Spes Magna Games

In effort to spend less time watching TV and/or playing Fishdom (which is open on my tablet while I type these words), I’ve started working on a new Spes Magna Games product titled Caveat Emptor, which presents a collection of Old School Essentials magic items with sinister origins and/or somewhat unpredictable effects. Here’s a sample, with some art by Jeshields:

Origaminicon

Legends claim that only a small number of these books exist. The first was created by an oni lord who had become enthralled by a beautiful princess. The oni lord presented an Origaminicon to her, hoping to win her affection by means of his clever gift. The princess carefully folded every page according to the book’s instructions. Before her father’s court with the oni lord in attendance, she sang the command words, animating two dozen origami animals, which she then ordered to tear the oni lord to pieces for her cruel amusement.

An Origaminicon measures 6 inches by 9 inches. Bound in leather with ornamental corner pieces fashioned from silver, the covers have rectangular plates of the same metal, inscribed with delicate pictures of animals. Inside the book are 49 pages, the first of which bears the book’s title.

After the title page, each pair of pages follow a pattern. Every other page is blank on both sides and creased in such a way as to make it easy to tear from the book. In between each page is a command word and a beautifully illustrated set of diagrams that show how to cut and fold the removed blank page in such a way as to create a charming origami animal.

It takes 1-3 turns to complete an origami animal, during which time the folder must roll under his or her Dexterity on 1d20. Each origami animal has its own command word that, when spoken by the folder, animates the paper creation for 1-3 hours. If the folder’s Dexterity check was successful, the origami animal grows in size and strength. Otherwise, it remains rather tiny. In either case, the origami obeys its folder’s simple commands to the best of its ability.

Full-Size Origami Animal: AC 6 [13], HD 3 (13 hp), Att 2 paper cuts (1d4), THAC0 17 [+2], MV 120’ (40’), SV D12 W13 P14 B15 S16, ML 12, AL Neutral.

• Immunity: Unharmed by gas; unaffected by charm, hold, and sleep spells.
• Infravision: 60’.
• Made of Paper: Suffers from double damage from slashing weapons and from fire.

Tiny Origami Animal: AC 8 [11], HD 1 hp, Att nil, THAC0 NA, MV 90’ (30’), SV D14 W15 P16 B17 S18 (NH), ML 12, AL Neutral.

• Immunity: Unharmed by gas; unaffected by charm, hold, and sleep spells.
• Infravision: 60’.
• Made of Paper: Suffers from double damage from slashing weapons and from fire.

Nota Bene: Each command word in the Origaminicon functions only once.

Tags: B/X D&D, magic items, Old School Essentials

What I hope is the final round of edits to The Four Color Hack are in the hands of the erstwhile young lady who’s helping me with all that techy stuff needed for print-on-demand (POD). I received proof copy last week. Overall, it looks good, but there were some problems that must be addressed. (See the pics to the right for examples; clicking a pic embiggens it.)

This whole POD process has been a wee bit arduous. Of course, if I hadn’t gotten ripped off by The Formatting Service What Shall Not Be Named, I’d not be about a month behind where I thought I’d be, but c’est la vie and caveat emptor. When The Four Color Hack does hit the interwaves for sale as a POD book, it’ll sell for no more than $12 (which includes the PDF as well, of course).

In other exciting news, did you know that the first and only season of Street Hawk is watchable via Amazon Prime? I’ll give you a moment to catch your breath. I loved this show when it was on TV way back in the year I graduated from high school. Rex Smith had great hair, a dazzling smile, and that snotty, faux insouciance that still makes me giggle a little. I remember a handwritten Marvel Super Heroes character sheet based on Street Hawk. Not sure if I ever got to play him or not, but I hope I did.

Therefore, the Road Raptor, a complete superhero for The Four Color Hack!

The Road Raptor

This is Jesus Comacho, an ex-motorcycle cop, injured in the line of duty. Now a police troubleshooter, he’s been recruited for a top secret government mission to ride the Raptor — an all-terrain attack motorcycle designed to fight urban crime, capable of incredible speeds up to three hundred miles an hour, and immense firepower. Only one man, federal agent Titus Normandy, knows Jesus Camacho’s true identity. The man…the machine…the Road Raptor!

