Thursday, October 31, 2013

Tayxis: Technology

Star Trek - The Answer To Every Question
Tayxis is a large and varied land, and there is no better way to express this than its uneasy relationship with
technology.  Different areas of Tayxis have different capacity levels for technology, so while an item may work in one area, it might not in a second, and definitely wouldn't in a third.  Many rural parts of Tayxis have never progressed beyond the technology available at its conception.  These areas have been left behind by those that live in the cities, and many who live in these outlying areas say that they are better off for it.

An area's Capacity Rating is related to it's distance from a city.  The bigger the city, the higher the capacity rating.  A Capacity Rating (referred to henceforth as CR) of 5 is the highest rating possible, and represents modern day technology - cell phones, electric cars, etc.   For each CR less than 5, assume a technological level equivalent to 40 years less, so CR 4 would be equivalent to the 1970s, CR 3 would be the 1930s, CR 2 would be the 1890s, and CR 1 would be around 1850.  Every time has it's own CR score, and the likelihood of that item malfunctioning is equal to 20% for every point of difference between the item's CR and the area's CR.

So while you can use a smartphone every time in a CR 5 city, by the time you get out into the Prairie, the chances of that smartphone working will have dropped to 20%.  Note that this penalty only works one way - a flintlock pistol will work in an area with any CR, for instance.

When beginning a session, the GM should determine the CR of the beginning area, and track it as the characters move throughout Tayxis.  Use the map below, found in a larger size here, to track their movements.  The three least populous colors would be CR 1, with every two after increasing the CR by 1, and 2500 and up indicating CR 5.


                                                   
By JimIrwin (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

The Official Theme Song of From the Ashes

You all know about Deltron 3030, right?  If you don't you should. Del the Funky Homosapien, Dan the Automator and Kid Koala formed like Voltron back in 2000 and put out one of the greatest space opera hip-hop albums of all time, fusing the best of video games, anime and Sun Ra into their eponymous debut album.

If you don't know, now you know.

13 years later, they're back, and they've brought some buddies - the new album, Event 2, features everyone from comedian David Cross to Zack De La Rocha; from the girl who played Ramona Flowers in the Scott Pilgrim movie to Joseph Gordon-Levitt, fer crissakes.

But, more to the point, they have a song which I am adopting as the official song of this blog, and this game.  Enjoy.



Friday, October 4, 2013

Gamma World... Is Here! Hornetpocalypse Edition

In case you haven't heard, Giant Hornets are on the rampage in China!

37 people have been hospitalized and over 1600 attacks have been reported.  As you can see from the pictures to the right, the wounds are pretty horrific.
And the worst part?  They could be headed to your neighborhood next (scary newscaster voice)

If you live in England.

If you live in France?

They could already be in your neighborhood (scary newscaster voice).

Apparently a couple escaped china in a crate of pottery and are slowly taking over France, even as we speak.

How long before they turn their baleful, multifaceted gaze upon America?

Stay tuned to find out!

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2442384/Swarms-deadly-hornets-kill-42-people-injure-1-600-China.html
                                     

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

I'd Be Late To My Own Funeral

I just realized that I made my first post on this blog two years and two days ago.

I definitely have not been a prolific poster of late, having only averaged six posts a month this year, but I feel like I'm getting back in stride after a rough beginning of the year.  I've collected a good amount of art for From the Ashes, and although I'm struggling to fit the last few pieces of the puzzle into place, it should be coming soonish.

Yeah, I know, heard that before, so in the time-honored tradition of deadline-challenged creative types, I'll just say that it'll be done when it's done.

In the meantime, when I get stuck, I've been having a blast working up stuff for Tayxis, and my brain seems to be responding.  Instead of detracting from my work on FtA, it seems to be supplementing, even augmenting it.  I may end up going back and redoing all the stat work and setting it in another system, but in the meantime, 2e is comfortable to me, and I don't want to break my flow to go and see what I should be doing according to a ruleset.  Time for that later.

