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Out of the Box D&D Encounters

“Down on the Farm” Out of the Box D&D Encounters #6

out of the boxIntroduction:
Often, the most basic of settings can be a great place to put an encounter. What will seem like another boring problem will turn out to be more. When missing goods, livestock and the like become a problem, players always assume that goblins, kobolds, or the usual rogues gallery of villains is to blame. Switching that up from time to time is a good idea, as it keeps the players guessing.
  Additionally, players tend to forget that others operate as a team too. Players will use scouts, terrain, spells and the like to their best potential. They will seek to flank their foes or find some way to gain Advantage. Some monsters like to do this too, but the list is short. What if a monster has another monster as a pet? What if the players assume that typically solo monsters surprise them by acting like a team?
 
Environment: Wilderness/Forested/Farmland.
Suggested level: 3
A local village or farmer of renown has a problem with an increasing loss of farm animals. Chickens geese, small goats, and even domestic dogs or cats has gone missing of late. What started as a suspicion of a coyote problem has been made more mysterious, as no howls have been heard and no large tracks have been found. What has been really disturbing is the lack of cricket song in the evenings, giving nightfall an eerie silence.
The farm borders on a large forest that has been avoided by local hunters because of rumors of a haunting. To reinforce this foreboding sense, an increase of large webs has been noticed deep in the forest, and a prized hunting dog has gone missing in pursuit of a deer very recently while exploring this area.
In reality, a “Fengus” the Ettercap has begun a spider farm.
  “Fengus” has been breeding spiders bigger and bigger, creating a new species in the process. His D&D encountersfavorite spider is “Beatrice”, a giant spider and very protective companion. On the way to Beatrice, he has bred a species of dog-sized Large Spiders, as well as fostering an entire swarm of tiny spiders who have recently hatched.
  For them, he has created a “fenced in” spiral series of webbed walls leading to a large central pen. This is where he’s been breeding spiders to be bigger and bigger. These spiders then hunt for him and are for sale to many nefarious sorts as guards and pets. The “farm” can be as big as desired, but should have webbed walls clinging to strong trees tall enough to discourage climbing. Anyone still trying to do so should be treated as if under the effect of a “Web” spell, DC:14. Within this spiral maze of webs, the walls will be crawling with Large Spiders (see below), a swarm of tiny spiders from which they were bred. In the center of the maze will be the open area where “Fengus” and Beatrice will be.
  Once the players find their way inside the labyrinth of webs, they will see the “farm” in all it’s glory. The carcasses of dead animals, wrapped in gossamer, will cling to the inside walls or dangle from the trees. Fengus and Beatrice will be here and ready, having seen the trembling of the webs as the players either fought their way through, burned a hole through, or got caught in the webbing. They will fight as a pair. Beatrice will have been with Fengus since she was born, so they are very familiar with each others tactics.
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by Mike Gould
June 10, 2016
0
Dungeons & Dragons Player tips Roleplaying

The Mystery Your Missing in D&D 5e…

drg359_unsolved_mysteries.previewHello fellow Nerdarchists, Hope to see you all having awesome game sessions! In this article I wanted to address the common problem that a lot of game masters have trying to keep their players engaged by using the elements that are at the core of the RPG and that is… Mystery!
I have been recently tasked with running a large group of new gamers and teaching them the game of the newer Dungeons & Dragons 5e. So, with more players added I found it hard to keep each player involved on a personal level as well as how to keep the game sessions intriguing. I wanted to share with you a few tricks I learned about how to use Mystery as a tool to keep everyone happy and having a good time. On a side note, I usually don’t feel comfortable running a game for more than five players so with seven players it has become a bit of a challenge. So let’s get started…
First, I in general character backgrounds are normally a great way to engage players, but when you have seven people at the table it can become a bit overwhelming. Luckily for me my custom game world “Dark Myth” had a built-in way for me to deal with this being a Time Line. The time line in a game setting can be an easy way for players and DMs alike to quickly and easily come up with back stories to link things together. Also it can leave quite a bit of room for mystery such as “Why, did the war start in the first place?” or “Who is the spy” and many more. Questions like these can lead to a whole plethora of time-line related mysteries to keep gamers on the edge of their seats!

