New Project Announcement - Forest City

Now the that Blogging From A-Z April Challenge is done, I can get started on my new project. I want to start by saying that this project was inspired by Linneman's Dogwood City posts over at Monstrous Matters.

I'm going to start working on my first pdf rpg release. I'm going to create a city setting for Mutants and Masterminds using the Super-Powered by M&M Trademark Licence. I think I have some really good ideas. Unfortunately I'm awful when it comes to creating art, so like some others publishing supers stuff, I'm going to use public domain supers to build my setting. Because the greatest collection of public domain supers material is in the golden age, my initial release will be during that era. That being said, I'm going to do my best to be more inclusive and include some modern sensibilities in my versions of the characters. As long as I can keep the momentum going I'm going to move forward in the timeline with future supplements.

My primary resources are:

Public Domain Super Heroes
Comic Book +
The Digital Comic Museum

This blog started out as a Mutants and Masterminds blog, so it's fitting that my first "published' material be for that game. This is a big project and it's going to take a while. My gaming group is giving me good feedback and +David Coppoletti has offered his services to me, so it's going to be good once it's finished.

Expect regular or semi-regular updates.

Z is for Zombrew

Zombie Beer Girl Logo by Jay-Allen-Hansen

"Yeah it tastes great, but it's rotgut for sure. I don't know who the insidious s.o.b. was that created it, but I wish someone could wipe it out of existence."
-Cade Ashworthy


Zombrew
Potion, common, cursed

Zombrew is the generic term for a malicious alcohol created to make undead servitors. A medium strength alcohol (DC 15 constitution saving throw to avoid intoxication). A true rotgut, the necrotic energy in the ale slowly rots drinkers from the inside. In addition, unless drank at least once a day, the ale has a chance to transform one into a zombie. This cursed drink is typically used by evil clerics, necromancers, and unscrupulous nobles.

Curse:  You are cursed. Every day that you don't drink at least a mug of the brew, you must make a DC 10 constitution saving throw. If you miss this saving throw for three consecutive days or fails the saving throw by more than 10, you die and are immediately re-animated as a zombie.

He Never Died - Jack

He Never Died (2015) is a drama/thriller or comedic horror (depending on who you're talking to) film starring the always entertaining, Henry Rollins. Rollins plays Jack, an immortal, cannibalistic loner who lives a simple life and avoids others to protect them (and himself).

I loved this movie. It's currently on Netflix and you should all watch it. I don't want to spoil what/who Jack is, but if you highlight the red area beside his name, it will tell you who he really is.

I decided that I wanted to stat him for Cinematic Unisystem using the Angel core book. It seems like a good fit. He's totally not balanced as a cast member, but that's how I statted him out anyway. I did a lot of guess work with his skills.

Jack (Cain)
(Very Experienced) Veteran
Life Points: 89
Drama Points: 10

Attributes:
Strength: 7
Dexterity:5

Constitution: 9

Intelligence: 4
Perception: 5
Willpower: 5

Qualities: +47
Age 5 (+10) - Though if he's the Biblical Cain this should be Age 600
Fast Reaction Time (+2)
Hard to Kill 5 (+5)
Immortal (+6)
Natural Toughness (+2)
Nerves of Steel (+3)
Regeneration (+6)
Resources: Rich (+4)
Situational Awareness (+2)
Supernatural Senses: Sin (+2)
Unique Kill: Unknown (+5)

Drawbacks: -12
Addiction: Cannibalism (-6)
Antisocial Impulses: Violence (-4)
Humorless (-1)
Recurring Nightmares (-1)

Skills:  
Art 3
Crime 5
Doctor 3
Getting Medieval 5
Gun Fu 5
Knowledge 5
Kung Fu 5
Languages (*)
Mr. Fix It 4
Notice 4
Occultism 3
Science 3
Sports 4


Maneuvers:          Bonus     Damage           Notes
Dodge                       10           None        Avoid getting hit; -2 against ranged,; p. 121
Punch                        10           14            Bash damage; -2 against ranged,; p. 123

*I have no idea how many languages Jack speaks, but considering how long he's been around, it's a lot.

Y is for Yellow Wine

"Have you drank the yellow wine?"
-Cade Ashworthy

Yellow Wine
Potion, rare, cursed

This insidious wine was created by worshipers of Hastur, the King in Yellow. Popular among bohemians, artists, writers, and other creative types, the cursed wine makes one more susceptible to call of Hastur and fills the drinker with dreams of lost Carcosa. A medium strength alcohol, the Constitution saving throw DC to avoid getting drunk after a mug of this is 15.

