What does NSFW stand for?

This is a mini-pre-review for No Salvation For Witches, written by Rafael Chandler and published by Lamentations of the Flame Princess.

First off, there isn't any reason for you to not throw a few bucks at this project since it's Pay What You Want.

Yes, if this is your first time hearing about this campaign, you can pay whatever you want to get a full color, hardcover, 64 page book (and its PDF).  Okay, further clarification, the minimum is 1 Euro (about $1.32) and you do have to pay shipping (about 5 Euros).  But if you're smart, you'll be picking up one or all of the other 4 books that are being released at the same time and that shipping won't matter much.

So, this book must be some piece of shit that the publisher just wants to get rid of?  Or it's a marketing gimmick and will basically be a half-assed advertisement for the company, right?  Obviously, something good can't be practically given away for a few bucks.  If it's not being sold at a standard rate, there must be something going on here, eh?

Well, the thing is, James Raggi is kind of nuts.  He put out a 96-page book for Free RPG Day.  Google "review + Better Than Any Man" and you will see how much people love that adventure that he gave away for free.  He did it again with Doom-Cave of the Crystal-Headed Children.  I'm here to tell you that NSFW is worth the 20 Euro that I chose to pay for it.  (Yes, I could have paid 1 Euro, but I paid 20...)

What is it?

Well, it's actually hard to describe.  It's sort of like taking a historical fiction short story about witchcraft, mixing it with the most excellent horror movies you've seen, and creating a sort of mini-sandbox/adventure arc.

Have you run Death Love Doom?  Were you sad when your players took one look at the first twisted victim and booked it out of there?  Well, imagine Death Love Doom except the players can't run away.

So in this book, you've got a setting, including a map, a few villages, a woods, and the area that's central to the story (The Priory).  The players will walk around, exploring these locales, running into horrorshow after horrorshow.

You have a variety of NPCs.  All of them are terrible.  Very few of them want to purposely hurt the PCs upon first meeting them.  That means the PCs can take sides, help various NPCs (who are still terrible people, remember), and make decisions that affect everything that's happening around them.

There is treasure to be gained, much of it risky, all of it interesting, most of it cursed.  One example is the Tract of Teratology, a sort of mini-summon spell combined with a mini-Esoteric Creature generator.

There is innovation here in how the events of the story unfold.  Many things depend on the actions of the players, however, the players could cower in the woods and just let everything happen around them.  Both cases result in something happening in the campaign world.  And while I think some LotFP adventures can end with a complete unraveling of the world (requiring a reboot), in this case, it just permanently alters the political landscape in a way that will have far-reaching effects.  It doesn't end the campaign, it just changes it (in possibly a more interesting direction, actually).

Some random thoughts:

There are Easter eggs here.  Do you like it when Lloyd Kaufman makes a cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy?  Or how Vince Vega and Victor Vega seem to exist in the same universe?  You might enjoy the hunt here, too.

There are many women central to the story.  And they're hardass.  Think Death Proof, You're Next, Descent.  This module passes the Bechdel Test and subverts the Male Gaze in an interesting way.

All of the art and maps are amazing (and useful).  You might be reading about something horrific and are struggling to comprehend how awful it might look, and then there it is, right on the next page, ready to haunt your dreams.

There's an isometric map (I love isometric maps), there's a player handout (I love player handouts), there's plenty of sweet tables to determine random effects, a variety of interesting ways that characters can die (or a variation of such), and there are multiple opportunities for players to come up with what happens to other player characters (which many groups will enjoy, especially mine).

Click on the Tract of Teratology to buy your copy of NSFW!

NSFW - get you some!

I Have No Class!

Inspired by a variety of posts/discussions on classes (Zak Smith and Daniel Sell more recently, but there are a half dozen others), I have decided to abandon class altogether.

It's important to know that only human PCs are allowed in my campaign, since I'm adhering to the LotFP Early Modern Era/Low Fantasy/Mundane-World-Seasoned-with-Unimaginable-Horrors Motif.

There are a slew of house rules and ideas taken from various blogs mixed with my own.  Most of them are all referenced in earlier posts with links to their sources.  I will link to James Young here because much is based on his house rules document.

Here is the complete character sheet PDF.  (I will provide editable word documents upon request.)  Explication below...

