NPC a Day

Tilted Tower: WIP Interior View

2011-05-16T21:13:00.000-05:00

For my game this Thursday I am working on producing a view of the land inside the tower.

(Produced in sketchup 8, Photo textures are my own)

As I said previously the geometry is a bit tricky. Each of the crosses are one mile wide and tall (for scale). This is very much a work in progress.

Random Thoughts

2011-05-11T05:52:00.000-05:00

had a thought the other day about creating a random table that then had modifiers on pretty much every entry that would push the average up or down buy a given amount. So, if the table was a d10 each entry would have a positive modifier that would push the next roll upwards toward twenty, and the high numbers would have modifiers that would push the roll downward toward zero.
The effect that I was trying to go for was one of ebb and flow of history. If you are in a state of war, more war is a likely out come of the next roll. In a straight d10 table, war would normally happen every ten years. Where as, a more natural feeling table would have periods of conflict followed by periods of peace.
I will need to do some thinking on this subject.

Features of the Tower

2011-05-04T12:00:00.006-05:00

The titans who chartered the ritual for the tower realized that some fraction of their mortal followers would be coming with them during their ascension, and they made accommodations for them in the design.

Food makers - About every half mile along the ramp exist stations that will produce a pudding like food for any who place a bowl or similar container in the nisch. To creatures associated with the ramp's titan, the food will taste like heaven, to everyone else, it tastes like soap or worse. The food stuff has the same coloration as the ramp, but is otherwise nutritious. Unfortunately, these facilities were often left on and are responsible for producing much of the dirt in the tower.

Fountains - Adjacent to the food alcoves are the water fountains, these ever flowing trickles of water.

Facilities - A series of simple toilets, in banks of several hundred are nested in a room within the walls of the tower. Vastly wide entrances allow for hundreds if not thousands of medium creatures to enter the chamber at one end, take care of business in private stalls and exit out of the other end of the chamber.

Sleeping Chambers - Lined with enough triple bunk beds to house a several thousand were fabricated into recessed chambers in the tower walls. However, given that the titans never stopped during their ascension, the sleeping chambers was a major cause of those that fell behind.

Tombs - It was foretold that not all of the servitors would survive the ascension process, and as a result great chambers, lined with stone niches were readied for use as the need arose. In the lower extents of the the tower these were barely used, but as you ascend, more and more of the niches become occupied. in the present, the tombs are a major source of mettle and magic, as the followers took to the tower carrying all of their worldly possessions.

Windows - At regular intervals around the tower are placed great quarter mile high stained glass window recounting the achievements of the titans and their followers. Most of these are buried by dirt over or obscured by water, only a few are accessible to mortals.

Secrets - Within the features hide secret entrances into the fourth path of ascension within the tower. Colloquy know as the "Secret Stairs" this maze of interconnecting secret passages generally leads upward but it is, frequently, a rather torturous route.

The Top - At the top of the tower exists the gate, a mile wide glowing orb with insubstantial dancing glass like fragments of reality floating about it. It is held in place, relative to the tower walls by three colossal, arcane brackets; A series of three ramps work their way across the five mile gap to come within a few feet of the gate.

The Tower Floor - A ten mile across oval of jumbled terrain: it ranges from high mountains tip side to a vast lake Lean Side with planes and forest in between.

Tilted Tower: Geometry

2011-05-03T12:00:00.034-05:00

Each of the ramps rise at the moderately steep angle of 15 degrees, ascending 48 miles up over its 190 mile length. The three ramps each complete 6 loops of 30 miles as they rise to the top.

The tower is tilting at a 37 degree angle and this has created a rather different, perspective on the world.

Lean Side - where the ramp forms a cup between its self and the tower walls, here dirt, and detris collect to form level land. These zones, all eighteen of them form the primary location for civilization in the tower, as it has the most arable land and water. A river runs down the side of the tower forming waterfalls as it runs over the lips of the ramp.

Up Side - Is the next region Lean Side moving up the spiral ramp we have the hill side. The bare ramp would have an angle of 52 degrees, rising 9.6 miles over a seven and a half mile course. Fournatly, dirt on the ramp slides downward forming great crubmly bluffs, alowing them to be scalled with difficulty and some risk, land slides are not unusal in this area.

Tip Side - oposite of the tilt side, the ramp is covered with very slow moving dirt flows and some wildly cantered young trees. Prime grazing land for the most sure footed of creatures. The bare, or vine covered walls of the tower often expose some of the Other features of the tower.

Down Side - the bare ramp would have a 17 degree Downward angle. descending 2.3 miles over the seven and a half miles. forests start with the youngest of trees at the edge of tip side and get progressively more mature as they move toward tilt side.

Lean Side Wall - for the adventurious climber it is possible to ascend the Lean side wall, as there are a large number of trees, shrubs and such growing on it. In someways it is genteler than the upside ramp. Notable features include a river with grand water falls from the higher ramp.

Central Lighting - In most places the ten mile long, half mile wide light crystals have remained in place, taking on the same 37 degree tilt as the tower. A crystal emits noon day sun, Evening light and a star filled night sky from each of it's three sides. Most rotate, with a period of one day.

Tomorrow we will look at some of the general features of the tower.

Three Paths of the Titans

2011-05-02T12:00:00.003-05:00

A bit of oral history relating to the Tilted Tower.
Three of the titans of creation were paroled by the gods for their assistance in the destruction of the other titans. In exchange, they were granted the privage to leave this world for another by way of a fracture in reality, a gate, some fifty miles above the lands.
Calling upon each of their cohorts, each a million souls strong, they started a grand ritual that took three years to complete, growing the tower inch by inch toward the gate.
Upon it completion, the cohort dispersed, some following the titians up each of their paths the rest returned to their homelands to face persecution at the hands of the fanatic followers of the gods.
The Titan of Light ascended a silvery path and walked in the noon day sun, followed by diva, dragon born and some humans.
The Titan of Night took the obsidian path, walking under a night sky, with teiflings, orc and human sycophants.
The Titan of Twilight took the marble path, and walked under a sky forever in dusk or dawn.
A fourth figure, diminished by the loss in the primal war, a mere fragment of the Most hansom of Evils, stalked through a hidden, twisting maze in the walls of the tower, a hand full of dead servitors in tow.

Next we will examine features of the tower.

The Tilted Tower

2011-05-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

Built by the followers of the three paroled titans of creation to escape to another realm after the Primal War. The Tilted tower is fifty miles from its base to its apex, and ten miles across. The drift of the gateway and the lands has, over the eons, pulled the tower from its vertical position to it's current thirty seven degree tilt.

It looms so large over the lands that it stays illuminated for a full two hours both before dawn and after dusk.
Very few have ever scaled the uplift mountains around its base to enter any of the three half mile across entrances, fewer still have returned to tell tails of the cites and civilizations that dwell within.

Interesting City Maps: Walled City of Kowloon

2011-01-03T17:25:00.000-06:00

(found at IO9)
There is a very impressive cross sectional map of the former Walled City of Kowloon (demolished in 1993).
The map notations are not in English but it is still worth a good long look.
See it here
(Now someone should do a Sharn cross section in a similar style)

What I am reading

2010-09-28T07:38:00.000-05:00

There are 8 intresting articles that I am currently digesting from a number of different sources:

Gnome Stew Dungeon Crawl Check List and Prep Lite Manifesto - The Template
Telecanters Receeding Blog the One Session Dungeon Template
Chatty DM's Re-examining the Dungeon: Section, Factions and Fronts
Robert J Schwalb Reexamining the Dungeon
Playing D&D With Porn Stars (caution content) Artifacty NPC's - the NPC is decent, it's how you expand on it with every visit the players make that was fascinating.
ChicagoWiz's RPG Blog Dead Ends and DM Pit Traps - Avoid 'Em.
RPG Blog II A Fantasy Sandbox in Detail Part XVII - I have really liked the rest of the series. Yes, it is a bit dry at times, but as an example of setting forth a series of steps and then following up with an actual demonstration it rules.
Dungeon'sMaster.com Adventure Builder Workshop: Rewards this is another good series.
Jeff's Gameblog rather old but still very relevant How to Awesome-Up Your Players with my new maxim "Your NPC's suck and they are all going to die".

And countless others.

Now to throw them all into a blender and see what comes out....

What Gets Me Started

2010-09-25T12:00:00.014-05:00

The problem that I have had with maintaining this blog as not be a lack of ideas, but getting started. About 80 days ago I discovered 750 words. Its a simple site with a simple goal: to get you to write, every day, at least 750 words. As it is not a blog and nothing is visible to anyone but you, all the writing that you do is for YOU. It is supported by user contributions so it is "free".

Now, this alone would not have been enough to keep me going but then the sight adds monthly competitions (write every day for a month), and these silly little badges for making various goals and achievements: I am personally only 47 days from my phoenix and withing a couple ten thousand words of making my flock of birds. In some cases, failing to make your words for the day will cause you to loose a badge: I have found this loss aversion to be very, very motivating.

How I Use It

I try and find a time where I will be distraction free for at least 20-25 minutes
I the first line is todays date and any goals that I have (usually expressed as a word count)
Then I put the current time.
Then I just start typing until I hit the daily goal (at minimum the quota).
Now to make this gaming related: I often put in snippits of encounters, characters or even blog ideas using the sites meta data notation of GAME: here is a game idea or BLOG: an idea for a blog post.

Latter in the day, once I have passed the quota, I will go back an expand upon or add additional ideas there. Or, if I am pressed, I will search past daily words for ideas or topics to write about.

Give it a try, come on, for the first three days, you have nothing to loose... however, once you make your Turkey badge... you are hooked (hopefully).

I Feel Properly Chastised

2010-09-24T16:22:00.000-05:00

I found this little rant and was personally chastised for my, somewhat sporadic posting habits: the last post was on May 13, 2010. Alright, maybe Mr Porter was scolding some other people aside from just myself.
I have, however, taken this to heart and I will endeavor to maintain a at least every other day posting schedule with content that related, if tangentially, to gaming.
The sad part is that the rant was posted more eleven days ago...
(sigh)

How they failed/How they Fumbled

2010-05-03T07:46:00.000-05:00

"You got a 13, you miss."
A phrase often heard at the gaming table: a sad and uninspiring statement that renders the PC's actions and efforts meaningless; It shuts them down; and takes them out of the game.
The idea that I had was to let them describe their failed attack in terms of the encounter (or challenge) allowing them some narrative control.
The next time a PC misses I am going to ask them: "Describe what happened?"; "Tell me about the attack that missed" or "Tell us what went wrong".

Just a short thought for the day.

Nogg, Elderly Night Door watch man

2010-04-29T06:24:00.000-05:00

Situation: The players approach a small town after dark.

Nogg 63 Human Male , Night Guard

Stooped, elderly, with dim, watery eyes and sparse gray hair.

Volunteered: Question 1: "Who are you, and what you be doing at this hour of the night?"

Friendly:

What do you do here?: I have been the night guard of this gate for more years than I care to count. It is my job to not admit "Strange Folk" after dark.

What do you want?: I'd prefer to spend my nights sleeping, though I don't know that I could do that any more.

Has/Is [NPC] been through the town: I do not know can you describe them?...

[Thinks for a moment and answers honestly].

Can we come in?:Ey, you look honest enough, not like those [refer to a plot relevant NPC/Organization or rumor].

Confrontation:

We don't have time for this: Let us in!: Nay, "Strange Folk", must wait for dawn.

[Offer of a reasonable bribe/Toll] Oh, yes, I see no "Strange Folk" here [opens the night door and recommends an near by Inn].

So you can be bought, wait till we tell the Capitan of the Guard: Please, no, I don't want to end up like Jenkens. [returns the bribe] He still hasn't gotten all of the pitch off.

Physical:

Volunteered: [Slams the night door] Help, Night watch...[Runs to fetch the night watch, leaving the gate unguarded for a 1d10 rounds].

Consequences:

If physically confronted: Add a check to "City Guards".

If treated in a friendly manner remove one check to "City Guards".

Dirt, Free Man of the World

2010-04-28T06:19:00.000-05:00

History: Hasir was a man of weath, status and influence who married into an impoverished Noble line.

Premise: One day he was touched by a divinity and has renounced worldly wealth and power. He now lives, wandering from town to town, performing day labor for any who will pay him with a place to sleep and a bit of food to eat. After a few days he moves on leaving 99 gold coins behind.

Problem: His spouse wants him back; The family patracrh wants the everfull purse back even more so.

Dirt/Hasir Human Male, 43, Laborer/Noble.
Appearance: A human male in his low forties, in simple plan but clean, often mended, clothes. He has dark hair and dark eyes. His voice is quite and humble.

Volunteered:

What's your name/Story: "I be Dirt, Sir, a free man of the world. I have nothing but my clothes and a strong back. "

Why do you live this way/what do you desire: "I desire only to do a days' honest work. Though some food and a place to sleep would be nice. "

Friendly:

If a discussion of Poltics/Nobility/Society happens in front of him: He will comment, aside, with accurate and insightful information. When confronted, he will fumble, applogise, and feign ignorance.

Confrontation:

How do you know these things: I am very sorry sir, I mean no harm. (lie) I once worked for a powerful man and learned a smidgen about such things.

What was his name, where did you come from: His name was Hasir, he was a powerfull, small minded and shallow man.

Are you Hasir/What is your real name: Please sir, do not make me go back, that life was hollow, empty of meaning.

Physical:

Any physical assault or threat will make Dirt/Hasir cower and surrender.

Volunteered: Don't hurt me.

Consequences:
Spouse: She is initially overjoyed at his return, but becomes increasingly upset at his new world view. Eventually she will send him away after one too many confidence of his to a peer.
Patriarch: Pleased over the return of the artifact. He may need to deal with Hasir, possibly through more violent and covert means.

A Link to Dragons

2010-04-15T07:47:00.000-05:00

If you are in need of inspiration on Dragons Look Here.

Here is a sample:

Snork

An Apology and a Teaser

2010-03-22T19:08:00.006-05:00

I must apologize to all who saw the pulled back post on the rss feed: I inadvertently published an article out of order and before it's time.

As a way to make up for it I thought I post a little teaser of my next project.

Produced with and using textures and materials provided by Fractal Mapper and released under Creative Commons, Remix - Attibuation share and share alike 3.0a license.

In Praise of: Snows of an Early Winter

2010-02-20T16:11:00.003-06:00

Snows of an Early Winter is Call of Cthulhu Modern adventure written by Louis Agresta and published by Super Genius Games (Available in print and PDF). It covers the quest for local power by a Librarian in possession of an unnatural book.

The adventure its self is well written with no investigative dead ends or stumbling blocks. Additionally the adventure is well paced with a good mixture of investigation and combat. The combat is scales to larger and larger fights as the adventure nears it's climax.

Louis Agresta created two Adventure layout innovations that I feel compelled to share:

A NPC template that assists the referee in the characterization and dissemination of NPC knowledge.
Trigger Tracker - A tool for tracking the attitude and response of interested NPC's and Groups.

NPC Template

Name, Age, Profession/Role

Stat Block

Volunteered:

In character Statements, facts, warnings and threats given freely during the encounter.

Friendly

If the PC's act in a friendly manner they may receive the answers to:

Question 1: Response

Question 2: Response

...

Confrontation:

Skill checks (psychology, Fast Talk, or idea rolls) that must be passed to coerce the individual into answer:

Question 1: Response

Question 2: Response

...

Physical:

Skill checks or amount of damage that must be done before the individual is compliant enough to answer:

Question 1: Response

Question 2: Response

...

Consequences

A discription of how the actions of the pc's change the values in the trigger tracker table. Examples would include

If the PCs made contact add a mark to group 1

If the PCs were mean to remove a mark from group 2

Trigger Tracker

Personality	Marks	Threshold	Event or Action
Npc/Group 1		2 4 6	Name of Event 1 Name of Event 2 Name of Event 3
Npc/Group 2		4	Name of Event 4 Special: The event only applies on after other events or at a specific time.
...

These two innovations would be very useful to mystery/investigation games; and would have utility in non-linear open plot (Sandbox) style campaigns.

In Prase of: D&D Doodle

2010-01-04T05:04:00.005-06:00

I encountered this site via a Google reader feed: D&D Doodle the character sketches are good and stylistic but the maps are Amazing:

I love the detail of the isometric 3D maps.

Also take a look at the Fallcrest town map.

NaNoWriMo Thoughts

2009-10-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

It's been some time sense I last posted anything real here (2009/06/01 as a matter of fact). So many things I have missed commenting on:

Mega Dungeons

Mapping

Gencon

RPGBloggers Controversy

etc.

However I am not goning to comment on any of those today.

Today I am thinking about NaNoWriMo and what I might do during November.

I am Tempted to use that time to actually do a write up of "My Campaign World" which I call "The Living Lands": A world suffering from a plague of Immortals into which the Players, or Heroes, are born.

The world is, save for an excel spreadsheet and a map, existing largely in my head and I do believe that it is time to commit it to "Paper". A Friend of mine did something similar last year for his world and I am rather pleased at the result.

