Dungeon Brew

A Comparison Guide to Selecting How to Crowdfund Your RPG

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2012年3月27日 20:35:00 +0000

The Unofficial Official Blog Carnival Logo, courtesy of Nevermeet Press

[Today's post is a response to the March RPG Carnival on Crowdsourcing and Crowdfunding RPGS]

So you’re thinking of crowdfunding your very own RPG product? Good for you. In recent years sites like Kickstarter and success stories like Open Design and Do: Pilgrims of the Flying Temple make this a very attractive option. After all, starting your own company or product from the get go can be difficult and costly, finding investors beforehand can really make your ride smoother.

Before you lie many portals you can use to build your fundraising project; today I’m going to give you a quick overlay of three of them.

Kickstarter

How it Works

At Number 1 on the list is Kickstarter, the popular go-to tool for tabletop game developers and their projects. Kickstarter works by raising pledges of future donation in return for future rewards or perks, with higher monetary pledges in general receiving more and more perks. If a project doesn’t receive it’s goal by the end of the deadline then there is no harm, no foul. Your investors never give up their cash and the creator isn’t required to finish a project with no funds. Furthermore, if you reach your goal you can just keep on collecting, and in fact many people take advantage of this fact to have a second go at marketing their product and giving even more to their pledges.

Campaign Tools

Kickstarter offers each Project some internet real-estate in the form of a page on their servers. You can include images, a video, and as much or as little sales copy as you want. In addition their pledge level system can be fully customized with whatever amount you want and as many levels as you feel you need. They also include some social media buttons so that you and your backers can tweet or Facebook share the project with the simple press of a button.

The Cost and Other Limiting Factors

Kickstarter has a lot of traffic, but they also have a lot of requests that never see the light of day. Of the hundreds of projects that apply every week Kickstarter only accepts around 60%. As far as actual fees go, Kickstarter claims 5% of all funds raised plus 3-5% to Amazon Payments who process the contributions. That amounts to 8-10% of your raised total, so plan accordingly. In addition, Kickstarter only allows American projects, so if you're out of country you may want to use...

IndieGoGo

How it Works

Similar to Kickstarter, IndieGoGo works by raising contributions for future projects with higher donations receiving better and better rewards...but there are two ways to to go about the process with IndieGoGo. One method works almost identically to Kickstarter, your backers contribute money and if the fundraising goal isn’t met then you don’t get a dime. However, unlike Kickstarter, IndieGoGo gathers the money upfront and refunds it if the goal isn’t met. The other way IndieGoGo works is through their "flexible funding" plan. In this plan any money that is raised goes to the project, even if the goal isn’t met.

Campaign Tools

IndieGoGo offers you a page on their servers where you can post video, images, and sales copy about your project. In addition they have a fully customizable perk system for both cost of levels and amount. They have a full integration of social tools including Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Devlog to let both you and your users share the campaign with ease.

The Cost and Other Limiting Factors

The cost for the two plans varies only if the goal is not made. If your project does reach its goal then IndieGoGo charges a 4% fee of the total funds raised. If you are using the flexible pricing method and you don’t reach your goal that fee increases to 9%, but you get to keep the remaining funds. Finally there is a 3% fee of funds raised for third party processing. That totals 7% if your goal is reached on either of the plans, or a total of 12% of funds reached if your fundraising fails on the Flexible plan. In addition there is a 25$ fee for wiring the money outside of the United States.

Because money is gathered ahead of time, and those projects which elect for the flexible plan get to keep their funds backers may be leery of being burned. Because of this, even though IndieGoGo is a cheaper alternative than Kickstarter, consumers may be slow in deciding whether to give their money to just anyone, and building trust with your backers becomes even more important.

Chipin

How it Works

Chipin is a fundraising flash application that can be added to any website. Instead of paying for pledge or perk levels, people who use Chipin...well, they just chip in. Any sort of perks are included only by the author who can use one of Chipin’s tools to view who donated, what they donated, their e-mail address and how they interacted with the event. If you don’t want to host the Chipin applet on your page, Chipin does give a very simple page to you which you can fill with text, but the applet has support for many different types of pages such as Blogger and TypePad. Money donated goes directly into your PayPal account, but can be refunded (on your action) via PayPal if the goal is not reached.

Campaign Tools

Chipin is really short on the campaign tools, including only the applet itself. The app consists of a simple bar graph tracker showing what has been earned, what percentage that is, what it is for (in a few words) and when it is needed by. Oh, and the actual button to chip in of course.

The Cost and Limiting Factors

Chipin itself takes no fee from the transactions, but because they do business through PayPal there is a 2.9% processing fee.

In addition, all the things I said about customers being leery of your campaign in regards to IndieGoGo goes double here. The transactions are made ahead of time, there is no guarantee of product, and to top it all off the Chipin site hasn’t been well maintained since 2006. The software still works, but even though this is the cheapest option for Crowdfunding out of the three, I wouldn’t put one of my products in its hands unless I had a very loyal and trusting audience.

Wrapping Things Up

It’s been my pleasure to give you this quick overview of Crowdfunding services. Are you thinking of crowdfunding a project? If so, will you be using any of the above, and why? Tell me more in the comment below.

My Life In Stormreach

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年12月30日 02:00:00 +0000

A couple times before I've talked about the game Dungeons and Dragons Online here at Dungeon Brew...but I will no longer be using this space as a venue for that. Instead I started a new site a fer months ago called My Life in Stormreach.

My Life in Stomreach is a blog about free Dungeons and Dragons games, namely Dungeons and Dragons Online , Heroes of Neverwinter and the upcoming Neverwinter games.

I discuss builds, provide walkthroughs, and have several advice articles. If you play any of these games, or are interested in learning more about them I invite you to check out Dungeon Brew's new sister site today.

VG Meet DnD: The Pack from the Dead Space Series

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年12月21日 14:00:00 +0000

Give baby a kiss

[Necromorphs are the reanimated corpses of the dead, reshaped into horrifying new forms by a mysterious curse.]

Pack

They come in swarms, dozens of gray childlike bodies rushing forth from the darkness, a shrieking choir of the damned. Oversized claws glisten with the blood of fresh kills.

Like the lurkers, pack members are created from the bodies of children or small sized humanoids. They serve as shock troopers for the necromorphs, attacking in droves in a hope to overwhelm their foes through strength of numbers.

Unlike most necromorphs members of The Pack are not resilient to damage, and have no regenerative abilities.

Strategies and Tactics

The Pack attack in large numbers, rushing forward on all fours and using teamwork to overcome their opponents. They usually begin combat by charging one foe en masse (to take advantage of their pounce ability), then use their tumble skill to withdraw, spreading out in different directions before wheeling back around and assaulting the target again. Occasionally a pack member or two will stay behind to engage opponents as a sort of living sacrifice, allowing the others precious seconds to prepare for another assault.

Ecology

Environment: The Pack can be found anywhere, but tend to prefer wide open spaces which allow them freedom of movement.

Typical Physical Characteristics: Members of The Pack appear as they did in life, the wounds which slew them still visible upon their form. Still the curse has made some notable mutations, fusing fingers together on each hand to create a set of claws and adding muscle mass to the upper body.

Alignment: Members of the Pack are always evil.

Typical Treasure

For reasons unknown the pack seems to carry around a modest sum of wealth taken from slain victims. They have half standard treasure.

For Player Characters
A player may create a pack member with the animate dead spell, but must have an additional material component consisting of half a pound of corruption, which must be applied to the corpse before the spell is cast.

Pack Member CR 1⁄2
Always NE Small undead
Init +2 Senses Darkvision 60ft; Listen +2, Spot +2
Languages understands creator’s orders; understands telepathic commands

AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 11

(+1 Size, +2 Dex )

hp 4 (1/2 HD)
Immune undead immunities
Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +4

Speed 40ft
Melee 2 claws +1 (1d3+1)
Space 5ft; Reach 5ft
Base Atk +0; Grp -3

Abilities Str 13, Dex 14, Con -, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 10
SA Pounce
SQ Undead Qualities
Feats Skill Focus (tumble)
Skills Hide +6, Listen +2, Move Silently +2, Spot +2, Tumble +9
Advancement none

VG Meet DnD: The Cyst from the Dead Space Series

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年12月14日 14:00:00 +0000

The pod within the cyst, seen up close.

[Necromorphs are the reanimated corpses of the dead, reshaped into horrifying new forms by a mysterious curse.]

Cyst

Strange pulsating sacks of flesh litter the walls and floor ahead. Each sack has a set of three sinewy tentacles which peak out from the top of the sack, twitching like the tongue of a snake testing the air for prey.

Cysts are stationary mortars that fire a small explosive projectile when disturbed.

Strategies and Tactics

Unlike other necromorphs, cysts don’t exhibit any sign of intelligence; they react the same way with friend and foe alike.

Ecology

Environment: Cysts seem to grow only on areas infested with Corruption.

Typical Physical Characteristics: Cysts are small round sacs of flesh within which lies a brainlike pod. The pod has three sinewy tentacles it uses to launch itself from the cyst.

Alignment: Neutral Evil

Typical Treasure

While cysts keep no treasure of their own they are often found as guardians for the treasure of other necromorphs.

Cyst: CR 1⁄2; biological (Tiny Undead, AC: 12, hp: 5, Fort+2, Reflex+0, Will +0); proximity trigger; no reset; multiple targets; 1d6 damage (DC 15 Reflex save half damage); Search DC 10; Spot DC 20; Disable Device 10; Cost: N/A

Volin Krober from "Murder in Oakbridge"

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年6月28日 19:18:00 +0000

I don't think that guy's friends are going to get to him in time.

