Tag Archives: 5e

The Horror of Talaraska: Background & Synopsis

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Introduction

Having fleshed out the village of Cross Tree for the past couple months I wanted to start exploring some adventures and encounters. The Horror of Talaraska is an introductory scenario designed to be played in a single gaming session of 3-4 hours. If not used as a first adventure it could easily be dropped in by a GM who needs to fill a session on short notice.

This scenario was written with the Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia from 1991 in mind. I will note that despite utilizing the Rules Cyclopedia, I’m not an OSR purist by any means. I will deviate from RAW liberally, both in creating new creatures and in mechanics for encounters. While intended as a starter adventure for ~4 players, it should be easy enough to tweak things up or down as needed.

These have been trying times for the village of Cross Tree. Choice Quality Stock Art @ Rick Hershey / Fat Goblin Games.

While Cross Tree is a location in my own campaign world, I’ve tried to create it generically enough that GMs could fit it into just about any published or homegrown setting. For instance, if you happened to be running a game in Mystara, the village should fit nicely within the Grand Duchy of Karameikos (probably somewhere north of Kelvin). Required features for the location would be a wooded region, relatively close to mountains, and more than a single day’s travel from any settlements to the east or west.

All of this is to say that everything here is flexible. I’ve personally never picked up a pre-written adventure and ran it word for word as it was presented. I’m confident that anyone perusing obscure TTRPG blogs will be able to easily convert things to any system of their choice or make any modifications as they see fit. My goal has always been to provide digestible source material to give GMs ideas and inspiration. This is no different. Take what you like, make changes as you wish, and leave the rest.

One final note before I dive in. My games tend to lean a bit lower on the fantasy scale than what seems to be trendy these days. That’s just my personal taste. If you happen to run a game with wildly diverse characters such as anthropomorphic squirrels or fish people, some of my stuff may seem a bit bland to you.

If you find my adventures to be too human-centric, simply spice things up a bit. For instance, you’re about to hear about some human brigands causing trouble in Cross Tree. They could easily be replaced with a band of gnolls. We’re all lucky to share this hobby that supports a diverse assortment of stories. Do what works for you!

Adventure Background

Village of Cross Tree. Created with Campaign Cartographer 3+ using the Dungeons of Schley symbol set.

Three weeks ago, an earthquake shook the region of the Carrowmar forest, near where the sleepy village of Cross Tree is located. While such tremors aren’t rare, this one left the villagers uneasy, fearing it might be an omen of darker times ahead. Their fears soon materialized.

Over the past week, Cross Tree has been terrorized by a group of brigands led by a fearsome brute named Kargan Pike. The trouble began when two merchants, traveling from the northeast, were ambushed on the road, narrowly escaping with their lives. Then, just last night, the bandits brazenly attacked Cross Tree. The village managed to drive them off, but not without cost: the blacksmith suffered severe injuries, and two villagers were killed.

After their raid, the bandits retreated into the forest, returning to the secluded spot where they had stashed the merchants’ wagon. As they settled in for the night, the flicker of their campfire revealed an opening in the hillside. Closer inspection suggested that the earthquake had caused this to become visible in the side of the hill. Curious yet cautious, Kargan Pike and one of his goons ventured into what they assumed was just a natural cave.

Kargan Pike © 2015 Dean Spencer, used with permission. All rights reserved.

Unbeknownst to the bandit leader, the thickly wooded hills to the northeast of Cross Tree were once home to the mysterious city of Talaraska. Lost to time and now only recalled by elder sages, Talaraska was once a center of arcane knowledge, a beacon of enlightenment from another age.

Few now remain who remember the city, let alone how it came to be swallowed up by the hills and trees of the forest itself. For countless years, the relentless march of time has hidden every trace. Were it not for the earthquake, it may have sat undisturbed for years to come.

What initially seemed to be a simple cave proved to be something more, as Pike and his companion ventured deeper. As the dirt floor gave way to paving stones they discovered the true nature of their findings. The air grew thick with the dust of ages and the faint, eerie echoes of a lost civilization. The pair stumbled upon remnants of arcane symbols and ancient tomes, their pages brittle and yellowed with age.

Their intrusion, however, did not go unnoticed. As they delved further, their presence disturbed the slumber of a remnant of Talaraska’s past not meant to be disturbed. This ancient guardian, a construct powered by forgotten magics, rose from its centuries-long dormancy with a malevolent fury. Pike and his lackey were quickly overwhelmed and met a grisly end.

Now, without their leader and haunted by the unsettling sounds emanating from the cave, the remaining brigands are huddled in the forest, paralyzed by fear. They nervously debate their next move, their hands never straying far from their weapons.

Adventure Synopsis

Cave entrance. © 2015 Dean Spencer, used with permission. All rights reserved.

The PCs will arrive in Cross Tree, unaware of the events of the past week. Appearing capable, the party will be approached by the townsfolk, asked to help with the bandits, and to retrieve some important objects.

Assuming that the adventurers agree, they will head off in search of Pike and his band of brigands. Roughly a half day’s trek outside of the village, the party will discover where the merchant’s wagon has been dragged off the road and ultimately where the bandits have made their camp. The party will presumably attack or otherwise deal with the bandit camp. At this point they will be at a crossroads where they could head back to Cross Tree to report their success or opt to venture into the cave, to discover what happened to the bandit leader.

Until Next Time

In the spirit of keeping these posts digestible, I’m going to wrap it there for this week.  We’ll delve into the adventure itself next time. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and visit. Hope you have a great week!

For more on the Village of Cross Tree, go here.

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

The Blacksmith

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Location #6 on the map of the Village of Cross Tree is the blacksmith.

Rhythmic clanging of metal strikes can be heard as one approaches this simple structure, located just south of the great “Cross Tree” that the village is named for. Situated along the western shore of Pine Creek, a simple living quarters stands at the northern part of the property, with a partially enclosed workshop out front.

