The Crooked Staff Blog

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 09)

2012-02-27T09:58:00.000Z

The final map of the month...

...how time flies.

DriveThruRPG Friday Freebie

2012-02-24T18:30:00.000Z

It might be worth checking out DriveThruRPG's facebook page this weekend ;)

OATHS (part 5)

2012-02-24T12:05:00.000Z

Multiple Oaths

While it is not recommended that players should be under the influence of multiple oaths at the same time (or indeed start swearing oaths at the drop of a hat), sometimes a character will develop a valid reason for swearing a new oath in addition to an existing one.

In such cases, the oath points for each oath will need to be kept track of separately (and are not transferable between oaths), and the maximum number of oath points a character may posses for each is reduced by 1 for each additional oath that is sworn (to a minimum of 1).

For example, a character who has sworn two oaths can accumulate a total of 2 oath points for each oath, whereas a character with three or more oaths may only have one point for each. In addition, any character that becomes an oath-breaker loses all of his/her oath points - not just those relevant to the oath that has been broken.

Finally, if a character breaks multiple oaths during the same adventure (or on a regular basis), the GM may decide that the character in question becomes cursed. If this happens, the GM gains oath points of his/her own (usually one per adventure), which may be used on the cursed character to downgrade one skill test by one step (i.e. the reverse effect of a regular oath point). This continues until such a time as the character redeems him/herself in some manner (e.g. attempts to fulfil one of his/her broken oaths) or until a sufficient time as passed (as determined by the GM).

OATHS (part 4)

2012-02-23T11:25:00.001Z

Breaking an Oath

Any character that either continually tries to avoid fulfilling an oath, or purposely and wilfully goes against it, is declared an oath-breaker and is subject to the following penalties:

The character loses their entire pool of oath points.

The character may not swear a similar oath again (or until a sufficient time has passed - as determined by the GM).

The character gains a corruption point.

However, for the first few minor offences (and only so long as they are minor offences) the GM might prefer to deduct an oath point from the character in question, as a way of warning the player that their actions are contrary to their character's oath (which may, or may not, be intentional).

In addition, it is also feasible for GMs to allow oath-sworn characters to adopt a simple 'live to fight another day' mindset in certain situations (usually when the odds are stacked so heavily against the character that it would be unreasonable to expect him/her act in a certain way), and to rely on their common sense when these situations arise (for example, a character that has sworn an oath to slay beastlings wherever he/she finds them, shouldn't really be punished for choosing the sensible option and not charging single-handedly into an entire legion of the foul beasts).

It's also worth noting that it is not advisable for GMs to continually try to trick their players into breaking their characters' oaths (but that is not to say that such characters should never be forced to make tough decisions as a result of an oath sworn in haste), and to instead view them as invaluable tools for planning future adventures and scenarios, or even to help drive the story forward if things start to grind to a halt. After all, a player who's character has sworn an oath to slay beastlings, is likely to follow up on any leads that offer him/her the chance to do just that!

next up ...Multiple Oaths

OATHS (part 3)

2012-02-22T18:13:00.000Z

Fulfilling an Oath

Sometimes an oath may be ongoing (as in the previous example), or it may only surface when certain parameters are met (for example, a character that swears fealty to a noble lord may be called upon at several points in his/her lifetime to fulfil his/her vows). In such instances the character's oath might very well last until his/her death, and thus the act of fulfilling the oath is ever present - whether the character directly engages in its fulfilment or not.

In these circumstances the GM may like to reward the player with the occasional oath point (in addition to any improvement points they might normally get for completing an adventure) if he/she feels that the character has performed admirably with regard to his/her oath, or has achieved a notable victory/goal that concerns it directly. However, the GM should try to avoid being overgenerous with such rewards, and only award them for truly memorable moments of play.

In other instances, an oath might have a very specific ending in sight (such as a character that has sworn to avenge the death of a loved one by bringing a particular brigand to justice), and in cases such as these, once the oath has been fulfilled, the player may transfer any existing oath points back into improvement points on a one for one basis. In addition, the player is also rewarded with a number of improvement points (usually 1 to 3) depending on how well they performed while under the constraints of the oath.

For example, a character that did the absolute minimum to fulfil the oath, and then only when it suited him/her, might be lucky to receive one improvement point upon its fulfilment - whereas a character that consistently put his/her oath above all other concerns (including his/her own safety) might receive three or more.

next up ...Breaking an Oath

OATHS (part 2)

2012-02-22T10:50:00.000Z

Using Oath Points

Each oath point can be used to improve the degree of success of a single skill test by one step - but only if the test is relevant to the oath in question. For example, a fumbled roll could be upgraded to a mere failure, whereas a failed roll could be upgraded to a success, or a successful test could be upgraded to a critical success.

Alternately, a character also has the option of spending three oath points to improve the degree of success of a single skill test by two steps (i.e. to increase a failure to a critical success for example).

However, any success that is raised to a critical with the use of oath points is simply regarded as a critical for the purpose of determining the outcome of the test, and any additional benefits of a 'natural' critical (such as maximum damage from combat attacks, a lower magic point cost when casting spells, etc.) do not apply. Also note that, in the case of opposed tests, a character that uses an oath point is considered to have rolled the absolute best he/she could have done for the new result - i.e. a character that raises a failed roll to a success is assumed to have rolled exactly the same as his/her skill value (see page 16 of the main rulebook for more information on opposed skill tests).

Once oath points are used they are gone forever - though players can of course trade in more improvement/fate points to gain additional oath points (or indeed to swear a new oath*) when they become available.

So, if we stick with the previous example (where a character with 3 oath points has sworn to slay beastlings wherever he/she finds them), that character may utilise his/her oath points to increase the degree of success of three separate skill tests by one step (or one skill test by two steps) - so long as those skills pertain to the combating and tracking of beastlings.

As you can see, oath points not only grant characters a substantial boost to certain actions when they need them most, but they may also inspire moments of great role-playing as players strive to act in accordance with the oaths that their characters have sworn. On the other hand, the regular loss of improvement/fate points can be somewhat detrimental to the advancement of the character in the long run, if that character becomes obsessed with fulfilling his/her oath.

*See multiple oaths

next up ...Fulfilling an Oath

OATHS (part 1)

2012-02-21T17:22:00.000Z

The following (optional) rules introduce a simple game mechanic for the Age of Shadow RPG that will allow GMs to add meaningful oaths (with in-game advantages and drawbacks) into their adventures and campaigns. However, before any character is allowed to take an oath, the GM will usually insist that their be an actual in-game (role-playing) reason for a character to do so.

For example, if we assume that a character has witnessed several atrocities performed by the servants of the enemy, then that character might well decide to swear an oath to hunt down and slay beastlings wherever he/she finds them.

Taking an Oath

When a character takes an oath he/she gains the option of trading improvement points and/or fate points for oath points (note that this may be done when the oath is actually sworn, or any time thereafter - assuming that the oath has not been fulfilled). Each improvement/fate point is traded on a one for one basis (so trading 2 improvement points and 1 fate point gives the player a pool of 3 oath points), though no character may accumulate more than 3 oath points for a particular oath at any one time.

Note that in most cases improvement/fate points should be converted into oath points well in advance of them being used as such (usually at the beginning of a game session), and that a character with a store of fate points, for example, cannot spontaneously convert them into oath points at a moments notice.

next up ... Using Oath Points

Swearing Oaths in the Age of Shadow

2012-02-20T12:35:00.001Z

Over the next week or so I was thinking of posting my notes for some experimental (and purely optional) rules for the Age of Shadow RPG.

The rules themselves concern the taking and breaking of oaths, and attempt to put a simple (and reasonably sensible) game mechanic behind them - thus allowing characters to be a little more effective when pursuing their ultimate goal(s) (though this will not be without cost) ...and maybe even inspire a few moments of great roleplaying.

Sound interesting?

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 08)

2012-02-20T11:23:00.001Z

And another map:

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 07)

2012-02-13T11:11:00.000Z

Here's the next one:

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 06)

2012-02-06T11:08:00.000Z

Here's the first map of February:

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 05)

2012-01-30T11:02:00.002Z

Here's the final map for January:

...only 11 more months to go :)

Why so quiet? ...part 2

2012-01-25T12:46:00.001Z

OK then, here is an image of some of the artwork I'm creating for the upcoming indie video game I mentioned in part 1:

As I say, I can't really divulge any additional details at this point, but I'm pretty happy with how things are looking at the moment (and still a little surprised to find myself branching out in such a direction).

