tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7659262762088303652024-03-12T22:52:38.624-04:00ThatRobedGuy Presents...Follow the video and blogging antics of ThatRobedGuy as he takes on the thrills of non-digital gaming, bad movies, and more.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-73212286047768190882014-06-09T15:50:00.003-04:002014-06-09T15:50:53.793-04:00Table FictionCheck out my new blog: <a href="http://tablefiction.wordpress.com/">Table Fiction</a>.<br />
<br />
It covers fiction that I write, along with world fluff and game mechanics so that you can bring my worlds to life at your gaming table.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-435542608195136232013-09-17T18:32:00.000-04:002013-09-17T18:32:24.300-04:00Dungeon Master Game Notes: Outcasts of Byr, Session 1I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone's DM notes looked like. Maybe we can learn from each other? Perhaps we can "ooo" and "ah" at each other's genius. Perhaps we can look at wonder at how someone's notes could ever translate into a playable game session. I'm curious!<br />
<br />
Below are the beginning game notes for the current session we are playing. I will have to censor some of these because I never know who will see some of the spoilers sooner than intended. The top half is the world notes. Some of it is still intact and it sets the background for the current campaign. This all used an early playtest packet of the D&D Next Open Playtest.<br />
<br />
Everything below was ALL I had written down to begin Game Session 1. I had two players at the time. One was playing a changeling rogue and a warforged fighter (both races homebrewed), and the other was playing a dwarf cleric and a human rogue.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A: Home Nation, Areli</li>
<ul>
<li>Taken over by Nation B in invasion that ended 7 years ago</li>
<li>Former second prince currently rumored to survive in the dungeons of capitol city</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The Invasion, 9-7 BA (Before Annexation)</li>
<ul>
<li>Prince Kamren Lindstrin and Lord Lazrin Viticus visit Nation B, part of Prince Kamren's attempts to woo the princess</li>
<ul>
<li>this would be the prince's third and final attempt</li>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>Lord Viticus was there in the role of "friend", one he set up to gain more power should Kamren ascend</strike></span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>The beautiful Princess Serene Estria falls in love with the manipulitive Viticus and they make love that night</strike></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>Viticus convinces Serene that he is Kamren, posing as a mere noble for protection, and woos her</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>caught in the act, Viticus escapes through a window unidentified</strike></span></li>
</ul>
<li>Viticus tells Kamren that Nation B is plotting against them in order to start a war</li>
<ul>
<li>They escape into the night, leaving behind a few servants who are later executed for "lying"</li>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>Viticus later plants </strike></span>a charm, formerly belonging to Serene, on a necklace Kamren wears</li>
</ul>
<li>An ambassador from Nation B is sent, well guarded, to Areli to confront the prince</li>
<ul>
<li>demands the young prince be turned over for crimes</li>
<li>the charm is found on Kamren</li>
<li>King refuses to turn in second son to Nation B</li>
<ul>
<li>King Eril Lindstrin II</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>War</li>
<ul>
<li>Nation B begins to invade Areli as soon as word arrives of King Eril's answer</li>
<li>Areli loses a lot of ground before finally properly gathering their forces</li>
<li>Largest victories came to Nation B after movign troops across the sea to flank the nation from the south and the coast</li>
</ul>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>Areli's Shadow</strike></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>An order of spies and assassins that work to keep the world at balance and the homeland safe; interest of the people</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>had </strike></span>the King, Eril, killed in an effort to calm the war</li>
<li>Prince Toris Lindstrin the Peaceful takes the throne and, immediately, leads his best men to uncharacteristically take down <span style="background-color: black;"><strike>Areli's Shadow</strike></span> in an act of grief</li>
<ul>
<li>neither faction is seen or heard from again</li>
</ul>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>Truth: They knew of a coming threat which would require a united continent</strike></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: black;"><strike>Killed King in hopes that the pacifist prince would end the war</strike></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>The young and frightened Prince Kamren ascends</li>
<ul>
<li>with less experience and without the kingdom's best men, Kamren eventually loses the war</li>
<ul>
<li>as a sign of good faith, Viticus is the one who captures Kamren and gives him to the armies of Nation B</li>
<ul>
<li>as a reward, House Viticus is allowed to keep a fraction of its land and retain a seat in the court</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>Civilian views...either</li>
<ul>
<li>Prince Kamren stole the virginity of Princess Serene and therefore the Invasion is justified...OR</li>
<li>The accusation against Prince Kamren is merely pretense to justify a war</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dwarf Religion, monotheistic</li>
<ul>
<li>True Neutral, God of War "Tyran" (tie-rin)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Human Religion</li>
<ul>
<li>sky-based</li>
<ul>
<li>Solm, sun god; God King; Day Watcher</li>
<li>Nocterra, moon goddess; Lady of the Night</li>
</ul>
<li>cultists believe:</li>
<ul>
<li>The world is the corpse of a fallen god, brother to Solm and Nocterra, named Arthen</li>
<ul>
<li>Arthen fell from the sky and became the world</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<u>Game 1: Getting Started</u><br />
<ul>
<li>PC Guild needs a name: ___________</li>
<li>Starting Town: Byr (buyer), western most city</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li>Built along the Ysir-Byr River on top of Ancient ruins of the same name</li>
<li>Has access to the Ysir Bypass bridge that leads to the Wyld</li>
<li>closest to the Elven nation of Litharian</li>
</ul>
<li>PCs hired to detain a bunch of thugs the guards don't bother to stop</li>
<ul>
<li>Human Commoners, reflavored Kobolds, reflavored Kobold Dragonshield</li>
<li>Thugs located in building that will be placed in their possession once cleared of baddies</li>
<ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>Guild House</li>
<ul>
<li>Located in south central district of Byr</li>
<li>once an old museum, among others</li>
<li>a single, depressing warforged is locked away in a hidden basement</li>
<ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>Neighbors</li>
<ul>
<li>Baker, Don Lannister</li>
<li>Milliner, Christopher Terrace</li>
<ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-45713122051392793822013-05-13T17:59:00.000-04:002013-05-13T17:59:28.298-04:00Marvel Hero-brew: New Suit MilestoneA few weeks back, we played the Marvel Heroic Roleplaying game and I took the role of <a href="http://thatrobedguy.blogspot.com/2013/03/marvel-hero-brew-suit.html">the Suit</a>, master of the old Atlantean magiks (spelled with a 'k' because that means it's old). During play, I barely managed to earn a single experience point. Ergo, I have created a new Milestone to fit the character so that he can grow faster than the snail's pace. This will take the place of the In Sheep's Clothing milestone until the time comes for the Suit to begin to open up to his allies and the world.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #999999;">
<div style="color: white;">
Reluctant Savior of Humanity</div>
</div>
<i>"These apes are like children. They need guidance, protection, and parenting. Unfortunately, I'm the only one that can do it."</i><br />
1XP...when you go out of your way to protect an innocent human.<br />
3XP...when you gain stress up to d10 while protecting an innocent human.<br />
10XP...when you no longer reluctantly protect those who need it, or when you give up on the apes forever.<br />
<br />
This milestone was created for use in the Marvel Heroic Roleplaying game by <a href="http://www.margaretweis.com/">Margaret Weis Productions, Ltd</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-67316144400395568432013-03-24T15:00:00.000-04:002013-04-21T22:31:27.190-04:00Marvel Hero-brew: The Suit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Nwkh611LORhiN7m3up8vlUgq-4cWXO4tQzNNwmMdAkJG71sPdwmvC42Fs1JRElimu7bqVFzLPtGdmCEojhfcXIFOEjVNPALQlquv3jvbe8y8zbeZrqjNMbBMDFrSaV54txBcbBdUkM/s1600/TheSuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Nwkh611LORhiN7m3up8vlUgq-4cWXO4tQzNNwmMdAkJG71sPdwmvC42Fs1JRElimu7bqVFzLPtGdmCEojhfcXIFOEjVNPALQlquv3jvbe8y8zbeZrqjNMbBMDFrSaV54txBcbBdUkM/s320/TheSuit.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
This character exists in a universe wherein the Atlanteans and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mu_(lost_continent)">Mu Empire</a> wiped each other out in our prehistory. The two cultures had similar themes of mixing magic with technology and used those abilities to sink each other into their respective oceans.<br />
<br />
D'Rin Tarengal was a young Atlantean nobleman learning to become an arcane-technician when the Cataclysm began. He was placed in cryostasis...and awoke in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in the modern age, grasping to the lid of the stasis chamber to remain afloat. He would later discover that an underwater earthquake was recorded in the area at that same time, possibly shaking his stasis chamber loose from the remains of his civilization.<br />
<br />
D'Rin was rescued by a fishing boat and was led back to the United States to make a new life for himself. Without any record, a limited knowledge of English that he quickly learned on the fishing boat, and his claim of "memory loss", he was declared a John Doe and began a new life in America.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Learning English in almost a week, a simple language compared to the beautiful intricacies of Atlantean, D'Rin found life among the humans to be...unsatisfying. He was an Atlantean, a god compared to these neanderthals who had yet to reach the height of his own civilization though they had been given more than enough time. And they had entirely forsaken the great art of magic. For D'Rin, this was an outrage. The Atlanteans had to return.<br />
<br />
Formulating a plan, D'Rin realized that the only way to return the Atlantean race and culture back from the dead was through a combination of cloning, genetic alteration, and deep sea diving for any remaining stasis pods that might be occupied. All of this would require a great deal of money in the human world. D'Rin began inventing.<br />
<br />
Twenty years later, his technological expertise has led him to the top of his field as the C.E.O. of Atlantic Technical Industries, his own Atlantean nobility keeping him from settling for anything less. Now known as Daren Smith, he has become the face of the American Dream: coming from nothing and becoming everything.<br />
<br />
