tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79666526640553177812024-03-18T23:58:42.002-04:00The Vorpal SporkTom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-36377792204519177942012-09-03T12:20:00.000-04:002012-09-03T12:20:37.341-04:00Pathfinder: the Comic Book #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQs_vwfAi_gSxKCRV0P8yfL957dcv0Hc628A0Nl1AVzufJeWx-Nzo9QjgLEgUBb5kwzhAk4LHrwSoBCaUxKmQ1QS4tlk-6hz9IYLNfs-K9Ulh4_TCg5FOwSksykxwEL4cGa6g1GAho4jL8/s1600/Pathfinder-Comic-Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQs_vwfAi_gSxKCRV0P8yfL957dcv0Hc628A0Nl1AVzufJeWx-Nzo9QjgLEgUBb5kwzhAk4LHrwSoBCaUxKmQ1QS4tlk-6hz9IYLNfs-K9Ulh4_TCg5FOwSksykxwEL4cGa6g1GAho4jL8/s320/Pathfinder-Comic-Book.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
If you enjoy Role-Playing Games and Comic Books (who doesn't) you should add this to your pull at your local comic book store. The fine folks at Paizo and Dynamite have done something that I have not seen before. They have added an encounter and a pull out map to their CB. <br />
The art is a mass-market adaptation of the awesome paintings in their RPG products, and the story is lot's of fun. <br />
If you are trying to interest younglings in the game this will be an awesome tool, as it dovetails nicely with the Beginers box product as well. <br />
The Comic fills the first 2/3rds of the book and the rest is character profiles, adventure hooks, and notes about the area of Sandpoint where the adventure is set. <br />
The pull-out has a mini poster on one side and an encounter map on the other.<br />
Love it, will review future issues here.<br />
<a href="http://dynamite.net/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?CAT=DF-Pathfinder">Link to Dynamite Webbie</a><br />
Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-70439215384222140162012-03-30T23:30:00.000-04:002012-03-30T23:30:54.674-04:00Random Harlot Table; Finally After Thirty-Three Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvAqo462KX7MKztEY-KRAlRcod01fjfSbn6qxOIyDNvfp8JBuYb8XWM82bsSqPjuQgobdpoMwfM6VwS_AGcqzVQxyo96vEY4q06zC2Ko-oepy6avwcsH7OfUelNFvRXV12Jbei6D0iyvy/s1600/DMGcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvAqo462KX7MKztEY-KRAlRcod01fjfSbn6qxOIyDNvfp8JBuYb8XWM82bsSqPjuQgobdpoMwfM6VwS_AGcqzVQxyo96vEY4q06zC2Ko-oepy6avwcsH7OfUelNFvRXV12Jbei6D0iyvy/s320/DMGcover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was playing Pathfinder on Tuesday, when an amazing planetary alignment occurred. My 4th Level Wizard, Murduck the Dabbler, was be-friended by a Lady of the Evening. While fleshing out this NPC one the Old-Timers suggested we consult the <strong>Random Harlot table</strong> of the "<strong>AD&D Dungeon Masters Guide"</strong>.<br />
[flashback] <br />
Like many pubescent nerds in 1980, I pored through this amazing Tome with a zeal rivaled only by those Playboys my Dad had hidden in the Garage. I recall reading the table and wondering vaguely what a harlot or a courtesan was. Certainly this info was cataloged and forgotten until Tuesday. Of course this is the kinda shit us old nerds live for. <br />
Fortunately, we were at Backlist Books, and several copies were on hand. The original table is on page 192, if you have one. But, I will recreate it here for those who don't. Thank You Charlie for remembering and Mr. Gygax for the many years of fun.<br />
<br />
01-10 Slovenly trull<br />
11-25 Brazen strumpet<br />
26-35 Cheap trollop<br />
36-50 Typical streetwalker<br />
51-65 Saucy tart<br />
66-75 Wanton wench<br />
76-82 Expensive doxy<br />
86-90 Haughty courtesan<br />
91-92 Aged madam<br />
93-94 Wealthy procuress<br />
95-98 Sly pimp<br />
99-00 Rich panderer<br />
<br />
P.S. I rolled a Typical streetwalker, but was hoping for an Expensive doxy at least.<br />
Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-10375640991733061242012-03-21T16:46:00.000-04:002012-03-21T16:46:09.229-04:00Party of One Adventures: Kalgor Bloodhammer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i1yHuILkjCCLYEE38RIsmBvSeB4RlTVtvUHX5-o8wzrN8gU7AbXWDljPuKMalbaUriR9_1gRcZuf64GgbmkVZFYQaou97gSvlXiDlXeUR_8ARG764IQXF8xZpo03v_y7RH3wtqxc9f9q/s1600/Kalgorpic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i1yHuILkjCCLYEE38RIsmBvSeB4RlTVtvUHX5-o8wzrN8gU7AbXWDljPuKMalbaUriR9_1gRcZuf64GgbmkVZFYQaou97gSvlXiDlXeUR_8ARG764IQXF8xZpo03v_y7RH3wtqxc9f9q/s1600/Kalgorpic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_914080432"></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i1yHuILkjCCLYEE38RIsmBvSeB4RlTVtvUHX5-o8wzrN8gU7AbXWDljPuKMalbaUriR9_1gRcZuf64GgbmkVZFYQaou97gSvlXiDlXeUR_8ARG764IQXF8xZpo03v_y7RH3wtqxc9f9q/s320/Kalgorpic.png" width="245" /><span id="goog_914080433"></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Recently I received a copy of a solo adventure for the Pathfinder Rules System. It follows the first exploits of a young Dwarf, Kalgor Bloodhammer, coming into his own. </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those of us "seasoned citizens" who grew up
with TSR's "Choose Your Own Adventure" books, it was a reminder of
those Golden Days of Yore. I Played through it three times and got
different results each time. Not only is it entertaining, but it can teach a novice the
Basic mechanics of Pathfinder. This is a good supplement to the Pathfinder Starter Box, and was fun for even a Jaded Grognard like me. I am printing several copies to give to
my nephews to play. It also includes two sample character sheets for play with the box set. I will post the feedback from my nephews when it comes in. Well done. At only $2.99 for the PDF I think it's a good buy. Follow the link for more info....</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/kqstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=158">http://www.koboldquarterly.com/kqstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=158</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-20456053936383611322011-03-21T09:20:00.000-04:002011-03-21T09:20:53.879-04:00The Secret Lives of Dwarves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLWGBGto7TqJ5YnKkN4HjgCZEW3UP1aA3fCELeGw_oRQnKFBHRf_frKNrGAImrFfTFpllKNjNPdl_jw791gtHYv4b524Svo2mdwAvFJJRQ-6Pxys1O8s27qxi7mSQjD46SIzOl3AeO1F_/s1600/Dwarves_Deep.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLWGBGto7TqJ5YnKkN4HjgCZEW3UP1aA3fCELeGw_oRQnKFBHRf_frKNrGAImrFfTFpllKNjNPdl_jw791gtHYv4b524Svo2mdwAvFJJRQ-6Pxys1O8s27qxi7mSQjD46SIzOl3AeO1F_/s1600/Dwarves_Deep.png" /></a></div> What would Fantasy RPG's be without Dwarves? Hopefully we'll never have to find out! I certainly make no bones about it, I'm a Dwarfophile. Not sure how or why it happened, but it did. I love old and new school dwarves. If I'm not parked behind the DM Screen, I'm role-playing a bearded Denizen of the Deep Places.<br />
My Favourite cannon on Dwarves would be "Dwarves Deep” by Ed Greenwood (1990 TSR). This is the definitive tome concerning the Dwarves of the Forgotten Realms. <br />
It includes:<br />
A poster size map of the Subterranean Realm<br />
Name tables <br />
Runes-a-plenty<br />
Clan names<br />
Spells<br />
Mythology<br />
And, a Who's-Who of Faerun Dwarvedom. A quick E-Bay search yielded several copies in the $15-$20 price range.<br />
While this would qualify for most as Old School, Dwarves have been around for a very long time. <br />
The first such historical references date back to Ancient Egypt. Certainly much of we know about fantasy dwarves owes itself to Norse Mythology. If you’d like to add to the list of Dwarvenly Goodness please mention them in the comments below.Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-37463967843508516922011-03-18T08:35:00.001-04:002011-03-18T08:46:35.689-04:0050% Off Anniversary Sale at Kobold Quarterly<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page8684.php" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAjnpO_ML7_4APJpSoipMXe2afkm0AFyo8juw9F34PaR1PrKGr7uHphzE_o_3zzvb3JZeYAD2zenQtjyazud_AGHi8yh3k1_SBx5Yx7HGFR6zKEo-XqSfr6cSFoQVMfTcXhCJ0rROEufg/s1600/mascot.png" /></a>If you play D&D, Pathfinder, or Dragon Age click over to the <a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page8684.php">Kobold Quarterly Web Store</a> for their HUGE Anniversary Sale! What started as a hare-brained idea has turned into THE stop for DIY fantasy rpg'ers! Happy Anniversary! RFI!