Hex Crawling Methodology

    Hexcrawling has became my preferred method of dungeon mastering my games, more often then not I am just as surprised by the situations as my players are. However even running such a free wheeling and open ended style still requires some prep work and some solid foundational structure to run smoothly.

    Over the years I have been collecting resources and tools for running in my games. Many are quite useful on their own and when combined together I have found they work wonders in preparing some very interesting results for the players to find. Below you will find all of the tools I am currently using in my own home campaign as well as the methodology used to go about doing so. This is intended to become a living document as various items and tools may get updated or exchanged for others as well as other category items are added or expanded upon.

     With out further ado I present the TOA: Hexcrawl Methodology v1.0

Tools used:

Hexmancer - Here

CDD#4 - Encounters Reference.pdf found Here

Wilderness Hexes - Here

D30 sandbox - Here

City Encounters - Not currently available for purchase, will update the blog here if that status changes

Nocturnal Encounters - Here

650 City Encounters - Here

Road Encounters - Here

Unique NPC - Here

Forests D100 - Here

Hills, Mountains and Plains D100 - Here

Marsh D100 - Here

Bandits - Here

Rumors - Here
================================

Hex Generation:

1: Roll hex type via Hexmancer generator or the terrain by hex table page 82 from CDD#4

2: Roll for unique feature, however use a d20 and add +1 on the odds for a feature
ex: wilderness rolls go from 1-2 to 1-3.

3: Roll d100 with a 20% chance of unique terrain based on type, from the wilderness hexes

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Wilderness Encounters check:

1: Roll 3d6 for each 1 there will be encounter appropriate to the type of terrain, roll on the random encounters table page 84 from CDD#4

2: If an encounter is rolled, roll on the appropriate d100 chart for the terrain

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Thorps, Villages, Towns, Cities:

1: Roll for size & pop, class & race, leader level, and settlement resources from page 104 on CDD#4 and take note of the availability modifier, if a player wants to know if something is there and you haven't planned for roll against the availability modifier

2: Roll on the shops and structures chart on page 108 of CDD#4, 1d4 for thorp, 1d6 for village, 2d6+4 for towns, 1d10+10 for city.

3: Roll for city encounters during the day roll on City Encounters, Nocturnal Encounters for night time

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Taverns:

1: Roll on page 36-37 of d30 sandbox companion for tavern name, and details

2: Using pages 105-106 of the CDD#4 determine which type of establishment it is then roll for # of tables and rooms, baths, security, entertainment, stable, carriage house, and chance of clientele currently in the establishment. During the Day 1d4-1 patrons already there, 1d10-1 at night. Roll on unique NPC chart for traveller.

3: Roll on rumor truthfulness on 105 of CDD#4, then on the rumor generator

4: Every hour check for new patrons coming in, 2 in 6 chance that 1d4 additional patrons arrive and 1d4 leave. Then check for bar event per tavern type in CDD#4 page 106

Fight - one on one, subdual damage used
Brawl - many fighters involved, subdual damage used
Vicious - Many fighters with weapons drawn

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NPC:

1: For townsfolk, or any non-classed/non-noble roll their details from page 26 of the CDD#4 or pages 46-48 of d30 sandbox

2: For classed roll their details on page 26 of the CDD#4 or pages 46-48 of d30 sandbox then stats and gear from pages 38-41 of the d30 sandbox

And that is pretty much it, it gets the job done and at least for me is a fairly entertaining process. If you find this useful or even if not leave a comment and let me know. Also let me know what tools you use not covered above and or any other sort of procedures you have came up with to help generate useful and interesting hexcrawls.

Filing off the serials #1 - Drink with the living dead

Filing off the serials #1: Drink with the living dead

Original Inspiration: Drink with the living dead by Ghoultown
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yywGI1H_oyM

Welcome to the first installment of my new series: Filing off the serials.

    My hope is to provide inspiration by showing you can take ideas from anywhere, change them up a bit, and make them your own in your table top games of choice. I find inspiration in everything from music, tv and movies, other games, and of course books. Some of the things I will be covering might be a plot device, other times it might be an interesting NPC, or perhaps a new unique item be it mundane or magical.

    This time around we are taking a look at one of my favorite songs by the gothic western group Ghoultown. The original is quite the story involving a undead desperado who was cursed by god for shooting a man to drink his beer.

    The curse placed upon him after he was hung prevents him from resting in peace until some one could out draw him or defeat him in a drinking duel. This is definitely usable in any game where curses, magic, and the undead could be found.