I plan to use the very nice "How to Make a Fantasy Sandbox" guide from Bat in the Attic as a road map for the development of the document.

Places of Intrest in the Living Lands that should be covered in the Gazetteer:

MoonFell
Libraries of the Ancients
City of Glass
Tilted Tower
Sky Thread
Shattered Dome

The Races of the world that will be covered are:

E'tenal - a mixed population of standard PC races (elves, humans, Dragonborn etc) that were rendered childless but functionally immortal.
FeralKin - which includes Clawfoots, Wigs, Bigtooths, Dog-Faces and many other of the non-immortal, "Uncivilized" humanoids.
GreyKin - a race of Undead once noted as the greatest of Healers.
Plauge Dreamers - Rarely encountered diabolical undead.

The premmis of the game is that very rarely, an E'tnal will give birth to a child, who is mortal (or "Hero" as they are know) and has no normal role in society. So the Heroes are trained and set out into the world to "Make a Difference". Three major hero quests are:

Return the memories that were lost 691 years ago.
Cure the Infertility of the E'tnal
Remove the curse of Immortality from the E'tnal.

With much effort I do believe that I can get 50K words in 30 days (but I am not certain enough to actually sign up for it). Maybe, after some review and editing I will post a PDF of the world.

As for this blog, I want to post snippits and progress on the project. After it is done I will get back into a regular posting schedule of NPCs for Pathfinder, 4E, Traveller and Call of Cthulthu (4th edition and possibly Trail of Cthulthu).

Note: this post is a result of me committing to my self that I would spend an hour writing and this was the easiest place to start. I am also attempting to see what pace I write at and after 43 minutes I now have 519 words. Given that I need to write 1666 words a day that means that I will need to write for 2.3 hours (or improve my writing speed by 130%).

Thanks,

Snork

TerrainlinX: Himmelveil Streets

2009-09-06T09:42:00.002-05:00

It is amazing how far paper diorama's have come:

(This is not a paid placement. Nor do I own this product (Yet)).

Found at RPGNow.

Adventure Tools: Monster Maker

2009-07-30T22:42:00.002-05:00

Ok Monster Maker, especially once it's out of beta and has an html/cut-paste option, has me won over.

Admittedly, it's a bit of an 800 lb gorilla especially when compared to Asmor's Monster Maker but the ability to look up powers/other monsters is pretty huge.

Hey, what-da-ya-know: I posted an NPC.

Intresting Video: Civilization

2009-06-17T06:48:00.003-05:00

Civilization by Marco Brambilla from CRUSH on Vimeo.

I don't know what the music is but it reminds me of the Star Trek "Fight Music".

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 10th level Time of War, Part 2

2009-06-01T12:00:00.005-05:00

The Encampment.
In this adventure the PC's need to Make their way through a very old arcane stronghold to the sanctum of the Cowled Figure.

Treasure:

[Level 14 Magic Item]: Battle Harness +3 (Dragon 368, page 64 [We Who Are About to Die...]) (DDI)
[Level 13 Magic Item]: Luckblade +3 (Adventurer's Vault, page 71 [Weapons]) (DDI)
[Level 12 Magic Item]: Staff of Expansion +3 (Dragon 365, page 58 [Bazaar of the Bizarre]) (DDI)
[Level 11 Magic Item]: Magic Wand +3 (Player's Handbook, page 242 [Wands]) (DDI)
[2800 gp]: 797 gp, 23 sp, 70 cp + 2 emerald gems (1000 gp each)
[2500 gp]: 1496 gp, 31 sp, 90 cp + 1 sapphire (1000 gp)
[1700 gp]: 1692 gp, 71 sp, 90 cp
[1700 gp]: 693 gp, 62 sp, 80 cp + 1 sapphire (1000 gp)
[800 gp]: 791 gp, 88 sp, 20 cp
[600 gp]: 91 gp, 85 sp, 50 cp + 1 black pearl (500 gp)

Encounter 1: 9th Level, 2100xp; A Flaw in the Defenses.

1	Flesh Golem (DDI)	Level 12 Elite Brute	1400	Monster Manual, page 142 (Golem)
1	Redspawn Firebelcher (DDI)	Level 12 Artillery	700	Monster Manual, page 88 (Dragonspawn)

Tips: The Golem is charged with "Walking" the Firebelcher.

These two creatures act independently though the Firebelcher will take steps to protect the Golem when it can. The Golem will double slam and rampage it's way through the mass of attackers while the Firebelcher stays at range Bleching and blasting Fire at groups of targets.

Treasure: None

Encounter 2: 10th Level, 2700xp; The Backdoor

3	Marching Hammer (DDI)	Level 10 Brute	500	Dungeon 161, page 76 (The Temple Between)
6	Horde Ghoul (DDI)	Level 13 Minion	200	Monster Manual, page 118 (Ghoul)

Tips: The Hammers are protecting A lesser entrance to the compound while the Ghouls feast upon the corpses of the fallen. The Two groups act independently and with out regard for each other. The Ghouls are fond of Scaling up the near by walls and leaping upon victims. While the Hammers will charge anyone coming within 10 squares of the entrance.
Treasure: Lot 10 is mixed amongst the near by stack of corpses.

Encounter 3: 10th Level, 2700xp Security Checkpoint

1	Skull Lord (DDI)	Level 10 Artillery (Leader)	500	Monster Manual, page 236 (Skull Lord)
1	Feygrove Choker (DDI)	Level 12 Lurker	700	Monster Manual, page 42 (Choker)
2	Foulspawn Berserker (DDI)	Level 9 Soldier	400	Monster Manual, page 112 (Foulspawn)
2	Mummy Guardian (DDI)	Level 8 Brute	350	Monster Manual, page 192 (Mummy)

Tips: The Lord, Berserkers and Guardians are on patrol of this area together, The Choker is acting as a spy for the Cloaked Figure. The Lord will remain at range while the Guardians and Berserkers close with the opposition. The Choker will attempt to grab and Choke or Fetter Targets that separate them selves from the larger group (specifically Artillery and Lurkers).
Treasure: Lot #2 is in a fine wooden case with the Lord.

Encounter 4: 10th Level, 2650xp Recrute Pre-Proccessing.

3	Warped Ghoul (DDI)	Level 10 Brute	500	Dungeon 161, page 94 (Touch of Madness)
2	Trap Haunt (DDI)	Level 8 Lurker	350	Monster Manual, page 116 (Ghost)
3	Legion Devil Hellguard (DDI)	Level 11 Minion	150	Monster Manual, page 64 (Devil)

Tips: This vile smelling, nauseating chamber is filled with bodies of the fallen awaiting "Recruitment" in to the Cloaked Figure's Army. The Ghouls and Devils are sorting bodies into seemingly arbitrary piles. The Trap Haunts are seen drifting about looking for Living targets to Possess (Once successful one will assault the Devils until they are dead, the Other will start rummaging through the corpse piles looking for a lost possession).
Treasure: Lot #9

Encounter 5: 11th Level, 3250xp

1	Swarmtongue Hydra (DDI)	Level 13 Elite Skirmisher	1600	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 213 (Draconic Parasite)
1	Troll (DDI)	Level 9 Brute	400	Monster Manual, page 254 (Troll)
10	Vampire Spawn Bloodhunter (DDI)	Level 10 Minion	125	Monster Manual, page 259 (Vampire)

Tips: The Troll is Preening the Hydra under the harsh eyes of the mob of Bloodhunters. When combat breaks out the Spawn will mob targets farthest from the Hydra while the troll attemps to heard the group tward the Hydra.
Treasure: Lots #7 & #8

Encounter 6: 11th Level, 3150xp; Outer Chamber of the Fiend

Snaketongue Zealot (DDI)

Level 12 Minion

175

Monster Manual, page 272 (Yuan-Ti)

Tips: The Zealots are guarding the dark shrine of the Master and will fight to the death for her.
Treasure: None

Encounter 7: 11th Level, 3150xp; Sanctum of the Fallen

4	Bugbear Bloodghost Hunter (DDI)	Level 8 Skirmisher	350	Dragon 366, page 69 (Bloodghost Syndicate)
10	Twisted One Minion (DDI)	Level 12 Minion	175	Dungeon 157, page 78 (In the Depths of Avarice)

Tips: The Hunters lurk in hiding amongst the elaborate and debased tapestries allowing the Twisted Ones to act as bait. Once attackers are engaged with the Twisted Ones the Hunters will Use Blur of Movement and Slayers Assault to ambush the party from the rear.
Treasure: Lots #1 & #6

Encounter 8: 13th Level, 4000xp; The Cloaked Figure

Fomorian Dark Initiate (DDI)

Level 13 Solo Controller

4000

P1: King of the Trollhaunt Warrens, page 16 (Fomorian)

Tips: She is ready for the Party and will Lead with Double Spell to blanket the attackers with pain and confusion. She will target Artillery with an Evil Eye. Blasing away with Black Flame or Mind Wrack until either she is hit by a melee attack OR her Double Spell recharges. While batting Away close attackers with her staff. Bloodied Inivisbilty and Shadow Gaze are used against close attackers.

Given the Choice she will Take a Dark Step to close with softer targets that have seperated from the melee group, preferably exchanging places with a martial defender so that she might have some time with a divine or archane artillery figure.
Treasure: #3, #4, #5 , #6

Major Quest 10th Level: 2,700 xp

Village of Potshearth: Overview

2009-04-13T12:30:00.000-05:00

A tiny industrial village on the coast known for its pottery.

Population: 550 with another 230 in the country side. The people of Potshearth are humans, dwarves, dragonborn (in the highland desert), and a few halflings. A family of Eldran dwell in the castle.

Government: Mercantile Democracy, over seen by Lady Netha the regional representative for the government and leader of the towns guards. All matters of importance to the town are voted upon by those who are interested in the issue. Each person receives 1 vote. Those with a greater stake can purchase additional votes by paying 1 gp to the town for each additional vote desired. The revenue generated by purchased votes goes into the towns coffers with 10% being skimmed off to the lady and the land.

Defense: there are only 20 standing guards housed in the blue keep at any one time. Though the lady can call up to 200 militia in time of need as every able bodied person is trained in basic combat during the winter seasons.

Industry: The Kilnmasters Clan run a successful ceramics business, which is, along with some high grade olive oil from the Grovekin's orchards, are the major exports of the town. Internally the town is more than sufficient in food production with vegatables, saltrice and fish being the primary staples.Traders comming from the highland mines and further up the coast often pass through the town. Frequently small ships beach here during low tide to take on freight and an occasional passenger or two

Taverns: Blue Crock Inn; Bouncing Cup; The Blue Crock Inn Services road travelers, merchants and plays comunity center during voting times; It has a common sleeping room plus a small number of private rooms. The Bouncing cup is located on the shore and is only open when a ship has beached, and offers little more than cheep beer and a kind of warm spot to sleep it off.

Supplies: Mith acts as a coordinator between buyers and sellers. She occupies a table at the Blue Crock, though is more often seen ridding about town on her painted horse. The Blue keep is home to the only smith in town who can craft weapons or armor to order but is allowed to sell older items from the armory.

Temples: The Allshine is home to a number of priests of the various, more popular gods.

Note: map created with Campaign Cartorgapher with City Designer.

Released under the creative commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Social Rituals: River Master

2009-04-10T12:19:00.004-05:00

Level: 8	Component Cost: 1350
Category: Social	Market Price: 6800 gp
Time: 20 minutes	Key Skill: Nature/Religion
Duration: 1 season

When begining this ritual any number of participants may assist in the casting by chanting along with the primary ritual caster: they do not need to know the ritual or be skilled in any way other than being able to speak and understand caster's instructions. For every 10 untrained participants there is a +1 accumulative modifier to the skill check.

By calling on ancient spirits/deities/primordial powers a mass of participants can ward a length of river bank against flooding. During the duration of this ritual a warded river will not cross the boundries that it had at the time of the ritual's casting, with the river's flow increasing speed to make for any extra volumn of water during times of flood.

This ritual has no effect upon Elemental water creatures. This ritual will not prevent storm surges and has no effect upon ocean water; Nor will the ritual prevent water from other sources (flash floods) from inundating the affected area, or affect water entering the area from an unwarded stretch father upstream; It must be cast upon running water in the form of a stream or river.

Check Result	River Area Protected
9 or lower	1 square
10-19	10 squares
20-29	100 squares
30-39	1000 squares
40 or higher	10,000 squares

Many Towns and City's make the ritual a part of spring time celebrations to prevent disastrous floods with in the comunities' confines.

It should be noted that by casting this ritual during the dry season it is possible to keep seasonal streams from flowing, though the water will go elsewhere.
(Edit: fixed typos pointed out by SpiralBound)

Social Rituals: Indulgence of the Fire God

2009-04-09T12:10:00.000-05:00

Level: 1	Component Cost: 5 gp
Category: Social	Market Price: 25 gp
Time: 1 minute	Key Skill: Nature/Arcana
Duration: 1 year

This ritual only has an effect if cast in an area warded by the ritual "Blessing of the Fire God": It will create a 1 square area that is unaffected by the "Blessing" and fires can be started as normal in that area; Elemental Fire creatures take no damage from the blessing; Magic fires are unaffected.

This ritual is normally cast upon wealthy town people's hearths and in their kitchens to allow for a more comfortable life style.

Social Rituals: Blessing of the Fire God

2009-04-08T12:15:00.000-05:00

Level: 6	Component Cost: 1400
Category: Social	Market Price: 3600 gp
Time: 20 minutes	Key Skill: Nature/Arcana
Duration: 1 year

By calling on ancient spirits/deities/primordial powers a mass of participants can ward dwellings in the affected area against normal fires. During the duration of the ritual normal fires difficult to start within dwellings and are quickly extinguished if they are started. 1 square of normal fires will be extinguished every round by the affects of this ritual. Further more the ritual imposes a -5 ritual penalty to Nature skill checks for the purposes of starting a normal fire.

Magical fires suffer a -1 ritual penalty to damage. Elemental fire creatures will also take 1 point of cold damage at the end of their turn (no save) while in the area of effect.

Check Result	Radius Protected
9 or lower	1 square
10-19	10 squares
20-29	100 squares
30-39	1000 squares
40 or higher	10,000 squares

Many Towns and City's make the ritual a part of spring time celebrations to prevent disastrous fires with in the confines, though it can make day to day living a bit more difficult. (See tomorrow's Indulgence of the Fire God).

My Top 10 Favorite Monsers

2009-02-27T12:00:00.001-06:00

Several other blogs that I read have been doing the their top ten favorite monsters (here, here, here, and here). Not being one to miss a meme I present to you mine. (Though most are OD&D).

Medusa: A nicely proportion gal with looks that can kill.
Beholder: It's smart, it's evil, and it can Nerf casters with a glance.
Gas spore: a worthless monster other than psyching out those players who memorized the Monster Manual.
Crypt Thing: It' looks like a lich, but more chatty. Once you honk it off it will "disintegrates" a party member by teleporting them a thousand miles away (or paralyzing them and making them invisible).
Rust Monster: I love seeing the Fighter types scream and move to the back of the party when this cute little beast shows up.
Lich:Undead arch mages or high priests, great behind the scenes villains, and hard core combatants when prepared.
Shuggoth/Gibbering Mouther: I was privileged to have the First Edition Deities and Demigods that contained the Cthulthu Mythos. The Gibbering Mouther is an obvious nod to the truly frightening Shuggoth: 10 tons of Jello sprinkled with eyes, mouths and limbs that just want to give you a full body hug.
Drow: A late addition to the OD&D school, but very capable opponents with no real weaknesses. I also enjoyed the "take back" effect that their equipment had. The DM could hand out tons of +5 magic items only to have them become worthless in the surface world.
Xorn: Treasure eating, trilateral symmetric, intelligent rock. Aside from the Gibbering Mouther it's the most alien of the OD&D creatures.
Flesh Golem: Frankenstein's Monster in D&D form. Strong, largely invulnerable, but can get a little crazy every now and then.

My Game Prep

2009-02-26T12:00:00.003-06:00

I am blessed to be a part of a consistent gaming group that has a bounty of GM's (no less than 4), so we frequently alternated between two different games: Currently we are going between a GURPS adaptation of Mass Effect and my 4E intro; Previously it was 3.5 D&D using classic modules ; Everquest; A home brewed 3.5 setting (soon to be published) ; Starwars and so on.

Regardless, this alternation allows me some luxury in terms of prep time: On the odd weeks when I don't run, I get to explore, experiment, and play with ideas. On the weeks that I do run, I knuckle down and generate content. All the while I turn ideas over in my head.

When prepping I try to keep 3 rules in mind:

Keep it fun
Don't over prep
If the players don't see it (or it's effects), it might as well not have happened.

So learning CC3, Dungjinni and The Gimp are fun. But I am only creating what I need to run and only what the players will "See".

When I set up encounters I only create 3-4 of them (that is about all the group will get through in the 2-3 hours of productive play that we have). Though I do keep in mind what might be coming.

For "Grand Plots" I will make notes, but no plot is set in stone until I bring them to the table.

