Saturday, December 1, 2018

The OSR News - December 1, 2018

You Won't Have to See This Every Week, I Promise!


You may have noticed the Patreon Link to the left, near the top of my blog. For $3.00 a month, you can help support The OSR News and help me realize additional plans for my work with the Old School RPG Community. Your patronage is very much appreciated!

New Releases


Glantri Great School of Magic in Detail by Robin. Available from the author's blog in PDF for Free. 555 pages!
One interactive PDF book; where each link clicked (with CTRL at the same time) directs you to sources of information.
Each door is thus attached to a link within the document leading towards the room which door you have chosen, making it almost as if you really wandering through the whole structure.
55 maps and cutthroughs; including 3 Isometric maps of GSM, 1 Sideview Of GSM, 1 readjusted map of GSM Gaz3,
several section maps of GSM, 6 Historic Maps of Redfen and Braejr, 2 future maps of Principalities of Glantri,
1 cutthrough of the GSM with Shell of Darkness growth explained,
408 new or adjusted spells (adjusted from AD&D2 to BECMI, or really new self-created),
Expansion on the various secret craft mages of Glantri,
Detailed information on elementals & invisible Stalkers & Faenare & Griffons,
several New creatures,
100 new Magical items(adjusted from AD&D2 to BECMI, or really new self-created),
1 Major Artifact with full campaign, 1 major dimensional room,
common use of Dimension Doors (various types),
34 stone colors/types, 23 Skills (new and older) updated and expanded,
8 Diseases & afflictions,
Information on mage Courtyard Arena battles,
Several useful tables,
The future of Glantri and the Radiance,
74 adventure suggestions attached to the locations,
and a lot more interesting stuff, secret stuff, wondrous stuff and obscure stuff...spread over 19 levels, 2 major locations, and hundreds of rooms and other areas. 
in total 555 pages, 41.6 MB.
Crypt of the Shadow Lord - a solitaire dungeon crawl adventure by David Cronin. Published by DPC-RPG. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $3.99. 28 pages.
Crypt of the Shadow Lord is written for one, first-level, lawful cleric. With little to no adjustment, the Basic Rules from other, similar Fantasy Role Playing Games may also be employed successfully. Although designed as a solitaire, this adventure also plays well as a duet (one player and one referee), and is intended as something of an introduction for both novice players and game referees.

Not unlike the "choose-your-own-path" books of yesteryear, this adventure has been written so that the storybook (along with some assistance from you) plays the role of referee. The crypt offers numerous ways for a first-level character to meet their doom, however, if the adventure is completed successfully, there is an excellent chance that they will have won enough XP to advance a level.
The Blackest Hack by Ricardo Peraça Cavassane. Published by Tragos Games. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $1.00. 20 pages.
The Blackest Hack is a version of The Black Hack optimized for evil player characters. 
THIS GAME IS FOR ADULTS ONLY.
The Village and the WitchThe Village and the Witch by Davide Pignedoli. Published by Daimon Games. Available from Lulu in Print for $7.00. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $3.00. 18 pages.
THE VILLAGE AND THE WITCH
an OSR Module
Compatible with Lamentations of the Flame Princess, the Black Dogs, and other OSR adventuring games
This adventure is designed for low-level characters and is intended as an encounter to run in one or two sessions, between other adventures.
This module is designed to generate a Village, a Witch, and some additional weirdness: two pages with die-drop tables to outline the village (map and content), and two pages with a series of random tables to generate a Witch and its connection to the village.
The rest of the module contains some instructions, random or less random NPCs and other weirdness, some digression about alignment and so forth.
This adventure is designed for low-level characters and is intended as an encounter to run in one or two sessions, between other adventures.
This module is designed to generate a Village, a Witch, and some additional weirdness: two pages with die-drop tables to outline the village (map and content), and two pages with a series of random tables to generate a Witch and its connection to the village.
The rest of the module contains some instructions, random or less random NPCs and other weirdness, some digression about alignment and so forth.
BLUEHOLME™ Referee Repository by Michael Thomas. Published by Dreamscape Design. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $3.99. 28 pages.
The BLUEHOLME™ Referee Depository contains all of the useful rules and tables from the BLUEHOLME™ Journeymanne Rules, collected in one place for ease of reference by the harried referee. Whether at the table or when preparing games, you cannot afford to be without this handy booklet at your side! 
This is not a stand-alone product, it requires the use of either the BLUEHOLME™ Journeymanne Rules or the BLUEHOLME™ Prentice Rules, although it can be used with most old-school versions of the world’s most popular role-playing game.
Gregorius21778: Ye ol´mad monk by Kai Pütz a.k.a Gregorius21778. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for PWYW. 8 pages.
Ye ol´mad monk is a gimmick, something weird to spice up the start of a game. For the encounter it is assumed that the characters are in a town or village and get ready to embark on their next adventure. They may or may not have been acquiring equipment, but are walking on the streets near the market square as they note a disheveled, partially bald man in rags that once were a monk´s robe. He babbles, rants and argues with a stray dog who barks at him before running away. He is mid 40s, bearded, unwashed, shabby and his front teeth are missing, and his eyes have the unsteady, haunted look of a madman. Just as the characters are about to pass by he babbles something. Something the characters have heard already, something that has something to do with their task at hand. Does the ol´mad man know something... could it be...?
If the characters ignore him, nothing happens. If they don´t, roll up a random response from the following table or use the one you fancy the most. 
Compatible with "Lamentations of the Flame Princess(tm)"
Businesses In Settlements by Larry Hamilton. Published by Follow Me, And Die! Entertainment LLC. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for PWYW. 17 pages.

Considerations for handling trade in settlements in RPGs with several tables to assist the GM.
RT1 Palace of the Vamp Queen by Scott Casper. Published by Great Scott! Games. Available from DriveThruRPG in Print for $7.75, In Print/PDF Combo for $9.25 and in PDF for $2.99. 24 pages.
A HIDEOUTS & HOODLUMS Adventure Module for Hero Levels 1-3. An abandoned roadhouse with a disreputable past stands on the outskirts of Pierre, South Dakota. But is it abandoned? Could hoodlums, or worse, be using this supposedly haunted ruin as a hideout? If there are, are you hero enough to help the local police root them out?

