Monday, November 2, 2026

Mixing Warriors of the Red Planet (WotRP) with the Domain-level Architecture of ACKS II Rpg - Huge Skyship Illegal Market Table (d100)

Huge Skyship Illegal Market Table (d100)

Welcome to the murky underbelly of aerial commerce! This table provides a set of random items, services, or events you might encounter while exploring or interacting with a massive, illicit marketplace aboard a giant skyship. This list is intended for Game Masters to generate flavor and unexpected elements during encounters in such settings. This blog post 

Mixing Warriors of the Red Planet (WotRP) with the Domain-level Architecture of ACKS II Rpg - illegal depot for a warriors of the red planet & ACKS II combined game campaign





Feel free to customize this table to better suit your world and campaign theme. For example, if your world is more steampunk, you might include steam-powered items; if it's more high-fantasy, you might emphasize rare magical artifacts.



The Illegal Bazaar: A World of Possibilities

The d100 list below details what you might find within the crowded, shadowy halls of a giant skyship market. Some items are truly rare, some are simply stolen goods, and some are dangerous services. Roll to see what catches your eye.

Roll d100 to determine the item, service, or event found in the illegal skyship market:

Roll (d100)Item / Service / EventDescription / Details
01-02Stolen Imperial Signet RingA gold and ruby signet ring bearing the coat of arms of a high-ranking Imperial noble. Highly illegal to possess and could lead to major complications if discovered.
03-04Crate of Untaxed SpicesRare, expensive spices from distant lands. Worth a significant amount on the black market due to high Imperial taxes.
05-06Contraband Magical ComponentsComponents used for highly restricted or outright forbidden magical spells (e.g., necromancy). Extremely difficult to acquire elsewhere.
07-08Stolen Dwarven Mechanical CompassA complex, highly accurate Dwarven clockwork compass with various dials and functions. A valuable navigation tool for any airship.
09-10Map to a Lost Pre-Imperial Sky-CityA worn and tattered map that purports to show the location of a legendary sky-city lost during the Pre-Imperial era. Could be authentic, but high risk of forgery.
11-12Secretive Document for SaleA sealed parchment, claiming to contain highly sensitive political information, architectural plans for a government building, or the secret password to a pirate stronghold. Authentication is difficult.
13-14Vial of Highly Concentrated Dragon’s VenomA potent and deadly poison extracted from a dragon. One dose is enough to kill a large creature instantly. Highly illegal and dangerous to handle.
15-16Stolen Airship Engine BlueprintDetailed blueprints for a new type of highly efficient or powerful airship engine, likely stolen from a major engineering firm or the Imperial Navy.
17-18Box of Restricted Sky-Whale BlubberUsed in the creation of unique oils and perfumes, but harvesting from sky-whales is heavily regulated. Valuable and highly frowned upon.
19-20Slave Auction in ProgressA heartbreaking scene where individuals captured during raids or political purges are being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Highly illegal and morally repugnant.
21-22Contraband Alchemical ElixirsPowerful alchemical mixtures that grant temporary boosts to strength, speed, or other attributes, but often with significant side effects or risks. Restricted by law.
23-24Stolen Religious ArtifactA sacred item stolen from a temple or religious order, such as a holy symbol, an ancient scripture, or a relic with alleged magical properties. Possessing it can lead to divinely-motivated pursuit.
25-26Secretive Information BrokerA gaunt figure offering to sell or trade classified information. They may have knowledge about political scandals, planned raids, or the locations of valuable resources.
27-28Cage of Exotic Sky-CrittersCritters with unique features, such as bioluminescence, venomous quills, or a natural ability to generate small bursts of electric current. Some may be valuable as pets or components.
29-30Smuggled Dwarven Ale CaskA large cask of premium Dwarven ale, brewed using secret recipes and aged to perfection. Illegal to sell outside of Dwarven territories. Very popular on the market.
31-32Illegal Gambling DenA bustling, low-lit area where gamblers bet heavily on dice games, card games, and even combat between small creatures. High stakes, high risk.
33-34Stolen Magic Item: Bag of HoldingA seemingly ordinary cloth sack that can hold far more items than its size would suggest. Very useful and highly illegal to possess without a proper license.
35-36Secretive Assassins’ Guild RecruiterA shadowy figure subtly observing the crowd, looking for potential new members. They may approach skilled individuals with discreet offers.
37-38Box of Untaxed Imperial Gold CoinsA heavy box containing a significant amount of official Imperial currency, but unmarked to avoid taxation and tracking. Very difficult to use legally.
39-40Contraband Teleportation RunesRunes that can be used to activate teleportation magic, but their use is restricted to high-level officials and guild members due to potential misuse.
41-42Crate of Stolen Sky-Sail SilkExtremely durable and lightweight silk, coveted by airship builders. This silk was likely hijacked from an official caravan. Very valuable on the market.
43-44Stolen Nobleman’s Jewelry BoxA richly decorated jewelry box containing various gold and gem-encrusted items, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets. All items are stolen and could be recognized.
45-46Contraband Disease-Causing SporesVials containing spores that, if released, could infect a population with a debilitating or even fatal illness. Highly dangerous and the ultimate forbidden item.
