Thursday, October 2, 2025
31 Nights of Halloween: Creature from the Black Lagoon for the Cypher System
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
31 Nights of Halloween: Marvel's Count Dracula for the Cypher System
Last week, Marvel Comics rereleased Tomb of Dracula Volume 1 Omnibus, and I finally got a chance to sit down and read it. Growing up, my best friend bought back issues of Tomb of Dracula, Werewolf By Night, and I, Vampire, and I loved reading them. I don't know why it never occurred to me to buy them myself but I didn't. Full disclosure, he had better taste in comics than I did. So I'm finally getting a chance to experience the complete story.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Tuesday Terrors: Xenomorph for Shadowdark
Xenomporph for Shadowdark
AC 15, HP 20, ATK 2 teeth +4 (2d6) or claw +3 (1d8) or tail +3 (1d10), MV near (climb), S +3, D +4, C +2, I +2, W +3, Ch -2,
AL C, LV 4
Acid Blood. 1d6 damage to near creatures when it takes damage.
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Thor's Day: Trandas for Barrows & Borderlands and Swords & Wizardry
TRANDA for Barrows and Borderlands
+1 DEX, +1 INTInfravision 60'.
2:6 Bushcraft or Hear Noises
TRASH PANDA. AC 6 | HD 1 | #E 1-4 | MV 40’ | THAC0 19 |
#A 1 (by weapon) | SV15 | ML 8 | AL Varies | XP 10 | T (I) Description: Trandas are humanoid raccoons that stand 3-4 feet tall and tend to settle close to civilization, often underground and well-hidden. They scavenge detritus for food and supplies, and they typically loathe to enter a conflict if escape is at all possible. Lairs are made up of men, women, and children with 2-12 guards armed with axes (30%), bolas (10%), crossbows (40%), and warhammers (20%). There is a 40% chance that adults who are not guards are armed.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Tuesday Terrors: Gomdulla the Living Pharaoh for Savages Worlds Supers & NNecessary Evil
Sunday, August 10, 2025
GameStorming: Savage Worlds X Numenera
What drew me to Monte Cook Games' Numenera/Cypher System was the Adjective Noun Verb description of your character. How cool is it to brainstorm what you are going to play by coming up with a Brave Glaive (warrior) who has a Halo of Fire?
While the Cypher System isn't a difficult system to learn, it has a few problems that have kept me from running it more. The first is that Effort both fuels your attempts at overcoming obstacles, activating powers, and functions as hit points as well. It's just not my bag.
Last night, while looking over Savage Worlds Adventure Edition, an idea hit me like a bullet in the head. Power it with Savage Worlds.
The adjective "Brave" in the above example gives a +2 bonus to tests. Rate your Noun or Verb with a d6 and rate the remaining descriptor with a d8. I choose Glaive for d8 and Halo of Fire at a d6. Everything else defaults to a d4, and characters are Wild Cards, so they roll a d6 with every test, except damage, too.
I'm not defaulting to d4-2 because I want a more heroic game, but that would be an option. Importing wounds and equipment from SWADE allows you to even mine your verb from it too, though I will be more comfortable with a more wing-it approach during play.
We are just starting a 5.5 game, so I'm not sure when I will get to it, but I'll keep you posted.