The second ever ready-to-play HIDEOUTS & HOODLUMS adventure module is here! Palace of the Vamp Queen is complete with historical notes, tips for running the game, and all the trappings you would expect from an Old School module -- wandering encounter tables, hand-drawn maps, lots of rooms to explore -- and as much mobster-kicking, trophy-snatching action as you can fit into 24 pages!

Please Note: This product was written for 1st edition HIDEOUTS & HOODLUMS, but the newest version is reformatted and wholly compatible with the new 2nd edition. Little has changed in the actual game, but now it includes an appendix of all mobsters from 1st edition, used in the module that are not featured in the 2nd ed. Basic rulebook.
 
DweomerPunk: Cybernetics for B/X Essentials by Mark Craddock. Published by Cross Planes Game Studio. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $1.00. 7 pages.
DweomerPunk: Cybernetics is the first in a series of Supplements for B/X Essentials and Moldvay's Basic and Expert Rules of the World's First RPG.

It features cybernetics to allow B/X Essentials to be played in World of Fantasy mixed with the CyberPunk Genre, world wherer Magic and Technology exist together.
 
B/X Essentials is required to play.
The Peacock Continent of Trollworld by Ken St. Andre. Published by Trollhalla Press. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $2.99. 36 pages.
The Peacock Continent is a newly discovered region of Trollworld ripe for exploration. The Tjouse (pronounced Tah-woose-ay) are a sexually dimorphic humanoid kindred of warriors and wizards. The women are the warriors and the men are the wizards. They live in a dangerous land where they must contend with hostile elves, uruks, goblins, tse (mosquito men) and dragons.
Diesel Punks by Robert Garitta. Published by Surreal Estate Games. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $1.50. 13 pages.
Steam is passe.
Diesel Punks introduces six new characters to bring your Hack game into the Atomic Age. Inspired by the planet stories of the 30's and 40's dieselpunk presents steel jawed heroes (and heroines) to take you to the planets and beyond!

The Computer -lightning fast calculator and right hand of the harried captain.

The Rocket Trooper -master of aerial combat!

The Sleeper -adventurer from the primitive past!

The Scientist -seeking the secrets of tghe Universe!

The Tube Monkey -keeper of the atomic fire and first to meet boarders head on!

The Solar Ace -piklot on the famous and infamous Solar Circuit, when you need a fast ship or a fast deal!

So rev up your engines, strap on your blaster and blast off!

Note: This product requires The Black Hack to use.

Uranium and blasters are not included.
 
Diesel Punks: Aliens 1 by Robert Garitta. Published by Surreal Estate Games. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $1.00. 11 pages.
Diesel Punks introduces six new characters of the Atomic Space age for your Hack game. Now Aliens gives them someone to fight! From the noble Beast Masters to the vile Slugs to the deathly Skels. Every derelict ship or hidden tunnel they enter will have a good reason to win initiative!

Aliens gives stats and background capsules for 8 enigmatic races to meet, greet, and possibly eat your brave spacemen.

This product requires The Black Hack Second Edition to use.

Not responsible for any characters eaten.

Check out Diesel Punks for six new characters to feed to your aliens or vice versa! Also available Diesel Punks Armory for all manner of negotiating tools!
 
Diesel Punks Armory by Robert Garitta. Published by Surreal Estate Games. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $1.00. 11 pages.
Steam is passe.

Diesel Punks introduces six new characters to bring your Hack game into the Atomic
 Age. Inspired by the planet stories of the 30's and 40's dieselpunk presents tools of the trade as you fight your way to the planets and beyond! It includes:

Notes on weapons of different technology levels, using cover and concealment, new weapon stats, add ons, and functions!

Eleven new weapons: flamers, hold out pistols, and the terrifying disintegrator!

So trade in your blaster, power up your new shinies and blast off!

Note: This product requires The Black Hack to use.

Ammunition not included.
 
Tar Pits of the Bone Toilers by Malrex. Published by The Merciless Merchants. Available from DriveThruRPG in Print for $10.00, in Print/PDF for $12.00 and in PDF for $5.00. 30 pages.
"The attention to detail and the professionalism of the writing and design is very impressive..." 6/6 from the Wild Die: http://www.wilddie.com/index.php/2018/11/29/game-review-tar-pits-of-the-bone-toilers-by-malrex/

A new trade route is being sought through the Dalgarian Canyonlands, pass the friendly Kharazan, Village of Plenty. But the last two expeditions have never returned and the merchants are getting anxious for the new route, causing bags of gold to exchange hands.

Meanwhile, the ancient portal, the Maw of Ghormaug, has opened once more and invaders, ‘bone men’, are beginning to take over territory. No one is safe. Left unchecked, these lands are destined for horror and ruin, unless a brave party steps up to the challenge.

An adventure for Levels 5-8 for Labyrinth Lord, Labyrinth Lord Advanced Edition Companion ruleset and other OSR rulesets.
Island of Blight - TG2202 by Thom Wilson. Published by ThrowiGames. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $5.00. 28 pages.
(A separate listing for a free set of Encounter Sheets is available here. A free 5 page Add-On, The Breeding Pools is available here.)
The Red Priests of the Snake God suffered a crushing blow to their plans when they failed to take the small town of Thuil. Reeling from their defeat, they have returned to the deep jungles of Nolgur-Wul to regroup. The human villages outside the jungles know that it is only a matter of time before the Red Priests and their minions return. Now is the time to take the fight to them, deep within the jungles! The characters are urged to delve into the depths of Nolgur-Wul to track the Red Priests back to their clandestine temple where it is said a serpent queen, maiden of the Snake God himself, leads the growing cult. On the trail of the fleeing Red Priests, the adventurers find that a mysterious blight has recently begun to destroy the western jungles, villages, and all life within. What starts as a quick investigation becomes an unusual and deadly puzzle. More importantly, is this blight the Snake God's doing or something completely separate?

