A Knife Errant D&D Podcast: Special Episode RPG Tips

Some great advice from the Knife Errant Dungeon Master! I'm always on the look out for RPG tips and thought this was great. I always want to dig deeper and make my campaigns engage my players. See what you can take away from it.

Knife Errant Special: Advice for Role Playing

GM Tip: Start in Combat

Start in combat!

Begin you RPG campaign in combat and watch your players become hooked. Watch today's GM tip video for more insights.

GM Tip: Use Google Earth

More game mastering tips!

Today's tip is to use Google Earth. When role-playing it can be incredibly useful to have real-world maps and Google Earth supplies those easily. Watch the video to learn how I've used it and how you can, too.

Tabletop: Star Wars X-Wing Game

Not an RPG, but looks like a cool game. Plus the video is entertaining and fun.

Anyway, Star Wars is a bit of an obsession for me.

Game Geeks Reviews Savage Worlds: Fantasy and Horror Companions

Just checking out Savage Worlds books, so I thought I'd share this video.

The Lost Valley, Session 2 - Savage Worlds RPG

My friends and I gathered for another session of the Lost Valley campaign using the Savage Worlds RPG rules.

All of the original cast returned plus we had two new additions:

Daneth Orichar - The Prince of Atlantis (Played by Andy) Based on the Mage Archetype

Andy's own description:

Appearance: Tall, slim, and with a proud bearing. He wears a speedo made of scales for modesty but prefers to be otherwise unclothed.

Background: I was born rightful heir to the greatest civilization the world has ever known: Atlantis. I was given everything I wanted as I as I grew, made to believe that I was the most important person in the kingdom, perhaps the whole world. Everything I wanted was granted to me, and I became arrogant and stubborn.

But Atlantis was recently destroyed and I only narrowly escaped. I knew that many of my people had colonized in the Lost Valley, but the leader of the colony is a usurper and must face judgement. I came here to claim my own, but quickly realized it would take time and unfortunately allies.

Personality: He expects everything to be done for him and given to him. It is obvious that he is nobility and everyone should respect that fact, regardless of race. He may fight when pressed, but he would prefer to allow those of lower bearing to take care of things like that. Unless the foe is truly magnificent, in which case he would be first into the fray.

Notes: I made two of my spells specifically linked to my heritage: the Royal Scales and the Mark of Royalty. I was thinking they are a kind of proof that I am from the line of heirs as only they are given magical training or something like that.

All I carry are a trident and a conch shell that hangs on a golden chain around my neck (which I use to unleash my burst spell).

Ty-Rus Jurm - Loyal Atlantean Soldier (Played by Greg) Based on the Fighter, Great Weapon Archetype

Ty-Rus is older, but still a powerful warrior. He lived in the colony in the Lost Valley happily until a rumor surfaced that the heir of the throne had arrived. He heard that the prince escaped from the city, so he went searching for him. Now, he has found his lord and is committed to putting him on the throne.

He wields a giant trident made from coral and carries a short sword made from a shell.

The Adventure

The two Atlanteans stumbled into our heroes' camp and cause quite a stir. I quickly set the stage. Then, I had everyone draw an Interlude card. (This is becoming a favorite device of mine.)

After some great stories, I had two T-Rexs attack the camp. (I know not very inventive, but I still don't know the system very well. I wanted to get combat done before we get into awesome drama and I drop the ball.)

Mr. Donnelly nearly dropped the huge bull with one incredible shot from his Spencer, but fell just shy of the damage needed.

What followed was about two and a half hours of our heroes missing the beasts over and over again. Mr. Donnelly was severely wounded, in fact he was very close to death.

Finally, Daneth felled the female dinosaur with a spell. Then, Ayla finished off the bull with her spear.

When combat ended, Dr. Douglas tended to Mr. Donnelly. Following a couple rolls that aced multiple times, Mr. Donnelly was miraculously healed.

Daneth revealed he knows the way out of the valley, but will only share it if our heroes help him reclaim his throne first. After a bit of an argument, they agreed to help.

I had everyone draw Interlude cards and we had another story time.

Daneth told the story of his greatest love. Once while swimming he beheld a creature of unmatched beauty. He tried to capture it. He swam after for days. When he caught it, he realized that it was a mirror fish and that he had been seeing himself all along.

Impressions

I'm enjoying the Savage Worlds system more and more. Drawing cards for initiative is quite good and lends excitement to the game.

I'm looking forward to more adventures!

Make a D&D Gelatinous Cube - The DM's Craft Video

I've never really role-played with figures. But, after watching this video, I want to!

Some really great tips and tricks for your Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder games.

Investments System for FASA Star Trek Role-Playing Game

Ok, this is rough.

I've been trying to design an economic system for FASA's Star Trek for about 30 years. Nothing really works well.

Feel free to use or add this as you see fit. Oh, you'll need to add to it, because it's nowhere near finished.

Investments

If a character receives credits they can purchase property and businesses. Investments can be made to improve the annual profit.

