Silver Gems & Perils

Farewell 2025, Hello 2026 So 2025 is ending and the new year is ahead of us. So I figured I get the chance to write a 'Reflecting Water of Thought' list that is subjective. so I could be entirely wrong on what I've learn over the years. This list is both solo rpgs and personal stuff. So let's get started!  The Reflecting Water of Thought  : Solo-play establishes your Play-Style: Oracles, writing, improvisation, preparations and just about any method you could think of. This can even apply to systems you've gain knowledge of. The researching I've done exploring the hobby help me ask the important questions for my enjoyment later on in life. Pits & Perils to me was a fascinating game. A bit of an exaggeration, but it was something I finally found that I could no longer need another system. A 2d6 system with grid paper dungeons and wilderness. Also a simplified character creation and magic system. everything else is second nature to me. House-ruling also has t...

The 50 Faith Build Class I wanted to start a 'How To' series focusing on the D&D classes with a long history from OD&D to the present day. I have no experience with modern editions of D&D so I can't share my input of the classes we still have today. So I'll provide examples and discussions with classic D&D. so without further ado let's start with the Cleric! When it comes to RPGs and video games. The White Mage, Healer, Paladins would fill the  support role in a party. Throughout every edition the cleric naturally fulfill the role of healing and Turning Undead. The Cleric was the very first healer before OD&D's Greyhawk supplement introduces the Paladin. Which allows a Fighter to perform healing while having military proficiency. However, the cleric remains the ideal archetype within a medieval fantasy world. Why Play A Cleric? This raises the question that most people wonder. Is it worth playing the Cleric? Well most would say no, but others...

Mercenaries of Lethality  I struggle to think about my project for my 15th century Italian Infantry using Caesar European Medieval Foot Soldiers And Archers. After I finish painting all of my knights I felt that I didn't really need any levy or professional soldiers if I were to use this for Pits & Perils. Eventually on Ebay I came across Strelets Medieval Crossbowmen that contain 56 figures worth of missile troops. Looking back at my source material. Pikemen, Halberdiers, Crossbowmen, Handgunners, and Men-At-Arms were common in the 15th to 16th century. So I thought to myself why I couldn't I just use my dismounted Men-At-Arms and Crossbowmen? It was for Pits & Perils after all.   Future project to be worked on   I'll most likely get rid of my Foot Soldiers and Archers since I could just use theater of the mind to envision the soldiers that aren't a 'Knight' or 'Men-At-Arms'. Here is the reference image to get a good idea.    Stay Tuned!   

The Knight In Shining Armor It took a while painting these knights despite the box set only including 30 of them. The reason it did was adding in details such as the gold paint to the cross-guard and the pommel. Overall, I'm happy with the end results of the knights, but sadly my protective coat of paint is not good. I had to revive it multiple times and after checking on them the day after some of the paint came off. The weather is bad here in Wisconsin so spraying them outside is never an option unless I get lucky to prepare them for it.  So here they are! They are suppose to represent the early to late 15th century knights found amongst the cavalry.    

Somewhat planned painting palette Lately been in a rut planning and even starting the painting process for my medieval 15th century Italian soldiers. I will say what makes this project more easier is focusing on a section of italy. Basically Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, Genoa, Verona) Central Italy (Florance, Pisa, Umbria, Perugia, Lucca) and Southern Italy (Naples, Sicily, Calabria). I also own 13th century knights that can also represent italy so the painting is easier since there are better example than the pieces for the 15th century.  Though as I think about this chances are I'll be focusing on the early 15th century of Italy before the Italian Wars to avoid Milan, Venice and any other armies. So mostly mercenaries that have their own color palette. Early 15th century Italian Soldiers   While the benefits are I don't have to overly detail my 1/72 minis. It doesn't give anyone an idea which italian-state they belong too other than what they dress in. What's also i...

A Gamemaster's Ultimate Toolkit I feel like it's hard not to convince a new or experienced Dungeon Master to solve constraints of life. Especially for the drawer that gets exhausted to draw a dungeon or wilderness map. So the solution? A Deck of Many Dungeons The great benefit having these cards are to create plenty of dungeons that are suitable for one-shots to campaigns. Additionally the solo player benefits to reduce game prep. This review of the product is short to encourage folks to buy this if this interests you. My First Dungeon Laid Out   Rules And Tables for Quest Items and NPCs The dungeon starts with a Ace card that gives you a quest table to get an idea of running the game. The rest follows by pulling cards from the deck and rolling tables for sounds, contents, monsters and treasure found throughout. Of course, you can fill the dungeon as you wish and use your fantasy rpg of choice.  Once you fill in the unconnected dungeon with no corridor with an empty space. th...