My Very Own Appendix N

As my friends and I entered high school, we really diverged in our interests and reading habits. Ryan read Douglas Adams and the Robotech series. Michelle read Doctor Who. I read all of the fantasy stuff like the Dragonlance series. 

This would have been around '84 to 1986. 

Almost every game session started with The Great Book and Mix Tape swap. In that spirit, I'll share a mix for you: The Great '86. This one year was amazing for music. (Editing note: You don't need a Google Music account, you can simply go on Youtube and listen with this link.) 

Anyway, back to the books. In swapping books, I lost more books than I will ever own. I also read more than you can imagine. Many of these books were yellow, pages dogeared and in some cases missing covers. 

I've been feeling nostalgic lately and picked up a Dragonlance book at Barnes and Noble. I am only 100 pages in and it fills me with both wonder and nostalgia. Clearly, I read it nearly 40 years ago. All of the details are gone, but it is strangely familiar.

I think I'll add this series to the review list, Dragons of Autumn Twilight is pretty cool and clearly made an impression on me because I freely stole ideas from it. 

This is the odd part, decades ago things moved with glacial slowness. I had this book from a used bookstore before I ever saw the Dragonlance Modules. I had no idea it was related to D&D until I saw DL-1 in about 1990. Bookstores were wacky like that. 

Since I ran down this memory hole, I've also returned to watching Doctor Who. The whole D&D gang watched the show, the old-school stuff. It was shown out of order, the local PBS station only honored the serial order, so at least you could see a whole story. But we had no idea what was happening in the larger Doctor Who story as they would happily skip from Doctor to Doctor, willy-nilly. 

I didn't care. It sort of matched the way I read the novels. Here is a silly bit. I had to go back to 2017 to pick up where I left off. The Master became Missy and slightly more and less diabolical. I was vaguely aware that Jodie Whittaker took over as The Doctor and I wondered how that would work. 

The transition reminded me of the novels I had read in the 80s. Remember, I mentioned that many of the books I read had no covers? The Doctor Who novels featured the image of The Doctor appearing in the story, so if you are missing the cover and the first couple of pages, you have no idea which Doctor features in the story. 

I thought that Whittaker was pretty great until I reached the episode, "Fugitive of the Judoon". In that story, The Doctor really shines. The series owes its success (and failures) to the author. The Doctor and the actor who brings these stories to the screen has be spot-on in translation from mere words on the page to funny, scary, and amazing stories to life. 

In a strange collision of real life, check out The Other Side Blog. He is doing an A to Z of Doctor. Totally love it. 

Tired Thoughts on Tired OGL

I love posts that start with the Chaos Star

The OGL has attained the maximum cultural entropy. Even my wife has a passing familiarity with OGL, which is impressive as she is a nurse and doesn't do "nerd stuff". She's still pretty hot that our children's collective initials are NPC. 

Anyway, I took on this new project to write a campaign setting. And then I busted my shoulder, leaving me to do everything with one hand tied behind my back... literally. Now that I have the immobilizer off, I can start moving and thinking again. 

Here is the long and short of my thoughts on the OGL. 

I have 6 products on DriveThruRPG: 

1. Kobold’s Folly Mini Setting
2. Compass Rose Inn Mini Setting
3. The Hex Pack
4. Swashbuckler Character Class for D&D and AD&D
5. Zero to Hero: Uncommon Heroes
6. Character Sheet for AD&D

Three of these products have nothing to do with D&D, the OGL or SRD: Kobold’s Folly and Compass Rose Inn Mini Settings plus The Hex Pack. I can ignore these. 

The other three are directly tied to D&D. They are nothing without the original game. If push comes to they are either going to be withdrawn or go to "OGL version whatever". I have some decisions to make, I guess. The Swashbuckler Character class really needs to be burned to the ground and remade or dumped in the historical stupidity bin. I'm ok with either. I'd like to rework Zero to Hero into OSE, so I need to wait and see what Old Games Essentials does. The character sheet is a historical snapshot that assumes the use of a couple of books, I am not sure if it needs to be connected to the SDR or OGL because it is literally nothing but an image of a collection of words and numbers that are very context specific to a certain version of a D&D game.  

