Alternate Magicks provides 24 new cleric and druid spells of 6th to 7th level, and 60 new magic-user and illusionist spells of 7th, 8th, and 9th level, all written for compatibility with the B/X/OSE ruleset. 

In addition, Alternate Magicks offers 8 new spell casting classes, 4 customisable casting frameworks to change how casters learn and wield spells, and a comprehensive magical research system for any item or effect, including research time and cost for every item in the Classic rules. 

There's a host of other fiddly bits you can mix and match for your setting: Cantrips, divine rites, faith magic, magical side-effects, spell components, anti-magic, and an extensive roster of modular casting rules to customise both your setting and its casters. 

BX Options: Alternate Magicks is now available in PDF as well as hard- and softcover POD options in DriveThruRPG.

Thanks for your support!

Is that assessment accurate? Are there any updates or abandoned draft documents available? I'm getting ready to nail down a few campaign details in preparation for a game next week and would love to access the options described as part of the Expansion Rules

The Class Builder takes the guesswork out of creating (and tweaking) classes for B/X-style RPGs by assigning XP costs to every aspect of the 7 classic fantasy classes. The result is a modular system that lets you create whatever combinations you need for your setting, with full confidence that the resulting classes are 100% compatible with the canon.

In addition, the Class Builder contains 30 variants of the existing classes, 13 new sub-classes, an optional d6 skill system, new equipment, and high-level options for advancing characters beyond 14th level.

To introduce the BX Options line, we're offering the Class Builder Collectors' Edition, a limited print run that includes a numbered hardcover signed by yours truly, a PDF download, an official Welsh Piper cloth dice bag (4" x 6") with a full set of polyhedral dice, and a printable class builder worksheet for your own classes.

Orders are accepted through July 24th 2020. Hardcovers will be available 4-5 weeks later, after which I'll sign and number the books, pack up the swag, and ship it all to you. However, for your immediate gratification, you'll receive a link to download the PDF as soon as you submit your order.

Get classy here: https://gum.co/MMBnZ

Thanks for your support!

If you're a regular here, you're noticing the site has been updated. If you're new- welcome aboard!. Either way, we've just updated the site, which signifies a rebirth of sorts for The Welsh Piper. Thanks for joining.

The updated site offers the following enhancements:

• Dedicated Downloads link, which consolidates all the rules, tools, templates, geomorphs, random tables, and software config files in one place.
• Articles archive, which organises all the tips, suggestions, and musings we've amassed over the last 10+ years.
• New Forum (where you are now), which contains all the game development notes, updates, and special content for each of our product lines. 

If you're reading this as a guest, I encourage you to create an account with us so you can join the conversation. 

In the meantime, thanks for your interest and for your support!

-Erin 

A friend of mine posted a picture of a Carmagnolle diving suit (c. 1880), and there's no way that it isn't actually a golem. So I created Chimera stats, like one does:

Golem, Diving (construct)
Lvl 3; MR 0" (10" submerged); WL 4 (M); DF 4 (+1); AT 2 claws (1d8), 1 ink cloud (see below); AB Athletics, Engineer (maritime equipment and vessels only), Sense; SP Alert, Fearless, Grip (1d8), Immune (see below), Night Vision, Resistant (edged, piercing), Unstoppable

The diving golem is a construct designed for use on the sea floor, employed to protect divers and aquatic explorers, perform underwater repair work on docked ships, or carry out salvage detail on sunken vessels. Like all constructs, the diving golem is immune to poison, disease, fatigue, called shots, and enchantment powers. Immobile on land, the golem is activated via an intricate mechanism on its back (-1 to reprogramming attempts). Once submerged, the diving golem sinks to the seabed where it may move and act freely, returning only after its task is complete or if someone it's supposed to protect must be returned topside. As the golem moves about underwater, it surrounds itself with a bubble of breathable air (treat as the 3rd-level endure power in a small blast template centred on the golem); there is sufficient air for one person to breathe for one hour (half-hour for two people, 20 minutes for three people, etc.). A pair of articulated, pincer-like claws allows the golem to perform engineering work and to defend itself; on an attack roll of 13+, the golem may grip its foe to cause damage each subsequent turn. Its field of vision is a full 180 degrees, and it cannot be surprised by anything that approaches from the front, either above or below. The golem may also release an ink cloud (treat as the 1st-level obscure power) to confuse foes or mask the presence of itself or those it's protecting.

