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A jam submission

The hunt for the hermefaunView project page

The hermefaun will cast a message of misery and horrors...
Submitted by Beansguy — 18 days, 29 minutes before the deadline
Rated by 30 people so far
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Comments

Submitted(+1)

Love the goat, the color scheme, and the adventure hooks. Perhaps the type size of the conditions could be bumped up for readability?

Developer(+1)

Thank you for the feedback! I will update this adventure as the expanded edition. Do keep an eye on it though

Submitted(+1)

extra credits for Mausritter! Love the climatic bbeg, love the kicker, mixed feeling on the overall setup of the forestcrawl. It looks very dangerous from a mouse point of vieiw, and this is so refreshing for classical fantasy.

Developer(+1)

thanks! I will be doing this adventure to be expanded. So do keep an eye whenever I updated it. I will let this be a legacy edition for my creative efforts. Untill then BAAAAHH!

Submitted(+1)

I love the creativity on display here. Mice aren't usually this bad ass!

Developer(+1)

Thank you! the prey becomes the hunter. How quickly the tide turns on this dangerous example!

Submitted(+1)

Scaling to page size tells me this is entirely readable when printed. This fact despite the color on color print! Kind of a nice change. You even include a print-friendly option, so no complaints about my printer eating a cartridge of ink. Cover is pretty basic stuff. Vague mouse tells us right away it's Mausritter even if the system note wasn't there too.

The back cover blurb could use a few passes to tighten up the writing a bit. Maybe vary the sentence lengths a bit more and add readability to the prose. I got the point without an issue, but it never hurts to add a bit of punch to the words or tightness to the wording. This persists into the hooks as well. Especially jarring is using mouse for mice in one spot, but then mice for mouse in a different spot. Hook 6 is interesting since it starts you in medias res.

The Tree Stump room was a rough start. The way room 1 reads, the longer I sit around searching, the more treasures just materialize in there. I assume that is just a misunderstanding of the wording choice. What I assume is supposed to be happening here is that they get a 1:3 chance of finding a treasure each turn spent looking, but once they do find something, there is nothing else. Also, I believe my book has treasure on page 38 rather than 36. Treasure is mentioned on page 36, but the table is on 38.

Interesting use of entangled through two very different encounters here. I like that. It's a smart use of limited space to create a unique set of situations. Not sure how I feel about it being the encounter element for both directions I can take from a single path though. At least one is a lot of smaller 'creatures' and the other is a single large threat.

Oof on the 4 inventory slots for the statue, but having it close to the entrance means there's a chance they can get it and go if that's the quest they are on. Fair balance I say. The maze could be a bit rough with a couple bad rolls. Creature list starts on page 22 though. The real issue though is the last sentence.

“If you find...” My initial reaction was to want some mechanic for finding them since it's in the middle of a maze, then I realized you meant 'If you found...”, referencing the hooves in one area and the saliva in another. The word 'find' had me thinking it was something to discover in the maze itself. It needs a counterpoint though. If you didn't find them, do you just wander and come out in some random spot on the map?

Swords area visually had me wonder about scale, but getting to this entry clarifies it. That's good. Random sword, but again the page number doesn't match my book. The sword tables are on page 39 for me. I'm starting to question if these page number issues are a mistake or if I somehow have a different version of the book.

Hermefaun doesn't note warband scale on itself, but kind of implies it. It's something as big as a goat vs a bunch of mice after all. This is reinforced by the fact the spell grants identical statistics and notes warband scale. I'd just make a note on the Faun himself as well since you read that first. Probably more importantly though, the spell is pretty OP. Being able to shift into a warband scale creature and the only recharge needed is to act like a goat for a week and eat grass.. sold. It would become just about anyone's go-to spell over any other option the minute a cat or hawk showed up. I think I would either make the recharge much harder or make the spell into something simpler like giving the user horns they can gain a ram attack with.

Overall, this isn't bad. You're not stuck going a single direction, you have multiple goals you can focus on, and there's a good chance they go in, find the goat, run, then have to come all the way back with a warband. Adds depth. A few spots could use a little more mechanical attention and the writing needs to be cleaned up. Also, double check your page numbers to make sure we don't just have different versions of the book or something. Multiple page references were askew for me. Usually by 2 to 3 pages off. Congratulations on being one of the ones to make it to the finish line and hopefully if you plan to expand on this or update it, you can find some useful things from my review.