But it was never enough. The apes of the city living below his penthouse were a danger to themselves and others. The recent and sudden rise of superpowers in the world had made everything a little more interesting than board room meetings and pie charts of company growth, and D'Rin couldn't resist. He spends his evenings dressed in nothing more than a business suit and a replica of an old Atlantean warrior's mask, using his magic to save lives and protect his own interests.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: black;">
<div style="color: white;">
<b>The Suit,</b> Daren Smith [Secret] / D'Rin Tarengal [Atlantean]</div>
</div>
Solo d10, Buddy d8, Team d6<br />
<div style="background-color: black;">
<div style="color: white;">
<b>Distinctions</b></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Almost Human, Atlantean Noble Ego, C.E.O. of Atlantic Technical Industries</span><br />
<div style="background-color: black;">
<div style="color: white;">
<b>Power Sets</b></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #999999;">
<div style="color: white;">
Atlantean Arcanics</div>
</div>
Sorcery d12, Telekinesis d10, Teleport d10, Transmutation d10, Mystic Blast d8, Subsonic Flight d8<br />
<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Constructs-</i> When creating magical assests, add a d6 and step up the effect die by +1.<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Multipower-</i> Use two or more Atlantean Arcanics powers in a single dice pool at -1 step for each additional power.<br />
<b>Limit:</b> <i>Conscious Activation-</i> If stressed out, asleep, or unconscious, shutdown Atlantean Arcanics. Recover Atlantean Arcanics when stress is recovered or you awake. If mental trauma is taken, shutdown Atlantean Arcanics until trauma is recovered.<br />
<b>Limit:</b> <i>Growing Dread-</i> Both 1 and 2 on your dice count as opportunities when using an Atlantean Arcancis power.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #999999;">
<div style="color: white;">
Atlantean Warrior Belt</div>
</div>
Enhanced Durability d8, Enhanced Stamina d8, Enhanced Strength d8<br />
<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Invulnerable-</i> Spend 1 PP to ignore physical stress or trauma unless caused by magic.<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Gear-</i> Shutdown Atlantean Warrior Belt and gain 1 PP. Take an action vs. doom pool to recover.<br />
<b style="background-color: white;">Limit:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">Power Surge-</i><span style="background-color: white;"> Shutdown any Atlantean Warrior Belt power to gain 1 PP. Recover power by activating an opportunity or during a Transition Scene.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: black;">
<div style="color: white;">
<b>Specialties</b></div>
</div>
Business Expert d8, Mystic Expert d8, Tech Expert d8<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: black;">
<div style="color: white;">
<b>Milestones</b></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #999999;">
<div style="color: white;">
Cloning Atlantis</div>
</div>
1XP when...your plans to revive the ancient race advance.<br />
3XP when...you are forced to take extreme measures to keep these plans secret.<br />
10XP when...you begin the cloning process or choose to allow your race to die with you.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #999999;">
<div style="color: white;">
In Sheep's Clothing</div>
</div>
1XP when...you reveal your Atlantean nature to someone that doesn't know your secret identity.<br />
3XP when...you reveal your Atlantean nature to someone that knows your face.<br />
10XP when...you willingly reveal your Atlantean nature to the public or it is forced upon you.<br />
<br />
<i>Character Notes:</i> D'Rin joins the forces of good as a means to keep his magic in practice. He isn't a bad guy, but will do what it takes to ensure the resurrection and survival of his race. As a character theme, he is someone who teeters on the edge of villainy and it is the ongoing events of his life that will push him one way or the other.<br />
<br />
To properly clone his people, D'Rin will be using a combination of magic and technology, which the humans had never thought to do in their own attempts at cloning. The entire operation is his own personal side project operating within his penthouse. No other soul knows of it, as far as he knows or allows.<br />
<br />
D'Rin is not the only survivor of the Cataclysm. A fellow Atlantean, most likely a noble rival or a criminal (maybe both) rose with him in the earthquake that shook their stasis chambers from the bottom of the ocean. There could also be a number of Mu that survived the event that have staked a claim in the modern world. I imagine D'Rin, as Daren Smith, would have a number of business rivals as well and as the Suit would have any number of magical or otherwise enemies. Life is surely not boring for him.<br />
<br />
As an Atlantean, D'Rin is not entirely human. His species was a branch of the same line, so he can pass for one, but if someone was to examine him even under a microscope, the differences would be obvious. He uses his Sorcery to alter any fluids that are taken for medical tests and is forced to rely on his own magic for medical aid which he is not trained to do. At some point, he will have to let an ally in on his secret if he was in dire need of services.<br />
<br />
Atlanteans also age at a slower rate than homo sapiens. D'Rin has been magically altering his looks slowly to match the age progression of his "fellow humans". Truthfully, he appears to be in his early to mid 20s while Daren Smith is on record as being approximately 43. D'Rin does not look forward to the day when he has to find a reason to have a "long lost son" take over the business or restart all of his work entirely from nothing.<br />
<br />
<i>Designer Notes:</i> The Mu is a thing! I swear! Check out that link at the top! Not a lot of people in the Western culture know about it. I admittedly only know that it's a thing.<br />
<br />
<i>Edit (2013/04/21):</i> Altered a few power traits, added a few, and added a Limit on the Belt. Also modified the wording of the In Sheep's Clothing milestone. It now fits the feel of the character and, in my opinion, keeps it balanced.<br />
<br />
This datafile was created for use in the Marvel Heroic Roleplaying game by <a href="http://www.margaretweis.com/">Margaret Weis Productions, Ltd</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-69504220183434661892012-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:002013-02-25T09:57:19.485-05:00Dungeons and Dragons Next: Warforge Errata<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjPzEMmN9etrUlOEQhOrbw0cCFrUGZLwQ0_3Dt4QoGJWO65XzsfHTiyxMg12ehf2hPb0j6ykffZOr-ypW-UjpgVybOrNf4yL1LeCeoCR8RPl5yAL8XfM2CFq662usItCivU66xjEVjvE/s1600/warforgedBard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjPzEMmN9etrUlOEQhOrbw0cCFrUGZLwQ0_3Dt4QoGJWO65XzsfHTiyxMg12ehf2hPb0j6ykffZOr-ypW-UjpgVybOrNf4yL1LeCeoCR8RPl5yAL8XfM2CFq662usItCivU66xjEVjvE/s1600/warforgedBard.jpg" /></a>After giving it some thought, I decided it was time to reevaluate my Warforged design for D&D Next. I have to admit, though, that I am excited for the day Wizards of the Coast publishes their own design and I can drop this like a ton of bricks.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h2>
Warforged</h2>
<b><u>Traits</u></b><br />
As a warforged, you gain the following traits:<br />
<br />
<b>Size:</b> Medium<br />
<b>Speed:</b> 30 feet<br />
<b>Construct Recharge:</b> You do not sleep and instead enter a state of inactivity for 4 hours to gain the benefits of an extended rest. While in this state, you are fully aware of your surroundings and notice approaching enemies and other events as normal.<br />
<b>Living Construct:</b> You are a living construct. You do not need to eat, drink, breathe, or sleep and are immune to poison. You never make Constitution checks or saves to resist the effects of starvation, thirst, and/or suffocation. All other conditions and effects affect you normally.<br />
<b>Languages:</b> You can speak, read, and write Common.<br />
<b>Subrace:</b> Choose a subrace. The two available are Mechanical and Mystical.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Mechanical</u></b><br />
Some warforged are constructed with mechanical joints and gears, powered by a magical core that contains the "soul" of the warforged. They are stronger and heartier than their more magically created brothers.<br />
<br />
<b>Ability Score Adjustment:</b> Your starting Constitution score increases by 1.<br />
<b>Robotic Accuracy:</b> You gain a d6 as an Accuracy Die. When you make any attack, check, or save with the Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution abilities, you can spend your Accuracy Die to roll it and add its result to the initial d20 roll. The Accuracy Die recharges after a short or long rest.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Mystical
</u></b><br />
Warforged created via magical means, almost golem-like, are more in tune with the arcanical powers that created them. These warforged are more likely to be spell casters than their clockwork siblings.<br />
<br />
<b>Ability Score Adjustment:</b> Your starting Intelligence score increases by 1.<br />
<b>Arcane Accuracy:</b> You gain a d6 as an Accuracy Die. When you make any attack, check, or save with the Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma abilities, you can spend your Accuracy Die to roll it and add its result to the initial d20 roll. The Accuracy Die recharges after a short or long rest.<br />
<br />
<i>Designer Notes:</i> Before the latest playtest packet was released, I had this idea of taking the Maneuver mechanic and applying it to other parts of the game experience. Apparently, so did the people at Wizards of the Coast. The spending and rolling a die mechanic seems to be all over the most recent packet. Great minds, eh?<br />
<br />
The Warforged race was created for use in the current iteration of the DnD Next Playtest by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-70282109492857765472012-12-28T14:00:00.000-05:002013-02-25T09:57:19.491-05:004th Edition Homebrew: Monster HPWhat? Me doing another article on 4th Edition!? The Mayans were right; it's the end of the world!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmnotIE12h9Lvm5xJdyJTewK7lf8U3CG2V7sAQbmVU5BfpeWYMfcO4chua_ASBUpSlggdDLsnB1XCO97z8abQgS6de8cK4ZYsSNCyNkMdp47TB3wZGSnXEaz0SZoqEf8p9OpjGORFzXY/s1600/mayan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmnotIE12h9Lvm5xJdyJTewK7lf8U3CG2V7sAQbmVU5BfpeWYMfcO4chua_ASBUpSlggdDLsnB1XCO97z8abQgS6de8cK4ZYsSNCyNkMdp47TB3wZGSnXEaz0SZoqEf8p9OpjGORFzXY/s320/mayan2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"We predict that a blogger will write a stupid Mayan joke.<br />
Thousands will die."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a name='more'></a><br />
My mind is the strangest thing. In the middle of a shower, I suddenly thought of a way to speed up combat in 4th Edition. Well, maybe by only a little.<br />
<br />
Instead of monsters having hit points, perhaps they have a total number of hits that they can take before dying. The total number of hits a monster can take depends on their type:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Minions have one hit (and take no hit on a miss as is the usual)</li>
<li>Standards have three hits</li>
<li>Elites have five hits</li>
<li>Solos have ten hits</li>
</ul>
If a character is built on doing additional damage, allow them to make two hits on a monster with a successful attack. On a critical hit, add an additional hit to the damage dealt.
