Masters Workshop - Pencil Deal

 

One thing we always seemed to need back when I was running games is pencils at the table. Well over on Amazon you can pick up a box of 48 mechanical pencils for 9 bucks. That comes out to 19 cents each. So ask a quarter for one and you could restock and cover the shipping costs. Or charge 50 cents and pick up more stuff for the table and keep stocked up. 

May just put this on my wishlist so if I do start another game I could bring find them easily. Because being prepared is something every GM wants to be.

Roll a D20: That old well.

Need some inspiration about an old well that's on your game map? Well Roll a D20 and get a hook for an idea and simply add on to it.

1. Treasure: Ancient coins, jewelry, and other valuable items that were thrown into the well as an offering or to hide them from danger.

2. Weapons: Rusty swords, spears, and shields that were lost or discarded by warriors who were defending the village or castle.

3. Bones: The remains of animals or people who fell into the well or were thrown in as a sacrifice.

4. Fossils: Prehistoric shells, bones, and other artifacts that were buried deep in the ground and have been preserved over time.

5. A secret passage: A hidden tunnel that leads to a secret room or underground dungeon.

6. Trapped creatures: Dangerous beasts or monsters that were captured and thrown into the well to keep them away from the village.

7. Poisonous gases: Deadly fumes that can suffocate or poison anyone who ventures too far into the well.

8. Water: Despite being old and abandoned, some wells may still contain water.

9. Tools: Shovels, picks, and other tools that were used to dig the well or to repair it.

10. Ancient artifacts: Pottery, statues, and other relics from a forgotten civilization that was built around the well.

11. The remains of a ritual: The remnants of a ritual that was performed at the well by a group of cultists or a coven of witches.

12. A magical item: A powerful artifact or enchanted object that was thrown into the well to keep it safe from enemies.

13. Runes: Strange symbols etched into the walls of the well that can be deciphered to reveal a hidden message or spell.

14. The source of the well: A mysterious underground spring that is the source of the well's water.

15. A trap: A booby trap that was set by a cunning enemy to catch unsuspecting adventurers who venture too far into the well.

16. A creature's lair: The home of a dangerous creature that has made the well its lair.

17. A tunnel network: A series of tunnels that lead to other parts of the dungeon or castle.

18. A forgotten manuscript: An old book or scroll that contains forgotten knowledge or a powerful spell.

19. A lost relic: A holy relic that was lost or stolen and thrown into the well to keep it out of the wrong hands.

20. A curse: A terrible curse that was placed on the well by a powerful wizard or a vengeful spirit.

Background music for horror gaming

 

Choosing the right background music can be crucial to establishing the right atmosphere for a horror roleplaying game. Here are some examples of music that can enhance the mood and create a sense of dread:

Dark ambient music: This genre of music is specifically designed to create a sense of unease and tension. Artists like Lustmord, Atrium Carceri, and Thomas Köner create atmospheric soundscapes that are perfect for horror games.

Movie soundtracks: Many horror movie soundtracks can be used effectively in a roleplaying game. Some examples include the soundtracks for The Exorcist, The Shining, and The Witch.

Classical music: Certain classical pieces, such as Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky, can be used to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

Video game soundtracks: Many horror video games have excellent soundtracks that can be used in a roleplaying game. Examples include the soundtracks for Silent Hill 2, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and Resident Evil.

Ambient noise: Sometimes, silence can be just as effective as music. Ambient noise, such as the sound of a rainstorm, can help create a sense of isolation and unease.

Also some game lines have produced their own music for use with their games. Such as the original game soundtrack for the Kult RPG from Helmgast. 

Remember, the right music can enhance the atmosphere and make your horror roleplaying game even more terrifying. Experiment with different types of music to find the perfect soundtrack for your game. But also take into consideration what your group may like.

Legend Russ Nicholson has passed

 

Various folks from the UK deep in the hobby circles have reported that Russ Nicholson has passed away. I don't have any details yet as to what happened. He has been one of my favorite black and white artists ever since I saw his stuff in "The Warlock of Firetop Mountain" so many years ago. While over here on this side of the big pond it was harder to find his stuff I still tracked down what I could. 

He will be missed. Another great has left us. 

If I get more information I will either update this post or make a new one depending on how much comes along. 

EDIT: It's been confirmed by UK gaming legend Ian Livingstone over on his Facebook page.