Why so quiet? ...part 1

2012-01-23T11:02:00.002Z

No doubt you'll have noticed that I haven't posted much on the blog during the last month or so, and that things seem to be a little quiet around here - however, that couldn't really be further from the truth...

The main reason for the lack posts/updates/etc. is because I've been asked to help out with the 'environment' graphics for an upcoming indie xbox/steam game - and although I can't really say any more than that at this stage, the project is taking up most of my time at the moment (and will probably continue to do so for the next couple of months).

So hopefully that sheds a little light on my (seemingly) lack of activity right now ...and as soon as I'm able/allowed to post more details about this latest project, I will of course do so.

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 04)

2012-01-23T10:08:00.001Z

Here's the 4th cave map of the year:

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 03)

2012-01-16T12:00:00.002Z

Here's the third map of this year's project:

The Little Book of Geomorphs goes copper.

2012-01-14T13:02:00.000Z

I've just noticed that The Little Book of Dungeons: Geomorphs has gone copper over on DriveThruRPG - so I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who purchased the booklet (and for supporting the Map-a-Monday project).

As you have probably seen, I'm continuing the project throughout 2012 (though with a slightly different theme) ...though I might change things up a little half way through if the 'cave-look' starts to get too repetitive.

Thanks again!

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 02)

2012-01-09T08:42:00.003Z

Here's the 2nd map of the 2012 Map-a-Monday Project:

2012 Map-a-Monday (week 01)

2012-01-02T11:08:00.000Z

If you were a little sad to see the 2011 Map-a-Monday project come to an end, then don't despair ...the 2012 Map-a-Monday project has only just begun :)

I'd also like to thank everyone who has purchased the 2011 compilation booklet (which reached number four in the RPGNow charts at one point), and I hope that you all had a good holiday season!

Map-a-Monday (week 52)

2011-12-26T13:01:00.001Z

Here it is, the final map of the 2011 Map-a-Monday Project:

...and (as is usual) a simple pdf battlemat version can also be found HERE

Hopefully you've all enjoyed following the project (and maybe even used some of these maps in your games) ...though like all good things (at least I hope it was a good thing) it has to eventually come to and end...

...however, it's not all bad news, as these maps should also be available later today as a dowloadable art-pack for the Map Tool virtual table-top (I'll edit this post to include a link when it goes live).

...edit HERE's the link

Also, (as mentioned in a previous post) I've gathered all of the maps together and created a new 'Little Book of Dungeons' booklet that you can purchase from RPGNow/DriveThruRPG for just $1.

RPGNow LINK

DriveThruRPG LINK

...however, the new booklet also includes several additional tiles that are not available via the blog as an added bonus (so as to give those folks who would like to support the project a little something extra for making the purchase).

So, I hope you are all having a good holiday season, and I'll see you all back here in the new year with another (suitably ambitious, and equally crazy) project!

- Kris -

The Age of Shadow Xmas special

2011-12-22T12:17:00.002Z

As you might have noticed, the blog is one year old today - and what better way to celebrate than with an Xmas sale.

So if you've been thinking of picking up any of the books from the Age of Shadow range, you can grab them all for just $5 over on DriveThruRPG & RPGNow.

Offer ends December 31st!

Note that if you already have the campaign guide, and have your DriveThruRPG/RPGNow account set up to receive publisher e-mails, you should soon be receiving a coupon code for just the map-pack (so that you can get it for half it's original price).

Xmas / anniversary competition round four

2011-12-22T09:41:00.000Z

Today the blog is one year old, and how fast that year has gone ...and while the regular Crooked Staff Productions website has only seen a few minor updates during that time, there have been numerous free additions via the blog (such as the Map-a-Monday project) - which I hope have been of use to a few folks.

In addition Crooked Staff Publishing has also surfaced this year (and with it several new product lines) ...which leads me nicely to this week's competition - whereby one lucky winner can choose any product from the RPGNow/DriveThruRPG store for free.

And this week's winner is (if you hadn't already guessed) ...Jaerdaph

Map-a-Monday (week 51)

2011-12-19T11:43:00.000Z

Here's the penultimate map of the year:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Wargame Vault ...winter offensive sale!

2011-12-16T13:11:00.003Z

A little while back, I received an e-mail from the guys over at Wargame Vault to see if I wanted to include any products in their annual 'winter offensive sale' ...and seeing as how I have the Colony 19 tiles up for sale over there, I agreed to include them.

However, it seems as though absolutely everything (except bundles) in each of the CSP stores (i.e. Wargame Vault, RPGNow & DriveThruRPG) have all had their price mistakenly slashed by 20%

But rather than correct the error, I'm going to let it stand - so if you want to take advantage of the winter offensive sale (and the accompanying mix-up), you have until the 19th :)

Xmas / anniversary competition round three

2011-12-16T13:01:00.000Z

Apologies for the lateness of this post (I've been rather busy this past week) ...but here's this week's competition entries.

1. Jaerdaph
2. Irsan

And here's the 1d2 roll over on invisible castle: LINK

...with the winner being number 2 yet again ... Irsan!

So just drop me a message bellow to let me know what you would like, and the e-mail address you want the coupon sent to.

Map-a-Monday (week 50)

2011-12-12T10:53:00.007Z

Here's the 50th map of the year:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Edit (see comments)

The whole tile is basically one long corridor on three different levels. If you enter from the eastern side you will descend a (20ft long) set of steps to a landing (A). From the landing you can head south down another set of steps, or head SE towards room D.

A simpler diagram:

So the wavy lines are there to show the different levels (if it were drawn without them, the South entry/exit would be almost black ...and not join with any of the other tiles very well).

Xmas / anniversary competition round two

2011-12-08T08:59:00.002Z

Once again, just three people in this week's draw (as I'm excluding previous winners to spread the free stuff around a little) ...so here's the order:

1. Jaerdaph

2. Axtklinge

3. Irsan

And here's the 1d3 roll over on invisible castle: LINK

...with the winner being number 2 again ... Axtklinge!

So just drop me a message bellow to let me know what you would like, the e-mail address you want the coupon sent to, and I'll take care of the rest.

Note that the original post can be found HERE ...so if you want be included in next week's draw, be sure to add a 'count me in' comment to that particular blog entry.

Map-a-Monday ...a compilation booklet?

2011-12-06T18:51:00.002Z

So I've spent most of the last week getting the finial 'map-a-Monday' maps finished off (as I like to be one or two maps ahead of myself), and gathering them all together into a pdf booklet that I'll also release on the final Monday of this year.

I'm thinking if having the booklet available for just $1 - however it will also include several additional maps not featured on the blog including:

4 bonus standard-size maps (16 x 16 squares)

3 bonus double-size maps (32 x 32 squares)

12 bonus half-size maps (8 x 8 squares - mostly stairs up/down)

...for a total of 71 maps.

(note that the maps as they appear on the blog aren't going anywhere, this booklet is just going to be an optional extra, with several extra maps thrown in for good measure :) )

* * * * *

But with the end of the 2011 map-a-Monday project less than three weeks away, I can't help but think about what I should do for 2012 :)

Now, I'm not sure that drawing a new map every single week of the year (again) would be a good idea (that way lies madness), but at the very least I'm thinking of switching to a Map-a-Month project or something similar.

But rather than dungeons (as we probably all have enough of those now), I'm thinking of cave maps in a similar style (i.e. still done in a 'geomorph' style, and designed to work alongside the existing dungeons).

However if anyone has any other ideas, comments, or thoughts on any of the above, feel free to drop me a comment below.

Map-a-Monday (week 49)

2011-12-05T10:57:00.003Z

The end is in sight, only three more to go after this one:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

East Eyrie Fortress map-pack

2011-12-01T14:24:00.004Z

It's here at last ...the East Eyrie Fortress map-pack...

The booklet contains over forty maps that depict the general layout of all the major structures within the great elven fortress.

In addition, a brief history has also been included to provide a little background information relevant to the Age of Shadow campaign setting for those games where it is intended to be used as such.

However, the maps themselves have been presented in a semi-modular fashion so that they can be used to represent a wide variety of different buildings within any fantasy/medieval fortification - thus allowing folks to use them in whatever manner (or campaign setting) they see fit.

RPGNow Link

DriveThruRPG Link

Xmas / anniversary competition round one

2011-12-01T11:40:00.003Z

So, there are only three people interested in getting free stuff today? Very well ...here's the order.

1. Jaerdaph

2. Katfish

3. Axtklinge

And here's the 1d3 roll over on invisible castle: LINK

...with the winner being number 2 ...Katfish!

