#ttrpgblog — Public Fediverse posts

Is Ruttigers Almanac the New Shadowdark?

Yes. I’m serious.

I know the TTRPG crowd, especially the Old School, can be pretty picky about things. I’m pretty fickle when it comes to crowdfunding or even what games I buy nowadays. The last sourcebook I bought cost about $20 and that was two months ago. I don’t spend the money unless something screams “Value!”

VALUE!!! Here’s the link.

I’m supporting Ruttigers Almanac 100% until it wraps up on BackerKit. I’m planning to write for it if they create an Open License for it. I’m planning to teach my kids and wife to play as soon as the PDF comes out it full. They like/know Dungeons & Dragons, so the transition should be easy.

We all love Kelsey and Shadowdark.

I kicked myself daily when the initial Kickstarter for Shadowdark came around and I couldn’t possibly back it due to a massive, unexpected change in my employment status. I managed to scrounge enough together to become a late backer. Then there was the most recent Shadowdark Kickstarter for the Western Reaches stuff.

Kelsey, I love ya to pieces, honest. You were one of my best friends during Covid. I couldn’t afford to back Western Reaches. I get how this thing went over $1 Million because the basic buy-in for the Western Reaches books themselves was $85. That’s not even counting the Cursed Scroll zines add-on.

I suspect that’s how some of the scummier grifters (NOT Kelsey) on KS are getting the big bucks on their projects, too. Looking at you mister $3 Million project twice over DungeonTuber. If the entry price for the Kickstarter is $45 minimum for not-even-the-main emphasis of the project, then hundreds of thousands of dollars rack up real quick, especially if you have a YouTube channel with 500K subscribers or more. (But I’m not bitter over the amount of money he’s making, only that I think he’s kind of a smug jerk.)

But I digress. Shadowdark seemed to flatten for me when I ordered the Solodark rules which I feel didn’t have enough substance for the price tag, which is why there’s no review of it on my blog or YouTube channel. If I don’t like it, I don’t review it. Again, it’s not anything personal with anyone, but I think Shadowdark is eventually going to fall off in the vast array of fantasy games coming out right now and that have come out over the last two years.

What does Ruttigers Almanac offer?

First, and probably most obvious, is that Ruttigers Almanac is on BackerKit. They must not take as big of a percentage of the final take on BackerKit from what I’ve seen. A lot of reputable companies have moved their projects over there. Maybe BackerKit doesn’t get as much press as other crowdfunding sites, but they get the job done. I’ve never had issues with them.

The next big selling point of Ruttigers Almanac is the price. Just the PDF of the core book is C$25 (like $20USD) I like having a nice solid analog hardcover, so I originally got in on the C$50 tier. There’s also a softcover book option for slightly less. There’s also a very affordable tier that gets the Hardcover, PDF, and all the Gazetteer options for C$75 ($65USD.)

I’m stoked to see the cool worldbuilding. I haven’t talked about it much yet, but the previews I have seen are damned impressive. You can tell a lot of time and attention to detail that has gone into this project so far.

Ruttigers as a rule system is going to be simple and fun.

Break 20 as it is being called looks like it’s going to be something I enjoy running, playing, and making content for. That’s not to say I’m giving up my beloved Dragonbane like, ever. I am going to spend some time with Ruttigers Almanac when I get it in my hot little hands. I just love simpler rules systems. If I can learn enough to make a character in the first 15 minutes and get going as a GM in half an hour, it’s golden.

Ruttigers Almanac looks to be that golden game. Shadowdark was headed that way, but then everyone and their dog began dropping supplements faster than I could possibly keep up with them. Yes, Shadowdark is playable and runnable with the core book, but we all love new options.

I feel like Ruttigers has enough optional material already built into it to be almost everything I’m going to want. It’s already looking like something I’d gladly run at a convention. I’m not sure how feasible that would be with Shadowdark now given all the supplements.

If Ruttigers has an open license (fingers crossed) I know three content creators who are already salivating over the Break 20 System. I’m only one of them. I had some stuff ready to go for Shadowdark that never went up anywhere and a rules supplement that was on Itch.io for a short time during Baron DeFlopp’s Shadowdark Jam a few years ago. (Huge regrets over that one.)

Right now I’m working a lot of things into Dragonbane. Once upon a time I was doing stuff for D&D 5E that I never published. Thank Universe I dodged that bullet. Ruttigers Almanac as an Open License is going to be fun times because I want to get a feel for the system and then jam on it. (Root on it? We should organize a Ruttigers moot at some point.)

I don’t see gloom and doom for other games.

I am still all in on Twilight Sword and Dragonbane: Trudvang. But Ruttigers Almanac hits closer to home for me which is ironic given the authors are all over the place. The game feels more like something that could have come out sooner, but the timing just wasn’t there yet. The Universe just hadn’t created the circumstances until more recently.

We’re going to build vast underground complexes for the Ruttigers to explore. We’re going to fight epic monsters and sing epic ballads of our deeds. Maybe we are scallywags and ruffians, but by golly we’re going to have fun with it!

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

RUTTIGERS ALMANAC Is On BackerKit!

This new fantasy TTRPG is done right by people who care and know what they’re doing.

I’m really stoked for this game, and I thought I’d already found my big hits for the year. Then I ran into Richard Whitters on X (Twitter.) I’ve been following him and his art on that platform for a while now. I like what he has going on with Ruttigers Almanac.

