Still here, still essential, so out and about in the big scary world now and then. Picked up a couple of online games with various folks, so that's been a fun distraction, as well...
Hope all of you are staying healthy and relatively sane, as well. Good thoughts to all, folks.
And as CoronaCon2020 goes on, I convert another of the darlings of 4e/5e, the Dragonborn, over to The Black Hack...
Here, our Black Hack version's d6 table is, naturally, the scale color and breath weapon of the PC. I bonused their physical attack a bit to reflect their size, but avoided giving them a 'dealer of death' type skill, particularly because of their having the breath weapon. They do get a bit of extra resilience to draw on for valient last stands and the like, which allows for some cinematic play. And Dragonborn PCs can use their appearance and bearing to their advantage in RP or interpersonal situations.
So try one on for size, and have fun. Let me know if a Dragonborn makes their way into your Black Hack game.
A few years back I wrote up a Lizardfolk as PC class for Swords & Wizardry (or similar oldish-style game rules), while playing around with the rules set and some race/class generation templates.
Since I'm currently playing a bit of The Black Hack, I did the scan for the class again, just for fun. Although there are a few supplements with new old races available, I don't find their presentation to be as flavorful or evocative as the format of the original game.
In the original four game book character classes, each is provided with a a d6 'flavor' table, two options for starting kit, and roughly three to four class-specific skill sets/characteristics. So when I made up my "Whack Hack" batch of random character classes, I tried to emulate that original style as closely as possible. Each class should have their "special thing" without making them too out of line with the game style and other classes.
And I happen to have an affinity for B/X-ish race-as-class. So my lizardfolk are fearsome warriors, with an odd spiritual connection to their god, "Old Croc." Old Croc gives you a random spell each day. You don't know what it will be. It may be Speak with Animals or it could be Raise Dead. Who knows? After all, ineffable ancient reptile gods have their own agendas and premonitions. And lizardfolk are good swimmers, of course.
Hi all - just uploaded to DrivethruRPG my take on eight classes for The Black Hack: Alchemist, Bard, Monk, Ninja, Plague Doctor, Ranger, Tiefling, and Warlock.
I tried to emulate David's original tone and style, as well as make each class simple and unique as befitting the game.
Time for another goofy character class, because I've been reading history, and why not?
The Plague Doctor!
Plague doctors 'treated' victims of the bubonic plague in medieval Europe. Well, treat may be a strong word - more like attempt ineffective cures, and mostly keep an accurate account of the dying.... They were hired by the cities and municipal authorities, and were charged to treat everyone, regardless of their station in life.
But there's that whole mask thing... The raven-like close-fitter mask with aromatic herbs filling the "beak." Believed to protect the wearer from bad humours, and airborne "miasma," the iconic mask did little more than subdue the smell of disease and death, and give its wearer their intimidating appearance. Exposed to disease, famine, and other maladies, plague doctors succumbed to the disease at similar rates as their "patients."
So why would you want to play one of these medical quacks? Maybe you need to shill some snake oil, move with impunity through quarantines, or even effect a real cure now and then. Whatever the case, strap on that mask, don your coat and hat, and go cure some plague!
And, because I've been playing The Black Hack with Matt Jackson and few other miscreants - have a custom class for that grotty system (review upcoming!).
And here, have some Mono, Inc. to get you in the mood for rocking your bad Plague Doc self.
Edit: Per a couple of comments, this class could be folded into a low fantasy or 'no cleric' environment. Using the OSR variant, perhaps lend them the healing kit from the BH version. Or even play up the charlatan aspect, and let the player choose one thief skill. Have fun!
Edit 2: Black Hack version re-uploaded with latest version, consistent with thumbnail image.