So just drop me a message bellow to let me know what you would like, the e-mail address you want the coupon sent to, and I'll take care of the rest.

Note that the original post can be found HERE ...so if you want be included in next week's draw, be sure to add a 'count me in' comment to that particular blog entry.

Age of Shadow Campaign Guide - $1 sale

2011-11-28T12:02:00.003Z

Since Cyber Monday is all about online sales ...you can pick up the AoS Campaign Guide for just $1 today. Just follow the link below:

AGE OF SHADOW CAMPAIGN GUIDE

Map-a-Monday (week 48)

2011-11-28T11:26:00.001Z

Here's the last map of November (only four more to go now):

...and (as usual) a simple pdf battlemat can be found HERE

Black Friday/Cyber Monday

2011-11-26T12:09:00.001Z

For anyone who might not have noticed, I'm having a bit of a Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend sale over at RPGNow etc.

During this time you can pick up all three sets of the Colony 19 range for the price of one (when purchased as a bundle).

That's just $3.99 for them all.

HERE is the link to the bundle page.

East Eyrie map-pack progress report

2011-11-24T11:20:00.003Z

I'm still hard at work on this, and I'm still aiming for a December release (hopefully early December) - but in the meantime I thought I'd post a quick picture of the overall layout of the fortress as it currently stands:

When finished, the booklet will contain around forty maps (examples of which are shown in THIS post), and a couple of extra pages that'll give a brief history of the fortress itself (for use with the AoS setting) - though this is going to be system neutral 'fluff' (for want of a better word) that can be used or ignored as folks see fit.

So I'm hoping that the book will prove useful to folks who are just interested in getting their hands on a bunch of fortress maps, as well as those interested in the AoS campaign setting.

Anyway, that's it for this little update ...now back to work!

Map-a-Monday (week 47)

2011-11-21T10:49:00.001Z

Here's the map for this week:

...and (as usual) a simple pdf battlemat can be found HERE

Xmas give-away!

2011-11-19T20:46:00.001Z

It's hard to believe that this blog has been going for almost a year now, and during that time has amassed around 10,000 views.

So, in the weeks leading up to the one year anniversary (and coincidentally, the weeks leading up to Christmas) I'm planning to select a 'follower' at random (probably by making a list and then using a online die roller - such as the one over at invisible castle) and giving that person the choice of any one product from the RPGNow store for free (excluding any bundles).

The first draw will be on December 1st, the second draw will be on the 8th, the third draw will be on the 15th, and the final draw will be on the anniversary itself - the 22nd.

The only catch is that you have to use a registered account (i.e. 'guest' posts are not allowed for obvious reasons), and that you post a simple 'count me in' message in the comments section of this post so that I know that you would like to be included.

Good luck!

Age of Shadow Character Sheets

2011-11-18T15:01:00.003Z

Since printer ink is possibly the most expensive liquid in the known world, I've made THESE available through lulu for folks who don't want the hassle of printing their own.

However, please note that the sheets themselves are exactly the same as those found in the core rulebook - so if you're happy printing your own there is nothing new to see here.

Price-wise I've kept the booklet as inexpensive as possible (as I'm only really offering these for convenience sake - rather than for any real profit), but it does mean that you can now get everything needed to play the game (apart from dice) at the click of a mouse button.

Map-a-Monday (week 46)

2011-11-14T10:50:00.002Z

Here's this Monday's map:

...and (as usual) a simple pdf battlemat can be found HERE

2011-11-13T10:11:00.000Z

Cafe press store now open!

2011-11-12T13:23:00.002Z

I've taken a look around the cafe press website - mainly to see if any of the products they produce can be used for gaming purposes, but also to see if I can get a (roughly A3 sized) poster map of the Age of Shadow world printed out and available for purchase (as lulu etc. doesn't seem to be able to do this). So if you check out the sidebar to the right you'll see that I've opened a cafe press store as a little experiment.

Admittedly there's not a lot on offer at the moment, but this will be amended in due time.

Map-a-Monday (week 45)

2011-11-07T11:11:00.002Z

Here's the first map of November:

...and (as usual) a simple pdf battlemat can be found HERE

November Update

2011-11-01T11:47:00.004Z

I had been hoping to release my latest map-pack today, but since its only about half finished, it probably won't see the light of day until the beginning of next month (fingers crossed). However it is a rather ambitious project (and one I've been wanting to do for quite some time), and features multi-level maps of all the major building/towers within a large fantasy castle/fortress.

The fortress itself is that of East Eyrie (from the Age Of Shadow setting), but it can of course be used to represent any major fortification in most fantasy settings ...and if you are interested to see my progress thus far, here's a quick look at the pages that are pretty much finished:

As I say, I think I'll be releasing this as just a map-pack to begin with ...with the possibility of a companion booklet to go along with it in the future (that looks at East Eyrie in a little more detail).

* * * * *

I'd also like to thank everyone that took advantage in the Halloween sale - and I hope you all enjoy using the Colony 19 tiles (or at least find a good use for them).

* * * * *

And finally, today sees the release of Purple Mountain I: Temple of the Locust Lord ...the first part of a (Pathfinder compatible) mega-dungeon by Purple Duck Games - and the reason that I'm particularly exited about this project is because I have been asked to provide all of the dungeon maps for the series.

And to accompany this 20 part mega-dungeon CSP will also be offering all of these layouts as separate battlemat scale maps so that the entire dungeon can be represented at a scale of 1 square = 1 inch.

So if that sounds like something you might be interested in, you can get the first level of the pathfinder adventure from Purple Duck Games' DriveThruRPG and RPGNow storefronts, and the Battle-Map version of the dungeon can be found HERE (via RPGNow) or HERE (via DriveThruRPG).

Map-a-Monday (week 44)

2011-10-31T10:47:00.002Z

Here's the last map of the month:

...and (as usual) a simple pdf battlemat can be found HERE

Halloween Sale!

2011-10-28T17:26:00.003+01:00

I thought it might be a nice idea to reduce the cost of each of the Colony 19 tile-sets to just $1 each during the Halloween weekend (since these, in particular the infestation set, are the closest things I have to horror products).

So if you haven't checked them out already (or would like to expand on what you already own) head over to RPGNow or DriveThruRPG before the end of October 31st to get them at this reduced price.

Mathgar Ruins - Conclusion

2011-10-28T16:35:00.001+01:00

With the dungeon level of Mathgar Ruins completed I'm going to call this little project done.

As I said at the beginning, this location wasn't really meant to be anything other than a simple set of notes to accompany a possible encounter area - just to have something available that shows how the rules can be applied to certain situations (which might be of use to people who are new to the system or RPGs in general, or maybe even as an emergency backup location for one of those times when the players go off in an unexpected direction).

Obviously you'll have to come up with your own plot and adventure to go along with the location (should you decide to use it) - and if you do, it would be great to hear how you use Mathgar Ruins in your own game/campaign.

Also feel free to drop me a line and let me know if you'd like to see more of this kind of thing in the future.

Mathgar Ruins - Part 12

2011-10-26T15:01:00.007+01:00

D U N G E O N S

Note that unless otherwise stated, this entire level will be unlit and noticeably colder (and damper) than the rest of the keep.

D1. Workshop. This workshop and smithy once contained a small forge and a wide variety of craftsmen tools. Now though, the room has a much more sinister use, and what rusty tools remain have been turned into cruel instruments of torture (pokers, clamps, and gougers for the most part).

NOTES

If the beastlings/wildlings are currently holding a prisoner (or two), it is entirely possible that they may be found here if the GM so wishes - no doubt accompanied by one or two of the beastlings from the level above (possibly even the beastling captain) who are in the process of slowly extracting information from their unhappy guest. If this is the case the area will be illuminated by a small brazier of hot coals.

D2. Storage. Once used as a cold stores, this room now serves as the lair (though prison might be a better term) for a half-starved fellgrim brute.

OCCUPANTS

A filthy create of giant-like proportions is slumped against the central pillar of this large chamber - surrounded by piles of broken bones that appear to have been picked clean. The beast itself is covered in matted fur and about its neck is a thick collar of iron - from which trails a sturdy chain.

The creature is secured to the central pillar with around 6m of thick iron chain that gives it just enough room to move around the whole chamber. This is due to the fact that the beastlings have discovered a secret entrance (normal perception test to find) leading into (or out of) the keep from this room - and a hungry fellgrim is seen to be the perfect guardian should anyone attempt to gain access this way. However, there is a 40% chance that the creature will be sleeping at any given time (treat any deception tests to sneak by as easy), and a 5% chance that a beastling is present in the doorway - tossing it a few scraps of food.

