"Where in the infinite layers of the Abyss have you been?" (Plus BX GM Screen PDF, plus Fifty Fiends, plus BXΨ GM Screen, plus free BXΨ stuff. Oh my!)

With summer gone and hardly a peep from me round the interwebs, I'm guessing a few of you might be wondering, "Where in the infinite layers of the Abyss have you been?"

The short answer is, I've been crazy busy—and unfortunately not with RPG stuff.

The longer answer includes: 1) picking up a summer design class to teach (which is on a shorter, and therefore-more-demanding, timeline than a Fall or Spring class), 2) having a (thankfully) heavy roster of client work (always good for a freelancer), 3) spending an inordinate amount of time with my wife prepping our house to get it on the market (we're talking about 2 near-Hoarders-level estate sales and innumerous trips to Catholic Charities to donate the stuff we didn't sell), and 4) looking, looking, and more looking for a new house. We haven't moved yet, but we've got a contract on the house we want, and are closing in a possible sale of our current house. (St. Joseph, pray for us.)

In the meantime, I've been hired to temporarily fill a full-time design communication professor spot for the 2018-2019 academic year at the college where I've been part-time teaching for the last twenty years. Except for still having a good amount of freelance client work going on, this is actually a really good thing for my schedule. I have to keep office hours, but those hours aren't always consumed with class-related work.

And now, thanks to Labor Day weekend, I've had the opportunity to get some files prepped (that have otherwise been languishing unattended). This should help clear my RPG workload to focus back on Steve Marsh's Shattered Norns and figure out the best way to birth the final product into the world. So there's a lot of stuff to talk about...

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Old School Adventures™ Accessory FX1: Fifty Fiends

From the cover...

Extra-planar beings come in many forms, and for outsiders hailing from the lower planes, almost every one of them comes in some shade of evil. From the vicious malevolence of the demons of the Abyss, to the merciless schemes of the devils of Hell, to the psychopathic sadism of the yamadutas of the Naraka, the planes provide an unending parade of cruelty, immorality, corruption, and depravity.

Collected herein are 50 fiends from the darkest reaches of the outer planes, including the Abyss, Hell, Naraka, Pandemonium, Limbo, the Dreamlands, and the Beyond (a terrifyingly remote place of madness, aberration, entropy, and pure chaos.

This book is designed for use with classic (BX/BECMI/LL) editions of the world’s original role-playing game, and with Old School AdventuresTM Accessory PX1: Basic Psionics Handbook. It additionally provides information on dual-axis alignment, the planes of existence, languages spoken throughout the planes, and descriptions for a number of planes- and fiend-related spells and magic items.

Available as a $1 PDF from RPGNow >>
Available in print for $9.95 + shipping from the NBD Storefront (US only) >>
Available in print for $9.95 + shipping from Lulu.com (best int'l option) >>

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Old School Adventures™ Accessory GM1a: Games Masters Screen PDF Pack

This is a PDF pack of the various components that were part of the physical screen kickstarter.

• Five art panels (including cover) featuring artwork by the legendary artist Arthur Rackham
• Seven GM screen content pages with all the pertinent information any Classic (BX/LL) GM needs to run their game.
• 8 Master Character Sheets (1 Generic Sheet + 7 Class-specific Sheets): Each of the 7 class-specific character record sheet contains the most pertinent information each player needs (e.g., notes on which types of weapons & armor may be used by the class, additional experience earned based on prime requisites, and special abilities like clerics' turning and thieves' abilities). In addition to the 7 classic character class sheets (cleric, dwarf, elf, fighter, halfling, magic-user, and thief), an 8th "generic" sheet is usable by any character class.
• Spells Record Sheet: This record sheet is usable by any spellcasting PC, and includes places to list each known spell's name, range, duration, and area of effect, as well as other pertinent notes.
• Character Record Log: This record sheet provides a place to write the information a GM needs for up to 6 PCs or NPCs, including the basics (name, class, hp, level, AC, etc.) as well as ability scores, saving throws, equipment/inventory, and other notes.
• 8-page Cleric Spell Handout: The cover of this digest-sized piece notes spells gained by level, and the inside includes all the key information (e.g., range, duration, spell notes, etc.) for all the cleric spells contained in the classic red and blue rule books (plus a few additional core spells from other early editions).
• 12-page Magic-user Spell Handout: The cover of this digest-sized piece notes spells gained by level, and the inside includes all the key information (e.g., range, duration, spell notes, etc.) for all the magic-user spells contained in the classic red and blue rule books (plus a few additional core spells from other early editions).

