Sitemap
This is a sitemap over all available pages ordered by namespaces.
-
-
-
-
The DM's introductionplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe DM's introduction
The first thing you ever remember is purple smoke, then waking up in a cave to see Sensei, an incredibly ancient man of Eastern decent, standing over you.
“Why are you laying there? Your training began two hours ago.”
Those words amply describe the past 12 years of your childhood. Your surroundings defined isolation; the monastery consisted of a series of caves nested in a narrow valley surrounded by tall mountains. Those who tried to explore beyond the valley found them… 1: Arrival in the World of Manplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big1: Arrival in the World of Man
It is only on this, the morning of my sixth day in the world of man, when I can begin to write, because until now I had pen and parchment, but no ink. I will attempt to render every event accurately, but I cant fully trust my memory. The strangeness of this world has been overwhelming. 2: On the Path to the Koboldsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big2: On the Path to the Kobolds
Reading over the last entry, I find myself having to think to understand my own writing. The master taught me to write simply, in a way that even a child could understand. In that interest, I will continue to call the Infiltrator Infiltrator, but the new infiltrator I will call the halfling. Identification was never so difficult in the monastery, where no life path was held by more than one person. 3: The Lair of the Kobolds and a First Defeatplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big3: The Lair of the Kobolds and a First Defeat
I am quickly learning what the master meant when he sent us to gain knowledge and prowess. The world of man is so full of dangers that one can hardly expect to walk a mile on a clear path without being attacked. I can only assume that those who are used to such things travel only in large, well-armed groups. I hear of trade between the towns. The large numbers of people that must be required for such endeavors might explain why some common items lik… 4: Return to the Chasmplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big4: Return to the Chasm
Day 8 (seventeenth day of the month)
We camped near the ruins. I tried to take the first watch, but the Infiltrator was insistent that I get some sleep. Without a clear head, I would not be able to study my spells, and I now had an unfamiliar spellbook. I soon regretted taking his advice, when I was woken from my sleep by a piercing pain. An unnatural creature of some kind, shaped like a broom and made of wood, attacked the halfling and myself before any of the others no… 5: The White Dragon and the Half Dragonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big5: The White Dragon and the Half Dragon
I am totally exhausted, but I feel I must write down the events of these past few hours before I sleep. I find it difficult to concentrate on my pen, and I can already see that my letters grow as they reach for the right side of the page, and that my lines are not parallel, and that I am slipping into the common tongue far more often than I would like, because I simply can not bring to mind the many languages I know. Despite my exhaustion, and the pain th… 6: The Mother of the Koboldsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big6: The Mother of the Kobolds
I fear I must write in haste, for the kobolds may return at any moment. Although we dispatched dozens of them today, we have not since seen the hoard of non-combatants that we encountered on our second visit. I am surely wise enough to realize that non-combatants will soon pick up weapons when the need arises. I sit near 7: The Drow, the Tree and the Bookplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big7: The Drow, the Tree and the Book
Day 11 (twentieth day of the month)
Once we woke, we hid the Infiltrator and made haste down the shaft. The others were eager as usual, but only two things justified my own continued exploration. One was the meek hope that I might find my journal, and yes, the even less likely chance that I'd find my flute. The other was the continued evidence of the tower's draconic decor. I am certain that our master sent us to this particular place for a reason. I believe … 8: The Destruction of the Chasmplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big8: The Destruction of the Chasm
Day 12 (twenty-first day of the month)
In the middle of the night, an earthquake interrupted my reading. I hurried out of the building, concerned that it might collapse on me, and found that the others, in addition to most of the townsfolk, had done the same. Since everyone was confused, and this was not a region prone to such events, we suspected it had had something to do with the chasm. After spending so many hours absorbed in my book of dragons, I feared (an… 9: The End of the Halflingplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big9: The End of the Halfling
As I begin to write, I find myself regretting words I wrote days ago about the halfling. I condemned him as a fool and a coward and I wrote of his very nature as treacherous and deceitful. Now that he is dead, I'm rethinking my harsh words. It would be dishonest to scratch the words from the page, but I will reconsider them while I detail the events of the day. 10: A Brief Interludeplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big10: A Brief Interlude
Day 16 (twenty-fourth day of the month)
