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Post by tetramorph on Aug 31, 2016 17:39:27 GMT -5
Hey folks, I've got an idea and I think it would be uniquely fitted to this forum.
I've been inspired by the Traveler sub-forum on this one.
Please let me know if anyone would be interested in something like the following.
A shared subforum where we build "mini-modules" together.
I love how TSR called them "modules," not "adventures." Use of the term "Adventures" seems like what I am getting is going to be self-contained and goal, if not narrative oriented. "Module," sounds, to my ears, well, modular. And here I mean not only something that could be dropped into a sandbox setting (their original implication, I think) but droppable in relationship to each other in terms of a multi-layered dungeon.
When the OSR came on-line, the word "megadungeon" entered our vocabulary. But I feel constricted by mega-dungeons in a different way.
What if we made a free, "share-ware" on-line resource for people by building a "setting" through multiple "mini-" modules of no more than 3 "levels" each, preferably something like a single level.
Each level would have stairs up and down, thus making the mini modules compatible with each other. If used as a "one off," the ref would ignore the stairs, teleports, etc., to other levels. If used in conjunction with other mini modules, those connecting points would be used.
Each level would follow a descriptive format (as found in the old modules) like "background," "for the referee," etc.
Also, we would have a few rules of thumb, like 0e distribution of monsters and treasures and that each level needs a key trick and maybe a couple of interesting traps.
But here is my other idea. What if each map was keyed three times: once for normal leveled characters, then for heroic and finally for super heroic and beyond. So, for example, a kobold lair for normals, a hobgoblin for heroic and a troll for super-heroic. Thus many birds are killed with one stone. Or, again, a wight borrow for normals, a mummy's tomb for heroes, a vampire's undercroft for super-heroes.
We could start using free on-line resources, such as keying Dyson Logos' free maps. Or, we could upload our own maps.
Perhaps a "wiki" would be better for this, I don't know. But I would love to hear ideas from folks who find this interesting or inspiring.
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Post by Admin Pete on Aug 31, 2016 17:59:47 GMT -5
I think it is a great idea; however, I would not try to do too much standardization, but leave room for people to throw in new monsters and magic and such.
Do you have a title and I will create a place for it.
I think this is a really cool idea!!
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Post by tetramorph on Aug 31, 2016 18:53:57 GMT -5
Yes, Admin Pete, I agree. Not too much standardization. But just enough that the modules would be "modular," that is to say, mutually compatible. New monsters and new magic items for sure. But especially unique tricks and traps. I think my idea is that in many ways they would be fairly "vanilla" so that they could fit in anybody's setting with just minor tweaking. I'm glad you think it is a good idea! Let's wait, though, and see if there is really any interest beyond you and me before we make the sub-board. One more idea (again, inspired by the traveller board): we could list all the 0e monsters and people could check off an interesting one, give it a name, and post it. Like "Skeletons in the closet," or "Tomb of the Mummy King." Real old school pulp stuff, but not with that 1e edgy feel, but a more light-hearted 0e feel (if you know what I mean). Once we finish that list, then we list all the misc. magic items and do the same! "Search for the Elven Boots," etc. Sounds fun to me!
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Post by Admin Pete on Aug 31, 2016 20:07:42 GMT -5
You could have several projects going at the same time (so you might need to name the threads so everyone knows which mini-module they are working on) some that are group projects, but people could post complete ones they have done too.
What do you think everyone? What are some other ideas?
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Post by scottanderson on Aug 31, 2016 23:02:07 GMT -5
This reminds me of a shared mega dungeon project arranged by John Arendt a few years ago. It was really cool to see all different people submit levels to the dungeon, many hand drawn. This could be the same for a hex crawl or point crawl.
If we each generate a couple of points of interest and one power center, we can then collaborate on placement and relationships between the several sites and groupings.
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 1, 2016 11:25:00 GMT -5
This reminds me of a shared mega dungeon project arranged by John Arendt a few years ago. It was really cool to see all different people submit levels to the dungeon, many hand drawn. This could be the same for a hex crawl or point crawl. If we each generate a couple of points of interest and one power center, we can then collaborate on placement and relationships between the several sites and groupings. scottanderson, good to see you interested! I want this to be really open. Just to clarify, the "mini" on the module proposal was to make them primarily modular with respect to one another, rather than with respect to a wilderness or setting map -- but obviously they should be, as with any module, compatible in that way as well! Just wanted to make sure my idea was clear. If we need to move on from my idea to something different to get more folks involved, that is cool with me too! What do you mean by "posts of interest" and "one power center"? Because, again, I was thinking in terms of the "vanilla" generic nature of the mini-modules and their mutual compatibilities as possible "levels" of a shared magical dungeon, rather than their placement on any given setting map. I was imagining that remaining specific to each referee's use in his or her own campaign setting. So I am imagining something like the Travel sub-forum in the group work on many different "locations," but unlike that sub-forum we would not need a shared setting "map," but mutual compatibility across "levels"? Does that make sense? Let's see if a couple more folks are interested and maybe we can get this thing rolling!
