Subject: MYSTARA-L Digest - 31 Oct 2001 to 1 Nov 2001 (#2001-301) From: Automatic digest processor Date: 02/11/2001, 19:00 To: Recipients of MYSTARA-L digests Reply-to: Mystara RPG Discussion There are 14 messages totalling 1307 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. Arcana Mystara: Astronomy and Astrology (1/4) 2. Arcana Mystara: Astronomy and Astrology (2/4) 3. Arcana Mystara: Astronomy and Astrology (3/4) 4. Arcana Mystara: Astronomy and Astrology (4/4) 5. Manscorpions, Immortal Intervention 6. Question 7. PS Questions for a Mystaran Project (2) 8. Sentient Races of Mystara - L (5) 9. A question about some of the new ESDs ******************************************************************** The Other Worlds Homepage: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/OtherWorlds.asp The Mystara Homepage: http://www.dnd.starflung.com/ To unsubscribe, send email to LISTSERV@ORACLE.WIZARDS.COM with UNSUB MYSTARA-L in the body of the message. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 17:48:39 +0800 From: "Francisco V. Navarro V" Subject: Arcana Mystara: Astronomy and Astrology (1/4) Hail Mystarans! I proudly present to you the first part of a collection of treatises I call "Arcana Mystara," which explores arcane and occult knowledge as understood by Mystarans. This is not a DM's guide, as it does not tell you everything. In fact, it conveniently leaves out those matters for the DM. Rather it showcases the myths, legends, traditions, speculations, and rumors, to explain how the Mystarans understand the world around them. This first part is about astronomy and astrology. I must credit my sources among us Mystarans, particularly Marco Dalmonte and Giampaolo Agosta, whose earlier writings aided me with mine own. I must mention that I made some changes, particularly renaming M-Mars as Vanya/Rathanos (as befitting the red planet named after a war god) and M-Jupiter as Tarastia (The Roman Jupiter was after all also a god of justice and law). Feeback and suggestions are welcome. Kit Navarro enchanter_from_glantri@yahoo.com Note to Shawn: I'll send you a formatted version (with tables and some graphics) for the site soon. (Perhaps I will make some changes based on comments of other MMLers.) ========== Arcana Mystara: Mystaran Astronomy Part I By Kit Navarro History and Origins Mortals of Mystara have always been gazing at the night skies, pondering about their place in the universe. The earliest of astronomers were the ancient peoples of Milenia and Nithia, historical rivals in intellectual achievements, as well as politics, economics, and warfare. The Nithians believed the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars were physical manifestations of the Immortals, who guided and influenced the lives of the mortals. They speculated on the cosmic significance of the stars and their movements, and-if the legends are to be believed-even learned to harness powerful magical energies from them. The Milenians took a less mystical approach to astronomy. Their philosophers and sages applied logic, reasoning, and mathematics, to study celestial phenomena, catalog thousands of heavenly bodies, calculate their course through the sky, and conjecture on the nature of other worlds. Ultimately, it seemed that Nithian astronomy proved to be the superior of the two, as the Nithians, with their stellar magic, were able to make contact with an ancient race wandering the cosmos, the Alphatians. Alphatian Astronomy and New Traditions Since the Alphatian Landfall, the astronomers of Alphatia began to study the universe of their new world, adapting the traditions of both the Nithians and the Milenians. The city of Starpoint in the Kingdom of Ambur became the center of astronomical studies throughout the Empire. As in all things, the Alphatian wizards used magic extensively in studying astronomy and gazing at the stars, and according to some accounts, even travel to distant stars and planets. The astronomers of Alphatia spoke only of the five planets: Valerias, Rathanos (Vanya in classical tradition), Asterius, Tarastia, and Khoronus. However, in the last century before the Alphatian Millennium (BC 100), the widespread use of stargazing magic by astronomers throughout the Known World, led to the discovery of three more planets: Ordana, Protius, and Thanatos. In the book De Empyrei Caelistibus Luminis ("The Celestial Lights of the Empyreum"), published in AC 2, by the most famous Thyatian astronomer Phoebus Asterius Hecatorus, it was proposed that the ancient Nithians had already known of these planets, and that the Alphatians were involved in a great conspiracy to hide their existence from the rest of Mystara. This revolutionized the study understanding of astronomy throughout the Known World, which lead to fragmentation of beliefs from the ancient Alphatian body of knowledge, and eventually, separate advancements of individual traditions. Different systems of astronomy developed among the Thyatians, the Ylari (itself rooted in the Nithian tradition), the Sindhi, and the cultures of the Orient, over the next millennium. The Destruction of Asterius The Thyatian Millennium brought with it the Great War between Thyatis and Alphatia-called the "Wrath of the Immortals"-and an unforeseen astronomical catastrophe. No one from Mystara witnessed the celestial event. Many of the Known World astronomers, most of whom were adherents to Thyatian tradition, soon discovered the errors and miscalculations of the De Empyrei Caelistibus Luminis. Astronomers surmise that the comet Hel collided with the planet Asterius. Three major fragments of the destroyed planet were soon traced. One, later named Alphatia, found an orbit close to the sun. The second was jettisoned into the orbits of the Outer Planets, and was later named Alphaks. And the third, crashed into Mystara, as the meteor that caused the Great Crater on the border of Glantri and Darokin. The rest of the planet became an asteroid belt along the old orbit of Asterius. The thousands of planetoids were poetically named the Tears of Asterius. Another great disaster hit Mystara: the sinking of the Alphatian continent. The destruction of the entire Empire, including Starpiont, meant the loss of the finest astronomers of the Known World and thousands of years of arcane knowledge about the universe. At present, the Karameikan School of Magecraft, under the leadership of the Alphatian archwizard, Master Terari, maintains leadership in the study of astronomy, with their rivals at the Great School of Magic in the Principalities of Glantri, contesting their claim. ========== ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 17:48:51 +0800 From: "Francisco V. Navarro V" Subject: Arcana Mystara: Astronomy and Astrology (2/4) Arcana Mystara: Mystaran Astronomy Part II By Kit Navarro The Planets of Astronomy Astronomers of the Known World classify the heavenly bodies closest to Mystara into the Sun; the Lesser Planets, Alphatia, Valerias, Mystara, Rathanos or Vanya; the Minor Planets, found in the Tears of Asterius asteroid belt; the Greater Planets, Tarastia and Khoronus; and the Outer Planets: Ordana, Protius, Thanatos. Ixion the Sun The Sun is the center of the Mystaran solar system and its primary source of natural heat and light. For ages, astronomers have speculated how intense the fires of the Sun are (Its surface temperature actually reaches limits of 5,500°C.). According to an ancient legend of the Flaems, a race of fire-loving wanderers from Old Alphatia, the Sun is inhabited by creatures from the Elemental Plane of Fire, governed by a Fire Elemental Ruler (80 HD, 600 hp) whose domain is a large black hollow sphere within the core of the sun. The Lesser Planets The planets closest to the Sun and of relatively small size are considered the Lesser Planets. These include