<br />
<br />
If a creature is vulnerable to a certain type of damage, add another hit. If a creature is resistant to a certain type of damage, then split the number of hits dealt in half.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MMfpbpY0pXVMMm145iWPIdgmV-mjiahNXKi5oXAMQ9TbwdCz1rjHJ896Lx4yjUneGhdF9nVkCxpWO1cga1cGDF478NZDjk5AMEPGk68GDGogVfVug8-Ci0y2rdfV7CZw9hGmKm4oiVk/s1600/398_fighter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MMfpbpY0pXVMMm145iWPIdgmV-mjiahNXKi5oXAMQ9TbwdCz1rjHJ896Lx4yjUneGhdF9nVkCxpWO1cga1cGDF478NZDjk5AMEPGk68GDGogVfVug8-Ci0y2rdfV7CZw9hGmKm4oiVk/s200/398_fighter.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can do 12 hits in a single attack. U mad?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not sure if this would help out at all, or if it is even close to balanced. Frankly, I'm busy running Next so I won't be able to try this out myself. But, it was an idea that ran through my head. If you try it, let me know how it works out for your group.<br />
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That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-70656760938163637152012-12-14T14:00:00.000-05:002013-02-25T09:57:19.494-05:00Why I LOVE Dungeons and Dragons Next!...as of the 11/13/2012 playtest release. That's a reference point for you who are reading this in <b>THE FUTURE</b>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9acHeJB2PfbDfCh4t6bWSRb1sIStzlObWx55PBPrduPFppfYiBeW85DsD3NSM1i5fFoC7Jb0C9qeZsGwoBUZNC8n3eDLMZG1MR1iarHC2Ar6vXgQ4kNZOpuEiuCw7uL4Ix2Z5uIUANQg/s1600/farnsworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9acHeJB2PfbDfCh4t6bWSRb1sIStzlObWx55PBPrduPFppfYiBeW85DsD3NSM1i5fFoC7Jb0C9qeZsGwoBUZNC8n3eDLMZG1MR1iarHC2Ar6vXgQ4kNZOpuEiuCw7uL4Ix2Z5uIUANQg/s200/farnsworth.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good news, everyone! WotC released ANOTHER playtest packet!<br />
Time to remake all your characters!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a name='more'></a><b>First of all</b>, I love d20 systems. There is just something about the combination of the one die for everything (save for damage) and the 5% chance for success that makes me happy. I know I'm not the only one that feels this, as evident by the continuing stream of d20 splat books.<br />
<br />
<b>Second</b>, the plug and play character creation makes creating characters that much more fun. While there is the option to pick and choose the individual feats and features, the package deal with Backgrounds and Specialties not only makes the creation process faster, but also helps weave an intriguing story for the character. With the Human/Cleric/Charlatan/Healing Specialist build, I've essentially put together a fantasy-genre version of a t.v. evangelist! "Be HEALED by the mighty Light of Pelor!" The hardest part of character creation that I have thus far seen is only in coming up with the character's concept, which has nothing to do with the game's mechanics!<br />
<br />
<b>Third</b>, creating a game where the skills are no longer tied to ability scores allows for creative roleplaying. Imagine you're the fighter and you are trying to interrogate a low-level villain into giving up the Big Bad Evil Guy's location. In previous editions, the Intimidation skill was tied to Charisma which is a lot of the times an ability score a fighter would use as a Dump Stat (right next to Intelligence and Wisdom). Now, you can tie that Intimidation straight into Strength instead, allowing for a simple snapping of a plank of wood to bring a point across to an NPC.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSIXFAOm53tssa8ofduu_ykF7KI7RzszN1zf1osWHQPMbcsGaH5R0LFXjwFqPwG1aD3pd3ObEJroZ0I-hEl4xAuuYjj1Hf6zF0X_mssgMocgttvgAa48rfboVBGcdIe0pott00XWZDX4/s1600/the-dark-knight-heath-ledger-interrogation-joker-batman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSIXFAOm53tssa8ofduu_ykF7KI7RzszN1zf1osWHQPMbcsGaH5R0LFXjwFqPwG1aD3pd3ObEJroZ0I-hEl4xAuuYjj1Hf6zF0X_mssgMocgttvgAa48rfboVBGcdIe0pott00XWZDX4/s320/the-dark-knight-heath-ledger-interrogation-joker-batman.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Make a Charisma check to interrogate him."<br />
"Can I add my Stealth to this?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fourth</b>, STORY! Story Story story. I get a strong sense that every decision backing this game was made with story largely in mind. My players and I tried to get as much story out of 4th Edition as we could, but the overwhelming combat mechanics and three hour long encounters made that extremely difficult. In Next, we are able to strongly focus on the story of the characters and interweave them into the overall plot of the game.<br />
<br />
Allow me to explain point Four further. The typical gaming night for a group of people with jobs and families is about 4 to 6 hours. If a single 4th Edition combat encounter takes three hours to complete (an arguably average amount of time in that system), it can take up anywhere from half to three quarters of your gaming session. If you ask me, that's ridiculous. A single encounter should never take a majority of a single session. The flow of a story, even one based mostly on fights, cannot handle the near death of pacing that a single three hour combat would create.<br />
<br />
With this newest iteration of Dungeons and Dragons, I am getting more story involved in our games than I have had in the previous two editions. Some will claim that it is my own fault for that, and maybe they are right to a point. But with a system that allows such quick combat and a simplistic system for creating and playing our characters, we can build the one thing that we as roleplayers strive for the most: a cohesive collaborative story that is fun.<br />
<br />
And in the end, it is the fun that matters the most.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCw2mvR-_F1NiDOjb74wlmpoOTa9oxVN5dMW0ibk5XqJCBSzTs0ZGDbcIS06B9kAhQkO_qZYvGfZB7ffxh2PO09K3JYPdunleljjOfB1xDZnlb-ZsUCy-fjwQJu8hoFpFa8U6diVGgn4/s1600/The_End_Book.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCw2mvR-_F1NiDOjb74wlmpoOTa9oxVN5dMW0ibk5XqJCBSzTs0ZGDbcIS06B9kAhQkO_qZYvGfZB7ffxh2PO09K3JYPdunleljjOfB1xDZnlb-ZsUCy-fjwQJu8hoFpFa8U6diVGgn4/s320/The_End_Book.png" width="320" /></a></div>
That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-66034276577600956122012-11-19T01:15:00.002-05:002013-02-25T09:57:19.481-05:00Randomly Generated Exploration<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickrfanstan.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/adventuring-in-the-valley-and-a-new-nbc-tv-interview.jpg?w=500&h=334" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://flickrfanstan.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/adventuring-in-the-valley-and-a-new-nbc-tv-interview.jpg?w=500&h=334" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Explore to your heart's content, my friends.<br />
Beware the dragons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I come out of "retirement" momentarily to bring you this latest blog post!<br />
<br />
In my current D&D Next game, my players have been hired to map out the Wyld (spelled with a "Y" because it's fantasy!), a vast expanse of land that has not been touched by civilization in centuries. The following are the charts that I use to randomly generate events in the Wyld. I decided that instead of designing an entire region that was more than twice the size of their country of origin, it was better to just design the basic geography and allow chance to decide the rest, barring anything related to the plot.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>If you wish to use the tables below, all you need to do to begin is prep the geography of the unexplored lands in your campaign. In a grid map (squares or hexes; your choice), layout the land your party is going to be exploring. Include all the mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, etc. that exist within that land. Also include anything story related that requires a specific location. The rest will be randomly generated via percentile dice and/or improvised at the table.<br />
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The players begin at a 5% chance of something happening when they enter the first grid. The chances increase by 5% if nothing happens. When an event finally occurs, the chance returns to 5% when the players enter the next grid space. If the players want to explore the grid deeper or even take a long rest, then roll the dice again. Remember, the chance of something doesn't resent until they move on to the next grid space.<br />
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<i>Note</i>: For combat, it would be beneficial to find or create a list of the available monsters by level. The game you are playing should specify what constitutes an easy, average, or hard combat encounter. Allow yourself to create appropriate encounters based on the random rolls and what makes sense for the story at the time.<br />
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<i>Note 2</i>: The "Path Gate" mentioned in Table 2.3 refers to an element of my own campaign. The Path is something of a subspace pathway that allows someone to travel great distances in a short amount of time between any number of Path Gates. It is a magical construct created centuries before the campaign by an ancient and long dead race. For your own game, you can switch it out with a gateway to the Ethereal Plane or to some other plane relevant to your campaign.<br />
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<i>Note 3</i>: For the purposes of our game, each grid square abstractly represented an hour of travel. Exploring the square deeper spent another hour of their time. It works out for keeping track of the time of day in-game.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 1.1: Random Event</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <th>%</th><th>Event</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>1-45</td> <td>Combat (Table 1.2)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>46-80</td> <td>Location* (Table 1.3)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>81-100</td> <td>Social (Table 1.4)</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*reroll if rolling for a long rest or deep exploration</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Table 1.2: Combat</span></b><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <th>%</th><th>Difficulty</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>1-60</td> <td>Easy</td></tr>
<tr><td>61-95</td> <td>Average</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>96-100</td> <td>Hard</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 1.3: Location</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <th>%</th><th>Type</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>1-35</td> <td>Ruins (Table 2.1)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>36-70</td> <td>Cave (Table 2.2)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>71-100</td> <td>Special (Table 2.3)</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 1.4: Social</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>%</th><th>Type</th></tr>
<tr><td>1-35</td><td>Lost Explorer</td></tr>
<tr><td>36-90</td><td>Cowardly Enemy</td></tr>
<tr><td>91-100</td><td>Powerful Enemy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 2.1: Ruins</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <th>%</th><th>Type</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>1-50</td> <td>Unsalvageable (Table 3.1)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>51-95</td> <td>Dungeon (Table 3.2)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>96-100</td> <td>Lost City (Table 3.3)</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 2.2: Cave</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>%</th><th>Type</th></tr>
<tr><td>1-50</td><td>Animal Lair</td></tr>
<tr><td>51-90</td><td>Monster/Humanoid Lair</td></tr>