Available for $10 as a PDF bundle from RPGNow >>

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Old School Adventures™ Accessory GM2: Basic Psionics GM Screen Pack

A few of you were lucky enough to pick this up at this past June's NTRPGCon. Now it's available in print exclusively from the NBD Storefront (includes a complimentary PDF).

2-panel (4-page) Referee's screen designed for use with Old School Adventures™ Accessory PX1: Basic Psionics Handbook. Includes the key information any GM running BXΨ needs at their table, including: the psionic combat sequence, the psionic and attack mode combat matrix, psionic-related attack and saving throw modifiers, saving throws for mystics and monks, chakra attainment charts, PSP costs for discipline use, psionic conversions for adapting creatures and characters from other editions, and key information related to psionic items, magic spells that mimic psionic affects, and how psionics interact with relevant magic spells. [Printed on 110 lb. cover stock.]

5 Individual Card Stock Master Character Sheets (1 Generic Psionic Character Record Sheet, 1 Mystic Character Record Sheet, 1 Monk Character Record Sheet, 1 Disciplines Record Sheet, and 1 Modes/Conditions/Disciplines Record Sheet. [Printed on an 80# uncoated cover stock.]

Also includes the new limited edition "Psi" button.

Includes a PDF copy of everything included in the print package (sent as free download code from OBS to your email address).

Available in print for $9.95 + shipping from the NBD Storefront (US only) >>

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Old School Adventures™ Accessory GM2a: Basic Psionics GM Screen Pack (FREE PDF!)

Referee and player materials designed for use with Old School Adventures™ Accessory PX1: Basic Psionics Handbook.

Includes the key information any GM running BXΨ needs at their table, including: the psionic combat sequence, the psionic and attack mode combat matrix, psionic-related attack and saving throw modifiers, saving throws for mystics and monks, chakra attainment charts, PSP costs for disciplines and modes, psionic conversions for adapting creatures and characters from other editions, and key information related to psionic items, magic spells that mimic psionic affects, and how psionics interact with relevant magic spells.

Also includes the following BXΨ Character Sheets: 1 Generic Psionic Character Record Sheet, 1 Mystic Character Record Sheet, 1 Monk Character Record Sheet, 1 Disciplines Record Sheet, and 1 Modes/Conditions/Disciplines Record Sheet.

Available as a FREE PDF from RPGNow! >>

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Okay. That does it for now. (As if that wasn't enough for a while.)



(Comments are now locked due to consistent spam comments on this post.)

The Planes of Nakara

In (slowly) developing the Basic Atlas of the Planes, I'm trying to make sure I look to Eastern influences as well as Western (mainly because these resources act to support the foundation of the Basic Psionics Handbook. Nakara is the hindu concept of hell... arguably 21 or 28 layers (I'm going with 28), where each layer reflects a particular type of sin. I'm leaving the sin references out, and taking some latitude with the appearance of the layers since the sources don't really describe them. So here's where I've ended up for now...

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1. Tamisra (Darkness). A realm similar in appearance to the Prime Material Plane, except that it is consumed by total and complete magical darkness. No forms of light (magical or normal) function here, even for the briefest periods of time.

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2. Andhatamisra (Blind-darkness). This realm consists of a massive winding web of underground tunnels and caverns, with no natural sources of light. While magical and normal lights work here, any time a fresh source of light is illuminated, all within sight of it must save vs. spells or be permanently blinded (until it is negated by cure blindness or remove curse).

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3. Raurava (Fearful/Hell of Rurus). This realm appears as an expansive jungle broken by massive active volcanoes and rivers of flowing magma. This realm is populated by savage serpent-like rurus.

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4. Maharaurava (Great-fearful). A cracked and barren realm with no life or sustenance to speak of, save for the kravyadas (flesh-eating rurus that appear as human/animal hybrids).

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5. Kumbhipaka (Cooked in a Pot). A rocky realm pocked by a seemingly infinite number of pits filled with boiling oil. A putrid cloud hangs over the entire place, and the smell of burning hair and flesh is pervasive.