I have come to the conclusion that I need to abandon D&D and ignore three of my products linked to the SRD and OGL while reworking the other three into something that doesn't remotely touch the works of Wizards of the Coast. 

I have decided to come up with a completely new game system. One of my own devising. In the best case, I am the next WotC. The worst-case scenario is no one uses it. 

What I know now: 

• I have the basic idea of a game system. 
• Playtesting has started.
• It will be called "Zero to Hero", which I am 99.9% is not a copyrightable name. That's cool, I'll deal with it if I can. 
  EDIT - No, No, this is no longer correct. I think I will call it "The Hearts System". 
• My first book, "Zero to Hero: Uncommon Commoners" will be worked into this somehow. I don't know how. 
• I will press on with my new campaign setting and tool it to work with "Zero to Hero". 
  
• I need to come up with a better naming convention because if I find too many things referencing "Zero to Hero" I will have to change the name. 

So here we are. 

This is a cross-post with my Ko-Fi project. 

#CharacterCreationChallenge - Ruleset D&D 3.5 - Fel Sorcerer

One of my favorite tools is the RedBlade character generator for 3.5. This tool is amazingly simple to use. I was able to cook up a Sorcerer in just a few minutes. The output is in HTML, which makes it easy to post online.

In just a few minutes, I was able to cook up Fel the Sorcerer, a Half-Elf. The software knows exactly how a character is built, so I don't have to track skill points or feats or even languages. It is a thing of beauty. 

Fel

CHARACTER NAME

PLAYER

CAMPAIGN

6 Sorcerer

Half-Elf

Neutral Evil

CLASS AND LEVEL

RACE

ALIGNMENT

EXPERIENCE POINTS

ABILITY NAME

ABILITY SCORE

ABILITY MODIFIER

TOTAL

WOUNDS/CURRENT HP

NONLETHAL DAMAGE

SPEED

STR strength

11

+0

HP hit points

14

30ft.

DEX dexterity

15

+2

AC armor class

14

=

10

+

1

+

0

+

2

+

0

+

0

+

1

+

0

CON constitution

10

+0

TOTAL

BASE

ARMOR BONUS

SHIELD BONUS

DEX MODIFIER

SIZE MODIFIER

NATURAL ARMOR

DEFLECT MODIFIER

MISC MODIFIER

DAMAGE REDUCTION

INT intelligence

14

+2

TOUCH armor class

13

FLAT-FOOTED armor class

12

SKILLS   SKILL NAME KEY ABILITY SKILL MODIFIER ABILITY MODIFIER RANKS MISC MODIFIER   (cc)Appraise¤§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Balance¤ dex 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   Bluff¤§ cha 6 = 2 + 4 + 0   (cc)Climb¤ str 0 = 0 + 0 + 0   Concentration¤§ con 4 = 0 + 4 + 0   Craft¤§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   Decipher Script§ int 4 = 2 + 2 + 0   (cc)Diplomacy¤§ cha 6 = 2 + 4 + 0   (cc)Disable Device§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Disguise¤§ cha 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Escape Artist¤ dex 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Forgery¤§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Gather Information¤§ cha 6 = 2 + 4 + 0   (cc)Handle Animal§ cha 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Heal¤§ wis 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Hide¤ dex 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Intimidate¤§ cha 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Jump¤ str 0 = 0 + 0 + 0   Knowledge (arcana)§ int 4 = 2 + 2 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (architecture & engineering)§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (dungeoneering)§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (geography)§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (history)§ int 3 = 2 + 1 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (local)§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (nature)§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (nobility and royalty)§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (religion)§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Knowledge (the planes)§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0