</div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-12081816021060745842011-02-06T16:49:00.000-05:002011-02-06T16:49:01.027-05:00"Legend of Boggy Creek" the RPG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SQD2tilI-FfpsMEjaetVvLJ-XkGWUlP0Y8vZOLBxjIE4hev3qxYikdVEp-DWerGDQNYoQj4Z_3U9K3K0AANmts_2WkgCEomS2JjxJ4YAAKgZuUfA1LtpYeo0nMraz6jQKewGoguyPJ1W/s1600/BoggyCreek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SQD2tilI-FfpsMEjaetVvLJ-XkGWUlP0Y8vZOLBxjIE4hev3qxYikdVEp-DWerGDQNYoQj4Z_3U9K3K0AANmts_2WkgCEomS2JjxJ4YAAKgZuUfA1LtpYeo0nMraz6jQKewGoguyPJ1W/s400/BoggyCreek.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>Recently I was reading the Pathfinder "Game Mastery Guide". (Excellent Book BTW) In the back, under references the Movie "the Legend of Boggy Creek" was listed. I remember going to see this in the theatre with my Dad. No, there wasn't much to do in 1972. I was scared shitless! I think the fact that this was a docu-drama lent it an air of believability.<br />
Had this film not been made I'm sure life as we know it would pretty much be the same. But, I love this movie because of it's flaws, <strong>and</strong> because of what it does right. I'm curious to know how many of us are influenced by such "cheesy" cinema. Certainly one of my favorite encounters was based on a terrible Hercules Movie from the 50's. <br />
<br />
How about you?<br />
<br />
"The Legend of Boggy Creek" is available on Netflix.Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-66205813554048803282011-02-01T10:55:00.000-05:002011-02-01T10:55:37.404-05:00Haunted Hovel: FREE Pathfinder EncounterLast year I wrote a Harrowing Haunts encounter for Kobold Quarterly. <br />
<a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page7181.php">http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page7181.php</a><br />
<br />
Today they added two new Haunts to the Encounter, by Maurice De Mare.<br />
<a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page8393.php">http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page8393.php</a><br />
<br />
This is tailor made for any spooky forest encounter, especially the Old Margreave!<br />
Also, I found a sweet (FREE) Papercraft Hovel model over at Fantasy Cutouts!<br />
<a href="http://www.fantasycutouts.com/Hovel.html">http://www.fantasycutouts.com/Hovel.html</a><br />
<br />
This, plus some spooky roleplaying is more than enough to entertain your group for a session. Maybe you can make a fire and toast up some smores. It's all FREE, what's better than that on a snowy Tuesday! Oh yeah, get your FREE copy of Kobold Quarterly issue #11.<br />
<a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page8376.php">http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page8376.php</a>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-53987430586157563372011-02-01T00:10:00.000-05:002011-02-01T00:10:38.947-05:00Free Kobold Quarterly for Download!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page8376.php" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWZGjGxOpYjR9V89eUx9RQDZFgI-X3gqY8etAzdb7pz4xewHMBRCuA_lWc8pMtv8ELpjAbQVZ1DfweHvLPYf2JdxGfyhsUS4qLxeqMvZjn-RTzZDjxKenJhtfRzSmW3GzWdibB9GaoY8Z/s320/KQ11.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>Anyone who's read this blog knows that I'm a huge Fanboy for Kobold Quarterly and Open Design. Ever wonder how it started. No, well I'm telling you anyway. I saw a link on RPG Bloggers for a free RPG magazine. Soon I was reading their Webbie every day and bugging my FLGS to carry the Magazine.<br />
<br />
Click on the cover to go over to site, get a free PDF then let me know what you think! You won't be dissapointed.Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-39954466609766567202011-01-25T11:20:00.000-05:002011-01-25T11:20:14.137-05:00$5 T-Shirt Geek/Nerd/Gamer HardcoreHuge $5 and up sale at Jinx!!! Just bought Star Trek, Afro-Samurai, and D&D shirt.<br />
