Ruins & Ronin Mini Review

Sometimes I'm late to the game. Then again, considering my age, I always feel like I'm late to the game when it comes to the OSR. Last night, my friend +David Coppoletti mentioned Ruins & Ronin to me, so I had to check it out. Apparently it was released back in 2009, though it was only just recently added to RPGNow.

Written by Mike D of Sword+1, Ruins & Ronin is chanbara-inspired white box gaming. Like Swords & Wizardry White Box, the book contains three classes (which are variations/reskins of the classes in the White Box). There is only one race other than humans, the half-ogre. The equipment and magic items in the book are Japanese themed as are many of the monsters in the bestiary. However, there's a sizable amount of the material that's already in the (free) Swords & Wizardry White Box.

I like this book. It's not historical Japan, it's samurai movie flavored rules that emulate the films. However, I'm glad I just bought the  two dollar pdf. The soft cover is 11. Again, I like the book, but there's not enough new information for me to justify that price tag. There's also a lack of artwork. I think it could have been improved by some public domain classic Japanese artwork. I've read that there's a hardcover 2nd edition in the works. If it includes more artwork and material, I'll probably pick it up.

If you play white box D&D and want a Japanese spin, pick up this pdf. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Actual Cannibal Shia LeBeouf for 5E

This video is brilliant. After you watch it, head over to Winghorn Press and check out their 5e monster stats for Actual Cannibal Shia LeBeouf.

The Dungeons and Gore of Rafael Chandler

I've decided I want to spotlight one of my favorite rpg writers, +Rafael Chandler.  Considering how I tend to run my games, it may seem like Rafael's stuff would be too brutal for my games. And let me be honest, most of it is. However, that being said I find his writing entertaining and fascinating. Just because I don't include much black metal inspired gore in my games, that doesn't mean I don't still appreciate the artistry and aesthetic. Without further ado, here are some of his prominent OSR works.

Teratic Tome: With it's 6.66 asking price, this was the first of Rafael's books I read. It's a brutal AD&D compatible monster book full of blacker than the blackest black monsters. The setting these monsters live in, definitely needs stalwart heroes, because well, the common folk are screwed. The unique creatures, demons, and common pc race variants were my favorites.

Obscene Serpent Religion: Inspired by black metal, this short Lamentations of the Flame Princess supplement allows you randomly generate all sorts of twisted serpent cults. It's pay-what-you-want, so if you want a taste of Rafael's work, this is one to pick up.

SlaughterGrid: This hexcrawl has the contains the following in the description: "Created by genocidal halflings..." Let's be honest, I shouldn't have to say anything more than that.

Lusus Naturae: This is probably my favorite of Rafael's books. It's a monster tome for Lamentations of the Flame Princess full of "freaks of nature." I was a proud backer of this Kickstarter and have used some of the creatures in my 5E games (the stuff is easy to convert). You can check out my Shadhavar conversion here.

Bad Myrmidon: This is an interesting take on ancient Greece written for a good cause. Check it out!

No Salvation for Witches: This Lamentations of the Flame Princess adventure is really interesting. Then again, what LotFP adventure isn't? The adventure is wicked and entertaining (not to mention campaign altering). If you don't check it out for any other reason, you have to for the Tract of Teratology. This is a radomly-generated creature-summoning ritual with 3.6 quadrillion combinations!

World of the Lost: Confession time, I've not picked this one up yet. However, it's a wilderness hexcrawl featuring 200 ecounters with dinosaurs, psychotic robots, demons, ray guns, and more. I don't have it yet, but when I do pick it up, you folks will definitely hear about it.

Rafael has more work, but these are his most prominent OSR creations. I'm not a great writer, I know my words don't do his work justice. If you're not squeamish, like your coffee and metal black, then check out his work. You won't be disappointed.

The Fungus Forest by Nash Press

Yesterday Nash Press released an interesting, new pay-what-you-want OSR adventure locale, The Fungus Forest. The 71 page pdf contains a 100+ cave complex, unique creatures, magic items and is compatible with OD&D, Basic, and Advanced D&D.

The cave system is divided into four quadrants.  There are six factions in the cave, including various fey groups, goblins, draklings (which sound like good/neutral versions of modern reptilian kobolds), and shroomenkin (which are essentially evil myconids). Oh yeah, and there's a Shoggoth...

The document is presented in a 1 page and  2 page spread format. It seems easy to use and includes ready reference appendices. A print edition is in the works and I'll most definitely pick it up. The document is hyperlinked, which is really helpful.

If you're like me and play 5E, you'll find this easy to convert and put in your game. I think the fungus forest would make a great addition to Out of the Abyss. It's located in the upperdark and could provide pc's with access to the surface (if you want that in your game).

