Author: Jason Lutes

New blog post, along with a new actual play session. Lots to be learned! (by me)

https://lampblack-and-brimstone.com/2019/03/tales-from-the-sodden-reach-session-i/

I’ve just uploaded session zero of a new playtest campaign. This one is mostly world-building and character generation, with a little scene or two thrown in as needed. Adventuring will start in earnest in the next session. Hoping to post a new episode every two weeks.

https://youtu.be/Z8l1ZsEqk4o

SUGGESTIONS NEEDED

I’m writing up the Session 1 procedures for Freebooters and I want to have a step where everyone talks about what big-picture fantasy elements they’d like to see in the campaign. Ideally—because it is my wont—I will also have a table people can roll on to get ideas, which needs to be populated with some evocative entries.

Let’s call the table CAMPAIGN ELEMENTS and use these as examples:

> A golden age of chivalry is in full swing

> The aristocracy is comprised at least partly of vampires

> A demigod rules one of the more populous cities

> Geysers or fountains of arcane origin erupt occasionally in unexpected places

So, things that could impact the overall setting in some way, be it cultural, supernatural, magical, or something else.

If you have any ideas along these lines, post them here! 12-15 words maximum per entry.

New blog post, wherein I demo the culture/settlement/faction generation procedure for Freebooters 2e.

https://lampblack-and-brimstone.com/

FREEBOOTERS 2e PLAYTEST RULES UPDATE

I’ve just uploaded the latest version of the basic rules. Changes include:

+ Heritage moves have been reduced to one per heritage.

+ Travel & Exploration moves have been revised to incorporate Mishaps, Hazards, Obstacles, Discoveries, and creature encounters.

+ Danger, Discovery and Creature tables from The Perilous Wilds have been edited and folded in.

+ Check Reaction and Scatter Them have been added to test if classic reaction and morale checks jibe with FotF.

+ The Wrap Up move now includes an option for shifting alignment.

+ Layout & design overhaul.

I’m making my way through Beasts & Booty, settlement, and dungeon rules to bring everything together. There will be some inconsistencies between these various parts in the mean time.

Let me know what you think!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p88e7exekcb0qsa/AACDXT11NSfNsy_VtQS51xDca?dl=0

Horst Wurst

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p88e7exekcb0qsa/AACDXT11NSfNsy_VtQS51xDca?dl=0

I am reworking the Travel & Exploration moves because I’ve been unhappy with the way Venture Forth works out in play — too fiddly and repetitive! The main change is that I’m integrating encounter rolls — formerly called Discoveries & Dangers, now called Incidents and Threats. Incidents encompass hazards, obstacles, mishaps, encounters with non-hostile entities, and discoveries; Threats are hostile entities. The Judge can make something up for those results, or roll on the Incident and Threat tables that I’m currently working on (based on those in The Perilous Wilds).

Let me know whatcha think.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aim9nz4er1lc2y/FotF2e%20-%20Travel%20%26%20Exploration%20draft%201-28-2019.pdf?dl=0

Does anyone playing 2e use Keep Company? I am considering cutting it along with bonds. Experiences and opinions welcome.

KEEP COMPANY

When you spend time talking with a fellow party member, say who it is and what ability you use to find common ground with them. If they agree with your choice of ability, start a conversation with them about something (their past, their heritage, their intentions, etc.).

Then, roll +your chosen ability: on a 10+, describe or act out how the conversation goes well, and choose 2 from the list below; on a 7-9, describe our act it out, and choose 1 from the list below; on a 6-, mark XP, and describe what caused the conversation to go badly; you must make amends before you can Keep Company with this particular companion again.

– You gain 1 bond with them (max. 3)

– They gain 1 bond with you (max. 3)

– Refresh all marked bonds each of you has with the other

Looking for ways to fold these components of old-school play into the move set. Feedback welcome.

SCATTER THEM

The first time you reduce an enemy’s headcount or hit point total to less than half its original value, roll +LUC: on a 10+, they flee, perhaps to fight another day; on a 7-9, they flee if they’re cautious, but otherwise continue fighting; on a 6-, they will fight to the bitter end. Fearless and mindless enemies are immune to this move.

GET A REACTION

When you encounter a person or creature who has no particular predisposition toward you, roll +nothing: on a 10+, they react as positively to your presence as their alignment allows; on a 7-9, they react warily, waiting to see what you do first; on a 6-, they react with as much hostility as their alignment permits.