Hunting The Frogman

Hunting The Frogman is a new Bloat Games adventure compatible with 5e, DCC, and SURVIVE THIS!!. It was written by Josh Palmer and features a striking cover by Holly Wholahan. Interior art is done by Christopher Torres and Brandish Gilhelm. This adventure was created for The Official Frogman Festival and will be an exclusive.

As you can see, this one takes place in Loveland, Ohio. There area in the Great Cincinnati area is just an hour and a half from where I live. I've driven on the highway by it, but can't say I've ever been there.

The free form adventure is designed to be played in one session. It includes a timeline related to the titular creature. Players take the role of a small tv crew who head to Loveland to make a film about the cryptid. There's a nice film crew type and motivation chart, to help set the tone. There's a cool places to see chart that gives you scenic locals for the crew to visit. I've been to one of the locations, King's Island, several times in my life and even camped on their grounds for a three day concert their back when I was in college. There are also tables to flesh out witnesses sightings, weather, and other things the crew might encounter.

While combat might not happen (the Frogmen aren't known to be hostile), there are stats in three different systems for the creatures. After these stats all of the charts are collected in an appendix.

This isn't your typical adventure. There isn't a straight forward plot. There is a set up, locales, and charts to help figure out where the players go and what they see.  As a GM, you going to need to to flesh this one out. This might make it a little harder for new GM's, but for most of us, it should be a breeze.

Titan Takedown!

An exciting new crossover of two things I love, rpg's and pro wrestling, is coming to Dropout April 4th. Titan Takedown is a fantasy slobberknocker taking place in ancient Greece. One of my favorite celebrity GM's, the fantastic and ever entertaining Brennan Lee Mulligan, will be running the four part series. At the table he'll be joined by four WWE superstars. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of the (New) New Day, Chelsea Green, and Bayley.  Check out the trailer.

 

I think this looks like a blast. If you want to watch Titan Takedown you will need to subscribe to Dropout, but at just 5.99 a month its worth it for the funny geek content.

Music Monday- Control

Divide Music’s latest DC track is a tribute to the bad boy of the Batfamily, Red Hood.

Music Monday - Demon of the Deep

This song is ridiculous in all the best ways. Jeff the Land Shark is a strategist (healer) in Marvel Rivals. He is one of the easiest to play, which is why he's a go-to for folks stuck in that role. Offensively there's not a lot too him, but because of his ultimate ability he's seen as a menace.  Jeff can swallow allies and enemies in a large radius (even if they are in the air). Allies heal and enemies take damage while swallowed. What really makes him a menace is Jeff players will often spit opponents and even take a suicide dive off the sides of the maps, potentially getting TPK's against opposing teams. You might be wondering how he got that insane ability?

While hanging out with Gwenpool, Jeff was kidnapped by the Collector and placed in his cosmic zoo. There he made friends with Mantis. He later escaped his tank with the help of Mantis and demon hunting version of Psylocke from feudal Japan. Famished Jeff frenzied and ate six colorful stones (Infinity Stones), a glowing cube (Cosmic Cube), an otherworldly crimson gem (Crimson Gem of Cyttorak), and a flaming demonic scroll (the Darkhold).

Beyond his already existing superpiscine intelligence and amphibious nature, Jeff now his the ability to heal and arm by spraying water and swallow creatures into a pocket dimension..

Code Name: Jeff the Landshark

Real Name: Jeff the First of HIs Name of the Former Staten Island

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: West Coast Avengers, Symbiote Hive

Small, Monstrosity, Chaotic Good

Armor Class: 15 (Dex, Natural Armor)

HP: 33 (6d6+12)

Speed: 30 ft., burrow 40 ft., swim 40 ft., 

Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Str 12 (+1) Dex 16 (+3) Con 14 (+2) Int 18 (+4) Wis 18 (+4) Cha 18 (+4)

Saving Throws: Int +6, Cha +6 

Skills: Athletics +3, Perception +6, Survival +6

Tools: Chemistry

Senses: Passive Perception: 16

Languages: Understands all spoken languages, but can only speak Land Shark 

Amphibious: Jeff can breathe air and water.. 

Actions

Multiattack: Jeff makes two attacks.

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) piercing damage.

Healing Stream: Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: Target heals 4 (1d8) hit points.

Spit: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) bludgeoning damage.

Swallow: All creatures of large or smaller within a 15 foot radius must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 15) or be swallowed into a pocket dimension in his stomach. A creature can voluntarily fail this saving throw. While swallowed, the creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside Jeff, and it takes 4 (1d8) bludgeoning damage if an enemy or heals 4 (1d8) hit points at the start of each of Jeff’s turns. A creature may make take a DC 13 Strength (Athletics) check to be expelled from this dimension. If Jeff loses consciousness , a swallowed creature is expelled from the dimension. A creature regurgitated falls prone in a space within 15 feet of Jeff. Jeff can't use this ability again until he takes a short or long rest.

Hire A Henchman - White Trash Bad Girls

Appearing the the alternate future of the American Flagg! series, the scantily clad blondes serve as the henchwomen to a shapeshifting killer that runs a policlub called White Trash. The shapeshifter, who posed as an African-American man named Stagolee DeLyons (which I'm assuming is a nod to the legend of Stagger Lee). They are led by DeLyons main squeeze, Angel Hollywood, and are a group of cold hearted femme fatales. They are trained in gunplay and martial arts.

Code Name: -

Real Name: Various

Pronouns: She/Her

Team Affiliation: -

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Neutral Evil

Armor Class: 13 (Dex)

HP:  26 (4d8+8)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 1 (400 XP)

Str 12 (+1) Dex 16 (+3) Con 15 (+2) Int 10 (+0) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 16 (+3)

Saving Throws: Dex+5, Cha +5 

Skills: Intimidation +3, Perception +2, Stealth +5

Senses: Passive Perception: 12

Languages: English 

Nimble Striker: White Trash Bad Girls can use Dexterity instead of Strength for unarmed attacks.