47-48Box of Restricted Gnomish GadgetsInnovative and potentially dangerous Gnomish inventions, such as a clockwork grappling hook, a self-steering navigation buoy, or a mini-explosive device. Illegal to possess without government authorization.
49-50Secretive Smuggler’s MapA detailed map showing safe airship routes that bypass Imperial checkpoints and known pirate territories. Valuable to any crew looking to avoid scrutiny.
51-52Case of Highly-addictive NarcoticsRefined drugs derived from exotic sky-plants or fungi. Use is heavily prohibited due to their destructive nature on the user’s mind and body. Very profitable but dangerous to sell.
53-54Stolen Magic Item: Ring of InvisibilityA powerful magic ring that can turn the wearer invisible. Highly illegal and incredibly useful for thieves, spies, and assassins. Possession carries a heavy penalty.
55-56Hidden Fighting PitA clandestine arena where combatants, sometimes unwilling captives, fight to the death for the entertainment of a bloodthirsty crowd. Bets are placed on the outcome.
57-58Illegal Magical Creature PartsBody parts (scales, feathers, claws, internal organs) from dangerous magical creatures. Used in the creation of powerful weapons, armor, or alchemical concotions. Restricted by law.
59-60Forged Official DocumentA convincing forgery of an Imperial document, such as a trade permit, a letter of safe passage, or a nobleman's title. Useful for deception but carrying a heavy risk if discovered.
61-62Stolen Dwarf-forged BattleaxeA masterful piece of Dwarven craftsmanship, engraved with intricate runes and capable of dealing devastating damage. Illegal to possess without a special permit.
63-64Crate of Untaxed Medicinal HerbsHerbs with powerful healing properties, often collected from dangerous locations in the sky. These herbs have not been subjected to official quality control or taxation.
65-66Contraband Mind-Reading AmuletA magical amulet that allows the wearer to hear the thoughts of those nearby. Its use is heavily restricted due to potential misuse in espionage and blackmail.
67-68Stolen Elven LongbowA highly sought-after Elven longbow, crafted from rare sky-wood and strung with enchanted silken cord. Known for its incredible range and accuracy.
69-70Illegal Golem Control ScepterA powerful magic item that can override the commands of a golem, potentially turning it against its master. Highly dangerous and illegal.
71-72Forged Imperial Navy UniformA very convincing copy of an Imperial Navy uniform, including rank insignia. Useful for infiltration but posing a significant risk if the wearer’s lack of military training is noticed.
73-74Secretive Cult Meeting PlaceBehind a nondescript door, a group of cloaked figures are gathered, performing a ritual or discussing forbidden knowledge. Their intentions are likely sinister.
75-76Crate of Stolen Pirate WeaponryWeapons and armor taken from defeated pirate ships, such as heavy-duty pistols, sharp cutlasses, and reinforced leather armor. Sold to anyone willing to buy.
77-78Contraband Levitation CrystalsCrystals that can generate a controlled levitation field, useful for moving heavy cargo. Their use is restricted due to potential for abuse in burglary and sabotage.
79-80Box of Restricted Sky-Monster EggsEggs from powerful and dangerous aerial creatures, such as manticore, griffin, or sky-sharks. Very valuable on the black market for collectors or those attempting to tame them.
81-82Stolen Gnomish OrnithopterA complex, clockwork flying machine, capable of intricate aerial maneuvers. This particular machine was likely stolen from a Gnomish inventor. Very valuable.
83-84Forged Imperial Tax Collector’s BadgeA very convincing replica of an official Imperial tax collector's badge. Could be used to extort money from unsuspecting citizens, but extremely risky.
85-86Contraband Time-Manipulation DeviceA powerful and unstable magical device, claiming to allow the user to slightly manipulate flow of time. Use is strictly forbidden due to potential for catastrophic consequences.
87-88Illegal Magical Tattoo ArtistAn artist offering to tattoo powerful magical runes onto the skin, granting various boons to the bearer. This type of magic is restricted due to potential side effects and long-term consequences.
89-90Box of Stolen High-Quality GunpowderHighly refined gunpowder, coveted by any group using firearms. This gunpowder was likely stolen from an Imperial armory. Very valuable.
91-92Forged Captain’s LicenseA very convincing replica of an airship captain’s license, allowing the holder to legally operate an airship. Could be used by pirates to infiltrate legal shipping lanes.
93-94Contraband Summoning ScrollA rare and powerful scroll containing the incantation to summon a high-level elemental, demon, or other dangerous entity. Restricted due to potential danger to the user and their surroundings.
95-96Box of Restricted Ancient RelicsStrange artifacts, pieces of forgotten technology, or relics with unknown magical properties, originating from the Pre-Imperial or even earlier eras. Value is uncertain but potentially immense.
97-98Forged Nobleman’s DeedA convincing forgery of a deed granting ownership of land, a manor, or a portion of a profitable mine. Used by con artists to defraud wealthy individuals.
99Stolen Imperial Flagship ModelA detailed, exquisitely crafted model of the current Imperial Flagship, including all weapon placements and architectural details. Could be used to plot a devastating attack.
100The “Unsellable” ItemAn item so rare, dangerous, or controversial that even the most daring black market dealers hesitate to touch it. It could be a forbidden artifact, a captured celestial being, or a map showing the exact location of the Imperial Treasury. High risk, high potential reward.

