Neal Litherland
Bio
Neal Litherland is an author, freelance blogger, and RPG designer. A regular on the Chicago convention circuit, he works in a variety of genres.
Blog: Improved Initiative and The Literary Mercenary
Stories (338)
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How to Build Black Widow in 'The Pathfinder RPG'
The Avengers represents a perfectly mixed team. There's ranged combat and brute muscle, super-science and sorcery, all of them working together toward a common end. There's also subtlety, and for those who forgot about her, it's likely the Black Widow is about to stab you in the back. No team should ever go into the field without a stealth and infiltration expert. For those looking to bring Natasha to their tables, this guide should get you started!
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Gamers
The Gardens of Bomarzo
Italy is renowned for its art. It was the home of the Renaissance masters, it's where Dante wrote perhaps the first epic trilogy the world had ever seen, and it's where the Greeks and the Romans created the rules for Western civilization. For tourists with a taste for the bizarre, or who want to see something truly off the beaten path, there's a little spot north of Rome called Bomarzo. An unassuming place, it's also the home of the Monster Park.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Wander
How to Build The Hulk in 'The Pathfinder' RPG
For many comic book fans, the Incredible Hulk represents the slim margin by which the darker forces of human nature are held in check. For others, he represents the power that everyone holds inside of them. No one can deny that the appeal of the Hulk lies in the freedom that comes with letting the monster loose to smash until its heart's content, though. Even if we might regret that decision once our rage is spent, and we realize what we've done.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Gamers
The Chicago Pedway
Chicago is a town with secrets. Beneath the glitz and glimmer of the lake shore, behind the empty facades of knickknack shops and import gurus, and beneath the rumble of trains and the clomp of a thousand feet, stories wait to be discovered. Whispers someone might never find spending an entire life walking these concrete canyons, until they took a wrong turn and let the city swallow them up.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Wander
Why Do Superheroes Wear Their Underwear on The Outside?
Superman. Batman. Captain America. Spider-Man. What comes to mind when you hear those names? Chances are it's their costumes, with all of the accessories and accouterments that come with them. Whether it's Iron Man's red-and-gold Mark III suit, the Punisher's iconic death's head, or even Rorschach's constantly-shifting visage, a superhero's costume is part of what completes the image and makes them stand out to the reader. Without a costume there's something missing. Why is that? Well, the answer might surprise you.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Geeks
Who Was the Real James Bond?. Top Story - July 2019.
James Bond 007 is perhaps the most well-known fictional espionage agent in history. The grand-daddy of Jimmy-come-lately characters like Jason Bourne, it's been estimated that over half of the world's population has seen a film starring the suave super spy. Though not as many people have read the originals penned by creator Ian Fleming (who was sort of an insane badass in his own right), the books have survived, and even thrived for decades now. For all that time there has been one, burning question in the minds of many franchise fans; who is the real James Bond?
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Geeks
How to Build Doc Holliday in The 'Pathfinder RPG'
John Henry "Doc" Holliday is one of the most famous names from the era of the Wild West. A Southern gentleman of means and education, Doc was struck by one tragedy after another. When he could no longer practice his trade due to his tuberculosis, he had to turn to another one to make his way in the world. That's how he became a gambler, using his sharp intellect to come out ahead. Unfortunately, his hot temper often got him into the sort of trouble he had to shoot his way out of. A friend to the famous Earps, Doc was both a great strength, and a great weakness for them.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Gamers
The Supercomplication
When pocket watches were first invented in the 16th century, they were products strictly for the wealthy and privileged. The first truly mobile, mechanical means of telling time, initial watches were worn around the neck, and they could be off by more than an hour due to the inaccuracies of early mechanisms. It wasn't until spiral springs (the height of technology in the year 1675) were invented that accurate pocket watches could even be made.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in 01
5 Barbarian Multiclass Concepts Your Table Won't See Coming
The barbarian hero has been an icon of fantasy ever since Conan first trod the kingdoms of the earth beneath his sandaled feet, and it's been an archetype of roleplaying games ever since the first PC kits were released in Dungeons and Dragons. For those playing Pathfinder, the barbarian base class is always a great option for those who want a martial class with a bit of an edge to it. Especially when you consider all the archetypes the class has available, allowing players to really customize their characters.
By Neal Litherland7 years ago in Gamers
How to Build Harriet Tubman in 'The Pathfinder RPG'
Harriet Tubman is one of those names we hear in our history classes, but we rarely associate her with anything more. She's talked about primarily as an abolitionist, and as someone who fought for women's suffrage at a time where that was less than popular among the power structures of the nation. It's mentioned that she was a former slave who managed to escape the south, but her achievements are significantly downplayed in favor of the drier, political movements she was a part of.
By Neal Litherland7 years ago in Gamers
5 Paladin Multiclass Character Concepts Your Table Won't Expect
The paladin is one of the most iconic heroes of fantasy RPGs. Knights in shining armor, holy warriors, and more, these characters can accomplish truly astonishing feats of heroism through faith, and adherence to a rigorous code of honorable conduct. While there are a dozen different ways to play this class, one of the more interesting twists you can add is to multiclass your character. Because, as long as you maintain your lawful good alignment, you will also maintain all your class abilities.
By Neal Litherland7 years ago in Gamers
How to Build Captain America in 'The Pathfinder RPG'
Behind the closed doors of a secret lab during World War II, American scientists in the Marvel Universe created the world's first super soldier. The formula's creator was assassinated by a Nazi spy moments after the experiment's success, but Steve Rogers was not willing to let the fact that he was one man stop him from changing the course of the war. With his signature shield, and a costume that boldly displayed the colors of his country, Captain America was born. The rest, as they say, is history.
By Neal Litherland7 years ago in Gamers