Valerias, Mystara, Vanya (Rathanos in Alphatian tradition), Asterius formerly, and recently, Alphatia. All the lesser Planets are spherical, solid masses, greatly affected by their proximity to the sun. Alphatia This Lesser Planet was born from the destruction of the Planet Asterius sometime around AC 1000. It was originally an irregular chunk of rock, much like its counterpart Alphaks, pulled towards the sun rather than away from it. The extreme heat and tremendous pressure from Ixion purified the imperfect mass of matter, giving birth to a flawless sphere of brilliant crystal, or as some astronomers suggest, pure diamond. This sparkling new heavenly body was named Alphatia, after the Patroness of Arts, and sometimes rivals the beautiful Planet of Valerias in radiance, particularly during the winter nights. However, Alphatia's brilliant surface and the extreme brightness from Ixion make it difficult to view Alphatia directly, and many astronomers have gone blind in attempting to view this beautiful new planet. Valerias The Planet Valerias was named after the Patroness of Beauty and Love, not only because of it luminous beauty in the night sky, but also because it is believed to be closest to the sun, Ixion. According to old romantic myths, the planet was a perfect paradise where its beautiful, loving inhabitants lived in peace and harmony. But astronomers soon discovered that Valerias is actually bathed in swirling multicolored gases, which are as caustic and toxic as they are pretty. It is generally believed the planet cannot even support life, but some stargazers claim to have seen draconic creatures flying through the gaseous clouds. These creatures were surmised be gemstone dragons, their deadly dragon breath contributing to the already poisonous atmosphere. Mystara Once believed to be the center of the universe, astronomers have reasonably come to the conclusion that Mystara is just one of the planets revolving around the sun Ixion. It is home to various forms of life, and many civilizations, and is highly magical in nature. It has two moons, the visible one, Matera, and an invisible one, Patera. There have been recent rumors that Mystara is actually hollow, with entrances into the interior through the polar caps, but idea is disregarded as a hoax by many. Vanya or Rathanos The planet from the sun after Mystara is called Rathanos by the astronomers of Alphatia, and Vanya by the Thyatian tradition, both with good cause. Throughout its two-year cycle around the sun, this planet undergoes severe changes of seasons and environments. When traveling away from Ixion, this planet is covered with snow and ice, giving it a silver-gray sheen, ascribed to the Gray Lady of Thyatian myth. When orbiting closer to the sun, the ice melts, and the barren planet surface bursts into fiery-red flames, hence its association with Rathanos, the Patron of Fire. Astronomers believe that a breed of salamanders, which can shift natures from fire to frost and back again, inhabit this planet of opposite extremes. This planet has two moons, Palson and Donar. The second moon, Donar, is believed to be a gigantic ball of lightning, and occasionally causes violent thunderstorms on the surface of the planet. Asterius Even before its destruction, the planet Asterius had long baffled astronomical scholars throughout the centuries. Asterius was an exception to the rule that all Lesser Planets were spherical, as it was proved flat like a silver coin, occasionally flipping on itself, hence the ancient named it after the Patron of Money. Of all the planets around the sun, Asterius was believed to be the most likely to be inhabited, not just with life, but also with a thriving civilization. But none of these conjectures were ever proven, as some time in AC 1000, the planet was destroyed. The most commonly accepted idea is that the comet Hel collided with the planet. The Minor Planets What astronomers of Mystara consider Minor Planets are the small heavenly bodies that regularly circle the sun. These Minor Planets are usually irregularly-shaped masses, mostly of rock, ice or other solid matter, and are too small to have a skyshield of their own-although this does not mean they are not inhabited. The belt of asteroids created by the destruction of Asterius, now called the Tears of Asterius, hold the most Minor Planets. The largest of these are Razud, Koryis, Tyche, and Turmis, each born from the destruction of Asterius. Some astronomers also consider the planet Alphaks a Minor Planet. The Greater Planets The two Greater Planets, Tarastia and Khoronus, lie just beyond the planet Asterius, and later the asteroids called the Tears of Asterius. These two giants each more than 10 times the size of Mystara, and for centuries, sages claimed that these planets are inhabited by giants, titans, behemoths, and other gargantuan creatures-some of which may have arrived on Mystara-but such terrifying conjectures have never been proven. Tarastia The Great Planet Tarastia is largest of the planets, more than 14 times the size of Mystara. It lies beyond Asterius-and later, the Tears of Asterius-about 5 times further from the sun than Mystara, and its journey around the sun spans about 12 years. Sages believe that the immense size of Tarastia is because it is merely a large ball of air and gas. Some astronomers construe that so much gases and fumes can only come from an inner core of extreme heat-possibly made of elemental fire or from a gate to the Plane of Fire. Doomsayers whisper that Tarastia will one day explode like a great fireball that will rival Ixion, and engulf all the other planets, including Mystara. Tarastia has the most moons among all the planets. The eight largest were identified and named since ancient times: Diulanna, Maat, Viuden, Noumena, the twin moons Fredar and Fredara (identical in size and always close to each other), Tiresias, and Ssu-Ma. The two smallest moons, Madarua and Patura, were discovered only at the turn of the Thyatian Millennium. Astronomers believe there could be more moons to be discovered. Khoronus The second Greater Planet, Khoronus, is almost 13 times as large as Mystara, and lies almost 10 times as far from the sun. It takes 30 years for Khoronus to travel around the sun. The most striking feature of Khoronus is that is has rings circling around it. Sages argue as to the nature of these multicolored bands. Some say they are made of light, much like a rainbow. Some say they are powerful magical energies from the planet. Others say these are the bones and ashes of a great cosmic serpent that tried to swallow Khoronus. Others say they are simply chunks of earth and shards of ice, or debris from an exploded moon. Khoronus is known to have five moons (Verthandi, Djaea, Petra, Taroyas, and Halav), which orbit around the planet just beyond its rings. The largest Verthandi is said to have its own skyshield and is possibly inhabited. The Outer Planets The planets of Ordana, Protius, and Thanatos orbit so far away from the sun that they cannot be seen from Mystara with the aid of magic. Astronomers believe that the Outer Planets are highly charged with magical energies, and thus, despite their apparent distance, hold powerful influence on Mystara-and the Prime Plane itself. Ancient sages believe that each Greater Planet was a project of the Immortals, perhaps as an experimental testing ground for new creatures, new environments or new forms of magic. Others says that the creation of the Greater Planets was part of the tasks of Immortality, while some claim, the Outer Planets reek with the energies of the Old Ones. Ordana Ordana was named after the Forest Mother, because of its green hue, which sages believe is from the lush vegetation that grows on it. Although it lies 19 times further from the sun than Mystara, Ordana has a crystalline skyshield that