issue431Roleplaying Tips Weekly E-Zine Issue #431
Fantasy Job Postings
Contents:
This Week's Tips Summarized
Fantasy Job Postings
- Adventuring Jobs
- Magic-Users Wanted
- Servants and Scholars
- Odd Jobs
- Threshold Job Board
Gamemaster Tips Summarized
- Handling Henchmen
- One More Props Tip
- New RPG Site Directory
Latest Posts @ CampaignMastery.com
- How Much Campaign Do You Plan Before Start?
- Google Groans: Misplacing The Rules
- Clash of the Timetables
Johnn Four's GM Guide Books
Halls of the Mountain King
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The 40 encounters will feature 3D maps, superstar designers,
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Sign up now, or review the details at Kobold Quarterly.
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A Brief Word From Johnn
Reviews of Helix: The Post Apocalypse, High-Tech, Fantasy,
Western Role Playing Game
A few issues ago the folks at Helix kindly offered up three
review copies of their new RPG to Roleplaying Tips readers.
The reviews are in and you can read all about the game and
the reviewers' opinions of it at the RoleplayingTips.com website.
If don't have web access, e-mail me and I can copy and paste
the reviews back to you. Thanks again to the Helix folks for
offering us a look at their RPG.
I've Switched to OneNote
A little before Christmas I received the Home and Student
Edition of Microsoft Office. In it is a little gem called
OneNote, which has been called out in tips in this e-zine
before.
After playing with it a bit I've switched my campaign notes
to this wonderful program. I can sort, link to, and create
information in an intuitive way. It's not a linear document
or a static topic tree. It's a combo of both plus much more.
I've just started to dig into the features of OneNote, and
as I discover stuff I'll let you know. In the meantime, if
you are using OneNote and have any tips to share, I'd love
to hear them!
Have a game full week.
Cheers,
Johnn Four,
johnn@roleplayingtips.com
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New Lands of Darkness Titles Now In Stores
Lands of Darkness #3: The Woods of Woe (parties level 6-8)
and Lands of Darkness #4: The Swamps of Timbermoor (parties
level 9-11) are now in stores and available as PDFs! Keep
your eyes open for Lands of Darkness #5: The Iron Mountains
(parties level 12-14), coming out in March!
New Lands of Darkness Titles
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Fantasy Job Postings
In Issue #424, we had the following Reader Tip Request:
"I'd like to see what people could come up with for 'job
postings' for fantasy. Things you might find on the town
bulletin board."
We received many fantastic responses. Thanks very much! Here
they all are - hopefully they'll be useful for your
campaigns.
Return to Contents
1. Adventuring Jobs
- Wanted: Four or more adventurers willing to explore
recently discovered ruins and return any valuable artifacts.
Payment negotiable. May include some hazards.
- The Goblin tribe to the south is becoming a larger menace
each month. People are getting robbed and even killed. The
city guard is seeking able-bodied warriors, fighters and
hunters to eliminate this threat to our lives. Contact the
Captain of the Guard for more details.
- Looking for rare animals, both live and dead. I have a
list of the ones I need. Contact me for further information.
~ Lord Belidon
- Wanted: Hearty souls needed to recover stolen royal
jewels. Large reward to any who succeed.
- Scholar seeks rare supplies: Scholar unable to gather
supplies due to age seeks trustworthy agents to gather
materials for research. Mild danger may be involved, so no
tyros, please. See Scholar Filo of the Blue Tower for
additional details. Serious inquiries only.
- Stirge-catcher needed to keep the monsters away from the
sheep and cattle.
- Feeling a little itch for treasure? Have a bad habit of
peeking around corners or stumbling upon secret doors? Only
experienced lock pickers and trap finders need apply. The
job ahead will last approximately 3 months. Must have own
horse. No money unless treasure found. See the alesman at
the Bird and Bard Tavern.
- Delver's Guild Bulletin board in Ptolus:
From: Adam Bragg, Steven R, Arlene M, John Wilson, Lara of Mir, John Guild Fetridge
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2. Magic-Users Wanted
- Help Wanted: Novice Fire Mages (Graduated or GMD)
Pay: 200 gold, 2 Specialized spells, 4 component packets
(empty) and a precinct membership.
