August begins, July passes

August, named after the Roman first citizen (or Emperor if you prefer) Augustus Caesar, will be a month of personalities from the Sea of Stars (and possibly other places).  If there is someone -or something– in particular you would like to see, write a comment or otherwise let me know.

I am really missing GenCon, I know GenCon Online is going on but it is just not the same though I wish it well and hope that everyone has a great time.  Honestly, missing face to face gaming and interaction overall.

July, 2020, saw the following posts published in the journal:

Shadowrun: Shadow Stock – Ingentis Athletes

Shadowrun: Shadow Stock – Ingentis Athletes provides ten non-player characters, all trolls, sharing a sports theme and information on the troll meta-variants (cyclops, formorians, giants, and minotaurs). More useful for Game Masters than players, it would have been supported by providing more context for the role of trolls in sport in the Sixth World and a few examples of shadowruns where sports were directly (or indirectly) involved.

Shadowrun: Shadow Stock – Ingentis Athletes, is the first of the Shadow Stock resources for Shadowrun, Sixth World Edition, providing NPCs organized around a theme and new character options, trying to be something for everyone.

It begins with a brief in game introduction which boils down to “here are a bunch of athletes and ex-athletes who are operating in the shadows.” Then on to the characters!

Tuesday Magic Item – Honorary Colonel’s Uniform

“I am not sure if I approve of military command being given just because of royal ties,” said Voddick quietly.

“The Lieutenant-Colonel handles most of actual command,” replied Gollaon.  “They are more here for inspiration and as a sign of royal favor to both the noble and the soldiers.”

“Well, I can see a willingness to risk the dangers of battle being somewhat inspirational,” agreed Voddick.  “As long as they do not take too many risks.”

“The Lieutenant-Colonel will make sure of that, believe me.”

Honorary Colonel’s Uniform

These uniforms are always of the highest quality, with the finest fit and exquisite tailoring  They are modeled on the uniform of the unit that the honor colonel is technically in command of, but better and more stylish in almost every possible way.

Superheroes – Once upon a Time in 1967 – Issue 3, Part 1 – Robots in the City

Following up from the second issue of the Freedom Five:

Cover:  A looming computer bank formed into a face, lights shining from its “eyes” pin our heroes.  “Can our heroes overcome the Menace of COMPUTO!”

Opening page:  Roboto getting punched by a bigger, meaner robot.   “Crash!  Bzzzzt!  Spark.”

Tuesday Magic Item – Ring of Inclination Insight

“That Countess is sharp tongued and perceptive,” said Voddick quietly, “I would steer clear, my friend.  She might see right through you.”

“Do I hear a challenge,” said Gollaon with a smile.

“No, just a warning,” replied Voddick, taking another cup of wine.

Gollaon did the same and sipped at it.  “Very well, for the moment, I will just observe and learn.”

Ring of Inclination Insight

These rings are usually decorated simply, never garishly, but are obviously valuable and well made.

Tuesday Magic Item – Revolution’s Crimson Banner

Gollaon looked out the window.  “The crowds are gathering and they do not seem happy.”

“Time to take our charge and leave,” said Voddick as he finished packing.  “It will not be a good time to be a noble in this city if I am reading the political winds correctly.”

“I fear you are correct, best to flee the storm rather than try and weather it,” Gollaon grabbed his cloak and bag.  “Shame, I was enjoying the theatre here.”

“We can find other theatres.”

A hue and cry when up from the not to distant crowds.  “Right you are.”

Revolution’s Crimson Banner

These banners are often roughly made, and contrary to their name can be of any color or design, but they usually express a desire or concern of the people who made it.  The banner is deigned to inspire and support those seeking change or redress of wrongs.

New Monster – StagWolf (for D&D 5E)

Oh, it is just some deer.  Wait!  There is something wrong.  Look at that muzzle and tail.  Oh no.  Run!  Just run!  Stagwolves!

StagWolf
Medium monstrosity (chimeric), unaligned

Armor Class 13

Hit Points 54 (8d8+16)

Speed Walk 55ft.

STR 17 (+ 3) DEX 17 (+ 3) CON 15 (+2) INT 6 ( -2) WIS 14 (+ 2) CHA 12 ( +1)

Saving Throws Dex + 5, Con + 5,  Wis + 4

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15

Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Appear Harmless: A casual glance will perceive the stagwolf as just a simple stag. A Will save (DC 12) will dispel the harmless guise.

Farm Animals are Fabulous.  The stagwolf prefers to dine on domesticated animals, especially sheep and cattle, gaining advantage on any roll to pursue or find them.

Tuesday Magic Item – Horns of Ambition

Voddick leaned back and sipped at his ale. “Something is wrong,” he muttered.

Gollaon nodded, watching the other patrons in the common room. “The newly arrived noble and retinue are . . . impressive?”

“Yes, they are dressed to overawe.”

“Indeed, expensively if not stylishly,” critiqued Gollaon swirling the wine in his glass.

“And something is the matter with that noble’s hat.”

“I suspect it is covering up more than just a bad hair style.”

Horns of Ambition

If found, unused, they are but a pair of small bone nodes with a concave side. Picking them up, the person will hear whispers promising power all they must do is attach the nodes to their skull.  If so done, the node will, painfully, meld with the flash and bone and reemerge where they thing is aesthetically pleasing as small horns.

Superheroes – Once upon a Time in 1967 – Issue 2 – Robot Raid and Supernatural Spook

Following up from the first issue of the Freedom Five:

Cover: Split cover with a robot tearing a hole in a wall on one side and a bat-winged man with burning green eyes on the other.  “Can our heroes overcome threats from super-science and magic!?”

Opening page:  Our heroes outside of IBM headquarters in Armonk, NY, where a huge hole has been torn in the side of the building.  “Well, we know the thief isn’t subtle,” says Shadowfist.