Friday, December 27, 2013

Holidays and the New Year

Well the holidays are almost over now. I know mine has been hectic as I am sure most peoples were. So yeah I am still here and working on my game when I get time.

I'm saddened as it seems nearly impossible for me to keep a game going at my house at the moment. One person rarely shows up and now another one is moving far enough away to where it is not worth the time and gas to drive down. which leaves me with just me, my wife, one friend unless I can convince my cousin to actually play more.

I'm trying to come up with some sort of weekly/bi-weekly posting to do starting in January, but I'm not sure yet. The only thing I can come up with at the moment is to create or just write some creatures for my Silver Divinity galaxy. I enjoyed doing that previously for a Halloween event and I'm thinking it might be fun to do some more.

Lastly I know its late already but Happy Holidays (or whatever you prefer) to everyone!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Games/Updates/Etc...

The holidays are upon us and it is that time of year when I am forced to exit my home to spend time with the family. Although my wife and I enjoy it, she enjoys it much more than I do as I tend to get drained quickly and would like to go home, while she would like to stay longer. We have been married for 8 years and have worked things out where both of us are happy at least so I'm not really complaining there.

The pathfinder game we were playing at the in-laws house has been cancelled for the time being, and we were going to start back playing the Evil campaign I was running for them before (they made it from level 1 to 14 in Eberron D&D 3.5 before we paused the game). That at the moment has been postponed due to the holidays and extended family having housing issues and needing assistance.

The corrupted game I started at my own house has been going well at least. We've only played twice so far, but they were fun games to say the least. This last one had a first time amusement for me either running or playing a game. I've started showing my 19 year old cousin how to play, and although she has had fun she is still 19 so it's hard to pin her down to play with us at times. But this last time we played (11/15/13) her Cleric decided to start flirting with one of the NPC's they encountered. There was a father and his three sons and she decided to start hitting on one of the sons. This was exceedingly amusing watching her try to role play this (which she did great with); she finally got fed up with him after a while and through various circumstances she finally found out that he was really a demon in disguise.
This was entertaining to play through and like I said I've never had anyone try to do something like this in a game I've participated in.

So yeah all in all I've been busy. I am still working on Converting what I have of my Silver Divinity setting to Savage Worlds, it is just taking a moment due to lack of good thinking time.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Corrupted and Evil Characters; Running another game!

So we have only played once so far, but we are running a game at my house, which I talked about previously.

The main group I play with are my in-laws, and around 2009-2010 I DM'd my first big game for them. It was a D&D 3.5 game based in Eberron, and the characters were all evil in various degrees. I got a few questions regarding how that wouldn't work or would fall apart from infighting, but honestly the group took to it and ran with it with some enthusiasm.

They got to around level 14 (starting at 1 of course), and we put the game on temporary hold so I could get certain things situated with starting school and other various things.

Our current DM (my father-in-law) has decided that he wants to take a break for a little while and just play instead of DM. And I have been requested to resume the evil campaign I was running. I still remember where they ended and all the major events that happened up to where they ended, which is good as I know they won't remember any of it.

But it should be fun and interesting running a game at home and one at the in-laws house; and it should be amusing as in one game the characters are corrupted and the other they are just evil.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

My RPG Person Profile

This was an idea put forth by Zak S at Playing D&D With Porn Stars. So here is my profile. There is a link to the page it is permanently set to on the side menu.


I'm currently running (at home): D&D 3.5 Eberron, Homemade campaign

Tabletop RPGs I'm currently playing (at home) include: Pathfinder

I would especially like to play/run: Castles and Crusades, Victoriana 2nd edition, Shadowrun, Mutants and Masterminds

...but would also try: Anything! I’m not picky and I would be interested in playing pretty much anything.

I live in: A trailer sadly

2 or 3 well-known RPG products other people made that I like:Draconomicon, The Witch, The Black Company RPG

2 or 3 novels I like: The Chronicles of Amber, The Black Company, Dragon Prince

2 or 3 movies I like: Pacific Rim, Indiana Jones, Austin Powers

Best place to find me on-line: My blog, DDO, SWTOR, Deviantart

I will read almost anything on tabletop RPGs if it's: I’m up for reading anything related to RPGs, even if I can’t play it there are ideas everywhere.

If you know anything about Sci-Fi vehicles or weapons it'd help me with a project I'm working on.


Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Silver Divinity Savage Worlds

Well I didn't get any responses, but it's all good. I've talked about it with a couple of people and thought about it quite a bit and I have officially decided to convert my Silver Divinity game over to the Savage Worlds rule system.

It is going to take some work, and honestly I would love some help from the people around me, but the ones who could help don't want to and the ones who would want to don't have an understanding of what I'm working on yet. But hey maybe eventually.

In the meantime if you have the time or the interest you could check out Chronicle City, they apparently print games and try to assist indie games to get published when they can.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Silver Divinity Update and Changes!

