Purple Duck Games

Shortpack Adventures (Session 1)

2012-02-18T19:31:00.001-08:00

This week my wife started a campaign for me to play in. She opted for using the stand alone Pathfinder modules and the first one used was The Godsmouth Heresy by Rob McCreary.

Characters in this Session

Piria Coln - a female halfling trained as a flowing monk.
Onana Justcause - a female halfling paladin sacred shield with an oath against undead.
Boram Icebringer - a male halfing sorcerer with the elemental bloodline of water.
Hakon Truthbringer - a male halfling inquisitor with a hatred of aberrations.

While in the city of Kaer Maga the shortpack adventurers responded to a request for help from the clerics of Pharasma. They were hired to investigate the ossuary of Pharasma to discovery why some of bodies recently interned there have gone missing and to rid the site of other vermin.

Lamia stock art by Gary Dupuis.
Available at Rpgnow from Purple Duck Games.

The ossuary has a number of sealed doors that can only be opened with the chime of opening provided to us by Valanthe. We were confronted with three sealed doors initially. To the right we encountered a strange feather statue and a sealed door with a depression in it. We could not open it so we went back to the left. In this passage Piria claimed a feather icon off a strange lamia that had its face replaced by a seven-pointed star and was wielding a whip and a peacock feather.

There were many different monsters that we encountered in the crypts here including a pair of tengu youths who had tunnelled into the crypt to steal treasures, a bloated ungol dust-filled zombie and a weird slutty aberration thing that knocked our inquisitor. The halfling adventurers were fairing pretty well until we came to a room with a suit of armor chained to a skeletal figure. The inquisitor examined the body and saw no obvious risk. Thinking the armor could be animate, he pulled the chain which released a swarm of flesh-eating cockroaches. The party fell back but their little legs were no match for the onslaught of the roaches. If it weren't for the magic of Boram, all the party could have been lost. Even with magic at their disposal, Hakon's bones were picked clean.

They will need to be more cautious now because there is no easy way out of the ossuary and they are short an adventurer.

XP earned: 650 each
Enemies encountered: darkmantle, tengu, sultry deformed aberration thing, flesh-eating cockroach swarm, bloated zombie
NPCs met: Valanthe Nerissa, Iszard and Fiszard (tengu youths)
Treasure found: two potions, archiac jewellery, masterwork banded mail, masterwork bastard sword, scroll of remove paralysis, feather icon
Characters lost: Hakon Truthbringer (killed by flesh-eating cockroaches)

Encounter Pages: Sabotage

2012-02-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

Sabotage

Environment: Coastal village

Encounter Level: 2 (600 XP)

Area: Thisencounter takes place in a small fishing village. Fishing is the primaryeconomy of the area and a number of families vie for dominance of the market.

Reefclaw stock art by Gary Dupuis.
Available at Rpgnow from Purple Duck Games.

Situation: Recentlythe Haresn family has fallen on a bit of bad luck. Repeated the traps they haveleft over night for crabs have been destroyed or severed from their lines.Other times nets they use for collecting fish have been cut with scissor-likecuts. Last night their supply yard was hit by vandals who damaged more of the crabtraps, poisoned one of their guard dogs and strangled the other. The family isgetting desperate as they have not had a good catch in several weeks. The patriarchof the family suspects foul play on behalf of one of the other families and isseeking to hire adventurers to stake out the supply yard and catch thesaboteurs.

The primary problem the task before theplayer characters is that the saboteurs are not human at all but instead a pairof reefclaws that have recently moved into the region. They consider the areathat the Haresn family fishes to be territorial waters and have been stagingnighttime raids on the fishermen’s equipment to discourage them from fishing inthis area. Each day, the reefclaws secretly observe the town and the supplyyard. Once they have established the pattern of any guards, they slip into thesupply yard, destroy everything they can and slip away unseen.

Complications: (Optional)

1) As written there are only two reefclaws, but a school ofreefclaws can typically have two to five members. If the characters are havinga particularly easy time with the aberrations, back-up could always arrive.

2) The reefclaws infestation could be the result ofsabotage. One of the other families hired a number of trappers in thenorthlands to capture the reefclaws and relocate them into this area. Thereefclaws, angered by their captivity are intent on destroying any fishing gearthey locate.

3) Beyond having more reefclaws the difficulty of this encountercould be increased by adding the giant or advanced template to the reefclaws orfurther retooling them by adding a class level in rogue to each.

Rewards: The reefclaws collect no treasure of their own, butcharacters who successfully destroy the menace of the reefclaws will receive 50gp from the Haresn family as well a 50% discount on high quality fishing gearused by the Haresn family.

Shortpack Adventurers! (Part One)

2012-02-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

This week my wife is going to start a small campaign to all me to play Pathfinder (hopefully on a regular basis). Now don't get me wrong, I have a weekly Kingmaker game but that is a game that I run, not a game that I play. So she is going to take the role of DM for me and my team of PCs will be taking a crack at the Godsmouth Heresy.

My first player character is a halfling monk.

Piria Coln

Female halfling monk (flowing monk) 1

LN Small humanoid (halfling)

Init +2; Senses Perception +2

[Defenses]

AC 16, touch 15,flatfooted 14

(+2 Dex, +1 shield, +1 size, +2 Wis)

hp 9 (1d8+1)

Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +5; +2 vs. fear

[Offense]

Speed 20 ft.

Melee templesword +2 (1d6+1)

Melee flurry templesword +1/+1 (1d4+1)

Ranged sling +2(1d3)

Special Attacks lowblow (+1 confirm critical larger), redirection (Ref DC 12)

[Statistics]

Abilities Str 13,Dex 15, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10

Base Atk +0; CMB +0 (+2 vs. trip); CMD 12 (14 vs. trip)

Feat ImprovedTrip (B), Improved Unarmed Strike(B), Snapping Turtle Style

Skills Acrobatics+8, Climb +8, Escape Artist +6, Knowledge (religion) +4, Stealth +10; Racial Modifiers +2 Acrobatics, Climb

Traits equalityfor all (+2 CMB/CMD vs 2 sizes larger), helpful (+4 aid another)

SQ halfling luck,weapon familiarity (halfling)

Languages Common,Halfling

Gear monk’srobes, belt pouch (4 gp)

Piria says little in combat and tends to focus on taking down larger opponents with her trip attack. She is armed with a temple sword and currently favours it over her unarmed attacks. She was saved from slavery by a travelling group of monks on pilgrimage. She embraced their faith and their helpful ways.

New Releases!

2012-02-08T19:31:00.000-08:00

I think who ever put me in charge of updating this blog should definitely fire me. Of course, since I hired myself and I work for nothing I don't think that is going to happen. Still I cannot believe I haven't told you about our newest releases.

The Dread Eyebeast by Gary Dupuis.

Monsters Unleashed V.4 is the fourth release in an exciting line of short monster supplements designed to update a host of third edition monsters to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game rules. The monsters for this series have been selected by the patrons of the Monster Update Project that was launched by Purple Duck Games as our premier product of August 2010.

The fourth Monsters Unleashed features updated statistics for the erotodaemon, dread eyebeast, mawgriff, sage whisperer and shimmerdragon. All have been updated to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game ruleset by Stefen Styrsky and Mark Gedak and illustrated by Gary Dupuis. Multiple counters for each creature are also included.

This product is available at Rpgnow and Paizo. It is a free product to all Monsters Unleashed Subscribers.

Additionally, we recently began to release a number of stock art pieces from Gary Dupuis and Michael Scotta. Gary has put together BW/Grayscale/Colour images of both tritons and locathah for your undersea/pirate themed products. While Michael has release a trio of grindylow and a yuki-onna.

Encounter - Bilge Water

2012-02-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

A trio of grindylows by Michael Scotta
Available as Stock Art

Bilge Water

Environment: Ocean-going vessel

Encounter Level: 5 (XP 1,600)

Area: This encounter occurs while the PCs take passage on a large ocean-going vessel.

Situation: The captain and crew of the ship notice that supplies and stores in the lower deck start to go missing. At first it’s just a few open crates of hard tack, but eventually more valuable cargo disappears. A search for stowaways turns up nothing. However, one night two sailors stationed to guard the ship’s cargo disappear. Only a few spots of blood indicate violence claimed both men.

Unknown to anyone a tribe of 10 grindylows led by a grindylow shaman (druid 5) snuck on board the ship at its last port. The foul creatures now live in the ship’s bilge, explaining why the earlier searches turned up nothing. Ingenious PCs can set a trap to catch a few of the grindylows roaming the ship at night, but will have get into the bilge to eliminate the entire clan. If discovered, the grindylows will first attempt to hold out against the PCs, but if the party proves too strong the gridylow druid will use his magic to cut his way out through the ship’s underside. This will sink the ship.

The ship’s bilge is accessed through a single trap door in the bottom deck at the bow and stern. The water in the bilge is quite filthy and carries filth fever. Creatures injured while in the water or who drink it must save to avoid infection. PCs must also make a DC 16 Fort save when entering the bilge and every 10 minutes thereafter or become sickened while in the water.

Complications (Optional)

The grindylow tribe includes a ranger whose favored enemies are the most prevalent races in the PC party. He slips out at night and hunts the PCs while they hunt for his tribe-mates.

Rewards

The grindylow carry a minor amount of treasure, though the druid shaman (and ranger, if used) possesses magic items appropriate to a creature of its level. The captain allows the PCs to keep anything the grindylow owned. As well, if the PCs eliminate the infestation and save the ship, the captain will transport the PCs to a destination of their choice for free as long as the voyage does not place his ship or crew in an overly risky situation.

Purple Mountaineers!

2012-01-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

Purple Duck Games is currently looking for:

1) Playtest groups to run through Purple Mountain Level 10. If you have a group that is interested in playing drop me an email or level a comment.

2) Writers to work on additional levels of Purple Mountain. Drop me an email if you have the time and the inclination to be part of this huge project!

Encounter - Blizzard of Loss

2012-01-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

Yuki-onna by Michael Scotta
This image is available as stock art
from Michael Scotta and Purple Duck Games

Blizzard of Loss
Environment: Cold forest
Encounter Level: 8 (4,800)

Area: The encounter takes place in a remote hamlet deep within the forest. The area is currently within the grip of a terrible snowstorm and the hamlet presents the characters with refuge from death by exposure.
Situation: The player characters have been travelling for some time across the snow landscape as part of another quest when suddenly the weather takes a turn for the worse. While making their way through the snow and wind players may detect the presence of a small hamlet (Perception DC 20; -4 penalty due to inclement weather).
The hamlet provides a dozen empty houses that can provide shelter from the store and a single occupied house. The owner of the house is an elderly man named Kousei. Kousei is currently frightened as he is being stalked by a yuki-onna and has and unfriendly attitude. If his attitude can be improved to friendly he will allow the characters in and provide hospitality to them. Once the heroes are warmed and relaxed he will try to persuade them to hunt down the yuki-onna that has destroyed the community. He will reward the characters (see below).

Complications (Optional)
1) Tracking a yuki-onna is extremely difficult as their feet never actually touch the ground. Player character searching for the yuki-onna may need to resort to magic or set a trap for the vengeful spirit by using one of their own as bait.
2) The yuki-onna has killed many of the villager from the surrounding area. This has attracted other predators and scavengers to the area like a pack of winter wolves.
3) The yuki-onna was at one time the daughter of Kousei. One evening Kousei was caught in the indiscreet company of a foreigner. After driving the man away, Kousei turned his rage upon his daughter who was shamed and forced from their house on a stormy evening. She died from exposure and returned as the yuki-onna that now plagues the hamlet. If the players discover the truth, will they kill Kousei's daughter a second time?

Rewards
Kousei was once an adventurer of some skill. In battle he wielded a +1 spear known as the spear of the four winds (see Legendary II: Legendary Weapons for more information), which he will now pass on to the player that ended the threat of the yuki-onna as well as a pair of gloves of arrow snaring.

Random Encounters, Otyughnomicon and Grindylows

2012-01-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

Even More Random Encounters Remastered
by David Nicholas Ross

Last week, Purple Duck Games saw the release of its two newest products. The first was Even More Random Encounters Remastered by David Nicholas Ross. This is the third and final release in the Random Encounters Remastered line. It has been very successful for us but with the release of this third volume which covers encounters in the bowels of the earth, endless caverns, highlands, scorched wastes, windswept plains and the within the teeming veldt we have cover most of the possible wilderness environments. If you have suggestions for other environments then please leave a comment or drop me an email.

Grindylows by Michael Scotta

The second release was the third volume of our template line known as the Otyughnomicon. The Typhoon-Kissed Otyugh was written by Sam Hing and presents the typhoon-kissed template along with an encounter with otyughs, brass dragons and a tribe of grindylow.

I really like grindylow as a monstrous race. I can see my players would probably love playing in a one-shot grindylow adventure similar to Paizo's own We Be Goblins. Of course, if I did create a We Be Grindylows adventure for my players I would first need some basic grindylow statistics. I'm thinking something like this.

Grindylow Racial Statistics (10 RP - Basic Race)
Racial Type: Aberration (2 RP)
Size: Small (0 RP)
Abilities: Standard (0 RP) - +2 Dex, +2 Wis, -2 Cha
Languages: Xenophobic (0 RP) - Aquan only
Movement: Swim (1 RP); Jet (1 RP)
Standard Abilities: Tangling Tentacles (2 RP)
Skill and Feat Abilities: Camouflage (+4 Stealth) (1 RP); Octopus Empathy (+4 Handle Animals with octopuses) (1 RP)
Other: Amphibious (1 RP)

I think that could work well as base grindylow statistics. What do you think?

State of the Duck - 2011 Review

2012-01-03T12:34:00.001-08:00

The State of the Duck(2011 - Year in Review)

It’sthe 4^th of January 2012 and I thought I would take a moment todiscuss how the last year has gone for Purple Duck Games. I’ve never everwritten a “year-in-review” before and I don’t believe Stefen has either so pleasebear with me as I struggle through this post.

Who the Duck is incharge?

PurpleDuck Games is the creative partnership of Stefen Styrsky and Mark Gedak. Markwas hosting a PBEM campaign Stefen joined. The campaign was a miserable failureas were all of Mark’s future attempts to run PBEM games, but Stefen and Markcontinued to communicate and work together. Mark Gedak was the owner of theGrand OGL Wiki and Stefen became a contributor to an experiment on that siteknown as the DM Sketchpad. Their collaboration on the Grand OGL Wiki led themto work write Forgotten Foes with Bret Boyd (Tricky Owlbear Publishing) andAxel K. Carlsson (Headless Hydra Games). Mark had the bright idea to continue theircollaboration on a more formal basis, and Purple Duck Games was born. Since the company’s formation in August of2010, Purple Duck Games has released 25 roleplaying game supplements compatiblewith the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game system and a number of stock art pieces.

What did Purple DuckGames produce last year?

Overthe last twelve months Purple Duck Games has released 20 products for thePathfinder Roleplaying Game. When Stefen and I first started the company wedidn’t have a business plan or product schedule. Instead we looked at thethings that interested us and wrote what we as gamers would like to seeproduced. For Stefen this meant thelaunch of his Legendary Races line that expanded the playable character racesto include cyclops, medusa and rakshasa. For myself, this meant the launch ofthe Otyughnomicon, Purple Mountain and the creationof Rook core class (which was penned by Thomas Baumbach).

What challenged you mostthis year?

The great thing about coming into this business with nopublishing background of our own meant that there were many mistakes to makeand learn from. There are so many it is difficult to know where to begin.

1) When I started Purple Duck Games, I signed on exclusivelywith Rpgnow/DTRPG. Now this isn’t really a bad thing, we were treated reallywell at Rpgnow and had a sizable customer base. The problem was we didn’t haveaccess to the hardcore Pathfinder customer base. Several times, we heard fromcustomers that they only bought material from Paizo, so they wouldn’t be buyingour material. Once we fulfilled our 1 year exclusive with Rpgnow/DTRPG webranched off to Paizo as well.

2) Common Look and Feel. It has taken me a long to time todevelop the look of Purple Duck Games products. I think this is because I lackany kind of artistic talent whatsoever. Now, I will never say that my layout isexcellent but for at least the last half of the year it has been consistent inits look. Does that mean I’m done fiddling with it, probably not but I now havea minimum base line to build from.

3) Getting the Word Out. I am an introvert by nature, like myfather. I am absolutely terrible at promoting myself and Purple Duck Games. Iknow, I should be communicating with my fans more, I know I should be engaging indiscussion forums more, I know I should be figuring out promotions, contestsand advertising opportunities more. I find all of those things exhausting. Sothis is something I’m going to need proactive about in 2012.

Whatregrets do you have?

I regret that I haven’t been able to work with Stefen on moreproducts in 2011. In 2010, most of our work was collaborative and in 2011 weworked in solitude. Sometimes this was because Stefen was busy when I needed ahand, sometimes it was because I was busy when Stefen needed a hand, andsometimes we just had our own vision of a particular product but I’d like to domore collaboration with Stefen in 2012.

What wereyour stand-out products this year?

This is sort of like picking a favourite child. According to thereviews we have received I would have to say Random Encounters Remastered,Purple Mountain I, Otyughnomicon (both), Monstrous Races: Second Horde,Monsters Unleashed V.1 & 2, Legendary IV: Legendary Shields and V: Easternand Exotic Weapons, Legendary Races: Rakshasa and Medusa, Forgotten Encountersline and Encounter Pages. All have an average 4-star rating or above.

