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Featured Video
Nearly every day, I post a poll question on my YouTube channel. I always find it interesting to see the variety of opinions and experiences with D&D and roleplaying games.
One of the interesting questions this week was about finding gold. In the early days of D&D, finding treasure used to add to your experience points. That rule has gone away, but I was curious how much gold is actually used in campaigns today.
News and Updates
Kobold Press released the second playtest packet for Project Black Flag
The packet includes fighter and wizard classes plus rules on Luck and Spellcasting
When used in concert with D&D 5e, there is enough here to actually playtest the material
I like that the packet includes sidebars that explain some of the rules they are particularly unsure about and looking for feedback on
The survey for this playtest packet ends on April 3rd
They also indicated that the next packet will be released in April and will include monsters
D&D released a video discussing the feedback they’ve received from the latest playtest packet
They were sure to point out that they recognize the uproar surrounding the Druid changes and were quick to point out that there would be additional changes before this was finalized
There is a new Castles and Crusades Humble Bundle available until 4/1/2023
The full bundle has nearly $400 worth of PDFs for just $18
It includes the core rules, character sheets, supplements, and a bunch of adventures
Castles and Crusades is built on D&D 3.5e, but with modifications inspired by older versions of Dungeons and Dragons
GM Toolbox
Eirishaven
At the edge of civilization lies the Crystal Sands. A vast desert with sand that sparkles like crystals in the sun. Many adventurers have been drawn to this desert thinking it contains valued gold or gems, only to find nothing but sand.
At the center of the desert, many days from the rest of the world, is Sunflower Vale. A region filled with sunflowers as far as the eye can see, blooming all year long. The only settlement in Sunflower Vale is Eirishaven. A small farming village as far from the rest of the world as can be imagined.
The population of Eirishaven is content to live their lives tending to their farms and ignoring the problems of others. They are isolated, but never alone. They get regular visitors from the outside and they welcome them as long as they behave.
Their only concern is the ancient portal situated in the town square. It sits in the center of a natural pool of water that is ever-flowing from deep in the ground. This pool is the only source of water for the village.
The portal has been inactive for many centuries, but the villagers know the peace cannot last forever.
Key Residents of Eirishaven
Lillian, the village elder: Lillian is a wise and kind old woman who has lived in the village her entire life. She is the one who knows the most about the ancient portal and the history of the village. She can provide the party with valuable information about the portal's origins and any legends or myths surrounding it.
Balthazar, the blacksmith: Balthazar is a gruff but good-hearted dwarf who runs the village's forge. He is a skilled blacksmith and can craft weapons and armor for the party if they need it. He claims to have a special connection to the portal. Many think he is just crazy.
Abigail, the village healer: Abigail is a gentle and compassionate halfling who uses her knowledge of herbs and natural remedies to heal the sick and injured. She can help the party if they need healing or if they need to make medicine for a quest.
Marcus, the village drunk: Marcus is a middle-aged human who spends most of his time in the local tavern. He's always happy to have a drink with the party and tell them stories, but his information is usually unreliable. There is one truth buried amongst his lies. He knows that the portal was built by a priest from another plane that is bent on taking over the world if given the opportunity.
Greldar, the farmer: Greldar is a sturdy half-orc who owns a small farm on the outskirts of the village. He's always looking for extra help with his crops and can provide the party with food and supplies in exchange for their labor.
Aria, the village bard: Aria is a beautiful and talented elf who loves to sing and play music. She can provide the party with entertainment and can also give them valuable information about the history of the village and the portal through the songs and stories she has heard.
Random Encounter Prompts in Eirishaven (d6)
The village elder, Lillian, approaches the party and asks for their help in finding a missing child. The child was last seen playing near the ancient portal, and the villagers fear that they may have wandered through it. The child has actually gotten lost in the sunflowers.
A sudden sandstorm engulfs the village, causing damage to buildings and making it difficult to see. The players must help the villagers find shelter and repair any damage caused by the storm.
A group of bandits are approaching with plans to take over the village. The players must help the villagers defend their homes and prevent the bandits from stealing their supplies.
A mysterious stranger arrives in the village, offering to trade rare and valuable items with the villagers. However, the stranger's true intentions are unknown, and the players must determine if they can trust them.
The portal activates only for a brief moment. An evil creature emerges and immediately attacks the town.
The village is holding its annual Festival of the Sun, a celebration of the harvest and the coming of summer. The players are invited to participate in various contests and games, but they soon discover that someone is sabotaging the festival, and they must find out who before the festivities come to an end.
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Until next time.
Take care.