If you're looking to introduce this into your setting, I'd recommend the diving golem as a tech level 6 automaton, in the steam-punk vein, though anything earlier than that could certainly be the result of magic.

The current playtesting effort for the Chimera RPG® Core Rules is progressing nicely: good feedback, helpful suggestions, and (importantly), I'm keeping current with updates, which means there's no backlog of revisions.

Short Version

1. There's still time to sign up for playtesting
2. I've updated the draft rulebook with all the feedback received
3. Post feedback on the Chimera Development Forum

Chimera Housekeeping

Before getting into the the material details, a couple of housekeeping details. First, there are still slots available if you want to sign up for playtesting. The current playtesting phase is scheduled to run to May 13, 2018, but I'm willing to extend it given the great feedback I've received thus far.

Second is that you can see some (but not all) the playtest feedback on the Chimera Development Forum. I like using that space because it keeps the feedback public and lets people respond to it. Playtesting results are better with healthy debate, multiple points of view, and peer validation. By all means, be honest and don't hold back: If you think something sucks, tell me about it - chances are someone else agrees with you. Let's be open about the fact that some parts of the game are going to be better than others, and the point of playtesting is to expose the warts so I can make improvements. This doesn't mean I'll make every change suggested, but it does mean that I take honest feedback seriously.

Playtesting Revisions

OK - the fun stuff. Here are the revisions playtesting has brought us so far:

• Typos - Not really fun, but definitely important. Gaping errors have been pointed out and fixed. Keep 'em coming.
• Gender Pronouns - Inclusion is important to me, and Esmeralda's post provided good guidance on gender pronouns.
• Physical Burden - True words from Jerry about math; I'm open to suggestions on streamlining how wounds and encumbrance affect performance
• Athletics ability - You can now use Athletics to attack if it's based on some acrobatic move (like slashing a foe as you swing by on a rope)
• Influence ability - Updated to encourage more role playing when used
• Possession power - Rewrote as Custody power (I have something more powerful in mind for possession...)
• Equipment Quality - Fixed the example text
• Indoor / Overland Exploration - Each section now begins with the Turn Sequence steps
• Encounters - Added Encounter Sequence steps for clarity
• Surprise - Now rolled exclusively by antagonists, which makes it easier to run ambushes, but still allows for the PCs to surprise foes
• Reactions - Fleshed out each reaction option
• Encounter Actions - Revised for clarity
• Damage - Revised for clarity
• Combat Example - Updated to reflect revised encounter sequence
• Crafty Adaptation - Revised to conform with updated Surprise rules
• Tweaks to Mana, Guidance Systems, Mounted and Vehicle Combat

Next Steps

I suspect there will be more as playtesters get further into the material. Oh, yeah - before you remind me - the table numbers after 33 are screwed up...I'll fix that in the next update. In the meantime, there's the Adventure Template to finish.

Artwork is also a big deal and I have to (1) determine if the artists I've contacted are interested in the project and (2) understand how much time they'll need. One artist suggested doing work in increments, which sounds workable though that means the initial release will be stock art (of which there is plenty).

Finally, the big question: No, I do not have a final release date planned. But I can say this: With the playtesters' help, I've moved closer to a release date in the last two weeks than in (literally) the last two years. For that, I thank you.

I'll just state this up-front: I suck at "deadlines." Unless they're work-related, in which case, I'm a Viking. Which is precisely what happened in all of 2016, the bulk of 2017, and why the Chimera Core still isn't finished.

But enough excuses, for progress has been made and things are afoot. To whit:

Chimera RPG® Core Rules

I've just finished the editor's revisions to the 2nd draft, and the final rulebook is weighing in at 128 pages--a deliberate figure, to be sure. The next step is playtesting, and you can expect an official announcement as early as next week, along with an application form if you'd like to participate. To keep this phase manageable, there will be only 12-15 playtesting slots, and playtesting will last only a month. After that, I'll collect written feedback, commit any updates, and release the material.