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by Art Wood
June 9, 2016
1
Out of the Box D&D Encounters

The Dance Macabre- Out of the Box D&D Encounters #5

Introduction:

  Many times, the hardest thing to do is getting started. Many DMs will have awesome ideas on what to out of the boxdo later in a campaign, or even later in a dungeon crawl, but struggle with a starting point. I’ll often see a campaign in reverse. I see where I want it to end, or what a final encounter will look like, then write encounters like movie scenes to guide players in the direction of that end scene.
  The first encounter, or start point, is often the sticking point.
  That’s where “The Dance Macabre” comes in. It’s vague enough to be the entry level to a dungeon, and has non-combat skill checks that hint at something more. It could be used as a stand-alone encounter, an adventure hook, a start point for a dungeon crawl, or whatever a DM wants.
With that, I present you with “Out of The Box #5: The Dance Macabre”
 
“The Dance Macabre”
Environment: Wilderness/Dungeon
Suggested level: 2-3
  In a clearing obviously made for a massive structure, the players encounter an old ruin. It’s ringed by barbed hedges to a height of six to eight feet, obviously from a lack of care. A series of arbors, choked with nettles and vines, lead through the hedge in a curving path, exposing the ruins beyond.
  Its many walls, towers and other structures have crumbled to rubble – all save one example. The remains of the columns and buttresses that supported a massive great hall still remain, with it’s vast decorative tiled floor mostly intact. Beyond it the former grandeur of a noble’s castle lay in piles of broken walls, toppled towers, and other debris. Much of what debris should be there seems gone. (History, Investigation, or even an Intelligence check, DC:12, will reveal that this practice is not uncommon. Scavengers will often raid ruined buildings for materials to be used elsewhere.)
  What will come as a surprise is that these ruins are not unoccupied. Figures in formal clothing dance encountersendlessly to the eerie lack of music – like an eternal waltz in silence.
  Even as the characters advance, the figures remain dancing, seemingly oblivious to their approach. When they close to within 50’ they can finally ascertain (Perception: 12) that the finery worn by the figures are in poor repair, and in some cases, tatters.
  Should the characters wish to really test their knowledge about either the setting, location , or even this activity, you might optionally allow the characters a Difficult (DC:17) History, Religion, or Arcana skill check to know some or all of the following:
  The former Lord and Lady of this castle dabbled in dark necromancy, and held great celebrations and grand balls to lure unsuspecting victims into their lair. During the height of the celebration, a victim would be lured away to a hidden chamber and sacrificed to Orcus. Over time, their machinations were discovered and the surrounding peoples allied to destroy the Lord and his holdings. Now, ages later, his victims have animated to continue the dance where they died – a tortured reminder of the vast power of the Demon Lord.
  What happens next is up to the player characters. If any character steps upon the dance floor, it is subjected to “Otto’s Irresistible Dance” (p.264 Player’s Handbook. DC:14 Wisdom save. Duration 1 minute. Save ends.).
  Within the finery are Skeletons, who will attack those who step upon the floor, whether they are affected by the Dance or not. The Skeletons do not discern if a character is under the affect of the Dance or not, nor do they care. If you need to determine between a number of characters whom is attacked, determine randomly.
  If the players retreat beyond the hedge, the Skeletons will not pursue beyond the thorny barrier, as if held back by the curse that animates their remains. However, should a character continue to attack the undead while retreating, in effect taunting them through the hedge, then the undead that are being undeadattacked will pursue as long as they are being damaged.
  Once the players are on the other side of the hedge, any remaining skeletons cannot effectively be attacked by normal ranged weapons through the hedge, and trying to lob projectiles over the hedge will prove ineffective. The hedge is green, and so does not burn readily. However, a truly committed effort to burn the hedge might work at the DMs discretion…although not really to much effect, as the thorny remains will still be difficult to pass though.
Monsters:
Skeletons (10): p. 272 of the Monster Manual, or p. 310 of the Player’s Handbook, and depending on “Complications” below, perhaps a Zombie or two (P. 316 of the Monster Manual or p. 311 of the Player’s Handbook)
Complications:
  While under the influence of the Dance, a character is at Disadvantage for all of it’s attack rolls and saving throws, and can be attacked with Advantage.
  If a character is knocked unconscious upon the dance floor, the skeletons will ignore it and move on another target.
If a character is killed on the dance floor and left there, it will animate as a Zombie in 24 hours, and continue to dance like the others. It may be that some of the original dancers seen on the dance floor have been here long enough to rot from Zombies to Skeletons.
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by Mike Gould
June 3, 2016
1
Out of the Box D&D Encounters

“Gone But Not Forgotten”- Out of the D&D Encounters Box #4

Introduction:out of the box

Not every encounter is a stop-gap intended to act as filler or a way to make an other wise long journey more memorable. Sometimes an encounter can alter the entire plan that the players have…simply because of a choice. We’ve seen this dynamic over and over again in movies, TV, books, etc.
  As DMs, we also know that the wild card of player choice will always alter any plans made when a DM over-plans. Therefore, it’s sometimes a good idea to use this factor to one’s own advantage. Player curiousity, greed, aggression, stubborness and so on can be to a DMs advantage when the set-up is right. They key is not to use this too often or your players will become so paranoid as to go nowhere and do nothing without tedious over-prep on their part.
  However, used sparingly, you can fish the players into a whole series of events, all because of one tiny choice or another.
  Then you have stopped having an encounter. Now you have an adventure.
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by Mike Gould
May 27, 2016
0
Character Builds Dungeons & Dragons Film, TV and Video

Gaming like a box of chocolates: D&Dizing Forrest Gump

Gump running

Run, Forrest, run! The Mobile Feat in action.

