The Herculoids & Crew NPC Adapted To Sword of Cepheus 2nd Edition Rpg

 Adapting the classic 1967 Hanna-Barbera series The Herculoids into the Sword of Cepheus (2nd Edition) system requires a blend of high-fantasy tropes and "lost world" science fiction. This blog entry picks right up from Thundarr the Barbarian & Crew NPC Adapted To Sword of Cepheus 2nd Edition Rpg

In this setting, the Herculoids function as powerful, sentient "Monstrous Allies" or NPCs that protect a primitive yet technologically significant world

The Core Team: Stats and Traits

In Sword of Cepheus, most Herculoids would be classified as Large or Huge Creatures. They possess high Stamina and unique Traits to reflect their specialized abilities.

1. Zok (Space Dragon)

Zok is the heavy hitter, capable of both aerial combat and long-range energy attacks.

• Attributes: STR 15 (+2), DEX 9 (+1), END 14 (+2)

• Traits:

  • Flight: Moves at triple speed in the air.

  • Energy Beams: Ranged attack (60m). $3D6$ damage. Ignores 2 points of Armor.

  • Tail Swipe: Melee. $2D6+3$ damage.

2. Igoo (Rock Ape)

Igoo is the ultimate "tank," boasting near-invulnerability and massive physical power.

• Attributes: STR 18 (+3), DEX 6 (+0), END 18 (+3)

• Traits:

  • Stone Skin: Natural Armor 8.

  • Immunity: Immune to fire and standard poison.

  • Mighty Leap: Can jump up to 15 meters to close distance.

3. Tundro (Tremopile)

Tundro acts as the artillery, using a multi-legged chassis for stability.

• Attributes: STR 16 (+2), DEX 7 (+0), END 15 (+2)

• Traits:

  • Energy Rocks: Tundro fires explosive projectiles. Area Effect (3m). $3D6$ damage.

  • Extending Legs: Can increase height to see over obstacles or reach high ledges.

  • Armored Carapace: Natural Armor 6.

4. Gloop & Gleep (Protoplasmic Protectors)

These are versatile shape-shifters used for crowd control or defense.

• Attributes: STR 8 (+0), DEX 14 (+2), END 12 (+1)

• Traits:

  • Amorphous: Can squeeze through any gap and are immune to piercing/slashing damage.

  • Elasticity: Can stretch to form shields or "slingshots" for allies.

  • Adhesion: Can trap enemies. Requires an Average (8+) STR Check to break free.

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Integration into Sword of Cepheus

To use these characters in your campaign, consider these rules adjustments:

The "Herculoid Bond" (New Career/Feat)

In Sword of Cepheus, a character (like Zandor) might possess a unique Social/Animal Handling specialization that allows them to coordinate these creatures.

• Coordinated Attack: If the leader succeeds on a Leadership Check (Difficulty 8+), two Herculoids can combine their actions into a single devastating strike.

Technology Level (TL) Gap

The Herculoids often fight high-tech invaders (TL 12+) using primitive weapons (TL 0–1).

• Zandor’s Slingshot: Treat this as a specialized weapon. It fires "Energy Stones" provided by Tundro.

  • Damage: $2D6$.

  • Special: Counts as a Magic Weapon for the purpose of overcoming resistances.

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Campaign Seed: The Shield of Quasar

A group of Sorcerer-Kings from a neighboring continent has discovered that the Herculoids’ home planet/valley contains Star-Metal. They arrive with skyship armadas and clockwork golems.

The players must choose:

1. Act as Diplomats to bridge the gap between the primitive defenders and the invaders.

2. Act as Guerrilla Fighters alongside Igoo and Zok to repel the mechanical threat.

Note: Because Sword of Cepheus is lethal, Igoo’s Armor 8 makes him almost untouchable by standard swords, requiring players to use environment traps or high-level sorcery to engage him.

 

Using Original Dungeons & Dragons rpg with The Barrows & Borderlands Rpg

 Barrows & Borderlands (B&B) is a "Weird Science Fantasy" tabletop RPG designed specifically to bridge the gap between the Original 1974 Dungeons & Dragons (OD&D) and 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D).

While it is heavily inspired by the "Little Brown Books" of the 70s, it isn't a mere clone; it's a "cracked-reactor" overhaul that blends high fantasy with post-apocalyptic sci-fi

Barrows & Borderlands (B&B) is a "Weird Science Fantasy" tabletop RPG designed specifically to bridge the gap between the Original 1974 Dungeons & Dragons (OD&D) and 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D).