Created using Campaign Cartographer 3+ with the Dungeons of Schley symbol set.

Derek McQuarrie

Derek McQuarrie. Publisher’s Choice Quality Stock Art @ Rick Hershey / Fat Goblin Games. http://www.fatgoblingames.com

The village blacksmith, Derek McQuarrie, is a man of sturdy build with a rugged beard. He’s a striking fellow of roughly 30 years of age, bearing a long scar down the right side of his face. Well-muscled from years spent plying his trade, initial impressions of the blacksmith would suggest he was quite stern. However, despite his imposing presence, his hands are always extended in welcome to visitors.

Originally contracted by Astolpho Fuchs (see the Mercantile) to produce new supports for the village’s sole bridge, Derek ended up deciding to remain in the village. That was nearly 6 years ago now and the blacksmith has built a comfortable life for himself.

Derek was born in the bustling city of Grenton, a major trade hub situated to the west of Cross Tree. Orphaned at a young age, he took up a role as an apprentice blacksmith. Growing up in the shadow of the forge, Derek learned the trade and mastered the art of shaping metal long before he was fully grown. Cross Tree provided a place where he could establish his own name, free from the competitive pressures of the city.

The village of Cross Tree. Created with Campaign Cartographer 3+ using the Cities of Schley symbol set.

The Blacksmith Shop

A solid oak wall on the eastern side shields the workspace from the wind and provides hanging space for tools and materials. The rest of the shop is open to the elements, supported by sturdy wooden beams that frame the structure. The workshop is cluttered yet organized, with various projects in different stages of completion laid out on worktables.

A stone forge stands along the western wall of the structure and this is where the proprietor can often be found. His actual living quarters are modest but cozy. In the southeast corner, a ladder disappears through a trapdoor to the bedroom above.

Plot Hooks & Encounters

  • Antique Armor: A few weeks ago, Karia Merric (from the Cross Tree Inn) found a suit of armor while wandering through the Carrowmar forest looking for herbs. Upon her return to the village, she mentioned it to Derek and he set out immediately to retrieve it. The armor is quite ornate and fashioned in a style from another age. The blacksmith is curious about its origins and may hire the party to do some research (or perhaps scour the woods for other pieces).

  • Supply Chain Disruption: Derek is facing a shortage of high-quality iron due to disturbances at the local mine (perhaps a strike or a natural disaster). He might hire the party to sort out the troubles at the mine, ensuring that his supply of metal isn’t jeopardized.
  • The Debt: Derek confesses to the party that he’s indebted to a merchant from his past in Grenton due to the initial funding he received to set up his forge in Cross Tree. The merchant has come calling for repayment with interest, and Derek needs help negotiating more favorable terms or finding a way to quickly raise the needed funds.
  • A Rival’s Challenge: A rival blacksmith from a neighboring town has challenged Derek to a crafting competition. Derek needs assistance to gather rare materials scattered throughout the region. Adventurers can help him win the contest, which would not only uphold his reputation but also attract more business to Cross Tree.

Conclusion

That will close the book on another location in the village of Cross Tree. While there are some other notable individuals within the village, I am feeling a call toward adventure. I think next week it will be time to start delving into some adventures that use Cross Tree as a hub. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and I hope you have a great week. Good gaming!

For more on the Village of Cross Tree, go here.

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

The Stables

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Location #5 on the map of the Village of Cross Tree is the stables.

The stables in Cross Tree are located directly across from the Cross Tree Inn. The building itself has seen better days and looks to be in disrepair. A low stone wall surrounds the courtyard, and some chickens can be seen running about. Despite the state of the building, the actual stables appear to be well kept and orderly. It’s clear that the proprietor is taking care of things.

Enough travelers pass through to keep the operation worthwhile for its owner. However, she is new to the town and inherited the property after it had been allowed to go downhill for several years.

The stables. Created with Campaign Cartographer 3+, Dungeons of Schley symbol set.

Taryn Keen

Taryn Keen. Publisher’s Choice Quality Stock Art @ Rick Hershey / Fat Goblin Games. http://www.fatgoblingames.com

Taryn Keen is a young human woman who appears to be in her mid-twenties. She has green eyes and auburn hair that falls below her shoulders. Taryn bears a tattoo of a black dragon, just below her collar bone, on her left side. Under normal circumstances, she dresses quite plainly in wool breeches with a linen shirt.

Having inherited the stables from her uncle Benjamin, Taryn has only been in town for a little over a year. She grew up in a large city to the west, where she spent her youth working in her father’s stables.

An adventurer in his younger days, Benjamin Keen had owned the stables in Cross Tree for over 25 years, until he went missing 2 years ago. Townsfolk claim that he had an unhealthy fixation on legends of a lost city somewhere in the vicinity of Cross Tree.

The Village of Cross Tree. Made with Campaign Cartographer 3+, Cities of Schley symbol set.

Rather than operate and take care of his business, Benjamin was known to wander off into the woods for days at time. It is believed that he was obsessed with finding the lost city. On one such expedition, Benjamin failed to return.

When it was clear that the stablemaster was not likely to come back, word was sent to the family and Taryn arrived within the year. Having had a good deal of previous experience, she set about to putting things back in shape. The house itself still needs work but she is getting there.

Besides boarding, Taryn grooms the animals left in her charge and provides medical attention as necessary. She supplements her income by caring for the other beasts of burden and livestock around the town. Her rates would be considered modest compared to whatever is standard in your game. While her operation is too small to carry equestrian equipment, Astolpho & Gina at the mercantile, carry all the basics.

1st Floor

The eastern portion of the ground floor is comprised of Taryn’s living quarters, while the room to the west is what she uses as an office.

2nd Floor

In addition to Taryn’s bedchamber, the 2nd floor consists of a meeting room. While not generally accessible to the public, she may invite the PCs up here for counsel, or to discuss future plans.

