Subject: MYSTARA-L Digest - 7 Jan 2004 to 8 Jan 2004 (#2004-9) From: Automatic digest processor Date: 09/01/2004, 19:00 To: Recipients of MYSTARA-L digests Reply-to: Mystara RPG Discussion There are 6 messages totalling 692 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. Ships of the Karameikan Navy 2. [Mystara-Spelljammer] Exiles Campaign Part 1 3. [Mystara-Spelljammer] Exiles Campaign Part 2 4. Mass combat (3) ******************************************************************** 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: Fri, 9 Jan 2004 00:22:29 +1300 From: Chris Furneaux Subject: Re: Ships of the Karameikan Navy I have always liked the idea of naming ships after historical/mythic heros and places like Agamemnon, Minotour, Hades, Icarus, Delphi, Heracles, Juno, Nemesis, etc. Although you would have to use names and places from Mystarian myth & legend. The main reason I like them is that they are singular and have conitations that go with them of power and glory. That said I really like the names you have come up with. They all have a nice ring to them even when shortened. Now on the note of 8 ships: Gaz1 says 8 "ships of the line". So that is 8 ships big enough to be used in the line of battle. Quoting http://www.cronab.demon.co.uk/INTRO.HTM : "Only 1st rates, 100 or more guns, 2nd rates, 90 or 94 guns and 3rd rates, 74 or 80 guns, were powerful enough to fight in the line of battle." So the question now is what is a ship of the line in Mystara? Well Gaz 1 says that each company (61 men) is a ship so that means that the only option keeping with that are War Galleys. That Said a war galley requires another 330 men on top so that is a large investment of resources. I would suggest that Karameikos might have a couple of these at the most. I would classify any Galley or Large sailing ship as a ship of the line. Each company would have one of these type of ships and other smaller ships to carry the rest of the company. Eg. a small galley and two small siling ships would carry one company (as in the PWA's). If you use the Idrendi tokens as a basis for ship types however I would suggest: [-Ship Name (Class Marrines/Sailors/Rowers)] 1st Company Admiral Hyraksos Captian (6th level) 1st Lieutenant (4th level) 4 Lieutenants (2nd level) 56 Marrines The "Duke Stephan" (War Galley 75/30/300) 2nd Company Captain (6th level) 3 Lieutenants (2nd level) 42 Marrines The "Fury of Protius" (Large Galley 50/20/180) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 14 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) 3rd Company Captain (6th level) 3 Lieutenants (2nd level) 42 Marrines The "Dymrak Dread" (Large Galley 50/20/180) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 14 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) 4th Company Captain (6th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 18 Marrines The "Sea Nymph" (Small Galley 20/10/60) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 20 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 20 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) 5th Company Captain (6th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 18 Marrines The "Resolution" (Small Galley 20/10/60) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 20 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 20 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) 6th Company Captain (6th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 18 Marrines The "Three Stars" (Small Galley 20/10/60) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 20 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 20 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) 7th Company Captain (6th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 18 Marrines The "Grey Lady" (Small Galley 20/10/60) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 20 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 20 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) 8th Company Captain (6th level) 3 Lieutenants (2nd level) 42 Marrines The "Silver Falcon" (Large Sailing Ship 50/20) Master and Commander (4th level) Lieutenant (2nd level) 14 Marrines ****** (Small Troop transport 25/10) The Troop numbers in Gaz 1 for the navy don't add up anyway. So I took a bit of leway. Most Sergeants are titled Lieutenant in this scheme. The Quote that made me decide to use master and commander was: "The rank of commander was originally called Master and Commander, and appeared in the late seventeenth century. There was a need for officers to command sixth rates, vessels that were considered too small to require a full captain. Such vessels were also deemed too small to carry a master, so the two duties were combined in one officer." I was going to use Lieutenant Commander as the equivilent of Army Lieutenant and command the company where applicable, but I went with having more captains instead. Each company is led by a captain and the fleet by the Admiral. The term Commodore seemed too modern, but Most of the captains would likely function as such in day to day operations. I made all Master and Commanders and 1st Lieutenants 4th level, which is a naval addition to the military ranks. I also gave ships under a Master and Commander a 2nd level Lieutenant (i.e. a Sergeant). This means there is about 4 more 4th level Commanders then suggested by the gaz but I also removed 4 2nd level Lieutenant (i.e. Sergeants). Only the war galley has a 1st Lieutenant as it is considerably larger then anything else. All in all I think this looks pritty reasonable for the Karameikian Navy of AC1000. I've got a few other things to add about the navy and the PWA's etc. but that can wait. Hope this is helpful to you. Feel free to add the other ship names etc. and re- post it. Chris. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 09:50:17 -0800 From: John Calvin Subject: [Mystara-Spelljammer] Exiles Campaign Part 1 Exiles Campaign Setting This campaign setting is based off of both the Mystara world and the Spelljammer setting. It is a place where magic and technology meet. It is a place of ancient wonders and long hidden secrets. And it is populated by all of those who have been cast out by the immortals. The basic premise for this setting is that throughout the ages various cultures have arisen and grown in power. Several of these cultures grew powerful enough that they could challenge the immortals themselves, and each in its turn was punished for their ambition. These nations of upstarts were all defeated, but not completely destroyed. Instead they managed to escape from their home sphere (and their planet of origin, Mystara) out across the rainbow seas. Now they have grown strong again and the immortals should be fearful. If only they could find their way home, they would be able to claim that which is rightfully theirs. The power level of the Exiles Campaign can range from that of first level characters all the way to immortal level. That means that there are immortal level encounters to be had throughout the Known Spheres. A campaign in this setting could unfold in several different ways: 1) Characters could be natives of Mystara who have just found passage out of their own crystal sphere. They would be thrust into the turmoil of the spheres surrounding them and would soon learn that their origins could cause them to be hunted down ruthlessly. 2) Characters could be natives of any of the Exiled Nations. They would soon hear rumors of a ship traveling through their space that clamed to hail from the mythical home world. The characters would have to track down this ship and take its secrets before their enemies had a chance to do the same. 3) Characters could be immortals set with the task of combating the Exiled cultures. This could either be played out as a series of war games with armies of the Faithful pitted against the Exiles, or as immortal level encounters. In the latter case the players will match up against Blackmoorian Heirarchy lords and the Outer Beings. [Notes: These are rough notes, and as yet many of the details are not finalized. Since I’ve never actually ran an Exiles Campaign, I’ve never needs to do this. The words “god” and “immortal” are used interchangeably (rest assured I am talking about Mystaran immortals when you see either word). The terms “Known Space” and “Known Spheres” describe the same thing (this campaign setting) and can also be used interchangeably. The Known Space of this setting is not the same as the Known Space of the classic Spelljammer setting.] ===== Rule #85. I will not use any plan in which the final step is horribly complicated, e.g. "Align the 12 Stones of Power on the sacred altar then activate the medallion at the moment of total eclipse." Instead it will be more along the lines of "Push the button." from "A Guide to Becoming an Evil Overlord" by Peter Anspach __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 09:52:12 -0800 From: John Calvin Subject: [Mystara-Spelljammer] Exiles Campaign Part 2 Cultures This is a listing of the major cultural groups that can be found in the Known Spheres, and to a lesser extent the Shattered Spheres. It is not a comprehensive list by any means, and all of the names and titles are subject to change. Carnifex The carnifex are an ancient saurian race (very similar in appearance to a velociraptor) that lived on Mystara over 15,000 years ago. There their culture saw its height as the race gained mastery over the entire world and developed magic and technology to rival the immortals themselves. And rival the immortals they did. Many of the carnifex turned from their worship of the immortals to the worship of the Outer Beings, vast and disturbing entities. With the help of their new servants, the Outer Beings wished to overthrow their immortal brethren and win control of the multiverse. The immortals proved too strong for the Outer Beings however, and both they and the carnifex who served them were sealed into a prison plane. A small population of carnifex managed to avoid this fate. They were not Outer Being worshipers and so were not pursued by the immortals. The immortals however had no more love for the carnifex and drove them off of Mystara and out of the crystal sphere. Over the millennium the carnifex have regained much of their former glory (and some have even resumed the practice of Outer Being worship). They now control a major portion of the Known Spheres. Carnifex Clans The Carnifex Clans are the most prolific group of Carnifex roaming the spheres. There are countless clans, each controlling anywhere from two to thousands of ships. Many of the clans are semi-nomadic. For the most part they roam across the spheres in search of game or battle and make camp at semi-permanent way stations and compounds along the way. A few of the clans are more sedentary and have built up larger settled communities on several planets and planetoids. Any single clan is rarely organized enough to control more than one such of these communities. Degenerate OB Worshippers These Carnifex practice the “New Ways.” They worship entities known as the Outer Beings. This is the same worship that their Mystaran bound brethren were