Personally my top five picks of things not written by me are inno particular order: Legendary IV: Legendary Shields, Monstrous Races: SecondHorde, Forgotten Encounters: Urban, Random Encounters Remastered and LegendaryClasses: The Rook.

What didn’thit the mark like you’d hoped?

From a sales point of view I’m disappointed with the EncounterPages and Forgotten Encounters line. Ithink the Forgotten Encounters are an overlooked deal. They are not just abunch of one-shot encounters, but also include new feats, items, monsters,spells, and archetypes.

Where isPurple Duck Games headed in 2012?

We plan to hire more freelance writers and issue some of ourproducts as print or print-on-demand.

What newreleases are in the works, what’s on the drawing board, and what’s an inklingof an idea?

Currently in development we have the third volume of theOtyughnomicon, volumes 4 through 6 of Monsters Unleashed, Legendary VI:Legendary Armor, a few more levels of Purple Mountain,our megadungeon, and Mythos Archetypes, a supplement containing PC archetypesand rules for playing Pathfinder with a Call of Cthulhu feel.

In development we have Legendary Races: Harpy, a RunecasterPathfinder base class, a supplement dealing exclusively with trapped chests,and GM version of Mythos Archetypes.

We’ve also started writing 4Saken using the free 4Color RPGsystem. It’s a game based on the horror movies of the 1980s (dating Mark andStefen). We’re talking Nightmare on Elm Street, Hellraiser, Prince of Darkness andC.H.U.D. The rules allow for fast-paced narrative and can be played as astraight-up horror game or with a more tongue-in-cheek tone.

Year in Review (Brainstorm)

2011-12-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

I plan to write a year in review post for Purple Duck Games, but I have no idea what to write about. So please leave a comment here or on my G+ page to tell me what you would like to here about.

The Twelve Days of Christmas (Day 1) - Awakened Demilich

2011-12-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

Admittedly this post should have been up yesterday, but I got distracted (#skyrim). Then this morning I saw an email from Derek about the demilich and awakened demilich in the Bestiary 3. The awakened demilich should have probably gotten a full template write-up but probably was cut for space. As I'm not restricted by space requirements on this site I can flesh out Paizo's awakened demilich. This will not be perfect but it should give you something to work from.

To make full use of this entry you should have already bought Paizo's Bestiary 3 for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Mine hardback hasn't arrived but my subscriber digital copy is here.

The Awakened Demilich

“Demilich” is an acquired template that can be added to anylich. A demilich retains all the base creature’s statistics and specialabilities except as noted here.

CR: Same as baselich +3

Size: A demilichis two size categories smaller than its base lich.

Alignment: Anyevil

Senses a demilichgains true seeing as a constant spell-like ability.

Armor Class: Ademilich gains a size bonus from their reduced size, and a profane bonus totheir Armor Class based on their Charisma modifier (unholy grace).

Saves: A demilichgains a profane bonus to their saves equal to their Charisma modifier (unholygrace).

Defensive Abilities:A demilich gains channel resistance +5; DR 20/--; immunity to acid, cold,electricity, magic and polymorph. The demilich also gains the followingdefensive abilities.

Immunity to Magic (Su) A demilich isimmune to any spell or spell-like ability that allows spell resistance. Inaddition, certain spells function differently against the creature, as notedbelow.

• A dispel evil spell deals 2d6 points of damage, with no savingthrow.

• Holy smite affects a demilich normally.

• A power word kill spoken by an ethereal caster deals 50points of damage to the demilich if it fails a Fortitude save (with a DCdetermined as though the spell allowed a saving throw).

• A shatter spell deals 1d6 points of damage per two caster levels(maximum 10d6), with no saving throw.

Rejuvenation (Su) A destroyed demilichreforms in 2d6 days. To permanently destroy a demilich, holy water must bepoured over its remains within the area of a hallow spell. To complete thedestruction, holy word or dispel evil must be cast. If the caster succeeds at acaster level check with a DC equal to 10 + the demilich’s Hit Dice, thedemilich is permanently destroyed. This replaces the liches version ofrejuvenation.

Unholy Grace (Su) A demilich gains abonus on saves and a profane bonus to AC equal to its Charisma modifier.

Weaknesses: Ademilich gains the following weakness.

Vorpal Susceptibility (Ex) Vorpalweapons of any kind ignore a demilich’s damage reduction.

Speed: A demilichloses all base movement rates and gains fly 30 ft. (perfect).

Melee Attacks: Ademilich loses all melee attack forms.

Special Attacks: Ademilich loses the fear aura and paralyzing touch of its base lich but gainsthe devour soul ability instead.

Devour Soul (Su) As a standard action with a range of 300 feet, ademilich can imprison the soul of a living creature within one of 10 specialgems embedded in its skull. If the target succeeds at a DC (10 + ½ HD of thelich + Cha modifier) Fortitude save, it gains two permanent negative levels. Ifit fails, its soul is immediately drawn into one of the gems in the demilich’sskull. The soul remains trapped within the gem, visible as but a gleam exceptunder true seeing. The soulless body corrupts and decays rapidly, reducing todust in a single round. As long as the dead creature’s soul remains trapped inthe gemstone, it cannot be restored to life via any means save direct divineintervention. Gems with souls trapped in them can be retrieved from a destroyeddemilich, at which point they can either be crushed to release any souls withinto their afterlife or used in the place of the usual material components torestore the soul and body with resurrection or true resurrection. After 24hours, the demilich can choose to consume any soul trapped in a gem, healing it1d6 hit points per Hit Die of the soul, at which point only miracle or wish canrestore the dead creature to life. The save DC is Charisma-based, and includesa +2 bonus for the Ability Focus feat.

Telekinetic Storm (Su) As a special useof its telekinesis spell-like ability, a demilich can churn up its treasure,dust, bones, and other loose debris in the area into a whirling storm about itsskull. The storm obscures vision as a fog cloud within a 20-foot spreadcentered on the demilich’s skull. Creatures within the storm take 12d6 pointsof damage per round on the demilich’s turn (Reflex DC 20 for half damage). Thedemilich can maintain the storm indefinitely by concentrating.

Spell-Like Abilities:A demilich has a number of spell-like abilities with a caster level equal toits Hit Dice or 20^th, whichever is higher.

Constant –trueseeing

At will – greater bestowcurse (DC 16+Cha modifier), telekinesis (DC 15 + Cha modifier), wail of thebanshee (20 ft. radius spread centered on the demilich, DC 19 + Cha modifier).

Greater Bestow Curse(Sp) This spell-like ability functions like bestow curse, but can have oneof the following effects: –12 to one ability score; –6 to two ability scores;–8 penalty on attack rolls, saves, and checks; or a 25% chance to act normally.This ability is treated as a 6th-level spell.

Abilities: Ademilich’s Str and Dexterity are modified by its new size.

Size Str Dex

Fine -2 +4

Diminutive -6 +4

Tiny -8 +4

Small -12 +4

Medium -16 +4

Large -16 +2

Mental abilities for a demilich are Int 21, Wis 20, Cha 21unless its base lich already possessed higher values.

Feats: Demilichgain Ability Focus (devour soul), Eschew Materials, Flyby Attack and StillSpell as bonus feats.

Monsters Unleashed V.3

2011-12-04T08:42:00.001-08:00

The Kahrn by Micahel Scotta

Monsters Unleashed V.3 should be released this week. This issue features monsters chosen by Sam Hing, Steve Russell and Paul Woods.

The monsters for this issue include:

Asherake - a monstrous humanoid race consumed with the need for conquest.
Kahrn - a bizarre magical beast that can only reproduce by engaging in deadly combat with other sentient creatures.
Sapphire Golem - an intelligent golem that acts as a body guard or advisor within the royal courts. If I was using him in the Jade Regent path I would simply rename him to a Jade Golem.
Ogrillon - the bastard offspring of ogre and orc pairings. They are designed to be playable at 1st level.
Reaper Falcon - a extremely dangerous animal companion that can streak through the battlefield leaving a trail of bleeding foes.

I've just started finalizing Monsters Unleashed V.4. I should be able to put an art order in on it by the middle of the month.

Release and Sales!

2011-11-26T08:41:00.001-08:00

Currently all of our products at Rpgnow and Paizo are currently on sale for 35% off.

"Silent Blades Tells No Tales"
Male tengu rook 1 by Michael Scotta

Additionally, we have just released our first core class supplement called Legendary Classes: The Rook by Thomas Baumbach.
----

Legendary Classes: The Rook (PFRPG) PDF
Purple Duck Games

What others call cheating, a rook calls opportunity.

The rook is a new base class for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game from the fractured mind of Thomas Baumbach. The rook's abilities allow it to misdirect, ensorcell, and alter the perceptions of others. No matter the situation, a rook makes his own opportunities.

Monster Update - Alien Probe (MSRD)

2011-11-23T09:42:00.001-08:00

Otherworldly Probe

A small globe of blue-white light darts in view and quicklystreaks away.

OTHERWORLDLY PROBE (CR 5; 1,600 XP)

N Small construct (extraplanar)

Init +9; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision;Perception +12

[DEFENSE]

AC 20, touch 20, flat-footed 11

(+9 Dex, +1 size)

hp 43 (6d10+10)

Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +5

Immune construct traits

Vulnerable mind-affecting

[Offense]

Speed 0 ft., fly 400 ft. (perfect)

Melee touch +16 (1d4 electricity)

Ranged touch +16 (2d6 electricity)

Special Attacks actinic scan

Psi-Like Abilities (ML 6^th; concentration +9)

At-will – brainlock (DC 16*; + animals, fey, magical beast, monstrous humanoid), detectpsionics, concussion blast (2d6*); memory modification (DC 17), mentaldisruption (DC 16*; 15 ft.)

* Include augmentation for the otherworldly probe’smanifester level.

[STATISTICS]

Abilities Str 1, Dex 28, Con --, Int 15, Wis 16, Cha 12

Base Atk +6, CMB +14; CMD 19 (can’t be tripped)

Feats Agile Manuevers, Skill Focus (Perception, SenseMotive)

Skills Fly +25, Knowledge (planes) +8, Perception +12, SenseMotive +12

SQ dimension door, invisibility, otherworldly speed

[ECOLOGY]

Environment any

Organization solitary

Treasure none

[SPECIAL ABILITIES]

Actinic Scan (Ex) As a standard action, the otherworld probecan emit an extremely bright, blue-white light in a 60 ft. cone. The light isused by the probe to gather data on the creature but it can cause milddiscomfort to those creatures scanned. Each creature in the scan takes 1d4 firedamage and is nauseated for 1d4 rounds. The damage can be halved and the nauseanegated by a successful Reflex save DC 14. If a creature fails the saving throwby 5 of more they are paralyzed for 1d6 hours instead of being nauseated. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Dimension Door (Su) Asa standard action, an otherworldly probe can psionically transfer itself plusup to 300 pounds of additional material up to 600 ft. Creatures can resist thistransfer with a successful Will save DC 14. The save DC is Charisma-based

Invisibility (Su) As a swift action, the otherworldly probecan become invisible by altering the type of light that it gives off.

Otherworldly Speed (Su) As a free action, an otherworldlyprobe can shift into an accelerated mode of travel. Its fly speed changes to4,000 ft. (good). It can maintain this increased speed for up to six hours aday, but it can break up its use into one hour increments. Otherworldly speedis used to escape pursuit or capture.

Otherworldly probes originate from beyond the documentedplanes. No one has ever ascertained neither their plane of origin nor theidentity of their creators. Otherworldly probes appear seemingly at random, evaluatecreatures with their actinic scan and depart. They utilize an electric shock inmelee or range to defend themselves and seem to possess some master of psionicpotential.

In the MSRD the otherworldly probe is known as an alien probe.

The Empty Treasure Room (by Thomas Baumbach)

2011-11-21T20:15:00.001-08:00

The Empty Treasure Room
The first level of Purple Mountain, filled with disguisting vermin and wandering beasties, is an old-school dungeon crawl in the finest sense. Right down to the defeat-the-endboss reward, number 14 on the map: The Treasure Room. How disappointing, then, that, "the exact nature of [the] treasure is not described and left to your design as gamemaster." Oh I get it, we're first level and the rest of the Locus Lord's minions have given us plenty of loot. But still. Here are a couple sample tresure rooms that would fit well at the end of Temple of the Locust Lord without providing your players with too much extra swag. Including treasure in these treasure rooms assumes that the GM will not also add treasure the PCs missed earlier in the dungeon.

Treasure Room #1
This room is littered with broken crates and old, soft hay. Two alcoves in the north and south walls hold a smattering of valuables: goblets, statuettes, brass jewlery, and the like. Against the east wall a crate serves as a makeshift alter, surrounded by bug- and worm-like symbols drawn in violet ink upon the white-stone walls. Atop the crate, arranged in a semi-circle, sits four ornate brooches stylized to look like beetles.

Development: The majority of the treasure gleaned from the cult's victims is stored here. The PCs can search this room throughoughly to find an additional 1d3 x 100 gold in treasure. A player asking specifically about the crates can make a Perception check (DC 12) to notice a faded merchant's mark branded on one broken crate. The same mark is on the underside of each beetle brooch, though an Appraise check (DC 12) is required to notice the mark is not part of the brooch's stylized carapace. A subsequent Knowledge (local) check (DC 13) reveals that the merchant's mark is one of a prominent jewelcrafter in the area, who may offer reward for the return of missing wares.

Treasure Room #2
This room is largely empty except for the alcoves on the north and south walls. The northern alcove holds used candles, and miscellaneous baubles. The southern alcove holds a wooden rack upon which rests a single warhammer. Tempered dark steel emblazoned with eight outward pointing arrows, beside the ornate hammer a pile of lose scrolls sits in disarray.

Development: The baubles in the northern alcove are all that remains of valuables from the cult's victims. The PCs can collect an additional 50gp in treasure. This room's true worth, and Irasked's true treasure, is the warhammer, a weapon of immense power that he once sought to unlock, prior to his complete devotion to the Locust Lord. With a DC 20 Knowledge (arcana) or (history) check, (with a +4 circumstance bonus if the character inspects the scrolls), a PC can discover that this weapon is the infamous Apocalypse Hammer, a weapon of pure chaos.

The Apocalypse Hammer appears in Legendary Weapons. Feel free to substitute a legendary weapon that is more appropriate for one of your players, though the Apocalypse Hammer fits thematically with the cult's goals.

New Spell

2011-11-19T19:13:00.001-08:00

While playing Kingmaker today, we decided we really wanted a spell like this.

Boshalen's Courier
School conjuration (creation); Level bard 3, summoner 3, witch 3, wizard 3
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M (a two inch square of paper)
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect on invisible, mindless, shapeless servant
Duration 1 day/level
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance none

Boshalen's courier is an invisible, mindless, shapeless force that can be sent great distances to deliver an item or retrieve an item. It has an effective strength score of 4 (so it can lift 40 lbs. or drag 200 lbs.). It can communicate telepathically with any creature that has a language. When created the courier will deliver one item or set of items in a container to another willing target or travel to another willing target to retrieve one item or a set of items in a container. The items must be given and received freely. Its base speed is 40 feet.

Monster Update - Acid Rainer

2011-11-15T16:38:00.001-08:00

This monster originally appeared in the Modern Reference Document.

ACID RAINER
A huge discoloured cloud breaks suddenly toward you, from beneath is voluminous bulk writhe four dripping tentacles.

ACID RAINER (CR 8, 4,800 XP)
N Huge outsider (air, elemental, extraplanar)
Init -2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +13
-- Defense --
AC 21, touch 6, flat-footed 21
(-2 Dex, +15 natural, -2 size)
hp 105 (10d10+50)
Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +7
Immune acid, elemental traits
-- Offense --
Speed fly 40 ft. (perfect)
Melee 4 tentacles +16 (1d4+8 plus 1d4 acid plus grab)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks acid spray (DC 20)
-- Statistics --
Abilities Str 26, Dex 7, Con 20, Int 6, Wis 11, Cha 11
Base Atk +10; CMB +20 (+24 grapple); CMD 28 (can't be tripped)
Feats Fly-By Attack, Lightning Reflexes, Lunge, Power Attack, Vital Strike
Skills Fly +15, Knowledge (planes) +11, Perception +13, Stealth +11; Racial Bonus +8 Stealth
Languages Auran
-- Ecology --
Environment Plane of Air
Organization solitary, cloud (2-4) or storm (5-16)
Treasure none
-- Special Abilities --
Acid Spray (Ex) Once every 1d4 rounds, an acid rainer can spray out a caustic mist that fills a 30 ft. rafius spread centered on itself. Each creature within this radius takes 2d6 points of acid damage. A successful Reflex save reduces the damage to half. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Acid rainers float among the multitude of clouds in the Plane of Air. Somewhat less intelligent than air elementals they behave in are more animal-like fashion. They often group together for protection and hunt in packs to ensure success. Since they do not eat, the hunting practice seems to be some sort of ritualistic behaviour for the acid rainers. Acid rainers and arrowhawks often fight for territory.

Purple Duck Notes: In the Modern Reference Document these creatures are known as Acid Rainers. If I was planning on using them in a fantasy game I would probably change the name to something like caustic clouds.