Land/Properties

Half of the planet Taylor’s World – 1,500,000
                Annual Profit: 200,000

1,000 acres on Kramar – 80,000
                Annual Profit: 10,000

12,000 acres on Rigel IV – 200,000
                Annual Profit: 50,000

1,000,000 acres on Arbazan – 2,000,000
                Annual Profit: 300,000

50 acres on Earth – 1,000,000
                Annual Profit: 100,000

Space station in orbit around the planet Drayma – 1,000,000
                Annual Profit: 150,000

Small office building on Earth – 5,000,000
                Annual Profit: 250,000

Medium size office building on Earth – 10,000,000
                Annual Profit: 1,500,000

Large office building on Earth – 15,000,000
                Annual Profit: 4,000,000

Small house on Earth – 100,000
                Annual Profit (if rented out): 50,000

Medium size house on Earth – 500,000
                Annual Profit (if rented out): 100,000

Large house on Earth – 1,000,000
                Annual Profit (if rented out): 200,000

Small office building on Xelatia – 100,000
                Annual Profit: 25,000

Medium size office building on New Paris – 1,000,000
                Annual Profit: 200,000

Large office building on Yaraka – 5,000,000
                Annual Profit: 1,000,000

Businesses

Bar on Starbase 54 – 50,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 100,000
11-30 – 70,000
31-50 – 50,000
51-80 – 25,000
81-100 – Loss: 10,000

Restaurant on Earth – 150,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 300,000
11-30 – 225,000
31-50 – 150,000
51-80 – 75,000
81-100 – Loss: 50,000

Bar on Celes – 25,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 50,000
11-30 – 40,000
31-50 – 25,000
51-80 – 10,000
81-100 – Loss: 5,000

Software Company (offices on Argolis and Earth) – 400,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 800,000
11-30 – 600,000
31-50 – 400,000
51-80 – 100,000
81-100 – Loss: 80,000

Textile Company (factory on Taibor) – 100,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 200,000
11-30 – 150,000
31-50 – 100,000
51-80 – 50,000
81-100 – Loss: 40,000

Gold Mine on Mazar – 2,000,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 4,000,000
11-30 – 3,000,000
31-50 – 2,000,000
51-80 – 1,000,000
81-100 – Loss: 800,000

Computer Component Company (office on Betazed) – 50,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 100,000
11-30 – 70,000
31-50 – 50,000
51-80 – 25,000
81-100 – Loss: 30,000

Advertising Company (office on Dakala) – 150,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 300,000
11-30 – 225,000
31-50 – 150,000
51-80 – 75,000
81-100 – Loss: 50,000

Freightliner Company (offices on Mars, Andoria and Vulcan) – 1,000,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 2,000,000
11-30 – 150,000
31-50 – 1,000,000
51-80 – 250,000
81-100 – Loss: 150,000

12 Star Systems for a Jedi Campaign

Jedi Campaign

It has been a dream of mine for years. Ever since I bought the Star Wars role-playing game put out by West Ends Games, I have wanted to do this.

So at last, I'm GMing a massive Jedi campaign.

Creative Challenges

Balancing eight players is never easy. Plus creating engaging worlds and plots that do not cross the main Star Wars, but only use it as a backdrop, is ever harder.

I created 12 systems for my players to explore. (Of course, the systems play a part in the characters' backgrounds.)


The Systems of Grand Moff Havacal Varro

Kesheedaal System – Six planets, four habitable. System under Moff Braganti Xim

Kesheedaal I – Lifeless rock

Kesheedaal II – A barren world, with the ruins of several huge ancient cities. Archaeologists regularly studied the ruins in years past, but since the coming of the Empire no teams have recently investigated them. Now, the ruins are haunts of castoffs and looters. Pop. ???

Kesheedaal III – Government Seat, the surface is uninhabitable so the great cities are all underground in a massive cave system. Forests of light-giving trees grow in the cave system. Pop. 1 Billion

Kesheedaal IV – A dense jungle world with many strange plants and animals. Ten years ago Grand Moff Varro began (in earnest) reaping the bounty of this world. There several large mills, harvesting and processing camps. Most of the raw materials are ferried off world immediately. Pop. 1,000,000

Kesheedaal V – A glacier-covered world that provides fresh water for many worlds. Large bulk cruisers often are seen mining the thick ice. No permanent population.

Kesheedaal VI – Gas Giant – 46 moons - 16 are being mined


Roodra System – Seven planets, all habitable. The system is controlled by Glorm the Hutt.

Roodra I – A miner’s heaven, it is rich in several types of ore. Glorm runs a huge mining operation with slave labor and grows even fatter off the profits. No indigenous population. Pop. 100,000,000

Roodra II – Grave World, the entire surface is covered with the tombs and mausoleums of some ancient race’s nobles. Glorm’s agents and other fortune hunters plunder the graves for gems and artifacts. Pop. ???

Roodra III – A lush world populated by small, but strong, porcupine-like humanoids. Glorm has slavers active on the planet since the inhabitants make great miners. Slaver camps dot the surface to round up the stone-age beings. Pop. ???

Roodra IV – Glorm’s Seat of Power, highly urbanized, with casinos, racetracks, bars, and gladiatorial arenas being the main industries. Many come to partake in Glorm’s debauched hospitality. It is widely believed that Glorm has some deal with the Grand Moff. It is even rumored they have met on occasion. Pop. 3 Billion

Roodra V – A harsh world that has become the base of operations for several smuggling and pirate bands. Pop. ???