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6. Kalasutra (Thread of Time/Death). This realm is made entirely of copper and extremely hot, heated by fire from below and the red hot sun from above.

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7. Asipatravana/Asipatrakanana (Forest of Sword Leaves). A metallic forest where everything is composed of metal, and the trees have razor-sharp swords for leaves. This realm is populated by whip-wielding yamadutas who will attempt to beat any creature they encounter.

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8. Shukaramukha (Hog’s Mouth). A massive prison complex guarded by yamadutas with fists so powerful they are able to liquify anything they squeeze.

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9. Andhakupa (Well with its Mouth Hidden). A great forest at the bottom of a great pit. The forest is overrun with birds, animals, reptiles, mosquitoes, lice, worms, flies and other creatures that attack endlessly all intruders to the realm.

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10. Krimibhaksha (Worm-food). The main feature of this plane is a 100,000 mile diameter lake filled with worms (instead of water). Anyone who dies here is reborn as a worm who must spend every spare moment devouring worms, or be devoured by the other worms (to be reborn again as a worm).

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11. Sandamsa (Hell of Pincers). A massive dungeon complex filled with unimaginable sums of gold. The demons dwelling here torture prisoners with red-hot iron tongs. The realm is overseen by an omnipotent presence known as The Great Rakshak.

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12. Taptasurmi/Taptamurti (Red-hot Iron Statue). A landscape of red-hot iron populated by iron golems armed with iron whips.

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13. Vajrakantaka-salmali (The Silk-cotton Tree with Thorns like Thunderbolts/Vajras). A thorny, brambled realm that surges with electricity.

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14. Vaitarni/Vaitarna (To Be Crossed). A river that both occupies its own plane while forming the boundary of Naraka (accessing all layers of the Nakara at one point or another). The river is filled with excreta, urine, pus, blood, hair, nails, bones, marrow, flesh and fat, and it is lined on both banks with fire. The realm is populated by fierce, flesh-eating aquatic beings that spit boiling oil.

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15. Puyoda (Water of Pus). An ocean of pus, excreta, urine, mucus, saliva and other repugnant things. Its waters surge and it difficult to traverse without swallowing (accidentally) its disease-riddled waters.

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16. Pranarodha (Obstruction to Life). A forested realm where yamaduta archers hunt to kill all humanoid intruders to the realm.

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17. Visashana (Murderous). A rocky, mist-filled realm is populated by whip-wielding yamadutas who attempt to beat to death any creature of status. It is believed that the great maker of chaotically-aligned astras (the weaponsmith that made Pashupatastra for Kali and Trishul for Kali) calls this plane home.

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18. Lalabhaksa (Saliva as Food). A sea of semen, devoid of any plant-life.

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19. Sarameyadana (Hell of the Sons of Sarama). A massive kennel populated by 720 ferocious dogs (the sons of Sarama) with razor-sharp teeth, who act in service to their yamaduta handlers.

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20. Avici/Avicimat (Waterless/Waveless). A barren, craggy realm filled with razor-sharp, wave-shaped rocks, and a peak 100 miles high at its center. Visitors to this realm become weaker the longer they remain away from their home plane. Each fall causes cuts that cannot be healed while the intruder remains on the plane, but neither does the intruder die from these cuts (though those so injured often beg for death).

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21. Ayahpana (Iron-drink). A steamy, rocky realm strewn with rivers of molten iron. The yamadutas that inhabit this realm will stand on the chests of captured victims and force them to drink this molten iron.

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22. Ksarakardama (Acidic/Saline Mud/Filth). This realm is similar in appearance to the Slime Pits of the Abyss, but with muck and filth instead of slime.

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23. Raksogana-bhojana (Food of Rakshasas). A great jungled realm that is home to the rakshasas (tiger-like asuras). The ruler of this realm, Bha Hsankarh, is believed to be the progenitor of both the rakshasas and the rakastas.

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24. Shulaprota (Pierced by Sharp Pointed Spear/Dart). This realm is composed of an almost endless sky, spotted by an occasional small floating island featuring a small outcropping of trees. The realm is populated by ferocious carnivorous birds like vultures and herons with razor sharp beaks.

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25. Dandasuka (Snakes). While the geography of this realm varies wildly, its climate ranges from tropical to sub-arctic. It is pervasively pocked with snake pits and dens, and populated by seven-hooded snakes.

