Category Archives: Homebrew

BoL Bestiary: Quilitlconcuanacatl – Man-Eating Plants Of Tlactoztlan

Although they are largely immobile, Quilitlconcuanacatl pose a serious threat to jungle travelers. These carnivorous plants blend in almost perfectly with their surroundings and surprise all but the most alert eyes when they snap with their powerful jaws. Fortunately, Quilitlconcuanacatl require food only once every 6-12 days, and they will not attack if they are currently digesting a meal. The area immediately around a digesting Quilitlconcuanacatl is far more likely to be occupied by jaguars, crocodiles, and other predators as these awful plants emit a sickening aroma that attracts such creatures to the vicinity.

Quilitlconcuanacatl

When a character has been bitten by a Quilitlconcuanacatl, he or she must succeed at a Hard Agility-based task check or be swallowed whole by the massive plant. Creatures swallowed by a Quilitlconcuanacatl are immobilized and will suffer 1 LB damage each hour they remained trapped inside the creature, as they are being slowly digested. Only the complete destruction of a Quilitlconcuanacatl can save the “meal” from its fate. Once a Quilitlconcuanacatl has successfully swallowed a creature it will not attack or otherwise engage any other creatures in the vicinity. However, the aroma released by a digesting Quilitlconcuanacatl attracts other predators to the area, making it hard for “survivors” to focus on destroying the plant.

Attributes
Strength 5
Agility −1
Mind −3

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +3; 2d6
Defense: -1
Protection: d6 (tough, fibrous “skin”)
Lifeblood: 50

BRP WWII Notes: November Company

A while back I posted a couple of NPCs (here and here) I had put together in relation to a World War II scenario I intended to run over Thanksgiving using Basic Roleplaying, but other gaming got in the way (darn the luck!). Before I realized that was going to happen, though, I started work on some brief notes designed to help the players produce “new recruits” quickly, since we were likely to have 6 hours at most for gaming. Rather than toss these, or worse, risk losing them to my “special” filing system, I thought I’d post them here. They ain’t pretty and they ain’t detailed, but if you know BRP then they should make sense. Oh, and cheers to the mighty Charles Green for his work on Dragon Lines, where I more-or-less swiped the skill distribution concept from.

Given that the game was intended to be a one shot (or, at best, a once-a-year shot) I was purposefully limiting all of the players to making soldiers rather than letting a motley crew of spies, femme fatales, and archaeologists (or femme fatale archaeologist spies) take the stage. Still, I believe there’s enough room for customization below that the characters would all have been unique enough for the game. At least, I think they’d have been unique enough for a vintage WWII movie, which is the feel I was going for, after all.

But enough about me. Here’s the notes:

  • Attribute Determination: roll 2d6+6 seven times, place in desired order
  • Step Six is on
  • Professional Skills
    • Put 25 points each (in addition to skill base) into each of the following:
      • Brawling
      • Dodge
      • Firearm: Rifle
      • First Aid
    • Put 25 points each (in addition to skill base) into any six of the following:
      • Artillery: Howitzer, Mortar, etc.
      • Climb
      • Command
      • Drive: Jeep, etc.
      • Firearm: Machine Gun, Submachine Gun, Revolver
      • Grapple
      • Heavy Machine: Tank
      • Heavy Weapon: Tank Gun, Turret Machine Gun
      • Hide
      • Language: French, German, Italian, etc.
      • Listen
      • Jump
      • Medicine
      • Melee Weapon: Bayonet, etc.
      • Missile Weapon: Crossbow, Thrown Knives, etc.
      • Navigate
      • Repair: Mechanical
      • Ride: Horse, Camel
      • Spot
      • Status: Army (base 20)
      • Stealth
      • Technical: Radio Ops
      • Throw
  • Put INT value into 10 skills of your choice, either Professional Skills above or other era-appropriate skills (Perform: Jitterbug, anyone?)
  • Army Status skill indicates rank as follows:
    • 01-29 Private
    • 30-39 Corporal
    • 40-49 Sergeant
    • 50-59 Lieutenant
    • 60-69 Captain
    • 70-79 Major
    • 80-89 Lt. Colonel
    • 90-99 Colonel
    • 100+ General

