#019en - february 2023 TTRPG newsletter
The TTRPG newsletter from Xapur
Latest articles published on the blog
These posts are in french but a translation widget in the sidebar allows you to read them in your language.
Three more blog posts this month on the blog! The first one is about the level 1 (and the 1 bis) of the megadungeon I started for the Dungeon23 challenge. As a reminder, the goal is to write one room per day, one level per month and to have a complete dungeon by the end of the year. I'm mainly focusing on the "one level per month" aspect and so I drew and described the upper level of the Grim Peak Fortress, as well as an intermediate floor. My drawings are online but I couldn't resist redrawing everything with Dungeondraft software and publishing the result a few weeks later on my itch.io page, with a post that will be updated regularly. Maybe I’ll translate it in english one day?
In the second post, I began reports on my D&D campaign, Adventures in Phandalin, which is still in progress. This one mixes the first two starter kits of the game with some of my own creations and will move to Leilon, south of Neverwinter. But it will be described in a still rather distant future. So go discover the adventures of young beginners in Phandalin, struggling with goblins and bandits!
I'm still reporting with the third article, which is about my Adventures in Eriador small campaign (see how original my titles are?). It is older and has since ended, but I publish stories of Middle Earth would-be heroes, with scenarios inspired by the locations of LOTRO, the MMORPG I played in for many years. This time, let’s head to the south of the Trollshaws but also to Rivendell.
In a few days, levels 2 and 2bis of the megadonjon will be published on the blog, stay tuned...
What's new at my gaming table?
My D&D campaign, Adventures in Phandalin, continues and we've passed session 50 with two games this month (and level 9 characters). Castle Naerytar in the Mere of the Dead Men has been explored, both Dragon Cult factions and Myrkul's minions are routed - or nearly so. Only one "small" problem remains: an undead dragon!
These scenarios are a happy mix of the sequels from the Essentials kit and some plots from the Tyranny of Dragons campaign. I am actively preparing the following sessions (in case the adventurers survive...) but of course, I won't talk about it here!
After having been tempted several times, I finally took the plunge towards Pathfinder 2 following the Humble Bundle which allowed me to buy many rulebooks, accessories and the Beginners Box, but also - and maybe especially - a big module for FoundryVTT. Everything is in English (which is not so much a problem) but the Abomination Vaults Adventure Path will soon be translated into French. I'm planning to make a campaign with all this, I just have to plan it! You still have a few days to buy the bundle if you are interested.
Finally, I received my pledge for Dragons (Fateforge in english) with the Creatures of the Netherworld book and its bonuses (as well as the first volume of Creatures that I took at the same time). I already had everything in PDF since last summer but the paper documents are really great, and the art is gorgeous! I'd like to take this opportunity to mention that the publisher Studio Agate is offering the first books in their line as PWYW on DrivethruRPG. Let me know in the comments if you're interested in a review on the blog?
Readings and inspirations
As part of the megadungeon inspiration, I read Den Patrick's Dwarves War-fighting Manual, a book I don't recommend as it is generic, talkative and not very original. From the same author, I had read the Orcs and Elves versions and I had the same feeling. I'm also slowly going through the Malazan Book of the Fallen, volume 6.
On the TTRPG side, I read issue 17 of NeverMind the DiceRolls magazine, largely devoted to the Rivers of London game, based on urban fantasy novels, a genre I don't particularly appreciate. I especially liked an article on how to be a better player, as well as another one about the recent OGL troubles (see my January letter). The magazine can be downloaded from DTRPG here.
After the arctic, let's go to the desert for the 20th issue of d12 monthly! Different types of deserts and badlands, survival in a hostile environment, encounters, animals, ruins or merchants, new monsters and the description of an oasis where to rest (or not!). Indispensable and full of ideas for a sunny adventure!
Creations, tips, shop…
This month I released a battlemap, the Abandoned Temple, available on DrivethruRPG and Ko-fi. My supporters on Ko-fi also got an exclusive map, The Winter Bridge, which I made following the last Dungeon Alchemist software update. They also chose the theme of the March map, a small village!
My battlemaps, scenarios and One Page Dungeons can be found on DrivethruRPG and on my Ko-fi page which allows to follow my publications, with a store or a monthly subscription, as you wish. Know that my supporters get previews, surprises and exclusive publications...
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my TTRPG blog (in french - with a translation widget), my english small website
That’s it for this issue, see you soon!
And do not hesitate to leave a message or comment below to let me know what you think of this letter.