WIS wisdom

14

+2

TOTAL

DEX MODIFIER

MISC MODIFIER

CHA charisma

15

+2

INITIATIVE modifier

+6

=

2

+

4

SAVING THROWS

TOTAL

BASE SAVE

ABILITY MODIFIER

MAGIC MODIFIER

MISC MODIFIER

TEMP. MODIFIER

FORT constitution

2

=

2

+

0

+

0

+

0

+

REFLEX dexterity

4

=

2

+

2

+

0

+

0

+

WILL wisdom

7

=

5

+

2

+

0

+

0

+

BASE ATTACK BONUS

3

SPELL RESISTANCE

0

GRAPPLE modifier

3

=

3

+

0

+

0

+

0

TOTAL

BASE ATT BONUS

STRENGTH MODIFIER

SIZE MODIFIER

MISC MODIFIER

ATTACK

ATTACK

DAMAGE

CRITICAL

Defending Spear +1

4

1d8+1

20/x3

RANGE

TYPE

NOTES

20

6lb, Med, twohanded wielding,

ATTACK

ATTACK

DAMAGE

CRITICAL

RANGE

TYPE

NOTES

(cc) crossclass skill ¤ can be used untrained § apply armor penalty

POSSESSIONS   SKILLS ITEM PG. LB. ITEM PG. LB. Defending Spear +1   6 Backpack (empty)   2 Bedroll   5 Bracers of armor +1   0 5 x Candle   0 2 x Case, map or scroll   0 Crowbar   5 Dart   0 2 x Flask   0 Flint and steel   0 Hammer   2 Ink (1 oz. vial)   0 Inkpen   0 7 x Parchment (sheet)   0 Pouch, belt   3 Ring of Protection +1   0 Rope, hemp (50 ft.)   10 Sealing wax   1 Silver Dagger (masterwork)   1 Tent   10 5 x Torch   5                       SKILL NAME KEY ABILITY SKILL MODIFIER ABILITY MODIFIER RANKS MISC MODIFIER   (cc)Listen¤§ wis 3 = 2 + 1 + 0   (cc)Move Silently¤ dex 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Open Lock§ dex 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Perform¤§ cha 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   Profession§ wis 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Ride¤§ dex 3 = 2 + 1 + 0   (cc)Search¤§ int 3 = 2 + 1 + 0   (cc)Sense Motive¤§ wis 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Sleight of Hand§ dex 3 = 2 + 1 + 0   (cc)Speak Language§ int 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   Spellcraft§ int 4 = 2 + 2 + 0   (cc)Spot¤§ wis 4 = 2 + 2 + 0   (cc)Survival¤§ wis 3 = 2 + 1 + 0   (cc)Swim¤§ str 1 = 0 + 1 + 0   (cc)Tumble dex 2 = 2 + 0 + 0   (cc)Use Magic Device§ cha 3 = 2 + 1 + 0         =   +   +           =   +   +           =   +   +           =   +   +           =   +   +

1-38lb. 39-76lb. 77-115lb. 115lb. 230lb. 575lb.   PLATINUM 134   GOLD 5 LIGHT LOAD MEDIUM LOAD HEAVY LOAD LIFT OVER HEAD EQUALS MAX LOAD LIFT OFF GROUND 2x MAX LOAD PUSH OR DRAG 5x MAX LOAD SILVER 2 COPPER 4

FEATS, LANGUAGES & ABILITIES         Feats Sorcerer abilities     Brew Potion Summon Familiar     Combat-Casting       Improved Initiative Half-Elf abilities     Simple Weapon Proficiency Low-light vision       Elven Blood     Languages Immunity to sleep spells     Halfling +2 save vs enchantments     Goblin       Common       Elven

Sorcerer spells
Spell Save DC	LEVEL	SPELLS PER DAY	BONUS SPELLS
12	0	6	0
13	1st	6	+1
14	2nd	5	+1
15	3rd	3	0
-	4th	-	-
-	5th	-	-
-	6th	-	-
-	7th	-	-
-	8th	-	-
-	9th	-	-
Acid Splash
Arcane Mark
Detect Magic
Mage Hand
Open/Close
Prestidigitation
Read Magic
Level 1
Identify
Mage Armor
Magic Weapon
Sleep
Level 2
Daylight
Scorching Ray
Level 3
Stinking Cloud

ATTACK			ATTACK	DAMAGE	CRITICAL
Silver Dagger (masterwork)			4	1d4	19-20/x2
RANGE	TYPE	NOTES
10		1lb, Med,
ATTACK			ATTACK	DAMAGE	CRITICAL
RANGE	TYPE	NOTES
ATTACK			ATTACK	DAMAGE	CRITICAL
Dart			3	1d4	20/x2
RANGE	TYPE	NOTES
20		0lb, Med,
ATTACK			ATTACK	DAMAGE	CRITICAL
RANGE	TYPE	NOTES
ATTACK			ATTACK	DAMAGE	CRITICAL
RANGE	TYPE	NOTES
ATTACK			ATTACK	DAMAGE	CRITICAL
RANGE	TYPE	NOTES
ATTACK			ATTACK	DAMAGE	CRITICAL
RANGE	TYPE	NOTES
ATTACK			ATTACK	DAMAGE	CRITICAL
RANGE	TYPE	NOTES

