The Theocracy of the White Ziggurat

So it is Told

(An excerpt from the soon to be ready for publishing The Theocracy of the White Ziggurat.)

The people of Agaran were once primitive barbarians, living in poverty and in constant fear of attack. Their valley was a frequent target for raiders and would-be conquerors, and despite their greatest efforts there came a day when their future had never looked so dark. Drought and famine plagued the land, children died in the womb, and herds of livestock began to fall ill. The people begged the gods for salvation, and only one heard their cry. Ashun, wisest of the gods, took pity upon the people of Agaran and made wells and springs flow anew. Fields flourished, diseases vanished, and in return Ashun commanded the people to build a temple unto him which would become the cradle of their new nation.

In time, their work was done, and they looked up and beheld the fruit of their labor, and the glory of Ashun. An immense ziggurat, cut from stone of gleaming white, rose from the barren floor of the valley, and at its very top stood the oldest and most wizened of priests. The voice of the people rose as one and the heavens opened up, spilling light and thunder from the sky as Ashun gave his blessing to this new and glorious center of civilization.

Armies were formed to secure the borders of this new realm. People spread out in all directions, armed with new weapons with which to battle the atrocities which awaited them in the wilderness. New and fertile farmlands were discovered, as well as veins of precious metals and other resources. Villages soon rose up and the common folk began to rise above the squalor they had known for so long.

But all is not as well as it would seem. Horrific beasts stalk the land, and nefarious cults gather to pay tribute and sacrifice to foul and impure demons. There are many who desire the new found wealth of Agaran. Tribes of warlike humanoids gather in the wastes, and bandits and raiders plague villagers and travelers alike. Horrific and unnatural creatures walk the earth. Reports from individuals and communities who have encountered such abominations vary widely. Others tell of tentacled horrors, multi-headed beasts, twisted giants, and other creatures that defy description. It is said that many of these beings are in league with Demons, or are Demons themselves in corporeal form.

The high priests of The White Ziggurat claim to be doing all that they can, but even as villages petition them for aid the priesthood continues to order the construction of enormous and costly temples. The common folk are beginning to question their motives, but those that speak of such things too loudly are often sent to labor camps, never to be seen again by honest folk.

The Gods

Ashun

“He of The Many Eyes”

Considered to be the most powerful of all the gods, Ashun is depicted as a sun whose surface is covered with unblinking eyes. He keeps watch over the earth, seeing all but rarely intervening except on behalf of his most loyal and obedient servants. It is Ashun who decided to pass the knowledge of the gods on to man. The people of Agaran consider Ashun to be vastly superior to the other gods, and forbid the worship of any deity but him.

Zulga

“The Eater of Souls”

Some believe that those who die must stand before the gods and receive their judgment. It is Zulga who enforces this judgment. The souls of the worthy will ascend to the heavens in her arms, and the souls of the damned will spend eternity in the hellish torment of her belly. Zulga is depicted as either a beautiful yet completely hairless young woman or as a vast and amorphous blob, depending on what role she must play, and it is said that when a man approaches death she will come to him in dreams, revealing his eternal fate through her chosen form.

Rigam

“The Banished One”

Rigam is worshiped only by mysterious, exclusive orders and secretive bands of cultists. He appears in the form of various common beasts, a punishment bestowed upon him by the other gods for a crime which mortal men are neither capable nor worthy of comprehending. Doomed to walk the earth for all eternity, he causes trouble and wickedness wherever he goes. Some believe he possess the secrets of ancient and destructive magic, while others say he has lost all of his power save for his immortality, but in general he is considered the bringer of bad luck in all of its forms.

Inara

“The Mouthless Crone”

Inara is said to appear to the devout as a mouthless old woman, hunched and frail. She is said to know every secret kept by mortals, and because she has no mouth she can never be forced to reveal them. Instead she keeps them to herself, using her knowledge to mysterious ends and granting it to those who pray to her in visions and portents.

Mogram

“The Tormentor”

When the people have displeased the gods, it is Mogram who often carries out their punishment through disease, earthquakes, pestilence, drought, and other tribulations. Keeping in his good favor is said to cause him to focus his wrath elsewhere, and when disasters befall the land the people will often pray for his mercy. If he listens, they will be spared the worst of things.