Job: Bi-weekly display of shapes and flashes for festival
month. We provide dinner and components for each performance
plus four days training. Includes two passes to the Royal
Zoo after party. Injury paid recovery. No severance pay for
half work. Illusionists need not apply.
The catch: most applicants end up burning themselves, and
don't get paid. The hospital will heal you good as new after
a day's wait. Also, dinner is a wonderful array of castle
left-overs from lunch. But at least they kept the flies off
of it.
- Needed: a passing fair wizard for a small security job. A
little danger is involved, so expect hazardous duty pay.
Length of job expected to be short. (I picture the person
placing the ad giving a wry chuckle at this point, as he
means the wizard won't last, not that the job will be
completed quickly.) Please enquire at the Keep of Dunfirth
prior to high noon on the fifth Thursday of the month.
- Mining mage sought. Duties include: make flameless lights,
locate ore veins by divining rod, treat black lung, ward or
warn against cave-ins, and detect intrusion by denizens of
the underdark.
- Seeking inter-planar messenger. No previous experience
required.
- Wizard seeks apprentice. Interested in arcane lore? Good
health insurance? Ask for Strigo the Red at the Tyran
Guildhall.
- Wanted: Negotiator. Prior experience with troublesome fey
required.
From: Lara of Mir, John Wilson
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3. Servants and Scholars
- Seasonal farm hand workers requested to help local farms
bring in their harvest.
- Transcriber Wanted: Turn these manuals into coin pieces.
- Tutor Wanted: Baron Nemo seeks instructor learned in the
scholarly and martial arts to tutor his son/daughter.
References required. If interested and qualified, present
self and references to Seneschal Finnegan at Castle
Blackrock.
- Translator Needed: Summoner seeks multilinguist willing to
learn infernal from bound demon; fluency required within 2
weeks.
- Are You Looking for Adventure? Are You an ex-Soldier or
ex-Adventurer? Do You have skills as an Officer's Steward or
Gentleman's Servant?
If You answered "yes" to all three of these questions and if
You don't mind travel and are up for an extended sea voyage
then You may qualify for a lucrative position!
I am looking for just such an individual to enter into my
service and assume the position of my Personal Steward. A
qualified applicant should have most, if not all, of the
following skills:
The ability to handle weapons in defense of yourself, should
the need arise; the ability to clean and mend clothing; the
ability to polish and keep up weapons, armor, and equipment;
the ability to attend a Gentleman of Rank; the ability to
prepare and serve continental style meals; and the ability
to remain calm and unperturbed during trying (and even
potentially dangerous) circumstances.
If You feel that You meet My criteria then present Yourself
at the Adventurer's Club of Tortuga and ask for Master
Chateaubriand. Pay will be generous for the one who meets My
requirements!
Applicants may be required to submit to a background check
as well as magical scrutiny.
From: Steffi J, Arlene M, John Wilson, Forrest
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4. Odd Jobs
- * Reward for Stolen Locket: Locket of Sentimental Value
stolen. Lady Emma of Hamilton offers a reward for its
return.
- Needed: Carter to bring stones to the castle.
- Merchant seeks caravan master, cartographer, navigator,
and experienced mercenaries for trade expedition. Must have
references.
- Wanted: Rat-catcher, woodcutter, engineer and lands
warden. See the gatekeeper at Keep Murin.
- Newly-opened tavern seeks contacts with brewer, vintner,
and distiller. Must have samples available.
- Authentic medieval jobs
From: Arlene M, Steffi J, John Wilson
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5. Threshold Job Board
From: Will Scott
ATTENTION ALL CITIZENS OF THRESHOLD:
The militia is called to arms, by order of Lord Ironwolf.
Please gather your equipment and report to your stations.
We ask for the assistance of all our people during this
difficult time.
Official Posting, 2 Glorysun 655
WANTED: Strong backs for mine labor Posted: 1 Goldleaf 654
The ROYAL MINING COMPANY has been set up to extract veins of
valuable ore from the untapped wealth of the WEST MARCHES!