These are great T's not a paid endorsement!!! I do get points for Refering peeps though.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jinx.com/member/513798?bid=12" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://www.jinx.com/Content/Banner/125x125magic_green.jpg" width="125" /></a>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-60033414846781766812011-01-23T21:34:00.000-05:002011-01-23T21:34:04.057-05:00Kobold Quarterly #16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjvL-QYxl66N6iIjiZXNFGnoUwiM3o3uYBXMQ2h_5eFII9DloYW1fybXIShyphenhyphen09yezL6q9IUVUyPkXTJvw_WCBmC5hiKTw1octhkYONE5QmbuohVIV6HSCdSQA2Z60GTa_Mxjrokc21MD7/s1600/KQ16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjvL-QYxl66N6iIjiZXNFGnoUwiM3o3uYBXMQ2h_5eFII9DloYW1fybXIShyphenhyphen09yezL6q9IUVUyPkXTJvw_WCBmC5hiKTw1octhkYONE5QmbuohVIV6HSCdSQA2Z60GTa_Mxjrokc21MD7/s320/KQ16.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br />
Kobold Quarterly #16 is about a week old now and I feel it's time I weigh in. <u>To put it simply it's the best gaming periodical on the market, print or digital!</u> Having had brief peeks behind the curtain only amazes me more. It's literally produced and marketed by less than ten people! <br />
This issue, as with the others, has something for everyone:<br />
A Gearforged PC race for 4th <strong>and </strong>Pathfinder<br />
Harem Assassins<br />
New monsters and spells.<br />
Book Reviews. <br />
Mini Adventures and maps.<br />
An Introduction to <a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/k/front-page8052.php">Midgard</a>. (more later)<br />
and much much more <br />
<br />
<strong>If you cannot find something you like in this magazine I will eat my Dungeon Masters screen!</strong><br />
Do yourself and your gaming group a favor and try Kobold Quarterly.Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-76724736345955848042010-12-05T22:31:00.000-05:002010-12-05T22:31:28.170-05:00Tales of the Old Margreve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/KQStore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=94&zenid=b231837c6db67ec70dce2412cf927a85" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iQv89rV0YKnwzLk67fkWG5aG6Ew6WszNIKlsG3Ib3n7XODlKsN7gMzkcM27U7T8MIwVy8XPoiwupWWXah08lPaf3aGFxQvK-28G2ykDkv2-7XlvG_JLVECm3Uzqd50nFXy8D5SPO1Bzk/s1600/Margreve.jpg" /></a></div><em>”My Ancestors are from Eastern Europe, I can remember my Great-Aunt telling me not to let the cat sleep in my bed because they steal the breathe of children” - Me </em><br />
<br />
<br />
In case you’re not familiar, Open Design uses a patronage system to come up with some truly excellent adventure settings. Not only am I a fan, but I’m a patron as well. When they asked me to review “Tales of the Old Margreve” I was more than happy to oblige. <br />
Lead by the Design team of Tim and Eileen Connors this literally has everything you need to keep a Pathfinder group busy for six months. <br />
Eight adventures inspired by Medieval Eastern European folklore are supported by 12 new Pathfinder monsters, new spells and a truly spooky 32,000 sq. mile living forest. <br />
Quite simply the Open Design Settings are as good as any the Big Dogs put out. Best of all at 113 pages you get all meat with no fluff for half the price. If you’re GM’ing Pathfinder and you’d like to inject some of that old Transylvania creepiness to your campaign this is the book for you.<br />
<a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/KQStore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=94&zenid=b231837c6db67ec70dce2412cf927a85">(click here or on the cover art to learn more)</a>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-43470911105056938472010-12-02T10:23:00.000-05:002010-12-02T10:23:43.656-05:00Gleefully Killing Clerics Since 1981<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx-uu6g-XhwwhHzLYggXBKLDNgwBu_nuCodVT9u858MKXfglHGEMyTSsZ5h8RLxdG9RZezKZs_UmCGXHOmVUNol20kl3kvaXFhmd_G9M7GxHr_cVHDMScMrGGPXqcKFNZcJA2WlWPoSyK/s1600/badcleric.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqx-uu6g-XhwwhHzLYggXBKLDNgwBu_nuCodVT9u858MKXfglHGEMyTSsZ5h8RLxdG9RZezKZs_UmCGXHOmVUNol20kl3kvaXFhmd_G9M7GxHr_cVHDMScMrGGPXqcKFNZcJA2WlWPoSyK/s320/badcleric.png" width="253" /></a></div>First off I would like to tip my hat to the RPG'ers who voluntarily play healers in adventuring parties. They rarely get awesome treasure or have bards compose lengthy biopic songs about them. But, they are extremely important! <br />