Actions

Multiattack: White Trash Bad Girl makes two attacks.

Submachine Gun: Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 50/120 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d12+3) piercing damage.

Unarmed Strike: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) bludgeoning 

damage.

Swan Maidens

The Swan Maiden Class is a new 14th level Old-School Essentials class from Tim Brannan of The Other Side Blog. The 19 page pdf uses a great selection of public domain artwork. 

Inspired by classic literature these ladies protect natural areas from threats. Obviously, their main ability is their ability to turn into a swan. Additionally they are valuable companions to have for any who travel through the wilderness and can cast nature based divine magic. The classes spells (some of which are very new) are presented as well as some cool Swan Maiden themed magic items. Finally, inspired by legends and folklore, there are some alternate rules for the maidens. This is a really nice touch and gives some ideas of how gamemasters can customize classes for their own campaigns.

I really like this class. It seems like a lot of thought and research went into its design. 

Stranded (2023)

 

Synopsis

When their mother passes, three siblings take a road trip south to spread her ashes. While driving through a forest their car breaks down and they find themselves besieged by the legendary Fouke Monster.

Review

I will start by admitting I most likely have some bias here. Concept Media are an Ohio based film company and I helped crowdfund this one. That being said this is probably the best bigfoot horror flick I've seen. I think this is the best looking bigfoot I've seen in a movie. Note, it doesn't look like the image shown above. I believe one of the reasons I dig this more than most other bigfoot movies is the focus here is on the family dynamic. Most of the movie focuses on three siblings and a spouse. In particular, Dale Miller and Brittany Blanton really shine. The family trapped in their vehicle takes up a good portion of the flick. This gives the film a really claustrophobic feel. Unlike most Concept Media films I've seen this one doesn't have much gore or blood. Much of the horror comes from the atmosphere and tension of being stranded in the woods with something inhuman. Some of the events are telegraphed early on, but I don't feel its detrimental to the film overall. The ending surprised me too. 

As of the time of posting, you can stream it for free on Tubi. You can also grab it on Blu-Ray or VHS on the Concept Media Merch page.

In Your Game

If you want to use him in your SURVIVE THIS!! games, the Fouke Monster appears in The DP&D Cryptid Manual 2 and Ultimate Cryptid Manual. If you play OSE, DCC, or 5e the stats are in the Cryptid Manual (which has the same content as the Ultimate Cryptid Manual, just in a different system).

Presidential Gaming

Today's President's Day (officially Washington's birthday at the federal level) here in the states. Like many of my fellow Americans I'm disappointed and anxious at the current state of the country. I really miss the time that presidents were public servants and there wasn't a cult built around them. Okay, now that I'm done pining about the state of the country, I'll do what I do best and use the day as an excuse to point folks to relevant previous posts. 

If you want to smile, check out the Ash4President videos. Speaking of Ash, he teamed up with Obama in a miniseries and you can find my Cinematic Unisystem stats for President Obama here. If you need something a little more current you can add these 5e stats of President Musk (aka Phony Stark). I can't find Scott Woodward's Drumpf 5e stats anymore so I can't help you if you want to add Cheeto Mussolini to your 5e game. If you're playing Blue Rose though, my friend Tim Brannan did a conversion of him for that system that you can find here. If you need some red hate* mooks for your 5e games, the Sons of Themyscira are perfect. These would be appropriate too.

*That was originally a typo, but it fits perfectly. 

Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Watched the new Cap movie Saturday with my kiddo. While there might be some minor details that weren't included in the trailers, there are no major spoilers here.

Synopsis

Sam Wilson has truly come in to his own as Captain America. He and his partner, Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon, find themselves drawn into political intrigue involving newly elected president, Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. 

Review

This flick is getting a lot of negative press online, but I really enjoyed it. Anthony Mackie does a great job of showing how Sam has grown into his new role. He still has doubts, but he's much more confident. He's not Steve Rogers, he doesn't have the super soldier serum. He does have some new tech to help even the playing field. Sam's Cap suit includes Vibranium. Danny Ramirez reprises his role  from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Joaquin Torres. Torres is the new Falcon. He brought of lot of heart and levity to the flick, which is overall a political thriller. Carly Lumbly returns as Isaiah Bradley, the "Black Captain America." He was my favorite part of the movie. His character is inspiring and tragic. Honestly there were a few of his scenes that left me heartbroken. Harrison Ford has taken over the role of Thunderbolt Ross since William Hurt's passing. I thought he did a good job. While flawed, this version of Ross seems like he's really trying to change. While I didn't feel as strongly as I did with Bradley, Ross has a few moments in the film that are emotional. We get a few new members of the MCU. The most important is Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph. In the comics Ruth is Sabra, mutant and agent of Israel. While the character is still Israeli, she works for President Ross and isn't an agent of her homeland. I personally think this was a good move. The final new addition to the MCU is Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder. Esposito is always fantastic and while I love the over the top costumes of the comic iteration of the Serpent Society, having them be an ultraviolet mercenary special ops teams makes perfect sense for the more grounded MCU.

The flick addresses a change to the world that took place in Celestials. The remains to Tiamut, dubbed Celestial Island, has become important in the global climate. Why? The reason is simple and exciting (especially if you're a fan of a certain feral short Canadian). A new element called Adamantium has been discovered. 

I've seen a complaint about the movie that it's just The Incredible Hulk 2. While the movie definitely has some call back, Brave New World is Cap movie, first and foremost. It's an entertaining mix of action, political intrigue, and heart. Is it as good as Winter Soldier? No, I personally think that's the best MCU movie. Brave New World is a solid superhero flick with heart though.