Monday, August 4, 2025
Monster Monday: Bounty Hunters for Barrows & Borderlands and Swords & Wizardry
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
OSR Heroes: The Human Tank for Guardians
The Human Tank (Level 3) for Guardians
Sgt. Ellen Vanderbuilt
Strength 10/30 (+0/+9) Melee 4d6 damage
Dexterity 12 (+0)
Constitution 17 (+2)
Intelligence 18 (+3)
Wisdom 17 (+2)
Charisma 12 (+0)
Energy Points 8
Hit Points 35
Saving Throw 9+
Bonus To Hit +6 melee; +3 ranged
AC 17
Origin: Mutant
Class: Bruiser (Unstoppable; Acrobatic)
Gifts: Hacker
Powers: Armor; Projectile Fire; Super Strength x2; Super Speed
Limits: Bound (Merlin); Power Focus (Talisman)
Issue: Bad Press (from Mutant); Enemy (Warmaster); Phobia (Heights)
Money: $5,000
Languages: Chinese; French; German
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
OSR Heroes: Mister Hex for Guardians
Mister Hex (Level 3) for Guardians
Aidan Doyle
Strength 14 (+1)
Dexterity 12 (+0)
Constitution 16 (+2)
Intelligence 19 (+3)
Wisdom 13 (+1)
Charisma 19 (+3)
Energy Points 12
Hit Points 26
Saving Throw 10+
Bonus To Hit +3 melee; +2 ranged
AC 15 (ballistic bodysuit)
Origin: Supernatural
Class: Power-Wielder
Gifts: Detective; Occultist
Powers: Bad Luck; Invisibility; Mind Blast; Retrocognition, True Sight
Limits: Bound (Merlin); Power Focus (Talisman)
Issue: Duty (C.A.M.E.L.O.T.)
Money: $7,000
Languages: Brythonic, Hebrew, Latin
Monday, July 21, 2025
Monster Monday: Primal's Man Bats for Barrows & Borderlands
Contents
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Barrows & Borderlands: Skulltakers
#A 2 (1d12) | SV 9 | ML 10 | AL Chaotic | XP 950 | T (IV) Description: I 'Skari, colloquially known as Skulltakers, hail from Tau Ceti and have a reputation as fierce killers and dogged bounty hunters. They insist on keeping the skulls of their victims on their backs, which helps attract a quality mate in their once-every-decade mating rituals. Once the ritual is over, they shed their skulls and begin their hunt anew until their next mating season.
Monday, July 14, 2025
Monster Monday: Conan's Night God for Swords & Wizardry
Night-God for Swords and Wizardry
Hit Dice: 5
Armor Class: 5 [14]
Attacks: L1 bite (1d8+1)
Saving Throw: 5 (fly 60)
Morale: 11
Special: Carry airborne
Move: 9/18 (flying)
Alignment: Chaos
Number Encountered: One
% in Lair: 40
Challenge Level/XP: 5/240
Friday, July 11, 2025
Barrows & Borderlands: Kzin Race & NPCs
KZIN for Barrows and Borderlands
+1 STR, +1 WISInfravision 60'.
Bite for 1d4 damage.
2:6 Climb Sheer Surfaces.
KZIN. AC 8 | HD 1 | #E 3-18 | MV 40’ | THAC0 19 |
#A 1 (1d4 or by weapon) | SV15 | ML 10 | AL Varies | XP 10 | T (I) Description: Kzinti were bipedal digitigrade felines with orange fur, yellow eyes, pronounced fangs, ears resembling bat wings, four-fingered hands, and long tails. Males stood over two meters tall, with broad hunching shoulders and comparatively slender waists and limbs. Their internal anatomy included ribs with vertical bracing and multiple hearts. They breathed atmosphere similar to that of Humans. As carnivores, they were acutely averse to the consumption of plants. Their physical attributes made them powerful combatants.
Monday, July 7, 2025
Monster Monday: Wookies for Barrows and Boderlands
WOOKIE for Barrows and Borderlands
+2 STR, +1 CON, -1 CHA
2:6 Climb Sheer Surfaces.
Deal two-handed damage when wielding a melee weapon with one hand.
1/day go berserk for 1d6 rounds and deal +2 to melee damage and gain 2 damage reduction.
WOOKIES. AC 7 | HD 2 | #E 2–12 | MV 40’ | THAC0 19 |
#A 3 (1d8 or by weapon) | SV14 | ML 10 | AL Neutral or Chaotic | XP 20 | T (IV) Description: They are a species of tall, hairy humanoids from another world. They are quite strong and have been known to rip people's arms out of their sockets when provoked.