I know I haven't really posted anything new for my Silver Divinity game, but there are reasons for that.
I have been working on it and I actually have enough written up to play the game for awhile, I just haven't been sure on what to post on here exactly. I was contemplating asking people to help me test it, but I wasn't sure if anyone would want to take the time.

At the moment the game is using the rule set from the Victoriana 2nd edition (Heresy Engine). After looking more at it and also from the fact that it is not open content I am pretty much sold on the idea of reworking the game to fit a different system.

I have been looking at and researching various open content systems (D6, Fudge/Fate, D20, OSRIC, etc...) and I think I like the feel and setup of Savage Worlds.

I'm not sure if I'll get any responses or not, but hey why not ask anyway. Does anyone have any opinions about the Savage Worlds system? Or any other systems at that?

I might put up a zip file somewhere with what I've already gotten worked up for Silver Divinity, if anyone would be interested in seeing it , although I'm not sure on that part yet.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Mournlands Campaign Update

I've been busy and stressed with major upcoming household changes, and I haven't had time or the mental capacity to work on much of anything.

I did finish the corruptions to the classes the group is going to be playing in at least, and I figured I would share them here.
At the moment they have:
Barbarian - my wife
Cleric - my cousin
Witch (slightly modified from pathfinder) - my other cousin
Psion, or Ranger - my friend can't make up his mind on which yet
Rogue - NPC

We start playing Friday night (10/18/13) and hopefully it goes well, I'm going to be relying and hoping on their ability to explore more instead of me pointing them in a specific direction (first time most have done this so not sure how well it will work out yet).
But here are the corruptions I've worked up, and yes mostly they make them stronger which I am factoring into how the game is going to go.


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

New Campaign at home! Mournlands Corruption

So I was asked by one of my friends if I would be interested in running a game again at my house.
I jumped at the idea of course (I haven't had the people to run anything lately) and after a few discussions we decided on running a D&D 3.5 game because that is what everyone is used to (and two of the people have only ever played that so far). We are probably going to play D20 Modern/Apocalypse afterwards but I need to look over the games before I try to run one.

So I like Eberron and I remember its history better than the other worlds so our game is going to be based there. I had an idea to start them off at Level 11, and they are going to be centered in the Mournlands. Basically the short version is that they are characters that were in Cyre on the day of mourning, and technically they died along with most everyone else when Cyre was destroyed.

The campaign begins with them waking up in the middle of the Mournlands without any memory or knowledge of what has transpired in the last four years, or even that four years have passed.
The main thing I’m doing that they are having fun with so far is that since they were present during the Mournlands creation and because something has mysteriously revived them, they have now been corrupted by the Mournlands energy.

I’m basically taking each class the players choose and I am giving them all a little twist in various fun ways. So far we have a Cleric, Barbarian, and a Witch. We have a fourth person but he hasn't decided on a character so far. Now, looking at these corruptions so far they make the characters more powerful, but the plan is to scale the enemies along with them to keep everything balanced.

The two examples I have right now are for the witch (slightly modified from Pathfinder for use in this game) and barbarian, plus the effects on all characters:

All Characters:
v  Potions found in the Mournland function normally for you, all others function half as well.
v  While in the Mournland, at the end of every round there is a 25% (this chance drops to 10% while outside the Mournland) chance that the spells cast during that round could possibly turn into living spells, if a cleric and wizard both cast a spell there is a chance the spells will merge to form a stronger living spell (ECS. 294) which lasts for 1hr per half its HD while in the Mournlands (this drops to 1rd per HD outside of the Mournland). You can attempt to gain control of the Living spell by making a Caster Level Check, whatever you roll is what the Living spell must beat with a Will save. If it fails this save then the caster can control it until it dissipates.
v  You take a -10 penalty to CHA based checks when dealing with people/creatures not corrupted by the Mournland.
Barbarians:
v  Barbarians are constantly raging, their rage works in reverse. Their daily rage uses calms them instead for a short time.
Witch:
v  Your patron has not been affected but the effects of the Mournland have affected your mind which manifests in the form of a second patron although it must be from this list: Death, Insanity, Plague, or Shadow. This second patron is only active and follows you around while you are in the Mournlands.
v  You also gain one new spell of each spell level but this extra spell must be pulled from the list of spells you secondary patron grants you.
v  Your familiar gets warped and grows to a medium size, and it also gains the Magebred template.


Monday, September 30, 2013

Day 30 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 30 - Best DM You've Had

A little pointless but I am excited nonetheless that I actually got through posting something with at least a little thought (not a lot though I suppose, but enough) every day this month, minus one day that I fell behind on.

As far as best DM that is a hard one as if we are talking about D&D only, then I've only every had two DMs so far and both were/are excellent DMs in their own ways. One is my father-in-law and the other is Eric over at Chronicles of Ganth, I have only been able to play with him once but he was an excellent and fun DM/GM (whichever) when I played.

