One of the most common quest hooks in fantasy games is for the party to escort a person or item of importance on a journey. It might be a diplomat on her way to sign an important peace treaty, a prince on his way to be betrothed, or even a relic of power being sought […]
Rafael ran the Pathfinder version of Cat and Mouse, and he shared some of his notes about the experience with us! Take a peek at what you might encounter in the adventure, but be aware that you’ll see spoilers! Recently, we played the Pathfinder version of Cat and Mouse. The party consisted of an aasimar bard, a
Player Report: Cat and Mouse Read More »
They listened to her sweet song—a melodious remembrance of a gleaming spire bathed in moonlight. “Alden by the sea, she waits there for me…” the creature crooned, and as they listened, her kin ate from their skulls—none raised the slightest complaint; the owl with a mother’s face. —Hefon, the Mad “A Mother’s Face” is a
Prepared!: A Mother’s Face Read More »
Have you ever wondered how normal people send letters in your fantasy setting? Noble lords have dedicated servants, and the government makes use of military messengers, but what about the butchers, blacksmiths, shipwrights, farmers, and hundreds of others? How do they send letters and packages to their loved ones? Well, in your world, they could
The Wanderer’s Way Read More »
Dan Dillon has taken the baton for Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition and run with it. He’s designed dozens and dozens of monsters for Kobold Press’s upcoming release, Tome of Beasts, and he’s also been producing player-focused materials. He’s been a key contributor to the association of RPG designers known as the Four Horsemen and
Interview with Dan Dillon Read More »
They came at noon. Walked straight across Demp’s turnip field and directly to the paddock. I been living here for ten years, and not once have those foul things been seen in the light of day. Two of them, walking together with a grim smile on their brutish faces. Behind them, trailing a few paces,
Prepared!: The Follow Dark Read More »
Part 3: The Monster After You Monsters are an important staple of horror-themed games. They are the threat that keeps player characters wary about entering the next room, or nervous about peering around the next corner. Unfortunately, scary monsters don’t frighten characters in fantasy tabletop games quite the same way they do characters in a
Don’t Look Now: Handling Fear and Suspense in Fifth Edition, Part 3 Read More »
We get enough storms this close to the big drink, and more than we need at that. Now, just up the river a ways, where it gets wide and treacherous with rapids, there’s a tuft of dirt and trees out there in the middle. Yobb’s Speck they call it, after old Jan Yobb the woodsman—gods
Prepared!: Yobb’s Speck of Likely Lightning Read More »
The Headhunters are a renowned band of adventurers, known throughout the nation for their bravery, daring, and at times suicidal pursuit of getting the job done. Gordran Halfhand, the hulking bruiser, has never lost a duel. Semran Nightshade was one of the most infamous graduates of her arcane academy. Edelweiss Lightfingers has beaten a dozen
The Brotherhood of The Brawl 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.) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ “Master!” “Again, tape-wormlet, can’t you see I’m busy with this flan? What now?” “Apologies,
Your Whispering Homunculus—10 Curious and Mercifully Unique Maladies Read More »
Most tricksters are two steps ahead of the competition. A few know how to win before the race even begins! The trickster is a new Pathfinder Roleplaying Game compatible class which combines arcane magic with roguish skills. Use your special Forte ability to perform incredible acrobatics, summon a magical familiar to act as an accomplice,
Walk the Path of the Trickster Read More »
We brought the boats in and began unloading as the captain asked. Old man Jul went up the beach a ways to find a place to set the tents. We all laughed at first when he slipped on the rocks and fell flat on his arse, cursing and waving his arms. Now, Holm swears that
Prepared!: Shell Song Read More »
This past fall, I pulled off the greatest and sweetest Diplomacy check of my life: I convinced the Department of English at Winthrop University, where I am an instructor, that a course on writing narrative for tabletop roleplaying games would make a great addition to the department’s writing courses. It so happens that my acting
Madman at the Collegium Read More »
To earn a coin is noble work, to steal one a good trick, But the secrets of those who make the coin Are worth more than a gold brick. —Ravenfolk saying The Oath is a short fifth edition scenario that challenges four 2nd- to 3rd-level characters, and it includes the ravenfolk scout, a creature from
Prepared!: The Oath Read More »
Cartography by Anna Meyer The Mbazha Mountains serve as the spine between the arid Crescent Desert and the plains of Narumbeki, and this range holds untapped wealth and wondrous secrets. Rumors speak of the fell magics of the Skin Stealer gnolls (Southlands, p. 93) or the glittering riches of the Diamond Caverns (Southlands, p. 152).
More Locales of the Southlands Read More »
Part 2: Appealing to the Senses One of the hallmarks of a spooky or suspenseful RPG adventure is how the environment is described. Every part of the world surrounding the player characters should unnerve, unsettle, and frighten. One important trick gamemasters use to do this is to appeal to all five of their players’ senses,
Don’t Look Now: Handling Fear and Suspense in Fifth Edition, Part 2 Read More »
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