Just A Stupid Dungeon Review

It's been a while since I've done a Lamentations of the Flame Princess review. A few weeks ago I picked up a couple new adventures at Time Warp Cards & Comics. Here's a spoiler filled review of one of them.

This one was written by James Raggi, the creator of Lamentations of the Flame Princess. The man can create great dungeons. The original Death Frost Doom was fantastic (even if it's a "nega-dungeon"). I think Tower of the Stargazer is a great first level dungeon (even if it can kill players right off the bat). Just A Stupid Dungeon isn't a good  though. To be fair, the adventure lives up to its name. You can't say you weren't warned.https://punverse.blogspot.com/2014/10/death-frost-doom-redux.html

The hook is pretty simple. There's a door in the side of a hill and no one really knows what's behind it. Related to the hook are stats for villagers and local kids. Raggi has stated that the reason for all the NPC stats and treasure listed in Keep On The Borderlands are because the players are meant to take it over. This doesn't bode well for the peasants. 

There are 10-11 rooms in the dungeon which have been stretched out to 24 encounters. There are a variety of funhouse style rooms, but they're pretty weird. Other than the peasants, the only other protentional combat encounter are rats... lots of rats. The dungeon ends with a world changing event, that involves world wide slumber. The ramifications are massive, but even more so if you've already ran something like Death Frost Doom in your game. Raggi's known to be miserly with treasure. Just A Stupid Dungeon has a bit more than usual and its pretty unique. 

If you couldn't tell I think this one is a pass. I don't regret buying it because I grabbed it on clearance, but had I paid full retail for this one, I wouldn't be happy.

Punch A Nazi Week Returns

I'm going to do another Punch A Nazi week starting the first week of March. Like the last one, I'm going to include a few Nazi punchers in addition to the bastards getting punched. Cap will be one of those heroes. Speaking of Cap, check out these pieces by Joe Flanders Comics. 

One Puuuuuuuuunch!

I recently started rewatching One Punch Man. If you’re a comic book fan I recommend the series (or at least the first season). Check out this great art piece by Marcelo Ventura Art. Also check out my Two Punch Man stats.

The Swedish Chef Knows What's Up

This is the first of a few Joe Flanders Comics pieces I'll be sharing in the next few days. 

Nightcat Review

I like picking up weird and random comics. During a recent trip to my childhood comic shop, I definitely found something that fits that description. 

Released in 1991, Nightcat was a Marvel superhero persona created for musician and actress Jacqueline Tavares. A full album was released in conjunction with the issue. If you want to check that out I'll post a YouTube link at the end of the post. Stan Lee, who makes a quick cameo in the comic, is given credit for scripting the story, though according to those that worked on the project, his input was minimal at best.

The story introduces us to Jackie Tavares, a young women in Queens who lost her mother due to alcoholism and music. Because of this her father forbids her from pursuing music too, fearing it will consume her life. Eventually Jackie decided to pursue music anyway and creates an alter-ego, Nightcat to do so. She finds fame and fortune but her life changes when she discovers a case of drugs. 

This is where the story of Nightcat is oddly becomes similar to 2004's Catwoman starring Halle Barry. She is kidnapped by men working for a pharmaceutical CEO working on experimental cosmetics. She is given a mixture of chemicals and cat's blood which make her cat-like powers. She is saved by her father, investigating undercover. Her father is killed and she swears revenge. She gets it and vows to hunt the "human jackals that prey on helpless, innocent victims."

The cover claims this is Nightcat's premier issue, but spoiler, it's also her only issue, though she would be mentioned in one or two random comics after this. There was a a planned crossover with Spidey, but because of terrible sales it was axed. I've seen articles saying this is one of the worst Marvel comics of all time. As someone that has read NFL SuperPro and U.S. 1 I can definitely say that's not the case. Then again, I like those titles so take my opinion worth a grain of salt. I love the Joe Jusko cover and the interior artwork from Denys Cowan are good. Fun fact, though his art doesn't appear in the issue Nightcat was designed by Jim Lee. The story is simple and nothing to write home about, but its fine. I'm not telling you to run out and pick this one up, but if you see it in a dollar box, go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Nightcat In Your Game