If this isn't only focused on D&D then there are only two other people I've ever played with as them being DM/GM. Joe and Anthony are their names and me and my wife actually met them (and Joe's wife) through DDO amusingly enough.

Now with this ending I'll actually have to force myself to sit down and work on more things to post for my game.


Sunday, September 29, 2013

Day 29 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 29 - What number do you always seem to roll on a D20?

Honestly I don't seem to roll just one number, it is usually a mid range number but that is about it as far as a constant goes.

Day 28 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 28 - A character you will never play ever again

Wow I think I did pretty good this is the only post I missed.
I've never played one but I also never will, but Rangers although interesting are something I will never be able to play.
They seem interesting enough, but other people I've played with have sort of ruined the class for me.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Day 27 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 27 – A Character You Want to Play In The Future

I've been playing a game when I get time called Dragon’s Dogma for the Xbox 360. There is an advanced vocation/class in the game called a Magick Archer that I love to play as. It is a character based on speed and magic which are my two favorites.

As sad as it is, I want to try to build a character that functions at least partially like that. I want to build a dual dagger wielding character that can hit and run fast, jump high, and dabble in a little magic possibly.


I haven’t taken the time yet to sit down and figure out the classes or feats or really anything to use yet but it looks like fun. The main weapons would be two Spell Storing daggers of some type. Silly to base a character off of a video game but the concept is definitely something I like.


Thursday, September 26, 2013

Day 26 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 26 - Favorite Non-magic Item

Honestly I'm not sure on this one, I don't think I really have one.

About the closest I could get is usually if I'm playing a spell-caster of some kind and we fight a dragon, I will usually take some of the dragons scales to sew onto my robe. My father-in-law is the DM usually when I do this so he looks at me funny, but I find it entertaining and a form of claiming a prize for defeating it. It doesn't give any bonus besides as he usually says it will probably piss another dragon of that color off if we fight one again.


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Day 25 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 25 - Favorite Magic Item

My favorite magic item isn't always that helpful, but if used in the right circumstances it can be a useful tool.
The Bag of Tricks is my favorite magic item for no other reason than it is fun. Being able to pull a ball of fur out, throw it a little ways away and it turn into a full grown animal that will help you is just fun.
And it makes a good tool if you pull the right creature out of the bag depending on the circumstances.


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Day 24 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 24 - Favorite Energy Type

I'm not too picky about energy types although if I had to choose it would be cold. I like cold weather and the idea of an extreme cold that hurts is interesting.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Day 23 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 23 - Least Favorite Monster Overall

This one is easy as well, honestly I don't have a least favorite. I like to fight/pick monsters that are appropriate to the situation the characters are in. Mainly if it is an appropriate challenge for them or not, I will randomly throw monsters in that don't fit in the location exactly but the players I've had usually enjoy the randomness of it.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Day 22 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 22 - Favorite Monster Overall

Easily my favorite monster overall out of the monster manuals is the Tarrasque.

I've not gotten to fight one yet, and I've not gotten to use one in a game yet, but just the challenge of them makes the thought of fighting or having the characters fight one sound so fun.
I wouldn't even care if my character died in the challenge I would still thoroughly enjoy the chance to fight it.

Silly I'm sure but it just looks like so much fun.


Saturday, September 21, 2013

Day 21 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 21 - Favorite Dragon Color/Type

Silver Dragons are by far my favorite type of dragon. I love the idea of a dragon that enjoys spending time with humanoid creatures. Out of the elements I like Cold which plays into some of the reason I like them.

Silver dragons gain alternate form instantly which makes them nice if one is in the party. My Kalashtar Psion Shaper had a Silver Dragon companion/cohort. It wasn't very big or all that greatly helpful at times but it was oh so enjoyable to have around.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Day 20 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 20 - Favorite Humanoid/Natural/Fey

Honestly I tried thinking about this one and I tried deciding my favorite out of these and I can't figure one out. There are quite a few that fall into this category that I like a lot (human, orc, pixie, lizardfold, etc...), so as a short answer I like most of the creatures in this category.

Favorite Monster Overall is a post I'm looking forward to as that one is an easy choice.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Day 19 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 19 - Favorite Elemental/Plant

Really I suppose this one would be a toss up between the Shambling Mound and something I found on the Wizards website called the Crystal Sunflower.

The shambling mound is just fun. If you don't know it's there then you could be walking around or over it and suddenly get attacked. The surprise factor makes it enjoyable for me.

The Crystal Sunflower is exactly what it sounds like.  A sunflower made out of crystal, but it has some minor psionic abilities which make it interesting but random to run across while exploring.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Day 18 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 18 - Favorite Immortal/Outsider

Not for any special reason, but my favorite outsider would be Tieflings.
I like the descriptions of their physical looks, but also because of their bonus to Intelligence and Dexterity.
I prefer and have more fun playing fast but smart people.

Short post but there it is.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Day 17 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 17 - Favorite Animal/Vermin

I don't really have a favorite animal or vermin to be honest.