I do this because I am a firm believer in the dual edged quantum nature of plots: If players don't observe a plot it doesn't exist. However, until the players observe the plot it can be anything I want it to be, thus I can change it as I see fit. This allows me the luxury of not having to figure out everything in advance and the adaptability to match step with the players interest.

I have learned the joys of "Filing off the serial numbers" on creatures, especially in 4E where no-one has memorized the Monster Manual. So an Orc, goblin or Hobgoblin becomes a "Wig", Or a Kobold becomes a "Claw Foot". I have grabbed stat blocks off of DDI and renamed as I see fit. So what was a Thuggish Cultist now be came a Wig Devote.

On the previous off week:

I produced some Photo Comps of the Temple and a near by village

Gave thought to the social implications of a Glyph based language, and Mechanically affected Immortality on a small, elite, yet diverse population.

Worked on local maps in CC3 (still trying to get good at that).

During the on week I:

Generated some encounters with Asmor, only 4 of them.

threw together some battle maps in Dunginni.

Made scant notes about how I though things may play out.

Printed chits and maps.

Enough rambling, I need to find a Magic item suitable for a bard...

Playing with Campaign Cartographer

2009-02-25T12:00:00.002-06:00

Here is what I've done while following this set of video tutorials for the second time.

They were instructive and reasonably easy, it helps that I had done

some playing on my own.

Quick Memorable Names

2009-02-24T23:00:00.007-06:00

As a good GM I try to have list of NPC names handy when I run. I've used imdb, looking up genera relevant movies and mixing Actor and Character names (Though Mark Skywalker didn't work so well, but Luke Hamel did); I've used census data and name generators to modest success; I jumbled sounds/letters together with less success.

I recently hit upon a naming scheme that seems to work so far:

Take the name of anyone you know (co-workers, classmates, relatives) and remove the first letter so that Smith becomes Mith; Carter becomes Arter; Tim becomes Im and so on.

The nice part is that I can remember them latter when I write up my notes.

Snork

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 9th level Time of War, Part 1

2009-02-17T12:00:00.002-06:00

The premise with this adventure is that the Players are assigned to protect a Defensible position outdoors such as a mountain pass or a bridge. The waves will come one after another with a little control by the players. Minions abound in this one so I made heavy use of the generator's advanced options to force the settings.

Treasure:

[Level 13 Magic Item]: Orb of Drastic Resolutions +3 (Player's Handbook, page 238 [Orbs]) (DDI)
[Level 12 Magic Item]: Thornwalker Slippers (Adventurer's Vault, page 130 [Feet Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 11 Magic Item]: Survivor's Belt (Adventurer's Vault, page 167 [Waist Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 10 Magic Item]: Lens of Discernment (Adventurer's Vault, page 174 [Wondrous Items]) (DDI)
[2352 gp]: 1343 gp, 81 sp, 90 cp + 1 fire opal (1000 gp)
[2100 gp]: 19 pp, 196 gp, 34 sp, 60 cp
[1428 gp]: 1424 gp, 30 sp, 100 cp
[1428 gp]: 420 gp, 70 sp, 100 cp + 1 emerald (1000 gp)
[672 gp]: 669 gp, 28 sp, 20 cp
[504 gp]: 38 sp, 20 cp + 1 aquamarine (500 gp)

Encounter 1: 8th Level, 1925xp: The First Wave.

1	Chain Devil (Kyton) (DDI)	Level 11 Skirmisher	600	Monster Manual, page 62 (Devil)
7	Unattached Soulrider Devil (DDI)	Level 10 Minion	125	Dragon 370, page 8 (Dangers of the Demonweb)
3	Legion Devil Hellguard (DDI)	Level 11 Minion	150	Monster Manual, page 64 (Devil)

Tips:
Treasure:
Development: After the battle a successful hard Perception check will allow the successful players to see the "Observer" a non-distinct humanoid figure watching the battle just out of missile range.

Give the Players a short Rest and then continue with:
Encounter 2: 9th Level, 2100xp: Second Wave

8	Legion Devil Hellguard (DDI)	Level 11 Minion	150	Monster Manual, page 64 (Devil)
6	Warped Grimlock Zombie (DDI)	Level 11 Minion	150	Dungeon 161, page 94 (Touch of Madness)

Tips:The Hellguard will move in phalanx formation with a rabble of Zombies around them. When close enough the Hellguard will attempt to bypass defenses by teleporting into flanking positions and will bull rush targets so that they fall into the Zombie mass.
Treasure:
Development: The observer moves to the edge of vision and opens a firery gate.

Encounter 3: 9th Level, 2200xp: The Probing Feint

4	Kalaka (DDI)	Level 9 Soldier	400	Dragon 369, page 31 (Demonomicon of Iggwilv)
4	Warped Grimlock Zombie (DDI)	Level 11 Minion	150	Dungeon 161, page 94 (Touch of Madness)

Tips: The Kalaka race forward (followed by some additional Zombie stragllers), when within range 5 they will use their "Unexpected Reneforcements" to teleport past the immediate defences or to flank targets. They full well expect to use their Spewing Death abliltiy and will manuver to maximize the effect.
Treasure:

Encounter 4: 9th Level, 2100xp: The Wall Breakers

2	Fire Archon Emberguard (DDI)	Level 12 Brute	700	Monster Manual, page 18 (Archon)
1	Viscera Devourer (DDI)	Level 12 Controller	700	Monster Manual, page 68 (Devourer)

Tips:As the Archon close the horrid Devourer will arise from the pulpy mess of the Zombie Corpses. The Archon's have been charged to distroy enough of the barrier to allow passage, ignoring any harm to them selves. The Viscera Devourer will plauge the heros untill distroyed trying to grab any who have fallen.
Treasure:

Encounter 5: 10th Level, 2675xp

3	Loremaster Accordant (DDI)	Level 11 Artillery	600	Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, page 265 (Order of Blue Fire)
1	Greater Ghoul (DDI)	Level 10 Soldier	500	Dungeon 156, page 63 (The Haunting of Kincep Mansion)
3	Vampire Spawn Bloodhunter (DDI)	Level 10 Minion	125	Monster Manual, page 259 (Vampire)

Tips:Loremasters close to range 20 and unleash Acordant Vision on three targets and then move to range 10 and bombard with Changing Ray. When a majoritity of the defenders are affected the Ghoul and Vampire spawn scale up the wall and rend at the defenders. Once the Ghoul and Spawn are in place the Loremasters will close to Range 4 and release Changing Wave to effect the maximum number of defenders.
Treasure:

Development: The Observer closes the gate and appears to retreate.

The long rest that follows should end when the defenders hear a horrid cackling comming down the pass tward them precced by a thick mist (concelement).

Encounter 6: 10th Level, 2600xp: The Terror Squad

1	Displacer Beast (DDI)	Level 9 Skirmisher	400	Monster Manual, page 70 (Displacer Beast)
1	Destrachan Farspeaker (DDI)	Level 11 Controller	600	Dungeon 161, page 103 (Touch of Madness)
2	Gibbering Mouther (DDI)	Level 10 Controller	500	Monster Manual, page 126 (Gibbering Beast)
1	Rotclaw (DDI)	Level 11 Brute	600	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 205 (Undead Dragons, Draconic Zombie)

Tips: The Displacer Beast will arrive first and will try to grab targets with it's tenticles. The Rot Claw charges in on the next round and scales the fortification to harm the defenders in the most savage way possible; The Gibbering Mouthers slime to either side of the fortification (and attack it directly); With the Farspeaker trying to break the barrier down the middle.
Treasure:

Encounter 7: 10th Level, 2600xp

2	Fithrichen (DDI)	Level 12 Controller	700	P2: Demon Queen's Enclave, page 18 (Shunned)
2	Firelasher (DDI)	Level 11 Skirmisher	600	Monster Manual, page 104 (Elemental)

Tips: The Firelashers will use whirlwind dash to close with the defenders as the Fithrichen scale the fortifications. Once on the wall the Fithrichen's will drop darkness and disgorge spiders before joining in melee.
Treasure:

Development: When the last of the observers attackers fall, over the rise comes 2 Boneclaw Guardians 2 Korned King's Knights on one. The observer throws back her cloak and joins another horned knight on the back of the other Boneclaw.

Encounter 8: 12th Level, 3800xp: Last Chance for Defeat

4	Knight of the Horned King (DDI)	Level 11 Soldier	600	Dragon 369, page 30 (Demonomicon of Iggwilv)
2	Boneclaw Guardian (DDI)	Level 12 Soldier	700	Dungeon 157, page 76 (In the Depths of Avarice)

Tips: The Horned Knights will charge with lances drop them after an inital attack and join melee. If two targets dare "double up" on a knight a "Mark of the Beast" will be set upon them (once for each knight).
Treasure:

Major Quest 9th Level: 2,000xp

Notes: The exact defenseive position is left up to the DM but additional skill chanllenges should be allowed to repair damage to the structure in a "quick and hasty manner".
The Treasure parcels should be front loaded for the most part with additional healing made availible.

Playing With Gimp: part 2

2009-02-15T14:23:00.006-06:00

Over the last few weeks I have improved my Gimp'in skill to the point that I am producing Photo Illistrations for my game.
Here are a couple examples:
This first example is a view to the south looking at the Thread (or Great Tower as the locals know it.) (this image was built from my photos from Ireland)

The second one is of the Temple:
Tree back ground from: Axel-D
Field from: CatDancing
Path From: Ana Carol Mendes
Temple from: Koshyk
Clouds by: Kevindoley

Both Images are released under the Creative Commons 2.0

Snork

Playing with Gimp

2009-02-08T21:07:00.004-06:00

So I have been playing some more with gimp:
Today I followed this toutorial (which wouldn't be bad for world creation in Traveler and other world games).
Part 1 Part 2

Here is the result.

Gimp Mapping-Fu

2009-01-15T15:32:00.000-06:00

Using the photo I posted yesterday I have been practicing my l33t mapping skills in gimp following RobA's tutorial Using GIMP to Create an Artistic Regional RPG Map at Cartographers Guild.com I thought I would post the result of too many hours of practice. (click the thumbnail for a larger 1.4 Meg version.)

It is still not where I want it to be, but it is getting much closer.
Though the mountains and forests look pretty good, the grass/land needs improvement; I still haven't added the city and forest of glass on the southwest Continent on the river delta; I need more labels for things; The islands need help and the sea texture is a bit too coarse; I also need to add a compass rose, scale and other eye candy.

Snork
--
Snorkey: all I see are masks, bump maps and textures.

World Building on a Battle Mat

2009-01-14T12:18:00.005-06:00

My group has been conducting a world building exercise for my new 4E game (which starts Jan 29) using the Dawn of Worlds rule system. When we started we were using a 81/2 x 11 graph paper, however, after creating a different world on a battle map I decided to transfer the small map onto something a little larger.

On the whole it took about 3 hours to do.

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 8th level Garden of The Ghoul Lord

2009-01-13T01:09:00.005-06:00

The Ghoul Lord, a resurrected foul soul that not even Hell could contain, has been given dominion over a garden of torment here in the world.

Treasure:

[Level 12 Magic Item]: Gem of Colloquy (Adventurer's Vault, page 141 [Head Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 11 Magic Item]: Blacksmelt Weapon +3 (Adventurer's Vault, page 64 [Weapons]) (DDI)
[Level 10 Magic Item]: Shared Suffering Armor +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 51 [Armor]) (DDI)
[Level 9 Magic Item]: Lifetapper Rod +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 99 [Rods]) (DDI)
[1904 gp]: 1903 gp, 100 cp
[1700 gp]: 1699 gp, 100 cp
[1156 gp]: 1149 gp, 61 sp, 90 cp
[1156 gp]: 154 gp, 15 sp, 50 cp + 1 emerald (1000 gp)
[544 gp]: 537 gp, 63 sp, 70 cp
[408 gp]: 202 gp, 55 sp, 50 cp + 2 garnet gems (100 gp each)

Encounter 1: 7th Level, 1400xp

1	Inferno Abishai (DDI)	Level 8 Elite Soldier	700	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 211 (Abishai)
2	Galeb Duhr Earthbreaker (DDI)	Level 8 Artillery	350	Monster Manual, page 114 (Galeb Duhr)

Tips:The Abishai will fly and sting, close and Claw Fury or Claw the next round. It will use Blinding Flames when an enemy shifts. The Galeb Duhr will Hurl Stones and set off a shock wave when targets close with it.
Treasure:Lot #9

Encounter 2: 8th Level, 1750xp

2	Cultist Thug (DDI)	Level 8 Skirmisher	350	Dungeon 157, page 75 (In the Depths of Avarice)
2	Bladeling Razorguard (DDI)	Level 8 Artillery	350	Manual of the Planes, page 116 (Bladeling)
1	Dragonborn Elementalist (DDI)	Level 8 Artillery	350	Dragon 365, page 34 (Ecology of the Dragonborn)

Tips:The Cultists and Razorguards, followers of the Ghoul Lord, will take the front line pelting the party with shortbows/longbows until the party gets to melee range OR one of them have fallen, then they switch to Shortwords/longswords and Deft Strikes. The Razorguards will use Razor Storm ath their first opportunity. The Elemenalist with start with Acid Rain and then Lighting Until she can use her Icicle Spray and Dragon Breath (Fire) combo. She will use Winging Wind to escape the first melee hit against her, especially if she can push the attacker into the Cultists or Bladelings.
Treasure: Lot #4

Encounter 3: 8th Level, 1700xp

1	Squamous Maw (DDI)	Level 10 Elite Soldier	1000	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 231 (Squamous Thing)
2	Elephant (DDI)	Level 8 Brute	350	Adventurer's Vault, page 12 (Mounts)

Tips: The Maw is hunting the Elephants, but easily distracted by smaller, shinier prey. The Elephants are trapped here and are in a panic. Assume that the Maw's Breath weapon needs to be recharged before it can be used upon the party.
Treasure: (Note the Elephants may be calmed using a Level 8, complexity 2 (6 successes before 3 failures) skill challenge in place of combat (though the Maw may be less than accommodating); otherwise none.

Encounter 4: 8th Level,1750

1	Bladeling Ironmage (DDI)	Level 10 Elite	1000	Manual of the Planes, page 116 (Bladeling)
3	Dire Boar (DDI)	Level 6 Brute	250	Monster Manual, page 35 (Boar)

Tips: Much like the previous encounter, the Bladeling is hunting Boar. The Boar have been reduced to bloodied status and are in a pannic. They could be calmed with a level 6 Complexity 3 (8 success before 3 failures) Skill challenge, but the Ironmage will not stand for its sport being taken away. In combat it will use it's shrapnel burst on the tightest cluster of targets in range. It will then close with the softest looking targets, Daring them to hit (which will then release the Improved Razor Storm.) The Ironmage prefers to make melee attacks will use the Short Sword in preference to the Razor Dart ranged attacks. If the Shrapnel burst recharges OR it is confronted by an opponent with some stamina it will spend it's action point to move away (and preferably tward softer targets).
Treasure:None

Encounter 5: 9th Level,2100xp

2	Dragonborn Exemplar of Tiamat (DDI)	Level 7 Elite Soldier	600	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 214 (Dragonborn)
3	Troglodyte Impaler (DDI)	Level 7 Artillery	300	Monster Manual, page 252 (Trogolodyte)

Tips:The Dragonborn are followers of the Ghoul Lord and will punish the transgresses with Battle Surge and an occasional Vile Strike/Dragon Breath Combo. The Trogs are behind partial cover and will make Javelin/Impaling Shots as possible. They are reluctant to enter actual melee combat.
Treasure:Lot #3 and #8

Encounter 6: 9th Level(hard), 1950xp

1	Ogre Savage (DDI)	Level 8 Brute	350	Monster Manual, page 199 (Ogre)
1	Two-Headed Troll (DDI)	Level 10 Elite Brute	1000	Dungeon 161, page 78 (The Temple Between)
1	Corroded Helmed Horror (DDI)	Level 11 Soldier	600	Dungeon 161, page 109 (Touch of Madness)

Tips:The Troll is in command of the other two and will instruct them to impede the balance of the party as it goes toe-to-toe with the most heavily armored or armed PC, before moving on to the next strongest looking PC. If a second PC moves to flank the Troll it will use it's Smackdown on the flanker and growl "I'll get to you later", or "Wait your turn, back stabber". The heads are in a friendly competition for who does the most damage to the hero's.
Treasure:Lot #7

Encounter 7: 9th Level (hard), 2100xp

1	Briar Hag (DDI)	Level 12 Controller	700	P1: King of the Trollhaunt Warrens, page 18 (Hag)
3	Cambion Hellsword (DDI)	Level 8 Brute	350	Monster Manual, page 39 (Cambion)
1	Lost One Underboss (DDI)	Level 8 Controller	350	Dungeon 160, page 29 (Den of the Destroyer)

Tips:The Underboss will help the Cambion's get into position and shuffle them into flanking configurations from it's perch atop a dead tree (throwing daggers as needed). The Briar hag disguised as a young human woman, will cut off escape or approach with Call Briar. Dancing (and singing) amongst blinding scattered PC's with her Rake the Eyes attack. The Hellswords live for the fight and will charge (Whirlwind Charge) any cluster of PCs.
Treasure:Lot #6 and #2

Encounter 8: 11th Level, 3240xp

1	Abyssal Ghoul Pack Leader (DDI)	Level 12 Elite Skirmisher (Leader)	1400	Dungeon 156, page 64 (The Haunting of Kincep Mansion)
1	Bone Naga Guardian (DDI)	Level 12 Elite Controller	1400	Dungeon 157, page 74 (In the Depths of Avarice)
5	Wicked Fang Recruit (DDI)	Level 8 Minion	88	Dungeon 160, page 53 (Den of the Destroyer)

Tips:The Ghoul Lord is more than willing to "Chat" with the PC's as the Fang Body guards eye them hungrily. The Bone Naga is curled around it's lord's feet. When negotiations break down, all but the Naga will boldly approach the party and dive into melee. The Naga will close the gap enough to catch PC's in it's Death Sway, which it will repeat until forced to do otherwise.
Treausre:Lot #1, #5 and #10.