STR 13, DEX 14, CON 13, INT 10, WIS 9, CHA 12

Level 1
Hit Points 14
Fortune 10
Base Damage d6
Vigor 2
Idioms Motorcycle Cop, Hot-Headed Daredevil

Crash Suit
* Powers: Advanced Synthon-Weave Suit d6 (4 armor), Helmet Sensor Array d8
* Limitation: The Road Raptor has a bum leg from being injured in the line of duty. This leg still gives him trouble from time to time.

The Raptor
* Powers: All-Terrain Capabilities d6, Hyperefficient Engine d12, Immense Firepower d10
* Limitation: The Raptor is an experimental AT-AM. Its systems are not always stable, and Titus Normandy constantly tinkers with it when it’s not deployed.

Tags: Spes Magna Products, TFCH

Giant from the Unknown strives to be a B-movie, but doesn’t quite succeed. Made in 1958, this horror movie stars Ed Kemmer (who?), Sally Fraser (who?), and Buddy Baer (the hulking heavyweight boxer and uncle of Jethro Bodine). The movie’s plot involves archaeology, xenophobia, police incompetence, a cute blond with a pistol who still needs rescuing, and a resurrected conquistador whose hobbies include lumbering, lurking, and killing women. Despite all of this, the movie still manages to be dull and not the least bit scary. After the movie poster, you’ll find stats for the Diablo Giant, the film’s monster, suitable for use with The Cthulhu Hack.

The Diablo Giant
Nearly seven feet tall and weighing more than 300 pounds, clad in a breastplate and helm, armed with a battle axe, still caked with the dirt of the grave, the Diablo Giant’s eyes glow with bloodlust.

Hit Dice: 4 (1d10 damage)
Notes: The Diablo Giant possesses enormous physical power. STR Saves against it are made with Disadvantage. It takes half damage from firearms and electricity.

——

In Spes Magna Games news, I’ve just ordered my proof copy of the print-on-demand The Four Color Hack. Going from PDF to POD has been an arduous possess, which has included getting ripped off by one layout person and stressing another layout person probably more than is necessary trying to divine the arcane procedures necessary to upload an acceptable cover. I should have the proof copy some time next week. If all looks good (fingers crossed!), the POD The Four Color Hack should be available for purchase before the end of July.

Huzzah!

Tags: monsters, TFCH, The Cthulhu Hack

I drew the map in the image below by using the random dungeon generation tables in Appendix A of the 5E DMG. After I’m done with this post, I’ll continue writing Fangehull, a 5E site-based adventure that uses this map. Fangehull will be first released via my long-dormant Patreon site, which you can find at this link right here.

And here’s Duugogaan, hobgoblin and torturer who was blessed by an infernal power at birth.

Duugogaan
Medium humanoid (goblinoid), neutral evil

Armor Class 15 (chain shirt)
Hit Points 71 (11d8+22)
Speed 30 ft.
Ability Scores STR 10 (+0), DEX 14 (+2), CON 14 (+2), INT 12 (+1), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 16 (+3)

Skills Insight +4, Intimidation +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Goblin, Infernal
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

Aspect of the Overseer. Duugogaan enjoys a special blessing bestowed to him at birth by some infernal goblinoid power. Duugogaan makes Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma (Intimidation) checks with advantage. Whenever Duugogaan casts a spell that inflicts damage on a creature, Duugogaan gains 5 (1d4+3) temporary hit points.

Martial Advantage. Once per turn, Duugogaan can deal an extra 10 (3d6) damage to a creature he hits with a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 feet of an ally of Duugogaan that isn’t incapacitated.

Spellcasting. Duugogaan is a 5th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). Duugogaan knows following sorcerer spells.

Cantrips (at will): chill touch, friends, mage hand, message, shocking grasp
1st level (4 slots): comprehend languages, shield, witch bolt
2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, suggestion
3rd level (2 slots): fear

Actions

Multiattack. Duugogaan makes three melee attacks: two with his shortsword and one with his dagger.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.

Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) piercing damage.

Chill Touch. Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 120 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (2d8) necrotic damage, and the target can’t regain hit points until the start of Duugogaan’s next turn.

Shocking Grasp. Melee Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (2d8) lightning damage, and the creature hit can’t take reactions until the start of its next turn. If the target is wearing armor made of metal, Duugogaan has advantage on the attack roll.