You may remember "Murder in Oakbridge" as one of the best murder mysteries published in the print version of Dungeon Magazine (Issue #129). The story of a mysterious killer with a curved blade who flensed trophies from her victims in the City of Sharn. I remember it as the murder mystery which gave my players quite a bit of trouble the last few sessions. Thankfully they caught up to the killer's plot the day she planned to kill Volin Krober, and hiding in his home (with some darn good checks I might add) they waited for the killer to strike. The problem?

No stats for Mr. Krober, and I had no idea this turn of events was going to happen. So, while I winged it, you simply won't have to as I've decided to help out any fellow DMs who may want to run this great module.

[If you were checking the blog looking for the rest of the Necromorphs don't worry, those are on their way. But I figured I'd post this while I put the finishing touches on the next batch of undead horrors]

Volin Krober CR 6
Elven bard 3/ranger 2/expert 2
CG Medium humanoid
Init +3; Senses Listen +1, Spot +1
Languages Common, Elven, Halfling

AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 15; Two-Weapon Defense
hp 26 (7 HD)
Fort +4, Ref +9, Will +4

Speed 30 ft. (6 squares)
Melee +1 rapier +9 (1d6/18-20) or +1 rapier +7 (1d6/18-20) and mwk dagger +6 (1d4/19-20)
Ranged mwk dagger +6 (1d4/19-20)
Base Atk +4; Grp +4
Atk Options favored enemy animals +2
Special Actions bardic music 3/day (inspire competence, inspire courage +1, fascinate 2 creatures, countersong)
Combat Gear 2 potions of cure light wounds
Bard Spells Known (CL 3rd)
1st (1/day)--cure light wounds, feather fall, hypnotism, ventriloquism (DC 13)
0 (3/day)--ghost sound, mage hand, summon instrument (DC 12)

Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con 11, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 15
SQ bardic knowledge +4, wild empathy +4 (+0 magical beasts)
Feats Track, Two-Weapon Defense, Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (rapier)
Skills Bluff +5, Concentration +6, Diplomacy +7, Gather Information +7, Handle Animal +12, Listen +1, Knowledge (nature) +7, Perform (string instruments) +12, Ride +6, Search +3, Spot +1, Tumble +5
Possessions combat gear plus +1 chain shirt, +1 rapier, mwk dagger, 228 gp

Not Playing Murder in Oakbridge?
Volin works well as a trainer of wild animals. He could have a lucrative business training foreign beasts and dangerous critters. This works especially well if he hires the PCs to capture a few specimen for him, or perhaps to help him catch a group of monsters that have escaped during their rehabilitation.

VG Meet DnD: The Lurker from the Dead Space Series

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年5月05日 00:37:00 +0000

[Necromorphs are the reanimated corpses of the dead, reshaped into horrifying new forms by a mysterious curse.]

Lurker

Small projectiles launch from the sinewy tentacles of a humanoid creature up ahead. It rushes up the wall on all fours and growls at you menacingly from its perch on the side of the passage.

These creatures serve as the artillery for the curse. Created from children or the bodies of halflings, gnomes or other small sized humanoids they undergo a painful transformation that turns their intestines into launching devices for small bone shards.

Strategies and Tactics

A lurker uses its climb speed to attain a position out of the reach of melee combatants and then proceeds to hide and wait for an ambush. When the trap is sprung it launches bone shards at the opponents and lashes out at enemies who get to close by stabbing at foes with its spike-tipped tentacles.

Ecology

Environment: As an unnatural monster lurkers can be found anywhere the curse has been unearthed. However they are likely to inhabit areas where their skills can be put to use. Fighting in places with varying heights or with difficult terrain to deter opponents from closing.

Typical Physical Characteristics: Lurkers appear as small naked humanoids with three spiked tentacles projected from their backs underneath the shoulder blades. In addition several small appendages grow from the remains of their stomach which assist them while they climb sheer surfaces.

Alignment: Lurkers are always neutral evil.

Typical Treasure

Lurkers don’t keep treasure and are unlikely to be found with any remains from before their transformation.

For Player Characters

A spellcaster of eleventh level or higher can create a lurker with the create undead spell.

Lurker CR 2
Always NE Small undead
Init +4 Senses Darkvision 60ft; Listen +2, Spot +2
Languages understands creator’s orders; understands telepathic commands

AC 15, touch 15, flat-footed 11
(+1 Size, +4 Dex)
hp 12 (2 HD); fast healing 5
Immune undead immunities
Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +3

Speed 40ft; Climb 30ft
Melee 3 tentacle spikes -1 (1d4)
Ranged 3 bone shard +3 (1d4)
Space 5ft; Reach 5ft
Base Atk +1; Grp -4

Abilities Str 10, Dex 18, Con -, Int 6, Wis 13, Cha 4
SQ strategic dismemberment, undead qualities
Feats Multiattack
Skills Hide +12, Listen +2, Move Silently +8, Spot +2
Advancement 3-12 (small)

Fast Healing (Ex) Damage dealt to a lurker’s tentacles or head cannot be healed by its fast healing ability. See Strategic Dismemberment below.

Strategic Dismemberment (Ex) The tentacles and head of a lurker can be attacked independently of its main form (AC 17). Each appendage has a fourth of the lurker’s hp. This damage cannot be healed by the lurker’s fast healing ability. While nothing happens if the lurker loses its head when a tentacle is destroyed the lurker loses one of its melee and ranged attacks. If all three of the tentacles are dismembered the lurker is destroyed as if it had reached 0 hit points.

Lurker Lore
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (religion) can learn more about lurkers. When a character makes a successful check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from the lower DCs.

VG Meet DnD: The Crawler from the Dead Space Series

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年4月14日 17:58:00 +0000

[Necromorphs are the reanimated corpses of the dead, reshaped into horrifying new forms by a mysterious curse.]

Crawler

What appears to be a large infant slides forward on two arms and a single burly leg. Its head, which has been twisted backwards, stares vacantly ahead as it pushes its bulbous torso skyward, a torso that pulsates with a sickening yellow light.

Adults aren’t the only ones affected by the curse, children and even infants can be affected as well. The Crawler is an example of what happens when very young children or babies are infected by the curse. Their bodies are too small and weak to be of much use in combat. To offset this they transform into living bombs.

Strategies and Tactics

Crawlers have only one attack to make from the time they are created. They swarm opponents ahead of other necromorphs in a desperate suicide attack to weaken living foes or destroy them outright. They often do this by attacking in cramped quarters where there is less room for their prey to escape.

Ecology

Environment: These undead can technically be found anywhere. However due to the nature of their slow speed they are usually not found far from the site of their infection. Large concentrations of crawlers can be found in schools or nurseries.

Typical Physical Characteristics: A crawler resembles a bloated human child with ash gray skin offset with red or brown blood vessels. They are covered with dried blood and unknown ichor. Their heads have been twisted in a 180 degree angle and their back legs have fused into one single limb which they use to propel themselves forward in the manner of a caterpillar. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature is their torso, which has been twisted skyward and pulsates with a pale yellow light. The belly itself is the source of their exploding compounds.

Alignment: Crawlers are always neutral evil.

Typical Treasure

Crawlers do not keep treasure, they are usually too young to be adorned with jewelry or magical clothing. Such items, invariably, are destroyed when the creature explodes anyway. Occasionally, that is 5% of the time, they can be found with 1/10th of standard treasure in assorted coins from belt pouches or pockets they had on them before their infection. A crawler with such treasure which explodes invariably scatters the wealth across the combat area.

For Player Characters

A player can summon a crawler to his service with the summon undead I spell.

Also the crawler's explosive sac can be removed using the Survival skill and then used as a weapon

Crawler CR 1/6
Always NE Tiny undead
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60ft; Listen +1, Spot +1
Languages understands creator's orders; understands telepathic commands

AC 15, touch 15, flat-footed 12
(+2 size, +3 Dex)
hp 3 (1/2 HD) see kamikaze burst
Immune undead immunities
Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +0

Speed 10 ft (2 squares)
Melee --
Space 2 1⁄2 ft; Reach 0 ft
Base Atk +0; Grp -2

Abilities Str 6, Dex 17, Con --, Int 2, Wis 6, Cha 12
SA kamikaze burst
SQ strategic dismemberment, undead traits
Feats Ability Focus (kamikaze burst)
Skills Hide +13, Listen +1, Spot +1
Advancement none

Kamikaze Burst (Ex) As a standard action a crawler can generate an explosion which effects its squares and every square adjacent to the crawler. Creatures struck by the explosion take 1d6 damage (DC 13 half). The crawler drops to 0 hit points and is destroyed as part of this attack. If a crawler is destroyed through damage other than strategic dismemberment it will automatically initiate a kamikaze burst as a free action.

Strategic Dismemberment (Ex) A crawler can be destroyed without activating its kamikaze burst by decapitating the head or leg (AC 17). If this is done then the sac can be salvaged with a DC 15 survival check. A failed survival check results in the detonation of the sac.

Crawler Lore
Characters who have ranks in Knowledge (religion) can learn more about crawlers. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from the lower DCs.

VG Meet DnD: The Leaper from the Dead Space Series

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年4月09日 01:56:00 +0000

[Necromorphs are the reanimated corpses of the dead, reshaped into horrifying new forms by a mysterious curse.]

Leaper

The undead creature growls menacingly. It crawls forward on two massive forearms, it’s tail twitching violently behind it.

Like the Slasher the Leaper fights on the front lines for the curse, often serving as a scout. Leapers are created when a human body is tainted by spores released by the necromorph growth known as The Corruption. When an intact humanoid body is infected by the curse its body undergoes a wicked transformation. In the case of the leaper its internal organs, particularly the intestines, are fused together with the legs into a massive tail tipped with a deadly scythe.

Strategies and Tactics

A leaper fights using hit and run tactics, charging in and out of combat to make full use of it’s pounce and improved grab abilities.

