Tower of Xthar'Drim in Isometric

 Here is the Tower of Xthar'Drim drawn in isometric. Looking at the flat top down maps wasn't always clear on how they interconnected, even with the help of the sideview. This should help.

Sanngríðr - Valkyrie of Violence

Time for another peek at the Book of Valkyries

Sanngríðr
Valkyrie of Violence

Demi-Goddess, Medium Humanoid, Chaotic Good

Armor Class: 2 (Mystical Armor and Shield)
Hit Dice: 12 (96 hp)
BHB: +12
Attacks: 2 attacks per round (1d10+5x2, magical battle axe Skjótt Högg)
Move: 60’, 120’ (fly)
Save: D4 W5 P5 B5 S8 (F12)
Morale: 12 (Unshakeable)
XP: 10,000
TT: F, G, H

Str: 18/+3 Dex: 17/+2 Con: 16/+2 Int: 14/+1 Wis: 15/+1 Chr: 20/+4

• Magical Axe (Skjótt Högg): +5 to hit and damage, returns to hand after thrown.
• Magic Helmet (Ofbeldis Hjálmr): Grants infravision and immunity to charm and fear.
• Battle Cry: Allies within 30 feet gain +1 to attack rolls and saves against fear.
• Divine Resistance: Resistance to non-magical weapons and spells of 5th level or lower.

Sanngridr is the Valkyrie of Violence, her name means "True Violence.” She is a towering figure of divine war and glory. Her presence on the battlefield inspires awe and fear. Clad in her mystical armor that shines like the northern lights and wielding the legendary axe Skjótt Högg (Swift Stroke), she is a force to be reckoned with. Her long, golden hair flows behind her like a banner of war as she rides into battle, her piercing blue eyes reflecting her divine origin. Known for her fierce loyalty to her allies and her mercilessness to her foes, Sanngridr is not only a fierce warrior but also a wise and fair judge of the fallen warriors, choosing who shall ascend to Valhalla. Her commanding voice echoes across the battlefield, bolstering the courage of her allies and striking fear into the hearts of her enemies. Despite her fearsome reputation, she carries a sense of honor and dignity, embodying the spirit of a true warrior.

Tower of Xthar'Drim

A Sword & Planet adventure for Warriors of the Red Planet

Xthar'Drim was a rogue Jedak who defied orders and broke away from Helium to form his own city state. He took the tallest tower in the ruins of an ancient city whose name is long forgotten, but is called Kith Drangor by the locals. There he began to build his kingdom, recruiting any scum and villainy that would join his ranks. He captures and enslaves others to throw into the dark pits under his tower, he uses these poor unfortunates in macabre gladiator games.

Rift of the Elemental Lord

 

Rift of the Elemental Lord

A rift to the elemental plane of ice has opened nearby that leads to an Elemental Lord's abode.

Rough Hewn Tomb

 A tomb to a long forgotten god-king was hewn out of solid rock. Is it filled with treasure? Or death? Most likely both.

Remnants of Galik Mon

 This was originally designed for a Sword & Planet adventure for Warriors of the Red Planet. I'm still working on the encounter key, but here is the map. The idea is a remnant of an ancient civilization live in the ruins of their ancestors, they've forgotten how to use the highly advanced technology that fills the place.

Cleaning House

 I've been going through boxes in storage and pulling out lots of classic gems, old school TSR products and other gaming and interesting rare and precious items. My daughter is helping to sell on eBay to earn some money. If you are interested in completing your collection or finding new (old) treasures, we are uploading new items nearly everyday until we've cleaned out our storage.

Sample only, there are a variety of items

eBay Auctions

D&D 50th Anniversary Minis

Wizkids just announced 25 new minis based on classic D&D characters and creatures. 

The upcoming #DnD 50th Anniversary miniatures feature 25 timeless characters and creatures, each sculpted in both their original and fifth edition forms.

And you can collect 10 secret rare minis. Four have been revealed so far. What could the others be?

In 1982 I would have been so excited to see these in stores. Now, I think I'm getting burned out on the nostalgia mining. Oh, who am I kidding? I'll probably buy them.

