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As a game designer most of my time is spent editing, reading, and writing; what little remains is for playtesting. One of the things that comes up often with gaming sessions that see so many different players is a matter of expectations—some players are prepared for a world to be opened up in front of […]
Mischievous Meadows is about magical items; the adventurers are going to temporarily and sometimes permanently lose many of their treasured goods! In most games, these are essential resources for the PCs and a group may be less than pleased when their potions, wondrous items, rings and the like are pilfered away from them. Sometimes however, […]
Synopsis Count Krev Ragata rushes through the narrow streets in one of the less wealthy areas of Mohkba having just met with several different black market merchants and keen to quickly reach his next destination. Ne’er-do-wells in the city have something else in mind, however, and a group of them ambush the noble directly in […]
Meaningful antagonists are often one of the lasting, remembering aspects of a story. While not always a simple thing to implement successfully, creating enemies that make an appearance in every arc of a campaign eventually becomes part and parcel to a GM’s toolbox. If you’re starting from 1st level, try to keep things organic; have […]
Rhythmic Nunchaku Aura moderate enchantment; CL 7th Slot none; Price 25,152 gp; Weight 2 lbs. DESCRIPTION This nunchaku is made from two ornate, beautifully wrought metal bars connected by a simple steel chain. Three times per day as a free action, a monk making a flurry of blows with this +2 nunchaku gains a bonus to hit an […]
The character in your head (PC or NPC) fits the vast majority of thematic requirements for the game or campaign you’re about to join, but none of the abilities available fit what you want. Homebrew is hardly unheard of, but nobody wants to waste time arguing over some house rules—you need a strong set of […]
The Bog of Sacrifices XP 4,800 CE persistent haunt (30 ft. radius) Caster Level 8th Notice Perception DC 24 (to notice the faint sobbing of doomed sacrifices) Hp 36; Trigger proximity, (within 5 ft. of the inscribed stone); Reset 1 day Effect Upon nearing the stone inscribed with prayers to the Bogmother, the haunt triggers […]
Echoing Fury Aura moderate transmutation; CL 9th Slot none; Price 26,312 gp; Weight 15 lbs. DESCRIPTION This beautifully crafted heavy mace is fully four feet long, with a broad head split by four rows of studded metal spikes that have withstood dozens of encounters with the enemy. The haft of the weapon is forged from […]
Ball of Decadence CR 9 XP 6400 NE persistent haunt (40 ft. radius) Caster Level 9th Notice Perception DC 21 (to notice faint dots of light on the grass) hp 40; Trigger automatic; Reset 1 week Effect: When triggered (on a hill outside the small village, once a week at midnight) the haunt transforms […]
Argus Spyglass Aura strong divination; CL 9th Slot none; Price 18,000 gp; Weight 1 lb. DESCRIPTION This telescoping spyglass is fashioned from worn brass, the final piece painted a solid red. It is remarkably light and fits over the eye with ease. Any areas perceived with an argus spyglass are treated as though the wearer has darkvision. […]
Everybody can enjoy the nocturnal prowling of beasts, but eventually troll raids can get a little bit stale. When the party goes off-course and the third evening of animal attacks comes to pass, consider a few alternatives to keep your players on their toes. Any NPC could be led to act as a random encounter […]
Enganar’s Final Ballad CR 6 XP 2,400 CN haunt (60 ft. by 60 ft. grove) Caster Level 7th Notice Perception DC 24 (to hear lamented strings) hp 12; Trigger proximity (resting within the grove); Reset 1 hour Effect When this haunt is triggered, anyone within its area must succeed a DC 12 Will save or be […]
SHARUR, SMASHER OF THOUSANDS Aura strong evocation; CL 12th Slot none; Price 100,808 gp; Weight 6 lbs. DESCRIPTION This finely crafted hammer has vicious spikes jutting out of the head’s underside and the entire black haft of the weapon is scored with runes of violent design. Blue and black impressions cover the two-handed hammer and it […]
Creature design can be a tough road to walk and even the most seasoned, stalwart player can lose their nerve when their nefarious monster brings them low. This isn’t a sign that either one of you is necessarily doing anything wrong; as far as I’m concerned, it means that you’re about to crest the wave […]
Fatkeqësi’s Rabble CR5 XP 1,600 NE persistent haunt (20 ft. radius in the city square) Caster Level 7th Notice Perception DC 28 (to see or hear the shuffling footprints of the dead crowd) hp 22; Trigger proximity; Reset 1 day Weakness susceptible to slashing damage, tricked by Stealth Effect When this haunt is triggered, […]
Ring of Exuberance Aura faint transmutation; CL 3rd Slot ring; Price 9,500 gp; Weight — DESCRIPTION This beautifully crafted ring is actually in two parts – one is onyx black, the other sterling gold. Each miniature circlet is infused with a light cyan energy that entwine’s the wearer’s finger. The wearer of a ring of exuberance gains […]
A couple of weeks ago we got quite a response to an article (10 Ways to Run a Better Tabletop Game) and several folks responded with how they implement in-depth character creation—thank you! One of these approaches is so simple that its originator, John Hughes, broke it into a simple sketch. His thoughts on that […]
The Eternal Torment Aura none (medium abjuration and medium conjuration, see text); CL 7th Slot none; Weight 800 lbs. The Eternal Torment is always a beautiful marble statue of perfect proportions, slightly larger than the creature it portrays. The face is contorted in pain but otherwise an aura of beauty surrounds the artwork. Upon careful examination, however, the […]
Dyrnwyn Aura moderate necromancy; CL 9th Slot none; Price 34,315 gp; Weight 5 lbs. DESCRIPTION This four-foot full bladed longsword is forged from the finest steel, with a broad S-style crossguard that holds a matched pair of opals. The hilt is wrapped in the finest ivory, polished white from decades of use, and the hilt […]