Ecology

Environment: As undead Leapers have no natural habitat. However they are best suited for use in areas that offer plenty of spots for ambush and enough room for them to rush to and from during combat such as the intersections of large sunken passages.

Typical Physical Characteristics: Leapers resemble the mortals they were in life but with two major differences: their legs and innards have fused together to form a long sinuous tail tipped with a wicked bone scythe, and their jaw has split vertically and now sports four wicked fangs on each corner.

Alignment: Leapers are like their fellow necromorphs, always evil.

Typical Treasure

Because they ignore the possessions of their prey leapers have half standard treasure for their challenge rating. This treasure often takes the form of weapons which have become logged in the creature during past fights.

For Player Characters

A spellcaster of 7th level of higher can create a leaper using the create undead spell. Doing so requires the intact corpse of a medium humanoid which has been dead for no longer than two days.

Leaper CR1
Always NE Medium undead
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60ft; Listen +2, Spot +2
Languages understands creator’s orders; understands telepathic commands

AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 10; Dodge, Mobility
(+4 Dex)
hp 12 (2 HD); fast healing 5
Immune undead immunities
Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +2

Speed 30 ft (6 squares), climb 20 ft (4 squares)
Melee tail-scythe +3 (1d8+2) and
bite -2 (1d6+1)
Space 5 ft; Reach 5 ft
Base Atk +1; Grp +3

Abilities Str 14, Dex 19, Con --, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 5
SA improved grab, pounce
SQ strategic dismemberment, undead traits
Feats Dodge, Mobility*
Skills Climb+10* Hide +4, Jump +9*, Listen +2, Move Silently +6, Spot +2,
Advancement 3-15 HD (Medium)

Fast Healing (Ex) Damage dealt to a leaper’s limbs cannot be healed by it’s Fast Healing ability. See Strategic Dismemberment below.

Feats Leapers have Mobility as a racial feat.

Improved Grab (Ex) To use this ability, a leaper must hit with a bite attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and knocks the opponent prone.

Pounce (Ex) If a leaper charges a foe, it can make a full attack.

Skills Leapers have a +5 racial bonus on Jump checks and take no negatives on their jump checks due to speed. It also has a +8 racial bonus to climb checks.

Strategic Dismemberment (Ex) The arms and tail of a leaper can be attacked independently of its main form (AC 16). Each appendage has a third of the leaper’s total hit points and damage dealt detracts from the creature’s total hit points. This damage cannot be healed through its Fast Healing ability. Once an appendage’s hp reaches zero it is destroyed resulting in a penalty that lasts the rest of the fight. If an arm is destroyed the leaper’s speed decreases by 15 ft (3 squares) to a minimum of 5 ft (1 square) if both arms are destroyed. If the tail is severed the leaper loses the use of its tail-scythe attack.

Leaper Lore
Characters who have ranks in Knowledge (religion) can learn more about leapers. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from the lower DCs.

VG Meet DnD: The Slasher from Dead Space

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年4月04日 08:13:00 +0000

[Necromorphs are the reanimated corpses of the dead, reshaped into horrifying new forms by a mysterious curse.]

Slasher

A humanoid figure staggers forward. It is covered in blood and ripped flesh. From its back jut forth two sinewy limbs which end in wicked scythes of sharpened bone. Its dead eyes stare at you, and suddenly it charges forward while it pulls its shoulder-scythes back for a decisive blow.

Slashers are footsoldiers for the curse. They are created when a human body is tainted by either an Infector (another type of Necromorph) or by spores released by the necromorph growth known as The Corruption. When an intact humanoid body is infected by the curse its body undergoes a wicked transformation. In the case of the Slasher its internal organs, particularly the intestines, are used with some of the host’s bones to produce a dangerous set of scythes that are the creature’s namesake.

Strategies and Tactics

Slashers prowl near the place they were killed looking for more people to kill. If time and the terrain permit they will stalk a victim and then attack from hiding. To begin an engagement they will charge a single opponent, attacking with their shoulder-scythes.

Ecology

Environment: As a subject of the curse slashers can exist anywhere. However, they are often found in out of the way temples or ancient ruins.

Typical Physical Characteristics: Slashers remain humanoid in form and only slightly shorter than they were in life. A typical specimen resembles a mortal whose skin has been partially flayed, with massive scythe like appendages jutting from its back which curve forward over the shoulders. It uses these natural weapons along with a vicious bite from the remains of its upper jaw to dispatch opponents. The creature tends to be shrouded in the vestiges of the ensemble it wore before its infection.

Alignment: Slashers are corrupted creatures who serve as extensions of an evil curse. As such they are universally evil.

Typical Treasure

Slashers don’t collect treasure, however they can be often found still carrying the remnants of what they had one them when they were infected. Slashers have half standard treasure for their challenge rating, often in jewelry, clothing or other adornments that can be found among the creature’s remains. Alternatively the treasure may be discovered amongst the carnage left in the creature’s wake.

For Player Characters

A spellcaster of 7th level of higher can create a slasher using the create undead spell. Doing so requires the intact corpse of a medium humanoid which has been dead for no longer than two days.

Slasher CR1
Always NE Medium undead
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60ft.; Listen +3, Spot +3
Languages understands creator’s orders; understands telepathic commands

AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 10
(+4 Dex)
hp 10 (1 HD); fast healing 5
Immune undead immunities
Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +3

Speed 30 ft (6 squares)
Melee 2 scythes +3 each (1d4+3) and
bite -2 (1d6+1)
Space 5 ft; Reach 5 ft
Base Atk +0; Grp +3

Abilities Str 16, Dex 18, Con --, Int 4, Wis 12, Cha 6
SQ strategic dismemberment, undead traits
Feats Toughness
Skills Hide +4, Listen +3, Move Silently +4, Spot +3
Advancement 2-15HD (Medium)

Fast Healing (Ex) Damage dealt to a slasher’s limbs cannot be healed by it’s Fast Healing ability. See Strategic Dismemberment below.

Strategic Dismemberment (Ex) The legs, scythes, and head of a Slasher can all be attacked independently of the main form. They each have a fifth of the Slasher’s total hp and damage dealt to the legs, head, or scythes is taken from the creature’s total hit points and can also not be healed via its Fast Healing ability. The AC to hit one of the legs, head, or scythes is 16 (Slasher’s AC + size bonus). If any of the body parts are destroyed the slasher suffers a penalty: A destroyed leg reduces the creature’s speed by 10 ft (2 squares), when a scythe is destroyed the slasher loses the use of that attack, finally the destruction of the head blinds the creature. If both the slasher’s scythes are removed the creature dies instantly.

Slasher Lore
Characters who have ranks in Knowledge (religion) can learn more about slashers. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from the lower DCs.

VG Meet DnD: The Ecology of the Necromorphs

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2011年3月31日 03:05:00 +0000

"Their outlines were human, semi-human, fractionally human, and not human at all--the horde was grotesquely heterogeneous." --H.P. Lovecraft, "Herbert West--Reanimator"

[Below you'll find an ecology article written about Necromorphs, undead of the popular video game series "Dead Space". Following up on this article will be 3.5 write-ups of several different necromorphs. While converting them to 3.5 D&D I necessarily had to make some changes to their backstory, but for the most part they operate similarly to how they do in the games. You don't need to have played the Dead Space games, however, to use these deadly undead predators in your games. Enjoy.]

Lands should remain unplundered when their secrets are better left undisturbed. Buried deep beneath the surface of the earth, possibly having fallen from the stars aeons ago, lies the Marker and the creatures that follow it like a plague...the Necromorphs.

Necromorphs are the reanimated corpses of the dead, reshaped into horrifying new forms by a mysterious curse related to the Marker. They have no memories of their former life and are highly aggressive. Only one purpose guides the steps of the Necromorphs. "Spread the curse."

HISTORY OF THE NECROMORPHS

Because few know of their existence, and by extension the Marker, there is little information on Necromorphs. What is known by the reclusive scholars, or the mysterious cultists who worship the Marker, comes from an incident outside the mining town of Aegis-Sven. The exact location of Aegis-Sven has been lost with time, as well as most information concerning the incident.

What is known was compiled by Sage Stross from the varied notes of the late Archmage Altman, who witnessed the event firsthand. While surveying the area for new ore deposits a group of miners uncovered an ancient artifact that had been buried beneath the surface and left undisturbed for countless years. The miners informed their superiors who sent for a nearby cabal of wizards and scholars to examine the mysterious object.

The Marker, as it came to be called, resembled a hunk of strange stone split in two halfway down with the two pieces twisting about each other like grasping spires. Its surface is covered in bizarre sigils and when touched it the thing hums almost inaudibly with some sort of pattern.

It was quite a find, so the cabal brought more of their kind to the site and requested lodging and assistance from the mining guild until they could assess the artifact’s purpose and worth. The guild agreed. Thus the scholars and wizards began their examination in earnest and the miners returned to their work in other tunnels.

The life of a miner is difficult: long hours underground, chipping away at solid rock with the risk of tunnel collapse, and the release of deadly gases from the interior of the world hangs over workers like a shroud. Perhaps it was because of this that no one paid attention to the early accounts of violence among the mining camps, many of which led to injury or death. When the suicides started some finally started to speak up about the peculiar change in behavior of the town’s inhabitants.

Citizens started disappearing and miners whispered of how the caves were cursed, all while the sages and wizards worked yet to unravel the mysteries offered by the strange artifact they began calling "The Marker." The sigils from the surface of the Marker started appearing around town, written by people who had never had contact with the thing. Folk began to complain to each other of constant headaches and sleepless nights in which nightmares were filled with indistinct forms or the familiar voices of those already passed away.