Prisoners of Purple Mountain #2

2011-11-07T19:48:00.000-08:00

Tith-Tor is currently imprisoned in Purple Mountain and has no equipment.

Tith-Tor CR 1/2 (XP 200)

Half-cyclops oracle 1

LN Medium humanoid (giant)

Init +0; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7

--- Defense ---

AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13

(+3 armor, +0 Dex, +3 dodge)

hp 11 (1d8+3)

Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +5; +4 vs. disease

Defensive Abilities uncanny dodge

--- Offense ---

Speed 30 ft.

Melee glaive +2 (1d10+3)

Ranged javelin +0 (1d6+2)

Special Attacks future sending (3/day, DC 14)

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st)

1/day – augury

Spells Known (CL 1st)

1st (4/day) – command (DC 14), cure light wounds, magic weapon

0 – guidance, read magic, resistance, stabilize

--- Statistics ---

Abilities Str 15, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 17, Cha 6

Base Atk +0; CMB +2; CMD 12

Feats Extra Revelation

Skills Acrobatics +4, Intimidate -1, Knowledge (history) +5, Perception +7, Sense Motive +7, Spellcraft +5

Languages Common, Giant

SQ intimidating, know what’s coming, wasting, weapon familiarity, wisdom of foresight

Gear glaive, 2 javelins, studded leather armor, spell component bag, hooded cloak

Born to a human mother cyclops cultist, Tith-Tor spent her early years among a small group of faithful worshipers. At the age of five the local human authorities slaughtered her cult, but the soldiers could not bring themselves to slay Tith-Tor. Her most ardent desire is to prove the cyclops were once a proud, noble race, better than the current brutes they have become.

Purple Mountain - Pregens #1

2011-11-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

Penelope “Penny Dreadful” Derringer

Penelope was born to a noble family but itbecame obvious as she grew that she was not quite human. She was still treatedwith respect, but was excluded from any family business. When she reached herteens, the differential treatment started to become obvious to her and shebegan to resent her family. She began acting out and getting into trouble,often sneaking out of the house at night to go down to the less savory parts ofthe city to hang out. Soon, she got into some trouble with a minor crime bossand rather than ask her parents for help, she left the city with the nextcaravan and has never looked back on her new life of adventure.

Penelope “Penny Dreadful” Derringer

Female Sylph Rogue 1

Chaotic Neutral Medium Outsider (native)

Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +5

---- Defense ----

AC 16, touch 14, flat-footed 12 (+2 armor, +3Dex, +1 dodge)

hp 9

Fort +1;Ref +5; Will +1

Resistance electricity resistance 5

---- Offense -----

Speed 30ft.

Melee Dagger +0 (1d4)

Ranged Dagger +3 (1d4) 10ft.

Special Attacks Sneak Attack +1d6

---- Statistics ----

Str 11, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 14

Base Atk +0;CMB +0; CMD 13

Feats Deft Hands, Dodge

Trait MoreHuman, plus one more

Skills Acrobatics +7,Appraise +1, Bluff +6, Climb +0, Craft +1, Diplomacy +2, Disable Device +9, Disguise+6, Escape Artist +7, Heal +1, Intimidate +2, Knowledge (local) +5, Perception+5, Perform +2, Ride +4, Sense Motive +5, Sleight of Hand +9, Stealth +7, Survival+1, Swim +0

Languages Common, Auran

SQ trapfinding

Gear 9 daggers, leather armor, thieves’ tools, small steel mirror, 50’ silkrope, grappling hook

New Trait

More Human...

Your Elemental abilities are not as pronounced as others of your kind asyou favor your Human side.

Pre-requisite: Native Outsider of Half-Human origin

Benefit: Choose any two racial abilities. You lose these abilities butgain the bonus feat of a Human.

Early sales data...

2011-11-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

Purple Mountains - Level One was released late October 31st. It has been on sale for about four days now. Sales have been uneven. In that time we have 15 sales at Rpgnow and 1 at Paizo. Which is a huge and costly discrepancy.

The difficult thing for me is what does that discrepancy mean?
1) Do Paizo customers have enough modules with the Adventure Paths and Pathfinder Modules that they are not looking for a megadungeon?
2) Do Rpgnow customers not have enough module choices for Pathfinder as Paizo customers seem to?
3) Are Rpgnow customers more aware of products because of the front page that showed Purple Mountain for two days? Paizo has a store blog but not a product roll like that for new uploads.
4) Do Paizo customer's hate the Purple covers?
5) Do Paizo customers even know that Purple Mountain exists? At Rpgnow we have the ability to email our customers directly and at Paizo we do not.
6) Are we just significantly better known for our work at Rpgnow than we are at Paizo.

Purple Mountain - Level 1 is uploaded.

2011-10-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

I have just finished uploading the final version of Purple Mountain I: Temple of the Locust Lord to Paizo's site. I'll put it up at Rpgnow in a day or so after I finish some non-Purple Duck work. It has been a long haul getting this product out but I am very happy with the results and cannot wait to tear into level two. Hopefully, it will be cleared by Paizo staff and available for purchase tomorrow.

PETM

2011-10-26T20:00:00.001-07:00

People for theEthical Treatment of 'Monsters' (PETM)

PETM focuses its attention on many areas where so called'monsters' suffer the most intensely at the hands of the sentient species ofthis land. Our goals are:

- to free the minions/denizens ofthe many villains that are used as human shields and fodder in battle;
- to stop the unfair and cruel imprisonment of all magical familiars;
- to put an end to the sacrifice of countless beings to uncaring and capriciousGods;
- and to once and for all end the outright slaughter of free/wild monsters intheir natural habitats(dungeon/Lairs) by so called 'Heroes'

PETM works through public education leaflets, protestcampaigns at local dungeons/lairs, animal rescue from hidden villain lairs andspecial events like hot dog sales and other non-meat events.

People who support monster rights believe that monstersdeserve consideration of their best interests regardless of whether they haveclaws or teeth, spray poison in your eyes or encase you in gelatinous proteinsfor digestion.

What is thedifference between 'monster rights' and 'monster welfare'?

Monster welfare advocates accept that monsters haveinterests but allow those interests to be traded away as long as the sentient species benefitsjustify the sacrifice, ie protection of the treasure, fodder in the war betweengood and evil or simply in the dungeon room you are trying to get through. Supporters of monsters rights believe thatmonsters, like all races of this land, have interests that cannot be sacrificedor traded away to benefit others.

What about plants?

Many believe that vegetative plants that inhabit ourdungeons and underworlds cannot feel pain, but if an organism can scream, runaway or spray poisonous pollen at you they must also have rights as monsters.

Monsters don'treason, don't understand rights and don't respect our rights, so why should weapply our ideas of morality to them?

A monster's ability to understand and adhere to our rules isirrelevant. Monsters cannot alwayschoose to change their behaviours - Gelatinous Cubes know only digestion,Otyugh's like poop, Owlbears don't know why they are part Owl and part Bear -the sentient beings of our land have the intelligence and ability to choose tonot hurt those at greatest risk.

It's impossible toavoid killing monsters when spelunking a long forgotten dungeon; if you'restill causing monster suffering in doing traditional hero work, what's thepoint?

Everybody is entitled to his or her own opinion, but freedomof thought is not the same thing as freedom of action. You are free to believe that monsters arethere to be killed simple to gain experience points, clear your path to thenext treasure or destroyed simply because they are trying to kill you - howeverwe do not have the right to actually do such things except that you may be muchmore heavily armed than they are.

PETM argues that the 'hero' occupational group is outdatedand should be abolished. Society mustprogress beyond random bands of heavily armed persons laying waste tomonsters. By setting up structuredsocieties of government by the people and removing the tyrants and warlordssociety will progress into a new age.

What about the MonsterLiberation Front (MLF) and the damage they reportly cause?

Sentient species throughout history have felt the need tobreak the law to fight injustice. TheMLF is the name adopted by those survivors who act illegally on behalf of monster rightsto save lives while endangering their own. MLF members take the next step and take up arms to defend those who canalready defend themselves or who are being overwhelmed by overbearing heroes whether they be Faye, aberration, magical beast or dragon.

Most monsters used indungeons or by villainous overlords were bred for that purpose, so what's wrongwith using them?

Being bred for a certain purpose does not preclude theability of a monster to feel pain and fear. If you prick an aberration does he not bleed?

Monsters and loweranimals in the service of good magical users don't suffer that much becausethey've never known anything else, right?

Wrong! Monsters whohave been domesticated for the servitude of masters as familiars, or 'animalcompanions', are prevented from actingon their basic instinctual behaviours which causes tremendous suffering.Confined monsters suffer from intense boredom - some so severely that it canlead to mutilation of self or others.

If monsterexploitation were wrong, wouldn't it be illegal?

Lawfulness is no guarantee of morality, just ask the victimsof Hobgoblin tribes!

Monsters are not asintelligent or as advanced as sentient species, so why can't we use them as wewish?

Superior intelligence does not entitle one species to abuseanother species. Elves do not have theright to subjugate the less intelligent Dwarves and Humans. Rather, we - I mean they, work with thelesser species to make a better land or ignore them outright to preserve theircultural purity.

Get involved:

Monsters depend on us for our compassion, our voice and ouraction. Monsters may someday be able toorganize a rebellion or demand better treatment, but until then we are here tospeak up for them.

Keep in touch by watching for our flyers and promotional materialson your community bill boards

Free/steal familiars wherever you find them and set themfree in the wild.

Take time to come out and march, protest wherever heroes areslaughtering monsters, don't be afraid to laydown your life for a monster.

Forest of Gora

2011-10-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

TheForest of Gora sits between the kingdoms of Illaya and Grismor and serves astheir border. Trade routes circle either side of the far stretching forest.Outposts can even be seen within sight of the forest, but none are everdirectly next to it. Both kingdoms have learned nothing built near Gora willlast the season without being ransacked or razed by those living in it.

Bothnations have tried on numerous occasions through the generations to lay claimto the land, either by force or in cooperation. Ill prepared for the guerrillatactics of those that reside in it, they were held back every time. When thenative occupants took out their building hostility on the private tradecaravans that passed near their borders a quick, unofficial truce was quicklymade with the impending threat of economic collapse a lack of trade wouldcause.

Ecology

Muchof the flora and fauna of Gora is what one would expect from a temperate forest.A mix of broadleaf and evergreens provide a balance of waxing and waning lifein fall and winter while summer and spring are refreshing and bright.

Allmanner of animals and plants can be found. Wolves, foxes, rabbits, deer, bears,rodents, and various birds are among the most prolific. Wild berries and otheredible plants can be found nearly everywhere. Elves, fae, and centaur are amongthe few intelligent beings that call Gora home, and they constantly takemeasures to insure it remains that way.

Rarely,some mutated plant, and possibly an animal that's been feeding on itexclusively, is crossed. When a meteorite fell into the forest generations agosmaller chunks peppered the landscape, forever changing where they hit in moresubtle ways than the main lump of ore.

Sites of Interest

Despitehow expansive the Forest of Gora is few settlements can be found along it'sborders or within it. Most attribute this to the 'ghosts of the forest' whileothers claim elves and other denizens harry any who try to build too close.

Elves,fae, centaurs, and other denizens of the forest have small communities spreadthroughout the forest. Most are concentrated around the Heart of Gora, where amassive meteorite easily the size of a wagon fell to the land. So long ago didthis happen that even the elves have forgotten the true story. Moving andmining the ore have proven all but impossible

TheHeart of Gora has become the site of festivals and seen as an icon of all thedenizens of the forest. It sits in the center of a crater with a single, fraillooking oak growing through the center of it. The bark, wood, and leaves ofthis tree look like lead replicas but have the strength of any forged metal;making them quite coveted. Elves and fae go to great lengths to confuse would-bediscoverers and lead them through the forest without taking them close tothe Heart.

Purple Mountain - Prisoners (Part I)

2011-09-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Within the Temple of the Locust Lord there are five prisoners at the start of the adventurer. They are Tith-Tor (female half-cyclops oracle 1), Armin Carl (male human ranger 1), Querig (male gnome sorcerer 1) and Beatiz Vace (female half-elven rogue 1). Each will be detail here over the next week or so, on the Purple Duck Games blog, should you need their full stats for use as replacement characters while exploring the depths of Purple Mountain.

All characters are created using the 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 ability array and are considered player characters.

Beatiz Vace (Female half-elf rogue [bandit] 1)
N Medium humanoid (elf)
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +3
[Defenses]
AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10 (+2 Dex)
hp 11 (1d8+1)
Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +1; +2 vs. enchantment
Immune magical sleep
[Offense]
Speed 30 ft.
Melee by weapon +3
Ranged by weapon +2
Special Attacks sneak attack +1d6
[Statistics]
Str 17, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
Base Atk +0; CMB +3; CMD 14
Feat Skill Focus (Disable Device, Intimidate)
Skills Acrobatics +6, Appraise +4, Climb +7, Disable Device +9, Intimidate +6, Perception +5, Stealth +6, Swim +7, Use Magic Device +4
SQ keen senses, multitalented (rogue, witch)
Traits dangerously curious, dirty fighter
Languages Common, Elven

Beatiz grew up in a community of bandits, anything she has wanted she has taken by force. Recently after a stint within prison, she discovered that a good living could be made bashing head and taking treasure if you were an adventurer instead of a bandit. The rewards are greater and you don't have to sleep in the filth as much. She has never had a group to rely on before but if all of these adventure go as well as their raid on Purple Mountain, perhaps banditry is not so bad after all.

Beatiz favors studded leather armor and bludgeoning weapons.

Shilling for Open Design

2011-09-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Divine Favor: the Paladin begins a series I wrote for Open Design meant to expand the options available to divine PCs. This includes new archetypes such as the Templar who carries a piece of the divine within himself, and the Metropolitan, a defender of the urban world and who possesses a sacred link to cities, but also alternate class abilities such as divine aspect. Divine Aspect allows the paladin to infuse his very flesh with the power of his deity, granting him greater strength, resilience and combat prowess.

There's also suggestions on to build a paladin PC with regards to ability scores, and spell and feat selection.

The series will also cover the cleric, oracle, druid and inquisitor.

(By Stefen)

Building Legendary Treasure

2011-09-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

When working on the Legendary Treasures series, Stefen and I used the following guidelines to control our design. We did not always stick to these guidelines but they are framework for building legendary items.

Requirements:
Each legendary weapon, armor or shield has a number of requirements that the character must possess in order to attune the item and gain access to its legendary abilities.t

Generally this includes:
- one or two feats
- one or two skills at 4 ranks or less.

Race is sometimes included as requirement if the item has a strong racial enemy or origin. Additional class abilities are seldom used unless multiple options are available. Such as one of specific domian, mystery or bloodline. We never wanted to pigeonhole a legendary treasure to strictly one class.

Abilities
- All legendary treasures begin with a +1 enhancement bonus. By the time the character has reached level 20 the treasure's total enhancement bonus should not be more than +5.

The 10 levels of progression generally it look something like this

1) +1 weapon/armor/shield
2) A spell-like ability (3/day; 1st-2nd level), supernatural ability, feat, other bonus
3) A spell-like ability (3/day; 2nd-3rd level), supernatural ability, feat, other bonus
4) +2 weapon/armor/shield (may have property)

5) A spell-like ability (3/day; 3rd-4th level), supernatural ability, feat, other bonus
6) A spell-like ability (3/day; 4th-5th level), supernatural ability, feat, other bonus

7) +3 weapon/armor/shield (may have property)

8) A spell-like ability (3/day; 5th-6th level), supernatural ability, feat, other bonus

9) A spell-like ability (3/day; 6th-7th level), supernatural ability, feat, other bonus

10) +4 weapon/armor/shield (may have property)

Other patterns are allowable but these give us a good starting point.

Kevin Video asked on the Purple Duck Games forums:

Finally, I don't see it on the weapon pdfs (correct me if I'm wrong) where it says whether or not you pay additionally for a weapon to be upgraded. For instance, at 20th level, you have a +4 weapon (eg +3 flaming greataxe). What if I want to make that a +5 flaming burst greataxe? How much does that cost me? If I get it done early, and it's a +3 keen flaming burst greataxe at only level 10, does it become a +5 greataxe when I hit level 20?

In my campaign I have not had this come up. I think if my players wanted to do it I would allow it on an enhancement cost basis.

So let's say they are currently at level 14 and have attuned the heartwood staff from Legendary II: Legendary Weapons. At there current level this weapon is a +3 revitalizing quarterstaff; revitalizing has a +42,000 gp addition and the +3 has it costing 18,000 gp. So this weapons as of right now would be worth at least as much as a +5 weapon. If my player wanted to upgrade it to +4 revitalizing then they would need to come up with 22,000 gp to move it from an effective +5 to and effective +6. When the weapon would have naturally leveled up to +4 vitalizing it would instead become a +5 revitalizing.

Since the weapons level up naturally, I've never had a player ask this but I think that is how I would handle it.

Legendary Shields

2011-09-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Legendary Shields by Marc Radle is now on sale. We have this product over on the Paizo site and Rpgnow. We also have a review/recommendation from Liz over at the Nearly Enough Dice podcast.

So how are sales of this one going?