In case any of you aren't aware, Pulp Mill Press will be releasing an anthology of short stories entitled Libram Mysterium with a, you guessed it, pulp fantasy theme.  I submitted a story I'd been kicking around for awhile, and was lucky enough to make the cut.  Based on what I've seen of other submissions, I'll be in good company.  So keep an eye out, they're shooting for a winter-ish release date.  You should get a copy, because if there's enough interest, they intend to do more.

Anyhow, here's to another, hopefully more productive, year!

Thanks for reading!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Tayxis: Bestiary

Some of the beasts that haunt the wilds of Tayxis:


Barbed Wire Golem: No. Appearing: 1d6 AC 2; MV 14; HP 30; Dmg 1d6; Special; Str 14 Con 13 Dex 16 Int 3 Wis 3 Cha 3; Alignment Neutral; THAC0 14; Entangle - Anyone struck successfully by a Barbed Wire Golem will take 1d6 points of automatic damage each round until a successful Dexterity check is passed.
Description: Called into being by dark arts, these unnatural creatures typically serve as servants or guards.  Unintelligent, they serve only the whims of their masters.



Harmadillo: No. Appearing: 2d4 AC 2; MV 12; HP 10; Dmg 1d6 (claw);1d6 (claw) 1d4 (bite); Special; Str 10 Con 15 Dex 12 Int 8 Wis 3 Cha 3; Alignment Neutral; THAC0 14; Disease - Anyone struck by a Harmadillo must pass a Constitution check or contract a wasting disease.  Unless treated, the victim will lose one physical stat point per month (Roll 1d6 - 1,2 - Str 3,4 - Con 5,6 - Dex)
Description: Extremely belligerent and highly territorial, many a Tayxin has perished after stumbling into a Harmadillo den.  Their tough shells make them highly resistant to damage, and their propensity for infecting humans with disease are cause enough for most to steer well clear.

Terrorantula: No. Appearing: 1 AC 3; MV 24; HP 65; Dmg 1d8(x8); 1d4(x2)+ special; Str 18 Con 16 Dex 6 Int 6 Wis 5 Cha 3; Alignment Neutral; THAC0 13; Poison - Anyone struck by the mandibles of the Terrorantula must pass a Constitution check or they are poisoned, suffering 1d6 hp the first round, 1d4 the second, 1d3 the third, and 1 hp the fourth.  A successful Con check at any time halts the poison's progress.
Description: Tayxins are extremely thankful that these beasts are as rare as they are.  None can say where they come from, they simply emerge from the desert.  Massive in size, they lay waste to entire towns and leave devastation in their wake.

Spider Wolf (Mother): No. Appearing: 1 AC 5; MV 8; HP 25; Dmg 1d6(x2); 1d3+Special; Str 11 Con 13 Dex 15 Int 8 Wis 4 Cha 3; Alignment Neutral; THAC0 16; Poison - Anyone struck by the bite of the Spider Wolf must make a Constitution check at a -2 or be paralyzed for 1d8 rounds.  Note that if this occurs, the Spider Wolf will attempt to abandon combat and drag the prey off into a nearby hole.  See below for details.
Spider Wolf (Babies): No Appearing: 3d20 AC 9; MV 16; HP 3; Dmg 1; Str 6 Con 6 Dex 6 Int 3 Wis 3 Cha 3; Alignment Neutral; THAC0 19
Description: Few creatures are as despised and feared as the Spider Wolf.  An evolved cousin of the Wolf Spider, the Spider Wolf's reproductive habits justify that fear.  Their poison is a paralytic, and they will use it on unsuspecting humans as they enter their fertility cycle.  After laying several thousand eggs in the still-living body, the Spider Wolf will web the unfortunate to its back, and carry it around until they hatch.  Obviously, the victim does not survive this process.









Friday, September 20, 2013

Tayxis Mini Adventure: The Alamo

Deep in the heart of San Antone lies the Ruins of the Alamo.  It was the site of the battle between a group of beleaguered Tayxin patriots and the savage hordes of Contra-Santa Anna.  Some say the blood rituals performed within the Alamo's walls upon the desecrated corpses of Jim Bowie, Davey Crockett and the rest of the Martyrs were what drew Saytin to Tayxis to begin with.