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Post by scottanderson on Sept 1, 2016 12:59:43 GMT -5
A point of interest may be an old tower or a valley that is always shrouded in mist. In other words, a likely B-plot adventure site.
A power center could be a pirate camp, a town, or a fortified abbey. But it could also be a gnoll lair from which they raid the countryside.
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 1, 2016 21:24:06 GMT -5
Here is a quick list, turned into simple pulp-fiction-like titles:
The Monsters:
The Bandit’s Lair The Brigand’s Redoubt Berserker’s Mountain Revenge of the Mad Dervishes Nomads of Wasteland Pirate’s Cove Buccaneer’s Bounty Cavern’s of the Lost Cavemen Mermen’s Hidden Mere Tucker’s Kobolds Night at Goblin Mound The Minions of Orcus The Gnoll Knoll The Ogre’s Horrid Banquet Cairn of the Troll Lord Rebirth of the Nephalim Jotunheim’s Anvil Cloud Castle of the Giant King Temple of the Titans Cave of the Cyclopes Skeletons in the Closet Escape from Zombie Plantation Graveyard of Ghouls Barrow of Wights Tomb of Wraiths Curse of the Mummy King The Spectre’s Haunted Mansion The Vampire’s Undercroft Lair of the White Wyrm Black Dragon Swamp Glade of the Green Dragon Blue Dragon Dunes The Red Dragon’s Deepest Delves The Search for the Golden Dragon The Halls of Hell (Demon / Balrog) The Werewolf’s Dire Den The Hidden Weretiger of the Mountain Monastery The Ratcatcher’s Nightmare (Wererat) Feast of the Boar’s Head (Wereboar) The Skin-changer’s Longhouse (Werebear) The Minotaur’s Labyrinth Search for the Unicorn Maiden The Nixies Netherkingdom The Craggy Peaks of The Roc Eyrie The Gate to the City of Brass The Salamander’s Sea of Lava Ruins of the Living Idol The Golem’s Gold The Android’s Secret Program
The Treasures: The Search for: The Scrying Ball The Medallion that Makes Minds Known The Amulet of Mental Protection The Scarab that Spells the Pagan Priests’ Repulsion The Bottomless Bag The Censer of Elemental Air The Stone of Elemental Earth The Brazier of Elemental Fire The Bowl of Elemental Water The Efreeti’s Bottle Chamber The Djinni’s Lamp The Elven Cloak of Old The Boots of Speed / Levitation / Leaping The Witch’s Flying Broom The Flying Carpet of Old Araby The Beating Drums of Panic The Horn of Blasting The Ogre’s Mighty Gauntlets The Giant’s Strong Girdle The Mirror that Traps Souls The Teleportation Machine The Crown, Orb and Scepter of the Ancient Kings / Priests / Magi The Stone Crystallization Projector
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Post by Admin Pete on Sept 1, 2016 22:17:36 GMT -5
The is fantastic tetramorph, that could be a whole thread of its own.
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Post by scottanderson on Sept 2, 2016 12:51:13 GMT -5
What is that list?
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 2, 2016 16:15:12 GMT -5
Okay, so this is just a list of possible "mini-module" titles based upon the monster list and some magic items. Namely, those monsters that clearly constitute the mythic underworld (vs. wilderness) in my loose estimation and the misc. magic items (some, not all of them). I just went through the lists and tried to give a fun, youthful, pulpy adventurous title based upon each. I think one of the things I do is invent the resources I wish I had. I love B1 and B2, but I kind of just wish they had made a module for each major monster. Likewise I love the majestic wilder lands, but, for me in our current one session a month gaming style, I need something that fits a bit more nicely into a single session. Hence my "mini module" idea. I think another thing that I love about 0e is that it is prior to the feed-back loop of D&D world-generation separate from the main western tradition. I play 0e because I want a set of simple rules in order to walk into (pre 1974) the fantasy land of our classical, western legendaria. Beholders and Liches are fine, I suppose, but, for me, as one-off unique monsters. I still want my plane jane vanilla standby monsters. Here is another way to put it. If I were a Napoleonic war gamer, I would want my knowledge of actual Napoleonic warfare to contribute to my success at a given scenario. Likewise, as a player of 0e, I want, for myself and for my players, to find reward in knowing the classical and romantic legends of our heritage. Here is an example: I was thinking the other day of a high-level NPC vampire in one of my campaigns. I had decided he was going to surprise attack a PC at night in his own castle -- I mean, he has gaseous form and can be a bat and all that. But then I remembered: vampires cannot enter where they have not been invited. My knowledge of the monster, as our collective inheritance, guided my decision -- regardless of the fact that this is not in the description of vampires in the rules. Instead, I had the good count meet a high lvl CL just outside his camp pavilion one night. "Are you going to be rude, or are you going to invite me in?" The player knew to say "no"! So he was rewarded. His tent was a safety zone. So, for example, the description of Ogres in 0e is pretty scant. You need to know that they are small giants who delight in eating human infants! Thus I named that mini-module "The Ogres Horrid Banquet." In it, I would try to imagine some way in which knowledge of the classic archetype of an ogre would be rewarding to the player's exploration and discovery. Etc. Hope that helps. Thanks for interacting!