I was running a D&D game with the group that helped me test my Silver Divinity game for the first time. Through the story they met a Druid with a Dire Ape animal companion, and at one point afterwards they were captured by an enemy and were being moved somewhere else. The Druid and his Dire Ape helped them escape but before that the halfling rogue spotted the Dire Ape following them along and he started to wave and wink and various other things. Throughout the next few sessions whenever they would see the Druid and his Dire Ape the rogue would be friendly (not in an inappropriate way) with the Dire Ape, and ended up forming an odd bond with it.

Pointless random thing he was pursuing but it was very entertaining to watch him play it out (he is the first person I've run a game with that has actually role played his character, which has been awesome!).

Monday, September 16, 2013

Day 16 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 16 – Favorite Aberration


Easily my favorite Aberration would have to be the Mind flayers (Illithids).

They are considered a psionic race, which is fun for me. Also they are just odd and would be creepy to actually meet in person. Their natural abilities make them a fun enemy, especially with their tentacles. Plus with their ability to remove the brains of their victims with their tentacles is just so wrong but so great at the same time.

One thought I have entertained off and on for a little while now has been to throw a Mind flayer Lich at the party to fight. It would be mostly pointless but so enjoyable on my end at least.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Day 15 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 15 - Favorite Undead Monster

Honestly my favorite undead creature would have to be a Lich. I love/prefer spell casters in general and the capability to keep the ability to cast spells in death is just too cool. The other bonuses and capabilities are a nice bonus as well. It does come with some disadvantages of course, but especially the phylactery and ability to be reborn if your destroyed are fun too.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Day 14 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 14 - Favorite NPC

Probably my favorite NPC was a random character I used in the evil campaign I ran. The players needed a little muscle (of sorts), well mostly an extra body to help them out for awhile. So I found a fun race in a random book.
Epakak is a Vril Fighter that joined the players at the behest of the Mind flayer they were working for (he is supposed to be watching them), but as the players are planning to change sides to help the dragon, Epakak is planning to join them as he prefers their company to the uncertainty of the mind flayer.
It is a weird race but fun to have around, especially if anyone stops by to play occasionally for a random game; it gives them an already prepared character to play with.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Day 13 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 13 - Favorite Trap/Puzzle

Honestly I've got something for both Trap and Puzzle on this one.

Favorite Trap is easy, it's not a specific trap exactly mostly just a concept. I enjoy pointless traps. For example if you open a door and see a chest or some other potential treasure container, you might find a trap or two before you get to the container. Then there might be a trap on the container, I usually don't lock them at least, but then there could possibly be something easy but annoying to fight when you get to the container (a swarm of something perhaps). After all of that though when they finally get the chest open there is a chance there might not be anything inside. It is annoying for the players although they usually groan and laugh about it; and I only do it rarely so as to not become too predictable and to not cause great annoyance. They don't get loot when I do it, but experience is still received so they are usually happy.

The puzzle one is something I only do rarely so as not to annoy and also because I don't always sit down and plan it out beforehand. I like teleporter puzzles. When you walk into a room and find a symbol on the floor or even if you don't see anything and just start jumping around, occasionally being separated in the process. I think some people find these annoying, although I love them.
My favorite was a set of rooms that had four teleporters along with levers which would activate and change various things when pulled, although some would instead set off a magical attack in the room or drop some sort of creature or creatures into the room for the party to fight.


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Day 12 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 12 - Favorite Dungeon Type/Location

My thoughts on this are heavily influenced by the group I learned to play with and who I still play with at this time.
I enjoy both settings that take place in a city and ruins/dungeons.

Cities are nice because of the restrictions that it puts on your characters, along with the ability to use both the interior and exterior of the buildings around you to your advantage.

Dungeons I enjoy because if I take the time to sit down and draw one up before hand then I tend to make them full of oddities and some things that probably shouldn't make sense; but the players who have run through them seem to enjoy them quite a bit.

All in all I'm happy with most settings, although wilderness/outdoors settings I enjoy but the people I normally play with don't handle them as well.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Day 11 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 11 - Favorite Adventure You Have Run

I haven't been Dming a long time, so I've only actually run a few adventures so far. The one I personally had the most fun with, and I know the players had fun with was an evil character campaign I worked on for them.

It was based in Eberron and they were employed (forcibly) by a Mindflayer. They had fun with that although after a little while I needed them to get higher level before they continued on, so I found an evil Silver dragon in one of the books I had and I built a side story around him. They had a few other side stories when they were lower level also like being hunted by a resurrected character (who became a Silver Flame Paladin) they had previously killed.

I still find it funny and fun but it was the first long game I ran that I did not prepare every little detail before hand, and I learned I could handle that better than planning everything out meticulously. I get too distracted and I have to work too hard at times if I plan something and the characters don't follow it, so I found it easier to not plan things out except for simple things like locations, treasure, and what they will be fighting (although not when or where exactly).