Here’s the link to BackerKit.

To make things even better, one of my absolutely favorite sourcebook creators is helping Richard out with this one. That’s right. Andrew Cawood is helping with some of the BackerKit and production aspects. I mean, he’s one of my TTRPG idols. He’s Andrew freakin Cawood! Have you seen World of Myrr and the six monster books that preceded it?

Not that Richard Whitters is to be underestimated, either. He has helped as Art Director/Concept Artist for Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering, and Larian Studios. That’s a lot of solid experience right there regardless of what many of us say about WotC. Art credit aside, Richard is definitely a roleplaying gamer.

A lot of loving production has already gone into Ruttigers Almanac. I suspect Richard has been working on this game for at least a year now. Just by looking at the quickstart rules alone, one can see quite a bit of thought has already gone into the unique fantasy races, 24 classes, the magic, the setting, the monster generator…

Here is the link to the Quickstart Rules. I’m absolutely amazed so far.

Obviously the art is going to be off the charts for this book, as is obvious from the previews. I haven’t heard yet if Cawood’s resident artist, Travis Hanson, is involved in the project yet. I’m kinda hoping…

The rules are going to be familiar to both Old School fans and new players alike. You’ve got the same Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma, Armor Class, and Hit Points that we all know and love. Skill checks are a d20 +/- modifiers vs Difficulty Class. The weapons, armor, and some of the spells mightl seem familiar from other games. However…

Jeff, what’s a “Ruttiger?”

Here’s where Ruttigers Almanac takes a dramatic turn from what we’re all used-to. Where in most fantasy TTRPGs, adventurers coming into town fresh out of a dungeon are greeted with a hearty “Hail and well met, travelers,” Ruttigers are met with a degree of disdain, apathy, and slight loathing. No one is glad to see the tomb-pillaging, local-economy-ruining, drunken brawling Ruttigers.

If you look at the 24 character class names, it kind of gives the impression that Ruttigers generally gives. In this sort of grimdark world inhabited by Ruttigers, no one is glad to see them coming until a giant carnivorous Rhinoceros Beetle is gnawing on half their farm animals. Sure, they’re friendly as long as they need a favor, but as soon as the beetle is gone? Ruttiger reputations come back into play.

There are more surprises to come with this project,
and I’m excited to see them.

Sure, I’m still a huge fan of Dragonbane, Shadowdark, Old School Essentials, Twilight Sword, and Fabula Ultima. But I’m making room on my shelf for Ruttigers Almanac. I think this is going to be the next step forward in basic, easy-to-teach, fun-to-play fantasy gaming. It appeals to me as a creator and Game Master. I’m also looking forward to teaching at least a couple of my kids to play. It’s got tons of potential.

I once spent an entire summer back in 1990 playing/running Warhammer Fantasy Roleplaying. It was the best of times. That’s what Ruttigers makes me think of. This game is going to be awesome as a common frame of reference for players and GMs who want new takes on the old fantasy races, classes, spells, and monsters along with a bunch of new ones.

Not to mention the creature crucible, a monster generator baked into the rules for GMs who like to customize their experience. That’s not the only widget coming in Ruttigers. There are rules for travel, carousing, hunting/foraging, siege warfare, naval battles, item enchantment and more on their way.

Please go take a look at the project on BackerKit. Almost 750 people were onboard before the BackerKit even opened up. I’m one of them. We’ll be talking more about Ruttigers Almanac in the days to come.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux Expansion.

Opening Vibe / First Impressions

I’m really thrilled and excited that someone made a Game Master book almost right out of the gate so to speak. For those who might not know, Deux is the term for GM in Gates of Krystalia. It’s also a term to describe the gods of the in-game world as well. This will come into play further on in the book.

What Makes Last Deux Stand Out?

Every good TTRPG needs a solid Game Master section, a whole book being preferable. Last Deux delivers in spades along with great art, monster creation guidelines, and lots of setting lore. Gates of Krystalia is a very rich setting that covers a lot of subgenres in anime/manga. As a bonus, they included solo rules in this tome as well.

Features That Hit Me Right Away:

There are a lot of really nice sections of Last Deux. I think the two that jump out the most are the various worlds because they had me at “Mecha.” The other thing I really liked is the basic how-to-run-the-game section in the first chapter. The setting is rich and the whole book is perfect for TTJRPG Game Masters just starting out. Also, did I mention Mecha?

Who This Supplement Is For:

Obviously, this one is aimed at players in the Deux role for Gates of Krystalia Honestly, I’d recommend this for fantasy GMs, TTRPG GMs, and anyone new to Game Mastering regardless of the system. GMs with a strong anime/manga background would really benefit from this book. Also, someone coming from RIFTS would benefit from giving this book a look.

Closing Thoughts:

I really love this supplement. Much like the rest of GoK, even if I don’t use it for the game it’s written for. Great advice. Lots of good setting construction. I’ll have more on this book at a later date. Please give Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux a look if you get a chance. My DTRPG Affiliate Link for this book.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux Expansion.

Opening Vibe / First Impressions

I’m really thrilled and excited that someone made a Game Master book almost right out of the gate so to speak. For those who might not know, Deux is the term for GM in Gates of Krystalia. It’s also a term to describe the gods of the in-game world as well. This will come into play further on in the book.

What Makes Last Deux Stand Out?