magnifies the life-giving energy of the sun and contains it like a greenhouse. The planet Ordana is peculiar in that as it rotates, it wobbles-so much so that it sometimes spins on its sides. Astrologers first discovered this unique phenomenon by following the curious paths of its moons, sometimes on a horizontal circle like in most other planets, and sometimes on a vertical ring from what appears to be the northern and southern poles. Because of its shifting axis, astrologers surmise that Ordana has constantly changing seasons, much more so than is expected in its cycle around the sun, which is about 85 years long. Ordana has four moons, named Terra, Ka, Wayland, and Faunus. The largest, Terra, is slightly smaller than Mystara but believed to be home to many earth-based creatures. Protius The second of the Outer Planets is named Protius, after the Old Man of the Sea. It is blue is color and is said to be made most, if not entirely, of water. Sages surmise it is inhabited by water-dwelling creatures similar to those found on Mystara, and that its core has a gate that opens into the Elemental Plane of Water. Protius is about the same size of Ordana and its path travels 30 times farther from the sun than Mystara's, and it takes 165 years to travel around the sun. It has three moons, named Sinbad, Polonius, and Tallivai. Alphaks With the destruction of the planet Asterius in AC 1000, this irregular chunk of rock was jettisoned into space, and became a source of much contention among the astronomers of Mystara. Some consider it an Outer Planet, as it found find an orbit (albeit a highly irregular one) between the planets Protius and Thanatos. Some consider it only a Minor Planet, being only slightly larger than the planetoid Koryis. Some do not even consider it a planet, and classify it as an asteroid or a comet, like Hel. The one thing sages agree upon is its name: Alphaks, after the chaotic Roaring Fiend from the Sphere of Entropy. At certain unpredictable occasions, Alphaks crosses over the path of Thanatos-a phenomenon called "Alphaks crossing"-making it the furthest planet from the sun. Astronomers have yet to fully investigate and understand this mysterious phenomenon. Thanatos The last of the Outer Planets is named after the Grim Reaper, Thanatos. About 40 times further away from the sun than Mystara, Thanatos is a cold, dark and lonely planet. Astronomers uncover very little about this mysterious planet, as it seems to resist most forms of stargazing magic. Some sages account this to its vast distance, but others think most sinister forces are at work on Thanatos. Ancient Alphatian astronomers once believed that Thanatos is teeming with undead who flourish being so far away from the light of the sun. The necromantic magic of these undead creatures, or the negative energies from their very nature, prevents living beings from other planets to learn of their existence. Thanatos has one moon, Marwdyn, which is a little more than a large chunk of ice-or the skull bone of some gargantuan space creature. Thanatos takes 247 years to make a cycle around the sun, and its path is sometimes crossed by the erratic planet Alphaks. Hel The comet Hel has been observed from Mystara for millennia, its earliest recorded sighting before the rise of the Nithian Empire, about the time of the Great Rain of Fire. Astrologers have always interpreted the appearance of Hel's Comet (or simply Hel) as a portent of doom, and have linked it with numerous disasters throughout history, such as the destruction of Nithia, the arrival of the d'Ambrevilles, and recently, the Wrath of the Immortals War. Hel's Comet is a ball of spinning gas and particles, sometimes burning brightly and sometimes burnt out and dark. It takes about 76 years for it to travel around its elliptical orbit around the sun. Its orbit is not on the same plane as the other planets, and thus, its collision with the planet Asterius was a highly improbable, unfortunately tragic, possibility. ========== ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 17:49:01 +0800 From: "Francisco V. Navarro V" Subject: Arcana Mystara: Astronomy and Astrology (3/4) Arcana Mystara: Mystaran Astrology Part I By Kit Navarro Ancient Origins The earliest known astrologers on Mystara were the Nithians. They had observed in the night sky the wanderings of seven great celestial bodies, which they believe were the heavenly cities of the Immortals. These Immortals (Horon, Isiris, Orisis, Ra, Thoth, Maat, and Ptarh) were constantly watching and guiding the lives of the mortals on the Prime. The Milenians, consummate scholars and mathematicians, also studied the movements of the stars and planets, particularly the regular cycle of twelve constellations throughout the year. These became the twelve totems of the zodiac. When the Alphatians came to Mystara, they adopted both the Nithian and Milenian systems of astrology, replacing the names of the seven planets with the names of Immortal from their own pantheon. The Alphatians also explained that each twelve totems and their Houses were influenced by these Patrons, giving them qualities and characteristics of these Immortals. This system of astrology gained much popularity in the Alphatian continent and the eventually the rest of the Known World, because of its elegant simplicity and its applicability to fortune telling, divination, alchemy, mysticism, and other arcane arts. Hecator and the Alphatian Conspiracy In AC 2, Phoebus Asterius Hecatorus, commonly known as "Hecator", a brilliant Kerendan wizard, mathematician, and astronomer, who had studied in Starpoint in the Alphatian nation of Ambur, made some startling pronouncements that shocked astrological circles throughout the Known World. In his book, De Empyrei Caelistibus Luminis ("The Celestial Lights of the Empyreum"), Hecator revealed that the Alphatians had known of the presence of three more planets, discovered since the times of ancient Nithia. These planets, Ordana, Protius, and Thanatos, were collectively called the Outer Planets, for the orbited further than Khoronus and were not visible without magical means. The planets themselves however were believed to be highly magical in nature, so much so that-as Hecator propounded-Alphatian astrologers kept this secret for centuries, so that only they may reap the benefits of planetary magic, while confusing the rest of the Known World populations with astrological fallacies. Hecator proposed a revised astrological system using ten planets, reassigning the totem and their correspondences to the three Outer Planets. He also renamed the planet Rathanos after the Thyatian Immortal Vanya. As much as Hecator corrected many errors and inconsistencies of Alphatian astrology, he was also guilty or promulgating his own fallacies and paradoxes (particularly with his predictions on the orbit of the planet Asterius and the comet Hel). Nevertheless, De Empyrei Caelistibus Luminis is widely used by used by Thyatian astrologers, and became the basis of modern traditions of astrology. The Death of Asterius At the turn of the Thyatian Millennium, a catastrophic astronomical event was to herald a new era in astrological tradition. Astrologers throughout the Known World, many of whom followed the calculations of Hecator in De Empyrei Caelistibus Luminis, were aware that the strange comet Hel would be crossing the path of Asterius. Unfortunately, Asterius and its conjunction with Hel would not visible in the night sky would not be visible at that time of year. No one from Mystara knows what occurred. Months later, when Asterius was to make its appearance upon the horizon, it did not. Instead, the ominous glow of Hel emerged from the skyline. Within the next few weeks, stargazers and astronomers searched for the missing planet. Instead, they found two new smaller