Roodra VI – Originally a farming world, but it languishes under the shadow of Glorm and the Empire now. Farmers must turn over their crops to Glorm and the Grand Moff. Very few are happy. Only one spaceport. Pop. 300,000,000

Roodra VII – Plague World, at one time was the seat of government but 40 years ago a plague stuck, visitors can now go to the surface with breath masks but the planet is a post-apocalyptic mess. People are sure Glorm exploits the situation, but nothing is well known. Pop. 500,000,000


Mandusdor System – Five planets, three habitable. System under Moff Linora Teeb

Mandusdor I – Government Seat, this is a small world where mineral resources are plentiful. Mining outposts and small villages dot the surface. Pop. 400,000,000

Mandusdor II – Dense, poisonous atmosphere - Lifeless

Mandusdor III – A highly urbanized and thriving trade world. Like Istanbul on a planetary scale. The Empire is here, but this planet is ruled by several large trade guilds. Pop. 12 Billion

Mandusdor IV – Gas Giant – 81 moons – 24 are being mined

Mandusdor V – An ice-covered, unpopulated world. The Grand Moff has yet to exploit this world.


Corgocant System – Four planets, 2 habitable. System under Moff Sephi Koda

Corgocant I – Lifeless fireball

Corgocant II – Government Seat, a highly urbanized monsoon-soaked world that has become a financial hub. A popular place for hiding assets and stockpiling cash, so many banks and corporations operate from here. Pop. 11 Billion

Corgocant III – A cool temperate world, rich in natural energy sources. It has seen a boom recently of factories moving in, mostly replusorlift parts and vehicle production plus lots of ore processing. Pop. 2 Billion

Asteroid Belt – Tens of thousands of claims being mined, big corps to single-craft prospectors.

Corgocant IV – Lifeless ice ball


Bothusbah System* – Five planets, all habitable. System under Moff Morastus Rin

Bothusbah I – Government Seat, a world rich in natural resources, much like Alaska. This is a recent colony, less than five years old. Pop. 25,000,000

Bothusbah II – This world is rich in mineral resources. It is now being mined heavily, though the colony is less than five years old. Pop. 32,000,000

Bothusbah III – A pleasant and hospitable world populated by a race of pre-space flight beings that are very bird-like. The Grand Moff has enslaved them and is now exporting them as labor. Pop. ???

Bothusbah IV – Subjected to a full-scale orbital bombardment five years ago. This once pleasant world ruled this system in peace for millennia; this is, until the Grand Moff wanted it for its resources. The home planet of Kalinor Rook. Pop. ???

Bothusbah V – A spectacular world of crystal forests. The Grand Moff is mining them. Mining camps now dot the surface. Pop. 14,000,000


Varvilbah System – Ten planets, six habitable. System under Moff Bronwyn Talus

Varvilbah I – Lifeless rock

Varvilbah II – Government Seat, a harsh world that is home to a large Imperial military complex. There are several large bases that many troops and ships operate out of. Pop. ???

Varvilbah III – A rich farming world. Pop. 4 Billion

Varvilbah IV – A planet covered in immense orchards of different kinds of fruit trees. Pop. 5 Billion

Varvilbah V – An extremely fertile farming world. Pop. 3 Billion

Varvilbah VI – A vibrant trading hub with many torn loyalties. Imagine Casablanca, 1941. Trading guilds, the Empire, neutral and even Rebel underground factions pull the population in different ways. The goods from the surrounding planets are shipped here and sold. Pop. 9 Billion

Varvilbah VII – Gas Giant – 74 moons – 51 are being mined

Varvilbah VIII – Gas Giant – 49 moons – 15 are being mined

Varvilbah IX – A huge world that produces a large abundance of natural textiles. Pop. 6 Billion

Varvilbah X – Lifeless block of ice


Tranticant System – Seven planets, three habitable. System under Moff Kraspen Rey

Tranticant I – Lifeless rock

Tranticant II – Tempest atmosphere - Lifeless

Tranticant III – Government Seat, an administration hub for the rule of the Grand Moff’s systems as well as the headquarters for several huge corporations. Pop. 12 Billion

Tranticant IV – An academic world which is home to many colleges and universities. Pop. 5 Billion

Tranticant V – Gas Giant – Tabana Gas Mining Station – “Yasinda” Pop. 247,000

Tranticant VI – An entertainment world of some renown. Concerts halls, casinos and restaurants dominate the industries. Pop. 7 Billion

Tranticant VII – Gas Giant – 78 moons – 34 being mined


Gamalore System* - Eleven planets, seven habitable. System under Moff Solari Danes

Gamalore I – Lifeless fireball

Gamalore II – Poisonous atmosphere - Lifeless

Gamalore III – A factory world known for artificial textiles. Pop. 2 Billion

Gamalore IV – Agricultural world. Pop. 3 Billion

Gamalore V – A water world with floating cities that reap the bounty of the ocean. Pop. 5 Billion

Gamalore VI – Large lifeless planetoid – No atmosphere

Gamalore VII – A park-like world considered sacred by many of the clans of Gamalore, but not by the Grand Moff. Rumors swirl, but no hard proof has emerged because visitation to the world is restricted. Pop. ???