Major Quest: 8th Level, 1,750xp

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 7th level, Cave of the Last Flames

2009-01-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

I envision this as a salt dome with burbling pools of tar and Gas Jets.

Treasure

[Level 11 Magic Item]: Dynamic Weapon +3 (Adventurer's Vault, page 68 [Weapons]) (DDI)
[Level 10 Magic Item]: Lifedrinker Weapon +2 (Player's Handbook, page 235 [Magic Weapons]) (DDI)
[Level 9 Magic Item]: Green Thumbs (Adventurer's Vault, page 135 [Hands Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 8 Magic Item]: Stout Weapon +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 78 [Weapons]) (DDI)
[1456 gp]: 1450 gp, 51 sp, 90 cp
[1300 gp]: 1290 gp, 91 sp, 90 cp
[884 gp]: 878 gp, 58 sp, 20 cp
[884 gp]: 878 gp, 54 sp, 60 cp
[416 gp]: 314 gp, 12 sp, 80 cp + 1 peridot (100 gp)
[312 gp]: 110 sp, 100 cp + 3 turqoise gems (100 gp each)

Encounter 1: 6th Level, 1300xp

1	Dire Stirge (DDI)	Level 7 Lurker	300	Monster Manual, page 246 (Stirge)
4	Zhent War Mage (DDI)	Level 6 Artillery	250	Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, page 283 (Zhentarim)

Tips:These four fanatically defend the entrance to the temple. On each round one of them will set off Black Vapors to harm as many targets as possible. At range they will use Magic Missiles. Up close they will use Zhent Flash (when surrounded) or Fire Blast (in melee).
The Stirge will attack bloodied targets, and is basically only looking for an easy meal.
Treasure: Lot #9

Encounter 2:7th Level, 1600xp

4	Dragonborn Elementalist (DDI)	Level 8 Artillery	350	Dragon 365, page 34 (Ecology of the Dragonborn)
1	Bugbear Warrior (DDI)	Level 5 Brute	200	Monster Manual, page 135 (Goblin)

Tips:The Bugbear will attempt to draw all opponents to himself, while the Dragonborn Lead with Icicle Spray, Acid Rain, Dragon Breath, and finally Lighting Blast until closed with.
Treasure:Lot #10

Encounter 3: 7th Level (Hard), 1500xp

1	Crocotta (DDI)	Level 9 Skirmisher (Leader)	400	Dragon 364, page 14 (Demonomicon of Iggwilv: Yeenoghu)
3	Troglodyte Mauler (DDI)	Level 6 Soldier	250	Monster Manual, page 252 (Trogolodyte)
1	Mindscrambler (DDI)	Level 8 Skirmisher	350	Dungeon 160, page 50 (Den of the Destroyer)

Tips:The Crocatta will start by closing, releasing Haunting Laughter, Morphic Vistage on the first round. Then the troglodytes will join the scrum Bighting, and swinging their Greatclub. The Mindscrambler will waddle into the fray attemting to make a mess of the intruders' lines by shifting them into either the Crocatta or Trog's.
Treasure: Lot #4

Encounter 4: 7th Level, 1600xp

Soulrider Devil Eladrin Arcanist (DDI)

Level 9 Artillery

400

Dragon 370, page 8 (Dangers of the Demonweb)

Tips: The Arcanists move like marronetts, and wisper pleasees for freedom to the party as they Throw out Black Chill Blasts, Acid Flame and then resorts to using their longswords. Their controllers will use Soulrider Sacrifice frequently.
Treasure: Lot #3

Encounter 5: 8th Level, 1700xp

1	Ettin Marauder (DDI)	Level 10 Elite Soldier	1000	Monster Manual, page 108 (Ettin)
1	Oni Night Haunter (DDI)	Level 8 Elite Controller	700	Monster Manual, page 200 (Oni)

Tips: These two (three) creatures are friends and fight together with the Oni trying to knock targets out with Hypnotic Breath (It tries to keep one target unconcuss, preferabley away from, so that they have a ready target for Devour Soul). If sourrounded, it will assume Gaseous Form and driff out of combat (to heal if bloodied). In the mean time the Ettin will try and keep the party focused upon it.
Treasure: Lot #2

Encounter 6: 8th Level, 1800xp

1	Gibbering Mouther (DDI)	Level 10 Controller	500	Monster Manual, page 126 (Gibbering Beast)
2	Lost One Underboss (DDI)	Level 8 Controller	350	Dungeon 160, page 29 (Den of the Destroyer)
1	Foulspawn Grue (DDI)	Level 8 Controller	350	Monster Manual, page 112 (Foulspawn)
1	Minotaur Skeleton (DDI)	Level 6 Soldier	250	Dungeon 156, page 120 (Echoes of Thunderspire Labyrinth)

Tips: This is a huge chamber with five large, shallow pits (each containing a controller), with the Gibbering Mouther farthest from the entrance. There is a lone Minotaur Skeleton standing at a point equaldistant from each of the pits. None of the Creatures will work together. The Skeleton will only assult targets within range.
Treasure: Lots: #7 and #8 (spread amonst the controllers).

Encounter 7: 8th Level(hard), 1875xp

1	Oni Mage (DDI)	Level 10 Elite Lurker	1000	Monster Manual, page 201 (Oni)
1	Will-o'-Wisp (DDI)	Level 10 Lurker	500	P1: King of the Trollhaunt Warrens, page 22 (Will-o-'Wisp)
5	Charnel Rat (DDI)	Level 7 Minion	75	H3: Pyramid of Shadows, page 20 (Charnel Rat)

Tips: The Rats will swarm out and attempt to mob a single target. The Oni Mage will use Lighting Storm then Freezing Blast, and pound upon unmobbed targets with it's greatsword.
The Will-o'-Wisp will be dark at first until it can use Luring Glow or Glimmer Wisp. As soon as it is bloodied, it will try and use Life Drain. If missed by an attack it will Blink out and move to a new, preferably preoccupied target.
Treasure:Lots #6

Encounter 8: 10th Level, 2500xp

3	Firelasher (DDI)	Level 11 Skirmisher	600	Monster Manual, page 104 (Elemental)
1	Fithrichen (DDI)	Level 12 Controller	700	P2: Demon Queen's Enclave, page 18 (Shunned)

Tips:The Fithrichen sitting upon a pile of auful, will sculltle up the near by wall to a position above the party (the firelashers will try to keep them busy) so that it can a Disgorge Spiders Zone. It will then drop down into combat within the zone. The Firelashers will Whirlwind Dash through the party. Then they will close to release Wildfire Cyclones. They will not enter the Spider Zone.
Treasure: Lots #1 and Lots #5

Major Quest 7th Level: 1750xp

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 6th level, The Lighthouse of the Twins

2009-01-11T12:00:00.000-06:00

Treasure

[Level 10 Magic Item]: Scabbard of Sacred Might (Adventurer's Vault, page 177 [Wondrous Items]) (DDI)
[Level 9 Magic Item]: Loamweave Armor +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 47 [Armor]) (DDI)
[Level 8 Magic Item]: Quickling Boots (Adventurer's Vault, page 129 [Feet Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 7 Magic Item]: Martyr's Armor +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 47 [Armor]) (DDI)
[1008 gp]: 1005 gp, 27 sp, 30 cp
[900 gp]: 397 gp, 21 sp, 90 cp + 1 topaz (500 gp)
[612 gp]: 108 gp, 32 sp, 80 cp + 1 alexandrite (500 gp)
[612 gp]: 105 gp, 64 sp, 60 cp + 1 alexandrite (500 gp)
[288 gp]: 283 gp, 46 sp, 40 cp
[216 gp]: 111 gp, 40 sp, 100 cp + 1 moonstone (100 gp)

Encounter 1: 5th Level, 950xp

2	Snap and Rend, Visejaw Crocodile (DDI)	Level 4 Soldier	175	Monster Manual, page 45 (Crocodile)
4	Zith, Rith, Vith, and Nith, Orc Raiders (DDI)	Level 3 Skirmisher	150	Monster Manual, page 203 (Orc)

Tips: This encounter takes place on a narrow embankment with a short drop off (no damage) to shallow water, containing the Crocodiles, who will attack anyone entering there (lead with a bite and follow with a clamping Jaw). The Orcs will make ranged hand axe attacks until the party closes (up to 4 each) and then switch to Greataxe. When possible they will try to "encourage" opponents to "go into the water" so that the croc's can have some fun.

To see Snap and Rend, is a perception check. Rend prefers Elves and Eladrin over other targets.

Zith is happiest fighting; Rith insults opponents very broken, bad common in combat. Vith does the "hard core" routine. Nith would rather be some where else and will flee if bloodied.
Treasure: Lot #8 with the gem being found in Snap's mouth, the coin is dispersed amonst the Orcs.

Encounter 2: 6th Level, 1350xp

4	Anamor, Vertrani, Occam, Nerrial Zhent War Mage (DDI)	Level 6 Artillery	250	Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, page 283 (Zhentarim)
1	Aurther, Riding Shark (DDI)	Level 8 Skirmisher	350	Adventurer's Vault, page 13 (Mounts)

Tips: This encounter should occur in brackish, shallow water (3-4 feet), with the War mages on rafts (save for Nerrial mounted on Aurther) on on the other side of the crossing. For all of the warmages, Magic missiles are the choice for ranged combat. Though they will use the best of Fire blask, black vapors and Zhent Flash (of their remaining ablities they will choose the one that affects the most targets) .
Anamor gets upset when his clothes get dirty; Vetrani sports a well groomed beard; Occam, though clean shaven is constantly playing with a razor; Nerrial is constantly glancing at the sky. Aurther is a shark.
Treasure: Lot #9, dispersed amongst the War Mages.

Encounter 3: 6th Level, 1300xp

2	Van and Ider, Shadar-Kai War Witch (DDI)	Level 5 Controller	200	Dungeon 158, page 30 (The Shadow Rift of Umbraforge)
1	Rover, Dire Wolf (DDI)	Level 5 Skirmisher	200	Monster Manual, page 264 (Wolf)
1	Veep, Kobold War Priest (DDI)	Level 5 Controller	200	Dragon 364, page 59 (Creature Incarnations: Kobolds)
2	Ath and Shee Bladeling Spiker (DDI)	Level 6 Soldier	250	Manual of the Planes, page 116 (Bladeling)

Tips: Finally, dry land (ok it's still a bit marshy, but it's better than the last two locations). We find Van and Ider on a ridge, with Ath and Shee closer. Veep and Rover start under cover.
With the start of combat Ath, Shee and Rover will close under covering fire of 2 Beshadowed Mind effects (from Van and Ider) and a Devouring Stone effect (from Veep). On the round that the scrum starts Van and Ider will let loose with their Shadow Bind to immobilize targets and then use Shadow Jaunt to close. Ath and Shee make Falchion and Natural Spikes attacks every round while staying mobile, though, they will release a razor storm when flanked. Veep, doesn't want to get into melee and will use Surge of Terror to make a clearing to get away if confronted.
Veep giggles every time she hits with her Venomous Sting. Ath's blades are rusty where as Shee decorates his with scraps of flags and banners. Van is rather tall when compared to Ider's portly stout shabby dressed frame.
Treasure: Lot #4

Encounter 4: 6th Level, 1200xp

2	Shtath, AndthaVenomous Abishai (DDI)	Level 6 Controller	250	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 210 (Abishai)
2	Olie and Nolie, Ogre Savage (DDI)	Level 8 Brute	350	Monster Manual, page 199 (Ogre)

Tips: Set on a 40 foot wide path along the high ridge, with the light house visible up the hill.
Olie and Nolie obviously guard the path from around a large campfire; Shtath and Andtha are curled up in the nearby oversized tents.
The Ogre's are more than willing to parley with the party (if for no other reason than to allow the Abishai time to try and sneak up on the party. ) But really don't want to let the party pass.
In combat the Abishai will lay down the Venom cloud zones to cut off the path both forward and back. They will use Eyes of the Dragon to try to slid targets to the drop off or into the Venom zone (which ever is closer).
The Orges, they smash stuff, and when ever they can they will Use Angry Smash.
Treasure:Lot #10

Encounter 5: 7th Level, 1600xp

4	Sahuagin Priest (DDI)	Level 8 Artillery	350	Monster Manual, page 224 (Sahuagin)
1	Stone Arm, Kobold Wild Mage (DDI)	Level 5 Controller	200	Dragon 364, page 57 (Creature Incarnations: Kobolds)

Tips: Stone Arm is chatting with the Sahuagins on a sandy beach. The Sahuagins retreat to the water and and launch Spectral Jaws attacks, one on each target; After they will follow up with Water bolts renewing the Spectral Jaws attack when possible.
Stone Arm, is recless and crazy: He shakes his wand (as though he is trying to get a flash light to work) and then release either Wild Surge OR Wild Magic. After every effect he will look supprised but quicly become confident. When hit, he will giggle, right up to the blow that kills him, where he will giggle, then look stunned, say "Oh" and explode with a Wild Blast. He will harrass the party trying to keep then distracted and keep them from closing with the Sahuagin.
Treasure:Lot #1, #7

Encounter 6: 7th Level, 1600xp

1	Grick Alpha (DDI)	Level 9 Brute (Leader)	400	Monster Manual, page 145 (Grick)
2	Dryad (DDI)	Level 9 Skirmisher	400	Monster Manual, page 96 (Dryad)
1	Worg (DDI)	Level 9 Brute	400	Monster Manual, page 265 (Worg)

Tips: This encounter is set amonst some large scrubby bushes sheltering a vibrant gardin, fairly near the light house. The Dryads take on the disguise of a human couple and perport to be the light house keepers. Hiding amonst the Exotic flowers is the Alpha Grick. The Dryads' pet Worg is napping in the bushes and will emerge with a fright full growl if they are attacked.
Treasure:Lot #3

Encounter 7: 7th Level, 1600xp

Kalaka (DDI)

Level 9 Soldier

400

Dragon 369, page 31 (Demonomicon of Iggwilv)

Tips: Working in pairs the Kalaka will close: when at range 6 each will use Unexpected Reinforcements to flank as many targets as possible, and then choose one of the duplicates to remain (effectively closing to range 2 or less). Once a pair is in place they will make glave attacks and bat (shift) PC between them. When close to death, the Kalaka close to be adjacent to as many targets as possible to maximize Spewing Death, even if they risk opportunity attacks.
Treasure: Lot #6

Encounter 8: 9th Level, 2000xp

Sthaha, Shallin, Medusa Archer (DDI)

Level 10 Elite Controller

1000

Monster Manual, page 186 (Medusa)

Tips:Together on a balcony (cover), in flowing hooded cloaks (perception/Dungeonering to determine creature type, though each round it will get easier), Sthaha and Shallin will target heros that try to close with them first (trying to ensure that they are well poisoned), Followed by ranged attackers. If any hero gets within 5 squares of either of them, One will pelt the target with an arrow (and poison) while the other releases the Petrifying Gaze.
Treasure:Lots #2 and #5

6th Level Major Quest: 1,250xp

Adventure Starter: Building the Wall

2009-01-10T23:16:00.005-06:00

Here is a fantasy adventure start for a new Campaign (or for adventures entering a new land with some modification).

Starting Text

It is the last hot days of fall, and as with every season you find your selves on carts loaded with bricks. Your five day journey from your homes is almost at an end, for just over the next hill you can see the the top of the Wall.

From your many previous trips you know that the next week will be hard, back breaking labor. The Lord Tyrant has ordered, as did her father, and his Mother before and so on, all must repair The Wall: make it strong, make it stout, keep the luminous clawing darkness out. All must repair The Wall so that the world doesn't end...

For the GM:
The wall is actually a vault sounding a gate and a ruin. For the last thousand years or more people have always come and built the wall up: a little thicker; a little taller; trying to keep the aberrant creatures that dwell on the other side at bey.

Or maybe it is something else, something of your own devious design?