Plot Hooks & Encounters

As previously mentioned, Taryn’s uncle Benjamin went missing 2 years ago. What the other residents of Cross Tree are not aware of is that fact that Taryn’s father Adam also vanished around the same time.

•             Knowing that both her father and uncle had been adventurers in their youth. Taryn suspects that the legend of a lost city was what lured Benjamin here. It is reasonable to think that she might attempt to hire the party to find out what became of them.

•             While out on a ride two weeks ago, Taryn discovered some stone tablets with odd runes on them. She might hire the party to travel to the nearest city and try to decipher them.

•             Adam Keen owned a cabin located 3 days west of Cross Tree. Taryn has not been there since she was a young girl. However, she faintly remembers that he kept journals there, detailing his exploits. If she trusts the party, she may give them directions to the cabin and ask them to go retrieve the journals. Obviously, with this and any of the other previous tasks, she would be willing to share any resulting bounty.

•             Finally, if the party is simply in need of funds and willing to put in some hard work, there is plenty to be done. Taryn would certainly be willing to hire party members to clean the stables or assist with the process of fixing up her living quarters.

Closing Notes

That will do it for this week’s entry from the town of Cross Tree. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by. If there is anything you would like to see added to the village or you require any tweaks to the maps, let me know in the comments. Until my next post, I hope you have great adventures and a great week!

For more on the Village of Cross Tree, go here.

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

The Mercantile

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Location #4 in the Village of Cross Tree is the Mercantile.

The Mercantile

A worn sign above this 2-story oak structure reads “All Manner of Goods”. Easily one of the largest buildings in this settlement, this is clearly a general store. Two short staircases head up to a wooden deck that is home to an assortment of crates & barrels. Just beyond, two doors lead into the establishment.

The mercantile is owned and run by Astolpho Fuchs and his wife Gina. The store is quite large for a settlement the size of Cross Tree. Characters with above average perception will likely surmise that the place must survive due to the extra business brought in by travelers passing through.

The mercantile. Maps created with Campaign Cartographer 3+ using the Dungeons of Schley symbol set.

Astolpho & Gina Fuchs

Astolpho Fuchs. Publisher’s Choice Quality Stock Art @ Rick Hershey / Fat Goblin Games. http://www.fatgoblingames.com

Astolpho is a fit man of roughly 50 years of age. He has black hair, with a neatly trimmed beard & mustache that is starting to show patches of gray. His clothing consists of a simple tunic, woolen breeches, and soft leather boots.

Gina is the same age as her husband, though she appears roughly 5 years younger. She has shoulder length flaxen hair and peaceful green eyes. A sturdy woman, Gina nearly matches Astolpho’s 6’ and she is clearly no stranger to manual labor. A simple linen dress in earthen tones would be her typical attire.

Gina Fuchs. Publisher’s Choice Quality Stock Art @ Rick Hershey / Fat Goblin Games. http://www.fatgoblingames.com

The pair came to Cross Tree 12 years ago. Having been through the area earlier, they came to “get away from it all” and create a new life in this tranquil setting. Unbeknownst to the other inhabitants of the town, the couple are in hiding. Gina was the eldest daughter of a wealthy merchant family in a large city and Astolpho was a member of the thieves’ guild. Already madly in love when the guild decided to target Gina’s family, Astolpho couldn’t stand idly by.

The pair turned the tables on the criminal organization by tipping off the city watch. In the ensuing chaos, they plundered the guild’s coffers and rode off into the night. Knowing that they could never dare return home, the couple eloped and didn’t look back.

They spent years traveling but ultimately settled on Cross Tree as a destination. They have enough wealth to live their lives comfortably, but the store allows them to blend in. As previously mentioned, the store is a bit too large for such a small settlement, but Gina suggested that storing some of their wealth in excess goods rather than gold coins might be prudent.

1st Floor

The village of Cross Tree

The western side of the ground floor is open to the public and contains all the common trade goods, crafting supplies, and tools that might be required by the citizens of Cross Tree. The items would all be priced in a typical manner to what the PCs would expect to find in a large city. This will probably stand out to some characters, since prices in remote areas like this can often be steep.

While arms and armor would not be in great demand in Cross Tree (save for perhaps arrows), the couple do stock quite an array of these items behind the counter. If the PCs inquire about items of this nature, there will be an 80% chance that they stock any common item that might be available based on the game system you are using.

I run a low fantasy game, where magic items are quite rare. That said, if you happen to have the type of campaign where PCs need a place to stock up on potions, scrolls, and the occasional magical armaments, I suppose you could add those to the stock on hand as well.

2nd Floor

The 2nd floor of the mercantile consists of Gina & Astolpho’s residence. While not generally accessible to the public, they may invite the PCs up here for counsel or to discuss future plans.

Plot Hooks & Encounters

As previously mentioned, the couple are on the run. Should anyone from their past find them, it could mean their end. They are rather guarded but if the couple gets to know the party, they may open up to them.

  • Parties stopping in Cross Tree along the way to somewhere else may be provided information about their destination. Both have traveled extensively and are willing to provide trusted PCs with tips about the workings of nearby larger cities.
  • Someone from the Thieves’ guild may come looking for the pair and they may need to enlist aid.
  • Astolpho may receive word that an acquaintance from his underworld days is in trouble. Unable to help himself, he may hire the party to assist.
  • Gina may approach the party and offer to hire them to transport some valuable merchandise to another settlement.
  • Possibly Astolpho chose to settle in Cross Tree because he had heard rumors of an ancient lost city hidden away within the depths of the forest. Legends claim that there are fabulous treasures there.

Conclusion

That will close the book on another location in the village of Cross Tree. My laptop bit the dust a couple weeks back and it’s been a comedy of errors shopping for a new device. It’s good to be up and running again. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and I hope you have a great week. Good gaming!

