From the genesis of D&D, random lists have been used to create, inspire, and complicate games everywhere. The gamemaster is essentially keeping all the knowledge of a fabricated world inside their head along with all the relevant laws of physics and mechanics, which are transformed into a living story around the table. With that in […]
The Random Gamemaster: NPC Names Read More »
Levels 1–3 Explorers in the high mountains recently found a body partially frozen in melting ice. Well-preserved, the human is dressed in furs and carrying stone tools. He could be thousands of years old. The body was taken to the city of Zobeck—there to be examined by scholars at the Arcane Collegium—packed in ice and
The Song Undying: Low- to Mid-Level Plot Hooks Read More »
First, pick a mood or theme that suits the flow of the game. After describing that mood, use it for the basis of your prophecy. A prophecy that accurately describes the game feels more organic. It feels as if it has always been unfolding, and the PCs are only now beginning to see it. It
Musings from an Empty Tankard: Omens, Prophecy, and Foreshadowing Read More »
Making Space for Storytelling As a GM, you’ve at least partially defined the world that your campaign will take place in. Whether it’s a setting you’ve written yourself or a commercially available campaign setting, the basics will be set, but there will still be many details that offer room for expansion. Even in the most
Introducing Players to Roleplaying Games: Encouraging Interaction with the Game World Read More »
Saint Uborkagg Origins. Born in the depths of a vast cave system in the Ironcrags, Uborkagg was a sickly ogre who almost perished at the hands of his own mother. Reviled for his weakness, the rest of his family used Uborkagg as a whipping boy and plaything. Yet despite the torment inflicted upon him, he
Saints of Midgard: St. Uborkagg Read More »
The Coiled Ring, which takes its name from the ideal of the Great Serpent, exists to urge the world into ruin. Members engage in ritualized murder, arson, necromancy, and other forms of terrorism. They believe acts of violence against innocents and the righteous all serve to bring forth Fimbulwinter, the initial stage of Ragnarök. As
Parties of Interest: The Coiled Ring Read More »
The drakon loses its Multiattack. It also modifies its bite attack, as follows. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target, Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 10 (4d4) acid damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the
Tome Unleashed: Drakon Read More »
Aura of Filth 4th-level necromancy (pestilent)Casting Time: 1 actionRange: Self (30-foot radius)Components: VDuration: Concentration, up to 1 minute Putrefying energy radiates from you in an aura with a 30-foot radius. Until the spell ends, the aura moves with you, centered on you. Each living creature in the aura (including you) cannot be cured of a
Deep Magic: Pestilent Cleric Spells, Part 1 Read More »
Having a bard from the College of Story as a friend is a wonderful blessing. They glorify your triumphs, minimize your blunders, and generally make you look better than you otherwise could have without their help. The best part is that when they write about you you are better. The stories they write are always
Bards with Class: College of Story Read More »
During that time, I went back to school for my master’s degree in instructional design and technology, where my passion for UX and accessibility blossomed. Soon after, I went on to gain a UX certification from Nielsen Norman Group. As I was applying these new learnings to my job, I found myself looking at roleplaying
Hiring Update: Amber Seger Read More »
Something about destruction and upheaval spurs the imagination and triggers innovation. A mage, dwelling in a city dragged into the hells, suddenly has all manner of reasons to invent items that work well against fiends. Similarly, the cleric looking out on a quaint countryside road, seeing an army of undead, feels a great motivation to
Rise of the Mimic Moon: Enchanted Equipment and Assorted Accessories Read More »
This sparsely populated wilderness seems benign at first glance. A normal patch of terrain, the usual trees, clearings, and rocks. However, perhaps it does seem oddly barren. So you look closer, noticing the signs of ancient battles, the scorched bricks of a shattered mage’s tower or the fallen trees, radiating outward from a central point,
Magical Wastelands: Environmental Cataclysm Read More »
The Courser Mage, from Margreve Player’s Guide, is an arcane tradition that trains tirelessly to weave their magic into powerful arrows, delivering a barrage of the arcane from the shadows. These wizards are some of the most unique in the world of Midgard but can be used in any campaign setting. Read on to learn
Character Check: Exploring the Courser Mage (Wizard Subclass) Read More »
Grasping Talon. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d6 + 7) slashing damage, plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 18). The shadow giant can grapple only one target this way. If the shadow giant enters
Tome Unbound: Shadow Giant Read More »
Camellia Spray. The bloom hydra sprays a fine mist in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 3 (1d6) acid damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. The bloom hydra can use this action only if it has
Tome Unbound: Bloom Hydra Read More »
Make a Gap. As a reaction when the bearing golem is the target of a weapon attack, the golem gains immunity to piercing and slashing damage from the attack, if it is not made with an adamantine weapon, or resistance to piercing and slashing damage from the attack if it is made with an adamantine
Tome Unbound: Bearing Golem Read More »
Stay informed with the newest Kobold Press news and updates delivered to your inbox weekly. Join now and receive a coupon for 15% off your next order.