    I particularly like the Deadlands feel to it so in my own game I am keeping with the western styling as shown below however some additional changes to make it a bit your own could be instead of him shooting the poor man he stabbed him from behind/slit his throat, beat him to death with some brass knucks, or you could also easily change the challenge from a drinking contest to any game like poker, pool, darts, dice, etc.

Without any further ado I present to you Jacob Hurst.


    Jacob Hurst, hung for shooting an innocent man just so he could drink his drink. Now he is cursed to stalk the land until someone can either keep up with him drink for drink with out passing out or put him down with but a single bullet.

ST: 11 DX: 12 IQ: 9 HT: 10
HP: 11 FP: 10 Will: 9 DR: 0
SM: 0
Attack: See Notes
SP: 5.5 MV: 5
ADV: Combat Reflexes, unkillable 3(achilles heel(silver), Alcohol Tolerance
DIS: Bad Temper(15), Bloodlust(15), Callous(15), Disturbing Voice, Impulsive(15), Lifebane, vulnerability(silver x4)
Skills: Carousing(14), Intimidation(12), Quick Draw (16), Guns(15)

Notes: His gun was enchanted as well as cursed along with him that day. He wields a variant of the grim revolver found in GURPS Magic Items 3 pg 103 however it cannot fire skull spirits and the damage is 2d6 P+ and 1d6 burn. While not exactly undead he cannot die unless killed with silver, however he does not offer up this bit of information during  the brief conversations he has. If his chosen victim at the bar does not play along with his demands he will shoot them and any one else who gets in his way up to 12 times if need be.

    Should Jacob normally "die" with out the final blow coming from a source of silver his spirit fades away and he will return some where else in about a months time. If some one can drink with him ounce for ounce til midnight or should Jacob fall unconscious (using whatever rules your game has for dealing with alcohol otherwise you may have to work out a system of your own) then the curse will be broken and he will die for good on the spot. Whether his revolver remains cursed is up to the GM.

    This will wrap up the first installment of FOTS, please feel free to leave your comments below as I would love to know if any of you plan to use this idea or any others I present in your games and how you go about it.

PA Business Generator

 So needing some tools to expand out my post apocalyptic cities I noticed there wasn't really anything that provided a quick ref of logical businesses that could be running in the environment. So today I provide you with my d50 chart of businesses that could be found in a PA city, town, or what have ya. Roll a d100 and divide by 2 and away you go. Also provided are some useful skills beyond just merchant that the seller, craftsman, or provider would potentially have. Most of these are taken from the very useful historical folks document which can be found at https://www.mygurps.com

 

Download

Post Apocalyptic Resources

    As of late I have been working on a GURPS after the fall of modern man campaign and being new to running the genre I have been in search of tools to help put together my new post apocalyptic world. Having ran Mutant Future a few times at least gave me a good source of where to start as for mutations, weapons, drugs, and misc junk but thankfully there is a whole wide internet full of resources available and I will be sharing with you good reader some of the most useful in my humble opinion.


1: Daves Mapper: https://davesmapper.com/city

    Right away I am having a blast using Davesmapper for generating ruined cities to populate my world with. In particular I am fond of using Amanda Michaels geomorphs as they are clear and concise and when exported are perfect for numbering to allow for quick notation of what each building is on its associated guide sheet.

2: Settlement Resources:

http://mutationapocalypse.blogspot.com/2016/08/settlements-in-post-apocalypse-part-iv.html 

    This has a little of everything from random building generator, random settlement resource generation, trade goods, random crises, and a very useful gas station forts table that provides some stellar ideas for not just gas stations and out of the way locations but also ideas that work for any sort of fortified village/town/city. Highly recommend but certainly would save an offline copy as you never know when the google links will go dead.

3: Settlement Naming:

http://wampuscountry.blogspot.com/2012/01/frontier-town-name-generator.html

    A handy set of 3 d100 charts for creating names for locations, settlements. Again I would save a copy in case google every purges it.

[edit] http://www.random-generator.com/index.php?title=Wampus_Country_Frontier_Town_Name_Generator looks like there is currently a version of this located here however they are having technical difficulties and will hopefully have the generators working again soon

4: Hazards:

http://www.paforge.com/files/gw3/3rdhazards.pdf

    Has a little bit of everything from strange weather, omens, traps and more.