Frankly they are a bit sluggish or more sluggish then I hoped. Out of the two vendors we have had far more movement on the Rpgnow site than Paizo (4 to 1 in terms of sales). I think part of this is the difficulty in trying to communicate with our customers at the Paizo site.

Still it is early so there is no need to panic and I'm happy that Legendary V: Exotics/Unusual Weapons. Is already being written.

So to further spread the word about Legendary Shields here is the ToC.

Table of Contents
Black Raven
Blood Moon
Cockatrice Heart
Crusader’s Shield
Flame’s Death
Ganis’briel
Gauntlet
Golden Griffon
Grinning Skull
Nanroc
Scorpion Sting
Soveriegn’s Shield
Trickster’s Shield
Wolf’s Howl

Vote for a shield and I'll post its info here.

Back to Work...

2011-08-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Purple Duck Goings On...

- Legendary Shields is being edited.
- Purple Mountain - Level 1 is going through playtesting.
- JL Coburn has sent over the first of the new Lands of the GOW entries.
- Michael Scotta has art orders for Purple Mountain, The Rook and Monsters Unleashed V.3
- Stefen and Axel are working on Horrors of the GOW - Part 2
- David is working on Legendary Weapons: Unusual and Exotic
- Tom is working on the Rook and a Skill Project.

I'm back to work at my day job so for a little while, until I get into the rhythm of work, it will be primarily my job to co-ordinate between people, get things ordered that need ordering, paying freelancers and doing layout.

This weekend, I plan to do some writing. It might be some scribbling on Purple Mountain - Level 2 or Otyughnomicon 3 or Horrors of the GOW - Part 2 or I might even dig up 4saken. Plus I need to begin layout on that secret thing I'm not telling Stefen about until it is awesome and ready to go.

In the Works...

2011-08-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today I spent some time adding more material to the Grand OGL Wiki. When I finished that I wrote up 15 specific magical armors and sent them over to Headless Hydra Games for publication. I have contributed to their 15 Specific Weapons lines so it seem like a natural fit to send them Axel's way instead of publishing them myself.

Scorpion Knight

Stefen is going through the process of proofing and tearing apart Purple Mountain - Level 1 this week. Which is good because I'm hoping that it could be out very early September. This weekend, my group is getting together for a playtest of the dungeon to check its in and outs. It looks like it will be a full group of five players, so I will not need to run a DNPC which is great because I think that interferes with playtesting.

Stefen was working on some archetypes for the second issue of Horrors of the GOW which should come out in October. JL Coburn has come on board to write more of the Lands of the GOW 1-pagers which is excellent because if anything the first four should have taught us that I should not be in charge of writing setting material.

It has been a very productive summer for me. Monday, I start back at my day job but I plan to keep doing this blog and writing Purple Duck Games stuff on a regular basis because I enjoy it so much. Okay, I'm going back to the meditative practice of adding more OGC to the Grand OGL Wiki.

Investigative Archetypes

2011-08-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

For the second issue of Horrors of the GOW. Stefen and I are looking at doing something more low-magic, high investigation for a feel. Here is one of the archetypes that Stefen has written. Feel free to tear it apart, that is always part of the process.

Clergyman (Cleric)

Class Skills: Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (history) (Int), Knowledge (nobility) (Int), Knowledge (religion) (Int), Linguistics (Int), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis).

Skill Ranks per Level: 4 + Int modifier

Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: The clergyman is proficient with all simple weapons but not with armor or shields.

Divine Focus (Su): The clergyman begins play with a holy symbol that lends him great resources of inner will and divine power during times of strife. Once per day he may use the object to cast any one divine spell he can cast without using a spell slot. As long as he bears the holy symbol he gains a +2 morale bonus to saves against fear and a +2 morale bonus to concentration checks. If the holy symbol is lost or destroyed, it can be replaced after 24 hours in a special ritual which takes 8 hours to complete.

Forbidden Knowledge (Su): The clergyman, while a devout follower of his own faith, understands there are other sources of power forbidden by the church. His research has led to him to such discoveries. He replaces the powers and spells of one of his domains with the Dark Tapestry or Stars subdomain. Once this choice is made it can not be changed.

Get Back! (Su): The clergyman may wield his holy symbol as a weapon against undead. He may place the symbol against the form of an undead creature as a melee touch attack. A successful hit deals 1d6 points of positive energy per two cleric levels. A Will save halves the damage (DC 10 + ½ cleric level + Charisma modifier). At 11^th level this acts as disruption against evil undead. The clergyman may use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + his Wisdom modifier.

Power over Undead (Su): The clergyman receives Command Undead or Turn Undead as a bonus feat. He can channel energy a number of times per day equal to 3 + Wisdom modifier, but only to use the selected feat. The clergyman can take other feats to add to this ability, such as Extra Channel and Improved Channel, but not feats that alter this ability, such as Elemental Channel and Alignment Channel. The DC to save against these feats is equal to 10 + 1/2 cleric level + Charisma modifier. This replaces channel energy.

Ritual Caster (Ex): The clergyman possesses the patience and knowledge to better work incantations. He gains a +2 competence bonus on all skill checks when performing an incantation.

GM Merit Badges...

2011-08-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

I have nothing interesting to say today. Purple Mountain - Level 1 is in editing. I've received a couple of entries for our pregen contest but most importantly I read Stuart Robertson's article on GM Merit Badges. If you haven't read this today you really should take the time to do so.

I sent my players the link and two have responded:

Patrick has said I would qualify for: Death, Dice, Drama, and Tactics.
Thomas has said I would qualify for: By-The-Book, Dice, Map

I'm pleased with those assessments as well as can use them as a guide post for things I can work on. I have not rated myself, because I think the valuation of my players toward my style is more important.

Reviews Coming In...

2011-08-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Monsters Unleashed V.2 [PFRPG]

$1.50

Publisher: Purple Duck Games

by Sean Holland [Featured Reviewer]

Date Added: 08/21/2011 21:03:39

Monsters Unleashed, Volume 2, is more monsters rescued from obscurity by the fine people at Purple Duck Games. If you need some interesting monsters at a bargain price, take a look.

Monsters Unleashed, Vol 2 is a 16-page PDF (12-pages if you remove the OGL pages) for the Pathfinder RPG written by Mark Gedak and Stefen Styrsky and published by Purple Duck Games. This is part of Purple Duck Games’ Monsters Unleashed Subscription.

The layout is a traditional book design, primarily two-column and easy enough to read. The monsters follow standard Pathfinder template. The art is black and white with each creature having its own illustration. A sheet of creature tokens is included on the last page.

The Challenge Ratings of the monsters unleashed here range from three to 22 (!) mostly good direct combat creatures, including the Fenris Wolf (the CR 22), yes, that Fenris Wolf. Indeed, the Clay Warriors even come in three varieties. Each creature descriptions suggests some good adventure hooks for each of the creatures. All of the creatures each has its own table of what you can find out about it on a successful knowledge check.

Additionally, there is a named and leveled version of one of the monsters, a companion creature for the named monster and a new spell.

Disclosure: As a featured reviewer for RPGNow/DriveThroughRPG, I received my copy of this product for free from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Rating:

[4 of 5 Stars!]

and

Otyughnomicon: Northern Waste Otyugh [PFRPG]

~~$1.50~~ $1.00

Publisher: Purple Duck Games

by Shane O'Connor [Featured Reviewer]

Date Added: 08/20/2011 18:11:59

It’s never been said (insofar as I’m aware) but I’m of the opinion that the otyugh was created either to fill an ecological niche in the game world (as to what cleans up the poo of dungeon-dwelling monsters) or as a nasty surprise when the PCs actually stop to go to the bathroom. Either way, they seemed like a monster that was fairly one-dimensional for what they offered. Mark Gedak and Stefen Styrsky, however, are determined to prove otherwise with their Otyughnomicon series of releases. In this case, we look at the Northern Waste Otyugh.

This book is a short one, being eight pages long (albeit with a six-page OGL listing, thoughtfully included as a separate file). Despite its brevity, full nested bookmarks are present, and copy-and-paste is enabled. There’s only one illustration here, a black and white picture of an icy otyugh, but the pages have a light tentacle in the background, and there are tokens of said otyugh (and, somewhat oddly, a polar bear).

After a quick introduction, the book tackles a topic that’s clearly dear to the authors’ hearts – should the otyugh be an aberration, or a magical beast? The rules say the former, while the authors clearly think the latter. As such, the first sample otyugh for the template (see below) is reproduced twice, once as an aberration otyugh, and once as a magical beast otyugh – all further otyughs in the book are magical beasts.

In all honesty, I don’t necessarily disagree with the reasoning given in this book, but I think that there’s something of a missed opportunity here. If you’re writing your own version of something you disagree with, you should introduce it in-game as something new! Perhaps the magical beast otyughs are a new breed that are edging out their aberration forefathers (in that case, you could even call them…neo-otyughs).

Following this is the new Northern Waste Creature template. It’s a fairly simplistic template (though not a simple template, in Pathfinder parliance), and does a good job of making a creature into an arctic counterpart, though I question the decision not to add the cold subtype.

After the two sample otyughs (and a new variant disease, frost fever, to offset the usual filth fever), we then get a sample tribe of northern waste otyughs – only the two leaders are outlined, as most of the tribe are typical specimens, whereas the leaders have class levels. I wish some attempt, no matter how small, had been made to give us some flavor text about these individuals, as they’re presented only as stat blocks. Another missed opportunity.

Six new icy-themed spells are provided then, though the majority of these seem to be cold variants of existing spells (e.g. hibernate instead of sleep, ice shape instead of stone shape, etc.). I don’t necessarily dislike spells that are variants of other spells, and these did a fairly good job differentiating themselves. But it was the next section that was magical.

The authors note that one of their fans made, on their facebook page, a comment about the sex lives of otyughs. Would that that fan had remained silent, and we’d have been spared the thought of what sort of union would produce the otyugh sorcerer bloodline. The bloodline is just as disgusting as its parentage, and I foresee some truly nauseating villains using it (as well as some gross PCs). Several new spells are presented as part of the bloodline spells, and these were much more inspiring. Spells to curse the land (with disease, undead, etc.), make a creature a disease carrier, or even cause an epidemic, are very much in the theme of the otyugh.

Overall, this is a good book if you’re a fan of the otyugh, but it could have been more. What’s here is solid work, but a little more polish could have made it great. Who are these northern waste otyugh leaders? What makes aberration otyughs different from magical beast otyughs? Still, these oversights don’t diminish what’s here, which are some great options for icy otyughs and those of otyugh ancestry. Pick this book up, and let these otyughs give your PCs all sorts of crap to deal with!

Rating:

[4 of 5 Stars!]

New Spell: Hot Potato!

2011-08-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hot Potato

School Conjuration (creation); Level bard2, druid2, wizard2

Casting Time 1 standard action

Components V, S, M (sulfur match)

Range short (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)

Effect one explosive tuber

Save special (see below); Spell Resistance none

Upon casting this spell, you call into existence a flaming, explosive tuber that you can immediately throw at another living creature within range as a ranged touch attack (if he misses the tuber explodes as described below). The target of the tuber may make a Reflex save to catch the tuber and take 1d4 points of fire damage. If the save fails the target drops the tuber and it explodes for 5d4 points of fire damage within a 15 ft. radius.

A character who has caught the tuber must, on their standard action, throw the tuber to another creature within range that has not touch the tuber. If he fails to hit a target, there are no targets left, or he doesn't throw it, then the tuber explodes as above. The tuber can be magically passed around and around the battlefield until no living creatures remain to catch it.

Happy Anniversary!

2011-08-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today is the first year anniversary of Purple Duck Games.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank:
- all of our customers for their support.
- all of the artists we have worked with this year
- all the writers
- all the other publishers that have helped us

No shilling today. It is a day to celebrate what has been accomplished.

Evil Thought #417

2011-08-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

Pugwampi

Legendary Races: Rakshasa is now out for sale. Currently it is available at Rpgnow and hopefully it will get unstuck from the pipe at Paizo.

It looks like Monsters Unleashed V.2 could be out before the weekend. This issue will have clay warriors, quickgrass, knollman, corpse orgies and Fenris Wolf.

For my evil thought of the day, I draw your attention to the pugwampi to the right. So my idea, certain to make it into level 2 or 3 of Purple Mountain is for a new magic item called a pugwampi's foot.

Similar to a rabbit's foot except it exudes an aura of unluck. So that 10 ft. wide pit filled with spikes, it doesn't look that bad to jump over. <Player attempts> oh, sorry, you need to roll that check twice and take the lower roll.

Mhahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

The Work of Rakshasa

2011-08-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

Vetula by Jennifer Taylor

When a rakshasa tortures and kills a sentient humanoid, the dead creature’s spirit sometimes reanimates as a vetala, a vampire-like being bent on the destruction of life. After a grisly and painful death, the vetala’s spirit continues on, spurred by anger at its undeserved fate.

The vetala can not stand direct sunlight. During the day it haunts underground tombs and catacombs to wait for the night. However, a vetala possessing the body of a dead humanoid can move about in daylight while inhabiting the corpse. These vetala are often thought to be zombies, but an observant person can recognize their true nature if they notice the creature’s backwards hands.

Unlike ghosts a vetala is not bound to a specific site, though the creature does tend to haunt a area until it runs out of victims.
(Legendary Races: Rakshasa coming soon...).

Back with News

2011-08-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

Legendary Races: Rakshasa
by Stefen Styrsky

First up, we now exist at the Paizo.com store as well as at Rpgnow. I believe I will be setting things up at Lulu.com as well so whatever your Rpg Shopping venue you will be able to find us. So far I only have the Legendary Treasure series up for sale on Paizo but I will be uploading the rest over the next several days.

Secondly, a book that Stefen has been working on for a while is finally done. All the art is in and the layout is finished. Heck, it even has a fancy purple minimalist cover. I expect it will be released tomorrow and I don't want to spoil the surprise so I'm not going to mention its name right now.

Progress Report...

2011-08-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

Legendary Races: Rakshasa
Stefen turned in revisions to Legendary Races: Rakshasa today. We need some art to come in and then it is off to layout for this product. I'm expecting it to be a bit bigger than the other two Legendary Races.
- Needs: Art, Layout, Double Checks, Triple Checks

Monsters Unleashed: Volume 2 & 3
Text is done for these. I'm waiting on the art from Michael Scotta. I'm very pleased to have him on this project and am willing to wait for what he comes up with.
- Needs: Art, Layout, Double Checks, Triple Checks

Purple Mountain - Level 1
I'm 60% done writing the encounters for level one of the Purple Mountain. I am hopeful that this will be released before the end of August. The dungeon map is done by Kristian Richards of Crooked Staff Publishing. How much art do I need within the module. I'm expecting it to be about 20-30 pages.
- Immediate needs - Finish writing

Legendary Armor and Shields - in the hands of a freelancer.
Legendary Weapons III - in the hands of a freelancer.
Otyughnomicon - on hold until I break even on otyughnomicon #2

I'm not a 100% sure what Stefen's next project is. He mentioned something about writing level 7 of Purple Mountain but I'm not certain if he was serious or not. Perhaps he is outline Horrors of the GOW 2 for October release.

Sale Reminder: Tomorrow is the last day of our "Not Going to Gen Con" 50% off sale although by this point it is more of a "Didn't Get To Go To Gen Con" 50% off sale but you get the idea.

Contest
Wanted: I want to include five or six pregenerated 1st level characters for Purple Mountain. Each character should use one of the Paizo classes (RPG through Ultimate Combat) but can use OGC from other sources as long as you can provide me with the S15 information and OGC declarations.

The character must be full-stated and contain a short paragraph of background for the characters. They also need to include one new trait that we can publish in the Purple Mountain.

Prizes
Inclusion in the Purple Mountain release, free copies of all the Purple Mountain levels that we publish and $10 additional dollars worth of Purple Duck Products of your choosing.

Deadline: August 22nd, 2010
Email Entries to: gedakm@gmail.com with the subject line "Purple Mountain Contest"

- Please reshare.

Template - Mystical Creature

2011-08-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

Mystical Creatures
Mystical creatures are creature born or empowered with the powers of a sorcerer. Arcane magic flows through their veins and

Creating a Mystical Creature
"Mystical creatures" is an inherited or acquired template that can be applied to any creature with a Cha score of 6 or more. A mystical creature uses all the base creature's statistics and special abilities except as noted here.

CR: As base creature +1
Type: If the creature's type is animal or vermin, it changes to magical beast. Do not recalculate HD, BAB and saves.
Armor Class: Natural armor improves by +2.
Defenses: Gains resistance 5 to one energy type; DR 5/magic (if HD 11 or less) or 10/magic (if HD 12 or more).
Special Attacks: A mystical creature gains the following:
Bloodline: Each mystical creature has a source of magic in its heritage that grants additional skills and bloodline powers. The mystical creature must select one sorcerer bloodline and gain the class skill, bloodline arcana, and bloodline powers at appropriate Hit Dice.They do not gain the bonus feat and spells that sorcerers gain.
Spell-Like Abilities (Sp): A mystical creature with an Cha score of 8 or highter has a cumulative number of spell-like abilities by its HD. Unless otherwise noted, an ability is usable 1/day. CL equals to the creature's HD (or the CL of the base creature's spell-like abilities, whichever is higher). All spells are drawn from the wizard spell list.

