Superstition and the Starscarred Fighter
Continuing our look at the world of the Zodiac and Far Realm, we dive into what fighters might look like in a world choc-full of magic. Starscarred Fighters are a class archetype for use with D&D...
View ArticleWarrior Orders and the Way of the Jade Serpent
We continue to look at the class archetypes that inhabit this world where the Zodiac challenges the Far Realm. This time, we look at the monks who follow the Way of the Jade Serpent. The monks are able...
View ArticleSacrificial Power and the Oath of Binding
Work on the world of the Zodiac and Far Realm continues with a bit of lore and a 5e archetype for paladin. The Oath of Binding is meant to represent paladins who seek out the dark items and creatures...
View ArticleImmersion, Kayfabe, and Tabletop Streaming
A brief look at the nature of kayfabe in professional wrestling, and how the burgeoning tabletop streaming industry can take a few pages from their book to find ongoing success. The post Immersion,...
View ArticleHunting Monsters, Fancy Tools, and the Astral Covenant Ranger
A discussion on hunting some monster, and a look at the Astral Covenant archetype for rangers for use with D&D 5e. This is part of the ongoing series on the Zodiac and the Far Realm. The post...
View ArticleResource Management and the Starbroker Rogue
A look at some of the math and decisions behind the rogue class, and a new archetype for rogue as part of the ongoing series on the Zodiac and the Far Realm. The Starbroker Rogue is an enigmatic figure...
View ArticleMisread Magic #1 – Fronds, Magic Mussel, and Musty Step
Have you ever read something and had to do a double take? Of course you have. Now imagine that the magic spell you misread was a real thing. What exactly would it look like? Well, it might look...
View ArticleSchools of Magic and the Resonance Arcane Tradition
The last remaining class archetype for the continuing series on the Zodiac and the Far Realm. The Resonance Arcane Tradition for wizards focuses on creating crystals through alchemy that resonate with...
View ArticleGLOW, Long-form jokes, and Storytelling Payoffs
The second season of GLOW is around the corner, so let's look at a special moment from the first season and how we can learn great lessons for tabletop games from a single, long-form joke. The post...
View ArticleRelationship Maps and Social Progress
In the comments of this excellent article by Blake Ryan, I speak a little bit about some of the session zero stuff I use in the online game I run. As it turns out, the reason I haven’t yet written an...
View ArticleMisread Magic #2 – Arcane Gait, Bear, and Feather Flail
The second entry in Misread Magic terribly misreads arcane gate, fear, and feather fall. What sorts of things happen when you do so? Magic, that's what. The post Misread Magic #2 – Arcane Gait, Bear,...
View ArticleSeven Magical Ranged Weapons That Aren’t Bows
If you are like me, you love ranged weapons - but are tired of bows. If so, check out these seven magical ranged weapons for D&D 5e that aren't bows. The post Seven Magical Ranged Weapons That...
View ArticleScholastic Exploration and National Treasure
Happy 4th of July! Today, let's talk about how stealing the constitution is a great model scholastic exploration in tabletop games! The post Scholastic Exploration and National Treasure appeared first...
View ArticleHackers, Ultra-Truth, and Tool Checks
A look at the classic film Hackers, why it's much better than you think, and how it's depiction of hacking can provide an ultra-truth for 5e tools checks. The post Hackers, Ultra-Truth, and Tool Checks...
View ArticleEvent-Theming and Moral Messaging
The last time I wrote about wrestling and tabletop games was back in April. With Summerslam 2018 just over a week away, it’s time for another. There have been a good pay-per-view, two middling ones, a...
View ArticleThe Bones of Kovach – Alternate Crafting for 5e
An alternative non-character level based crafting system for D&D 5e, as well as a look at crafting in the world of the Far Realm and the Zodiac. The post The Bones of Kovach – Alternate Crafting...
View Article5e Magic Item Patterns for Alternate Crafting: Part One
Three patterns for magic items from the D&D 5e SRD for characters interested in crafting. These can be used with the level-less crafting system presented here, or general use. The post 5e Magic...
View Article5e Magic Item Patterns for Alternate Crafting: Part Two
I don’t know if you know this, but there are a lot of magic items in D&D 5e. We’re talking into the hundreds. I was thinking I’d knock out a couple a week, but I obviously underestimated the amount...
View Article5e Magic Item Patterns for Alternate Crafting: The Strange and Legendary
As it turns out, I was a liar last week when I said I would finish the A’s this week. Not because I just didn’t finish the A’s, either. Instead, I realize legendary, game-altering, strange items are...
View Article5e Magic Item Patterns for Alternate Crafting: The A’s
Alright, here we go. We’re back, and we’re finishing up all the rest of the SRD A’s for magic items. It’s a long list, covering a lot of very cool items. As before, I include my notes as to my design...
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