For the record, I am in no way, shape, or form a WWII buff. I built a few airplane models (P-51D Mustang, P-38 Lightning) and played with army men when I was a kid. I’ve watched a fair number of vintage WWII movies (and too much Rat Patrol), but not a lot of the modern ones. I’ve never played any of the WWII-based computer games. I have played Wings Of War WWII (and WWI, but that’s not important right now), but only a few times. In short, I am a complete and utter tourist in the genre. This means that I’m open to suggestions if anyone has any, but they must be delivered gently and with patience 🙂

I hadn’t gotten too far into thinking about the exact weaponry that was going to be involved, and I was likely to depend on what info I could track down at Wikipedia on the subject. I’d also considered picking up a few of the GURPS WWII books in PDF format, but once I realized we weren’t going to be playing this particular game, I decided to save my pennies for another day. Maybe next year when this particular group of old-timers gets together I’ll think about trotting this out again. And thanks to the blog, I’ll actually be able to find it!

Addendum: As the title of this post suggests, I was planning on referring to the game as November Company. It was a nice reference to the fact that we were going to be playing around Thanksgiving. I discovered a little later (thanks, Wikipedia) that “November” wasn’t used as the indicator for “N” in the phonetic alphabet until 1956, which is just a bit after the time period in question. If this ever does get run, I’ll likely stick with the anachronism though because, as I said, I’m a tourist. That and the fact that November Company sounds way cooler than Nan Company. Naan Company, on the other hand, sounds tasty.

BoL Bestiary: Hueyatocatl – Giant Spiders Of Tlactoztlan

With a tip of the hat to Jeff Mejia of Evil DM Productions for his work on the BoL version of Legends of Steel, I present the Giant Spider (Tlactoztol variant).

Eight-legged death awaits the foolhardy in the jungles and ruins of Tlactoztlan in the form of giant spiders the natives call Hueyatocatl. These malevolent creatures possess a deadly poisonous bite delivered with terrible mandibles. Look carefully before you step into that darkened room or seemingly innocent clearing, traveler.

Hueyatocatl

Hueyatocatl poison causes nerves to burn with a searing agony as it courses through the veins of the unlucky victim. Immediately after being bitten the victim must make a Hard Strength-based task check or take an additional d6 damage that bypasses any armor or other protection. Subsequent bites in the same encounter do only an additional d3 damage unless a Tricky Strength-based task check is made.

Attributes
Strength 3
Agility 0
Mind -1

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +1; d6 + poison
Defense: 0
Protection: 1 (chitinous hide)
Lifeblood: 10

BRP Character: Roger “Lucky Dog” Doggett

Wherein your humble scribe presents an NPC for use with Basic RolePlaying.

Lieutenant Roger “Lucky Dog” Doggett, the leader of November Company, is the kind of man an ordinary soldier can look up to. He’s a big fella who doesn’t shy away from a fight, but he’s also clever enough to know when and how to avoid trouble. More than anything, though, Lucky Dog is just plain likable. So likable, in fact, that if he makes it out of the war in one piece there’s already some talk of him running for office when he gets back home to Texas. You can bet your spare chocolate and stockings that there’s not a man in November Company who wouldn’t vote for Doggett.

STR 14 CON 16 SIZ 17 INT 13 POW 15 DEX 13 APP 16
Hit Points 17 Major Wound 9 Power Points 15

Damage Bonus: +1d4
Weapons: Rifle 50%, damage 2d6+2
Revolver 65%, 1d8
Fist 50%, 1d3+1d4
Grenade 50%, 4d6
Armor: none
Skills: Appraise 35%, Artillery: Machinegun Turret 15%, Bargain 25%, Brawling 50%, Command 60%, Dodge 61%, Drive: Jeep 55%, Etiquette 35%, Fast Talk 35%, First Aid 55%, Firearm: Revolver 65%, Firearm: Rifle 50%, Grapple 35%, Heavy Machine: Tank 11%, Heavy Weapon: Bazooka 11%, Insight 25%, Perform: Acting 25%, Persuade 35%, Language: German 20%, Language: Italian 10%, Language: English 85%, Listen 50%, Sense 30%, Spot 55%, Status: Army 55%, Throw 50%

BRP Character: Sergeant Frank “Nails” Braddock

Wherein your humble scribe presents an NPC for use with Basic RolePlaying.

