Timothy Truman Original Art

 I first became aware of Timothy Truman when I picked up N1 Against the Cult of the Reptile God. By far one of the most fun I've ever had running an adventure. 

Picture this: a sleepy village called Orlane, nestled in the World of Greyhawk, where the vibe shifts from quaint to downright creepy. Released in 1982 by Douglas Niles, N1 Against the Cult of the Reptile God is the ultimate low-level D&D adventure that hooks you with a mystery and doesn’t let go. Designed for 4-7 characters (levels 1-3), it’s hailed as a “novice” module, but don’t be fooled—this ain’t a walk in the park.  

The setup? Orlane’s gone weird. Villagers are vanishing, doors are locked tight, and the townsfolk are split: some are suspiciously friendly, others are giving major side-eye. Your party rolls in to figure out what’s up, only to uncover a sinister cult brainwashing people with charm spells, all under the command of a freaky spirit naga named Explictica Defilus—aka the “Reptile God.” Think Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets medieval fantasy.  

The adventure’s a rollercoaster: you’re sleuthing in town, dodging cultists, trekking through a swamp, and diving into a muddy dungeon packed with troglodytes, wights, and a fireball-slinging naga who could TPK your squad if you’re not careful. It’s gritty, it’s tense, and it’s got that old-school D&D charm—complete with a village map that feels alive and a final showdown that might need a little NPC backup to survive.  

This module pioneered the investigation vibe in D&D, blending roleplay, exploration, and combat into a tight 32-page package. Ranked #19 on Dungeon magazine’s top 30 adventures, it’s a cult classic (pun intended) that still holds up today. 

Timothy Truman's art on the Star Frontiers Volturnus modules also caught my eye.  

I had the good fortune to pick up this original art he did, I think it was for his Grimjack comic.

The time has come for me to let it go to a new home, The inking work on it is fantastic.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/286356914021

Dungeon of Caligari

 It's been a while since I posted a dungeon map. I was experimenting with some new textures and came up with this.

The Dungeon of Caligari

Beneath the ruins of a forgotten watchtower lies the Dungeon of Caligari, the hidden stronghold of a long-dead ranger-assassin known only as Caligari the Silent Blade. Legends speak of his unparalleled skill in tracking and eliminating targets without leaving a trace, his victims often found with no signs of struggle, as if death had simply claimed them in silence.

Now, his underground lair has been unearthed—its traps still active, its corridors haunted by shadows of the past. Rumors claim Caligari's greatest secret is buried within: a weapon forged for the perfect kill, a blade that grants its wielder ultimate stealth at the cost of their soul. Those who enter must navigate the labyrinthine tunnels, evade deadly snares, and contend with the restless specters of those Caligari slew in life.

Whispers in the dark suggest that Caligari himself has never truly left…

Caligari the Silent Blade

Human, Ranger-Assassin, Medium, Chaotic

Armor Class: 2 (Dex, magical leathers)
Level: 12 (54 hp)
Base Hit Bonus: +9
Attacks: Silent Fang +2 dagger (1d6+4), Shadowstrike longbow (1d8+3, ignores light cover)
Move: 150' (50')
Save: D6 W7 P8 B9 S10 (F12)
Morale: 10
XP: 2,300
Treasure Type: H

Str: 15/+1
Dex: 18/+3
Con: 14/+1
Int: 12/+0
Wis: 10/+0
Chr: 16/+2

Special Abilities:

• Master of Ambush: If attacking from stealth, Caligari deals double damage and forces a saving throw vs. Paralysis or the target is stunned for 1d4 rounds.
• Ghost in the Shadows: Can hide in shadows and move silently as a 14th-level thief.
• Unerring Shot: With Shadowstrike, he can fire arrows with deadly accuracy, ignoring partial cover and suffering no penalties for range.
• Traps and Triggers: Can detect and disable non-magical traps as a 10th-level thief.
• Whispers of the Dead: His presence unnerves foes; enemies within 30’ suffer a -2 penalty to morale checks.

Description:

Caligari the Silent Blade was once an infamous ranger-assassin who hunted both man and beast with equal precision. Known for eliminating his targets without a sound, he relied on cunning, patience, and masterful control of his surroundings. His lair, The Dungeon of Caligari, remains a deathtrap for intruders, filled with ingenious snares, hidden paths, and ghostly echoes of his past victims. Though long thought dead, whispers persist that he still walks his domain—perhaps as a shade, cursed to forever guard the secrets he took to his grave.

Many seek his legendary weapons: Silent Fang, a dagger that absorbs sound, and Shadowstrike, a longbow whose arrows are invisible before finding their mark. But claiming them means facing Caligari himself… and few who enter his dungeon leave with their lives.

Crazy Hi Rez Full Spread Image of Original AD&D Hardcovers

 Have you ever wanted the original AD&D hardcover art as a poster? Did you know there is a spider in the tree on the spine of the original Monster Manual?

Check this out.

Also, the DMG and PHB.

You can purchase them here: https://www.cookandbecker.com/en/catalog/videogame/dungeons-and-dragons

Gunslinger Flip Through

 I made a video with a flip through of the entire Gunslinger RPG book. You can check it out here:

Hawkmoor Primer

 First real post of 2025.

Every year seems to come along sooner than the previous. When I look at all that was accomplished and what wasn't in 2024 I'm filled with mixed emotions. Proud of the things I made, a lot of art was drawn and painted. But, only a few OSR books made it out. The most important one being the Gunslinger RPG. Fulfilling that Kickstarter was, well, fulfilling! However there were a dozen other books that weren't finished. Perhaps the best thing that happened related to gaming and this blog is reconnecting with why I love RPG's so much. I got to play a lot of games, even some 2e AD&D, a system I am slowly coming to appreciate more and more.

Time for New Years goals.

2025 Priorities

1. Princess of the Red Planet Adventure
2. Warriors of the Wild West (a "white box" version of Gunslinger)
3. Hawkmoor 74 RPG (previously known as ODD74 SVE)
4. Unkindness of Ravens (a sequel to the Murder of Crows card game)
5. Book of Valkyries (2 books: an art book and an OSR compatible book on Norse Mythology)
6. Dungeoneer Deluxe (a revised and updated version of my Dungeoneer card game)
7. Gateway RPG (a "universal" RPG compatible with Warriors of the Red Planet, Raiders, Freebooters, etc.)
8. Hardboiled RPG (a film noir RPG in the style of WotRP, Raiders, Freebooters, etc.)
9. Book of Gnomes (cooler than it sounds, inspired by the famous Gnomes book by Rien Poortvliet)
10. Book of Orcs RPG
11. Dark Fantasy RPG
12. Post-Apocalypse RPG

I'll have more to say what each of these are as the time comes. Most of them have been discussed here, and on forums over the years. I am also reviewing unreleased items I've announced on this blog to see what I can reasonably complete. I have so many little projects that are nearly 99.9% done, I'd like to get them all finished and out of my studio!

One thing I recently put out was a primer to the Hawkmoor Campaign Setting. It is only an outline of the world with a few maps, but think of it as a Living Document that will be updated frequently. I've got such an interesting, fresh, and fun idea for this setting that I can't wait to share with you. I know this teaser isn't much, but for various reasons I had to post it.