Curse: You have disadvantage when making wisdom saving throws for spells cast by worshipers of Hastur.

X is for Xaositect's Delight

"I love Limbo. Some see it as a plane of pure chaos. I see it as a plane of pure fun. Yeah, it's dangerous, but those with strong wills can shape it. Also, without Limbo, we wouldn't have Xaosetic Delight. I made have had a hand it its creation."

-Cade Ashworthy


Xoasitect's Delight

Created from rare collaboration between two chaotic wizards (one a member of the Xaositect, the other the Society of Sensation). This brew is created from essence of Limbo. Every time you take a drink of Xaositect's Delight it changes to a different alcohol (use the chart below)

Drink Result (1d100)*

1. Bad Beer spills from the glass and grows
2. Rotgut
3. Beer (weak)
4. Table Wine (weak)
5. Reisling (weak)
6. Mead (weak)
7. Vodka (weak)
8. Cranium Rat Juice
9. Single Malt Scotch (medium)
10. Sangria (weak)
11. Wheat Beer (medium)
12. Pale Lager (medium)
13. Gnomish Peppermint Schnapps (weak)
14. Janni Arak
15. Apple Pie Mead (weak)
16. Plum Wine (weak)
17. Cordial (weak)
18. Whiskey (weak)
19. Cherry Schnapps (weak)
20. Bourbon (strong)
21. Merlot (weak)
22. Moonshine (strong)
23. Ice Wine
24. Jalapeno Vodka (strong)
25. Coffee Liqueur (weak)
26. Lurien Lager
27. Dwarven Whiskey (strong)
28. Vinegary Wine (weak)
29. Kobold Firewater
30. Champagne (weak)
31. Rum (medium)
32. Pinot Noir (weak)
33. Vodka (medium)
34. Moscato (weak)
35. Barleywine (medium)
36. Gin (medium)
37. Rye Whiskey (medium)
38. Mead (medium)
39. Cream Liqueur (weak)
40. Apple Cider (medium)
41. Chardonnay (weak)
42. Lager (medium)
43. Dwarven Stout (strong)
44. White Zinfandel (weak)
45. Absinthe (strong)
46. Mimosa
47. Applejack (weak)
48. Bock (medium)
49. Cinnamon Schnapps (weak)
50. Tequila (strong)
51. Bitter Ale (medium)
52. Brandy (weak)
53. Norker Rage
54. Fruit Beer (weak)
55. Pale Ale (medium)
56. Baiju (medium)
57. Drow Spiderblood Wine (strong)
58. Sake (medium)
59. Butterscotch Schnapps (weak)
60. Gin (weak)
61. Pinot Grigio (weak)
62. Porter (medium)
63. Ginger Ale (weak)
64. Tiefling Sangria (medium)
65. Grog
66. Cognac (medium)
67. Elven Feywine (strong)
68. Vanilla Schnapps (weak)
69. Cask Ale (medium)
70. Cabernet sauvignon (weak)
71. Vermouth (weak)
72. Orcish Kumis
73. Vodka (strong)
74. Sambuca (strong)
75. Apple Cider (weak)
76. Mezcal (medium)
77. Dark Ale (medium)
78. Peach Schnapps (weak)
79. Kefir (weak)
80. Goblin Grog (weak)
81. White Lightning
82. Sour Apple Schnapps (weak)
83. Beer (medium)
84. Pear Brandy (weak)
85. Sake (strong)
86. Sherry (weak)
87. Gruumsha
88. Dragonborn Vodka (strong)
89. Shiraz (weak)
90. Spiced Rum (medium)
91. Captain's Friend
92. Sparkling Wine (weak)
93. Dwarven Stout (strong)
94. Pilsener (weak)
95. Umbral Blot
96. Strawberry Wine (weak)
97. Tequila (medium)
98. Gorgondy (medium)
99. Ginger Beer (medium)
100. Elven Absinthe

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*Consult this post for further description of alcohol strength.

Plane Shift: Zendikar

Well it's only taken them about 20 years, but Wizards of the Coast finally mixed their peanut butter and chocolate. Released today, Plane Shift: Zendikar is a free 5E setting pdf based on the Magic: The Gathering world of Zendikar.