planets-one, closer to Ixion than Valerias, they named Alphatia; the other, a jagged chunk of fiery rock jettisoning out into the orbits of Outer Planets, they named Alphaks. They also found, in the path of where Asterius should be, a circle of silvery white specks, which they fittingly named the Tears of Asterius. Astrologers throughout the Known World saw the death of Asterius as the gravest portents of the grave adversity and catastrophes to come. The Alphatian continent would sink. The Great Meteor (believed to be another fragment of Asterius) would crash into Mystara. Plague, famine, and war would ravage the land. History would come to know this as the Wrath of the Immortals. The Birth of a New Tradition In the aftermath the world-changing events of the Wrath of the Immortals, adherents of astrology desperately sought a new method of making sense of the planets and the stars, hoping to gain some guidance and enlightenment from the Immortals. In the Karameikan School of Magecraft, under the tutelage of the Alphatian archwizard, Headmaster Terari, astrologers and scholars sought to update existing traditions of astrology, taking into account new astronomical phenomena, integrating many of the lost Alphatian ideas, even introducing the heretofore unexplored astrological traditions of the Ylari and the elves. Perhaps most remarkable of the new astrology is the introduction of the Dark Moon, Patera. This second moon is invisible, and it would only evidence itself over the skies of Glantri on the full moon in Klarmont every year, transforming the moon Matera into an eerie red color. The addition of Patera into the new system makes the number of the planets twelve in all, even with the twelve houses and signs. Astrological Cabals and Astromancy Though practice of astrology is prevalent throughout the Known World, it has not always been viewed favorably at all times. Throughout history, there had been instances of occult cabals of astrologers, doomsayers predicting-or even attempting to bring about-disaster, death, and the end of the world. Perhaps most mysterious of all are the tales of wizards who claim their magic is derived from the planets and the stars. Not unlike a cleric invoking his Patron, these astromancers invoke the powers and the aspects of the Immortals to use at their fancy. Many religions however disapprove of astrology, claiming that the will of the Immortals cannot be discerned from the motion of the planets, and that the destiny of mortals is not determined by the movement of the stars. Even in the godless Principalities of Glantri, where the astrological tradition focuses on the stars and constellations rather than the planets, astrology is highly secular and free from innuendos of divine powers. Not a few astrologers throughout history have accused and executed for heresy. ========== ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 17:49:07 +0800 From: "Francisco V. Navarro V" Subject: Arcana Mystara: Astronomy and Astrology (4/4) Arcana Mystara: Mystaran Astrology Part II By Kit Navarro The Planets of Astrology The ancient systems of astrology, practiced by the Nithians and the Milenians, and later adopted by the Alphatians, use only the seven planets of Ixion, Matera, Valerias, Rathanos (Vanya), Asterius, Tarastia and Khoronus. Classical astrology, popularized by the Thyatian astrologer Hecator, included the three Outer Planets of Ordana, Protius, and Thanatos, planets beyond Khoronus that cannot be seen without the aid of magic. In Hecator's astrological opus, De Empyrei Caelistibus Luminis, he proposed that the ancient wizards and astrologers believed that the Outer Planets were charged with strange and powerful magic of the Immortals themselves. Ordana has been observed by the elves since ancient times, and they warn that the planet is suffused with wild magic. By Alphatian tradition, the planet Protius holds the secrets of the magic of chronomancy, and legends speak of the necromancers of Blackheart discovering unspeakable and terrible death magic on a stellar journey to Thanatos. As such, Alphatian tradition holds that the true meanings and cosmic forces of the Outer Planets were not meant to known to or trifled with by the mortals on the Prime Plane. The destruction of the planet Asterius around AC 1000, added the new planets of Alphatia, Alphaks and the belt of Minor Planets (collectively called the "Tears of Asterius") to the Mystaran skyscape, and astrologers were greatly challenged to make sense of such celestial phenomena.Only after the Wrath of the Immortals War were astrologers, mostly from the Karameikan School of Magecraft, able to integrate these events and their cosmic significance into existing traditions. The invisible moon of Patera was the last planet to be added in modern astrology, since almost no past traditions make any reference of its existence. Ixion The first and most important planet in astrology is the Sun, named after the Immortal Ixion. Just as Ixion the Sun-Prince, brings light and life to this world, the Planet Ixion represents creation, birth, and new beginnings. As the Planet of Life, it represents a person's health and vitality, as well as expression of self and identity. It rules over the vigorous sign of Centaur, whose House is on Alphamir, the start of spring and the start of the Alphatian calendar. Ixion is symbolized by the fiery eight-spoke wheel of the sun, and rules over the magic of elemental fire. Matera In astrology, the moon is also considered a planet, and it is only second in importance after Ixion. Matera is the Planet of Self, and represents an individual's mind, consciousness and spirit. Matera grants intellect, the awareness of our surroundings, as well as the ever-changing moods and emotions-much like the phases of the moon itself. Matera is said to be related to the magical school of divination, and Alphatian astrologers say that the placement of Matera at birth determines a person's spellcasting ability. Matera rules over the reserved and studious sign of the Gorgon. The glyph is a representation of both the full moon and a crescent moon. Patera Although never seen clearly in the night sky, legends speak of a second moon orbiting around Mystara, identified only as Patera. Modern astrologers have dubbed it the Planet of Secrets. Its glyph is a moon with a vertical bar, indicating the hidden, the occult, and the forbidden. Patera is said to represent the innermost dreams, the subconscious or the unconscious. It is also said to represent the darker side of the self and of nature. This enigmatic and secretive planet adds a mystique the Chimera sign, as well as the need for boundaries and self-possession. Patera is associated with illusions and phantasms. Alphatia The Planet of Ideas, Alphatia, was born from the destruction of the planet Asterius, the (unlucky) Planet of Luck. It was named after the Immortal Patroness of the Arts, who promotes beauty and inspires musicians, performers, and artists of all kinds. Alphatia circles closest to Ixion, the Planet of Life and Creation, and as such, awakens creativity, stirs the imagination, and births new ideas and inventions. Alphatia rules over thoughts and communication (once the province of Asterius) and has also taken over the flighty Pegasus sign and air elementalism. The symbol of Alphatia is derived from that of Asterius, save that the crooked crisscross is now directed upright and orderly. Valerias The planet Valerias was named after the lovely Immortal of romance and passion and the generous benefactress of beauty, talents, and material pleasures. It is sometimes called the Golden Planet for it shines with a sparkling yellow-gold light, a gift from the Sun Ixion, according to legends. The Planet of Love once ruled over both the passionate Basilisk sign, as well as the indulgent and charismatic