Gamalore VIII – Government Seat. A member of the Republic for countless generations this world is ruled by warrior clans. Now, it is firmly under the control of the Grand Moff. Home planet of Syrrek "Lightbringer" Wol'Flohrn. Pop. 9 Billion

Gamalore IX – A thriving trade world. Think Amsterdam of centuries past. Large merchant fleets are based here and come and go with treasures from afar. Pop. 14 Billion

Gamalore X – A harsh world recently colonized. Some miners and ice farmers have moved in and others are homesteading. The Grand Moff is giving away land claims, or so it is rumored. Pop. 1,000,000

Gamalore XI – Gas Giant – 42 moons – 12 are being mined


Naustdra System – Six planets, two habitable. System under Moff Daemora Vassic

Naustdra I – Lifeless rock

Naustdra II – Lifeless rock

Naustdra III – Lifeless fireball

Naustdra IV – Huge factories cover the surface of this cloudy world. Industry ranges from Imperial blaster carbines to engine parts for bulk cruisers. Pop. 2 Billion

Naustdra V – Government Seat, a water world with underwater cities. Even the spaceports are underwater. Pop. 8 Billion

Naustdra VI – Lifeless ice ball – being mined by a droid station on the surface


Enustbah System – Seven planets, two habitable. System under Moff Asori Shan

Enustbah I – Lifeless fireball

Enustbah II – Lifeless rock

Enustbah III – A pleasant world, home to a fierce iron-age people that live in city states. Grand Moff Varro maintains a slave camp to export some of the hardy folk, but hasn't turned his full attention here – yet. Pop. ???

Enustbah IV – Poisonous atmosphere – Lifeless – Orbital Mining Station “Artora” is the Government Seat, droids mine Xylas and other crystals from the surface. Pop. 385,000

Asteroid Belt – Very little mining, a few hundred claims issues

Enustbah V – Volcanic maelstrom - Lifeless

Enustbah VI – This world is an ocean of grass. No indigenous population, but there is a large amount of animal life. Grand Moff Varro and some of his friends maintain huge hunting lodges on the surface. Pop. ???

Enustbah VII – Gas Giant – 87 moons – 14 are being mined


Besorine System – Six planets, five habitable. System under Moff Brutus Volsh

Besorine I – Recently opened colony. The Grand Moff is having the planet mined at a relentless pace. Pop. 25,000,000

Besorine II – A pleasant world with large cities plus a huge agricultural industry. Grand Moff Varro has been trying to reshape the world into a factory world. The result has created large slums of former farm workers. The home planet of Roman Startiller. Pop. 6 Billion

Besorine III – A world covered in the Toska bean plant. The cultivation the Toska plant has been practiced here for more than a thousand generations. It is said to be the home planet of the plant and that it produces only the best beans. The beans, after some simple processing, produce a dark liquid that is considered a delicacy. Many throughout the galaxy have acquired a taste for the drink called, Toskine. Large farms called, Houses, control much of the land though there are many small farms. The Grand Moff enjoys the lucrative trade the planet provides, but enjoys the rarest and choicest of the Toskine more or so it is said. Pop. 8 Billion.

Besorine IV – A Wild West trading hub for the Toska bean. Large consortiums control the Toska trade and farmers and shippers spend their new found wealth on ill-advised pursuits. Pop. 10 Billion

Besorine V – Government Seat, a service world that has exploded in development in the last decade. The main industries are legal services, research and education. It is the headquarters of several huge corporations and is quickly becoming an administrative center for the Grand Moff’s rule. Pop. 13 Billion

Besorine VI – Lifeless ice ball


Albrinloth System – Eight planets, six habitable. System under Grand Moff Havacal Varro

Albrinloth I – Lifeless fireball

Albrinloth II – A world of alchemists that produces a wide variety of spices. Pop. 4 Billion

Albrinloth III – Government Seat, an ancient world of huge cities and stunning old-world beauty. The Great Jedi Houses of Landstrider, Flametender, Skyblade, Riftrunner and Ringwielder spring from this world and were loyal to the royal family. Now, they are gone, murdered or chased away when the Grand Moff made his power move. The Royal Family of Aratan is gone as well. Most were butchered by the Grand Moff or more skillfully gotten rid of to clear the way for the Empire. Pop. 24 Billion

Albrinloth IV – A world of ancient universities and colleges. Pop. 10 Billion

Albrinloth V – A thriving trade world that is highly urbanized. Think Hong Kong on a planetary scale. Powerful guilds control the trade, but they answer to Grand Moff Varro. Pop. 42 Billion

Albrinloth VI – A large military industrial complex. Pop. 11 Billion

Albrinloth VII – Home to large hospitals and medical research faculties. Key medicines are produced here as well. Pop. 12 Billion

Albrinloth VIII – Lifeless ice ball


*These systems have only recently come under the rule of Grand Moff Havacal Varro.

GM Tip: Draw a Map

Need encounters? Need cities? Want unique settings?

Draw a map!

Role-playing game campaigns can be made instantly better if the Game Master draws a map.

Watch the video for tips and useful information on why drawing a map will help your RPG campaign.

Pathfinder RPG for My Birthday

Happy Birthday to Me!