Cross promoting with their new book The Art of Magic: The Gathering: Zendikar, this full color 38 page pdf includes setting and adventure ideas. The book also includes six races, 3 new monsters, and many pages devoted to reskinning Monster Manual monsters and making them fit into Zendikar (including traits to turn monsters into the dreaded Eldrazi).

The races in the pdf are:

Human: identical to standard PHB humans
Kor: orderly human-like creatures blessed with luck and athleticism
Merfolk: The merfolk of Zendikar are amphibious humanoids, each merfolk adult chooses a creed (which acts as a subrace)
Vampire: The vampire or Zendikar are a cursed race of blood drinkers, but they are not undead
Goblin: the goblins of Zendikar are small, inquisitive, and adaptable, they have several tribes (subraces)
Elves: while the elves are Zendikar are similar to standard D&D elves, they do have some differences, in addition they have three separate nations (equivalent of subraces)

Zendikar is a realm of floating islands and mysterious ruins.

Humans, Kor, Merfolk, and Vampires uniting to fight the Eldrazi

W is for White Lightning

"I know they call it white lightning, but this good 'ol boy took it literally. The stuff packs a kick... and I like it."
-Cade Ashworthy

White Lightning
Uncommon, potion

Created by Mad Mose of the Shudder Mountains, White Lightning is distilled corn alcohol combined with elemental essence. The strong (DC 20 constitution saving throw to avoid intoxication) whiskey has both offensive and defensive capabilities. Anyone drinking white lightning will feels a tingling sensation running through their bodies and has their hair stand on end. In addition, they gain resistance to lightning damage for one hour. In a pinch it can also be used as weapon. As an action, you can throw the vial up to 20 feet, shattering it on impact. Make a ranged attack against a target creature, treating the white lightning as an improvised weapon. White lightning does 2d6 lightning damage.

V is for Vampire Slayer

"I don't know what hunter came up with this one, but it's brilliant."
-Cade Ashworthy

Vampire Slayer
Potion, rare, cursed

This enchanted blood wine was created recently by a group of vampire hunters. Made from blood freely given by saints and celestials it is the bane of the undead. While it appears to be enchanted much like a traditional pale ale, Vampire Slayer is actually infused with positive energy and masked with enchantment magic. Any undead creature drinking vampire slayer must make a DC 20 constitution saving throw or take 6d6 radiant damage (half on a successful save).

Curse: Vampire Slayer looks, smells, and tastes like an especially delicious blood wine made from a rare blood type.

U is for Umbral Blot

"The shadar-kai are an odd lot. Their numbing existence in the Shadowfell has caused many of them to seek extreme experiences just to feel something. Take their favored brew, Umbral Blot, for example. The magically infused booze isn't for lightweights."

-Cade Ashworthy

Umbral Blot
Rare, potion

Umbral Blot is a strong alcohol made from various shadowfell mushrooms and laced with living shadowstuff. Characters under the affects of Umbral Blot tend to be reckless, gaining disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws. However, the shadowstuff also temporarily transforms their very being, making them more shadow-like. Drinkers gain advantage to stealth ability checks. A strong drink the Constitution saving throw DC to avoid intoxication from Umbral Blot is 20. The effects of Umbral Blot last until the drinker takes a long rest.

Succubus Sunday - Monster Managerie

There's a new D&D minis set, Icons of the Realm: Monster Managerie and it features two minis relevant to Succubus Sunday.

Succubus (rare)

Erinyes (rare)

I'm not super happy with either of these sculpts, but I still kind of want at least one of each.

T is for Tankards, Steins, and Mugs

"Sometimes it's not about what you're drinking, but what you're drinking it out of."

-Cade Ashworthy

Stein of the Unmuddled Mind

Uncommon, wondrous item (requires attunement)

A boon to adventurers everywhere, this drinking vessel allows its owner to instantly sober up. As a move action, the owner can speak a command word and take a drink and lose any effects caused by drinking alcohol. 

Testing Tankard

Uncommon, wondrous item (requires attunement)

This marble tankard will show you the strength of the beverage placed in it. The colored veins running through it change color based on the contents. Normally blue, they turn yellow if a weak alcohol is placed in them, orange if a medium strength for a medium, and red if a strong alcohol. In addition, if poison or venom is placed in the mug the veins turn black.