<tr><td>91-100</td><td>Underdark Entry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 2.3: Special</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>%</th><th>Type</th></tr>
<tr><td>1-50</td><td>Path Gate</td></tr>
<tr><td>51-80</td><td>Fae Realm Gate</td></tr>
<tr><td>81-100</td><td>Grave Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 3.1: Unsalvageable</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <th>%</th><th>Type</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>1-45</td> <td>Broken Monument</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>46-80</td> <td>Ruined Structure</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>81-100</td> <td>Monolith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 3.2: Dungeon</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <th>%</th><th>Type</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>1-40</td> <td>Catacombs</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>41-80</td> <td>Former Sewers</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>81-100</td> <td>Sunken Structure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Table 3.3: Lost City</b></span><br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <th>%</th><th>Intact?</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>1-74</td> <td>Not Really</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>75-94</td> <td>Some</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>95-99</td> <td>Most</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>100</td> <td>Fully</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-67594794318404639142012-10-07T23:23:00.000-04:002013-02-25T10:01:28.706-05:00An End of an EraEvery week for over a year, with a few exceptions, I wrote Weekly 4th Edition articles to entertain and provide the masses with fun options, equipment, and monsters for their 4th Edition Dungeons and Dragons home games.<br />
<br />
But, I fear, that time has come to something of an end. It has become increasingly difficult to find something to write about. I don't know if it's life happening or if I just lost my muse or if I'm falling into some kind of emotional trench, but I'm going to have to leave Weekly 4e where it is for now.<br />
<br />
This doesn't mean I'm completely hanging up the homebrewing. Whenever inspiration hits enough to write an article, it will happen. The system doesn't matter. If you've been hanging around, you'll know that I've worked in 4th Edition, Dragon Age, Marvel Heroic Roleplaying, and most recently the latest Dungeons and Dragons Next playtest. I'll even take requests. You can shoot me an e-mail at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> and you can also find me on Twitter as <a href="https://twitter.com/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>. I check my Twitter more often than my e-mail, just so you know.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the updates will occur weekly again some time in the future. Who knows, maybe once the next edition of Dungeons and Dragons finally hits the shelves, the articles could come back in full swing. Until then, I'll see you around this crazy series of tubes.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-51617645855953609022012-09-17T01:18:00.000-04:002013-02-25T10:01:28.701-05:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Harvester of SoulsEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">"The world is in chaos."</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">"Yes, we see that. Evil has grown strong."</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">"We have chosen a Champion to guide the people."</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">"Send him...the sword."</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Harvester of Souls</span><br />
<i>Gleaming with a light from the heavens, the Harvester of Souls is a longsword made of the strongest ore tempered by the gods themselves.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QrLzNCrzUknpuEKacbUtkPFPhmbh1sWGA4RFj8XS28O1wYvaqs7XoKL68D377R8OEHkkcq5LIeqg-1aZQki08NEpDVNScDm2ZExHiJ98Wqv7HGffMCT3id_OqvvhCG3kCB70mzyaXAE/s1600/Holy_Sword_by_hgjart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QrLzNCrzUknpuEKacbUtkPFPhmbh1sWGA4RFj8XS28O1wYvaqs7XoKL68D377R8OEHkkcq5LIeqg-1aZQki08NEpDVNScDm2ZExHiJ98Wqv7HGffMCT3id_OqvvhCG3kCB70mzyaXAE/s320/Holy_Sword_by_hgjart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Harvester of Souls is a tool given to one chosen by the gods to be their champion. It is powered by the souls of the wicked, giving the wielder the opportunity to use them in the name of good.<br />
<br />
The gods are not quick to offer the sword to a mortal. The world has to be in grave peril for them to name a Champion.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidLoubwhqL4p-DrXyVlzK8YEQfnS3jgKjjzmDcAeOkmerwlJiLnsbiCv-Wh2aXmRQneZgooZwaoOVrz1KtPFSH6iIFduNgIat1yodAIZu_2nS4g1mgU3UyFDGGM5QPAc9CIIyfhtBJi4/s1600/Weapon_HarvesterOfSouls.png" 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/AVvXsEiidLoubwhqL4p-DrXyVlzK8YEQfnS3jgKjjzmDcAeOkmerwlJiLnsbiCv-Wh2aXmRQneZgooZwaoOVrz1KtPFSH6iIFduNgIat1yodAIZu_2nS4g1mgU3UyFDGGM5QPAc9CIIyfhtBJi4/s320/Weapon_HarvesterOfSouls.png" width="302" /></a></div>
When the work is done, and the world is safe once again, the Champion releases the Harvester of Souls to the gods. Until such time as the sword is needed again, it remains safe in the heavens.<br />
<br />
<i>Designer Notes:</i> Thanks to those that offered inspiration on Twitter. While I asked them for something Autumn themed, the imagination can lead a designer in other directions.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if this item feels like an artifact from a mechanical perspective, but I think the story implications could make for some interesting roleplaying.<br />
<br />
The Harvester of Souls was created using <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>. Image courtesy of <a href="http://hgjart.com/">http://hgjart.com/</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>Edit 9/18/2012:</i> Added a cap to the number of souls you can store at one time in the sword. Also clarified that the powers are free actions.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-10635623454695102102012-09-02T23:29:00.000-04:002013-02-25T09:57:19.444-05:00DnD Next Playtest: Warforging AheadToday's Weekly 4e Homebrew article has been interrupted due to large amounts of DnD Next radiation.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/001/122/xzibit-happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/001/122/xzibit-happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yo dawg. I heard you like playtests.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lord in Heaven, help me. One of my closest friends is also my right hand man when it comes to roleplaying. I bounce ideas off of him and he comes up with interesting character concepts. There is only one problem...he HATES classic fantasy races. He finds the combination of dwarves, elves, halflings, and humans to be a bore. He finds it less classical and more generic. He tends to play the weird races like Warforged or Changelings, and less used classes like ninjas.<br />
<br />
Consider this article (and any that follow it until the game's official release) an attempt to appease his lame arguments about a game still in the playtest phase. I'm not planning on releasing any more at this time.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h2>
Warforged</h2>
The warforged are a race of artificial beings created during an ancient war. Meant to simply be another form of animated creature, the creatures somehow gained sentience.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Traits</h3>
As a warforged, you gain the following traits:<br />
<br />
<b>Size:</b> Medium<br />
<b>Speed:</b> 30 feet<br />
<b>Construct Immunity:</b> You gain a +3 to checks and/or saves made to resist poison.<br />
<b>Construct Recharge:</b> You do not sleep and instead enter a state of inactivity for 4 hours to gain the benefits of an extended rest. While in this state, you are fully aware of your surroundings and notice approaching enemies and other events as normal.<br />
<b>Living Construct:</b> You are a living construct. You do not need to eat, drink, breathe, or sleep. You never make Constitution checks to resist the effect of starvation, thirst, or suffocation. All other conditions and effects affect you normally.<br />
<b>Languages:</b> You can speak, read, and write Common.<br />
<b>Subrace:</b> Choose a subrace. The two available are Mechanical and Mystical.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/art_preview/20080501_114875_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/art_preview/20080501_114875_0.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<h3>
Mechanical</h3>
<div>
Some warforged are constructed with mechanical joints and gears, powered by a magical core that contains the "soul" of the warforged. They are stronger and heartier than their more magically created brothers.</div>
<b>Ability Score Adjustment:</b> Your starting Constitution score increases by 1.<br />
<b>Robotic Accuracy:</b> Three times per day, you may reroll any attack, check, or save made with the Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution abilities. If you have advantage or disadvantage on the roll, you may only reroll one of the die. You must take the result of the reroll.<br />
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<a href="http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs19/f/2007/285/7/3/Warforged_Necromancer_by_D_MAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs19/f/2007/285/7/3/Warforged_Necromancer_by_D_MAC.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<h3>
Mystical</h3>
Warforged created via magical means, almost golem-like, are more in tune with the arcanical powers that created them. These warforged are more likely to be spell casters than their clockwork siblings.<br />
<b>Ability Score Adjustment:</b> Your starting Intelligence score increases by 1.<br />
<b>Arcane Accuracy:</b> Three times per day, you may reroll any attack, check, or save made with the Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma abilities. If you have advantage or disadvantage on the roll, you may only reroll one of the die. You must take the result of the reroll.<br />
<br />
<i>Designer Notes:</i> If the final product is as smooth and easy to play with as this playtest, I will be a VERY happy homebrewer.<br />
<br />
The Warforged race was created for use in the current iteration of the DnD Next Playtest by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-8384855780372979852012-08-27T17:08:00.000-04:002013-02-25T10:01:28.713-05:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Monolith DroneEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
THEY'VE BREACHED THE OUTER DEFENSES! THE ANIMATED HORDES ARE FLOODING IN! My gods...THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THEM! FLEE! ABANDON ALL HOPE! ABANDON ALL HO-URK!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Monolith Drone</span><br />
<i>The drones swarm in mass numbers, killing all in their wake.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlH72qSmOySxxLjkoJUkdfeaundy331_Hbvl8mPmN7oF5qsjBQ7XmQcuk4aK6O1eX2QRwp6hhEKGfr-JwbA85bg1ITRbZk_UtcFp3H5MI3eqDOVDY755rQI9YLuu6K4u2mrTUbMENJA4/s1600/The_SpiderMech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlH72qSmOySxxLjkoJUkdfeaundy331_Hbvl8mPmN7oF5qsjBQ7XmQcuk4aK6O1eX2QRwp6hhEKGfr-JwbA85bg1ITRbZk_UtcFp3H5MI3eqDOVDY755rQI9YLuu6K4u2mrTUbMENJA4/s200/The_SpiderMech.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The monolith drone is the foot soldier of the Animated Armies. They arrive at the feet of their larger brothers in overwhelming numbers. They arrive in great numbers, swarming over enemy troops.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Each drone resembles a robotic arachnid, with eight to ten legs and a opisthosoma section containing the arcanic energy used to temporarily lower the weight of the drone. The drone's lowered weight is taken advantage of when it uses its Pounce power.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRQAaTWSNbSE1-HfMxKnVwd-P7Qo3Fr6a0kU_TUHaIsw9L0u2jDOSdwnClTVC_edKGGkAvbrQB3oUIl5bfHxTOrlTIF0F0S04bd6mY7NQR7ZZhNE_YIQFoMySRi1BEFh4cTOAecE-8cA/s1600/Monolith_Drone.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRQAaTWSNbSE1-HfMxKnVwd-P7Qo3Fr6a0kU_TUHaIsw9L0u2jDOSdwnClTVC_edKGGkAvbrQB3oUIl5bfHxTOrlTIF0F0S04bd6mY7NQR7ZZhNE_YIQFoMySRi1BEFh4cTOAecE-8cA/s400/Monolith_Drone.png" width="325" /></a></div>