Like his nickname, Sergeant Frank “Nails” Braddock is as tough as they come. But it’s not easy being a squad leader in November Company – not with the Desert Fox panting down your neck and the sand and heat dogging your every step. Still, just like his pop before him, the son of Colonel Nathaniel “Tombstone” Braddock knows that man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. And in 1943 that means that brave men must do their part and stand up to the Axis so that world can be made safe for truth and justice.

STR 14 CON 16 SIZ 11 INT 12 POW 10 DEX 10 APP 13
Hit Points 14 Major Wound 7 Power Points 10

Damage Bonus: +1d4
Weapons: Rifle 70%, damage 2d6+2
Revolver 70%, 1d8
Fist 70%, 1d3+1d4
Grenade 55%, 4d6
Armor: none
Skills: Brawling 70%, Climb 60%, Command 35%, Dodge 75%, First Aid 55%, Firearm: Rifle 75%, Firearm: Revolver 65%, Gaming 32%, Grapple 60%, Heavy Machine: Tank 40%, Heavy Weapon: Machinegun Turret 22%, Heavy Weapon: Tank Gun 22%, Insight 25%, Jump 45%, Knowledge: Military History 20%, Language: German 25%, Ride: Horse 30%, Sense 30%, Spot 40%, Status: Army 45%, Stealth 30%, Swim 45%, Throw 55%

BoL Bestiary: Hueyacoatl – Giant Snakes Of Tlactoztlan

With a tip of the hat to Jeff Mejia of Evil DM Productions for his outstanding work in the BoL version of Legends of Steel, I present the Giant Snake (Tlactoztol variants).

From the tall grasses of the plains, to the dark depth of the jungles, to the fetid swamps, and sometimes even in the sewers and catacombs beneath the cities – cold-blooded death awaits the unwary in the lost valley. Whether striking with poisonous fangs, constricting with powerful muscles, or killing freely with both approaches, Hueyacoatl – the giant snakes of Tlactoztlan – pose a serious threat to human and animal alike.

Hueyiztlacoatl (Giant Venomous Snake)

Hueyiztlacoatl venom is a neurotoxin that impedes muscle movement, including the functioning of heart and lungs. Victims of a Hueyiztlacoatl bite must make a Hard Strength-based task check or be paralyzed for one hour. At the end of the hour – if the victim has somehow not been consumed by the snake – a second task check, of Tricky difficulty, must be made. On a success the victim shakes off the effects of the poison and recovers. On a failure, however, the victim expires.

Attributes
Strength 4
Agility 3
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; d6+1 + poison
Defense: 2
Protection: none
Lifeblood: 25

Hueyaquilpicoatl (Giant Constrictor Snake)

A victim of a Hueyaquilpicoatl’s constriction attack may attempt to break free each round after the initial successful strike by making a Strength-based task check with the snake’s own Strength as a negative modifier. You might want to spend a Hero Point on that, son.

Attributes
Strength 6
Agility 1
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with constriction +1; 2d6
Defense: 0
Protection: d3-1 (tough hide)
Lifeblood: 35

Miquiztlicoatl (Giant Venomous Constrictor Snake)

Miquiztlicoatl show an almost human level of intelligence and appear to delight in tormenting their victims. See above for information on venom and constriction attacks.

Attributes
Strength 5
Agility 2
Mind -1

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +1; d6 + poison
Attack with constriction +0; 2d6-1
Defense: 1
Protection: d2-1 (tough hide)
Lifeblood: 30

BoL: The Great Cities Of Tlactoztlan

Tlactoztlan Map

Much has been discussed about the inhabitants, both human and otherwise, of Tlactoztlan. But so far, little has been revealed of its nature. Below are some verbal sketches of the three major Tlactozotl cities as well as an indication of things that are frequently seen in those cities.

The current map of Tlactoztlan is reproduced here for reference. Click on it for a larger version.

Xotepeclan
The Capital city of Tlactoztlan, Xotepeclan is a teeming metropolis at the foot of Cuhtlipocapetl, a smoldering but dormant volcano. Temples and royal palaces dot the skyline of Xotepeclan, with multiple markets scattered throughout the city.