Also note that the fellgrim found in this room is one of a particularly low intelligence, and (depending on the type of game that the GM wishes to run) can be portrayed in two very different ways.

The first of these is one where the creature has a childlike understanding of the world about it, and as such can be manipulated by the PCs (or even genuinely helped). If this is the case the GM may allow the players a chance befriend the beast (or confuse it enough to think them friends), and maybe even convince it to turn upon its masters (assuming they can find some way of communicating with it). Most of this can be handled though role-playing out the encounter, though an opposed Influence test may be allowed (perhaps modified by how well the players have role-played) to help things along.

The second (and more likely) option is to simply assume that the creature is no more than a feral brute - who is just as much danger to its allies as it is to anyone else (hence the chains).

NOTES

The secret entrance in this room provides the PC's with a relatively easy access point to the keep, and so the GM may like to take this into account when designing an adventure to go along with this encounter site (i.e. the PC's should be given ample opportunity to learn about the secret entrance prior to investigating the keep).

D3. Dungeon. Most of the time the stairs leading down into this area will be partially flooded so that the passage below is around 1m underwater. As such the prison cells are never visited by the current occupants, especially since the keys have been lost or destroyed. However, anyone attempting to lock/unlock one of the doors here will be required to make a mechanisms test to do so. Alternately, anyone attempting to force a door open will need to succeed a hard (-50%) athletics test.

a. Cell. Open and unlocked.

b. Cell. Closed and locked.

c. Cell. Closed and locked.

d. Cell. Closed and unlocked.

Map-a-Monday (week 43)

2011-10-24T11:12:00.000+01:00

Here's this week's map:

...and, as is usual, a simple pdf battlemat can be found HERE

Mathgar Ruins - Part 11

2011-10-19T10:50:00.004+01:00

U4. Armoury.

Rusty hangers and the remnants of old weapon racks line the outer wall of this long room, most of which stand empty. In the far corner is a raised pallet covered in grimy pelts, next to which stands a small table and high backed chair.

OCCUPANTS

The elegant elvish arms and armour that once graced the walls of this room have long since gone, as have the bright banners and delicate wall hangings. Now the chamber is home to the cruel beastling captain and his dire wolf tracker.

Here sits a beastling brute of great stature, with long sinewy arms and an evil face scarred with many old wounds. At his feet lies a huge wolf-like figure, easily as big as the seated figure, chewing on the scraps of meat and bone tossed to it by its master.

When not accompanying his troops on a raid, this is the place that the captain is most likely to be found (though he will of course investigate any disturbance in the room next door, or occasionally make his way up to the top of the keep to check on any prisoners in area T5. There is also a 10% chance that another beastling is present here, perhaps bringing food and drink, making its report, or receiving new orders.

NOTES

Unlike the rest of the beastlings here, the captain will have a reasonable understanding of the elvish and mannish tongues (50%), and will usually have been given some specific task or mission to perform by its own superior (what that may be is largely dependant on the type of adventure/campaign the GM is running).

On the other hand, the captain's dire wolf serves only its master, and is happy so long as it has food in its belly. However the creature is disliked by most of the other beastlings/wildlings - as it is not unknown for someone who has displeased (or failed) the captain to be stripped and beaten, and then given to the wolf for sport.

As for the room itself, the few weapons that are kept here are of beastling design (1d3 spears, scimitars, and shortbows), and a wooden box is stowed beneath the pallet upon which the captain sleeps (simply looking beneath the pallet will reveal this, otherwise a perception test is required). In the box will be various gaudy treasures and baubles that the captain has taken for his own (treat as 250BV worth of trinkets).

In addition, one of the stone floor slabs conceals a secret storage space that the current occupants have yet to discover. Finding it requires a difficult (-25%) perception test, and inside can still be found a pair of matching elvish shortswords.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Both swords (found in the secret compartment mentioned above) are engraved along the blade with dwarven (non-magic) runes - though the words themselves are in the elvish tongue. As such, anyone who is able to read the dwarven script will be able to reveal (should they so desire) that the inscriptions read Lindathol and Andagad - which in turn can be translated (by someone who speaks elvish) to mean 'battle-song-blade' and 'bright-iron' respectively.

In addition, a successful Culture (elf) or a suitable Lore test will reveal the swords to be typical of those used in the great wars of the north some five hundred years ago. A critical result on this roll (or perhaps further investigation in future adventures) will also reveal that these particular blades were forged for the twin sons of Lord Arenill* (the last lord of Garad Mathgar), though both perished (as did their parents) in Mathgar's fall while still very young.

However, despite their age, the swords appear to be in incredibly good condition (and very nicely made) - as they are made from dwarf-steel (giving them a +10% bonus to the users Close Combat skill when used, and an extra point of non-magical damage).

*Lord Arenill was also the brother of Lady Arenell of Menan Mindas (see p10 of the campaign guide)

Map-a-Monday (week 42)

2011-10-17T11:17:00.002+01:00

It's Monday again, and you know what that means...

...and, as always, a simple pdf battlemat can be found HERE

Mathgar Ruins - Part 10

2011-10-12T10:38:00.002+01:00

U N D E R C R O F T

Note that, unless otherwise stated, this entire level will be dimly lit by the occasional low burning torch or candle, causing all vision based perception tests to be made at a -25% penalty (i.e. treat as partial darkness) unless a character has night sight or their own light source.

U1. Hallway. Formerly used for additional storage space, this small hallway acts as an intersection for all the rooms and passages of this level.

NOTES

An easy perception test here (+50%) reveals a strong smell of unwashed bodies, and possibly the harsh sounding voices of any beastlings/wildlings gathered in area U3 (depending on how active/awake they are at the time).
The corridor that leads to area U4 ends in doorway devoid of any actual door.

U2. Wine Cellar. Little remains that would identify this room's original purpose as its primary use now is that of a guard post (or very occasionally as a latrine). However, unless the current occupants are on high alert, the room will be unoccupied more often than not.

U3. Training Hall.

The roof of this large six-sided chamber is upheld by four pillars carved into the likeness of slender tree trunks. At its centre two steep steps lead down into a shallow pit-like area filled with the gear and various oddments belonging to its current occupants.

OCCUPANTS

Once used as a basic training arena and (due to its excellent acoustics) also as a hall for the singing of songs and the telling of tales, this large underground room has become the main barracks for the warband that now occupies the keep.

The number (and type) of creatures found here is somewhat variable, and largely left up to the GM's discretion. If, for example, most of the beastlings/wildlings are out on a raid (or have been lured out by some other means) then as little as 1d4 might remain. However, if the majority of the warband are resting here (perhaps during the daylight hours) then as many as 2d4+4 may be present. Also, because of the number of combatants that can found in this room, the GM may decide to use the horde rule should the players foolishly decide to charge in with swords drawn.

NOTES

Anyone examining this room more closely will see that the walls must have been highly decorated once, as bright colours will be visible here and there (though not much will be recognisable due to the filth and the scrawl that covers it). Otherwise the room is largely empty apart from several weeks worth of dried or salted (and largely unidentifiable) flesh, and a barrel of stagnant water.
From here a door leads into area U4 - though the locking mechanism no longer works. However a crude latch has been fitted to the reverse of the door - preventing anyone from entering from this direction (though the door may be forced with a normal athletics test, or the latch may be manipulated from this side with a mechanisms test - assuming some kind of narrow tool is available that will fit though the crack between the door and its frame).

Map-a-Monday (week 41)

2011-10-11T13:19:00.003+01:00

This week's map is a little later than usual - due to the fact that I've had no internet for a few days (and one hell of an ordeal trying to get any information out of my provider). Anyway it's just been restored, so here's the latest map:

...and, as always, a simple pdf battlemat can be found HERE

Mathgar Ruins - Part 9

2011-10-05T11:21:00.006+01:00

T O P

L E V E L

T7. Master Bedroom.

The ceiling of this room is still largely intact, though the chamber itself stinks. At its centre is a small makeshift table with two stools, and over the windows hang covers of dirty linen or patchwork furs.

OCCUPANTS

This room was once a grand bedchamber for the lord and his lady - though now it is little more than a lookout post. As such, there will always be someone/thing on guard here (whether it be night or day), whose job it is to keep watch over the area leading up to the main entrance (though while the sun is up this is usually reduced to peeking out from behind the makeshift curtains a couple of times every hour - unless any noise arouses the lookout's suspicion). In addition, the guard from area T1 can sometimes be found here (see that particular entry), passing the time with the lookout with various games of chance, eating and drinking, or simply trading insults.