<i>Designer Notes</i>: The opisthosoma is the abdomen section, or butt, of the spider...in case you didn't know.<br />
<br />
The Monolith Drone was created using <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-29267614521211333542012-08-19T18:16:00.000-04:002013-02-25T10:01:28.694-05:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Earth MonolithEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
GET MORE MEN TO THOSE GATES! WE CAN DO THIS! WE CAN HOLD THE ANIMATE ARMY AT BAY! WE GROUNDED THE LIGHTNING! WE SNUFFED OUT THE FLAMES! WE'RE ALMOST THROUGH THIS, MEN! PEACE MAKER KEEP HAS HELD ONCE MO-<br />
<br />
*THUM*....*THUM*<br />
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Oh...gods...<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Earth Monolith</span><br />
<i>The Animate Army parts ways as a giant silhouette approaches, firing boulders into the air to smash into the walls of Peace Maker Keep.</i><br />
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<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5301/5647913224_850837741b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5301/5647913224_850837741b_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Earth Monolith appears much like the other monoliths, but only much...MUCH bigger. It pulls the ground from the planet and sends it hurtling through the air to its target.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzqhLdmF_ZziXq_vzYcj-f_C6Za5uqzm7qYRrwooehm721GvS_IedcE9SqsDGCd0g4tFPzzdN_QjznvmA1BNYa3JFFiyZ5rdCVa45LOVqi7NeLaibW8p-8JBB8Y7qTmJlLRWHOrCNzM0/s1600/Earth_Monolith.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzqhLdmF_ZziXq_vzYcj-f_C6Za5uqzm7qYRrwooehm721GvS_IedcE9SqsDGCd0g4tFPzzdN_QjznvmA1BNYa3JFFiyZ5rdCVa45LOVqi7NeLaibW8p-8JBB8Y7qTmJlLRWHOrCNzM0/s640/Earth_Monolith.png" width="321" /></a></div>
<i>Designer Notes:</i> I...I kinda want to run this scenario now.<br />
<br />
The Earth Monolith was created with <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-81883045824933073652012-08-13T17:03:00.002-04:002013-02-25T10:01:28.710-05:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Flame MonolithEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
The Animate Army continues its invasion of my blog. Last week, the Lightning Monoliths began their barrage from the rear flanks. This week, front lines collide as the Animates send out a devastating wave of chaos, the Flame Monoliths.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Flame Monolith</span><br />
<i>The forward lines of the Animate Army pushes forward, spreading a thick fire across the front lines, driving the mortal races further into the protective arms of Peace Maker Keep.</i><br />
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<a href="http://static.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/65632-bigthumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/65632-bigthumbnail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Standing at 9 feet in height on six mechanical legs, these walking furnaces push into the front lines of their enemies with a fire hotter than the Nine Hells combined. A single "eye" on the front of the monolith can open, emitting a massive stream of fire upon the opposing forces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5oiHzMhEQnUidSp6ZFzW7P11ZBYLiUi0f3GKxK0zz363YYWEASWfn94n9EvKa3twJ4pn-zIC9cTr1Zs9tvW2CDHv-_0tN5GQGK8sCEKqBPyn_xMuT8QjMivYSOIZnKiseMxvVuockS0/s1600/FlameMonolith.png" 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/AVvXsEhP5oiHzMhEQnUidSp6ZFzW7P11ZBYLiUi0f3GKxK0zz363YYWEASWfn94n9EvKa3twJ4pn-zIC9cTr1Zs9tvW2CDHv-_0tN5GQGK8sCEKqBPyn_xMuT8QjMivYSOIZnKiseMxvVuockS0/s320/FlameMonolith.png" width="281" /></a></div>
<i>Designer Notes:</i> Sorry about the lateness. I literally could not keep my eyes open to finish it the other day. Apparently, the human body needs sleep to function. Who knew?<br />
<br />
The Flame Monolith was created using <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-65881173070938089042012-08-06T02:18:00.000-04:002013-02-25T10:01:28.703-05:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Lightning MonolithEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
INSPIRATION! It comes at the strangest of times. For me, it usually happens on the toilet. Hey, don't judge. The bathroom provides little distractions and allows my mind to wander.<br />
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As I was saying, I was inspired to create something akin to a mech. This later evolved to the single-minded animate that you will see today. I give you, the LIGHTNING MONOLITH.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Lightning Monolith</span><br />
<i>A single eye opens along the side of the monolith, setting loose a concentrated bolt of lightning at its enemies.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUK-oWtMnAau3ip-SSX1croTuoN4T95I_H4G3UIPgBDd0J9I-b_6fvz87AAvpzzoTuZUnUSI1lvciSYYDwDGQVYUu_kJhm8fAZdg7RqfyOMqK5HsvAq1xhF1LRbH26Lz_qVC1Ka4gRsQ/s1600/WotW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUK-oWtMnAau3ip-SSX1croTuoN4T95I_H4G3UIPgBDd0J9I-b_6fvz87AAvpzzoTuZUnUSI1lvciSYYDwDGQVYUu_kJhm8fAZdg7RqfyOMqK5HsvAq1xhF1LRbH26Lz_qVC1Ka4gRsQ/s1600/WotW.jpg" /></a></div>
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The Lightning Monolith is roughly 20 feet high in a tapered cylinder, almost a cone, with four legs for mobility. The peak of the cylinder is topped with half an orb, used for collecting lightning from storms and magical attacks. A single "eye" on one side of the cylinder acts as its weapon, opening and closing to release the power held within.<br />
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<i>Designer Notes</i>: What's this? Something original? Heaven help us!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05jOX0X9Hf4V3N0lryp5ctOJRpTI-9ahWDY-Jj3iSX4749p7C3ndmNL1vq6SmvTq2pvjQ4vX0pq0vDKoqoM6oBmx28Mp-aAX5jKMfIOLND6tV_3rqaGnlACKiEDGMjOz8a_JOd11Phf0/s1600/LightningMonolith.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05jOX0X9Hf4V3N0lryp5ctOJRpTI-9ahWDY-Jj3iSX4749p7C3ndmNL1vq6SmvTq2pvjQ4vX0pq0vDKoqoM6oBmx28Mp-aAX5jKMfIOLND6tV_3rqaGnlACKiEDGMjOz8a_JOd11Phf0/s400/LightningMonolith.png" width="252" /></a></div>
I imagined these mechanical monstrosities as the rear artillery of an invading army. Imagine: early in the adventuring party's career, a strange lightning storm attracts their attention. They discover a single monolith half buried in the ground absorbing the lightning. It awakens when they disturb it and attacks, acting as a Solo encounter.<br />
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Eventually, as the PCs level up, they will see the monoliths grow in number at alarming rates until BAM, it's time for some hard core Helm's Deep action.<br />
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And yes, the image used is an interpretation of a tripod from War of the Worlds. I was trying to put something together that closer resembled the monolith, but I wasn't happy with anything that I managed to draw. Artists truly are their own worst critics.<br />
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The Lightning Monolith was designed using <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-8627934642616522152012-08-02T14:00:00.000-04:002013-02-25T09:57:19.510-05:00Marvel Hero-brew: Hice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvvB5ZOGy8ppwRbYcS_fL8i4wuCL94FEXuQoC5eBoRx9h8j9-VrUYArRqZE4k4rQexmXDT6HGs5O-MM5C5ORZ8K_SPeQtzINfJLdPZ4_JBNFMF2JiQUtEg-L92mpuFqJILmLrar_4PY0/s1600/Hice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvvB5ZOGy8ppwRbYcS_fL8i4wuCL94FEXuQoC5eBoRx9h8j9-VrUYArRqZE4k4rQexmXDT6HGs5O-MM5C5ORZ8K_SPeQtzINfJLdPZ4_JBNFMF2JiQUtEg-L92mpuFqJILmLrar_4PY0/s320/Hice.jpg" width="120" /></a></div>
Robert Harrison was your ordinary, everyday genius. One day, when testing a new combustible fuel in a safe and remote location...he woke up. The combustion engine Robert had been using to test the new fuel was in ruins and it was several days later.<br />
<br />
While trying to determine what went wrong, his temper grew. However, so did the flames now surrounding his body. He unintentionally started a forest fire, and in his panic, discovered that he could also put it out with another set of powers. Fire and ice were now at his fingertips, but Robert couldn't figure out how.<br />
<br />
Extensive research quickly led Robert to understand that the chemical compound for his new combustible fuel had nothing to do with his transformation. With nothing left but to explore his new found powers, Robert joined his brother, Voltage, in stopping criminals like his favorite comic book heroes. This took precedence over his continued education and continues to function with nothing more than a High School Diploma, despite his high intellect.<br />
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He decided on the name Hice and continues to claim he couldn't think of anything better because all the good names are already taken or copy-written.<br />
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<b>Hice,</b> Robert "Rob" Harrison [Secret/Public]</div>
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Solo d6, Buddy d10, Team d8<br />
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<b>Distinctions</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Banner's Temper</span><span style="background-color: white;">, Masters Grad </span><span style="background-color: white;">Equivalent, Eldest Sibling</span><br />
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<b>Power Sets</b></div>
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Genetic Inferno</div>
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Fire Blast d8, Fire Control d8, Subsonic Flight d8<br />
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<b>SFX:</b> <i>Fiery Body-</i> On a reaction against a physical stress attack action, inflict physical stress with your effect die at no PP cost or spend a PP to step it up by +1.<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Flame Burst-</i> Add a d6 and keep an additional effect die for each additional target.<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Multipower-</i> see OM91 for details.<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Red Hot Rage</i>- see Berserk on OM90<br />
<b>Limit:</b> <i>Conscious Activation-</i> see OM93<br />
<b>Limit:</b> <i>Water Weakness-</i> Shut down Genetic Inferno when hit with a water or ice attack action and gain 1 PP. Roll versus the doom pool or wait for a Transition scene to recover the power set.<br />
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Frozen Genome</div>
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Frozen Exoskeleton d8, Ice Control d8, Ice Spikes d8<br />
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<b>SFX:</b> <i>Frozen Contructs-</i> see Construct on OM90<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Ice Cold Heart-</i> see Berserk on OM90<br />
<b style="background-color: white;">Limit:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">Conscious Activation-</i><span style="background-color: white;"> see OM93</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Limit:</b> <i>Melting-</i> Shut down Frozen Genome when hit with a fire/heat based attack action and gain 1 PP. Roll versus the doom pool or wait for a Transition scene to recover the power set.