The miners continued to dig deeper, chopping at the earth in search of resources, while the world around them continued on its dark path. Talk of the events it was done in hushed tones, and, following the guidance of their dreams, many began to twist two of their fingers around each other when scared or threatened in a mock replica of the Marker itself. The miners had cause to be afraid, a mysterious growth resembling flesh and sinew began to spread out from the deeper mines.

The cabal’s research consumed them, and they split into two camps. Some believed the Marker to be the instrument of some divine force and began to speak in sibilant tones about an event they called "Convergence". These were the first Unitologists, believers in the "truth" of the Marker, who claim that through the teachings of Unitology all things will become as one. That the Marker would bring an end to war, to horror, to pain, and ultimately a transcendence over death itself.

None who lived in Aegis-Sven saw it coming. One day many of the Unitologists committed suicide in a holy sacrifice to their new god in the Marker. The bodies were quickly carried from the area and lain aside in a supply building until a mass grave could be made. One of the remaining wizards went mad and began slaying the miners as they worked, slinging powerful spells and screaming about monsters until he was brought down by the collapse of one of the tunnels. Many citizens left, never to return. Those who remained quickly discovered the folly of their action.

When the grave was finished, now made larger for the addition of the miners, those who came to the supply building to collect the bodies discovered none. Shortly thereafter screams could be heard coming from the miners still in the caves. Undead monstrosities started pouring out of the tunnels, slaying all who stood in their path. Worst of all, those slain were soon found walking again, their bodies twisted into instruments of violence, the life in their eyes forever replaced by deadly ferocity.

It took all the strength of Archmage Altman and the remainder of his cabal to lock the creatures away and contain the incident. Great spells were weaved to bury all of Aegis-Sven beneath the surface so that none could find it again and release the horror of the Marker. But what is now buried may someday be uncovered. Like the Marker in the tunnels beneath it, Aegis-Sven awaits discovery by the foolish and unlucky.

LIFE CYCLE OF THE NECROMORPH

As undead creatures the necromorphs are not born, they are made. The Marker gives off a subtle pulse which eventually animates dead tissue into a single fleshy mass known as "Corruption". Corruption produces spores which when released onto corpses (or when ingested by living humanoids who die before the removal of the spores) evoke a remarkably quick change in the host. The body twists and changes, bones and sinew shifting to create a deadly undead soldier.

Most of these corpses turn into the two necromorphs known as Slashers or Leapers. Some corpses, however, turn into a specialized creature known as an Infector or even deadlier creatures. The Infector is able to spread the curse by implanting spores directly into corpses. The rest of the curse’s undead servitors go out to hunt and slay living beings to create hosts for the spores. Then they drag them into piles near the Corruption, or leave them for Infectors to find.

Although such an event has not been allowed so far to pass, there is a stage in the life cycle of necromorphs known as Convergence. Theories posit that Convergence begins when the population of a hive of necromorphs expands to unheard of levels, and somehow involves a communion with the Marker.

PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY OF THE NECROMORPH

Necromorphs are extremely aggressive creatures, going out of their way and enduring great bodily harm or even assured destruction for the chance to kill living creatures. Essentially, this presents itself as a powerful drive for procreation. Though necromorphs cannot procreate in any normal fashion they slay living creatures for the curse to infect and transform, thus growing their numbers. They accomplish this task through a variety of means that reveal an amount of primitive intelligence. They have been known to set up ambushes or wait for a target to look away before attacking. They prefer to fight in a pack, utilizing hit and run tactics and guerrilla warfare.

But other than a necromorph type called "Stalkers" they don’t seem to communicate with each other. The audible sounds they do make don’t seem to have any underlying meaning, they don’t communicate by touch or signal and apparently don’t give off any chemical cues either. As mentioned above Stalkers are the exception to this rule, seemingly communicating by chittering noises the strength of enemy numbers, their position and even their combat strength. Most necromorphs seem to communicate through some sort of innate telepathy granted them by the powers of the curse.

When not engaged in combat necromorphs exhibit a variety of behaviors. They may wander aimlessly until they find another living target, or stand in place until a target finds them. As mentioned above some will carry corpses to The Corruption or into piles for an Infector to find, whereas still others will lie upon the ground and remain silent, playing dead, as an ambush for luckless bystanders.

PHYSIOLOGY OF THE NECROMORPH

Necromoprhs come in a variety of different forms and types, yet there are still many things common to the creatures as a whole. Unlike some undead varieties necromorphs are not driven by a supernatural hunger; although they may chew on opponents with their distended jaws this is only as an offensive tactic, and not indicative of a need to feed.

Likewise necromorphs have no need to sleep, and even those with working respiratory systems have no need to breath, although it seems they have a preference for some gases over others (as evidenced by the Wheezer). Necromorphs have no discernable anatomy and because of their undead nature are extremely difficult to destroy. In fact, while they may be destroyed in the conventional means, the best way to defeat them is through the process of dismemberment.

DISMEMBERMENT

As undead creatures necromorphs do not suffer from the same weaknesses that apply to the living. They do not need to breathe, sleep or eat. Their bodies are also highly resistant to attacks and some are even known to have regenerative properties. Thankfully they are known to possess one weakness, dismemberment.

Many necromorphs will die if only a few of their limbs are removed, or indeed if a specific limb is removed. While there is currently no theory as to why this is (those who have encountered the beasts had more important things on their minds than research). Attacking the same limb until it is destroyed not only ensures a quicker defeat of the necromorph but also limits their abilities with each successful dissection.

However, there are some necromorphs who have particular areas that should not be attacked: exploding sacs that damage those nearby, pustules that spew acid, or flesh that hides yet more monstrosities to name a few examples. These necromorphs become more dangerous if mishandled.

Necromorphs in Eberron

Inside the Silver Flame is an ancient evil which works towards its insidious tasks by manipulating the Voice of the Silver Flame. This taint, known as the Duality, is to blame for the Marker’s creation. The Necromorphs are one of its many projects. No one knows where the remains of Aegis-Sven lie, but rumors say the town was in the Mror Holds. Strange undead creatures are still occasionally seen in the area.

Knowledge of the Necromorphs

The following table shows the results of a bardic knowledge or Knowledge (religion) check related to necromorphs. Because of the variety of necromorphs the DCs vary by the necromorph being examined.

This table assumes that necromorphs are well known in your campaign. If you want them to be rare as they are presented here than increase the base DC by five. (IE 10 + Cr becomes 15 + CR, etc).

Feats for Kobolds in 4th Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2010年6月11日 00:37:00 +0000

*Illustration by Mark Perez, aka circepig on Deviantart.com.

[Below is a list of feats for the kobold in your 4th edition game]

Heroic Tier Feats:

Shake Off
Prerequisite: Kobold
Benefit: At the end of any turn in which you shift you gain a +1 bonus to saving throws until the start of your next turn.

Active Gambit
Prerequisite: Kobold
Benefit: When you use an action point you can shift 1 square as a free action.

Tactical Ploy
Prerequisite: Kobold
Benefit: Once per encounter, when an adjacent enemy moves away or an enemy moves adjacent you may shift 1 square as a free action.

Kobold Saboteur
Prerequisite: Kobold
Benefit: You gain a +2 insight bonus on thievery checks made to disarm or disable traps.

Mob Mentality
Prerequisite: Kobold
Benefit: You gain a +1 to hit enemies who are threatened by 2 or more of your allies.

Horde Initiate
Prerequisite: Kobold
Benefit: When aiding another you can make two rolls and use either result.

Paragon Tier Feats:

Horde Adept
Prerequisite: Kobold, Horde Initiate
Benefit: When aiding another you provide an additional +1 bonus (for example, from +2 to +3).

Shifting Ruse
Prerequisite: Kobold
Benefit: When a power would allow you to shift, you may forgo the movement to instead gain a +1 bonus to AC and Reflex defense until the start of your next turn.

Epic Tier Feats:

Lord of the Horde
Prerequisite: Kobold, Horde Adept, Horde Adept
Benefit: As a standard action you can grant an adjacent ally a minor action. He must spend this minor action immediately or it is lost.

Update on Gamer's Helping Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2010年1月21日 18:53:00 +0000

This is the newest press release on the Gamer's Helping Haiti fund raising drive.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

In an effort to hurriedly engage publishers and fans in a charitable relief action for the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic (following the earthquake that devastated the region), DriveThruRPG put together the single most amazing bundle of products ever seen in the RPG hobby's history. For a 20ドル donation, fans are given over 1500ドル.00 in RPG books, music, and more.

It killed their servers within hours of going live.

As one fan put it, "I've never been happier to get an error message." The generosity has been utterly overwhelming, and the collective patience of the customer base has been greatly appreciated by the folks at DriveThruRPG.

"It is an embarrassment of riches of the highest order," said Sean Patrick Fannon, Marketing & Communications Manager. "We simply had no idea how huge this would get, and how quickly it would become a massive sensation throughout the gaming world. I've never been more proud of my community or my job."

In order to resolve the server issues, DriveThru employed a "coupon solution" that enabled customers to gain a code that would let them select each of the products in the original bundle for free download. With well over a hundred products, however, this became a tedious and frustrating process, and the customers rightfully complained.

As of now, a new coding has been employed, and now customers are getting all of the products that go with the bundles automatically added to their download lists. The folks at DriveThruRPG care immensely for their customers, wanting the experience to be as easy and enjoyable as possible. While the main focus is to get help to Haiti, DriveThru also wants to leave a positive and lasting impression on everyone who comes to the site.

As of this press release, DriveThruRPG has collected well over 56,000,ドル which will be going to Doctors Without Borders for their efforts in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The "Gamers Help Haiti 20ドル Mega Bundle" will be available until January 31st. Other relief efforts may continue as needed.

