New Magic Item: Emerald of Envy

“Do you see that rock?” Aramil asked.

Hilwick nodded “Hard not to, given that it was as big as Buris’ hand and glowing like a torch.”

“We need to tell Arag about this.” Aramil put down his half empty tankard, and tried hard not to stare at the emaciated sorcerer who’d just entered the bar.

“Don’t forget to mention the two body guards. They look orcish.”

“I’m more concerned about that tattoo on his head.”

“What about it?”

“It’s moving”

---

“Get back there and keep an eye on them.” Arag ordered, putting his cap on. Take Radoon with you.”

Aramil sighed “Samgos would be more helpful.”

“I know, which is why I want him with me.”

---

Samgos pushed open the tavern door, and limped inside, Arag just behind him. The sorcerer turned, his face lit by the giant emerald on the counter. Arag locked eyes with the sorcerer, and began to cast. The patrons in the bar began to scatter, the body guards lept into motion, one putting himself between the sorcerer and Arag, the other charging Arag directly.

The spell’s magic flashed out, and both bodyguards dropped to the floor unconscious, along with several of the patrons, and the barkeep. The sorcerer’s lips twitched downward. “Fools” he slurred as he pulled a wand and pointed it at Arag, completely missing the tankard thrown from the corner that smashed into the back of his tattooed head.

Arag stepped over the bodyguard, and seized the gem from the bar. “Fool? Not I…” He paused and looked down at the barely conscious sorcerer before drawing his dagger and slitting his throat. As the sorcerer’s blood pooled, the gem glowed brighter, and Arag gasped in pleasure.

Emerald of Envy (Emerald of Ascension)

This large gem glows faintly with a soft inner light, equal to a single candle. The carrier of the gem will be able to draw the skills and powers of slain opponents. If the opponent was in some measurable way more skilled or powerful than the slayer, the slayer must make a saving throw vs spells. If passed, the slayer may claim some of the opponents essence. This will manifest in a wide variety of ways mechanically, for example: +1 HP, +1 Attack, +1 to a save, new spell slot (even for non-spellcasters), new weapon/armor skills, thief abilities, etc. The bonus will be determined by the DM in every case.

The power of the gem may be used once per day. Every time it is used, the gem’s glow will increase by the equivalent of 1 candle. The first time it is used the owners eyes will change to an unnatural brilliant emerald green. Every time after the initial use, the user must make an additional saving throw vs spells. For every failed roll, the user will lose 1 point from either their Constitution, Wisdom, or Charisma (roll a d6) as they are consumed with envy. Alternately, use the Mutant Future mutations charts or the DCC corruption charts.

Thoughts on Castles & Crusades

The only gaming I’ve got going on at the moment is a Castles and Crusades game, a new one. I’m playing a lawful neutral human cleric in a party that also has a pair of paladins. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a group with two paladins, or this heavily skewed toward lawful. It’s just unheard of in my experience. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out in the game. I can see the potential for some really interesting developments.

I have visions of a fortress temple from which inquisitors are sent forth to deal with incursions of the chaotic creatures at civilizations edge.

To focus on Castles and Crusades for a moment, overall it’s a pretty solid retro-clone. Mostly d20, with some tweaks. I like how it handles ability checks, for instance. Your ability scores are either primary or secondary based on your race and class, and depending on whether you’re ability check is against a primary stat or a secondary one your challenge base is either 12 or 18. It’s a simple, even elegant solution to handling skill checks.

For as much as I’m enjoying playing it though, it’s not a game I’d run on my own. And I’m having a hard time articulating why. It’s a perfectly serviceable d20 system that does a lot of cleaning up of the various issues that 3.x has. But I feel like it doesn’t have that spark that makes me want to pick up anything besides the players guide. The funny thing is, I’m pretty sure that if I’d had access to it back when 3.5 first came out, I’d have been all over it. Now I think I’ve just been spoiled by all of the awesome that’s come out of the OSR! It just isn’t different enough to really make it stand out in the same way that Adventurer Conqueror King or Dungeon Crawl Classics does, and it doesn’t try to closely emulate a specific previous edition like Swords and Wizardry or Labyrinth Lord.