Developer

First of all, thank you for reading and enjoying the adventure!

I did play and print test this adventure by myself to make sure there is nothing wrong about it.

Disclaimer:  I’m not much good on some word choosing but I understand what you meant by that.

Secondly, the response on the critiques!

You may have a point on the back cover.  I may go over the background text again, tweak it out, along with easing the words mice and mouse lol.

The tree stump room yeah I think I may change this up… maybe instead of that ill might do something more than treasure appears out of nowhere. I may have using the digital pdf copy of mausritter to look it up quickly that’s on my end so pardon the confusion.

I wanted to include two creatures that in case of the players do understand the difference between a weak creature that they can kill easily or face a strong creature that they may retreat or come up a better way to trick the creature easily.

The labyrinth I may try to add +1 for every failed WIS roll,To speed up the exploration.  Again that’s on my end on the word choosing I didn’t realize that found was the word I should’ve used.

The sword graveyard I’ll double check this again on the pages both on the book and the pdf they are definitely a mistake on my end so again my bad.

For Hermefaun some modules labeled big creatures without warband scale for some reason.. so in the end I’ll label him as warband scale.

I do agree man. I think to myself that this spell is really op. So if we pictured this that the spell can be recharged every week like a full rest which is a week aka a watch that would mean this would render the other spells to be obsolete like yikes! I could do the following if I would  stick to the form spell 1.) it takes about 3-4 months to recharge because this spell is op. 2.) find the tallest point you can find then BAHHH at the sky 3.) find a herd of goats then plant it wait till 3-4 months.

I may do different goat themed spells since you asked about them being simple that would give me an idea.

Thank you for the criticism and feedback on this! I will be updating this adventure first.

I am doing an expansion to this adventure, I’m not leaving it out like this. It’s called Hermwood a hexcrawl setting

Features

Different backgrounds to play as like a fly mouse riding with a bug as your steed

3 factions* so far..(yes the Hermefaun can be your faction leader.) *may add 2 or 1 more….

(I may include other additional adventures but let’s not go too far yet..)

Baaaaaaaahhhhh!

Submitted(+1)

I actually don't hate the spell as it currently is, I just think it would be best to reign it in a bit. Having a spell to bypass the warband situation once in a while isn't bad, just different. I think the key to making it sing though is going to be making it something a player really has to think hard before using. If it's something where they have a difficult or risky recharge, they won't want to use it for every little situation. Instead, they hold on to it and when things look dire, they pull it out and save the day. I like your thought of burying it among goats for a few months. It means a long delay between usages, but also a risk of it getting dug up and stolen! Pretty risky so a player's going to really hesitate to use it up quickly. I might even go so far as to only letting it have a single use between charging. Either way, some things to think about. 

Developer

Thanks for the reply.
Don't worry I'm keeping the spell for what it is but ill change the usage and think twice about the recharge and understand the concept of risking the spell if its dire or not. Because this is like the saving grace spell that happens once in a blue moon.  I will make this work.

Submitted(+1)

Clever adventure. Art is great, the Hermefaun is ominous but I kind of love it. Good work!

Submitted(+1)

Even though it's leaning towards horror, I can't help but adore the Hermefaun. Love the art and particularly the adventure hooks!

Submitted(+1)

So fun! I’m giving my son Mausritter for his birthday and will let you know when we play this how it goes. A perfect adventure heading towards the Fall/Halloween season. I like the goat morph spell. I would have liked a bit more flavor text for each location, maybe an adjective that sets the tone, otherwise I have no feedback.

Developer

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it, let me know how your session goes with your son! this would be the perfect time to celebrate the summerween times and soon Halloween! 

Submitted(+1)

I really like the art in this adventure. The choice of analog tools really gives it a texture and weight. Seems like a fun spooky adventure. 

Developer(+1)

thanks. I find fantasy horror fun and intense. gives me the Erie feeling vibe for the mice to be afraid while preparing for the dangers of what’s to come.

Submitted(+1)

Nice and creepy Mausritter adventure!

Developer

Thanks you I’m glad you liked this one!