HD Spell-Like Abilities
1-3 one 1st level spell (3/day)
4-5 one 2nd level spell, one additional 1st level spell (3/day)
6-7 one 3rd level spell, one additional 2nd level spell
8-9 one 4th level spell, one additional 3rd level spell
10-11 one 5th level spell, one additional 4th level spell, 1st level spell-like abilities are at-will
12-13 one 6th level spell, one additional 5th level spell
14-15 one 7th level spell, one additional 6th level spell, 2nd level spell-like abilites are 3/day
16-17 one 8th level spell, one additional 7th level spell
18+ one 9th level spell, one additional 8th level spell

Abilites: A half-fiend gains a +4 Con, +2 Int (or minimum of 10), +6 Cha.

Skills: Animals and vermin that become mystical creatures gain skill points per racial HD as magical beasts

Languages: All mystical creatures speak Draconic.
---------
Mystical Giant Mantis [aka Flaming Devil Mantis] (CR 4, 1,200 XP)
N Large magical beast (augmented vermin)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +13
[Defense]
AC 17, touch 10, flat-footed 16 (+1 Dex, +7 natural, -1 size)
hp 38 (4d8+20)
Fort +9, Ref +2, Will +3
DR 5/magic; Resist fire 5
[Offense]
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft., fly 40 ft. (poor)
Melee 2 claws +5 (1d6+3 plus grab)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
Special Attacks lunge, mandibles, sudden strike
Bloodline Abilities (CL 4th, concentration +7)
- resistant touch (6/day), ethereal jaunt (3 rounds)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 4th, concentration +7)
1/day - bull's strength
3/day - true strike, burning hands (DC 14)
Bloodline divine
[Statistics]
Abl Str 16, Dex 13, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 17
Base Atk +3; CMB +7 (+11 grapple); CMD 18 (22 vs. trip)
Feats Combat Casting, Improved Initiative
Skills Climb +11, Fly +4, Perception +13, Stealth +1 (+13 in forests); Racial Modifiers +4 Perception, +4 Stealth (+12 in forests)

Languages Draconic

[Special Abilities]

Lunge (Ex) A giant mantis's limbs are capable of reaching much farther than normal for a creature of its size. As a full-attack action, it can make a single attack with its claws at double its normal reach. When a giant mantis attacks with a claw in this manner, it gains a +4 bonus on its attack roll. A giant mantis cannot make attacks of opportunity with its lunge.

Mandibles (Ex) A giant mantis that grabs a foe can make a bite attack against that foe as a secondary attack. The mantis's bite is a +0 attack that inflicts 1d6+1 points of damage on a hit.

Sudden Strike (Ex) A giant mantis is particularly adept at moving quickly when its foes are surprised. During a surprise round, a giant mantis may act as if it had a full round to act, rather than just one standard action.

----
Design Choice: A mystical creature should be a creature of wonder and should not have a fixed list of spell-like abilities nor should it be as versatile as a true sorcerer.

Inner Sea Magic - Sample Character

2011-08-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying the Inner Sea Magic book from Paizo. It seem to me the clear design trend by Paizo is toward Archetypes over Prestige Classes whenever possible. I have been working on Purple Mountain and having other design discussions with Stefen but I thought I should take a break to play a bit with this book. So here is a 1st level sorcerer that could be used as a pregen for Purple Mountain.

Zinnaonna Chorster
Female human tattooed sorcerer 1
CG Medium humanoid (human)
Deity Goddess of Cats
Homeland The Plains of Fortune
Init +2; Senses Perception -1
[Defenses]
AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10 (+2 Dex)
hp 7 (1d6+1)
Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +1
[Offense]

Speed 30 ft.

Melee heavy mace +0 (1d8)

Ranged sling +2 (1d4); 10 bullets

Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +4)

4/day - enlarge person, feather fall

At-will - depilatory, detect magic, light, message, ray of frost

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +4)

3/day - mage

Bloodline feline
[Statistics]
Abl Str 10, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 17
Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 12
Feats Scribe Scroll, Eschew Materials, Arcane Tattoo (transmutation); Familiar Bonus Alertness (within arms reach).
Traits Plains Wanderer (+1 Perform (Dance), class skill); Stargazer (+1 Knowledge (geography), Survival)
Skills Spellcraft +5, Knowledge (geography) +3, Perform (dance) +8, Stealth +5, Survival +0, Use Magic Device +7; Familiar Bonus +3 Stealth
Languages Common, Elven
SQ cantrips, favored class (sorcerer), skilled, familiar tattoo (cat)
Gear As above plus backpack, entertainer's outfit, 1 flask of antitoxin, belt pouch (5 gp)

Zinnaonna was a travelling entertainer when she received her first tattoo. Something about that first trace of ink on her skin awoke strange new magics within her. Finding power in the art that covers her body, Zinnaonna has embraced the art form and her new magic. She has taken to adventuring to learn more about the tattoo magic and locate other sources of power.

Bast, Cat Familiar
N Tiny animal
Init +2; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +5
[Defense]
AC 15, touch 14, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +1 natural, +2 size)
hp 3 (1d8-1)
Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +3
[Offense]

Speed 30 ft.

Melee 2 claws +4 (1d2–4), bite +4 (1d3–4)

Space 2-1/2 ft.; Reach 0 ft.

[Statistics]

Str 3, Dex 15, Con 8, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 6 (10 vs. trip)

Feats Weapon Finesse

Skills Climb +6, Perception +5, Stealth +14; Racial Modifiers +4 Climb, +4 Stealth

SQ improved evasion, share spells, empathic link

Variant Aasimar Heritages

2011-08-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Most aasimar possess a fixed variety of ability scores to reflect their fiendish heritages, regardless of the actual source of their divine traits. GMs might grant their aasimar NPCs or players variant ability modifiers based on their divine ancestries. At the GM’s choice, such heritages might be determined deliberately or randomly.

1d10 Heritage Adjustments

1-2 Agathion +2 Strength, +2 Wisdom, -2 Intelligence: The scions of the beast-aspected agathions demonstrate great strength of body and will, but are not known for their organization and planning.

3-4 Angels +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, -2 Wisdom: The children of angels are known for their natural magnetism and supernatural hardiness, but they are quick to act without contemplating their actions.

5-6 Archons +2 Strength, +2 Charisma, -2 Dexterity: Archon-blooded children often carry on the defense of the world against the forces of evil with strengthened bodies and personalities, their rigid devotion to their cause makes them physically less flexible as well.

7-8 Azata +2 Intelligence, +2 Charisma, -2 Dexterity: Gatherers of tales and singers of stories, the children of azata are clever and manipulative, but they lack the grace of some other aasimar.

9-10 Djinni +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, -2 Intelligence: Grace and style are trait or those aasimar who have a hint of air genie blood. They tend to rely on their natural agility and charm over intellect.

Admittedly, the Tiefling Heritage variant published by Paizo had 10 options, but there are not a lot of “good” outsider races and djinni is really stretching the definition of aasimar, though I might have been able to use rakshasa because they are reference to good rakshasa in mythology.

Are there more good outsider races to provide aasimar parentage that I'm missing that I need to add to my collection?

Admittedly, Paizo will probably update this in Bestiary 3

2011-08-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

But Stefen and I thought we could update the Rakshasa Maharajah from one of the early adventure paths and include it in Legendary Races: Rakshasa as bonus content (until the official update is out).

What do you think, is it too powerful like this?

RAKSHASA MAHARAJAH

Floating serenely with legs crossed over one another, this exquisitely attired being casually examines the curved, long-handled blade in its hands. The face staring contemplatively ahead bears beautiful human features, but from the creature’s neck emerge several fearsome animal heads, each considering a different direction.

RAKSHASA MAHARAJAH CR 18

XP 153,600

LE Medium outsider (native)

Init +11, extra initiative [+7 Dex, +4 Improved Init]; Senses all-around vision, darkvision 60 ft., true seeing; Perception +42

<RULE>

AC 33, touch 17, flat-footed 26 (+7 Dex, +16 naturall)

hp 312 (25d10+175)

Fort +17 [+8 Bad, +7 Con, +2 GF]; Ref +21 [+14 Good, +7 Dex]; Will +22 [+14 Good, +6 Wis, +2 IW]

DR 20 good and piercing; SR 33

<RULE>

Speed 40 ft., fly 30 ft. (good)

Melee +3 falchion of shock +35/+30/+25/+20/+15 [+25 Base, +7 Dex, +3 enhancement] (2d4+10 plus 1d6 electricity)

Special Attacks detect thoughts

Spell-like Abilities (CL 20th):

Constant—true seeing

1/day—dominate monster (DC 24)

Spells Known (CL 15th):

7th (5/day)—delayed blast fireball (DC 26), mass hold person (DC 26)

6th (7/day)—flesh to stone (DC 25), greater dispel magic, mass bull’s strength

5th (7/day)—dominate person (DC 24), seeming (DC 24), teleport

4th (7/day)—dimension door, greater invisibility (DC 23), lesser globe of invulnerability, solid fog

3rd (8/day)—fireball (2; DC 22), slow (DC 22), vampiric touch (DC 22)

2nd (8/day)—darkness, misdirection (DC 21), resist energy, see invisibility, touch of idiocy (DC 21)

1st (8/day)—identify, mage armor, magic missile, obscuring mist, ray of enfeeblement (DC 20)

0 (6/day)—arcane mark, daze (DC 19), detect magic, flare (DC 19), mage hand, message, prestidigitation, read magic, touch of fatigue (DC 19)

<RULE>

Str 21, Dex 24, Con 24, Int 25, Wis 23, Cha 29

Base Atk +25 [Fast]; CMB +30 [+25 Base, +5 Str, size]; CMD 47 [10 +25 Base, +5 Str, +7 Dex]

Feats [25-HD Outsider: 1 feat, 0 bonus] Alertness, Combat Casting, Fly-by Attack, Great Fortitude, Hover, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Maximize Spell, Quicken Spell, Weapon Finesse, Widen Spell,

Skills [1-HD Outsider with +0 Int: (6+7) x 25 = 325 points] Appraise + [25 ranks, +3 C, +7 Int], Bluff +# [25 ranks, +3 C, +9 Cha], Diplomacy [25 ranks, +3C, +9 Cha], Disguise +[25 ranks, +3, +9 Cha], Fly + [25 ranks, +7 Dex, +2 manv], Intimidate [25 ranks, +3C +9 Cha], Knowledge (arcana) +# [25 ranks, +7 Int], Knowledge (nobility) +# [25 ranks, +7 Int], Knowledge (planes) +# [25 ranks, +3 C, +7 Int], Perception +# [25 ranks, +3 C, +6 Wis, +4 Alertness, +4 racial], Sense Motive +38 [25 ranks, +3 C, +6 Wis. +4 Alertness], Stealth + [25 ranks, +3 C, +7 Dex], Survival [25 ranks, +3C +6 Wis]; Racial Modifiers +4 Perception

Languages Abyssal, Aklo, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal, Rakshasa, Undercommon

SQ change shape (any humanoid, alter self)

<RULE>

Environment any

Organization solitary

Treasure double (+3 falchion of shock, other treasure)

<RULE>

All-Around Vision (Ex) A rakshasa maharajah’s many heads allow it to look in any direction, providing a +4 racial bonus on Perception. A maharajah rakshasa cannot be flanked.

Detect Thoughts (Su) A rakshasa maharajah can continuously use detect thoughts as the spell (caster level 15th; DC 31 Will negates). It can suppress or resume this ability as a free action. The save DC is Charisma-based.

Extra Initiative (Su) At the beginning of an encounter, the rakshasa maharajah rolls twice for initiative. The rakshasa acts normally on the higher of the two initiative counts each round; on the lower initiative count, the rakshasa maharajah may take a single standard action.

Spells Rakshasa maharajahs cast spells as 15th-level sorcerers. The save DCs are Charisma based.

Fielio's Jar of Pickles

2011-08-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

I love cursed items and I love silly items. Forgive me.

Fielo's Jar of Pickles
Aura moderate enchantment; CL 10th
Slot none; Weight 2 lbs.
[Description]
On the counter of Fielio's bar there is a jar. This large glass container is filled with a brine and succulent dill pickles. The top of the jar is sealed with a metallic lid and inscribed with magical runes. When actively pursued by her drunk patrons with an offer of their manly gifts she tells them that she is saving herself for the man who can open her pickle jar. Designed to discourage male suitors, this jar of pickles cannot be opened by any male creature. However, when a male creature attempts to open the jar they are subjected to a powerful geas that compels them to search out the opener of all things, an artifact thought to be hidden within the trove of an ancient red dragon. Accompanying this geas is the suggestion (Will DC 13) to leave immediately and not return without the opener of all things.
[Creation]
Magic Items chime of opening

Work, Reviews, Research

2011-08-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

This week I'm going to be working on a number of things. I've sketched out the combatants and traps for the first level of Purple Mountain. I sent a couple of archetypes Stefen's way for the Legendary Races: Rakshasa and a working on a couple side projects.

Reviews
On the Review Front it looks like the owners of Nearly Enough Dice Podcast left a review of The Collected Bard Spell Lists at the Rpgnow sites.

Their review is here

Content on this Page
What do you want to see? Post below or on the facebook or G+ page

Other Product Ideas
Is there any need for 1st level pregens sourcebook? Pregens for the levels set of the Adventure Paths?
If we made such a book, what would you like in it?

On Templates...

2011-07-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with templated monsters around my game table. There have been many enjoyable uses of templates on my monsters and other that have been tragic failures. A lot of the problem that I find with templates is the CR adjustment. Quick often a template will add several features that while enhancing the creature do not really make it any more combat-viable. This leads to having a weak monster pretending to be a tougher foe. This has been enough of a problem at my table that I now consider the CR line of a template to be a suggestion (even for the own templates I design) and then when the beastie is templated, I evaluate him against the Table: Monster Statistics by CR from the Pathfinder Bestiary.

Let's look at a sample monster and a specific template. So to illustrate I'm going to add a half-dragon template (CR +2) to a crocodile. This monster has worked well for me in the past.

Black Crocogon CR 4 (XP 1,200)

Half-Black Dragon/Crocodile

N Large dragon

Init +1; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +8

Defense

AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 17 (+1 Dex, +8 natural, –1 size)

hp 31 (3d8+18)

Fort +9, Ref +4, Will +2

Immune sleep, paralysis, acid

Offense

Speed 20 ft., fly 40 ft. (average), swim 30 ft.; sprint

Melee bite +9 (1d8+8 plus grab), 2 claws +9 (1d6+8) and tail slap +4 (1d12+4)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.

Special Attacks breath weapon (3d6 acid, DC 17, 1/day), death roll (1d8+12 plus trip)

Statistics

Str 27, Dex 12, Con 23, Int 3, Wis 12, Cha 4

Base Atk +2; CMB +7 (+11 grapple); CMD 18 (22 vs. trip)

Feats Skill Focus (Perception, Stealth)

Skills Perception +10, Stealth +6 (+14 in water), Swim +12; Racial Modifiers +8 on Stealth in water

SQ hold breath

Ecology

Environment warm rivers and marshes

Organization solitary, pair, or colony (3–12)

Treasure none

Special Abilities

Death Roll (Ex) When grappling a foe of its size or smaller, a crocodile can perform a death roll upon making a successful grapple check. As it clings to its foe, it tucks in its legs and rolls rapidly, twisting and wrenching its victim. The crocodile inflicts its bite damage and knocks the creature prone. If successful, the crocodile maintains its grapple.

Hold Breath (Ex) A crocodile can hold its breath for a number of rounds equal to 4 times its Constitution score before it risks drowning.

Sprint (Ex) Once per minute a crocodile may sprint, increasing its land speed to 40 feet for 1 round.

According to the rules, the Black Crocogon should be CR 4 which according to the monster statistics table he should have:

A slightly lower AC, more hit points, about the same attack, his average damage (bite, claw, claw, slap is 41 [double average] suggested for high attacks, his breath weapon is lower than normal; the base crocodile was almost twice its suggested value as well.), The Primary ability DC is high, and the Good Save is high.

Overall, the Black Crocogon deals damage as a CR 5, but survives hits like a CR 3. So overall, I think he's an okay version though I would like him to be more even.

At my table, I would probably drop his strength a bit to moderate the damage somewhat but add a couple of hit dice to boost hit points and breath weapon.

If I wanted to toughen him to a full CR 5. I would at least 2 HD to him and add a +1d4 acid to his bite and death roll from acid oozing teeth.

The City of Graves

2011-07-30T04:43:00.000-07:00

The Lands of GOW contain many wonders both strange and terrible. A survey of these sites include Asterion’s Fortress on the archipelago ruled by the Seven Principalities, the ruined Cyclops city known as Bal-Petor south of Kesh and the haunted Sea of Trees in the nation of Okigawa. Among the strangest, however, is the place called the City of Graves.

Long years ago the City of Graves was a cemetery, constructed over time by a nation that fell, like most nations, into the dark well of history -- the people, their language, their homes vanished. All that was left of them was a vast, sprawling field of crypts, headstones, and mausoleums running up and down hills and even spanning a river. Trees grew up through graves and vines choked the marble porticos of deathchapels. Only a ghoul’s plaintive howl or a flowing spectral form infused the place with a semblance of habitation.