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26. Avata-nirodhana (Confined in a Hole). A vast prison realm of caverns lined with dark wells and hidden crannies, and filled with poisonous fumes and suffocating smoke.

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27. Paryavartana (Returning). This realm appears as a vast forest filled with small-to-medium sized trees. It is populated by hard-eyed vultures, herons, crows and similar birds which attempt to pluck out the eyes of every living (non-avian) creature.

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28. Sucimukha (Needle-face). This realm appears as a massive landscape stitched together from the flesh of all manner of creatures. The yamadutas here are armed with massive needles, and each of their victims becomes part of the ever-expanding patchwork landscape.

2 More Basic Psionics Abilities: Catapsi and Skate

This is another post in a series of additions for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Thus far, this has included: the celebrilith, some new powers (ectoplasmic form, detection of psionics, brain lock, mind trap), and yesterday's phthisic. The phthisic included a couple of powers that needed BXΨ write-ups, so here they are: catapsi (a synaptic static like power) and skate.

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Catapsi (telepathic major science)

Range: 0' (personal) Duration: 1 round/psionic level Area of effect: 30' radius

By manifesting this power, the psionicist generates psychic static, interfering with the ability of other psionic characters to manifest powers (the user is not affected by their own catapsi manifestation). Each time another psionic user attempts to manifest a psionic power within the radius of this power, they must make a successful psionic saving throw or the PSP cost of the power is doubled. This power does not effect psionic powers manifested outside the range of the catapsi or before the catapsi went into effect.

Because the PSP cost of the ability is effectively doubled, it affects the total number of powers the psionic character may have active at the same time; thus, a subject may not be able to manifest their highest-level powers. If manifesting a power would cause a manifester in the area of effect to exceed their available PSPs or spending limits, the manifestation fails automatically, but no PSPs are expended.

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Skate (psychoportative minor discipline)

Range: 0' (personal) Duration: 2 turns Area of effect: see below

This power allows the psionicist, another willing creature, or an unattended object (total weight up to 100 lb./level) to slide along solid ground as if on smooth ice. If the psionicist manifests skate on themself or another creature, the subject of the power retains equilibrium by mental desire alone, allowing them to gracefully skate along the ground, turn, or stop suddenly as desired. The skater’s land speed increases by 30'(10'). The subject can skate up or down any incline or decline that they could normally walk upon without mishap, though skating up an incline reduces the subject’s speed to normal, and skating down a decline increases their speed by an additional 30'(10'). If the psionicist manifests skate on an object, treat the object as having only one-tenth of its normal weight for the purpose of dragging it along the ground.

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New Basic Psionic Creature: Phthisic

Like the cerebrilith from a couple of weeks ago, this is not so much a "new" creature, as it is a B/X adaptation of an existing creature (using the Basic Psionics Handbook). As with the cerebrilith, you'll notice there are a couple of psionic abilities listed that don't appear in the Basic Psionics Handbook, and weren't part of the new powers post from the same week as the cerebrilith. Have no fear. Those abilities will be showing up on this blog in the next couple of days, including: catapsi and skate.

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PHTHISIC ARMOR CLASS: 6 HIT DICE: 6+6** MOVE: 90'(30') ATTACKS: 2 claws/1 bite DAMAGE: 1-6/1-6/ 1-6+special NO. APPEARING: 1 SAVE AS: Fighter:6 MORALE: 11 TREASURE TYPE: Nil ALIGNMENT: Chaotic PSIONIC ABILITIES PSIONIC LEVEL: 6 (30 PSPs) Attack modes: ego whip, mind thrust Defense modes: mental barrier Psychometabolic: S) cell adjustment Telepathic: S) brain lock, catapsi Psychoportative: D) dimension slide, skate