Drunkard's Bane

Uncommon, wondrous item, cursed (requires attunement)

The bane of Cade's existence, all liquids drank from this vessel become water.

Curse. The drinking vessel is cursed, and becoming attuned to it extends the curse to you. As long as you remain cursed, you are unwilling to part with it, keeping it within reach at all times.

S is for Syrup

Purchase mini here

"Now halflings are some of the most humble people you'll ever meet, but every now and again I feel the need to brag about our accomplishments. Halfling syrup is one of the most delicious alcoholic creations in all the planes. Especially when eaten with chicken and waffles."

-Cade Ashworthy

Halfling Syrup

This decadent treat was originally created by the master halfling chef, Gren Tealeaf-Tosskettle. Don't let the sweetness full you though, it's been mixed with the finest hin bourbon (Constitution saving throw DC 10 to avoid intoxication). Highly sought after by those with good taste, a small bottle of halfling syrup will cost you at least 15 gp in most cities.

____________________
Today's post is silly, but not everything is going to be game changing. Dammit, I like the idea halflings having alcoholic syrup. As a side note, this was probably inspired by the strong desire for chicken and waffles I have.

R is for Rotgut

We've all been there...

"Believe it or not, I don't just drink to drink. I drink because I enjoy the taste of alcohol. That being said, I know sometimes people just want to drink to get wasted. In those cases any rotgut will do."
-Cade Ashworthy

Rotgut

Rotgut is the catch all term for any cheap, low quality alcohol.  The constitution saving throw DC for Rotgut is 10. However, unlike most weak alcohols a person failing their saving throw is drunk until they take a long rest. After finishing the rest, they must make another constitution saving throw (again at DC 10) to avoid being hung over (suffering from the poisoned condition). This condition lasts until the character takes a short rest. The main appeal of rotgut is the price. A gallon of rotgut will only cost you 4 copper pieces at most low class bars and taverns.

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Also this is my 900th post. Huzzah!

Q is for Queen's Reserve

"Queen Hilda the Cerulean is a friend of mine. What, you don't believe that I could be friends with royalty. Listen, while she might be entertaining dignitaries these days, she and I delved into a dungeon or two back in the day. I was with her when she cleared the ruins of Kaer Morgah of mindflayers. Hmmm, now that I think about it, she still owes me a some gold..."
-Cade Ashworthy

Queen's Reserve
Potion, uncommon

Queen's Reserve is a special batch of twice-distilled blended mushroom and grain whiskey that was crafted to commemorate the coronation of Queen Hilda the Cerulean of Kaer Morgah.  Blessed by Moradin himself, the casks bolster those that drink it. A strong ale the constitution saving throw to avoid intoxication is DC 15. After drinking Queen's Reserve, you gain the benefit of a heroism spell for 1 minute.

Curse of Strahd - Session 3

The Party 

Victor Luna (CG human blood hunter) - The de facto leader of the group, Victor is a ceaseless hunter and protector of the innocent.

Adrick Balgart (CN human druid) - Mysterious but humble druid, Adrick is shapeshifting abilities serve the group well.

Simon Barhorn (CN half-elf bard) - Self-serving, yet charismatic, Simon is the party's spokesperson.

Session 3


The session began with the party continuing their exploration of of the crypts beneath the Death House. They found the cult leaders rooms and were ambushed by Rose and Thorn's parents. Victor quickly learned that ghasts were nothing to laugh at (having spent a majority of the combat paralyzed). Heading down the next floor they destroyed all the items in the reliquary. The encounter in the ritual chamber was rather tense. No one wanted to step into the fetid water, so Adrick shapechanged into a giant spider to get to the dais without entering the water. The cultists appeared and began chanting "One must die!" Wanting nothing to do with the encounter, the party were forced to combat Lorghoth the Decayer. After defeating the shambling mound the party moved to exit the haunted house. Re-entering the attic, the quickly learned that the house wanted them dead (crazy form a place called the Death House, huh?). All sources of flame spewed poisonous gas, swarms of rats poured from the walls, and the doors were replaced with swinging blades. While Victor was ko'd in his escape attempt, the party made it out of the house.

The party met a local teen, Alyriah, who directed them to the Blood of the Vine. Here they met Ismark the Lesser, who asked them to help his sister Ireena. The party rested for the night and questioned the Vistani owners of the inn the next morning. After tempers calmed down, the trio sat out for the burgomaster's home. They spoke with Ismark, met the beautiful Ireena, and have agreed to deliver the burgomaster's body to the graveyard.