They have extendable claws, which they use for climbing; using them for anything else violates the Wookiee honor code. Despite their fearsome appearance and volatile temperament, they are regarded as intelligent, sophisticated, loyal, and trusting.
When angered, Wookiees are known to descend into a berserker rage for 1d6 rounds and deal +2 damage with melee weapons and gain 2 damage reduction. They can do this 1/day.
Monday, June 23, 2025
Help Our Local LGBTQ+ Organization and Win a Shadowdark Premium Core Hardcover!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256987785780
Comic Book World is selling a Brand New, Sealed, Shadowdark Role Playing Game Premium Core Hardcover from The Arcane Library. All proceeds minus eBay fees will be donated to FlorenceKY Pride to help our local LGBTQ+ community.
Comic Book World was founded in 1981 and has been supporting all members of our local community ever since. Our company was founded by Paul & Cathy Mullins, and is currently run by their daughter, Priscilla Craddock, and her husband, Mark. Three of our children, Heather, Matthew, and Emma, also work for the company.
Monday, June 16, 2025
Magic-Item Monday: Simon Belmon'ts Chain Morning Star for Shadowdark
Simon Belmont's Chain Morning Star for Shadowdark
Blessed silver chain whip.
Bonus. +3 chain morning star.
Benefit. It is a silver finesse melee weapon with a range of near that deals 2d4 damage. If you can use a club you can use this magic item.
Monday, June 9, 2025
Monster Monday: The Hush for Shadowdark
The Hush for Shadowdark
Septimus Odrik, the Necromancer Lord of Haverhill and the author of the Infernemans, a treatise on undeath containing rituals for the creation of different types of undead. The ritual requires at least five children with innate magical ability to be sacrificed to Orcus over a period of several days.
AC 13, HP 19, ATK 2 death touch +3 (1d6 + life drain), MV near,
Undead. Immune to morale checks
Life Drain. 1d4 CON damage. Death if reduced to 0 CON.
Silence of the Grave. Sound is muted within near of the Hush. Creatures inside the area are defened, and any sounds they create cannot be heard.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
New Release Warlock Patron: Saint Aramys for Shadowdark
Monster Monday: Cylon Centurion for Shadowdark
“The Cylons are the creation of a long-extinct reptilian humanoid race, also called Cylons, and view humans as a nuisance and an obstacle to the expansion of the Cylon Empire. The armies of metallic, armored Cylon Centurions are ruled by a unique, yet replaceable, Cylon known as the Imperious Leader.”
AC 15, HP 12, ATK 1 rifle (near) +3 (1d6+2) or 1 fist +3 (1d6),
Blaster. The rifle’s damage die explodes if a 6 is rolled and there is no cap.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Masters of the Universe: Man-At-Arms' Armor and Mace for Shadowdark
Armor of the Man-at-Arms for Shadowdark
Mythral and leather plate left over from the Eternian Epoch.
Bonus. +2
Benefit. AC 18 (includes magic bonus). Ignore any damage dealt to you of 3 points or less. Undetected creatures do not have advantage to attack you. You can wield any weapon.
Monday, May 26, 2025
Monster Monday: Warduke for Shadowdark
WARDUKE for Shadowdark
AC 15 (chainmail + shield), HP 38, ATK 3 +3 flametongue sword +6 (1d8+1d4+3), MV near, S +3, D +0, C +2, I -1, W +0, Ch +0,
Darksight. Has infravision.
Fearless. Immune to morale checks.
Grit. Has ADV on STR checks.
Implacable. Has ADV on CON checks.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Monster Monday: Tonberry for Shadowdark
TONBERRY for Shadowdark
“Sneaky beings that slowly creep through the darkness carrying knives and lanterns. Their incessant, innocent stare stabs through opponents, pushing them over the brink of despair.”