A role-playing buddy surprised me with one of the best gifts ever. He gave me Pathfinder and the Bestiary!

GMing Pathfinder

Only way I can repay him is by GMing. Though, with my massive West End Games Jedi Campaign and a side campaign in Savage Worlds, I'm not sure when I'll be able to create a campaign in Pathfinder.

Creating Characters

I've started experimenting with characters. I'm liking the Gnome Bard or maybe a Half-Orc Cleric. However, a Half-Elf rogue/sorcerer would be flat out awesome.

Finding Time to Play

How will I find time to play? I have no idea, but I must!

Random Search Table - West End Games Star Wars RPG

Something GMs learn: Players always (ALWAYS) want to search every room.

So, be ready!

I created this random search list for the old West End Games Star Wars and it works well. Even, if it's not highly detailed. 

If a player succeeds a search roll in a warehouse or cargo bay, just have them roll on the table below.

(I'm well aware that the Star Wars Role-playing game used West End's 6D system.I made this 1d100 just so players feel something special is coming.It never fails, switching dice is exciting.)

Cargo or Warehouse Search List - 1d100

1. Hydrospanner (1)

2. Plastic Shims (1d6 x 100, value 1d6 per 100)

3. Glowrod (1)

4. Syntherope (50')

5. Flame-Proof Suit (1)

6. Power Prybar (1)

7. General Exposure Suit (1)

8. Thermal Suit (1)

9. Sleeping Bag (1)

10. PolyTex Fabric (1 bolt, value 3d6)

11. Sub-Zero Parka (1)

12. Fusion Cutter (1)

13. Vacuum Suit (1)

14. Tool Harness (1)

15. Ball Bearings (1d6 x 1000, value 1d6 per 1000)

16. Light Power Generator (1)

17. Vibrosaw (1)

18. Single-Person Survival Tent (1)

19. O-Rings (1d6 x 1000, value 1d6 per 1000)

20. Worklight (1)

21. Plastic Shims (2d6 x 100, value 1d6 per 100)

22. Comlink (1)

23. Computer Tool Kit (1)

24. Beam Drill (1)

25. Two-Person Survival Tent (1)

26. Vibropick (1)

27. Emergency Space Suit (1)

28. Rations (1 person, 1 week)

29. Chronometer (1)

30. Hydrospanners (2d6)

31. Syntherope (100')

32. Imperial Uniform with Insignia (1)

33. Medium Power Generator (1)

34. Plasma Welder (1)

35. PolyTex Fabric (3d6 bolts, value 3d6 x # of bolts)

36. Thermal Suit (2)

37. Droid Tool Kit (1)

38. Vacuum Suit (2)

39. T'wilian Silk (1 bolt, value 6d6 x10) 

40. Plastic Shims (3d6 x 100, value 1d6 per 100)

41. Casual Clothes (2 sets)

42. Four-Person Survival Tent (1)

43. Marcobinoculars (1)

44. Flares (6)

45. Ball Bearings (3d6 x 1000, value 1d6 per 1000)

46. Small Manifolds (6d6, value 2d6 per piece)

47. Sub-Zero Parka (2)

48. General Exposure Suit (2)

49. O-Rings (3d6 x 1000, value 1d6 per 1000)

50. Malforian Chocolate (1d6, value 2d6 x 100 per square)

51. Utility Space Suit (1)

52. Medpac (2)

53. Vehicle Tool Kit (1)

54. PolyTex Fabric (5d6 bolts, value 3d6 x # of bolts)

55. Breath Mask (1)

56. Pocket Computer (1)

57. Forest Camouflage Outfits (6 sets)

58. Six-Person Survival Tent (1)

59. Imperial Uniforms with Insignia (4)

60. Recording Rod (1)

61. Ammo Bandolier (1)

62. Syntherope (150')

63. Comlink (1d6)

64. Vacuum Suit (3)

65. Rations (1 person, 2 week)

66. Fusion Cutter (2)

67. Security Tool Kit (1)

68. T'wilian Silk (4 bolts, value 6d6 x10 x4)

69. Thermal Suit (3)

70. Small Manifolds (8d6, value 2d6 per piece)

71. Desert Camouflage Outfits (6 sets)

72. Data Plaque (6 empty)

73. Formal Clothes (2 sets)

74. Malforian Chocolate (2d6, value 2d6 x 100 per square)

75. Sub-Zero Parka (3)

76. Heavy Power Generator (1)

77. O-Rings (5d6 x 1000, value 1d6 per 1000)

78. Hydrospanners (4d6)

79. Rations (1 person, 6 weeks)

80. Sidrian Flame Gem (1, value 1d6 x 1000)

81. General Exposure Suit (4)

82. High-Quality Space Suit (1)

83. Comlink (2d6)

84. Medpac (2d6)

85. Medicines (2d6, value 100 per vial)

86. Ball Bearings (5d6 x 1000, value 1d6 per 1000)

87. Climbing Kit (2 harnesses, 10 carabineers, 200'rope)

88. Small Manifolds (10d6, value 2d6 per piece)

89. Imperial Uniforms with Insignia (8)

90. T'wilian Silk (6d6 bolts, value 6d6 x10 x # of bolts)

91. Armored Space Suit (1)

92. Computer Memory Banks (10 blank, value 1d6 x 1000 each)

93. Sidrian Flame Gems (1d6, value 1d6 x 1000 per gem)

94. Malforian Chocolate (3d6, value 2d6 x 100 per square)

95. Bounty Hunter Armor (1)

96. Medpac (3d6)

97. 3PO Unit Protocol Droid (1)

98. Ais Shimmer Cloth (4d6 bolts, value 2d6 x100 per bolt)

99. Kesseli Spice (2d6, value 1d4 x 1000 per square)

100. Sidrian Flame Gems (2d6, value 1d6 x 1000 per gem)

Dr. Solkar - A FASA Star Trek Role-Playing Game Character

I created this character to test out some of my FASA Star Trek house rules. 