Writing for the Sake of Writing

2009-01-03T20:56:00.003-06:00

I have found my self falling into my old (decades old) high school habits: Doing the homework, but failing to turn it in. Example: I have created the skeletons "Asmor's Instant Dungeons" completing the series all the way to level 30. I just need to assigne the treasure and write up a few tips on how to handle each encounter and they would be done. Yet, for the last week they have sat idol in my queue. (Palm slaps Head).

Enough Venting, time to get writing.

In the mean time here is some link love: Sham/Dave, Amityville Mike on the one page Dungeon template that would work wonderfully with the instant dungeons: and I have been playing with Ghgowiz Old Guy RPG Blog which linked to a number of very nice tutorials on Dungeon and Map making with Gimp. The Dungeons with Gimp was suprisingly easy to follow and produces a spiffy looking map in not too many steps. I think I will next try the Regional Map with Gimp tutorial and see how that goes.

Also from Outsyder Gaming, I found a link in a comment to a javascript 4E character generator.

I did create another blog (yup, can't keep one blog up to date, so I go and create another one (sigh)) to house my actual game running and creation called Tales of the Table.

Like I stated: enough venting, get writing.
Snork

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 5th level Bones of the Druid

2008-12-29T20:22:00.000-06:00

Again, I opened up the treasure generation to be everything (though it took two tries to get a list that I liked). As before you will need to provide a map and a story, though I see this set in a more "natural setting". The Shardmasters in encounter #8 kind of justifies the other encounters.

Treasure:

[Level 9 Magic Item]: Salubrious Armor +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 51 [Armor]) (DDI)
[Level 8 Magic Item]: Cloak of the Chiurgeon +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 151 [Neck Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 7 Magic Item]: Immunizing Armor +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 46 [Armor]) (DDI)
[Level 6 Magic Item]: Distance Weapon +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 68 [Weapons]) (DDI)
[560 gp]: 53 gp, 60 sp, 100 cp + 1 alexandrite (500 gp)
[500 gp]: 1 topaz (500 gp)
[340 gp]: 32 gp, 76 sp, 40 cp + 3 turqoise gems (100 gp each)
[340 gp]: 134 gp, 53 sp, 70 cp + 2 jade gems (100 gp each)
[160 gp]: 55 gp, 44 sp, 60 cp + 1 garnet (100 gp)
[120 gp]: 118 gp, 15 sp, 50 cp

Encounters

Encounter 1: 4th Level, 850xp

1	Sith, Pact-Bound Adept (DDI)	Level 6 Artillery (Leader)	250	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 227 (Kobold)
2	Wuth, Rex, Dragonborn Soldier (DDI)	Level 5 Soldier	200	Monster Manual, page 86 (Dragonborn)
1	Avion, Mithrendain Guard Captain (DDI)	Level 5 Soldier (Leader)	200	Dragon 366, page 11 (Mithrendain)

Tips: Wuth, Rex and Avion fight in as a team as Sith uses Flaming Staff on the party from 6 squares behind the front line. Sith will use Dragons Grace on the most successful the three to what ever energy type the casters seem to be using most often. Sith will close with the front line to deliver a healing burst when 2 or more of the front line fighters are bloodied. Expect Longsword and breath attacks from the Wuth and Rex.
Treasure: Lot #10

Encounter 2: 5th Level, 1089xp

4	Dire Wolf (DDI)	Level 5 Skirmisher	200	Monster Manual, page 264 (Wolf)
1	Shadow Spirit (DDI)	Level 4 Lurker	175	Into the Shadowhaunt, page 5
3	Norker Grunt (DDI)	Level 3 Minion	38	H2: Thunderspire Labyrinth, page 25 (Norker)

Tips: The wolves and Norkers will mob soft targets and ranged attackers to try and keep them on the ground. The shadow spirit will only attack targets that it can flank.
Treasure: Lot #4

Encounter 3: 5th Level, 1000xp

1	Vipp, Pseudodragon (DDI)	Level 3 Lurker	150	Monster Manual, page 91 (Drake)
1	Gorth, Stormfury Orc Champion (DDI)	Level 7 Elite Brute	600	Dragon 370, page 35 (Lords of Chaos: Mual-Tar)
1	Xan, Tiefling Shadowblade (DDI)	Level 6 Skirmisher	250	Dungeon 155, page 80 (Sleeper in the Tomb of Dreams)

Tips: Xan and Gorth are good friends and will openly banter with each other during the fight (Gorth is a of the "Hit 'em Hard school, Xan is more sublime) as they tag team targets. Vipp, conducts a flyby attacks to harass those who are not Gorth and Xan's latest "experiential".
Treasure: Lot #5

Encounter 4: 5th Level, 1000xp (hard setting).

Longtooth Hunter (DDI)

Level 6 Soldier

250

Monster Manual, page 233 (Shifter)

Tips: Each hunter will choose a target and cause it intense harm by Hamstring them, and then following them as they flee.
Treasure: None

Encounter 5: 6th Level, 1300xp

3	Dragonborn Soldier (DDI)	Level 5 Soldier	200	Monster Manual, page 86 (Dragonborn)
2	Galeb Duhr Earthbreaker (DDI)	Level 8 Artillery	350	Monster Manual, page 114 (Galeb Duhr)

Tips: The Earthbreakers will pelt the party with stones until they close to 2 squares, then they unleash a Shockwave. The Dragonborn then emerge from hiding, lead with a breath attack, and pound there way into the scrum (They will also come out of hiding when either of the Earthbreakers are bloodied).
Treasure: Lot #3 and #8

Encounter 6: 6th Level, 1275xp

1	Rithun, Duergar Theurge (DDI)	Level 5 Controller	200	H2: Thunderspire Labyrinth, page 21 (Duergar)
3	Dwarf Bolter (DDI)	Level 4 Artillery	175	Monster Manual, page 97 (Dwarf)
1	Untha, Barlgura (DDI)	Level 8 Brute	350	Monster Manual, page 53 (Demon)
1	Broken Beak, Bugbear Warrior (DDI)	Level 5 Brute	200	Monster Manual, page 135 (Goblin)

Tips: This encounter should start with a volley from the Bolters as Rithun leads First with Brimstone Hail, then (on the second round) follows up with Bile Fumes. He will use Wave of Dispair when there are three or more targets within 2 squares. Otherwise Rithun will launch Firebolts at targets until either Brimstone Hail or Vile Fumes re-charge. Untha and Broken Beak will close the gap between them and any impaired heroes with Untha loosing a Savage Howl and conducting a double attack and Broken Beak using Predatory Eye followed with a Skull thump-er on Untha's target.
Treasure: Lot #2

Encounter 7: 6th Level, 1100xp (hard)

2	Galeb Duhr Earthbreaker (DDI)	Level 8 Artillery	350	Monster Manual, page 114 (Galeb Duhr)
1	Soulrider Devil (Eralian) Eladrin Arcanist (DDI)	Level 9 Artillery	400	Dragon 370, page 43 (Dangers of the Demonweb)

Tips: The Eladrin, with stiff movements (almost marionette like), will lead with Acid Flame, and then will use Soulrider Sacrifice to recharge it up to 5 times. If closed with, it will change to Black Chill Blast, and Fey Step away (the first time). The Earthbreakers will Hurl Stones until closed with and then unleash a shock wave and slam those left standing.
Note: Eralian is anunwilling participant, and will be gratefull if freed.
Treasure: none

Encounter 8: 8th Level, 1717xp (I forced a hard Minion fest)

Twisted Shardmaster (DDI)

Level 10 Minion

125

Dungeon 157, page 80 (In the Depths of Avarice)

Tips: They will start with a barrage of bone shards as groups of 3 will charge the party in hope of "recruiting them" like they have all the others. They will not leave this area willingly.
Treasure: Lot #1, #9, #7, #6, and #5

Major Quest: 5th Level, 1000xp.

Writing for Writing Sake: Thinking of the Next Year

2008-12-24T12:56:00.000-06:00

In the coming year these are the things I want to do with this blog:

Complete the Asmor's Instant Dungeon series through 30th level.
Create some more pre-generated characters from levels 1 to 30. (This will probably wait until Wotc finishes it's Character Builder application).
Create actual test dungeons to run the Pre-gen's through.
Improve my mapping Mojo so that I can produce maps efficiently and with a level of acceptable quality.
Post NPC's with Stat blocks for 4E (that's kinda like the point of this site).
Possibly explore NPC's of other systems (Traveller, Pathfinder, Dogs in the Vineyards, Call of Cthulthu) when I need a change of pace.

Enjoy what ever hollidays you care to enjoy,

Snork
--
Snorkey: Collating Links, though handy, does not an origional artical make.

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 4th level Caves of Loathing

2008-12-23T12:00:00.007-06:00

This time I have opened up Asmor's Treasure sources to be Everything. You will need to provide a map and a story to tie this motley band of dragons, koblods and undead together.
Treasure:

[Level 8 Magic Item]: Controlling Weapon +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 66 [Weapons]) (DDI)
[Level 7 Magic Item]: Lens of Reading (Adventurer's Vault, page 175 [Wondrous Items]) (DDI)
[Level 6 Magic Item]: Orb of Impenetrable Escape +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 94 [Orbs]) (DDI)
[Level 5 Magic Item]: Quickhit Braces (Adventurer's Vault, page 118 [Arms Slot Items]) (DDI)
[470.4 gp]: 161 gp, 86 sp, 80 cp + 3 amethyst gems (100 gp each)
[420 gp]: 416 gp, 36 sp, 40 cp
[285.6 gp]: 179 gp, 57 sp, 90 cp + 1 peridot (100 gp)
[285.6 gp]: 183 gp, 19 sp, 70 cp + 1 moonstone (100 gp)
[134.4 gp]: 126 gp, 77 sp, 70 cp
[100.8 gp]: 92 gp, 79 sp, 90 cp

Encounters:(again, I selected all sources when using Asmor's Encounters)

Encounter 1: 3rd Level, 750 xp

2	Skeletal Warhorse (DDI)	Level 5 Brute	200	Dungeon 155, page 68 (Sleeper in the Tomb of Dreams)
2	Rotwing Zombie (DDI)	Level 4 Skirmisher	175	Monster Manual, page 274 (Zombie)

Tips: The Skeletal Warhorse keep kicking while the Rotwing Zombies strafe the lone targets and move on.
Treasure: none

Encounter 2: 4th Level, 925 xp

4	Orc Scout (DDI)	Level 3 Skirmisher	150	Dungeon 157, page 53 (Siege of Bordrin's Watch)
1	Spear Gauntlet	Level 2 Obstacle	125	Dungeon Master's Guide, page 87 (Trap and Hazards)
1	Vinnie, Hobbler Decoy (DDI)	Level 4 Skirmisher	175	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 224 (Kobold)

Tips: Vinnie, will attempt use taunting Jeer to pull Characters through the spear gauntlet while the Scouts pin them down with arrow fire. The scouts will remain on the far side of the gauntlet, Though the Overeager feature will force them to, potentially, move through the gauntlet to get at a target. Vinnie will make a run for it once Bloodied.
Treasure: none

Encounter 3: Level 4, 875xp

1	Bethor, Blue Dragon Wyrmling (DDI)	Level 4 Elite Artillery	350	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 180 (Chromatic Wyrmlings)
3	Kruthik Adult (DDI)	Level 4 Brute	175	Monster Manual, page 170 (Kruthik)

Tips: The PC first encounter the Kruthik's and then with much drama, Bethor makes her grand entrance 2 rounds latter leading with a breath weapon, (spending an action point), and unleashing her Draconic Fury or Lighting Burst. Afterward she will alternate between Draconic Fury, Lighting Burst and moving away from hard targets toward softer targets.
Treasure: #3, #7

Encounter 4: Level 4, 900 xp (generated using the Hard setting)

1	Varna, Kobold War Priest (DDI)	Level 5 Controller	200	Dragon 364, page 59 (Creature Incarnations: Kobolds)
4	Corruption Corpse (DDI)	Level 4 Artillery	175	Monster Manual, page 274 (Zombie)

Tips: The corpses will emerge at range from all directions lobbing Motes of Corruption at the Characters, while Varna leads with Devouring Stone following with Venomous Sting. If more than one opponient closes within 2 squares, she will unleash her Surge of Terror when possible. The Corpses will close when near death to make the best use of their Death burst.
Treasure: #8

Encounter 5: Level 5, 950xp

1	Nestor, Grell (DDI)	Level 7 Elite Soldier	600	Monster Manual, page 144 (Grell)
2	Wyrmwarped Atrocity (DDI)	Level 4 Brute	175	Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, page 225 (Kobold)

Tips: Nestor will grab the strongest individual, preferring fey to other races, while the atrocities tie up everyone else using double attacks. Nestor will use it's action point to on the third round to try and ease up the pressure on one of the Atrocities by doing an extra tentacle rake.
Treasure: #2

Encounter 6: Level 5, 1000xp

1	Vedda, Kobold Wyrmpriest (DDI)	Level 3 Artillery (Leader)	150	Monster Manual, page 168 (Kobold)
3	Dar, Fel, Mank, Dragonborn Soldier (DDI)	Level 5 Soldier	200	Monster Manual, page 86 (Dragonborn)
1	Elite Spear Gauntlet	Leve 2 Obstacle	250	Dungeon Masters Guide, page 87 (Traps and Hazards)

Tips: Each of the Soldiers stands in a set of "Safe" squares within the gauntlet, and are granted cover. Vedda stands at the end of the gauntlet and will hurl energy orbs at the party. They work as a team and will try to distract individuals trying to disarm the gauntlet.
Treasure: #9

Encounter 7: Level 5, 750xp (hard)

1	Guth, Bugbear Shadow Walker (DDI)	Level 5 Lurker	200	Dragon 366, page 69 (Bloodghost Syndicate)
1	Bak, Beastcaller (DDI)	Level 7 Controller	300	Dragon 369, page 45 (Creature Incarnations: Gnolls)
1	Kobold Horde (DDI)	Level 6 Skirmisher	250	Dragon 364, page 59 (Creature Incarnations: Kobolds)

Tips: Bak will lead with Murderous flock upon the group and then follow with Against the Tide. On round two the Hord will decend upon prone target with Swarm the Fallen. Guth will harass those still standing flanking with the swarm and using shadow walk to its best advantage. Bak will hold Eruption swarm until two or more enemies have closed with him.
Treasure: #10

Encounter 8: Level 7, 1000xp

Yassul, Young Green Dragon (DDI)

Level 5 Solo Skirmisher

1000

Monster Manual, page 80 (Dragon, Green)

Tips: Yassul, may parley with the Party for a time (from his perch high above), only to leap to the attack with a fly by attack and a (action point) breath weapon attack. It will then land nearest the range attackers, let loose its Frightful Presence and (action point) Double attack, and use Luring Glare to keep the strongest melee types at range, tail sweeping a character that chooses to stand their ground.
Treasure: #1, #4, #5, #6

Major Quest: Level 4, 875xp

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 3rd Level Bane Keep

2008-12-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Moran, the Hand of Bane, was called upon, by Bane, to secure an abandoned Dragon Born keep. Although not nice people, they haven't set about to do any harm to the area per say.
You will need to create a map and provide a bit more story.

Treasure

[Level 7 Magic Item]: Dread Weapon +2 (Adventurer's Vault, page 68 [Weapons]) (DDI)
[Level 6 Magic Item]: Bracers of Tactical Blows (Adventurer's Vault, page 116 [Arms Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 5 Magic Item]: Lightning Weapon +1 (Player's Handbook, page 235 [Magic Weapons]) (DDI)
[Level 4 Magic Item]: Verve Armor +1 (Adventurer's Vault, page 54 [Armor]) (DDI)
[380.8 gp]: 171 gp, 94 sp, 40 cp + 2 moonstone gems (100 gp each)
[340 gp]: 231 gp, 86 sp, 40 cp + 1 amber (100 gp)
[231.2 gp]: 229 gp, 19 sp, 30 cp
[231.2 gp]: 23 gp, 79 sp, 30 cp + 2 moonstone gems (100 gp each)
[108.8 gp]: 99 gp, 89 sp, 90 cp
[81.6 gp]: 77 gp, 43 sp, 30 cp

Encounters
Encounter 1: Volunteers, Level 2, 600xp

2	Kob, and Vim, Hobgoblin Soldier (DDI)	Level 3 Soldier	150	Monster Manual, page 139 (Goblin)
2	Ral and Sim, Orc Raider (DDI)	Level 3 Skirmisher	150	Monster Manual, page 203 (Orc)

Tips:While traveling the PC see in the distance four cloaked figures with camping gear cutting across the road. Kob is willing to talk, Vim is spoiling for a fight, Ral and Sim will follow who ever shouts the loudest. They are looking for the keep and hope to join Moran's band. If it comes to blows: the Orc raiders will fight until bloodied and then make a break for it. Kob will support his brother, but will surrender if he goes down.
Treasure: Lot #10, traveling supplies and a crude map to the lost keep showing landmarks along the path.