Nightcat: Init +3; Atk +2 claws (1d4) or +2 telescopic staff (1d6); Crit II/1d10; AC 13 (dex); HD 4d6; HP 14; Mov. 30'; Act 1d20; SP thief skills; SV Ref +4; Fort +1, Will +1; AL L

Thief skills: Backstab +3, Sneak silently +6, Hide in Shadows +8, Pick pocket +6, Climb sheer surfaces +8, Pick lock +6, Find trap +5, Disable trap +8, Forge document +3, Disguise self +4, Read languages +1, Cast from spell d10 

Deathstalker Compendium

I've not watched the Deathstalker reboot, but browsing through DriveThruRPG I found this. Produced by the ProgCore Fantasy team for Shout! Studios, the Deathstalker D&D 5E Compendium contains stats for 12 npcs/monsters from the new flick, as well as two powerful magic items. The content is created for regular 5e, not D&D 2024.

Have you seen the new Deathstalker?

Non-Gaming Update

After about two years of looking for work after my fall, I've got a new job. I'll be working for the state at an organization that does good work helping people. Already looking for an apartment and hope I have my own place soon. Once I do I plan on trying to run a regular game of something.

Here's an unrelated pic of what I'm currently reading.

Chasing the (Savage) Dragon - Malcom Dragon (DCC)

Here's my first attempt at making a character in the style of Amazing Adventures In The Public Domain. Instead of making stats for Kurr Dragon (the original Image Savage Dragon), I thought it would be easier to the series current protagonist, Malcom Dragon. This is extra appropriate because the series regularly uses characters from the Public Domain. I just picked up the most recent issue which features Mickey Mouse, Pete, and Popeye.

Malcom Dragon

• Legacy Hero
• Regenerating powerhouse
• Electric punches

Malcom Dragon is the only child of Kurr Dragon and electrokinetic heroine, Rapture, Malcom Dragon. Thought to have died, he was kidnapped and raised by the Covenant of the Sword, a covert organization bent on world domination. Malcom was raised in another dimension. Upon meeting his father, he decided to become a hero. Malcom is a born leader and protector. He fights for his extended family and those in need.

Starting Equipment

Special Operations Strikeforce uniform

Statistics

• Strength 20 (+4)
• Agility 16  (+2)
• Stamina 20 (+4)
• Personality 12
• Luck 10 
• Intelligence 12 
• Action Die: 1d20+1d14
• Attack Bonus: +5
• Saves: Ref +2, Fort +5, Will +1

Background

Legacy hero, father, and reality tv star

Hit Points & Hit Die

Malcom Dragon starts with 44 HP or 5d12HD. Additional Hit Dice earned through gifts are d12s.

Weapons & Armor

Malcom tends to fight with his bare hands, though due to his police training can use all standard police issue weapons. 

Electric Fists

Malcom tends to deal with threats using his fists. They do 1d10 damage. He can use his inherited electrokinesis to do an extra 1d4 damage with these attacks.

Regeneration

Malcom regains 1d4 HP at the beginning of each of his turns.

Dragon Skin

Malcom takes half damage from all non-magical attacks. His natural AC is 14.

Advancement Options

• Super durability - +1 Strength, can be chosen more than once
• Super strength - +1 Strength, can be chosen more than once
• Increased health - +1 HD, can be chosen more than once
• Taking up the mantle - upgrade all save dice +1d

Malcom Dragon as an NPC

Malcom Dragon: Init +2; Atk +9 electric punch (1d10+1d4+4); Crit IV/1d16; AC 16 (dragon skin, dex); HD 5d12+20*; HP 64/44*; Mov. 30'; Act 1d20+1d14; SP dragon skin, electric fists, regeneration; SV Ref +4; Fort +9, Will +2; AL L

*As presented in Amazing Adventures In The Public Domain his HD should be 5d12 and his HP should be 44. However, I think he should have his Stamina bonus added.

Truth, Justice, and…

 Whether it’s “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” or “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow” Superman would absolutely be anti-I.C.E.

This piece by kevintranart_ and wanted to share.