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 2, 2016 17:00:31 GMT -5
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Post by scottanderson on Sept 2, 2016 17:15:03 GMT -5
Redoing the names convinced me that the list must be from some old professional source that had previously eluded my scrutiny. It's so excellent! Every one of them.
So your idea is to build a little module focusing on each classic monster? That's a good plan.
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 2, 2016 18:02:44 GMT -5
Redoing the names convinced me that the list must be from some old professional source that had previously eluded my scrutiny. It's so excellent! Every one of them. So your idea is to build a little module focusing on each classic monster? That's a good plan. Thanks a lot, scottanderson! That is a really great and unexpected compliment. Yes, a mini module on each classic monster. Or each classic treasure. And, come to think of it, starting with the treasures (the real "goal" of the game in 0e) may actually be best, linking the key treasures to key monster-types. So, e.g., if orcs subsume elven ruins, then the elven cloak and boots may be hidden away in the lair of the Minions of Orcus! Then we would get: the Search for the Elven Cloak and Boots in the Lair of the Minions of Orcus! Now that sounds fun to me! I've seen a lot of folks "liking" posts on this thread. Folks, is that a "yes, other people please do this," or a "yes, count me in I'd like to try"? Fight on!
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Post by Admin Pete on Sept 2, 2016 18:51:55 GMT -5
tetramorph this is a great post and definitely gives an example of one (of many) directions that could be pursued in this project. I can see this expanding over time into a whole section with a dozen or more sub-forums.
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 4, 2016 15:36:35 GMT -5
Here could be some standard "design" elements, kind of like a template in a wiki:
Introduction Background Note(s) for the Referee Unique Monster Unique Magic Item (or Treasure) Map(s) Key(s) *Link to Campaign NPCs *Rumor Table *Start (or Entry) *Time Element *End (or Exist, or Conclusion) *Wandering Monster Table
So, again, the name is "Mini-Module," so we are going for minimalism and assuming a referee with familiarity with 0e or similar rules. We are going for the kind of sketch we actually make for ourselves, rather than some poetic full-description plush product. So, some general rules (of thumb?) might be:
No more than three sentences per the above headings (excepting the key(s), of course), preferably one. And, as implicit, only one unique monster and one unique magic item or treasure per mini-module. NOTE: word choice is "unique," not "new." The idea being these are one-off freaks, not stuff to gather up in a "Monster Manual." Give basic stats for each monster. No more than a noun phrase description, or, at most, sentence for a room, and then only if truly necessary. Give rest of main treasure and other treasure by level or type only: assume the referee can use the books or a compatible on-line generator -- even at table if necessary. Preferable one map and one key.
General composition rules (of thumb): Focus is on retrieval of main focal treasure. Trick or wonder likely hides/guards/ or directs to this treasure, otherwise guarded by thematic BBEG or trapped. Trick or wonder has at least 3 clues. Main monster and theme of lair linked thematically to main treasure. Half rooms/spaces empty. Of the other half, ⅔ rooms/spaces treasure ½ guarded, rest ½ hidden, ½ trapped. Traps have 3 to 5 clues. 1/6 remaining rooms have monster(s). ½ thematically related to theme monster, the rest "random." If presented as print-ready, map and key lay flat side-by-side with one another.
The asterisked items are optional:
The "Link to Campaign NPCs" would be a suggestion for how to hook the module not just to other modules or the campaign setting, but to major movers in the campaign world with a quick suggestion as to how the clearing of the lair would affect this NPC and, thereby, the PC party. How to do this generically? And in one sentence? Something like this: "An important Lord/Wizard/Patriarch (does not) want(s) the party to X the lair, if they succeed, NPC will Y."
"Rumor Table" is always fun: d6 or at most d10, with T/F marked and at least half F.
"Start/End," again, only if truly necessary.
"Time element" allows for time pressure to enter. Keep to a one sentence description: "Once PCs do/perform/take/ cross/enter X, NPC NAME / MONSTER will Y in N turns."
"Wandering Monster Table," only if both a.) deemed truly necessary and b.) a simple (d6, d10?) table.
