mystara-digest Wednesday, February 10 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 071 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - General Questions Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - ELVES: Elf Magic as a school Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror Re: RED CURSE Was: Re: [MYSTARA] - Campaign poll Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - ELVES: Elf Magic as a school Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Canon Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - Hollow World Birthright ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:53:59 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara >Tell us, oh sages, > >Are there any cool descriptions of Dwarf heroes out there? >And any good rules for Dwarf fighter specialists? Well, (as might be expected), there are a whole slew of Dwarf fighter kits (ie rulz) in the complete book of dwarves (where else...) All sorts in there, from Berserker to Hearth Guard to Sharpshooter (crossbow, of course, not pansy elf weapons). Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:55:43 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - General Questions >> (Oh, and like Rob said, watch out for some of those list members, they know >> all!! :-) > >Or they just make you think they know all :) Course I do! :) Cheerz Rob, the Master of All *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:57:36 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE >attached is a textfile of my proposal. nothing would make me happier than >to have my fellow editors on the list ie all of you totally replace my >suggestions with your own. let's collaborate and get this thing up and >away! :) Excellent!!!!! Only a couple of points... 1) (most important) Make it available in the UK :) 2) see the above (thought it was so important, i should mention it twice) Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 13:02:07 EST From: GlobalFrog@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft Not died out in my case, just dealing with computer crashes etc. That, along with the fact that I do little Priest and Mage work, make my contributions on this subject minimal at best. cj (aka One Eye the dwarf and his best friend Stumpy the Axe) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 12:03:40 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates James Ruhland wrote: > > Though it may be "snippy" to bring that up, what is important for game > purposes isn't the dictionary definition of a "Sword" or a "Spell" or a > "Priest," but the game definition. Ha! I was ready for this! ::raises shield of rebuttal:: This goes right back to my reasons for not using the idea of the spheres. They require me to think of them differently than I actually do. For me, entropy is not an evil force and if I use it, I would constantly have to check myself that I'm not assigning my own thoughts over the game material. It would be the same as if the game material said wizards use swords and their prime requisite is strength. I think of them as users of magic but the game material says differently so I'd have to constantly watch myself so that I don't mix wizards with magic. To a lesser extent, the alignments are how I preceive them not necessarily how the game describes them. This should be a note on all game designers' desk. If you're going to use real life words and concepts, make sure they reflect their source. Since Entropy is described differently in the game than what it is defined as, it should have been named something else. For me, entropy is just a process that has good and bad to it (just as time) so my Entropy Immortals will reflect that: law/good and chaos/evil. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 13:04:45 EST From: GlobalFrog@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft >>But seriously, I would like to 'have' that OD&D Netbook of Spells, but don't make my own spells (yet). I hope others have a more useful contribution than my little piece of nonsense, though :-) Someday..... Later, Kristian<< I agree, as I posted earlier I have little to offer and much to gain from this. I would love to see it happen, just don't have anything to contribute. cj (aka One Eye the dwarf and his alternate personality that inhabits his Axe Stumpy) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 12:07:37 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates James Ruhland wrote: > > I also must say that Webster's definition is a very poor one. It borders > on the tautalogical "entropy is. . .the tendency of the universe toward > entropy." "The tendancy of the universe toward entropy" was just one of those additions dictionaries add to explain what they just said :) ::ever notice how some use the word they define to define the word they are defining?:: > The p.23 DMG Immortals definition of the Sphere of Entropy is much more > useful for the purpose of the game, if you don't mind me saying so. Well, we know that can't be true or I wouldn't be having any trouble using Entropy - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 18:09:28 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn - -----><< Talons of Night is the adventure that details Thothia, IIRC there is at > least some info in there. >> >Thanks Rob....i'm trying to find more info about this sort of stuff.....so if >you see some out on some sites....let me know...... >i wish i had that adventure well, i dont know about any websites, but... *rummage* here it is... "Thothia is an ancient land, once the primary power on the Sea of Dawn. Its small, brown, red haired people are descended from colonists of the lost empire of ancient Nithia on the western continent. Several centuries ago the Thothians shifted away from the Sphere of Energy (thats the Immortal Rathanos, btw) to follow the philosophy of mysticism. Their current Pharaoh, Ramenhotep XXIII, is also their spiritual leader. However, his wife Aketheti os the true power in Edairo. For centuries there has been a queen Aketheti. Ramenhotep X was drawn to discover her in the ruins of Aran (lost aranea city, already mentioned by someone on the MML) and fell under her charms. (Aketheti is cool - shes a sort of aranea/vampire :) :) :) The mystics symbol is a stylised black spider on a square web pattern which all Thothian mystics wear on their robes. Adopted by Ramenhotep X, the founder of Thothian mysticism, the symbol actually represents the Night Spider, but the average Thothian believes that it represents the eight principles and powers of Thothian mysticism and is unaware of its links to evil and death. Edairo is a dusty, crumbling crowded city of low, flat roofed structures, towering pyramids and mighty obelisks. Everything is in disrepair." Thats the background bit from Talons of Night on Thothia. Theres more scattered throughout, but thats the bulk of it... Cheerz Rob, Guardian of Canon :) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 18:12:43 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - ELVES: Elf Magic as a school ><< What does everyone think about an Elf school of magic, with opposition > schools of Necromancy and Shadow Elf magic? This is a question needing an > answer for one of my PBeM mystara players. > >> >If there are any 2nd adition players out there......do you treat shadow elf >magic different or what.... Nope, but one thing that immediately springs to mind is the new school of Shadow Magic described in the Spells and Magic players option book... It contains spells linked to the plane of Shadow - stuff like shadow magic, shadow monsters, darkness, that sort of thing. Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 00:01:26 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror > My 2 Euros.. Your thoughts are most valuable, as usual. :-) (You do know that this is worth around 4000 Lira?) Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 00:03:00 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: RED CURSE Was: Re: [MYSTARA] - Campaign poll > The Red Curse may not appear out of nowhere, but it does appear out of a > David Eddings book. I don't have the faintest idea what book you are referring to... Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:04:25 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying ><< Sounds cool. Bit like a more powerful version of an Arrow of Bone spell > (which is level 6, so thats cool :) > > Perhaps a candidate for this elven magic... Maybe. But Arrow of Slaying is black necromancy :) >Possibly......it was created by an elven NPC of mine....the spell is actually >Zemus' Missile of Slaying...so if someone put that in their book.,.......list >it as that....... >Of yeah.....whats this arrow of bone spell..... Its in Spells and Magic. When cast on a arrow, bolt dart or javelin, in becomes a +3 weapon (if used by the caster only), and in addition anyone struck by it must save vs death or die (someone other than the caster may use it, but its not +3 then). If used against undead the missile does normal damage, plus 4 times the missiles normal maximum (so an arrow doing d6 damage would do 6*4=24, d6+24 damage). If a splinter of bone from a close relative (sibling, parent, grandparent) is used, the target must save vs death with a -4 penalty or die. Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:05:48 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - ELVES: Elf Magic as a school >The magic jar spell in their list is just to be the same but not the actual >spell. It involves differences, but as a whole it's the same. What i am >trying to say is that it is only the same name for game mechanics Maybe. But the end result is - enchanters are now obsolete (sob) cause we have the much improved mentalist version. The NIMC (Not In My Campaign) factor can be deployed against canon here :) Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:08:50 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror >> My 2 Euros.. > > >Your thoughts are most valuable, as usual. :-) > >(You do know that this is worth around 4000 Lira?) And worth nowt in England :) I wish - the one remaing eurosceptic in england :) (hides in bombshelter) Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 15:16:05 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying At 07:54 AM 2/10/99 EST, you wrote: >Neat spell, but a bit overpowered for even 9th level! To bring it more in >line, my suggestions would be to include a Material component in the casting: >blood of the creature's race type. It makes the loophole smaller that the >players can try to wiggle through later. Also, since it instantly slays the >creature, Necromancy should be added to the spell's schools (snuffing out a >creature's lifeforce tends to be a necromancy thing, IMO). Or perhaps knowing the target's True Name. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 16:59:51 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying In a message dated 2/10/99 7:00:16 AM Central Standard Time, Arminath@aol.com writes: << Neat spell, but a bit overpowered for even 9th level! To bring it more in line, my suggestions would be to include a Material component in the casting: blood of the creature's race type. It makes the loophole smaller that the players can try to wiggle through later. Also, since it instantly slays the creature, Necromancy should be added to the spell's schools (snuffing out a creature's lifeforce tends to be a necromancy thing, IMO). Jim >> Yeah it could be added to Necromancy.....but its not really that powerful considering the spells like power word kill and finger of death *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:01:49 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying In a message dated 2/10/99 11:38:07 AM Central Standard Time, rmunch@easynet.co.uk writes: << Mmm, well arrow of bone, the lower level variant, is a necromancy spell. Just make it straight necromancy, IMO. And I agree with the blood of the creatures race type. I dont think its too overpowered tho - check out the other level 9 spells in AD&D! Cheerz >> i had considered something like that for components.....but again if you look at other spells then you will see that its not too powerful .......i believe power word kill and finger of death require no material components *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:04:29 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn In a message dated 2/10/99 12:13:50 PM Central Standard Time, rmunch@easynet.co.uk writes: << The mystics symbol is a stylised black spider on a square web pattern which all Thothian mystics wear on their robes. Adopted by Ramenhotep X, the founder of Thothian mysticism, the symbol actually represents the Night Spider, but the average Thothian believes that it represents the eight principles and powers of Thothian mysticism and is unaware of its links to >> Do you have more info on the Night Spider and stuff. Is he immortal? Thanks Mike *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:07:20 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying In a message dated 2/10/99 2:06:24 PM Central Standard Time, beyowulf@pipeline.com writes: << Or perhaps knowing the target's True Name. >> That could be good too!!!!!!!!!!!!! *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:06:47 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Ok....see i had never read about that spell................................Thanks....maybe it should be necomancy *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 16:25:10 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin > > The Hin settled the Five Shires around BC 1300 but I haven't found when > or where their race started. Any ideas? Were they the last race > created? > The Hin are the degenerate result of a Nithian experiment gone awry, having settled the Shires shortly after they were generated from mutated lizard man eggs stolen from the Malpheggi swamp. It was this which pushed the Immortals into their early debates on whether Nithia should be entirely anihillated or not. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 23:22:42 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Canon Debates > > That's true and if I did that, it wasn't my intent. Only that in D&D, > > chaotic equal evil so Entropy must be evil since its classified as > > chaotic (according to TSR). > > Not true. Chaotic is not considered Evil in the D&D game system. Well, it was true in the beginning (Basic Set), but it was slowly shifted over the later sets when they introduced chaotic good and lawful evil monsters. My beloved avenger class is chaotic too, and the've gotten some special abilities, but the class was designed to be played. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 23:22:51 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara > My personal preference is for Master rules Dwarf fighters but as I am now > doing the Stone Thorn netbook of Dwarven Exploits :) I am on the prowl for > Dwarfisch Arbeit! ?:)? Arbeit??? Dwarfisch Arbeit??? When German, why not "Zwergenarbeit"? Jamuga Khan "The Mighty Khan is really amused." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 23:23:00 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > You've made some fairly good, if somewhat flawed, arguments on > > Lol. James Ruhland is back :) > > Cheerz > > Rob Yes, I've noticed it... (Col) Jamuga Khan *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:16:43 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin James Ruhland wrote: > > The Hin are the degenerate result of a Nithian experiment gone awry, having > settled the Shires shortly after they were generated from mutated lizard > man eggs stolen from the Malpheggi swamp. Could you tell me where to find this? HRW2? - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 00:02:50 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn >Do you have more info on the Night Spider and stuff. Is he immortal? Yep, she is an Immortal. She was hurling 36d6 lightning bolts about in the adventure. Her life force was tied to an artifact, the Peaceful Periapt of Pax, which effectively anchored her in one place - the city of Aran (of course, the PCs are after this in the adventure). (It says that Alphaks has offered to end her exile and return her to her home plane if she prevents the PCs from getting the Periapt). A bit of background - she is Entropic, and in mortal life was an evil planar spider. She was driven from her home plane by mighty heroes and hid on the planet of Mystara - with her came her followers, planar spiders and their phanaton slaves. (In case you are wondering where the aranea come from, they are a degenerate race that resulting from interbreeding by planar spiders and normal giant spiders). When killed in the adventure she is banished to an outer plane called Thorne (her home plane) - the terrain of which resembles a jumbled forest of gigantic thorns (by gigantic, I skyscraper sized). The entire plane is, basically, a thorn... Here planar spiders and phanatons live in happiness, as the Night Spider has no influence here (at least, until the PCs send her back here by killing her). Well, i think thats about it from the Good Book... Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 02:07:14 +0200 (EET) From: Markus Olavi Montola Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? > This looks _very_ interesting. I believe the same thing was done for > Chaosiums Glorantha, although the magazine called Tales of the Reaching > Moon was probably published with Chaosium's approval. (Non-profit). > If this is as you say perfectly legal, I would be interested in buying the > fanzine and possibly even contributing with material. (although I wont > promise anything). Nope. The copyright for Runequest is Avalon Hill's, the copyright for the world of Glorantha is Greg Stafford's (Bruceheard +2 of Glorantha), who encourages fan publications. - Markus ----------------------------------------------------------------- W A R I S P E A C E F R E E D O M I S S L A V E R Y I G N O R A N C E I S S T R E N G T H ----------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:10:42 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying In a message dated 2/10/99 5:04:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, Nurvel@aol.com writes: << Yeah it could be added to Necromancy.....but its not really that powerful considering the spells like power word kill and finger of death >> It was just MHO, but I liked the spell. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:51:00 -0600 From: Aaron E Nowack Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Hollow World Birthright >Actually, I was considering adding Undersea to MBR at some point... >but came >to my senses in time :) Heh... you'll really know you're insane when you consider adding the Empire of Dorfin IV and the Empire of the Great Khan :) Aaron Nowack "Never let reality get in the way of a good hypothesis." http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/5930/ ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #71 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Wednesday, February 10 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 072 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - Hollow World Birthright Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin RE: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara [MYSTARA] - [ADND-L] HUMOR: Drinking vs. D&D (fwd) Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA: adventure set in Karameikos/Darokin northern borderland ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:51:07 -0600 From: Aaron E Nowack Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Hollow World Birthright On Wed, 10 Feb 1999 16:57:54 +1100 (EST) "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" writes: >> Undersea Birthright... and MML Birthright (Comand the forces of the >> Heretics, or rally to the noble High Temple of Canon!) >> >> Aaron Nowack >> "Never let reality get in the way of a good hypothesis." >> http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/5930/ > > >-but what the hell bloodline powers would the MML have ??? Cause Canon Debate and Kill Thread (available only to the true bloodline of the Admin of course). :) Aaron Nowack "Never let reality get in the way of a good hypothesis." http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/5930/ ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:05:51 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying In a message dated 2/10/99 12:38:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, rmunch@easynet.co.uk writes: << I dont think its too overpowered tho - check out the other level 9 spells in AD&D! >> As I said, IMO. ;-) Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:07:46 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft In a message dated 2/10/99 1:03:53 PM Eastern Standard Time, GlobalFrog@aol.com writes: << That, along with the fact that I do little Priest and Mage work, make my contributions on this subject minimal at best. >> Every contribution, no matter how small, makes this game of ours better. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 18:15:05 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin > > Could you tell me where to find this? HRW2? > It was a joke, son. I made it up. I thought you were looking for idears, so I gave you one. 8-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:20:31 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Galwylin wrote: >The Hin settled the Five Shires around BC 1300 but I haven't found when >or where their race started. Any ideas? Were they the last race >created? Well, the HW DM's Guide says they left Davania and arrived in the Shires in BC 1300. That entry describes them as having been "long abandoned by their friends, the elves" and "threatened by humans". This leads me to conclude that they have been around at least as long as the second elvish migration from Davania (circa BC 2500) - the last official reference to elves in Davania. So IMO they have been around at least that long. The map also shows them originating in the Brasol region (south of the Adakkian Sound). As for races, they aren't the youngest race. The Hutaakans were created in BC 1500, the gnolls in BC 1050, and the Kubitts developed in BC 50 in Alphatia. The latter two were magically created, and the Hutaakans were created by Pflarr (an Immortal). If you only count Immortal-created races as "real", then IMO the Hutaakans are the youngest race. Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 08:29:53 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? > > > Now, self-publishing here costs Aus $1800.00. No great sum for me. What I > propose, and it is only a proposal at present, is that if we want to, we > publish as in physically publish not netpublish a brand new full-colour > booklet or "game aid" which is "fully compatible" with Mystara, as well as > being a "third party" AD&D aid. > > > [MURPHY Jason] $1800, no great sum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dammit i knew you lawyers had it too good. You do realise you'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes. :) Anyway idea sounds good i am definitely for it. Oh and does anyone else always have there D&D lawyer NPC's with a Lawful Evil alignment. :) Jason Murphy Software Engineer MITS Limited EMAIL: jason.murphy@mitswa.com.au PHONE: 08 9481 4066 FAX: 08 9481 4064 > > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 18:35:28 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin James Ruhland wrote: > > It was a joke, son. I made it up. I thought you were looking for idears, so > I gave you one. 8-) Ah. Well, then... thanks for the thought :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:05:45 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? The play is the comedy, 'Man'; And the hero the conqueror Worm - after Edgar Allen Poe - -------------------------------------------------------------------- [AD&D Netbooks: www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~ksimpson/netbooks.html] - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:07:38 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates > Okay, now you've done it! I'm getting out the big red book (aka > Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language) > The closest definition I can find is "entropy is homogeneity, > uniformity, or lack of distinction or differentiation (the tendency of > the universe toward entropy)" Like I've been saying, there is nothing > about entropy to make me consider it evil. Its just all part of a > process or tendency. All these evil aspects being given it are > additional to what it really is. One way of creating entropy is through > death and destruction but that is not the only way. The canon debates > we had a few months ago are an entropy process. Attempting to have all > of us view Mystara the same and thus creating a lack of distinction. > But I certainly don't call that evil (though disagreeing with me borders > on it :) SPHERES DON'T KILL PEOPLE; IMMORTALS KILL PEOPLE *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:12:01 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara > >Tell us, oh sages, > > > >Are there any cool descriptions of Dwarf heroes out there? > >And any good rules for Dwarf fighter specialists? > > > Well, (as might be expected), there are a whole slew of Dwarf fighter kits > (ie rulz) in the complete book of dwarves (where else...) > > All sorts in there, from Berserker to Hearth Guard to Sharpshooter > (crossbow, of course, not pansy elf weapons). > > Cheerz > > Rob to quote Loaded Weapon 1, "anything... of your own?" :) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:17:33 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - [ADND-L] HUMOR: Drinking vs. D&D (fwd) - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 13:42:56 -0600 From: Jason E Hubred To: ADND-L@LISTSERV.UTA.EDU Subject: [ADND-L] HUMOR: Drinking vs. D&D Prompted by comparisons between drunks and D&D players by a couple posters, I thought I'd begin a tongue-in-cheek comparison for your enjoyment. Please feel free to keep this thread going with your own additions. :) Drunks get drunk and act stupid. D&D players have their PCs get drunk and act stupid. Drunks slip and fall at the drop of a hat. D&D players have their PCs slip and fall at the drop of a D20. Drunks get into fights with other drunks and throw chairs. D&D players get into fights with the DM and throw dice. Drunks drive cars and kill people. D&D players drive their DMs crazy and kill their adventures. Drunks vomit and urinate wherever they feel like it. D&D players have their PCs wander wherever they feel like it (thus screwing up the adventure scenerio and destroying all the DM's hard work). Drunks are obnoxious. D&D players are... um... obnoxious, too. (*shrug* Who would've guessed?) Drunks drink for hours on end and then pass out in their own vomit. D&D players play for hours on end then pass out caffinated beverages and keep on playing! YEAH!!! Drunks are afraid of cops and scatter to the four winds if caught. D&D players are afraid of girls and scatter to the four winds if one shows interest in the game. (Sorry, folks. That was pretty low.) Drunks lie to cops about being drunk. D&D players lie to DMs about rolling a fumble. Drunks waste their lives in bars. D&D players waste their lives at home. Okay, that's my ten. Next! Jinx the Albino Hornhead Wildmage (Ain't I a stinker? Oh, wait! That's just my Stinking Cloud spell. Sorry!) - --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, mail UNSUB ADND-L to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UTA.EDU To get the guide file, mail GET ADND-L GUIDE to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UTA.EDU Send any other questions to ADND-L-Request@LISTSERV.UTA.EDU *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:20:42 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara > > My personal preference is for Master rules Dwarf fighters but as I am now > > doing the Stone Thorn netbook of Dwarven Exploits :) I am on the prowl > for > > Dwarfisch Arbeit! ?:)? > > > Arbeit??? Dwarfisch Arbeit??? > > When German, why not "Zwergenarbeit"? > > > > Jamuga Khan > > > > "The Mighty Khan is really amused." "vee chermanz are nott awl smiless und zunshine you know." (one for the Brit list members I'm afraid) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 13:35:01 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA: adventure set in Karameikos/Darokin northern borderland [LONG-ish] THE GROMWELL KEY An AD&D Adventure for 2-4 Player Characters of Level 1-3 The Gromwell Key is a murder mystery, set in and around a mountain trading settlement called Whitemere. In its home campaign, Whitemere is located in the borderland between the Kingdoms of Darokin and Karameikos on Mystara, but is easily able to fitted into any campaign with snow-topped mountain terrain. Sometimes a low-powered wilderness setting is a great way for alternatives to Dungeon Hacks and tavern fights to be played out against an alternate set of environments and monster rosters. The added potential dangers of a wilderness, if not overdone against weak characters, can keep all the players on their toes and inspire them. The murder mystery itself is a mysterious murder, but one that aims to avoid some of the cliches of its parent literary genre. There are interesting suspects (and adventure threads everywhere), but the resolution of the mystery is somewhat prosaic, as befits the gritty life of the trade town of Whitemere. PLAYER'S INTRODUCTION After following the trade route as far as the snow-fed falls that make the Windrush River so treacherous at this time of year, you arrive in the settlement of Whitemere. Soon after your arrival a fierce blizzard blows into the settlement, closing the road for some time until the mountain weather is more clement. WHITEMERE [MAP of Whitemere] Key to Whitemere Map 1 Hetman's compound - 50' x 20' longhall on 12' stilts, opposite a small cottage, stonewalled and sealed. The cottage belongs to adventurers not present at this time. 2 Shrine of Faerael, Immortal Patron of the High Country. Faerael, to judge by his statue, is a 20' golden humanoid elephant with four stout arms and a muscular trunk. His Shamaness servant, Ayelsha, is always nearby. 3 House of Tomokin the Factor, a trading post and stable for merchants and adventurers within the pale of Whitemere. 4 The Open Steading 5 The perpetually frozen swamp and duckpond from which the hamlet gets its name. 6 The Whitemere marble and alabaster mine. 20 Level 0 miners and a Level 1 Warrior human Mine Rowdy toil there, although during storms they shelter in the mine's camp and longhalls. 7 Jazak's Produce shop. Whitemere is a circular hamlet surrounded by a series of palisades, punctuated by the unsealed trade road running from north to south through it. There are a dozen or so merchants of various nations in Whitemere, snowed in as are you until the current blizzard blows itself out. The people of Whitemere are human villagers guarded by a Dwarf warrior called Strundorg and a human Ranger called Felamur hired by the hamlet hetman to train any promising villagers in the arts of adventuring. Further down the mountainside, Whitemere's terraced farmlands and the Whitemere Mine perch. Whitemere itself is now above the timberline of its mountain, although before certain paroxysms of divine wrath it was at a high altitude but one that allowed of sharecropping around the town itself. Now a long walk is the mandatory precursor to any farming activity undertaken by the townsfolk. THE ADVENTURE Whilst waiting out the storm, the adventurers are forced into relatively close contact with the merchants and townsfolk likewise waiting for a break in the weather. In particular, the characters listed in the meeting roster are in and around the Open Steading, the grog shop and billet where travellers rest in town. Only a short run across a laneway lies the home and establishment of the Factor, Tomokin. The storm shows little sign of breaking any time soon, and eventually most of the travellers bed down for the evening with the killing cold wind outside keening and howling disturbingly. Three travellers in particular attract the party's attention. Each of them has a speech to make, and the DM can exercise their own judgment in when and how each imparts their tale. The other travellers and villagers will gradually yield up the other stories and snippets of information in the Chaff Table. GYORTZ'S TALE "Hello, travellers! I am newcome to this town as are you, yes? 'Tis a naughty night to swim in yonder! The snow is pitiless and the cold lethal. Sit ye here by my side and we'll spin tales of yore until the dawn or the storm settles, whichever is first!" The speaker is a medium height human male of dark skin, black silky hair and gaudy clothing. Pointed boots and a red turban mark him as a trader from the North. "I am here to see about trading in furs, amber, marble, alabaster... Whatever this new community will sell me..! Ah, merchanting is a hard life, truly. Not only do I contend with my fellows of the Northern cities, but also the strait-laced men and women of the South, and the surly locals. Not all these yokels are grateful for the civilised advances my hard-won coin brings to them." Gyortz is an agent of the Merchant Council to the North. Whitemere has attracted their attention because its trade is increasing. The settlement would be best acquired in a "police action", where their nationals were endangered by some local panic. The armies of the North have detachments ready to fly into Whitemere when the signal is given. ISSANDRA'S TALE You see a tall and lithe woman, her grey hair and lined face reminders of her age, though her unbowed body is athletic. Chainmail chinks softly beneath her doublet and skirt. "These little settlements, hostages to fate one and all... Creepy places some of them. Like that alien god that squats in the roadway, with that slip of a girl tending its needs. Here in some quiet corner of the world it has survived from an earlier age... A nonhuman age..." Issandra is a retired adventurer. She retired before her career had really begun, finding enough excitement and danger, not to mention far more profit, trading and smuggling up and down the mountain chain and its settled valleys. She is a Southerner by birth and nationality but has no loyalty to any kingdom. Her loyalty is to profit. DOLK ERMUWEN'S TALE A Wizard sits cradling a horn of mulled mead. His star-spotted blue robes and pointed cap mark him as a student of the Krakatos University, a continent away from here. "Have you seen that extraordinary pre-human deity out there? Its statue is magnificent isn't it? Surely inspired by a vision that young she-Shaman had one stormy night. Of course, all these creatures of the Planes derive their energy from a single source. If you have time I'll tell you of my faith sometime..." There is something in his earnest faith and too-bright eyes that averts you from him and you do not linger in conversation with him. Dolk Ermuwen is an initiate of a the Radiance Religion, worshipping a magical energy that he believes pervades everything and everyone. He is fascinated by the tales of the miracles of Faerael, all of which are false, not that he is to know that. CHAFF TABLE to randomise from this table roll 1d12: 1 Whitemere owes its very existence to trade. It can't survive here without the good graces of both kingdoms - that to the North, and to the South. 2 It's a strange god they worship hereabouts - a monstrous elephant-like thing. 3 A group of adventurers own a good bit of property around here, living well from investing in the village's trade, and keeping a fortified cottage and vault near the Hetman's Hall. 4 March out into a storm and there'll be a bare dozen heartbeats of life left to the strongest of you... 5 Coins are not all that common here. Barter is usual, and coins tell you much of where the owner has been - and who they have dealt with. 6 The King of the South and the Council of Merchants of the North would both like to bring this lucrative but isolated mountain community under their banner directly. 7 There are those who'd dearly love to see Whitemere lose its trade. Old-timers and those who have secrets to keep - both kinds of men are hostile to the trade that is changing Whitemere forever. 8 There are strange things on the peaks of the mountains yonder. Ruins, great winged apes, white dragons and who knows what else. 9 Ganfalas the Wanderer lost the keys to his tower in the Whitemere swamp, before it froze forever. Back then the settlement was known as Tarnsmere, sister to the bailiwick of the Baron downriver. 10 Slavers ply their trade in the wild valleys of these mountains, far from any law or prying eyes, catching unsuspecting adventurers or the inhabitants of lonely assarts. 11 Jazak the Greengrocer is greedy for Northern coin. The silver pieces of the North always line his pockets, together with strange square coins of copper or brass, from further west perhaps ..? 12 Real and imagined injuries make some villagers hostile. They resent the airs and graces of the educated traders and wandering adventurers. Not long after the last of the three tales is told to the party, and the DM judges enough Chaff has also been revealed, Dolk Emuwen and Issandra both retire to their pallets. Gyortz goes to visit with the Factor, a fellow agent of the North, on the pretext of checking on his horses. A PC making their Wisdom check at -1 will remember that he had previously had his animals seen to at great length and that there is in fact no need to visit the stables. Before anyone else can do anything, there is a shriek from outside the Open Steading, and all awaken. Those going outside to brave the cold see the fallen form of Gyortz, facedown in the snow; a patch of blood spreading from his head in the snow. WHAT HAS HAPPENED Gyortz has been killed by a member of the village community, a stranger to the travellers and merchants. The true identity of the murderer will not be as obvious as it should be, mainly because many players will follow the false clues given as "Chaff". The DM should allow for some obsessive and relentless questioning of NPCs, before gently reminding the players that they are not in town on any lawful warrant of investigation or arrest. There is no compulsion on anyone to answer them, or answer truly should they choose to explain themselves. The actual murderer is Vleynev, a farmer who has suffered indignities at the hands of merchants and who therefore blames the travellers and in particular the merchants for his ills. Tomokin forced Vleynev into a ditch as the Factor rode past a summer ago, since when Vleynev feels that his hip has never been the same. He blames Tomokin for his injury. Vleynev stayed out late drinking, wandered his village in the darkness seeking his home, and accidentally stumbled into the lane between the Open Steading and the Factor's hall. Seeing someone he believed to be Tomokin the Factor, he struck at him with his mattock, killing him. He mistook the dead man's identity because Gyortz borrowed Tomokin's cloak when he took his leave of his fellow Northern agent for the short trip back to his pallet. When Vleynev realised who he had killed he let out a drunken shriek of rage. But he is not too sorry for his actions - one dead trader is near as good as another. THREE APPROACHES There are three recommended ways to play out the solution of the murder. Each is set out below with its roleplaying checklist: Consulting Detectives In this approach, the player characters talk to the leaders of the settlement, offer their services and have those services accepted, whether for reward or out of a desire to see justice done. Steps that must be taken: 1. Talk to the Hetman, the Shamaness and the leading people of the community. 2. Win the trust of the community, through roleplaying and/or Charisma checks. 3. Interview the travellers and the villagers. 4. The players should then supply first draft theories to the DM, and review the Chaff. 5. The DM should use Helpful NPCs as necessary. 6. Suspicious behaviour should mislead incautious players into rash actions. 7. The players should solve the mystery. Amateur Sleuths In this approach the player characters simply involve themselves in the mysterious death as adventurers are wont to do, poking their noses into other people's business. It may be that other campaign motivations emerge - the player characters might be Southerners seeking to eliminate a possible excuse for Northern intervention, or Northerners loyally trying to piece together what has happened to their countryman. Steps that must be taken: 1. Interview the travellers and the villagers. 2. The players should then supply first draft theories to the DM, and review the Chaff. 3. The DM should use Helpful NPCs as necessary. 4. Suspicious behaviour should mislead incautious players into rash actions. 5. The Hetman and his Dwarf village guardian approach the player characters and strenuously ask them what they are up to. Any failure by the player characters to give a good enough account of any harassing actions leads to the locking up of the player characters until the end of the storm followed by their forcible ejection from town. 6. Win the trust of the community, through roleplaying and/or Charisma checks. 7. The players should solve the mystery. Law Enforcers The final approach is reserved for those player characters and their allies who are already under some official writ, or who, by their background could become so. As agents of the Crown of the South or of the democracy of the North, they are official investigators charged to detect and report back either to the Baron of Tarnskeep (South) or the Marshall of the Southern Highreaches (North). This is the easiest way to introduce inexperienced players to a mystery adventure, as the powerful NPC allows the DM to be more directive in the running of the adventure. Steps that must be taken: 1.a If the player characters have their lawful charge already, the DM informs them of their obligations to seek out the guilty party. 1.b If the player characters require it, a senior character of their faction or nationality amongst the travellers and merchants supplies them with the authority to investigate what has happened on behalf of their government and/or liege lord. 2. The players should then supply first draft theories to the DM, and review the Chaff. 3. The DM should use Helpful NPCs as necessary. 4. Suspicious behaviour should mislead incautious players into rash actions. 5. The Hetman and his Dwarf village guardian approach the player characters and strenuously ask them what they are up to. Any failure by the player characters to give a good enough account of any harassing actions leads to the locking up of the player characters until the end of the storm followed by their forcible ejection from town. 6. Win the trust of the community, through roleplaying and/or Charisma checks. 