I'd love to play him, but that doesn't seem likely. All I do is game master other systems now, so not much time to play or teach someone the old 10d Star Trek system.

Dr. Solkar

Civilian doctor, pathologist and politician

Age: 90.5

2341 – Born

Mother -  Kyzandor (Deltan)  - Death: 2396 at the age of 92

Medical Doctor, expert in Vulcan Medicine

Father – Sovak (Vulcan) – Age: 153

Lawyer/Politician/Historian, held several local offices but made his career in non-elected positions. Currently Vulcan’s Deputy Attorney General

Grew up on Vulcan

2359 - Attended University of New Paris – 4 years
Majored in Genetics and Bionics
Minored in Computer Science and Cybernetics

2363 - Attended Starfleet Academy – 4 years

2367 - Attended Medical Branch School – 3.5 years
Majored in Vulcan and Human Medicine
Minored in Surgery and Biology

2371 - First Cadet Cruise, Col Ops: USS Balboa

2372 - Second Cadet Cruise, Merchant Marine: USS Jarvis

2372 - Third Cadet Cruise, Merchant Marine: USS Chang

2373 - Fourth Cadet Cruise, Merchant Marine: USS Zuu

Promoted to Ensign

2373 - First Tour, 1 year, Col Ops: USS Bird – Medical Officer

2374 - Second Tour, 1 year, Gal Ex: USS Zeus – Medical Officer

Promoted to LT. JG

2375 - Third Tour, 3 years, Terraforming: Aaronson Base, Petrous II – Genetics Specialist

2378 - Attended Department Head School – 1 year

Promoted to LT.

2379 - Fourth Tour, 3 years, Galaxy Class: USS Enterprise-E (under Captain Picard) – Medical Officer

2380 – Married – Midshipman Maria de Luna (Human) Captain Picard preformed the ceremony aboard the USS Enterprise-E

2382 - Fifth Tour, 2 years, Starfleet Academy: Assistant Professor of Genetics

2383 – Birth of Son – Sorvak, Ph.D.

Micro-Chemical Engineer, Head of R&D at Poly Syn Tech. Married (Human), 4 children

2384 - RESIGNED STARFLEET: Offered a Fellowship at The Daystrom Institute

2384 - Attended The Daystrom Institute – 6 years
School of Pathology

2385 – Birth of Son – Captain Tristan de Luna

Retired Starfleet Cmdr./Freighter Captain, rose to first officer in Starfleet but resigned seven years ago. He now owns and operates a freighter. Never married, two sons, half Betazoid and half Human

2389 – Birth of Daughter – Olivia de Luna, Ph.D.

Professor of Nanotechnology at MIT, married (Human), one daughter

2390 - First Civilian Tour, 1 year, Research Group: Celgene – Medical Research Fellow

2391 - Second Civilian Tour, 4 years, Starbase Command: SB 106 - Disease Prevention Task Force – Assistant Team Lead

2393 – Birth of Daughter – Akeya, Ph.D.

Archeologist, Specialist in the Promellian and Menthar cultures, Director of Excavations on Signus B47, a joint endeavor of the Daystrom Institute and Harvard University.  Never married, no children

2395 - Third Civilian Tour, 3 years, Starfleet Gal Ex: USS Osiris – Directed Pathologies Team - Lead

2396 – Birth of Daughter – Victoria de Luna

Novelist, playwright and actress, currently writing her fifth novel from her home on Rigel, Married, 2 children

2396 – Mother Dies

2398 - Fourth Civilian Tour, 2 years, Public Exploration Vessel: SS Stockwell – Experimental Materials Group – Genetic Material Analyst

2400 - Fifth Civilian Tour, 2 years, Starfleet Academy: Professor of Pathology

2400 - Birth of Daughter – Lt. Cmdr. Isabella de Luna

Starfleet officer, Ops on the USS Ajax, never married, no children

2402 - Sixth Civilian Tour, 3 years, Elected Gov: Mayor of Stokal – pop: 50,000

2405 - Seventh Civilian Tour, 2 years, Non-Elected Gov: Vulcan Ministry of Health – Research Lead

2407 - Eighth Civilian Tour, 1 year, Starfleet Gal Ex: USS Demeter – Virus Probe Team – Head

2407- Wife – Captain Maria de Luna – Killed in the line of duty on Tantor III

2408 - Ninth Civilian Tour, 4 years, Non-Elected Gov: Federation Ministry of Health – Policy Advisor/Analyst