A phthisic is a living, breathing neurosis, wrung from the deepest part of a repressed mind and made flesh. These creatures are created with the use of a twisted form of psychic surgery known only by the most depraved and evil of psionicists. The sole goal of a phthisic is to feed on the mental energy of other beings, which can leave their mind permanently damaged. A phthisic stands 10' tall and weighs 600 pounds. It vaguely resembles the person from whose mind the phthisic escaped, but is severely distorted (there is a base 25% chance, plus 5% per point of Intelligence, that someone who knows the individual from whom the phthisic was sprung will note the resemblance). A phthisic that hits with its bite attack also deals 1d4 points of Intelligence damage (no saving throw). Victims of Intelligence loss will regain lost Intelligence at a rate of 1 point per 12 turns (2 hours). If this effect reduces the opponent’s Intelligence score to 0, the drain becomes permanent—the victim cannot think and is unconscious in a coma-like stupor. Permanently lost Intelligence points can be recovered through the use of psychic surgery. A phthisic regenerates at a rate of 1 hit point per round, and cannot be permanently destroyed except by fire or acid. If a phthisic is damaged enough to kill it (reduced to 0 hit points), it will continue to regenerate and stand again to fight after 2d4 rounds. A phthisic speaks the primary language of the mind that birthed it, usually common.

4 New Basic Psionics Abilities

As I mentioned yesterday in the post of the B/X celebrilith, there were some new psionic abilities coming to be used with the cerebrilith, but that don't appear in the Basic Psionics Handbook.

My favorite of these new abilities (which are B/X adaptations of SRD abilities) is definitely mind trap. If any of the players in my current game are reading this, be forewarned!

Name of Ability	Chakra/Type (PSP cost)
Ectoplasmic Form	psychometabolic major science (3)
Detection of Psionics	clairsentient minor devotion (1)
Brain Lock	telepathic major science (3)
Mind Trap	telepathic major science (3)

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Ectoplasmic Form (psychometabolic major science)

Range: 0' (psionicist only) Duration: 3 turns Area of effect: personal

This psionicist and his or her gear becomes a partially translucent mass of rippling ectoplasm that generally conforms to the psionicist’s normal shape. The form allows the user to pass through small holes or narrow openings, even mere cracks, along with the items being worn and/or carried in hand before the transformation. This form also permits the psionicist to fly at a speed of 60'(20'), but negates the ability to run (at faster than normal speed).

In this form, the psionicist cannot use any other psychometabolic disciplines, any psychokinetic disciplines, or any combat modes which are telekinetic in nature (i.e., psionic blast, psionic crush, intellect fortress, tower of iron will). The duration of any psychokinetic discipline already in effect when the psionicist transforms will cease functioning immediately. Any armor worn becomes meaningless, although any bonuses to Armor Class from size or Dexterity still apply. Furthermore, in this form, the psionicist loses all supernatural abilities (if any), can’t speak, and cannot make any physical attacks, but takes half damage from any physical attack and is immune to poison.

The ectoplasmic form is subject to the effects of wind, and prohibits the psionicist from entering water or other liquid. The ectoplasmic form can’t manipulate objects or activate items, even those carried along with them. Continuously active items remain active, though in some cases their effects may be moot (such as items that provide AC bonuses).

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Detection of Psionics (clairsentient minor devotion)

Range: 60' Duration: 2 turns Area of effect: personal

This ability enables the psionicist to detect psionic auras within range and in line of sight. A psionic aura is given off by any active or permanent power, even on non-psionic creatures or items. Additionally, characters and creatures who possess psionic abilities (including wild psionics and phrenic creatures) possess psionic auras. Each round, the user can turn to detect psionics in a new area. If the psionicist is also using detection of magic, he or she can tell the difference between magical and psionic auras. The power can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it. The amount of information revealed by the manifestation of this power depends on how long the user stuides a particular area or subject.

1st Round: Presence or absence of psionic auras.

2nd Round: Number of different psionic auras and the strength of the most potent aura.

3rd Round: The relative strength (e.g., approximate psionic level of its strongest ability) and location of each aura.

Overwhelming Auras: Detection of an overwhelming aura (an aura that is 10+ psionic levels greater than the user of the ability) dazes the user for 1 round and the power ends. A dazed creature can take no actions, but has no penalty to AC.

Confusion/Concealment of Weaker Auras: Psionically charged locations, use of multiple disciplines, or strong local psionic emanations may confuse or conceal weaker auras.

Lingering Auras: A psionic aura lingers after its original source dissipates (in the case of a power) or is destroyed (in the case of a psionic item). If detect psionics is manifested and directed at such a location, the power indicates an aura of dim (even weaker than a faint aura). How long the aura lingers at this dim level depends on its original strength.