NOTES

A pair of bone dice can usually be found upon the table, along with a wineskin (most likely empty), a half-eaten loaf, a few strips of dried flesh, and a crude water pitcher. A successful perception test (or simply looking in the right place) will also uncover a small dagger secreted away under the table.

AREAS OF INTEREST

A. Garderobe. Anyone curious about the stench in the room will discover that someone has been using the old garderobe in the corner - even though it has been blocked for some time. In addition, anyone foolish enough to go rummaging around in the garderobe runs the risk of catching the following disease:

Name: Grime Fever
Delay: 24 hours
Potency: 60
Full Effect: 1 HP damage per day plus cramps, nausea, fever, and diarrhea after day 2 (i.e. everytime a character performs any task he/she must pass a Resilience test or be forced to attempt that task at a diffuculty level one higher than normal).

Lulu Sale

2011-10-03T22:51:00.002+01:00

If you've been thinking about picking up the print versions of the Age of Shadow books you might be interested to know that lulu are offering a 15% sale at the moment (though it ends October 7th).

All you have to do is enter the coupon code: TANGOUK305

...and it'll save you about £2 on the books.

Map-a-Monday (week 40)

2011-10-03T11:33:00.003+01:00

Wow ...October already, and with it the first map of the new month:

...a simple pdf battlemat of which can be found HERE

Mathgar Ruins - Part 8

2011-09-28T10:21:00.003+01:00

T O P

L E V E L

T5. Servants Quarters/Storage.

This room has seen various uses during its long history, though now it acts as a temporary prison cell/holding area for anyone unfortunate enough to be held captive by the current occupants (largely due to the fact that it has the only lockable door in the whole keep).

NOTES

This area is likely to be one of the focuses of the adventure itself - with one or two captives being held here, or perhaps some item of importance. However, the exact contents/occupants will largely depend upon the type of adventure that the GM is running, and should be tailored to that adventure/storyline accordingly.

T6. Library.

The remnants of tall bookcases lean clumsily against the walls of this room - some moss covered and dotted with old mould, others home to large birds nests. Overhead, several large holes in the ceiling give a clear view to the clouds/stars* up above, and also serve to illuminate the room with vivid/pale* streaks of sunlight/moonlight*

*delete as applicable

OCCUPANTS

This room was once a great library - containing many books of lore and wisdom. Now though it has become a roost for several darkwings (a large black carrion bird - similar in appearance to oversized crows).

NOTES

During the night there will usually be 1d8+4 darkwings at rest here, whereas there will only be around half that number (i.e. 1d4+2) during the daylight hours.
If left alone the birds will ignore anyone in and around the doorway of this chamber - though they will caw loudly at anyone that ventures inside (possibly arousing the suspicion of anyone else in the upper levels of the keep). However, this may be avoided with a successful Deception test or Nature Lore* test.
If disturbed (i.e. any PC attempts to 'shoo' them away, or starts rummaging through the shelves) the birds will each make a single attack (cawing as the do so) before fleeing out of the holes in the roof (definitely arousing the suspicion of anyone else in the upper levels of the keep). Once again, this may be avoided with a successful Nature Lore* test.
Anyone prepared to rummage through the nests and bookshelves will find a few shiny baubles (worth no more than 25BV), and if they also succeed in a perception test then they will discover a page from an old book that is still in a reasonable condition. This page can then be treated as a single use item which will allow the user to cast the innate spell Protection II.
Additionally, anyone who succeeds a difficult (-25%) perception test will find an intact secret compartment in one of the rotting bookshelves that contains a number of old scrolls of elvish lore (written in high-elvish). Anyone who has access to these scrolls gains a +25% bonus to their Culture (elf) skill pertaining to matters of ancient elvish history (though only if they can actually read the scrolls, and have time to study them before making the relevant test).

*assuming the PC has at least 50% in the Nature Lore skill

Website Update

2011-09-26T19:08:00.003+01:00

I've given the CSP website a bit of an update today, and dragged it (kicking and screaming) into the 21st century ...well almost ;)

I've also added a few images to the 'small scale maps' pages (that I found lying around on my hard drive - from a previous online game I ran), that can be found on the bottom of THIS page and THIS page.

I'm pretty sure everything is working correctly, however, if you spot any broken links etc. drop me a line and I'll do my best to fix it ASAP.

Map-a-Monday (week 39)

2011-09-26T10:56:00.004+01:00

Here's the final dungeon map for September:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Mathgar Ruins - Part 7

2011-09-25T12:30:00.002+01:00

T O P

L E V E L

T1. Gallery.

This small room was once home to several portraits and fine tapestries, though now it stands bare except for a simple stool and (usually) a lone beastling guard (who has a 25% chance not actually being here and instead wandering through areas T2 and T7).

NOTES

The stairs leading up from here are blocked with rubble - though they once led up to the roof (about which a narrow parapet ran).

T2. Antechamber.

Three doors remain intact here - those leading to areas T5, T6, and T7 (though the lock only works on the door to area T5).

NOTES

The guard that is usually found in area T1 possesses the only key to area T5 - however characters may attempt a normal Mechanisms test to pick the lock, or an Athletics test to force the door open (also note that should anyone try to damage the door, it has 25HP/AP2).

T3. Bedchamber.

The roof of this empty chamber has started to collapse in a few places - the debris from which has added to the general rubble and dirt scattered about the floor.

This is a long abandoned room that the beastlings have a natural dislike for - due to a small amount of residual 'elvish magic' that lingers here (see notes). In addition, anyone searching through the rubble (or alternately anyone who succeeds a perception test) will notice that there was once a decorative pattern upon the floor of this chamber in the shape of a rayed star (thought now it's extremely worn and badly damaged)

- how the pattern may have once looked -

NOTES

Before its ruin, anyone who whispered the elvish word for starlight (i.e. telgalil) in this chamber would have caused the whole room to be filled with a soft and pleasant light. Now though, the magic has faded greatly, so that only a slight hint of light can be seen around the edges of the floor pattern if the word is spoken.

As such, anyone who studies the pattern and makes a successful innate magic test will be aware of the residual magic here (as will the innate spell Second Sight), though a successful Culture (elf) test will also be required to learn the activation word. If activated, everyone in the room (be they man, dwarf or elf) will also gain +1 temporary hit point (treat as a diminished version of the vigour spell on p42 of the rulebook).

OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST

X. Garderobe. The old privy is blocked and useless.

T4. Bedchamber.

As entry T3, except that the pattern of the floor is barely perceptible and so damaged that no magic remains.

Mathgar Ruins - Part 6

2011-09-23T16:09:00.006+01:00

M I D D L E

L E V E L

M3. Guest Quarters.

A rather crude looking table (made up of various pieces of old wood) is pushed up against one wall of this room, and is littered with bits of bone and a few crude knives. The air itself has a noticeable coppery taste to it, and a small blackened cook-pot is suspended over the embers of a meagre fire.

OCCUPANTS

The room itself is only occupied around 25% of the time* - but when it is in use, one or two of the smaller beastlings can be found here (who have been bullied into the role of 'cook').

However, since the 'cooks' are not the best of combatants, they will usually flee and attempt to get help if they encounter intruders within the keep.

If captured or are somehow convinced to talk, they will eagerly sell out the rest of their band (telling the PCs of the rough layout of the keep and where the other beastlings/wildlings are most likely to be found), in exchange for their pitiful lives.

NOTES

Both doors to this room are still relatively intact (though they creak somewhat when opened or closed - i.e. anyone else on this level or in the hall below should be allowed a perception test to hear one being used).
The room itself is currently being used as a makeshift kitchen, though it is usually unoccupied (see above), as the only cooking the beastlings go for is a kind of weak stew made up of 'leftovers' from a recent kill (which does not usually amount to much), or things that have started to go bad.
Anyone taking the time to examine the fireplace will discover the remnants of a weak (and not very pleasant smelling) stew in the bottom of the cook-pot.
Examining the table will reveal that it is stained near black with blood, and that the knives are of various sizes and shapes (treat as daggers). Beneath the table is a large box with an ill-fitting hinged lid and a small open-topped barrel of water. Inside the box is a boars head, two stale loaves, half a dozen wooden bowls, and a couple of small wooden logs (a successful perception test will also reveal a few live maggots).