Chimera, until the latter was ascribed to Patera. Valerias is said to rule over enchantments and charms. Its glyph symbolizes a fiery rose with thorns. Rathanos and Vanya In ancient astrology, the Red Planet is named after the fiery Immortal Rathanos. The Planet of Ardor epitomizes personal aspirations, physical energies, as well as masculine prowess, but also represents anger, belligerence, and chauvinism. Its symbol is said to depict a tongue of flame rising out of a man's head, although less polite astrologers believe they depict the male genitals. In classical astrology, the same planet is known as Vanya, the Planet of Ventures, after the Immortal Thyatian warrior-woman. Vanya grants drive and the determination to face life and its challenges, but it may also lead us to foolhardiness, aggression, and violence. Its glyph is a double-edged sword that warns of the benefits and the dangers of such ardor and willpower. This planet rules over the daring Manticore sign, which boldly starts the Thyatian year in Nuwmont, and it once ruled over the efficient and courageous Warrior sign, but has since passed its dominion on to Protius. This planet is believed to influence the magic of invocation and evocation. Asterius The tricky Immortal of messengers, merchants, and thieves lends his name to the silver Planet of Luck, Asterius. The planet itself appears as a tiny silver coin in the sky, running an erratic path, sometimes even moving backwards, reflecting the capricious nature of luck, trade, money, and gambling, over which this planet holds sway. It also rules over travel, communication, and weather, and it is said, when Asterius goes retrograde on its course, all these go haywire. Before its destruction, Asterius was said to grant resourcefulness and fickleness of mind to the Hydra, as well the enterprising and flighty spirit of the Pegasus. Its symbol is said to be a representation of a man with a whimsical face. The schools of air elementalism, illusions and phantasms were once associated with Asterius, but have since been passed on to other planets. Tarastia The Planet of Law is aptly named after the Immortal Patroness of Justice and Revenge. Tarastia brings structure and order into the lives of men, and impartially metes out what one deserves. Tarastia is not a jovial or forgiving judge, but neither is it maleficent or unfair. Tarastia influences the Salamander sign, known for its impersonal manners and discerning judgment. The House of the Salamander falls on Ambyrmont, the start of autumn and the harvest season, where we reap the benefits our efforts for the year. (The Giant sign, with its cold, impassive, unmoving stubbornness was also ascribed to this planet in ancient astrology.) Scholars disagree as to the origins of its glyph. Some say it is the double image of the Feather of Maat, an ancient Nithian Immortal who dispensed justice even into the afterlife. Others say it is a dragon or a salamander with two heads, who see both sides of right and wrong or who dispense both punishment and reward. Still others see a pair of balanced scales, a traditional symbol of impartial justice. Rightfully, the planet Tarastia rules over earth elementalism. Khoronus Khoronus is the name of the Planet of Fate. Like the ancient Immortal Patron of Time and History, Khoronus teaches us about time, destiny, and our place in this cosmos. Khoronus resists change and protects from the ravages of time, but it also allows slow and subtle transformation that can only be done through diligence and perseverance over long periods of time. The symbol of Khoronus is an hourglass. It rules over abjuration magic, as well as the steadfast sign of the Griffon. The sign of the Dragon, known for its long life and long-term perspective on matters, was once ruled by Khoronus, but has been passed on to Ordana. Ordana The first of the Greater Planters, Ordana is called the Planet of Ambition. It is named after the Forest Mother, an ancient Immortal as old as time itself, whose far-reaching dreams began with the creation of the earliest of races on Mystara. Ordana is the planet of inventors and visionaries who aspire for a different future or alternative path in life. She represents a change of status quo, especially of a stubborn, long-established one, or a gradual but eventual transformation that takes place over a long time. Astrologers contrast the ambitious and transformative aspects of Ordana to the conservative and preserving nature of Khoronus, and indeed the two planets are very much related. >> From Khoronus, Ordana has taken over rulership of the Dragon sign, known for its cold and enduring ambitions, and has influence over the magic school of alteration. The glyph represents an oak leaf or a tree branching out in new directions. Protius The second Outer Planet is Protius, the Planet of Soul. Just as the Old Man of the Sea guides mariners across the oceans, the planet Protius guides the mortal soul through the vastness and depths of cosmic experience. Protius grants wisdom, insight, and profound courage, and is the planet of clerics, mystics, holy warriors, and seekers of enlightenment. Protius also grants memory and foresight, which transcends boundaries of time and space. And lastly, Protius can stir the soul to churn out its innermost dreams, unfathomable emotions and the most intense passions, much like the tempestuous seas in a violent thunderstorm. Symbolized by the trident, Protius holds influence over water elementalism. It has been given dominion over the Warrior sign from the Planet Vanya, giving the Warrior a profound sense of wisdom and sacred purpose. Alphaks This planet was created from the destruction of the planet Asterius after AC 1000. While the larger portion was drawn towards the sun and became the benevolent planet Alphatia, this irregular chunk of rock was jettisoned into space, and has found an orbit amongst the Outer Planets, albeit a very erratic one. (The path is greatly influenced by Thanatos, and sometimes crosses over its course.) This unruly planet has been called Alphaks, after the destructive Roaring Fiend, and dubbed the Planet of Chance. Alphaks represents the chaos and entropy of daily life and teaches us that spontaneity and risk-taking is sometimes called for to succeed in life. But Alphaks also warns that impulsiveness without foresight and haphazardness without wit and wiles can only lead to danger, loss, and ruin. Alphaks holds influence over adventures, gambling, accidents, political upheavals, and natural disasters, all of which have an element of randomness and chance. Astrologers have noted that these events occur more often-and with the most untoward results-during periods of Alphaks "crossing" the orbit of Thanatos. Alphaks rules the shrewd and resourceful Hydra sign and the school of conjuration and summoning. The symbol of Alphaks is taken from the glyph of Asterius, with a sinister pair of horns instead of a comical face. Thanatos The last and most fearsome of the Outer Planets is Thanatos, the Planet of Death. This planet is named after the Grim Reaper and is represented by the inescapable scythe, which annihilates everything in its destructive path-but without which, nothing can be ever ended, finished, or overcome. Although Thanatos is dead serious, more so than its counterpart Tarastia, astrologers and mystics see it as an essential balancing force in the universe. Thanatos is necessary for destruction (especially of unwanted structures and patterns in life), conclusion of projects, and closure in affairs. Conversely, Thanatos also represents ultimate control and preservation, particularly when the time of death and ending is not yet come. The dark power of necromancy is ascribed to this planet. Like the tall looming Giant, that it rules, Thanatos teaches the ultimate lesson to live life fully. The