Then the Ainur nomads arrived. An Ainur shaman had years before proclaimed his people would find a home in a City of Graves. When the tribe came upon the cemetery they knew they had found their home. The marble slabs and posts made excellent walls for homes and helped reinforce the timber stockade the Ainur built to defend the settlement and corral their horses, cattle and goats. The surrounding land, abandoned for so long, was rich and fertile.

The ghoul attacks came several weeks later. Hands reached through the floors to snatch children, nighttime strollers were ambushed and dismembered. The slaughter was horrific. With the aid of their shamans the fierce Ainur fought back and destroyed the monsters.

However, the Ainur shamans realized as long as their people lived in the cemetery the ghouls (an even greater undead) would hunt them. Prevailing upon the sense of self-preservation inherent in all creatures, the shamans worked an agreement with the cemetery’s ghoul-lords. The Ainur would be allowed to live in peace as long as criminals convicted of crimes punishable by death were fed to the ghouls along with enemies the Ainur captured in war. As a final item the Ainur also promised to bar their shamans from the city. The holy men would be allowed yearly visits to minister to the people but otherwise must live as hermits far out in the countryside.

To ensure the treaty held the ghouls (who seemed unusually intelligent and organized) formed a police corps designated as the Pale Hand. These creatures would patrol the cemetery for undead who broke the agreement.

This arrangement has lasted generations. The cemetery – now metropolis -- appears on all maps of the Lands of GOW. Trade routes now stop at the place. Researchers and archaeologist find the cemetery a rich source of finds. Even so travelers are warned despite the curious balance between the living and the dead, the unattended foreigner still occasionally disappears when staying in the City of Graves.

We Be Goblins - Tomorrow

2011-07-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

We game on Saturdays as a regular event, however we currently have a couple of players away and there are only three of us to game (myself included). So instead running our normal Second Darkness campaign arc, Kent, Tom and I are going to run through We Be Goblins! as a one shot with 2nd level goblins.

Tom is planning on running a goblin cavalier. Kent was thinking about a goblin summoner but is nervous about the Cha penalty on goblins. I wouldn't think it would matter for a 2nd level adventure but to each his own. Last I heard he is thinking of witch or thief.

So the question now comes, what do I want for a DNPC.

Well the newest edition of Kobold Quarterly has just arrived at my house (I've been a print/pdf subscriber) since day 1 and it has a new class called the Savant in it. Let's have a look.

The Savant has a d8 Hit Dice and dabbles in tricks of other classes. Wait! what's this I need a notebook, well that is off the list, no goblin of mine is going to getting exiled for writing things down.

Since its similar in theme to the Factotum from Dungeonscape maybe I'll look at that. Hmm, "...He reads through tomes of arcane magic..." Damn, stupid writing. Okay, next.

I think I'm going to go with a binder class from the Secrets of Pact Magic by Dario Nardi. This book if you are unfamiliar with it is cap system similar to the binder class in WoTC's Tome of Magic. It would be nice if someone else did something similar for shadow magic and incarnum.

From this tome I believe I'm going to make an occult priest as a demon worshipping goblin.

Runty Strange
NE Male goblin occult priest 2
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +0
Aura moderate evil
DEFENSE
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 15 (2d6+4)
Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +3
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk spear +3 (1d6/x3)
Ranged mwk spear +5 (1d6/x3)
Domain and other Spell-Like Abilities (CL 2nd; concentration +3)
At-will - lore keeper (touch +5, check of 18)
1/day - sanctuary
Spells Prepared (CL 2nd; concentration +3)
1/day - comprehend languages
STATISTICS
Abl Str 11, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 13
Base Atk +1; CMB +0; CMD 13
Feats Augument Pact
Trait color thief
SkillsKnowledge (nature) +5, Knowledge (arcana) +5, Stealth +5, Survival +2
Languages Goblin
SQ bind spirit +3, mortality undone (2 hp), occult knowledge +1
Gear mwk spear, studded leather armor, dogslicer (back-up weapon), two potions of cure light wounds, feather token whip

Common Binding: Cave Mother (DC 15); calloused hands, stomped back.
- burning hands (2d4 fire, DC 12; once per 5 rounds)
- detect magic (at-will)
- disrupt undead (rta +5, 1d6+2)
- know direction (constant)
- obscuring smoke (concentration + 1 minute/level)
Tactical Bonuses
- interact with undead (non-combat)
- move through an underground area
- succeed on a Sleight of Hand check
- use magic action within 5 feet of fire
Capstone (DC 25)
- transform items

Goblin Song
- Runty Strange don't like to boost,
He am friend with lots of ghosts,
If you be in way the most,
Quick you will burn as toast!

Yeah, I think that works.

The Purple Mountains - Megadungeon

2011-07-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

Temporary Cover

The Purple Mountain – Megadungeon: Level 1

The primary denizens of the first level of the Purple Mountain as a group of demon worshipping humanoids. The only problem is that I’m not sure which race I should choose for the main opponents. There are many options that each have the own strengths and weaknesses.

Core Races

Out of the core races the most logical one to choose would be humans because their comparatively shorter lifespans may make the idea of demonic pacts and the power that entails intriguing to them. The overall problem with that is they are a very typical choice. Dwarves are off my list because I’ll likely to use duergar or derro later in the dungeon and I want to spread the monsters around a bit. Out of the core races the most attractive to use would be halflings or gnomes because they are just so unlikely of a choice.

Expanded Races

Aasimar - I have to admit a group of demon worshipping half-celestials is strangely appealing.

Drow – I’m currently running the Second Darkness adventure path and I am swamped by drow and elves in my home campaign so I don’t really want to use drow for this adventure unless we have a branch that leads to the darklands.

Goblins/hobgoblins - Goblins are known demon worshippers, they love to kill and eat. Have we had too many goblins lately?

Kobolds - Kobolds seem to be in every low level campaign now. They would work as demon worshippers and then we could have a few slurks kicking around too. There may be potential here if they haven’t been overdone.

Lizardfolk - Probably a bit to powerful for the first level of the dungeon, though I could rescale them like the lizardfolk in Monstrous Races 2.

Merfolk, other Aquatics - I’m sure there will be an aquatic floor in the dungeon, I just expect it to be somewhere around level 5 or 6. So they are off my list for now.

Orcs - Just don’t have a niche any more. They are getting closer and closer to a default race every year.

Tengu - Thematically incongruent.

Tiefling - Not really attractive for reasons opposite to the aasimar.

Vegepygmy - I have to admit a love for vegepygmies, not as strong as my devotion to otyughs but still strong.

Expanded Races II

Dhampir - Dhampirs I would think of a more of an urban race. They could be a clan of them worshipping demons in the mountains but it feels a bit off.

Grindylow, Locathah - see aquatics above

The Planars – fetchling, ifrit, oread, sylph, undine - I have nothing against the planar-kin as a whole but I think I might reserve them for level that touch upon their associated planes. If I did chose a planar-kin it would likely be fetchling (shadow), oread (earth) or sylph (air).

Well, I’m clearly no closer to a conclusion. What do you think?

Who should the demon worshippers on level one of the Purple Mountain be?

Did I miss any other options?

Megadungeons...

2011-07-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

We need more megadungeons for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. There is Dungeon-A-Day, obviously and Paizo has just released Dungeons of Golarion (but its more of an overview).

We need a classic megadungeon You know the kind...

It doesn't have much in the way of plot or even make a lot of sense from level to level but it does have:

- pathways to the darklands
- prisons for eldritch demons
- ancient ruins
- lost civilizations
- legendary weapons
- unexplainable magic (lost magic)
- mines
- slave pits
- elemental nodes
- water-filled passages
- mazes
- one way doors (heck secret doors)
- traps
- haunted levels
- classic monsters (ropers, trapper, mimics, otyughs [especially otyughs], owlbears)
- dragons
- monsters too big to have ever fit down those hallways.
- artifacts

A classic megadungeon with everything wrong and right about it.

Who is with me!

On Magical Weapons...

2011-07-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

So I just got access to my download of Ultimate Combat yesterday. The most shocking thing to me in the book is the lack of magical weapons. There are no magical weapons in Ultimate Combat and there were no magic items in Ultimate Magic. This struck me as very odd. It must have struck others as odd to because I was just asked by Headless Hydra Games to contribute to a new series of magic weapon/item releases.

Here is the first one I sent over (this is rough).

BANG CUTTER (MARK)
Aura faint transmutation; CL 4th
Slot none; Price 4,308 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This +1 dogslicer was made from a magical shortsword found discarded in a junk heap. The goblin who fashioned this blade decorated with images of fire and burning dogs. When fighting dogs or horses, the blade becomes wreathed in flame and deals an additional +1d4 points of fire damage. Additionally, the wielder may use the pyrotechnics (DC 13) once per day.
Constuction
Requirements Craft Magic Arms and Armor, must be goblin, pyrotechnics; Cost 2,308 gp.

Evolved Kobold

2011-07-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

Some older 3X content I had developed...

Thousands of kobolds have met their fate at the end of a “hero’s” longsword. Kobolds are very adaptable being know to acclimatize to aquatic, arctic, desert, jungle or elemental earth. Heck, it is even said that some have grown wings or breath fire like their draconic gods. The strangest of all kobold variants is the man-sized evolved kobolds. They are tall, reptilian creatures with powerful, relational minds but frail forms. The exact cause of these kobold’s evolution is not precisely known, some suggest it is the work of magic, some say it is a transformative event like that experience by the Elan, while others suggest it was the result of some obscure ritual. Regardless of the cause, since the transformation the evolved kobolds have bred true and their numbers are growing.

Personality: Evolved kobolds are stoic creatures who control the stronger emotions that so defined their less-evolved state. They particularly work to curb their aggressive and xenophobic tendencies. Evolved kobolds view all things are interrelated parts of a cosmic puzzle that is everchanging. They tend to favor larger communities where they can observe other races more easily.

Physical Description: Most evolved kobolds are tall and thin, with a long and narrow head like that of a reptile. Small rusty-brown scales cover evolved kobold’s flesh. Their fingers grow long, and their limbs tend toward the spindly. They have snakelike tails that serve only as aids to balance

Relations: Most evolved kobolds live in cities. They enjoy the company of other species even if they rarely show that they enjoy the company of others. They feel the only way to truly understand the complexities of existence is to experience as many viewpoints as possible on each issue.

Alignment: Evolved kobolds are usually lawful due their stoicism, but as every individual has his own role in the tapestry of reality so to can evolved kobolds be of any alignment.

Religion:Evolved kobolds worship the same gods that dragons worship. Sometimes they will even worship a particularly power living dragon. Their choice of draconic deity is often determined by their alignment and outlook on reality.

Language: Evolved kobolds speak Common and Draconic. Draconic being their first language and Common always spoken with a silibant accent.

Names: Evolved kobolds do not have racial names but instead tend to adopt the naming style of the other species they live among. It is not uncommon to find an evolved kobold name Arthur Williams, Dulgrim Hammerfist, or Whisper Silverleaf. Not all races are as accepting of their practice.

Adventures: Evolved kobolds adventure for the purpose of gaining more knowledge. They do not have any particular interest in risking their own lives but they accept that each has a part to play in the world. They often follow the path of the wizard or psion (if they are wild talents).

Evolved Kobold Racial Traits

- Abilities: Evolved kobolds are very intelligent, having had their intellect boosted in their rapid transformation. They have a +2 Intelligence bonus but a -2 Strength bonus do to the havoc played on their physiology from the transformation.
- Medium: As medium creatures, evolved kobolds have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.
- Speed: An evolved kobolds base land speed is 30 ft.
- Darkvision (Ex): Evolved kobolds can see in the dark at a range of 60 ft.
- Pattern Analysts (Ex): Evolved kobolds add a +2 racial bonus to Decipher Script, Forgery and Spellcraft or Psicraft checks.
- Reptilian Balance (Ex): Evolved kobolds add a +2 racial bonus to Balance checks due to their tail.
- Scaly Hide (Ex): Evolved kobolds have a +1 natural armor bonus and the reptillian subtype.
- Languages: Common and Draconic; Bonus: Any
- Favored Class: Psion or Wizard

On the Proliferation of Spells

2011-07-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of good spells out there from Paizo and all the 3PP working on rules for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Admittedly, at it certain point it sometimes gets a little hard to track down your favourite spell. Although Purple Duck Games has not really written a lot of spells we sometimes need a tool or two to help us keep track of the work that has been done. So this last week I build two spell lists (one for Bards and one for Clerics) that feature all of the spell in the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Advanced Player's Guide, Ultimate Magic plus 4 Winds Fantasy Gaming's (Book of Arcane Magic, Book of Divine Magic, Paths of Power), Jon Brazer Enterprises' (Book of River Nations), Headless Hydra Games' (Eldritch Secrets) and Rite Publishing's (101 Spell Series). These too spell lists are available for free and as tip jar products for $1.50. Please enjoy and use them.

Collected Bard Spell Lists: free, tip jar
Collected Cleric Spell Lists: free, tip jar

Let's talk about Encounters.

2011-07-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Purple Duck Games has now created four encounter products.

Encounter Pages
Forgotten Encounters: Forests
Forgotten Encounters: Underground
Forgotten Encounters: Urban

I'm not 100% what to make of these products. The first three sold over 50 copies fairly quickly, yet the most recent Forgotten Encounters: Urban has not broken 20. Which is a drop in at least 66% of its projected sales. So now the question I have is:

1) Do people not like urban encounters?
2) Are people tired of encounter in general?

Its a tough question and often one that definitely affects Purple Duck Games planning.

Let's look at the logistics of Forgotten Encounters: Urban. This product has five urban encounters designed for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. All of the Forgotten Encounters series use monster from the Forgotten Foes bestiary that Stefen and I wrote for Tricky Owlbear Publishing.

We charge $2.25 for Forgotten Encounters products which means under the current percentages with our vendors we make $1.57 or basically 30 cents an encounter. The word count on a Forgotten Encounter is about 7,771.

So let's talk costs:
- If Stefen and I made 1 cent a word on our writing the base writing cost for this would be $77.71.
- Additionally, we have a number of token art and art for a new legendary weapon worth a total of $45.00.

So a cost basis of $122.71. On pure cost recovery we would need to sell 78 of Forgotten Encounters: Urban.

So currently it has earned for Stefen and I: - $94.45

That is really making it hard for me to work on Forgotten Encounters: Plains (Inphidians, pyrolisks, chaosiic, kamadan, and one other). It is definitely something to chew on.

I'm going to go layout The Collected Cleric Spell Lists now.

Christmas in July

2011-07-22T19:58:00.001-07:00

The Christmas in July sales that run on the Rpgnow/DTRPG sites will be starting on July 25th. Purple Duck Games will be participating in this sale as we do in most sales. I believe all of our product will be available for 25% off for the limits of the sale.

Please stop buy on the 25th and pick of something for yourself or your players or your gamemaster.

Thanks.

Name Spells

2011-07-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

I think we need more named spells.

Caleb's Shroud of Obscurity

School abjuration; Level bard 1, sorcerer/wizard 1

Casting Time 1 standard action

Components V, S

Range you

Duration 1 hour/level (D)

You make yourself more difficult to notice. You will not trigger a reactive Perception check unless you pass within 30 ft. of another creature. This grants no bonus to your Stealth but makes reactions to your presence less likely.

Are All Your Cards on the Table?

2011-07-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

Diversion - The Gambler (Archetype)

Our newest Purple Duck Games Diversion was released yesterday in both the free and tip jar variety. This release by Stefen Styrsky and Mark Gedak contains:

- A new Bard archetype known as the Gambler
- A Knowledge (games) skill for addition to the knowledge skill list (if your game allows it).
- An 8th level, dhamphir bard gambler
- Five spells from additional sources
and
- Two feats rescued from the 3X srd and updated to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game ruleset.

Please download the free copy and see if it can add something to your game. The odds are that it can.

Otyughnomicon #2 is currently in final edits with Stefen. I have an adventure outline to complete. Take care.

Lesser, Greater, Mass (Part I)

2011-07-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while it seems like some basic spells are missing from a spell chain. This week we will present a number of these scaled alternatives.

Lesser Magic Vestment
School transmutation; Level cleric 1
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, DF
Range touch
Duration 1 hour/level
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless, object); Spell Resistance Yes (harmless, object)

You imbue a suit of armor or shield with an enhancement bonus of +1. An outfit of regular clothing counts as armor that grants no AC bonus for the purpose of this spell.

Loading Otyughnomicon 2 ... 88% Complete

2011-07-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Northern Waste Otyugh

The second Otyughnomicon is almost finish. It will be heading into layout this week. The primary focus of this issue is the Northern Wastes template that is part environment and are magical in nature.

Related Development
In other news it looks like both Thomas Baumbach (Author of Monstrous Races: Second Wave and Dorkistan) and Stefen Styrsky (Author on a whack of stuff) have been doing more from for K. Axel Carlsson at Headless Hydra Games. Both Stefen and Tom have new monsters in the Mor Aldenn Creature Compendium pictured below.

Stefen and I first worked with Axel when we were writing Forgotten Foes for Tricky Owlbear Publishing. Since the founding of Purple Duck Games, Axel is one of the many 3PP publishers that have offered Purple Duck Games assistance and advice on the various products that we have in development.

Mor Aldenn is the default setting for Headless Hydra Games products but there is nothing that prevents these beasties from ~~destroying~~ challenging your player characters.

