The Best Ranger

 The Ranger class makes its first appearance in Strategic Review Vol. 1 Issue 2, in an article written by Joe Fischer. It is remarkable to note that no official Ranger class exists in original D&D even though it is considered a staple. It isn't until the publication of the AD&D Players Handbook that one is published.

Who is Joe Fischer? 

Gygax says: “Joe Fischer played in my group, and he did an article in THE STRATEGIC REVIEW introducing the Ranger Class for the D&D game. From that I built the AD&D version.”

On another thread this was posted:

Q: "Likewise the Rangers use of magic user spells, as opposed to more nature based magic. Was the ranger originally intended as something else than the foresting, robin hood type ?"

Gygax: "Ask the originator of the class, Joe Fischer. I polished his original material for The Strategic Review, and all the readers loved it the way it was, to it remained in that general form for the AD&D game. No sense in fixing something that isn't broken as far as most players go."

Joe also wrote a series of articles in Strategic Review and early The Dragon magazines on Hints for D&D Judges: Part I - Towns, Part 2 - Wilderness, Part 3 - The Dungeon which were reprinted in Best of the Dragon I.

The original Ranger has many of the tropes that are still associated with the class: hard to surprise, a bonus against giants, some spell use at high levels, and tracking of course. This article is written a little rough; it can be a bit hard to make out how it all works, and it has one of the worst kludgy mechanics to be found in OD&D (and that's saying a lot). 4 XP for every 3 XP until 8th level. Why not just reduce the XP required per level by 25% at levels 1-7?

Taking those things into account, I reorganized the information, removed redundancies, and clarified certain points while keeping the design absolutely the same. Here it is laid out in classic White Box style. You can print this out and fold it into your own copy of OD&D if you're so inclined.

Check out these blog posts for some additional takes on the original Ranger:
https://www.blogofholding.com/?p=5753

https://batintheattic.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-problematic-ranger.html

Celtic Legends 3: The World of Eire

 

The third book in the Celtic Legends series is now out, and it feels like a good time to say a bit more about how it fits into the broader pile of things I’ve been tinkering with.

If you’ve seen the Norse material I’ve shared here before, this sits in a similar space. I tend to think of these lines less as separate projects and more as related branches, different expressions of the same underlying idea. That idea is something I’ve been calling Terra Mythica for a while now: a loose framework where real-world mythologies can coexist within a shared campaign space.

It’s not meant to be overly systematized or locked down. The appeal, at least for me, is in letting these traditions retain their own tone and identity while still brushing up against one another at the edges. If I had to point to a comparison, the closest might be Riverworld, though the similarity is more conceptual than literal.

Celtic Legends itself is written by Rob Stone, someone I’ve collaborated with quite a bit over the years. This particular corner of mythology is very much in his wheelhouse, and it shows. My role on these books was limited to layout, the voice and substance are all his.

If you’re curious, you can take a look here:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/559206/celtic-legends-the-world-of-e-ire

More to come on Terra Mythica as it continues to take shape.

Book of Valkyries (OSR edition)

Just finished the final drawing for the Book of Valkyries. This is a revised version and a new drawing for Skuld. This finalizes the book and it's off to the printer. 

Skuld
Seer of the Valkyries

Aesir Demi-Goddess, Medium Humanoid, Lawful Neutral

Armor Class: 20 (runic mail and cloak of fate)
Hit Dice: 12d8+36 (hp 92)
BHB: +9
Attacks: Spear (1d8+4) or staff (1d6+3)
Move: 120’ (40’) / 180’ (60’) flying
Save: D3 W4 P4 B5 S7 (F12)
Morale: 11
XP: 4,200
TT: G

Str: 14/+1 Dex: 18/+3 Con: 17/+2 Int: 19/+4 Wis: 26/+8 Chr: 22/+5

Sight of Skuld. Skuld perceives threads of fate surrounding all creatures. She cannot be surprised and always acts in the first round of combat unless facing another divine being, then initiative is rolled for her normally.

Skuldborg - Shield of Destiny. After a successful attack roll is made against the bearer, they may force the attacker to reroll the attack and take the worse result.

Rune of Foresight. Twice per day Skuld may grant an ally within 30’ the benefit of foresight, giving +2 to attack rolls and saving throws for 2 rounds.

Seer of the Valkyries. Other Valkyries within 60’ gain +1 to attack rolls and morale while Skuld is present, as she guides them according to the patterns of fate.

Skuld (/skoold/ debt, obligation, that which is to be) is both a Norn and a Valkyrie, a rare figure who stands between the weavers of fate and the choosers of the slain. Alongside Urðr (what has been) and Verðandi (what is becoming), she forms the triad of Norns who determine the destinies of gods and mortals. While her sisters tend the well of fate, Skuld also rides with the Valkyries, carrying the decrees of destiny onto the battlefield.

Geirskögul - Valkyrie of Shaking Spears

It's been a few months since I posted a Valkyrie; here you go.

Geirskögul

Valkyrie of Shaking Spears

Aesir Demi-Goddess, Medium Humanoid, Chaotic Good

Armor Class: 20 (dress of divine protection)
Hit Dice: 11d8+22 (hp 72)
BHB: +9
Attacks: Spear +10 (1d8+3) or Sword +10 (1d6+3)
Move: 120’ (40’) / Fly 180’ (60’)
Save: D3 W4 P4 B5 S7 (F11)
Morale: 11
XP: 3,000
TT: F

Str: 17/+2 Dex: 21/+4 Con: 15/+1 Int: 14/+1 Wis: 16/+2 Chr: 19/+3

Shaking Spears. Once per battle Geirskögul can inspire nearby warriors to fury. All allies within 60’ gain +2 to attack rolls and Morale for 3 rounds. Enemies witnessing the charge must Save vs. Spells or suffer –1 to attack rolls during the same time.

Battle Sense. She can sense the presence of impending battle or armed conflict within 1 mile.

Geirskögul (“Spear-Shaker”) is a fierce Valkyrie known for stirring warriors to battle. Her presence often heralds the beginning of great clashes, where shields splinter and spears tremble in the hands of charging armies. Clad in an ebon dress and bearing a long war-spear, she rides above the battlefield selecting the bravest fallen for Odin’s halls. Among the Valkyries she is known as a herald of battle, appearing where the tide of war is about to break. 

Happy Frazetta Day

 Happy Birthday to the greatest artist of the 20th century. Frank Frazetta was born this day 1928 in Brooklyn, New York.

Here are a few close-ups of some of his greatest hits. His brushwork is amazing, the confidence, the power, it all works together so well. Many have tried but no one will ever be like Frazetta.