A moderately challenging adventure for three to five players, Island of Blight can be played using OSRIC, 5E, and SRS. Written by Thom Wilson of ThrowiGames, edited by Michael J. Gross, III.

28 interior pages, cover, inside cover maps.

TSQ2 - Island of Blight, part 2 of a 4 part series (part 3 releases in early 2019)
1001 Typical Townsfolk by Wintertree Software. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $1.50. 23 pages.
Welcome to the "1001 Things" collections

In a world where the major form of transportation (and possibly the only one allowed within town walls) is walking, the streets are filled with people as New York City streets are filled with taxicabs. Those people might be potential allies, potential enemies, or just nobody at all. And they don't wear signs saying which is which. The person the players need to talk to doesn't stand out by having a more detailed description than all the others – not if the GM has 1001 Typical Townsfolk.

A well-dressed man arguing with a street vendor is much more interesting than just "a person." Describing the people the party sees brings life and interest to your game. It makes your cities and towns more than just lists of services available and of course the usual inn. It provides handy hooks to hang adventures on. With 1001 Typical Townsfolk, you're ready to fill your towns and cities with life. 
Gregorius21778: 25 Encounters in the Eerie, Barbaric North by Kai Pütz a.k.a Gregorius21778. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $1.75. 11 pages.
25 Encounters in the Eerie, Barbaric North is a by-product of my own RPG sessions, and based on encounters I presented to my own group while they ventured North of Hadrian´s Wall in a world based upon 14th century England (or: plan to do, as at the date of publication the small campaign is still ongoing). While the title is compatible with Lamentations of the Flame Princess(tm), the encounters were not written with a 16th or 17th century world in mind but for an earlier time period.

The “barbarians” in this release (that are not described as Scottish, Gaelic, Pict or anything but just named “barbarians”) fight with spears, axes, shields and short bows, wear nor armor or leather armor. They life in simple cottages or block houses, and either isolated or insmall villages. The region that is imagined to be the backdrop of the encounter is an isolated and cold land with rough hills and woodland: a rather typical environment in most game worlds. A few encounters feature local animals, most focus on the inhabitants of the land (and not all of those will lead to a fight). About half a dozen are strongly supernatural and included fairy and ghosts, some
feature troll or giant creatures. Only one encounter with demi-humans (dwarfs) is included.

Ten pages, more than 6500 words in total. Two pages are cover and front matter, eight pages feature the encounters and some artwork. A printer-friendly black/white version is part of the download as well.
Brindlemarsh - BR-2 of the Brindle Series by Lloyd Metcalf, Ric Martens. Published by Fail Squad Games. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $5.00. 37 pages.
Kivuli, the villain from BR-1, found and was nursing the egg of the dragon that chased the dwarven cleric through the gate (detailed below). He was in hopes of hatching and controlling the young black dragon. The PCs either killed or drove off the magic-wielding kobold in their adventure.

The caves in which the above adventure took place are the original creation of dwarves. They previously created a gate to the dragon lair in the swamps in order to finish the job of slaying the mated pair of dragons.
The male dragon returned to the lair to find his mate and her nest gone and his treasure looted by the nasty dwarves. He would take his revenge!

He is now aware that he has a hatchling in the old lair. He is healed and can finally get his complete revenge, save his youngling, and perhaps retrieve some of his hoard! Of course, provided the PCs didn’t slay the hatchling. Nagareth seeks revenge either way.

SO11 Mad Madrigan's Maze by Louis "sirlou" Kahn. Published by Starry Knight Press. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $5.00. 20 pages. 
A One-Shot Adventure
Compatible with Most Fantasy RPG systems
Recommended for 4 - 6 player characters of levels 4 to 6

A mad gnome tests adventurers by sealing them in his dungeon.
With only one avenue of escape, you must fight your way out!
Can you best the beasts and puzzles of Mad Madrigan’s Maze?
Hello and welcome, adventurers and Game Masters!

This is a one-shot module designed for use as an evening’s worth of adventuring as your players face their imminent demise, trapped in a mad gnome illusionist’s maze! Lured to the maze by a treasure map and rumours of great fortunes and powerful magick, the players soon become prisoners in Madrigan’s underground maze. The entire dungeon is on lock-down: the only known exit cannot be reopened and the entire place has been ensorcelled so teleportation, æthereal and dimensional spells all fizzle out and fail. The only way the players are getting out is by finding the exit the old fashioned way, dungeon delving!

The adventure in this module takes place in and around Ratchet a gnomish village located in the northwest area of The Dales, a large land mass in the author’s campaign world comprising a large fertile valley surrounded on all four sides by nearly impenetrable mountains. The Dales is the ancestral home of the halfling, gnome and dwarven races on this world.

The dungeon where the action occurs is situated 10 miles outside the village. The events herein occur after the players, unbeknownst to them, make the acquaintance of the mad mag Madrigan in a small pub in Ratchet, when he “accidentally” leaves them a map to his mage so he can test their mettle against his mouse trap!

This supplement contains a completely original ONE SHOT adventure, which was written as a quick and fun dungeon delve of monsters, traps and magic in the same vein as the classic Old School dungeons of yore! Inside you will find great Old-school art and detailed maps: including an Old School “blue dungeon map” with keyed encounters for each area; and a fully detailed Old School world map of The Dales, with information for further exploration.

This adventure also provides further details on the exciting new expansion to the author’s campaign world (being the third adventure set in this area), further opening up the homeland of the small folk to adventures with you players. The Dales, along with the nations of Alderburgh, Jarlburgh, Dùn Bhriste and The Red Eagle Barony, now bring the author’s camping world to five separate nation states to explore!

This book features 20 pages of excitement and thrills sure to be a hit with discerning GMs and players everywhere!