Encounter 2: Post of the Eyes, Level 3, 700xp

4	Goblin Warrior (DDI)	Level 1 Skirmisher	100	Monster Manual, page 137 (Goblin)
2	Hobgoblin Archer (DDI)	Level 3 Artillery	150	Monster Manual, page 139 (Goblin)

Tips: A solitary tower, decrepit tower with the creatures inside. If observed one Goblin will emerge to parley (they want a strong looking party to just go away and are willing to give them false information to lead them astray). When Fighting, the archers will snipe through arrow slits and murder holes, while the goblins secure the front door and stairs.
Treasure:Lot #9

Encounter 3: Forest Patrol, Level 3, 775xp

2	Creepy and Crawly, Ettercap Fang Guard (DDI)	Level 4 Skirmisher	175	Monster Manual, page 107 (Ettercap)
1	Rover, Guard Drake (DDI)	Level 2 Brute	125	Monster Manual, page 90 (Drake)
2	Blood and Bite, Hobgoblin Soldier (DDI)	Level 3 Soldier	150	Monster Manual, page 139 (Goblin)

Tips: Blood and Bite along with their pet Rover are herding Creepy and Crawly along the trail laying "early warning" trip lines for the near by front gate. The Hobgoblins are suspicious of strangers, the tethered ettercaps are consuming most of their attention. If a dialog can be established over hissing of the ettercaps, then they will, cautiously escort the PC's to the Front gate. Otherwise they will drop the tethers to allow Creepy and Crawly to throw webs on the strongest, while Blood and Bite fight as a pair with Rover going for the flank.
Treasure: #4 with Blood but it will not come into use in this fight.

Encounter 4: The Bouncers, Level 3, 800 xp

4	Orc Raider (DDI)	Level 3 Skirmisher	150	Monster Manual, page 203 (Orc)
1	Bile, Hobgoblin Commander (DDI)	Level 5 Soldier (Leader)	200	Monster Manual, page 140 (Goblin)

Tips:The crew is digging defensive trenches adjacent to the entrance to the complex to fill time during guard duty. If the PC's are escorted, then the commander will challenge their reason for coming. If combat breaks out, the group will move as one and then the Bile will use his "Tactical Deployment" power to try and close the gap. Every time Bile hits the Orc's will cheer.
Treasure: #8

Encounter 5: Artists, Level 4, 928xp

2	Gnoll Huntmaster (DDI)	Level 5 Artillery	200	Monster Manual, page 132 (Gnoll)
1	Shadowhunter Bat (DDI)	Level 3 Lurker	150	Monster Manual, page 27 (Bat)
6	Legion Devil Grunt (DDI)	Level 6 Minion	63	Monster Manual, page 64 (Devil)

Tips: The Devil Grunts are applying stucco to the stone walls (3 to a side) while the 2 gnolls sketch out murals in charcoal on the finished portions of the wall. Unescorted visitors (especially ones that look like they have been in a fight) will be met with hostility. The Bat will only attack bloodied figures and will do so regardless of status of the rest of the fight (it will flee if bloodied).
Treasure: none.

Encounter 6: Rotunda Construction Crew, Level 4, 820xp

4	Orc Raider (DDI)	Level 3 Skirmisher	150	Monster Manual, page 203 (Orc)
5	Orc Drudge (DDI)	Level 4 Minion	44	Monster Manual, page 203 (Orc)

Tips: 1 Raider and 2 druges are on the ground Examining old drawings, the rest of the orcs are scattered around the scaffolding that lines this room, making repairs to the temple's dome. Sounds of battle from encounter #5 will not be heard due to the noise of the orc's shaping stone. Though armed, the PC's will get two automatic surprise round as the Orc's make their way to their weapons. In the event of an attack, the drudges on the ground will run to Encounter #7, while all other figures will attack using ranged weapons.
Treasure: #7 with the Raiders holding the gold, and the druges Carrying the silver and copper.

Encounter 7: Sanctuary Consultation, Level 4, 950xp

2	Ettercap Fang Guard (DDI)	Level 4 Skirmisher	175	Monster Manual, page 107 (Ettercap)
1	Ettercap Webspinner (DDI)	Level 5 Controller	200	Monster Manual, page 107 (Ettercap)
1	Rendi, Hobgoblin Warcaster (DDI)	Level 3 Controller (Leader)	150	Monster Manual, page 140 (Goblin)
1	Hasstheh, Agent of Bain, Shadar-kai Chainfighter (DDI)	Level 6 Skirmisher	250	Monster Manual, page 230 (Shadar-Kai)

Tips: Opening the unlocked door reveals Rendi and Hasstheh seated at a large weathered table, with the Ettercaps capering through the vaulting (Medium Perception check). Rendi is willing to talk, where as Hasstheh prefers to watch.
In combat Rendi and the Ettercap work together, with webspinner using it's web terrain and web net to tie up melee types, and Rendi knocking the rest down.
Treasure: #3, #2, #6

Encounter 8: Level 6, 1332xp

1	Moran, Hobgoblin Hand of Bane (DDI)	Level 8 Elite Soldier	700	Monster Manual, page 140 (Goblin)
2	Shadar-kai Chainfighter (DDI)	Level 6 Skirmisher	250	Monster Manual, page 230 (Shadar-Kai)
3	Orc Drudge (DDI)	Level 4 Minion	44	Monster Manual, page 203 (Orc)

Tips: In combat Moran will lead with Flail of Tyranny to stun what he perceives as the controller, As the Chainfighter moves and strafes with the Dance of Death. On successive rounds Moran will mark the leader while the Chainfighter snipes with it's spiked chain. The Druges only attack marked targets.
Treasure:#1, #5

Major Quest: Level 3, 700xp

Writing for the Sake of Writing

2008-12-21T12:13:00.004-06:00

This is one of those times, A Sunday morning waiting for 4 step grand children to arrive, that I find my self stuck in my game writing. I will, more likely than not, as I already have so far this morning, spend it NOT WRITING.

I had the same problem on my "Snow day Friday", I took the day off from work and spend it NOT WORKING. Not Working is different from a day off, where I actually get stuff done. It is a day in which I get buzzed every 5 minutes by emails asking questions, or at least making statements that I feel the need to respond to. There were a large number of things I could have done during the hours between emails and meetings, but none of them were.

In the past I used to think that I needed large 8-16 hour blocks of time to work upon my games or blog, but In the last year I discovered that even as little as 5 minutes is enough to get something started (and possibly even finished).

So what do I want, both now and in the coming year:
1. Run my first 4E game: my Thursday group is currently world building using the Dawn of Worlds rule system to build a collaborative world. I want everyone to have a positive experience with 4E (though 2 of the players have strong opinions against 4E, they are willing to try).
2. Regular Posting: I started this blog to help my writing and help me improve my greatest GM weakness: NPC's. I also wanted to give something back to the gaming community. (I also wanted fame and fortune but I didn't really expect that to happen).

So my vow, starting now, is to:
1. Not NOT DO SOMETHING, either I am doing the thing or I am not. So If I am Writing, then I write. Mapping, then map. Programming, then program.
2. No regrets: I will enjoy what I do when I need to do it. I will try and jettison the Coulda, woulda, shoulda.
3. Schedule a time for writing. I find that at 4am to 7am is my most creative time, I think that I will go back to setting my alarm an hour earlier to help facilitate this.
4. When in doubt read. I have a habit of buying gaming books and never reading them, so it is back to the rule of Read 2 before I buy 1. This should keep me busy for the next 5 years.
5. Be happy: I set this rule for my self when I was 16 (too many decades ago), and have had a generally positive experience with it.

Snork
--
Snorkey: is not, not writing this post.

Asmor's Instant Dungeon: 2nd Level: Goblin Lair

2008-12-02T08:30:00.000-06:00

Back Story: The Mavin family tomb has been in disuse for several years now, and has become the lair of a small group of Goblins.

Treasure Lots:(Players Handbook and Adventures Vault generated using Asmor's Quartermaster)

[Level 6 Magic Item]: Phylactery of Divinity (Adventurer's Vault, page 144 [Head Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 5 Magic Item]: Breach Bracers (Adventurer's Vault, page 116 [Arms Slot Items]) (DDI)
[Level 4 Magic Item]: Deathstalker Weapon +1 (Adventurer's Vault, page 67 [Weapons]) (DDI)
[Level 3 Magic Item]: Delver's Armor +1 (Player's Handbook, page 229 [Magic Armor]) (DDI)
[291.2 gp]: 283 gp, 76 sp, 60 cp
[260 gp]: 52 gp, 73 sp, 70 cp + 2 amethyst gems (100 gp each)
[176.8 gp]: 91 gp, 50 sp, 80 cp, and a 4 barrels of tea (20 gp each)
[176.8 gp]: 74 gp, 21 sp, 70 cp + 1 pearl (100 gp)
[83.2 gp]: 75 gp, 77 sp, 50 cp
[62.4 gp]: 55 gp, 65 sp, 90 cp

(Monster Manual only generated by Asmor's 4E Random Encounter Generator)

Encounter 1: Level 1, 500 xp

10	Giant Rat (DDI)	Level 1 Minion	25	Monster Manual, page 219 (Rat)
2	Goblin Sharpshooter (DDI)	Level 2 Artillery	125	Monster Manual, page 137 (Goblin)

Tips: Entrance to the complex with the goblins in perches, the rats in cages. As soon as possible the goblins tug a rope to open the two cages to release 5 rats each (minor action). The perches are 5 ft up and give the sharpshooters combat advantage and partial cover.
Treasure:Lot #10 and equipment.

Encounter 2:Level 2, 675 xp

4	Skeleton (DDI)	Level 3 Soldier	150	Monster Manual, page 234 (Skeleton)
3	Goblin Cutter (DDI)	Level 1 Minion	25	Monster Manual, page 136 (Goblin)

Tips: Cutter #3, the one with the red hat is in charge of the skeleton's and will hold back as the skeletons charge in, while the other two minons try and hit marked PC's. When missed they will give a little squeel and shift to another target.
Treasure: Lot #9

Encounter 3: Level 2, 625 xp

1	Gravehound (DDI)	Level 3 Brute	150	Monster Manual, page 274 (Zombie)
1	Human Bandit (DDI)	Level 2 Skirmisher	125	Monster Manual, page 162 (Human)
1	Warhorse (DDI)	Level 3 Brute	150	Monster Manual, page 159 (Horse)
2	Goblin Warrior (DDI)	Level 1 Skirmisher	100	Monster Manual, page 137 (Goblin)

Tips:Rover (Gravehound) and her master Berad (Human Bandit) and Trigger (Warhorse) work as a team (they are negotiating with the 2 Goblins for some stolen merchandise). Berad's first action will be to mount Trigger and try and trample as many as possible. The goblins will fight until one of them goes down and then try to flee.
Treasure:Lot #7 With the gold on the Berad, The rest is in the Goblins' possession.

Encounter 4: Level 2, 650

1	Goblin Blackblade (DDI)	Level 1 Lurker	100	Monster Manual, page 136 (Goblin)
9	Goblin Cutter (DDI)	Level 1 Minion	25	Monster Manual, page 136 (Goblin)
1	Shadowhunter Bat (DDI)	Level 3 Lurker	150	Monster Manual, page 27 (Bat)
1	Human Berserker (DDI)	Level 4 Brute	175	Monster Manual, page 163 (Human)

Tips: Mad Bill (human berserker) is wanted by the athorities and is working with the goblins as an "Advisor". He loves nothing more than to wade in and bust heads. The Bat lives here an only attacks bloodied PC's, Though it will swoop around looking for a target. The goblins will work in pairs and attempt to flank targets.

Treasure: Lot #3 on the Berserker. Lot #8

Encounter 5:Level 3, 770 xp

5	Orc Drudge (DDI)	Level 4 Minion	44	Monster Manual, page 203 (Orc)
1	Goblin Hexer (DDI)	Level 3 Controller (Leader)	150	Monster Manual, page 137 (Goblin)
2	Deathrattle Viper (DDI)	Level 5 Brute	200	Monster Manual, page 240 (Snake)

Tips: The orc's are dealing with the Vain the Hexer and his two pets. Vain will lead with Vexing Cloud and try and maitain it until attacked in melee, Following with Stinging Hex on or blindness on . He prefers to blind ranged attackers first, followed by those in combat with the Vipers. The Druges will fight until 3 fall and then break and flee from the dungeon.
Treasure: Lot #6 with the Orc's holding the gems, Vain has all of the coin.

Encounter 6:Level 3, 700 xp

1	Rage Drake (DDI)	Level 5 Brute	200	Monster Manual, page 92 (Drake)
1	Goblin Warrior (DDI)	Level 1 Skirmisher	100	Monster Manual, page 137 (Goblin)
2	Boneshard Skeleton (DDI)	Level 5 Brute	200	Monster Manual, page 235 (Skeleton)

Tips: Vinny the Goblin is desperately afraid of the Spot the Drake and will put himself as far from it as possible. Vinny will shoot and run as much as possible. The Drake Charges the Largest PC and will try to gnaw on them. The skeletons are tomb guardians and will attack only humans.
Treasure: Lot #4

Encounter 7:Level 3, 775

1	Gelatinous Cube (DDI)	Level 5 Elite Brute	400	Monster Manual, page 202 (Ooze)
3	Goblin Sharpshooter (DDI)	Level 2 Artillery	125	Monster Manual, page 137 (Goblin)

Tips: The goblins have broken into a sewer system and have "tamed" the Gelatinous cube. The floor is ruble covered and mostly difficult terrain. Large piles of Dirt provide cover. The Goblins will try and lure the PC's within the Cube's reach.
Treasure: #1 in the Cube.

Encounter 8:Level 5, 1050 xp

1	Goblin Underboss (DDI)	Level 4 Elite Controller (Leader)	350	Monster Manual, page 138 (Goblin)
3	Rotwing Zombie (DDI)	Level 4 Skirmisher	175	Monster Manual, page 274 (Zombie)
1	Specter (DDI)	Level 4 Lurker	175	Monster Manual, page 244 (Specter)

Tips: Ido the Underboss thinks he is in charge and will have the zombies swoop to the attack while he targets the PC's sporting Holly symbols. The specter will go invisible and manuver to make best use of it's spectral barrage power. It will then move out of combat, go invisible and manuver for another attack. Ido will use Superior Goblin Taticts to allow the Zombies to come closer to his target.
Treasure:Lot #2 & #5

Major Quest: Level 2, 625 xp.

Asmor's Instant Dungeon

2008-11-26T11:53:00.006-06:00

Taking a dose of my own medicine I will now create a dungeon in 45 min using Asmor to help me build encounters and select treasure lots.

So starting with the Treasure lots:

[Level 5 Magic Item]: Bloodthread Armor +1 (Player's Handbook, page 227 (Magic Armor))
[Level 4 Magic Item]: Bloodcut Armor +1 (Player's Handbook, page 227 (Magic Armor))
[Level 3 Magic Item]: Eladrin Armor +1 (Player's Handbook, page 230 (Magic Armor))
[Level 2 Magic Item]: Resounding Weapon +1 (Player's Handbook, page 236 (Magic Weapons))
[201.6 gp]: 198 gp, 27 sp, 90 cp
[180 gp]: 75 gp, 47 sp, 30 cp + 1 peridot (100 gp)
[122.4 gp]: 17 gp, 45 sp, 90 cp + 1 moonstone (100 gp)
[122.4 gp]: 120 gp, 19 sp, 50 cp
[57.6 gp]: 51 gp, 57 sp, 90 cp
[43.2 gp]: 34 gp, 84 sp, 80 cp

Now to pick encounters: (I am limiting the sources to just the monster manual for simplicity).

Encounter 1: level 1, 375 xp

2	Elf Archer	Level 2 Artillery	125	Monster Manual, page 106 (Elf)
1	Human Bandit	Level 2 Skirmisher	125	Monster Manual, page 162 (Human)

Note: The bandit is playing a delaying tatict, trying to keep the PC's off the archers, so he will flee from the Melee opponents and close with ranged attackers when ever possible. The terrain should be filled with obsticals that provide cover, the archers should be located behind concealment and spread out.
Treasure: Lot #10.

Encounter 2: Level 1, 500 xp

Goblin Sharpshooter

Level 2 Artillery

125

Monster Manual, page 137 (Goblin)

Note: the goblins should be equal distance from the group at start but in opposite corners.
Treasure: Lot #9

Encounter 3: Level 1, 525 xp

3	Kruthik Young	Level 2 Brute	125	Monster Manual, page 170 (Kruthik)
1	Pseudodragon	Level 3 Lurker	150	Monster Manual, page 91 (Drake)

Note: Intererior encounter with high celings, the Kruthik Young conduct a straight up attack against the nearest opponent, while the pseudodragon does flyby attacks on ranged attackers and spell casters.
Treasure: Lot #4

Encounter 4: Level 1, 524 xp

4	Kobold Slinger	Level 1 Artillery	100	Monster Manual, page 168 (Kobold)
4	Kruthik Hatchling	Level 2 Minion	31	Monster Manual, page 170 (Kruthik)

Note: The hungry hatchlings disperse through the party as quicly as possible, The slingers, in two groups of two, evade melee combat as long as possible, trying to pin the party down with special shots (one glue, 2 fire each).
Treasure: none.

