The Black Notebook Podcast

The Black Notebook Podcast

By The Evil Dungeon MasterLeisureGames
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The Black Notebook Podcast episodes

  • AD&D - The Hound of Ill Omen

    The Hound of Ill Omen is a rare, shadowy wolf-hound that appears as a harbinger of death to a single adventurer. Its presence is fleeting, accompanied by a powerful howl that increases the damage of subsequent wounds. It can only be seen by one individual and cannot be harmed. The creature is believed to appear when a character has deeply offended

    their deity, emphasizing the consequences of straying from one’s moral alignment.

    Highlights -🐺

    1. Rare Appearance: The Hound of Ill Omen is very rare.
    2. Harbinger of Death: Its presence signals impending doom.
    3. Shadowy Form: It appears as a dark wolf-hound, 5’ tall.
    4. Powerful Howl: The howl causes quadruple damage on future wounds.
    5. Temporary Visibility: Only one party member can see it at a time.
    6. No Healing: Healing spells won’t work until a set number of wounds are taken.
    7. Divine Offense: The hound appears when a character offends their deity.

    8. 10 min
    9. AD&D - Trick in your campaign

      Dungeons are filled with an array of tricks, from misleading sounds to illusions and physical traps. Players must rely on their wit and foresight to navigate these challenges, as a careless approach can lead to dire consequences. The Dungeon Master (DM) will employ creativity to deceive players, making critical thinking essential for survival.

      Highlights -🪄

      1. Variety of Tricks: Dungeons are rich with diverse tricks, both annoying and deadly.
      2. Sound Illusions: Buzzing sounds may mislead players into false battle preparations.
      3. Illusions: Visual deceptions like piles of gold hiding dangers can confuse players.
      4. Spatial Manipulations: Slanting passages and teleporters can distort navigation.
      5. Room Mechanics: Sinking and rising rooms can mislead players about their actual position.
      6. Secret Doors: Proper manipulation can lead to unexpected areas.
      7. Rashness vs. Preparedness: Caution and preparation are crucial to countering tricks.

      8. 11 min
      9. AD&D - Cantrips and Negative Levels..

        Cantrips are basic spells learned by novice magic-users and

        illusionists during their training. The number of cantrips a magic-user can cast daily increases as they progress through levels. While cantrips are simple and of limited effect, they can be retained in place of higher-level spells. These spells require minimal components, have a short casting time, and are categorized based on their effects. Only two cantrips can be cast in a round, and their use does not interrupt other spellcasting.

        Highlights -✨

        • Cantrip Basics: Simple spells for novice magic-users. 📜
        • Daily Usage: Increases as users level up. 📈
        • Retention Option: Can retain cantrips instead of higher-level spells. 📚
        • Casting Requirements: Minimal verbal and somatic components. 🎤
        • Casting Limitations: Maximum of two cantrips per round. ⏳
        • Categories of Cantrips: Six main types, plus a special one for illusionists. 🧙‍♂️
        • Magical Aura: All cantrips radiate a faint magical aura. 🌌

        • 13 min
        • AD&D - Appendix V: Agreements for Division of Treasure!

          Page 122 under Appendix V it outlines suggested agreements for the division of treasure among characters in a game. It presents methods such as equal shares, shares by level, and equal shares plus bonus, with specific modifiers for player and non-player characters. It also addresses the

          complexities of dividing magical items and provides methods for equitable distribution, emphasizing the importance of establishing these systems before the adventure begins.

          Highlights -💰

          1. Equal Shares: Simple division of treasure among all characters.
          2. Shares by Level: Division based on total character experience levels.
          3. Bonus Shares: Extra shares for outstanding characters, as voted by the group.
          4. Henchmen Rules: NPC henchmen count as half and cannot receive bonuses.
          5. Incapacitated Characters: Limited to treasure before incapacitation.
          6. Magic Item Division: Requires consensus for equitable distribution.
          7. Pre-Adventure Agreements: Systems should be established before starting.
          8. 13 min
          9. Divine Retribution: The Deadly Duel with an Aleax in AD&D

            An Aleax is a unique being sent by gods to punish or test those who stray from their alignment, fail in their duties, or otherwise anger a deity. It takes on the exact physical appearance of its target, including their equipment, and engages in a duel. The Aleax regenerates and fights relentlessly but has specific rules that differentiate it from its victim. If the target is slain by an Aleax, they are taken to the god's plane and cannot be resurrected by ordinary means. The creature cannot be detected by normal or magical means except by its victim, appearing as a perfect mirror image.

            Highlights:

            • 🧙‍♂️ Divine Messenger: The Aleax is a physical manifestation sent by the gods to punish mortals who anger them or stray from their alignment.
            • 👤 Mirror Image: The Aleax looks identical to its victim, down to their armor, weapons, and abilities, making it a perfect duplicate.
            • ⚔️ Unrelenting Fighter: It fights until the victim is killed or redeems themselves, with the ability to regenerate after being wounded.
            • 🔍 Undetectable: Only the victim can perceive the Aleax, making it invisible to others and impossible to detect by magical or non-magical means.
            • 🚫 Permanent Consequences: If a person is killed by the Aleax, they cannot be resurrected except by divine intervention, and they are taken to the god’s plane.