7. The players should solve the mystery. SOLVING THE MYSTERY The resolution of the mysterious death is a question of getting a list of information together. Once this is done the Shamaness can ask a magical question of her god's idol and get a confirmation that the party is correct. She can only do this once per week and she doesn't want to waste this spell power unless it is virtually certain the suspect is guilty. On confirmation, the guilty man is locked up, to face trial in the homeland of the murder victim according to the realms' "international law". The list of clues and facts, giving corresponding information and where to get it from is below together with a list of helpful NPCs to assist clueless player characters. CLUES AND FACTS Fact Clues to that fact None of the travellers could have killed Gyortz all of the travellers were within sight by any normal means; of the party the whole time. Gyortz was killed with a powerful blow to the Gyortz was not a small man, or a head; weak one; There is a terrible fresh wound on his head at the back; Gyortz was found facedown in the snow. There was some hostility towards the traders; (see Chaff #7); If the players carefully speak to local men and women, Vleynev's name will be mentioned, along with two false clues, one leading to Jazak the Greengrocer, and the other to the illegitimate son of a local miner, a boy of twelve named Grigor. Gyortz was killed by a mattock or similar tool; A successful Proficiency check by a player character will show this. The proficiencies that would give this information could be First Aid, Medicine, Investigate, but also some unusual ones such as Farming to see the nature of the wound matches a tool, Brawling to see that a peasant implement did the deed, and so on. Be creative. A tiny flower of Creeping Gromwell is trapped Gromwell grows in the terraced field in the folds of the cloak Gyortz wears; tended by Vleynev, and nowhere else in the Whitemere region. It is on the cloak borrowed from Tomokin by the dead man, but Tomokin can tell the player characters that he never ventures into the peasant's fields and terraces - it is beneath him. Gyortz had no time to do so, so the murderer left the tiny blue flower behind from the time of the attack. HELPFUL NPCS Name Description / Class The Village Hetman Giorgus, a zero-level human, is a friendly man, desiring to preserve the independence of his fledgling community. This is especially so as the adventurers who own the stone cottage in his longhall's compound look to him to keep the piece in their adopted protectorate whilst they are away adventuring. Jazak the Greengrocer Zero-level human male, proficient in Barter and Trade. Jazak knows all about Vleynev's history, although not his guilt. To get Jazak to talk will require either flattery or alcohol. Ayelsha the Shamaness Ayelsha does not mix with the villagers much but she is able to offer healing to the player characters. Tomokin the Factor A noted Northern merchant in the village, he will be keen to help find the murderer and ecstatic to discover it is a villager as it gives his government the first excuse to increase their involvement in the affairs of Whitemere. When the time comes to confront or arrest Vleynev, he will be indoors at his own household, by the fire - cleaning and sharpening his mattock. Vleynev is more than a little psychotic, drunk or sober, and is unrepentant. If possible he will attempt to flee - into the teeth of the still-raging snowstorm. If escape is impossible he will sullenly await his fate, trying to escape en route to justice when the storm lifts and he is taken away by the Northern merchants. Experience awards for The Gromwell Key should be 245 XP for good roleplaying as detectives or "police" 140 XP for good alignment roleplaying - -120 XP for needless violence 376 XP per adventurer for solving the mystery 4 XP per point each Proficiency roll is made by, 4 XP minimum award for any successful check. NPC SUMMARIES NPC SUMMARY Ayelsha the Shamaness see above. Jazak the Greengrocer see above. Tomokin the Factor see above. Typical Adult Villager 2 hit Level 0 character. Typical Child Villager 1 hit Level 0 character. Typical Trader as for brigand in Monstrous Manual Village Dog cf Monstrous Manual - "War Dog". Village Hetman see above. Vleynev the murderer- a typical Level 0 peasant. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #72 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Thursday, February 11 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 073 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin RE: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia RE: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE [MYSTARA] - The Skin Trade (Part 2) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 21:43:21 EST From: Mystaros@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin In a message dated 99-02-10 11:58:55 EST, you write: << The Hin settled the Five Shires around BC 1300 but I haven't found when or where their race started. Any ideas? Were they the last race created? >> IMC the Hin evolved from proto-humans (Australopithecus Mystaricus, so to speak) that escaped the clutches of the Serpentine Empire ca. 500,000 through 200,000 BC. They evolved on the southern continent in the forests then found in the region of the modern Kenaron River. Thus, IMC they are the smallest species of the Human genus, just as the original Dwarves are an offshoot of the ancestors of the Brute Men. The Elves IMC are descended from Yuan-Ti that were purged of their serpentine genes. The Gnomes, of course, are an offshoot of the original Dwarven race, as are the modern Dwarven races (Denwarf, Modrigswerg, Kogolor, etc). The Giant races are also offshoots of early Humans IMC... Mystaros *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:14:11 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - The Hin > -----Original Message----- > From: Mystaros@aol.com [SMTP:Mystaros@aol.com] > Sent: Thursday, February 11, 1999 10:43 AM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin > > In a message dated 99-02-10 11:58:55 EST, you write: > > << The Hin settled the Five Shires around BC 1300 but I haven't found when > or where their race started. Any ideas? Were they the last race > created? >> > > IMC the Hin evolved from proto-humans (Australopithecus Mystaricus, so to > speak) that escaped the clutches of the Serpentine Empire ca. 500,000 > through > 200,000 BC. They evolved on the southern continent in the forests then > found > in the region of the modern Kenaron River. Thus, IMC they are the smallest > species of the Human genus, just as the original Dwarves are an offshoot > of > the ancestors of the Brute Men. The Elves IMC are descended from Yuan-Ti > that > were purged of their serpentine genes. The Gnomes, of course, are an > offshoot > of the original Dwarven race, as are the modern Dwarven races (Denwarf, > Modrigswerg, Kogolor, etc). The Giant races are also offshoots of early > Humans > IMC... > > Mystaros > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. [MURPHY Jason] Good theory. I am just wondering where mention of the Serpentine empire is. Is this canon? Am very interested as i havent heard mention of it before. Jason Murphy Software Engineer MITS Limited EMAIL: jason.murphy@mitswa.com.au PHONE: 08 9481 4066 FAX: 08 9481 4064 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 00:27:18 -0300 From: "Carlos Yoder" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin >The Hin settled the Five Shires around BC 1300 but I haven't found when >or where their race started. Any ideas? Were they the last race >created? > Hi. I'm a halfling Baron living in Norworld circa 1006. I'll tell you this, as long as the food caravans keep going in & out, we shall live forever --so it really doesn't matter when we appeared first. :) Bungo Cervezarrubia *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 08:13:54 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara >to quote Loaded Weapon 1, > > "anything... of your own?" > >:) Ahh, AD&D. The crutch for a weak mind... :) Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 08:15:26 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: Dwarf specialist fighters in Mystara chermanz are nott awl smiless und zunshine you know." >(one for the Brit list members I'm afraid) rofl Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 00:50:46 -0800 From: Andrew Theisen Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question At 02:18 AM 2/9/99 -0500, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > (How the doorway into the Pits of Banishment wound up in the Broken Lands is > also a tricky thing to explain, BTW; anyone got ideas for that one...?) How's this: The Doorway used by the PCs in M2: Vengeance of Alphaks, that is located in the Broken Lands, is merely one of many such doorways across the face of Mystara. In fact, there are many similar planar gates- the Stones of Sky in Vestland could be one; there is, I believe, a "stonehenge" like fixture mentioned in the underground realm of Cynidicea (I seem to recall our talks about this Cynidicean brethren?). Robrenn probably has a few, etc. They are not gates to a specific locale, but rather, with the proper knowledge and rituals, can open gates to many realms. The Ambervilles may have used a similar gate (Old Averoigne is noted for its druidic presence, as it is in France, home of the Gauls- Moriamis actually lived during Gallic/Roman times); the gate used by the McGregors could also have been one (they were given the knowledge of its use by the Ambervilles). Another similar location may be the stonehenge of Tovag Baragu, on the world of Oerth, which is a known interplanar gateway (see the module, "The Hand of Vecna"). How's that explanation? :) Andrew 'Cthulhudrew' Theisen *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 01:16:29 -0800 From: Andrew Theisen Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn At 08:59 AM 2/9/99 -0500, Nurvel@aol.com wrote: >Another question.....Was the whole Island colonized by Nithia? It doesn't appear to have been. Oddly enough, it seems as if only the far eastern side of the Isle of Dawn (including Ekto and Trikelios) and the Alatian islands (judging by Thothian names of some towns) were settled by the Nithians. M5: Talons of Night implies that the Nithians "invited the Alphatians" to settle Mystara, so if you buy that theory, then the location makes sense, as Thothia becomes a go-between. Other theories are that they arguably have the most fertile lands over there (at least, the Thothian river is similar to the environment of old Nithia; a large river with a massive delta and flood plains). The natives of the Isle of Dawn (ancestors of the Alasyians) and Antalian settlers in the north (where it would have been much colder for the warm clime adapted Nithians, are also another factor. >And do you know where there is more info on this mysticism? Get M5: Talons of Night.It's strongly implied there that the mysticism was actually given to the Thothians by the Aranea and their Immortal patron, Arachne Prime. Aaron Allston later altered things to make it a sort of "non-denominational" mysticism, to explain why Thothia was spared. Note that he also left out a number of Thothian leaders, from Pharoah Tokoramses V thru XIV. Anyway, here's my take: Thothia was founded by the Tokoramses dynasty, and were (like Nithia at the time) primarily made of fire worshippers (Magians- with Rathanos being one of the pantheon). When Nithia turned to Entropic ways, Thothia (being more distant) retained its Magian leanings. In fact, during the later Pharoahs, they actively combatted Entropic ways (coming to a head under Tokoramses XIV, wielder of the Entropy-hating artifact the Periapt of Pax). Tokoramses XIV defeated most of the Entropic Nithians on the IoD roughly around the same time as the Immortals wiped them off the face of the earth. Thus a golden age was ushered into Thothia. Tokoramses XIV died without an heir (the age sapping powers of the artifact prevented his wives from carrying a child to term), assassinated by his close advisor Ramenhotep I. Ramenhotep tried to take over, but his reign was short- the Thothians (with their memory losses) were only barely held together by the wise Tokoramses. An era of battles and short lived dynasties and chaos overtook Thothia. Things seemed to stabilize under the rule of Haptuthep I (from Bruce's Voyage of the Princess Ark series), but one of Ramenhotep's successors allied with the Alphatians. Backed by the powerful empire, Haptuthep was forced to flee, and Thothia became an Alphatian protectorate (this was probably around 300 or 200 or so BC- around the time Alphatia had begun to colonize outside of their main continent; they battled the Rakasta of Ochalea (from my Patera timeline, note this is a change to the current timeline there), colonized the Alatians, Bellissaria, etc.) The Thothians stayed under Alphatian rule for many centuries, even having a series of Alphatian rulers (I based this partly on the Ptolemaic dynasties of RW Egypt). They also began to grow bolder under the Alphatian rulers, and attempted to expand onto the Great Escarpment. This noticably upset the Aranea and Arachne Prime, so they arranged to bring the next ruler, one Pharoah Ramenhotep X, under their sway. He was brought to the side of the Entropic Immortal, and married to her "daughter"- actually a lycanthropic spider creature (magically created by the inspiration of the Alphatian lycanthropic plague of 425 AC). He brought in a new Mysticism- actually a very fatalistic series of beliefs (due to the Entropic influence)- and including some serious population control beliefs (thus the rather low Thothian population), resulting in a static Thothian society. Ramenhotep X also brought about the abolishment of the Magian religion, destoying temples and making the practice of the Magian faith illegal in Thothia. When Ramenhotep X became too ambitious, Arachne Prime had him eliminated (he actually survived, as a vampire). An unbroken dynasty of Ramenhoteps was ushered in, with the rulers mainly serving as mere puppets to the Aranea. This all began around 500 AC. It lasted up until around 1002 AC, when the beginnings of the Alphatian/Thyatian conflicts of the Wrath of the Immortals were beginning. During this time (based on the date of ascension of Ramenhotep XXIII from the PWAs), the Aranean plot was uncovered, Arachne Prime banished, and Aketheti (her "daughter") seemingly destroyed. Ramenhotep XXIII, the son of the previous Pharoah, took the throne. He had been secretly brought up in the Magian religion by his mother, and he was backed by an ancestor of Haptuthep I. Haptuthep II taught Ramenhotep how to tap the power of the ancient Thothian temples and pyramids to create powerful armies (such as those seen in the PWAs). With this knowledge, Ramenhotep's ascension was complete. Since then, he has worked hard to reinstill the ancient Magian religion, but it hasn't been easy. Which brings us to the present... (How's all that? If you couldn't tell, I've been giving this a lot of thought recently...) Andrew "Cthulhudrew" Theisen *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 10:54:44 +0100 From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive On Sat, 6 Feb 1999 19:38:10 -0000, "Edward Phillips" wrote: <> I did develop Furmenglaive, giving it a rather gothic touch and a mysterious history that explains its current status, but unfortunately it didn't make it into last Almanac.. If you're interested, I can send it to you (hoping that the others could read it in AC1016 almanac..) It's basically a gothic crossover of Ireland and the region of the Magna Grecia (southern Italy during the Roman Empire), and a new profession (a veritable PC class) is introduced, as well as a new race.. Anyway, let me know if ye're interested ;) DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 10:59:49 +0100 From: DM Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic On Mon, 08 Feb 1999 19:22:22 -0600, Tim wrote: <> Eh eh.. good joke here! ;) Anyway, keep in mind we're talking about two different levels of communication here: the text properly and the meta-text, that's to say all the discourses and texts said and written about the core text. In this case we do not have to confuse the two. Joshuan was a clear example of a world almanac written from the POV of a Mystaran, full of inconsistencies and gaps that reflected the non-omniscient nature of its editors. The PWA, on the contrary, were written with the POV of omniscient Dungeon Masters who knows the mechanics of the game and are describing what happens from outside the world. So, Joshuan did have inconsistencies because of the POV chosen, not because some allpowerful Immortal or god chose to alter the shape of the world and wipe out the memory of its inhabitants. Although I admit that Joshuan itself was poorly written a many parts, especially when it gave the statistics for some NPCs. There the distinction between DM omniscient POV and Editor inner POV should have been made clear, but the writers chose to blend the two things, resulting in a grotesque and lame text such as: "Brannart McGregor has XX hp, is a XX level wizard, etc.. However, if you believe the rumors having him a lich, he'll probably have xx HD and xx hp, these XX immunities and bla bla bla". That's one of the reasons I personally loathe a big part of that almanac. <> Well, you say they didn't like the Immortals' involvement in mortal affairs, but what they just did seems to me exactly the same thing they condemned! IMHO (behold the magic word.. ;)) Old Ones are the Ultimate Beholders and they will never interact directly with the Multiverse (as the Immortals do), else they'll risk invalidate their most important experiment, and they're too wise to commit such a mistake. Now you can say: "What about the OO which appeared in WotI?" During the course of these years, I have elaborated this only theory which can somehow explain that apparition: it was NOT an Old One! Old Ones would have never altered the NoS, there was no need for it, and if they wanted to do it they would have used/manipulated/led others (mortals or Immortals) do it. Old Ones would have never contacted directly mortals and Immortals like that creature did. So IMHO HE WAS NOT AN OLD ONE. Then what was it, could you ask? That, my friends, I have not yet determined... I suspect it was an emanation of the Outer Beings, but so far I have not found any evidences to support this theory, even though the mere alteration of the NoS into an Entropy driven artifact could be a wise enough argument.. DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:01:05 +0100 From: DM Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia On Mon, 8 Feb 1999 11:51:22 -0500, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: <> True, and to further their plan they gave false or vague memories to the nearby populations (see Savage Coast colonies and Thothia) and they also planted a mind sweeping artifact in the center of the Emirate of Nithia, the Bead of Oblivion, guarded by a team of Immortals whose only duty is to make sure nobody will ever discover the Nithian abominations and repeat them. <> Indeed, I agree, although the name Nithia was probably translated from some inscriptions in ancient tombs in Ylaruam using the Thothian language as sample, since old Nithian and current Thothian are very much similar (and they both differ from current Nithian spoken in HW -like meirotic and demotic, IIRC). It's very similar, I think, to what the ancient middle-east civilizations or the Andine empire are to us in RW.. <> Allow me to dissent here: Nithia WAS the real name since that's how it's called by its inhabitants in the Hollow World and by the writers in the DM's synopsis in so many gazetteers, and certainly they know what they're talking about ;) DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:39:40 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Well, I must say that the proposed contents are quite extensive, but most are one or two pages and that's too short in some cases. Take spells for example, you can't fit that many spells on two pages... but as it is a quarterly fanzine/magazine it's not too big a problem. And were are the Halflings? About the title, I think that the name "Mystara" should be in the title and it should be clear that it's something that will be continued so something like "Mystara Quarterly" is possible. Oh, and make it available in The Netherlands (and the rest of Europe) too!!!! ;-) Kristian > -----Original Message----- > From: Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA > [SMTP:geckoes@ozemail.com.au] > Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 1999 5:30 PM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE > > > attached is a textfile of my proposal. nothing would make me happier than > to have my fellow editors on the list ie all of you totally replace my > suggestions with your own. let's collaborate and get this thing up and > away! :) > > BTW, subscribing to a quarterly fanzine of this quality shouldn't be too > expensive. I would estimate given the costing here that US $10.00 - $20.00 > yearly should do it. But don't quote me yet. :) > > -------------------------------------------------------------------- > [AD&D Netbooks: www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~ksimpson/netbooks.html] > -------------------------------------------------------------------- > * * > Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 > * * > -------------------------------------------------------------------- << > File: >> *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:50:07 +0100 From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - The Skin Trade (Part 2) Hi there again! uhmmm... I thought I DID send this part on monday, but apparently it didn't arrive (at least, I didn't see it in the digests... I'm resending it here, sorry if it comes twice.. So, since it seems some of you actually like this little adventure I designed, this is next installment. I'll go on releasing two parts each week until we reach the end of it, and in the meantime if you have questions or remarks to made, please let me know. Also, if you want to guess what's happening, please make your theory known on the list, I'll enjoy reading it very much. Anyway, now on with the adventure. This is still DAY 1, remember. DM - -- The Skin Trade, by Marco Dalmonte (PART 2) -- Willie Meets Armon If the PCs decide to contact Wilhelm afterwards (this happens if Antares informs them of his existence and of their talk or if Antares herself wants to see him again), they can go to his house (Antares knows where he lived, and she's lucky since he never moved). Once they arrive they see it's a huge run-down building (see "Feuerbach House" section for a better description) near other warehouses and that there is a large black coach waiting in a nearby alley. After a couple of minutes a door opens on the alleyway where the coach is waiting and three people exit: one is Willie, while