Are you a GamesMaster for a fantasy role-playing game? Do you struggle to make your settings feel real? Do you need a castle home base? Or a castle for the players to attack? Or a refuge from the dangers on the road? Maybe some NPCs in a wilderness stronghold? Ragnar's Keep is a detailed castle … Continue reading Ragnar’s Keep – a mediaeval castle setting for fantasy RPGs
The question of Race, or nature versus nurture
Over the last year there has been a lot of talk against Dungeons and Dragons races and how they pre-determine various attributes of a character (generally with the conclusion that this is BAD and very un-woke and un-politically-correct). Tasha's Cauldron of Everything brought in some changes to attempt to address these concerns, but from what … Continue reading The question of Race, or nature versus nurture
The Secrets of Skyhorn Lighthouse – a rethinking of module layout
We're working through The Secrets of Skyhorn Lighthouse by Kelsey Dionne of The Arcane Library right now. It's an interesting take, trying to set things up more easily for GMs to run. Or as it says in the introduction: This adventure is meant to be run at a glance with minimal preparation and a natural … Continue reading The Secrets of Skyhorn Lighthouse – a rethinking of module layout
Akorros Race Relations – dwarves, elves and halflings
In Akorros Race Relations – orcs and half orcs, I looked at how half-orcs are viewed in Akorros, and some of the history which led to this. Now it's time to move on to the demi-humans. Dwarves in Akorros I see there being a fair number of dwarves in Akorros, particularly in the The Dexterous … Continue reading Akorros Race Relations – dwarves, elves and halflings
Akorros Race Relations – orcs and half orcs
Recently one of my players asked "are there any good places to read up on races like Orcs/half-orcs in Akorros? Mostly why they are viewed "less favourably"?" I realised I couldn't think of anywhere to point him at, particularly since this is my interpretation and expansion of Akorros, which qualifies for a whole seven paragraphs … Continue reading Akorros Race Relations – orcs and half orcs
February update
Unlock with PatreonMapping Akorros – Worldographer
I've decided it's time I developed my map of Akorros, and there are various tools out there, so this seemed like a good opportunity to explore them as well. Anyway, there are various mapping packages specifically aimed at the role-playing gamer, including: Inkwell Ideas WorldographerProfantasy Software Campaign CartographerInkarnate This post describes my experience with Worldographer. … Continue reading Mapping Akorros – Worldographer
A Variant Circle of Spores Druid
One of my players is creating a new 6th-level character to join the ongoing campaign, and asked if they could make a Circle of Spores Druid from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything. I took a quick look at the description and read: These druids believe that life and death are parts of a grand cycle, with … Continue reading A Variant Circle of Spores Druid
Skills: passive, active and proficient
In previous posts, I have looked at A history of skills in BECMI, looked at the different 5e skills in detail, and explored what skills can (and equally importantly can’t) do. I've looked at complex tasks and negotiations which require more than one skill check. I keep thinking I've discussed different types of skill check, but while … Continue reading Skills: passive, active and proficient
January update 2021 and New year resolutions
Resting revisited
In the summer, I discussed resting and house rules. It's time to revisit it after another few months playing. Coming from the BECMI boxed sets, the 5th edition resting rules seemed unrealistically generous to me, particularly the fact that characters completely heal on a long rest. Photo by JJ Jordan on Unsplash I considered the … Continue reading Resting revisited