Common sights within Xotepeclan include:

  • A royal procession featuring King Cuhuitlazcaltiacapan
  • A royal procession featuring a lesser noble
  • Eagle Knights en route to an audience with the king
  • Texotli traveling intently from one temple to another
  • Merchants haggling in the market, or offering their wares to passersby
  • Coztli patrolling the city, on guard for criminals
  • Commoners bringing their produce to market
  • Izatacli relaxing by a fountain, discussing the nature of the universe
  • Jaguar Warriors recruiting Coztli to join their ranks
  • A group of performers from the house of song and dance
  • Servants of Nezatl Xomec, up to no good

Tecali
Called the City of Temples, Tecali is the spiritual capital of Tlactoztlan. Countless temples to the innumerable Tlactozotl gods rise along the shores of Lake Xiachitlatl, the tallest of which afford a view of Xotepeclan to the northwest. Nearly as large as the Capital itself, Tecali is a bustling center of trade, knowledge, and, occasionally, danger.

Common sights within Tecali include:

  • The Great Tlatoani, high priest of Huitzilopochtli, leading a sacrifice ceremony at the great temple
  • Priestesses of Xochiquetzal blessing young lovers with flower garlands
  • Priests of Chicomexochtli overseeing a group of painters working on a codex
  • Priests of Ixtlilton tending to the sick
  • Priests of Itzlacoliuhque receiving shipments of obsidian from traveling merchants
  • Priests of Tlaloc listening to the entreaties of famers in need of rain
  • A group of traveling merchants waiting to be blessed by priests of Yacatecuhtli
  • Coztli nervously standing guard outside the temple of Xipetotec
  • A street festival with costumed dancers and poetry recitals
  • A group of slaves being lead to a temple where they will be sacrificed to please the gods

Quanoac
Nestled within the hills that separate the northern and southern jungles of Tlactoztlan, Quanoac is renown as the center of Tlactozotl artistry and commerce. Here, with easy access to natural resources and precious metals, artisans from across the lost valley set up their workshops and storefronts, selling to traveling merchants, minor nobles, and free commoners alike.

Common sights within Quanoac include:

  • A group of merchants engaged in a bidding war over a particularly spectacular work
  • Miners delivering cartloads of ore and semi-precious stones to the largest artisan houses
  • Women dyeing fabrics in an alley behind a shop
  • Children playing “the bartering game” in a public square
  • Young couples strolling through the city, dressed in fine new clothes for their weddings
  • Toothless beggars and street urchins begging for alms
  • Coztli collecting taxes from a newly arrived traveling merchant
  • Izatacli in deep discussion with artisans regarding talismans they need created
  • Commoners being whipped for purchasing or wearing clothing adorned with feathers

Traveller: The Cat Is In The Bag

Wherein your humble scribe presents a group of three characters for (classic) Traveller. All of these were rolled up by-the-book from Book 1: Characters And Combat.

Kicking around the ‘roids of Emental in the Claybourne Subsector after mustering out, this group of relative striplings are in desperate need of a patron. But what can an army sawbones, the troubled young woman he got booted from the service for, a jarhead grease monkey, and brainy ex-scout do to earn an honest living?

Well, there was that fancy guy at the starport casino, talking about needing help recapturing the grex panthera (or whatever he called it) that had gotten loose from its enclosure at his villa. That didn’t sound too difficult. Sam and Roy should be able to figure out the best way to tranquilize the thing, and Allan can certainly solomani-rig some kind of trap if need be. And Noemi? Well, maybe she can keep that sissy noble company by showing him just how grunts play cards. Really, what could possibly go wrong?

Samuel Lazarus
994694 Age 22 1 Term (Service: Army, Final Rank: Captain)
Rifle-1, Medical-3
Cr5,000

Noemi Gaccione
894577 Age 22 1 Terms (Service: Army, Final Rank: Lieutenant)
Rifle-1, SMG-1, Gambling-2
Cr10,000

Allan Kamin
699684 Age 30 3 Terms (Service: Marines, Final Rank: Captain)
Cutlass-1, Mechanical-3, Brawling-1, Gambling-1
TAS
Cr20,000

Roy Boatright
77AA78 Age 34 4 Terms (Service: Scouts)
Pilot-1, Navigation-2, Vacc Suit-1, SMG-1, Jack of All Trades-1, Mechanical-1
SMG
Cr40,000

BoL Bestiary: Xotlatocazatl – Giant Centipedes Of Tlactoztlan

Somewhere in the world lies the lost valley of Tlactoztlan. The strange natives of this hidden place practice human sacrifice, pray to bizarre gods, adorn themselves with brightly-colored feathers, and – it is rumored – live in cities made of gold. Only the bravest and luckiest adventurers find their way to Tlactoztlan!