Demon Worship

It is believed by the people of Agaran that demons were once mortal men who committed unspeakable crimes against humanity. Their deaths came none too soon, and their souls agonized for countless centuries in the belly of Zulga before the goddess could stand the taste of them no longer. She spit them out onto the earth, where they now conspire to corrupt and destroy all that they see.

Men who worship these diabolic entities come in many varieties. Cults have been discovered consisting of soldiers, farmers, and all manner of common folk. They are commonly led by sorcerers and priests, who seek to use the demon for their own nefarious agendas. Demon cults gather in ancient ruins, remote canyons, and other out of the way places where there will be no witnesses to the dark blasphemies they commit in service to their masters.

Coming Soon -- 20 Warriors for Hire

I'm wrapping up production on a new fantasy OSR supplement called 20 Warriors for Hire. 

It does exactly what it says on the tin. Within these pages you will find twenty down on their luck warriors who are looking for work. They will be more than happy to join the group as hirelings, henchmen, mercenaries, or meat shields.

These warriors are presented without levels, names, or overly specific backgrounds and physical details. It's up to you to give them a name and - if you choose - a more detailed background and physical description. These warriors were designed this way so that you so that you can describe their names, detailed appearances and specific backgrounds to fit your game world, They are presented without levels so that you can match them up to whatever level hirelings the PCs might need.,

20 Warriors for Hire also includes a simple morale system for hirelings, with a few optional rules that can be used to add a bit`more depth and variation to morale and loyalty dynamics within the adventuring group.

.If you're players are not in need of hirelings, you can always use this rag-tag bunch of sell-swords to create bandits, outlaws, enemies, or even replacement characters when things take a turn for the worse and someone needs replacement  character A.S.A.P..

Here is the list of Warriors for hire, minus a few entries. that still require a bit more work.

• 1. Battered Veteran
• 2. Boastful Knight
• 3. Conscripted Farmer
• 4. Grizzled Miner
• 5. Foreign explorer
• 6. Gruff Crossbowman
• 7. Disfigured Hunter
• 8. Failed Sentry
• 9. Unemployed Mercenary
• 10. Desperate Farmer
• 11. Disgraced Nobleman
• 12. Refugee Militiaman
• 13. Destitute Innkeeper
• 14. Dissatisfied Farrier
• 15.
• 16. Blacksmith's Apprentice
• 17. Livestock Farmer
• 18.
• 19. Hound Keeper
• 20. Former Sailor

You can read some of their profiles below.

Battered Veteran

This former soldier's old wounds forced him to retire. He has grown tired of sitting around taverns swapping war stories, and his meager savings have run out. Despite his bad leg and declining health, he can still swing a sword and haul loot. He has poor manners and loves to tell crude jokes, but he is extremely loyal and can offer useful advice gleaned from years of battlefield experience.

• Motivation: Camaraderie, adventure, wealth.
• Morale:+2
• STR 14, INT 12, WIS 13, DEX 7, CON 9, CHA 10
• Gear: Spear, short sword, knife, shield, studded leather armor, backpack, tinderbox, blanket, 3 days iron rations, water skin.

Boastful Knight

This fast talking former knight has sold off most of his possessions save for a few treasures that he just can't bear to part with. He is a competent warrior, but he greatly exaggerates his own ability. He is loyal as long as he is paid well and isn't asked to do anything suicidal. If things get bad, he might desert the group.

• Motivation: Restoration of his honor, wealth, glorious battle that ends with victory..
• Morale: 0 (-3 if Faced with imminent death)
• STR 15, INT 9, WIS 10, DEX 13, CON 15, CHA 14
• Gear: Long sword, dagger, shield, chain mail, helmet, backpack, silver mirror, tinder box, shaving kit and razor, jeweled snuff box, 2 bottles of wine.

Conscripted Farmer

This big ox of a man was a farmer until he was conscripted into military service. The war is over and he doesn't know how to do anything but grow wheat, lift heavy things, and bash heads. He is a slow learner and often lacks common sense, but he is happy to help with any task, no matter how menial or life threatening. He is very loyal, but he has a fear of magic that might cause him to panic at the worst possible moment.