As an ADDED BONUS, as a purchaser of one of my modules you also get, ABSOLUTELY FREE, a copy of the inaugural issue of my Old School RPG zone, CAVALIER ATTITUDE!!
Manual of Unknown Monsters by Peter Pagano. Published by Peter Pagano Games. Available from DriveThruRPG in HC Print for $17.95, in Print/PDF for$22.90 and in PDF for $9.95. 108 pages.
Create Your Own Book of Monsters!
Conjure the magic of your imagination to create new monsters for your RPG fantasy world! 
About the Book 
Perhaps the most fun being a fantasy role-playing game-master is creating new monsters! This monstrous manual provides you with a dedicated place to record your own creations. It contains one hundred open listings waiting for you to add your own descriptions, backgrounds, and unique details to bring your creatures to life. There are sixty illustrations to help inspire the creation of your unique horde of horrible monsters. In addition, there are forty entries with enough space for you to create original drawings of your own monstrous creations.

Create all-new monsters to challenge your unsuspecting players!

This Manual of Unknown Monsters is for the imaginative DM; it does not contain pre-generated monsters with their stats. The illustrations are designed to provide the game referee a starting point to spark their imagination in the creation of new monsters for their fantasy world. If you want a book that collects monsters of your own creation then order the print version so you can add it to your eldritch library.

About the Artist
 
Peter Pagano has had the opportunity to draw many fantastic creatures in his career as an illustrator. He worked on the PC Game The Day the World Broke with three-time Caldecott award-winning artist David Weisner. For his book Monsters and Mazes, he created over a dozen illustrations of creatures from myth, folklore, and popular culture. He has also worked on several old school fantasy role-playing games. These include the award-winning Forbidden Caverns of Archaia and Barrowmaze Complete mega-dungeon books by Greg Gillespie. In addition, he has also illustrated covers and interior artwork for the games Strange Magic—Deeper Dungeons and Dungeons from Dungeoneer Games and Simulations.
WFRP Old World Adventures - Night of Blood by Jim Bambra,
Lindsay Law. Published by Cubicle 7 Entertainment. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for Free. 11 pages.
Night of Blood is one of the most played WFRP scenarios of all time. It was originally written over thirty years ago by Jim Bambra for WFRP 1stedition, and was published in White Dwarf 87 in March 1987. Later, it was republished in the WFRP 1st edition supplement, The Restless Dead, and has been a firm fan favourite ever since.

It’s a dark, stormy night, and the forest creaks as foul creatures howl through the undergrowth. As freezing rain slices from the roiling sky and attack threatens from all sides, the desperate adventurers stumble upon the warm glow of a fortified inn. But everything isn’t as it seems, and soon the unwitting heroes face deceit, betrayal, and horror as they strive to survive a terrifying Night of Blood.
Hobbs & Friends of the OSR Issue #3 Jason Hobbs. Published by Rock River Games. Available from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $3.95. 16 pages.
This is a zine of a DCC adventure. It is for placing between Sailors on the Starless Sea and Well of Souls. It is the product of the Patreon for the podcast for Hobbs and Friends of the OSR.

New Editions, Re-releases and Now in Print


Marvin the Mage Treasury Edition No.2 by Jim Wampler. Published by Mudpuppy Games. Available from the Publisher's site in PDF for $3.99 and from DriveThruRPG in PDF for $3.99. 32 pages.

(This may have a print version forthcoming from the publisher. See the Mudpuppy Games site for updates. No. 1, reported in The OSR News last week is now available in Print from the publisher for $4.99.)
Marvin the Mage is back! Part two of this treasury edition series collects even more of the misanthropic magic-user's earliest adventures. Issue No. 2 contains 3 stories, including a never-reprinted Gary Con episode and Marvin's appearance in Gygax magazine No.1, plus lots of other bonus toons and features!

Marvin the Mage
A misanthropic mage and medieval grifter, Marvin loathes actual adventuring. With a spell book optimized for cheating at card games and mixing adult beverages, Marvin has one ironclad rule that has always served him well: NO dungeons and NO dragons. Surly, selfish, and sarcastic by nature, Marvin is best described as just a pixie's wing this side of chaotic-neutral.
 
32 pages

Written and Drawn by: Jim Wampler
Edited by: Tim Kask
Shadow World: Jaiman : Land of Twilight by Terry Kevin Amthor. Published by Iron Crown Enterprises. Available from DriveThruRPG in Softcover for $26.74, Hardcover for $31.86, Soft/PDF for $38.74, Hard/PDF for $43.86 and in PDF for $18.00. 192 pages.
The Second Edition of Jaiman: Land of Twilight contains:
  • Updated and greatly expanded text, particularly the overview of the continent, including Urulan and other regions.
  • Updated Timeline with many new events.
  • Stats for Rolemaster Classic/RM2 and RMSS/ RMFRP.
  • All-new layout with full color interior.
  • New Jaiman map for the GM to give to PCs; other region maps collected.
  • Many new illustrations, including races, various locations around the continent, and of the Six Helms.
  • Eight adventures, including four extended scenarios that link to form a massive quest.
  • Layouts, including the Dragon Lord’s citadel, and the catacombs of the ancient kings of Tanara
A couple of the Mad Martian Games releases reported last week on Lulu have now shown  up on DriveThruRPG. The Temple of Drawoh Rock and The Girl With the Demon Tattoos. The DTR print releases come with the PDF at no extra charge and one of them is a little cheaper overall, as well.

More Free Stuff


Michael Bacon of Buildings are People has Cavegirl's Horrible Wounds formatted for Print.

Chuck of They Might Be Gazebos! has a new White Box Character Sheet.

Joseph Bloch of Greyhawk Grognard has been working on The Baklunish Pantheon.

Ray Otus of Jellysaw Games released There and Back Again v. 0.2.

Max Cantor of Weird & Wonderful Worlds made an Automatic Monster Generator for Sharp Swords & Sinister Spells.  

Stefan Poag made a Level Zero Hero character sheet for DCC.

Wrathofzombie made a Quick Critical Hit and Fumble Drop Die Table. 

Olav Nygård of Triple Suns posted his houserules. 10 page PDF.

Eric Diaz of Methods & Madness made a generator for Celestial Creation.

