A semi-common magic item that once existed in great kingdoms of the past was something known as a parcel. This could take a number of forms, but the most popular was that of a sturdy leather bag, covered in carved runes. There was a pocket on the outside of the bag, into which a personal or ident...
What appears to be an expensive and rare tapestry on the wall is actually a spring-loaded weighted panel.
A simple tripwire before the tapestry releases the panel for 1d12 bludgeoning damage to anyone within its reach. Its reach is 15ft (3 squares).
A bronze statue of a beast of some kind, or a person, stands on a stone pedestal, where the type of creature, or the name of the person, is written in carved letters.
Anyone who touches the statue switches places with the beast or NPC it depicts (no Saving Throw); the beast or NPC becomes real,...
At the start of their turn during combat, a player may choose to have the GM to foll on this table for a potential benefit (or impairment).
- You are motivated by desperation. Take an extra move this round.
- You have quick reflexes. Take half damage.
- You are hit by shrapnel. Take 1 point of dam...
For spellcasters. This appears as a thick leather-bound book, with copper points at the corners and gold leafing. It will radiate slightly of magic, if tested for, but will not appear to be Cursed in any way. This book is filled with thousands upon thousands of details, articles, and other pieces o...
A rotating wall sweeps a player to a hidden, randomized mini-dungeon. (This may force the party to split, so either treat this as a series of encounters rather than a dungeon by actively discouraging exploration, and driving the player through the space to rejoin the party, or else alternate betwee...
This is a d10 random event table I made as a going-away gift for my Blue Planet game group. I've removed the inside jokes and content specific to Blue Planet. Half-way through game night, roll on this table for a random event.
A small spy drone malfunctions overhead and crashes into a par...
These will appear as rugged adventuring-style boots, that are scuffed but otherwise in very good shape. They will radiate magic, and shrink or grow to fit any foot. They will allow the wearer to tip-toe, walk, or even run absolutely silently 3 times per day, for a duration of five minutes each time...
In my 3 Pillar XP and Ultimate Intrigue posts, I explained the D&D 5e and Pathfinder (largely compatible with Starfinder) implementations of noncombat-based XP. Such systems are useful when you find that your gaming group isn't playing for constant non-stop combat.
I don't think of myself a...
The characters enter a section of corridor, or a room, where roots and vines are growing through the stones. Upon activation of this magical trap, the entire area fills with animated roots covered in long thorns.
Characters must make a Saving Throw vs. Magic, a Dex roll, use acrobatic skills, e...
In my previous blog post, I explained the D&D 5e implementation of noncombat-based XP, because sometimes your gaming group isn't playing for constant non-stop combat. Now, that doesn't mean your gaming group shouldn't play only to fight; treating D&D as a series of skirmishes with some looting...
Not everybody wants to fight. I learned this through "subtle" clues given to me by one specific group of players, including blank stares in reaction to combat encounters, and persistent attempts to negotiate with villains so vile that even Dr. Who wouldn't bother parlaying with.
Yes, it turns...
Usable by Spellcasters only. This appears as a beautiful robe, with ornate designs upon the cuffs, bottom hem, and collar line. It will radiate strong magic.
This robe will seem to give the wearer a +3 to both AC and all Saving Throws. Upon first putting it on, however, the spellcaster must ro...
Because I'm moving house, I'm parting ways with my
There's nothing specific to Blue Planet in this version, so use it in whatever sci fi or cyberpunk...
Upon activation, 1d4 characters in the party, at random, must make a Saving Throw vs. Magic, or be hit by a beam of light that causes them to shrink to the size of an average person's thumb!
The character's weight, strength, clothing, armor, weapons (along with associated damage), and all ot...
This short sword is engraved with runes disguised as natural cracks and creases in the metal and leather components.
When a successful attack is made with this sword, the player takes 1d4 of the damage that would have otherwise been dealt to their opponent.
Detecting the runes for what the...