The newest incarnation of every one's favorite RPG has brought some healer issues to the forefront. The main one is that "You can't kill a 4th Ed. Party that has a good cleric/healer." Now this might be a tad overstated, but in a balanced encounter the players will always have a huge upper hand. Is that so bad? Yes. It makes combat extremely boring and sometimes painfully so. <br />
So how do you change that. You can tweak the monsters, give them regenerative powers and action points among other things. But, that has the unwanted effect of extending the combat. The easiest and most efficient way is to go after the cleric. You certainly don't <strong>HAVE</strong> to kill them, but you should definitely make them a focus of the bad guys. When the healer is more worried about his own ass, he becomes less of a healing machine and more of a real party member. This makes combat more fun, and makes the time fly by.Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-57244884796281988272010-11-29T21:09:00.000-05:002010-11-29T21:09:25.660-05:00Problem Solving with Kirk and Spock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwQ20Kgv1TH6CedlMs7xR434-s4fzejEWK70uVnnZSk_hk39AY79ybPngaLqYK0L__1Ihbq01gm5nAkrUdXvFz_70bb0jaBg7flBKsr1MahiNxQYUUIQBgDNE9KlRc_nsj1naKXdSNdau/s1600/kirk_and_spock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwQ20Kgv1TH6CedlMs7xR434-s4fzejEWK70uVnnZSk_hk39AY79ybPngaLqYK0L__1Ihbq01gm5nAkrUdXvFz_70bb0jaBg7flBKsr1MahiNxQYUUIQBgDNE9KlRc_nsj1naKXdSNdau/s1600/kirk_and_spock.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You don’t have to be a Dungeon Master or Psychologist for very long to realize that no two people solve problems in the same way. As a matter of fact, we count on that very fact for our entertainment. It’s makes Role-playing Games so much damn fun. For the benefit of my geekly audience I have split problem-solvers into two camps and assigned two iconic protagonists to be their Mascots.<br />
The first group is the Kirks: Members of the Kirk faction solve their problems with derring-do and panache. Why shouldn’t we split the party when we can do it while looking great and get the hot green girl at the same time. Kirks rarely have a plan, rely on implausible plot improvisations and fantastic MacGuffins.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> The Second group is the Spocks: If you are a Spock you’re probably really good at math. Every problem has a logical solution that can be arrived at with a pencil and a piece of scrap of paper. Everybody has a role and must perform it perfectly for the plan to work.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> The Big Question is which one is better? Neither! In fact, Spock needs Kirk and vice versa. Each of these groups is represented around your gaming table. If you’re really lucky, you’ll have a Montgomery Scott (MacGuffin Builder and Polarity Reverser) and a Leonard McCoy (Wise-ass Cleric type)thrown into the mix. Which type of Role-Player are you? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-31679812058131286902010-11-23T15:00:00.000-05:002010-11-23T15:00:31.520-05:00Adventure Time is Totally D&D!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCPmjS1ZeWqtyE-PZKLIoWgQsxYW7ewm4kRlJcG-Lmyd0fVT9YHMwKSByXuV7NFXzMETNgRYnIV3CsyMqioP933_ovy7R8khlS11j-lSZyIvkcFoY0Ujo3x8zHc9dwSZuJGTek3ujk29I/s1600/adventuretime-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCPmjS1ZeWqtyE-PZKLIoWgQsxYW7ewm4kRlJcG-Lmyd0fVT9YHMwKSByXuV7NFXzMETNgRYnIV3CsyMqioP933_ovy7R8khlS11j-lSZyIvkcFoY0Ujo3x8zHc9dwSZuJGTek3ujk29I/s1600/adventuretime-1.jpg" /></a></div>I, like most American Kids, grew up watching massive amounts of Cartoons. I like to consider myself kind of a connoisseur of the Art Form. Recently I've been watching a cool new show about a Paladin-Like young adventurer and his Funky Dog Pal. <br />