In Your Game

I love the character Isaiah Bradley. He originally appeared in the miniseries Truth: Red, White, and Black. In the 616 he's an underground legend among the African and African-American communities. He had visits from real life figures such as Malcom X, Richard Pryor, and Nelson Mandela. He was an honored at Storm and T'Challa's wedding. He's also the grandfather of the Elijah Bradley (the original Young Avenger's Patriot).

The MCU version first appeared in The Falcon and Winter Soldier. He's portrayed by Carl Lumbly. This isn't Lumbly's first foray into superheroics (having starred in the Fox series M.A.N.T.I.S. and as Martian Manhunter in Justice League/Justice League Unlimited). This is the version I'm going to stat out.

Code Name: Captain America

Real Name: Isaiah Bradley

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: -

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Neutral Good

Armor Class: 15 (Dex)

HP:  95 (10d8+50)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 4 (1,100 XP)

Str 20 (+5) Dex 20 (+5) Con 20 (+5) Int 13 (+1) Wis 17 (+3) Cha 12 (+1)

Saving Throws: Str+9, Con +9 

Skills: Athletics +9, History +5, Insight +6, Perception +7, Survival +7

Proficiencies: Demolitions, Vehicles (Land)

Senses: Passive Perception: 17

Languages: English 

No Soldier Gets Left Behind: The first time an ally within 30 ft fails a Death saving throw, they may reroll it. This ability can't be used again until Isaiah takes a short rest.

Second Wind: On his turn, as a bonus action, Isaiah can draw on his stamina reserves to heal 1d10+10 hit points. He can't use this ability again until he takes a short or long rest. 

Actions

Multiattack: Isaiah makes three attacks.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) bludgeoning 

damage.

Music Monday - Homunculus

Homunculus is the theme for the last My Hero Academia movie, You're Next. The film takes place after the U.A. Traitor Arc, but before the Final War Arc. It’s US home release will be April 1st. Check out the movie's opening song.

Happily Never After

Watching this REC 3: Genesis has become one of the only Valentine’s Day traditions I have. I originally reviewed this one for the October Horror Movie Challenge in 2014. Decided to do a new review after watching it tonight. There are some spoilers, but the movie is 13 years old, so you've been warned. 

Plot 

Two young lovers have their wedding day ruined when a demonic zombie outbreak happens at their wedding.

Review

If you aren't familiar REC is a four film Spanish horror franchise. The first two movies are about an apartment building that sees some sort of zombie-like outbreak. The first two films are two of the best found footage movies I've seen. REC 3: Genesis starts out in the same found footage style, but once hell breaks loose one of the protagonist breaks the wedding videographer's camera and the film shifts to a standard cinematic flick.  In case you're wondering, the fourth and final film in the series is also shot in the standard manner. Of the four movies, REC 3 is my favorite. It is a departure from the other three in that it's a standalone story and it also has quite a bit dark comedy. 

Koldo and Clara are the perfect protagonists. They are an attractive young couple, truly in love, and getting married. The cast of characters are pretty entertaining.  We have various family members, a videographer, Sponge John (a character that is legally distinct from Spongebob Squarepants), and a person that infiltrated the wedding reception to file a law suit against the happy couple for any copyrighted song played. Though I like the characters, they are flawed. Like most folks in horror flicks they make some really stupid decisions. For example, it's revealed that the infected zombies are possessed by demons. The demons can be seen in reflections. The creatures also can't enter holy ground, are harmed by holy water (at least that's what Koldo's grandmother says), and held at bay when they hear the priest praying or reading scripture. Do survivors stay in the church where it's safe? Of course not.

Watching Clara cut part of her dress off with a chainsaw and then fighting with it is one of the most badass and hot things I've seen in a movie.

Like many horror flicks, this one doesn't have a happy ending. Despite that I think it has a romantic one. I'm don't get me wrong it's fucked up, but it's still sweet. You can see gifs of it in here.

In Your Game

I recently got my pdf copy of SURVIVE THIS!! Zombies! Ultimate Edition so I thought I'd stat the demonic zombies out for that system. I'm also adding that book and several other Bloat Games books I have to my "to review" list.

Fallen

These zombies were created when demons cast out by God at Genesis returned to Earth and possessed mortals. 

Pack Size: 1-12

Armor Class: 13

Hit Dice: 2
Move: 12
Actions: 1
Attack: Bite (1d4-1 + fallen infection), claws (d4-1 + fallen infection), slam (d4), by weapon
Special: Undead (they can run), Unholy, toughness +2, Fallen zombie
Bonuses: +3 to melee attacks, +3 to damage, +2 to Spot & Listen
Alignment: Evil
Morale: 10

Madness: -

Terror: 12

HDE: 1

Unholy infection: If their bite or claws deal damage, the target must make a Poison Save, or they will become infected. If infected, they are at -2 to all attack & skill rolls, lose ½ their Move (rounded up), and lose 1 HP an hour until magically or psychically healed or until they make another Poison Save attempt. They may try another Poison Save every 3 hours. If they die while infected, they will become a fallen.

Undead-like: While they are technically living, like undead they are immune to Poisons, stuns, being sickened, Diseases & Critical Hits.

Unholy: While they appear as regular zombies, a Fallen's reflection reveals its true forms. Any Holy Man can spend their turn reciting prayers or quotes to cause all Fallen to become immobile while listening to the religious words. The Fallen cannot enter holy ground.

Fallen zombie: They will continue to try to eat the living until they are reduced to 0 HP. 

Fuccubus Friday - Valentine’s Day Edition.

 I love Cassandra Dunn’s art so sharing her latest Valentine’s Day piece was a no brainer.