We returned to town to find that the fool of a mayor had sent ten of his men, which constituted fully half of the remaining town guard, to investigate the mines. I told him he should bother to train his men, though, I suppose fortunately, he did not hear me. 11: The Assassinplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big11: The Assassin
We have been found. Do to my own foolishness, we have been found. It was the Empty Hand who suggested why an assassin might target me out of all the people in this town. I was so confident in my success that I did not even make such a simple connection. The first entries of my journal of the world of man have been found. 12: The Mines and the Drowplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big12: The Mines and the Drow
Day 17 (twenty-fifth day of the month)
The others returned in the morning, and I told them of the previous night's events. As soon as I heard the Empty Hand's suggestion, I was eager to repair matters by making haste for the thieves' guild's town. I could not convince the others, however. They feel some attachment to this town and its pitiful mayor that I do not share. This town has little to do with our mission, while the other town houses people who would travel a … 13: The End of the Talonsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big13: The End of the Talons
Day 19 (twenty-seventh day of the month)
Our mission has failed. With one of us gone, we are down to seven, and eight are needed to fight our enemy. This short entry marks the end of my journal, as I await the return to our master. 14: A Failure Explainedplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big14: A Failure Explained
Day 19 (twenty-seventh day of the month)
My last entry was inappropriate, and I am tempted to scratch it from the parchment. Regardless of my own feelings, even though they reflect the state of our mission, I must still outline the series of foolish acts that led to the death of a comrade. 15: Four Days of Restplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big15: Four Days of Rest
Day 22 (thirtieth day of the eighth month)
Four days have passed, and we have not been returned to the monastery. I've begun to think this is because of the one piece of business we have left unfinished. The thought first occurred to me the day after the battle, as I was wandering the regions outside the town, paying very little attention to my surroundings. I thought, as I thought many times these four days, about the Tracker's death. The very peace of the areas I wander… 16: The Journey Continuesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big16: The Journey Continues
Day 23 (first day of the ninth month)
Last night I had a dream -- a dream so vivid and memorable that I can not doubt that it was real. I was at the monastery, and for a moment, believed that we had returned, but then, somehow, I knew it was only a dream. The glade was fresh and clean, much in contrast to this village, and I could smell the summer grasses that grew close around the pond. My master stood by the pond, and complained to me about the trouble he was having… 17: Insects and Orcsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big17: Insects and Orcs
I suspect I will have a great deal of time while the priest argues with various members of the town bureaucracy, so I will write this entry in my spare moments.
Day 23 (first day of the ninth month)
Again, we came far too close to being wiped out. We have lost one, and can not afford to lose another. We must learn when it is wiser to flee than to fight. 18: The Assassins' Guildplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big18: The Assassins' Guild
Day 26 (fourth day of the ninth month)
In the end, we gave up our weapons, and the Infiltrator and I signed meaningless symbols in their log books, while the Empty Hand signed a name he had invented weeks ago. This was done in the armory, a secure building with bricked-in windows. I can only imagine what would happen to such a building if there were a fire. The man who took our names was aged and sickly, though he hid his ailment as best he could. He was dressed in the… 20: Association with Thievesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big20: Association with Thieves
Perhaps the Infiltrator is right. I don't like his narrow-minded outlook, and I do not agree that I did the wrong thing, but he is right in that, without trust, our order will fall apart. A lack of trust between us three could do far more damage than the death of any one of us. 21: Another Murder and the Talons' Decisionplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big21: Another Murder and the Talons' Decision
Day 33 (eleventh day of the ninth month)
I spent the day carving a new flute and studying spells, awaiting the others' decision. They spent some time in private discussion, though I can not be certain it was about me. At night, the priest, who was returning from a celebration held by a baron, told us that one of the barons was going to send out a party to search for some magical weapon or other. The winged woman told us where the island could be foun… 22: The Orc-Hunt, and the Destroyed Shipplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big22: The Orc-Hunt, and the Destroyed Ship
Day 36 (fourteenth day of the ninth month)
Early in the day, the winged woman spotted a grove of enormous mushrooms from the sky. We approached to investigate, and saw that they were very slowly moving about on root-like tendrils. The guardsman thought our suggestion very strange that these could be dangerous, but he nevertheless agreed to avoid them. 23: The Vampiresplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big23: The Vampires
My hand is shaking as I write this, half in fear and half in anticipation. We have a new goal -- to destroy these vampires before they can spread word of our presence.