Horror and fantasy are my kind of things.

I feel like I may expand this down the line..

Submitted(+1)

As others have said, fantastic map! I've never played Mausritter but this has really sparked my interest! Thanks for this submission, it was a joy to read!

Developer

Thank you, I'm glad you like my adventure module!
This was a fun experience to make this adventure and making stuff from scratch is fun also! The spell system is fun and creative!
If you really want something that gives you a keen interest for mausritters special weapons, Check out Morkalibur! Compatible in 2 thats right 2 ttrpgs that are my favorite: Mork borg and Mausritter I hope you like some sweet tooth! (inspired by jelly belly candies and of course rock candy!)
Morkalibur by Beansguy

Submitted(+2)

ill echo other below, excellent map. Love the design and the hooks at the back, especially the cat and mouse game.  Ive never played mausritter but friends of mine love it.  Gonna pass this little guy on to them.

Developer

I’m glad you liked it! After the jam I’ll be updating this module and may do an expansion to this. 

Submitted(+1)

A great little adventure. I love both the map and the cover and the visuals are as solid as the writing

Developer

Thank you! I'm glad you like the art. I had fun sketching stuff and see if these work out well!

Submitted(+2)

I LOVE the art - it's rad. A really neat adventure - using the blurb on the back to set up the adventure background and provide some hooks is really clever.

Developer

Thank you! I always proofread than think some of the logic behind both the background and any key points that would make sense from the adventure hooks. I'm glad you liked this!

Submitted(+1)

Love Mausritter and love the map!

Developer

Thank you!  I'm glad you love my map!

Submitted(+1)

A fun module. Love the cover and backcover work which turns the whole module into a true booklet. The font use is wild. The writing is solid and the key information come across. 

Developer

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Mausritters modules have that feeling of getting a paperback cover vibe like one of those book series.

Submitted(+2)

A very cool Mausritter adventure! I really like the custom conditions and, of course, the GOATMORPH spell which had make me laugh when reading its description. I also like the creepy vibes and overall weirdness as well as the custom art and overall presentation.

I’ll go into more details as to what I think could be improved since you asked for it on Discord:

  • I find the font work to be a bit busy: there are a lots of fonts used, with varying weights and sizes, and sometimes a different font is used for the same kind of information (conditions VS spell of goatmorph for example). A bit more consistency would make it easier to process.
  • Some paddings and margins are inconsistent (stat blocks have no padding on the left, location 2 title has no top margin). These could use a tad of polish
  • The white-on-yellow used for locations keys on the map is really hard to read for me. I just noticed where the 4 is while writing this 😅
Developer (1 edit) (+1)

I appreciate the feedback.

1.) yeah I’ll have to organize the font based on the paragraph style. Next time.
2.) yeah i tried to match the style of mausritters stat boxes. I still need to learn it more . I may tweak it around and it should be better than this. The text frames are hard to manage and trying not to make it too difficult to read. Should’ve use bounding boxes I’m new to this affinity program still. lol 

3.) yeah I’ll just use plain black. Makes it easier.

I’m glad you like my adventure. 

Submitted(+1)

This is awesome. Great concept and execution.

Developer

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it 

Submitted(+1)

I adore the goatmorph spell! The recharge looks fun to roleplay, and it seems like it would be a blast to go head-to-head (literally) vs the Hermefaun itself.

Developer(+1)

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Baahhh!

Submitted(+2)

I hear him, master! The Hoofed One calls to us from the Forest!

Yes, yes yes! The art and the theme work so well together! I appreciate the status effect handouts, as well as the goat form (the real status effect: goat y/n). Printables and play aids are such a great way to engage with your friends!

The creature statistics could use some bounding boxes to keep them out of the main descriptive text, but I have no notes beyond that. 

I find myself repeating the same sentiment in these reviews: the best entries in this  4 page format always leaves me wanting more - the material could really shine in a 16 or 32 page format.

Developer(+1)

Thank you! I feel the same way, some of these cool looking effective entries as well as mine could expand it further down through 16 pages.

who knows I may come back to this and make it a connection to this adventure.

Submitted(+2)

It's funny you should say that. I'm almost done my expended edition which will be, I think, precisely 32 pages.