the other two are an old elegant man with a walking cane and a tall man with dirty blonde hair and a clumsy walk. The old man is talking to Willie and pointing his cane at him: he seems irritated and used at giving orders to others expecting to be obeyed, but Willie doesn't seem intentioned to satisfy him. The other man suddenly leaps towards Willie and grabs him by the collar, lifting him from the pavement with ease. Willie seems very frightened and tries to free himself but at no avail. The PCs can try to intervene or simply go on watching: in the first case, the old man orders the younger and stronger one to drop Willie when he spots the PCs and then enters the carriage followed by the other one, ordering the driver to leave. In the second case, the same scene happens just a few minutes after, even without the PCs intervention. If the PCs approach Willie after the duo's departure and question him about them or about his real relationship with Giovanna Lizzieni, he backs away uttering something like: "Got much work to do now, we'll talk tomorrow!" and enters the house, closing and bolting the door behind him. No matter what the PCs will do, he won't open until they go away. They cannot do anything more here. DM's Notes Even though theorically the PCs couldn't enter Willie's house since he closed every possible means of entrance, the PCs are renowned for coming up with unexpected solutions and they could even manage to sneak into the building to confront Willie. If this happens, refer to Willie's behaviour in the section "Fright in the Night" below. Obviously, what he reveals at this point won't be repeated once the "Fright in the Night" events occur. NIGHT 1 Dinner Party It is recommended at this point that some of the male PCs have made the acquaintance of the Aretus twins (Cassandra and Angela) and have caught their attention during previous encounters while staying in town. Tonight, the two girls officially invite the two most attractive males of the party (or those who impressed them in the precedent days, anyway) to a dinner at their own house, maybe to repay them for some courtesy or simply to know them better. Early in the evening, a coach approaches Thuriman House and the Aretus's majordomo exits, delivering a scroll with an official invitation for the two PCs to Aretus Mansion. His master, Lord Aretus, has sent him to fetch the two guests and accompany them to the mansion. Even if the party has other plans for tonight (for example sneaking inside Lizzieni House or inside the Morgue), the two PCs should realize that this is an important opportunity to make a good impression on two good-looking and wealthy girls, and should thereby excuse themselves with the other friends and go to the dinner as requested. The DM is encouraged to use the majordomo, Ariovistus, to reinforce on the PC the feeling that a refusal won't please the two girls and will surely annoy their father, who is a most influent man inside the community. If the PCs go to the dinner, Cassandra and Angela show them great attentions, but each one in her own ways. Cassandra is more direct and sometimes even embarassing with her advances, while Angela remains more silent, acting gently and blushing with delight almost every time one of the PCs praises her. The PCs also meet Lord Augustus Aretus, who questions them about their careers and heritage. If the PCs somehow tell him that they are renowned adventurers (which might be true or not, depending on the campaign), or better that they have noble bloodlines, he immediately sympathizes with them, encouraging the two to spend more time with his daughters and trusting them as loyal "henchmen". If questioned about his job and status, Lord Aretus tells them that he is a wealthy merchant (he sells manufactured products throughout the country) and that he descends from a noble family which lost his lands due to machinations of the politicians of the country (in Darokin, this happened after the Great Merger which abolished feudal law inside the Republic). Sometime during the dinner (at about ten in the night), visitors arrive to Aretus Mansion and are warmly received by Lord Aretus and his daughters, who also introduce the PCs to the two newcomers. One is an aged but very elegant man with a noble gait and a piercing gaze holding a black walking cane with a wolf shaped golden head. The other one is a large man of indefinable age, his visage being that of a youth on the body of an adult. The most disturbing feature of this man is the expression of his face: watery grey eyes staring at nothing with a hardened expression betray an abnormal mind. The new guests are Johann and Stephan Armon, father and son (though the resemblance is tenuos at best), the last members of the most wealthy and prominent family of the town ever since the first settlers came to the region. The twins briefly talk about the PCs' virtues and deeds (if they mentioned any) clearly trying to impress the Armons. However, only the old man seems to take their words into consideration, while Stephan is completely lost in his thoughts (even though the PCs can notice that now he's staring directly at Angela with some sort of grin on his face). Johann Armon gives a swift gaze at the PCs and sketches a compliant smile, then excuses himself and enters another room together with Augustus Aretus to discuss "pressing matters", leaving the PCs and the twins with his son. Soon an embarassing silence envelops the room, but Cassandra breaks it by resuming the conversation with the PCs. Stephan would seem a flesh statue was it not for his eyes, which are always fixed on Angela following her wherever she moves. No matter what the PCs do or where they go, Stephan is always close to the girls staring at them in dumb silence: he doesn't speak unless addressed by the twins (and they have no intention of doing so). Some minutes after, the two old men return and Lord Aretus calls his daughters to the other corner of the room, where they have a quick private talk. Meanwhile, old Armon tries to know the PCs a bit better, with specific questions about the cause of their presence in town and about the other members of the party (if they mention them). The PCs can (if they deliberately state it) try to look at the dialogue among the Aretus to catch a few words (maybe more with a Lip Reading proficiency check). The twins seem particularly upset, and while Cassandra vehemently protests with his father, Angela remains silent, glancing a few times at Stephan in fear. After a while the Aretus return and Lord Aretus tells Armon that he is sorry but he has to decline his kind offer (he doesn't specify what kind of offer he made and if asked later by the PCs he tells them it was a "business deal"). Armon seems displeased and sorry at the same time, while his son's eyes for the first time betray an intense hatred (Int check), though it is difficult to know who or what caused it since he's staring again at the wall now. Johann Armon then accepts the decision and bids the Aretus and the PCs farewell, exiting the house followed by his son. If the PCs ask Lord Aretus or the twins about Armon, they only tell them that he's a very important person inside the town and they go on magnificating his virtues and intelligence without revealing anything more. If they ask the twins about Stephan, they tell them that he is completely loyal to his father and possesses the strength of a bear... but the brain of a small child. Apparently, he was born mentally weak and now lives in the shadow of his father. There is no future for the Armon family under Stephan's rule, and the old man knows it. For this reason Johann Armon has often tried to have Stephan marry one of the Aretus twins (Stephan seems to like Angela in particular), thus unifying the two houses, but the twins have always refused because Stephan scares them. If the PCs ask the twins about the "business proposal" Armon mentioned this evening, Cassandra (the one who normally speaks most) remains very vague, but in the end she says that it probably was a masked marriage proposal, without adding anything more. The topic is then considered closed. The evening passes smoothly after this event, and it should be clear for the PCs that the girls feel now very close to the two. The two should start thinking about an official engagement with two of the most pampered heiresses of the community. If the PCs don't go to the dinner, the Aretus family is really disappointed and cuts any further relationship with the party for this offense. Fright in the Night Right in the middle of the night, somebody starts battering on the door of Thuriman House. When the PCs try to find out who is the cause of this mayhem, they discover a naked and rather embarassed Willie, who pleads them to let him in and to take refuge inside the house, also asking for some kind of vestment. At this point, the PCs will inevitably question Antares regarding Willie, and if Antares has not told them anything yet, Willie agrees to reveal that he is the one who sought Antares's help in the Lizzieni case. When the PCs tell him Giovanna's fate, he turns pale and falls silent, clearly in distress for the young girl's death. If the PCs ask him about his relationship with the dead girl, he says that he knew her and felt some sympathy towards the unlucky Giovanna, but is reluctant to explain how he met her and what his real feelings were. If hard pressed (threatening to stop the investigations or to tell the guards about his involvement is sufficient, even though in the second case he starts mistrusting the party), he tells them the whole truth (almost): "I met her a couple of months ago. She had some problems because of a loan she had contracted in a period of extreme misfortune, and I had been sent to.. err.. well, to make sure she would pay. Hey, don't think bad now! I know this is not the best job in the world, but it's a job nonetheless. I ensure that those who make debts pay them, sooner or later. What's wrong with this, uh? Ah, forget it! "Well, believe it or not, I'm damn good at my job: my boss has never complained about my work, but this time.. err.. this time was one of those "life stinks" cases, ya know? The girl was a kind soul whose only error in life was to have asked a loan to the wrong person when she really needed it. She was on a wheelchair, she barely earned enough to support herself with her work, often helped by her "granny", as she called her... that's her neighbour. She burst into tears when I told her why I was there and pled me to give her some more time, so she would have sold something and repayed the debts. But what could she sell, really? Don't know if ya saw her house, but I understood at first glance that there was nothing valuable in that shack... except from herself... And so I took a decision, a rather drastic one I admit: I offered her to pay her debt with my money to help her a bit. She would have repayed me when luckier times would have come, I said, and she smiled and kissed me and we agreed. I fell in love with that smile, ya know ... "I visited her regularly during the week, always at evening both because of my working duties and because I wanted to keep my relationship secret... hey, I'm a shy guy, ya know? Anyway, we eventually became more than close friends, for she returned my love with joy and such a passion I had never experienced before. She was fond of me like nobody had ever been, and even if she knew what kind of man I was, she loved me anyway. We had great plans in mind: once spared enough money, we would have moved to the capital and seeked out somebody who could cure her paralyzed legs, a priest or a magician maybe, and then we would have traveled the world... But life stinks, I bet ya know it, and these proved to be easy dreams difficult to carry out. I tried to spare enough, I really tried hard, but it was never enough, especially since I owe a big part of my income to my boss.. But we never lost hope.. until yesterday morning..." Willie has nothing more to say about his love affair with Giovanna, or better nothing more he wants the party to know. If asked why he has come naked in the middle of the night to Antares's house (which will probably be the first thing the PCs ask), he tells the party that he has been harassed in his house. He was sleeping in his bed when he heard some noises in the hallway outside his chamber. Being a very cautious and prudent man he always locks his door from the inside, and this time it proved useful, since whoever (or whatever) was outside the room, once understood the door was locked, he tried to smash it. This gave Willie just the time to jump through the closed window and run for his life towards Antares's house. Willie never saw who was on the other side the door and frankly he doesn't regret it. If the PCs propose to return to the house to see if the intruder is still there, Willie seems really frightened, but will accept nonetheless if the whole party accompanies him and above all if the party seems powerful enough to handle an unknown menace. Whether they return to the house during the night or the day after, they won't find anyone inside. Refer to the description of "Feuerbach House" given below for more information on what the party finds inside the house. Finally, if questioned about the identity of the people who were talking to him earlier in the morning (if the PCs went to Willie's house, see the section "Willie Meets Armon" above), he explains them that the old man is Johann Armon, the wealthiest and most prominent man of the town, and the other one is Stephan, his son. Decades ago the Feuerbachs were one of the major families of the town and shared their power with the Armons and the Aretus. Unfortunately Willie's father lost his fortune in some wrong investments and in gambling and now he, last representative of the dynasty, must earn his life working for a moneylender. Johann Armon sometimes pays him a visit, mainly to mock and tease him with strange proposals, and this was one of those times. On his part, Willie's preferred pasttime is to disappoint Armon and to ridicolize his dumb son at every occasion, and this too was one of those times. Willie won't tell anything more about their talk and will only reveal that Armon basically "owns" the town, so he must be dealt with carefully. He has so far avoided his wrath because Armon thinks Willie is too insignificant to be taken into consideration. As for his son, he's mentally not fit: a child's brain in a giant's body, basically, that's all he can say. The two despise each other. Feuerbach House Willie's house is a huge building that once served as a warehouse for heavy products (Willie's family owned it in the past). The ground floor is empty and run down, full of old cranks and webs, dusty and very gloomy. The living quarters are on the first floor, located some 15' above the ground and accessible only via a metal staircase inside the building. When the party arrives, they find out that the main double door entrance is still locked and shut (since the closing of the warehouse it has never been used anymore). The secondary entrance, a small door on the long side of the building, is also closed, just as Willie left it once he entered the house some six hours before. The door is locked from the inside (Willie didn't take the keys when he escaped) and barred with an iron bolt, so the PCs have to find another way inside. The only windows are located on the first floor, 18' high, and the one from which Willie jumped is clearly visible, broken from the inside. The PCs should use it to enter (either by Flying or by Levitating or by climbing the wall with a rope or by Teleporting inside). [NOTE: the PCs should note that Willie jumped from 18' high and didn't injured himself! Quite a feat for a seemingly weak person as Willie is..] Inside the house, the PCs find out that the door of the sleeping room has been pulled off the hinges but not destroyed. The room shows no signs of struggle and Willie notices that nothing has been touched or removed. If they examine the door more closely they find clear marks, similar to cuts, both on the door and on the knob, probably left by a knife since the cuts are not so broad (but they're deep). Searching the other rooms (the kitchen, the near pantry, the recreation room, other two unused bedrooms and the bathroom) they find no traces of intrusion (everything is as it stood before Willie fled and the dust in some of them testifies that they haven't been used for a long while). Only if they examine closely the door of the bathroom (which is the only one open together with the bedroom one and the kitchen one), just in front of Willie's bedchamber, they notice that the knob on the inside bears the same "scars", cuts, as Willie's door does. However, inside the bathroom they find only a tub (bathtub), two buckets full of water, a stove with a few logs, a chest (with some shaving tools, oils and perfumes and washing towels) and a big mirror near it. Only the kitchen, the bedrooms and the recreative room have a window, and none of them is open (except for Willie's bedchamber that is broken). So how did the intruder get into the house and why? The PCs might become suspecting some magic is at work here, but so far they haven't clear proofs to identify it. If questioned on who might want to harm him, Willie explains that he has many enemies, but none of them is daring or powerful enough to surprise him in his house in that way. He really seems puzzled and a bit frightened, and if it's still nighttime he asks Antares to come to her house to spend the rest of the night there, where he feels safer. There are no reasons to refuse, but in case she does, then Willie tries to convince one of the PCs to remain with him. If he fails, he bids them farewell and secretly seeks another hideout for the night (but at this point he's becoming very disappointed by the group). Whatever the case, nothing more happens this night to Willie or the PCs... but somewhere else, somebody is going to have a dreadful awakening... - -- end part 2 -- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #73 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Thursday, February 11 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 074 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn, part 2 RE: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror RE: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic [MYSTARA] - Dwarf archetypes in Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin RE: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES; ROLE Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 07:24:16 -0500 From: Jerry Hovenanian Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive DM wrote: > I did develop Furmenglaive, giving it a rather gothic touch and a > mysterious history that explains its current status, but unfortunately it > didn't make it into last Almanac.. If you're interested, I can send it to > you (hoping that the others could read it in AC1016 almanac..) > > It's basically a gothic crossover of Ireland and the region of the Magna > Grecia (southern Italy during the Roman Empire), and a new profession (a > veritable PC class) is introduced, as well as a new race.. Anyway, let me > know if ye're interested ;) > > DM Post it to the list....i'd love to see it. - -- Jerry Hovenanian clumsydwarf@hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:53:55 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn >(How's all that? If you couldn't tell, I've been giving this a lot of >thought recently...) Good stuff. The last bit got me thinking - I'm trying to use the Birthright rulz instead of the Companion set stuff (which, IMHO, is woefully inadequate). I was unsure how to handle BR Sources and realm spells tho... The whole Nithian "pyramid power" concept (from the HW Nithia book) sounds similar to the BR realm spell system. I may make the knowledge of realm magic a Nithian lost art IMC... I know there are some Birthright buffs on here - what do you reckon? Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:54:39 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive >I did develop Furmenglaive, giving it a rather gothic touch and a >mysterious history that explains its current status, but unfortunately it >didn't make it into last Almanac.. If you're interested, I can send it to >you (hoping that the others could read it in AC1016 almanac..) > >It's basically a gothic crossover of Ireland and the region of the Magna >Grecia (southern Italy during the Roman Empire), and a new profession (a >veritable PC class) is introduced, as well as a new race.. Anyway, let me >know if ye're interested ;) Sounds kewl! I am always interested in things like this... Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 14:57:20 +0200 (EET) From: Harri M{ki Subject: [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn, part 2 Here is the second part of the history of the House of Ellerovyn. If you have something to comment on this or my earlier writings about von Drachenfels's and belcadiz's I would be happy if you write to me either through this list or by my personel e-mail. War years When Joachim von Drachenfels approached personally Don Fernando de Belcadiz in 786, Don Fernando immediately called also Charan Erewan and other leaders of the Erewan-elves to negotiation. Charan realised soon that Don Fernando have to join with Joachim and his allies because of the pressure from Don Alfonso and younger generation. Charan had no desire for war or meddling with human affairs, but in the end he also decided that his elves would join the fight. He made this decision only because he wanted to reserve the elven solidarity. Charan decided to lead personally his troops. During the fighting in the next two years Charan and Don Alfonso de Belcadiz lead elven troops in the field. Whereas Belcadizian elves fighted in hand-to-hand with human troops, Erewan elves were used as longbowmen and in surprise attacks behind the enemy lines. During these years Charan and Don Alfonso developed reluctant respect for each others abilities as warleaders: Don Alfonso was great inspirational leader, who was always with his troops in the forefront, whereas Charan was more planner and strategist. After the Battle of Braastar and the death of Joachim von Drachenfels, Charan stayed in Braastar and take part in the negotiations of the future with Don Fernando. Charan was not very sorry about the death of Joachim, during the last two years he had seen through him and he hadn't liked what he saw. Charan was also very worried when Don Fernando told him during the negotiations that it was his opinion that the elves should join the humans in one state. Charan understood Don Fernandos reasoning, but he didn´t like the idea. He also realised that if Belcadiz-elves join the humans, Erewans couldn´t stay out. So in the end he had to agree with Don Fernando. So settler leaders were positively surprised when two elven leaders announced their willingness to join the Republic of Highlands. When the Republic was announced Charan took the other elven seat in the new Council of the State. After Halzunthram's coup Charan was imprisoned with Don Fernando and three Flaemish council members. Charan was furious of this and blamed partly Don Fernando of the happening. This would have never happened if they had stayed out of the affairs of the humans. This was first major friction between Charan and Don Fernando. After Don Alfonso had rescued them Charan's attitude had softened a bit towards Don Fernando, but anyhow he had decided that he don't want to have anymore dealings with humans. During the 40-years war rebel leaders knew the attitude of Charan, so they tried persuade only Belcadiz-elves to join them. Charan refused to join the fighting still when Don Fernando join the rebels in 806 because of the dwarven troops fighting at Halzunthram's side. Only after Don Fernando's personal appeal to him in AC Charan joined the fighting. He still keep his troops out of the major battles and concentrated only to defend Erewans own areas. Charan's attitude changed only in 819 after he had met first time the leader of the Humans, Lord Alexander Glantri. Like Don Fernando Charan saw immediately that there was a human he could trust, who had a right kind of ambitions and visions about the future. Years after war This time when the negotiations begun after the war it was Charan who told to Don Fernando that he would join the state and this time it was Don Fernando who wanted to stay out of the human affairs. When the offer was made to the elves for 1 place in the new Council, Charan told directly to Don Fernando that it would be Don Fernandos place. Charan was happy with the place in the House of the Lords as a first Marquis of Ellerovyn. Next years were quiet for Charan and his elves. He was of course shocked when he heard about the death of Lord Alexander Glantri in 835. Charan withdrew from the House for 23 years because of that. He came back only after Light of Rad decision in 858. Charan was not happy with this decision like Don Fernando, because he had very great doubts about the state ruled by human magic-users. He saw them as a chaotic bunch of individuals who would probably quarrel with each other about every possible issue. He thought that now he must again take his seat in the House so that there would be at least one voice for some orderliness. He didn't also exactly like the decision to include most of the Erewan areas in the new Principality of Belcadiz. He was afraid that at the long run there would be difficulties between two elven groups. Right after returning to the House Charan also at last announced his marriage to his distant cousin, Meralia. They have been dating already over one hundred years and some elder relatives had already begun to worry if they would ever marry. If you leave politics out everything seemed to be fine. But then came the dark clouds. Charan had been happy for his sister and Don Fernando when they had their child at last in 858. Dona Charlena told immediately to his brother about problems with Don Carlo when they become to show up. And after Don Fernando had announced that his son Don Carlo had died and Dona Charlena had told to Charan his suspicions about the death, Charan directly demanded Don Fernando to explain what had happened. This was last straw for Don Fernando, he refused to speak about the matter and two elven leaders never spoke to each other after this. And when Dona Charlena died in orc ambush in 869 all was lost. First Charan could only protest in the House about the treatment of his elves in the hands of Don Alfonso in elven Principality. Only after the enfiefment of Nouvelle Averoigne and Klantyre in 875 Charan realised what he must do. He began to lobbying of an other elven Principality for Erewan elves. Harri Mäki hihama@uta.fi *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 15:12:12 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror Your discussion is very off topic. You are all fined with a fine (?) of 50 Euro! :-) No pounds accepted! I can easily say that, 'cause Rob is hiding in a bombshelter... :-) > -----Original Message----- > From: Rob [SMTP:rmunch@easynet.co.uk] > Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 1999 8:09 PM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror > > > > >> My 2 Euros.. > > > > > >Your thoughts are most valuable, as usual. :-) > > > >(You do know that this is worth around 4000 Lira?) > > > And worth nowt in England :) > > I wish - the one remaing eurosceptic in england :) > > (hides in bombshelter) > > Cheerz > > Rob > > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 15:25:35 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates And people kill people... > -----Original Message----- > From: Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA > [SMTP:geckoes@ozemail.com.au] > Sent: Thursday, February 11, 1999 2:08 AM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates > > > Okay, now you've done it! I'm getting out the big red book (aka > > Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language) > > The closest definition I can find is "entropy is homogeneity, > > uniformity, or lack of distinction or differentiation (the tendency of > > the universe toward entropy)" Like I've been saying, there is nothing > > about entropy to make me consider it evil. Its just all part of a > > process or tendency. All these evil aspects being given it are > > additional to what it really is. One way of creating entropy is through > > death and destruction but that is not the only way. The canon debates > > we had a few months ago are an entropy process. Attempting to have all > > of us view Mystara the same and thus creating a lack of distinction. > > But I certainly don't call that evil (though disagreeing with me borders > > on it :) > > SPHERES DON'T KILL PEOPLE; IMMORTALS KILL PEOPLE > > > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 09:43:06 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic In a message dated 2/11/99 5:08:58 AM Eastern Standard Time, mdalmonte@provincia.ra.it writes: << I suspect it was an emanation of the Outer Beings, but so far I have not found any evidences to support this theory, even though the mere alteration of the NoS into an Entropy driven artifact could be a wise enough argument.. >> Why? The NoS DRAINS entropy from the world, making it more "friendly" to mortal beings. Unless the NoS directs the entropic energy somehow into the "fabric" of the dimensional barrier holding the Outer Beings back, thus weakening it, there would be no reason to change the NoS. Uh-oh..... *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 10:29:51 EST From: BoBoII@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Dwarf archetypes in Mystara Okay in an effort to drag this back on topic, I'd offer that there would be room in Mystara to develope a package for a Dwarven Beast Rider type whose mount is a Strider lizard. You could use the Ad&d Co. Fgtr. Book, or adapt from some of the skills and traits of the Ethengar Gaz. (Sorry oh great Khan). I'd say the Can who live on the top in Rockhome (can't recall at this time) would have a Local Peasant Hero or two. You might adapt a type of Dwarven thief to represent those who plague the Elves so much. These fellows could actually be saught out and hired by the ex-patriot Alfhiem Clans to go in and harrass the Shadow Elves for them. How's that for a turn of events. The Sea Dwarves of Minrothad should have a distinct feel and flavor to them, but I'm not sure how that would translate into Stats. and abilities. Same with Northern Reaches, although they seem a close cousin to Rockhome clans. Lastly, given the bad blood between Glantri and Rockhome, you might come up with a Mage Hunter type, with high saving throw bonuses to Spells/Wands, reaction adj. to initiative when going against spell casters, and fast, light missle/melee weapons designed to disrupt casting until you can get in close and put 8" of steel in his gullet. I'd personally let these guys detect magic, not sloping floors etc, and remove their bonus to fighting big guys to offset the magehunting bonuses. Any other Mystara native types? *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 10:31:30 EST From: BoBoII@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn In a message dated 99-02-11 04:15:35 EST, you write: << M5: Talons of Night implies that the Nithians "invited the Alphatians" to settle Mystara, so if you buy that theory, then the location makes sense, as Thothia becomes a go-between. >> Remember that the victor writes the history books . . . . *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 10:45:16 -0500 From: Daly Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates And orcs kill people... Kristian Kramer wrote: > > And people kill people... > > > > SPHERES DON'T KILL PEOPLE; IMMORTALS KILL PEOPLE > > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:05:27 -0500 (EST) From: SteelAngel Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin On Wed, 10 Feb 1999 Mystaros@aol.com wrote: > were purged of their serpentine genes. The Gnomes, of course, are an offshoot > of the original Dwarven race, I never did like the fact that all dwarves are found in Brun. Ethan - Gnomes on Davania! - -- Ethan Deneault - PH/MU '99 www.wpi.edu/~eand - wpi.flame Quote Archive. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:21:00 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates And trolls eat people (dead or alive)... > And orcs kill people... > > Kristian Kramer wrote: > > > > And people kill people... > > > > > > SPHERES DON'T KILL PEOPLE; IMMORTALS KILL PEOPLE > > > > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:30:19 -0500 From: Daly Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Who says they're only on Brun? SteelAngel wrote: > > On Wed, 10 Feb 1999 Mystaros@aol.com wrote: > > > were purged of their serpentine genes. The Gnomes, of course, are an offshoot > > of the original Dwarven race, > > I never did like the fact that all dwarves are found in Brun. > > Ethan - Gnomes on Davania! > > -- > Ethan Deneault - PH/MU '99 > www.wpi.edu/~eand - wpi.flame Quote Archive. > > *************************************************************************** > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:30:19 -0500 From: Daly Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Who says they're only on Brun? SteelAngel wrote: > > On Wed, 10 Feb 1999 Mystaros@aol.com wrote: > > > were purged of their serpentine genes. The Gnomes, of course, are an offshoot > > of the original Dwarven race, > > I never did like the fact that all dwarves are found in Brun. > > Ethan - Gnomes on Davania! > > -- > Ethan Deneault - PH/MU '99 > www.wpi.edu/~eand - wpi.flame Quote Archive. > > *************************************************************************** > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:27:24 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Entropy Debates > > And orcs kill people... > And Tazmanian Devils kill: Ardvarks, Hippopotomi, Zebras, Gazelles, Mice, Lions, Squirrels, Ant Eaters, Sheep, Horses, Skunks, Leopards, Kangaroos, Jackals, Camels, Antellopes, Porcupines, Cheetas, Chimpanzees, Giraffs, Caraboo, Manapees, Gorillas, Elephants, Bears, . . .And ESPECIALLY Rabbits! Ok, are we done now? *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 13:49:27 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic ><< I suspect it was an emanation of the Outer Beings, but so far I have not > found any evidences to support this theory, even though the mere alteration > of the NoS into an Entropy driven artifact could be a wise enough argument.. >>> > >Why? The NoS DRAINS entropy from the world, making it more "friendly" to >mortal beings. Unless the NoS directs the entropic energy somehow into the >"fabric" of the dimensional barrier holding the Outer Beings back, thus >weakening it, there would be no reason to change the NoS. Uh-oh..... Incidentally, are the "Outer Beings" mentioned in the Immortals boxed set...? I'd assumed that the idea for Cthulhu-type oogey boogeys in the Mystaran multiverse came from module M3; but now I've found a copy of that one, and it doesn't say anywhere what the Carnifex worship.... Or are the Outer Beings not really a "canon" (i.e. mentioned in TSR text) idea, but something that's been extrapolated from the Averoigne/CAS connection? Just wondering. :-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 13:54:28 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia ><"Nithia" probably wasn't even the real name of the Empire: it's just what >archaeologists of the present era like to call it. Kind of like how lots >of Mesopotamian ruins IRL bear the Arabic names of modern villages they're >located near, because nobody knows what the original inhabitants called the >sites.>> > >Allow me to dissent here: Nithia WAS the real name since that's how it's >called by its inhabitants in the Hollow World and by the writers in the >DM's synopsis in so many gazetteers, and certainly they know what they're >talking about ;) That's why I'd pointed out that any translation to Thyatian Common -- or IRL English, for that matter! -- would call the empire "Nithia", irregardless of what the people of that nation called themselves. It's just like how FASA might publish a gamebook about futuristic Japan, for Shadowrun, and call the people in it "Japanese", even though they're Nihonjin in their own language: "Japan" is English for Nihon, and "Nithia" is Thyatian for <>. :-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 14:11:15 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question >The Doorway used by the PCs in M2: Vengeance of Alphaks, that is located in >the Broken Lands, is merely one of many such doorways across the face of >Mystara. In fact, there are many similar planar gates- the Stones of Sky in >Vestland could be one; there is, I believe, a "stonehenge" like fixture >mentioned in the underground realm of Cynidicea (I seem to recall our talks >about this Cynidicean brethren?). Robrenn probably has a few, etc. > >They are not gates to a specific locale, but rather, with the proper >knowledge and rituals, can open gates to many realms. That's a nifty idea to account for the various stone circles on Brun. (I think there's some in the Shires, too ... naturally, since Ed Greenwood wrote the halflings' Gaz!) None of the products seem to offer a backstory for such megaliths -- apart from them being SO old, even ancient peoples like the Cynidiceans haven't a clue where they came from -- so calling them lost gates to other worlds is probably as good an explanation as any. Perhaps they could date back to the era of Brute-men, seeing as how Brun was an arctic continent at the time they must've been erected. Powerful wokani might have constructed them back in Paleolithic times, during an interglacial warm period prior to the current one. After Ka-gar moved his dwindling people to the HW, the stones would remain as the only lasting evidence of the Neanderthals' presense on the surface before the rise of anatomically-modern humans. This would explain why they're so widely distributed, as even the Nithians didn't live in as many parts of Mystara as where such standing stones exist. Later on, when modern races' magic became equal to the task of opening these henge-gates, fairies of the Good Kingdom or druidic orders might have assumed responsibility for guarding them, against foolhardy adventurers and other meddlers. This leaves only the Broken Lands' gate accessible to PCs - -- there being no guardians, on the Mystaran side, whom the local humanoids haven't killed -- so maybe M3 uses that specific doorway by default. OTOH, this does make for an AWFUL lot of potential gateways to the PoB, leaving open the question of why the Carnifex didn't get released centuries ago.... *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 14:17:48 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin >Galwylin wrote: > >>The Hin settled the Five Shires around BC 1300 but I haven't found when >>or where their race started. Any ideas? Were they the last race >>created? > >Well, the HW DM's Guide says they left Davania and arrived in the Shires >in BC 1300. That entry describes them as having been "long abandoned by >their friends, the elves" and "threatened by humans". This leads me to >conclude that they have been around at least as long as the second >elvish migration from Davania (circa BC 2500) - the last official reference >to elves in Davania. So IMO they have been around at least that long. > >The map also shows them originating in the Brasol region (south of the >Adakkian Sound). There are several hin NPCs in the Blackmoor modules. A few hin clans probably immigrated to Blackmoor in the company of the four elven clans (Celebryl, Porador, etc) which settled in the northern hemisphere, back in the 4th millenium BC. Unlike the elves -- who escaped underground, eventually becoming the CoS shadow elves -- Blackmoor's halflings must have died out completely in the GRoF, leaving it up to their cousins on Davania to re-colonize the northern continents. In any case, this extends the hin's origin back into Blackmoorian times. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 14:23:08 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES; ROLE >>RE: ETIENNE D'AMBERVILLE >> >>What is the relatively existential path to Immortalhood that Etienne >>followed? Does it truly exist in Mystara or is it an aberration to be >>quietly forgotten? > > >He did it thru the Radiance. Theres a 9th level Radiance Spell which has >the effect, essentially, of becoming an Immortal of Energy. Interestingly, Etienne seems to have not only attained Immortality through the NoS, but to have bypassed the first three "stages" of Immortal development! He's already an Empyreal in Gaz3 -- 1000 AC -- yet supposedly he'd only completed his ascension in 979 AC. Somehow he either advanced through the ranks of Initiate, Temporal, and Celestial in just 21 years (which seems downright ridiculous, especially for an Immortal with no clergy!), or he made it all the way from mortality to Empyreal-status in one fell swoop. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 14:27:10 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia >X-Authentication-Warning: phaser.Showcase.MPGN.COM: majordom set sender to >owner-mystara-l@lists.MPGN.COM using -f >From: Nurvel@aol.com >Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 02:24:01 EST >To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM >Mime-Version: 1.0 >Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia >Sender: owner-mystara-l@Phaser.ShowCase.MPGN.COM >Reply-To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM >Status: U > >In a message dated 2/8/99 4:13:33 PM Central Standard Time, >dornhoff@bio.umass.edu writes: > ><< I think Mystarans today call it Nithia; that's why there's an Emirate of > Nithia in modern Ylaruam. You'd have to go to the Hollow World, to find > out what the Nithians call themselves ... although as soon as you translate > their words into Common Thyatian or another modern language, you're back to > calling it "Nithia" again! :-) >> >Is this Emirate just like old nithian society???? No, the modern Emirate of Nithia is just a stretch of badlands in northern Ylaruam, with little population apart from bandits and fugitives. A few bedraggled remnants of the Magian fire-cult also presist there, as "heathens" opposed to the prevailing faith of Al-Kadim. It's not like "Old" Nithia at all, any more than modern-day Egypt is like the Pharaohs' ancient kingdoms. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:31:34 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > Incidentally, are the "Outer Beings" mentioned in the Immortals boxed > set...? I'd assumed that the idea for Cthulhu-type oogey boogeys in the > Mystaran multiverse came from module M3; but now I've found a copy of that > one, and it doesn't say anywhere what the Carnifex worship.... > > Or are the Outer Beings not really a "canon" (i.e. mentioned in TSR text) > idea, but something that's been extrapolated from the Averoigne/CAS > connection? I believe the Outer Beings are something invented by Geoff Gander, Mystaros or Andrew Theissen. Dunno who came up with the original idea, but Geoff seems to be the one who's done most of the work on 'em. anyway, i've decided that they are cool and here to stay in my campaign! :) Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #74 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Thursday, February 11 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 075 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES; ROLE Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin [MYSTARA] - Re: OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia RE: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:39:39 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > There are several hin NPCs in the Blackmoor modules. A few hin clans > probably immigrated to Blackmoor in the company of the four elven clans > (Celebryl, Porador, etc) which settled in the northern hemisphere, back in > the 4th millenium BC. Unlike the elves -- who escaped underground, > eventually becoming the CoS shadow elves -- Blackmoor's halflings must have > died out completely in the GRoF, leaving it up to their cousins on Davania > to re-colonize the northern continents. > > In any case, this extends the hin's origin back into Blackmoorian times. If I am not mistaken, the Blackmoor modules also include goblins and orcs, two races that were not around at that time according to more recent timelines. One could assume that the Hin featured in those adventures were the result of the fact that noone had made a proper timeline when they were produced. Ofcourse, your theory of an old Halfling race that was wiped out works too. :) My (current) theory on the Davanian Hin's origin: Elves are Fairies who were given a chance to become mortal by Ordana. When Ilsundal lead his people out of Grunland, the elves were accompanied by a group of Brownies who were their servants. These Brownies were also given the oportnity to acquire mortality and those who accepted became the Hin. all IMC ofcourse. Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 15:15:09 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? I think there's a reason why Entropics are typically so nasty/evil/psycho, but it's not that Entropy is evil by its very nature. Entropy is a natural force, like lightning or plate tectonics; it's not malicious in its own right, any more than a volcano or a thuderstorm is. However, any person who would seek Immortality in the Sphere of Entropy, must -- BY DEFINITION -- be a hypocrite at heart ... because the concept of "Immortality", itself, is opposed to Entropy! The prospect of someone's existing forever -- the very definition of "immortal", and the thing most mortals desire about such status -- is innately incompatible with the objectives of the Sphere in question: that is, to destroy EVERYTHING ... even the Entropic Immortals, themselves! The only way the Entropy Sphere can even justify HAVING any Immortals, IMHO, is to counteract efforts by the creative Spheres' Immortals to preserve the multiverse beyond its appointed span. Ultimately, for Entropy to be true to its goals, even its own Immortal agents must pass into oblivion, taking the rest of reality with them. This means that, while Entropy might theoretically open itself to all alignments, it's generally limited to recruiting those who aren't sincere, in their desire to destroy EVERYTHING ... at least, not to the point of suicide. People who sincerely want to die -- a necessary prerequisite, for a person to be both "Lawful", AND devoted to Entropy -- just go ahead and do it; they CAN'T become Entropic Immortals, because they wouldn't seek or desire Immortality, in the first place! The beings who DO join Entropy as Immortals are, by their very act of joining, proving themselves unfaithful to its ultimate objective. This actually puts Entropy at a huge, inherent disadvantage (!) when compared to the other Spheres; while other Immortals MIGHT deviate from their Spheres' greater purposes at times, Entropics ALWAYS do this, whenever their own survival and well-being is concerned. The best the Entropic Sphere can do, operating under such unique limitations, is settle for what it can get: powermongers, nihilists, death-crazed psychotics, and others who -- though they definitely DON'T want to die, themselves! -- can assist in the process of annihilating everything else in the cosmos. The various Entropic Immortals may not all be Chaotic, but they're certainly the kinds of people who can advance the "wipe everything else out" aspect of Entropy's agenda ... even if they aren't really committed to that end, to the point of accepting its personal consequences (i.e. their own demise). Should Entropy ever actually achieve its goal of destroying everything that exists, then the Entropics' Sphere will no doubt cut them off from its power and let them dissipate (suckers! ;-D), as the last step in its destructive endeavors. In fact, it's this very line of reasoning, which helped convince me that Hel is one of the "original" Entropic Immortals, who never had a mortal identity ... and that Thanatos -- his reputation and dearth of mortal memories, nonwithstanding -- ISN'T! The only way that an Entropic Immortal could really be TRUE to the spirit of his/her Sphere -- i.e. so faithful as to accept personal dissolution -- is if he/she'd started out Immortal, and never had to consciously strive for an "eternal" existence. Hel's coldly-clinical Neutrality and her view of death as a natural process are perfectly in keeping with the "true" (i.e. not evil; just the normal closure of existence) spirit of Entropy ... but they AREN'T reconcilable with the kind of personality that would seek Immortality, in the first place! Conversely, Thanatos' blatant delight in suffering, and his habit of "playing" with his victims before destroying them, are fundamental to the kind of person who'd seek Entropic status, purely for the love of destroying things ... but there's no WAY that ol' T-bone (who once fled into Nightstorm, rather than get trounced by his enraged fellow-Immortals) would be willing to off HIMSELF, regardless of how freely he ends others' lives. The ONLY way that a sincere individual might wind up in the Entropic Sphere, yet not be violating the very principles that DEFINE Entropy (by seeking Immortality, i.e. "eternal life"), is if they'd already possessed the capacity to live forever and, thus, aren't gaining anything but power from becoming Immortal. Thus, it's no coincidence that Nyx -- a vampirish undead, hence "eternal" even BEFORE her ascension! -- is the closest Entropy's ever come to having someone "good" in its bailiwick: Nyx didn't have to go against the underlying nihilism of her Sphere to join it; and her motives for doing so had nothing to do with out-lasting her own mortal "life". *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:44:09 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Markus Olavi Montola wrote: > The copyright for Runequest is Avalon Hill's, the copyright for the world > of Glorantha is Greg Stafford's (Bruceheard +2 of Glorantha), who > encourages fan publications. You're right. My bad. Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:54:34 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn >Remember that the victor writes the history books . . . . History is written by men who have hanged heroes... Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:43:04 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES; ROLE On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > Interestingly, Etienne seems to have not only attained Immortality through > the NoS, but to have bypassed the first three "stages" of Immortal > development! He's already an Empyreal in Gaz3 -- 1000 AC -- yet supposedly > he'd only completed his ascension in 979 AC. Somehow he either advanced > through the ranks of Initiate, Temporal, and Celestial in just 21 years > (which seems downright ridiculous, especially for an Immortal with no > clergy!), or he made it all the way from mortality to Empyreal-status in > one fell swoop. That was possible, at least according to the Gold Box. Any experience points beyond that required to reach 36th level was transformed to powerpoints. (1 pp = 1000xp or something, right?) Hĺvard *** Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:31:34 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > Incidentally, are the "Outer Beings" mentioned in the Immortals boxed > set...? I'd assumed that the idea for Cthulhu-type oogey boogeys in the > Mystaran multiverse came from module M3; but now I've found a copy of that > one, and it doesn't say anywhere what the Carnifex worship.... > > Or are the Outer Beings not really a "canon" (i.e. mentioned in TSR text) > idea, but something that's been extrapolated from the Averoigne/CAS > connection? I believe the Outer Beings are something invented by Geoff Gander, Mystaros or Andrew Theissen. Dunno who came up with the original idea, but Geoff seems to be the one who's done most of the work on 'em. anyway, i've decided that they are cool and here to stay in my campaign! :) Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:39:39 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > There are several hin NPCs in the Blackmoor modules. A few hin clans > probably immigrated to Blackmoor in the company of the four elven clans > (Celebryl, Porador, etc) which settled in the northern hemisphere, back in > the 4th millenium BC. Unlike the elves -- who escaped underground, > eventually becoming the CoS shadow elves -- Blackmoor's halflings must have > died out completely in the GRoF, leaving it up to their cousins on Davania > to re-colonize the northern continents. > > In any case, this extends the hin's origin back into Blackmoorian times. If I am not mistaken, the Blackmoor modules also include goblins and orcs, two races that were not around at that time according to more recent timelines. One could assume that the Hin featured in those adventures were the result of the fact that noone had made a proper timeline when they were produced. Ofcourse, your theory of an old Halfling race that was wiped out works too. :) My (current) theory on the Davanian Hin's origin: Elves are Fairies who were given a chance to become mortal by Ordana. When Ilsundal lead his people out of Grunland, the elves were accompanied by a group of Brownies who were their servants. These Brownies were also given the oportnity to acquire mortality and those who accepted became the Hin. all IMC ofcourse. Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 15:43:46 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Re: OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft Did anyone get the Netbook of Mystara Spellcraft or did it get hung up somehow? Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:51:06 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic DM wrote: > > Eh eh.. good joke here! ;) Its no joke! :) > Well, you say they didn't like the Immortals' involvement in mortal > affairs, but what they just did seems to me exactly the same thing they > condemned! That's the way people are. Their way is always the right way :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:48:04 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Geoff Gander wrote: > > Well, the HW DM's Guide says they left Davania and arrived in the Shires > in BC 1300. That entry describes them as having been "long abandoned by > their friends, the elves" and "threatened by humans". This leads me to > conclude that they have been around at least as long as the second > elvish migration from Davania (circa BC 2500) - the last official reference > to elves in Davania. So IMO they have been around at least that long. Thanks for the pointer :) Though it wasn't mentioned in the text, reading over the migration map, I found that the hin started theirs around BC 2800. Perhaps they were the second race to appear instead of humans. So, has anyone had some halflings left in Davania degenerate into the feral type halflings (similar to Dark Sun)? - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:56:47 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia DM wrote: > > Allow me to dissent here: Nithia WAS the real name since that's how it's > called by its inhabitants in the Hollow World and by the writers in the > DM's synopsis in so many gazetteers, and certainly they know what they're > talking about ;) But then that would suggest they didn't wipe Nithia's memory from Mystara. Not if its actual name is still known. Oh, for those wondering why I asked this in the first place, I wanted to determine the effect of Immortal interference on the Traldar clan in Traladara. I think I'll be basing them on the Kush and Axum kingdoms (a little of both). Just wanted any ruins left in Karameikos to have a different style than Nithia's. Similiar but with some differences. Now to figure out where the first Traldar settlement occured. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:10:50 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Murphy Jason wrote: > Oh and does anyone else always have there D&D lawyer NPC's with a Lawful > Evil alignment. :) Nope, but we once had a Judge who was Grandmaster with the club. He almost killed an elf accused for murder because the elf showed contempt of the court! :) Hĺvard *** Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:14:12 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, SteelAngel wrote: > I never did like the fact that all dwarves are found in Brun. Kagyar could have placed dwarves elsewhere too even though it hasnt been mentioned in any timeline. Or Sea Dwarves could have colonized some strange shore. Any cool ideas for exotic dwarven cultures? Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:14:12 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, SteelAngel wrote: > I never did like the fact that all dwarves are found in Brun. Kagyar could have placed dwarves elsewhere too even though it hasnt been mentioned in any timeline. Or Sea Dwarves could have colonized some strange shore. Any cool ideas for exotic dwarven cultures? Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 23:41:04 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror > And worth nowt in England :) > > I wish - the one remaing eurosceptic in england :) > > (hides in bombshelter) > > Cheerz > > Rob Well, and I thought that all of those islanders were eurosceptics. OTOH, you're nearly surrounded by Euro countries on all sides. (Scepticism-seeking missile fired... Probability for hit: 89.52 %) Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:20:45 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA wrote: > > attached is a textfile of my proposal. nothing would make me happier than > to have my fellow editors on the list ie all of you totally replace my > suggestions with your own. let's collaborate and get this thing up and > away! :) Wooha! Color maps?! :) Need to think about a name though...We need something really catchy. As for the contents, your suggestions all sound great, I might do something for GURPS Mystara myself... > BTW, subscribing to a quarterly fanzine of this quality shouldn't be too > expensive. I would estimate given the costing here that US $10.00 - $20.00 > yearly should do it. But don't quote me yet. :) Put me on the subscription list NOW, please :) Hĺvard *** Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 16:47:32 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, DM wrote: > > I did develop Furmenglaive, giving it a rather gothic touch and a > mysterious history that explains its current status, but unfortunately it > didn't make it into last Almanac.. If you're interested, I can send it to > you (hoping that the others could read it in AC1016 almanac..) > > It's basically a gothic crossover of Ireland and the region of the Magna > Grecia (southern Italy during the Roman Empire), and a new profession (a > veritable PC class) is introduced, as well as a new race.. Anyway, let me > know if ye're interested ;) > > DM I'm interested! Gimme more! - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 21:52:56 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin No, Humans were first 10,000 BC or was it our friends with the scales the late great CARNIFAX (Tada!)? - -----Original Message----- From: Tim To: Mystara Mailing List Date: 10 February 1999 16:57 Subject: [MYSTARA] - The Hin >Okay, looking at the timelines available. I've come to a few >assumptions: > >Elves were the first race (BC 5000) >Humans the second (BC 4000) >Gnomes the third (BC 2900) >Dwarves the fourth (BC 1800) > >The Hin settled the Five Shires around BC 1300 but I haven't found when >or where their race started. Any ideas? Were they the last race >created? > >-- >Timothy R. Haney >galwylin@airnet.net > >The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ >Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:03:47 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... Can they wear armor and cast spells at the same time? *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:08:01 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn In a message dated 2/10/99 6:06:15 PM Central Standard Time, rmunch@easynet.co.uk writes: << Yep, she is an Immortal. She was hurling 36d6 lightning bolts about in the adventure. Her life force was tied to an artifact, the Peaceful Periapt of Pax, which effectively anchored her in one place - the city of Aran (of course, the PCs are after this in the adventure). (It says that Alphaks has offered to end her exile and return her to her home plane if she prevents the PCs from getting the Periapt). >> What exactly is a planar spider...is it like an aranea or something....like a person....i dont see how a spider could become an immortal *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:09:03 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Spell: Missile of Slaying In a message dated 2/10/99 6:13:13 PM Central Standard Time, Arminath@aol.com writes: << << Yeah it could be added to Necromancy.....but its not really that powerful considering the spells like power word kill and finger of death >> It was just MHO, but I liked the spell. >> Thats cool........Power Word Kill isnt necromantic....so i am going to leave it unchanged...in that regard...... *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:09:59 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... In a message dated 2/11/99 5:07:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, Nurvel@aol.com writes: << Can they wear armor and cast spells at the same time? >> Yes, to a degree. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:09:49 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive Cool, send it direct or post it I'm happy either way if it saves me some hard work. - -----Original Message----- From: DM To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Date: 11 February 1999 10:04 Subject: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive >On Sat, 6 Feb 1999 19:38:10 -0000, "Edward Phillips" > wrote: > ><> > >I did develop Furmenglaive, giving it a rather gothic touch and a >mysterious history that explains its current status, but unfortunately it >didn't make it into last Almanac.. If you're interested, I can send it to >you (hoping that the others could read it in AC1016 almanac..) > >It's basically a gothic crossover of Ireland and the region of the Magna >Grecia (southern Italy during the Roman Empire), and a new profession (a >veritable PC class) is introduced, as well as a new race.. Anyway, let me >know if ye're interested ;) > >DM > > >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:44:56 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn >What exactly is a planar spider...is it like an aranea or something....like a >person....i dont see how a spider could become an immortal Planar spiders are a bit like AD&D phase spiders, but much smarter and with the potential to become spellcasters. They have a civilization that crosses numerous planes, with different nations and factions among them having different attitudes and alignments. The ones from the lost city of Aran worshipped the evil Night Spider, but there are presumably plenty of other planar-spider Immortals: they're the ones who must've kicked the Night Spider off her home plane. It's possible that Korotiku was also a planar spider, in his mortal life. That's his guess, anyway (he can't remember what he was). *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:48:40 -0500 (EST) From: SteelAngel Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... On Thu, 11 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > Can they wear armor and cast spells at the same time? AFAIK, Yes. - -- Ethan Deneault - PH/MU '99 www.wpi.edu/~eand - wpi.flame Quote Archive. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #75 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Thursday, February 11 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 076 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin OT:RE: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Book of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? RE: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft [MYSTARA] - [ADMIN] A Reminder of the FAQ and its Location Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Book of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:51:12 EST From: Mystaros@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin In a message dated 99-02-10 22:20:06 EST, jason.murphy@mitswa.com.au writes: << Good theory. I am just wondering where mention of the Serpentine empire is. Is this canon? Am very interested as i havent heard mention of it before. Jason Murphy >> Non-Canon, IMC only, though some others have picked it and the Carnifex up from stuff that I mentioned before. Lot's of good Mystara stuff written about such, too... Some of the history of the Serpentine Empire from my campaign can be found in my History of Blackmoor, available on Shawn's site... Mystaros *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:31:54 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Wow, Sharon! Great response and well thought out. James, you should take note. Sharon almost left me with nothing to stand on Like I said, almost Why I agree that destroying everything would fulfill Entropy's goal that doesn't necessarily have to be the only course. Just to pull a few more references from the Bible (which I'm just using to illustrate a point not debate the text of) part of the belief of the Christian afterlife is that everyone will be essentially the same. Happy, joyous, neither male nor female. That would met the requirements of Entropy. The sameness and lack of differences. The loss of the meaning of time. I might could even make a case that Energy and Entropy are actually the same sphere. Bodies composed of energy yet all the same. Any way, back to my point. Destruction is one way of gaining Entropy but not the only one. There may be many ways. Its not out of the question that Entropy is there to help one sphere become dominate and reach both their goals. Another idea occurred to me concerning why we see some many evil type Immortals in Entropy. Remember earlier when I found that many of the Immortals that are listed as those worship in various nations are mainly from the sphere of Thought. Sharon had said that Thought was extraneous. That its not required for life. Perhaps these evil Immortals are part of Entropy's plan to remove the interference of Thought. In the grand scheme of things, Thought is the interloper and the source of an unbalanced universe. An universe that doesn't require Time, Matter, Energy, or Entropy to make war against each other. Just some more philosophy babble :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 18:37:19 -0500 From: Jerry Hovenanian Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > It's possible that Korotiku was also a planar spider, in his mortal life. > That's his guess, anyway (he can't remember what he was). He can't remmber either.....being a old immortal. The codex sugjests that he might be a planar spider. - -- Jerry Hovenanian clumsydwarf@hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 18:39:29 -0500 (EST) From: Mischa E Gelman Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin > Elves were the first race (BC 5000) > Humans the second (BC 4000) > Gnomes the third (BC 2900) > Dwarves the fourth (BC 1800) Dwarves, though, were recorded at the time of Blackmoor. Also, the idea that dwarves are one of the elder races is common in fantasy and I don't think Mystaran dwarves should be exceptions. Finally, Garal Glitterlode invented gnomes IIRC (a big if) and was a dwarf IRL, so the latter must have preceded the former. > The Hin settled the Five Shires around BC 1300 but I haven't found when > or where their race started. Any ideas? Were they the last race > created? They also existed at the time of Blackmoor. The pope is the most powerful voice challenging the injustices of the global free market economy - Argentinian Rev. Luis Farinello *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 07:52:46 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: OT:RE: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE - the cure for sanity? > On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Murphy Jason wrote: > > > Oh and does anyone else always have there D&D lawyer NPC's with a Lawful > > Evil alignment. :) > > Nope, but we once had a Judge who was Grandmaster with the club. He almost > killed an elf accused for murder because the elf showed contempt of the > court! :) > > Hĺvard > > [MURPHY Jason] LOL Ok now you got me started. I am going to have to figure out what Judge Judy's stats are. Jason *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 18:59:54 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Book of Spellcraft Ok, ok, I tried to send the file for the Spellcraft book through and for some reason it didn't work. If anyone is interested, email me or post an email and I'll sent it direct. New spells are always welcome! Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 18:02:29 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Another retort from your all-purpose source for rants: > > Wow, Sharon! Great response and well thought out. James, you should > take note. Sharon almost left me with nothing to stand on > You'll note that in *several* places in my own posts I said that Entropy itself, as a force, might be considered "natural," and likened it to a tornado (and thus for that reason effectively "neutral", without an ethical or moral component). Perhaps I shouldhave highlighted thouse parts for you, and I appologize for failing to do so. If you'd like, I can go back and excerpt the relivant portions from my previous rants and forward them to you. In addition, her arguments also, far from arguing against the things I said, are in my opinions extensions of my arguments (that Entropic immortals, are by definition, insincere and psychopathic). Her main additional point, that Entropics are "hypocrites" (the worst sin, perhaps the only one, in the modern world), is an important point. I felt no reason to respond to Sharon's post because I agreed with almost all of it. However, one thing needs to be noted, related to her point that perhaps once Entropy defeats all the other Spheres, it will cut off all of it's own Immortals and destroy them as well: this point is directly implied in the original DM's Guide to Immortals: "As a Sphere, they are perhaps the only true Immortals, for Entropy shall continue until the last iota of matter, energy, time, and thought has ceased to be." > > Any way, back to my point. Destruction is one way of gaining Entropy > but not the only one. > I refer you once again to the game's definition of Entropy. You may not like its definition of Entropy, but I don't see any arguments that would improve gameplay. As I said in earlier posts, I'm certainly one person who would love to see some ideas on this, or on alignments, or any other aspect of the game, which would improve gameplay. But dictionary definitions of Entropy are essentially nonsequiters. Entropy, as a Sphere, fills a role in the Mystara universe. But even more important than that, it fills a role within the game itself. Taking Entropy asside and viewing it alone, outside of the structure of the game as a whole, and deciding it is deficient because it doesn't live up to real-world definitions of the term, is (if I may say) a pointless exercise. "Real" definitions of Entropy must be trancended in the interest of the game as a whole. Entropy in game terms is defined as destruction, attrition, diminishment, and the like. Entropy, as a D&D term, is not defined as "undiferentiation". > > from the sphere of Thought. Sharon had said that Thought was > extraneous. That its not required for life. > And that, again, is a very modern and nihilistic outlook. Without thought there is no purpose. The universe, and life, may as well not exist, since there would be no point to its existance and no one would notice whether it existed or not (for it would require thought to process such information and make use of it). In other words, if there was no thought, no one would be able to tell the difference between existance and nothingness. The universe itself then becomes extraneous. *Sigh* not a Cartesian in the whole place. 8-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 08:17:18 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > -----Original Message----- > From: James Ruhland [SMTP:jruhlconob@sprynet.com] > Sent: Friday, February 12, 1999 8:02 AM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > Another retort from your all-purpose source for rants: > > > > Wow, Sharon! Great response and well thought out. James, you should > > take note. Sharon almost left me with nothing to stand on > > > You'll note that in *several* places in my own posts I said that > Entropy > itself, as a force, might be considered "natural," and likened it to a > tornado (and thus for that reason effectively "neutral", without an > ethical > or moral component). Perhaps I shouldhave highlighted thouse parts for > you, > and I appologize for failing to do so. If you'd like, I can go back and > excerpt the relivant portions from my previous rants and forward them to > you. > In addition, her arguments also, far from arguing against the things > I > said, are in my opinions extensions of my arguments (that Entropic > immortals, are by definition, insincere and psychopathic). Her main > additional point, that Entropics are "hypocrites" (the worst sin, perhaps > the only one, in the modern world), is an important point. I felt no > reason > to respond to Sharon's post because I agreed with almost all of it. > However, one thing needs to be noted, related to her point that > perhaps > once Entropy defeats all the other Spheres, it will cut off all of it's > own > Immortals and destroy them as well: this point is directly implied in the > original DM's Guide to Immortals: "As a Sphere, they are perhaps the only > true Immortals, for Entropy shall continue until the last iota of matter, > energy, time, and thought has ceased to be." > > > > Any way, back to my point. Destruction is one way of gaining Entropy > > but not the only one. > > > I refer you once again to the game's definition of Entropy. You may not > like its definition of Entropy, but I don't see any arguments that would > improve gameplay. As I said in earlier posts, I'm certainly one person who > would love to see some ideas on this, or on alignments, or any other > aspect > of the game, which would improve gameplay. But dictionary definitions of > Entropy are essentially nonsequiters. > Entropy, as a Sphere, fills a role in the Mystara universe. But even > more > important than that, it fills a role within the game itself. Taking > Entropy > asside and viewing it alone, outside of the structure of the game as a > whole, and deciding it is deficient because it doesn't live up to > real-world definitions of the term, is (if I may say) a pointless > exercise. > "Real" definitions of Entropy must be trancended in the interest of the > game as a whole. Entropy in game terms is defined as destruction, > attrition, diminishment, and the like. Entropy, as a D&D term, is not > defined as > "undiferentiation". > > > > from the sphere of Thought. Sharon had said that Thought was > > extraneous. That its not required for life. > > > And that, again, is a very modern and nihilistic outlook. Without thought > there is no purpose. The universe, and life, may as well not exist, since > there would be no point to its existance and no one would notice whether > it > existed or not (for it would require thought to process such information > and make use of it). > In other words, if there was no thought, no one would be able to > tell the > difference between existance and nothingness. The universe itself then > becomes extraneous. > *Sigh* not a Cartesian in the whole place. 8-) > [MURPHY Jason] WANK WANK WANK WANK *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 19:26:14 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Ethan wrote: >I never did like the fact that all dwarves are found in Brun. > > >Ethan - Gnomes on Davania! And dwarves in Skothar.... ;-) Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 19:34:00 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Sharon wrote: >Incidentally, are the "Outer Beings" mentioned in the Immortals boxed >set...? I'd assumed that the idea for Cthulhu-type oogey boogeys in the >Mystaran multiverse came from module M3; but now I've found a copy of that >one, and it doesn't say anywhere what the Carnifex worship.... >Or are the Outer Beings not really a "canon" (i.e. mentioned in TSR text) >idea, but something that's been extrapolated from the Averoigne/CAS >connection? > >Just wondering. :-) Actually, I created the Outer Beings at the same time that I wrote that (now venerable) tract on Y'hog, waaaaay back in '97. :) As a bit of pointless trivia, Lhomarr, Y'hog, and the Outer Beings were products of some dreams I had, most likely inspired by readings of H.P. Lovecraft, August Derleth, Brian Lumley, and the like. I was having too much fun detailling the Y'hog Carnifex, which then led me to develop Lhomarr a bit, when then developed into the Selhomarr Gaz (all in '97). During this time, the Outer Beings existed in name, and I had a rough idea as to how powerful they were, but nothing on who served them, or anything like that. Then through all of '98 I turned my attention to these guys, which resulted in my creating those three servitor races (more on the way!), the rules for becoming an Outer Being cultist, and some of the magic items now gracing Geoff's Book of Unspeakable Outer Being Lore (available on Shawn's site, as well as my own - shameless plug). Other people, such as Andrew, John Hare, Jeff, Marco, and others, have added their own elements to the Outer Beings mythos, to make it a truly living and breathing thing. Sorry for being long winded, but I hope this explains where the Outer Beings come from originally. :) Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 18:33:24 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? James Ruhland wrote: > > Another retort from your all-purpose source for rants: Gah! I thought surely you must be out of those by now > You'll note that in *several* places in my own posts I said that Entropy > itself, as a force, might be considered "natural," and likened it to a > tornado (and thus for that reason effectively "neutral", without an ethical > or moral component). Perhaps I shouldhave highlighted thouse parts for you, > and I appologize for failing to do so. If you'd like, I can go back and > excerpt the relivant portions from my previous rants and forward them to > you. Heh. True, true. However, you did gloss over those points with your points of how Entropy is set up for gameplay. I'm not against gameplay but I have said that the spheres hold very little for me in that way. Remember, I'm one that would just assume call the Immortals gods and ditch something that doesn't work (the spheres of power) :) > However, one thing needs to be noted, related to her point that perhaps > once Entropy defeats all the other Spheres, it will cut off all of it's own > Immortals and destroy them as well: this point is directly implied in the > original DM's Guide to Immortals: "As a Sphere, they are perhaps the only > true Immortals, for Entropy shall continue until the last iota of matter, > energy, time, and thought has ceased to be." I think this fits with my idea of Entropy. Regardless its destructiveness or goals, I don't feel anything would change were it removed. All the other spheres ultimate purpose is one of entropy. So, in the end, all that remains is entropy whether a sphere itself or not. > I refer you once again to the game's definition of Entropy. You may not > like its definition of Entropy, but I don't see any arguments that would > improve gameplay. As I said in earlier posts, I'm certainly one person who > would love to see some ideas on this, or on alignments, or any other aspect > of the game, which would improve gameplay. But dictionary definitions of > Entropy are essentially nonsequiters. Actually, I think the improvements to gameplay would come from disregarding that definition. By making Entropy a plot device instead of a source of enemies. Say you want to give clerics additional powers based on which sphere the Immortal they worship resides. Abilities concerning time could be given to those who indirectly serve Time, spells like "charm person" given to those that serve Thought. So what abilities would Entropy receive. From that definition only spells of destruction. But my ideas of Entropy would entitle them to abilities such as "dispel magic" anything that stops the the other spheres. Cures for lycanthropy could be found from clerics of Entropy. > Entropy in game terms is defined as destruction, > attrition, diminishment, and the like. Entropy, as a D&D term, is not > defined as > "undiferentiation". This is my problem. Those same definitions apply to the other spheres in some way. Time would certainly be thought of as diminishing to man in his 60's. Energy is destructive. Now I would have no problems if these aspects were to Entropy only. But then that breaks down the whole system. So, I'm searching for ways to balance them out. Entropy shouldn't really exist as a separate sphere in this system. Its duplicating the others. > In other words, if there was no thought, no one would be able to tell the > difference between existance and nothingness. The universe itself then > becomes extraneous. Well, that's similar to what I talked about (though perhaps long-winded and incoherent) that Entropy's purpose is to destroy Thought. The others are ust spectators in the war :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 19:40:29 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Haavard wrote: >I believe the Outer Beings are something invented by Geoff Gander, >Mystaros or Andrew Theissen. Dunno who came up with the original idea, but >Geoff seems to be the one who's done most of the work on 'em. I think Mystaros and Andrew had similar elements in play at the time that I originally created the Outer Beings; the only thing I'm pretty sure of is that I was the one who coined the term "Outer Beings". Not that this is a big deal, anyway. It's pretty safe to say that we all came up with it around the same time. :) >anyway, i've decided that they are cool and here to stay in my campaign! >:) Thanks! :) May the Shadow cast its might 'cross the land, And let Mighty Akh'All crush the unbeliever with his Power. All is night. All shall be as One, under the Aegis of the Masters, They Who Wait Between the Stars. Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 16:41:29 -0800 From: "Jenni A. M. Merrifield" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft On Wed, 10 Feb 1999 09:13:32 EST Arminath@aol.com said: >In a message dated 2/10/99 8:21:01 AM Eastern Standard Time, >Kristian.Kramer@comsys.nl writes: ><< But seriously, I would like to 'have' that OD&D Netbook of Spells, but >don't > make my own spells (yet). I hope others have a more useful contribution than > my little piece of nonsense, though :-) > Someday.....>> > >Well, as soon as I get some contributions, I'll let y'all know. I think and oD&D "Tome of Spellcraft" is a great idea, as long as the spells that are included really fit in with the existing spells, as far as level and power goes. You should consult the Dragon magazine article "The Colour of Magic" which gives a great set of suggestions about how to make new spells in a way that won't unbalance the game. If you kept those in mind you could keep an eye on contributions you get or find to make sure that they are really "in step" with standard Mystara oD&D spells. This article is available online at http://www.tsr.com/Dragon/Backissues/200dec93/200ColorOfMagic.txt By the way, when considering "basic" Mystara spells, don't forget those that are found only in the Gazetters... Also, I posted a few oD&D spells a short while ago and you are welcome to include them. If you need them again, I can send them privately. I might have a few more "new" spells kicking around, which I'll post eventually.... although many of mine were based on AD&D spells and then modified, so I'll have to comb through the remaining list. Jenni - -=> strawberryJAMM <=- - -- Jenni A. M. Merrifield <==> strawberryJAMM Designs strawberry@jamm.com <==> http://www.jamm.com/jamm/ <------------------------------------------------------------------> God created Light. Then Earth, Vegetables, Animals, Man and Woman. Then God started to think: "I should create things I *like*!" And God said: "Let There Be Strawberries!" *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:46:33 -0700 From: "Leroy Van Camp III" Subject: [MYSTARA] - [ADMIN] A Reminder of the FAQ and its Location Mystarans, Lately I have a lot of posts that break various rules of the list, such as HTML formatting or sending attachments to the list (both of those are no-no's), but then again many of the list newcomers probably aren't aware of the full extent of the list laws. The copy of the FAQ that is included with the subscription notice is out of date. So, here is a reminder. The FAQ for the MML can be found at... http://www.lesbois.com/members/malacoda/TarkasBrainLabIV.html ...and I encourage everyone to go and check it out, even if you have once in the past, since it has been updated several times. Just follow the link to the Mystara Mailing List home page to find the link to the FAQ. Thank you. Leroy Van Camp III malacoda@lesbois.com ICQ #20039817 "Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown." Dr. Venkmen, Ghostbusters *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 17:56:47 -0700 From: "Leroy Van Camp III" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Book of Spellcraft Arminath@aol.com meandered fecklessly... > Ok, ok, I tried to send the file for the Spellcraft book through and for some > reason it didn't work. If anyone is interested, email me or post an email and > I'll sent it direct. New spells are always welcome! That's because it was too large, and thus bounced to me. And that is good, since attachments are Evil (in terms of mailing lists), and not allowed, as per the FAQ, which I just posted a reminder of its location. Leroy Van Camp III malacoda@lesbois.com ICQ #20039817 "Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown." Dr. Venkmen, Ghostbusters *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 01:59:57 +0100 From: "=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Andr=E9s_Piquer_Otero?=" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Entropy, as a D&D term, is not > > defined as > > "undiferentiation". Well, I am perhaps getting near to heresy step by step, but precisely what I meant in my earlier posts was to CHANGE the concept of Spheres in the game and that implies, mainly, a purely metaphysical view of them (without any ethic-alignment implications). So, why there is a majority of Evil-Necromantic-Psycho Immortals (and mortals, too) following Entropy? IMO and IMC, just because Immortals, no matter how powerful of Hierarch-status, are just half-blind fools who do not see the whole "plan" behind the props of the Multiverse (no omniscience, remember). So, most of the evil and psycho would-be-immortals get drawn to the Sphere of Entropy, BECAUSE OF THEIR CONCEPTION OF IT, NOT THE INNER NATURE OF THE SPHERE. Conversely, those imperialistic fellows who dream of unity and grandeur are drawn to the spheres of Time and Thought, those mad about creation are drawn to Energy... but they are unable to commune with the full sense of their sphere (like as mortals are unable to fathom the true meaning of life). This is the terrain of the Old Ones. Take the Rad-Ixion conflict. Both of them are falling into contradiction with the principles of Energy: 1. Rad wishes to experiment Radiance to the bitter end (this goes well with Energy's continuous creation), but by doing so he risks the depletion of magic from Mystara (this would rocket up Entropy). 