5: Gear Resources

Everything:
http://paforge.com/files/resources/purchase.xls
http://paforge.com/files/resources/search.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz3y1U9yyS02M0RMNGRKa0ZtYjQ/view

Armor:
http://paforge.com/files/gw3/3rdarmor.pdf


Weapons:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz3y1U9yyS02elNhNVQ5RVR0T2c/view
http://paforge.com/files/gw3/3rdweapons.pdf


Books:
http://paforge.com/files/gw3/books.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz3y1U9yyS02a3NJOUIweVJQb1E/view



6: Misc:

Below are some of the more interesting random tables that didn't fit in the categories above

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8l15nXmXT3BSFZUX3VoLXBXT2c/view?usp=sharing

    100 Post Apocalypse random events

http://paforge.com/files/resources/plotseeds.pdf

    80 different plot seeds to spark your imagination for adventures

http://paforge.com/files/gw3/animaldata.pdf

    A very nice list of different animals and ideas for basic mutations associated with them, perfect for quickly designing manimals.


These are just what I am currently using for my game however I would love to know what you guys think of the tools above. Let me know down in the comments what useful tools you guys have found for your games.

Beware the lowly kobald - Using history to create a truely deadly advisary

    By now most have heard the tale of Tuckers Kobdalds where the kobalds on level one were some of the meanest and straight up cleverest opponents in the dungeon. I have always felt this should be the norm and not the exception. Kobalds in the world of Aeril are as a race isolationists, preferring to be left alone, yet are devastatingly clever in particularly in the art of guerrilla warfare and trap making. They are also exceptionally territorial and do not take kindly to uninvited guests. That is not to say they cannot be reasoned with but you better pay attention, bring gifts of food or treasure, and most of all be respectful.

    Kobald lairs tend to have several warning signs that can clue you in that you are entering their turf, usually skulls on poles, strange markings on trees, cavern walls, or large boulders. Trust nothing you see in kobald territory else be prepared to suffer dire consequences. Below are traps used at various times in warfare throughout history that I could see kobalds using or devising in the protection of their home and property. At the bottom I will also be providing links for those who would like to read up on history themselves and possibly expand on these ideas a bit.

Hanging Snakes

    One of the simplest traps and can be used pretty much anywhere is the placement of venomous snakes tied to a branch, over a doorway, or any where some one not paying attention can walk right into. The snake being tied up for several days and most likely hungry and angry will likely lash out at anything or any one stumbling into it. Viscous and effective.

Snakes inside bags, packs, and chests

    Continuing with the use of natural biological weapons, snakes as well as spiders, centipedes, or any other naturally occurring venomous creature works well as a trap or deterrent to any one snooping through a kobald's treasure.

Noxious/Explosive Gases

    Kobalds are masters of their domain and such are always looking to harvest anything of value from the terrain. Bladders full of swamp gas can make for a terrible time that can sicken those who breath it or if exposed to an open flame create a explosive reaction. Kobalds know this and will setup pressure plates holding back several of these that when triggered release the the stored gas into the area. If flint is available a secondary effect could cause a spark to ignite flammable gases. From here the options and trigger mechanisms are endless. Possible places used are totems, chests, corpses, discarded equipment, etc.

See-Saw Spike Trap

    A simple setup using 2 boards one acting as the pressure plate and the other covered in sharpened spikes setup on a fulcrum so when stepped upon, swings the spiked end up and into the face/chest of the victim. Not uncommon like most spiked traps to be covered in some sort of poison, green slime, or other noxious material. 

Foot Traps

    Sometimes it is better to maim then outright kill. Various forms of spiked foot traps where stepped on impales the foot or the spikes are lining the pit at a downward angle to trap the foot and stab at the leg/ankle which may not be as heavily guarded by armor. Almost always poisoned and will cause most who step on them to howl out in pain. The effect is two fold as the victim has now given away their location, and are now an additional burden on those who have to carry or assist their injured comrade. If they are stuck in the trap for a period of time, monsters or a squad of armed kobalds may come scouting to finish off stragglers.

Caves & Tunnels

    Kobalds have a natural advantage in small cave and underground networks. Their small stature allows them to move quickly while any one taller then a dwarf or gnome will have to hunker down and move slowly through the area. this provides more opportunities for traps, such as the before mentioned pit spikes, rigging dead ends to entrap the unweary, or just cause a cave in. Most conventional weapons are also useless due to the cramped environment.

Upping the Stakes - Kobalds with Class

    Depending on the ruleset your using, kobalds who wish to strike out on their own make amazing rogues/thieves, assassins, and sometimes fighters. Assassin being the most likely in my opinion being able to sneak around effectively, work with various poisons and traps, and understanding the need to strike quick and disappear into the shadows or terrain. A monster race army like orcs, trolls, gnolls, etc would do well to seek the services of a kobald squad of fighters, trap makers, and assassins to soften up enemy ranks, remove upper level personnel, and strike demoralizing fear into the enemy.