For more information, contact Sean Patrick Fannon at sean@onebookshelf.com. Go to www.drivethrurpg.com to obtain the bundle and learn more about what DriveThruRPG is doing to help Haiti.
~~~

Gamers Helping Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2010年1月15日 03:05:00 +0000

Last Tuesday Haiti was devastated by a magnitude 7 earthquake, and the Red Cross has already estimated 45,000 dead, the hospitals left standing are struggling to handle the amount of injured left in the wake of the disaster and donations are needed to get supplies and medics to the area.

To that end DriveThruRPG.com and RPGNow.com have started a fund to donate to Doctors Without Borders. Any gamer can log into their account at either site and donate 5ドル.00 or 10ドル.00 dollars towards sending medical aid to the survivors of the earthquake, and the sites will MATCH the donation dollar for dollar. If you donate 5ドル.00 dollars, if you donate 500ドル dollars it doesn't matter they will match it. Together we can truly make a difference to the people of this nation, and I want to thank all you you who donate, and DriveThruRPG and RPGNow for helping out in this time of need.

Kobold as a 4th Edition Player Race

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2010年1月14日 04:52:00 +0000

*Illustration by Christina Hans, aka avadrea on Deviantart.com.

[Below is a write up of the kobold as a player character race for 4th Edition DnD]

KOBOLD
Small and crafty soldiers,
through their veins runs the blood of dragons.

Racial Traits
Kobolds have all the racial traits listed in the back of the Monster Manual, with the following changes:

Vision: Low-light

Elusive Target: You gain a +1 racial bonus to Reflex.

The chosen children of Kurtulmak, kobolds live in in cavernous labyrinths chiseled out of the side of mountains or carved from underground. Their homes are heavily defended with good use of terrain and deadly traps.

Physical Qualities
Standing about 3' 8" on average with slim, wiry bodies, Kobolds are covered in fine scales of green, tan or red. Their red or yellow eyes have the remarkable ability to pick out details in the dimmest of light, Their face is dominated by a lizard-like snout with foward-facing nostrils and remarkable red or yellow eyes that can pick out details in the dimmest of light. Finally the skull is adorned with small vestigial horns, and ear holes...much like the dragons they claim as relatives.

Hatching from eggs, Kobolds reach adulthood at the astonishing rate of seven years. Although violence keeps most kobolds from reaching a venerable age, they are capable of living well past one hundred years.

Playing a Kobold
Kobolds are taught to do one things from the moment they are born, survive. This trait makes many see the kobold as a cowardly species, but in truth kobolds have a cautious and tactical mind that constantly weighs the pros and cons of any action in an attempt to come out on top. They also learn to take pride in their heritage as the chosen servants of dragonkind. Dragonborn may boast of their great kingdom of Arkhosia, but kobold's know that they were made by Kurtulmak himself to defend dragonkind after the dragonborn empire failed.

It is this alternating feeling of pride and powerful survival instinct that makes kobolds the people that they are. Kobolds learn to work in tandem with others of their tribe to accomplish great tasks that no single member of the tribe could, at the same time each kobold tries to do better than his peers in an effort to prove his worth to those around him. This makes kobolds one of the most industrious races. However, these bonds dissolve when danger presents itself, because each kobold is ultimately looking out for his own best interest. A mantra of "better you than me" ensures that the craftiest, most intelligent, and skilled kobolds survive to sow the seeds for the next generation.

Kobolds who go seeking adventure are usually outcasts, often filled with an inordinate amount of pride who wish to make a name for themselves apart from their tribes.

Kobold Characteristics: Agile, crafty, cunning, hard-working, industrious, organized, proud, sly, tenacious, tricky

Male Names: Albrik, Dakarnak, Deekin, Korish, Meepo, Mekrit, Mokumok, Pun-Pun, Riphahn, Sithik, Tunark, Urzican, Vavgor

Female Names: Asiph, Aupinom, Dinsa, Ixinmerik, Kiszar, Kitrak, Liriss, Minaph, Quanip, Sabahn, Sefima, Sysix, Zalicka

Kobold Adventurers
Three sample kobold adventurers are described below.
Krit the Kobold is a traveling rogue and trapsmith. By constantly pitting himself against the work of others he hopes to collect enough research to perfect his craft. Wearing a small leather jerkin and wielding daggers he collected off the corpse of a fallen adventurer Krit travels into the deepest dungeons with his companions, scouting ahead and taking notes on any hazards they encounter.
Tarkin is a kobold warlord who along with his allies travel the ruins of Arkhosia, gathering artifacts belonging to dragons. Someday he hopes to build a new empire for the dragons, this time under the vigilant protection of his people. With his mighty dragonscale shield in front, he is prepared to face any foe.
Kitrak is a mighty sorceress. She comes from a long succession of wild mages, and although she could easily take up a position ruling her tribe she has decided to travel the world in the hopes of gathering even more power. If she comes back to her people, it will be with the deep understanding of the arcane arts.

VG Meet Dnd: Larva Crab Worms from Borderlands

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年12月17日 00:41:00 +0000

[Below you'll find a 4th Edition rendition of the Larva Crab Worm enemies from the hit role-playing shooter game Borderlands]

Larva Crab Worms
Heavily armored subterranean threat who place their habitats near areas soaked with magic.

Larva Crab Worm Tactics
With their hardy scales and territorial nature Larva Crab Worms have a tendency to rush into battle, and use their Scuttling Charge ability to push opponents into advantageous positions. Against ranged foes or opponents they can't quite reach yet the Larva Crab Worms unleash their powerful Corrosive Spittle attacks. Regardless of their tactics, Larva Crab Worms make the most of their burrow speed, utilizing it to both ambush opponents and escape from hairy situations.

Larva Crab Worm Lore
Nature DC 14: The lair of larva crab worms are often placed near deposits of crystals, most notably the magical shock crystal which they cultivate and harvest in a symbiotic relationship. Because of their strange relationship with shock crystals, larva crab worms have built up a resistance to electricity.
Nature DC 17: Despite their thick protective scales larva crab worms are extremely sensitive to pain, and any grievous injuries quickly kill the beast.

Arcana DC 17: The shock crystals that larva crab worms are renowned for farming can be used to decrease the cost of items with the lightning keyword. Each fully-formed crystal (DM's discretion) can be used to lower the cost of an item with the lightning keyword by 10%.

Encounter Groups
Although protective of their shock crystal deposits, larva crab worms are occasionally pressed into the service of young Behir Bolter Whelps.

Level 10 Encounter (2,450 XP)

1 behir bolter whlep (level 8 solo soldier)

2 larva crab worms (level 8 skirmisher)

Dungeon Brew Reviews: Critical Hit and Fumble Decks

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年12月01日 05:00:00 +0000

When playing 3.5 DnD, or even the new Pathfinder, sometimes a critical hit just doesn't feel that...well, critical. Doing x2 damage is all well and good, but sometimes you want to eviscerate your foe, causing him to bleed to death, or smack him so silly he's seeing stars for a few rounds. By the same token, missing on a 1, while annoying, just isn't very descriptive. So you critical fumbled, how did you do it?

Well, thanks to Paizo's Critical Hit and Critical Fumble Decks you get a little more out of your Critical die rolls. The premise of both cards is that when you roll a 1 (for the Critical Fumble Deck), or confirm a critical threat (for the Critical Hit deck) you draw a card from the deck, compare it to what kind of attack you made (magical, natural, slashing, ranged) and that card tells you what action your critical took. Things from an extra attack roll all the way to decapitation (for the Critical Deck) or dropping your weapon to hitting yourself with your own spell (for the Critical Fumble Deck).

The Good
Besides helping busy DMs with go-to descriptions for Critical hits and fumbles, the cards keep the game lively. I use them myself and my players are always excited about a critical hit, calling for a draw from the deck almost before the threat has been confirmed. By the same token, it helps lessen the effect of a critical fumble. Sure, you are making a failure more than just an automatic miss, but from my experience the players don't mind rolling a 1 quite so much now that it comes with an interesting explanation.

The Evil
This system isn't entirely balanced. One of the critical hit cards, as mentioned above is decapitation. That is a pretty powerful thing, even when its as rare as a 1 in 52 chance already tacked on to less than 5%. A critical already has the chance to obliterate a well crafted plan by destroying NPCs and villains who were meant to live longer, adding in an additional chance for them to perish increases this problem. The other issue is that the two decks are meant to work together. You don't have to of course, you could easily use the critical hit deck or fumble decks by themselves. Keep in mind though, that in 3.5 D&D, not every monster is capable of receiving a critical hit, if you run a campaign where the players fight a lot of undead, constructs or other creatures immune to critical hits the fumble deck becomes a much more serious issue as it isn't balanced by the benefits of the critical deck.

Bang For Your Buck
Each deck costs 9ドル.99, and for that you receive 52 cards with 4 different outcomes on each one, each outcome pertaining to a different type of attack. You also receive rules with advice for how to balance the cards for use in your campaign, and some new mechanics for your game that enhance the rules presented.

The Final Verdict
I endorse these products wholeheartedly, I've been using them in my games for around a year now and they definitely keep things both interesting and fun. They are cheap, they are are well made, and they make combat a little more complex. If that's not what you want, I can see you not getting them, but if you want to make your fights a place where a man can lose some fingers, or a fighter's sword could go flying out of his grasp during a dangerous maneuver, these cards will help you make it happen.

Francis Bousho is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Dungeon Brew Reviews Paranoia Mandatory Bonus Fun Card Gam

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年12月01日 05:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Paranoia. I know you were expecting to come here for a review, but unfortunately that information is above your clearance level. But don't worry, Friend Computer is here to help.

Let me explain. In the Mandatory Bonus Fun Card Game, the players take on the role troubleshooters (people who find trouble and shoot it) in an underground complex run by a benevolent, albeit unbalanced, computer. Your job is to undertake missions all while remaining vigilant against mutants, and members of secret societies. By the way, you are a mutant and a member of a secret society. You are a traitor, a well armed traitor at that. But the problem is you are on a team of other well armed traitors, all bent on proving their "innocence" by proving you are a traitor against Friend Computer. I wouldn't worry too much though, because there will be plenty of chances for you to do the same to them, or even kill them outright.