For more on the Village of Cross Tree, go here.

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

The Ruined Tower

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Location #3 on the map of the Village of Cross Tree is the ruined tower.

The Ruined Tower. Created with Campaign Cartographer Dungeons of Schley symbol set.

A trail in the northeast corner of the village winds through the woods. Atop a short climb, the remnants of a tower can be seen. Having once stood 50 or 60 feet in height, the upper levels have collapsed over time. The second floor of the structure appears to be somewhat intact, though a large gap can be seen in the wall.

Rubble is strewn about the base of the tower and more can be seen littered out into the forest. Ahead, a wisp of smoke escapes from between two double doors that rest slightly ajar.

The Village of Cross Tree.

The tower itself predates the town of Cross Tree by over 100 years and none of the locals, aside from possible Nicodemus (see below), have any recollection of who built it. Characters with any type of architectural knowledge will easily be able to identify that this structure is from another time.

In my own game, the tower represents one of the last standing traces of a previous civilization. Deep within the outlying forest, there are cave entrances that lead into still accessible areas of this ancient settlement. Swallowed up by the earth itself, a lost city waits to be rediscovered. I will explore some of these locations once the rest of Cross Tree has been covered.

If this doesn’t work for your game, the tower could have an entirely different background. The idea here is to simply give you some interesting locations for your players to visit, without you having to do a lot of work.

PCs exploring the area around the tower will find all manner of debris. Some of this is from the collapse of the upper floors of the tower. The rest consists of odds and ends brought here by the tower’s sole inhabitant.

Unless the party is purposely attempting to be stealthy, the double doors to the tower will swing open enough for a frail figure to emerge.

Nicodemus

With a soft creak, the tower’s doors swing open and a frail old man appears. Fairly tall, though stooped a bit, he walks with the help of an oak staff. His tawny skin appears leathery and wrinkled, as if from years of exposure. Pulling back the hood of his stained maroon robe, his long white hair and beard make for quite a sight. 

Nicodemus. Publisher’s Choice Quality Stock Art @ Rick Hershey / Fat Goblin Games. http://www.fatgoblingames.com.

“Oh heavens! I have visitors it seems” the old fellow mutters, as his eyes dart around and size up the party. “I’ve not seen you people before. Are you lost?”

Nicodemus has lived in the ruined towed for nearly 5 years now. Prior to that he had been a frequent visitor to the area but none of the locals knew too much about him.

The general thinking of the townsfolk is that the tower is not safe for habitation and they are likely right. However, Nicodemus doesn’t interact a great deal with anyone from town. Every so often, Killian from the Cross Tree Inn (location #1) will try to persuade Nicodemus to take up residence at the inn but up to this point these attempts have failed.

Play Nicodemus as a bit mad and a bit mysterious. He exists here as a device for you to feed information or plot hooks to your players. Outside of possibly Leagis (from area #2, the Church) Nicodemus is the only resident who you could really call “worldly”.

He knows a great deal about a great many things but should always be a bit cagey about what he reveals and how he reveals it. Whether Nicodemus actually has any magical abilities is largely up to the GM. Here are some possible angles for Nicodemus, to allow him to fit seamlessly into different styles of games.

  • Perhaps you make him a great mage, having him be the wise mentor who knew the party was fated to show up on his doorstep.
  • He could be a part-crazed soothsayer who constantly mutters to himself, while reading tea-leaves and tossing chicken bones to foretell the future. Whether charlatan or gifted fortune teller will be up to the party to decide.
  • Nicodemus could be an arcane dealer of sorts, prepared to sell different potions, charms, or wards to the party.
  • Possibly he plumbed the depths of a lost city in his prime, only to be left behind by his comrades. Having spent years as the prisoner of some unnamed horror, he is now quite mad.

Regardless of which route you take Nicodemus is a good-natured sort. He will size up the party and if he believes they have good intentions, he will try to help them. That’s not to say that he will necessarily be forthcoming with his help or information. It’s certainly possible that he may speak in riddles or test the PCs in order to ascertain their intentions.

1st Floor

If the party is friendly from the offset, it is likely that Nicodemus will invite the party inside. The double doors open to a chaotic scene and the heavy scent of smoke and incense.

All manner of junk is piled up within the 1st floor of the tower and the old man has a campfire burning away, near a breach in the wall. Any characters with reasonably high skills of perception are likely to notice a mouse (or other small mammal) skittering for cover as the party enters the room.

Despite the clutter and debris, Nicodemus seems to know his way around the mess and is always able to deftly find what he is looking for amongst the rubble, crates, and boxes.

There are drawings and what appear to be maps scrawled with charcoal on the walls. What they depict and whether Nicodemus will discuss them is largely up to the GM. Two desks are arranged on either side of the room. While they are cluttered, it does appear that they have been painstakingly laid out, allowing Nicodemus to focus on his studies. A spiral staircase leads up to the 2nd floor.

2nd Floor

Every bit as cluttered as the first floor, the walls of this section of the tower has been breached to the northeast and southwest. This allows the weather in, along with the occasional bird or bat.

Arriving from the first floor, it will be immediately evident that the stairway going up to the higher reaches of the tower is completely blocked with rubble. Rubble is strewn about on the creaky wooden floor and PCs who are invited up to this level of the tower should be made to feel that the floor could cave in at any time.

Plot Hooks & Encounters

A lot of what Nicodemus has to offer is going to depend on your game, the level of magic in your world, and what role you need him to play within your campaign.

  • Other townsfolk might direct the party to Nicodemus in order to identify some item they have found or to seek answers about some quest that they are on.
  • As with Karia from the Cross Tree Inn, Nicodemus may charge a young party with venturing out into the woods to secure certain components for him.
  • Perhaps he knows of some impending trouble threatening the area and identifies the party as being just the right group to tackle it.
  • Seeing a yearning for adventure in the party, Nicodemus might share with the party what he know about a lost city, deep within the forest.

