Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Ruins & Ronin Still Rolling Along


My Ruins & Ronin supplement for Swords & Wizardry is still rolling along. I have completed most of the base classes, the weapons, armor, and equipment tables. I have put together a play-test draft text (here) for anybody that wants to test run the system. I will be running it for my local group on November 30th if all goes well. If you do happen to download it and use it, send me any feedback you have for it.

I am currently working on the monster/creature side of the setting - one that will probably require the most work.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Wicked Webs...

Today I am previewing my favorite monster write-up (so far) for my Samurai project using the S&W rules. I give you the wicked Jorogumo.

JOROGUMO
Armor Class: 7 [12]
Hit Dice: 4
Attacks: 1 bite [1d6 + poison] or 2 web attacks [see below]
Special: Lethal poison, Webs
Move: 9
Saving Throw: 13
Challenge Level/XP: 7/600xp

Jorogumo are ancient spiders than can take the shape of a beautiful woman. They typically make their homes in deep pools or near waterfalls. They attempt to drag victims to their lair by entangling them in their webs. A Jorogumo can use its 2 web attacks (treat as ranged attack with range of 30 feet) to capture prey, those that are hit must make a saving throw to avoid becoming stuck. Once hit with webs, the Jorogumo will drag the victim 5 feet per round (the victim can make a saving throw each round to either break free from the webs or attempt to keep from being dragged). The web can be attacked as an object with an AC 9 [10] and 4 hps. In the form of a woman the Jorogumo can cast Charm Person twice a day.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Asian Adventures



I am working on a supplement for Swords & Wizardry rules using the ideas I had earlier for a Samurai version of OD&D. This new work is using the S&W rule-set as a base and adding new classes and monsters. So far I have completed 4 classes, one of which is the Bushi which I detail below.

This project is not so much about depicting a historical Japanese setting, but more about "what if Gary had been playing a Samurai wargame when D&D was created" much like Mazes & Minotaurs is for the classic Greek setting. So you will not find any rules for Honor or Family History. You will find Bushi, Samurai, Yamabushi, Shugenja adventuring in weird underground settings searching for adventure and gold. So watch some Kurosawa flicks and get ready to play.

THE BUSHI

Bushi are wandering warriors with no tie to a lord, temple, or monastery. They can often be found in the service of some noble Samurai or serving themselves as a brigand or bandit. Most are warriors from poor families looking to make a name for themselves and escape a life of poverty.


THE BUSHI
Hit Die Type 1d6+2
Armor Permitted Any
Weapons Permitted Any
Prime Attribute (5% xp bonus) Strength 13+

Nimble: As a Bushi is sometimes too poor to afford armor, they learn to be quick on their feet. In addition to any Dexterity adjustment to their Armor Class, a Bushi gains a +1 to his Armor Class for each 5 levels of experience he has. This bonus applies regardless of any armor worn.

Establish Stronghold (9th): At ninth level, a Bushi may establish a stronghold and attract a body of loyal bushi who will swear fealty to him. Most likely, the protection of a castle will attract villagers, and the Bushi will become a feudal lord (Samurai) or even a Daimyo (baron).

Scrounge: A life of poverty has made the Bushi a master at finding “loose” items. A Bushi has a chance of finding a common piece of equipment in any settlement as depicted in the chart below.


BUSHI SCROUNGE TABLE
Settlement d20 chance
Small Sized Village 4 in 20
Medium Sized Village 5 in 20
Large Sized Village 6 in 20
Small Sized Town 8 in 20
Large Sized Town 12 in 20
Any City 18 in 20