Ever since the massacre, Tayxins have avoided the Ruins of the Alamo, which squat in the center of the city like a black, diseased heart that drains the life from all around it.  Strange sounds can be heard coming from within after dark, and an overwhelming sense of dread washes over any who view it, increasing the closer they come.  Planes divert around its airspace, and not even insects seem to stir in its vicinity.

While nothing can go in, the residents of San Antone can only wish that nothing would come out.  The Immortal 32, a group of rangers originally from the nearby town of Gonzalez, were the only group to make it to the Alamo before the massacre.  Unfortunately, they approached under cover of darkness, and were fired upon by the Tayxin defenders.  As they died, they cursed those within the walls, swearing that they would have their revenge.

Now, on every full moon, the Immortal 32 rise from their graves and swarm outwards into the city, looking to turn back the Mexican invaders.  Unfortunately, ravens plucked the eyes from their corpses, so they simply slaughter any they come across.  Superstition has it that the sound of ravens are the only thing that can drive them away, and almost every house in San Antone keeps a caged raven outside its front door.

Recently, a map of the Alamo as it existed at the time of the massacre was uncovered, and the call has gone out for professionals to enter the tomb and free San Antone of its curse.

Immortal 32: Undead, AC 2; MV 12; HP 45; Dmg by weapon; Str 15 Con 12 Int 8 Wis 6 Cha 3; Alignment Lawful Evil; THAC0 10; Enchanted Rifle+1 - These rifles always have a round in the chamber, and can fire once per round.

If the Alamo is entered while the Immortal 32 are on their rampage, they will turn back and rush to defend its walls, but will find themselves prevented from reentering until sunrise.  They will beat against the invisible barrier, furious that once more, they are too late.

Map of the Alamo:
Original, in larger size here - http://theaspiringhorseplayer.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/alamomap.jpg

Approximately 200 Tayxins died at the Alamo, and all of their corpses still wander the area.  Many stand aimlessly in the Plaza, while others crouch within the barracks, pantomiming the same menial tasks they performed in life.

Tayxin Dead: Undead, AC 9; MV 9; HP 6; Dmg 1d4 or by weapon; Str 12 Con 14 Int 3 Wis 3 Cha 3; Alignment Neutral Evil; THAC0 18; Sense Living - The Tayxin Dead have a 1 in 6 chance of sensing any living being within 10 yards, regardless of any obstructions or attempts to hide.  Once they have sensed the living, they will attack until destroyed.  If a Tayxin Dead is attacking a living being, the chance for other Tayxin Dead in the area to Sense Living increases to 1 in 4.

The Old Chapel: In the Southeast corner of the compound sits the Old Chapel.  It was here that Contra-Santa Anna performed his diabolical rituals, using the bodies of the fallen as fuel to summon his lord and master to Tayxis.  Upon entering the Chapel, any living being must pass a Con check or be overwhelmed by a fetid odor which permeates the building.  Any who fail spend 1d4 rounds retching.  Time spent in the Chapel subjects visitors to horrifying visions of the massacre, superimposed over the Chapel as it currently exists.  This has a disorienting effect on those who remain for more than 6 rounds.  On the 7th round, they must pass a Wisdom check or suffer a +1 penalty to their AC and THAC0 as they struggle to discern reality from horrific fantasy.  

Whatever perversions Contra-Santa Anna performed were foul enough to leave a permanent imprint of his soul stained upon the grounds of the Chapel.  This shade floats around the altar, repeating the abhorrent words of its forgotten ritual in a loathsome, sibilant tongue. At the center of the altar is a hemisphere which glows sullenly with a shifting reddish light.  Varying from a thin, wan pink to the color of clotted blood, it casts the chapel in a horrific, mottled luminescence.  There are 2d6 Tayxin Dead in the Chapel at all times, and all will immediately make a Sense Living check when anyone enters, but the shade of Contra-Santa Anna will remain oblivious to intruders, unless the Hemisphere is disturbed in any way.