Every good TTRPG needs a solid Game Master section, a whole book being preferable. Last Deux delivers in spades along with great art, monster creation guidelines, and lots of setting lore. Gates of Krystalia is a very rich setting that covers a lot of subgenres in anime/manga. As a bonus, they included solo rules in this tome as well.

Features That Hit Me Right Away:

There are a lot of really nice sections of Last Deux. I think the two that jump out the most are the various worlds because they had me at “Mecha.” The other thing I really liked is the basic how-to-run-the-game section in the first chapter. The setting is rich and the whole book is perfect for TTJRPG Game Masters just starting out. Also, did I mention Mecha?

Who This Supplement Is For:

Obviously, this one is aimed at players in the Deux role for Gates of Krystalia Honestly, I’d recommend this for fantasy GMs, TTRPG GMs, and anyone new to Game Mastering regardless of the system. GMs with a strong anime/manga background would really benefit from this book. Also, someone coming from RIFTS would benefit from giving this book a look.

Closing Thoughts:

I really love this supplement. Much like the rest of GoK, even if I don’t use it for the game it’s written for. Great advice. Lots of good setting construction. I’ll have more on this book at a later date. Please give Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux a look if you get a chance. My DTRPG Affiliate Link for this book.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux Expansion.

Opening Vibe / First Impressions

I’m really thrilled and excited that someone made a Game Master book almost right out of the gate so to speak. For those who might not know, Deux is the term for GM in Gates of Krystalia. It’s also a term to describe the gods of the in-game world as well. This will come into play further on in the book.

What Makes Last Deux Stand Out?

Every good TTRPG needs a solid Game Master section, a whole book being preferable. Last Deux delivers in spades along with great art, monster creation guidelines, and lots of setting lore. Gates of Krystalia is a very rich setting that covers a lot of subgenres in anime/manga. As a bonus, they included solo rules in this tome as well.

Features That Hit Me Right Away:

There are a lot of really nice sections of Last Deux. I think the two that jump out the most are the various worlds because they had me at “Mecha.” The other thing I really liked is the basic how-to-run-the-game section in the first chapter. The setting is rich and the whole book is perfect for TTJRPG Game Masters just starting out. Also, did I mention Mecha?

Who This Supplement Is For:

Obviously, this one is aimed at players in the Deux role for Gates of Krystalia Honestly, I’d recommend this for fantasy GMs, TTRPG GMs, and anyone new to Game Mastering regardless of the system. GMs with a strong anime/manga background would really benefit from this book. Also, someone coming from RIFTS would benefit from giving this book a look.

Closing Thoughts:

I really love this supplement. Much like the rest of GoK, even if I don’t use it for the game it’s written for. Great advice. Lots of good setting construction. I’ll have more on this book at a later date. Please give Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux a look if you get a chance. My DTRPG Affiliate Link for this book.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux Expansion.

Opening Vibe / First Impressions

I’m really thrilled and excited that someone made a Game Master book almost right out of the gate so to speak. For those who might not know, Deux is the term for GM in Gates of Krystalia. It’s also a term to describe the gods of the in-game world as well. This will come into play further on in the book.

What Makes Last Deux Stand Out?

Every good TTRPG needs a solid Game Master section, a whole book being preferable. Last Deux delivers in spades along with great art, monster creation guidelines, and lots of setting lore. Gates of Krystalia is a very rich setting that covers a lot of subgenres in anime/manga. As a bonus, they included solo rules in this tome as well.

Features That Hit Me Right Away:

There are a lot of really nice sections of Last Deux. I think the two that jump out the most are the various worlds because they had me at “Mecha.” The other thing I really liked is the basic how-to-run-the-game section in the first chapter. The setting is rich and the whole book is perfect for TTJRPG Game Masters just starting out. Also, did I mention Mecha?

Who This Supplement Is For:

Obviously, this one is aimed at players in the Deux role for Gates of Krystalia Honestly, I’d recommend this for fantasy GMs, TTRPG GMs, and anyone new to Game Mastering regardless of the system. GMs with a strong anime/manga background would really benefit from this book. Also, someone coming from RIFTS would benefit from giving this book a look.

Closing Thoughts:

I really love this supplement. Much like the rest of GoK, even if I don’t use it for the game it’s written for. Great advice. Lots of good setting construction. I’ll have more on this book at a later date. Please give Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux a look if you get a chance. My DTRPG Affiliate Link for this book.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux Expansion.

Opening Vibe / First Impressions

I’m really thrilled and excited that someone made a Game Master book almost right out of the gate so to speak. For those who might not know, Deux is the term for GM in Gates of Krystalia. It’s also a term to describe the gods of the in-game world as well. This will come into play further on in the book.

What Makes Last Deux Stand Out?

Every good TTRPG needs a solid Game Master section, a whole book being preferable. Last Deux delivers in spades along with great art, monster creation guidelines, and lots of setting lore. Gates of Krystalia is a very rich setting that covers a lot of subgenres in anime/manga. As a bonus, they included solo rules in this tome as well.

Features That Hit Me Right Away:

There are a lot of really nice sections of Last Deux. I think the two that jump out the most are the various worlds because they had me at “Mecha.” The other thing I really liked is the basic how-to-run-the-game section in the first chapter. The setting is rich and the whole book is perfect for TTJRPG Game Masters just starting out. Also, did I mention Mecha?