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 4, 2016 15:43:23 GMT -5
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Post by Admin Pete on Sept 4, 2016 16:43:27 GMT -5
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 5, 2016 15:53:25 GMT -5
One more "guideline" idea for some additional headings:
Depending on the level of characters for which the mini module is originally designed, the mini-module would conclude with two headings from the following three:
Modifications for Normal Characters (Levels 1-3) Modifications for Heroic Characters (Levels 4-7) Modifications for Super-heroic Characters (Levels 8+)
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Post by scottanderson on Sept 6, 2016 11:06:27 GMT -5
Oh my goodness, but I stumbled upon something that may be of great use to stock a couple of hexes - or even better if we have the fortitude for it. Look here: My Toddler's Campaign WorldThe Gracious City! Horrible Trees! The North City! Doors to Mars! Angel babies! Pyramids! Time Travel! All in so few words.
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Post by Admin Pete on Sept 6, 2016 12:20:19 GMT -5
Oh my goodness, but I stumbled upon something that may be of great use to stock a couple of hexes - or even better if we have the fortitude for it. Look here: My Toddler's Campaign WorldThe Gracious City! Horrible Trees! The North City! Doors to Mars! Angel babies! Pyramids! Time Travel! All in so few words. This is incredible! Sounds like a good thing for this project.
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 10, 2016 10:14:11 GMT -5
Here is my first mini-module: campaigns-playable.blogspot.com/2016/09/skeletons-in-closet.htmlI've tried to follow the guidelines I set as described in threads above and previously on my blog. After I've published 3 I will try to set up a page on my blog where I compile links to them and describe how to fit them into a setting and use them to stack up a random dungeon. I will try to post a new mini-module every week or so.
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Post by hengest on Sept 25, 2016 18:33:59 GMT -5
Hey, this haunted house from tetramorph is nice! Inspiring, and with a bunch of fun but simple things to mess with. I really dig it. Seems like the flavor could easily be adjusted to be appropriate for kids or adults.
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Post by tetramorph on Sept 25, 2016 19:42:30 GMT -5
Hey, this haunted house from tetramorph is nice! Inspiring, and with a bunch of fun but simple things to mess with. I really dig it. Seems like the flavor could easily be adjusted to be appropriate for kids or adults. Thanks a lot for the kind and encouraging feedback! I am working on my next one: Tucker's Kobolds and the Bag without End!
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Post by Mighty Darci on Oct 10, 2016 19:25:08 GMT -5
Thanks a lot for the kind and encouraging feedback! I am working on my next one: Tucker's Kobolds and the Bag without End! I really like this project and I am waiting on more to be posted about it. Will there be a project here as suggested above? I googled and found what Tucker's Kobolds are and it sounds like tremendous fun although it may be a bit hard to run without a bit of practice. I have not found the Bag without End, where are you at with it?
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Post by hengest on Oct 11, 2016 12:57:20 GMT -5
I'm trying my hand at this, but am being slow because of life. Maybe some others are in the same boat?
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Post by Admin Pete on Oct 11, 2016 13:50:57 GMT -5
I'm trying my hand at this, but am being slow because of life. Maybe some others are in the same boat? I'm there with you @hengest, life is incredibly busy right now.
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Post by tetramorph on Oct 11, 2016 16:14:08 GMT -5
Mighty Darci , many thanks. If 3 or more seem interested, then I will ask Admin Pete to start up a folder for us. So far it seems that only scottanderson is working on a mini module to share. Or is it hengest? Maybe both. I am still working on Tucker's Kobolds and the Bag without End! I am also trying to finish a book for my day job and that has got all my attention right now. But I will surely finish it in time. Thanks for the interest.
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Post by Traveroark on Oct 11, 2016 20:18:47 GMT -5
Mighty Darci , many thanks. If 3 or more seem interested, then I will ask Admin Pete to start up a folder for us. So far it seems that only scottanderson is working on a mini module to share. Or is it hengest ? Maybe both. I am still working on Tucker's Kobolds and the Bag without End! I am also trying to finish a book for my day job and that has got all my attention right now. But I will surely finish it in time. Thanks for the interest. Start the folder and maybe people will join in when they see some examples.
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Post by Mighty Darci on Oct 12, 2016 13:50:31 GMT -5
Mighty Darci , many thanks. If 3 or more seem interested, then I will ask Admin Pete to start up a folder for us. So far it seems that only scottanderson is working on a mini module to share. Or is it hengest ? Maybe both. I am still working on Tucker's Kobolds and the Bag without End! I am also trying to finish a book for my day job and that has got all my attention right now. But I will surely finish it in time. Thanks for the interest. Start the folder and maybe people will join in when they see some examples. That sounds like a good plan.
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