Closing Notes

That will do it for this week’s entry from the town of Cross Tree. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by. If there is anything you would like to see added to the village or you require any tweaks to the maps, let me know in the comments. Until my next post, I hope you have great adventures and a great week!

For more on the Village of Cross Tree, go here.

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

Idea Chest: The X-Files

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The X-Files was a groundbreaking American TV series that premiered in 1993 and continued until 2002 (later seasons were released in 2016 and 2018.) Created by Chris Carter, the show explores the world of unsolved paranormal cases and government conspiracies. The story follows two FBI agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, played by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Mulder believes in the paranormal, while Scully is a skeptic and a scientist. Their contrasting beliefs form the backbone of the series, as they work together on “X-Files”, mysterious cases ranging from the truth behind alien existence to government cover-ups.

This is my most modern (and probably most mainstream) Idea Chest franchise to date. However, with the main series ending its run in 2002, I suspect a number of readers may have never experienced it. I was in my early 20s when the series started and connected with it right away. While this was very much a modern show, I always felt that there was a lot of good stuff to be mined here. The following are just some of the examples of ideas that I believe could be lifted and dropped into the fantasy TTRPG of your choosing.

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully: The iconic duo that introduced us to a world of conspiracies and the paranormal.

Serving the Dubious Crown: Mulder and Scully work for the US government. However, it’s not long into the series before they start to question the motives of their superiors or perhaps the government itself. Emulating this and creating a campaign where the party serves a kingdom or empire with a murky agenda could be interesting. PCs might be dispatched to investigate arcane anomalies, politically charged missions, or even interdimensional threats.

Over time, the party will likely become aware of the shady side of the government. However, they may need to wait to confront those in power until they have gained enough evidence and influence in the realm to make a difference.

Balancing Myth Arc with Side Quests: The X-Files offered viewers “mythology episodes” mixed in with “monster of the week episodes”. The former touched on the overarching story of alien conspiracy, while the latter tended to be standalone episodes that might explore a cryptid or some other paranormal phenomenon.

Consider having a central myth arc in your campaign that slowly unravels, punctuated by self-contained quests. This structure allows players to enjoy immediate adventures while building towards a larger, more complex narrative.

William B. Davis portrays C.G.B. Spender, a.k.a. The Cigarette Smoking Man, orchestrating things from the shadows.

The Untouchable Puppeteer: The “Cigarette Smoking Man” was the epitome of a shadowy puppet master, weaving plots and plans into the narrative without ever dirtying his hands. A villain like this might be seen in the courts of power, whispering in the ears of kings or leading councils, yet they are never where the blame can be laid. This villain’s machinations are intricate, and their presence is a constant reminder to the players that there are bigger games at play. As your party encounters this figure, let them grapple with the infuriating reality that direct confrontation is impossible, at least for now. Instead, they must unravel the web of deceit, cut the strings of the puppet master, and expose the true nature of the adversary, all while dealing with personal connections that make the quest not just a matter of justice, but of personal closure and revenge.

Mr. X. The enigmatic informant, shrouded in secrecy.

The Dynamic Duo: While most of these ideas would work in a standard game, sometimes a full table just isn’t in the cards. Taking inspiration from Mulder and Scully’s relationship, a campaign with just two players can explore deep character development. One character could be driven by faith or belief in the mystical, while the other relies on logic and evidence. Their differing views would create plenty of role-playing opportunities, especially when their beliefs are challenged by the adventures they undertake.

The Mysterious Benefactor: Both “Deep Throat” and “Mr. X” helped Mulder and Scully with their investigations. However, neither were totally reliable and neither could be fully trusted. Consider introducing NPCs who provide information with their own agendas. These characters can offer crucial insights but leave the party questioning the validity and motives behind the help they receive.

Assistant Director Skinner. The duo’s reluctant ally within the FBI.

The Reluctant Ally: Modeling after Assistant Director Skinner, create an authority figure who navigates the treacherous waters of the government with the party. They can act as a buffer between the players and higher powers, providing support while remaining distant and bound by their duties.

The Eccentric Helpers: The Lone Gunmen are perfect templates for quirky allies who offer assistance with a side of humor. Create a group of street urchins, oddball mages, or eccentric artificers who can aid the party with intelligence, unconventional wisdom, and gadgetry, all while providing comic relief.

The Lone Gunmen. A trio of quirky conspiracy theorists who often provide aid to the protagonists.

Secret Societies and Hidden Agendas: Inspired by the show’s shadowy organizations, introduce secret societies that manipulate events for their own ends. The players could find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, where discerning friend from foe is as challenging as the quests themselves. The NPC who provided invaluable aid to the party two sessions ago may merely be using the PCs as pawns.

Conclusion

Mulder’s iconic motto.

That’ll do it for this week. Are you familiar with the X-Files? Can you think of any good source material that I have missed?  Leave a comment if you can and let me know. Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget—The Truth is Out There.

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

What Was Your Gateway to Adventure

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This was an old TSR Hobbies catalog. I can’t recall whether this came packaged in my Holmes Basic set or in the later Moldvay set.

1977 had been a big year already, with the release of Star Wars during the past spring. The summer had been spent running around the neighborhood, shooting imaginary Storm Troopers, and debating the fate of Darth Vader.

It was around Thanksgiving when I became aware of a new animated TV Special. The Hobbit was coming to television. Now, for those of you much younger than I, you must understand that the late 70s were a much different time. We had cartoons every Saturday morning, without fail. However, aside from the annual Charlie Brown specials and perhaps Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, animated specials were almost unheard of. If you are too young to have lived through this, it’s hard to describe just how odd this was to see on network tv.

Rumors had spread through my school like wildfire. The Hobbit was something totally different. Not only was this a new animated special, but it was a story of wizards, dwarves, elves, and even a dragon! Truly, this was something not to be missed.