Day 40 (eighteenth day of the ninth month)
The night before, the priest, with the help of the Infiltrator and the Empty Hand, had purchased a magic wand that could detect the presence of undead creatures. We spent the day searching around town, using the wand to look for the vampire, but to no avail. Neither th… 24: Locating the Vampiresplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big24: Locating the Vampires
After three days, I believe we are finally closing in on our targets. I suspect tomorrow may bring information more pertinent to our mission than any we have obtained in the past.
Day 41 (nineteenth day of the ninth month) 25: The Baronplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big25: The Baron
I am now prepared for what may be our final adventure in this town, and I have some time to transcribe the events of the day. I must admit that our battle with the vampires was disappointing, though at the same time a great relief. They must have read the lost pages of my journal, but I now believe they knew nothing of us or our quest beyond those pages. 26: The Red Warriorplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big26: The Red Warrior
At last, we have found our Enemy. It will be some time before we can track him precisely, but we know that our enemy has taken form, and what he is doing, and where he is. I can feel our mission coming to its close.I can only hope that we are ready. Perhaps the time comes near to summon the others from our monastery. 27: The Journey to Cormyrplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big27: The Journey to Cormyr
Day 45-49 (twenty third through twenty seventh day of the ninth month)
Our trip was uneventful, though extraordinarily expensive due to the restrictions placed on trade by the thieves' guild. I spent most of my time on the journey learning new spells, while the others trained in their own ways. On the first day, the guardsman 28: The Cultists' Tavernplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big28: The Cultists' Tavern
Day 49 (twenty seventh day of the ninth month)
It took some effort to be admitted to the city, though not as much as to the previous town. Part of the reason, no doubt, was that the priest's family is widely recognized here. We had to disable our weapons in symbolic fashion, tying ropes around blades and covering the ends of crossbows with sacks, and they required a fee and a name to enter. There was quite an argument over the fee, since it was intended as a toll for a… 29: The Cultists' Escapeplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big29: The Cultists' Escape
Day 51 (twenty ninth day of the ninth month)
After a comfortable night's sleep at the priest's home, we set about on some minor items of business. At the temple, we learned that the samurai's master had been healed, but would have to stay there for a few days more. Then we went to the refugees' section of town, where the samurai wanted to investigate the corrupt usurer. This business did not take long. He quickly procured agreement from a few other money-lenders to tak… 30: Pursuitplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big30: Pursuit
Day 53 (a holiday between the ninth and tenth months)
The priest spent the morning at some meeting his father had arranged for him with a woman, about which he seemed very indignant both before and afterward. After that, at around noon, we finally left, having given the cultists a two-day head start. We crossed planes and a river, and killed some wolf-like creatures on someone's farm, who were attacking a few sheep. Then the others delayed still further, joking about eating the she… 31: The Cultists' Towerplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big31: The Cultists' Tower
Day 60 (eighth day of the tenth month)
The woman scouted the ruined tower, and by late morning, we were all looking at it. There was nothing left of the tower itself but rubble, and in the center was a hole leading down into what once must have been the basement. The Infiltrator spotted a tiny viper rushing for the hole, and he grabbed it and beat its head against a rock. His explanation, which I quite understand, is that it may have been a wizard's familiar, a pet used… 32: Infiltrating the Castleplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big32: Infiltrating the Castle
Day 61 (ninth day of the eleventh month)
As soon as we were prepared, we activated the portal and went through, soon to discover that it was a one-way passage. We appeared in a cave that contained nothing but the statue of a woman and a shallow pool of water. The tunnel which led to out of the cave towards sunlight was lined with four sets of protective magical glyphs, but they were inactive. We had no time to examine them, as we heard footfalls outside, and had to … 33: Foiling the Enemy's Plansplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big33: Foiling the Enemy's Plans
Day 61 (ninth day of the eleventh month)
I finally suggested a plan which worked nicely. I magically disguised myself as a cultist, and enchanted the mercenary to get us to the artifact as safely as possible. The priest removed the mercenary's shackles and attached them to the others. All of their weapons were placed into my magic backpack, though the samurai was hesitant, and even went so far as to threaten my life if I were to touch his sword. This does not bode… 34: A Hundred and Twenty Prisonersplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big34: A Hundred and Twenty Prisoners
Everywhere I go, there is someone looking over my shoulder. It has been days since I've been able to write, and it will no doubt be days before I can write again. For completeness, I will summarize, but I derive no enjoyment from dodging madly around to get a few seconds of privacy at a time. With luck, we'll be rid of these people soon, and able to pursue our true quest. 35: A Confrontationplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big35: A Confrontation