Modern Day Supernatural setting NPCs

 

Two Modern Day Supernatural/Horror setting NPCs to drop into your games. This time it's a couple of rather different monster hunters. Each with a different reason for what they do. Images generated using the AI art generator NightCafe. 

Name: Dr. Alice Blackwood

Age: 35

Gender: Female

Race: Caucasian

Occupation: Parapsychologist

Appearance: Dr. Blackwood is a tall, slender woman with long, dark hair and piercing eyes. She is always dressed in professional attire, typically a black suit and heels.

Personality: Dr. Blackwood is a brilliant and dedicated scientist. She is also a compassionate and caring person. She is driven by a desire to understand the supernatural and to help those who have been affected by it.

Backstory: Dr. Blackwood was born in a small town in the Midwest. She was always fascinated by the supernatural and she began studying parapsychology in college. After graduating, she worked as a research assistant at a university parapsychology lab. She eventually earned her doctorate in parapsychology and opened her own practice.

Dr. Blackwood has investigated many cases of supernatural activity. She has helped people who have been haunted by ghosts, possessed by demons, and even attacked by werewolves. She is a respected expert in the field of parapsychology and she is often called upon to consult on cases of supernatural activity.

Skills:

Parapsychology

Psychology

Sociology

Research

Investigation

Public speaking

Weaknesses: Dr. Blackwood can be a bit of a workaholic. She is so focused on her work that she sometimes neglects her personal life. Also a bit of a loner. She prefers to work alone and she can be hesitant to trust others.

Goals:

To understand the supernatural

To help those who have been affected by the supernatural

To make the world a safer place from the supernatural

Name: Elias Crow

Age: 30

Gender: Male

Race: Caucasian

Occupation: Monster Hunter

Appearance: Elias Crow is a tall, muscular man with dark brown hair combed back, short cut beard and brown eyes. He usually wears a black leather jacket and jeans.

Personality: Elias Crow is a tough and no-nonsense man. He is not afraid of anything, including the supernatural. He is a skilled monster hunter and he is always willing to help those who are in need.

Backstory: Elias Crow was born in a small town in the Midwest. He grew up on stories of monsters and the supernatural. He always believed that these stories were just tall tales, until one day they showed up and he lost several loved ones in one night. When he was 18, he left home to train with a master hunter. He learned everything he could about hunting monsters, and he eventually became one of the best in the business.

Elias Crow has hunted all kinds of monsters, including vampires, werewolves, and demons. He has saved countless lives, and he is a respected member of the monster hunting community. He is always willing to help those who are in need, and he is always on the lookout for new monsters to hunt.

Skills:

Monster hunting

Combat

Tracking

Survival

First aid

Weaknesses: Elias Crow can be a bit reckless. He is so focused on his goals that he pushes himself a bit further than he should, often ending up neck deep in trouble.

Goals:

To rid the world of monsters and make it safer for normal human folks.

To find redemption for losing friends and family to the things he couldn't fight before.

Cyberpunk Sunday The Six Basic Mission Types

The six basic types of missions in most Cyberpunk role playing games. Sure there are variations and changes to these but the basic core usually comes down to one of these. While this list may not do much good for the seasoned Cyberpunk GM it can come in useful for the new one. Just pick a basic and start adding layers. 

Heist: The players must break into a heavily guarded facility or bank to steal a valuable object or data. They will need to plan their approach carefully and overcome various obstacles, such as security measures and guards.

Extraction: The players must rescue a person or group of people from a dangerous situation, such as a hostage situation or an ambush. They will need to move quickly and decisively while avoiding or defeating any threats in their way.

Sabotage: The players must infiltrate a facility or system and cause damage or disruption to a specific target, such as a power grid or a weapon system. They will need to use their skills to remain undetected and avoid triggering any alarms.

Investigation: The players must gather information and track down a target, such as a missing person or a rogue AI. They will need to use their detective skills to follow leads, interview witnesses, and uncover clues.

Escort: The players must protect a person or group of people from harm as they travel through dangerous territory, such as a gang-controlled neighborhood or a war-torn city. They will need to use their combat skills to fend off any attackers and their survival skills to navigate through the hazardous environment.

Delivery: The players must transport a valuable or sensitive item or data from one location to another while avoiding detection and interception by various parties, such as rival corporations or criminal organizations. They will need to use their driving or piloting skills to navigate through the city or across dangerous terrain while keeping their cargo safe.