punished by the immortals for. Now these corrupted creatures slink through dark places in the spheres. Dragon Ruled Several dragons have taken it upon themselves to rule over the Carnifex and have carved out kingdoms for themselves, both minor and major. The dragons maintain a more orderly society than exists in the free clans, but even so there are numerous disturbances. Many of the dragons fight amongst themselves for ultimate supremacy over their Carnifex subjects. In order to better maintain control several dragons have taken to breeding with their subjects in order to create half-dragon/half-carnifex offspring. These creatures become trusted advisors and generals. Dragon Spawned Some Carnifex spurn the rulership of their dragon overlords and have set out on their own paths. Ironically, many of them claim to have some dragon blood in their ancestry and they are often just as cruel and power hungry as the dragons that they shun. Blackmoor Blackmoor was a small feudal nation on Mystara over 4000 years ago. In a short period of time that small nation rose up to be the dominant power on the planet, and they did so because of a freak accident. A starship crash landed on Mystara and soon the Blackmoorians were recovering technology from it. They used this “new magic” to conquer their neighbors and eventually venture into MystaraSpace. Unfortunately for them, magic and technology don’t mesh well together. Some claim that it was an accident. Some claim that it was hubris, and still others claim that it was an attack on Blackmoor by its rivals. The only claim that can be for certain, was that it was bound to happen sooner or later. 4000 years ago a catastrophe occurred when Blackmoorian technomancy caused the Great Rain of Fire and nearly destroyed all life on the planet. The Mystaran Blackmoorians were doomed. Only those that were off world survived. The immortals however were horrified. Whatever the cause of the Great Rain of Fire, the immortals were determined to never let such an occurrence happen again. They sought after the Blackmoorian remnants, determined to destroy them and their hated technology. The Blackmoorians did not wish to die, and they were powerful enough to defend themselves. The immortals however had the upper hand, and like the carnifex before them, the Blackmoorians were driven from the sphere. Hierarchy / Immortal Slayers The Hierarchy Lords are the very same individuals who fought off the immortals millennia ago. Each managed to slay one or more of the immortals and assume some of their powers. Now the Hierarchy Lords are themselves like unto gods, and they rule their minions with an iron fist. Their only desire is to return to their home sphere and exact revenge upon those that rule it. Hierarchy members are organized into a pyramid type structure with Radiant Lords (those who have built and powered their own NoS) at the top, and those of lesser powers (who are reliant on somebody else’s NoS) trickling down to the bottom. Each Hierarchy Lord is semi-nomadic. They spend most of their time traveling throughout the spheres searching for immortals to slay. During their travels they may demand services and resources from local populations, and may use force to acquire them. Occasionally they will conquer native populations but their nomadic nature means that they never stay long enough to exert their control. The Hierarchy Lords meet infrequently in order to discuss tactics, and organize larger assaults against their immortal enemies. Technological / Imperial This technologically advanced culture is composed mainly of humans, Emmerondians, and dwarves. They have used their vast abilities to build a small empire that spans across several spheres (although they don’t dominate any of the spheres completely). The Empire is very structured and is essentially the force holding human (and demi-human) society together in the Known Spheres. They are constantly at war with their Carnifex and Sheen neighbors. These Blackmoorians especially despise sheens and other artificially constructed life forms (they fear that their ancestors created the first sheens by accident – which is correct) and seek to eradicate them at every opportunity. Free Cities (mix of all BK cultures) These territories are located at the fringe of Imperial Blackmoorian space. Although they conduct trade with both the Imperium and the Hierarchy, they rule themselves independently. Many of the free cities are friendly with the various sentient constructs as well (although not with sheen life) and this is the one place where they can be found in abundance. Most of those who live in the Free Cities live a more sedentary lifestyle. Spelljamming is known to them, but they rarely journey far from their homes. Progeny of the Frog This group is composed of those Emmerondians that are directly descended from Saint Stephen’s Cult of the Frog (Saint Stephen was one of the aliens who survived when their ship crash landed on Mystara). Although they have several small bases throughout Blackmoorian space, they rarely take open control of planetary systems and prefer to work behind the scenes. Their goal is to transform Blackmoorian society into something more to their liking. Sheens The result of Blackmoorian technology run amok, the sheens are a semi-sentient race of constructs that have over run vast portions of known space. They are a scourge to everything that lives, for their appetites (for raw materials and resources) know no bounds and empathy is not within their programming. Sheens are the only major race that came into existence outside