I think the players had a lot of fun (I know a couple did for sure). They worked for the dragon up until they reached level 14, which is when we put the game on a temporary break so I could focus on school (that was when I first started back). We are going to start back sometime, possibly after we finish the current pathfinder game we are in at the moment.

The one fun thing I enjoyed was that the players decided they liked working for the Dragon more than the Mindflayer, and they were in the process of shifting their allegiance when we ended.

All in all it turned out well and was a lot of fun, although most people I mention an evil campaign to look at me funny and don't understand how I could have made it work without constant character fights.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Day 10 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 10 - Craziest thing that's happened that you saw

I haven't been playing for a long time yet, but I did have one thing happen that was interesting. I was DMing a game (actually an evil campaign I was running), and one of the players was getting a little overzealous with his ranger about killing things (or attempting to) before anyone else could get close enough to even join in.

Everyone was getting a little frustrated (me included as the DM), and we were playing in Eberron and they were headed towards the Mournlands to deal with something in there. They ended up spotting a Ragewalker which has a supernatural ability called Repel Missiles; which automatically turns any thrown or projectile weapon back upon the attacker. He attacked it full out as they spotted it from a distance, and almost knocked himself out in the process. Needless to say he at least learned to judge his opponent a little before going full out (but sadly that hasn't stuck around for long).

It sounds mean, but it wasn't intended to be, it was mainly meant to tone him back some, which at least worked for a time.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Day 9 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 9 - Favorite Character You Haven't Played

The favorite character I haven't played would have to be a Psiforged (Warforged with Psiforged body feat) Psychic Warrior. I wrote the character up, and we did play one short (very short, only 1 encounter I think) game with it. It was a fun character that had the potential to hit extremely hard.

Sadly that short game ended quickly and I don't have the character sheet for that character anymore.
I would love to try to remake it, but usually I end up playing a character that is needed in the party since the other people I play with usually only play certain types of characters (fighter's and rogue's). Who knows maybe I'll get to try it again eventually.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Day 8 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 8 - Favorite Character You Have Played

My favorite character that I have played is one of the first that I worked on after I learned more about how to play tabletop games, and when I first found Psionics.

The game was set in Eberron and I made a Kalashtar Psion Shaper name Ganitari. We played one short epic game with the characters and by the end of it all I had a level 22 character (15 Psion Shaper/5 Ectopic Adept/ 2 Dragonrider).

It was a fun character to play with, by the end I could summon 2 Huge Astral Constructs, along with the fact that I had a large Silver Dragon companion. Which sounds odd I'm sure but there were rules for it in the Draconomicon and my father-in-law let me do it which was awesome. Dragon wasn't super helpful, but it was more for entertainment than anything else.

So far Ganitari has been the funnest character I have played, although a few others have been enjoyable for sure (like the Factotum I had afterwards).

I actually made this (afterwards) as a representation of her with her constructs and dragon.

Ganitari - Kalashtar Psion Shaper. Dragon is supposed to be a Silver Dragon but this was as close as I could get it to look like one.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Day 7 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 7 - Favorite Edition

Edition wise I’m sort of lacking in the experience. I’ve only ever gotten to play D&D 3.5 edition, although I did get to play one older edition with Eric over at the Chronicles of Ganth (Sadly I can’t remember which version we played at the moment).


So I suppose by default my favorite would have to be D&D 3.5 edition then.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Day 6 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 6 - Favorite Deity

As sad as it is to say what deity your character worships hasn’t played a huge part in the games I’ve gotten to play. One game it played a small role, but I’m pretty sure for the most part the rest of the people I normally get to play with don’t even choose a deity for their characters unless it happens to be asked for by the GM.


That being said I don’t really have a favorite deity, although I do have a couple of religious/semi-religious groups I like. And sticking with the Eberron setting which I enjoy they are the Silver Flame, and the Gatekeepers.

The Silver Flame I just find interesting for various reasons that might take awhile to list, but mostly I think they are contradictory in their leadership; and I consider them to be slightly psychotic (just my opinion).

The Gatekeepers tie into the world and races that I like. Orcs and half-orcs were the first Gatekeepers trained by their draconic leader, and although it is now made up of other races also the Orcs and half-orcs still make up a huge part of its ranks. Also the idea of Orcs and Half-Orcs fighting against the creatures of chaos is just fun to me.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Day 5 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 5 - Your Favorite Set of Dice/Individual Dice

The dice I use now are just a random set that my Father-In-Law gave me whenever they first started teaching me to play. I like them and they are what I use when we are playing games still, but I don't have any major attachment or favorite amongst them. About the only thing with my dice that I am attached to is the dice bag my wife found for me the first time we went to the St Charles area of St Louis.

It is very pink, but I justify it by the fact that I am married and I have three daughters who I think helped pick it out. Regardless this is my favorite part of my gaming dice!


