Tenser

 Here is Tenser from the infamous Rogues Gallery, with a bit of a cleaned up layout. RIP Ernie Gygax.

Tenser

Player: Ernie Gygax jr.

Human Magic-User 10 (Lawful Good)

Armor Class: 10
Hit Points: 56
Level: 10
Attacks: Staff +1 (1d6+1)
Move: 10

Saving Throws:
Death: 10
Wands: 16
Paralysis: 11
Breath: 16
Spells: 14

Abilities:
Strength: 10
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 11
Dexterity: 16
Constitution: 16
Charisma: 18

Special Abilities:

Can cast spells as a 10th-level magic-user
Prefers melee combat despite being a magic-user
Known for leading missions for law and good
Maintains alliances with non-human races and even some considered monsters

Tenser possesses the following magical items:

Dust of Disappearance
A Wand of Negation
A Staff of the Magi
A Ring of Protection +1
A Displacement Cloak
A Ring of Human Influence
A Wand of Metal and Mineral Detection
A Potion of Protection from Dragon Breath

This potion grants the imbiber resistance to all forms of dragon breath. Against gas-based attacks (sleep, fear, slow, paralysis, etc.), the user gains a +2 bonus to their saving throw, with results being either total success or failure. Against direct breath attacks (fire, acid, lightning, etc.), a successful saving throw negates all damage, while a failed save results in only half damage. The potion lasts for 6 to 15 rounds, and the entire bottle must be consumed for it to take effect. This potion does not protect against physical attacks or spells cast by dragons.

Dust of Dispelling Air Elementals

This dust appears indistinguishable from other magical dusts and is usually found in similar packaging—bone tubes or silk pouches. When a handful is thrown onto any creature summoned from the Elemental Plane of Air, that creature will immediately be forced to return to its proper plane. The dust may also be used to create a protective ring—if spread in an unbroken circle or from wall to wall, it causes summoned air elementals to suffer a penalty on their attack rolls. The dust cannot be blown away by the creature it affects, though other creatures or spells may disturb it. Notably, it has no effect on free-willed creatures from this plane. One handful is required to dispel a single creature, create a 10' diameter circle, or form a 50' line.

Contrary to most magic-users, Tenser has always been a lover of battle. Occasionally, he will seemingly forget his spells and charge into melee with his staff, depending on his magical protections to preserve him. In many ways, it is felt that his temperament would have been better suited to that of a fighter.

At the same time, Tenser is no fool. He has no aversion to using magic and generally chooses it first. He has gathered about him a firm power base for law and good and will readily use it when necessary. He will sometimes enchant good magic-users to go on dangerous missions to aid the cause of good. He is reported to have alliances with various non-human races and even some that are considered monsters.

Fight On #16

 

Fight On #16 is available! It's been a while, and by all indications this is a good one!

Your humble artist blogger even managed to contribute a couple pieces of art for headers:

Get your copies here:

Print Edition

PDF Edition

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