Joseph Browning of Sorcery & Super Science! posted The Majesty of Arden Vul (map o-rama!)

Lee Barber released Masters of the Jianghu. 17 page PDF. (Direct Link to File.)

Scott from Cyclopeana has The Darkling Grimoire in a 23 page PDF. 

Michael Prescott of Trilemma Adventures released The Man From Before: An Adventure Location. 2 page PDF.

And in Other News


Visit Erik at Tenkar's Tavern for info on the 12 Days of OSR Christmas. 

Expeditious Retreat Press has their Advanced Adventure Compendiums on sale for 30% off!

Reviews & Play Reports from Around the Web


Jeremy at OSR News and Reviews has a review of FP1 Arrival at Fort Perilous.

D. G. Chapman of The Graverobber's Guide has a review of Black Pudding: Heavy Helping V. 1.

Pookie UK from Reviews from R'lyeh has a review of MD4 Tales of Highcliff Gard. 

nfbenson of Old Scouser Roleplaying has a play report on Better Than Any Man.
Pookie UK from Reviews from R'lyeh has a review of The Dark Brood.

Chris Hall from The Brookmere Chronicles has a play report on Morgansfort.

captcorajus has a YouTube review of Castle Amber. 

Hexed Press takes a look at Broodmother Skyfortress on YouTube.




And... Some Crowd Funding











About The OSR News

Unless otherwise noted, all links to products and files are to the individual authors sites, pertinent posts, or sales pages. I don’t link directly to files unless that is the only link available.

I have received no remuneration from any publisher for reporting on their releases, nor is such a requirement for a product to be included in these posts. At times, an author or publisher may send me a complimentary copy of an item, for purposes of review. This is not a requirement for a product's inclusion in these posts. Links to DriveThruRPG, are affiliate links and may provide some compensation from the retail site.

Please feel free to send me information on any new releases, events, or other items of interest, which you would like to see mentioned.

Friday, November 23, 2018

The OSR News - November 23, 2018

Please Note: Prices below may reflect temporary holiday discounts! Please plan accordingly. Thank you and welcome to The OSR News!

You may have noticed the Patreon Link to the left, near the top of my blog. For $3.00 a month, you can help support The OSR News and help me realize additional plans for my work with the Old School RPG Community. Your patronage is very much appreciated!

New Releases


Into the Mournwood Soft CoverInto the Mournwood by James Ward. Published by Mad Martian Games. Available from Lulu in Print for $7.00 and in PDF for $2.50. 58 pages.
The Hagwood has long been avoided by rational men, even thanes dare not walk the woods. Only the desperate, the insane, and the dark souls of Pohjola travel the paths of the forest by choice. 
But destiny calls the brave and the fool. The greedy and the heroic. Can you face the dangers of the haunted wood? Will you save the lost travellers? 
How far will you go... Into the Mournwood? 
Into the Mournwood is the second adventure set within the Ice Kingdoms, written by industry legend James M. Ward, Into the Mournwood thrusts a band of adventurers into the dark and evil forests haunted by savage orcs, curses, zombies, canibals and the most feared monsters of the Thanelands, the hags of the Mournwood. 
Into the Mournwood can be used as a stand alone adventure or as part of an ongoing campaign and the adventure module can also be used as a campaign guidebook by Game Masters to set further adventures in the Haunted Forest.

The Girl With the Demon Tattoos By C.S. Barnhart. Published by Mad Martian Games. Available from Lulu in Print for $6.50 and in PDF for $2.50. 50 pages.
The Girl With the Demon Tattoos
Tenebrous is a village of the outcast and the damned. Home of the infamous Gardens of Woe and center of a bloody clan dispute the only refuge comes from the local temple of the god of dooms. 
Under the watchful eye of the Temple’s priests and deep inside Stormgard Keep lies a secret evil returning for revenge. 
Can you survive... The girl with the demon tattoos? 
The Girl with the Demon Tattoos is the third adventure set within the Ice Kingdoms, written by CS Barnhart. 
The adventure thrusts a band of adventurers into the aftermath of a clan feud from thirty years ago. But while the feud itself may be long over, the blood of hatred burns forever and one survivor has bargained for the power of revenge. 
The Girl with the Demon Tattoos can be used as a stand alone adventure or as part of an ongoing campaign.
Temple of Drawoh Rock