Yes, this week I’m doing something silly. The idea occurred to me during a recent road trip. Behind the wheel of a car for hours on end, I had to have something to think about, and a Fifth Edition D&D version of Forrest Gump came to mind. Once I started thinking about it, Gump has a lot more talents than I initially thought.

And to be clear, all references are to the movie version of Forrest Gump, as I’ve not read the books the character is based upon.

I’ll provide some explanations below, but first, his stats:

Forrest Gump — D&D style

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by Ty Johnston
May 25, 2016
0
Out of the Box D&D Encounters

“All That Remains” Out of the Box D&D Encounters #3

encountersIntroduction:

Not every encounter needs to be combat related. Many DMs struggle with those moments when the party is wounded, unarmed, or in some for of other distress where combat would not be advised. I’ve been there myself. In some of these cases, DMs will still choose to make encounter rolls in the open, or will want to break up perhaps a long (and likely boring) recovery for the players with some excitement that does not further endanger them.
  The old trope of having them spot deer or other relatively harmless wildlife can get old.
  However, there’s no reason that an encounter needs to be a creature at all. It could be an event or strange location that stands alone as an interesting moment. These events or locations can spawn further adventures with the right descriptions, or if they spark some imagination in your player base.
  In any regard, such encounters can break the monotony of the same-same and perhaps even take a campaign in new and interesting directions.
I hope you enjoy such an offering. I present-

Out of the Box D&D Encounters #3 – “All That Remains.”

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by Mike Gould
May 20, 2016
0
Dungeons & Dragons Kickstarter

Kickstarter Behemoth is this the new Tarrasque

I try not to share too many Kickstarter projects here, but every once and a while I feel that a project is

200 px

200 px (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

worth sharing.   Over the years Dungeons and Dragons as well as Pathfinder have released a number of large or should I say gargantuan miniatures.  Most of the miniatures I have that get big are Dragons.

Lets face it the game many of us play is called Dungeons and Dragons so why make the other stuff?  We as players all want to face down the big bad monsters, save the world, get the treasure and save the girl.

The biggest monster that anyone has put out was the Colossal Red Dragon.  It is a wondrous figure and I am happy to say that I do own one.  The dragon can actually hold a standard size human in one claw and I typically store one there for fun.

But if you want to deal with something other than dragons what are you options.  Not many and there

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by Ted Adams
May 19, 2016
1
Dungeons & Dragons

Nerdarchy Revises the 5th Edition Beast Master Ranger

NerdarchyHello everyone.  Now those of you who like the Beast Master as is written in the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition Players Handbook can just just consider the options listed below.  If you feel, as Nerdarchy does, that the Ranger Beast Master does not hold up in comparison.

So as we see it here are the issues.

Shared Actions.  While mechanically this is to make sure that the Ranger with an animal companion is not performing better than the fighter, which is supposed to be the optimal fighter type.  Or doing more damage than the Barbarian which is supposed to be the high damage dealing warrior type.

Spell casters have the ability either by magical summoning or by magical control they do not have to give up their action in order for the other to perform their control.  We also cannot over look things like familiars which have the ability to act on their own as well.

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by Ted Adams
May 12, 2016
1
Out of the Box D&D Encounters

“Chickening Out”- Out of the Box D&D Encounters #1

Cockatrices We’ve all had those moment. Writer’s Block. You’re out of ideas. Something unexpected happens and you’re not sure how to handle it. A player takes your story down an unintended path and the urban adventure you planned on is now on the road.
I’ve been there.
“Out of the Box” encounters are intended to be a resource for those who are looking for an event or encounter to either fill a gap in time or story to fill, or to provide a story hook that leads elsewhere. Most are wilderness encounters of one kind or another, by clever writing could take many and convert them into dungeon or urban encounters too.
  Now all the ideas that knock around inside my head can have a home.
  Some are dangerous. Some are just for colour. Some are merely descriptions of environments. Many come from small notes tucked away inside the Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide, or this random-thought-generator I call a brain.
Welcome to “Out of the Box”.

Chickening Out

Environment: Aquatic/ Ship bourne.