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First, I designed a new character sheet:

On the right side:
-All saving throws are replaced with a single "Luck Save."  Players use their ability scores, skills, special abilities and ingenuity to modify their saving throw for each situation.  I no longer say, "save vs breath weapon" I say, "save vs. falling rocks!"

-Much on this page is inspired from James Young: Weapon and Armor Quality and Notches, Ammo tracking using a decreasing die, Backpack & 3 Pouches, etc.

-I think it's important to know where PCs are keeping their shit.  Sometimes a random item is destroyed, sometimes someone picks their pocket, sometimes they desperately need an item buried in their backpack.  Anything that doesn't fit here has to go on the back (see below) and becomes encumbering.

-The numbers on the body are critical hit locations.  If there's armor, it's damaged, if there's no armor, the body part is ruined.  (This is why handedness stats are on there - you'll get a bigger penalty if your primary limb is chopped off.)

Critical Hits
1	Head	11	Rt. Hand
2	Lt. Eye	12	Chest
3	Rt. Eye	13	Abdomen
4	Lt Ear	14	Genitals
5	Rt. Ear	15	Buttocks
6	Nose	16	Back
7	Mouth	17	Lt. Leg
8	Lt. Arm	18	Rt. Leg
9	Rt. Arm	19	Lt. Foot
10	Lt. Hand	20	Rt. Foot

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The Left Side:

-I took out a lot of "noise" here and boiled it down to Titles (which replaces classes) and Skills (which assist with problem-solving or to provide advantages for other rolls).  Note that wisdom and intelligence modifiers provide more skill points.

-Special Abilities are what make PCs unique.  This is how I can make classless PCs interesting.  In fact, it allows me to use virtually any class ability, racial ability, or any other special characteristic from any edition or RPG.  I can even put this in players' hands - if they see a cool ability somewhere, they can propose it for their character and we can make it work.

Players have 2-3 special abilities at creation depending on: their title, a random ability associated with their headgear (my own silly thing), and something related to their character concept.  From then on they gain special abilities as they gain titles.

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Back Page of Character Sheet:

Level	Current XP	Next Level at

Default Alignment:	Neutral
Luck Save:	15
Attack Bonus:	+1
Parry AC:	+2
Press Attack:	+1 AB / -4 AC
Defensive Attack:	-4 AB / +1 AC
Skill Points:	3
Minimum HP:	5
Unarmored:	12
Base Movement:	40’

Choose one at first level and when leveling up:

Focus	Improvement	HD
Offense:	+1 Attack	D8
Defense:	+1 Luck Save	D10
Specialization:	+2 Skill Points	D6
Magic:	1 Spell Point/Level	D4
Faith:	1 Spell Point/Level	D4

2,000 XP is required to reach Level 2.  Each additional level is reached upon doubling the previously required amount of XP.  At each level, choose a new title.

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The first chart indicates the basic stats for all beginning characters (taken from GDF#5).  The second chart includes the choices each player  makes when their character levels up.  The Focus dictates the allowed Title choices.

Titles are my way of providing a variety of character classes but not limiting player choice.  If someone wants to be a traditional cleric, there are a couple of title paths they could follow to accomplish this.  If they have their own ideas, they can choose titles that allow them to realize their vision (or create their own).

I feel like this is more realistic because in real life we have a variety of titles, but rarely do people consider themselves a single "class."  Think of all the titles that could describe you (or me), like: Teacher, Blogger, Gamer, Husband, Nerd, etc.  Each one has associated experiences, skills and knowledge.  (Also, note that absence of titles indicates a lack of skills/knowledge, I couldn't call myself: Mechanic, Chef, Sister or Jogger...)

Here's an example of the Titles available when someone takes a Faith Focus (W = wisdom modifier):

Choose a path:

Apostate	You can cast the reverse(*) of cleric spells.
Heretic	Replace W spells on each list with a M-U spell.
Initiate	All cleric spells have a reverse, which you can cast.
Cultist	You may cast the summon spell as a M-U W levels higher.
False Prophet	You must summon a monster with HD twice your level to gain this title.  This is your God.