—Dissidia Final Fantasy museum description
AC 14, HP 44, ATK 3 knife +3 (4d6), MV close, S +3, D +3, C +4, I +0, W +1, Ch +3, AL C, LV 9
Chef’s Knife. Have ADV on attack rolls.
Grudge. Regain 2d6 HP when they slay a creature.
Rancor. Damage dice explode when a 6 is rolled. Roll the die again and add it to the total; there is no cap.
Traveler. Teleport a near distance.
Monday, May 12, 2025
Monster Monday: Cosmic Enforcer for Shadowdark
Cosmic Enforcer for Shadowdark
AC 18, HP 56, ATK 3 blaster (far) +6 (3d6) or 3 staff +4 (2d8), MV near, S +3, D +5, C +2, I +4,
Impervious. Only damaged by magical sources.
Magic Resistance. Hostile spells targeting the cosmic enforcer are DC 18 to cast.
Omens (WIS Spell). DC12. Self. ADV on all actions for 1d4 rounds.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
I've just released Folk Lore 2 for Shadowdark
I've just released Folk Lore 2, which features 11 new ancestries for Shadowdark, including Bearfolk, Catfolk, Crowfolk, Elephantfolk, Hippofolk, Lizarfolk, Mantisfolk, Pangolinfolk, and Raccoonfolk.
Monday, May 5, 2025
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Duchy of Saint Albus: Who is Saint Albus?
As I develop the Duchy using old and new blog material (see Duchy of St. Cuthbert posts), I've decided to develop Saint Albus as Patron with Boons for the Warlock class in Shadowdark. But to do that, I have to figure out who Saint Albus is, right?
One autumn, during the Harvest Festival in Quagmoor, Arcterus Von, a necromancer and vampire, directed his undead forces to invade it, abduct as many children as possible, while he raised the dead to join him. Seventy children were acquired that day and over the next decade, Von experimented on each one, slowly destroying all of them until only a lad named Albus remained.
The boy, who was only three when taken, endured these horrors by focusing on a voice within, telling him he had been chosen and assuring him he would survive and destroy his monstrous captor.
As the boy endured, the voice grew louder, and it began preparing him to become a holy weapon to hunt and destroy the undead plague upon this land.
At dawn on the lad’s thirteenth birthday, the voice revealed itself as a celestial being named Minevos who freed Albus and completed his training so he could finally destroy Von and his forces.
Over the next ninety years, Albus of Quagmoor’s war against undeath became legendary, and he founded an order to share the training Minevoss bestowed upon him to protect the world against the undead monsters that see the living as prey.
On his death, Minevoss declared Albus a Saint, a patron to those who survived against undeath and had the conviction to hunt and destroy them. Now, some hear Saint Albus’s voice within themselves at their darkest hour, teaching them to fight, hunt, and destroy the undead scourge.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Duchy of Saint Albus: 20 Rumors
Inspired by Jeff's Gameblog, below are rumors circulating the Duchy.
Roll a d20 or pick one:
1) Duke Gruber Bant's family has traded their eldest children to devils for generations. It is the origin of their lands, title, and wealth.
2) There is a treant in the Forest of Kurn named Wand who has mentored the druids that serve Shorwald County (which includes the Duchy).
3) Luvelda Mor, Mayor of Spartanville, has slain two dragons.
4) Willy Dung was the brightest student of magic the Hexenschule had seen in over a century. Unfortunately, a single night in the dreaded Scholomanse on Lake Thane left him mute and prone to seizures.
5) The Green Wraith that haunts the Wraithwood was Duke Gruber Bant's older brother, Evard. Gruber murdered him so he could become Duke.
6) Morkin's Comet will bring doom when it arrives on the Summer Solstice.
7) Naomi Volstang hates wizards because her twin brother, Nester, died while attending the Hexenschule.
8) The Green Wraith that haunts the Wraithwood is an elf druid who has turned her back on Obad-Hai and now frolics with the Black Goat during the full moon.