Be part of this exciting endeavor by learning the honorable
profession of MINER. No previous experience required.
SALARIES starting at 5sp per day! Contact BASILLE AHARINI of
the ROYAL MINING COMPANY for more information.
Apprentices Needed Posted: 2 Goldleaf 654
Well, I can't compete with the base salary of the Royal
Mining Company, but I can tell you that a master blacksmith
makes a lot more money than a master miner. So if you are
looking for a long-term career plan, and you are strong
enough to lift three dozen horse shoes in one hand, and
you can listen and take directions, I might be able to put
you to work hammering out sheets of metal.
~ Tamara Vassago
LET IT BE KNOWN,
that the King and Queen
of this year's Midwinter Ball
have been duly chosen:
Elric Floodfill and Xaviera Harper
Please be invited to attend their coronation on
15 Hoarfrost 655
On the front steps of this very building.
Lord Gregor Ironwolf and Lady Morgan Ironwolf of Threshold
Official Posting, 12 Hoarfrost 655
Horse Trading Expedition Planned, Company Welcome
Posted: 15 Whitefrost 655
I am sending my two sons eastward with letters of credit to
replenish the horse-stock of the West Marches. Any who wish
to join them are more than welcome, as traveling companions
or as fellow horse-traders. We will be happy to introduce
you to our contacts in the Eastern Kingdoms if you can
demonstrate your value on the road. They intend to leave on
15 Dewrain, before the thaw gets bad, and should be back
by autumn.
~ Casimir Merrydown
MISSING: My Favorite Sheep Posted: 30 Ivyrain 655
Ach, and a beut she is! My prize-winning sheep of last
year's fair, who I had hoped to breed, producing a
magnificent new stock. She last was seen wandering in the
vicinity of hidden falls where several other, lesser
sheeps have goon missing. I crave revenge and will pay
handsomly for it!
~ Ysbaddaden Haas the Rancher, out by Crookbridge
NEEDED: Herbs Posted 24 Highsun 655
I need help gathering herbs! Ye lousy ingrates expect me to
prepare your medicine, well I need proper ingredients! I'm
an old woman and can't be expected to traipse about the
countryside by myself! If ye want the good stuff, I'll need
some strong young folks to help run a wee errand! I can't
pay much but will give you some of my wares in exchange!
~ Zerriska
SEARCHING: Thurann Posted 29 Highsun 655
If anyone knows where Thurann has got to, please let me
know. His mother and I are worried sick. If you are holding
him in punishment for some trouble he has inflicted, I am
sure he deserves it, and you need fear no repercussion from
the guard. We just want to know that he is safe.
~ Kartenix Balcard, Captain of the Watch
WANTED: Caravan Guards Posted: 2 Glorysun 655
Due to the ACTIVATION of the LOCAL MILITIA, the ROYAL MINING
COMPANY finds itself without sufficient GUARDS to escort
goods over the VESPER MOUNTAINS. Now hiring additional
protection - QUALIFIED applicants ONLY.
Contact BASILLE AHARINI of the ROYAL MINING COMPANY for more
information.
WANTED: Information On Fedor Dwarfs Posted: 2 Glorysun 655
Scholar Miles Makraxonikis and A'laric Fedor seek
information on a group of Fedor dwarves who departed
Threshold for points unknown. Good gold will be paid for
truthful information on their destination, whereabouts, or
fates. Contact Miles and A'laric in the taproom of the White
Ram.
My Sheeps Been Eaten By Dragons! Posted: 17 Glorysun 655
I seen it with mine own eyes - a fearsome winged beast, some
50 or 100 feet long, swooping down in the night to carry off
my very best sheep! It started last week, when that wretch
Haas hired them mercenaries search for his prize sheep
(which should have never got more than honorable mention). I
will be driven out of house and home before long! Any help
much appreciated!
~ Frampton Dougal
Suitable Suitors Wanted Posted: 21 Glorysun 655
My lovely daughter, Bella, needs an honest man to make an
honest woman out of her. She is charming and quick-witted,
but is strong-willed and needs a firm hand to guide her. A
good dowry will by provided, but only if you meet the
approval of both Bella and myself: no con artists, gold-
diggers, ruffians, layabouts, or people of low character
need apply.