I don’t recall what I did wrong. Perhaps I had knocked the gravy over and into my Aunt’s lap during Thanksgiving dinner. At any rate, as luck would have it, I found myself quite grounded for the world television premier of The Hobbit.  It was devastating. I was certain that quite possibly; nothing good could come of my life from that day forward. You see, in 1977, there was no streaming, no DVRs (or VCRs for that matter). As a matter of fact, there was a great likelihood that if you missed a show on TV or even a movie in the theater, that you may never have an opportunity to see it again.

During the following week, I was forced to listen to my young friends tells stories about The Hobbit.  They would go on and on about the goblins, the spiders, and even some strange thing that they referred to as “Gollum”.  I was devastated. Within the span of one year, I had been told that I was too young to have a poster of Farrah Fawcett and now I had missed The Hobbit.

This was the cover to my first version of The Hobbit in the late 1970s.

During the fall of 1978. I came home from school one day to find a paperback book lying on my bed. It was The Hobbit; my parents had purchased me a copy of the novel. While it was certainly quite a bit larger than any book I had read thus far, I was intrigued by the maps and “strange writing” which I found just inside the front cover. I set about reading it right away.

I was hooked immediately. Shortly after finishing The Hobbit, I moved on to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. By the time that these were all finished I was a fantasy junkie, devouring any new novels that I could land my hands on. As I recall, the next up were the Lancer/Ace Conan series with the striking Frank Frazetta covers.

It was some time after that when I heard a couple of my friends talking about some new game. They had been playing this game, with the older kids who lived on the next road over. The details were sketchy but apparently there were hobbits and goblins in it and it was different from any of type of game.

The Holmes Basic D&D boxed set.

The whole thing was terribly confusing and made no sense to me at all. When I asked them about the board, they said there was no board. When I asked if there were cards, they said there were no cards. I was a skeptic, to say the least. Certainly, if a game like this existed, it would have to be listed within the pages of the J.C. Penney Christmas catalog (everything worth having as a child was.) It was not.

Then, one day, my friend and I happened to accompany my mother on a trip to Scrantom’s (a local card & stationary store in Rochester, NY). As we were checking out, I saw a curious looking box, sitting behind the counter. The box was adorned with a picture of a large dragon, sitting on a huge pile of treasure. The words “Dungeons & Dragons” were printed across the top of the box. A look to my buddy confirmed that this was the game he’d been trying to tell me about.

I received that very box for my birthday (this was the Holmes edition Dungeons & Dragons Basic set.) Like a blind man who has never seen, I immediately understood about games without boards. Suddenly, I had the ability to do more than just read fantasy stories; I could create them and watch them unfold before my eyes. The years to follow were filled with all kinds of great gaming memories.

Conclusion

That was how I was introduced to the hobby. However, sticking true to the title of this post, I’m curious about you. What was your gateway to adventure? When were you first exposed to the hobby and what was your first game? I’ve always loved hearing these type of origin stories and I find it fascinating to read about. Drop a comment below and let me know.

That’s all for now. Have a great week and thank you for stopping by. Good gaming!

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

Idea Chest: Lonesome Dove

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I may be going out on a limb with this week’s addition to the Idea Chest but I will ask that you bear with me on this one. When I hatched the idea for this regular feature, it was out of the desire to inspire other gamemasters with franchises that had inspired me. I can honestly say that this property has influenced me both as a gamemaster and a player for over 30 years.

Lonesome Dove is a 1985 western novel by Larry McMurtry, as well as a 1989 TV miniseries starring Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall. The story tells the tale of two former Texas Rangers as they lead a cattle drive from Texas to Montana.

I was 15 years old when I found the novel laying around my house. My mother had finished reading it the week prior. Much like I suspect many of you are feeling at the moment, I had almost zero interest in westerns whatsoever. However, I was three weeks into my summer break from high school and I had nothing else to read. Thinking back, I did have Boot Hill from TSR Hobbies sitting on my game shelf. I suspect I was thinking that I might stumble onto a good idea for an adventure, if I just gave it half a chance.

I realize that a western is probably even less appealing to folks today than it was in 1985. That said, I can’t stop myself from suggesting it. Even for a fantasy campaign, I think it would be worth checking out either the novel or the miniseries. Both were excellent and I feel that at the very least you’d get some solid entertainment out of the experience. Without rattling on further, here’s what I find the most useful out of exploring the franchise.

The Epic Journey

The trope of the party getting hired to guard a caravan is probably as old as “the party meets in the tavern”. However, what if the journey was the point of the whole campaign? The central cattle drive in Lonesome Dove is an excellent framework for a campaign. Much like a religious pilgrimage, a crusade, or a grand expedition, a journey of that magnitude could provide everything you need to keep your players entertained.

As a GM, this type of campaign style would give you the ability to have a somewhat linear campaign, without really railroading your party. I mean, if the whole point of the campaign is to travel from point A to point B, it does really narrow the field in terms of what you need to prep for. For instance, the party may need to choose between Caradhras or Moria but at least they wouldn’t been choosing from anything under the sun.

Environmental Challenges

Still focusing on the journey, some of the most gripping parts of the story come from environmental challenges like dust storms or dangerous river crossings. It’s a good reminder that not all challenges need to be combats or monsters. Environmental obstacles can be just as compelling, testing the party’s skills and resourcefulness.

A Well-Crafted Party

While my previous Idea Chest posts have focused solely on GM inspiration, Lonesome Dove is great for players as well. The story is a virtual master class in interesting characters. The Hat Creek Cattle Company is essentially a party of adventurers, each member with their own backstory and role. Joshua Deets, Pea Eye Parker, Bolivar, Newt—they’re all vividly realized characters that could inspire PCs or NPCs in your campaign. If you encourage players to create characters with rich pasts and motivations, you’d be hard pressed to find a more dynamic group.