After seeing the press release I went to the Wizards website to check this out and see they have all kinds of 50th anniversary minis being released.

https://www.dndmini.com/collections/pre-order-today/products/d-d-icons-of-the-realms-50th-anniversary-8-ct-booster-brick

Alternative to Spell Points

The Vancian spell casting system of D&D is a tried and true proven system. Since the beginning there have been complaints about it, but no better system has yet been devised.

Alright, that's a pretty strong stance. That's my opinion on the matter.

I am still fascinated by alternate methods, and have yet to see a Spell Point system I'm fully convinced is better than classic D&D Vancian magic.

Here is an idea that is perhaps one of the simplest expressions of a spell point system, it is somewhat half way between Vancian and Spell Points.

You get X levels of spells to cast per day. X is your character's level + modifiers (ie. INT 14/+1)

A 1st level caster could cast a 1st level spell.

A 3rd level caster could cast a 3rd level spell, or three 1st level spells, or a 1st level and a 2nd level.

 This does give access to higher level spells before classic D&D does, but I think at a cost that somewhat balances it. You could add some sort of exhaustion system to further balance it, but I haven't fully thought that out yet.

Wizard Tower of Deth Daekas

 

Deth Daekas was the student of an Eldritch Lord, but he never achieved the level of proficiency as his master. So he sought other methods to increase his power by finding and modifying artifacts. He passed before completing his work, his tower is said to be filled with unique magic items of immense power.

Rolling Ability Scores

There are many methods for rolling ability scores. And judging by the DM's Guide and Unearthed Arcana Gary enjoyed making up new ways. Ultimately my favorite method is 3d6 in order, no altering. However, today it struck me to add one option to that: swap any 2. This gives just a bit of autonomy to the player to create the character he or she wants, while maintaining the rigidness of 3d6 in order.

This thought led me to wondering if it would be possible to boil all the methods of rolling scores down to their essence. And then I wrote this up:

A. Roll them:

1. Roll in order.

2. Choose where to put them.

B. Roll:

1. 3d6.

2. 4d6, drop lowest.

3. Standard array, choose a set and place them. No rolling.

4. Point buy. No rolling.

C. Alter:

1. No altering (you get what you get).

2. Swap any 2 rolls (ie. a high CHR for a low CON).

3. Subtract 2 from one to add 1 to another.

Standard Arrays

“Hero:” 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16

“Generalist:” 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15

“Specialist:” 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17

Point Buy

All ability scores start at 6, you get X points to add where you want them. Max 18 in any 1.

Low Power Level: X = 18

Mid Power Level: X = 24

High Power Level: X = 40

Einfaldur Dungeon

 

The Einfaldur dungeon is a maze of corridors under the city, some of which have been abandoned and are now home to rats and other vermin. The adventurers must make their way through this labyrinth, avoiding or confronting both guards and criminals, to find and rescue a captive ally.

Under the Citadel of Odasfib

 It has long been rumored that the ruins of the once mighty citadel of Odasfib the Terrible sat over a labyrinth filled with treasures and traps.

Frazetta Friday

 Happy Birthday to the greatest artist of the 20th century. Frazetta Friday

Temple of Mallist

 

Mallist was an evil high priest in service of a minor god of corruption and pestilence. Cultists built a new temple for him. Darkness has fallen on the nearby lands.

Grotto of the Ungrateful Fiend

 

The child of an arch-devil didn't appreciate what his parents gave him, so they built a grotto to send him to for a few centuries until he would become grateful for all he'd been given.

Dungeon of Ro'Ahgna'a

Ro"Ahgna'a the half-demon built a dungeon under the cathedral to hide from the holy forces of the church of light, he is biding his time until a false priest can take control and he can unleash his horde of infernal demons upon the empire.

Happy 50th Birthday D&D

 

Valkyrie Character Class

This is a new NPC class in the OSR Book of Valkyries. It is designed for demi-goddesses, so a bit overpowered compared to a regular character class.

Valkyrie

Prime Attribute: Wisdom, 13+ (+5% XP).
Attribute Requirement: 17+ Charisma
Hit Dice: 1d10.
Starting Hit points: 10 (1d10).
Armor/Shield Permitted: Any.
Weapons Permitted:  Any.
Alignment: Any but Evil.