Day 71-72 (nineteenth-twentieth day of the eleventh month)
Finally, we were able to unload the prisoners, and, although it may be too late, we can finally return to the castle and destroy what remains of the artifact and portal. This town is home to the well-known arch-mage, the same one responsible for the protection of that castle. 36: Return to the Castleplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big36: Return to the Castle
Day 72 (twentieth day of the eleventh month)
Ten men and women known to the arch-mage as knights accompanied us back to the castle, through a teleportation circle, and what we found was disappointing. Almost all evidence of the cult was gone. Every trace of the crystalline object had been removed and the portal had been disintegrated. The only life we found at first was a draconic creature that had been reduced to a skeletal form, which swooped from the ceiling and att… 37: Another Leg of the Journey Beginsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big37: Another Leg of the Journey Begins
Surprisingly, the samurai's servant asked to travel with us, without his master. I suppose it cannot hurt much for now, provided he leaves once we rescue the prisoners. With his frivolous use of magic, he can only be a burden. Two of the knights will also accompany us 38: Searching for Slavesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big38: Searching for Slaves
The others have finally returned, but without the Archer. The Infiltrator and Empty Hand have left, and another leg of our journey has begun.
Day 82 (thirtieth day of the eleventh month)
Last night, I received another dream-message from our master. This time we were all together, and I learned that the Archer had died in the desert. Now we are only six, but I keep my master's words in mind. Even if I am the only one left, I will still do all I can to defeat the Enemy. 39: Six Remainplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big39: Six Remain
The Healer has taken a liking to the winged woman, though I warned him not to trust her. I gather they are of the same religion. They have spent innumerable hours talking to each other, outside the hearing of the rest of us. I hope their conversation remained philosophical, and that the Healer didn't disclose anything unnecessarily. 40: A Sacrifice is Requiredplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big40: A Sacrifice is Required
I can't believe the others want to sleep at a time like this. There's a way to save him and they won't let me do it. One day. One day is all we have at most, if the servant's assessment is accurate.
Day 90 (eighth day of the twelfth month) 41: Unnamed Entryplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big41: Unnamed Entry
I have made a grave error in judgment these past weeks. The woman was not an enemy. It is unfortunate that it took an event as momentous as this to make me realize that.
I omitted an important event that occurred several days ago. One night in the woods, I confronted the woman, asking her her purpose, and why she kept up the ruse that she was here to protect me, while everything about her mysterious appearance spoke against her. I have thought a great deal about her answer, e… 42: Unfinished Entryplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big42: Unfinished Entry
This entry is still being written, so it contains some notes.
42: Unfinished Entry
Day 91 (ninth day of the twelfth month)
[start very practical -- details about the town. Maybe end before the series of fights begins. Write in library, or while waiting in brothel?] 43: Unfinished Entryplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big43: Unfinished Entry
This entry is still being written...
43: Unfinished Entry
The ship is finally empty. Normally, I avoid spending so much time writing in a single day, but many days' worth of activity has happened since my last entry six or eight hours ago.
Day 91 (ninth day of the twelfth month) 44: Unfinished Entryplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big44: Unfinished Entry
These are notes that I never had a chance to turn into prose. This is very rough.
44: Unfinished Entry
Sleep.
Id amulet. Tells me I'm not good. Sakai gets off at Calaunt.
Sleep.
Get to town in the middle of the night. Our front is that we're a trading ship. Research staff. Agree to deliver message and chest for 5000gp plus another 5000 worth of textiles. Epilogue, Version 1: A New Worldplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigEpilogue, Version 1: A New World
The Arcanist finds himself in a world without magic.
Epilogue, Version 1: A New World
The eleventh of May, two thousand five
For posterity, I have written down my journal word-for-word from memory, including those few grammatical errors I may have made in my earlier entries. Even the last entry, which I wrote in a panic but with surprising clarity of thought, I have reproduced unchanged Epilogue, Version 2: The Fight Continuesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigEpilogue, Version 2: The Fight Continues
This was modified from version 1, based on DM comments.
Epilogue, Version 2: The Fight Continues
The eleventh of May, two thousand five
It has been twenty four years since my last entry, and as I have just yesterday learned how to reopen the tattoo which contained the journal, now seemed a good time to end it. Epilogue, Version 3: The Senseiplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigEpilogue, Version 3: The Sensei
If everything had gone as Albatross planned...