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Brain Lock (telepathic major science)

Range: 60' Duration: by concentration* Area of effect: 1 individual

With the use of this ability, the subject’s higher mind is locked away, leaving the subject dazed and unable to take psionic actions for the duration of the power. A brain locked subject is not stunned, so attackers get no special advantage against him. The type of creature that may be affected is based on the user’s psionic level as outlined below:

Psionic Level	Type of Creature Affected
1-4	small-to-medium humanoid
5-8	as above, or an animal, giant, magical beast, or monstrous humanoid
9-13	above, or a dragon or elemental
14+	as above, or an aberration or outsider

The target is allowed a psionic saving throw to avoid the effect.

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Mind Trap (telepathic major science)

Range: 0' (psionicist only) Duration: 2 turns (see below) Area of effect: see below

The psionicist is able set up a trap in their mind against psionic intruders. Anyone who attacks the psionicist with a psionic attack mode immediately loses 1d6 PSPs. This power’s effect does not negate the combat mode that is currently being used against the psionicist, and the opponent gets no saving throw to avoid the PSP loss. The trap only works against a single attack; once the trap is sprung, the duration ends.

New Basic Psionic Creature: Cerebrilith

Well, I know this is not so much a "new" creature, as it is a B/X adaptation of an existing creature (using the Basic Psionics Handbook). You'll notice there are a few psionic abilities listed that don't appear in the Basic Psionics Handbook. Have no fear. Those abilities will be showing up on this blog in the next couple of days, including: ectoplasmic form, detection of psionics (a weaker form of psionic sense), brain lock, and mind trap.

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CEREBRILITH ARMOR CLASS: 6 HIT DICE: 8+8** MOVE: 120'(40') ATTACKS: 2 claws/1 bite DAMAGE: 2-12/2-12/2-12 NO. APPEARING: 1-4 SAVE AS: Fighter:8 MORALE: 10 TREASURE TYPE: F,G ALIGNMENT: Chaotic PSIONIC ABILITIES PSIONIC LEVEL: 8 (40 PSPs) Attack modes: id insinuation, ego whip, mind thrust Defense modes: mental barrier, thought shield Psychometabolic: S) ectoplasmic form Clairsentient: D) detection of psionics Telepathic: S) brain lock; D) domination, mind trap

Cerebriliths are abyssal demons that appear as a gangly, slimy, ogre-sized humanoid with no neck, an elongated skull, and a protruding jaw. Its exposed and elongated brain can be seen under a lattice of spinal bones that extend from the creature’s brow to the middle its hunched back. They normally move around on all fours but will stand erect during combat. Although they possess powerful physical prowess, Cerebriliths favor psionic attacks, usually beginning a battle by launching a furious barrage of ego whip and id insinuation attacks. Cerebriliths are immune to electricity and poison, and take half damage from acid, cold and fire. They possess an innate telepathic ability with a range of 120', and have infravision to 90'. Cerebriliths possess the following spell-like abilities which they may use 1×/day each (as MU spells): darkness, detect good, dispel good, and teleport (self plus 50 pounds of objects only). Additionally, once per day, a cerebrilith can attempt to summon 4d6 dretches or another cerebrilith with a 35% chance of success (this ability is the equivalent of a 4th-level spell). A cerebrilith cannot be raised, reincarnated or resurrected, though a limited wish, wish, miracle, or true resurrection spell can restore its life.

Basic Psionics: Additional Treasure Types

In looking at some developing/adding some new psionic monsters to the mix (especially with an eye towards what kind of psionic adventure I might run at NTRPGCon), I was considering the addition of some new treasure types to the B/X mix. Any feedback on these is appreciated.

W: as “A” but with 30% chance of any 3 psionic items (replacing chance of magic items)

X: as “C” but with additional 10% chance of any 2 psionic items (in addition to chance of magic)

Y: as “I” but with 15% chance of any 1 psionic item (replacing chance of magic item)

Z: all coins and magic items as “Nil”, with 50% chance of 1-4 power stones

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Don't forget the Basic Psionics items are now available in print! >>

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Basic Psionic Items Now Available in Print!

The Basic Psionics Handbook and Vault of the Faceless Giants are now both available in print through the NBD Storefront (U.S. purchasers only) and through Lulu.com (for worldwide purchasers, including the U.S.)