Who This Supplement Is For:

Obviously, this one is aimed at players in the Deux role for Gates of Krystalia Honestly, I’d recommend this for fantasy GMs, TTRPG GMs, and anyone new to Game Mastering regardless of the system. GMs with a strong anime/manga background would really benefit from this book. Also, someone coming from RIFTS would benefit from giving this book a look.

Closing Thoughts:

I really love this supplement. Much like the rest of GoK, even if I don’t use it for the game it’s written for. Great advice. Lots of good setting construction. I’ll have more on this book at a later date. Please give Gates of Krystalia: Last Deux a look if you get a chance. My DTRPG Affiliate Link for this book.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

The Curse of the Yak.

1d12 Yak Based Detrimental Magical Side Effects:

Whether the mage was cursed by the Yak Witch or simply had a spell backfire in the Great Forest of the Yak, here are 12 Yak related spell mishaps:

1. The caster is covered in long, thick, shaggy fur. It can be shaved off. But will it grow back?
2. The caster grows Yak horns that remain for a week.
3. The caster sprouts a long fluffy tail with a tuft of fur on the end. It remains until removed.
4. The caster’s top incisor and canine teeth fall out permanently. (Look it up.)
5. The unfortunate caster (regardless of gender) sprouts udders and can produce delicious Yak milk. This effect is permanent unless removed magically. Clothing might be a bit of a challenge.
6. The caster’s entire head is replaced with a purple Yak’s head for one Shift. The unfortunate victim can still speak normally, only in a cartoony voice. Bane on all Charisma based rolls until it wears off.
7. Everything appears normal, except the caster can only make noises and grunt like a Yak. The poor character may not speak or cast spells for a full Stretch.
8. Yack! The caster vomits uncontrollably for a full Stretch. Even if the character’s stomach was previously empty, the stuff just keeps coming.
9. Yackity Yack! The character starts speaking every thought, rambling endlessly and can’t stop talking for a full Stretch. Stopping is painful. If the character tries to stop before the 10 minutes lapses, they take 1 point of damage. To make a coherent line or cast a spell with a verbal component, the character must make a WIL roll with a Bane each round such an action is attempted. Especially mean GM’s might inflict this on the player as an option.
10. Whatever it is I think I see… Friend and foe alike all look like Yaks for a full Shift. Awareness and Spot Hidden Rolls are made with a Bane.
11. The unfortunate caster along with all of their gear, is turned mostly into a Yak, only with the character’s head atop a Yak’s shaggy body. Luckily it wears off after a Shift.
12. The poor caster is permanently turned into a Yak until the curse is removed.

Magic Monday: 3 Forest Magic Items

The Magical Golden Pinecone: When held up and the magic word is spoken aloud, the pinecone gives off a magical light capable of illuminating the area equal to one torch. The light can be activated and deactivated at will. After one Shift of use, the pinecone must remain off for a shift before it can be used again.

The pinecone may also be used to summon 2d6 small woodland animals such as squirrels, rabbits, lemmings, chipmunks, etc. If any attempt to harm one of the critters is made by anyone in the area, they all immediately vanish. The animals follow the summoner around but do not obey any commands or perform any tricks, nor can they be taken on as familiars. However they can be fed, adored, snuggled, loved, and generally fawned over and will not attack anyone. The little animals disappear after one Shift. If the GM allows, the animal time may be substituted for a Memento if those rules are used.

If planted in the ground, the pinecone will grow into a magical golden pine tree 18 meters tall that glows faintly at night, providing shelter for three travelers and any number of small animals of the forest. This effect is permanent and the pinecone is lost. There is a 5% chance the magical pine tree will produce another Magical Pinecone when it first sprouts up. When sheltering under the pine, all effects of exhaustion, natural heat, natural cold, precipitation, poison, and disease are nullified. However, the magical golden pine is still a tree and can be burned, cut down, etc.

Bed of Pine Needles: This item appears as a bedroll consisting of hundreds of pine needles knitted together. It can be carried in the same fashion as a sleeping fur or blanket

 Resting on this bed for a full shift allows ONE character to remove all regular damage and cures poison, disease, exhaustion, and severe injuries. (Does not remove permanent conditions.)

The bed will shed lots of needles depending on the amount of healing done. It may not be used on more than two consecutive Shifts. The shedding of dead needles will continue for one shift after use. The needles are messy, inconvenient, and provide anyone tracking the character a Boon on their roll while the bed sheds.

If a deceased character who died within the last Shift is placed on the bed, they are resurrected with full HP, full WP, but one permanent lasting condition and the bed is permanently destroyed.

If two characters lay together on the bed for whatever reason, romantic or otherwise, they will be fully rested, but no healing.

The Magical Stick: This deceptively simple stick is actually a magic wand of immense power. It contains 12 WP which renew every day (4 Shifts) which can be used to cast spells from the wand AND/OR as the user sees fit. Spells cast using any WP from the wand have the following effects:

IF the casting roll for the spell is a DRAGON, the spell goes off 100% as intended with no ill effects. Count your blessings.