Not exactly a post about my dice but close enough I suppose.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Day 4 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 4 - Favorite Game World

My favorite gaming work is also the one I've gotten to play in the most. Eberron is what I was first introduced to and I love the settings history and general layout. I enjoy the oddness of the normal alignments where you can find an evil Silver dragon and a good Mind Flayer. I love the incorporation of Psionics into the world and the way dragons take part in the world.

Probably my favorite part of the Eberron world is how Orc and Half-Orcs are portrayed. I don't have a good reason I can think of to like them but I really enjoy Half-Orcs, and the portrayal of both with the Gatekeepers.

All in all Eberron is fun for me, and I enjoy finding various things for players to do in the world when I get to run a game.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Day 3 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 3 - Favorite Playable Class.

I know that some people don't like Psionics in D&D, I find them to be very fun to play.
My favorite class so far would have to be a Psion Shaper. They get a lot of the good powers that psions get, but they also get the power to create a construct that they can modify on the fly which can turn into a very powerful extra body. The construct is amazingly helpful damage wise, and also just being able to keep enemies off of the Psion itself as their lack of proficiency with armor, and their limited hit points make them quick to drop if hit much.

This class goes together well with the Kalashtar (my favorite race) in my opinion.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Day 2 - 30 Day D&D Challenge!

Day 2 - Favorite Playable Race

My favorite race ties into my favorite world setting. The Kalashtar from Eberron are a race that I find interesting and fun to play. Their odd connection to the realm of Dreams is something I found slightly confusing at first, but extremely interesting regardless.

And as far as playing them goes, their ability to embed special gems in their bodies to give various bonuses and effects made for some interesting combinations when coupled with the right class.

All in all Kalashtar are my favorite, with Humans of course being in close second (followed by half-orcs).

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Day 1 - Dungeons & Dragons 30 Day Challenge!

How you got started - Day 1

Honestly I didn't get to play games as a kid, especially not table top games. Whenever my wife and I got married her and her family introduced me to D&D 3.5. I loved it and have gotten extremely interested in learning whatever tabletop game I can get my hands on.
We started playing in Eberron which is my favorite D&D setting at the moment.

Short post but here is Day 1.

Friday, August 30, 2013

30 Day D&D Challenge

Original idea from here Polar Bear Dreams and Stranger Things (and I found it through Tim Brannan's blog), this looks like fun so I figured why not try to join in.

Looks like it could be entertaining.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

New Spell Testing - Example

I've been trying to work on a spell system for my game as the people I've tested it with have not liked the current spell system.
I wanted to find/make something easy enough for them to understand, while at the same time making it at least partially versatile or modifiable for the casters.

Below is what I have so far if anyone is interested in giving an opinion as I don't know when I'll be able to get an opinion from actual game play at the moment. I've got the basics written up, and two example spells so far.




Spell casting is a mental and physical challenge. Mana is determined by combining your Constitution score with your Intelligence score then multiplying that by 6 (i.e. 2CON + 3INT = 5D6 = 30 Mana).

All spells have a base mana cost, duration, target, casting time, and an effect; along with the ability to modify the spells attributes with an increase to mana cost.

Just as INT contributes to how much mana you have, it also affects how much mana you can manipulate while casting a spell. When you cast a spell normally or with manipulations the amount of mana you can put into a spell is equal to your INT times 2 (i.e. if you have 2INT then you can only put a total of 6 mana in one spell casting attempt at a time (2*3=6)).

Casting time is split between short spells and long spells.

Short spells are capable of being cast quickly, meaning you can cast them on your normal initiative roll without any penalties. This means you can move up to your normal speed and still cast the spell easily enough.

Long spells however require more concentration; when you cast a longer spell you have to focus on the spell, meaning you can’t move from your current position without interrupting the spell. Moving while casting a long spell incurs a penalty of 5 black dice for every 5 feet. Also when casting a long spell you take a small penalty to your Initiative roll which is dependent upon the spell being cast (on your initiative turn you state what you are attempting to cast, and then apply the penalty to determine when the spell takes affect).

 
Spells

Elemental Weapon
Cost: 3
Duration: 1rd per INT
Target: 1 weapon touched, or 1 clip of ammunition
Casting Time: Short
Effect:
You form an energy field around the end of the weapon that radiates some form of elemental energy. When cast you choose: Acid, Cold, Fire, Force, or Shock. When someone strikes something with the weapon or ammo you touched it deals an additional 3d of damage of the element you chose when the spell was cast.
Modifications:
Double duration: 2rd per INT. +1 cost.
Double Target: 2 weapons touched. +1 cost.
Increase damage: +1d. +1 cost.

Skill Boost
Cost: 5
Duration: 1minute per INT
Target: 1 person touched
Casting Time: Long -5
Effect:
You touch a creature and give them a +5 boost to one skill that they currently have 4 or more ranks in. When you touch a creature or person you temporarily unlock their future potential with a  skill granting a bonus for a short time.
Modifications:
Increase Duration: 1hour per INT
Increase Bonus: +1rank. +2 cost

Thursday, August 22, 2013

School and Lack of Updates

I've been meaning to post something new or just something in general but yeah....life takes hold at times and doesn't let go for a while.