The Good
The game is fun, the rukles are simple and mission structure keeps the game engaging with a variety of objectives to complete. Added on top of all that though is the fast paced and strategic game play where every traitor for himself and danger lurks around every corner. The game maintains a sense of dark humour with great art and quotes adorning every card, not to mention missions like "Bake the Traitor" and action cards like "Spurious Logic".

The Evil
Well the biggest problem with the game is that its out of print. Thankfully though RPGNow.com and the PDF format have come to the rescue, allowing you to purchase a copy and download it directly to your computer. Of course, this presents its own issues, mainly having to print out all the cards. While most of the cards are black and white, the clearance cards and some of the game tokens are in color. And the PDF is constructed poorly, with each card being presented on a page of its own. For the color issue I ended up using different color paperclips as tokens, and I placed a paperclip over the player reference card, sliding it up and down to denote security clearance. The other problem took a little more work, I copied each individual card as a jpeg and then placed them side by side on a .doc file. Although time consuming, this allowed me to print them out about six at a time.

Bang For Your Buck
The game costs a whopping 24ドル.95. For this you get 20 different mission cards, which act like minigames, 39 different actions cards, and a variety of tokens and player reference cards, all of which have to be printed and cut out.

The Final Verdict
I had a lot of fun with this game, I picked it up at 20% off and I loved it. My friends and I played it extensively while I worked on this article. That having been said, this game is not for everyone. If you love, or you know someone who does love, the world of Paranoia, anything Orwellian or non-collectible card games you'll love this game. For those of you who don't, you'll be better off spending it on something else.

VG Meet Dnd: The Golden Goddesses of Zelda

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年11月29日 08:10:00 +0000

*The Legend of Zelda and all official images are property of Nintendo

As you may have already seen Mariah has started statting out races from the Legend of Zelda game series. I've decided to jump in on the fun from time to time and my first contribution is a write-up of the three Golden Goddesses. While these deities can be worshiped by anyone, they work best with the Zelda races, like the Hylian or the Rito. Below you'll find a write up for each god, as well as as a write up for the pantheon as a whole. Each entry also includes a new Channel Divinity feat, complete with power card, and a list of domains (introduced in Divine Power) that fit each entry.

The Golden Goddess
Good
The Golden Goddesses are a group of three related deities collectively representing Hyrule, but focusing on the virtues most important to that culture-courage, wisdom, and power. In Hyrule the Golden Goddesses are the most worshiped deities. They are worshiped by a variety of races and professions-human farmers, hylian nobles, and zora musicians to name a few. Almost everyone offers prayers to the Golden Goddesses as a collective group, only offering prayers to an individual sister when they need help with something specific. For example, a judge might offer up a prayer to Nayru before a trial, and a warrior might ask for the guidance of Din during a battle. As a whole, the Golden Goddesses exhort their followers to:

Do not resist the current of destiny, to refuse its call is to deny yourself our greatest gift.
Strive for balance in life. Courage, wisdom, and power are nothing alone, but together can make wishes come true.
Do not abuse the gifts of the goddesses, to do so is to inspire retribution.

Golden Touch [Divinity]
Prerequisite: Channel Divinity class feature, must worship the Golden Goddesses
Benefit: You gain the Channel Divinity power Golden Touch

Domains: Creation, Fate, Protection

Din
Unalinged
One of the Golden Goddesses, Din represents the the virtue of power. With her might she created the earth and through her comes the dance of seasons. Like her sisters Farore and Nayru she is worshiped throughout Hyrule, however the vast majority of her worshipers are either warriors or goron. In iconography Din is alternatively shown as either a hylian or a gerudo woman with both palms open with small flames rising up from her open palms. Surprisingly in some pictures she also has a snake curled about her neck ready to strike. She encourages her worshipers to:

Achieve and maintain physical perfection.
Test your prowess in contests and in battle. May the strongest prevail.
Respect Fire, it is an invaluable tool and a powerful weapon.

Din's Fire [Divinity]
Prerequisite: Channel Divinity class feature, must worship Din
Benefit: You gain the Channel Divinity power Din's Fire

Domains: Earth, Strength, Sun

Farore
Good
One of the Golden Goddesses, Farore exemplifies the virtue of courage. She is the creator of life and the patron deity of Hyrule's staunchest defenders. Like her sisters Din and Nayru, she is worshiped throughout Hyrule, mostly though by the various fae creatures such as the kokiri. In images she is most often portrayed as a hylian woman with long flowing green hair. She espouses her followers to:

Act with valor in all things.
Nurture and respect life.
Watch for and defend against tyranny in all its forms.

Farore's Wind [Divinity]
Prerequisite: Channel Divinity class feature, must worship Farore
Benefit: You gain the Channel Divinity power Farore's Wind

Domains: Freedom, Life, Luck

Nayru
Lawful Good
One of the Golden Goddesses, Nayru represents the virtue of wisdom. As her final act before leaving this realm she gave forth the body of law. Like her sisters Din and Farore, she is worshiped throughout Hyrule, mostly by soldiers, nobility, and others who protect civilization. In art she is often portrayed as a hylian woman with long blue hair, with a single shock turned upward towards the sky. Her faithful should:

Understand and follow the law.
Bring the light of civiliation to the shadows of the world.
Study the past and the present, in this way you can foresee what is to come.

Nayru's Love [Divinity]
Prerequisite: Channel Divinity class feature, must worship Nayru
Benefit: You gain the Channel Divinity power Nayru's Love

Domains: Civilization, Justice, Knowledge

Design a Holiday Dungeon Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年11月24日 23:09:00 +0000

*Photo by Luigi Diamanti

The guys over at Dungeon's Master are running a pretty nifty contest for the Holiday Season. To enter, create a holiday themed dungeon and send it in. The entries will all be collected into an e-book that Dungeon's Master will post for free download on their site next year, and the winner of the contest will have his pick of three really neat titles coming up for the 4th edition of Dungeons and Dragons. All in all it seems like a really cool contest and I can't wait to see what people come up with. To learn more, and hopefully enter the contest, check out their explanation of the contest here.

4th Edition Dnd Races of Zelda: Rito

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — 2009年11月13日 00:25:00 +0000

Rito

RACIAL TRAITS
Average Height: 5'4" - 6'0"
Average Weight: 140-200 lb.

Ability Scores: +2 Dexterity, + 2 Charisma
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares
Vision: Low-light

Languages: Hylian [Common]
Skill Bonuses: +2 Acrobatics, +2 Perception
Light on your Feet: You can shift in difficult terrain
Aerial Acrobat: You gain a + 1 bonus to your Reflex Defense
Rito Flight: You can use Rito Flight as an encounter power

Play a rito if you want...
◆だいやまーく To be able to take to the sky above your foes
◆だいやまーく To be a member of a close knit tribe that reveres a powerful dragon
◆だいやまーく To be a member of a race that favors the bard, sorcerer, and rogue classes

Physical Qualities:
Ritos are very bird-like in appearance, and are believed to have evolved to their current state from another race. Their most prominent features are their large yellow beaks where a human's nose might be and an expansive set of wings under their arms. These wings fold and tuck neatly when not in use and are usually off-white with brown at the tips of the feathers. All Rito have red eyes and can have pale to tan skin, and white, brown or red hair, though white is the most common. They also have very small pointed feet like those of a bird, with small but still capable talons. Rito often wear lose, colorful robes which do not constrict their movement or flight. They wear few other adornments other than a belt and a bag to carry things while in flight. White, reds, golds and browns are popular colors in their garb and homes.

Playing a Rito:
The Rito live outside of the cities in mountainous terrain and can convert caves or low cliffs into suitable dwellings. Young Rito are called fledglings before they have gained the ability to fly. When they are ready, a fledgling will undertake the journey to the lair of the Rito patron exarc, the sky spirit Valoo. Once there Valoo bestows upon the fledgling one of his scales, which enables them to grow wings and fly. This is the Rito's most time-honored tradition and to refuse to go to Valoo, either from fear or inability, brings great shame to a Rito. Most Rito can only fly a short distance before becoming fatigued, but some more experienced and older Rito can fly over long distances and even carry other small humanoids for a short time. The Rito follow a tribal leader who is generally appointed by bloodline but they do not follow many strict laws other than cultural traditions. Rito are very competitive and will devise games to challenge themselves mentally and physically and compare their relative strengths.

Rito histories speak of a time when the race was flightless and had to use ropes and other tools to navigate the dangerous mountain terrain. Then the Rito found the sky spirit Valoo, who appeared as a gigantic and fearsome red dragon. Valoo granted the Rito his magical scales so that they may take to the skies like himself. Thus, the Rito are extremely grateful and reverent towards Valoo and would never think to disrespect him. The tribe will appoint a young female to serve as Valoo's attendant, to ensure that all sacred rites are performed perfectly. Traditionally the attendant will spend most of her time near Valoo and play the harp to calm his easily tripped temper.

While they do not live with other races, Rito enjoy traveling and have a penchant for becoming messengers due to their ability to cover vast distances quickly and without many provisions. Rito may seem aloof at first, but they quickly warm up to others who are friendly towards them and will welcome them into their homes. Many Rito are trained in combat from a young age, as they find it is best to always be prepared for any kind of attack. A good portion of the tribe will serve as guards to protect the Chieftan, the fledglings and the entrance to Valoo's lair. Even in small numbers the Rito are very capable at defending themselves and their homes because of their constant competition with each other to become better warriors.

*"Skett and Akoot" Original art by Hillary Esdaile, check out her website and deviantart page!

Rito Characteristics: carefree, loyal, competitive, perfectionist, traditional, outgoing, reverent

Example Rito Names:
Male: Akoot, Basht, Hoskit, Ilari, Koboli, Namali, Pashli, Skett
Female: Beroke, Dakapo, Eliji, Harmonee, Kadenz, Kapela, Oktev, Opari

