A pair of pony-sized frogs leap headfirst into massive trees, which splinter and fall after being struck by the creatures’ bony heads. Seeing a lone orc, the two frogs croak at each other and turn their attention to it. They maneuver into position on opposite sides of the orc, then propel themselves at the hapless […]
She stands on her chair, arms raised to the gods, and announces, “I am going to use my action point!” An hour ago, she had never heard of an action point. Three encounters ago, she was a fair-haired 6-year-old with a shoebox full of polyhedral dice and a carrion crawler mini named Lenny. Now, she
Kids & Kobolds: Encounters with Rukus the Half-Orc Fighter Read More »
In physics, an interesting way to work out a problem is something called a thought experiment. This allows physicists to build what is essentially an imaginary environment and create conditions that would be very difficult to create in the real world. What I am proposing to you here is that we craft a thought experiment
Real Steel: Rumble! What Are You Bringing To The Party? Read More »
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. [previously] __
Mythic Templates (Part 2 of 3) Read More »
Wizards, sorcerers, and witches can all have familiars. While familiars continue to grow more powerful along with their masters, some arcane casters want something more. Perhaps constant exposure to their magic has shaped or warped the familiars. Perhaps they have decided to replace the familiar with a more resilient form. Or perhaps the caster seeks
Un-Familiar Companions (Part 1 of 2) Read More »
Get ready to channel your inner Dr. Frankenstein as we launch March Monster Madness! During the month of March, we at the Dragon Age Oracle are running an AGE System Monster Design Challenge in partnership with Open Design/Kobold Quarterly. Check out the following threads on the Kobold forums: Best Midgard Monster: Any creature originally published by
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] __ “Flotsam, jetsam. Do you know their true names, underslug?” “You, lord and master are the brains.” “Indeed I
Your Whispering Homunculus: 100 Pointless Objects Read More »
The Midgard campaign setting continues to develop setting, characters, and adventure hooks galore, but the patrons and designers are also venturing into Pathfinder RPG rules material. Here’s one result of that work. The Order of the Septime Lancers The constant warfare and border skirmishes of the Seven Cities spawn many mercenary companies and warrior orders.
Midgard: Order of the Septime Lancers Read More »
Encounter Codex presents encounters you can quickly slot into any adventure. They are system neutral and easily adapted to any edition (and other game systems for that matter) with little effort—just add stats from your favorite monster manual. [previous encounter] __ Features of the Chamber • This cramped chamber has a domed ceiling nearly 15 ft.
Encounter Codex: The Scribe’s Puzzle Read More »
“When a tree falls in the forest, who is there to witness its fall?” asked Thorvall the ranger through gritted teeth. A jolt of pain in his leg momentarily halted his philosophical musings. “Who else but thrice cursed me!” Thorvall assessed the situation: it was bad, extremely bad. His ruined left leg was stuck under
Harrowing Haunts: Dead Man’s Tree Read More »
The earth beneath you shakes, heralding the approach of a massive construct. It wields a greatsword the size of a castle tower and shifts as if the metal it were made of had a life of its own. The Centurion is a unique construct, crafted by twisted, genius artificers. On first inspection, it’s a mere
Welcome to Greg “Yankee Dog” 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] __ “Pass me the twanger,” said my friend, Harley Upchuck. “What did you
One Too Many (Voices in My Head): T’weren’t a Twerp, T’was a Twanger Read More »
Just about everyone has seen one form of sword fighting more than any other: fencing. From masked Olympians whose win or loss is recorded by an electronic sensor to swashbuckling movie actors who clang prop swords together but only land hits when the plot demand it, both are a far cry from the battlefield weapons
Historical Steel: Over the Fence Read More »
Q: My group has been discussing the nondetection spell and its usefulness against various divination spells. We’re divided into two camps, whose positions can be summed up as follows: Camp One: Nondetection works against all divinations spells, period. If you’re protected by nondetection no divination spell reveals anything about you unless the divination user makes
Ask the Kobold: I Spy with My Little Eye Read More »
Traps. Devices devious and deadly. Understood to be a crypt’s most treacherous wards. Many so ghastly they become emblematic of a particular tomb’s history and character. What the Dust Hides In the spirit of preserving the tomb’s reputation as a place of unparalleled danger, this article series offers 10 macabre new traps for use in
The air shimmers around the charcoal-skinned, child-sized creature before you. It smiles a wide grin with a mouth full of needle-like teeth. Then it screams and throws a ball of fire at you. Gairn are nasty little fey which could easily pass for human children if not for their over-sized mouths of needle-like teeth and
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