Happy Valentine's Day

Here's a romantic loot table for your game, compliments of Lady Tiefling.

Is Your View Askew?

Are you a fan of the 90's slacker films of Kevin Smith? Do you dig monster of the week shows like Buffy?  If you answered yes to one or both of these, then you should check out the latest Kickstarter by Bloat Games. Askew is the 1990's slacker subculture and supernatural tabletop roleplaying game. 

This RP heavy game is about teens and 20 somethings saving their small town from demonic and other supernatural threats. The game is a hack of Cairn. Sessions are treated as an episodic tv sitcom. 

I think it sounds like a blast and if you enjoy this blog, you might too.

Music Monday - Hellfire

A few weeks ago I watched the second season of Arcane. The animation is spectacular and I love that the series deals with loss, identity, class struggles, and innovation. While I have no interest in playing League of Legends, the game it's based on, I thoroughly enjoyed the series. I highly recommend checking Arcane out if you have Netflix.

This week's Music Monday post is a song that featured in episode 3 of season 2, Fever 333's Hellfire.

The conflict  between the wealthy utopia of Piltover and the seedy oppressed undercity of Zaun is at the forefront of the series. Last August I reviewed Underbridge, a queer dark fantasy location/minisetting for Old School Essentials. If you want to include a hub like Zaun in your games, I think it'd be an excellent resource.  

Can't Have A Super Bowl Without SuperPro

Since Super Bowl LIX is tonight I decided to remind everyone that Marvel partnered with the NFL to make a superhero in the early 90's. Phil Grayfield was a football player who's career ended when he saved a child and received a knee injury. He became a sports reporter and while trying to stop some thieves that were attempting to steal from a sports fan he was interviewing he's doused in chemicals. He dons a football themed suit and becomes a superhero.

SuperPro only appeared in 13 issues (a Super Bowl Special and 12 issue main series). The serious is notoriously bad, but has developed a cult following because of that. Recently Grayfield has returned as a coach at Peter's high school in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Since the series takes place in an alternate version of the MCU, this version of Grayfield was never a superhero. 

I've done SuperPro stats for two different systems so if for some strange reason you'd want to add him to your game, you can.

• 5e 
• Light City 

Raging In The Streets

One of my favorite genres of video games is the classic sides-scrolling beat'em ups. While the TMNT ones hold a special place in my memories, the Streets of Rage franchise is my favorite. I spent many hours playing the second with my friend Chad growing up and the latest, Streets of Rage 4 is probably my favorite game in the genre.

The series takes place in the fictional city of Wood Oaks and centers around a group of vigilantes trying to take out corruption. In the first game former police officers Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding, and Adam Hunter team up to take out the forces of crime boss, Mr. X. In the second game Adam has been kidnapped and his little brother, Eddie "Skate" Hunter teams up with the other two protagonists of the first game and newcomer Max Thunder.  Axel, Blaze, and Skate team up with to stop a plot by Mr. X to take replace Wood Oak officials with realistic robots. The series went on hiatus for 20+ years until the 4th released. A new syndicate, led by the twins Mr. and Ms. Y have made a move to take over the city. This time Blaze and Axel are joined by Adam's daughter Cherry and Floyd Iraia, apprentice of Dr. Zans (a playable character in the third game). 

You can unlock Adam as a playable character by playing through the game. You can also unlock every character from the previous games (with their original pixel art, moves, and styles). Additionally there are a few DLC characters.

Below you'll find 5e stats for Adam and his daughter Cherry. 

Code Name: -

Real Name: Adam Hunter

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: -

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Lawful Good

Armor Class: 12 (Dex)

HP:  75 (10d8+30)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 3 (700 XP)

Str 16 (+3) Dex 14 (+2) Con 17 (+3) Int 12 (+1) Wis 16 (+3) Cha 15 (+2)

Saving Throws: Str+6, Con +6 

Skills: Athletics +6, Insight +6, Investigation +4, Perception +6

Senses: Passive Perception: 16

Languages: English 

Actions

Multiattack: Adam makes three unarmed attacks.

Howl Fang: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 +3) bludgeoning damage and must make a Strength saving throw (DC 14) or be knocked prone.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 +3) bludgeoning 

damage.

Code Name: -

Real Name: Cherry Hunter

Pronouns: She/Her

Team Affiliation: -

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Chaotic Good

Armor Class: 14 (Dex)

HP:  52 (8d8+16)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Str 14 (+2) Dex 18 (+4) Con 14 (+2) Int 12 (+1) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 18 (+4)

Saving Throws: Dex+6, Cha +6 

Skills: Acrobatics +6, Performance +6, Stealth +6

Proficiencies: Guitar

Senses: Passive Perception: 12

Languages: English 

Actions

Multiattack: Cherry makes two unarmed attacks.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 +2) bludgeoning damage.

Townsend Smash (Recharge 5-6): Cherry pulls out her guitar and slams it into the ground, knocking opponents away with sonic force. Each creature in a 15-foot cube originating from Cherry must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 14). On a failed save, the creature takes 4 (2d8) thunder damage and is pushed 10 feet away from Cherry. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn't pushed. 

Marvel - My Hero Academia Style

Back in 2022, I shared a few pieces of My Hero Academia art done by Marvel artist Ryan Stegman. You can see that art here.

This post is the flipside of that. The piece below was illustrated by MHA creator Kōhei Horikoshi. The thing that really sticks out to me here is that Captain Marvel (who's wearing her Ms. Marvel gear) looks a lot like Mount Lady.

If Only These Bubbles Were Soundproof

Rocket was a character created for DC's Milestone imprint. She was the teen sidekick of alien superhero Icon. Like many characters of the Dakotaverse (as it would be later called), Icon was created by the late great Dwayne McDuffie. Also like the other characters of the setting, she was later merged into the mainline DC Universe.