Sunday, November 1, 2026

OSR Adventure Commentary - How To integrate Flying Buffalo’s classic generic urban module Citybook I: Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker into David A. Hargrave’s Arduin setting using Adventurer Conqueror King System II (ACK II) mechanics,

 



To integrate Flying Buffalo’s classic generic urban module Citybook I: Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker into David A. Hargrave’s Arduin setting using Adventurer Conqueror King System II (ACK II) mechanics, you leverage the strength of each component:

  • Flying Buffalo (Citybook I): Provides 25 detailed medieval establishments, complete with floor plans, NPCs, and plot hooks.

  • Arduin: Provides the high-gonzo, multi-planar, wild science-fantasy setting (Phantasmagoria, Technos, Mana Storms, and high-lethality flavor).

  • ACK II: Provides the tight domain management, economic modeling, market classes, and campaign structure.



Step 1: Mapping Citybook Establishments to ACK II Market Classes

Citybook I fits seamlessly into ACK II’s urban campaign rules. Classify your Arduin city (e.g., Kha-Rhea or Khyrei) by Market Class to govern availability, revenue, and hireling supply.

  • Class I/II Cities (Metropolis / Major Port): Access to all 25 establishments, including specialized arcanists like The Mystic Eye or high-end exotic shops.

  • Class III/IV Cities (Large Town): Restrict magic shops and high-tier services; replace standard NPCs with regional Arduin equivalents (e.g., a Phraint blacksmith or Deodanth leatherworker).



Step 2: Injecting the Arduin Vibe into Citybook NPCs & Locations

Arduin is defined by multi-racial weirdness, volatile magic, and technological relics. Convert Citybook I locations into Arduin landmarks:

Citybook I LocationStandard Fantasy ConceptArduin Conversion
The Silver TrowelStandard Inn / TavernThe Shattered Crystal: Run by a retired Amazon warrior; serves Techno-Ale and hosts interplanar travelers.
The Shield & SwordLocal Armory / BlacksmithKrag’s Forge: Run by an Orcish master smith using Star Metal and Technos salvage.
The Magic ShopArcana & ComponentsThe Void Emporium: Run by a Rune Weaver specializing in Mana Crystals and volatile Arduin grimoires.
Public BathsSocial Hub / BathhouseThe Steam Sanctuary: Features thermal vents infected by minor Fire Elemental spirits.

Step 3: Mechanics Conversion for ACK II

1. System Integration

  • NPC Stat Conversions: Convert Citybook NPC levels directly to ACK II Hit Dice and Attack Bonuses.

  • Proficiencies & Skills: Map Citybook personality traits directly to ACK II Proficiencies (e.g., Bargaining, Lair Masonry, Healing, Craft).

  • Economic Conversion: Convert Citybook gold values into ACK II gold piece standards (where 1 gp equals standard silver/gold standards depending on your campaign baseline).

2. Handling Arduin Lethality & Volatility in ACK II

  • Critical Hits & Fumbles: Use ACK II's mortal & injury tables enhanced with Arduin's famous critical damage flavor.

  • Mana & Magic: Integrate ACK II spell slots alongside Arduin’s volatile Mana rules—casting spells near urban magic shops risks triggerable Mana Storms

Urban Market Module: The Bazaar of the Broken Moon

Location: Lower Ward, City of Oakhaven (ACKS II Market Class II City)

Atmosphere: Dense, aromatic, high-variance urban market where Flying Buffalo-style shopkeeper routines meet Dave Hargrave's gonzo magic and ACKS II campaign economics.

Market Mechanics & Economic Framework (ACKS II)

  • City Market Class: Class II (Monthly Mercantile Volume Limit: 250,000 gp; Market Demand Modifier: Standard).

