Great concept. Reminds me of ancient Greek rites: the dead had to be buried with coins over their eyes to pay the boatman on the River Styx. Without the money, they spend their afterlife as phantoms lamenting their improper burial. Sophocles' tragedy "Antigone" is based partly on the whole concept. Adding a level of physicality to it - literally having the dead rise from the grave demanding their proper rites - is an excellent addition. Go to Comment
It's primary purpose is to restore Vautu to strength after his defeat, yes. Then the "Gavel" - or, in this case, Seraph Hammer - would function as an evil weapon, but it's main purpose would be to act as a focusing point for Vautu's power. It had never actually occurred to me to have a Guardian be the one that restores Vautu's power, but that would make for a fascinating turn of events. Go to Comment
Love it. Bringing magic into modernity is a huge plus for me. The whole post seems vaguely Frank Miller-ish, in a good way mind you. Big thumbs up. Go to Comment
Ditto CM's comment. Detailed geography in a game makes it far more classy and interesting, but I feel like much more ASCII could be thrown at the topic than you've provided. I'd love to hear more on the subject. :D Go to Comment
A very practical guide to more realistic PCs. I like the idea of old acquaintances appearing now and again in a game, if only in name. Imagine a character who, for whatever reason, is forced to take up the sword against whatever enemy and leave her family behind. I say "her" because I'm imagining a mother, but it could be a father or even sibling. Their thoughts might constantly dwell on their family, always "regaling" the rest of the party with tales of Junior's antics and Papa's silliness on cold winter evenings. Some might be fascinated or reminded of home by the stories, being inspired and gaining empathy; others will quickly grow tired of the boring old family rambling. It would have to be well played, of course, but it could make for a very realistic and interesting game. Go to Comment
I like terran culture transplants. It's interesting to see a development of Egyptian peoples separate from Hellenistic and Islamic influences. For some reason, though, I can't shake the feeling that the Nyoria are ever-so-slightly bland and anecdotal. Not to say I don't like it! :D But I do feel it could use more spice. Go to Comment
"What is the real reason? That's up to you, the DM, to decide."
But I don't wanna! ;-)
Seriously, though, subs look much more polished when the submitter tells us what's really going on. Theories are great, give us some shiny facts to go along with them. Aside from that caveat, I'm a fan of this odd location. Nice work! Go to Comment
A rather creepy bug. The mere mention of a nest of these critters would send adventurers running. Though some models or maidens looking to be uber-svelte might go and seek these insects out, looking to make themselves thin quick. Go to Comment
22. When consumed, this thin, pale-purple liquid causes the drinker's eyes to glow green for three hours.
23. A thick and syrupy fluid, this potion causes hyperactivity for a full 24 hours. The imbiber cannot sleep and will constantly feel an urge to do something, anything. After the 24 hours, the user will be very sleepy.
24. This golden yellow, almost glowing concoction will cause the imbiber's skin to be slightly sunburned all over.
25. A pungent dark green potion causes the drinker to have an irrational phobia of trees for four hours.
26. Bright red with flecks of orange, this potion makes the imbiber sweat profusely for an hour. Go to Comment
Kinda reminds me of the Italian-style Mafioso who runs a pizzeria as their cover. It's a novel idea to turn it into a bake shop instead. Nicely done. Go to Comment
18.) Sapen's Nose
Sapen Trache, the legendary astronomer, was as well known for his wisdom as for his garishness. He loved all manner of fashionable and attractive things. Once, during a duel with a young upstart and rival scientist, Trache lost the tip of his nose. Using his hobby of alchemy, he constructed a gilded brass prosthetic to replace it. So well as it made that it was said to blend into his skin perfectly. After his death, Sapen's gilded nose was taken by the coroner as a memorial token. Eventually the nose was sold to an amateur scientist and collector of curios. He modified the shape of the prosthetic to fit about his own nose. When he put it on, he was surprised to notice the clarity with which he saw the stars, as though he were looking through Sapen's own wise eyes.
Wearing Sapen's Nose allows the user to see perfectly all the stars in the sky, and even to know their names and paths. A night traveler will find himself able to navigate to practically any destination.
Lifeforms (Third Kingdom) (City/ Ruin)