We have launched our zine KS for ZQ3 over the weekend, Horrors of the Sepulchre!
Horrors of the Sepulchre is an old-school RPG adventure created in the tradition of the classic module Tomb of Horrors, but it's made for the B/X "sweet spot" of player character levels 4-7. Deadly, but survivable for the creative old school players. The zine is packed with amazing artwork by Del Teigeler, maps by Matt Jackson, and written by Steve Cook of Dice Roll Zine fame.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/steve-c/horrors-of-the-sepulchre-zine-quest
Here is a sneak peek at the map I am finalizing for the Kickstarter. I plan on providing both the black-walled version as well as the hatched style suitable for VTT use.
The AMAZING Del Teigler is doing all the interior art and we are planning a separate booklet with just his art DMs can use at the table to show their players what their characters are seeing. Should be pretty cool with artwork like this:
Ep 16. Into the well. - 28 Jan
The party is about to bed down after the Battle of Shiteton when they notice flames outside the Burntwood Inn. Going to investigate they discover a group of people have formed up surrounding a large funeral pyre. In front of the flames is Wolfstan Redmane, saying a prayer with tears rolling down his cheeks. Apparently his son, Bronc, was killed in the battle. Bronc and others who passed in the battle are now being served up to the gods. Wolfstan thanks the party for assisting in the defense of the village and mentions his disdain for Lady Romilda Freug, the local ruling lady. He mentions it was quite a coincidence that her and half her guard left town just hours before the attack began. Supposedly a visit to the distant city of Bourdain. He again thanks the party and says quite ominously "It is good to know I have friends that are not afraid to step up when needed. There will be a time, and I am glad I can count on you."
Next morning the party gather up their gear and head out (a few players forget they have hirelings). They arrived at the well and slowly made their way down. A large dome shaped room lies 70 feet below the well, with large stalactites hanging from the ceiling like a forest of stone. The rest of the party comes down and they discover the chests, a dagger among the bones (which Yozzat immediately clips to his belt) and Brother Allman takes one of the mushrooms for later snacking.
The chests are quite rewarding and just as the party discusses heading up top, two large Crab Spiders drop from the ceiling and launch their attack. A quick use of the oh-so-useful Sleep spell by our party elf, Dosta, and the two spiders are easily dispatched. The group heads back up to count their coins and rest the night (and gain back another damn sleep spell).
Ep 17. Back down the well, and "Should we listen when we are warned?" - 4 Feb
The following day, the group heads down, discovering that the spiders they killed have now been cocooned and entrapped in large spider webs covering about half the room. They set these on fire and begin moving down the passage to the southwest.
DM's Thoughts:
Its been great getting back into the game again. I am struggling a little with the size of the group. Before the holidays I was lucky if I had three players for each session, rarely I would have four. These last two sessions I have had a full house with six! There is a little too much time with people speaking over each other and in between players each taking their turn. Players have not commented on it yet, but I am feeling it.
The game is starting up again, so I figured I need to update this before hand!
Ep 13. Moar Shopping.
The group continued their shopping and met Woodrowe, the local 'weirdo' alchemist and trader in oddities. They were able to figure out if some of their items were magic or not, sell some, and acquire a lizard that can detect magic in a unique way.
They then continue to search for more hirelings and enter the Adventurer's Guildhouse and have a rather amusing encounter with an old dwarven war veteran who they quickly learned they could not push around. Wolfstan Redmane, a flaming red bearded dwarf with a right wooden peg leg. They attempt to swindle him and he subsequently kicks their ass. It was great, for me at least. ;)
Ep 14. War comes to Shiteton!
They bed down for the night and are suddenly awakened by loud noises and activity directly in front of the inn. Rushing out, they find their new 'friend' Wolfstan out directing town militia into ranks and quickly find themselves put in command of a squad. Before them are goblins, orcs and giants attempting to smash poor little Shiteton to bits. The party was up to the task and were able to fend off the invaders, though not before losing a number of townspeople. Creative casting by Steve lead to an illusory dragon appearing and fighting alongside the party, which was quite impressive.
Wolfstan commented that Lady Romilda Freug, of House Freug, had conveniently left earlier in the day for a trip to her aunt's in Bordain (a town about three days ride to the east). He seemed very upset by this. We ended the session with the party worn out and tired from the extensive fighting, but heroes for helping save the little town.
DM's Thoughts:
Its been a long time since we played. Originally I was to travel for work in November, so we paused and another player offered to DM. I ended up not going (re:COVID restrictions), then we had Thanksgiving. Then when I was about to start running it again...well, I had a heart attack which sidelined me for the month of December (I am doing ok now thanks to the doctors). Then the holidays, and well, now we are trying to start up again! Here to hoping it goes well!