Anyone else checked this out? If so, what do you think?

MTG Art - Shadows Over Innistrad Kindly Stranger/Demon-Possessed Witch

Ryan Pancoast has created a fantastic (and horrifying pair) here. Need some visuals for a Ravenloft hag or witch?

Succubus Sunday - Cosplay

Warcraft Succubus by Tenshi no Sekai

Succubus cosplay Heroes of Might and Magic 6 by KingofGops

A Friendly Reminder

Kickstarter - The Mystery at Port Greely

Jeff Talanian has a new Lovecraft inspired Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea adventure on Kickstarter. The Mystery at Port Greely is a site based adventure for levels 4-6.

"Until recently, the peculiar village of Port Greely was renowned as one of the most prolific exporters of crustaceans in the realm. Then, about three years ago, the Greely lobstermen severed all ties with outside partners. Subsequent attempts at renegotiation were shunned. More recently, a small group of Fishmongers’ Guild representatives from the City-State of Khromarium has gone missing in Port Greely, and answers have been less than forthcoming. At present, the guild seeks answers. They want to know what became of their representatives, and they wish to reestablish their lucrative partnership with the Port Greely lobstermen. Your party has been contracted to help resolve the mystery at Port Greely."

So essentially we have a Hyperborean Innsmouth adventure. That sounds like all sorts of awesome to me. You can grab a pdf for 10 or upgrade to print and pdf for 20.  I've never played AS&SH, though I own a pdf of it. I don't typically play OSR stuff as is, but I'm sure it wouldn't take much to play this with something like 5th edition (which is my plan).

The project only has seven days left. If it sounds interesting to you, check it out.

Two Page Mini Delves

Looking for some entertaining sidetreks for your 5E game? Check out Roving Band of Misfits Press Two Page Mini Delves. The pdfs are (with one exception) actually 3 pages. The delves are two pages (with maps by Dyson Logos), with a universal third page (that discusses how to use the delve), Occasionally there will be a delve specific note on the third page. One of my favorite parts of these adventures is that they aren't level specific. You can plug in whatever level appropriate antagonists that you need, based on the area description. None of the delves are more than 1.50 and several are free.

The Forest Temple - A mother beseeches the party to travel to an abandoned temple in the forest to save her ill daughter.

The Abandoned Outpost - The party is hired to travel to an abandoned border fort to rescue a teen kidnapped by bandits, but all is not what it seems. This delve includes a cool upgradable sword.

Dwarven Museum at Moriah - The dwarven city of Moriah was lost whenever the mountain it was built in erupted. However, some parts are eerily preserved.

Two Page Mini Delves Bundle (Free) - This contains several delves

Cave of Crystals - The party comes across a cave with valuable crystals that can trap souls. Unfortunately there are already souls inside some of them...

Deepwood Memorial - The party is sent to recover documents from a forgetten Elven war memorial

Hornhold Crypts - The party is sent to recover a warhammer form a dwarven crypt. They soon discover a family secret...

The Pale Reaver - The party becomes trapped on a ghost ship with an idol that houses a malformed godling.

Workshop of the Mad Alchemist - Wandering through an old manor house, the party discover an alchemy work shop and darker secrets...

Dungeon Masters Guild - My Favorite Products (Part I)

The Dungeon Masters Guild is a cool resource and marketplace for 5E gamers. I've looked at and purchased a few things and thought I'd highlight a few of my favorites.

Barovian Vampires: Three New Monsters for Ravenloft - written before the release of Curse of Strahd (but after the announcement), this is a fun little product. It includes three vampire variants, my favorite being the challenge level 1 Gutripper.

Blood Hunter Class - I've talked about this one a few times. Matt Mercer originally created it for Vin Diesel and it's a Witcher/Last Witch Hunter hybrid. One of my players in the Itinerant Gentleman Adventurers used it and a player in my Curse of Strahd party includes one.

Order of the Lycan for Blood Hunters - This is an werewolf-centric expansion to the Blood Hunter class. The Blood Hunter in my Curse of Strahd game is going with this order.

Blood Magic - I've always been fascinated with blood magic (especially in the Dragon Age and Legend of the Five Rings settings). This book contains two wizard traditions, a sorcerous bloodline, and a rather creepy fighter archetype.

Journey Through The Center of the Underdark - This 20 page pdf includes 10 serious, 2 monster variants, and material related to my favorite demon prince, Grazzt. This is a perfect addition to any Out of the Abyss game.

These are my favorites. Has anyone else checked out DM Guild material? If so, what do you think?