While introduced into the Icon series as the titular character's sidekick, Rocket was really the protagonist of the series. Born into one of the most crime ridden areas of Dakota, she wanted to become a great writer, like Toni Morrison, but couldn't find the right inspiration. Her life was changed when she tried to break into the home of Augustus Freeman IV, the alter ego of Icon. After discovering his powers she convinced him to become a hero and would become his sidekick, gaining a belt that allowed her to manipulate inertia and kinetic energy. Not long after she started her superhero career, she learned that she was pregnant with her ex-boyfriend's child. 

Rocket is a very outspoken leftist character. This often brought her into conflict with those in power, including Icon. However, she managed to convince her partner to reevaluate his views.

My favorite story arc for Rocket took place during the Young Justice cartoon series. She worked through the fact she had a neurodivergent son. Interestingly enough it was her interactions with the New God Orion that facilitated this. 

Code Name: Rocket

Real Name: Raquel Ervin

Pronouns: She/Her

Team Affiliation: Young Justice, Justice League, Shadow Cabinet

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Chaotic Good

Armor Class: 14 (Dex)

HP:  52 (8d8+16)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Str 12 (+1) Dex 18 (+4) Con 14 (+2) Int 14 (+2) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 16 (+3)

Saving Throws: Dex+6, Wis +4 

Skills: Acrobatics +6, Advanced Tech +4, Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +6

Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing

Senses: Passive Perception: 14

Languages: English 

Actions

Multiattack: Rocket makes two attacks.

Kinetic Energy Blast: Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) force damage.

Rocket Punch: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d4 +1) bludgeoning damage and 3 (1d6) force damage.

Reactions

Inertial Barrier: Rocket adds 3 to her AC against one attack that would hit her. To do so she must see the attacker.

Can You Hold Back The Dead?

Hold Back The Dead is a new free adventure available on D&D Beyond designed to highlight new monsters featured in the new version of the Monster Manual. The adventure is designed for four six level 4 characters, just like Scions of Elemental Evil and Uni and the Hunt for the Lost Horn. Also like those adventures the premade characters included in this adventure are Niko and the cast of the classic D&D cartoon. 

Hold Back The Dead is set in the Forgotten Realms and involves the mechanizations of one of the greatest threats to the Realms, the vile lich lord of Thay, Szass Tam. The characters are are tasked by the Lords Alliance to help guard Ironspine Keep, a fortress being repaired in order to watch over the Western Heartlands. Unfortunately for the goodly folks, Szass Tam can't allow this to happen and sends an army, lead by a spectral warlord, to take care of the mortals.

Meant to be played in a three or four our session, the adventure is broken down into four parts: First Wave, Second Wave, Siege Weapon Sabotage, and the Warlord. The adventure is pretty straight forward. The characters must fight off undead, handle and infiltration, and take out a wraith. It's all a simple, but solid piece. The adventure can help move a campaign forward too. Why does Szass Tam want the keep? Do the players use the Keep as a base of operations (turning it into a bastion)?

Slap Me Around And Call Me Susan

Blankman is a fun, if not flawed, superhero comedy from the 90's. You can read my review of it here. If you've never seen the movie and live in the states, you can stream it for free on PlutoTV here. You can see my updated 5e stats for the protagonists below. 

Code Name: Blankman

Real Name: Darryl Walker

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliations: -

Medium Humanoid, Lawful Good

Armor Class: 14 (Costume)

Hit Points: 27 (6d8)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 1/2 (100 XP)

Str 10 (+0) Dex 10 (+0) Con 10 (+0) Int 20 (+5) Wis 12 (+1) Cha 12 (+1)

Saving Throws: Int +7

Skills: Advanced Tech +7, Investigation +7

Damage Resistance: Fire

Senses: passive Perception 11

Languages: English

Plunger Gun (costs 1 power point): This grappling allows Blankman fires a line line up to 60 feet veristically or horizontally. He moves at half speed (without requiring an Athletics skill roll) when doing so.

Rocket Boots (costs 1 power point): For one round Blankman's speed doubles.

Speculum of Life (costs 1 power point): The device gives advantage on skill checks to pry doors open.

Power Source ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ): Blankman's homemade gadgets have a limited power supply. His power source generates 10 power points before needed to be recharged for eight hours.

Actions

Automatic Nunchucks (costs 1 power point): Melee Attack. +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (2d4) bludgeoning damage.

The Boot (costs 1 power point): Ranged Attack. +2 to hit, range 20 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage.

Stink Bombs (1/day): Blankman chooses a 20-foot-radius without 60 ft. That radius is filled with a  nauseating gas for 1 minute. Creatures that start their turn in the cloud must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 15). On a failed save, the creature spends its action that turn retching and reeling. Creatures that don't need to breathe or are immune to poison automatically succeed on this saving throw. A moderate wind (at least 10 miles per hour) disperses the could after 4 rounds. A strong wind (at least 20 miles per hour) disperses it after 1 round.

Super Slick Blank Goop (1/day): Blankman covers a 10-foot square within 20 feet and turns it into difficult terrain. Creatures trying to move into or through it must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 15) or fall prone. Additionally a creature ending its turn in the 10-foot square must do the same.

Unarmed: Melee Attack. +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 bludgeoning damage.

Code Name: Other Guy

Real Name: Kevin Walker

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: -

Medium Humanoid, Neutral Good

Armor Class: 12 (Dexterity) 

Hit Points: 39 (6d8+12)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 1/2 (100 XP)

Str 14 (+2) Dex 14 (+2) Con 14 (+2) Int 10 (+0) Wis 13 (+1) Cha 10 (+0)

Saving Throws: Con +4

Skills: Athletics +4, Insight +3, Perception +3, Stealth +4

Tools: Camera

Senses: passive Perception 13

Languages: English

Actions

Mutliattack: Other Guy makes three martial arts attacks

Martial Arts: Melee Attack. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) bludgeoning damage.