AT THE NBD STOREFRONT:
(US Addresses Only)
In addition to the books being available individually, the NBD Storefront has an exclusive bundle that includes both books, a BXΨ sticker, and a BXΨ button. Additionally, the version of Vault of the Faceless Giants available through the storefront has a separated cover (not stapled to rest of book) with a retro-blue map inside the cover. Purchases through the NBD Storefront include PDF copies fulfilled through RPGNow to the email address you use when purchasing. (Please note there is no international purchase/shipping option from the NBD Storefront at this time.)

AT LULU.COM
If you live outside the U.S., or are looking to bundle purchases of these books with others, or you're using a Lulu.com coupon code, both books can be purchased at Lulu.com. If you email a copy of your Lulu receipt (showing items purchased) to [email protected], I will do my best to send complimentary PDF copies of these purchases (fulfilled through RPGNow).(Please note the Lulu.com is unable to print on the inside covers of paperback books, so the map for Vault of the Faceless Gods appears across the center spread of the book in B&W).

Temple of the Rats: Background Information

The Temple of the Rats was originally constructed in the name of the ancient goddess Inaenu (pron. in-NAY-new)—a goddess of fire and war whose followers and cults have long since disappeared. (The original name of the temple has also long been forgotten, for it was not “the Temple of the Rats”).

It is held that the temple was once a place of great dignity, for the followers of Inaenu were stout warriors who feared little and killed many in her name. These warriors met their undoing, however, when they faced the armies of an evil leader known as “The Red Lord.” The Red Lord enlisted the aid of a powerful wizard who spread a fog of fear over the battlefield. The followers of Inaenu deserted the battle and came running back to the temple.

Such a sin against Inaenu was punishable by death. She chose to spare their lives, however, but turned them into rats, and offered the temple as a future place to stay. They expressed their gratitude and pledged their undying allegiance to Inaenu. The goddess had no need of such cowards among her followers, so she left the temple to the abandon of its residents and it fell into disrepair.

It was no wonder that Dabothuda, the demon prince of rats took the temple under his watch. And so, it became of place of evil. A fair number of adventurers have tried to rid the temple of its evil, but it is said that many of them were turned into wererats and now call the temple their home.

In recent weeks, there has been a growing number of wererat raids on local villages near the temple. Given that so many of the villagers are being wounded by the wererats (and becoming lycanthropes themselves), it is likely that the creatures are growing in number and the temple is the center of this growing problem.

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Dabothuda*
(demon prince of rats and wererats)
Titles: Lord of Secret & Hidden Places, Master of the Wandering Mind, Destroyer of Obstacles

ARMOR CLASS: 0
HIT DICE: 12 (66 hp)
MOVE: 180'(60')
ATTACKS: 2 claws/1 bite
DAMAGE: 2-12/2-12/2-12+disease
NO. APPEARING: 1 (unique)
SAVE AS: Dwarf:12
MORALE: 11
TREASURE TYPE: 5,000,000 cp
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic

PSIONIC ABILITIES (see the Basic Psionics Handbook)
PSIONIC LEVEL: 12 (60 PSPs)
Attack modes: ego whip, id insinuation, mind thrust, psionic blast, psychic crush
Defense modes: intellect fortress, mental barrier, mind blank, thought shield, tower of iron will
Psychometabolism: D) complete healing; S) cell adjustment, chameleon ability
Clairsentience: D) aura sight, catacognition, hypercognition, precognition, psionic divination, psionic true seeing* (always on), sensitivy to psionic impressions; S) 360° vision* (always on), clairvoyance, danger sense, detection of good/evil, detection of magic* (always on), know direction, know location, piercing vision* (see below)
Psychokinesis: S) control light, control sound
Telepathy: S) mind link* (wererats only), D) animal telepathy* (rats and wererats only), conceal thoughts
Psychoportative: D) probability travel

---

Dabothuda, the demon prince of rats, resides on the 15th level of the Abyss—Choohon, a writhing and tunneled place of ruin populated by vermin of all types, but which is particular rife with rodents. It is rumored that Dabothuda keeps as many as 500 different lairs, each of which contains a chest holding 10,000 cp, and all of which are nearly impossible to find.