Not since the original Dungeons and Dragons Cartoon and Thundarr has there been a show that blends two of my favorite genres. D&D and Cartoons. The best part is that it does it without saying so. Watch it with your kids on Cartoon Network, it's Damn Funny.Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-53352095445791009842010-11-22T09:42:00.000-05:002010-11-22T09:42:41.168-05:00Take the D&D Iconic Monster Quiz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUHrj3naceFYinUS26W-2gLlO9gVWQa5izzr38F1o_Ecnr0IagMkcMtwF7w8hKcAsljpiMvIaPXz9d5a6WjO1nFPiwAMh9DRRzq2lFxTD5G3_geo6dmTM3Zl5PVEfph-PCn9Bg6BVHz9M/s1600/Gorbel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUHrj3naceFYinUS26W-2gLlO9gVWQa5izzr38F1o_Ecnr0IagMkcMtwF7w8hKcAsljpiMvIaPXz9d5a6WjO1nFPiwAMh9DRRzq2lFxTD5G3_geo6dmTM3Zl5PVEfph-PCn9Bg6BVHz9M/s320/Gorbel.jpg" width="241" /></a>Take the Old School Monter Quiz and test your AD&D street Cred. Post Your Results if you Dare! Click the Link Below. <a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4alum/20101122">D&D Iconic Monster Quiz</a></div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-17725159233586738332010-11-06T22:26:00.002-04:002010-11-06T23:24:44.317-04:00Kobold Quarterly Winter Issue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsYtUAgD0vmzMC3v3Znt-9hVbNyS1dzG7iE4PRXKrEW1AJI0ER0jFXtyc35c6LF6SxtcPgsy_IrQBq4FBMMDYRtCnJO8QLrWVrCNikJSZ7SOcKQNVWVQhIZWVwXO0xEOSYKP5fw7IBEPb/s1600/kobold15cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsYtUAgD0vmzMC3v3Znt-9hVbNyS1dzG7iE4PRXKrEW1AJI0ER0jFXtyc35c6LF6SxtcPgsy_IrQBq4FBMMDYRtCnJO8QLrWVrCNikJSZ7SOcKQNVWVQhIZWVwXO0xEOSYKP5fw7IBEPb/s320/kobold15cover.jpg" width="237" /></a></div> In the bookcase containing all of my RPG stuff is a big pile of Magazines. When I'm looking to jiggle a few ideas loose from the giant pile of toothpicks that is my brain, I start going through the pile. On top, is my growing collection of Kobold Quarterly's. <br />
The latest issue is simply chocked full of Pathfinder and D&D Goodies.<br />
For Pathfinder there are articles about Druids, Pit Traps and a rocking Giant Ant Ecology. <br />
For D&D 4th Ed. there's a fresh look at mounted combat, a superior article on mechanical traps, and a cool compilation of skill stances (essentials anyone). <br />
Added to this is their always great artwork, insightful commentary, and short player specific content.<br />
Whatever the "Switzerland of the Edition Wars" is doing over there, continue to encourage them by buying their Magazine. I fully expect to be reading <strong>Them</strong> for the next 20 years also.<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/KQStore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=100">Kobold Quarterly #15</a></div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-88028690334219669512010-11-02T23:24:00.000-04:002010-11-02T23:24:21.632-04:00From 101 Hit Point to 8, Will I Survive?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvm_x6gFtbpgeOVrTjJVGT_YW04aC020rCyYFDgaubr2VAslD5cEMstUuy9vDaGQpyvYFSQmjFUoIFU4M-ogpTODMNkPycWsxDsLQrOFDeuqjKk1UD5AZABUchdlee_IIvMIePf5FVxeM/s1600/ergywyld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvm_x6gFtbpgeOVrTjJVGT_YW04aC020rCyYFDgaubr2VAslD5cEMstUuy9vDaGQpyvYFSQmjFUoIFU4M-ogpTODMNkPycWsxDsLQrOFDeuqjKk1UD5AZABUchdlee_IIvMIePf5FVxeM/s320/ergywyld.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>We're getting ready to start a brand new 3.5 campaign on Thursday night. We're leaving behind some kick-ass 4th Ed. characters with some awesome magic items.<br />
<br />
My guy was Grognard Deepmug who wielded the "Axe of the Dwarvish Lords" and had 101 hitpoints. I'll be playing a Dwarf Caver (ranger) named Ergywyld Truesilver. Not only is this my first ranger, it's also my first foray with 3.5. I'm totally psyched! <br />
<br />
I'm not abandoning 4th, but our DM thought that this would be cool. I like what I've seen so far.Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-88884358037426971902010-10-26T21:46:00.000-04:002010-10-26T21:46:41.156-04:00Mosquitofolk : Aching for Blood by Zombie Sky Press<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqGY5hneeBGYB9MYEYNTgvEr2ua0fSVh5JqmwhQneKELno9raOsQmrSEnU46xgFMFJ6dw4YJv-Pfpr0VYp51I6_n_9h4oLrQZWrwzDkRas3sGgiDAwWnYiXt8ctmM9qYKeK6gjRaBtj2j/s1600/Mosquitofolk-for-pdf-244x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqGY5hneeBGYB9MYEYNTgvEr2ua0fSVh5JqmwhQneKELno9raOsQmrSEnU46xgFMFJ6dw4YJv-Pfpr0VYp51I6_n_9h4oLrQZWrwzDkRas3sGgiDAwWnYiXt8ctmM9qYKeK6gjRaBtj2j/s1600/Mosquitofolk-for-pdf-244x300.png" /></a></div>When I first downloaded this PDF I was slightly bemused. <br />