Reaction: 

Parry: Other Guy adds 3 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, Other Guy must see the attacker.

Don't Call Him Black Stone

Y'all know I love the Suicide Squad, so for today's post I wanted to do a character from that team. Pebbles has one of the most unfortunate codenames. Interestingly enough he hated his original code name even more. Instead of going into his backstory, I'll just share the panel that talks about him.

Pebbles only appears in the DC Black Label miniseries Suicide Squad: Get Joker. This is the same series that gave us Meow Meow (pictured above).

Code Name: Pebbles (chosen), Black Stone (military)

Real Name: Livingston

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: Suicide Squad

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Neutral Evil

Armor Class: 18 (Natural)

HP:  114 12d8+60)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)

Str 18 (+4) Dex 13 (+1) Con 20 (+5) Int 10 (+0) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 10 (+0)

Saving Throws: Str +8, Con +9 

Skills: Athletics +8, Intimidation +4, Perception +6

Proficiencies: Land Vehicles

Senses: Passive Perception: 16

Languages: English 

Hard Skin: Pebbles ignores all damage from attacks and effects less that deal less than 10 damage. Weapons and effects that deal double damage to objects and structures ignore this trait.

Actions

Multiattack: Pebbles makes three unarmed attacks.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Flight of the Bumblebee

While Nubia appeared three years earlier, DC's Bumblebee is often considered DC's first black superheroine. Her secret identity, Karen Beecher, was introduced 7 months prior to her taking up the mantle of Bumblebee. She's a scientist and dated Teen Titans member, Herald. She wanted to make him look good in front of the team so she created the Bumblebee identity and attacked the Titans. After escaping, she revealed her ruse to the Titans. Instead of being angry, the team was impressed and asked to join the team. Later Herald and Bumblebee got married, retired, and started working for S.T.A.R. Labs. 

Her powers were originally all based on her suit. Helping to prevent a crisis she and several heroes were trapped in a rift, which caused her to shrink to six inches tall. Later she would later be shrunken and her powers became innate.

To my knowledge, there has never been a live action version of Bumblebee. She has appeared in most Titans animated series and films though. I like Bumblebee. As a Titan and younger hero fan, I liked Bumblebee and Herald. I also like that, much like Dick Grayson there were allowed to grow up.

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Code Name: Bumblebee

Real Name: Karen Beecher-Duncan

Pronouns: She/Her

Team Affiliation: Teen Titans, Young Justice, Doom Patrol, Young Justice

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Lawful Good

Armor Class: 16 (Armor)

HP: 52 (8d8+16)

Speed: 30 ft., fly 50 ft.

Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Str 15 (+3) Dex 18 (+4) Con 14 (+2) Int 18 (+4) Wis 15 (+3) Cha 16 (+3)

Saving Throws: Dex +7, Int +7 

Skills: Advanced Tech +7, Insight +6, Parapsychology +7, Perception +6

Senses: Passive Perception: 16

Languages: English 

Actions

Multiattack: Bumblebee makes two bee sting attacks.

Adhesive Shot (Recharge 5-6):  Ranged Weapon Attack. +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: Target is restrained. Any creature can make a Strength (Athletics) check (DC 12) to end this condition. At the beginning of the restrained creature's turn they may make this check as a bonus action.

Bee Stings: Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) lightning damage.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Take A Stand

For today's Black History Month supers post I thought I'd update my Meteor Man stats and talk about his continued adventures in the 616 after the film.

Issue #1 quickly recaps the movie. Then we learned that a part of the meteor that powered Jeff is in Arizona. He and his friend Mike (Eddie Griffin's character from the movie) head the facility it's been held. Jeff uses what remains of his powers to get in and evade security. The pair have been followed by an ominous main with nefarious goals. While all that's happening two new villains, the high tech Malefactor and the occult themed Ghost Strike, take out some Guardsmen in Washington DC to capture Simon Kane, the movie's villain, is being experimented on by an evil corporation, Skyyventures Inc. The issue ends with Mike getting shot and Jeff reaching the meteor. 

In Issue #2 Jeff saves Mike and while the pair seek to get back to DC they are attacked by Malefactor and Ghost Strike. We are introduced to Armand Skyy, CEO of Skyyventures Inc., who sends a newly repowered Simon to take out Meteor Man. In the confrontation between Meteor Man and Simon, Jeff seemingly kills the villain.

At the beginning of Issue #3 Jeff has vowed to never be Meteor Man again. Peter Parker and MJ are in DC, as MJ is part of a Meteor Man movie. Armand Skyy has a clanedestine meeting with a man named Solomon Mingh, who's contracted him to get Meteor Man. Jeff deals with how gang violence has affected his neighborhood, but does use his powers again until it spills over into filming. Jeff stops the gang, the DC Players. He and Spidey team up and end up taking on Malefactor and Ghost Strike. After a heart to heart with Spider-Man who tells him his secret "with great power comes great responsibility." In the end he decides he and the community needs Meteor Man.

Issue #4 sees Night Thrasher of the New Warriors make his way to DC after fighting some DC Players in NYC. He is tracking down their leader Third Power aka Solomon Mingh. Jeff finds his personal life in shambles, but after his talk with Spidey finds his resolve to protect his community reignited. Of course Meteor Man and Night Thrasher have an initial misunderstanding but team up to take down the Players and their benefactor.  The issue ends with Third Power, who can make two even stronger copies of himself, fighting the pair of heroes.