When it comes down to it, I don’t need another D&D rules set that doesn’t do something *really* unique.

Of course that isn’t going to stop me from playing it! I’m pretty happy to sit down with just about any game and roll some dice.

The funny thing is, I’m pretty sure that if I’d had access to it back when 3.5 first came out, I’d have been all over it. Now I think I’ve just been spoiled by all of the awesome that’s come out of the OSR. I don’t know that I’ll ever get a more interesting set of deities than those found in Petty Gods, a more interesting campaign setting than The Hexenbracken, The Kraal, or The Colossal Wastes of Zhaar,
such variety of adventures in the one Page Dungeon Contest, and more everything in this year’s Secret Santicore.

A to Z Reflections

Once again, I managed to complete the A to Z Challenge! I know there is a section of the blogging community that doesn't really care for the challenge, and I get it. Depending on the theme, it can be really, really, repetitive and dull, which is why I try to make my challenge as much about creating something that might actually see some use at a table, rather than just... editorials or navel gazing. Back in 2012 it was magic items and spells. 2013 was monsters. This year I wrote up a sector's worth of star systems to explore.

I got a later start on the project than I'd planned, mostly because Strange New Worlds wasn't my initial theme. Originally, back in February, I'd planned on writing up some NPCs, and had settled on a traveling carnival/circus. And while I still think it's a great idea, trying to shoehorn it into the A to Z Challenge just didn't feel right. So I went looking for something else, rather listlessly truth be told. For a while I seriously considered skipping it this year, but my name was already on the list.

I ended up rewatching some Star Trek in March, just a couple of episodes of DS9, but it was enough to plant the seed, and thus the theme for this year's challenge sprouted.

Like I said last week, I'd wanted to get a map of the sector ready for the challenge, but I didn't want it to be a crappy hand drawn map. I've spent some time playing with GIMP, and I think I should be able to do at least a sector map, if not individual system maps for the PDF, which I want to get out by the end of the month.

Unlike last year, I did manage to visit a number of blogs participating in the challenge, and found a few I'll be adding to my RSS feed. I also had a fair number of new visitors, but I'm not sure it was as many as in previous years. I did gain some new followers though!

That wraps up the A to Z Challenge for this year. Look for the PDF in a couple of weeks.

Sunday Inspirational Image: May the 4th be with you...

One of the things that really makes Star Wars is the ships.

Diplomacy in Neptune's Pride

One of the best parts of Neptune’s Pride is the interaction with your fellow players. Below is a selection of messages from my current game.I'm the orange in the bottom right corner.

Slugman254 (Light Blue Circle) ~

As the empire of the abdicated D3stroy3r234 (Yellow Circle) crumbles before the onslaught of my starships, my gaze turns inexorably to the north. I hope that you will not flee like a coward as he did when my ships cross into your territory. While it can be difficult facing such an overpowering foe, I can assure you that your stars will become like jewels in my ever expanding empire. Your people, when they kneel before me, as they surely will, shall enjoy all of the scientific, economic, and political benefits that you have been unable to provide.

I look forward to your reply, be it by pen or by blaster.

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Lord of the Star-lanes

---

David -

Know one thing. My people may bow down to your every command. But they will spit on your footprints as you cross into my empire. Sure I may have not been able to provide my people with the economy they deserved but they enjoyed the simple liife. Enjoy your life where your own people hate you tyrant!

Slugman
- provider too the people

---

Slugman ~

You spit “tyrant” as if it was a curse. My people love and fear me. I bring them wonders your people dare not even dream of. I bring them victory, and the spoils of war.

The hatred of your people will not last long, as they begin to reap the benefits of my rule. Those who resist will die. Those who submit shall enjoy great improvements to their lives. All will fear the turning of my gaze upon them.

As it should be.

I urge you to submit. Save your people the ignominy of defeat and join me willingly.

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Despot of New Altair
Lord of the Star-lanes

---

ha gay

---

Really? Gay? That's the best you can do you spineless worm? Just because your species eats it's own chunky mucus and excrement, and can't even compete in a competitive fashion in an online game, you resort to "gay"?