Three pages in I was nodding my head and grinning. By the time I reached the end I was scheming about how I could drop my group into this buzzing buzz-saw. <br />
This new product from Zombie Sky Press (love that name) is more than just a monster ecology, it also has some pretty kick-ass encounters and excellent M-folk lair map. The nastiest of the M-folk was the Woundmage, seriously. That even sounds nasty. <br />
I think I'm going to drop the Lair into my Pathfinder "Isle of Dread" redux.<br />
Muwhahahaha......<br />
Click over to their site to get more info.<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://zombieskypress.com/pathfinder/here-be-monsters-aching-for-blood/">Zombie Sky Press</a></div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-8607398770566621922010-10-25T21:25:00.000-04:002010-10-25T21:25:24.554-04:00Dark Deeds In Freeport : Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.<div class="separator" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTZTeRMwagX1LNuJrIdHsaeVYb1WlWReqwXMnI4-ZFC1KOC85PZTc9Ii0MifFdf4ASQtv5fC19CopEKKb8LyPPfS8_FjMrYCLMK_PW8CdiH5sf-Eo1XJ1G2zfh6sILNP_H2l8CfpEwJQt/s320/darkdeeds.jpg" width="242" /></div><br />
If you're like me, you think that you're adventures are better than anything the big dogs publish. Do yourself a favor and invest a little scratch in a patronage project, I did (Open Designs' Lost City). Not only do you get to contribute to a published adventure, you get to experience how the whole process works. <br />
Open Design's latest project is an adventure for Green Ronin's Campaign Setting the <strong>Freeport : the City of Adventure</strong>. The goal here is to combine a Swashbuckling adventure with supernatural horror. Sounds like fun!!!<br />
If you'd like give this try click on over to Kobold Quarterly and check out the section on how patronage works.<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/">Kobold Quarterly</a></div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-19414210244902786462010-10-03T19:06:00.000-04:002010-10-03T19:06:52.226-04:00Advanced Feats: The Witch's Brew<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/KQStore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=93" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrmlbC5d3IWS0dcb7NSo4aJ8Md809Qf27X18Vn5lGCl_lbBMyh22HsLKlf3W_0WRw2ABIQv_JsS-G4H-cevNf4zyvfhta_wbu4QhbNI5snMTNA9VSb0H_0_ag0BZEWtD8IjkaYRm02Hyc/s320/witchpic.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>I just got a chance to read the newest Pathfinder supplement from the hardworking Kobolds at Open Design. Like the last one (the Alchemist), it has 3 builds and 30 feats. It also gives the player a different prospective on the class from what is presented in the Handbook. I particularly liked the Wicked Witch build with the Evil Eye hex and Craft Magic Tattoo feats. If you are playing a Witch from the Advanced Players Guide you should get this supplement. But as with the last Advanced Feat supplement you should discuss any feats you take with your game master. <br />
Click on the Pic to shop.<br />
I received a free copy of this product for review purposes.<br />
<br />
<div align="left"></div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-29893235860950672672010-09-25T12:33:00.000-04:002010-09-25T12:33:08.581-04:00My First Podcast AttemptI enjoy listening to Podcasts about Roleplaying games. Before I tried it I thought it would be difficult and time consuming. Turns out, once you decide to do it, it's not that hard to pull off. On the right hand side of this page is a small media player with the last 25 minutes of our first Keep on the Borderlands actual play session. If you are extremely bored, listen to it. I think we have pretty interesting group, and we always have fun. Let me know what you think.Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-15377144960554537222010-09-23T10:48:00.000-04:002010-09-23T10:48:39.830-04:00D&D Shirts On Sale!The remaining D&D Collection Shirts are now on sale at Jinx for $10. The also have some nicer clothes with a geek flair in case your imaginary girlfriend wants you to take her out to dinner. Click on the logo and look under the "Shopping" button for Sales.