At that point, the shade will turn and howl, its ghostly face stretching unnaturally, then attack.  The howl will summon more Tayxin Dead, who will arrive at the rate of 1d4 per round.  No Sense Living check is needed for those who arrive in this fashion.

Shade of Contra-Santa Anna: Undead, AC 0; MV 12; HP 75; Dmg 1d6 (claw);1d6 (claw); Special; Str 16 Con 15 Int 14 Wis 11 Cha 6; Alignment Chaotic Evil; THAC0 8; Spectral Howl - The sound made by this howl has such force that it splits the air it passes through, causing concussive damage to any caught in its path.  Any within 10 feet take 3d6 points of damage, with damage halved for every 10 feet beyond.  A successful Constitution check further halves the damage.  This attack can be performed every third round.

Antipathetic Hemisphere: This Hemisphere is the cause of the sense of doom which permeates the area surrounding the Alamo.  A great magic can be sensed by any who care to look, and while it does not seem to possess any powers beyond the ability to drive the living away from it, a Preacher of sufficient power can sense that it is an embryo of some sort, that something within is in the process of becoming.  

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tayxis: Preacher

You're a hard drinkin', harder prayin' man of the cloth, going out into the wilderness with the Good Book in one hand and a revolver full of blessed bullets in the other.  You don't tell Saytin to get behind you, you tell him to get the f&¢k off your lawn, and put two in his backside as he goes.

You're on your holy pilgrimage, walkin' the earth and you're gonna save some souls, whether they like it or not.  Yeah, sure, sometimes you see things - visions, you reckon.  Sometimes they pan out, sometimes they don't.  Near as you can tell, the dust is so thick out here on the plains, even Gawd can't see straight all the time.  Some folks think you're crazy, but you?  You know you've been touched, and you don't give two squirts of piss what other people think about it.

You're out there, doin' what's right and if Gawd can't see that, then to hell with him.

Class: Preacher
Ability Requirements: Wis 12
Alignment Restriction: Any Good or Neutral
Prime Requisite: Wisdom
Advances as: Cleric

A preacher is a man of Gawd, but prefers to do his preaching out among his flock, rather than from behind a pulpit.  He ventures out, righting wrongs and fighting Saytin wherever he can be found.  The life he lives is a difficult one, and often they find themselves subject to fits of what some would call insanity, others divine inspiration.  Many struggle with their condition, and turn to alcohol, opium or other addictions to get them through the day.

Benefits:
Revelation - The Preacher's greatest weapon in his war against Saytin.  Once per session, the Preacher may succumb to a Vision.  The GM should roll a d20, and modify the roll by the Character's Wisdom bonus - on a 15 or higher, the vision is truly prophetic, and offers guidance or insight into some problem that he is facing.  If the roll is between 11 and 15, the vision is one of torment, resulting in a -1 to all checks for the rest of the day.  On a roll of less than 10, the visions reveal a false prophecy, offering only lies.  Also note that regardless of the outcome, the Preacher is incapacitated for 1d4 turns.

Virtuous Vice - Every Preacher has their vice - for many it's alcohol, but for some it's drugs, for others its women.  When creating the character, the player should choose the Preacher's vice.  Once per day, the Preacher can indulge their vice, and gain a +1 to rolls tied to a single attribute for an hour following.   Each vice should have a negative effect, however - a Preacher whose vice is alcohol may have a +1 to Dexterity rolls, but they are still piss drunk, for instance.

Praise Gawd and Pass the Ammunition - A Preacher can bless any weapon, using purified water and his holy symbol.  This blessing will cause the weapon to do double damage against evil or demonic beings the next time it strikes.


One look at their faces, and I could tell the Good Lord was using my prayers to wipe his ass. - Jesse Custer, Preacher (1995)


God has mercy - I don't! - Padre Benicio Del Toro, Machete (2010)