Honeymage Wizard Tradition

If you want to add some interesting flavor (no pun intended) to your campaign, consider adding the Honeymage Wizard Tradition. The (predominantly) halfling wizard tradition is well flavored and pretty interesting: arcane beekeepers. They add several reskinned druid spells their list. Honestly, the only issue I have with the class is the 10th level ability seems a bit over powered.  In addition to the presenting a new wizard tradition, we're also given stats for monstrous bees.

I really like this pay-what-you-want pdf. Want to know what the buzz is about (pun intended)? Check out the Honeymage Wizard Tradition + Monstrous Bees on the DM Guild site.

P is for Pale Ales

"If you ask me, the worst part about being undead is not that you've died. We all die. It's that your forced to exist in a sober state. I've heard rumors of undead spirits. No, not those kinds of spirits. Booze my friend, booze for recently deceased."

-Cade Ashworthy

Pale Ale is the nickname for various types of necromantically enchanted beers designed for undead consumption. All pale ales share a few things in common. Because of the necromantic infusion, they ignore the poisoned condition immunity common to all undead (meaning, yes they can get undead creatures drunk). In addition, because of this infusion, any living creature that drinks them takes 4 (1d6) necrotic damage. In all other aspects, these brews follow standard alcohol rules (including my house rules).


Revenant's Respite

This traditional pale ale was originally created by an adventuring necromancer for revenant friend. It's an average strength beer (DC 10 constitution saving throw) and while it isn't common, at least a few bottles can typically be found in most cities. The average price for a small cask is 25 gp, though it can be much higher in puritanical cities.

Ghoul's Breath

This fetid beer has a meaty flavor. Brewed with shredded flesh, this disgusting concoction is favored by ghouls, ghasts, and other flesh-eaters. The constitution saving throw DC for Ghoul's Breath is 15. A creature that starts it's round within 5 ft of open container of ghoul's breath must make a DC 12 constitution saving throw or gain poisoned condition until the beginning of their next turn.

Blood Beer

While vampires are known to drink blood infused wine, blood beer exists too (especially among rural vampires). t's an average strength beer (DC 10 constitution saving throw). In addition, a cask provides a vampire with an amount of sustenance equal to that of an average human adult.

O is for Orcish Brews

"Say what you want about their cultures, but orcs have a few different kinds of booze and that tells me they're at least partially civilized. Now, I'm not saying any of it's good..."

-Cade Ashworthy

Orcish Kumis

This mild alcohol (Constitution saving throw DC 10) is made from fermented rothe milk. While its popularity isn't wide spread, many nomads and mountain folk enjoy orcish kumis.

Gruumsha (Gut Wrench)

Orcs by Manzanedo

Named after the one-eyed orc god, this strong beer is barley fermented with bacteria, rather than yeast. This makes it mildly toxic to non-orcs. The constitution saving throw DC to avoid getting drunk is 15. In addition, those without orcish blood drinking Gruumsha are wracked with stomach pains. They must succeed on a DC 10 constitution saving throw to avoid gaining the poisoned condition for 1 hour.

Blood Shot

This blood red whiskey is said to contain the blood of Gruumsh itself. Highly guarded by orcish priests and shamans, this brew grants visions to those that have the fortitude to drink it. The constitution saving throw to avoid becoming drunk from Blood Shot is DC 25. Those that fail the saving throw take 3d6 poison damage and fall asleep as if affected by a sleep spell. Those that succeed the saving throw are granted powerful visions (to be decided by the Dungeon Master).

Curse of Strahd Sidetreks

Once again, I'd like to highlight some Dungeon Masters Guild Material that I really like. Today's selection is a trio of pay-what-you-want supplements by the folks at Broken Knives. While suitable for any game, they also make great side encounters for Curse of Strahd.

The Boatman's Dog - The Boatman's Dog serves the finest cuisine. Much finer than an establishment of it's stature should be serving. At "The Dog" the fire is always crackling and the ale is always cold, but guests go missing, and no one is sure where the charismatic halfling proprietor Angus Thickheel is getting his meat.

The Crumbling Wall - A mysterious bard sits atop a crumbling wall deep in the forest. What secrets are told in his sonorous tunes?