Encounter 5: Level 2, 600 xp

2	Guard Drake	Level 2 Brute	125	Monster Manual, page 90 (Drake)
1	Gnome Arcanist	Level 3 Controller (Leader)	150	Monster Manual, page 134 (Gnome)
2	Fire Beetle	Level 1 Brute	100	Monster Manual, page 30 (Beetle)

Note: Interior encounter; The PC's will first see the Gnome Arcanist, and when they are close enough will fire off his illusinary terrain (standard action), followed by a Fey Step to move into position while the brutes attack. From there she will unleash scintalting bolts(standard) at the melee combatants, and Startling Gamor (minor) to pack in straglers, or keep PC's away from her. The fire beetles will lead with their fire spray and when ever it recharges.
Treasure: Lot #3 and lot #8

Encounter 6: Level 2, 675 xp

3	Ettercap Fang Guard	Level 4 Skirmisher	175	Monster Manual, page 107 (Ettercap)
1	Imp	Level 3 Lurker	150	Monster Manual, page 63 (Devil)

Note: The Ettercaps' will try to entagle then bite, or strike while the imp (supervisor to the gnome in Encounter 5), will on alternating rounds vanish (standard)/fly (move) or Bite (standard)/Fly (move) to keep its wereabouts unknown.

Treasure: None

Encounter 7: Level 4, 850 xp

4	Doppelganger Sneak	Level 3 Skirmisher	150	Monster Manual, page 71 (Doppelganger)
1	Shadar-kai Gloomblade	Level 6 Lurker	250	Monster Manual, page 230 (Shadar-Kai)

Note: Initaly the doppelgangers will appear as helpless individuals to try and draw the party in, at which point they will initate the attack. Otherwise they will work in pairs to attempt to flank a single PC so that they get extra damage. The gloomblade will use its Veil of Shadows and Gloom strike to try and blind melee combatants until bloodied, then it will make use single use of it's shadow jaunt power to try and flank with a doppelganger on a bloodied target.
Treasure: The gloomblade wields Lot #1, with lot #7 and #6 on their persons.

Encounter 8: Level 2, 657 xp

3	Phantom Warrior	Level 4 Soldier	175	Monster Manual, page 116 (Ghost)
1	Hobgoblin Warcaster	Level 3 Controller (Leader)	150	Monster Manual, page 140 (Goblin)

Note: The phantom warriors will attempt to disperse amonst the PC to maximize their Phantom Tatics ability. Mean while the Hobgoblin warcaster will close with the artillery and use Force Lure to keep melee combatants packed in with the Phantom Warriors or Force Pulse to knock them down (as he is able to), other wise he will bludgeon ranged attackers with excessive glee (leading with Shockstaff).
Treasure: Lot #6 and Lot #5.

Major Quest: Level 1, 500 xp and Treasure Lot #2.

This gives us a total of 5,206 xp's.

It took just over 2 hours to do including formating.

Now to create the actual adventure...

Need Inspiration : Look Here

2008-11-25T13:12:00.014-06:00

The page is staring at me, it's emptiness taunting me, freezing my creative juices and dooming me to another lost hour of "Not Writing". Yes, I often suffer from blank page syndrome (a.k.a) writers block. If I move away from the computer and consult with my oracle (a.k.a. my cat Mindy) I have dozens of ideas. Then when I return to the evil blank page, I freeze. One of the best way I have found to get around it is to use a random generator to give me a starting place.

Abulafa: 10 Word Adventure Synopsis's, Dungeon Seed, Encounter-a-day, Scenario's, Quick NPC's, NPC, One Sentence NPC's, Towns, Location Encounters and a lot more.
Roleplaying Tips: One sentence NPC's, (non random)5 Room Dungeons.
Asmor: Encounter Generator, Treasure Generator, Seeds, and several other very useful 4E tools.
StolenCitadel Dungeons, NPC's, Plots, Locations, and Societies.
Forbiden Kingdom: A simple seed generator.
DM Tools: NPC's, Benign Encounters, Mercenary Missions, and Towns.
WotC: Adventure seeds.
Gozzys Dungeon Map Generator.
Jame's NPC generator
Dungeon's Unlimited (non-random) Map Index.
TV Tropes:(possible mature content, and spoilers) Plots, Universal Tropes, Characters (as a plot device). Curses be upon the Chatty DM for spreading this evil, evil time sucking site to the gaming world.
Story Spinner is a story starting generator but it can be useful for creating the "box text" of the adventure.

A quick "cut and paste" stab and the blank page monster is gone, and I can move forward.

Sometimes a less "gaming specific" source of inspiration is more useful to jump start my creativity, to prevent me from settling into the standard Tavern/Clearing in the Woods/Dungeon tropes. These links are good for finding new ideas, though they may take more effort on your part to turn the ideas into something "game-able".

Random Wiki Page: The page Title or subject is the title for you next adventure, or encounter.
Random Fliker Photos: (potential exists for encountering mature content). Possibly the second or third photo is the subject or location of the adventure.
Quotations: Maybe the top quote documents or characterizes the motivation of the actors.
Stuck in Customs: (non random, updated daily), The top photo is the setting of an important event.
Random Irregular Webcomic: Mix and match the settings and dialog.
XKCD random comic: (some mature and mathematical stick figure content)
Word of the Day: Quotations Page, Merriam-Webster (daily updates); If you combine the two words together you might have a title.

Finally there are (GASP) "non-digital" methods of finding inspiration:

Open the Monster Manual and flip to a random monster, this will be the "Villian" of the adventure. (I got Goblin Hexer)
Grab a book (even non gaming) and flip to a random page, the middle paragraph indicates what the plot or focus of the adventure. (It was a pragmatic choice).
Grab a Campaign Setting or Adventure, either one of your own or a published one and reuse the map contained with in, but rotate it 90 degrees.
Start writing.

Grab a foreign language dictionary (I like Latin) and flip find two random words and note their meanings use that as a title for the next adventure.

Also you can just start writing what ever gibberish comes to mind. What you write may not be game related in any way but at least the blank page monster is dead.

Snork

The Quantium Nature of Plots: Intrest

2008-11-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

Previously I stated that a plot that does not interest the PC is also a waste of effort as they won't interact with the plot and won't bother to observe it further.

When crafting a plot you will need to take steps to both figure out hooks for each of your players AND what the Characters would find interesting:

Power gamer/Slayer is all about combat: give them some "foreign raiders" from country A in country B that are actually "Agent Provocateurs" to beat into submission; Or give them a press gang to pummel.
The Actor will want to talk to the Patriotic citizen, Sultry Bard, let them.
The Investigator will need plenty of clues planted as to who the actual threat is.
The Explorer should be shown communication magic, that works until it is compromised; Code books; Secret languages; Half a map with no keys.
The Storyteller can be lured in by the annoucnement , rumors and news.
The Thinker will hopefully be entertained by the antics of the others but effort should be taken to keep them guessing as to the true nature of the plot.
The Watcher should also enjoy the seeing others act on the plot, but be sure to have the Plot's NPC interact with them directly. The Merchant see them as an "easy mark"; the Sultry Bard works them over for information.

A boring plot, or one that has only perfunctory interest from the Players is a waste of everyone's time. Engage the Players or try something else.

The Quantium Nature of Plots: Influence

2008-11-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

Previously I stated that an unobserved plot is a waste of effort, so is a plot that the players have no possibility of influencing or acting upon.

Now by Acting I do not mean that the players can necessarily defeat it at 1st level, just that they can have some sort of interaction with it. They could:

Try to find out who put up the posters or paid for the announcements. (a patriotic citizen, or a fifth column).
Talk with the Sultry Bard and hear her lies.
Bargain with the merchant.
Deal with suspicious town guards.
Discover the Sultry Bards' lies.
Visit Country A and discover identical posters, the same merchant and the same Sultry bard.

All of this will lead the PC toward the plot and give them some much needed Role Play between Dungeon blood Baths.

If the PC's cannot interact with what they observe, then don't bother showing them.

The Quantium Nature of Plots: Observation

2008-11-09T07:00:00.002-06:00

Previously I had stated that a unobserved plot is only good for GM entertainment. While an unrevealed plot may become important latter, until it's effects are demonstrated to the PC's it remains a waste of effort.

So show the players the effect of the plot even if they or the plot is not ready yet. That Machiavellian machination plot of country C trying to start a war between Country A and Country B scheduled for levels 11-15: sure it will be interesting when it happens, but the PC's will have more involvement if:

They find Inflammatory posters and announcements about Country A in country B.
The hear a sultry bard telling story's in Country B about how decadent/Militaristic/Corrupt/Foolish the people of Country A are.
They know that the local smith is over worked and back-ordered on military equipment.
A merchant from country A offers to buy "used" equipment for 2-3x the normal asking price.
If that sultry Bard in the tavern keeps chatting the warrior up about keep defenses and outpost locations.
They encounter extra security/inspection/suspicion/restriction as they enter a community.
They see fields lying fallow or the crops unharvested.

If the GM sprinkles these little tidbits throughout the first 10 levels of the PC's lives then when war comes at level 11 they will be more than ready.

If the PC's cannot "see" the plot's through its effects upon the world then don't bother with it.

The Quantium Nature of Plots

2008-11-08T07:00:00.002-06:00

Plots, to matter, must:

Be observed by the Players' Characters;
Be able to be influenced by the PC's;
Be of Interest to the PC's.

A plot that has no observable effect upon the characters or an effect that the players are unwilling to observe isn't a plot, its a story for the GM entertainment only.

A plot that the PC's cannot or will not influence isn't a plot it is a box text railroad or short story entertains the GM and maybe, just maybe the players.

A plot that doesn't interest the PC's will be ignored and thus it will not be influenced or observed by the players. Again, it becomes entertainment for the GM at the expense of the Player's boredom.

Panic Attack: Two Days: More Spiders

2008-11-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Fell Claw Spider		Level 1 Skirmisher
Small Natural Spider		XP 100
Initiative +3		Senses Perception +4
HP 29; Bloodied 14
AC 15; Fortitude 14, Reflex 14, Will 12
; Vulnerable 5 Fire
Speed 6; see jumpy
Bite (Standard; at-will)
+6 vs AC; 1d6+3 damage
Spit Attack (Standard; at-will)
Ranged 10/20; +6 vs AC; 1d6+3 damage.
Jumpy (Minor; at-will)
The spider can shift (jump) 1 square and ignore terrain effect.
Alignment Unaligned		Languages
Skills Acrobatics +7, Athletics +8, Stealth +7
Str 16 (+3)	Dex 15 (+2)	Wis 8 (-1)
Con 8 (-1)	Int 10 (+0)	Cha 10 (+0)

The claw spider is a bit larger and redder in coloration than the minion hunting spider. It prefers to attack and then jump away while making clicking sounds.

Thanks to Monster Maker 3.1 from Encounter-a-day. Also submitted to The Open Archive. Source image from spilopterus

Panic Attack: Three Days: Changing the Rules: Skill Challenges

2008-11-06T07:00:00.003-06:00

Today I had a vision of how I want to handle an encounter: I want a skill challenge leading up to combat with the success or failure of the challenge dictating the advantage the players get. I also wanted all the players rolling and describing their actions so that everyone is participating.

The Setup: The players are tromping through the woods in pursuit of the fell spiders when they hear screams in the distance.

Rules: For the next 5 rounds the screaming continues along with the growing sounds of battle. After the end of the 5th round the noise ends abruptly. Assuming the Characters run toward the battle every round the characters must make several skill checks.

A player running full out can make it to the encounter in 3 rounds.

The ideal situation is to be quick (athletics), precise (perception) and quiet (stealth). Additionally if you are agile (acrobatics) or have wood land guile (nature) you may be able to find a better route. Given the undergrowth having some stamina is also of importance (Endurance). Some skills get easier the closer to the encounter, other get harder. Those that succeed in a roll may "spread the wealth" of any overage that they got on their roll to help those that failed.

If there are more successfull athletics checks in a round than failures then the group(s) will move one range increment tward the encounter. Failing (more failures than successes) result in only making 1/2 a range increment progress during that round. Using Acrobatics or nature may shorten the distance by 1/2 range increment per round (re-check each round). Note that Acrobatics check success may not be shared but nature checks can be.

Range 3

Blasting off the path into the dense undergrowth is difficult and tireing.

A hard perception check to find the direction; an moderate athletics check to start moving; an easy stealth check will keep their movements unnoticed.

Note for this perception check is still a group effort even for the maverics.

Range 2

Webfilled deadfalls and bramble bushes hamper progress.

Moderate athletics to make progress, Easy endurance checks to keep going (or suffer a -1 on athletics checks until a short rest). Easy stealth checks to avoid attracting attention. Moderate perception checks to find an easier path (+2 to athletics checks next round) success may be shared by the people within a group.

Range 1

The brambles become very dense as the cannopy of trees thins for the upcomming clearing.

Hard athletics checks are required to make it through the undergrowth; Stealth check are moderate in the lush grenery. Another round of individual endurance check is need to avoid being winded (-1 to attacks until a short rest).

Timeline

Round 1: There is a distant trio of voices screaming (a hard insight will reveal 1 male, 1 female and possibly a child's voice).

Round 2: The voices continue shouting and screaming but are closer.

Round 3: The panniced voices are very close and you can hear the chattering and hissing of spiders.

Round 4: The trio of voices dwindles a bit for a moment, and then regains in volume and urgency as a pair (insight says that the child has fallen).

Round 5: The pair of shouts changes to a single sobbing screaming male voice.

Round 6: The lone male voice abruptly goes silent.

If all three stealth checks have more success than failures then grant a surprise round and combat advantage until the end of the next round.

If two stealth checks were successful, grant a surprise round.

If only one Stealth check was successful, grant combat advantage.
With no successful stealth checks, grant the enemy combat advantage until the end of the turn.

If all three athletics checks were successful, grand full cover and range 2 from nearest creature.

If two of the Athletics checks were successful, grant partial cover, but the range is 4 to the nearest enemy.

If only one Athletics check was successful, grant partial concealment, but the range is 6.

With no successful athletics checks arrive at the edge of the battle map (range 10).

Mavericks that push ahead and arrive prior to round 5 will be gifted 1 extra minion per round of early arrival (so arriving at round 3 will result in there being 2 extra minions).

As far as XP goes I would treat this as a normal (at level) encounter/quest.
The fate of the three victims is to be determined later.

Panic Attack: Three Days: Maps, I Need Maps

2008-11-05T07:00:00.002-06:00

Although I am a procrastinator I do have standards: I feel that nothing helps sell a scene as much as a nice looking map.

RPG Mapshare is a wonderful place for finding all sorts of maps. Including this Camp 1 which would be good for setting an ambush scene.

Dungjinni is a nice application for doing pretty maps fairly quickly and has a fantastic user community that is continually producing mind blowing art. With a bit of quick searching I found this map that I can use for the nest/temple transition. Here is one for a deeper forest encounter. Given that I have un-exercised drawing talent that is not quite up to stick figures I managed to produce this in about 15 min using the stock art that comes with Dungjinni.

There is also the Cartographers Guild that appears to have a wealth of ready to use maps and more mapping tips than you can shake a stick at (though you will need a login to see many of them).

Panic Attack: Four Days: Encounter Mix

2008-11-04T07:00:00.003-06:00

To promote a party of 6 characters to 2nd level requires 6,000 xp. Based upon the guidelines from page 104 of the Dungeon Masters Guide I think the encounter breakdown should look like this:

#	XP	Encounter
1	450	6 minons (lvl 1 at 25xp or 150xp total); 3 Skirmishers (lvl 1 at 100xp or 300xp total)
2	500	4 minons(lvl 1 at 25xp or 100); 3 Skirmishers (lvl 1 at 100xp or 300x); 1 Brute (lvl 1 at 100xp)
3	550	2 minons(lvl 1 at 25xp for 50xp); 1 Skrimisher (lvl 1 at 100xp); 1 Brute (lvl 1 at 100xp); 3 artillery (lvl 1 at 100xp for 300xp total)
4	600	3 infested Deer (3rd level creatures 150xp each)
5	650	8 minons (lvl 1 at 25xp for 200xp); 4th level trap (200xp) and 2 lurkers (2nd lvl at 125 or 250xp)
6	700	2 brutes (1st lvl 100xp or 200xp), 2 artillery (1st lvl for 200xp total); and a controler (3rd lvl elite at 300xp)
7	750	Controlled villagers (1st lvl minion at 25xp each, max of 10 no more than 4 active at a time) and Queen(1st lvl solo);
8	800	Temple skill challenge; most likely in several parts.
9	1000	To kill a god

With the controlled creatures an attack targeted at the Fell Mind Bore OR any area affect spell that penetrates its defenses will return the controlled creature to a normal state of mind.
This is just a first pass and is subject to change.