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="background-color: white;">Limit:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">Mutually Exclusive-</i><span style="background-color: white;"> see OM93</span></span><br />
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<b>Specialties</b></div>
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Science Expert d8, Tech Expert d8<br />
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<b>Milestones</b></div>
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Brother's Keeper</div>
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<i>Your brother, Voltage, is a source of much strength and annoyance to you. Mostly annoyance.</i><br />
1XP ...when you compete with your brother, Voltage.<br />
3XP ...when you have a heated argument with Voltage.<br />
10XP ...when you split ways "forever" or reconcile your difference with Voltage.<br />
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Strange Origins</div>
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<i>The nature of your powers has remained a mystery for years. Perhaps finally learning the truth will help you in your fight against the criminal element.</i><br />
1XP ...when you discover a clue hinting to the origin of your powers.<br />
3XP ...when someone admits to knowing something about your origins.<br />
10XP ...when you finally discover the truth.<br />
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<i>Designer Notes</i>: Marty Sue? What are you talking about? I know nothing of what you are talking about!<br />
<br />
In all seriousness, this character was HIGHLY a Marty Sue created back in my middle school days. I thought the dynamic of the two different elements in one hero was interesting. I was also toying around with the idea of being able to use the two power sets together, but I think I will save that for when the character has enough Experience (XP) to remove the Mutually Exclusive limit. Consider it something to strive for.<br />
<br />
His "secret origin" is tied to alien experimentation with human genetics. Several elemental based heroes and villains around the world with similar mysterious origins are tied to Hice as sleeper agents to be activated once the invasion begins. The aliens did not anticipate the development of other super powered beings on Earth so that will, of course, be their downfall.<br />
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Hice was created for use in Marvel Heroic Roleplaying by <a href="http://margaretweis.com/">Margaret Weis Productions LTD</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-27961933698028637452012-07-29T12:00:00.000-04:002013-02-25T10:01:28.691-05:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Melora Warpriest DomainEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
I have no idea why I thought this would be a walk in the park. BUT! I present to you the heroic tier for the Warpriest's Nature Domain!<br />
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For the record: I'm not privy to the goings on in the Dungeon and Dragon Magazines anymore, so I hope I'm not treading on too many heels with this new article. I was also originally going to use the official name of the goddess of nature, but I decided to err on the side of caution. I figure I'm already dancing the line of the OGL, so why push it?<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Warpriest: </span><span style="font-size: large;">Nature Domain</span><br />
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A Warpriest of Nature is a champion of the wild, a teacher of gardners, a scourge of the unnatural aberrants, and a protector to the smallest of creatures.<br />
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<b><u>Level 1: Nature Domain Features and Powers</u></b><br />
<b>Benefit:</b> You gain resist 5 psionic damage and a +2 bonus to all saving throws vs. domination.<br />
In addition, when you use <i>healing word</i>, the area within the burst becomes difficult terrain until the end of your next turn that you and your allies can ignore.<br />
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<b>Domain At-Will Power</b><br />
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<b>Domain At-Will Power</b><br />
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<b>Domain Utility Power</b><br />
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<b>Domain Encounter Power</b><br />
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<b><u>Level 1: Channel Divinity (Nature)</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Level 3: Nature Domain Encounter Power</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Level 5: Nature Domain Feature</u></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">When you use <i>healing word</i>, any enemies adjacent to the target are pushed a number of squares equal to your Constitution modifier.</span><br />
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<b><u>Level 7: Nature Domain Encounter Power</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Level 10: Nature Domain Feature</u></b><br />
When you use a divine encounter power from your domain, shift each natural creature adjacent to you one square.<br />
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<i>Designer Notes</i>: I never thought it would be so difficult to design for the Nature domain, but there it is. I tried to dance along the line of the Divine and Primal power sources as best I could as I incorporated the sea, magma, flora and fauna into the domain. The question now is...is it all that balanced? I did some comparing and contrasting between several domains so I hope I managed not to be the cause of a frustrated Dungeon Master with a munchkin-ing player.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The various powers of the Nature domain were made using </span><a href="https://power2ool.com/" style="background-color: white;">Power2ool</a>. The Warpriest Nature Domain<span style="background-color: white;"> was designed for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by </span><a href="http://www.wizards.com/" style="background-color: white;">Wizards of the Coast</a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span>That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-51328536221172958212012-07-16T00:07:00.000-04:002012-08-09T00:14:20.439-04:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Chain of ShieldingEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
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I've been playing a lot of Mass Effect 3 in order to complete the epic of Quincy Shepard, a name that is now both respected and feared among the various races of the galaxy. One of the features prevalent in all three games in the regenerating shield that decreases with each attack that strikes it and eventually regenerates.<br />
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Consider this my attempt at creating a regenerating shield within 4th Edition's rule set. I present to you, the Chain of Shielding.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Chain of Shielding</span><br />
<i>The blue energy shield around you flickers with your enemy's blow, protecting you from a potentially deadly attack.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.instructables.com/image/FZCSAQ8F2ZL53DX/European-4-in-1-maille-chainmail-speedweaving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.instructables.com/image/FZCSAQ8F2ZL53DX/European-4-in-1-maille-chainmail-speedweaving.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Designer Notes:</i> I couldn't figure out which version of the Chain of Shielding that I prefer. I think the second version is the best of the two, but let me know what you think.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The Chain of Shielding was created using </span><a href="https://power2ool.com/" style="background-color: white;">Power2ool</a><span style="background-color: white;"> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by </span><a href="http://www.wizards.com/" style="background-color: white;">Wizards of the Coast</a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span>That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-89521284904957525722012-07-12T12:00:00.000-04:002012-08-02T08:15:08.213-04:00Marvel Hero-brew: Iron Golem<a href="http://ottawastart.com/pics/2010-08-02-robot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://ottawastart.com/pics/2010-08-02-robot.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Isaac Irons was an ordinary eleven year old kid. He went to school, did his homework, played videogames, etc. Then, everything changed when his mutant powers were activated. All of the metal in a 25 yard radius, including those in the bodies of Isaac and the surrounding civilians, shot from their sources into the air and fell like metal needles. It was a grizzly sight, one that Isaac can still remember to this day.<br />
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Isaac found himself non-corporeal; a mutant without a body and practically a ghost. He tried to reach out for help, frightening those that could hear him. Isaac quickly learned to remain silent. With no body, the ability to phase through walls, and no need to eat as he used to know it, Isaac did the only thing he could do: learn. He spent time reading over shoulders and watching the interactions between people.<br />
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As time went on, Isaac learned that he could move small pieces of metal with his mind. He used a small penny to help in his continued reading without the need to look over the shoulders of others. Eventually, this ability grew, and so did the public's recognition of his presence. There was worry that someone was building robotic drones to scare the local population. In truth, it was Isaac trying to build the proper body for himself.<br />
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It had been five years since his genetic awakening, and he finally had a body again. Isaac settled on a street sign, poorly spray painted white, to represent his head and used coins to simulate facial expressions. Random chunks of metal were fused together to create floating gauntlets and boots. Forgoing his former life at first, Isaac used a new identity to those who came to him. Drawing upon his Jewish heritage, Isaac became the Iron Golem.<br />
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<b>Iron Golem,</b> Isaac Irons [Secret]</div>
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Solo d6, Buddy d8, Team d10<br />
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<b>Distinctions</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Ghost Teen, Small Voiced, Violent Awakening</span><br />
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<b>Power Sets</b></div>
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Non-corporeal Magnet</div>
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Magnetic Control d8, Intangibility d12, Invisibilty d10<br />
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<b>SFX:</b> <i>Area Attack-</i> Add a d6 and keep an additional effect die for each additional target.<br />