Gregorio's Traveling Emporium and Managerie- Gregorio is a traveling merchant, with a "magnificent" menagerie and a dark secret.

Each of these encounters is short, creative, and has a nice sense of mystery and dread. They're all low level encounters and be great if you want to play Curse of Strahd but not use Death House as your intro. If you go that route, I'd start with The Crumbling Wall.

Succubus Sunday - Succubus Heart Wine Glass

Once again, I'm trying to post a tame Succubus Sunday post that goes along with my A-Z theme. If you like this, you can order it here.

I assure you that the typical gloriously salacious posts will return in May.

N is for Norker Rage

"I think it tastes like fermented cow's ass. No, I'm not going to tell you how I know what that tastes like. That being said, I have a few barbarian buddies that love it. They said it keeps 'em up, so to speak."

-Cade Ashworthy

Norker Rage

Norker's are small, sturdy cousins to goblins and hobgoblins. Too lazy to build their own settlements, they raid others. Their more civilized hobgoblin cousins admire their abilities and resilience, even if they aren't fans of their chaotic ways.

Made from extra bitter hops and things better left unsaid, Norker Rage is a harsh beer shunned by most civilized folk. That being said, orcs, goblinoids, and those able to tap into natural (or unnatural rage) tend to fancy it. The DC to avoid intoxication is only a 10. However, any non-goblinoid or orc that drinks it must make a Constitution save DC 5 to keep the drink down.

If a barbarian or creature with similar abilities rages within an hour of drinking the brew, they find the duration of their rage extended by a minute.

The Gunslinger Fighter Archetype For 5E

I've said it before, but I really like "celebrity DM" Matt Mercer. Critical Role is an entertaining series and I've talked about my love for his Blood Hunter (formerly Witch Hunter, now with the Order of the Lycan) class a few times. Matt has also released a pay-what-you-want Gunslinger Martial Archetype for Fighters.

Okay, I know, many people don't like guns with their D&D. I understand that and there was a time I was absolutely opposed to the idea. My stance isn't that strong anymore. While I don't like them to be common, I've seen how much fun a lone gunslinger can be to a Pathfinder game. Matt's Gunslinger archetype definitely draws on that class. Essentially this fighter archetype grants characters proficiency in firearms and grit, which is a resource that can be spent to have a better chance to hit, inflict more damage, or do trickshots and things of that nature. It also includes a firearms weapon chart.

The class looks like a lot of fun for firearm friendly games. The Gunslinger, Blood Hunter, and Order of the Lycan are all self-contained and can be used alongside the Basic rules set if you don't have the Player's Handbook.

Maze of the Blue Medusa

+Zak Sabbath of Playing D&D With Porn Stars and +Patrick Stuart  of False Machine have a new book coming out via Satyr Press and I can't wait to get it. Here's the description from the site:

Infinite broken night. Milky alien moons. Wavering demons of gold. Held in this jail of immortal threats are three perfect sisters...

Maze of the Blue Medusa is a dungeon. Maze of the Blue Medusa is art. Maze of the Blue Medusa works with your favorite fantasy tabletop RPGs. And Maze of the Blue Medusa is the madly innovative game book from the award-winning Zak Sabbath of A Red & Pleasant Land and Patrick Stuart of Deep Carbon Observatory. Lethal gardens, soul-rending art galleries, infernal machines—Maze of the Blue Medusa reads like the poetic nightmare of civilizations rotted to time, and plays like a puzzle-box built from risk and weird spectacle. Art by Zak Sabbath; text by Patrick Stuart and Zak Sabbath.

Maze of the Blue Medusa is a 7.5" wide and 9" tall Smyth sewn hardcover book that features: 288 full-cover pages; full-color endpapers featuring tables, maps, and art; foil stamping on the front cover and spine; hand-tipped debossed images on the front and back covers; a jet black cloth cover; FSC-certified interior paper stock; and a bookmark ribbon. And it's being printed in Canada by Friesens. For more information, click here.

There's also a short teaser video:

Zak has released some of my favorite indie books, namely Vornheim: The Complete City Kit, A Red and Pleasant Land, and the anniversary edition of Death Frost Doom. I love his prose, but his visual art is amazing as well. I'm not as familiar with Patrick's work, but I've heard great things about Fire on the Velvet Horizon and Deep Carbon Observatory sounds fantastic. I'll be picking them up soon.