A lot happens in Issue #5. Night Thrasher kills Third Power (Jeff says his heart is barely beating but later a portion of a newspaper implies Meteor Man killed him). Simon Kane reappears in Arizona. We learn that Armand Skyy isn't from Earth (which has been hinted at). Skyy then sends Malefactor, Ghost Strike, and two knew villains (Warhammer and Exocet), Exocet has some sort of flight powers and Warhammer is Thor without the lightning. He also might be a Neo-Nazi. He has a stylized H and eagle tattoo. It's not like any fascist tat I've seen, but it looks similar to one. Meteor Man takes out some of the villains but the issue ends with his shocking realization that Simon is alive and ready for a fight.

Even more happens in Issue #6... Simon and Meteor Man team up to take on Warhammer and Exocet. The pair then continue their conflict with one another. Meteor Man berates Simon for the way he's hurt his community and people and just as Simon seems repentant he's taken out by Armand Skyy. Meteor Man seemingly gives Skyy the power he wants, but his body can't handle it and he explodes. In the aftermath, the new CEO and Skyyventers Inc. and Meteor Man come up with a deal. He doesn't expose the shady companies previous dealings if they help pay for rebuilding his neighborhood and fund programs. In the end Jefferson vows to his community that he will always be their Meteor Man.

While Meteor Man has not made any appearances since the series ended, the Golden Lords appeared in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #5.

The Meteor Man miniseries was fun. It wasn't epic, but as a continuation of the movie and way to add Meteor Man to the 616 it's great.  There's some fun moments and references to the movie. In Issue #3 for example a Meteor Man movie is being filmed and the director talks about how he should have got Snipes, Denzel, or Townsend (the star of the film). There are a few jokes like this that made me chuckle. Some of the humor fell a flat though. In Issue #1 Mike gets hit in the back of the head and makes a Rodney King joke. Something that had me chuckling is that Meteor Man was constantly getting his costume blown off. This didn't happen to Robert Townsend in the film, but I'm guessing that had something to do with him not having the superheroic physique of his comic book counterpart. Like the film the story also deals with gang violence and community and handles those respectfully.

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Code Name: Meteor Man

Real Name: Jefferson "Jeff" Reed

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: - 

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Lawful Good

Armor Class: 16 (Natural)

HP: 135 (14d8+72)

Speed: 40 ft., fly 80 ft.

Challenge: 6 (2,300 XP)

Str 20 (+5) Dex 16 (+3) Con 20 (+5) Int 16 (+3) Wis 12 (+1) Cha 14 (+2)

Saving Throws: Str +9, Con +9 

Skills: History +7, Insight +5, Perception +5

Damage Resistances: bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing

Senses: X-Ray Vision 120 ft., Passive Perception: 15

Languages: English, Dog

Powerful Build: Meteor Man can carry/lift twice the weight of a normal creature his size. Additionally, he uses his strength score to make Intimidation rolls in place of charisma and he can wield heavy weapons with one hand.

Temporary Absorption: Meteor Man can tough a book and gains the knowledge and skills associated for five rounds. He gains proficiency in the skills and/or tools contained within.

Super Hearing: Meteor Man's proficiency bonus is double on Perception hearing checks (becoming +8). He also has advantage on hearing based Perception rolls.

Actions

Multiattack: Meteor Man can make three slam attacks.

Healing Touch (Recharge 5-6): Meteor Man can touch a target and heal them 5 (1d8+1) hit points.

Laser Vision: Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d10) radiant damage.

Slam: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

Super Breath: Meteor Man expels air the equivalent to a gust of wind. It is a line of strong wind 30 feet long and 10 feet wide. Each creature that in the line must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed 15 feet away in the opposite direction.

Telekinesis: Meteor Man can attempt to move an object or person weighing up to 1000 lb. He can move the object 30 ft. If the object is being held or is an unwilling target, a DC 15 strength saving throw to resist.

Music Monday - Neighbor Like Me

Check out intro theme for Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man performed by The Math Club and featuring Relaye and Melo Makes Music. It's a great track with elements of the classic theme.

I've watched the first two episodes of the series and I am  digging it. I know it's not for everyone, but I really enjoy the cell-shaded animation. I've been a big fan of that style for a while. I was a bit hesitant to watch it though because of recent comments from Spidey voice actor, Hudson Thames.

"I thought it was awesome. I mean, my biggest fear was that it was gonna be annoying and woke, and it wasn’t.”

If a person uses woke as a pejorative I immediately want to disassociate with them and the creative projects they are involved with. It shows a lack of empathy. However, I also understand that many other folks were involved with creating the show so I decided to give it a shot anyway.

I find Thames anti-woke comment funny, because of the main cast, only a few folks are white. Harry and Norman Osborne are now African-American. The same is true for Dr. Connors, who has also been genders-swapped and is now Dr. Carla Connors. Peter's closest friends are Nico Minoru, Lonnie Lincoln, and Pearl Pangan. Additionally at his Oscorp internship Peter meets Amadeus Cho and a Wakanda teen.

The series definitely deviates from existing versions of Spider-Man, but that's what the Multiverse is for. I'm really looking forward to seeing where it's going to go.

An Extreme X-Man (Who Wasn't In X-Treme X-Men)

Though I didn't like it as much as X-Men/X-Men 97, X-Men: Evolution was a fun animated series and reimagining of the franchise. One of my favorite characters was Spyke. Spyke, born Evan Daniels, was Storm's nephew and a native of NYC. He originally had the ability to fire spikes from his body (much like Marrow). He was recruited by his aunt when his powers manifested and was a X-Men until he lost the ability to control is powers. Soon after he joined the Morlocks. In his last appearance he had a permanent exoskeleton on his upper body and could ignite his spikes.