Tags: 5E D&D, monsters, Spes Magna Products

Well, there’s some semi-big news ’round about here. First, I started a The Four Color Hack campaign yesterday. It’s a small group, including one player who’s only in town every two months or so, but we had fun. Three of the four players had sat in on my very first playtest, back when the combat system said it emulated the fastly furious action of comic books, but failed miserably to do so. I’m happy to report that the terrible slog that was TFCH combat back then is a thing of the past. That’s not to say we didn’t hit some rough patches, and I did get some good feedback from players, but I think most if not all of the problems were due either to me not explaining things well or to the system being unfamiliar to the players.

Speaking of The Four Color Hack, I’ll almost certainly be uploading the necessary files to DriveThruRPG this week so that TFCH can go from PDF only to print-on-demand. I’m also trying to teach myself how to use Scribus well enough so that I can offer Demi-Human Adventurers for Swords & Wizardry White Box as another print-on-demand product. Huzzah.

But, wait, there’s more in the news department. Ludi Fabularum: Games of Stories, the 16-hour course I’ve developed, kicks off tomorrow with my first group. I’m using Skill Centric Role Play by David Holmes and Hero Kids by Hero Forge Games along with a student workbook of my own in order to teach skills related to writing, editing, teamwork, et cetera. Interest in both Ludi Fabularum and my services as a private tutor seem to be picking up.

Unfortunately, I’ve had more than one prospective client opt for not hiring me due to my fee. Tutoring isn’t a side job for me. I’m trying to build it into my primary source of income, which means meeting a minimum income. It bums me out having to tell a prospective client that I can’t afford to lower my fee below X. I mean, I love teaching, and I want to help, but at the end of the day I’ve got bills to pay just like everyone else.

To help, I’ve set up a GoFundMe to raise money for scholarships for Ludi Fabularum. I’m shooting for $2000, which is enough to offer about two dozen partial scholarships for students. You can read more about this fundraiser at this link.

And now to continue pillaging the AD&D Deities & Demigods for things to convert to D&D 5E. Today is the first of two posts that update material from the Celtic Mythos for use with D&D 5E.

Cauldron of Scrying
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement by a cleric with the Nature domain or a druid)

This iron pot (weight 10 lb.) functions only when filled with a gallon of fresh blood from a beast. For an hour after the cauldron of scrying is filled with blood, you can cast the scrying spell (save DC 17) while touching the cauldron. The cauldron of scrying acquires different properties if filled with different types of blood.

Cauldron of Mind Reading. If the cauldron is filled with a gallon of fresh blood from an aberration or monstrosity, you can use an action to cast the detect thoughts spell (save DC 17) while you are scrying with the cauldron of scrying, targeting creatures you can see within 30 feet of the spell’s sensor. You don’t need to concentrate on this detect thoughts to maintain it during the duration, but it ends if scrying ends.

Cauldron of Telepathy. If the cauldron is filled with a gallon of fresh blood from a giant or humanoid, you can communicate telepathically with creatures you can see within 30 feet of the spell’s sensor. You can use an action to cast the suggestion spell (save DC 17) through the sensor on one of those creatures. You don’t need to concentrate on this suggestion to maintain it during its duration, but it ends if scrying ends. Once used, the suggestion power of the cauldron of scrying cannot be used against until the next dawn.

Cauldron of True Seeing. If the cauldron is filled with a gallon of fresh blood from a fey, you have truesight with a radius of 120 feet centered on the spell’s sensor.

Tathlum
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)

The tathlum is a weapon of war made from the severed head of a creature. The tathlum‘s creator coats the severed head with lime taken from the creature’s territory, doing so seven times and allowing each coat to dry before applying the next one. The tathlum is thrown like a thrown weapon with a range of 20/60. Against creatures of the same type as the creature from which the severed head was taken, the creature hit by the tathlum takes 12d6 necrotic damage and is blinded for 1 minute. A creature blinded by this spell attempts a DC 15 Constitution saving throw at the end of each of its turns. On a successful save, it is no longer blinded. The tathlum functions once per day.

Torc of Protection
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)

When you wear this neck ornament consisting of a band of twisted metal, you gain a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws. The torc of protection does not function if you wear metal armor or use a shield made of metal.

Torc of the Gods
Wondrous item, legendary (requires attunement)

This magical device functions like a torc of protection. Additionally, you can cast both polymorph (Wisdom save DC 17) and shapechange once each per long rest while wearing the torc of the gods. The torc of the gods does not function if you wear metal armor or use a shield made of metal.

Tags: 5E D&D, Deities & Demigods, magic items