Temple of Drawoh Rock By C.S. Barnhart. Published by Mad Martian Games. Available in Print for $5.00 and in PDF for $1.75. 20 pages.
The Temple of Drawoh Rock is an adventure module for 1st level characters exploring the Ice Kingdoms. 
As warriors of Thane Ornulf the characters will sail the Atalac Sea, explore the Gate Isles, and raid the Monastery of Jove. 
But what starts out as a simple plan to rob some peaceful monks turns into a harrowing adventure as the adventurers cross paths with the machinations of a deadly sorcerer. 
The Temple of Drawoh Rock is the fourth adventure for the Ice Kingdoms Campaign Setting.
Iron Pax by Douglas Underhill. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for PWYW. 73 pages.
Iron Pax is an OSR/DIY-style hack of the world's most popular role-playing game, set in a fantasy world of colonialist dystopia. Some things that set Iron Pax apart: 
  • Heat, a push-your-luck mechanic for proficiency checks and spell-casting that is also a measure of how actively the authorities are hunting you
  • Flexible spellcasting using old-school spells where you can scale up the effect while also scaling up the risk
  • Optional leveling beyond 10th with rules for magical artifacts, strongholds, and upgrading your allies and companions
  • A proficiency system where characters don't have to roll to succeed at what they're really good at
  • Player-facing die-rolls, so your rolls decide what happens rather than the GM rolling behind a screen
  • Lots of tables to flesh out the world of the Iron Pax, incuding dragons, demons and abominations as diverse and surprising as they are frightening
Midderzine_Issue_2_Cover_LORES_OBSMidderzine Issue 2 by Glynn Seal, Richard Marpole. Published by MonkeyBlood Design. Available from the Publisher in Print for £6.75 and in PDF from DriveThru RPG for $3.86. 24 pages.
More Green for your game
More fodder for your ‘The Midderlands’ OSR campaign setting.
Our second issue!!
This is a fanzine for The Midderlands campaign setting for old school games. Although The Midderlands was written for Swords & Wizardry Complete, it works with all the old school games and retroclones with little or no conversion. Hell, you can even adopt it for any fantasy roleplaying game.
Within this issue you can find news articles, information about locations, NPCs, monsters, races, classes, oddities, spells, flora, fauna, and just about anything to do with the Midderlands, the Haven Isles, and further afield.
IN THIS ISSUE:
  • More fodder for your ‘The Midderlands’ OSR campaign setting.
  • More rumours from The Haven Gazette.
  • Meet the Midderlander: Edwin Nagy, the New England wizard.
  • A New Cult: The Vile Sign.
  • Some ‘Slightly Less Sh*t’ random tables for creating Containers of Liquid and +1 Weapons & Armour.
  • Port Mulhollow: An underground settlement.
  • New Monsters: Pigseers, Biledogs, and Dunglings.
  • A New Class: The Woad Rager.
  • New Oddities including: Laird MacCrae's Prime Haggis, and Screaming Sporrans.
  • And more…
FP:1 Arrival at Fort Perilous by John Leeper. Published by Grey Goblin Games. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $2.20. 30 pages.
This is an old-school sandbox adventure for the basic version of the world's most popular fantasy RPG. Explore the wilderness and the three detailed dungeons around the human outpost of Fort Perilous. 
On the border between wilderness and civilization, Fort Perilous stands, keeping watch and holding the forces of Chaos at bay. Your heroes find themselves in the fort, drawn into the battles between civilization and monsters, between Law and Chaos.
This module is compatible with the B/X and Labyrinth Lord rules and is published under the Open Game License (OGL)

Zangid Raider Technical Manual - For Starships & Spacemen 2EZangid Raider Technical Manual - For Starships & Spacemen 2e by Scott R. Mulder. Published by Luminous Design. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $3.00. 27 pages.
The Zangid Space Force E-2 Raider is a pre-generated starship with deck plans for use with Goblinoid Games' Starships & Spacemen 2E Role-playing game. This game supplement will provide you with a ready to use starship resource perfect for individual games or epic campaigns. You can use the material presented here as it is or modify it to fit your specific needs.

WFRP Ubersreik Adventures - If Looks Could Kill by Andy Law, Dave Allen, Ben Scerri. Published by Cubicle 7 Entertainment. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for Free. 28 pages.

Legends claim the Beast of Ortschlamm stalked the marshes near Ubersreik for centuries. But few believe it…
When the adventurers agree to help Rutger Reuter, a charismatic, young merchant from Ubersreik, little do they realise what’s in store. What starts as a simple job guarding building supplies, soon turns to tragedy, horror, and murder. The Characters will not only need their wits about them to negotiate the double-dealing camp of Reuter and his business partners, but also the Beast they have unwittingly stirred…
Ubersreik Adventures: If Looks Could Kill is an adventure for Warhamer Fantasy Roleplay Fourth Edition, written by WFRP veteran Dave Allen. It is designed with beginner Characters in mind, and concludes in the fortress-town Ubersreik, where the Characters’ adventures can continue with the WFRP Starter Set.
Look Beyond the Angry Eye of God, Heathen by Evey Lockhart. Published by Violent Media. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for PWYW. 15 pages. 
a system of meditative magic, Coleopteric in Nature

In the smallest, crawling things there lies the sum of All.
In the ignoble beetle, power resides. When you Comprehend that a ball of horseshit, rolled about by a Scarab, is no different than yourself, or the sun, or your mother, many things become possible.

This is 15 pages of weird-sad RPG business, offering a mystical beetle-focused magic system for succinct fantasy games with Hit Dice, Saving Throws, and the usual 6 stats. The primary pdf is fully hyperlinked to make at-table navigation a breeze. Further, a pdf of print-and-fold player handouts are provided for when your players manage to grave-rob themselves a grimoire.

We are all nothing. We are all everything. This is not a contradiction.
Cosmic Tales #1 by Aos. Self Published. Available in Print for $5.95 + shipping.
This post fills me with terror. 
After half a decade of threats 
CosmicTales #1 is on sale. 
22 available copies. 
What you get: 48 pages of story and two pages of pin ups, three if you count the next issue promo. 
5.95 + 3.99 shipping and handling (US) international we’ll work it out in email.
My pay pal is the metal earth “at” gmail; no spaces.
Write a thoughtful or especially obscene email and I’ll do a letters page, for Number 2; they’re all number 2, friends.
 
I’ll order more if there is interest. I’ll finish this post after I reign in the laughtears.
Fair warning: you’ll be going on a bit of an artistic journey with me as my resistance to developing a style is utterly destroyed and I’ve gone a good deal further since finishing this in March(?).
 
Thanks for all the support and pestering. 
Trey Causey did the cover colors and the log
DieHexer by Glynn Seal. Published by MonkeyBlood Design Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for PWYW. 1 page.
Got a dice giving you trouble? 
Put it in the DieHexer for a few rounds to see if it changes its mind.*
Print, cut off the edge/logo bit, and then place on the table ready for your troublesome dice...

*not guaranteed to work. This is intended to be a bit of fun... maybe...

Sanctum Secorum - Episode #40 Companion by Bob Brinkman. Published by Sanctum Media. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $0.00. 12 pages.
Classes
Tweel
 
Magic Items
Crystal Egg
 
Monsters
Dire Turkey
Pumpkin Bugbear
Pyramid Builder
 
Poems
Dire Turkey
 
Recipes
Pumpkin Bugbear Pie
Pumpkin Bugbear Mincemeat Pie
Five Classes by Rick Stump, The Fun Lads Five. Published by Harbinger Games. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $2.00. 25 pages.
Classes to Add to your Game
Five Classes is is the newest supplement in the Five series from Harbinger Games.
Five Classes brings PC/NPC classes to your Old School Fantasy game that add depth, flavor, and ability. Everyone will want a henchman or five from the list, perhaps even to play one. 
The Courtier is a master of etiquette, diplomacy, and management. 
The Scholar is a minor mage and a minor sage, allowing them to solve problems, answer questions, and cast spells. 
The Soldier is a fierce fighter skilled in personal duels but more adept at the mass battlefield, the military camp, and the seige. A true asset when leading mercenaries. 
The Spy is a master of intriuge, rumors, shadowing, and finding out hidden facts. 
The Summoner can master any magic, but at a great price!
All the classes have een play tested for decades and are yours to tweak for your own campaign.
Get Five Classes and add some fun to your game!