Spyke was a fun character. He was originally reluctant to be a hero, but grew as the series went on. He was also a skateboarder, which in 2000 meant he was the coolest. Strangely the only comic Spyke appeared in outside X-Men: Evolution was X-Babies Stars Reborn. In the main 616 continuity Storm has a cousin named David Munroe, that is loosely based on Spyke.

Did you watch X-Men: Evolution and if so did you like Spyke too?

Code Name: Spyke

Real Name: Evan Daniels

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: X-Men, Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Morlocks

Medium Humanoid (Human Mutant), Chaotic Good 

Armor Class: 18 (Armor)

Hit Points: 60 (8d8+24)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Str 15 (+2) Dex 17 (+3) Con 16 (+3) Int 10 (+0) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 14 (+2)

Saving Throws: Str +9, Con +7

Skills: Acrobatics +5, Athletics +4

Senses: passive Perception 10

Languages: English

Ignite Spikes: Spyke can heat his spikes causing them to do an addition 2 (1d4) fire damage. 

Actions

Mutliattack: Spyke can make two attacks.

Spike: Melee Weapon Attack. +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) piercing damage.

Spike Nova (Recharge 6): Spikes fly from Spyke. Each creature within a 30 foot radius originating from him must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 13). On a failed saving throw they take 16 (3d8+3) piercing damage. On a successful save they take half as much damage. 

Throw Spike:  Ranged Weapon Attack. +5 to hit, range 10/50 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage.

Let The Lady Go!

While looking for something earlier I stumbled upon this awesome art that combining a couple of underrated superhero flicks from the 90's. Meteor Man and Blank Man will both get stat updates later this month.

Artist Bryan J. Williams

John Henry Was A Steel Drivin' Man

This morning I decided I wanted to stat out some African American supers characters in honor of Black History Month. Some of the posts will be new 5e stat blocks, whole others will be updates to some that I've already done. 

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John Henry Irons was one of the four new Supermen released during DC's Reign of the Supermen storyline post Death of Superman/Funeral For A Friend. John was a brilliant engineer buried in rubble during Doomsday's attack on Metropolis. With Superman dead, John used his strength and brilliance to build a suit of armor and fight the weapons dealers and criminals causing chaos in his neighborhood. After Superman returned he took on the name Steel (coined by Superman) and continued to be his ally. He's been a member of the Justice League and and briefly served on the Suicide Squad. Steel is a respected member of the superhero community. His niece, Natasha, has also taken up the mantle of Steel.

Steel has appeared in other DC media several times. Michael Dorn and Phil LeMarr voiced him in Superman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited. In addition to several DC animated movies, he's been a supporting character in Young Justice and My Adventures with Superman. An alternate universe version of him appeared in Superman & Lois. His most notable live action appearance was in the Steel movie, starring Shaq. While the movie used elements of his background from the comics, he had no connections to Superman (other than a tattoo) and the flick just wasn't good.

Conner Kent was my favorite character to come from Reign of the Supermen, but Steel was a close second. I just think he is an interesting character. You can probably guess, but he was loosely based on and inspired by the folk tale of John Henry, the steel driving man. He also has a lot in common with Tony Stark. The obvious comparison is that they both use powered armor. Additionally John was a brilliant weapons engineer prior to becoming a hero. However, unlike Stark he became disgusted with the business without having a traumatic experience. I'd say one of the biggest differences is John is well liked by other heroes and Tony has a (deserved) reputation of being an arrogant bastard.

Code Name: Steel I

Real Name: John Henry Irons

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: Superman Family, Suicide Squad, Justice League, Steelworks

Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Good 

Armor Class: 18 (Armor)

Hit Points: 90 (12d8+36)

Speed: 30 ft., fly 50 ft.

Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)

Str 20 (+5) Dex 10 (+0) Con 16 (+3) Int 18 (+4) Wis 16 (+3) Cha 12 (+1)

Saving Throws: Str +9, Con +7

Skills: Advanced Tech +8, Athletics +9, Insight +7, Investigation +8

Senses: passive Perception 13

Languages: English

Actions

Mutliattack: Steel can make two attacks.

Kinetic Hammer: Melee Weapon Attack. +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6+5) bludgeoning damage, does double damage to objects and structures. 

or

Ranged Weapon Attack. +5 to hit,  range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d6+1) bludgeoning damage, it deals an addition 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage for every 10 ft. it flies, does double damage to objects and structures.

Pinning Shot:  Ranged Weapon Attack. +4 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: Target is restrained. Any creature can make a Strength (Athletics) check (DC 12) to end this condition. At the beginning of the restrained creature's turn they may make this check as a bonus action. 

Wrist-Mounted Rivet Gun:  Ranged Weapon Attack. +4 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d6) piercing damage, does double damage to objects and structures.

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The Kinetic Hammer acts as a magic item, but is an advanced technological item (using the rules presented in Carbide City #2).

Kinetic Hammer

Weapon (Maul), legendary, require attunement

You gain a +1 to attack and damage rolls with this weapon. This maul can be thrown like a light hammer. It does double damage to objects and structures. It builds up a kinetic charge as it flies. For every 10 feet the hammer moves it deals it an extra 1d6 damage. You can stop the hammer mid-air by saying "STOP" letting it hover and have it return to your hand by saying "RETURN."

Planeshifted Patreon

Planeshifted is a Patreon that creates fantastic content for D&D 5e (both the original and the updated version). While there are paid tiers of support, the homebrew game content is available to all. 

The creator makes high quality pdfs featuring D&D conversions of Magic: The Gathering's planes. While a few guides are a bit more focused, in most you will find new races/species, subclasses, magic items, spells, and monsters. If you want to know the specific planes discussed, go here.