Knotty Words: A Crass Celtic Coloring Book

I'm taking a quick break from talking about gaming to plug my friend Quill's new adult coloring book, Knotty Words: A Crass Celtic Coloring Book. I have an earlier self-published version and it's fantastic. If you've ever wanted to see the work "Fuck" written with beautiful Celtic knotwork, this is the coloring book for you.

MTG Art - Shadows Over Innistrad Vampires (Part II)

Enjoy more Ravenloft inspiring vampires with this second dose of Shadows Over Innistrad vampire art.

Olivia, Mobilized for War MtG Art by Eric Deschamps

Olivia’s Bloodsworn MtG Art by Daarken

Ravenous Bloodseeker MtG Art by James Ryman

Elusive Tormentor (Promo) MtG Art by Anna Steinbauer

Asylum Visitor MtG Art by Bastien L. Deharme

Burn from Within MtG Art by James Ryman

Necessary Evil and the Savage Worlds Super Powers Companion (2nd Edition)

"The Fate of the world lies with the scum of the Earth!

When the super heroes of the world are blown to kingdom come by an unstoppable army of invading aliens, who will save the day? Evil... The only forces left to take on the alien menace are the crafty and self-serving super-villains!"

The supers bug has been biting my friends and I recently and I've thought about running Necessary Evil for Savage Worlds. I have SW Explorer's Edition and Necessary Evil Explorer's Edition. With these books I have everything I need to run Necessary Evil.

I don't keep up with Savage Worlds and I recently found out that there's another separate Necessary Evil campaign, Necessary Evil: Breakout. I know that if I run the game, I'll run the original, however I can't decide if I want to use the Explorer's Edition or if I want to expand the game by picking up the second edition of the Savage Worlds Super Hero Companion.

For those of you that play Savage Worlds, what do you recommend? I know that I have all I need right now. However, would it benefit my group and I to pick up the Super Hero Companion (and the Aliens Update)? If I decide to use the companion there are several free supplemental things I could use to flesh out the game, but I might have to work to convert some things from the Explorer's Edition.

A to Z Blog Challenge 2016 Theme Reveal

It's almost time for the A-Z Blogging challenge. Today, like many other participants, I'm going to reveal my theme.

The first year I did the challenge, I blogged about World of the Darkness. The second year I focused on npcs/organizations for various fantasy games. Last year I focused on Dungeon Crawl classics and I'm sad to say I dropped out towards the end (my last post was for R). This year I wanted something simple, but fun.

2016's theme will be..... ALCOHOL!

I was going to post taverns and such, but I thought it would be more fun to create some fantasy booze that could be included into games. Along with a description, Each post will include some sort of gaming crunch and/or adventure hooks. I'll try to use a variety of systems and things, but keep them generic enough that they can be used in different fantasy settings.

Until this enjoy some alcohol infused pirate metal with Alestorm's Drink.

Succubus Sunday - Akivasha, Sorceress Queen of Acheron

Played by Tia Carrere, Akivasha was the main villain in 1997's Kull the Conqueror. The movie is cheesy as Hell, but I have a soft spot for it, (despite my general distaste for Kevin Sorbo, post God is Not Dead).

Akivasha is a sorceress queen from ancient Acheron that is revived in a plot to steal Kull's throne. She's a seducer, so she seems to be a fitting lady to spotlight.

MTG Art - Shadows Over Innistrad Vampires (Part I)

Wizards of the Coast is hitting gamers with a double dose of gothic fantasy. First Curse of Strahd was released earlier this month and then next month Magic: the Gathering's Shadows Over Innistrad comes out. It has some fantastic artwork that I wanted to share. I may do a few of these posts, because the artwork is phenomenal, and can provide some great inspiration for Ravenloft games.

Heir of Falkenrath MtG Art by Jason Rainville

Heir to the Night MtG Art by Jason Rainville 

Incorrigible Youth (Promo) MtG Art by Jason A. Engle

Incorrigible Youths MtG Art by Winona Nelson 

Markov Dreadknight (Promo) MtG Art by Cynthia Sheppard 

Markov Dreadknight MtG Art by Darek Zabrocki

Stromkirk Mentor MtG Art by Cynthia Sheppard

Twins of Maurer Estate MtG Art by Darek Zabrocki

February Mythoard Pics

I recieved my second Mythoard and once again, I'm quite pleased. My favorite material was the Age of Undying supplement for Dungeon Crawl Classics and the companion one sheet adventure. If you have any questions about something in the picture, ask, and I'd be happy to talk about it.

Itinerant Gentleman Adventurers - Session 7: Goodbye For Now

Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Session 6

This smug bastard had to die.