Dabothuda has two different forms, either of which he may assume at will: 1) a giant black rat that walks erect, or 2) a massive black wererat (both forms stand approximately 10' tall). In either form, Dabothuda’s claw and bite attacks do the same damage. On any successful bite attack, Dabothuda’s victim must save vs. paralysis or contract lycanthropy; unless cured, human victims will become a wererat in 2d12 days, and non-humans will die.

In either form, and in lieu of a physical attack, Dabothuda may opt to use a psionic ability or attack. Additionally, once per day, Dabothuda may summon up to 8 wererats to serve him.

Dabouthuda is always surrounding by a sphere of darkness that extends to a radius of 15'. This darkness may not be dispelled by any magical or psionic means, nor may a light of any type (normal, magical, psionic or otherwise) even penetrate it. Additionally, the darkness effect negates all special vision abilities (e.g., infravision and ultravision), except for darkvision. Dabothuda, however, possesses a unique clairsentient minor devotion known as piercing vision; this ability allows Dabothuda to see in under any light condition to 120', as if there was no impediment whatsoever (including the interior of his own sphere of darkness). This ability is always on and costs no PSPs to use. Additionally, Dabothuda possesses the clairsentient major science psionic true seeing to a range of 120'; this ability is always on and costs no PSPs to use.


Dabothuda is immune to poison, disease, and cold, and takes only half damage from acid, electricity, fire and gas. A magical weapon of +1 or greater is required "to hit" him, but Dabothuda is affected normally by iron weapons, silver weapons and magic missiles.

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #24 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS IS IT, KIDS! THE LAST OF MY
24 OSR CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS...

This evening's giveaway...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 21, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: This copy goes to Tony! Congrats!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #22 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 20, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: Congrats to Ngo Vinh-Hoi on being selected as the recipient of this item.

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #20 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 19, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: I decided to pick two recipients for this. Congrats to Bark and elrics on being chosen as recipients for this item!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #18 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 18, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: Congrats to Patrick for being selected to receive this item!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #16 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 17, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: Congrats to Drew on being selected as the recipient of this item!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #14 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 16, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: congrats to Ryan Hixson being selected as the recipient of this item!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #12 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 15, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: Congratulations to Tim Shorts on being selected as the recipient of this item!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #10 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 14, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: Congratulations to Jeremy Smith on being selected as the recipient of this item!
This one gave me a chance to use a d30 to pick the winner, and the roll was a 3!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #8 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 13, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: Congratulations to imredave on being selected as the recipient of this item!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #6 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 12, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: Congratulations to Steve Gilman on being selected as the recipient of this item!
Also, this one gave me a chance to use my d24 to pick the winner!

12 Days of OSR Christmas Giveaway #4 of 24: Free PDF of Basic Psionics Handbook

THIS EVENING'S GIVEAWAY...
1 free PDF copy of
Old School™ Adventures Accessory PX1:
Basic Psionics Handbook.

Comment on this post to be included
in the "drawing" for this item.
Comments close at 6pm EST tomorrow
(December 11, 2015).

---

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

This post is part of the 12 Days of OSR Christmas which his gloriously hosted every year by Erik Tenkar over at Tenkar's Tavern. This year, as part of the many giveaways by the folks in the OSR community, I'll be giving away the following items:

First, I'll be giving away 12 print copies of the Creature Compendium. I'll be giving away 1 copy away each day; 10 of the 12 will be open to US recipients only, 1 of the 12 will be open to Canadian residents only, and the final copy will be open to any location in the world except the US or Canada. Each print recipient will get a PDF copy as well.

Second, I'll be giving away 12 PDFs of the Basic Psionics Handbook; again, I'll be giving away 1 copy each day.

In a nutshell, I'm making 2 posts each day for commenters... 1 for the Creature Compendium and 1 for the Basic Psionics Handbook. Each will be open for 24 hours, offset by 12 hours from the other giveaway. Creature Compendium comments on a post are open from 6am EST (when the post goes up) to 6am EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments). and Basic Psionics Handbook comments 6pm EST (when the post goes up) to 6pm EST the next day (when comments for that post close, and the next post goes up for comments).

All winning print items will be shipped at the conclusion of this contest. All winning PDF items will be sent (through OBS) within 48 hours of the selection of the winner for that day.

---

UPDATE: Congratulations to Kelroy on being selected as the recipient of this item!