IF the spell is cast successfully, roll on the effects table below:

1. Spell is cast at double the effect, including any range, damage, and cost. Nothing strange happens, probably. Although it might seem as if something happened.
2. Spell is cast successfully, but flowers spring from the caster’s ears and nose. The flowers wilt and fall out after one stretch.
3. Stick sprays fireworks everywhere. Anyone within 10 meters around, including the caster is hit for 1d4 damage and temporarily blinded for one round. (Evade/Block as normal.) The intended spell effects are nowhere to be found.
4. Spell goes off as intended, but the caster is stricken with unpleasant frequent flatulence for one Stretch giving a Bane on any Charisma based checks and Stealth.
5. Spell goes off as intended, but caster and all of their gear (except Stick) turns plaid in color for one Shift giving a Bane on any Charisma based checks and Stealth.
6. Spell goes off as intended, but caster’s arm and leg bones turn to gelatin for one Stretch, preventing any movement. The caster can still speak and cast spells as normal. Movement is restricted to crawling along at 2 meters per round.
7. Spell fails, and everything that the caster says for one Stretch comes out a double loud volume as if yelling no matter how quiet they try to be.
8. Spell fails and instead summons 3d6 plush animals that appear all around the caster. They can’t move or speak (they’re plush,) but they are somewhat comforting.
9. Spell fails, but an Ogre is summoned. The Ogre isn’t hostile, just confused. He’s likely unarmed and might be eating lunch or taking a bath. He is returned to his home unharmed after one Stretch. Repeats of this result summon the same Ogre every time. His name is Krunk. He’s actually a pretty laid-back guy if no one attacks him. He has no idea why he keeps getting summoned, though. He still goes back at the end of a Stretch, regardless.
10.  Spell fails and a thicket of one-meter-tall thorn bushes sprout up in a six-meter radius around the caster. Anyone in the area must make an Acrobatics roll or be trapped in the mess, taking 1d4 damage and an additional 1d4 damage for every 2 meters moved. This effect can be Evaded, placing the character at the nearest outer edge of the thicket. The thicket is permanent, but can be chopped down, burned, etc. as normal. The caster is safe unless they try to leave the briar patch.
11. Spell works twice as well as intended, but any targets and the caster are stricken Prone with uncontrollable laughter for the following round preventing any action other than possibly rolling on the ground laughing. Everyone returns to normal after one round.
12. The Spell fails and the caster along with almost all of their gear is turned into sentient pudding for one Shift. The character can still see, speak, and move at 4 meters per round at most. Casting, fighting, and anything requiring manipulating objects (other than Stick) are not possible. No known magic can reverse this effect. Don’t worry, Stick is fine. Casting with a Bane can be attempted using Stick, but duplicates of this result might make the effect permanent.

IF the spell roll using WP from Stick fails, any/all spell effects are automatically reflected back on the caster AND roll on the effects table.

IF the roll is a Demon, roll on the Spell Mishap table from the Dragonbane rules TWICE and apply both effects.

Attempts to lose, break, give away, burn, or disenchant The Magical Stick result in it returning to the owner the next day regardless. It is not sentient as far as anyone knows.

THE GOAT MAN

Description:
A towering, hairy humanoid with the head of a black-eyed goat. Its almond-shaped eyes are glossy and depthless, reflecting no light. The mouth hangs too wide, too slack, as if unhinged. Its fingers are long and rake-like, ending in splintered claws. It smells of damp earth, rot, and wet fur. It does not speak, but sometimes it laughs.

Resistance: Immune to fear. Takes half damage from non-magical fire.
Ferocity: 2 Size: Large
Movement: 12 Armor: 3 (matted hide and dense muscle) HP: 32

MONSTER ATTACKS

D6 Attacks:

1. Horn Gore: The Goat Man lowers its head and drives forward doing 1d12 Bludgeoning damage. If the victim suffers damage, they are knocked prone at the start of their turn..
2. Claw Rake: A sweeping strike at 2 opponents withing 2 meters with elongated rake-like fingers doing 1d10 Slashing damage to each target.
3. Severe Rend: The Goat Man focuses entirely on one target within arm’s reach with an overwhelming slashing attack that does 2d6 Slashing damage.
4. Chunk Bite: The gaping mouth clamps down and tears away flesh on one character for 1d8 slashing damage. If damage penetrates armor, the victim must a Fear Check due to shock and revulsion.
5. Black-Eyed Stare: The Goat Man locks eyes with one target within 10 meters must make a Fear Roll.
6. Disheartening Presence: All characters within 24 meters must make a Fear Roll as the creature emits an unearthly howl-scream that frightens all nearby wildlife and strikes terror into the hearts of all who hear it.

Combat Note: The Goat Man is meant to be a shadowy mystery above anything else. If reduced to half HP or if one combatant is dropped to 0 HP (or even appears to be deceased) the Goat Man will attempt to flee and/or hide from any and all pursuers. Sneaking 14.

THE GOAT MAN

Description:
A towering, hairy humanoid with the head of a black-eyed goat. Its almond-shaped eyes are glossy and depthless, reflecting no light. The mouth hangs too wide, too slack, as if unhinged. Its fingers are long and rake-like, ending in splintered claws. It smells of damp earth, rot, and wet fur. It does not speak, but sometimes it laughs.