Acolyte	Add W to healing rolls.
Adept	Subtract W from the number of hours needed to sleep and pray.
Aspirant	Store W cure light wound spells in your Holy Symbol.
Disciple	W times per day, heal all non-chaotic beings within 10’ of you 1d6 hp.  Chaotic beings take 1d6 damage.
Prophet	You gain Commune and must cast it daily.

Penitent	Add W to your hit points at each level (including first).
Crusader	+W Attack and Damage vs Chaotic beings.
Paladin	Gain W Pilgrim followers.
Templar	Automatic Bless each morning upon self (1d6 + level allocated to future rolls).
Hand of God	Destroy Chaotic beings by spending 1HP per HD.  You can never gain these HP back.

Fanatic	Can cast Detect Evil W times per day.
Denouncer	Can automatically detect M-U within 60’ and determine relative power level.
Witch Hunter	Can cast Dispel Magic or Dispel Evil W times per day.
Exorcist	Can cast Exorcism or Protection from Evil W times per day.
Grand Inquisitor	Can cast Protection from Evil, 10’ radius or Tongues W times per day.  You are obligated to destroy all M-U and other Chaotic Beings.

Ascetic	+1 AC for each: empty backpack half, no pouches, no clothes, no armor.  Gain +W AC if you are empty-handed and are carrying/wearing nothing.
Augur	You may go W days without food or water.  +2 natural animal reaction.
Diviner	Receive Dreams & Omens W times/day.
Mystic	May cast a minor miracle W times/day.
Guru	Can Levitate W times per day.  You no longer gain XP for treasure or carousing.

The following chart is based on the alternative advancement system from GDF#5.  However, instead of this being the way characters advance, it's a way for them to gain bonuses when they experience in-game horribleness.  Players (not characters) gain Raggi points when one of their characters dies, when they trigger Adventure 10, or if I want to intrude with some real fuckery (like Numenera on crack).

Roll	Bonus	Raggi Points
1	+d6 hit points	Gain: -character death -Adventure 10 -Referee Fuckery Spend 1: -roll 1d10 on chart -reroll any die Spend 2: -roll 1d12 on chart  -choose a die result Spend 3: -choose bonus (1-10) -prevent death
2	+1 attack bonus
3	+1 luck save
4	+2 situational luck save
5	+1 parry
6	+2 skill points
7	+1 Faith or Magic spell point
8	+1 press attack bonus
9	+1 defensive attack AC bonus
10	+1 random ability score
11	Choose 4 even numbers
12	Choose 4 odd numbers

(Note that when spending Raggi Points, it's either to get something from this chart, or to get a temporary in-game effect like re-rolling a fumble, choosing a die result before you roll it, or preventing death...)

Next, we have space for adding encumbering items (those that don't fit on the front page) and simplified rules for encumbrance.  I allow con mods to cancel the penalties from encumbrance.

The assumption is that most PCs will bit lightly encumbered and won't experience any penalties.  Those with high constitutions might choose to wear heavier armor.

Encumbering Items

Unencumbered	No armor & full backpack; light armor & empty backpack; etc.	Movement: 40’ +5’ per Con. Mod.
Lightly Encumbered	Light armor, full pouches and backpacks, & standard weapons.	Movement: 30’
Heavily Encumbered	As above, except medium armor or carrying encumbering items.	Movement: 20’ -1 to Dex. Mod. & Skill Tests*
Severely Encumbered	As above, except heavy armor, or medium armor and carrying encumbering items.	Movement: 10’ -2 to Dex. Mod. & Skill Tests*

*Con. Mod. cancels the penalties to Dex. Mod. and mvt.

Players can track focus and titles at each level:

Level	Focus	Title
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

  These spaces are for additional flavor and notes about the character.  This is the area that will be most subject to change as I continue to tinker.

Friends, Foes, Followers & Familiars

What is the character’s motivation? (how you gain bonus XP)

What makes your character unique?

What is your dark secret?

Notes:

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Finally, there needs to be an insert if someone takes a Focus in Faith or Magic.