Re-Issues, New Editions and Now in Print



Cepheus Light By Omer Golan-Joel & Josh Peters. Available from Lulu in Print for $18.99. 164 pages. The PDF version is available from DriveThru RPG for PWYW.

Cepheus LightCepheus Light is a set of rules for playing classic science fiction games. It includes rules on creating characters, resolving actions, fighting other creatures, and engaging in space battles, generating worlds, handling the risks of interstellar speculative trading, exploring new worlds, and many other activities. While rules-light and designed for fast, action-packed play rather than an accurate simulation of reality, Cepheus Light encompasses a wide variety of rules and materials for building a science-fiction universe and playing in it. 
Cepheus Light draws its inspiration from old-school science-fiction roleplaying games. It shares a lot of similarities with these games. Material from older rules sets and those created with Cepheus Light, the Cepheus Engine Core, and old-school sci-fi roleplaying games are easily compatible with only a moderate amount of adjustment. 
The future awaits! 
Compatible with the Cepheus Engine System Reference Document and other OGL 2D6 Sci Fi games.
Mythras by Pete Nash, Lawrence Whitaker. Published by Design Mechanism.  Available from DriveThru RPG in Print/PDF combo for $34.99 and in PDF for $10.95. 304 pages. (see The Design Mechanism website for alternative purchasing options. Currently they're listing print copies for $39.95 and PDF's for $15.00.)
Mythras Core rules 
Mythras is the new name for an older game, but while the name might have changed, the system remains the same, but presented in an updated format with new interior artwork and layout design, along with some new content (Special Effects, small tweaks to the rules, and Spirit Combat Effects). In fact, we've managed to pack more into a smaller space, and reduced the price accordingly. 
For those new to the game, Mythras is a percentile system. In Mythras your characters are defined by their culture, career, community, background, comrades, skills, magic and cults. Progression is through skill advancement – not levels or similarly abstract concepts. As your characters adventure and quest, their capabilities improve and their relationships deepen and strengthen. Players and Games Masters have complete flexibility over what can be achieved, and the way characters develop is entirely dependent on choices players make, depending on their characters’ aspirations and motivations. 
Games Masters receive a huge amount of support through the Mythras rules. All the concepts and game mechanics are explained clearly with options and considerations explored and presented for ease of use. You need only this rulebook for many years of exciting and imaginative play.
The Ruined Tower Giant: An OSR Adventure Published by Unbalanced Dice Games. Available from DriveThru RPG in Print/PDF combo for $13.99, In Print for $9.99 and in PDF for $4.00. 43 pages.
A nice mid level adventure for Labyrinth Lord. The party must go to the tower the giant took with him when he ran away. Something is bugging the Duke and his Necromancer thinks it has to do with the tower. The tower must be explored and the purgative put in every room. Will they have an easy time doing this? Of course not. The tower is dangerous but someone else has taken residence up very close to it. Only by entering the tower will they find out who that is...

What has the Duke done to us!?!?
 
Draw Your Swords!
Marvin the Mage Treasury Edition No.1 by Jim Wampler. Art by Jim Wampler and James V. West. Published by Mudpuppy Games. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $3.99. (The print version was released at Gamehole con, but I have no further info available at this time. Check the Publisher site for updates.) 34 pages.
Marvin the Mage is back! This collection of the misanthropic magic-user's earliest adventures contains 5 complete stories, including two stories that originally appeared only in the Gary Con Events Guide, plus behind-the-scenes articles.
PDF EDITION ONLY BONUS: A never-before-published 2-page color story created for an unrealized OSR fanzine, with art by James V. West.
Marvin the Mage
A misanthropic mage and medieval grifter, Marvin loathes actual adventuring. With a spell book optimized for cheating at card games and mixing adult beverages, Marvin has one ironclad rule that has always served him well: NO dungeons and NO dragons. Surly, selfish, and sarcastic by nature, Marvin is best described as just a pixie's wing this side of chaotic-neutral.
32 pages 

Written and Drawn by: Jim Wampler
Additional art by: James V. West
Edited by: Tim Kask and Matt Finch
The Polyhedron Volume 2 #2 Issue 5 from Wizards of the Coast. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $0.99. 16 pages.
Included in this issue: 
  • Gift Catalog Changes
  • INTERVIEW with Gary Lee "Jake" Jaquet— Part 2 of three parts
  • The Round Table — Point: Impressions of an RPGA Tournament/Counterpoint
  • Bag of Tricks — Tips for D&D® and AD&DTM players
  • Spelling Bee: Crystalbrittle and Energy Drain — Our series on AD&DTM spell effects continues
  • Figure Painting — Figure painting advice from the expert, by Michael Brunton
  • RPGA Charter Members — The Elite, Part 1, A-L
  • More Conventions — TOP SECRET®, BOOT HILLTM and GAMMA WORLDTM Game Updates 

Far Away Land: Bundle of Awesome [BUNDLE] by Dirk Stanley. Published by Simian Circle Games. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $25.00 (regular price of $44.99.) 877 pages.

(If you're looking for these in PDF instead of print, the bundle makes the set almost half price. I've never played it personally, but it looks like a cool game and as a fan of Adventure Time, it's on my list.)


RPGA NEWS Volume 2 #1 from Wizards of the Coast. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $0.99. 16 pages. 