~ Baldrick Nickersvil, King Platinum Distillery
Reliable Servants Required Posted: 24 Glorysun 655
The Dusken Stars Recovery Company intends to re-open
Bardmeer Hall as a residence for its members. They require
reliable servants to maintain the house. Apply in person to
Sister Zula or Miles Makraxonikis at Bardmeer hall.
THE DRAGON'S FLAGON PUBLIC HOUSE
GRAND RE-OPENING!!!
17 SHROUDSUN 655
YOU, the hard-working and non-adventuring PEOPLE
of the good city of THRESHOLD are invited to
the GRAND RE-OPENING of the famous DRAGON'S FLAGON!
Under the NEW MANAGEMENT of GLIMMER MOON and
with the SPONSORSHIP of the KING PLATINUM DISTILLERY,
all CITIZENS and all FOLLOWERS OF BAHAMUT are
offered a free drink and an evening of laughter and song!
ALSO: a WELCOME BACK party for the esteemed
VANESSA LAROCHE, local tailor and traveller to
THE REALMS OF THE DEAD.
Hear her sordid tale of murder, betrayal, and
ultimate redemption and a first-hand account
of the afterlife!
Posted: 10 Shroudsun 655
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For Your Game: The Vigil of Silence
From: Andreas Rönnqvist
This is a day of mourning, when you remember those who have
passed away. During this day you cannot work and cannot
speak, for the mind is meant to dwell on those who came
before you. Some people hold communal vigils at graveyards
or monuments of old heroes.
Holiday Encounter Ideas:
- A woman is raped during the Vigil of Silence and comes
weeping to the characters to seek help. She refuses to
speak, afraid of drawing the ire of the fallen and
disgracing herself and her family even more, but she paints
a picture of her rapist.
The man believes himself safe for the day and is in no hurry
to disappear, but he has strange gifts. Can the characters
defeat him without uttering a word, or perhaps even without
drawing their blades (work for adventurers)?
- As the Silence spreads, a deep throbbing drumbeat shatters
it. It is the Drums of War, only to be used if the Kingdom
is attacked.
Should the characters break the Vigil and rush to the
borders? Should they perhaps investigate who has sounded the
Drums? Is it a prank, or even worse - spies using the Drums
to throw the people into disarray before an attack?
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A Whole New Mind
I read this excellent book recently based upon a
recommendation from a freelance blog. Author Daniel Pink
discusses how success in the workplace of yesteryear
involved left-brained skills, like accounting. In today's
world of instant communication, global workforce, and
massive competition, it takes a whole new mind to succeed.
It struck me that the skills Pink proscribes are excellent
for game masters too. He doesn't say that the right brain is
coming to the fore, which I've read elsewhere. Instead, he
insists it's a left+right brain set of skills that will give
you the edge in your business or career. In other words, a
_whole_ new mind. Interesting stuff.
The book has nine chapters, and it's the last six where
you'll find the meat for improving your game master skills.
Chapter Four: Design
Chapter Five: Story
Chapter Six: Symphony
Chapter Seven: Empathy
Chapter Eight: Play
Chapter Nine: Meaning
Each chapter ends with suggestions for further reading,
online resources, and ideas for implementation.
Anybody looking for more ways to be a great GM, check out a
Whole New Mind. Currently $10 at Amazon:
A Whole New Mind at Amazon.com
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Gamemaster Tips
Have some GM advice you'd like to share? E-mail it to johnn@roleplayingtips.com - thanks!
1. Handling Henchmen
From: Will Scott
We don't see too many henchmen in our games, but here are
the guidelines I use to keep them playable:
- Henchmen are weaker and less interesting and have fewer
options than the PCs.
This way they are not stealing the PCs' thunder, and they
are not consuming too much game time. For example, in 4th
Edition D&D, a henchman would use a monster stat block
instead of a full character sheet; monsters have streamlined
attacks and a fraction of the powers of most PCs, so they
are much simpler to run.
