I've enjoyed playing and running the original Marvel Super Heroes RPG, a.k.a. FASERIP, for decades. Sadly there is no more official support for the system. But fortunately community love for the system is still growing strong on the internet. Advanced FASERIP, is just one readily available retro-clone freely for download.
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| Artwork copyright: Gerald Williams |
The Temple of the Threefold Eye, is an Adventure Seed meant to take place as a one shot scenario taking a few sessions, or can be dropped into a longer running campaign. It may not be used in a commercial product. Nor included in any collection or product without the express permission of the author, Gerald Williams.
Download The Lost Universe gameplay instructional booklet. HERE
Download the map of Aldastron to help you navigate through your adventure. HERE
Download and print The Lost Universe poster. HERE
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| Fighter using shield for Vigorous Defense |
Melee combat in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) often feels mundane—a repetitive exchange of blows unless special abilities or spells come into play. But what if we could inject more depth and strategy into these encounters? In this article, we’ll explore voluntary maneuver modifiers that players can employ to elevate their melee attacks.
Voluntary Maneuver Modifiers
At the start of a combat round, players can declare specific maneuver modifiers for their attacks. These modifiers apply to all actions taken by the character throughout that round. However, they cannot be used for special abilities or attacks like Sneak Attack. Let’s delve into offense and defense:
Offense:
Damage Rolls: Enhance the impact of your strikes.
Defense:
Armor Class (AC): Determine how difficult it is for opponents, you directly face, to land hits on you.
Offensive / Defensive Modifiers
±0 Normal / ±0 Normal - Normal Melee
+1 Offense / -1 Defense - Risky Attack
+2 Offense / -2 Defense - Reckless Attack
-1 Offense / +1 Defense - Cautious Defense
-2 Offense / +2 Defense - Vigorous Defense
Remember, these voluntary maneuvers add tactical flavor to combat, allowing players to tailor their approach based on the situation. So, let’s break free from the mundane and make every swing count!
Example: Toral the Rat-Catcher, finds his escape route blocked by three guardsmen. He knows that if they dogpile him, he's done for. In desperation to rushes forwards with an all-out Reckless Attack, hoping to bring down the guard on his right, so that he can escape, with only one guard having a possible attack on him.. Assuming he incapacitates the guard he's rushing. (In this case Toral gets Advantage on his attack because of surprise.)
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| Jarl Ogren and Toral the Rat- Catcher |
In the realm of tabletop role-playing games, Game Masters (GMs) often find themselves in a familiar predicament. They meticulously introduce player characters (PCs) to a scene, describing the main non-player character (NPC) who awaits their interaction. Yet, much to the GM’s chagrin, the players frequently veer off course, drawn to some seemingly insignificant background NPC—the one hastily added as an afterthought. And, as if scripted, they insist on knowing the name and life story of this inconspicuous figure. Fear not, dear GMs, for this article shall address the former: the art of naming.
In my day-to-day work, I encounter individuals from diverse corners of the globe. Consequently, I maintain a running catalog of unique and unconventional names. This list remains within arm’s reach during game sessions, ready for swift deployment when an NPC requires identification. However, even armed with my trusty roster, I occasionally yearn for additional resources. Picture a quaint village nestled in the folds of history, where names resonate with shared cultural or ethnic origins—perhaps an enclave of Armenian-sounding appellations. For such scenarios, I turn to the following invaluable naming resources:
1. The Everyone Everywhere List - TEEL