*GMs should feel free to alter this % as they see fit.

†One of the 'cooks' is currently planning the murder of one of the wildlings (with whom he is at odds) with the aid of this particularly nasty poison:

Name: Gut-rot poison
Type: Ingested
Delay: 1d3 hours
Potency: 90
Full Effect: 1d6 CON damage per day and extreme nausea & stomach cramps (treat all tasks as hard)
Duration: 1d4 days

Note that if this poison is mixed in with a fresh batch of stew (rather than being applied to a single bowl) its effects will be drastically reduced as follows:

Name: Gut-rot poison (diluted)
Type: Ingested
Delay: 1d3 hours
Potency: 60
Full Effect: 1 CON damage per day and nausea (treat all tasks as difficult)
Duration: 1d3 days

Mathgar Ruins - Part 5

2011-09-22T11:28:00.004+01:00

M I D D L E

L E V E L

M1. Balcony.

The balcony looks out over half of the hall below (towards the fireplace) where great feasts and merrymaking once took place. Now though the wooden handrail is more than a little unsafe - and anyone applying any pressure to the rail will cause it to break. Note that if someone leans on the rail or is forced into it they will be required to make a dodge/athletics* test to avoid losing their balance and falling down into the hall below (which causes 1d6 damage that bypasses all armour).

*as the situation dictates

NOTES

An easy perception test here (+50%) reveals a feint smell - not too dissimilar to that of unwashed bodies and damp fur.
The wooden steps leading down to the ground level have been crudely repaired and are rather ramshackle in their appearance. As such, anyone attempting to move quietly up or down these stairs will be required to make a difficult (-25%) deception test in order to do so.
If any beastlings are present in area M3 (see the notes associated with that entry), the GM should allow the party to make simple (+25%) perception tests to hear their clamour.

M2. Guest Quarters.

A small fireplace adorns this small chamber, and little else apart from a thick layer of dirt, dust, and the occasional pottery shard.

NOTES

The door to this chamber has long since vanished, and (because of its lack of windows) it is always a little dark (-25% to vision based perception tests).
Any character that attempts a perception test in this room (or attempts to find tracks with a Nature Lore test) will notice that there has been some movement in here recently - between the door and fireplace. This is due to one of the wildlings secreting away a delicate silver necklace and matching bracelet (in a small wooded box) on a narrow ledge inside the chimney flue. Normally a perception test would be used to find these items, but any character actively searching inside the fireplace will automatically find them unless he/she fumbles their roll. An Elvish Culture test identifies the jewellery to be of elvish design and worth around 250BV.

Age of Shadow ...Now on lulu

2011-09-21T15:48:00.003+01:00

Here's a quick look at what arrived in the post this week:

The AoS Role-playing Game is an 80 page (black and white, perfect-bound) softcover book available for £5.99 (LULU LINK)

The AoS Campaign Guide is a 28 page (full colour, saddle-stitched) softcover book available for £7.99 (LULU LINK)

...and now back to work on Mathgar ruins.

Map-a-Monday (week 38)

2011-09-19T10:47:00.001+01:00

Time to take a short break from Mathgar Ruins to bring you this week's dungeon geomorph:

...and always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Mathgar Ruins - Part 4

2011-09-18T10:49:00.006+01:00

G R O U N D

L E V E L

G1. The Great Hall.

This spacious hall must have once been a sight to behold - with many fine tapestries and ornate carvings upon the walls and pillars. Now though the whole chamber is strewn with dirt and debris, and what little is left of the tapestries hang in tatters.

OCCUPANTS:

This room is usually unoccupied apart from two wildlings that are tasked with guarding the door.

NOTES:

Once an elegant hall, this large room is now all but empty - seemingly long since plundered of anything of worth. However, it will soon become apparent to anyone who ventures further into this room that far end of the hall is overlooked by a balcony on the level above (indicated by the dashed line).

AREAS OF INTEREST:

A. Main Entrance. The main door to the keep is rather large and has a habit of sticking - requiring a simple (+25%) athletics test to open. In addition, whatever locking mechanism it might have once possesed is long since gone - but the door may still be barred from the inside making it near impossible to force open without the aid of siege equipment.

However, the door is not usually barred (unless the current occupants are expecting trouble), and anyone who knocks upon the door twice and then three times (after a short pause between) will usually have the door opened for them (assuming they are expected).

B. Grand Fireplace. A large fireplace of carven stone dominates the whole of the far wall, though the delicate figures and scenes engraved upon it are all but unrecognisable. Anyone spending any time examining the fireplace will see that it has clearly been marred by cruel hands.

Additionally, anyone who takes the time to examine the fireplace in greater detail should be allowed a perception test to discover a secret compartment that still holds an ornate gem-studded brooch (worth around 1000BV) that also functions as a magic point store (1 point - though it is currently empty).

However, due to the damage that the fireplace has sustained, a successful mechanisms test will be required to open the compartment (alternately, if brute force is used, a difficult (-25%) athletics test may be attempted).

Mathgar Ruins - Part 3

2011-09-17T18:53:00.002+01:00

THE KEEP LAYOUT

(a more detailed map of each level will accompany the forthcoming blog entries)

Mathgar Ruins - Part 2

2011-09-16T12:48:00.002+01:00

A NOTE ON BEASTLINGS/WILDLINGS & THEIR POSSESSIONS

All of the beastlings and wildlings that appear in 'Mathgar Ruins' use the standard statistics found in the main Age of Shadow rulebook - with the only exception being the equipment they carry. As such only a very brief statblock will be accompanying the relevant room descriptions, along with the details for any weapon(s) and armour that they might use.

In addition, unless it is otherwise noted, there is a chance that any beastling/wildling may possess one of the following items in addition to its personal effects:

Potion of Treat Wounds (heals 2 HP)
Dried meats (1 day's worth)
Waterskin (water)
Waterskin (wine)
Stale loaf
Grappling hook
Rope (10m)
Crowbar
Slingbag (with a cup, small knife, etc.)
A crude, but functional, first aid kit

The suggested chance is 25% for lesser creatures, 50% for common creatures, and 100% for greater creatures (rolling a d10 on the list above to determine the actual item). Alternately the GM may simply use his/her discretion and equip any of the beastlings/wildlings as he/she sees fit.

Finally, should an occasion ever arise where the name of a particular beastling/wildling would be useful to know, then listed below are several suitable examples:

BEASTLING NAMES

Kongris
Bartas
Paflok
Mauzur
Zaugal
Kalsak
Fotak
Hungrog
Shakop
Bukol

WILDLING NAMES

Bren
Drast
Erthar
Uron
Kirmot

Mathgar Ruins - Part 1

2011-09-14T11:24:00.009+01:00

BACKGROUND & LORE

Somewhere within the northern eaves of the Bleakwood (or Eradaur to give that wood its elvish name of old) lie the ruins of Garad Mathgar - an ancient stone fortress that once stood watch upon the borders of the elven lands.

In these latter days, nought but a few crumbling stones remain of its towers and thick curtain wall, for it was largely destroyed in the great wars of the North many centuries ago - when the forces of the enemy overrun much of what is now the Northern Kingdom.

Indeed, that which still stands has long been ravaged by the passage of time, so that few could discern its whereabouts were it not for the old keep that still stands atop the hill about which the fortress was built.

Yet few have ventured within its moss-covered walls, for the keep has an ill name in these latter days - its halls rumoured to be filled with the restless spirits of the fallen warriors that once served upon the walls of the old fortress.

DESCRIPTION

The forest about the hill (upon which the keep stands) has crept closer over the years - though the hill itself remains relatively free, with no more than long grass and brambles to impede ones ascent.

The keep itself is in the form of an elongated hexagonal shape with many slotted windows and a single fire-blackened door. About its broken roof runs a crumbling parapet (though both have seen better days), and only the vaguest hints remain of the decorative stonework that once adorned its outer walls.

GM NOTES

Throughout its years of abandonment, Mathgar ruins has (on several occasions) been the secret abode of various emissaries of the enemy. It is not surprising then, that many of the dark rumours associated with the place can probably be attributed (at least in part) to the activities of these passing agents.

At the current time the keep is being used as a lair/hideout for a band of beastlings & wildlings - who have gathered here after many leagues of secret travel. What task they have been set by their cruel masters is largely left to the GMs discretion (though doubtless it includes banditry, gathering information, and bloody murder), though remaining undetected will be of utmost importance.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that access to the keep may also be gained via a secret tunnel that leads into the lowest level of the structure - though the location of its entrance is a highly guarded secret (but it is plausible that a captured beastling/wildling scout might divulge this information in exchange for their pitiful life).

