The folk at RRD make some good stuff, though I’m not familiar with this particular system and I really need to stop buying new ones.
I think I’d probably look more towards Free Kriegspiel Roleplaying principles rather than anything especially solid. The games you described functioned more like a Braunstein than anything else and what you need (and as I recall, was something those forum often games lacked) are high trust independent referees with an interest in making the game good, rather than simply fun for their friends.
It would be interesting to see if that kind of thing could work under an OSR/NSR style of play though, the ones I have had experience of were much more s-game or neotrad orientated. You also might want to look at the west marches campaign model if you haven’t come across it.
The magic system definitely has its flaws but I disagree with the effects thing (well, maybe if you absolutely want to do everything by the book, but has that ever happened in any tabletop campaign ?).
One homebrew rule our DM has is that he allows us to “prepare” 1 spell. Basically you cast it in advance so you know the effects before you actually use it (clerics don’t get that rule because their spells are much more reliable). Which obviously helps a lot with the randomness. We started without that rule and definitely saw an improvement after that, because the mages can now use whatever spell they think applies best to the situation, knowing they have a backup spell that won’t fizzle out at the worst possible time
Outside of combat he generally makes spells effects a lot more “open” which also helps a lot.
Edit : also we usually don’t bother with the “physics stimulation” side of spells’ effects. For example, iirc the enchanted rope spell specifies a maximum weight and some other things. We never actually calculate that, the DM just goes “nah that’s too much” if he feels like it
Chaotic dagger +1,INT 7 EGO 5, COM empathy, POW control undead
Control Undead: the wielder makes a Turn Undead check as a cleric of equal level; a result of turn indicates the undead are halted and awed; a result of destroy indicates the wielder has exerted control over the undead and may command them at will.
There was a schism in the church of Saint Fiacra that ended with a rogue priest, Tichanto, and his inner circle buried alive under the stones of the church itself.
Entombed and overcome with thoughts of vengeance, Tichanto consumed his fellows while they lived. When he died, he became a Ghast and his entombed followers Ghouls.
Ever Tichanto yearns to escape his imprisonment and avenge himself but the consecrated grounds of the church have so far held him fast. That power, he has perceived lately, has started to weaken. Now, he prepares.
Fire-Belcher Flamberge
Chaotic longsword +1 / -1 vs dragons, INT 10 EGO 7, COM draconic, POW detect gold & gems / fire breath
Fire Breath: as breath, 30’ cone of fire, deals 1d6 damage per level of the wielder; one use, recharge by submerging the sword in great heat and flame for one hour.
This was once a gift from the great red wyrm, Xathrivrem the Belittler, to the leader of his cult, the anti-paladin, Kilperic. On Kilperic’s death, it was said the sword was buried at his side but rumor says the sword was secreted away by one of his lieutenants who have persisted in their dragon worship and continue to plot on behalf of Xathrivrem.
The Brass Staff
Lawful quarterstaff +1, INT 7 EGO 4, COM empathy, POW weal or woe
Weal or Woe: once per day, while the staff is held in the light of a sunrise, the wielder may ask one question that will be answered truthfully with a response of either weal (it is good) or woe (it is ill).
This staff, fashioned entirely in brass, was once housed in the temple to a Sun God. When the temple was razed, the staff was lost.
Dawnbringer
Lawful morningstar +1 / +2 vs undead, INT 7 EGO 7, COM empathy, POW detect undead / continual light
This weapon was forged for the war against the dread necromancer, Bailtang, and wielded by the patriarch, Gonalen.
After the cleric’s death, the weapon was housed in the church of Saint Fiacra, consecrating its grounds, until it recently, mysteriously disappeared.
The Fingers of Death
Lawful arrow +2 / +4 vs undead, INT 3 EGO 3, COM none, POW none
Only a single quiver of these arrows were ever made during the wars against Bailtang the Necromancer. During the final assault on his grim fortress, the arrows were spent and presumed lost. One, however, has since been recovered from a war memorial so there is yet hope the rest may be found.
Some simple dice games, blackjack, a tiny haggard boxer that takes bets and will FUCK you up, a haunted house style cabinet of curiosities that has actual eldritch monstrosities and or portals to another realm, Behold the egg of an actual dragon! Noo no its mother wont come looking for it no chance
I LOVE making shopkeeps and various NPCs retired “high level.” Tends to teach a lesson about how you can’t just hobo every business and towns person without repercussions! An insane little boxer sounds right up their alley too!
3D6DTL is a wonderful podcast! I love the proactive attitude from the players, the ever-present “yes and” attitude from Jon, and just the style and mood overall!
I know what you mean! When Arden Vul was in that 25 euro bundle a while ago, I skipped it because it didn’t seem feasible or fun to run. Now that 3DSDTL have been running it, I regret not buying it so cheaply back then!
I know! This was, of course, just for the pdfs. I regret not getting them for sure! That’s why I’m not letting that’s Dolmenwood Kickstarter slip through my fingers.
I’m exactly the same! The procedural style of gameplay takes so much self-imposed pressure off my shoulders, and random tables really help spark my creativity and allows me to GM more comfortably.
osr
Hot
This magazine is from a federated server and may be incomplete. Browse more on the original instance.