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...
In my previous post in my Friday the 13th series, I wrote about the original movie that started it all. It's not just one of the most persistent sequel film franchises, it provided the blueprint for the modern slasher horror genre. This Friday, I'll look at its first sequel in an impossibly long...
This appears as a gold or silver ring, sometimes with expensive gemstones. It will radiate magic. This ring will seem to be a Ring of Invisibility, and all initial tests will seem to confirm that.
Upon first being used when it really matters, the wearer will not go invisible, but every other...
Having recently reread Dragons of Autumn Twilight, I naturally continue with the original Dragonlance books to this, Dragons of Winter Night. Once again proving that my fondness for the series and setting is not due only to nostalgia, this book continues the exciting story of Krynn's battle aga...
Upon activation, the flagstones in a particular area reveal themselves to be the tops of huge stone pistons that begin pumping up and down randomly, slamming into the ceiling. There is a one-second delay between piston strikes, allowing characters to navigate between the madly firing stone pillars,...
A crown of bark and leaves, created for the warrior Princess Lolonyo of the Southern Reaches by the traitorous Prince Idem, her spurned would-be lover. The crown is elegant and masterfully made, easily worth 2000 gp.
It also attracts any hungry animal, size medium or larger, within a 5 mile rad...