A Valkyrie is chosen by Odin. Only a virgin human woman is given this honor. In rare circumstances Odin may choose a female duergar (dwarf), an elf, or even a Jotun. She is empowered by the All-Father with certain gifts and responsibilities. 

If a Valkyrie is slain while performing her duties she is resurrected and fully recovered in Valhalla the next day.

Valkyrie Statistics

Bifrost Travel: At will the Valkyrie can instantly travel the Bifrost rainbow bridge from any place on Midgard to Asgard and back. She can carry one person with her.

Spells: At 2nd level the Valkyrie is given a draught from the Mead of Poetry, wherein she gains the power to learn Seidr up to the 4th circle (level). She may choose from the Magic-User list.

Unseen: The Valkyrie is effectively invisible to mortals unless she chooses to be seen. She can be detected by means of seeing the invisible such as a Ring of True Sight or See Invisibility spells.

Swan Suit: At 3rd level she is given her Swan Suit that allows her to transform into a swan at will. Some Valkyries may be given a hawk or raven suit instead.

Helm of Truesight: At 4th level she is given a helmet that has the power of truesight.

Horn of Calling: At 5th level she is given a horn that will allow her to call other Valkyries, Einherjar, or Sturmwolves to her aid.

Winged Horse: The 6th level Valkyrie is given a winged horse from Valhalla’s stables personally by Odin.

Extraordinary Beauty: The Valkyrie gains +5 to Charisma.

Fylgur: At 8th level Odin may give a Valkyrie a personal spirit companion (see below).

Personal Hero: At 9th level the Valkyrie gets a personal hero she is responsible for, but who will also do anything for her up to and including giving his life. If she falls in love and marries him she loses her status and abilities as a Valkyrie and becomes, once again, a mortal woman.

Fylgja 

A fylgja, meaning "follower," is a magical spiritual companion typically appearing as a small animal (such as a fox, squirrel, or raven) that is usually visible only to the person it accompanies, in this case, a Valkyrie. However, the fylgja or the Valkyrie can choose to make it visible to others. By focusing, the Valkyrie can perceive through the fylgja's senses, including sight, hearing, and smell. If the fylgja is injured, the Valkyrie will feel its pain but may not necessarily suffer any physical harm. The fylgja's personality mirrors that of its Valkyrie.

Each fylgja possesses the standard characteristics of its animal type along with one of the following abilities:

1. Aura of fear - Projects an intimidating presence to ward off adversaries.
2. Protection from Evil - Shields the Valkyrie from malicious forces or beings.
3. Purify food and water - Removes impurities and contaminants from sustenance.
4. Cure disease - Heals the afflicted of various ailments.
5. Cure light wounds - Mends minor injuries.
6. Precipitation - Manipulates weather to cause rainfall.
7. Gust of wind - Generates a strong gust to repel or disperse objects or creatures.
8. Remove poison - Neutralizes harmful toxins in a person or object.

Fortress of Amarath

 Amarath the bandit lord took over the northern fortress and made it a base of operations for his gang.

Vault of the Shadow Mage

The shadow mage has kidnapped an important NPC and taken them to his stronghold. The party must infiltrate the vault, rescue the NPC, and escape.

 

Dread Caverns of Kannebraus

 Ancient guardians protect a divine relic within a cave dungeon. Will the party manage to pass their tests and trials to claim it?

The Forsaken Chambers of Dravon Urus

 A prophecy foretold that a great calamity will occur unless a group of heroes can find a lost artifact hidden deep within a dangerous dungeon.

Ruins of Hartlon Keep

 Once a necessary defense on the edge of the badlands, Hartlon Keep has fallen into ruin and is inhabited by a goblin clan.

The Lost Dungeon of Tonis

Tonis was a cruel Baron of Ilbor Paiden who had a great dungeon built in which to condemn those who opposed him. After he died, infernal priests of Lashtar turned the dungeon into a great underground temple to their dark lord. Eventually their power faded and various nefarious creatures moved in.

 

Bastion of Krendal the Destroyer