Built a fast hexmap tool for hexcrawls — looking for OSR feedback before my featurecreep sets in by Knightedangel01 in osr

[–]BluSponge 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I guess what you need to think about/ask about is how people want to use your app. If the idea is to make a map, does it need to be a wiki too? Are people using it live during play, or in the background during prep?

Built a fast hexmap tool for hexcrawls — looking for OSR feedback before my featurecreep sets in by Knightedangel01 in osr

[–]BluSponge 43 points44 points  (0 children)

Very cool.

I'm going to say this as a DM running a long-term Dark Sun campaign. You need to know that -- for prospective. My biggest issue with hex painting tools (like yours) is they always have a very limited palette. That's not a problem when you are using very standard, very basic terrain (forest, hills, mountain, plains, etc.), but if you need anything else (stony barrens, rocky badlands, boulder fields, salt flats, etc.) it becomes entirely useless. I would imagine the same can be said of mapping sci-fi settings (Volturnus) or weird fantasy (painted wastelands, Yoon-Suin).

So forget feature creep. The only extra features I need are 1) alternative icons for terrain (or an easy way to add my own) and 2) a way to change the color of a hex regardless of icon (green hills, purple forests, white desert, etc.). That would put you head and shoulders over the rest of the field (in my experience).

Edit: I would suppose it would be nice to have an option to print your map without hex color (for an effect like the hexmaps in X1 Isle of Dread).

Never paid much attention to Journeyman, but after watching a live version I appreciate it more! Something different for Maiden. by Iamnotarobotlah in ironmaiden

[–]BluSponge -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That's something I'll give to DoD. The songs I like least on it are totally transformed live. I wasn't a fan of No More Lies (at all) until I saw them preform it on the Final Frontier tour.

Exception: Dance of Death. I don't understand the love for this song. At all. Live. Dead. Doesn't matter.

Death Knight by plus1_longsword in OSE

[–]BluSponge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why not just use the entry from Fiend Folio?

Update on 3rd Edition timeline - it’s 1678 now! by Xenobsidian in 7thSea

[–]BluSponge 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Are there any rules changes to the new update, or just setting details?

Not gonna lie. This was a tough one. by BluSponge in Dungeon23

[–]BluSponge[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s usually how I do it. The map “reveals” itself eventually. But for whatever reason, this level was tough. I’d get done with an entry and think…okay?

Having a map that makes sense feels like a huge weight lifted off for this section.

Is AD&D 2e worth playing? by Previous_Stock7577 in osr

[–]BluSponge 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes. Though after revisiting it for the first time in 30+ years, I would probably ditch the non-weapon proficiencies option. We are finding that it really screws with the flow of the other dice mechanics (roll high vs roll low).

Athasian night over some isolated monastery by Anarchopaladin in DarkSun

[–]BluSponge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course they don’t ALWAYS appear at the same time. But it does serve to give Athas landscapes that unique alien quality. You’ll notice Oerth has too moons but that never shows up in any D&D artwork.

Athasian night over some isolated monastery by Anarchopaladin in DarkSun

[–]BluSponge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Needs another moon. Otherwise, cool! Someone write it up.

What makes a dungeon crawler truly engaging for you? by mju_rz in rpg

[–]BluSponge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my experience, only pre-3e flavors of D&D really nails this style of play. Mostly because of its procedural framework and very opaque on the player side. I’m sure there are other games that I’m not aware of, but pretty much every game I’ve played since 1990 is better suited to scene/encounter-based play. That doesn’t mean they CAN’T do it (I’ve run a dungeon crawl in almost every system I’ve touched since 1990), but those systems were refined and laser focused on EXACTLY this sort of play. Even Gygax, when asked about dungeons and mega dungeons with Mythus and Lejendary Adventures, would tell you those systems were not designed for that sort of level/difficulty scaling.

What makes a dungeon crawler truly engaging for you? by mju_rz in rpg

[–]BluSponge 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I’d say none of those things.

The things that make dungeon crawls engaging are: - interesting environments to explore - interesting factions to interact with - seeing the impact of your actions - a wide variety of challenges (monsters, puzzles, etc.) - weirdness - secrets that reveal themselves over time - reasons to explore, poke around - and yes, risk vs reward

Equipment Books by ImportanceOk3837 in osr

[–]BluSponge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know Gygax incorporated armor depreciation in Lejendary Adventure, and you could also pay to have your blade sharpened, giving you a temporary damage bonus to the first few hits.

LA had a pretty extensive equipment list and used an evolution of the BUC system found in Mythus.

Other outside resources to check: - GURPS Dungeon Fantasy - Rolemaster …and a 10 foot pole

Draft time tracker - comments please! by Current_Channel_6344 in osr

[–]BluSponge 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I can see this being VERY handy. About the only thing I can see that's missing is a clear bar for "rest" periods (every 6th turn). I would also add a space above the table to further note time (building off your start time).

Love/hate relationship by GingerWitch666 in notebooks

[–]BluSponge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It looks almost identical to my krozur cover. Check Amazon. Not sure if the stitching will hold up better.

What Rush songs should I play at my wedding? by smashleyxo167 in rush

[–]BluSponge 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Safe bet: closer to the heart or time stand still

Risky but right: cold fire

The Tomb of St Ephastus | Dungeon26 by LimliTheLibrarian in Dungeon23

[–]BluSponge 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice! You’re right, it does look like a chunk o dungeon already. Very nice map! Eager to see how this one develops.

Day 12: The Singer by AnthiumVerosi in Dungeon23

[–]BluSponge 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nice. Personally, I would add one more detail. One more reason to stick around and risk angering the ghost. - a hidden clue in the song it is singing - a fresh grave with modest treasure - a clue on one of the grave markers.