Panic Attack: Four Days: Designing Encounters

2008-11-03T07:00:00.025-06:00

Allegedly 4E is GM frendly in terms of game prep so I am going to give it a try.

Adventure: A spider nest in the forest is starting to attack a village.
So I am going to use Kobolds but "file the numbers off": Shifty becomes Jumpy; The javlin is replaced with a Spit attack. The +2 trap sense I'm replacing with +2 for stealth checks. Dark vision becomes tremor sense. So what does our Fell Spiders look like:

Fell Spider Minion		Level 1 Minion
Small Natural Spider		XP 25
Initiative +1		Senses Perception +6, Tremor sense
HP 1 a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 15; Fortitude 13, Reflex 13, Will 13

Speed 6; see jumpy
Bite (Standard; at-will)
+5 vs AC; 4 damage
Spit Attack (Standard; at-will)
Ranged 10/20; +6 vs AC; 4 damage.
Jumpy (Minor; at-will)
The spider can shift (jump) 1 square and ignore terrain effect.
Alignment Unaligned		Languages
Skills Acrobatics +6, Stealth +6
Str 13 (+1)	Dex 13 (+1)	Wis 13 (+1)
Con 13 (+1)	Int 13 (+1)	Cha 13 (+1)

Thanks to Monster Maker 3.1 from Encounter-a-day. Also submitted to The Open Archive.
Source image from spilopterus

Panic Attack: Four Days

2008-11-02T16:22:00.006-06:00

So I was twiddling around the galaxy, just minding the Grox's (Spore) business when I suddenly recalled that I am introducing (and running for) my group there first 4E game this coming Thursday.

Eep!

So the first thing I do is play more Spore (Behold the power of Denial). The next day I do the accounting, dishes, vacuuming, run some errands, Play with Monster Maker 3.1; write this post. I do everything save actually working on the game. I do believe that I have truly mastered it the fine art of procrastination.

I suppose I will rationalize this post as a way to "just start writing".

2009/02/18 Note: Closing off comments to prevent spam.

Excuse Post: From Tidal Pool to Glactic Core

2008-10-19T17:27:00.006-05:00

What have I been doing for the last for the last 39 days? Crawling from the from the sea; performing for other members of my species; transforming planets; and journeying to the galactic core. In my travels I have found Earth, and colonized it. Made friends with some; eliminated others; traded the rarest of spices; made all the money I could have; chatted with Steve; wielded the staff of life to transform worlds. I have become the creator of life; and the distroyer of worlds.

Ok, so I have been playing Spore WAYYYYY too much.

It's a delightful Sim game (DRM issues aside) that has enough variety that you never get truly bord (though it has happend once of twice), yet there is always something to do. In the past I have avoided The Sims figuring that it was a massive time suck (and it is just based upon what I can do with the free demo).

Normaly, I keep to Turn based resource management games like GalCiv and it's decendants. The real time resource management games become an execsie in plate spinning, and ultimatly, the computer will be better at managing queues than I will be. GalCiv is nearly the game I would wright if I were so inclided (and had arbitrarily large amounts of time and resources).

But spore is simple enough that 8 year old my step granddaughter can play it (and I have run into many of her creations in my quest for the core). Varried enough that I am willing to keep going (my current quest is to rid the galixy of the Grox).

What does any of this have to do with Table Top RPG's: zip. But it is what I have been doing for the last month and a good bit.

Snork

The Party of Six: 10th Level

2008-09-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

Storming the main compound of the Blue hand Clan went well until a particularly weaselly little goblin rogue raised the alarm. Compound defenses became much more challenging, ultimately ending in a retreat by our heroes after encountering a well entrenched Stoneface and a large number of archers setup on a balcony. They have returned to the vicinity of the shipwreck, the scent of which has been greatly enhanced by a decomposing dragon corpse. So they opt for a much more difficult perch on the cliff face.

Agninu - Stalwart Guard pg 81,Acolyte Power pg 209(switch Get over Here with Unbalancing Parry), Paragon large shield of protection (13th level).
Beck - Defensive Rally pg 149, Skill Training: Perception.
Cthic - Shadow Stride pg 122, Two Weapon Defense, Rouge's gloves (12th level)
Darrin - Resistance, pg 164; Arcane Gate pg 163, Improved Initiative, Magic +3 Dagger
Ehlin - Mass Cure Light Wounds, Improved Initiative,Rope of Climbing.

Each character receves 1680 gp and still has not had a chance to deal with the art and gems. Tje pile of left over magic items is still sizable but didn't grow at all during this level.

Leveling and Math in 4th Edition

2008-09-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Having leveled 5 characters up through 11 levels: keeping track of all the numbers is a big deal. If you have looked at any of the pre-generated character sheets you may have noticed all of the end-notes (all 30+ of them): This has been the only way I could keep track of all the numbers.

Now in the real world, where a player need only keep track of their character, and leveling occurs every few sessions (assuming 10 encounters, with 2-3 encounters a session, it should happen every third or fourth session); The math should not be too much of a problem. I would, however, suggest that Players keep track good notes on what effects what.

Keep in mind that I am not using A spread sheet or any other tool. Just word, calculator and CutePDF. In a better world I would have started with a spread sheet for each PC or used one of the available tools. In the perfict world, there would be a sanction WotC application that would remove all of this drugery.

This is not a complaint, just a minor venting after a full day of rolling the party through levels.

Update The Party of Six files: Cthic, Ehlin

2008-09-06T17:16:00.002-05:00

As our heroes close in on paragon tier I found a few errors that required me to re-upload the PDF's.

Cthic 9th: There was an error in his 9th level hp.
Ehlin 9th: All attack values for all implement based powers were not updated for the new holy symbol, nor was it's title, though the body text was correct.

Thanks,
Snorkey

The Party of Six: 9th Level

2008-09-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

In the morning, the party was awakened by a rather unhappy Adult Black Dragon, after a botched attempt to parlay a rather intense skirmish broke out. The party was victorious, but Agninu and Ehlin were taken down but not killed. Two new suits of armor and a shiny Holy symbol were found after a good bit of swimming. The balance of the day was spent cleaning out a forward outpost of the Blue Hand Clan. During the interrogations, the identity of the clans leader, Alisha Stoneface, was learned.

Agninu - Thicket of Blades pg 80,Amulet of Protection +3 pg 249
Beck - Knock Them Down pg 148, Black Iron Scale +2 pf 227
Cthic - Deadly Positioning pg 121, Sunleaf Leather +3 pg 231
Darrin - Ice Storm pg 163, Wall of Fire pg 163.
Ehlin - Flame Strike pg 67, Symbol of Battle +2 pg 237

Each party member receives 1360 gp; though they still have yet to liquidate the Art and gems from last time. Beck's Razor Scale +1 goes into party treasure, as does Cthic's Deathcut Leather +1, and Ehlin's Symbol of Hope +1.

The Party of Six: 8th Level

2008-09-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

Harborhearth is certainly the largest place our heroes have ever seen, and it is not to Agninu's liking, nor are the city jails. The party has however, found the strong hold of the Blue Hand Clan and are currently resting in an abandoned shipwreck after a long days fight, mostly against Orc's Ogres, and a particularly nasty Dead Tree Dryad and her human lackeys.

Agninu - Str, Cha; Novice Power pg 209 (swap: Crushing Blow for Disruptive Strike pg 106)
Beck - Str, Wis; Improved Initiative pg 198; Diadem of Acuity (8th level) pg 248;
Cthic - Dex, Con; Defensive Mobility pg 194;
Darrin - Int, Wis; Astral Fire pg 193; Ghostphase Cloth +2
Ehlin - Wis, Cha; Light Step pg 198; Handy Haversack

Each person receives 330 gp, and the following is placed into the party treasure: 2 x 500gp rubies, 4 x 100gp pearls, 5 matched paintings of elemental chaos (250 gp each), 3 tombs of great antiquity (250 gp each) that deal with the politics of a forgotten Eldrin Nation, Finally a pair of sending stones were also acquired.

Additionally, Darrins old suit of Bloodthread Cloth Armor +1 goes into the recycling pile.

Updated The Party of Six files

2008-09-03T11:38:00.007-05:00

The very kind Gregor LeBlaque pointed out that I had miss-calculated the Hp by using the Con bonus instead of the Con Score, resulting in lower Bloodied and Healing Surge values.
I have re-pushed the following pre-gen character PDF's

Agninu - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th.
Beck - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th.
Cthic - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th.
Darrin - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th.
Ehlin - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th.

The character sheets rolling forward should be more accurate and of a more compact format.

All characters have been updated.

Thank you,
Snorkey

The Party of Six: 7th Level

2008-09-03T07:00:00.004-05:00

The party has finally meshed (aside from a few friendly jabs from Cthic "Human, dying was the best thing to happen to you"). They were able to deftly deal with the many encounters (primarily Orc bandits and a murder of griffon's) on the road from the Crossroads Village to Harbor Hearth.

Agninu - Reckless Strike pg 80,
Beck - Surround Foe pg 148, Lifedrinker longsword +2 pg 235
Cthic -Sand in the Eyes pg 121, Elven Cloak +2 pg 250, Dynamic Belt pg 253
Darrin -Lightning Bolt pg 162, Wand of fiery bolt +2 pg 243
Ehlin - Searing Light pg 66,
Each person receives 720 gp.

For saving her hide, Ehlin gifted the Dynamic Belt to Cthic, as it would be of greater use to him than her.

The Party of Six: 6th Level

2008-09-02T07:00:00.003-05:00

The Goblin Queen and her Teifling consort are dead. When policing the bodies the party discovered documents that indicate that the Blue Hand Clan's power center is in Harborhearth. Not surprisingly there was no sign of the Heart of the Beloved.

Agninu - Unbreakable pg 80, Lethal Hunter , Mountain Plate +2, pg 231
Beck - Guide the Charge pg 147, Alertness
Cthic - Mob Mentality pg 120, Skill Training (Intimidate), Dragon Slayer Shortsword +2, pg 233
Darrin - Invisibility pg 162, Dispel Magic pg 162, Action Surge, Amulet of Protection +2, pg 249
Ehlin -Bastion of Health pg 66, Group Insight feat, Resounding Mace +2, pg 249
Each also received 475 gp, Though, Beck and Cthic have decided to send their share home to their spouses.

Agninu's old suit of Battle Forged Plate +1 goes back into the party treasure. The Rituals of Enchant Item and Disenchant Magic Item were acquired from the Teifling consort and may be put to use on some of the party leftovers.

The Obligitory Excuse Post V00000000000003

2008-08-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

I am placing "The Party of Six" character pregens on hold for a week as I am traveling on business.
I will try to post something vaguely interesting during this week but who knows.
I hope to pick the series back up Sept 1.

Thanks,
Snork

The Party of Six: 5th Level

2008-08-24T07:00:00.004-05:00

While leaving the Crossroads The Party of Six stopped to visit with the Starving Rock. Though Agninu amused it with threats of violence (and was knocked over by the chuckle), the party did secure a promise of a prophesy upon completion of a quest: find the heart of it's beloved. They then proceeded to the Den of the Goblin queen.
There they faced several nasty encounters, though mostly with the goblins.
Agninu is vastly more subdued and now works well with both Beck and Cthic, creating opportunities for them to excel rather than basking in her own glory.

Agninu - Vicious Longsword+2, Dizzying Blow pg 79
Beck - Light shield of Defiance, Stand of the Fallen pg 147
Cthic - Walking Wounded pg 120
Darrin - Bloodthread +1, Fireball pg 161, Icy Grasp pg 161
Ehlin - Weapon of the Gods pg 65

The Shadowfell gloves go into the party treasure, as Darrin really doesn't like the looks of them and Ehlin won't touch them. The party also acquired the Ritual "Knock". The party aslo decided to create an operating reserve fund of 1280 gp.

The Party of Six: 4th Level

2008-08-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

The heroes finally faced down "Big Boy" and his goblin cohorts. Though the party won the battle, Agninu was immolated before the rest of the team could close. Despite Cthic's protests, Darrin persuaded the team to have her raised at the crossroad village. She came back... different.

Agninu - Str, Dex; Warrior of the Wild (took heal and received Hunters Query class feature as an encounter ability).
Beck - Thunderburst crossbow +1; Str, Dex; Defensive Mobility
Cthic - Deathcut leather +1; Str, Dex; Enlarged Dragon Breath
Darrin - Staff of Fiery Might +2; Int, Cha; Raging Thunder
Ehlin - Magic Chainmail +2; Wis, Str; Skill focus (Healing)
265gp each.

The Sylvan Leather was sold to Cthzag for 136gp, as was Agninu's Axe for 168gp. These proceeds were spent, along with 374gp of Agninu's wealth to get her raised.

Notes: feats added, stats awarded (but not adjusted).

The Party of Six: Files Updated

2008-08-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

When I got to fourth level I ran into a problem remembering all of the math that went into each particular attribute and skill. So to give myself a little help I added endnotes to the document to detail the calulations that went into each value.
I have updated all of the associated PDF along with a number spelling and typo errors. The old links now link to the new files.
We shall try and continue with the 4th level instances tomorrow.

Snork

The Party of Six: 3rd Level

2008-08-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Life in the Party of Six has become shouting matches punctuated by occasional fights, sometimes even with Kobolds and their Goblin allies. The most dramatic verbal sparing matches have been between Agninu and Cthic (with Beck chuckling in the background).
The tiny kobold mage "Big Boy" remains elusive, having abandoned his followers to the Party, he fled into the night, presumably into the arms of the Goblin Queen.

Agninu - Horned Helm; Crushing Blow
Beck - Boots of Spider Climbing; Steel Monsoon
Cthic - Sylvan leather +1; Topple Over
Darrin - Fire Shroud
Ehlin - Split the sky.
208 gp each

The Everlasting Provisions goes into Party treasure along with "Agninu's Axe".

The Party of Six: 2nd Level

2008-08-20T07:00:00.005-05:00

Our adventuring company, tracking the "Blue Hand Clan", stumbled upon a fortified cavern nest of Koblods. In the battles that followed Agninu preferred to charge headlong into targets, sometimes dragging Beck along. Her rash style has caused some strife amongst Darrin's friends Cthic and Beck. In interrogating a lone survivor the Company has discovered that "Big Boy" (a shrimp of a Kobold mage) is the leader of local branch of the Clan.

Agninu - Battleforged Plate +1, Takes Powerful charge and "Get over Here" utility.
Beck - Razor Scale +1, Armor Proficiency (scale) and Aid the Injured utility.
Cthic - Potion of Healing, Backstabber feat and Tumble utility.
Darrin - Human male wizard; Alertness, Expeditious retreat and Shield utility's.
Ehlin - Symbol of Hope +1; Human Perseverance and Cure Light wounds utility.
134 gp to each party member.

The Battle Axe of Terror +1 remains in party treasure along with a 100gp pearl until the party can decide what to do with them. (Agninu REALLY wants the Axe).

The Party of Six: 1st Level

2008-08-19T07:00:00.003-05:00

Agninu, with assistance from her uncle Darrin forms the adventuring company to destroy the rampaging Blue Hand Clan.

1st Level

Agninu - Human female fighter
Beck - Eldrin male warlord
Cthic - Dragonborn female rouge
Darrin - Human male wizard
Ehlin - Half-elf female cleric of Pellor.

Tomorrow: 2nd Level.

NPC A Day presents 4E Pre-Generated PC's

2008-08-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

Over the next thirty days I will be presenting "The Party of Six": A five member adventuring team formed around the parties' fighter, Agninu's quest for revenge against the Blue Hand Clan for the death of her brother Zeth. I will provide links to PDFs for each character at each level.

As a preview, here is the founder: Agninu.

4E NPC 00028 – Olam (Human, Male), a laborer

2008-08-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Occupation: Olam is a day laborer, doing odd jobs around town as needed.

Physical Description: Olam is a handsome man of about 30 years, with brown hair, piercing green eyes and a well developed physic. He is unmarried and unattached, and, thus the source of much conversation amongst the ladies of the town.

Attributes/Skills: Olam has no skills other than having a strong back and looking good while working.

Values/Motivations: Olam has turned his back on his previous life and is hiding here in the town. He wishes to remain alone to the end of his days.

Behavior: First thing at every job: he removes his shirt. He will flee any fight.

Useful Knowledge: Olam knows his past but is not telling. He has avoided learning anything about the town.

Mannerism: He avoids eye contact at all times.

4E NPC 00027 – Onis (Human Female), wife of Brethen, worker at the Stumbling Horse.

2008-08-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

Occupation: Cook, cleaner, maid, and generally haggard mother of 3 teenage girls.

Physical Description: A very tired woman well beyond her prime. She wears basic clothing that is a bit frayed and stained.

Attributes/Skills: She is an excellent cook, when she has time, but between maintain the inn, keeping tabs on her girls, and keeping up with her husband.

Values/Motivations: She loves her family and the inn, and will protect them with her life.

Behavior: Though on the edge of exhaustion she is always pleasant and exuberant.

Useful Knowledge: She feigns ignorance at anything she doesn’t want to talk about.

Mannerism: She has a very shrill laugh.