<b>SFX:</b> <i>Invulnerable-</i> Spend 1 PP to ignore physical stress or trauma unless caused by mystical attacks.<br />
<b style="background-color: white;">SFX:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">Multipower-</i><span style="background-color: white;"> Use two or more Non-corporeal Magnet powers in a single dice pool at -1 step for each additional power.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white;">Limit:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">Difficult Recovery-</i><span style="background-color: white;"> Add Intangibility die to the opposing roll when others try to recover your physical stress.</span><br />
<b>Limit:</b> <i>Moody-</i> Earn 1 PP and step up emotional stress caused by doubt, guilt, or self-worth by +1.<br />
<b>Limit:</b> <i>Mutant-</i> Earn 1 PP when affected by mutant-specific Milestones and tech.<br />
<b>Limit:</b> <i>Mutually Exclusive-</i> Shutdown Non-corporeal Magnet to activate Golem Shell. Shutdown Golem Shell to activate Non-corporeal Magnet.<br />
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Golem Shell</div>
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Enhanced Strength d10, Superhuman Durability d10<br />
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<b>SFX:</b> <i>Unleashed-</i> Step up or double any Golem Shell power for one action. If the action fails, add a die to doom pool equal to the normal rating of your power die.<br />
<b style="background-color: white;">Limit:</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">Incorporeal-</i><span style="background-color: white;"> Shutdown Golem Shell after taking physical stress or trauma. Convert the physical stress or trauma to emotional stress or trauma. Golem Shell cannot be reactivated until the emotional stress or trauma is recovered.</span><br />
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<b>Specialties</b></div>
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Medical Expert, Science Expert, Tech Expert, Psych Master<br />
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<b>Milestones</b></div>
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Socially Awkward</div>
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<i>With five years of silence behind him, can Isaac overcome his problems with social interaction?</i><br />
1XP ...when you say something that unintentionally causes the room to grow silent.<br />
3XP ...when you manage to carry a conversation without stuttering or making people <span style="background-color: white;">uncomfortable.</span><br />
10XP ...when someone falls in love with you or when you give up on ever finding love.<br />
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Silent Learner</div>
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<i>Having spent years as a silent observer, can Isaac now put what he has learned to good use?</i><br />
1XP ...when you use a specialty outside of combat to help someone in need.<br />
3XP ...when you are accused of spying on someone, and you did.<br />
10XP ...when you use your ghost-like nature to accomplish a goal that immediately leads to the team succeeding or failing in the Event.<br />
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<i>Designer Notes:</i> I began creating this character using the <a href="http://www.margaretweis.com/images/stories/bonus_content/mhr_randomdatafiles.pdf">random character generator pdf</a> that is available on the <a href="http://www.margaretweis.com/">Margaret Weis website</a>. After realizing I was doing it wrong (my bad), I started over. I liked what the random generator had given me at that point, so I used it as a base. I knew what the character was, and how it would act in a comic book universe, so I used that knowledge to properly build the character. Iron Golem was the end result.<br />
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As a side note, when Irons enters combat he uses his magnetism to create his Golem Shell which has a strong primate resemblance akin to the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=mega%20man%20yellow%20demon&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=684&bih=639&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=kQf-T-rcDoSK8QTTz-TGBg#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ogf-T8mxKIqw8AS2kJ30Bg&ved=0CEgQBSgA&q=megaman+yellow+demon&spell=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=a4c8dd58b1bd4ab0&biw=684&bih=639">Mega Man Yellow Demon</a>. The eye is represented with a flashlight and the street sign used in his "civilian mode" becomes a chest plate.<br />
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Edit 7/13/12: Added "OR ___" to the 10XPs of each milestone. Subtractions and additions made to SFX and Limits of both power sets.<br />
Edit 7/14/12: Upped the die step for Golem Shell's Strength trait.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-8839002095044369652012-07-09T00:25:00.000-04:002012-07-09T00:25:14.513-04:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Web ShootersEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
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I bet you will never be able to guess which movie I saw this w-AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!<br />
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Yes, I braved the outside world to see a movie that would undoubtedly be far superior to the last Spider-Man film (an easy task to accomplish). And with that, I bring a piece of the wall-crawler's universe to your table. I present to you, a staple of the Spider-Man universe and in no way organic: the Web Shooters.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Web Shooters</span><br />
<i>These two bracers can create a bio-cable, much like that of a spider's webbing.</i><br />
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Either created by pure SCIENCE!, or borrowed from the labs at OsCorp, the Web Shooters are a staple of the Spider-Man mythos. With his trusty web shooters, our friendly neighborhood swings across New York, ties up his enemies, and many other ways that managed to suit his needs at the given time.<br />
<br />
<i>Designer Notes:</i> I hope I was able to capture enough of the web shooters' standard usage. Keep in mind that what is here is only what the items can do. If you want to swing from these webs, prepare to make an Acrobatics check.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmzfObE8Nv3UoyZhHth47MrruwmLd5o7FTmTNE2CsXQgMPamClqxsb6BYucWNFSzWE5uRGTvK2agWc_15PTmyggtXqZiSGnYnRyCEPDAOASQFWa528pUOCSS72fvu5kTQI2SD3yn0F8g/s1600/Arm_Level7_WebShooters.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmzfObE8Nv3UoyZhHth47MrruwmLd5o7FTmTNE2CsXQgMPamClqxsb6BYucWNFSzWE5uRGTvK2agWc_15PTmyggtXqZiSGnYnRyCEPDAOASQFWa528pUOCSS72fvu5kTQI2SD3yn0F8g/s400/Arm_Level7_WebShooters.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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The Web Shooters were created with <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-12080459671072684862012-07-02T16:40:00.001-04:002012-07-03T17:48:02.816-04:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Cave SwarmEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
Sorry about the late article, but I severely blanked when it came time to write. I guess that's a symptom of having moved on from 4th edition to D&D Next play-testing. BUT! The show must go on until D&D Next is officially published.<br />
<br />
There was a time when I was planning my Magnum Opus; a campaign to bridge the gap between 4th Edition and the Next Edition. The following was to be in the very first series of encounters: The Cave Swarm Hazard!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Cave Swarm Hazard</span><br />
<i>Something deep in the cave has spooked the native wildlife. They are now in a mad dash for the exit. Watch your step.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thed20.net/images/rat_swarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://www.thed20.net/images/rat_swarm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Designer Notes:</i> The aforementioned series of encounters were to take place in a mine that was experiencing a cave in. The Captain of the Guard specifically asks random passers by (the PCs) to assist him in helping those that may be injured or trapped within.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #5b1e34; color: white;">
<b>Cave Swarm</b>; Level 1 Obstacle</div>
<div style="background-color: #5b1e34; color: white;">
Hazard; XP 100</div>
<div style="background-color: #e0e2d5; color: black;">
<i>The squeaks and scratches of the approaching swarm are your only warning before the vermin overtake you.</i></div>
<b>Hazard:</b> A swarm of scared cave creatures covers the floor, attempting to escape from something further in the complex It lasts until the end of the encounter. <br />
<div style="background-color: #e0e2d5; color: black;">
<b>Perception</b></div>
DC 12: The character notices the coming swarm, gaining a +2 bonus to all defenses against the hazard's attack.<br />
<div style="background-color: #e0e2d5; color: black;">
<b>Trigger</b></div>
The swarm makes its attack when a creature begins its turn on the floor.<br />
<div style="background-color: #e0e2d5; color: black;">
<b>Attack</b></div>
<b>Immediate Reaction; Melee</b><br />
<b>Target:</b> The triggering creature<br />
<b>Attack:</b> +4 vs. Reflex<br />
<b>Hit:</b> 1d6+3 damage<br />
<b>Special:</b> Minions are only weakened by this attack.<br />
<div style="background-color: #e0e2d5; color: black;">
<b>Countermeasures</b></div>
A character can avoid the hazard by climbing walls, stalagmites, and rocks to keep off the main floor. The creatures of the swarm are too eager to escape to take the time to climb these surfaces.<br />
<br />
The Cave Swarm was designed for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-77361653419637623642012-06-27T12:00:00.000-04:002012-06-27T12:00:08.333-04:00AGE Brew: GunganI continue my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ">trolling</a> of <a href="http://newbiedm.com/">NewbieDM</a> and his excellent <a href="http://dragonageoracle.com/2012/06/01/beyond-dragon-age-star-wars-age-of-rebellion-playtest-document/">Star Wars: AGE of Rebellion</a> Dragon Age hack with a new background sure to be a favorite at everyone's gaming table.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><h2>Gungan</h2>
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The Gungan race is a reclusive one, with a minor appearance in the galaxy. These duck-billed amphibians reside mostly in the swamps and lakes of Naboo, surviving with a combination of nature and technology.<br />
<br />
<h3>Playing A Gungan</h3>
If you choose to play a Gungan, modify your character as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li>Add 1 to your Consitution ability.</li>
<li>Pick one of the following ability focuses: Constitution (Swimming) or Communication (Beast Handling)</li>
<li>You can speak both Gunganese and Basic.</li>
<li>Decide if you choose to be Force sensitive or not. This choice cannot be changed later.</li>
<li>Your speed = 8 + Dexterity - Armor Penalty (if applicable)</li>
</ul>