• Motivation: Desire to feel useful, friendship, wealth.
• Morale: +1 (-3 when faced with magic/supernatural)
• STR 17, INT 8, WIS 6, DEX 11, CON 16, CHA 5
• Gear: Spear, knife, club, leather armor, large sack, blanket, 4 days rations, water skin.

Grizzled Miner

This short, stocky man used to work as a miner. He had to leave his last job after he was accused of murdering three of his fellow workers in a drunken brawl. He is a hard worker, and his knowledge of mines and caves will come in handy until he tries to kill the rest of the group and loot their corpses.

• Motivation: Wealth, Survival at any Cost, Murdering his Employers.
• Morale: -2
• STR 15, INT 12, WIS 12, DEX 9, CON 13, CHA 8
• Gear: Mining pick, small hammer, knife, club, studded leather armor, backpack, lantern, tinderbox, 12 candles, 2 flasks of oil, 50 feet of rope, 12 iron spikes.

Comments? Thoughts? Do the "vague" NPCs add or detract from the usefulness in your game? 

Lizardfolk Characters for Lamentations of the Flame Princess

Here's a class I just finished up for Lamentations of the Flame Princess. After doing Grippli last weeek, I decided to do Lizardfolk. This particular variety aren't swamp dwellers; they havebeen toughened and tested by the harsh desert wastelands,

Lizardfolk

Lizardfolk are proud and powerful reptilian predators that make their communal homes in scattered villages and caverns deep within the canyons and crags of the deserts and badlands.

Description

Physiology

Most lizardfolk stand 6 to 7 feet tall and weigh 200 to 250 pounds, their powerful muscles covered in scales of gray, green, or brown. They have powerful 4 to 6’’ tails. Some breeds have short dorsal spikes or brightly colored frills. Their reptilian blood makes them sluggish in the cold, so most hunt and work during the day and retreat to their homes at night.

Lizardfolk have one mating season a year. Both females take a single mate and lay small clutches of a half a dozen eggs or so. The eggs incubate for eight months, and hatchlings take roughly five years to mature.

Society

Lizardfolk are a martial species who value prowess in battle and hunting above all else. Content with the simple weapons and rituals that have served them well for millennia, Lizardfolk are viewed by many other species as backwater savages, but within their isolated communities Lizardfolk are actually filled with tradition and an oral history stretching back to before humans walked upright.

Lizardfolk live in a perpetual state of war among their tribal groups, participating in eternal sorties from their isolated desert canyons and ancient ruined cities to attack other Lizardfolk settlements and expand their territory.

Though generally neutral, towards other species, Lizardfolks’ standoffish demeanor, staunch rejection of civilization's “gifts,” and legendary ferocity in battle cause them to be viewed negatively by most other species. Conflict with species other than their own kind rarely occurs unless it is the Lizardfolk that are being threatened.

Lizardfolk have the much maligned custom of consuming the bodies of dead friends and enemies alike. If questioned, the ever-practical lizardfolk are quick to point out that life is hard in the desert, and nothing should go to waste.

In battle, Lizardfolk prefer frontal assaults and massed rushes, but if outnumbered or if their territory is being invaded, they set snares, plan ambushes, and make raids to hinder enemy supplies. Advanced tribes use more sophisticated tactics and have better traps and ambushes.

Adventurers

Lizardfolk may turn to adventuring because they find the wasteland life too difficult, or simply because they crave the rewards of the adventuring life. Additionally, a dishonored or exiled Lizardfolk often has no other choice but to leave the desert and seek his own way in the world..  Occasionally an individual Lizardfolk questions the need for constant battle, or seeks strategies other than brute force. Such iconoclasts often leave their tribes - at least temporarily - to become adventurers.

Special Abilities

Ability Score Modifiers

Lizardfolk are strong and hardy, but are often outsmarted and care little for social graces: +2 STR, +2 CON, -2 INT, -2 CHA

Saving Throw Modifiers

Lizardfolk have a +4 to any saving throws against heat or fire, such as fire breath attacks, fire traps, high temperatures, or fire spells. They also have a -4 to any saving throws against cold, such as cold breath attacks, low temperatures, and cold-based spells.