2412 - Tenth Civilian Tour, 1 year, Non-Elected Gov: Chief of Staff to Vulcan Representative on Fed Council

2413 - Eleventh Civilian Tour, 1 year, Starbase Command: SB 145 – Bacteriology and Medical Director

2413 – Married – Ambassador Alani Morageth (Betazoid)

2414 - Twelfth Civilian Tour, 4 years, Private Colonization: Hatanaka Virus Vaccine Team Director

2415 – Birth of daughter – Solara (¼ Deltan, ¼ Vulcan, ½ Betazoid), student

2416 – Wife – Alani Morageth – Dies of Hatanaka Virus

2418 - Thirteenth Civilian Tour, 4 years, Research Group: ViroTech – Vice Chair of Research and Virology Studies Director

2422 - Fourteenth Civilian Tour, 4 years, Research Group: SolGen – Executive Research Director, Experimental Pathologies and Genetics

2426 - Fifteenth Civilian Tour, 2 years, Public Exploration Vessel: SS Archimedes – Paleopathology Team and Chief Medical Director

2428 - Sixteenth Civilian Tour, 4 years, Elected Gov: Member Vulcan High Council

2432 - Seventeenth Civilian Tour, Starfleet Gal Ex: USS Enterprise-I - Special Research Assignment, Heads his own Research Group

A Blast From The Future: Star Frontiers RPG

Star Frontiers Cover Art

My First Role-Playing Game

When I was first introduced to role-playing games (more years ago than I care to admit), my best friend introduced me to Star Frontiers. 

We spent countless hours every weekend lost in adventures on alien worlds playing Star Frontiers. 

It was then, and has remained all these years, my absolute favorite of the traditional pen and paper (or tabletop) RPGs.

A Bit of Star Frontiers History

Star Frontiers was released by TSR in 1982 (according to the wiki), and still retains a loyal, if somewhat limited, fanbase. Though, it has been out of print for years.

All new Star Frontiers materials are fanworks, but many of them are first class and worth taking a look at.

Fan and Role-Playing Game Websites

There are many good websites dedicated to this classic game (some of which are listed at the end of this piece) but one of my personal favorites is starfrontiersman.com. 

Star Frontiers Rule Book Art

Starfrontiersman has a lot of really great fan art as well as PDF files of the original rule books.

In addition to maps, all available with permission of Wizards of the Coast, the current owners of SF, according to the disclaimer on the website. 

Short of owning original copies of all vintage Star Frontiers materials, starfrontiersman may be the BEST resource for fans of this awesome game.

One of my favorite resources at starfrontiersman is their PDF newsletter called Star Frontiersman, currently on issue #22. 

Star Frontiers Space Explorer

It is a slick production, full of good art and great information, and all back issues are available for download (free of charge) from their website.

Learn More About Star Frontiers

Other Star Frontiers websites that may be of interest are:

Starfrontiers.com

Starfrontiers.us

Starfrontiers.info

Frontierexplorer.org

Rpggeek.com

If you are or were a fan of Star Frontiers, please check out starfrontiersman to relive the glory. If you've never played Star Frontiers, PLEASE check out starfrontiersman.

You'll thank me.

Enjoy and happy gaming,

Enigma

One Pound of RPG Dice

I finally broke down and bought a pound of dice. I didn't really need them, but you can never have too many dice. Right?

Well, I'm enjoying them. To justify the purchase, I'll just have to role-play more.

RPG Kickstarter: Quest Kick

This looks awesome. Learn more about Quest Kick.

GM Tip: Use Power Point

Tips on how to use Power Point to make role-playing game sessions you GM standout.

Kickstarter: Legendary Games Pathfinder Books in Print

Want some great Pathfinder RPG resources in hardback? If yes, check out this Kickstarter project from Legendary Games.

Dungeons & Dragons and the Influence of Tabletop RPGs

Enjoyable video. I can only hope tabletop rpgs are experiencing a comeback. I thought they were almost dead some years back when the card games became wildly popular.

My main with the video is that it showed the games being played with battle maps. Of course, being a video it has to show interesting images. But, it gives a false impression of role-playing games in my opinion.

The main action of the game should always be in the imagination of the players. Plus the interaction of the players and the Game Master portraying non-player characters is priceless. But, those things are hard to show in a seven minute video.

Golem Arcana - High-tech Tabletop RPG

Check it out!

First Impressions of Savage Worlds Role-playing Game

I recently bought the rulebook and the PDF of the SavageWorlds RPG system. Last night, I got my first chance to play and GM. Unfortunately, I had only read through the rules a couple of times.

The Setting:

The Lost Valley

The year is 1928. An English lord assembles a group of explorers in hopes of mounting an expedition to explore Antarctica.  As their plane nears the continent, a strange phenomenon causes them to plunge into a strange valley. The valley turns out to be a lush rainforest filled with prehistoric beasts. Think, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s, The Lost World.

The Characters:

(Since I was still unfamiliar with the system, I had everyone use the preprinted character archetypes.)

Dr. Edgar Douglas (played by Jake) – A scientist who specializes in biology plus a university professor, who was recently widowed. By taking the elderly hindrance, medical doctor was added to his resume. He’s a grandfather and a veteran of the Spanish-American War. He adds a ton of value to the group not only with knowledge, but with repair and jury-rigging abilities.