M is for Mimosa

"I love the hard stuff, but that doesn't mean I don't drink lighter fair. I love a good mimosa or four with second breakfast."
-Cade Ashworthy

Mimosa

Often served with brunch, a mimsoa is a cocktail composed of champagne (or other sparkling wine) and orange juice (or other citrus juice). It is often seen as a drink for VIP guests, so it's common among the nobility of many nations. Because mimosas aren't particularly strong, the saving throw to avoid intoxication is DC 10 and only has to be made for every two mimosas imbibed.

Noble's Bane*
Potion, uncommon

This potion looks and tastes like a mimosa for all intents and purposes. However, it is actually a cleverly disguised Potion of Poison.

____
*Honestly didn't have any inspired or crazy original material for this one, I just LOVE mimosas. That's why I went with something simple.

L is for Lager

"I don't mean to sound biased, but if you want really good beer, you need to go to a halfling brewer. Yeah, yeah, I know dwarves are famous for their brews, but they don't have that hin magic that makes our beer so good. If you try some halfling lager and don't think it's the best you've ever had, I'll buy the next round."
-Cade Ashworthy

Luiren Lager

Brewed in the benevolent anarchy of Luiren, Luiren Lager is a crisp, pale lager lovingly crafted by halflings. The brew is known to have a calming reaction on those that drink it. The Constitution saving throw DC to avoid intoxication is 15. Those that fail the save find themselves under the affects of a calm emotions spell while drunk.

More Mail Goodies

I don't want to be the person that posts every time he gets something in the mail, but I did want to share pictures from the package I received today. +David Coppoletti is awesome! 

The package was decorated. All of this artwork is either stuff Dave's been working on or from things he and I have been talking about recently.

A DCC button, copy of a sweet unofficial DCC zine, and an original illustration

Dave's original Cade sketch is now mine. Awesomesauce!

This was from a separate package, but still awesome (and came in the mail today).

K is for Kobold Firewater

"I know they get a bad rap, but I like kobolds. They're intelligent, have a healthy fear and respect of dragons, and make a mean whiskey."
-Cade Ashworthy

Kobold Firewater

Kobold Firewater is a strong white whiskey made from corn, sugar, and yeast, mixed with a dash of alchemy. A powerful alcohol, the Constitution saving throw DC to avoid intoxication is 20.  What makes kobold firewater truly unique is the reaction it has when imbibed by someone with draconic heritage*. To those individuals it acts identically to a Potion of Fire Breathing.

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*What draconic heritage means is, of course, up to the DM. In my games it includes kobolds, half dragons, dragonborn, and sorcerers with the draconic bloodline.

Kickstarters Collected

It's been a good couple of weeks. I've recently received my goods from three kickstarters. I'll post about each in more detail later.

Good White's Book of Folk Magic is an "in character" tome collecting folk magic for Pathfinder.  

Monster Pin Up Girls... I shouldn't have to say anything more.

J is for Janni Arak

"I've been to Zakhara a few times. The cities are beautiful and full of wonder. The food and drink aren't that bad either. The place is a bit too enlightened for my taste. You make lewd comment at a noble's daughter and all of a sudden you face the executioner's blade."
-Cade Ashworthy

Janni Arak

Arak is a clear, colorless, unsweetened anise flavored twice-distilled alcoholic drink popular on the Continent of Zakhara. It is extremely popular among the nomadic janni.

Being a medium strength alcohol, the constitution saving throw to avoid intoxication is DC 15.

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If you want to add a bit of Zakhara to your game, there are a few Al-Qadim themed products in the Dungeon Master's Guild. Here are some of the more popular ones:

Al-Qadim Archetypes: Scimitars Against the Darkness - I've purchased this one and it provides a plethora of information. It's based on the original Al Qadim and Wolfgang Baur's "Campaing Journal: Scimitars Against the Dark" from Dragon Magazine.

There's also Elemental Magic of Zakhara and Seers of Zakhara. Both are pay what you want and written by the same author. Between the two there's a nice amount of Middle Eastern inspired magic.

I is for Ice Wine

"I picked up a bottle of this Jotunheim. It's really sweet makes a great dessert. I've also heard of certain alchemists that have created bottles of the stuff that will let you breath like a white dragon."

-Cade Ashworthy

Ice Wine

 

Ice wine is created from grapes still frozen on the vine. This makes it a concentrated sweet wine. It's not particularly expensive, though it can be in areas that are always warm.