of Mystaraspace, although they were created by the exiled Blackmoorians. [Note: The idea for Sheens was “borrowed” from Dragon magazine. More information on Sheens can be found in issues 258 and 260 (IIRC).] Construct Controlled Several small groups of sheen cysts are controlled and led by ancient (and quite sentient) Blackmoorian constructs. These creations fled the Blackmoorian Imperium during the machine wars and went to live among their non-biological brethren. The centuries since then have fostered a deep seated hatred for all things Blackmoorian (and to a lesser extent, all things living). The Empire hunts these groups most vigorously, and the constructs return the favor whenever they can. They also battle with the pure sheen cysts over resources and sometimes are able to supplant the machine mind with their own rulership. Pure Sheen Pure sheen cysts are the scourge of the known spheres. Nearly every sentient creature is their sworn enemy, for they ravage any environment they enter in order to gather raw materials for their own replication. Indeed replication seems to be their only goal. The one factor that keeps these cysts in check is their inability to produce spelljamming equipment (namely helms). Their only way of traveling throughout the spheres it to acquire spelljamming helms from others (by force…they know no other way). The Empire will often try to eradicate any sheen cyst that they come upon before it has the chance to acquire a helm and spread. Nithia The Nithian culture arose on Mystara nearly 1,500 years after the Great Rain of Fire and was the last major culture to be exiled from MystaraSpace. They built unparalleled monuments around their world and eventually built great pyramid ships that would take them to others. Although technologically primitive (compared to the Blackmoorians before them), the Nithians developed magic that none on Mystara had ever seen before (and none have seen since). Unfortunately the age of Nithia was not to last. Dark immortals desired the downfall of the culture and worked hard to bring it about. Many of the pharaohs turned from their immortal patrons to worship other things (some even say that they began to worship the Outer Beings). They began to rain destructive magic upon the face of the planet that would have rivaled the catastrophe caused by Blackmoorian technology, had not the immortals opposed them. Nithia was destroyed and all memory of it was erased from mortal minds. A few off world colonies escaped this fate however. Those that did not starve due to lack of infrastructure and support, managed to expand and thrive. Eb-Or (Entropy worshipers) After the gates closed down and contact was lost with the mother world, these colonies turned toward the worship of dark immortals in order to sustain themselves. Most of the population lives in abject terror while the rulers practice dark rituals that will grant them everlasting life…as the living dead. Menkor-Thoth This offshoot of the Nithian culture has shunned worship of the immortals and instead focus their energies on arcane learning. Many of their leaders are powerful wizards who spend their time creating magical servitor races. Just as their ancestors created the gnolls on Mystara, these wizards vie to create the best servitor race that they can. In fact, the number of servitor races that one has created is seen as a sort of status symbol. Gate Masters These people have forgotten all about their spelljamming past and have focused instead on planar travel. They have succeeded in re-opening several gates to other lost Nithian colonies. World Builders These Nithian descendants control a dying sphere. Its once hot sun is growing dimmer and dimmer and all of the planets in the system grow cold. In order to survive the Nithians are using their pyramids to build a habitat nearer to the sun. In time they hope to encircle the entire sun with a sphere of their own… one made from the stones of their own pyramid ships. Each of the planets is filled with slaves who work desperately in the quarries mining stone to build more ships. Eventually nothing will be left of the frozen planets. There are several minor cultures that inhabit known space along with the Exiled Nations. These are either natives to the area, or else they were brought to the area by one of the Exiled. Rarely do they control more than a single planet, and most often they survive by keeping themselves hidden from their neighbors. Aranea It is unknown whether or not the spider people are natives of this space or of Mystara space, but small pockets of them exist throughout the Known Spheres. Other spidery creatures can also be found in or near these communities. Phase spiders often serve as allies or servants, as do ettercaps. Dokufu (OA) can be found in some communities as leaders. The Faithful Communities of those who still worship the immortals are interspersed throughout Known Space. Most of them are strongholds set up by their immortal patrons to do battle against the Blackmoorians. The Faithful can be members of any race and creed. Most of them hail directly from the plane of their patron immortal, and their only purpose in being in known space is to fight against the Blackmoorians. Elves Elves are a rare species in most of Known Space, although there is evidence that the elves journeyed through this area in the distant past (some 7000 years ago). Most of the elves in Known Space now are either Nithian slaves, or followers of The Faithful. The Blackmoorians despise elves (blaming them for causing the Great Rain of Fire), and the carnifex see