flashbacks designed to encourage camaraderie between the otherwise opposed Viking and monk investigators. Based pregens on Cthulhu Dark Ages to tweak/balance things like armor/weapons
The Red Eye of Azathoth: a Public Report Read More »
A manifestation of twisted freedom and self-devouring depravity taken to their most horrific ends, the Abyss contains virtually uncountable numbers of fiends, perhaps bordering upon the infinite. But while its labyrinthine depths swim, choked by its fecund natives, its resident demons are not the only creatures hungering for blood and slaughter for their own sake.
Wayward Children of the Abyss (Part 1 of 5) Read More »
Continuing from last week’s lesser curse with more than 40 new minor curses: Loses all sense of hygiene Loses all sense of modesty Large warts (-1 charisma) Acquires a rare, but harmless, skin disease (-1 charisma) Drools constantly Stutters constantly Enlarged body part (e.g. ears, nose, chin, feet, hands) Becomes a pathological liar (will always
The Magic Circle: Lesser Curse (Part 2) Read More »
The Tales of the Old Margreve continues to gather patrons very quickly, and the brainstorms are gathering both amazing spells and monsters—plus a certain amount of silly fun. Frankly, there are so many rich forest myths and legends here that we can afford to choose just the very best, and develop them for both playability
Commission Status: Tales of the Old Margreve Read More »
Some trapsmiths believe in the tried and true “bigger is better” in trap design. However, some of the more offbeat trapsmiths prefer complexity in their designs. Many of these traps comprise multiple smaller traps, and the CR of each is determined separately. Stages should be treated as separate traps (e.g. requiring separate Perception checks). If
Bait & Switch: Well, I Didn’t See That Coming Read More »
In a clearing dominated by an enormous tree, a pair of large monkeys sat lazily on a branch until they noticed three men entering the clearing. They shrieked, and the men, seasoned warriors all, ignored the warning and approached the tree. The monkeys dropped to the ground and ran towards these new foes, who drew
Monday Monster: Flicker Monkey Read More »
Once upon an average day in a bleak and all-to consistent village, there was a young girl helping her mother with chores. “Because Pappy and the boys are out slaying those darn rats in the field for Mr. Hibbins, Mrs. Hibbins is rewarding us with some freshly churned butter. Sally, I need you to go
Did You Know… Oozes Hate Butter? Read More »
With a fling of spittle and a forbidden gesture of the hand, the victim receives a subtle and annoying minor curse. Effects vary and are not terribly debilitating, but the effect on the superstitious and those in the public eye can be devastating. Everyone’s heard of “the gypsy curse” or the “evil eye.” Country folk
The Magic Circle: Lesser Curse (Part 1) Read More »
Some projects need time to grow slowly and flower into a display over months or years. Tales of the Old Margreve is not one of them; it has rocketed along toward a full commission status faster than any other project to date. While the project is not yet at a green light status, it is
Commission Status: Tales of the Old Margreve Read More »
The best kind of trap is a trap that can hide in plain sight, perhaps even be on display: Upon a blackwood table stands a glass cylinder with something inside. Two everburning torches set behind the cylinder cause the object contained in the cylinder to cast a long shadow across the room. The shadow twists
Trapsmith: Trapped Curio Read More »
Bred to exterminate all sentient life in the natural world, nihilimentii were created as living weapons in the ancient cosmic war between the gods and the primordials. The psychic vibrations of intelligent creatures cause nihilimentii physical discomfort, driving them to a solitary existence. In fact, other creatures’ perceptions of the nihilimentii create painful psychic feedback
Monday Monsters: Nihilimentis Read More »
Entangled is a condition that represents a creature dealing with something stuck or entwined around its limbs (if it has any) and body. An entangled creature takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls and a -4 penalty on Dexterity, can move at only half speed, and cannot charge or run. Sometimes, an entangled creature cannot
Ask the Kobold: Dealing with Entanglements Read More »
As the Open Design experiment has expanded and won critical and publishing success, a few people have clearly shown just how great collaborative adventure design can be. Tim and Eileen Connors are right at the top of the list, and I’m happy to announce that Open Design is commissioning a project that they will lead:
Tales of the Old Margreve Read More »
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