Being a regular wine, the Constitution saving throw to avoid getting drunk on ice wine is DC 10.

Jotun's Breath

Potion, uncommon

After drinking this wine, you can use a bonus action to exhale subzero breath at a target within 30 feet of you. The target must make a DC 13 dexterity saving throw, taking 3d6 cold damage and gain the restrained condition on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The effect ends after you exhale the cold three times or when 1 hour has passed. 

This bottle of wine always feels cold to the touch.

Succubus Sunday - Dulcis Succubus

While searching for a tame Succubus Sunday post that kept with my A-Z them I came across the following beer.  Dulcis Succubus (Latin for Sweet Succubus) is a beer from Quebec created by Trou du Daible. I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I want a bottle anyway.

H is for Halfling Gourmand

"Who am I? I'm just a simple halfling with a love for life. Where am I from? Here and there. My journey started in Faerun, but I've seen many worlds and places since then. Okay, now that I've answered your questions, I have one for you. Are you going to pass that bottle?"
-Cade Ashworthy


Cade Ashworthy

 artwork by the ever-awesome +David Coppoletti 

Small humanoid (halfling), unaligned
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Armor Class: 16 (19 with mage armor)
Hit Points: 57 (9d6+18)
Speed: 35 ft.
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STR 10 (+0) DEX 20 (+5) CON 16 (+3) INT 17 (+3) WIS 11 (+0) CHA 14 (+2)
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Saving Throws Int +7, Wis +4
Skills Arcana +7, History +7, Persuasion +6
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Halfling, Dwarven, Elvish, Celestial, Abyssal, Infernal
Equipment Battle Stein, Ring of Protection +1

Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
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Brave. Cade has advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Halfling Nimbleness. Cade can move through the space of any creature that is a size larger than his.

Lucky. When Cade rolls a 1 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, he can reroll the die and must use the new roll.

Pickled Liver. Cade has advantage on saving throws against poison, and he has resistance against poison damage. While he can be drunk, Cade never suffers the poisoned condition because of alcohol.

Spellcasting. Cade is a 9th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 17, +7 with spell attacks). Cade has the following bard and wizard spells prepared:

Cantrip (at will): mage hand, mending, ray of frost, vicious mockery
1st level (4 slots): feather fall, mage hand, magic missile
2nd level (3 slots): invisibility, scorching ray, suggestion
3rd level (3 slots): fireball, remove curse
4th level (3 slots): dimension door, ice storm
5th level (1 slot): hold monster, teleportation circle

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Actions
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Battle Stein. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+2) bludgeoning damage.


Cade Ashworthy is a gluttonous halfling planeswalker and hedonist. Originally from a small town on the Sword Coast, a mishap in his studies transported him to a Sensate feasthall in Sigil. While he didn't agree with everything they taught him, the once moderate halfling became something of an epicurean after his exposure to the faction.

Cade's goal in life is to travel the prime material and planes and try as much new food and drink as possible. Cade's an easy going guy and has been known to travel with adventuring parties when he feels he needs some extra muscle.

G is for Grog

"Sail the seas. Get rich of plunder. Have a different lass in every port. All of this sounds really good.  Yeah I tried the pirate thing. It's not that great. I mean grog... you can keep it. Watered down booze? If I wanted that I'd drink that stuff, I'd drink the swill the goblins make. No, thanks."

-Cade Ashworthy

Grog

Water in barrels tends to go stagnant. Because of this, pirates and other sailors will mix beer and wine with it to make it more palatable. In other cases rum and spirits were mixed with water to allow sailors to drink, but not get to drunk (and to make supplies last longer). Because of it's watered down nature, the constitution saving throw to avoid getting drunk on grog is DC 5.

Enterprising sailors with magical talented have created the following enchanted grogs:

Captain's Friend
Potion, common

Anyone drinking this enchanted grog find themselves more susceptible to suggestion. The imbiber suffers disadvantage to charm related saving throws. This effect ends after the drinker takes a short rest.

Sailor's Savior
Potion, common

Created by mixing traditional grog with mermaid tears, for 1 hour after drinking this grog you have a swimming speed of 40 feet.

Filthly Landlubber
Potion, common

The bane of sailors, for 1 hour after drinking this grog your movement is reduced by 10 feet and you have disadvantage on movement based skill checks (such as tumbling and jumping).