Resistance: Immune to fear. Takes half damage from non-magical fire.
Ferocity: 2 Size: Large
Movement: 12 Armor: 3 (matted hide and dense muscle) HP: 32

MONSTER ATTACKS

D6 Attacks:

1. Horn Gore: The Goat Man lowers its head and drives forward doing 1d12 Bludgeoning damage. If the victim suffers damage, they are knocked prone at the start of their turn..
2. Claw Rake: A sweeping strike at 2 opponents withing 2 meters with elongated rake-like fingers doing 1d10 Slashing damage to each target.
3. Severe Rend: The Goat Man focuses entirely on one target within arm’s reach with an overwhelming slashing attack that does 2d6 Slashing damage.
4. Chunk Bite: The gaping mouth clamps down and tears away flesh on one character for 1d8 slashing damage. If damage penetrates armor, the victim must a Fear Check due to shock and revulsion.
5. Black-Eyed Stare: The Goat Man locks eyes with one target within 10 meters must make a Fear Roll.
6. Disheartening Presence: All characters within 24 meters must make a Fear Roll as the creature emits an unearthly howl-scream that frightens all nearby wildlife and strikes terror into the hearts of all who hear it.

Combat Note: The Goat Man is meant to be a shadowy mystery above anything else. If reduced to half HP or if one combatant is dropped to 0 HP (or even appears to be deceased) the Goat Man will attempt to flee and/or hide from any and all pursuers. Sneaking 14.

Dark Skeletal Samurai

Description:
An approximately 2.5-meter-tall skeleton in full traditional O-yoroi armor and kabuto. They are most often armed with an oversized katana or Bisento. Never a missile weapon. (See below.)

Resistance:
Take half damage from non-magical weapons. Immune to illusion and mind-control effects. Unlike traditional undead or demons, they are NOT affected by spells and effects specific to those types.

Clever Mages may make a Spellcasting roll (Boon for Illusionists) to sense something is off with these monsters. Non spellcasters may make an Awareness Roll at the start of the battle or a WIL roll upon striking the creature for the first time or any Dragon roll in melee. Successful rolls reveal that this creature is basically a solid illusion similar to a construct held together with magic.

When this creature is destroyed it turns into six slips of paper covered in sigils. If deciphered by a Mage, it will reveal that the magic used to create this creature is a forbidden knowledge spell that is a hybrid of Necromancy, Demonology, and Illusion. The spell cannot be recreated just using the paper leftover from the creation.

Ferocity: 3  Size: L
Movement: 10  Armor: 6  HP: 12

MONSTER ATTACKS

D6 Attacks:

1. Overhead Melee Smash: One target within 4 meters is struck with a mighty top-down blow that inflicts 2d10 slashing damage and knocks the opponent back 2 meters and prone. If the area the target is knocked into is occupied by a solid object such as a wall, furniture, debris, etc. they take an additional 1d4 bludgeoning damage. (Armor does not negate the additional damage.)
2. Impaling Thrust: One target within 4 meters is struck with the point of the Skeleton’s weapon for 2d8 Piercing damage plus Disheartened. (If already Disheartened, choose another condition.)
3. Sweeping Strike: 2 targets within 4 meters of the Skeleton are slashed for 1d8 damage each and knocked prone at the beginning of their turn. If the targets EVADE successfully they are placed backward an additional 2 meters as long as terrain allows.
4. Whirling Blade Defense: All creatures within 2 meters are slashed for 1d8 damage each and must back up 2 meters.
5. Stare of the Void: The Skeleton makes direct eye contact with one creature within 10 meters who must succeed on a WIL check or roll on the Fear table.
6. Breath of the Skeletal Void: The Skeleton exhales a 4-meter by 4-meter by 4-meter cloud of pure darkness in front of itself that persists for 1d4 rounds. Those inside the cloud are treated as being in pitch black darkness that no torch or mundane light source can penetrate. Monsters see normally in the dark. Characters within the cloud may make a WIL roll to dispel the effect immediately IF they suspect it is illusion magic.

Dragonbane: Trudvang Now Live on Kickstarter

from Free League Publishing.

Free League Publishing has officially launched the Kickstarter campaign for Dragonbane: Trudvang, a stand-alone tabletop role-playing game set in the mythic world of Trudvang. The campaign reached full funding within four minutes of launch, surpassing its initial goal of 25,000 USD and climbing past 150,000 USD within the first 30 minutes.

Link to the Kickstarter here.

Developed under license from CMON and built on Free League’s award-winning Dragonbane fantasy RPG system, Dragonbane: Trudvang brings players into a richly imagined world inspired by Nordic mythology. The project introduces four masterfully illustrated hardback volumes that present the setting in depth, offering players a realm of shadowed forests, wrathful gods, ancient mysteries, and dreadful beasts.

A few months after the Kickstarter concludes, backers will receive early access to Beta PDFs of all four books. This allows players to begin exploring Trudvang and running adventures well ahead of the official release.

Early backers who pledge for a physical reward within the first 48 hours of launch will receive an exclusive bonus art print featuring new Core Rulebook cover art by legendary fantasy artist Paul Bonner. The bonus applies to pledge tiers that include physical rewards.

Across four beautifully crafted volumes, players can journey through the realm of Dragonbane: Trudvang and uncover its many secrets, including:

• Dragonbane: Trudvang Core Rulebook: A complete ruleset built on the award-winning Dragonbane system, introducing new kin such as Stormlander humans and Korpikalli elves, additional professions and lifepaths, ranked heroic abilities, and unique magic wielded by vitner weavers and dimwalkers
• The World of Trudvang: A richly illustrated deep dive into the realm’s history, lands, and faiths, spanning the Stormlands and Westmark to Soj and the Great Ice Plains
• Jorgi’s Bestiary: The classic monster compendium returns, featuring legendary creatures such as brotbeast, byse, hrimtursir, and the ancient yggdras, all fully adapted for Dragonbane
• The Saga of the Black Star: A revised four-part epic campaign published in English for the first time, sending heroes across Trudvang to confront a looming cosmic threat.