Twilight Heroes

The story’s protagonists, Woodrow Call and Augustus McCrae, are former Texas Rangers in the twilight of their lives. This aspect alone is a gold mine for your games. Instead of starting as green adventurers, imagine characters who have already lived a life full of stories, coming together for one last grand quest. Even if you’re starting a new campaign with level 1 characters, there’s no reason that you couldn’t opt for the narrative the some of the characters are grizzled old veterans who are a bit rusty but gradually getting their skills back.

Blue Duck: A Versatile Villain

Blue Duck is a memorable villain who exemplifies how to craft a villain’s ominous presence. He could be a notorious bandit, a cunning warlord, or even a mystical threat, depending on your campaign’s needs. McMurtry skillfully weaves whispers about Blue Duck into the narrative, long before the protagonists come face to face with him. The fear and anticipation build through the stories told by others, and this sets a done of dread that could be useful in your game.

In addition, Blue Duck’s terror stems not from supernatural abilities but from his malevolence and the psychological impact of his actions. This is a great lesion that a compelling antagonist needs no extraordinary powers to be formidable. Instead, the villain’s reputation and the fear they instill can serve as powerful tools, engaging your players on a psychological level.

The Tragic Tale of Jake Spoon

No spoilers but Jake Spoon’s storyline is ripe for adaptation as a PC or NPC. He’s a charming character that can serve as a cautionary tale or a complex backstory, offering moral dilemmas and character development opportunities. Bottom line, memorable characters make for a great campaign as much as a great story.

Conclusion

That’ll do it for this week. Have you ever crossed paths with Lonesome Dove? Leave a comment if you have and let me know. While it’s a western, I believe there’s a lot to be mined from it, even for a fantasy campaign. I know it would be a stretch for a lot of you but I recommend giving it a read or watching the miniseries if you’ve never seen it. Thanks for stopping by. Good gaming!

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

Cold as Ice

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Nestled in the foothills to the west of the Khared Draz mountains, the village of Hemlock is known for its harsh winters. This year, however, the weather has been particularly unforgiving. Recently, a brutal storm dumped an unusually heavy load of snow on the area. A thick white blanket covers the landscape, adding to the rustic charm of the village. Naples Creek, now frozen over, splits the village in half.

Made with Campaign Cartographer (Winter Village style).

What the Party Knows

The party arrived in Hemlock on the heels of the last storm, seeking respite from their recent endeavors. Hemlock, though small, offered a warm welcome amidst its snow-covered surroundings.

During their stay, the party quickly has learned that Hemlock is facing a pressing predicament. The villagers have been anxiously awaiting a crucial delivery of supplies from Summersville to the east. However, it has not arrived. With winter’s grip tightening, the absence of these supplies spells serious trouble for the village.

Herr Vogelmann, the village’s appointed steward, has approached the party with a proposition.  A man with a grave demeanor, the official realizes that the party may be the village’s only hope. Offering up a modest reward, he has tasked the party with an urgent mission: to head east and locate the missing shipment.

What the Party Doesn’t Know

Flurry the ice mephit. Artwork © 2015 Dean Spencer, used with permission. All rights reserved.

The situation in Hemlock is even more perilous than the villagers, or the party, realize. The much-needed shipment did indeed set out from Summersville days ago. The dependable and hardy driver, Gunther Baumann, loaded his wagon and headed out on schedule. But fate, it seems, had a cruel twist in store.

Two days ago, as the most recent storm reached its peak, a trio of mischievous ice mephits named Flurry, Sleet, and Squall chanced upon the struggling wagon. Always on the lookout for opportunities to create chaos, these elemental tricksters saw the wagon as a perfect target for their malevolent games.

Utilizing their fog cloud ability, Flurry, Sleet, and Squall shrouded the path in a dense, disorienting mist. Confused and blinded by the sudden fog, Herr Baumann lost control of the wagon. It veered off the road, crashing down a slight incline, and onto the fragile surface of a frozen pond. The impact was severe, and while the horses escaped unharmed, Herr Baumann was grievously injured in the accident.

The mephits, in their twisted sense of amusement, chose not to deal a fatal blow to the driver. Instead, they left him wounded and barely clinging to life, a bait of sorts in their cruel game. They hoped that his plight would soon attract rescuers, bringing more unsuspecting victims into their icy playground. Now, Herr Baumann lies helpless, the vital supplies scattered and at risk, as Flurry, Sleet, and Squall wait with bated breath for more ‘players’ to arrive.

Frozen pond battlemap. Made with Campaign Cartographer (Winter Village style).

The Encounter

As the party nears the site where Herr Baumann went off the road, their presence does not go unnoticed. The trio of ice mephits, Flurry, Sleet, and Squall spot the adventurers from afar. Anticipating new targets for their mischief, they prepare their icy trap with malicious intent.

Employing their fog cloud ability, the mephits cloak the edges of the frozen pond in a dense, chilling fog. This strategic move is designed to disorient and confuse any newcomers, masking the dangerous transition from the solid ground to the ice.

Upon the party’s arrival at the scene, the aftermath of the wagon’s crash is visibly evident. The deep ruts left by the wagon’s wheels veer sharply off the road, leading down a gentle hill. The tracks disappear into the fog-laden area, where the sound of Herr Baumann’s groans and calls for help can be faintly heard.

Approaching the site of the wreck, each party member should make a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check in order to discern the shift in landscape from solid ground to snow covered ice. Characters failing this check will become aware of the ice once they reach the wagon. However, by then they will be some 40’ out onto the ice.

As the party approaches, their every move is silently observed by Flurry, Sleet, and Squall. The mephits use their false appearance ability to disguise themselves as innocuous shards of ice on the pond’s surface. When a party member finally reaches Herr Baumann, the mephits seize their opportunity to strike. They spring to life and launch a surprise attack on the unsuspecting party.