The only caveat is artwork: The playtest version has FPO graphics only, and while I have a short list of artists I'd like to work with, there are no deals yet, and I'm reluctant to delay any further. This means I'll likely use stock art in the final version, and perhaps run a Kickstarter for original artwork later. Suggestions on this tactic are welcome.

Finally, as frequently promised, the final release will be in PDF, RTF, and The Keep formats. Existing customers will receive the upgrade for free.

Chimera RPG® Basic Rules

You may already know that the Core Rules are not compatible with the previous Basic rules. This wasn't my original plan, but it is intentional. Basic had a few bugs, and fixing them was part of why I wrote the Core. But some of the fixes were more drastic than I anticipated (namely switching the primary mechanic from a 20- to a 12-sided die). Two outcomes from this:

1. I'm releasing a revised Basic ruleset to be compatible with the forthcoming Core. These rules will be a lightweight version of the Core and designed to be a low-barrier entry point into the Chimera RPG®. I'm pulling material from the Core now and expect the rulebook to be about 32 pages; it will be available when the Core Rules are released.
2. I'm renaming the current Basic rules to The Chimera RPG®: Beta Rules. This is the original, 2011 version of the Chimera rules, using the d20 Action Roll mechanic. While I do not plan to support it going forward, I have opted to release it under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license, which allows authors to revise and share their updates for personal or commercial purposes, provided they do so under the same Creative Commons license.

Final Words

Chimera Core is finally wrapping up. Look for a playtesting announcement next week. As always, I am vastly appreciative of your patience and support.

In all honesty, my goal is not to mislead people. But it is fair to point out that my last proposed deadline is far blown.

On the plus side, the delay comes with more content. My original plan was to keep the Core Rules to 96 pages. However, it was impossible to do so without creating gaping holes, so I increased the page count to 128. The additional 32 pages allows me to include more material:

• Character generation example, with completed character sheet
• Power permanency guidelines
• Necromancy power school
• Load-bearing equipment
• Henchmen
• Random weather determination for outdoor exploration
• Random antagonist reactions during encounters
• Evasion & pursuit guidelines
• Sneak attacks
• Overbearing
• Monster categories and expanded monster list:
  • Animal (x20)
  • Bug (x20)
  • Construct (x6)
  • Dragon (x3)
  • Elemental (x6)
  • Fantastic (x8)
  • Humanoid (x12)
  • Lowlife (x8)
  • Planar (x8)
  • Plant (x10)
  • Undead (x6)
• Random encounter tables (monster type by indoor/outdoor location)
• Example NPCs (stock characters)
• Loot (horde generation and random valuables)
• Powered items (potions, scrolls, rings, et al.)
• Sandbox construction kit

Most of this stuff had been written already, but set aside for future supplements. Given the Core's expanded page count, it makes sense to include it now.

It's going to be at least March before I have a playtest version ready. The extension sucks, but it's realistic--major projects loom at work, and my Chimera writing time is very limited. In the meantime, I'll post a draft of the intro chapter. As always, I appreciate your patience and support.

Also, I had this idea about posting development updates to the forums, but the discussion there is scant. Would you rather have those discussions here, via the comments?

Another month goes by, another deadline slips, and the Chimera Core update finds itself headed toward a playtest draft in November.

The delays are likely tedious and frustrating, and I understand why--especially for those existing customers who've been promised an update for over a year. Plus there are a few of you actively planning new campaigns using Chimera. Obviously, it's a good time for me to kick this into high gear and churn out the goods.

Yet it's important to me that I get this right. There are a lot of changes between Chimera Basic and Chimera Core, and making them useful to you requires a hard look at both rules organisation and written clarity. While Chimera Core has more material than Chimera Basic, it's important that it plays as easily as its predecessor.

I've posted a development update to the forums, where it'll be easier to keep the discussion going. Thoughts, comments, and questions welcome - hang in, we're almost there!