Minor Planets Astrologers believe that the comet Hel collided with the doomed planet Asterius, and this catastrophic event gave birth to the cluster of heavenly bodies, known collectively as the Tears of Asterius. Amongst these asteroids, the four largest, Razud, Koryis, Tyche, and Turmis, have been discovered and observed, and modern astrologers have only begun to surmise their cosmic significance. Razud The largest of the Minor Planets was named after the Immortal Razud, Patron of Resourcefulness and Self-Sufficiency. This planet represents a person's talents, natural gifts, and resources, as well as the chances and opportunities he will gain have in his life to better and enrich his life. The glyph of Razud depicts a man of two minds, to weigh what he has and what he could gain, or to recognize opportunities when they arrive, as well as make his own. Koryis The Immortal Koryis, Patron of Prosperity and Peace, lends his name to this Minor Planet. Koryis embodies wealth and possessions, and the security derived from such prosperity. This planet teaches that prosperity is not merely material, and that contentment and peace can be derived even from the humblest lot in life. The symbol of Koryis is a two-sided banner of peace, reminding that it is times of peace when we are most prosperous. Tyche If any of the Minor Planets retained the peculiar to-and-fro path of the planet Asterius, it is Planet of Fortune, Tyche. When favorably aligned, Tyche brings unexpected prospects, lucky breaks, windfalls, and sudden gains, even at the riskiest of ventures. But like the fickle Immortal of Luck herself, Tyche also holds sway over missed opportunities, hidden risks and reversals of fortunes. Similar to the whimsical glyph of Asterius, the glyph of Tyche portrays the capricious wheel of fate. Turmis This Minor Planet has been observed to disappear from its place among the Tears of Asterius, only to unexpectedly appear elsewhere along its path. Astrologers thus named it Turmis, after the Immortal thief and rascal. It is called the Planet of Wealth, but Turmis gives us a warning to take caution with our riches from theft, damage, and sudden losses. Turmis is represented by a diamond-shaped key that can open any lock. Hel Since ancient times, comets were known as portents of calamity and grave misfortune. In no case is it truer than with one comet that regularly orbits around Ixion, known as Hel's Comet, or simply, Hel. The ancient named it so because the comet would spin along its course, alternately displaying its bright luminous half, then its dark invisible face, giving it the appearance of blinking out of and later blinking into existence. The comet Hel heralds death and destruction, but also symbolizes rebirth and reversals of fortune. Like the sinister Immortal Hel, the glyph of this planet has only half a face, with the other half hidden in shadow. ========== ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 12:05:31 +0100 From: Agathokles Subject: Re: Manscorpions, Immortal Intervention Dave Keyser wrote: > > Wait a minute, were the manscorpions followers of Ixion? The Enduks were > and that is why Ixion was angry when the manscorpions betrayed them. But > technically the manscorpions were probably not. They may have faked honoring > him while worshipping their own gods in secret. They were followers of Ixion, but they were swayed by Menlil/Atzanteotl. One could argue that they were then followers of Menlil, but actually the shift happened *after* the curse took place. -- Giampaolo Agosta agathokles@libero.it agosta@elet.polimi.it http://digilander.iol.it/agathokles ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 03:32:04 -0800 From: larry lamb Subject: Re: Question That sounds cool to me. ===== The "Fighting Bunnys" main site: http://www.angelfire.com/me4/jedthocen/robotech_game.html "Happy Hunting!" __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals. http://personals.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 09:02:42 EST From: Alex Benson Subject: Re: PS Questions for a Mystaran Project Do any of my fellow Mystarans have any information on the Planescape setting? In particular the fiends and Blood War. I am interested in the politics and combatants of the Blood War. I have the ADnD Monstrous Manual, but that tome only details the big guns, like the Balors and Pit Fiends. I want to know about the lesser fiends. Does anyone have a good web site that they can recommend for this information? I really don't want to aire alot of PS material on the MML and would prefer to view web sites or get the info through private email. The reason for the interest in PS, comes from two Mystaran projects that I am working on. Do not fear, neither are Blood War based invasions of Mystara or anything like that. They just add detail and motivation for certains aspects of both projects. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 17:33:37 +0100 From: Agathokles Subject: Re: PS Questions for a Mystaran Project Alex Benson wrote: > > Does anyone have a good web site that they can > recommend for this information? I really don't want to aire alot of PS > material on the MML and would prefer to view web sites or get the info > through private email. Ok, the best sites for Planescape are www.mimir.net (former official fan site), www.planewalker.com (current official fan site), and www.bariaur.com. Should you need more info, feel free to ask me in private mail. -- Giampaolo Agosta agathokles@libero.it agosta@elet.polimi.it http://digilander.iol.it/agathokles ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 22:08:55 +0100 From: Agathokles Subject: Sentient Races of Mystara - L Here is letter 'L' of the Sentient Races list, with a repost of letters 'J'-'K', which have been corrected with the observations gathered from the MML people. I'd like to send my thanks to all the MMLers who have commented my previous posts on the subject, and ask for more comments for the current part. Enjoy! Agathokles ========= Jermlaine This is not a canon Mystaran monster. It is a kind of evil Gremlin, which lives in underground settings. Ki-rin This is an Oriental unicorn. It is of Outer Planar origin, and could be found in Oriental lands like Ochalea and Myoshima. I would not consider it common enough to have an organized society of its own. Kna One of the sea people, the Kna look like giant, more-or-less-humanoid goldfish. They are nomadic traders, and their society seems to be based on family groups, which can be as small as a single couple, and as large as a four-generations clan. References: PC3 The Sea People Koalinth The Koalinth is a marine form of Hobgoblin. I don't know of any Koalinth community on Mystara, though they may live in far-off seas--those near the Known World are too closely monitored by land-dwellers navies and Sea People armies. Kobold A minor goblinoid race, Kobolds are common in the Known World, from the Kol in the Broken Lands to the Kobold tribes in the Darokinian mountains south of Alfheim, to the larger tribes in Soderfjord. There are no Kobolds west of the Black Mountains, and they don't seem to be common anywhere outside the Known World and some neighbouring regions, as the northern Isle of Dawn. Kobold society is less likely to be based on physical power then any other goblinoid society: Kobold rulers are more often tricksters, charismatic, or magically strong individuals. Their society varies from chaotic clanic tribes to lawful near-democracies. References: Gaz10, Orcs of Thar, D&D Expert Set (Blue Box) Kopoacinth An aquatic form of gargoyle, the Kopoacinth is not a canon Mystaran monster, nor it is known to have been used in unofficial Mystaran material. However, being a construct it poses little problems, as there are several Sea People spellcasters who could create constructs of this kind. Kopru