Salt Discharge

Unlike humans, Lizardfolk can go 72 hours without water before suffering any negative effects by discharging excess salt from within their systems. Once those effects begin, they are treated as per the standard rules.

Skill Bonuses

Lizardfolk begin with Bushcraft (3 in 6) and Climb (2 in 6).

Languages

Lizardfolk begin the game knowing how to speak Common and Lizardfolk. Most Lizardfolk are illiterate in Common but can read and write the simple, symbolic glyphs of their native language.

Natural Armor

Lizardfolk have tough scaly skin, granting them an initial  AC bonus of +2. This bonus increases as the Lizardfolk gains levels, and it applies even if armor is worn.

Natural Attacks

Lizardfolk have two types of natural weapons.

Bite

Lizardfolk gain a natural bite attack, dealing damage 1d3 damage. The bite cam be used in conjunction with another attack (see “Dual Wielding” in the “Optional Rules” section.
Natural Attacks: Claws 2 (RP) Lizardfolk receive two claw attacks. These are primary natural attacks. The damage is based on the creature’s size (1d4 for Medium creatures.)

Claws

Provided they have free hands, Lizardfolk can make one or two claw attacks, each doing 1d4 damage. If two claw attacks are made, treat them as per “Dual Wielding” as detailed in the “Combat” chapter.

Tail

A Lizardfolk can attempt a tail sweep every other round, swinging his tail into his opponent with the intent of knocking him to the ground. This attack can be combined with one other attack, as per the “Dual Wielding” rules in the “Optimal Rules” section’
A Lizardfolk’s tail attack does no damage. Instead, on a successful hit, the enemy trips and falls prone, taking a +4 AC bonus against ranged attacks, but a –4 penalty to AC against melee attacks. He also suffers a –4 penalty to attack rolls and cannot use a ranged weapon except for a crossbow. These modifiers apply until the prone opponent’s next t turn, art which time he can rise to his feet.and remove the modifiers.

Optional Dual Wielding RulesIf you fight with two melee weapons at once, you can roll damage for both weapons and pick the better of the two rolls.

Eye Membrane

In addition to e normal pair of eyelids, Lizardfolk also have a  transparent membrane between their eyeball and their eyelid. This can be used to blok out dust particles snd debris while still mentioning vision.

Low-Light Vision

Lizardfolk can see perfectly in the dark up to 6o’.

 A Lizardfolk can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.

Class Progression Table

			Saving Throws					Skills			AC
Lvl	XP	HP	Par.	Pois.	Bre.	Dev.	Mag.	Stealth	Bushcraft	Climb
1	0	1d10	8	6	10	9	12	(2 in 6),	(2 in 6)	(2 in 6),	+2
2	2,000	+1d10	6	6	10	7	10	(2 in 6)	(2 in 6)	(2 in 6)
3	4,000	+1d10	6	6	10	7	10	(2 in 6)	(2 in 6)	(2 in 6)	+1
4	8,000	+1d10	4	4	`8	5	8	(2in 6)	(3 in 6)	(2in 6)
5	16,000	+1d10	4	4	8	5	8	(2 in 6)	(3 in 6)	(2 in 6)	+1
6	32,000	+1d10	2	4	6	3	6	(3in 6)	(3 in 6)	(3in 6)
7	64,000	+1d10	2	2	6	3	6	(3 in 6)	(4 in 6)	(3 in 6)	+1
8	128,000	+1d10	2	2	4	2	4	(3 in 6)	(4 in 6)	(3 in 6)
9	256,000	+1d10	2	2	4	2	4	(3 in 6)	(4 in 6)	(3 in 6)	+1
10+	+128,000/lvl	+3***	2	2	2	2	4	(3in 6)	(4 in 6)	(3in 6)

*** Constitution modifiers no longer apply

Grippli Charactaerss for Lamentations of the Flame Princess

I've been working on converting several species of monsters to playable races for OSR games. I've got several of them in the works, all in various stages of completion, and I just put the final touches on the Gripplis, who have long been one of my favorite often-overlooked humanoid species.