Taking Stock: Part One The Game

Well, the solo sessions using Old School Essentials went south. It was the wandering monster list that did the party in:

1. Bandits, 3d4 appearing.
2. Sheep, 3d6 appearing.
3. Giant Ants, 2d6 appearing.
4. Ranger, 1 appearing.
5. Troll, 1 appearing.
6. Kobolds*, 3-6 appearing.
7. Mountain Goats, 2d4 appearing.
8. Mage*, 1 appearing.
9. Wild Horses, 1d4 appearing.
10. Wolves, 2d4 appearing.

Infi, I seem to be butting my head up against the concept of Random this week. I randomly rolled the number 3 several times too many. This is a rookie DM mistake and I shouldn't be a rookie DM 40 years in. Giant ants are far too imposing for 1st level characters to encounter. 

I'm equally a willy player and a willy DM, so I tried to make it work. Time was not on the PC's side, they have limited food and no capacity to heal magically. But they had other resources. 

In the first encounter, they faced 7 Giant Ants in an abandoned mansion. This played well as the party was naturally in 3 small groups with cover and the ants needed to advance on their positions. The Fighter, Halfling, and Elf all had bows while the Clerics had slings. The third group was the Magic-User and Thief with only melee weapons and spells. The MU cast light, drawing the first group of ants towards them. 

A halfling with a bow.

The rest of the party rained missiles down on them from two different positions. I had the ants roll modified morale. If they succeeded, the ants would pursue the FIRST person who shot at them. If they failed, they plowed on toward the MU and Thief. This had the effect of splitting the ants up and allowing the party a chance to shoot them from behind. Four ants fell to this tactic. When the party saw the next wave of 3 ants coming, they escaped to their hideout. 

This worked well except for the expenditure of arrows. This came back to hurt the party the next time. 

The party realized that the Thief was a better shot than the Fighter, so the bow was handed over.  

In the next combat, they encounter 4 ants in an alleyway. They downed all four ants in a hail of stones and arrows but lost one Cleric in the process. The party was also down just a handful of arrows. This is where slings shine as you can use any old rock as a missile. The party was dismayed when they returned to the mansion and the alleyway to recover arrows. They found the ones that missed their targets, but the ants carried off their dead, arrows and all. 

Later, the Party got bushwacked on a city street when the ants caught them again. The Fighter went down after a quick exchange of swings with the lead ant. The Halfling, Elf, and Thief took off to get a better angle on the Ants while the Magic-User and Cleric saved the day. The MU had an oil lamp in his hands and hit an ant on the first try, setting it on fire. The Cleric tossed a flask on the ant to finish the job. By now arrows were raining down. The party managed to kill five ants between missile fire and oil, but the Elf and Halfling were horribly wounded and the Fighter was dead. 

The party limped back home. The party was down by a lot: 3 characters dead, 2 injured badly.

The next day was better. They ventured out and encountered sheep. The Elf and Magic-User managed to kill two for food.  

They made one final foray, trying to make for the walls to get the heck out of this place. They were armed with torches and oil as they were out of arrows. They had one final encounter with 5 ants which was overwhelming despite the arsonist's mentality. Only the Thief and the last Cleric made it back to the fountain. 

The thing I like about this scenario is the mad card-playing Game Master randomly teleporting in new characters. I think this town has hopes as a good play environment so I want to keep it going. The petty little card cheater has unloaded another batch of heroes: a Half-Elf, a Paladin, a Cleric, a Fighter, a Thief, and a Magic User. Third level this time with a bunch of magic and good gear. Of course, I used the random Character Generator (Retainers), so all I need to do is name the party members. 

This post naturally leads to tomorrow's post about taking stock of my personal goals for the next year. 

PS: You can pick up a copy of Old School Essentials Characters, Magic, Monsters, and Treasures on DriveThruRPG. You can also try Wordlographer before you buy.