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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 #10 – The Maker of Gargoyles

Get the Sanctum Secorum #10 Companion here!

Episode #10 CoversThe third story in Clark Ashton Smith’s Averoigne cycle, the story takes place in the fictional French town of Averoigne. Much as Lovecraft based Arkham on Boston, Clark Ashton Smith’s Averoigne is based on the very real Auvergne region. Even more closely tying this story to our previous episode, H. P. Lovecraft wrote a story “Out of the Aeons” that also intertwines with this fictional province as have a number of other authors. Certainly this is a region filled with potential. All told Clark Ashton Smith left us with eighteen pieces, some incomplete, others mere outlines, of events transpiring in this area.

The story itself involves a stonecutter, shunned and feared by the people of the area, whose affections towards a local girl are spurned, if she recognizes he exists at all. Hired to create a pair of gargoyles for the new cathedral, he cuts two pieces of true masterwork but, in doing so, pours all of his negativity, hatred and lust into their creation. Infused with these black emotions, the gargoyles come to life and wreak havoc leaving death in their wake.

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. In this episode we examine a work by famed author Clark Ashton Smith and match it Carnival of the Damned by the Sanctum’s own David Baity.

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

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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 #05 – Song of Sorcery

Get the Sanctum Secorum #05 Companion here or on DrivethruRPG
Get the audio of the Gypsy Rover by Marooned

Episode #05 CoversColin Songsmith sings a song to an old witch who takes an unlikely revenge. The witch’s granddaughter rescues him from the dire threat of being eaten alive by the cat. She hears the song, which happens to concern her recently married sister and a gypsy. Convinced that she has to save her sister, she takes the minstrel, the cat, and her magical resources to Rowan Castle. The story is rich with descriptive details of setting and encounters with magical and fantastic creatures such as a talking cat, a lovesick dragon, and a bear prince.

Welcome to the Sanctum Secorum podcast. Tonight we look at a book not from Appendix N, but certainly one of the period and by an author contemporary with a number of others on the list. We then pair the story with our featured adventure, Prince Charming, Reanimator to really bring some flair to the table.

In addition, we have bonus content to bring to your game: classes, monsters, spells 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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