The Kickstarter campaign also features a high-quality cloth map of Trudvang illustrated by fantasy artist Francesca Baerald. The map is available as a separate add-on or included in select bundles. Collector’s Editions of all four books are being offered exclusively through the campaign and will not be printed again.

The Trudvang brand and its original content were created by Theodore Bergqvist and Magnus Malmberg of Riotminds as a campaign world for their Swedish edition of Dragonbane, Drakar och Demoner, in the early 2000s. Trudvang later expanded into the separate Trudvang Chronicles RPG and the board game Trudvang Legends by CMON.

The adaptation of Trudvang to the current version of Dragonbane is being spearheaded by Magnus Seter, a veteran RPG writer whose credits include Cyberpunk 2020, Mutant Chronicles, Forbidden Lands, and Dragonbane. Seter also worked on Trudvang in its early days.

In the preface to the new edition, Theodore Bergqvist expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that Trudvang has, in many ways, found its way home again under Free League’s stewardship.

Dragonbane: Trudvang is slated for release in 2027.

Fear not, we will be coming back to the Kickstarter in the days and weeks to come as well as previews as soon as they become available.

Monday Monster…Encounter: The Wuppet.

It was either this or the Hentai Horror I cooked up.

Luckily for us, cute and fuzzy won the day.
Disclaimer: This creature encounter is just for fun and not commercial use. It’s free. It’s fun. Enjoy.

Real World Note: This creature appeared in the 1970s at a burger and hot dog joint called A&W as part of a promotion aimed at kids. Conveniently, I happened to collect a few of them and sorta fell in love with the idea. They’ve also been produced under the names Wuppel or Wupple. Reminds me of Meeples, which will be another entry some other time.

As a Dragonbane or other fantasy game encounter:

They are rarely seen in the wild. A hero should feel blessed to encounter one up close and to befriend one is a true blessing. They are very small balls of floof who wander around on tiny cat-like feet that are tucked up on legs underneath the creature’s fur, somewhat similar to owls. They have two very expressive eyes and two fine antenna that end in tiny bulbs.

They have no nose or mouth, and it is uncertain how they eat or take in sustenance. Scholars speculate that they are like plants in those regards. Likewise it is believed that the creatures reproduce asexually by spawning another tinier version of themselves from their own bodies. Wuppets have never been encountered in groups.

Wuppets appear most often as a sign of good tidings should an adventurer be fortunate enough to see one. If someone, most often a bard, mage or scholar, holds goodness in their heart, the Wuppet might be curious enough to approach them. Any signs of hostility and the Wuppet immediately vanishes by simply turning invisible or darting off into its surroundings.

Wuppets do not engage in combat and have no ability to do so. Most often they communicate with their eyes and by their cute motions. Once in a very rare while they are able to communicate telepathically, but only with a creature or person whom they believe they can trust. When they choose to communicate, most come off as extremely mild mannered and well spoken, almost eloquent. A few sound like cute little anime girls as one might expect from something so unbelievably cute.

Wuppets have 12 WP and can spend 2 points to cast/use the following abilities:

• Cure 2d6 HP worth of damage.
• Remove 1 Condition from 1 creature/character.
• Create enough food and water to sustain 1 person for one day.
• Cure a disease from 1 creature/character.
• Cure poison from 1 creature/character.
• Remove exhaustion from 1 creature/character.

Wuppets are extremely powerful casters and have a high degree of empathy. Anything that requires a die roll automatically succeeds. The Wuppet can always sense what someone needs most and will try to provide it.

Wuppets have no loot and ask for nothing beyond kindness in exchange for their services.

The message provided by these creatures is very simple. Be nice to others. Stay positive. Have fun. Be good. They can provide a much-needed break from a scary, often brutal world. They offer encouragement, try to foster trust, and will be the nicest little floofballs anyone has ever encountered.

Monday Monster: Venomous Tengu

Description:
Venomous Tengu are anthropomorphic ravens with slick black feathers, hooked beaks, and sharp talons. They lurk in high places and strike with cruel intelligence, spitting toxic venom before closing in to finish weakened prey. Their voices are harsh, mocking, and often echo with unsettling laughter.

Venomous Tengu are immune to poison.
Demon: Venomous Tengu are considered demons and are affected by any/all spell effects that target demons for extra damage, etc.

Ferocity: 2 Size: Medium
Movement: 12 (flying) Armor: 2 (Natural) HP: 18

Venomous Tengu Attacks:
D6 Attacks:
1. Toxic Spit: Ranged attack up to 10 meters. Deals 2d6 toxic slime damage and inflicts Potency 10 Lethal poison.
2. Raking Talons: Attacks one target within 2 meters for 2d8 slashing damage as the tengu slashes with both feet in a diving strike.
3. Hooked Beak: Attacks one target withing 2 meters for 2d10 piercing damage. If this reduces the target to 0 HP, the tengu lets out a triumphant croak heard for several hundred meters and causes everyone withing range to make a Fear check.
4. Blinding Venom Spray: One target within 6 meters takes 1d6 toxic spittle damage. Target is Blinded for 1d4 rounds.
5. Wing Buffet: Up to 2 targets within 4 meters take 1d8 bludgeoning damage (armor has no effect) and are knocked back the same number of meters and start their turns prone.
6. Venom Frenzy: All creatures within 4 meters take 1d8 slashing damage and are inflicted with Weak (Potency 9) Lethal Poison.