            • 11 min
            • AD&D - Let's talk about Dark Elves aka Drow

              Dark elves, or drow, are a unique sub-race of elves known for their inky black skin and white or silver hair. They can choose classes like cleric, fighter, and thief but are typically considered outcasts from their underground homes. Drow player characters lack the magical resistance of their NPC kin and must navigate life without the usual equipment of their kind. They possess unique abilities, including magic

              spells and a silent language, and they prefer to operate in darkness or gloom.

              Highlights -🖤

              1. Appearance: Dark skin and white/silver hair. 🌑
              2. Classes: Options include cleric, fighter, and thief. ⚔️
              3. Outcasts: Drow player characters are exiled from their homeland. 🚪
              4. Magic Resistance: Player characters lack the 50% magic resistance of NPCs. 🔮
              5. Combat Style: Can dual-wield weapons but cannot use shields. ⚔️
              6. Unique Language: Speak common, undercommon, elvish, and a silent language. 🤐
              7. Abilities: Infravision and innate magic spells like darkness. 🌌

              8. 14 min
              9. AD&D - Elfin Chain Mail

                Elfin Chain Mail (yes this is how its spelled in the book) is a rare, magical armor crafted by elves, known for its lightweight and flexibility, allowing it to be worn discreetly under clothing. Despite its suitability for thieves, it can slightly hinder their movements. The armor is typically fit for elves or half-elves, with various sizing possibilities for other races. Its creation secrets are closely guarded by elves, and it may be awarded to heroes who serve them well.

                Highlights -🛡️

                1. Magical Armor: Elfin Chain Mail is a unique type of magical armor.

                2. Lightweight: Its fine and light design allows for discreet wear.

                3. Thief Compatibility: Thieves can use it, but it may hinder their agility.

                4. Rarity: This armor is extremely rare, made only by elven craftsmen.

                5. Specific Fit: Typically sized for elves and half-elves, with limited options for others.

                6. Guarded Secrets: The manufacturing secrets are closely kept by the elven people.

                7. Heroic Rewards: Non-magical versions are given as rewards for great service to elves.


                8. 10 min
                9. AD&D Let's Discuss Vision and Movement for a moment..

                  Infravision allows creatures to see in the infrared spectrum, useful for nocturnal and underground beings. Different light sources, such as torches and magic weapons, provide illumination necessary for activities in low-light environments. Infravision can be hindered by light sources

                  and extreme temperatures. Ultravision enables sight in the ultraviolet spectrum, while silent and invisible movement techniques enhance stealth in various situations.

                  Highlights -🔦

                  1. Infravision: Enables seeing heat radiation; warm objects appear bright.
                  2. Light Sources: Various devices like torches and magic weapons illuminate areas differently.
                  3. Ultravision: Allows sight in ultraviolet spectrum, aiding visibility in darkness.
                  4. Silent Movement: Thieves can move quietly, improving chances of surprise.
                  5. Invisible Movement: Magic can render characters invisible, but light sources expose them.
                  6. Temperature Effects: Light can spoil infravision; great heat affects visibility.
                  7. Stealth Mechanics: Characters must manage light and sound to remain unseen

                  8. 13 min
                  9. AD&D - Holy Water Creation Process

                    Today's podcast is talking about the holy water creation rules found in the DMG on page 115!

                    Only clerics, except druids, can create holy or unholy water using a special basin and font made of precious metals. The process requires casting specific spells and can only be done once a week. The amount of water produced depends on the metal used. If defiled, the font must be remade at a significant cost. Consuming holy water can delay lycanthropy or becoming undead.

                    Highlights -💧

                    1. Cleric Exclusivity: Only clerics (not druids) can create holy/unholy water.
                    2. Special Basin Required: A blessed/cursed basin made of precious metal is essential.
                    3. Spell Sequence: Specific spells must be cast in order for creation.
                    4. Weekly Limit: Creation can only happen once per week.
                    5. Defilement Consequences: Fonts can be desecrated, requiring costly remaking.
                    6. Consumption Benefits: Drinking holy water can slow lycanthropy or undeath.
                    7. Metal Capacity: The capacity of the basin varies by metal type.
                    8. 13 min
                    9. AD&D - Reviving Life and Levels, The Restoration Spell!

                      Listen into today's podcast as I go over the spell ‘Restoration’ in the player's handbook. Discover how it can revive lost levels and restore vitality while unraveling its unique mechanics and strategic uses in gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the realm, this episode will equip you with valuable insights for your next adventure!

                      Highlights

                      • 📖 Restoration is a 7th-level cleric spell for 16th-level clerics.
                      • ✋ It has a range of touch and a permanent effect.
                      • ⏳ Casting time is three rounds with no saving throw.
                      • ⚔️ It restores lost life energy levels and can cure various forms of insanity.
                      • 💰 The cost is 10,000 gold plus 10,000 per level restored.
                      • ⚡ Restoration can also restore intelligence lost from a feeble mind spell.
                      • 🧙‍♂️ Essential for recovering from energy drain effects from undead with a successful 'To-hit' touch attack.
                      • 10 min

                      About The Black Notebook Podcast

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                      Welcome to The Black Notebook, where we take a fresh look at Dungeons & Dragons through the pages of the classic D&D books. Every episode explores monsters, rules, adventures, and forgotten…

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