Final Thoughts

    This was just a quick exercise at taking a look at our own world history, in this particular case a good majority from the Vietnam war, and find a way to use it for gaming ends. This does not make light of the horror that actually occurred during this time and hopefully it will inspire those who read this to do some research into the topic and learn from the past. Sometimes before moving forward you should look behind you first.

Further Reading:

http://www.cracked.com/article_21738_the-5-most-horrifying-booby-traps-in-history-war.html

http://peteralanlloyd.com/general-news/viet-cong-booby-traps-during-the-vietnam-war/

http://vietnamboobytraps.weebly.com/non-explosive.html

Malicious Monstrosities - Delusion Wasps

    It has been a while Since I have had the chance to create some new horrors for my sandbox world. I have done quite a few undead in my previous posts and the northern reaches of my world where the snow does blow has some truly terrifying stuff to find, so now it is time make the wild wilderness of the forests and plains just a little less friendly. 

Delusion Wasps

HD: 1
AC: 2(17)
ATK: 1 sting (1 + poison), 1 bite (1d4)
Move: 1 (fly 20)
Save: 17
CL/XP: 3/60
Special: Hallucinogenic Poison

    Delusion wasps look much like their mundane counterpart except for their jade coloring on their upper body and metallic rainbow coloring on their thorax. Their poisoned sting (save to resist) induces horrific delusions in the victim causing them to see and hear things that are not there(treat as being under the confusion spell) for 2d4 rounds. Multiple stings are cumulative. Assassins have been known to capture and raise hives of these to soften up a target or in the use of interrogation and brainwashing.

S&W Appreciation Day 2015

    Happy Swords and Wizardry day my friends. I have been enjoying and introducing the joy of this system for the last 6+ months and I have to say it has become my defacto game system.

    Part of what I love about S&W is it easily allows me as a collector and user of modules past and present is the ease I can port just about any adventure or idea with very little prep but provide big changes to my game world. NPC's, monsters, spells, it doesn't matter because it all bolts on quite easily.

    What helps make S&W so great and versatile is the simplicity of the rules and the building block nature that we all as players and GM's can build from and expand upon. I look forward to looking through everyone's contributions today and provide for you all today a new potion and 2 new monsters sure to both amuse and challenge your players.


Juggernaught Potion

    Distilled from ionized mithril and the eyes from a basalisk when properly prepared with various other ingrediants creates of a potion that turns the ibiber into a being of hulking destruction. The users body size doubles and takes on a greyish tint while the eyes burn with a red glow. The strength of the user increases by +5, is able to make use of their strength for additional attack and damage as per a fighter, and gains a -10[+10] to AC. This comes at a price as the user is no longer in control of their actions and will attack at random looking to cause the most destruction possible either on inanimate objects or friends/foes nearby. The transformation lasts for 1d6 x 10 minutes. Once it has worn off the user will fall into a near coma like state barely breathing for 2d20 hours.


Dracoon:
HD 4d8+8(16 HP)
AC 3 [16]
Save: 13 
Attacks: Bite (1d8 + disease) and 2 claws (1d6) or Breath of fire (1d10 save for half)
Reach 4ft/2.5ft
Move 6/24
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Region: Warm/Mountains
CR/XP: 8/800

Special:

immune to fire, vulnerable to cold
Dark vision 120ft

    Dracoons are scavengers and hoarders. Often found in dens in mountainous regions not far from civilization they favor little baubles like gems or small magic items. They speak draconic but rarely have a reason to do so preferring to keep to their dens. When forced into a fight or when protecting their den a dracoon will attempt to catch the most dangerous looking foe on fire with its breath or set the area itself on fire then close in to bite. If captured young they make excellent partners to young mages so long as they are kept happy with a regular gifts of food, gems, or gold coins.


Scorpion Soldier
HD 2d8+4(12 HP)
AC 5[14]
Save: 16
Attacks: 2 claws (1d4+1) or sting (1d4 + lethal poison)
Move: 6
Reach: 6ft/2ft
Alignment: Neutral
Region: Anywhere
CR/XP: 5/240

These soldiers were the magical mutation made by a mad wizard to defend his tower. Created as barely intelligent shock troopers, usually from captured peasants and farmers. They prefer to attack from ambush trying to catch their prey and inject them with poison. If they hit with both claw attacks they latch on and can proceed to sting on the following rounds automatically. Cowardly by nature they will flee at the first sign the fight turns against them.



Many thanks to Ryan Thompson for hosting this years S&W appreciation day and don't forget to check out the Drink Spin Run live podcast tonight 9pm EST.