These intelligent but quite evil creatures once ruled much of the Sea of Dread from their home volcanoes. Their society was one based on slavery, which the Kopru enforced through their powerful mind control powers. Nowadays, there are few Kopru, and they tend to be loners. A few of them have moved to the Triton kingdom, where they act as independent entrepreneurs. References: PC3 The Sea People, X1 Isle of Dread Kraken A giant intelligent squid, most likely to be found in the northern waters, off the coast of Norwold. I think these are solitary creature, with no society to speak of. A (probably non-intelligent) tropical variety lives in the Sea of Dread. References: PC3 The Sea People Kubbitt These diminutive, human-like beings exist only in the Hollow World. They seem to have a militaristic, matriarchal society, with Alphatian and Milenian influences. References: Hollow World Boxed Set Kuo-Toa An evil marine humanoid. They do not appear in any canon source for Mystara, but since their habitat are underground seas and lakes, it is possible that some communities live in the caverns that dot the crust of the planet. The Kuo-Toan society is usually theocratic, devoted to non-good Immortals of the Sea and Elemental Water. A somewhat comparable fan-created Mystaran monster which could fill the niche of the Kuo-Toa is the Hresha-rhak, by Geoff Gander. Lamara (Lamia Noble) I don't think this is a canon Monster, and I can't think of any appropriate setting for Lamia in general. Perhaps the Milenian lands could go (the Lamia is a monster of Greek folklore, IIRC) Leprechaun This Wee Folk race dwell in the Fairy Court, an extradimensional space with strong links to certain areas of Mystara. Therefore, they are likely to appear in small numbers in those areas accessible through the Court. They don't have a special society, beyond being part of the society of all immortal fairies. References: PC1 Tall Tales of the Wee Folk. Lich Liches are not especially social, and it can be hoped that their number is not great enough to allow them to form societies. Notable liches of Mystara include Doomrider and Death Flame, the Inheritor Liches of the Savage Coast; two forms of lich-like Aranea undead, the Arasheem and the Yeshom; the Radiance Liches, like the Glantrian Prince Brannart McGregor; and a number of Nithian Liches (though it is always difficult to tell whether these are actually Liches, or very powerful specimens of the Ancient Dead). The only steady source of Liches on Mystara would be the Secret Craft of Necromancy, but its Master is not likely to use this power, nor to step down any soon. References: Savage Coast Campaign Setting, Savage Coast MCA, The Principalities of Glantri Gazetteer; other Liches appear in various Gazetteers. Lizard-Kin Lizard-Kin are a group of ancient reptilian races, still quite common on Mystara. Cayma Cayma are diminutive lizard-kin that live in the Kingdom of Cay, near Herath in the Savage Coast. They are technologically more advanced than their Gurrash and Shazak neighbours, but their culture isn't yet a match for the old Malpheggi civilization. Cayma have been created by the Herathian wizards, so they are unlikely to be found anywhere but in the vicinity of their nation. Chameleon Man Chameleon men, or Wallara, are as much related with Dragons as they are with other Lizard-Kin. They are an old race, but their current level of technology does not goe beyond stone age. They have a tribal, deeply involved in religious ceremonies and strongly supported by a set of rituals and beliefs linked to the Wallara draconic ancestry and their affinity for the Dreamworld. Gator-man/Gurrash Gator-men were a race of barbarian fighters in the age of Blackmoor. Apparently [that is, IMO], they became extinct during the Great Rain of Fire, just like the Malpheggi. However, in the last centuries a race of Lizard-Kin very similar to the Gator-men appeared in the Bayou of the Orc's Head Peninsula. These new Gator-men are called Gurrash, and have a crude society, based on the might-makes-right principle. The Gurrash of the Bayou worship Demogorgon as did the Gator-men, so it is hypothesized [by me] that the evil reptilian Immortal interfered with the Herathian magic processes that created the Gurrash in order to restore the Gator-man race. Krolli These winged breed of Lizard-Kin is found mostly in the Arm of the Immortal. Many members of this race are mercenaries in foreign, more advanced nations, but this apparently hasn't helped the race to grow beyond its current technology level. Krolli are not as common as other Lizard-Kin, and they tend to be spread in many countries beyond their own, so they don't have been able or willing to create a kingdom like the other Lizard-Kin of the Savage Coast. Lizard-Man/Shazak Lizard-men were once a widespread race with an advanced civilization, centered around what no is the Malpheggi Swamp in Darokin, and spreading east to Ylaruam and south to Ierendi. When the Great Rain of Fire changed the weather pattern, the Malpheggi Lizard-men became near-extinct, and the Nithian colonists finished the job a few centuries later. Nowadays, the Malpheggi culture survives only in the Hollow World, while only primitive tribes of Lizard-men live on the planet's surface (mostly in the Known World and in the Savage Coast). Their organization is almost exclusively tribal, and the tribe is lead by a king, or more often a queen, advised by shamans and wokani. The Shazak are just a breed of Lizard-men who have been enslaved to the Herathian wizard-kings for a time. They have now a primitive kingdom, and are quickly assimilating the technology and culture of the more advanced Savage Coast nations. Sis'thik These are desert-dwelling Lizard-Kin. I think they are quite primitive and have tribal society, and live in Aryptian desert References: Orc's Head, Savage Coast Campaign Setting, Savage Coast MCA, Mystara MCA. Lupin Lupins are one of the major civilized races on Brun, though they don't seem to have spread beyond the sea, except in the nation of Ochalea. Lupins coexist fairly well with humans and demihumans, less so with Rakasta and Goblinoids, and they hate lycanthropes with a passion. This canine race has developed its own society, a feudal monarchy, in the Kingdom of Renardy, which in any case shows strong Glantrian and Baronial influences. More primitive Lupins along the Savage Coast still adopt a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestile. Lupins are also very common in Ochalea, where they have adopted fully the local customs (of Rakastan origin!), as they have done in the Traladaran City-States of the Gulf of Hule. In Glantri, Lupins are likely the third most common race beyond humans and elves, though the native races tend to keep apart from Glantrian society. References: Campaign Classics: Lupins of Mystara, by B. Heard; Savage Coast Campaign Setting, X2 Castle Amber. Lycanthropes Lycanthropes of several species live on Mystara. The known (and canon) phenotypes are the wolf, boar, bear, tiger, rat, shark, fox, swine, and bat. Other lycanthropic strains became extinct through the efforts of werehunters of various humanoid races, as was the case of the werehawks. Yet other species may appear here and there as results of specific lycanthropic curses, but are usually too few to survive and develop into true were-species (non canon examples appear in Glantri, as the wereraven Edgar Beamarys-Moorcroft by Kit Navarro and the werehawk Marcantonio Odilone by Giovanni Porpora). Most lycanthropes are just parasites with no society of their own, but there are at least a couple of notable exceptions, including the Principality of Morlay-Malinbois in Glantri and one of the Orc tribes of the Orc's Head, where the tribal leaders are chosen among an elite of devil swines. References: PC4 Night