Mathgar Ruins - An Adventure Location

2011-09-13T11:12:00.005+01:00

Over the coming weeks I plan on writing up a little adventure location for the Age of Shadow RPG. I don't intend for it to be anything other than a typical encounter site (so please don't expect anything revolutionary), as my only real aim here is to put something together that shows the rules in action (so to speak).

However, the way I plan on doing it is a little different to anything I've done before, as I'll be Blogging the entries/areas one at a time (i.e. as I finish them), and perhaps answer any questions (rules related or otherwise) that arise as I go along.

Admittedly I've already got a rough outline planned, a few notes to hand, and a basic map drawn out (so that it doesn't turn out to be a complete random mess), but I'm hoping that other folks might also add to the stuff I write via the comments section (perhaps giving a particular monster/NPC a bit of a backstory, adding a particularly devious trap, expanding on room/item descriptions, writing possible adventure hooks, and so on), to make things a little more interesting.

As I say, I'll be keeping things fairly straightforward for my own part, as my main aim is to show how the rules can be applied to various situations so that new GMs have an example 'dungeon' (for want of a better word) to use as reference (though having a back-up adventure location is a useful addition to any GMs folder).

With any luck I'll have the first instalment posted tomorrow - though that'll probably just be a little bit of background information to get the ball rolling.

Map-a-Monday (week 37)

2011-09-12T10:48:00.003+01:00

Here's the second map for September:

...and as usual, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

The Age Of Shadow ...now in print!

2011-09-10T12:01:00.003+01:00

Look at what arrived in the post yesterday...

...this is the proof copy for The Age Of Shadow RPG, and I have to say that it looks rather nice.

As you can probably see, I've gone for a black and white interior for the book (as the artwork within is minimal to say the least - so the added expense of a full colour product seemed a little unnecessary). The printed version also contains two additional pages of tables at the back of the book for easy reference during play.

So if you enjoyed the free pdf version of the book, and would like a hard copy for the gaming table, then you can pick one up for $11.99 (around £7.50 / €8.75) over at RPGNow or DriveThruRPG.

More works in progress...

2011-09-06T17:04:00.003+01:00

Since I posted a few WIP/prototypes for a possible Colony 19 expansion set the other day (see THIS post), I thought I would also post a brief update regarding a few other things that I'm currently working on...

One thing I've neglected to mention thus far is that Purple Duck Games are in the process of designing a mega-dungeon for the Pathfinder system (that they intend to release one level at a time - roughly once a month) ...and I'm pleased to say that I'll be drawing the dungeon maps for the project. These maps will be in the same style as the ones found in the 'Little Book of Dungeons' and I'll also be blowing them up to 'battle-map' scale (for miniatures) to accompany the PDG adventure.

And while I'm (kind of) on the subject of The Little Book of Dungeons, I also hope to have Volume III of tLBoD out by the end of the year (or possibly early 2012).

Something else I've got coming up (that's also in a similar vein to the dungeon books - though still very much in the development stage as of yet) are map packs that expand on the Age Of Shadow world (while also being generic enough to be used with other fantasy settings).

As I say, this project is still in its infancy, but I can show you roughly what I have in mind with this first example:

...which shows the kind of thing/look I'm aiming for.

There are a couple of other things floating around at the moment (like a set of board-game rules (with RPG elements) to go with the Colony 19 tiles, an adventure location posted in weekly instalments on the blog for the Age of Shadow), and hopefully something I might be able to announce by the end of the week (if all goes well) - but that's pretty much it for now.

Hopefully that gives you all something to look forward to in the coming months!

Map-a-Monday (week 36)

2011-09-05T09:45:00.001+01:00

Here's the first map for September:

...and as usual, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

What's next for Colony 19?

2011-09-04T11:35:00.005+01:00

With last week's release of the 'Colony 19 : infestation set' I've accomplished most of what I set out to do with the C19 range for this year (i.e. 3 sets of tiles that included a base set, a large room set, and some kind of 'alien infestation' set), and I'm pretty happy with the way they have turned out.

However, during that time I've also been experimenting with a few other things (that I might add to the range in the future) ...including some kind of medlab or R&D style tiles (with a more sterile appearance) ...examples of which can be seen in the pictures below:

I'm not sure yet whether tiles of this style would warrant an entire set of their own (or perhaps a mini-set), or whether it would be better to group a bunch of different styles together into one large 'miscellaneous' set ...so if anyone has any opinions on the matter it would be great to get some feedback (or indeed ideas of what you would like to see next).

(please feel free to post your ideas below, on the forum,

or leave comments on the twitter or facebook page)

September Update

2011-09-01T12:01:00.005+01:00

First of all, I would like to double check that everyone (that was eligible) who chose a free product during the blogger give-away got the coupon code for the pdf that they requested.

* * *

Secondly, the next set of Colony 19 tiles are now available from RPGNow and DriveThruRPG...

...and since there is some duplication in this set (i.e. certain tiles shown in their 'normal' and 'infested' states), I've upped the page count to twelve pages of tiles (rather than the usual nine) to compensate.

* * *

In addition, the Age of Shadow Campaign Guide has got its first in-depth review over on the aforementioned sites.

I'll be honest and say that I was a little wary about putting the campaign guide online as a commercial product - as I wasn't sure if anyone would find my writing style (or lack thereof) appealing. However, the review is a good one, and I'm overjoyed to get such a positive response (though no doubt there might be others in the future that are less flattering).

HERE's a link to the review in full.

* * *

And lastly, I've finally set up a facebook & twitter account for CSP (as it was probably about time) ...though I'm still figuring it all out at the moment (see the links bar opposite).

Map-a-Monday (week 35)

2011-08-29T09:28:00.002+01:00

Here's the last map for August:

...and as usual, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Blogger Give-away!

2011-08-25T11:25:00.001+01:00

I thought it might be a nice idea to give away a few freebies this week to those people who have been publicly following the blog for a while.

So if you are one of the 17 followers* opposite, I would like to give you the chance to choose any one product from the RPGNow or DriveThruRPG store (excluding any 'bundles') that you would like to receive for free!

All you need do is drop me a comment below (or send a private message) with the e-mail address that you would like the coupon code sent to, and whether you prefer to use RPGNow or DriveThruRPG (and of course the item that you would like), and I'll take care of the rest!

*I have made a note of everyone at the time of this posting, and as such this offer is available to them alone. Also note that the offer runs until the end of the month.

Map-a-Monday (week 34)

2011-08-22T10:28:00.002+01:00

Well, it's Monday again ...so here is this week's map:

...as always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

"Looks like some sort of secreted resin."

2011-08-17T11:18:00.005+01:00

Something I always intended to do with the Colony 19 range was to include a set of tiles (or variations of existing tiles) that could be used to represent areas within the complex that have been occupied/transformed by alien life-forms.

Now, as you can probably guess by the title of this post, it'll be fairly obvious where most of my inspiration will be coming from for something like this - but just in case, here's a quick look at a concept piece in its 'clean' and 'infested' state:

I'm using the working title of 'Infestation Set' for the time being, and I have to admit that I rather like the way the above piece has turned out (hopefully you guys will agree).

Map-a-Monday (week 33)

2011-08-15T12:09:00.002+01:00

Here's this week's map:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Colony 19 new releases!

2011-08-11T15:46:00.005+01:00

The first expansion set for the Colony 19 range of sci-fi/near-future tiles is now available through RPGNow and DriveThruRPG

As I said a little earlier in the week, this new set contains larger rooms (split over multiple pages for the most part) that can be put together in various ways ...as shown in the diagram below:

(note that the arrows = entrances/exits)

I also opted to not include a whole page of doors (as I mentioned in an earlier post) as there should be plenty scattered around the various pages (in what would otherwise be 'blank space'). However if folks really do want a page of doors to be made available, let me know and I'll include one as a free download.

In addition, I've also made a free example tile available (called simply 'Room 01'), so that folks can take a closer look at the style/quality before they buy any of the sets.

Colony 19 is expanding...

2011-08-09T11:14:00.008+01:00

With any luck, the next set of tiles for the Colony 19 range should be out by the end of the week (thanks to several days of working on them non-stop).

In the meantime, I thought I would post a quick picture of how one of the new (larger) rooms fits together with some of the tiles from the starter set:

(note that the white rectangles = doors)

...there's also a few more 'dressing' pieces shown, as well as a couple of narrow (maintenance) tunnels to add a bit of variety.