Epilogue, Version 3: The Sensei
The Swordsman is finally dead, and I can now begin my task in earnest. It has been ten years since the Infiltrator and the Swordsman slew Rokuchiangkamphan. Ten years of my time. A hundred years of theirs. Albatross's Journalplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAlbatross's Journal
albatross index
DM Critiqueplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDM Critique
At the end of our spring 2004 sessions, the DM asked for player comments, in order to improve his DMing style. Here is what the players said:
* The DM having a PC is a BAD idea. It fosters resentment amoung some players if the PC is given too much attention or is too Cast of Charactersplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigCast of Characters
Albatross is pretty bad with names, so here's a quick reference of the characters who have appeared in the game. The names that Albatross calls people are given in italics, while the real names and descriptions are given in normal text. House Rulesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigHouse Rules
Raise Dead and Resurrection
Raise Dead and Resurrection are not automatically successful. A character's chances of being resurrected are 15%+3% a level, to a maximum of 75%. No retries. The in-campaign justification is that the Gods know when it is your The Wrath of the Talonsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Wrath of the Talons
This is a D&D campaign I was involved in for two years, from fall of 2003 to spring of 2005. It was a complete campaign, starting at level 1 and going up to level 17, where everything was wrapped up nicely with an epic battle. Campaign Settingplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigCampaign Setting
Our story begins in and around Leland-To, a large walled hamlet of 400 on the Shining Plain, a day from the Giant's Run Mountains. The only established human settlement for more than 150 miles, Leland-To is (locally) famous for two things. First, almost 150 years ago to the month, the adventuring cleric Leland (later Leland the First) foiled a Drow invasion of the surface led by the dark cleric Mahta-Jazeera. After his victory, Leland was made ruler of the town. He abrogate… The Wrath of the Talonsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Wrath of the Talons
* The Wrath of the Talons * Campaign Setting * The Talons' Monastery * Albatross's Journal * Caged Wolf's Journal * Essethra's Journal * PBeM * Custom Items * Characters * Timeline * House Rules * DM Critique Timelineplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTimeline
This is a timeline of the campaign, incorporating all the journals. For specific journals (which will probably be more up-to-date than this), go back to the main page.
Pre-Game
Albatross: Dancing Albatross Intro
The Month of Eleasis
9th-13th
The Talons appear, and rescue Toben and Hallendar.
RPG Fiction and Campaign Write-Upsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRPG Fiction and Campaign Write-Ups
Campaigns Hosted on Zioth.com
The Coming of the Zioth
Welcome to a world that has nineteen years left to live. In nineteen years, on the one thousand twentieth year of the Zioth, all five moons will leave the sky for a night, and the world will be destroyed and rebuilt. But who can believe such legends in a world at its prime? Everything is normal. The strange creatures of legend are nowhere to be seen, and magic? A story to put children to sleep. The Coming…
Netbook of Featsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigNetbook of Feats
Netbook of Feats Find Roleplaying Gamesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigFind Roleplaying Games
Obsidian Portal: I can't believe it took me so long to find this site. Join a hundred thousand gamers in a community which includes hosted campaigns, player and game finders, and more, for all RPG systems.
Play by Email / Play by Post
Giants in the Playground forums, mainly D&D. Roleplaying Resourcesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRoleplaying Resources
This is a collection of resources I've written or found over the years. While a lot of this is oriented towards D&D, much is applicable to any role-playing game or fantasy world. Anything here that is not credited can be assumed to be copyright Roleplay Pluginplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRoleplay Plugin
This Dokuwiki plugin facilitates the creation of web sites for role-playing games.
Every feature uses this syntax:
data here
Dice roller
Configuration
Configuration is done through a wiki page called roleplay_config, which is in the same namespace as the game turns. Roleplaying Resourcesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRoleplaying Resources
* Index
* RPG Fiction
* Characters
* Worlds
* Campaigns
* Magic
* Game Systems
* Rules
* Relic Vault
* Resources
* Fun Recent Updatesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRecent Updates
October 18, 2017
* D&D 5: Masters of Skills
September 26, 2011
* Added official D&D character sheet to Characters page. * Added d20 modern and Ars Magica to Game Systems page.
September 23, 2011
* Fancy new design for the Roleplaying Resources site, with icons, and better organization. Good bye giant list of links!