While it is heavily inspired by the "Little Brown Books" of the 70s, it isn't a mere clone; it's a "cracked-reactor" overhaul that blends high fantasy with post-apocalyptic sci-fi.

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How They Connect: The Rules Bridge

Barrows & Borderlands uses the skeleton of original D&D but "bolts on" several mechanics to create a more robust, albeit "gonzo," experience.

Feature	Original D&D (0E) Influence	B&B Integration/Evolution
Core Classes	Fighting-Man, Cleric, Magic-User.	Adds the Thief, Gamma (mutant), and Psychic.
Combat	Based on Chainmail or the "Alternative Combat System."	Uses a hybrid 0E/1E system with added black-powder rules.
Magic	Vancian (memorize and forget).	Roll-to-cast sorcery that can "blow up in your face."
Stats	Minimal impact on rolls (mostly for XP bonuses).	Uses "Roll-Under" ability checks (d20 or 3d6) for tasks.
Psionics	Introduced in Eldritch Wizardry.	A dedicated system for psychic duels and wild powers.

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The Setting: "Solomon Kane vs. Rayguns"

The primary difference is the Atmosphere. While OD&D defaults to a Tolkien-esque or Jack Vance-style medieval world, B&B moves the timeline into a dark, radioactive wasteland.

• The Aesthetic: Medieval keeps and 17th-century pike lines exist alongside rusting star-metal and dead nuclear reactors.

• Radiation & Mutation: Borrowing from Metamorphosis Alpha, B&B introduces radiation sickness and complex mutation tables. You might play a Greenskull (an irradiated skeleton) or a mutant scavenger.

• Compatibility: B&B is intentionally designed to be OSR-compatible. You can take a classic OD&D module like Keep on the Borderlands and run it in B&B by simply swapping out standard goblins for irradiated mutants or "Data-Wraiths."

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Physical Design & Nostalgia

The game pays direct homage to the physical format of the 1974 original:

• The Box Set: It was released in a 4-volume set of light-tan booklets, mimicking the "Little Brown Books" of the 70s.

• The Art: It avoids modern high-gloss aesthetics and AI-generated images, opting for black-and-white pulp-style art that feels like it was drawn in a Midwest basement in 1975.

Note: If you are coming from modern D&D (5E), B&B will feel much more lethal and "swingy." It prioritizes player ingenuity and survival over balanced superhero-style combat.

Adapting Fel As an NPC From Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill For The Primal Order Rpg

 Bringing Fel (Fenrir) from Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill into The Primal Order (TPO) requires translating his overwhelming "cheat-level" power into the language of Primal Base, Divine Rank, and Essence. This entry picks up from OSR Commentary - Can Castles & Crusades rpg be played with The Primal Order Rpg?!

In TPO terms, Fel isn't just a high-level monster; he is a Primal Entity—specifically a Lesser or Intermediate Deity of the Wild and Gluttony (by association).

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Fel: The Legendary Fenrir

Divine Rank: 3 (Lesser Deity)

Primary Sphere: Predation & Wind

Secondary Sphere: Culinary Appreciation (Acquired via Mukohda)

Stat	Value	Notes
Primal Base	450	Reflects his status as a legendary beast.
Essence Pool	12,000	Massively inflated by the "blessings" of Ninrir.
Movement	300' (Ground) / 600' (Air)	Wind-walking allows for extreme mobility.
Armor Class	-12 (Equivalent)	Divine hide + Wind Barrier.

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Primal Skills & Abilities

1. Absolute Wind Mastery (Sphere: Wind)

Fel can manipulate air currents with Primal authority. This functions as a Primal Blast that deals massive physical and cutting damage.

• Cost: 100 Essence per 10d10 damage.

• Effect: Can create localized tornadoes or vacuum blades that bypass non-primal invulnerability.

2. The Blessing of Ninrir (Divine Favor)

Because Fel is the chosen familiar of the Goddess of Wind, he acts as a Proxy.

• Effect: Fel can draw up to 1,000 Essence directly from Ninrir’s pool once per day, provided he has recently "sacrificed" high-quality otherworldly sweets (via Mukohda) to her.

3. Claw of the Fenrir (Primal Strike)

His physical attacks are infused with Primal energy, allowing him to rend the physical form of other deities or planes-walkers.

• Cost: 50 Essence per strike.