Like before the pdf will contain nine pages of tiles (one of which will probably consist entirely of doors this time around), and be available for a similar price.

Map-a-Monday (week 32)

2011-08-08T13:32:00.004+01:00

Monday's map is a little later than usual today (due to me spending way too much time on the next 'Colony 19' set of floor-tiles) ...but, as the saying goes, better late than never:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

The Age Of Shadow - New Releases!

2011-08-01T15:34:00.003+01:00

The Age Of Shadow: Role-playing Game (v1.01) - FREE

The main rule book has had a very minor update (so there's no need to print it out again if you've already done so), with only things like the names of example characters, the map in the back of the book, and a few grammatical errors, being altered/corrected.

RPGNow LINK - - - DriveThruRPG LINK

* * *

The Age Of Shadow: Campaign Guide - $2.99

A short campaign guide is also available to go along with the main rule book (for $2.99 ...which is a little under £2 in GBP), which is intended to be an easily digestible primer than can be read in a single sitting (rather than a fully fledged campaign setting that might be hard getting some players to read).

The book itself includes a brief history of the land and its people, a description of all the major settlements and fortifications, a colour map of the land itself, new items and special materials, additional/variant rules, and a statistics for several different NPC types.

RPGNow LINK - - - DriveThruRPG LINK

* * *

Website Update

In addition to the above, the Age of Shadow website has also had a bit of an update - mainly to include the new links to both of the new books, but also to include a couple of new articles that might be of interest.

Website LINK

* * *

Oh... and of course the latest Map-a-Monday dungeon is posted below :)

Map-a-Monday (week 31)

2011-08-01T10:25:00.001+01:00

Here's August's first dungeon map:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

What's this?

2011-07-29T15:43:00.001+01:00

Hmm... something's going on over on the Age of Shadow website

;)

Map-a-Monday (week 30)

2011-07-25T10:47:00.003+01:00

The last dungeon map for July:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Elvish in The Age of Shadow

2011-07-23T11:36:00.010+01:00

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I had originally used words from Tolkien's Sindarin language to construct all of the place/people/item names in the AoS - but since there is the possibility of some copyright issues with doing something like that, I've been renaming them all (just to be on the safe side).

Of course, I then decided to try my hand at creating my own elvish script (yeah, I really need to get out more :p ), and this is what I've come up with:

...which I think should do the job nicely. (note that the red title is in regular runes - its only the description beneath that's written in the new AoS elvish script - which also has a few runic influences).

However, each character is just an image at the moment, so I was wondering if anyone knows anything about creating fonts? or could recommend any (free) software that would help to make one?

Map-a-Monday (week 29)

2011-07-18T11:50:00.004+01:00

This week's modular dungeon:

...and a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

* * * * *

In addition here's a quick look at how a couple of these maps could be pieced together to make a large dungeon complex:

Campaign Guide temporarily on hold

2011-07-16T12:47:00.002+01:00

I had hoped to release the Age of Shadow Campaign Guide this weekend, but if I'm going to make it a commercial product (at a similar price to The Little Book of Dungeons) then I'll probably have to rename everything in the entire book.

The reason for this is because I have constructed all the place names, item names, and NPC names with Tolkien's Sindarin elvish (or at least pidgin-sindarin) - which might cause me a problem in the future.

I've done some research online, and I think I might be safe to leave it as it is, as the copyright of individual word elements is probably invalid (and there are a lot of band/song names in elvish, and I specifically remember a 3rd edition D&D book by Mongoose Publishing having ship names in Sindarin), but I'm probably going to err on the side of caution with this one.

Obviously that means the maps will have to be changed too - so I've got quite a bit of work ahead of me.

Anyway, I just thought I post an update on where I'm at with the guide.

Map-A-Monday ...decision made

2011-07-13T12:24:00.002+01:00

A little while ago I mentioned that I might scale back the Map-A-Monday project a little (perhaps to one map per month rather than one every week) - just to free up some of my time for other projects.

However, when I started the project I did say that I was going to try and keep it going for an entire year - and since I'm more than half way there, I think it would be a shame to stop now.

So (as you've probably guessed), I'll be continuing to post a new geomorph-style map every Monday throughout 2011 ...just like I originally planned - which is (hopefully) good news to those of you who've been following the project.

But if that's not good news enough, I've also taken the first map from The Little Book Of Dungeons - Volume I and blown that up to battlemat scale too - which can be downloaded (for free) from DriveThruRPG and RPGNow...

...and already it's got a couple of nice reviews :)

Others will probably follow, but I'll likely have them available for a dollar or less.

Map-a-Monday (week 28)

2011-07-11T11:21:00.003+01:00

Here's another dungeon geomorph:

As always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

The Little Book Of Dungeons - Volume II

2011-07-10T13:00:00.003+01:00

I know it's only been just over a week since the launch of Crooked Staff Publishing, and with it Volume I of The Little Book Of Dungeons, but I've really been in the mood for creating a few dungeon maps recently ...and as a result The Little Book Of Dungeons - Volume II is now available through DriveThruRPG and RPGNow for $2.50.

I'm also planning to compile a third volume of dungeon maps this year - though I'll probably start work on this final volume in a few months time, and concentrate my efforts on a few other things in the meantime (unless of course, folks really do want Volume III sooner rather than later).

Also, both volumes have had their first review over on the Adventures & Shopping blog ...and a good one at that! (thanks BB).

Map-a-Monday (week 27)

2011-07-04T11:23:00.003+01:00

While I'm deciding whether or not to scale back the Map-a-Monday project (perhaps to one a month), I've still got enough finished to last me through until the end of the month (so I'll use that time to make my final decision). So, with that said, here's the first map for July:

As always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Blog discount!

2011-07-03T11:52:00.003+01:00

I've been playing around with the DriveThruRPG interface and wondering if I can pass on discounts to readers of the blog ...and apparently I can.

So if you would like to get a copy of the Colony 19 starter set for the reduced price of $2.99 then simply click on the following link:

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=82444

And to get $1 off the normal price of The little Book Of Dungeons click on this link:

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?discount=34616

(note that the discounts run until the end of the month)

Crooked Staff Publishing on DriveThruRPG & RPGNow

2011-07-01T19:16:00.007+01:00

I'm pleased to announce the launch of Crooked Staff Publishing - and with it my first two products available for download through DriveThruRPG & RPGNow!

The first of these is the Colony 19 Starter Set - a set of sci-fi/near-future floor tiles for use with 28/32mm miniatures*

The set includes nine pages of full colour tiles depicting various rooms, passages, and objects that folks can print out and use to represent various interior locations for their RPG's and wargames.

The second product is titled The Little Book Of Dungeons (Volume I) and contains nine greyscale dungeon maps ready to be populated by a host of monsters and traps.

The maps themselves are of a very similar style to the Map-A-Monday maps - but each fills an entire page, and is a little more extravagant in its design.

* * *

So there you have it - anyone who's been following the Blog for a while probably knows that I've been toying with this idea for a while now, so (for me at least) it's great to finally get things underway.

*Figures shown are from em4 miniatures (used with permission)

and are available from www.em4miniatures.com

Map-a-Monday (week 26)

2011-06-27T11:20:00.004+01:00

Here's the map for week 26 (that's six months of Map-a-Monday):

As always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

* * *

So yeah, it's been six months since I started posting a dungeon map every Monday, and when I began, I did so with the intention of trying to keep it going for an entire year.

However, the Blog doesn't really get all that many visitors, and (if box.net is counting right) the number of people downloading the pdf versions of the maps rarely gets into double figures - so I have been thinking of scaling down the number of maps to perhaps one a month after June ...or maybe even stopping altogether (so that I could perhaps focus on other things - like getting the RPG Now storefront going).

I haven't actually decided for definite what I'm going to do yet, but I thought I would throw the question out there (i.e. should I continue?) to see what other folks thought - just in case more people are using them than I am aware of.

Map-a-Monday (week 25)

2011-06-20T11:16:00.002+01:00

Yet another map:

As always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Map-a-Monday (week 24)

2011-06-13T10:34:00.001+01:00

Here's this week's map:

As always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Map-a-Monday (week 23)

2011-06-06T10:49:00.004+01:00

How the months fly by, and I can hardly believe that this'll be the first map for June:

As always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE

Map-a-Monday (week 22)

2011-05-30T08:33:00.002+01:00

Well it's the last Monday in May ...so here's the last map for May:

As always, a simple pdf battlemat version can be found HERE