Jedediah Donnelly (played by Don) – A trapper/mountain man using the marksman archetype. A WWI veteran with a secret lost love, who has taken to trapping and living off the land. He was recruited to trap exotic animals. He provides a lot of combat prowess.

Robert Foster (played by Caleb) – A movie director/producer based on the “Face” template. Coming off of a short, rocky marriage to a beautiful starlet, he’s broke and in debt.  Also, he is plagued by his heavy drinking habit. He convinced some Hollywood friends to give him a small crew and camera equipment. He’s hoping to make his comeback feature film.

Ayla (played by my lovely wife Erin) – A beautiful cavewoman who uses the Fighter, Fencer archetype. While out hunting, she saw a great silver bird plunge into the forest. She has befriended our heroes and has proved very helpful in their survival in the Lost Valley. Also, she has a bad habit of stealing shiny objects.

John Slaughter (played by myself, just for getting use to the system) – The WWI ace come daredevil and adventurer pilot. He's fun-loving and cannot resist any adventurous pursuit. Though, he has a bad habit of wanting to talk baseball at the worse possible times. 

Adventure:

I set the stage at the crash site. Our heroes had been there for eight days and they had already met Ayla. We determined the co-pilot and Dr. Douglas’ young assistant were killed in the crash.

Mr. Donnelly constructed a blind to watch the approaches to the crash site. Mr. Foster began secretly filming him wanting him to be the star of his next big hit.

Dr. Douglas created a water collection system that is quite ingenious.

The group decided to have Ayla lead them to a nearby river to explore plus the Doctor wanted to test the water and Donnelly wanted check the local fauna.

On the way, they were attacked by two giant spiders. Mr. Foster was hit, but suffered no ill effects. Mr. Slaughter drew his pistol and promptly it misfired (critical fail). Ayla and Donnelly quickly dispatched the spiders without any help as it turns out. Ayla quickly ripped off a leg and began munching on it. The Doctor took some venom and is planning on making a medicine from it.

Once at the river, the group was attacked by a T-Rex. It proved to be a challenge for the Novice group, but they prevailed in the end. I was treated with some interesting strategy including Mr. Foster using his whiskey and Ayla’s torch to breath fire at the beast. Finally the group tied a rope between two trees and lured the T-Rex in and tripped it.

First Impressions:

I loved this system. I bungled the wound status, but everything else was simple and easy to use. All of us enjoyed the initiative system using playing cards. I’ve never really had a system that was this easy to learn or teach. Don had never role-played before and he was onboard quickly. A fun, simple RPG system.

Also, it was fun to play in a new time period. I’ve been GMing a lot of Star Wars recently, so this was a great chance of pace.

I’m looking forward to playing in the Savage Worlds system for a long while.

Ludum Dare Theme Generator for RPGs

Need a quick theme for your role-playing session?

Anyone who has ever gamemastered knows how hard it is to have a theme or controlling idea for your session or your campaign.

No worries. Try out this theme generator.

Ludum Dare Theme Generator

One Sentence NPC Generator

Hey, just found a cool little tool. It generates non-player character ideas in one sentence.

Looks to be a great starting point for stirring up your own ideas. So, give your rpg campaign some life.

Some examples:

A sullen, unfriendly blacksmith secretly loves animals of all stripes, and feeds and tends to the town strays.

A benevolent king of a kingdom long vanquished, bound by mighty arcane illusions to believe his kingdom still stands, causes him to roam through his cobweb-infested palace, giving orders and speaking with servants and friends long-dead and forgotten.

One Sentence NPC Generator

GM Tip: Make Your Own Sound Effects

When GMing make your own sound effects!

Watch today's game mastering tip to learn how to add a bit of life to your role-playing sessions.

Knife Errant: Dungeons and Dragons Podcast

My new favorite role-playing podcast is Knife Errant!

This 4th edition D&D dramatic has the right amount of action and goofing off that makes role-playing fun.

I especially like the editing and the added sound effects. The editing keeps the pace moving and the sound effects add dramatic tension.

The dynamic of the characters plus that of the players and GM is quite fun and enjoyable. I can't wait for more.

New episodes are posted every Monday. Check it out if you get a chance.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Official Trailer

It's not really The Hobbit since so much has been added, but this movie looks incredible.

Why Dungeons & Dragons Beats Videogames Like Grand Theft Auto V - Article

Just came across this article by the author who wrote, Of Dice and Men.

His main point: Playing D&D and other pen and paper RPGs beat video games any day.

I agree.

There is nothing like having a real people with wit and intelligence pitted against each other.

The possibilities are endless and the challenges are real.

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/09/18/why-dungeons-dragons-is-better-than-video-games-like-grand-theft-auto-v/

Kickstarter Profile: Accursed RPG

I'm a huge fan of old movie monsters like the mummy, Frankenstein's monster, the wolf man and so on. So, when I stumbled across this role-playing game on Kickstarter, I decided to give them a shout out.

Here's a bit from the Kickstater page:

"A dark fantasy tabletop RPG setting for the Savage Worlds game system, where heroic monsters fight for redemption."

 Check out the Kickstarter page or the official website.

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