Deep within the jungles of Tlactoztlan there are giant red and black centipedes, some measuring well over 4 feet long. These horrifying predators possess a deadly, necrotizing poison which continues to harm those it has afflicted for days after they have been bitten.

Xotlatocazatl, as they are called in Tlacuatl, live primarily on the floor of the jungle, nesting under stones and dead wood, as well as inside logs. They do occasionally climb high into the canopy in search of prey, and sometimes drop form branches to ambush unwary travelers.

Anyone bitten by a Xotlatocazatl must make a Tough Strength-based task check when the adrenaline of combat has cleared his or her system. Failure indicates that d3 of damage is dealt from the poison. Success results in only a single point of damage. Twenty-four hours later a new Strength-based task check, which will either be Tough (if the initial check failed) or Hard (if the initial check succeeded). Failure of this check again results in d3 damage, while success yields a single point of damage. This cycle continues every twenty-four hours, with the task check becoming progressively easier after a successful check (up to Moderate difficulty) or remaining at the difficulty level of the last successful check. Once a character has succeeded in four successive task checks the poison ceases to be damaging.

Damage done by Xotlatocazatl poison cannot be healed by any normal means until the poison has been purged from the victim’s system.

Attributes
Strength 1
Agility 2
Mind -2

Combat Abilities
Attack with Bite +2; d3 + poison
Defense: 1
Protection: d2-1 (chitinous hide)
Lifeblood: 8

LL/AEC Rogues Gallery: The Sisters of True Desire

Wherein your humble scribe presents what might be an Adventuring Party for Labyrinth Lord/Advanced Edition Companion. These characters are all 1st level, were granted maximum HP (Advanced Style), and have a bare minimum of equipment. They were all created with 3d6 for stats, more often than not in order. And, as is now commonplace, they all have some snappy headgear.

Sent forth from their sacred temple in the Wieghorst mountains by the high priestess of Lofn, the goddess of forbidden love and illicit unions, the Sisters Jytte, Anne-Lis, and Rakel are on a mission to convince the great Jarl Valdemar that his seven sons should be allowed to marry the women of their choosing, rather than the “proper” brides the Jarl will soon announce he has selected. The brothers Lundgaard, favorites of the clergy of Lofn for their strict vows of non-alignment, serve as the Sisters’ guardians. Unbeknownst to these travelers, agents of Markgreve Torbjorn – whose seven daughters are the most likely candidates for official selection as brides – pursue this band and aim to prevent them from ever reaching the halls – and ears – of Jarl Valdemar.

Sister Jytte / Human Cleric 1 CG
Head Gear: A heavy, fur-lined hood
STR 8 INT 12 WIS 16 DEX 9 CON 13 CHR 12
HP 9 AC 4 Gold 43
Mace, Sling & 10 bullets, Chainmail, Shield, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Create Water, Cure Light Wounds, Resist Cold

Sister Anne-Lis / Human Cleric 1 CG
Head Gear: A heavy, fur-lined hood
STR 11 INT 8 WIS 14 DEX 13 CON 9 CHR 15
HP 8 AC 3 Gold 3
Mace, Sling & 10 bullets, Chainmail, Shield, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Cure Light Wounds, Detect Magic, Resist Cold

Sister Rakel / Human Cleric 1 CG
Head Gear: A heavy, fur-lined hood
STR 6 INT 10 WIS 13 DEX 8 CON 9 CHR 14
HP 8 AC 5 Gold 13
Mace, Sling & 10 bullets, Chainmail, Shield, Silver Holy Symbol
Cleric Spells: Protection from Evil, Purify Food & Drink, Resist Cold

Mogens Lundgaard / Human Fighter 1 N
Head Gear: A “bear face” masked helm
STR 16 INT 15 WIS 7 DEX 9 CON 11 CHR 10
HP 10 AC 4 Gold 57
Battle Axe, Hand Axe, Light Crossbow & 10 quarrels, Chainmail, Shield

Niels Lundgaard / Human Fighter 1 N
Head Gear: A “bear face” masked helm
STR 14 INT 11 WIS 10 DEX 16 CON 11 CHR 11
HP 10 AC 2 Gold 34
Spear, Hand Axe, Light Crossbow & 10 quarrels, Chainmail, Shield