This week so far my Wife and I started another semester of school, our oldest started 2nd grade, her little sister started Kindergarten, while the youngest daughter is stuck hanging out by herself until we can get her in daycare.

Next month or two aren't looking promising as far as free time is concerned. My mother is getting married to a great guy soon, and my Grandmother that lives in Arizona is driving to Arkansas for the wedding. My Grandmother and her husband are going to be staying down here for a little while before they head home which is great!

We've got a lot going on and me being the smart one decided that I would make this scyngewebdesign.x10host.com in an attempt to give myself less free time (although that wasn't the original thought behind it).

So yeah I'm going to try to force myself to sit down for a little bit to work on my game some soon. I need to get the last of the racial descriptions out along with a few other things. Hopefully I can get something out that someone will find interesting at least.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Silver Divinity related pictures

I've been playing with DAZ Studio lately and I've made a few pictures with the Silver Divinity setting in mind.

I know its not new game information, but it is slightly related at least, and I just thought I would share. There are a few other random ones on my Deviant Art page, but these were the ones most related to my game.

Scynge is my Deviant Art name and the link is attached if anyone is interested in looking at the other pictures.


Doppelganger

Human and Fairy

These last two are for the Feline race and I haven't figured out which I like better, the more humanoid one my friend likes and it is nicer to look at; but the more feline looking one is sort of what I pictures more.


Feline Test 1

Feline Test 2
 If anyone has an opinion then feel free to let me know, thanks for reading and/or looking.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Experiments part 2 (of 2) - Giants

It took me longer than I intended to finish righitng this up for the Giants, but here it is.



The giants are easily the largest and strongest (in physical strength) of all the humanoid races. Like the doppelgangers they are not a natural race within the galaxy. When the humanoid races had their first major war, it was against the Insectoid races; the reptilian races joined the attack as an individual party during the war also. Although the war was pretty much at a stalemate after a few years, the humanoids were nervous and scared of the Insectoids sheer numbers. In response to this they began trying to create better soldiers. The Doppelgangers were meant to be their spies and assassins, while the original giants were meant to be a stronger soldier.

The original giants were only a foot or two taller than most humanoids, although they were thicker in their bodies. They were about five times as strong as the normal human, and this gave them a big advantage in most situations. But during tests they found out that three to four Insectoids could easily outmatch their strength when they worked together, which was a major advantage for the Insectoids as they naturally worked together better than any humanoids due to their methods of communication.

The scientists working on the project wanted to make the soldiers stronger than the combined strength of the Insectoids. When they started the process of making them stronger, they started slowly like normal. No one knows what happened after that, but the test subject’s strength did improve greatly. While their strength grew so did their size, and although the facilities were equipped with materials specifically designed to contain the stronger subjects, they quickly grew strong enough to break free.

The facility that these experiments were performed was a small planet with a very low population. During the Giants (as the scientists referred to them afterwards) breakout and escape the facility was all but destroyed. Some of the personnel were killed, but the majority escaped the rampage.

In current times Giants still inhabit the planet on which they were created. They live fairly isolated lives as most creatures are scared of their enormous size and strength. Giants physically resemble most humanoids with two arms and two legs. Appearance wise they can vary greatly, some appear to be more human while some resemble elves, while others can resemble orcs. Giant’s height generally ranges between 1000 ft. and 1200 ft.

Due to their enormous size there are very few giants outside of their home planet. A few giants have paid or convinced large enough ships that have stopped at their planet to take them elsewhere, but this is rare. Giants use more primitive technology, which leads most beings to consider them to be unintelligent. This is not the case however, Giants have the same average intelligence as most humanoids, but due to their sheer size it is nearly impossible to find technology they can use without breaking, and it’s even harder to make technology big enough to accommodate them.



Example Giant

Krak

HP: 150                 Initiative: 12                      AC: 5 (natural)

STR: 25
DEX: 8
CON: 20
INT: 2
WIS: 2
CHA: 0

Base Movement: 100 ft.               Run: 200 ft.         Sneak: 50 ft.

Skills:
Athletics (STR/DEX): 10 ranks
Dodge (DEX): 6 ranks
Hand to Hand (STR): 15 ranks
Intimidate (CHA): 10 ranks
Perception (INT/WIS): 10 ranks
Weapons (all melee) (DEX): 10 ranks

Specialty Skills:
Knowledge (geography): 8 ranks
Survival (WIS): 8 ranks
Track (WIS): 8 ranks

Abilities:
Endurance: You have greater endurance than most, when performing a task that is physically taxing (involves STR or CON check) you get to add +2d to your check. (i.e. running for extended periods, holding your breath, or holding someone down for example).
Iron Grip: You gain a +1 bonus to combat and damage rolls involving grapple and chocking. You also gain +2d to avoid being disarmed by an opponent. This can be taken a maximum of 3 times.
Toughness: You gain an additional die of health. (taken 3 times)

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Experiments Part 1 (of 2) - Doppelgangers

In the past, before the current truce between the major races of the galaxy, some experimentation was carried out that is nowadays considered to be unethical. In the current times if it is found out you are participating in these experiments it generally leads to execution. The races still secretly carry out these experiments, but when they begin to come to the attention of the rest of the galaxy it is quickly shut down, usually with the execution of the members involved directly (a lot of scientists find it worthwhile, but it is not without it is consequences).