At the start of each character’s turn, the Dungeon Master rolls a d20. On a roll of 1-2, the ice beneath that character begins to crack. The player must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw to quickly move to a more stable area or fall through the ice. If a character falls into the icy waters, they must immediately make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw to withstand the shock of the cold. Failure results in the character taking 1d6 cold damage, being unable to climb out of the water and suffering disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks due to the numbing cold. Allies can attempt a rescue, but each round the character remains in the water, they must repeat the saving throw, with failure resulting in additional cold damage.

The mephits focus their attacks while on the ice and will not pursue the party onto land. If two of the mephits are defeated, the remaining one, realizing the tide of battle has turned, flees across the ice to safety.

Set a timer for 6 rounds after the encounter begins. If the party fails to defeat the mephits or move the wagon by then, the weakened ice gives way, causing the wagon and its supplies to sink into the pond. If the party manages to defeat the mephits before the timer expires, the immediate threat to the wagon is neutralized, and it does not sink.

Frozen pond battlemap w/fog cloud.

Aftermath

If the party has horses and sufficient rope, they can attempt to pull the wagon to shore. However, taking horses onto the fragile ice is risky. If a party member possesses appropriate skills, such as proficiency in carpenter’s tools, they can make repairs to the wagon on the spot. If not, or if the party lacks horses, they will need to return to Hemlock and seek Herr Vogelmann’s assistance to recover the wagon and its contents.

Conclusion

I’m still not settled on the mechanics for this one. I kicked around the idea of having certain squares be more susceptible to having the ice crack than others but settled on this. I’ve also been back and forth on the total number of mephits. Ultimately, since these posts are merely a method for me to give ideas to GMs, I figured I’d leave it as it was. If you happen to incorporate this encounter or some version of it into your game, please let me know how it goes.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. I hope you’re staying warm wherever you happen to be and thank you for stopping by. Good gaming!

For more maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.

Vintage Ads From Dragon Magazine #83

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This week I’m back with some more vintage ads from the pages of Dragon magazine. This week I’m looking at issue #83, from March of 1984 and featuring cover art by Denis Beauvais.

As I’ve previously mentioned, unless you happened to live in close proximity to a local gaming store, it was likely that you would have never been exposed to many of these products. However, by 1984 Dragon Magazine could readily be found on the shelves of Waldenbooks or B. Dalton locations in almost any suburban mall. This helped to spread the word of diverse offerings in the TTRPG market to more casual fans.

Atlantean War Mastodon

Kicking things off is this striking mini from Ral Partha Enterprises. Ral Partha was a prominent manufacturer of miniatures for TTRPGS and wargames at the time.  This ad showcases the company’s new additions to their range of fantasy miniatures.

It’s not really clear whether the Atlantean War Mastodon was intended for TTRPGs or fantasy wargaming, though I suppose it may have found a home with either. I’ve always been fascinated with the whole wargaming scene but I’ve never had the time (or money) to take a deep dive into the hobby. I will say that back during this time period, it was common to see all manner of miniature wargames represented even at local gaming conventions.

The miniatures of the time were typically made of metal (often lead or a lead alloy) and were sculpted at a scale compatible with most RPGs (often 25mm, as specified in the ad).

Witch Hunt

Next up we have an ad for an RPG titled Witch Hunt, which supposedly allowed players to take on the role of either magistrates or witches (presumably with access to real magic) during the Salem Witch Trials.

I have no recollection of this game or the publisher StatCom Simulations Inc. However, I found some interesting information about it over at Wayne’s Books. If you’re not familiar with his site, it’s worth a look, especially if you like peeking back at some of these old titles.

The main reason I chose to include this ad in particular was to point out what a diverse selection of games were being churned out in the 1980s. There’s just something magical to me when I think about all of these people (at a time when very few people even owned a home computer) creating these games and throwing their hats into the ring.

Villains & Vigilantes  

Of the ads I’ve selected for this post, Villains & Vigilantes probably saw the most mainstream success. It was also the only one of these products that I happened to own at the time. Designed by Jack Herman and Jeff Dee and published by Fantasy Games Unlimited, V&V was one of the earliest TTRPGS to tap into the superhero genre.

As you might expect, the game prompted characters to create their own heroes to adventure with, using easily recognizable powers. The game was available as a boxed set, which included an introductory adventure, a reference screen, and dice. The game stuck around for quite a while and was supported with a number of adventure modules and at least a couple “rogues gallery”-type publications featuring colorful NPCs for use with the game.

As a teen, I was immediately drawn to the Jeff Dee art in all of the products. Jeff also provided art for a number of D&D and AD&D products during this time period.

DM’s Records

Again, just adding this one because I love the entrepreneurial spirit of it all. Here we have an ad for various “DM’s Records” for monster, spell, and party stats, as well as a time record sheet. These were almost certainly created for D&D or AD&D and churned out there, in hopes of them catching on. I love looking back and seeing stuff like this. I hope they sold a bunch.

Game Master

This period of the 1980s saw one of the first big influxes of home computing. While still not commonplace in every household, owning a computer was certainly something that was becoming popular. As you might expect, the crossover between home computer users and TTRPG hobbyists was considerable. Even a couple years prior to this I can recall sitting in a Radio Shack with my buddies and gleefully generating random d20 rolls on a TRS-80. Game Master, the product featured in this ad, was an early application for managing your D&D game.

Conclusion

That’ll do it for this week. Covid knocked me out last week, so I needed to get myself back into the saddle. Have you had any encounters with any of these products? Did reading through these bring back memories of any others? Leave me a note and let me know. Thanks for taking the time to visit. In the meantime, stay warm and good gaming!

For maps & plot hooks, go here.

For my Idea Chest posts, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Want to help me to compile a list of TTRPG conventions? Click here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.