- Players control the henchmen, but issuing commands
requires an action.
In 4th Edition D&D, it's a minor action; in Mutants &
Masterminds, it's a move action. Until you issue a new
command, the henchmen continue to do whatever they were
working on before. This rule helps prevent henchmen from
providing one PC with extra actions and monopolizing the
game.
- The GM can take over the henchmen at any time.
This is particularly for story/role-playing purposes, or for
unusual situations (for example, the PC orders the henchmen
to do something they don't want to do). It helps the player
think of the henchman as a separate character and not just
an extension of their PC.
- Henchmen don't make checks outside of combat.
Instead, they provide a bonus to one of the PC's skill
checks. In D&D, for example, just assume that henchmen
automatically succeed on "Aid Another" attempts when using
their trained skills, providing a +2 bonus on those skills.
This way, the PCs stay in the spotlight and get to exercise
their own skills, and it speeds up the game by not having to
make twice as many skill checks.
- Henchmen that fight reduce the encounter XP.
A henchman that cowers in the corner is fine, but when
henchmen start killing monsters, it makes combat less of a
challenge. In D&D, I just subtract the henchmen's XP value
from the monster XP total. This encourages the PCs to try to
find their own solutions, and to use henchmen only when they
really are outmatched.
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2. One More Props Tip
From: L
Rather than just roll on random treasure tables as they
search the bodies, have a bag ready that you can just dip
into and shell out a random handful of goodies through which
the players can pick.
The majority of the items in my bag are 1p coins sprayed
gold and 2p coins sprayed silver, but I also add coloured
glass beads, the different colours of which representing a
different item; either a gemstone, an item of jewelry or
minor magic item like a scroll or potion. You can also throw
in the occasional foreign coin that the players might
originally mistake for "normal" gold or silver coins, but
might actually be worth much more to a collector.
If you're really brave, you could even have the players draw
out a handful of goodies themselves - although I've also
made some copper coins out of 1p pieces to prevent greedy
players from trying to grab only the smaller coins when they
get their turn in the sack.
The mix of gold, silver and beads is up to you and how big a
handful with which to reward the players should be dependent
on the creature being searched.
For £10 and a couple of tins of spray paint you can have 100
gold coins and 450 silver coins ready to dish out.
Just my (literally) twopenneth-worth. I find players enjoy
picking through and counting their spoils; much more
engaging than just writing a number on a piece of paper.
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3. New RPG Site Directory
From: Hannah L.
RPGSeek is a new search engine dedicated to tabletop
roleplaying. It uses Google, but is human edited, meaning
that every site added is guaranteed to be active and related
to RPGs.
RPGSeek is divided by topic, so if you're looking
specifically for info on D&D 4e, game publishers, or blogs,
you can find just those without worrying about unrelated
sites.
Add your favourite websites to the growing directory, or
search for new sites to enjoy: www.rpgseek.com
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Latest Posts @ CampaignMastery.com:
Campaign Mastery is the official blog of the Roleplaying
Tips E-zine. It's a great way to get more GMing advice and
to chat with me and other readers about GMing. Here is a
quick summary of what's new.
In this article I describe the amount of preparation I do
for my campaigns and rate how much prep I've done for my
current D&D 4E campaign. A lively discussion about campaign
planning follows,
Mike talks about the need for an RPG database that you could
use to find the game master material you need.
Mike lays out the impressive schedule of gaming and
campaigns he and his friends are up to.
* * *
Be sure to subscribe to the blog to get the latest updates sent to you:
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Johnn Four's GM Guide Books
In addition to writing and publishing this e-zine, I have
written several GM tips and advice books to inspire your
games and to make GMing easier and fun:
How to design, map, and GM fresh encounters for RPG's most
popular locales. Includes campaign and NPC advice as well,
plus several generators and tables
Advice and tips for designing compelling holidays that not
only expand your game world but provide endless natural
encounter, adventure, and campaign hooks.
Critically acclaimed and multiple award-winning guide to
crafting, roleplaying, and GMing three dimensional NPCs for
any game system and genre. This book will make a difference
to your GMing.
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