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Tales from the Sanctum

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Welcome

The Sanctum Secorum podcast plumbs the depths of Appendix N as it applies to DCC RPG. Each show reviews one piece of Appendix N media — be it literature or film — and then discusses how to bring aspects of it to the table for your DCC game. We explore how the selected piece might already easily fit into particular modules and DCC settings, and we highlight one specific DCC module that really ties into the Appendix N material.

Enter the Sanctum Secorum… and be inspired.

Episode #12 – Kothar: Barbarian Swordsman

Get the Sanctum Secorum #12 Companion here!

Episode #12 CoversFrom the world beyond–or past–time Kothar comes. From out of the deepest, most violent recesses of mankind’s collective memory, Kothar the gigantic barbarian strides, the enchanted sword Frostfire glittering in his mighty hand. Lusty, hot-blooded, masterful, unafraid of things real or unreal, Kothar dominates the misty, bloody world before recorded time. Yet, though Kothar’s world existed in another age–perhaps another dimension–it springs vividly to life. Mapped, charted, chronicled, Kothar’s fantastic world suddenly becomes real–the sorcerers, dragons, witches, evil potions, unspeakable monsters. And Kothar, an epic hero for any age, overshadows everything.

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. In this episode we look at the world of Gardner F Fox’s Kothar: Barbarian Swordsman.

In addition, we have bonus content to bring to your game: classes, magic items and so much more…after the jump.

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Episode #07 – Who Fears the Devil?

Get the Sanctum Secorum #07 Companion on DrivethruRPG

CoversThere’s a traveling man the Carolina mountain folk call Silver John for the silver strings strung on his guitar. In his wanderings John encounters a parade of benighted forest creatures, mountain spirits, and shapeless horrors from the void of history with only his enduring spirit, playful wit, and the magic of his guitar to preserve him. Manly Wade Wellman’s Silver John is one of the most beloved figures in fantasy, a true American folk hero of the literary age.

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. In this episode, we are joined by author Michael Curtis as we examine the stories that inspired an entire setting and boxed set for DCC RPG, and a legendary piece of Appendix N literature. There is so much to discuss that our format was literally bursting at the seams and so we present the episode with 10 extra minutes of content!

 

In addition, we have bonus content to bring to your game: patrons, classes, and so much more…after the jump.

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A Visit from Patron Nick’claus

T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the manse
Not a treasure unguarded, nor left up to chance
The stockings were hung in the library with care
In hopes that the Dark Lord soon would be there

The Keepers were nestled all snug in their beds
While titles of Appendix N danced in their heads
Brinkmans in their covers, Baity in his cap
Had just settled their brains for a quick ‘tween show nap

When down in the stacks there arose such a clatter
They sprang from their beds to see what was the matter
Grabbing their dice, initiative to roll
Hoping for goblins, but fearing a troll

The moon on the piles of still unread tomes
Gave a ghoulish glamour of still-stacked bones
When what to their wondering eyes did appear
But a giant old man, and eight monstrous paindeer

He whirled and lashed dodging guardian’s paws
They knew in an instant that it must be Nick’claus
The Keepers now knew that they weren’t insane
As Nick’claus called to his paindeer and called them by name

“Now Smasher! Now Thrasher! Now Trancer and Bloodshed!
On Vomit! On Putrid! On Donner and Deathhead!
To the top of the sanctum! To the top of the stacks!
Now mighty deeds, cast your spells, make your attacks!”

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky
So into the melee the coursers then flew,
With a sleigh full of loot, and Nick’claus too!

The Keepers charged downstairs weapons held high,
Fearing to wait would let guardians die.
The hounds were baying and howling in rage
While Nick’claus laid out page after page

Finally cornered with nowhere to flee
He smiled and he chortled, and he cackled with glee
He entered the fray as he blew out the lights
“Deadly melee to all, and to all a good night!”

Download the Christmas 2015 Bonus Companion here or on DrivethruRPG

<Gatekeeper’s note> The three Keepers of Mysteries are currently missing, but we expect that they will return on January 8th with a new episode. Merry Christmas!

 

Episode #06 – Eye of Cat

Get the Sanctum Secorum #06 Companion on DrivethruRPG

#06 CoversWilliam Blackhorse Singer is the Star Tracker — an expert in the pursuit and capture of exotic life forms. The last warrior of the Navajo people, he is a man out of time and place, adrift in an uncertain future. And now he must join forces with an enemy shapeshifter called Cat — the lone surviving member of an extinct alien race — to track down and eliminate a dangerous extraterrestrial assassin. For Singer, it is a costly collaboration. For once the killer is disposed of, the true hunt is to begin: a relentless and deadly chase across worlds and into the heart of ancient mysteries…with the hunter as prey.

 

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. Tonight we look at Eye of Cat by Roger Zelazny and pair that up with the weird West world of Black Powder, Black Magic. In addition, we bring you some of the most dangerous creatures your players may ever face (and more) after the jump…


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Episode #04 – Elric of Melniboné

Get the Sanctum Secorum #04 Companion on DrivethruRPG

Episode #04 CoversThe haunted, treacherous and doomed albino sorcerer-prince is one of the great creations of modern fantasy. An introspective weakling in thrall to his soul-eating sword, Stormbringer, he is yet a hero whose bloody adventures and wanderings lead inexorably to his decisive intervention in the war between the forces of Law and Chaos.

A fantasy classic, Elric of Melniboné is an exceptional fantasy icon of violence, power, politics and war and his tales make up a fantasy masterpiece.

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. In this episode, we examine the first book in a series that is regarded as one of the most influential sword-and-sorcery resources among Appendix N. Many thanks to Kevin Searle for the suggestion!

In addition, we have bonus content to bring to your game: patrons, classes, and so much more…after the jump.

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Episode #03 – The Halloween Special

Get the Sanctum Secorum #03 Companion on DrivethruRPG

Covers 03
A special treat for Halloween: a pair of tales by Poe. Edgar Allan Poe was an America’s first master of the macabre. A poet, editor, and literary critic, he is best known for his tales of dark mystery and sinister goings on. Poe was one of the earliest American practitioners of the short story, and is generally considered the inventor of the detective fiction genre.

Poe’s influence is felt, even today, in literature throughout the world, as well as in specialized fields, such as cosmology and cryptography. He inspired countless authors to follow (perhaps most notably H. P. Lovecraft) and the Mystery Writers of America present an annual award known as the Edgar Award for distinguished work in the mystery genre. Tonight we discuss two of Poe’s best-known thrillers.

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. In this episode (as suggested by Joseph Goodman) we examine two of the works by Proto-Appendix N author Edgar Allen Poe, with The Cask of Amantillado and Masque of the Red Death, with our special guest host, Stephen Newton.

In addition, we have bonus content to bring to your game: creatures, weapons, and so much more…after the jump.

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Episode #01 – The Shadow People

Get the Sanctum Secorum #01 Companion on DrivethruRPG.
Get the
SF/X and Music Tutorial
Get the audio of
Merlin’s Chant

The invasion of the hallucinogenic people from Underearth! They had existed from time immemorial, hidden in a space warp far beneath the surface of the earth. Until now, their only form of nourishment had been a strange hallucinogenic grain. Now, they hungered for human flesh. The earth was to be their stockyards and mankind their meat …

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. In our inaugural episode we dive right into the depths of Appendix N, discussing The Shadow People by Margaret St.Clair.

In addition, we have bonus content to bring to your game: creatures, weapons, audio files and so much more…after the jump

 

 

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