most mammal life as a source of food, so elven populations don’t last long in either territories. Lizard-kin (lizardmen, troglodytes, yuan-ti, and many more) Lizard-kin cultures are numerous throughout Known Space due to the fact that their species have been in the area for over 14,000 years (brought here by their carnifex masters). Most still serve as servitor races to the carnifex and the dragons, but a few scattered colonies have managed to gain their independence. Goblin-kin Goblin-kin are rare in Known Space, having never ventured out into the void on their own. The majority of them were brought as slaves by the Nithians, and so they are most numerous on the few Nithian home worlds. Several populations have managed to win their freedom, and some are also known to offer their services as mercenaries to any who can afford them (and can afford to trust them). Aberrations Although they do not have a culture of their own, aberrations are common among communities of Outer Being worshippers. ===== Rule #85. I will not use any plan in which the final step is horribly complicated, e.g. "Align the 12 Stones of Power on the sacred altar then activate the medallion at the moment of total eclipse." Instead it will be more along the lines of "Push the button." from "A Guide to Becoming an Evil Overlord" by Peter Anspach __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2004 10:50:38 +1000 From: Adam horsten Subject: Mass combat Greetings all, been away from the list for several years and thought it was about time to get back in Just for anyone who is interested I have some new sheets on my site to make mass combat a great deal easier. One sheet is for calculating the BFR of a force according to the original rules and the other is for managing the battle and will calculate battle results. Any comments would be much appreciated. Either should be compatible with any version of DND http://www.uq.net.au/~zzahorst/index.html Anakin ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2004 00:01:39 -0500 From: Dan Eustace Subject: Re: Mass combat Anakin, I downloaded both sheets, and I think they look really good. The BFR one is quite similar to one that I made that's on the Vaults. Yours has a few more bells & whistles, it looks like, though. However, I can't get either of them to calculate anything! I entered all the info in, checked the boxes, etc., but nothing happened as far as calculating. There are no macros or anything, so I don't know how you get it to "go". Dan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Adam horsten" To: Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 7:50 PM Subject: [MYSTARA] Mass combat > Greetings all, > been away from the list for several years and thought it was about time > to get back in > > Just for anyone who is interested I have some new sheets on my site to > make mass combat a great deal easier. > One sheet is for calculating the BFR of a force according to the > original rules and the other is for managing the battle > and will calculate battle results. Any comments would be much appreciated. > Either should be compatible with any version of DND > > http://www.uq.net.au/~zzahorst/index.html > > Anakin > > ******************************************************************** > 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: Fri, 9 Jan 2004 17:54:09 +1000 From: Adam horsten Subject: Re: Mass combat I'll have a look at it and see what is happening, they worked fine before I put them up. If you can send me an e-mail direct and tell me exactly where you put in the info I'll see If I can work out what is happening. 2 questions in the BFR sheet, on the force page did you tick the "use unit" box because that can cause a problem if nothing is selected. With the War machine sheet each of the five grey cells need the data to be entered, tactics need to be entered without any space, for attack+. Sounds like at the least I'll need to add in some instructions Anakin Dan Eustace wrote: > Anakin, > I downloaded both sheets, and I think they look really good. The BFR one is > quite similar to one that I made that's on the Vaults. Yours has a few more > bells & whistles, it looks like, though. > However, I can't get either of them to calculate anything! I entered all > the info in, checked the boxes, etc., but nothing happened as far as > calculating. There are no macros or anything, so I don't know how you get > it to "go". > > Dan > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Adam horsten" > To: > Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 7:50 PM > Subject: [MYSTARA] Mass combat > > > > >> Greetings all, >> been away from the list for several years and thought it was about time >> to get back in >> >> Just for anyone who is interested I have some new sheets on my site to >> make mass combat a great deal easier. >> One sheet is for calculating the BFR of a force according to the >> original rules and the other is for managing the battle >> and will calculate battle results. Any comments would be much appreciated. >> Either should be compatible with any version of DND >> >> http://www.uq.net.au/~zzahorst/index.html >> >> Anakin >> >> ******************************************************************** >> 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. >> >> >> > > ******************************************************************** > 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. > > > > > ------------------------------ End of MYSTARA-L Digest - 7 Jan 2004 to 8 Jan 2004 (#2004-9) ************************************************************