  • Monthly Shop Revenues: Base retail revenue calculated per ACKS II Merchant and Trade tables; shopkeeper profits fluctuate based on urban stability and wild magic disruptions.

  • Wholesale Sourcing: Exotic meats, alchemical starches, and spell-infused tallow are sourced via Level 4+ Adventuring Parties or Level 5 Trade Routes.

Key Shops & Establishments

1. Grendel’s Cleaver & Carcass (The Butcher)

  • NPC Proprietor: Grendel Vane (Level 3 Fighter / Merchant, Neutral). A grizzled veteran who trades exclusively in monster harvest.

  • ACKS II Economic Profile:

    • Monthly Overhead: 120 gp (rent, refrigeration charms, staff).

    • Gross Revenue: 450 gp/month.

    • Inventory Value: 1,200 gp in exotic cuts and preserved monster parts.

  • Arduin Wild Flavor & Hazards:

    • Manticore Tenderloin: 25 gp/lb. Eating a full meal grants +1 to Save vs. Poison for 24 hours. Side Effect: 10% chance of sudden quill-sprouting (cosmetic, 1d6 hours).

    • Displacer Beast Flank: 80 gp/lb. Grants the eater Blur for 1 turn. Requires a Save vs. Poison (ACKS II) upon consumption; failure causes spatial disorientation (-2 to Attack throws for 1 hour).

  • Flying Buffalo Hook: Grendel suspects rival butchers are selling fake hydra meat padded with troll flesh that regenerates inside customers' stomachs. He needs adventurers to covertly inspect the stock.

2. The Star-Yeast Bakery (The Baker)

  • NPC Proprietor: Madame Elspeth (Level 4 Mage / Baker, Chaotic Good). Employs planar-infused yeasts and outer-realm grains.

  • ACKS II Economic Profile:

    • Monthly Overhead: 80 gp.

    • Gross Revenue: 380 gp/month.

    • Inventory Value: 500 gp in mundane baked goods; 800 gp in enchanted rations.

  • Arduin Wild Flavor & Hazards:

    • Phase-Oat Loaf: 5 gp/loaf. Acts as 1 week of iron rations that never spoils.

    • Spell-Resonance Hazard: Casting any spell of 2nd level or higher within 30 feet of the active ovens triggers a Wild Magic Burst: Roll 1d6 on the Bakery Hazard Table.

1d6Bakery Wild Magic Burst Effect
1Dough expands rapidly, filling a 20ft radius sphere (immobilizes targets, Save vs. Blast to avoid).
2Oven heat reverses: 30ft radius chilled to sub-zero temperatures (1d6 cold damage).
3All bread loaves within 60ft gain temporary sapience and shriek loudly for 1 hour.
4Flammable flour dust ignites into a mini Fireball (2d6 damage, 15ft radius).
5Yeast spores float out: creatures in 20ft must Save vs. Petrification or levitate 5ft off the ground for 10 minutes.
6Planar rift opens in the chimney: summons a minor Air Elemental (AC 4, HD 2, hostile).
  • Flying Buffalo Hook: Elspeth’s head apprentice went missing after accidentally stepping into an oven while baking a batch of Starlight Biscuits during a moon alignment.

3. Tallow & Thaumaturgy (The Candlestick Maker)

  • NPC Proprietor: Ignatius Finch (Level 2 Thief / Alchemist, True Neutral). Specialist in spell-bound illumination and occult candles.

  • ACKS II Economic Profile:

    • Monthly Overhead: 150 gp (expensive oils, rare wicks, holy water imports).

    • Gross Revenue: 600 gp/month.

    • Inventory Value: 2,000 gp in standard and specialized tallow products.

  • Arduin Wild Flavor & Hazards:

    • Grave-Wax Pillar: 15 gp. Burns for 6 hours. Undead within a 30ft radius take a -2 penalty to Morale and Attack throws.

    • Phantasmal Tallow: 40 gp. Illumines invisible objects and creatures in a 15ft radius while burning.

    • Extinction Mishap: Extinguishing an enchanted candle improperly (e.g., blowing it out instead of using a snuffer) triggers an Arduin-Style Mishap: Roll 1d8.

1d8Extinction Mishap
1-4Smoke forms a shadow sprite that steals 1d50 gp from the nearest pouch.
5-6Flash-blindness: All within 10ft are blinded for 2d4 rounds (Save vs. Paralysis negates).
7Sudden implosion of light deals 1d8 force damage to the person who extinguished it.
8The candle's stored spell backfires, dealing 2d10 disintegration damage to held items.
  • Flying Buffalo Hook: Ignatius bought a shipment of fat harvested from a defeated Gorgon. He needs protection while rendering it, as the fumes might turn the block to stone.