Howlers, Glantri: Kingdom of Magic, The Principalities of Glantri Gazetteer, The Orc's Head. -- Giampaolo Agosta agathokles@libero.it agosta@elet.polimi.it http://digilander.iol.it/agathokles ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 22:29:07 +0000 From: Gilles Leblanc Subject: Re: Sentient Races of Mystara - L > > Lycanthropes > Lycanthropes of several species live on Mystara. The known (and > canon) > phenotypes are the wolf, boar, bear, tiger, rat, shark, fox, swine, and > bat. Other lycanthropic strains became extinct through the efforts of > werehunters of various humanoid races, as was the case of the werehawks. > Yet other species may appear here and there as results of specific > lycanthropic curses, but are usually too few to survive and develop into > true were-species (non canon examples appear in Glantri, as the > wereraven Edgar Beamarys-Moorcroft by Kit Navarro and the werehawk > Marcantonio Odilone by Giovanni Porpora). > Most lycanthropes are just parasites with no society of their own, > but > there are at least a couple of notable exceptions, including the > Principality of Morlay-Malinbois in Glantri and one of the Orc tribes of > the Orc's Head, where the tribal leaders are chosen among an elite of > devil swines. > References: PC4 Night Howlers, Glantri: Kingdom of Magic, The > Principalities of Glantri Gazetteer, The Orc's Head. > Altough you did a great job and I feel very shameful for nitpicking, you could also mention that there is a major were-rat "kingdom/city" under Thyatis. Shame on me ! _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Nov 2001 00:56:26 +0200 From: harri mäki Subject: Re: Sentient Races of Mystara - L >> >> Lycanthropes >> Lycanthropes of several species live on Mystara. The known > (and >> canon) >> phenotypes are the wolf, boar, bear, tiger, rat, shark, fox, swine, > and >> bat. Other lycanthropic strains became extinct through the efforts of >> werehunters of various humanoid races, as was the case of the > werehawks. >> Yet other species may appear here and there as results of > specific >> lycanthropic curses, but are usually too few to survive and develop > into >> true were-species (non canon examples appear in Glantri, as the >> wereraven Edgar Beamarys-Moorcroft by Kit Navarro and the werehawk >> Marcantonio Odilone by Giovanni Porpora). I think there were also werejaguars in Hollow World, but then again you could say that they are only a subspecies of weretigers. - Sunpoint.net ilmoittaa: Sunpoint.netistä saat luotettavan sähköpostiosoitteen maksutta. http://www.sunpoint.net/SunAds/click.htm?mode=footer&id=67&jump=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunpoint.net ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 19:30:51 -0600 From: Stone Marshall Subject: Re: A question about some of the new ESDs LOL ;-) I bought AC10 Bestiary of Dragons and Giants back in 1989. It amuses me when I find out Mystara players have never played this gem. We played it, every adventure, and loved it. The only bad thing about it was the inside picture. The size scale is great but the dragons have no upper arms, just wings. Since that is the only thing "wrong" I would recommend the product. In fact, I have it as a .pdf because my original is held together with scotch tape!!!!!!! Multizar the Mage > From: Agathokles > Reply-To: Mystara RPG Discussion > To: MYSTARA-L@ORACLE.WIZARDS.COM > Subject: [MYSTARA] A question about some of the new ESDs > Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2001 19:30:38 +0100 > > As you might have seen at WotC website, there are a few new items of > Mystaran interest for sale as ESDs. > > Now, I'd like to know whether someone among the MMLers has some opinion > or review to offer about them, especially "Jade Hare" and "Bestiary of > Dragons and Giants". > > Are they any good? What is their level of Mystaran content? > > Thanks in advance, > -- > > > Giampaolo Agosta > > > agathokles@libero.it > agosta@elet.polimi.it > http://digilander.iol.it/agathokles > > ******************************************************************** > The Other Worlds Homepage: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/OtherWorlds.asp > The Mystara Homepage: http://www.dnd.starflung.com/ > To unsubscribe, send email to LISTSERV@ORACLE.WIZARDS.COM > with UNSUB MYSTARA-L in the body of the message. > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 19:14:05 -0800 From: Andrew Theisen Subject: Re: Sentient Races of Mystara - L At 10:08 PM 11/1/01 +0100, you wrote: > > Leprechaun > This Wee Folk race dwell in the Fairy Court, an extradimensional space > with strong links to certain areas of Mystara. Therefore, they are > likely to appear in small numbers in those areas accessible through the > Court. > They don't have a special society, beyond being part of the society of > all immortal fairies. > References: PC1 Tall Tales of the Wee Folk. They do have their own kingdom, though, called Faylinn (location undisclosed). It is a kingdom whose structure is based on mercantile guilds (presumably similar to the Minrothad Guilds or Darokin in many ways). There is little information about it except for a few brief mentions in PC1: Tall Tales of the Wee Folk. (Personally, I think it's located on the IoD, near the Redstone region, but that's just IMC). > Lich > Liches are not especially social, and it can be hoped that their number > is not great enough to allow them to form societies. > Notable liches of Mystara include Doomrider and Death Flame, the > Inheritor Liches of the Savage Coast; two forms of lich-like Aranea > undead, the Arasheem and the Yeshom; the Radiance Liches, like the > Glantrian Prince Brannart McGregor; and a number of Nithian Liches > (though it is always difficult to tell whether these are actually > Liches, or very powerful specimens of the Ancient Dead). There is also Haptuthep, a former Thothian monarch, who makes his home on the Great Escarpment on the IoD (Dragon magazine #?- 168? 169?- the Princess Ark visits Thothia). > Cayma > Cayma are diminutive lizard-kin that live in the Kingdom of Cay, near > Herath in the Savage Coast. They are technologically more advanced than > their Gurrash and Shazak neighbours, but their culture isn't yet a match > for the old Malpheggi civilization. > Cayma have been created by the Herathian wizards, so they are unlikely > to be found anywhere but in the vicinity of their nation. There is a society of Cayma in Karameikos (see the adventure "Treasure of the Hideous One" in AC?- the DM's Screen Accessory). > Gator-man/Gurrash > Gator-men were a race of barbarian fighters in the age of Blackmoor. > Apparently [that is, IMO], they became extinct during the Great Rain of > Fire, just like the Malpheggi. I like this- it keeps both the DA series reference, and provides a reason for their later "creation". I can just see Herathian archaeologists discovering skeletons of the "ancient" Gator man race and deciding to create a new race based on their finds... Sort of like Jurassic Park, where scientists discover that creating a race and controlling it are two very different prospects... ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 21:23:19 -0500 From: David Knott Subject: Re: Sentient Races of Mystara - L From: "Agathokles" > > Lamara (Lamia Noble) > I don't think this is a canon Monster, and I can't think of any > appropriate setting for Lamia in general. Perhaps the Milenian lands > could go (the Lamia is a monster of Greek folklore, IIRC) The Lamara is first described in the Creature Catalog and thus is presumed to be Mystaran. However, I don't know of any adventure that places this creature in any specific Mystaran location. ------------------------------ End of MYSTARA-L Digest - 31 Oct 2001 to 1 Nov 2001 (#2001-301) ***************************************************************