My "Gnomes" pics

Here are my takes on the OD&D gnome drawings...

Another drawing...

my version of the OD&D Dwarf from Book 1:

They may not be very good, but it is fun practice doing quick drawings.

Trying out my art skills

or lack thereof, I did up some of the OD&D images from book 1. Seems I am good enough for the oldest of old school books. :) Not bad for a copy of bad art.

A new year, and a resolve to post more...

Happy new years. I would like to post at least 3 times a week this year but I know how my resolutions go, so lets just go with one day at a time.

Today I would like to start with my current work on a 2d6 rule-set for D&D style play. I am starting with a fresh look at character attributes. Here are my current rules for character stats and how to test them...

ATTRIBUTES

There are six characteristics that define your character, and these six attributes will be used throughout the game to gauge how well your character can perform certain tasks. The six characteristics are:

• Strength [STR]: This measures a character’s physical prowess and toughness. Tests involving strength could be as simple as breaking down a door, lifting heavy weights, or arm wrestling.

• Intelligence [INT]: This measure’s a character’s intuition, reasoning, and memory. Tests involving intelligence could be recalling a conversation, decipher a code, or solving a riddle.

• Perception [PER]: This is a character’s ability to notice his environment. Tests could involve spotting hidden objects, or noticing someone tracks.

• Agility [AGL]: This is a character’s hand-eye coordination as well as their ability to move gracefully and in control of their body. Tests could involve trying to dodge a trap or jump a chasm.

• Constitution [CON]: This is a character’s overall health and endurance. It could be tested against the effects of poisons and disease.

• Charisma [CHA]: This is the character’s presence and social graces. It could be tested against the reactions of strangers, and in dealing with hirelings and mercenaries.

DETERMINE CHARACTERISTICS

To determine your characteristics roll 3d6 (6 separate times) and total each result. Look at the table below to find your Base Target Number for each characteristic.

For example, Mike rolled 3d6 for his Strength and got a total of 11, looking at the table, he sees that 11 gives his character a Base Target Number of 8+ (a very average score).

3d6 Roll Base Target

3        11+

4-6      10+

7-8       9+

9-12      8+

13-15     7+

16-17     6+

18        5+

Kettil the Dane's trip to the Caves of Myrddin.

Kettil was in the last foray into the caves of Myrddin and witnessed the demise of Gomma the Ugly. Four brave souls (and 1 born loser) went off to explore that day, Madin a MU of some power (what kind is hard to say as no spells were cast that day); Gomma the Ugly, Boner the Specialist along with is retainer Gentle Ben; lastly there was Kettil the Dane.

We decided to enter the North Tower after spying some 3 naked female "statues" in the courtyard and under the watchful eyes of a murder of crows. After finding a trap door and battling a "golden" spider (it was driven off with a vial of acid), we made our way down eventually to the dungeon "proper".

Here is the main map of the level and my notes:

The hall on the west page end continues to show below with the death of Gomma at the hands of 3 different trapped halls...

I believe the order of his death was, south door and flame trap took 1/2 his hits. Then he went to north door and fell in pit to his death. From there the party tied a rope to final door and gave a yank from 40 feet away to have the rop cut in twain by a blade trap. So beware dungeon delvers of Myrddin, for the Black Mage lies!

Happy Holidays to all!

Hope everyone has had a great holiday season, I hope to pick up blogging in the new year.

Happy birthday U.S. Marine Corps!

Boot camp picture from 1988. Good luck finding me.

Me during the short Gulf War (0811 - Marine Artillery Canoneer)