Neal Litherland
Founding member
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 (309/0)
How to Build Jaquen H'ghar, the Faceless Man, in the Pathfinder RPG
When Arya Stark saved three men from being burned to death in a mobile cage, she didn't know what it was she was letting loose into the world again. Jaqen H'ghar was the name he gave, and the face he wore, but a man is more than just these things. H'ghar was one of the Faceless Men; the visage-shifting servants of the god of death who are some of the most legendary assassins in the whole of the Game of Thrones universe. Their fees have been known to empty treasuries, yet Arya could give this man three names, and the man would do the rest.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Gamers
How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Fly Trap
Nothing makes your house feel more unclean than bugs. Whether it's ants walking across your kitchen floor, or midges holding meetings in your sink, you can't help but feel that every room needs to be scrubbed down until the insectoid interlopers get the hint they aren't wanted. You may even be tempted to go for the nuclear option; fumigating your home with bug bombs or aerosol cans. The thing is, though, you're going to be breathing the same air and absorbing the same chemicals as your enemy in those cases. That's why you need to take a step back to deploy something that will be deadly to them, but which couldn't hurt you even if you drank it.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Lifehack
How to Build Syrio Forel in the Pathfinder RPG
Syrio Forel doesn't look like much, at a glance. A short, slender Braavosi with a beak of a nose and a very high opinion of himself, he is actually one of the most dangerous men in King's Landing, if not in the whole of George Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. Formerly the First Sword of Braavos, his swagger is well earned, though we only see it once when he is buying Arya time to escape from Lannister guardsmen. For those who'd like to bring the skill and philosophy of Syrio Forel to your Pathfinder table, this guide should help you get started.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Gamers
5 Reasons Caffeine is a Miracle Drug
You'd be hard pressed to find something tasty and popular in the drink aisle that isn't stuffed to the gills with caffeine. Sodas like Mountain Dew and Coca Cola (in their near infinite varieties) have their fair share of this stimulant, and it can be found in larger doses in energy drinks like Monster or Red Bull, which have carved out their own share of the drink market. Even tea and coffee, two of the most popular drinks in the world, have caffeine in them. It should be noted that while the world of cubicles and office work would no doubt grind to a halt without caffeine, science has proven that caffeine can be used as a medicine as well as a quick pick me up.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Longevity
How to Build Jon Snow in the Pathfinder RPG
Jon Snow, the bastard of Winterfell, was one of the foremost members of the Night's Watch, eventually rising to become the Lord Commander for a time. A good man among thieves, killers, rapists, and worse, Jon went north as soon as he was old enough for his oath to be accepted. With his dire wolf Ghost, Jon has braved the perils of the untrodden forests, fought both with and against Wildlings, and seen things that would turn an ordinary man's blood to ice. The following guide is for players who want to recreate Jon in the Pathfinder roleplaying game as accurately as possible.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Gamers
9 Superpowers Your Cat Has
When you get right down to brass tacks, it's sort of a miracle that humans made our way to the top of the food chain. Humans are squishy, maladaptive, prone to illogical behavior, and we tend to try and change the rest of the world to fit our beliefs rather than simply accepting what is, and how it works. Between opposable thumbs, fire, and guns, though, we've cemented our place at the head of the natural pecking order. We've even subjugated cats who, if we could simply irradiate one and receive some sort of DNA transfer through a bite, could turn us into predators the like of which hasn't been seen since the latest round of Republican debates.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Petlife
How to Build Melisandre "The Red Woman" in the Pathfinder RPG
Melisandre of Asshai, more commonly referred to as the Red Woman, is one of the most enigmatic characters in Game of Thrones. A devotee of the strange god R'hllor, she is a priestess who seems greatly concerned with the forces of darkness marshaling against the world. Despite her concern, though, she is willing to take ruthless, even brutal, action to make sure those forces don't succeed, making us wonder whether she's simply a different shade of dark than what she claims to fight. For players who want to bring someone like this enigmatic follower of the Lord of Light, here's a guide to help you get started.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Gamers
- Top Story - November 2019
5 True Facts About James Earl JonesTop Story - November 2019
James Earl Jones is perhaps one of America's best-known, and most talented, actors. He's starred in iconic roles, set the bar with his performances, and he is immediately recognizable no matter what he's appearing in. However, while his face and voice are unmistakable to the movie-going public, there are a lot of things that Jones has done which his fans might not know about.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Geeks
How to Build Loras Tyrell in the Pathfinder RPG
Loras Tyrell, the Knight of the Flowers, is one of the most well-known tourney knights in Westeros. Though he fought in the battle for King's Landing, he is best known for his upsets in the joust (well, that, and for being Lord Renly's lover behind closed doors). For players who want to see how well Tyrell's sharpest thorn plays in the field, this character build for the Pathfinder RPG will provide the basic framework to help you recreate Loras in Golarion.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Gamers
Home Remedies for Your Cat's Urinary Tract Infection
If your cat is acting a little unusual regarding their bathroom routine, and they seem particularly uncomfortable and grumpy, then there's a chance they're suffering from a urinary tract infection. If you're not sure whether or not your cat has a UTI, there are a couple of more specific signs you should keep an eye out for. These include:
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Petlife
How to Build Oberyn "The Red Viper" Martell in the Pathfinder RPG
Prince Oberyn Martell is a younger son of the Martell family. While the seat of his family's power is in Sunspear, Oberyn has ranged far and wide in his pursuit of women and battle. When his sister Elia was murdered along with her children during the purge of the Targaryns that followed King Robert's rise to the Iron Throne, Oberyn set his sights on vengeance. A skilled warrior whose name and reputation are both known and feared throughout the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, he has a difficult legacy to live up to for players who want to do him justice. This guide will help you recreate the Red Viper for your Pathfinder campaign, and provide a framework for all the abilities you need.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Gamers
Where Did the Names for the Days of the Week Come From?
Have you ever wondered where the names for our days came from? What meaning the creators of our calendars intended when they created the structure that governed their lives, and those of millions of other people on down the centuries? Maybe not... but if you suddenly find yourself overcome with curiosity, there answer is a fairly simple one.
By Neal Litherland4 years ago in Futurism