You know what would have worked? "Nuts" that at least would have had historical precedence outside of internet trolls.

Also, within the next day, my troops will be parading down the main streets of Raw. (His home system)

I dare you to try and stop me.

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Despot of Raw
Lord of the Star-lanes

---

Lady Elspeth (Dark Blue Circle) ~

Our two great empires finally share a border. Spanning across brilliant light years, our ships speed to-and-fro bringing commerce, communication, and when necessary force to those who would shield themselves from the obvious benefits to be achieved by joining us as we spread across the face of the galaxy.

When two mighty forces, juggernauts of stellar proportions, come into contact so often the result is mutual annihilation, as they slam into each other over and over, allowing those on the edge to nibble away at the weakened whole. Our fates are not sealed, and this result isn’t written in the stars.

As beings of obvious intelligence, let us use logic and reason and an understanding of mutual benefit to forstal a colossal conflict that would ignite across the face of the galaxy.

What say you?

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Lord of the Star-lanes

---

Due to feeling unwell I'll keep this brief - I've received several messages from others asking for an alliance against you. Purple circle being the biggest. I have no desire to fight with you, it will just weaken us against the others and neither of us will benefit. I suggest an alliance and maybe trade agreement. Now I'm off to lie down in a dark room and hope I don't get attacked

(seriously hope that makes sense my head is killing me and I've read it 5 times and I'm not sure!)

---

Lady Elspeth,

The stress of managing such an expansive empire can weigh heavily upon the head that wears the crown. I wish you a speedy recovery.

I agree completely that hostility between our two great stellar nations is to be avoided. We both have smaller fish to fry. Master Jessopp (purple circle) certainly has a right to be fearful, but I still have Slugman (light blue circle) and Destroyer234 (green square) between us.

Sjeng (Light Blue Square) is currently debating going after you, and from what I can see is sending his ships your way.

Would you like to exchange Terraforming for Range?

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Despot of New Altair
Lord of the Star-lanes

---

Sjeng (Light Blue Square)~

As sapient beings, it is imperative that we understand that actions have consequences. While it is inevitable that stellar nations that share a border will eventually come into conflict, it is not necessary that such misunderstandings result in open hostility.

I recommend that we come to an understanding about our border. May I suggest that Albaldah serve as the easternmost edge of your empire, while Giedi will serve as my westernmost edge?

What say you?

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Lord of the Star-lanes

---

[Kkkxxxxxxzzźzzz] .... transmission isnt ....... [zzzzzz] tru. Repeat pl.... [zzzzzzz]
[Kzzzzzzz] armada your way [Kzzxxxxzzzz] so I ha.. [zzzz] better signal [kzzzzzx] Ok?

Sjeng~

---

I am afraid that your last transmission was terribly garbled. My High Admiral thinks that you have suggested that an armada is on the way toward the border. This would be most unfortunate if it were truly the case.

However, because of this potential miscommunication, I have bowed to her suggestion, and have dispatched forces from the Southern Battlefleet to reinforce the current line. It would be just awful if things became unstable, and my forces had no choice but to restore order.

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Lord of the Star-lanes

---

Aloha aloha,

I rerouted the signal and also build an interstellar antenna at Albaldah, so communication has improved. Luckily sound doesnt go that fast and I was able to receive your first transmission a couple of lightyears closer to my home planet.

I must admit your High Admiral had keen eyes. She certainly hasnt her head into her shell.
It isnt a mistake. My complete armada is heading your way. Partly because my commanders aboard my battleships got bored and partly because my wife wants to make some turtle soup for dinner.

Honestly speaking, I am more afraid of my wife then I am for you, so what do you propose?
My 14 lightyear old son suggested you hand me over "Taygeta" so I can bend my armada into north direction. I probably also can suggest my wife not to have turtle soup for dinner. Notice how Elspeth has named all his planets into Earthly fruits and vegetables? Those make fine ingredients for my wifes' soup. If you agree on this you are invited for dinner. If not then you are dinner.......

