This beautiful, but stern, women wears a fitted black dress, and a white shawl about her slender, bony shoulders.

GM's ResourceCreighton BroadhurstMay 6, 202120 ThingsComment

Wisps of glimmering multi-coloured mist swirl around the translucent figure of a woman. The woman’s visage changes—growing subtly older before your very eyes—as she approaches.

GM's ResourceCreighton BroadhurstMay 3, 202120 ThingsComment

What's Your Favourite Old-School Module?

Many old-school modules are legendary. The Keep on the Borderlands, Against the Cult of the Reptile God, the Village of Hommlet and more share a special place in gamers' hearts everywhere. But what's your favourite old-school module?

QuestionCreighton BroadhurstApril 29, 2021GM Question, Player Question, Old-School Comments

4d4 Borderland Fort

The quintessential fort (or keep) on the borderland is a classic locale for neophyte adventurers to visit at the start of their careers. Using the fort as a base, they can explore the wilderness and know a safe haven lies nearby. Borderland forts are not featureless places devoid of interesting features and folk. They are living breathing places.

Use these lists to add depth and verisimilitude to the fort on the borderland in your campaign.

GM's ResourceCreighton BroadhurstApril 26, 20214d4 Comment

Star Chaser

Star Chaser lies under a curse (reputedly). Crew and passengers seem to die on every voyage, and the ship’s owner has fallen on hard times as a result. She offers cheap berths, and needs a successful voyage to repair her finances.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 26, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

The Customs Tower

The Customs Tower overlooks the docks. From its lofty roof, the dockmaster notes the coming and going in his domain. He then despatches his servants to collect the appropriate fees, excises and taxes. Scorch marks on the tower doors speak to its master’s popularity.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 23, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

20 Things: Bridge Town

Many towns straddle rivers, and such towns need bridges! Often massive structures, a bridge can be the focal point of a town. Use this list, to add pieces of interesting dressing to the bridge towns in your campaign:

GM's ResourceCreighton BroadhurstApril 22, 202120 Things, Urban DressingComment

Vonya Urzak

Vonya Urzak (NG female dwarf) suffers from crushing headaches. Often seen clutching her head, she hates light and loud noise. Some children think she is a vampire and call her the “Whispering Lady”. Vonya dresses well, has pale skin and a short, straggly beard.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 22, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Seawing

Seawing boasts a figurehead of a majestic parrot carved with its wings outstretched as if in flight. Painted in a riot of gaudy colours, Seawing is an immensely wealthy merchant’s personal craft. He uses it for pleasure cruises and fabulous parties.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 21, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

The World’s End

The World’s End boasts a gigantic mural depicting a kraken chasing a sailing ship over the edge of the world. Mariners of all types come to the inn to drink, swap stories and find a new berth. Two talkative parrots roost on the common room’s rafters.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 20, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

20 Things: Marsh Town

Many towns lie on the edge of deep, dank and fetid marshlands. Terrible things often lurk in these mires, and the town’s folk need protection. Enter, brave adventurers! Use this list, to add pieces of interesting dressing to the marsh towns in your campaign:

GM's ResourceCreighton BroadhurstApril 19, 202120 Things, Urban DressingComment

Vilppu Tulo

Vilppu Tulo (LN male human) trembles at the thought of his fate. A reluctant guard, he knows things he should not know. His enemies will do anything to silence him, and he is on borrowed time. Tall, gangly and red-haired Vilppu is conspicuous in the extreme.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 19, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Kraken

Kraken looks to be a dangerous ship; all sleek lines and taut sails she has the look of a predator. Her crew are tough, rugged folk. Her half-elven captain, Milo Ilanen, has a fearsome reputation as an enthusiastic duelist.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 16, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

The Gilded Anchor

The Gilded Anchor caters to rich merchants, their agents and guests. This member’s only club is a place of business and fine dining. Vigilant door wardens keep out riffraff and non-members. Vast fortunes have been made and lost at the Gilded Anchor.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 15, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

Rideth Aldarrae

Rideth Aldarrae (N half-elf female) searches for her confused and erratic human mother. Some folk believe an evil sea spirit possesses her elderly mother. Soon a mob will form. Rideth is frantic with worry, and begs for help.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 14, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Horizon Walker

Horizon Walker rarely lies at anchor. Her captain is an intrepid soul happiest out at sea. Horizon Walkerspecialises in long sea voyages to far-flung locales. She is quick and heavily armed. Her crew includes several powerful spellcasters.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 13, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment

The Bucket and Chain

The Bucket and Chain tavern stands hard against the docks. Popular with unsavoury nautical types, it features in many dark tales of smuggling, murder and odd religious beliefs. A wide brick-walled well in the cellar leads to a sea cave under the docks.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 12, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second Locale, Ten Seconds on the DocksComment

Lydia Miela

Lydia Miela (CG female human) carouses with breathtaking enthusiasm. Few have her stamina for dancing or capacity for drink. Lydia knows every barkeep and serving wench in the vicinity, and could be a useful friend. She wears the latest fashions and always needs money.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 9, 2021Ten-Second, Ten-Second NPC, Ten-Seconds on the DocksComment

Minion of Evil: Matilda Asikka

During the course of their adventures, our heroes are likely to slay many evil wizards (and loot their bodies). Sadly, most such individuals seem to never carry anything beyond a spell component pouch, a few magic items and some loose coinage. Use this list, to add depth and flavour to a dead wizard’s possessions

GM's ResourceCreighton BroadhurstApril 8, 202120 Things, NPCsComment

Far Wanderer

Far Wanderer lies docked amid a hive of activity. This caravel’s poop deck and hull shows signs of fire and crush damage. Sailors swarm about her making repairs. Her crew tell of a terrible battle against a fearsome fire-breathing kraken.

Ten-SecondCreighton BroadhurstApril 8, 2021Ten-Second, Ten Seconds on the Docks, Ten-Second ShipComment