9) Duke Gruber Bant has taken Tsarina Tetlaunna IX of Yurik as a lover.
10) A werewolf prowls the moors east of the Hexenschule. It has claimed seven victims in the last three years.
11) Golden Hall is a staging ground for azers to invade the Duchy.
12) The wood elves of the Forest of Kurn have taken to eating humans.
13) Rangers stationed at Fort Buckler say it is haunted.
14) A teenage girl in the village of Oakhurst was kidnapped from her bed two nights ago.
15) Old Scratch, an ancient wyvern, is nesting in the ruins on Parliament Hill.
16) Clerics at Glyph Abbey have begun charging more for their services because they have lost favor with Ioune.
17) Katarina Malifaux, a member of the Crimson Steel adventuring band, purchased the Lummock family farm to spy on Duke Bant for her older sister, Belladonna, who is the Jarl of Jarlsburg.
18) Grimm, a prize pig raised by Neville Breck of Brighten, is said to be fluent in seven languages and has taken over running the Breck farm.
19) The ground has been trembling to the west of Golden Hall, close to Blunder's Pit.
20) The Brotherhood of Bones and Teeth has returned to St. Albus after 50 years. Fishermen say to stay away from caves on the shore of Lake Thane.
Monday, April 28, 2025
Monster Monday: Jade Giants for Shadowdark
JADE GIANTS for Shadowdark
AC 14 (chain), HP 29, ATK 2 longswords +4 (2d6), MV double near, S +4, D +1, C +2, I +1,
Fury. If they take damage they have ADV on their next attack roll with melee weapons.
Monday, April 21, 2025
Monster Monday: Icemen for Shadowdark
Loki is a cold and unforgiving deity who sends forth long nights, blasting winds, and a cold that can seep into one's soul as easily as their bones. Ever vigilant, Loki listens for the cries of the dying and offers them an alternative to a lonely death. Those who accept his whispered offering find their very skin hardening into transparent ice that no longer feels the wind or the cold as they follow his clarion call to join him in his realm. Once there, they wait to be unleashed upon his enemies.
AC 15, HP 6, ATK 1 spear (close/near) +1 (1d6),
MV near, S +1, D +0, C +1, I +0, W +1, Ch -2,
Hopeless. Immune to morale checks.
Impervious. Cold immune.
Invulnerable. Immune to critical hits with weapons.
Monday, April 14, 2025
Monster Monday: Void Shaman for Shadowdark
VOID SHAMAN for Shadowdark
Chod’Xoth, the Unending Night, the End of All, the Nightmare Primeval, recruits their servants from those suffering from lifelong night terrors, slowly but surely alienating them from any loved ones they may have and shattering their sanity night after night after night. A Void Shaman is a pitiful creature, their mind and body warped and their corruption total and complete. The only thing left to them is loyalty to the monster that hollowed them out.
AC 14, HP 22, ATK 1 spell +4 or 1 whip +1 (1d4), MV near, S +0, D +0, C +0, I +1, W +4, Ch +2, AL C, LV 5
Blind/Deafen (WIS Spell). DC 12. Near creature has DIS on appropriate sense for 5 rounds.
Command (WIS Spell). DC 13. Issues a verbal command to a Far creature they must obey for 3 rounds. If it harms the creature, they may make a DC 12 charisma check to end the spell.
Ghostwalk. 1/day, turns incorporeal for 3 rounds.
Holy Weapon (WIS Spell). DC 11. Target weapon becomes magic gains +1 to attack and damage rolls for 5 rounds.
Smite (WIS Spell). DC 12. Near creature takes 1d6 damage.
Spiderwalk. Crawls on walls and shear surfaces.
Wraithsight. Hidden and invisible creatures can be seen.
31 Nights of Halloween: Creature from the Black Lagoon for the Cypher System
Creature from the Black Lagoon 6 (18) for the Cypher System and Stay Alive! Motive: Defend his territory Environment: Any aquatic Heal...