Sjeng
Ruler of galaxies





"But his wife is the real boss"
"Hey son, I heard that!!!! Go back to your room or I let your mom punish you. Oh shit, I am still transmittin[kzzzzzzzzzzz]

---

Sjeng ~

Your new “antenna” has certainly cleared the signal. Unfortunately the picture it paints is not a good one.

My suggestion is that you focus your efforts from Yay to Mustard, so as to have access to Chili, Onion, etc. Or, alternately you focus on Bilbo (green circle) to the east, who will be a much easier bite to swallow. Rumor has it that hobbits keep very well stocked pantries.

You will find my people’s hard shells, and harder heads unappetising. Difficult to get into, tough to chew, bitter in flavor, and for all your efforts you’ll just end up in the sanitation closet for hours.

As for Taygeta, It does not seem to offer much for you strategically that you do not already have from Yay. You might suggest to your spawn that he spend more time analyzing the real value of various stars. A lone star, far from your main lines is just asking to be picked off.

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Lord of the Star-lanes

---

Ok David.

No turtle soup it is then.
Peace it shall be.
I aim to finish second because at least you talk. Elspeth hadn't responded. Don't know if my antenna was too small. (According to my wife it is)

Anyway. I won't attack that kiddo Bilbo. Every time I am near he hides in his holes and starts whining about being new around here. Made my crazy so I agreed to leave him alone. Won't betray him.
I will help you finish first, for as far as you need any help.

Do with Morse's commander, Cpt. Gige Lo, whatever you feel appropriate. That commander was getting to close with my wife anyway, hebce I send him as far away as possible. In fact, the whole crew seemed getting along fine with my wife, so they are yours.

Sjeng

---

Sjeng ~

The hobbit needs to put on his big boy pants. The game has gone on long enough for him to realize this. Besides, he just asked to trade for Weapons 7. I suppose he might be going after Modern Day Vampire… or he might be going after you. I’d watch your back. Cowards tend to attack when they think you’re not looking.

Best of luck on your quest to 2nd. That’s where I was initially aiming for, until I managed to snag yellow’s capital system on a longshot raid. It’s amazing how an extra 20 industry can help boost your game.

Cpt. Gige Lo will find that he made a poor choice, though your mating habits are odd. Laying eggs is so much easier.

David
Emperor of Jib
Tyrant of Dheneb
Conqueror of Syrma
Lord of the Star-lanes

Ancient Sagas of Everlance

Thunderday, 8th Arist, 1096 md.

Glory be to the ever just Maiden of Battle!

It is was a heavy heart that I find myself on my way to Caer Brennau for the funeral of my dear friend Gildas. His arcane power could never eclipse his joy of life, and he will be missed. I remember fondly the wide ranging discussions we’d have about the nature of reality. While he was leaps and bounds more intelligent than I, he seemed to find my insights helpful. I’ve never been sure why.

Swordsday, 10th Arist, 1096 md.

Blessed be the Blades of Gloriana! Their edges ever cut down the defilers of law and order.

The funeral of our friend was as to be expected. The rest of the day was not. I was one of several individuals announced as the heirs of Gildas, much to my shock. His love for us it seems matched ours for him. Yet this was spoiled by the intrusion of the Lord Warden’s men. The death of two of his constables coincided with our arrival.

The end result of this was remaining in the Lord Warden’s custody as “guests” until the truth of our words could be verified. As if the sworn word of the champions of 3 different gods was to be held with such little regard...

Saintsday, 11th Arist, 1096 md.

The Fiery Wrath of Gloriana was never so clear as in the dark of this morning!

The Lord Warden’s tune changed with the arrival of the great wyrm Galversharn who demanded to see Gildas. Suddenly the Lord Warden saw fit to accept us as Gildas’ heirs. The wyrm was in such a twisted state as one of its eggs had been taken. As Gildas’ heirs, we were to retrieve it within the next 2 weeks.

The suddenly helpful Lord Warden assisted in equipping us for our journey. As for our direction? To Gaer Anobaith to find the ranger Idhrenwen and enlist her help.