Garak's Magical Inventions

2011-07-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

In my ongoing Pathfinder Roleplaying Game campaign, one of the only original characters left (since we started the Second Darkness adventure path) is Gadak - a half-orc wolf shaman druid. The main problem my player ran into was that eventually his animal companion grew to large and was having trouble fitting where Gadak wanted to explore. So he created these.

Garak's Collars
Aura faint transmutation; CL 3rd
Slot neck; Price 8,000 gp; Weight 1/2 lb.
Description
When placed upon the neck of a willing animal this collar causes the animal to be instantly diminished, halving its height, length and width and dividing its weight by eight. This decrease changes the creature's size category to the next smaller on. The animal gains a +2 size bonus to Dexterity, a -2 penalty to Strength, a +1 bonus on attack rolls and AC due to reduced size but all natural attack damages drop one category. Any other equipment worn by the animal is likewise reduced. The animal remains reduced until the collar is removed with a full-round action.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, reduce animal; Cost 4000 gp.

80 Awesome Feats ... and 2 Crappy Ones

2011-07-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

By Thomas Baumbach, Stefen
Styrsky and Mark Gedak

On Tuesday, Purple Duck Games released its first commercial feat book called 80 Awesome Feats ... and 2 Crappy Ones. As I explained on the Paizo boards,

I think all collections will have great feats and some stinkers but how an individual determines which are awesome and which are crappy will really dependent on the individual and what they are looking for.

If you never, ever play a monk then the awesome feat I listed earlier in the thread is crappy for you.

I think its a great and honest name for a collection of feats.

Since then we have discussed some errata and tweaks to at least one feat over on their boards. Please come join the discussion or pick up your copy today.

Starting Wizard Spellbooks

2011-07-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

According to the Pathfinder Reference Document:

A wizard begins play with a spellbook containing all 0-level wizard spells (except those from his prohibited schools, if any; see Arcane Schools) plus three 1st-level spells of his choice. The wizard also selects a number of additional 1st-level spells equal to his Intelligence modifier to add to the spellbook.

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game has 20, 0th level spells (10% of the average spellbook). When you add in the spells from the Advanced Player's Guide and Ultimate Magic the total rises to 21 (admittedly not huge)

If we include 3rd party spells (and frankly why wouldn't we) Rite Publishing adds another 101 - 0th level spells, Headless Hydra Games adds 30 more in Eldritch Secrets, the crew at 4WFG must add at least another dozen in the Book of Arcane Magic, Book of Divine Magic and Inkantations, plus the spells from the other licensed publishers at Paizo's site and Rpgnow.

So with the Pathfinder Ruleset and three 3PP publishers I need over 1 1/2 spellbooks just for my 0th level spells. Obviously even for a kitchen-sinker like myself that is not going to work. So for new wizards I'm suggesting this:

A wizard begins play with a spellbook containing ten, 0-level wizard spells (arcane mark, prestidigitation and eight others that are not prohibited), plus three 1st level spells chosen by his master (see below). The wizard also selects a number of additional 1st level spells equal to his Intelligence modifier to add to the spellbook (spells may come from any of Paizo or 3PP Pathfinder compatible source).

The spells that the spellcasters master chooses depends on the arcane school of the student.

Abjuration: lesser dispel magic, shield
Conjuration: cold feet, mage armor, summon monster I
Divination: foes's measure, identify, true strike
Enchantment: aggravate animal, charm person, sleep
Evocation: burning hands, magic missile, magnetize
Illusion: disguise self, shadow hands, ventriloquism
Necromancy: animate skeleton, cause fear, ray of enfeeblement
Transmutation: arm to pick, enlarge person, feather fall
Universalist: One of (floating disk, identify, ventriloquism), one of (magic missle, burning hands, sleep), one of (mage armor, shield, obscuring mist)

Air: bird's eye view, feather fall, shocking grasp
Earth: fool's gold, grease, stone fist
Fire: burning hands, dancing lantern, hypnotism
Metal: gravity bow, magic weapon
Water: cold feet, hydraulic push, touch of the sea
Wood: animate rope, charm person

If you are not trained by a master you may pick all your own spells but they are limited to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook.

A Monstrous Race PC: Karisn

2011-07-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Karisn CR 1/2
Male dark folk sorcerer 1 (nightmarish bloodline)
N small humanoid (dark folk)
Init +2; Senses see in darkness; Perception +2
Defense
AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 13(+2 armor, +2 Dex, +1 size)
hp 7 (1d6+1)
Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2
Weakness light blindness
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee sickle -1 (1d4-1)
Ranged light crossbow +2 (1d6/19-20)
Special Attacks death throes
Bloodline Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st, concentration +4)
6/day - nightmarish touch (Will DC 13; frightened 2 rounds)
Dark Folk Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st, concentration +4)
1/day - darkness, detect magic
Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 1st, concentration +4; ASF 10%)
1st (4/day) - cause fear, mage armor
0th (at-will) - flare, moment of darkness, resistance, touch of fatigue,
Bloodline Arcana change spell damage to evil; Dark Folk Arcana +1 CL for darkness descriptor
Statistics
Str 8, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 11, Cha 17
Base Atk +0; CMB -1; CMD 11
Feats Eschew Materials, Scribe Scroll
Skills Climb +1, Perception +2, Stealth +6, Use Magic Device +7; Racial Modifiers +2 Climb, +2 Perception, +2 Stealth
SQ dark folk traits
Languages Common, Dark Folk
Gear 10 bolts, spell component pouch, dark folk rags (leather armor), dagger, backpack, hemp rope, belt pouch (7 gp)

Karisn is haunted by the horrors of his own race. This internal torment fuels the terror he inflicts on others.

Monstrous Races: Second Horde

2011-07-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Monstrous Races: Second Horde
Thomas Baumbach

Early in July we released the second volume of Monstrous Races at Rpgnow.

Monstrous Races: Second Horde by Thomas Baumbach, contains our series dedicated to giving players more options when it comes to their fantasy races. Within its pages you will find alternate racial features, favored class options and roleplaying advice for eight additional races.

With new information to make all the races playable at first level, Monstrous Races: Second Horde gives you access to several races previously restricted to as monster use.

Below is are the base Lizardfolk as PC stats:

Lizardfolk as PCs
The lizardfolk presented in the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary is not intended to be a PC race. The below stats represent a lizardfolk that is balanced with the other core races, but still retains the same feel as the standard lizardfolk.

LIZARDFOLK RACIAL TRAITS
+2 Constitution, +2 Wisdom, -2 Intelligence: Lizardfolk are brawny and wary but dim-witted.
Medium: Lizardfolk are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.
Normal Speed: Lizardfolk have a base speed of 30 feet.
Swim Speed: Lizardfolk have a swim speed of 15 feet.
Hold Breath: A lizardfolk can hold its breath for a number of rounds equal to four times its Constitution score before it risks drowning.
Natural Attacks: Lizardfolk have a natural bite attack and two natural claw attacks that deal 1d4 points of damage on
a successful hit. These are primary attacks, or secondary attacks if the lizardfolk wields a manufactured weapon.
Tail Balance: Lizardfolk receive a +4 racial bonus on Acrobatics checks when balancing.
Thick Scales: Lizardfolk have a +2 natural armor bonus.
Languages: Lizardfolk begin play speaking Common and Draconic. Lizardfolk with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Aquan, Goblin, Gnoll, and Orc.

For Pathstar, Starfinder, PathStarJammer or what have you...

2011-07-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

Aierolin

Aierolin

The Aierolin, or wind talkers, hail from a low gravity planet at the edge of the galactic core. They sail throughout the void in strange solar sailcraft. Aierolin in mixed company often take on the role of negotiator and diplomat because they agile movement and softness seems to put other races at ease.

AIEROLIN RACIAL TRAITS

+2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom, -2 Strength: Aierolin are a graceful race that is said to be able to hear the faintest whisper. They are not physically strong.

Medium: Aierolin are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Low-Light Vision: Aierolin can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light.

Fast Speed: Aierolin have a base speed of 40 feet.

Air Born Grace: Aierolin receive a +2 racial bonus to Acrobatics and Fly.

Keen Assessment: Aierolin receive a +2 racial bonus to Sense Motive.

Weapon Famility: Aierolin are proficient with all thrown weapons.

Languages Aierolin begin play speaking Auran and Universal. Aierolin with high Intelligence scores can choose from additional languages from the elemental, commerce and military language lists.

Antipaladin Feats

2011-07-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

Antipaladin Feats

A few weeks ago I was working on an antipaladin NPC for my campaign and as I searched for feats I saw many feats designed specifically for paladin's but few that were applicable to the antipaladin without modification. Realizing that making conversions wouldn't be hard but would require a bit of time, I sat down and polished off this book in a matter of hours.

This book contains 15 feats that are conversions of paladin feats to fit the antipaladin mold. I put it up as a freebie and as a tip jar product.

As of this date my numbers look like this:

Free Version: 215 downloads
Tip Jar Version: 6 downloads

There definitely seems to be some feat interest.

The Magus

2011-07-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today was our weekly Pathfinder session. We are currently playing through the Second Darkness campaign arc. For my DNPC, I using a 9th level magus from Ultimate Magic. It was my first time trying the magus and I enjoyed it quite a bit but I would really like this feat to exist so I'm adding it here.

Spell Trigger Combat
Your knowledge of spell combat extends to spell trigger items.
Prerequisites: Improved spell combat class ability.
Benefit: When using spell combat, you can activate a spell trigger item instead of casting a spell.

July Update...

2011-07-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

June has slipped past me it seems with very few updates to my blog here. A number of things have been happening since I last posted though so this will be a bit of a catch-up blog.

Legendary Races: Medusa by Stefen Styrsky

Legendary Races: Medusa
Written by Stefen Styrsky this is the second release in Legendary Races line.

Legendary Races: Medusa explores the physiology, habitat and society of this legendary race. Additionally this second volume of the Legendary Races series by Stefen Styrsky includes:

New alchemical discoveries unique to the medusa race
An eight level medusa racial class
Diffraction goggles to control the medusa adventurer's gaze
Half-medusa racial traits for the offspring of medusa and their humanoid consorts (complete with alternate racial traits and favored class options)
Sample medusa and half-medusa npcs using the new racial rules
A medusa bloodline for sorcerer characters
Variant snake hair rules for the standard medusa
Finally a snake-bodied template and three medusa-related creatures. The blood summoner medusa, more mythical gorgon and the medusa husk.

Tokens are included for all the creatures presented in this supplement.

The next release in this line should focus on Rakshasa.

If you want to pick up Legendary Races: Medusa you can get it here or as part of the Legendary Races: Cyclops and Medusa bundle here.

I'll continue to post updates on other releases and products in two days.

Feat: Chakra Strike

2011-06-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

Chakra Strike

You sever your opponent's connection to their magical gear

Prerequisites: Critical Focus, monk level 8+

Benefit: On a successful critical hit, you may select one chakra point (belt, body, chest, eyes, feet, hands, head, headband, neck, ring, shoulders or wrist). Any magic item attuned to that location on the opponent becomes suppressed for a number of rounds equal to your Wisdom modifier.

Monsters Unleashed V.1 is... ummm, Unleashed

2011-05-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

Monsters Unleashed V.1

Monsters Unleashed V.1 is the first release in an exciting line of short monster supplements designed to update a host of 3.X monsters to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game ruleset. The monsters for this series have been selected by the patrons of the Monster Update Project that was launched by Purple Duck Games as our premier product of August 2010. All patrons of the Monster Update Project will receive all the Monsters Unleashed releases for free. If you are a patron and you have not received your copy, please check your email preferences at this site and contact me at publisher@purpleduckgames.com.

The first Monsters Unleashed features updated statistics for the barrow wight, crystalline horror, devil dog, dragonnel, kech. All have been updated to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game ruleset by Stefen Styrsky and Mark Gedak and illustrated by Michael Scotta. Multiple counters for each creature are also included.

Pathfinder and associated marks and logos are trademarks of Paizo Publishing, LLC, and are used under license. See paizo.com/pathfinderRPG for more information on the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.

Available at Rpgnow

Inspiration should be obvious on this one...

2011-05-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

One of the my complaints about summoning spells is the rigidity of the summon monster and summon nature’s ally lists. I understand the argument that if you open it up to all the monsters the spells become far too versatile. So I’m proposing a solution where we selectively open up the lists via an imprint sphere.

IMPRINT SPHERE

Aura faint divination; CL 5^th

Slot none; Price 250 gp; Weight – lbs.

[Description]

This fragile sphere is colored red and black (for arcane casters) and green and brown (for divine casters). The wielder throws the imprint sphere at its intended target with a ranged touch attack. If the sphere hits, it breaks and knowledge of how to summon that creature is imparted to the wielder if it meets the proper requirements.

Arcane casters can only imprint animals, magical beasts and outsiders.

Divine casters can only imprint animals, magical beasts, outsiders [elemental] and plants.

The wielder can only imprint creatures that have the same challenge rating or lower than creatures that they can already summon with the summon monster or summon nature’s ally suite of spells. Once imprinted, the creature is permanently added to your list.

[Construction]

Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, creature loresight*; Cost 125 gp.

* From the Book of Eldritch Might II

Otyughnomicon: Wyvern Spawn Otyugh Released!

2011-05-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

Rawr!

The Otyughnomicon: Wyvern Spawn Otyugh has finally been released for sale. This terrible creature as well as the wyvern-spawn template are your to torment player characters with for the low, low price of $1.40.

Wait what is that with this link it is only $1.00. That's crazy Mark! Obviously your fascination with all things otyugh has begun to rot your brain.

What? There are pugwampis in there as well. That must be a pretty packed little PDF.

Sorcerers as Super Heroes Part IV

2011-05-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

The next entry in Sorcerer as Superhero covers 9th level powers. Things are getting a little less generic, but one pattern emerges from powers in the rule book.

The most common bloodline ability is some sort of area of effect attack: breath weapon, elemental blast, hellfire or grasp of the dead. The attack deals 1d6 per sorcerer level and is usable once per day, twice per day at 17th level, and three times per day at 20th level. A Reflex save halves the damage.

The breath weapon is the base power. Depending on the exact nature of the attack, each is modified. Since the elemental blast is a 20ft burst emanating from the sorcerer, and therefore something that might also strike nearby allies, the elemental blast acquires a benefit to offset this liability. Creatures that fail their save gain vulnerability to the energy type until the end of the sorcerer's next turn.

Grasp of the dead gains two benefits because it deals slashing damage (which most creatures at that level will negate with DR) and must emanate from a solid surface. It has a range of 60 feet and immobilizes for 1 round creatures who fail their save.

Hellfire reduces the size of the burst to 10 ft. but gains a range of 60 ft. Its secondary effect renders good creatures shaken, which in most campaigns probably won’t be much of a benefit. (Although it’s a good effect for the evil necromancer villain the PCs face.)

So, for the purposes of a generic power that can be customized we have: at 9th level a sorcerer chooses one element consistent with his bloodline: acid, cold electricity, fire or sonic and then chooses whether it manifests as a 60 foot line or 30 foot cone. It deals 1d6 points of damage per sorcerer level and half that on successful Reflex save.

Instead he can choose a 20 ft burst and can add one of the following to the power:

- target vulnerable to same energy until end of sorcerers next turn on failed save
- creatures of specific alignment or type shaken on failed save.
- range of 60 ft.
- creatures entangled on a failed save
- target confused for 1 round on a failed save.

If he chooses a 10 ft. burst he can add two of the following to the power:
- range of 60 ft.
- creatures of specific alignment or type shaken on failed save
- creatures entangled on a failed save
- target vulnerable to same energy until end of sorcerers next turn on failed save
- target confused for 1 round on failed save

If the damage is physical -- bludgeoning, slashing, piercing -- instead of elemental, the sorcerer can add a third modification.

Comments? Suggestions? Is the ability to manifest a 20 ft burst with a range of 60 ft too powerful? Even at just once a day. Input is appreciated.

Caverns of Anarchy (Room A6)

2011-04-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

A6. The Haunted Well
[box] The swollen wooden door that exists the slurk pond room opens into a poorly illuminated rough stone chamber. In the center of the room is a makeshift well. The stones that mark the perimeter of the well seem to be an odd jumble of fieldstones precariously balanced for effect. Beside the well are a couple of poorly constructed buckets and ropes to lower them down. [/box]

For many years this location served at the kobold tribe’s primary source of water. However that ended two months ago when Jukrez the White killed a rival acolyte by cutting his throat and dumping his body down the well. Ever since then a haunt has infested this area, forcing any who come near the well to relive Jukrez’s betrayal.

Forgotten Encounters: Urban

2011-04-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

Get your copy now before they run out!

Forgotten Encounters: Urban is now released for sale at Rpgnow!

This third volume of encounters is written by Stefen Styrsky and features encounters with the Arusities devil (doll devil), a rampaging ravid, mischievous grigs, a covetous junk elemental and a public bath infested with daemonic frogs.

Additionally, there is a new legendary dagger, a handful of updated urban spells, a city magic school of wizardry and additional magic treasure.

Pick your copy up today!

Sorcerers as Super Heroes Part III

2011-04-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Now to level three powers. This was easier and harder, but the really tough stuff starts with level 9 bloodline powers.