Included in this issue: 
  • Fighter Coming Around A Corner — Willingham art
  • The Polyhedron — The NEW Newsletter:
  • Convention Update — The latest news from the East Coast
  • NAME CONTEST Finishes!
  • GRENADIER — Reprinted from the Grenadier Bulletin
  • INTERVIEW with "Jake " Jaquet — Starting a 3-part series
  • Spelling Bee: Evocations — Continuing our AD&D™ series
  • BASICally Speaking — A new D&D® BASIC column by Jon Pickens
  • NOR — Our new cartoon series by Roger Raupp

Hidden Hand of the Horla, By the Author Of the BlogT1 Hidden Hand of the Horla - Physical Limited Edition, Signed and Numbered by R. J. Thompson. Published by Appendix N Entertainment. $18.00. You can still get the PDF from DriveThru RPG for $1.99. 22 pages.

A 1st - 3rd level adventure for use with Gateway To Adventure and other Original Edition Fantasy Role Playing Games.
Legends tell of the Hand Mage's Tower that once stood at the edge of the realm. Within the Hand Mage experimented and hoarded his magical treasures. The tower stood for many years until one day it mysteriously vanished. Rumors spread that the mage had offended the gods and had been eradicated from existence, or else had made a pact with a demon prince and was now paying his due. Whatever the case, the tales became legend and all but the oldest elves were unsure if the tower had ever existed at all. Now the tower has reappeared where it once stood. Will you dare to enter the ancient tower in search of riches and magical secrets?

In the "DTRPG says it's OSR and I Typed it Out Before Noticing the Cover Said 5e compatible, So What The Hell," Department...



Jungle Tomb of the Mummy Bride by Levi Combs. Published by Planet X Games. Available from DriveThru RPG in PDF for $9.99. 87 pages.
Tales of the cursed pyramid and the sleeping tomb of the Mummy Bride have long been a traveler’s tale, passed along by wayward explorers and greedy plunderers alike. Deep within the verdant jungles of the south, amidst a Green Hell of impenetrable jungle, savage cannibals and ancient myth, lies the shattered remnants of a once-powerful civilization and the terrible gods who ruled over them. Rumors swirl of untold riches and un-plundered magic for those brave (or foolish!) enough to claim it. Will your players survive… and what will be left of them? 
The Jungle Tomb of the Mummy Bride is an old school, grindhouse-style combination of classic role playing adventure and devilishly-designed dungeons for levels 5-7, cram-packed with b-movie goodness to challenge even the most seasoned of adventurers. It’s a module that could only have been made in the primitive jungles of man… where life is cheap! 
The 87 page download includes the full module, 8 bonus sepia-toned treasure maps and a 10 page Players Pack that includes a one of kind custom character sheet by Karl Stjernberg!

More Free Stuff!


MonkeyBlood Design has made The Demon Stones available for PWYW on DriveThru RPG. Available in Print or PDF (There is a minimum cost on the print to cover printing costs.) 75 pages.

From DwD Studios here's a 1e Character Sheet in PDF.

If you visit Jimm Johnson at The Contemptible Cube of Quazar he has some Printable Maps & Monster Matrices for Module XQ1: The Castle that Fell from the Sky.

Jeff Rients of Jeff's Gameblog released these paper minis into the wild. Direct link to PDF file.

Dyson Logos of Dyson's Dodecahedron released a map - The Blessed Monastery.

Omer G. Joel at Den of the Lizard King released the Hard Space: Updated Starmap.

Wizzzargh at DMiurgy has posted maps of Four Campaign Worlds & Lessons from their Creation.

Dan at Throne of Salt posted part two of his Unnamed Mothership Setting.

P_ARMSTRONG returned to his Ode to Black Dougal blog after a 5 year absence, to talk about Small Greyhawk. 

Saker Tarsos of Tarsos Theorem made a Veins of the Earth Automated DM Screen.

Steve C at The Borderlands shows you How To Resolve Anything That Comes Up.

Michael "Chgowiz" Shorten of CHICAGOWIZ'S GAMES continues his Three Hexes series with Three the Hard Way.





James V. West of Doomslakers! posted a one page adventure: A Trolling We Will Go.

Misc. Gaming News

Emmy Allen of Cavegirl's Game Stuff shares Why I Like the OSR.

Rob Conley of Bat in the Attic has some update info on Blackmarsh.

Daniel Sell of What Would Conan Do? Is paying for accepted submissions to The Undercroft. 

And Speaking of Black Friday...

See Tenkar at the Tavern for the low-down on OSR Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales. 

Reviews from the Gaming Community

Christopher Bishop from Multiverse has a review of Blood & Treasure 2nd edition.

Arturs Leitans from AL0 Lair of the Megagorgon has another play report from Through Ultan's Door. 

Pookie UK of Reviews from R'lyeh has a review of Conan: Jeweled Thrones of the Earth (not exactly OSR, but it's Conan and Pookie gives us a lot of reviews.)



About the News

Links to DriveThru RPG are affiliate links. The OSR News is Supported by my Patrons through Patreon. No publishers pay for inclusion or placement. On occasion, I may receive an item from a publisher or author, for review. This is not necessary for inclusion The OSR News. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

I've Started a Patreon to Support The OSR News and other works! And a Map!

After listening to suggestions from some of my readers, I've started a Patreon to help support The OSR News and Dreams of Mythic Fantasy.

A typical News post takes 7-10 hours to put together, depending upon the activity level of the community. I expect this time commitment to increase, as my plans for the News and related material are realized. In particular, I'm planning a YouTube channel devoted to gaming, the OSR, reviews, etc. There's a few OSR & related channels now, but not many and I think its time the OSR really made its presence known on that platform.

As a person who is self employed, working with a few different streams of income, time taken away from paying work, costs. This is one of the reasons I set aside the blog a few years ago. A Patreon will allow me to continue working on the News and extend my efforts.

Your patronage and consideration is most appreciated and thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be a part of one of the coolest things, ever!

And if you visit the Patreon page, there's a copy of a recent map available for download. Brisco's 1st lvl Paladin is still in one of those hexes...