Probably the two most significant and noticeable introductions into the galaxy because of this experimentation are two unique races; Doppelgangers and Giants.
  This post is part 1 about the Doppelgangers, and the next will be about the Giants.




Doppelgangers are an extremely small group of beings in the Silver Divinity galaxy. During the galaxies past when the major races were fighting amongst themselves, some of them tried their hands at making their soldiers better. Probably the most successful of these experiments was the Doppelganger. The Doppelgangers came about from an attempt to create a stealth soldier that could withstand various environments and blend in with whatever creature they were sent to watch.

At first the results turned out favorably but the Doppelgangers intelligence started to quickly outpace their creators. There were a few attempts at escape by the Doppelgangers, but none were successful at first. Once the leaders of the organizations working on these experiments noticed the Doppelgangers growing defiance and intelligence they moved to shut down the experiments and dispose of the Doppelgangers already created.

When the first small groups of Doppelgangers were killed the rest rose up in a more concentrated attempt to escape. In the chaos created by the destruction orders and the Doppelgangers natural abilities their attempts at escape were successful. Not all of them made it out, but roughly one hundred escaped. With their natural abilities to change their bodies making their way off the planet was simple enough for them. After getting away the majority of the Doppelgangers found a fairly isolated planet to create a home for themselves. A small group of Doppelgangers however did not like the idea of isolating themselves, especially while staying within close proximity to each other. They thought, correctly, that they would be hunted down and staying together in one place just made them easy targets. Although a few have been found and killed since their escape, the home that the others created has not been found.

Doppelgangers are unique in many ways. They are not a natural creation of the galaxy, and except for the deity in the Galaxy they are the only immortal race. They can still be killed like most anything, but old age will never be a problem for them. Their ability to take on the shape of the other races makes it easy for them to stay hidden, and although the physical transformation is flawless the mannerisms are something they have to learn. The Doppelgangers that are among the other races usually study the race they hope to copy for a few years before they have the mannerisms down perfectly. Languages are easy for them to learn, usually taking a day or two to get a language down flawlessly.

They ability to change form is unique in the sense that they can take any creatures form. Normally this is done within a minute or two depending on the changes having to be made; but when changing form from a humanoid to an Insectoid the transformation takes up to an hour or more. This is mainly to do with the bone structure differences between the two.

In general intelligence Doppelgangers are more intelligent than the majority of the other races, although there are a few individuals around the galaxy who can match their intellect. Doppelgangers are perfectly capable of having children, but this happening is rare. Since their escape there have been only two true Doppelganger children born, with others bearing children that belong to whatever race they are emulating, or whatever race their partner belongs to.

Although Doppelgangers can be extremely powerful compared to the other races of the galaxy due to their abilities and life span, they typically stay in the shadows, preferring to avoid taking part in galactic events. The few Doppelgangers that have been killed is mostly due to their attempts at taking part in grand events that eventually reveled their true identities, even if not to the galaxy as a whole, but to the organizations wishing to exterminate them.




Example Doppelganger

Miller (among his own people, various other names among other races)

HP: 24
Initiative: 17           

STR: 2
DEX: 3
CON: 2
INT: 8
WIS: 6
CHA: 8

Base Movement: 50 ft.
Run: 100 ft.
Sneak: 25 ft.

Skills:
Athletics (STR/DEX): 8 ranks
Bluff (CHA): 8 ranks
Charm (CHA): 8 ranks
Dodge (DEX): 8 ranks
Empathy/Sense Motive (WIS): 4 ranks
Perception (INT/WIS): 8 ranks
Weapons (all ranged) (DEX): 8 ranks

Specialty Skills:
Computers (INT): 8 ranks
Disguise (WIS): 8 ranks
Disarm Mechanical Device (DEX/INT): 8 ranks
Pick Pockets (INT): 8 ranks

Abilities:
Immortal: Doppelgangers never age, and cannot die from old age.

Adaptability: Doppelgangers can survive extreme environmental conditions such as extreme hot or cold. This does not render them immune to cold or fire damage from spells or weapons.

Change form: Doppelgangers can take on the physical form of any creature they have taken the time to study. This transformation usually takes a minute or more depending on the changes involved. If changing form from a flesh and blood creature to an Insect creature the transformation takes an hour or more.

Complications:
Black Sheep: Miller is a black sheep amongst his family, they are not hostile towards him, but he must work with them in order to get them to help him in any way.