The Metal Bard

  In an earlier post I alluded to some mechanics and procedures that I am using for a hex-crawling game. In this post, I will discuss the base system mechanics and why I chose them. There are many systems out there, each providing a different take on how to play an RPG. Some are focused on combat, some on exploration, and others on storytelling. I believe that the collection of rules, mechanics, and procedures is an attempt by the author to achieve a specific type of gameplay. For my hex-crawling game, I wanted to simulate the difficulty and wonder of overland exploration with an infusion of fantastical elements. I wanted to achieve a feeling of wonder approximating how I imagine Bilbo felt during his journey in The Hobbit . Just like I created an RPG adventure collage by merging independent ideas and content, I decided to do the same for the base systems. Character System: Simplicity. Originally, I wanted to use Old School Essentials (OSE). I liked the simplicity of the chara...

  “Two! I found Two. Oh, they’re monsters—quadrupeds like a lion that move strong and fast; they have feathery wings like an eagle enabling them to fly; and their tail is replete with deadly piercing barbs. I saw them ferociously tear a camel apart. Let me tell you: you had better be prepared. Worst of all … I heard from some natives that the human-like head gives the manticore enough thinking power to develop an unrelenting vindictiveness. They say that if you mess with one, you better finish the job, otherwise it will never stop hunting you.” -Mortimer Background: The Manticores Two manticores live in the desert in a region covered by many stone pillars [hex 0405; follow link to see hexmap ]. They chose this area for its proximity to a field of cacti [0404] which attracts lots of prey, including birds, large rodents, iguanas, camels, and desert canines. Their favorite meal, however, is the lizard-folk that live nearby [0403, 0407, and 0606]. A lizard-folk or any other hum...

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) provide a wide range of experiences. From embodying a fictional character to exploring fantasy worlds, dissecting mechanics, and creating new content, TTRPGs usually have something for everyone. In my case, I like the creative and experimental process. A hex-crawl is my latest project in which I am trying to integrate individual ideas and pre-made content that I have accumulated throughout the years. A sort of  adventure collage,  if you will. Down the Rabbit Hole One of my joys is reading new TTRPG materials. I enjoy reading many kinds, including full-on campaigns, dungeons, zines, and systems. Each gives me new ideas and perspectives on what is possible at the table. I often imagine how scenarios may play out, what players may do or ask, and how I could implement components in different ways. For example, I was intrigued by the magic casting system from  Dungeon Crawl Classics , the roll-under checks and saves from  Warhammer RP...

Hello there and welcome to The Metal Bard blog! I am a TTRPG enthusiast who likes to discuss new ideas and develop content. Much of what I will be posting will concern a hex-crawling game that I have been developing, including its mechanics, creatures, and lore. At times, I may write about general TTRPG concepts, and upload short adventures or resources for OSR-style games and Dungeons and Dragons. I hope you find the content interesting, and I encourage you to join me in the discussion.