<br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div><a href="http://www.jinx.com/member/513798?bid=45" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.jinx.com/Content/Banner/120x60_skull.jpg" width="120" height="60" border="0" /></a>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-38043625887758879002010-09-20T23:56:00.000-04:002010-09-20T23:56:17.762-04:00Hey Pathfinder Guy's (playtest alert)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://paizo.com/store/downloads/pathfinder/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy8gte" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-EVlRZ3gQUdtSESkzu6iVIrqoIzHv6Pts9Z_iMRzovazZ8ZBV8CZt-EJW0BNePEU7-jfR63YEP9aHm5FG-xbyA-j0YzqQ2ohbUaJL6JuzqzRFpf5LYSRUP-gmAISwOUWwccTnGm-xRgR/s320/magus.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are those of us who've always played fighters and have always secretly wondered what it was like to play a Caster. Now thanks to Paizo's Ultimate Magic Playtest we have chance to do both. Click the pic, download the free Magus Class PDF! Roll it, play it, and drop by their forums and let them know what you think.</div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-3306779201477427622010-09-18T23:41:00.001-04:002010-09-18T23:45:14.535-04:00Advanced Feats: Secrets of the AlchemistAdvanced Feats: Secrets of the Alchemist <em><u>by Sigfried Trent</u></em> is the latest Player Buff-O-Rama product from the fine folks at Open Design. While I have never played an alchemist in a game, I did run through the character creation process to get a better idea of what it would be like. In a word it was Intriguing. I especially liked the Carpet Bomber build. This would certainly be the PC you'd want to go first and soften up the Big Bad and his Boys for you. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.koboldquarterly.com/KQStore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=92" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmbp7yz2z4d5zaVleQfTj-Tji44_v6XMq_dNxxgRxvbP3ovXkCd9lvJlrxXRlhRgEt53R4P8bLZP-4o2bh6KWTRZ5TKVPLeEWxy1O3A2ZrY0FpoT7-qMKgVPJ7gfdMfG4DZEg0a8t9T8L/s320/secrets.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div align="center">click pic to buy</div>Here's what you get: <br />
30 Alchemist Feats, with some that other classes could use as well.<br />
3 example builds- Carpet Bomber, Mighty Mutant, and Mad Scientist<br />
Each feat and build was well thought out and thoroughly explained. I would consult my Game Master before using some of them first though. If you're playing a high level Alchemist in Pathfinder you definitely need this product.<br />
<note>I recieved a free copy of this product for review purposesTom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7966652664055317781.post-28888464121993578562010-09-17T21:13:00.001-04:002010-09-17T21:14:57.765-04:00Red Box Week 1My Initial Thoughts.....<br />It's D&D.....<br />Basically it's a stripped down version of the 4th Ed. mechanics, with all the errata thrown in. I like it so far. I still have yet to play (just DM), and we haven't started the Encounters Season yet.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0N4AZX7tMIwuERmc5XPGzbs3fr2F3m17smuULUQ6hyphenhyphen2o3NgBx_3Dy7OjQ5uedP8RDW4IL3UwhYhmB5IxMmLrM37xXk9WbS93sVl8dytk1J6XlvRmf4rDqNw_KS-zcKqN8aIAE5ARgqO3/s1600/gameday1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0N4AZX7tMIwuERmc5XPGzbs3fr2F3m17smuULUQ6hyphenhyphen2o3NgBx_3Dy7OjQ5uedP8RDW4IL3UwhYhmB5IxMmLrM37xXk9WbS93sVl8dytk1J6XlvRmf4rDqNw_KS-zcKqN8aIAE5ARgqO3/s320/gameday1.jpg" width="320" height="240" qx="true" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">If you see one in the store you should probably buy it. If nothing else, teach your kids or nephews how to play. It's literally as easy as teaching someone to play Monopoly. If you have a printer, download the pregen characters off WOTC's site and you're ready to roll.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I will post an update after the Keep on the Borderlands Encounter season starts. But, I'm looking forward to it.</div>Tom Allmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07063252641124728280noreply@blogger.com0