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by Mike Gould
May 5, 2016
3
5th edition
Dungeons & Dragons

Buyers Guide- 5E D&D for Dungeons and Dragons for Beginners

5th editionNerdarchy has been asked many times what do I need to play Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition.  Before I get into that last week we covered non combat encounters.

Dungeons and Dragons RPG has been around for a long time.  For as long as it has been around to be a player all you need is a players handbook and a set of polyhedral dice.  You can grab the products here.

The players handbook has all the rules you need to play the game with loads of race and class options.  With the many different races and a dozen classes there are more options then a person can play over the years.

So lets actually talk some numbers.  If you count subraces you can technically play 24 different races.  That is a ton of options.  While there are 12 different classes in 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons they have options within each class giving you even more options and flavor. If you count all the archetypes available you actually have 40 choices in classes.  So if you want to count alignment out of the equation that is potentially 960 mechanically different race class combinations.  If you do add alignment into it is over 8500 possible combinations.

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by Ted Adams
April 21, 2016
0
multi-class
Dungeons & Dragons

Rethinking Finesse in 5th Edition D&D

rapierA brief history of Finesse

The idea of using Dexterity to influence melee attacks in Dungeons & Dragons officially came about in Third Edition D&D with the Weapon Finesse Feat. Before that, all melee attacks were based upon Strength unless one’s DM came up with a house rule. For the first time, this allowed lighter combatants to stand toe to toe against heavier opponents, at least if wielding a rapier, dagger or a handful of other weapons.

Along comes Fifth Edition, and instead of making Finesse a Feat, it becomes a property of particular weapons (All in all, I personally consider this an improvement, though I have a quibble or two I’ll mention later). However, there is a subtle difference between how Finesse works in Fifth Edition than in earlier editions.

 

 

In Fifth Edition D&D, Finesse weapons use not only Dexterity, but can also use Strength. This might seem a minor difference, but it can be an important one.

The Fifth Edition Difference

The notion of Finesse as a Dexterity modifier for attacks seems to continue to hold, at least in my experience. Most wielders of Finesse weapons tend to be of the lighter sort, your Fighters with rapiers, Rogues with shortswords and daggers, etc. This makes a certain amount of sense because the majority of Finesse weapons are of the lighter sort and more fitting to agile combatants.

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by Ty Johnston
April 13, 2016
4
Dungeons & Dragons Roleplaying Games

A boy needs a home… (How to find people to game with in a new town or city)

dungeons and dragons“At fourteen, in 1985 a boy woke up in a new town, in a new apartment. That day he met another boy living in the next-door building who had the same interests. The new boy introduced him to Dungeons and Dragons 2nd edition and that’s all she wrote. Sense then I’ve moved quite a few times and each time I found myself looking for new friends and people to game with.”

The times have changed and over the years finding like-minded people to game with became both easier and harder to find in some aspects. I’m writing this article to hopefully make things a little easier rather than harder for us nerds.

Recently I just moved from Houston Texas back to a different side of town in Phoenix Arizona. After the move I got things in order and sat down to looks for a place to go be nerdy. Fortunately in this day and age we have FaceBook and Google so things are just at our fingertips and we don’t have to listen in on people’s conversations at school or join clubs to find places to express our hobby.

The first thing I want to let everyone in on is the FaceBook search engine, and how it helped me. For starters Wizards of the Coast has been kind enough to help people put together FaceBook pages for most major cities for the Dungeons & Dragons 5e Adventure’s League. This format of D&D 5e lets players play pre-constructed campaigns and sends their results in to WotC to be posted for all to see. On the WotC website is also a “Store Finder” that shows stores how have WotC recognition and host those events on a regular basis. This is a good way to find gamers or at least to find people who play RPGs in general.

WotC Store Finder: http://locator.wizards.com/
FaceBook: D&D Adventure’s League (Phoenix)

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by Art Wood
April 7, 2016
0
Monsters Roleplaying

In gaming as in literature, the villains make the heroes

snidley

Can you name this villain? Here’s a hint: He’s a certain Canadian mounty’s worst nightmare.

What is a hero without a villain? Not much, I’d say. Oh, a character can still be the main actor of a tale, the protagonist of a story, but without that villain, the hero can’t really be heroic.

Some might argue there are tales of heroes without a villain, such as survival stories in which the hero bests the elements to save the day, or maybe a romantic tale in which there is only a misunderstanding between love interests though eventually one or both of them proves their heroism by overcoming that misunderstanding. To that I say the villain is still there, but is not so readily seen. In the survival story, the elements themselves can be the villain. In the love story, if there is not an out-and-out villain, the misunderstanding that brings about conflict can be the villain. Sometimes the villain is the hero’s own inner struggle.

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by Ty Johnston
April 6, 2016
0
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