A couple of quick notes:

1. This race is designed to work with Lamentations of the Flame Princess, but it should be easy enough to use with most OSR and classic fantasy RPGs, 
2. I changed the "Bushcraft" skill to "Survival" in my house rules, It pretty much does the same thing, so feel free to just swap out the skill names.
3. This was designed to exist seperate from the character's class. If you want to run it as a Class in its own right, the information you need has been provided.

Grippli

Description

These small, intelligent, humanoid tree frogs live in primitive societies deep in the forests and marshes of the world.

Physiology

Gripplis stand just over 2 feet tall and have mottled green-and-brown skin.  Grippli hatchlings develop into adults in less than a year. Unless they meet a savage end, they can live 60 years, their skin graying and losing its luster as they age. A grippli stands just over 2 feet in height and weighs 30 pounds.

Society

Most gripplis are primitive hunter gatherers, living on large insects and fish found near their treetop homes, and are unconcerned about events outside their swamps. They hunt giant insects and eat fruits and flowers from their tree homes. They often barter with more advanced creatures for metal and gemstone ornaments.

Adventurers

The rare grippli who leaves the safety of the swamp tends to be a hunter or perhaps an alchemist seeking to trade for metals and gems.

Special Abilities

Ability Score Modifiers

Gripplis are nimble and alert, but spindly: +2 DEX, +2 WIS –2 STR.

Weapons

When playing a Grippli as a class: Spear, Dagger, Short Sword, Short Bow, Sling, Hand Axe, Man Catcher, staff.

Armor

When playing a Grippli as a class: Cloth, Leather, Studded Leather, Shield

Skill Bonuses

Grippli begin with Stealth (2 in 6) and Survival (2 in 6).

These skills increase naturally according to the Race as Class Advancement Table. Simply match the level of your current class with the Grippli class level on the table to determine your currant skill levels.

Languages

Gripplis begin play speaking Common and Grippli. Most Grippli are illiterate in Common, but are literate in the “stick language” of the Gripplis. Their written language consists of large, staff-like sticks that are carved and decorated to record the passing of time and events,

Small

Because they are so small, grippli have a AC bonus of 2 when attacked by creatures greater than human sized.

Swamp Stride

A grippli can move through difficult terrain at its normal speed while within a swamp, bog, marsh, or jungle.

Swim

Gripplis have a swim speed equal rto their ground speed.

Hold Breath

A lizardfolk can hold its breath for a number of rounds equal to four times its Constitution score before it risks drowniung.

Darkvision

Gripplis can see perfectly in the dark up to 60 feet.

Glider

Gripplis' aerodynamic bodies and thick webbing between the toes enable a falling grippli to treat the distance fallen as half the actual distance. The grippli can steer himself while falling, moving horizontally up to a number of feet equal to half the vertical distance fallen. The grippli cannot use this trait if it is wearing heavy armor, is carrying a heavy load, or is unable to react to the fall (such as being helpless).  

Agile Tongue

You have a prehensile tongue with a range of 10 feet.  You can pick up items weighing no more than 5 pounds

Grippli : Race as Class Advancement Table

			Saving Throws					Skills
Level	XP	HP	Paral.	Poison	Breath	Device	Magic	Stealth	Survival
1	0	1d6	8	8	13	9	12	(2 in 6)	(2 in 6)
2	2,000	+1d6	6	6	10	7	10	(2 in 6)	(2 in 6)
3	4,000	+1d6	6	6	10	7	10	(2 in 6)	(3 in 6)
4	8,000	+1d6	4	4	`7	5	8	(3in 6)	(3 in 6)
5	16,000	+1d6	4	4	7	5	8	3 in 6)	(4 in 6)
6	32,000	+1d6	2	2	4	3	6	(3in 6)	(54in 6)
7	64,000	+1d6	2	2	4	3	6	(3 in 6)	(5 in 6)
8	128,000	+1d6	2	2	2	2	4	(3 in 6)	(5 in 6)
9	256,000	+1d6	2	2	2	2	4	(4 in 6)	(6 in 6)
10+	+128,000/lvl	+2/lvl	2	2	2	2	4	(4in 6)	(6in 6)