Alignment: Lawful -If you have Magic spell points, you must relinquish them, or you remain Chaotic and it is assumed you are worshipping a dark god (what you will have to do to appease it will be more distasteful…) -You may also try to haggle with the Referee for a different solution.
What is your Religion? -The more foreign it is to the setting, the more prejudice you may experience, however, you may also have more exotic powers. -Suggestions: Catholic, Anglican, Calvinist, Puritan; Jewish, Muslim; Hindu, Taoist, Buddhist, Pagan, Satanist, Folk Religion, etc.
What form is your Holy Symbol? -Traditionally it is a cross or similar symbol worn around the neck that can be held while casting spells or performing miracles. -You can create something that better represents your religion, such as a book, tattoo, brooch, hood, scepter, etc., but you must be able to use it when casting spells, performing miracles or conducting rituals.
What are your obligations? -Traditionally, this means praying each morning (after a full night’s rest) for a number of hours equal to the highest level of spell you want to be able to cast that day. -You can develop other methods that suit your religion and the manifestation of your spells.
You can cast spells from the Cleric Spell List below.  You must utilize your Holy Symbol as above, and have met the conditions to gain your power for the day.  Each spell costs Faith points equal to its level.  Spells that depend on level require additional Faith points equal to the level you want to cast them as. You can also cast cleric spells using scrolls, write scrolls, create holy water, and research new spells.

First	Second	Third	Fourth	Fifth	Sixth	Seventh
Bless	Augury	Cure disease*	Cure serious wounds*	Commune	Anti-Magic Shell	Control Weather
Command	Delay poison	Dispel magic	Detect lie	Cure critical wounds*	Find the Path*	Earthquake*
Cure light wounds*	Enthrall	Magic vestment	Divination	Dispel evil	Forbiddance	Holy Word*
Detect evil*	Heat metal	Remove curse*	Neutralize poison*	Insect plague	Heal*	Part Water
Invisibility to undead*	Heroism	Sacrifice*	Protection from evil 10’ radius*	Quest	Tongues*
Protection from evil*	Resist cold	Water walk	Spell immunity	True seeing*	Word of Recall
Purify food and drink*	Resist fire
Remove fear*	Silence 15’ radius
Sanctuary
Turn undead						*Reversible

  

Faith Spell Points:

Using the above insert, the player creates their "cleric" from scratch.  Suggestions are there for the traditional cleric, but players are encouraged to come up with whatever they want.

Alignment: Chaotic -If you have Faith spell points, you must relinquish them, or it is assumed you are worshipping a dark god (what you will have to do to appease it will be more distasteful…) -You may also try to haggle with the Referee for a different solution.
What is the source of your Magic? -Typically, spells result from knowing the correct words, manipulations and components. -You can develop alternatives, like tapping into other dimensions, calling upon demons or spirits, or relying on science and parlor tricks.
What form is your Spellbook? -Traditionally it is a book in which you scribe all of the spells that are available for you to cast. -You can create something that better represents your source of power, such as tattoos, dark pacts, a familiar, potions, wands, etc., but you must have both hands free when casting spells.
What are your rituals? -Traditionally, this means memorizing spells each morning (after a full night’s rest) for a number of hours equal to the highest level of spell you want to be able to cast that day. -You can develop other methods tailored the form your magic takes and the manifestation of your spells.
Each time you gain Magic spell points, add a number of random M-U spells equal to your Int. mod. to your Spellbook.  (You choose the spell level list.) You can cast spells from your Spellbook if you have performed the proper rituals for the day.  Each spell costs Magic points equal to its level.  Spells that depend on level require additional Magic points equal to the level you want to cast them as. You can also cast M-U spells using scrolls, write scrolls, create holy water, and research new spells.

L	Spell	Notes	L	Spell	Notes
1	Read Magic	Read 1d4 magic texts.

Magic Spell Points:

Just like with the Faith insert, the above magic insert allows players to create any kind of magic-user they can imagine.  

Some important points here:

-I'm using the spell point theory suggested in GDF#4.  So if a PC becomes third level and takes their first focus in Magic, they gain 3 spell points.  If they have focused in Magic since first level, they will have 6 (1 + 2 + 3). 

-Magic trumps Faith as far as alignment is concerned, and generally a player can't have both Magic and Faith points.  That said, if a player is able to make a case (and take some penalties) it is possible to do both.

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I'm always interested in hearing thoughts, suggestions, riffs, and other resources that have similar ideas/goals.  My next step is to fully develop my titles and to create a master list of unique abilities.