The session started with the party refueling and do a bit of business at High Horn Keep. Returning to the valley, they decided to enter one of the unexplored caverns, hoping to find a short cut to the cultist cave. They wound up in the minotaur's labyrinth. After a brief skirmish, they slew the horned beast and made their way into the secret entrance to the bugbear lair. After, quickly dispatching the corpulent bugbear chief and his bride, the party decided to head straight to the cultists cave entrance. They clear two rooms of undead abominations before making there way to the evil chapel. The generic chaos religion of the original adventure became worship of the Dark Three (Myrkul, Moander, and Bhaal). Valkorme's blazing sword set the tapestry on fire and Alton attempted to steal some of the valuable, but obviously desecrated vessels. Everan crushed one of the vessels, setting off an alarm. The party fought through waves of undead, until facing a dark armored priest, and the betrayer, Heinrick. After a tense battle, the forces of darkness were defeated.

• For the third week in a row, Valkorme was on autopilot again because Stew had family obligations.
• Cursed translated to Alton being affected by the Bane spell until receiving a Remove Curse spell.
• Valkrorme took the minotaur's +1 double-sized great axe. It did 2d12 damage (plus magic enhancement), but he suffered disadvantage on all attacks with it because of it's unwieldy nature.
• There were a few creatures in the caves that the party didn't face in the horde-mode battle at the end because of time restraints.
• The finishing blow on Heinrick was quite satisfying. Alton launched himself at the bastard, buried his dagger and rapier in the cleric, and let them cut from shoulder to waist.
• As I said before, this was the last session of the Itinerant Gentleman Adventures. It was a blast and definitely had the makings of an epic campaign. Once my friends are reunited, I will pick it up and our heroes will go on to even greater feats of daring and heroism. Until them I imagine them carousing at an inn like this:

Curse of Strahd - Session 2

The Party 

Victor Luna (CG human blood hunter) - Victor is a man haunted by his past. His family was slaughtered by a monster. This drove him to join up with a group of blood hunters, that trained him to fight the beasts of the night. A former woodcutter, he has enlisted the aid of a druid acquaintance, Adrick for a few hunts.

Adrick Balgart (CN human druid) - Adrick sees himself as a servant of nature. His master is neither, benevolent nor malicious. It simply is. He joined Victor in his crusade against the unnatural not long after the hunter finished his training.  When asked why he adventures, he has been known to respond, "Like the seasons change, we must change as well, be it the mountains or swamp, we go where the wind blows."

Simon Barhorn (CN half-elf bard) - Simon has always gone through life using his words and wit. He's a classically trained bard, but he also makes his living as a confidence man. He met Adrick and Victor during a pub fight and the trio have adventured together since.

Session 2

The party finished searching the third floor and entered the attic. They met the real Rose and Thorn and Adrick was possessed a few times (earning our bear tank the unfortunate moniker, Pedobear). After exploring the attic, they found the stairs to the dungeon. They examined all of the crypts, fought the grick in the larder, the ghouls and were killed by the shadows. Fortunately (?) the Dark Powers took interest in them and brought them back. The session ended with the group dispatching the mimic door.

• Ravenloft is deadly. This should be the case obviously, but even with some some great combat builds I tpk'd my party. I think they'd be doing a bit better if the bard was replaced by either a wizard or cleric with the criminal background. I like the 5E bard better than some previous editions, but instead of a jack of all trades, it comes off more as a "hey, I can do a few things sort of okay." He did more good when he just slashed with his rapier. 
• The bear tanking druid was not as useful as he could have been because many of the corridors were only 5' wide and he'd have to squeeze to get down them (taking disadvantage on his attacks).
• I've never used a mimic before. It was fun.

5E Player Pre-Game Checklist

I found this online and thought that it was a great idea. My group only meets biweekly and we tend to take a bit of time getting into the swing of things. This might help with that.

What do you folks think?

Succubus Sunday - Santanico Pandemonium Part II

It's hard to imagine someone other than Selma Hayek playing the iconic temptress from From Dusk Till Dawn, but Eiza Gonzalez does a damn fine job of it in From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series.

The series originally aired on Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Network, but can also be found on Netflix. Season one follows (and greatly expands) on the plot of the original film. There are a few changes, but honestly they work and pave the way for an extended series. I just finished season two a couple of weeks ago, and I can't wait for the third.

If you like vampires, check this show out.

Sword Coast Legends Tabletop Content

Sword Coast Legends is an rpg computer game set in the Forgotten Realms. It looks really cool, though I've not had the chance to pay it yet. I'm waiting for it to be released on consoles (which is supposed to happen this year.

Why am I bringing it up? Mainly because WotC have released a two pdfs that give stats for the main villain of the game and low level stats for the pcs. Click on the pictures to get high quality pdfs of these stats.