Examples of Rito in the Legend of Zelda: Medli, Komali, Quill, Rito Chieftan

Background and History in the Points of Light Campaign Setting:
No one remembers what the Rito were like before the great dragon Valoo settled in their region, but what is known is that rather than rely on dragonborn or kobolds for protection and company, Valoo elevated a fledgling race into what is now the modern Rito. For the gift of flight, and his ultimate protection from the dangers of the world outside their mountainous homes, the Rito care for and faithfully serve the dragon Valoo. When other races were striving to build and maintain vast empires, the Rito sought only to exist, in peace with themselves and the land around them. Recently however, with darkness pushing in on the boundaries of their land some Rito have begun to leave their ancestral homes. Envoys for peace and travelers seeking to unite the various points of light, the path these Rito travel may just end up protecting their home and traditions, but forging a pact that will ensure the safety of various humanoids and their homes.

Rito Lands in Points of Light Campaign Setting:
Most Rito live in a mountain range dominated by an impressive volcano. They create homes in hallowed out bedrock and caves in the mountains. They use the surrounding lands around their home for harvest and consider it as much their home as the rocky croppings from which they keep their vigil. While non Rito are welcome in Rito territory they may find various portions of their lands inaccessable without the ability to fly or an impressive skill at climbing.

For more information about the Rito: http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Rito

The Legend of Zelda and all official images are property of Nintendo

Paizo Announces Playtest Schedule for New Classes

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年11月11日 04:22:00 +0000

Paizo announced today a schedule that will allow all you faithful Pathfinder players out there a chance to try out and give feedback on the forthcoming Advanced Player's Guide classes. They will be releasing two classes at a time starting with the Cavalier and Oracle classes in only four days. They are even making rules to use these new beta classes in their awesome organized play venture Pathfinder Society.

To check out the official announcement (and here the news from the horses mouth) please stop by their blog.

Of course Dungeon Brew will be taking apart each of these classes and letting you wonderful members of the Gamer Nation know exactly what the they have to offer.

Dungeon Brew Reviews: Undeafetable

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年10月28日 23:23:00 +0000

When perusing your Pathfinder Core Book for feats there may be something you notice is missing:

Class Feats

That's right, for the most part the book is devoid of feats that alter, enhance, or play off of Class Features. Back when WotC supported 3.5 some of my favorite books were the Complete series. So I was a little sad that the book didn't have any neat little feats I could take that would make me say...a more unique cleric.

Enter LPJ Design's new line of products Undeafetable, short 2-4 page pdfs chock full of interesting and for the most part out of the box balanced feats for your class. Each product contains a plethora of feats for a single core class.

The Good
Most of the feats are balanced nicely, and add extra utility to a classes' defining features rather than replacing them or adding their own. The layout is simple and friendly, with feats laid out alphabetically on two collumn rows, and the black typeset is easily readable against the white background, which I find to be extremely important in pdf products.

The Evil
Remember what I said I said earlier about these feats enhancing abilities classes already have? Well, not all of them follow the formula. For instance there is a cleric feat that tramples over the schtick of the barbarian, allowing a cleric to rage. As if rekindling the 3.5 cleric's ability to steal the spotlight away from other classes wasn't enough, the ability isn't written in a concise manner, and raises some issues about how often you can use it.

Bang For Your Buck
Most of the Undeafetables are .99 cents, with three of them (for no known reason) being 1ドル.25. However, if you get the bundles, you can get six beautiful pdfs for 5,ドル a great deal considering that each pdf contains about 20 feats. These feats run the gamut, and you will find use in them no matter what level you play at.

The Final Verdict
All in all, I am very pleased with the product. I am looking forward to the rest of them. If they do well enough, I'm hoping they will do a series of racial feats. So cross your fingers and show your support for this great line of products.

4th Edition Dnd Races of Zelda: Hylian

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — 2009年10月25日 23:45:00 +0000

Over the following weeks I will be posting descriptions and racial traits for the most famous and best loved races in the Zelda Universe. I'll start today with the most obvious and famous: the Hylians, a race that is distinctive and apart from humans. More races will follow (including Gorons, Zora, Shiekah, Gerudo and many others!) as well as sample characters to match various campaigns in the Zelda Timeline. For now, you can simply insert these races to flavor your current 4th edition campaign and add more options for your players without buying additional supplements. Enjoy!

Hylian

RACIAL TRAITS
Average Height: 5'8" - 6'4"
Average Weight: 135-220 lb

Ability Scores: +2 Wisdom, + 2 Charisma
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 Squares
Vision: Normal

Languages: Hylian [Common]
Skill Bonuses: +2 Insight, +2 Religion
Goddesses' Protection: You have resistance radiant equal to 5 + 1/2 your level
Chosen People: You gain a +2 bonus to death saving throws
Alleviating Strike: You can use alleviating strike as an encounter power

Hylians are known as "the chosen people" of Hyrule. With their divine gifts, they excel at magic and leadership. This tends to make them very proud and many believe that humans are jealous of their favored status.

Play a Hylian if you want...

To have a proud heritage and strong connection with the gods
To have a burning ambition and strong belief in your own destiny
To be a member of a race that favors the cleric, paladin, invoker and avenger classes

Physical Qualities:
Hylians look very much like Humans except that they have protruding pointed ears as their main identifying feature. It is said they have longer ears so that they can hear the voices of the gods. Hylians tend to be taller and slimmer than the average human, with well defined bone structure and exceptional grace. Hylians also tend towards fair skin, blonde or red hair and blue eyes but can have any of the colors of the Human spectrum in addition to some rare members having unnatural shades such as purple or blue hair.

Hylians wear simple clothing with bright elaborate embroidery often displaying sacred and historically significant images. Regal blues, purples and pinks are common. Females wear an abundance of intricate gold jewelry with the triforce, the symbol of their godessess being most prominent.

Playing a Hylian:
Hylians tend to live in cities near the centers of power and are often in charge of local affairs or at the very least involved. They live simply and practically but that does not mean that they don't enjoy the finer things in life without being gaudy. Hylians can have a wide variety of professions but they excel at artistry and crafting. Due to their natural affinity with handling animals they also tend to raise and breed them and horses are an especially important part of their lives.

Hylians believe that they were particularly created by the three Goddesses which they worship: Din, Farore and Nayru. Each chooses one of the three Goddesses and the virtue she embodies (Power, Courage and Wisdom respectively) from a young age as a paragon to guide them. Hylians who venerate Din seek power in different forms whether it be physical, magical or political. They are very driven and will constantly try to increase their power for good or ill. Strong willed Hylians tend to choose Farore and try to live their lives without fear. They will charge into battle and refuse to yield no matter the odds and believe that with Courage they can accomplish their goals. Scholarly and intelligent Hylians honor Nayru as well as nobles, guards and leaders because she is said to have created the rule of law and reason. These individuals use their wisdom to lead, explore magical arts, heal the sick, and adventure to discover truth. Nothing will stop them in their quest for greater knowledge and they constantly seek to educate those around them.

Because of their belief in themselves as a chosen race of the Gods, Hylians tend to think lesser of the other races but that does not necessarily mean that they hate or subjugate them. Few Hylians take to outright xenophobia and most of them behave friendly and charitably to others, if perhaps too self-important. They live and work most often with Humans, being the closest to them physically, but they will adventure with most any of the traditionally benevolent races happily (Eladrin, Elves, Halflings, Dwarves, Gorons etc.) and are suspicious of the more violent and rare species (Dragonborn, Tieflings, Gerudo, Orcs, Moblins etc.)

Hylian Characteristics: proud, diplomatic, devout, valorous, charismatic, intuitive, idealist

Example Hylian Names
Hylians use simple one or two syllable names which are often passed down or significant in meaning
Male: Auru, Fyer, Grog, Kafei, Mesa, Orca, Sakon, Shad
Female: Agitha, Aryll, Astrid, Marin, Telma, Tetra

Examples of Hylians in the Legend of Zelda: Link, Zelda, Malon, King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, Anju

Background and History in the Points of Light Campaign Setting:
Around the campfires of the world and the hearths of city taverns stories are told of the magical kingdom of Hyrule. The land of Hyrule was both beautiful and bountiful, and blessed with peace. But of course, that peace would one day be shattered. A powerful villain arose and against his power the Hyrulian kingdom could not stand. Finally the Goddesses had to intervene, and buried the villain underneath a torrent of water, so much that the great kingdom of Hyrule sank beneath the waves.

Few Hylians alive truly remember what it was like to live in Hyrule, having had so many generations pass since the nation fell, but they do remember the glory of it. Filled with pride over their history, there is a saying that Hyrule will always exist in the hearts of her people.

Hylian Lands in Points of Light Campaign Setting:
Hylians have no land in the Points of Light, and are a rare sight in the vales. They often share lands with humans, although there exists the rare Hylian village or city district. These Hylian areas are filled with majestic architecture and fine craftsmanship in an attempt to pay homage to their glorious past, but they are an exception rather than the norm.

For more information about Hylians check out: http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Hylian
For more information about the Goddesses: http://www.zeldawiki.org/Goddesses

The Legend of Zelda and all official images are property of Nintendo

Darus; Imperial Spy and Dark Side Adept

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年10月25日 22:25:00 +0000

*Photography by JD Hancock, be sure to check out his great Stormtrooper pictures.

[Below you'll find a fully realized NPC for Star Wars Saga Edition. Although he was made for Rebellion or Dark Times campaigns, I've included some tips for running him in both the Legacy and Knights of the Old Republic eras as well.]