Roll twice on the accompanying table for additional benefits. Roll 2d6 and add the results together. If you get the same result twice, reroll until you get something different.<br />
<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr> <th>2d6</th> <th>Benefit</th> </tr>
<tr> <td>2</td> <td>+1 Perception</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>3-4</td> <td><b>Focus:</b> Dexterity (Riding)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>5</td> <td><b>Speak Language:</b> Old Gungan</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>6</td> <td><b>Focus:</b> Strength (Melee)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>7-8</td> <td>+1 Dexterity</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>9</td> <td><b>Focus:</b> Dexterity (Acrobatics)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>10-11</td> <td><b>Focus:</b> Constitution (Running)</td> </tr>
<tr> <td>12</td> <td>+1 Strength</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>Special:</i> Gungans can reroll any Consitution (Swimming) test, but must keep the results of the second roll. They can also hold their breath twice as long as other races.<br />
<br />
<i>Designer Notes:</i> I was going to add some Gungan specific equipment, but I got caught up in life and was confused by the separation of some weapons and the blue energy balls they wield. It'll come together eventually.<br />
<br />
For the record, Jar Jar can suck a big one. This background was created so characters like <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Kleef">Kleef</a> can travel the universe once more.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-86744809986061294582012-06-24T15:53:00.000-04:002012-06-24T15:53:35.380-04:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: Sleepless DaggerEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
I've never really given much thought to cursed items in the past. I've never felt the need to add them to our games, as of yet. So this will be my first attempt at creating one. I present to you, the Sleepless Dagger.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Sleepless Dagger</span><br />
<i>Your night is filled with the twisting and turning of a nightmare more intense than anything you've ever dreamt before.</i><br />
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<br />
It was too good to be true. The last dungeon you cleared out was filled with many wonders, but the dagger trumps them all. You knew from the second you first held it in your hand, this weapon will give you the power to succeed in your quest. But you haven't been able to get a good night's rest since that delve and it is beginning to affect your job.<br />
<br />
Every night, your mind is filled with the dark images of death, chaos, and demons. You find yourself being chased by an invisible force bent on destroying you. You end up caught in the jaws of a mighty beast too terrible to describe. And just as you begin to draw your final breath, you wake up.<br />
<br />
Your companions are beginning to notice something is wrong, but you are trying not to let them in on it. It's just dreams after all. They'll stop soon enough. Maybe if you knew what was causing them, you could get over them. At least you have your new dagger in hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAdoRGQGh7rOCMCPLC86GeSPgg8XK_HeqGxpbZLvQiE_qCj9XPHKb2NwDnT1EPAeFQi1rRZlxOSMma5bab7M1MElYZMa2nDNA91E5jiU6ek3rvf7XtjK4akj9C8hGnVYchS5Kcv-JdMA/s1600/CursedWeapon_SleeplessDagger.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAdoRGQGh7rOCMCPLC86GeSPgg8XK_HeqGxpbZLvQiE_qCj9XPHKb2NwDnT1EPAeFQi1rRZlxOSMma5bab7M1MElYZMa2nDNA91E5jiU6ek3rvf7XtjK4akj9C8hGnVYchS5Kcv-JdMA/s320/CursedWeapon_SleeplessDagger.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Designer Notes:</i> I've been having some trouble sleeping recently, with much fault given to watching through Star Trek: Deep Space 9. I decided to inflict that same trouble upon PCs across the gaming culture. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
The Sleepless Dagger was created using <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-43173165083041814092012-06-17T12:00:00.000-04:002012-06-17T12:00:05.780-04:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: FatherhoodEvery Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
On April 1st, 2010, I became a father. And while life has thrown many curve balls in my direction since then and also because of it, it was one of the best things to ever happen to me.<br />
<br />
So below, I present to you <b>Fatherhood</b>, a divine boon that gives you an extra sense of purpose with each roll of the dice. <br />
<br />
And no, there was no April Fool's jokes to be had that day. My kid was scheduled to be surgically removed so we were able to tell people about it the day before (but she will hate me when she's about 16..."I got you a car. April Fools!").<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Fatherhood</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCxHgU5AP4MBxzG9OZLLn1NXMVJ5so-OelWMZt8-wGJI6zINKN-8nfjsImwKVrtoLZnTYEiaSRiGxB73wjajItlTUwsgqoPxjucRQedP4KdBIJFSmOrFj-dkM_EAMILHsBeJ2pqbG0-k/s1600/26940_115624941781796_3965284_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCxHgU5AP4MBxzG9OZLLn1NXMVJ5so-OelWMZt8-wGJI6zINKN-8nfjsImwKVrtoLZnTYEiaSRiGxB73wjajItlTUwsgqoPxjucRQedP4KdBIJFSmOrFj-dkM_EAMILHsBeJ2pqbG0-k/s200/26940_115624941781796_3965284_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>
The gods do not grant the Fatherhood boon to just anyone who creates a child. Any douche with half a limp d*** can breed, but it takes a real man of character to be a father.<br />
<br />
<i>Designer's Notes:</i> Yes, the picture is me on the day of my daughter's birth. The level of the power corresponds to my age when she was born. The power costs 500 gp because my rough Google search skillz (ie. the first link it offered) claimed it costs roughly $500 for each attempt at artificial insemination.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeMODzF9c9GQQCM2SJgocRHOPott63F1KAwq01FqDV8JY8qKMZyV6WszkocoqNaLlj6qUsLYFSn5bqr_uFnqVW4SRLZQjmoqLIrc-4-mCokGXioZH_g4BUmlyux8iKqzhYZI65Gb_k70/s1600/DivineBoon_Fatherhood.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeMODzF9c9GQQCM2SJgocRHOPott63F1KAwq01FqDV8JY8qKMZyV6WszkocoqNaLlj6qUsLYFSn5bqr_uFnqVW4SRLZQjmoqLIrc-4-mCokGXioZH_g4BUmlyux8iKqzhYZI65Gb_k70/s320/DivineBoon_Fatherhood.png" width="320" /></a></div>
The permanent bonus to attack and damage comes from the additional will
to clear out the evil from the world so that this new creature in your
life can be safe. The same can be said of Fatherly Might, the boon's
daily power. You call upon a surge of adrenaline because you need to see
his/her face one last time before the gods take you.<br />
<br />
And any parent will tell you that the second property of the boon is the absolute truth. Lord in heaven, is it true! I'm wondering if I need to push the area of that property a few more squares out. <br />
<br />
Fatherhood was created using <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765926276208830365.post-55455307322275544402012-06-11T03:22:00.000-04:002012-06-11T03:22:05.517-04:00Weekly 4e Homebrew: War!Every Sunday, I'll have a completely homebrewed Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition element that you can use in your games. I do take requests so you can either post a comment here, email me at <a href="mailto:thatrobedguy@hotmail.com">thatrobedguy@hotmail.com</a> with the subject "Homebrew Request", or send me a tweet on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/brannonhutchins">@brannonhutchins</a>) with the hashtag #weekly4e.<br />
<br />
If there is one thing that is seriously lacking in the 4th Edition, it's large scale combat. I have some ideas on the subject, so here is a little peek into those thoughts.<br />
<br />
I present to you: WAR!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">War!</span><br />
<i>What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.</i><br />
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When representing a war in your 4th Edition campaign, you will need to remember that you are looking at this from a third person perspective, not the usual first person that each player experiences while at the table. I recommend that you assure taking the game out of its usual method of play will not destroy the immersion for your players.<br />
<br />
In 4th Edition large scale combat, there are five different types of units to choose from, each of them similar to monster types. Each unit represents a large number of troops, roughly 75 to 150, and is considered to be Medium sized, mechanically speaking. For those of you who do not know, the different types of units will be:<br />
<ul>
<li>Artillery, ranged</li>
<li>Brute, strong melee and low defenses</li>
<li>Controller, burst and blast attacks</li>
<li>Lurker, surprise attacks </li>
<li>Soldier, above average melee with good defenses</li>
</ul>
Each unit comes with one of the following Squad Leaders:<br />
<ul>
<li>Commander</li>
<ul>
<li>Strong morale bonuses to attack and damage</li>
<li>Weak self-healing</li>
</ul>
<li>Hunter</li>
<ul>
<li>Increases unit speed, attack ranges, and Stealth</li>
</ul>
<li>Mage</li>
<ul>
<li>Can apply one of the following:</li>
<ul>
<li>Haste: temporary bonus to Reflex and Speed</li>
<li>Magic Weapons: temporary damage type and ongoing damage </li>
<li>Shield: temporary bonus to AC</li>
<li>...I may think of others.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>Priest</li>
<ul>
<li>Strong self-healing</li>
<li>Weak morale bonuses to attack and damage</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
You can also apply racial traits to the different units. For example, if a majority of the troops in the unit are humans, then give the whole unit the Human Defense trait and the Heroic Effort encounter power.<br />
<br />
While I don't have a complete array of units available, I have managed to create an example for you.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict9e9PXPFmcdF7yWcddLqTgsA1B0Ky89Nm9yaNsZpgbQ5fjJXpKaTyCcKw30PPoyeyLsE3bzVYk0qCrKnyhnE2qCTo97Nf7aCFATK8_iSYoqG446cQcpklsmc05G6eeV2PHQg4-Rphug/s1600/LSC_Artillery_Heroic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict9e9PXPFmcdF7yWcddLqTgsA1B0Ky89Nm9yaNsZpgbQ5fjJXpKaTyCcKw30PPoyeyLsE3bzVYk0qCrKnyhnE2qCTo97Nf7aCFATK8_iSYoqG446cQcpklsmc05G6eeV2PHQg4-Rphug/s640/LSC_Artillery_Heroic.png" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Designer Notes</i>: I intentionally wanted this to seem like no more than a reflavored standard combat. The fun comes in finding the combination of units and races as well as the tactics on the battlefield.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind, you can only get the most out of this with a well
structured story to go with it. So, go out there and get your Battle of the Pelennor Fields on!<br />
<br />
The Heroic Artillery Unit was created using <a href="https://power2ool.com/">Power2ool</a> for Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition by <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a>.That Robed Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02151260965453558494noreply@blogger.com0