Anyway, at 3rd level a sorcerer can select:

1) Two of the following: resist 5 of one energy type and a +2 bonus to saves to resist specific spells, substances or effects. The save bonus must be against something like polymorph spells, poison, disease, channeled positive energy, etc. It can't be a broad category such as ALL spells. The choices are permanent. At 9th level it goes up to resist 10 and a +4 bonus.

2) Or the sorcerer may choose resist 10 of one energy type. It increases to resist 20 at 9th level.

It gets a little trickier with some of the other bloodline powers such as metamagic adept or woodland stride. If anyone has an idea about how to make those more generic, I'd love to hear it. For right now when the final Build Your Own Sorcerer book is out, I might just list all 3rd level bloodline powers as choices. It would be up to the player to describe the flavor of the ability.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2011-04-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

My Pathfinder/DnDEssentials game was cancelled this weekend. Many of my players had other commitments and some fell ill suddenly so I had no game to prep and run this weekend. Which is kind of disappointed. The upside of this for Purple Duck Games' fans is that I had a whole day to work on the layout of two products.

Fiendish Dire Frog

The first is the next release of the Forgotten Encounters line called Forgotten Encounters: Urban. This second tome was written my Stefen Styrsky and features five encounters set in a city environments. It has ravids, hydrodaemons, doll demons, grigs, kamadans, junk elementals and potentially even a greed dragon. Plus some styxian gulpers (fiendish dire frogs) pictured to the left.

In addition, there is a new legendary weapon, a handful of city-based spells and a city magic wizard school.

An Angry Pugwampi

The second release is near and dear to my heart. It is the first release in the Otyughnomicon series called Otyughnomicon - Wyvern Spawn. The otyughnomicon is a series that I worked on the Grand OGL Wiki off and on for a period of three years. Since that time, the Pathfinder system was released, I created my own company with the help of Stefen Styrsky and I know have the privilege of publishing anything I want. It was about time I abused that privilege.

The otyughnomicon is a short pdf that will update or create a new template that can be applied to the aberration otyugh (from the core rules) or the magical beast otyugh (from the Grand OGL Wiki), as well as a new encounter, tokens for the new beasties and other bits of supporting content. Since all the new templated otyughs will need to be illustrated this will be a costly product for me to produce but I hope it will be well-received and will allow me to do many, many more.

In Layout...

2011-04-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Currently, I have Forgotten Encounters: Urban (by Stefen) and Otyughnomicon - Wyvern Spawn Otyugh in layout. These two book should be set for release on the week of the 25th. I would like to get them out earlier but I have exams to finish and student progress to measure.

Monstrous Races - Dark Creepers

2011-04-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Okay. If I'm going to do dark creepers in Monstrous Races 2, I'm going to need some base racial stats.

How are these? Too much, too little. I'd like to sneak in a racial bonus to climb and perception as well but that might be too much.

Dark Creeper Racial Stats+2 Dexterity, +2 Wisdom, -2 Charisma: Dark creepers are agile beings with a keen sense of their surroundings and other motive, though they are extremely poor at expressing themselves to others.
Small: Dark creepers are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a -1 penalty to their Combat Maneuver Bonus and Combat Maneuver Defense and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.
Normal Speed: Dark creepers have a base speed of 30 ft.
See in Darkness: A dark creeper can see perfectly in darkness of any kind, including that created by deeper darkness.
Light Blindness: Dark creepers are blinded for 1 round if exposed to bright light, such as sunlight or the daylight spell. Such creatures are dazzled as long as they remain in areas of bright light.
Dark Creeper Magic: Dark Creepers with a Wisdom of 11 or higher gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day - darkness, at-will - detect magic
Death Throes: When a dark creeper is slain, its body combusts in a flash of bright white light, leaving its gear in a heap on the ground. All creatures within a 10-foot burst must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + ½ character level + Constitution modifier) or be blinded for 1d6 rounds. Other dark creepers within 10 feet are automatically blinded for at least 1 round, due to their light blindness.
Poison Use: Dark creepers are skilled in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves.
Languages: Dark creepers begin play speaking Dark Folk. Dark creepers with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Abyssal, Alko, Goblin, Infernal, Terran, and Undercommon.

If you have any ideas for alternate race abilities please post them below. If we use them we will credit you as Additional Content in the book.

The Otyughnomicon

2011-04-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

I think it is about time I start making this a reality.

The Wyvern-Spawn Otyugh by Michael Scotta

Dark Mistress Review of Forgotten Encounters: Underground

2011-04-07T05:55:00.001-07:00

(Reprinted from Rpgnow)

Forgotten Encounters: Underground by Purple Duck Games

This product is 23 pages long. It starts with a cover, credits, and ToC. (1 pages)

Encounters (11 pages)
There is five encounters each using one of the monsters from Forgotten Foes monster book by Tricky Owlbear Publishing. Each one comes with a location, whats going on, complications, advice how to expand the encounter, and a full stat block of the creature. The monsters are,
Decapus
Destrachan
Grimlock
Crypt Thing
Delver

There is also one legendary weapon, 2 new magic items, 1 new feat, and 2 new spells in this section spread out in the varies encounters.

Additional Material (3 page)
There is five more stat blocks, one new feat, and two traps.

It ends with a OGL. (8 pages)

Closing thoughts. The art is black and white and good. Layout is decent and editing is all and all good. The layout of the additional material I think could have been laid out a little better but it's not bad. The encounters are pretty simple with some sections to help make more use out of them. I would have liked all the spells, magic items etc all put in the back in one place personally. That is my only critic of the layout.

So what's my rating? I am going to give this one a 4 star review. It is worth the money but I would have liked to have seen a page or so added to each encounter to expanded on them more. I think the encounters in this one is done a little better than the Forest book of the same series, but this one has less bonus material. Which is why I am giving them the same rating.

Trust me, I'm a Succubus.

Product Link: Forgotten Encounters: Underground

Forgotten Encounters

2011-04-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

Mark and I are working on more releases for our Forgotten Encounters line. In case you don't know, each Forgotten Encounters includes five one-shot encounters with monsters taken from our Forgotten Foes monster book.

They can be used for a quick game when a DM has nothing planned, to help PCs gain a little extra treasure or experience before a campaign's next arc, or a way to spice up what might otherwise be a long period of downtime between adventures.

But FE is not just encounters, and I think they might even earn the title of a mini-magazine. Each one also includes spells, extra monsters, magic items, feats and whatever we think is cool or fits the specific product's theme.

For example, the next Forgotten Encounters features urban settings. One "extra" will be an appendix item detailing the wizard school of city magic.

Of course, Mark and I want feedback. If you like or dislike what we've done with Forgotten Encounters, let us know. If you have suggestions or comments, please post a comment or send us an email!

April Catch-Up Sale!

2011-04-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is April. In partnership with Stefen, we started Purple Duck Games back in August of 2010. Since that launch we have published twelve products of our own design from conception to publication. I could not be happier with the result or with my collaboration with Stefen on these projects.

Cruising around the Paizo boards, it came to my attention that a huge section of the Paizoans do not actually know that we exist. This is mostly my fault as I wasn't thinking an signed an exclusivity contract with our vendor (which has been beneficial) but it also means we are not on the Pathfinder compatibility storefront. Secondly, I'm not a huge messageboard person so as a public face of the company, I'm also a bit of a failure.

Still, I'm going to try to be more social. I've posted on the compatibility boards about my April Catch-Up bundle. This bundle collects all of our releases (except the Monster Update Subscription) into one package for 11.50 (45% off cover prices). If you are looking at stocking up on the madness of Purple Duck Games, grab this bundle before the end of april.

(CoA) A5. The Hidden Cache

2011-04-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

A5. The Hidden Cache
The door to this hidden cache can be detected with a successful Perception check DC 24. Only Mekmep and Jukrez. Once discovered the stairway leads downward into a small cache of treasure. It is here that Mekmep and Jukrez store their most valuable finds. Currently this cache holds a staff of toxins (5 charges), a bright pink catching cape and a bloodstone worth 58 gp.

Sorcerers as Super Heroes Part II

2011-03-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

It took a while, but I finally managed to start work on breaking down the sorcerer bloodlines into more generic abilities. (See my earlier entry Sorcerers as Super Heroes).

These are not comprehensive, and only represent the bloodline abilities that occur most often without modification. They can be incorporated into any theme a player desires.

A sorcerer can choose one of the following as his 1^st level bloodline power:

1) An elemental ray he can fire as a ranged touch attack at one opponent within 30 ft. The ray inflicts 1d6+1 per two sorcerer levels. He must choose the type of damage this ray inflicts (acid, cold, electricity, fire or sonic) when he gains this power. This can not be changed. He may use this ray a number of times per day equal to 3 + his Charisma modifier.

2) Two natural melee weapons that inflict 1d4 + Str modifier damage (or 1d3 if he is Small). He can manifest these weapons as a free action and both are treated as natural weapons that allow a sorcerer to make two attacks as a full attack action at his full base attack bonus. At 5th level, these weapons are considered magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming DR. At 7th level, the damage increases by one step to 1d6 points of damage (1d4 if he is Small). At 11th level, these weapons also inflict elemental damage, each dealing an additional 1d6 points of elemental damage on a successful hit. Choose acid, cold, electricity, fire or sonic. The choice is permanent and can not be altered at a later time. The sorcerer can use these weapons claws for a number of rounds per day equal to 3 + his Charisma modifier. These rounds do not need to be consecutive.

3) The sorcerer can touch a weapon or up to 50 pieces of ammunition as a standard action, granting it a magic enhancement property equal to a +1 bonus for a number of rounds equal to 1/2 his sorcerer level (minimum 1). The type of enhancement must be chosen when this ability is selected and can not be changed later. At 9th level, the sorcerer can confer a more powerful property instead based on the property chosen at first level (see chart), but the duration of the power is halved. The sorcerer can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + his Charisma modifier.

4) As a standard action, the sorcerer can perform a combat maneuver against one creature within 30 ft., using his sorcerer level plus his Charisma modifier in place of his CMB. He can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + his Charisma modifier. The type of combat maneuver must be selected when the sorcerer gains this ability and can not change it.

Variants of the above include a ray attack that inflicts 1d4 points of damage but also grants some secondary effect. I’ll go into those modifications later. My next entry will cover abilities at 3^rd level.

New Review

2011-03-30T20:51:00.001-07:00

Of Forgotten Encounters: Forests.

In the Works...

2011-03-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

There are always a lot of things on the go at the Purple Duck offices. Currently the following projects are at some stage of development.

Monster Update Subscription (Mark/Stefen)
Forgotten Encounters: Urban (Stefen)
Forgotten Encounters: Plains (Mark)
Monstrous Races 2 (Mark/Stefen)
Drow NPC Guide (Mark)
Legendary Weapons 3 (Mark/Stefen)
Legendary Races: Medusa (Stefen)
Caves of Anarchy (Mark)
Other (Stefen) - I know he has one or two other things that I have no idea about yet.

I am big on working on multiple projects as once. It helps me keep fresh and stops me from getting writer's block. I think Stefen prefers to focus on only one or two.

Stolen from - John Dies at the End by David Wong

2011-03-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

I started to read this novel last night when I bumped unexpectedly into the word badgerconda. Obviously such a creature is impossible to ignore so I present my badgerconda statistics below.

BADGERCONDA CR 5 (1,600 XP)

N Large magical beast

Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent; Perception +13

[Defense]

AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+2 Dex,+5 natural, -1 size)

hp 52 (5d10+25)

Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +2

Defensive Abilities ferocity

[Offense]

Speed 30 ft., burrow 20 ft., climb 20 ft., swim 20 ft.

Melee bite +11 (1d6+7 plus grab), 2 claws +11 (1d4+7)

Special Attacks blood rage, constrict (1d6+10)

[Statistics]

Str 25, Dex 15, Con 21, Int 3, Wis 12, Cha 9

Base Atk +5; CMB +13 (+17 grapple); CMD 25 (can’t be tripped)

Feats Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Skill Focus (Stealth)

Skills Acrobatics +10, Climb +15, Escape Artist +6, Perception +13, Stealth +5, Swim +15; Racial Modifiers +4 Escape Artist, +4 Perception, +4 Stealth, +8 Acrobatics

[Ecology]

Environment temperate or hot forests/jungles

Organization solitary, pair, or nest (3–6)

Treasure incidental

Deep within the darkest and hottest forests and jungles stalks the most terrible of creatures ever to walk the world. The badgerconda is a terrible amalgamation on giant constrictor snake and dire badge forced together in an unholy union by twisted fleshshapers of the untamed jungle. The Yikolan tribes that fashioned these beasts used them for entertainment for decades before a particular crafty group escaped and began populating the jungle at large.

Badgercondas only seek to crush and consume any prey they come across.

Monstrous Races - Living Ghouls

2011-03-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

To use to the ghoul name while not going with an undead model we could try something like this:

Living Ghoul CharactersLiving Ghouls are defined by class levels--they do not possess racial Hit Dice. Living ghouls have the following racial traits:
  +2 Strength, +2 Wisdom, -2 Constitution: Living ghouls are strong creatures with enhanced senses then help them compensate for the wasting sickness that forces them to eat the flesh of the living.
  Speed: Living ghouls have a base land speed of 30 ft.
  Low-Light Vision: Living ghouls can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim light. See additional rules.
  Feasting: Living ghouls can heal 1d4 points per class level by feasting on the raw flesh of sentient creatures (those with an Intelligence score greater that 3).
  Natural Weapons: Living ghouls possess a bite attack that deals 1d6 points of damage.
  Scent: Living ghouls are always on the hunt for nourishing flesh to stave off their illness. They possess the scent special ability.
  Stalker: Living ghouls possess a +2 racial bonus to Stealth and Survival checks.

Monstrous Races - Ghoul

2011-03-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

It has been suggested that the ghoul should appear in Monstrous Races 2. I'm all for that but first we are going to need to define a ghoul's racial statistics as a player character race. This is my first run at, please tear this apart.

Ghoul Characters
Ghouls are defined by class levels--they do not possess racial Hit Dice. Ghouls have the following racial traits.
+2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, -2 Intelligence: Ghouls are agile creatures who exude a powerful air of malevolence, but are usually less educated than other races.
Speed: Ghouls have a land speed of 30 ft.
Darkvision: Ghouls can see in the dark up to 60 ft.
Natural Weapons: Ghouls possess a bite and two claw attacks that deal 1d6 points of damage as a primary attack.
Paralysis: When a ghoul makes a full attack with only on claw its attack is filled with negative energy that can paralyze opponents for 1d4+1 rounds. The save DC is equal to 10 + ½ character level + Cha modifier. This ability does not function against elves or creatures with 4 more hit dice.
Unnatural Aura: Ghouls possess an unnatural aura that prevents animals from willingly approaching them unless coerced with a Handle Animal, Ride or wild empathy check DC 25.

Forgotten Encounters: Forests released!

2011-03-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Forgotten Encounters: Forests from Purple Duck Games brings you five new encounters featuring creatures from Tricky Owlbear Publishing’s Forgotten Foes.

Will you be able to save the poisoned brownies?
Is this a drow hunting party or something more sinister?
How long have the aranea lived among us?
Can you escape the clutches of a phrenic greymalkin?
Is there any way to stop a krenshar from pealing back its face? (yuck)!

These questions and many more will be answered within this 22 page supplement. Get your copy today.

Monstrous Races 2 - Poll

2011-03-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

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Caverns of Anarchy (Room A4)

2011-03-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

A4. The Slurk Pond [EL 2; 600 XP]

[box] The sound of trickling water echoes through this chamber. Illuminated by crude, glowing torches the center of this chamber is a massive pool of dark water. Thin grooves along the edge of the pool allow water to spill downward while new water bubbles up in the center. A dark shape move about the pool. [/box]

This chamber is the home of Mekmep’s mount and guardian, a slurk. This foul-smelling amphibian has been known to gobble up many careless members of Mekmep’s tribe who ventured to close to the pool. The slurk regularly wallows on the edges of the pool making the sides difficult terrain, due to the humidity of the room, this slime never dries out. The slurk will attack any non-kobolds attempting to to reach A7 or A6. The slurk does not collect treasure but at the bottom of his pool likes the remains of a halfling wizard who did not expect the savagery of the slurk’s attack. Trapped within the corpse’s backpack is a battle mage’s wand +1 and next to it a masterwork dagger.

Weapon Property - Collapsing

2011-03-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

This week our inquisitor was looking to get this enhancement added to his loving glaive.

Collapsing: As a swift action a collapsing weapon can be shrunk to lose its reach property so that it may be used against adjacent foes. This weapon property can only be applied to a reach weapon that does not normally allow attacks against adjacent foes. It remains shrunk until another swift action is used to lengthen the weapon again.
Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Magical Arms and Armor, shrink item; Price +2,000 gp

If you have seen a similar property somewhere please let me know.

My Own Horn

2011-03-17T09:04:00.001-07:00

For Halloween last year Purple Duck Games released "Horrors of the GOW", a book of scary monsters, items, hexes and adventure seeds.

While reading the first installment of the latest Pathfinder RPG adventure path, it struck me some of the stuff in our product might complement the flavor of the Carrion Crown. I'm not saying we here at PDG are as brilliant as the guys at Paizo -- they are designers and writers almost without peer. What I am saying is if Carrion Crown has whet your appetite for horror-related fantasy RPG stuff, and you need more right away, our little book fits the bill!