The Protective Brother

Born in the undercity on the planet of Coruscant shortly before the Clone Wars Darus Boon lived the life of a scavenger with his younger sister Lilat. Darus and his sister lived in the polluted and dangerous undercity as orphans, scurrying about in the dark, desperately trying to survive and fervently dreaming of life on the surface.

This all changed when a group of stormtrooper cadets wandered into the undercity looking for sport. What they found was a ten year old Lilat and her teenaged brother. Comments were issued and refused, and taunts were thrown at the children. Finally a stormtrooper went too far and attempted to strike the girl.

Darus erupted with fury, literally.Pouring from his body came a bombardment of force lightning, slamming into the stormtroopers and killing all but two before they could escape the twisting tunnels of the undercity.

Their report made its way directly to the Emperor, who ordered a new group into the undercity, to find the boy and deliver a message.

A Golden Ticket

When the soldiers found the boy he was ready for them, dropping from the shadowed pipes behind them and killing two with his new found Force powers. The commander of the unit quickly called for repreive, and delivered his message.

"The emperor would like to raise you, care for you and your sister, and teach you the depths of your abilities." Thus Darus threw in his lot with the Empire, and began his path as a Dark Side Adept and spy.

With the knowledge that his sister was safe on the surface of Coruscant, Darus was free to ive into the total abandon of the Dark Side of the Force. He endured rigorous tests and though he would never ascend to the leve of a Sith Warrior his path was still valuable to the Emperor. As a force empowered spy Darus is capable of uncovering and relaying information to the Empire that a normal being would never be able to attain. And with the Bothans firmly aligned with the Rebel scum the Empire needs spies now more than ever.

Using Darus in Your Campaign

As written Darus makes a great spy for the Galactic Empire. If the heroes play as Rebels, Smugglers, or other "undesirables" Darus can come in with a helpful hand and secretly relay any intel he gathers on the PCs back to the Empire. In fact, it isn't too far out of the scope of possibilty for Darus to set the PCs up, just so he can come in looking like the hero. Alternatively, Darus can easily use his imperial connections to get rare items for the party, earning their trust, all the while never discovering just how he gets his goods.

Obviously this assumes that you are running a game in either the Force Unleashed or Rebellion eras, but with only a few minor changes he can easily work in a Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) or Legacy of the Force campaign.

In KOTOR his home planet is Taris, and he reports to the Sith stationed on Korriban, possibly even serving under Darth Malak or one of the three Sith Lords who procede him. In a Legacy of the Force campaign he works under the new sith Empire, and could be spying on the Alliance or even the Emperor in exile Roan Fel.

Darus
Medium Human scout 1/noble 3
Destiny 1; Force 5; Dark Side 10
Init +2; Senses Perception +10
Languages Basic

Defenses Ref 16 (flat-footed 16), Fort 14, Will 16
hp 40; Threshold 14

Speed 6 squares
Ranged blaster pistol +2 (3d4+2) or
Ranged blaster carbine +2 (3d8+2)
Base Atk +2; Grp +1
Special Actions Shake It Off
Force Powers Known (Use the Force +10); Force grip, Force lightning, mind trick, negate energy

Abilities Str 8, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 16
Talents Connections, Improved Stealth, Spontaneous Skill
Feats Force Sensitivity, Force Training, Skill Training (Deception), Skill Training (Persuasion), Weapon Proficiency (pistols, rifles, simple weapons)
Skills Deception +10, Endurance +8, Perception +10, Persuasion +10, Stealth +7, Survival +10, Use the Force +10
Possessions hold-out blaster pistol, blaster carbine encrypted comlink, personal holoprojector, utility belt

Dungeon Brew Reviews: Martial Flavor

noreply@blogger.com (Francis Bousho) — 2009年10月20日 18:30:00 +0000

[The following article is part of the Small Press Week blog carnival being run by RPG Blog II. Many bloggers are coming together for this event to check out some of the great things about, and coming out of smaller rpg publishers. If you'd like to see what the other bloggers have covered this week, drop by Moebius Adventures for a complete list of links.]

Chaotic Shiny Productions was nice enough to send me an advance copy of their upcoming title Martial Flavor, and I'd be remiss if I didn't share what I've learned about the book. Keep in mind while reading this that the book still has sometime before publication and is still undergoing some revisions and enhancements.

The Good Vs Evil Axis

Martial Flavor is a unique book detailing five martial traditions for use in your 4th edition D&D campaign. Each Chapter details a martial tradition, complete with backstory, feats, and new powers.

The Good
This book is presented in an easy to read format, with each new chapter detailing one of the five traditions, and taking us from backstory and hierarchy all the way to which 4th edition races interact with the tradition and how. This is followed by example adventurers, and new mechanics for making the organization come alive at the game table. The fluff and the crunch in this book is balanced amazingly well, with plenty of things both GMs and Players can grab onto and spin into interesting plot points and defining features. As I read through the book I couldn't help but think about how great it would be to play a Daikort Mercenary or a Legionnaire. Each chapter brings the tradition to life with in depth background, various examples of members, how they dress, and how their society views both themselves and in many cases the world around them. I was reminded of why I own so many roleplaying books, many of them are just as entertaining a read as a they are a useful resource.

Martial Flavor is a proud addition to that design philosophy. How many times have I looked through my Martial Power book and wished it went into greater detail on what it meant to be a fighter? Well, Martial Flavor offers plenty of material for that. With this book in hand you never have to worry again about your ranger looking like any other ranger. Make the character stand out, make him a Fox in a Daikort Pack, picking his way through a shady marshland with the greatest of skill. Perhaps what is so great about this book is that it not only helps you create unique characters, but it gives you in game mechanics to make those decisions actually mean something. For example if you are an Ellesin fighter, then you are the king of mounted combat, able to take brand new feats and powers to reinforce just how good you are at mounted combat.

The Evil
I know it is a growing trend with RPG book these days, but this book just doesn't have an index. The bookmarks in the pdf are amazing, but I'm one of those weird individuals who likes to print off his pdfs for long perusals in the sunlight. Beyond that, I have one word to share with you: Background. The backgrounds in this book are more akin to those that appeared in Dragon for the Scales of War (SoW) adventure path. As such they are a little more powerful than the streamlined system that is presented in the Player's Handbook 2 and Eberron Player's Guide. That having been said, some of the backgrounds even blow their SoW cousins out of the water. Chief among these is the Ikanoi, which gives you cold resistance equal to either Wisdom bonus or Constitution bonus whichever is lower, and as such is definitely something that could level with you, especially if you are playing a shaman. Compare that feature with the Sijara's background which gives them Bluff and Diplomacy and class skills and +1 to each and you see some variance in background utility even amongst the book itself.

Bang For Your Buck
So you are thinking about picking Martial Flavor up from Chaotic Shiny. Well, it retails for 19.95 so lets take a moment and examine what you get. In this 56 page tome of a gaming pdf you get an astounding 88 feats, which cover both Heroic and Paragon tier, as well as new Multiclass feats. Some of you may be wondering why one would need new multiclass feats, so be amazed because this book has 12 alternative class features to further customize your martial warrior. You also get several new utility powers for your martial classes that really flesh out how your martial warrior is different from your typical Points of Light model. But lets go back to those feats because there is one thing I'd really like to point out. A whole slew of those feats are for characters who excel at Mounted Combat, and some of the new powers and alternative class features help support the concept. If you have EVER wanted to play a mounted character in D&D 4e, then this is the book to buy, even if you don't use the tradition that goes with them. Heck, even if you want to have a mounted character from a different power source, you will find what you need in those feats. Though obviously if that's all you want you may want to look elsewere for your mount fix.

Now, what if you are a GM? Well, then this is still a pretty good resource for you, although admittedly you are missing out on some of the fun by not being able to play any of the neat new character concepts this book helps deliver. But that doesn't keep you from introducing the Legionnaires of Arytis, or throwing your part against a well trained Daikort Pack. You can easily stat out some great NPCs that will ride both sides of the ally/enemy fence. I know I keep talking about them, but I myself will be dropping the Daikort into my home campaign, they are just too great of a DM tool to not use, and the bevy of information on each tradition gives you what you need to not only run adventures featuring these warriors, but entire campaigns built around them.

The Final Verdict
If you have a martial character, or you plan on playing one then this book belongs on your digital bookshelf. The sheer number of new feats and powers and other goodies contained therein means you WILL find something of use even if you never use the martial traditions that are linked to them. As just one example you can easily mine out the entire mounted combat tidbits (like the Mounted Fighter talent and the list of racial rider feats) and use them as is. As for GMs, since the GSL came out I've purchased my fair share of products, and I haven't seen many that come to the level of dedication, balance, and just plain cool things to put in your game. The text is well written and evocative, the sidebars are placed well and are informative. Here's the gist of things, if I was to write about all the great things in this lengthy pdf I would have to go on for pages, because there is so much great material contained within.

All of that having been said, I can understand if the price tag turns you off of the book. In today's market, and especially without having seen for yourself just how much material is packed in here it can be tough to make that kind of commitment. Comparatively though, this is essentially five products at 4ドル each. Each one containing about 22 feats, plenty of utility powers and other tools and material to boot. Thinking of it that way makes the price make a little more sense. That having been said, if your interested, but just haven't made up your mind yet you can see a few excerpts at this page of Chaotic Shiny's website. In my opinion you should save up some cash and mark November 1st on your calendar so you can be one of the first to spice up your adventuring life with some Martial Flavor.