Moonday, 12th Arist, 1096 md.

The shining armor of Gloriana ever protect those who stride upon the field of battle!

Arriving in Gaer Anobaith with the setting sun last night, we bedded down at The Foamy Mugg Inn. The innkeep, Mugg Grimhammer told us that Idhrenwen wasn’t in town, but up in the mountains at or near Marmor Quarry.

Before dawn a loud noise roused us from our sleep, and we found goblins in the inn. GOBLINS! In town, apparently hunting us. With no time to don our armor, my godly companions and I grabbed our weapons, and in the tight confines of the inn’s hallway slaughtered the foul minions of chaos. Our less divine companions arrived fully armed and armored as the last of them fell upon our blades.

We then secured some assistance from Gaer Anobaith’s Guard Captain in the form of a pair of guardsmen who brought us to the foothills, and put us on the correct path as thanks for our assistance dealing with the goblins.

It’s disturbing that our assistance was necessary, and it does not bode well for the level of civilization to be found here. Even more so given that this incident follows so closely on the death of the two constables back in Caer Brennau. At the completion of our task, I may return to further investigate these issues.

Towerday, 13th Arist, 1096 md.

The glory of war may only be found among the learned and civilized. Those who aren’t are not worthy, and will be brought low.

Mountain travel on ponies isn’t the experience I was expecting. It is different than riding a horse, in some subtle ways.

In addition to some splendid views, our travel has allowed us to spend a great deal of time exploring a great many philosophical and ethical questions. As with any such discussion, few conclusions were arrived at, but the journey was profitable.

The end of the day found us at the top of a rise, looking across an open field split by a crevasse. A ruined stone bridge spanned the gap, and beyond Marmor Quarry….

What’s up at the Tower?

Now that we’re a third of the way through the year, I wanted to take a moment to to take stock so that I can try to better focus my energy.

Playing RPGs

I’m currently only playing in one online game. It’s a new weekly game that we’re a couple of sessions into. Tomorrow I’ll post the actual play report for the first two sessions, and next week some thoughts on the system (Castles and Crusades).

Running RPGs

I’m not currently running any games. I need to correct this.

Reading/Reviewing RPGs

I have a stack of zines, adventures, and supplements I’ve been slowly working my way through, including the next Birthright Players Secrets. I also need to finish writing up the Blue Rose review. That’s going slowly because I’m trying to be as evenhanded with it as I can be.

Painting minis

I’ve painted up a few more minis since I last posted about them, but I haven’t gotten any pictures. I also hit something of a… painters block. One of the minis I was really looking forward to painting just kept not working out the way I wanted… and rather than just put it away and move onto something else, I kept at it. Foolish of me. This also resulted in my not touching them for weeks. I pulled them out this past weekend, cleared the clutter, and got back into it. This time focusing on the minis I have in progress that I know what I want to do with.

What I think I really need to do is give myself a specific goal to work toward, rather than just “oh, lets paint some minis.” I do better with concrete goals.

Video Games

Still playing Neptune’s Pride. It’s interesting how different games go. Some have half the players drop out after a day or two, and others have everyone hold out till the very end. I need to remember that 2+ front wars are a poor choice, and not to engage if at all possible, no matter how tempting a target. I recently started playing in a non-standard game with a number of rules tweaks, including the fact that there are 12 players instead of 8 and a comparably larger board, and the game is set for twice the usual speed. Shockingly it’s going well, due in part that I had limited access to the rest of the board at the start (and therefor the rest of the board had limited access to me) so I could spend time really developing my economy, which is key early in the game. Check back Saturday for more about this...

What’s next?

Now that the A to Z Challenge is complete, I want to put together a PDF of my entries, along with a map of the sector. The PDF should be relatively easy. The map… will take some effort since I want it to look less like something I scribbled on some scrap hex paper.

Besides that I’m also working on another little dungeon. It’s the sort of thing that’ll fit into an existing dungeon, or could be used as a side quest. I was originally thinking of it for the 1 page dungeon contest, along with an asteroid base, but I didn’t finish either in time to be considered.