• Effect: Ignores the first 50 points of any mundane or magical damage reduction.

4. Divine Gluttony (Unique Ability)

Fel gains temporary Essence boosts by consuming creatures with high mana or Primal signatures.

• Effect: For every 1,000 HP of a "boss-level" creature Fel consumes, he recovers 500 Essence.

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Alignment & Disposition

• Alignment: Neutral (with a heavy lean toward "Hungry").

• Motivation: The pursuit of the ultimate meal and the protection of his "contractor" (the source of said meals).

• Weakness: Mentioning a "bath" or a lack of ginger pork can cause a temporary dip in his Divine Morale.

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Combat Logistics

In The Primal Order system, Fel functions as a Living Artillery Piece. He rarely engages in complex divine politics, preferring to use Primal Flux to simply overwhelm opponents with raw power. If a player character isn't at least Rank 1, Fel’s "Intimidation Aura" acts as a permanent Fear effect with no saving throw.

Note to GMs: Fel should be treated as an unstoppable force of nature. He doesn't want your kingdom; he just wants your krakens—deep-fried.

Thundarr the Barbarian & Crew NPC Adapted To Sword of Cepheus 2nd Edition Rpg

 

Converting the post-apocalyptic, "science-fantasy" vibes of Thundarr the Barbarian into Sword of Cepheus 2nd Edition requires leaning into the Heroic Fantasy rules. These characters are larger than life, surviving a world where "superscience" and sorcery collide.

Here are the character profiles adapted for the Cepheus engine.

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Thundarr the Barbarian

Thundarr is a classic high-Stamina powerhouse. In Sword of Cepheus, his "Sunsword" is best treated as a unique Artifact that ignores most mundane armor.

Attributes

• STR: 12 (+2)

• DEX: 10 (+1)

• END: 13 (+2)

• INT: 07 (+0)

• WIS: 08 (+0)

• CHA: 09 (+0)

Key Skills

• Combat (Blade): 3

• Athletics: 2

• Survival (Wastelands): 2

• Leadership: 1

• Riding: 1

Equipment

• The Sunsword: Damage $4D6$. Ignores $AP$ (Armor Piercing) values of non-magical armor. Can parry energy bolts.

• Leather Vambraces: Armor 1.

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Princess Ariel

Ariel is the intellectual and magical heart of the trio. In Sword of Cepheus, she functions as a high-level Sorcerer, though her magic is often fast-casting "Battle Magic."

Attributes

• STR: 07 (+0)

• DEX: 09 (+0)

• END: 08 (+0)

• INT: 12 (+2)

• WIS: 11 (+1)

• CHA: 10 (+1)

Key Skills

• Sorcery: 3

• Knowledge (Ancient History): 2

• Knowledge (Arcana): 2

• Medicine: 1

• Tactics: 1

Spells (Common Effects)

• Light Bolt: (Combat Sorcery) $3D6$ damage.

• Shield: Increases Armor or Difficulty to be hit by 2.

• Telekinesis: Moving objects with INT checks.

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Ookla the Mok

Ookla is the "Tank." In Sword of Cepheus terms, he utilizes his massive size and specialized weaponry (the Mok longbow).

Attributes

• STR: 15 (+3)

• DEX: 08 (+0)

• END: 14 (+2)

• INT: 05 (-1)

• WIS: 09 (+0)

• CHA: 06 (-1)

Key Skills

• Combat (Unarmed): 3

• Combat (Bow): 2

• Athletics (Feats of Strength): 3

• Survival: 1

• Recon: 1

Special Traits & Equipment

• Mok Strength: Ookla can wield oversized weapons and use wreckage as improvised clubs ($3D6$ damage).

• Mok Longbow: Damage $3D6$. Requires STR 11+ to draw.

• Natural Armor: His thick fur acts as Armor 1.

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Implementation Notes for the Referee

• The World: Treat the "Moon Shattered" Earth as a Latter Earth setting. Use the Sword of Cepheus rules for "Ancient Ruins" to represent the crumbling 20th-century cities.

• Magic vs. Tech: Magic is common among the ruling "Wizards." Treat most "wizard" abilities as a mix of Sorcery and high-TL (Tech Level) artifacts that the barbarians perceive as magic.

• The Sunsword Battery: You may choose to give the Sunsword a "Power" stat. If Thundarr rolls a natural 2 (Snake Eyes) on a parry or attack, the blade loses power and must be recharged by a specific cosmic event or technological source.

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