The Twin-Tailed Lemmikyn

“Where it pauses, chance stumbles.”

Appearance

The Lemmikyn is a small, four-legged animal resembling a plump mountain lemming with unusually large, watchful eyes. Its most striking feature is its two foxlike tails, each tipped with pale silver fur that faintly glimmers in low light. Its coat shifts subtly with the weather, dusty gray before storms, off-white in snow, and tawny in autumn forests, making it easy to overlook at first. When startled, both tails flick in opposite directions, as if reacting to different futures. It moves with quick, nervous hops, often stopping to sniff the air or stare intently at nothing at all.

Nature & Folklore

The Lemmikyn is not magical in intent, but magical in consequence. It does not curse, attack, or deliberately interfere. Instead, probability bends slightly around it, like a wheel with a loose spoke.

Common folk sayings include:

• “Spilled ale follows a Lemmikyn.”
• “Two tails, no luck.”
• “If it watches you leave, something stays behind.”

Scholars debate whether it: attracts bad luck, sheds it like dander, or merely reveals instability in reality already present. Many have speculated that its origins lie in the Spirit World or Fairy Realm.

The Lemmikyn seems drawn to crossroads, mountain trails, forest edges, and liminal places, anywhere decisions are made.

Behavior

• Solitary or found in pairs (rarely.)
• Active at dawn and dusk.
• Flees combat unless cornered.
• Watches travelers from a short distance, sometimes following for an hour or more before vanishing.

If chased or captured, misfortune accelerates.

Weird Luck Wake (Core Gimmick)

While a Lemmikyn is near the party or has recently passed through, minor mishaps increase:

Examples (use sparingly, never all at once):

• A rope frays sooner than expected.
• A torch sputters out early.
• A pack strap snaps.
• Food spoils overnight.
• A door sticks, then suddenly flies open.
• A dropped item rolls just out of reach.

Important:
This is never lethal on its own. It’s inconvenience, tension, mood. The players should connect the dots afterward.

Dragonbane Stat Block:

*Please note: This creature does not follow the standard Dragonbane Monster formula. It is more akin to an NPC or animal familiar. Truly, it is not meant for combat nor cuddles. Some have speculated that it may in fact be a creature from the Fairy Realm or Spirit World.

LEMMIKYN
Ferocity: 1
Size: Small
Movement: 12
Armor: 2 (Natural)
HP: 8
Attacks: Nip – 1d6 (only if cornered)

Skills:
Evade 16
Sneaking 16
Awareness: 15

Special Abilities:
Unsteady Fortune
As long as the Lemmikyn remains nearby (or within the last watch), the GM may once per session:
Treat a failed roll as a marginal failure with consequences or introduce a minor mishap unrelated to combat. No rerolls are forced. This should feel organic, not punitive.
Forked Fate Tails
If the Lemmikyn is directly interacted with (fed, chased, trapped):
The next notable non-combat roll made by a random party member is rolled with Bane.
The effect fades once the creature escapes or is left behind.

GM Notes (The Secret Sauce)
The Lemmikyn is best used in hindsight as if almost meant to incite supersition among the party.
Let players realize later: “Oh, it was that thing.”
Never overuse it. One appearance every few sessions is perfect
If slain, bad luck stops immediately, which should feel oddly relieving… and sad.

Adventure Hooks
A merchant offers good coin for proof that one was removed from a trade route.
A village refuses to cut down a tree where one nests.
A rival party secretly follows one, hoping it will soften up their competition.
A wizard insists they bring one back alive (this will not go well.)
One decides to follow the party around, trying to become adopted.

#Dnd #Dragonbaneadventures #DragonbaneBestiary #DragonBaneBlog #DragonbaneBlogger #DragonbanePathofGlory #Dragonbanestandees #DrakarochDemoner #Fantasy #FreeLeaguePublishing #FriaLigan #MonsterMonday #Roleplaying #Roleplayingblog #Roleplayingblogger #Roleplayingcommunity #Roleplayinggame #Rpg #Rpgblog #Rpgblogger #Rpgwriter #Ttrpg #Ttrpgamenight #TTRPGblog #TTRPGblogger #Ttrpgdesign #Ttrpgnewplayers #Ttrpgplayer #Ttrpgwriter #DoD #Dragonbane

Friday Flap: DungeonTubers and New GMs. https://jeffsgamebox.blog/2026/01/30/friday-flap-dungeontubers-and-new-gms/ ##dnd, ##DungeonTube, ##DungeonTuber, ##DungeonTubers, ##rpg, ##rpgblog, ##rpgblogger, ##rpgwriter, ##ttrpg, ##TTRPGblog, ##TTRPGblogger, ##ttrpgwriter, #GameMasterAdvice, #TTRPGInfluencer, #TTRPGYouTubeCreator

I found a bunch of my old notes on an old hard drive which got me thinking about the games I've run since I started GMing in college.

That was a little over a decade ago, so I figure it's better to split it up into parts based on which group I was with.

https://alexanderkeane.com/2023/02/04/my-experiences-as-a-designated-dm/

Part 1 is based on the experiences I had as a brand new DM with my Seattle group, never running the same system two campaigns in a row.

#TTRPGBlog #TTRPG #SessionStories