Basic tips for running a Horror game

Running a horror roleplaying game can be a thrilling and terrifying experience for both the players and the game master. Here are some tips for running a successful horror game:

Establish atmosphere: Atmosphere is everything in a horror game. Use music, lighting, and description to create a sense of unease and dread. Set the mood and make sure everyone is on board with the type of horror you are going for.

Set expectations: Horror is not for everyone. Make sure that your players know what kind of game they are getting into and that they are comfortable with it. Establish boundaries and make sure everyone is on the same page before you start playing.

Focus on the characters: Characters are the heart of any roleplaying game, and horror is no exception. Create interesting, well-rounded characters with clear motivations and backstories. This will help your players become invested in the game and make them more vulnerable to the horror.

Keep the tension high: Horror is all about tension and suspense. Keep your players guessing and on their toes by introducing new threats and challenges. Don't let them get too comfortable.

Use the unknown: Fear of the unknown is one of the most powerful tools in horror. Keep your players guessing and unsure of what's around the corner. Don't reveal everything at once, and leave some mysteries for them to uncover.

Let the players drive the story: While you may have an overarching story in mind, allow your players to make decisions and drive the action. Let them explore the world and make choices that affect the outcome of the game. This will make their successes feel more rewarding and their failures more devastating.

Don't rely on jump scares: While jump scares can be effective, they can also become predictable and lose their impact. Focus on creating a sense of dread and tension through atmosphere, description, and pacing.

Remember, horror is all about the emotions you create. Use the power of imagination and storytelling to terrify your players and create a truly memorable game.

Cityscape recommendation

 

One of the books from the DnD 3.5 run that needs to be in POD (but is sadly only pdf) is the Cityscape book. It's a great resource for those who either haven't done much gaming that is urban or city based, or for the ones who are having trouble running a game in that setting. Loaded with advice, encounters and lots of setting filler necessary for bringing a fantasy urban environment to life.

Pick up the pdf over on DrivethruRPG if this sounds like what you need.

Cyberpunk Cults

 

As technology continues to advance forward it begins to affect the mental state of some individuals and can even affect society at large. Here are a few cults that could spring up in a cyberpunk world to become a thorn in your players side... or become the path they chose to follow. Just remember, cults don't call themselves cults. 

"The Collective" - A group of cybernetic and transhumanist extremists who believe that the merging of man and machine is the key to unlocking humanity's full potential. They perform dangerous and illegal cybernetic implants and upgrades on their members, and seek to forcibly convert others to their cause.

"The Ascensionists" - A religious cult that believes in the imminent arrival of a being they call "the Transcendent". They seek to create a technological singularity that will bring about the Transcendent's arrival, and are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals.

"The Cult of the New Flesh" - A group of body-modification enthusiasts who believe that the human body is outdated and must be replaced with advanced cybernetic implants and genetic modifications. They view natural humans as inferior and seek to create a new, transhumanist society.

"The Hive" - A decentralized network of cybercriminals and hackers who are united by a common belief in the power of information. They seek to acquire and control as much information as possible, and use it to manipulate governments, corporations, and individuals for their own gain.

"The Eternalists" - A group of wealthy elites who seek to achieve immortality through cybernetic and genetic enhancements. They view themselves as superior to the rest of humanity and seek to create a new ruling class of immortal beings.

Dark Sun 5e fan port

 

Well one thing is for sure. What the fans put together now days is miles better than what WotC is putting out. So check out this Dark Sun port for DnD 5e that clocks in at over 300 pages. 

YOU CAN FIND IT HERE.

Nice to see the people still putting the work into what they love. 

Modern Day Horror RPG Plot 004

 

Modern Day Horror RPG Plot - 004 

The players are a group of friends or acquaintances who are taking a road trip across a remote area of the country. Along the way, they encounter strange and eerie occurrences, such as abandoned towns, unexplained disappearances, and sightings of strange creatures. Eventually, they stumble upon a small, isolated community that seems to be at the center of these occurrences.

As the players explore the community, they discover that it is being controlled by a mysterious and malevolent entity. The entity feeds off the fear and suffering of the community's inhabitants and has the power to manipulate reality itself. The players must work together to uncover the entity's true nature and put a stop to its reign of terror before it consumes them all.

Throughout the game, the players would have to deal with supernatural and psychological horrors, as well as confront their own fears and weaknesses. The plot could be further developed with additional subplots and twists, such as the players discovering that one of their own is secretly working for the entity, or that the entity's origins are tied to a dark and tragic history of the area.