2. Ixion wants to preserve magic (this would aid Energy); doing so, he promotes stagnation (by not experimenting Radiance), thus getting quite near to the spehere of Matter. So, if seen as a conflict about following properly an Sphere's dictates, both parties made wrong argumentations when the WotI started. The reason is clear: more complex motivations drive their attitudes: responsibility over worshipping countries and races, alignment and personality kept (or built upon) their former mortal life, alliances and enemies. Why so many Evil followers of Entropy? Well, it is like a lind of "last resort": If you are evil, partly-demented, without friends, wife, family, empires to rule, magic wonders to build, the only "sure truth" you may behold is the progressive degradation of everything (I guess it may come even as a sort of relief, but perhaps I am too PS Doomguard). But there may be some levelled-headed people which have arrived to the same conclusion. If there is such a diversity of motives in the other spheres, why must Entropy be so plain (unless it is just a tool for non-creative DMs who drop in Psycho-Entropic-Immortals as any Saturday night black wizard princess-stealing villain)? Andrés *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:26:43 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft In a message dated 2/11/99 7:49:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, strawberry@jamm.com writes: << I think and oD&D "Tome of Spellcraft" is a great idea, as long as the spells that are included really fit in with the existing spells, as far as level and power goes. You should consult the Dragon magazine article "The Colour of Magic" which gives a great set of suggestions about how to make new spells in a way that won't unbalance the game. If you kept those in mind you could keep an eye on contributions you get or find to make sure that they are really "in step" with standard Mystara oD&D spells. This article is available online at http://www.tsr.com/Dragon/Backissues/200dec93/200ColorOfMagic.txt By the way, when considering "basic" Mystara spells, don't forget those that are found only in the Gazetters... Also, I posted a few oD&D spells a short while ago and you are welcome to include them. If you need them again, I can send them privately. I might have a few more "new" spells kicking around, which I'll post eventually.... although many of mine were based on AD&D spells and then modified, so I'll have to comb through the remaining list. Jenni >> Well, Jenni, thanks for all the advice! I've been gaming for a few years now (wink) and have a pretty good idea on the power levels of most of the basic spells presented in the rules. However, most campaigns have different power levels that vary with the styles of the DM and players so I'm trying to keep the spells mostly unchanged. I'd include the 'official' spells preesnted in the Gazateers, but I'd like to collect the spells of the players own devising. Maybe later I'll round out the Gazateer spells when I have more time and such. I'm always accepting contributions of original spells, so send yours if you'd like me to include them! ;-) BTW, there was a fairly recent article in Dragon called "The Laws of Spell Design" that I tinkered with that produces good spells that are fairly compatible with the power of the "basic" spells. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 19:07:14 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > suicide. People who sincerely want to die -- a necessary prerequisite, for > a person to be both "Lawful", AND devoted to Entropy -- just go ahead and > do it; they CAN'T become Entropic Immortals, because they wouldn't seek or > desire Immortality, in the first place! > While highly likely, even this isn't nessisarily true if you adopt a "benign" view of Entropy and its important role. For one thing, if you adopt the view of some, Entropy isn't at a unique disadvantage, because thouse people consider all the Immortals hypocrites at heart. One could spin a tale whereby some uniquely blessed people, the "vanguard" if you will, realize the important role of Entropy, and also realize that the "Immortals" aren't really as enduring as they claim to be! Thus, seeking "Immortality" under these conditions really isn't seeking eternal existance: it is the end (the annihilation) of one stage of one's life (existance as a "mortal", commonly for members of this "vanguard" late in their life, at the peak of their power, they are Liches, Vampires, and other undead which are essentially ageless) and moving into another long-lived but ultimately "temporary" stage of existance (so-called "Immortality" as defined by the rules). Such folk are likely to make a clean break with their past existances, unlike many other Immortals which still cling to aspects of their mortal lives (anyone who's run a campaign where PCs have accended to Immortality likely has experienced how reluctant they typically are in surrendering their former position, affiliations, and the like which were trappings of their mortal persona). The members of this "enlightened vanguard" are thus less hypocritical (there's that ultimate sin again) than the other Immortals, who portray their existance as truely "eternal", or at the least just one stage on the road to existance as an Old One for all of time and beyond. Also, even with your own arguments, Hel is neither more nor less hypocritical than the other Entropic Immortals. Why? Well, if she's as old and enduring as you say, then why is she still around? Why hasn't she seen the need for her own personal destruction, since by enduring for such a long time she is an affront to her own Sphere, a slap in its face and a symbol of the possibility for longevity (in a rather unchanged state, too, if your theory is accepted). This is just an argument in the alternative, mind you. Actually it's a rather pointless diatribe (mine, I mean). > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #76 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Friday, February 12 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 077 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Book of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? [MYSTARA] - RULES: New Spheres / Havoc in Heaven Was: Who Serves Entropy? [MYSTARA] - RULES: New L7 Priest Spell [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? [MYSTARA] - RULES: "MYSTARA" / D&D SPELL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 19:24:55 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > Gah! I thought surely you must be out of those by now > Oh, there are lots more where that one came from. In fact, since you couldn't come up with a retort to Sharon's post, I took the liberty of penning one (on its way). > > Remember, I'm one that would just assume call the Immortals gods and > ditch something that doesn't work (the spheres of power) :) > Ok. Well, I for one find the Sphere's intriguing and different. Gods are old hat IMO, but that's just my personal preference. > > All the other spheres ultimate purpose is one of entropy. > See, I don't think that's true. But then perhaps I missed your arguments for why you think that is the case, since I started paying attention to posts again in the middle of this whole thread (at least I think it was the middle. Anyhow, I don't think it was the begining). > > Actually, I think the improvements to gameplay would come from > disregarding that definition. By making Entropy a plot device instead > of a source of enemies. > Entropy is both a plot device *and* a source of enemies. > Say you want to give clerics additional powers > based on which sphere the Immortal they worship resides. Abilities > concerning time could be given to those who indirectly serve Time, > spells like "charm person" given to those that serve Thought. So what > abilities would Entropy receive. From that definition only spells of > destruction. But my ideas of Entropy would entitle them to abilities > such as "dispel magic" anything that stops the the other spheres. Cures > for lycanthropy could be found from clerics of Entropy. > See, but then I think you're making the powers associated with Entropy too broad by comparison with what would be associated with other Spheres. By your definition, virtually anything could be associated with Entropy because you're almost making it synonomous with change (curing lycanthropy ends the state of lycanthropy. Curing disease kills off the bacteria. Dispeling Magic ends a magic spell, but casting a Domination spell eliminates free will and creates more "undiferentiation" because the charmed person's will is subordinated to another's, etc). By opening Entropy to too many possible applications you're creation would unbalance game play (since an Entropic dude could not only gain bonuses for destructive spells, well liked by many players in any case, but lots of other possible bonuses as well). > > Entropy > shouldn't really exist as a separate sphere in this system. Its > duplicating the others. > Except that at least in my opinion that would also unbalance the system. This is alluded to in the definition (p.23) I keep refering back to: without Entropy (as a discrete force), the other Spheres would proliferate to extremes and the result would be unbalanced and entropic. Entropy, by filling its role within a system set up by the Old Ones (as embodied in Frank Mentzer) helps create a systemic equilibrium. The D&D universe is, by implication, a system/multiverse which doesn't nessisarily ultimately decay and end: though Entropy, as a Sphere, seeks total destruction, it is balanced out (and balances out) the other four Spheres, creating this equilibrium. Without a dedicated Entropic force, the entropic (small e) byproducts of the other Spheres would generate disequilibriums resulting in break down. (Thus, one could say, the best thing for the Sphere of Entropy to do if they were really interested in reaching their ultimate goal would be to disapear, ultimately allowing this disequilibrium to appear. Presumably the Old Ones keep this from happening). This structure isn't entirely "logical" and "philosophically compelling". I doubt it's meant to be. It does serve the purposes of the game, more or less. > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:29:46 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Book of Spellcraft In a message dated 2/11/99 8:00:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, malacoda@lesbois.com writes: << That's because it was too large, and thus bounced to me. And that is good, since attachments are Evil (in terms of mailing lists), and not allowed, as per the FAQ, which I just posted a reminder of its location. >> Sorry about that. I forgot about the "no file attachment" ban in my excitement to share! :-( OK, anyone that would like a copy of the Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft send a post or email me direct. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:21:51 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn At 05:54 PM 2/11/99 -0000, you wrote: > >>Remember that the victor writes the history books . . . . > > >History is written by men who have hanged heroes... History is written by historians.. ;) Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:31:11 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin At 10:14 PM 2/11/99 +0100, you wrote: >On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, SteelAngel wrote: > >> I never did like the fact that all dwarves are found in Brun. > >Kagyar could have placed dwarves elsewhere too even though it hasnt been >mentioned in any timeline. Or Sea Dwarves could have colonized some >strange shore. Any cool ideas for exotic dwarven cultures? Exotic yes, but lets not go overboard like was done with elves(Snow Elves, Forest Elves, Desert Elves, City Elves, etc, ad nauseum) What I mean is while elves may adapt to their environment, a dwarf is more likely to change his envirenment, or rather bring his envirenment along with him when he settles elsewhere. I could see a race of desert dwarves. Expert glass-blowers and traders, though I simply can't see sea dwarves, unless perhaps they were on a ship. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:35:15 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? At 05:31 PM 2/11/99 -0600, you wrote: >Wow, Sharon! Great response and well thought out. James, you should >take note. Sharon almost left me with nothing to stand on > >Like I said, almost Why I agree that destroying everything would >fulfill Entropy's goal that doesn't necessarily have to be the only >course. Just to pull a few more references from the Bible (which I'm >just using to illustrate a point not debate the text of) part of the >belief of the Christian afterlife is that everyone will be essentially >the same. Happy, joyous, neither male nor female. That would met the >requirements of Entropy. The sameness and lack of differences. The >loss of the meaning of time. I might could even make a case that Energy >and Entropy are actually the same sphere. Bodies composed of energy yet >all the same. > Still, the personalities would probably be different. They would to some extent remember their previous lives, and this would affect their personaliies. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 23:30:25 EST From: RLaRue@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Greetings! If you're interested in an excellent example of how a fanzine can be done with TSR's unofficial endorsement, check out the Oerth Journal. The link is below. We (i.e. the Council of Greyhawk) are about to release Issue #9. We have had a number of TSR freelancers contribute to the Journal such as Roger Moore, Eric Boyd and Rob Kuntz. Another fine example is the stuff put out by the Kargatane (link below). The Kargatane is strongly supported by TSR staffers, but is not (AFAIK) an in-house entity (and their web page is killer!). The Council of Greyhawk http://members.xoom.com/cogh/ Secrets of the Kargatane http://www.kargatane.com/sotk/main.shtml Rick *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 22:52:58 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Andrés Piquer Otero wrote: > > If there is such a diversity of motives in the other spheres, why must > Entropy be so plain (unless it is just a tool for non-creative DMs who drop > in Psycho-Entropic-Immortals as any Saturday night black wizard > princess-stealing villain)? Exactly my thoughts. This is hardly different than the old Westerns where the bad guy always wore a black hat. Let the Entropy Immortals wear a white hat sometimes! :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 23:06:47 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? James Ruhland wrote: > > Well, I for one find the Sphere's intriguing and different. Gods are old > hat IMO, but that's just my personal preference. Oh, I do believe the spheres are intriguing and different. Just not well explained. Didn't someone mention that Entropy was tacked on later? If that's true, then I don't think the ideas behind the spheres were well thought if one wasn't even considered in the equation at first. Perhaps that's the reason I find Entropy lacking. > Entropy is both a plot device *and* a source of enemies. Now, say that for the other spheres and really mean it. Course then I'd ask for references. My Rad fixation is due mainly to the fact that the other spheres weren't seen as possible sources for enemies. Rad changed that :) > See, but then I think you're making the powers associated with Entropy too > broad by comparison with what would be associated with other Spheres. Just examples off the top of my head. I haven't really made Entropy that broad since I still see it as the stepchild of the spheres. > This structure isn't entirely "logical" and "philosophically compelling". > I doubt it's meant to be. It does serve the purposes of the game, more or > less. Okay, I have to ask this because you've referred to it several times. How does the spheres (especially associating evil with Entropy) improve the game system or balance? I've stayed away from talking in 'rulespeak' since I've always found it boring beyond Q&A. But I really can't recall when the spheres really mattered (except in Immortal level games). - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 23:09:51 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Andrew Toth wrote: > > Still, the personalities would probably be different. They would to some > extent remember their previous lives, and this would affect their > personaliies. But can you describe a personality that is perfect, genderless, and has no desires beyond singing praises to God? And how would they be distinguished from one another when even their sadness from their pervious lives is removed? - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 23:14:22 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Mischa E Gelman wrote: > > Dwarves, though, were recorded at the time of Blackmoor. Also, the idea > that dwarves are one of the elder races is common in fantasy and I don't > think Mystaran dwarves should be exceptions. Finally, Garal Glitterlode > invented gnomes IIRC (a big if) and was a dwarf IRL, so the latter must > have preceded the former. I think someone already mentioned that the Blackmoor modules included many creatures not yet created. If I remember the history of the dwarves, they are actually the end result of a previous dwarf-like race. I think it would have been that race that gnomes were also created from. How the old dwarves differ from the new dwarves isn't something I know. Only that they completely died out. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 01:05:36 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? At 11:09 PM 2/11/99 -0600, you wrote: >Andrew Toth wrote: >> >> Still, the personalities would probably be different. They would to some >> extent remember their previous lives, and this would affect their >> personaliies. > >But can you describe a personality that is perfect, genderless, and has >no desires beyond singing praises to God? And how would they be >distinguished from one another when even their sadness from their >pervious lives is removed? > I really hate to bring this more off-topic than normal.. Oh well, lets look at some examples. Satan was a perfect angel, who desire for the worship of humans caused him to rebel. Likewise the other angels he mislead in pre-Deluge times. Now if they were all the same, either all of them would have rebelled, or all of them would have remained loyal, so there are obviously differences in personality. Now as to how exactly that works out, I don't know, partially, due to my lack of first-hand experience on the subject. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:05:29 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - RULES: New Spheres / Havoc in Heaven Was: Who Serves Entropy? > I really hate to bring this more off-topic than normal.. Oh well, lets look > at some examples. Satan was a perfect angel, who desire for the worship of > humans caused him to rebel. Likewise the other angels he mislead in > pre-Deluge > times. Now if they were all the same, either all of them would have > rebelled, > or all of them would have remained loyal, so there are obviously > differences in > personality. Now as to how exactly that works out, I don't know, > partially, due > to my lack of first-hand experience on the subject. > > Beyowulf > Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- > |/ > "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" > -Ratrap, BeastWars Anyone got any ideas for rules as to how Immortals of a like mind and rebellious nature might split off and make their own new Sphere? What might new Spheres be? Or if there can only ever be the BiG 5 then can there be competing versions of the same Sphere, akin to the Devil and Hell as a reflection of GOD and Heaven? Could there be some cosmic anti-competition power that stops new Spheres forming? Are Old Ones a Sphere of sorts? What about the Diabolus continuum? A Sphere? A set of Spheres? "Chaos is really only a higher form of order. Children understand this instinctively." -Bob Rozakis "Childhood is weird time" -Nancy Webber *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:37:49 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - RULES: New L7 Priest Spell Another new spell: (used by Church of X where X = Karameikos, Vanya, Petra, Halav and Traladara) LEVEL SPELL SPHERE RANGE AREA SAVE CT VSM DURATION 7 Excommunication All Special 1 figure Nil 1rd VS Special (reversible) This spell allows the caster, in the name of their deity or power, to totally deny a chosen being any benefit of or access to the caster's Sphere or deity. What this means in practice is that any magics that fall within the dominion or control EXCLUSIVELY of the caster's religion will not work on the target at all under any circumstances. Spells that are accessible from several Spheres will function normally on the target as long as they are not being granted by the caster's deity or power. Range of this spell is a distance in feet equal to the number of xp the caster has at time of casting. If the caster is familiar with the person to be excommunicated then there is no necessity for further contact between the two before Excommunication can occur. This effect endures until full Atonement. Conversion of the targetted person to another faith does not lift the excommunication. Multiple excommunications can strike a single person at the same or different times with full effect. This is a very serious spell to use and it is not automatically granted to anyone of below Name level. At Name level or above, the deity trusts its followers enough to delegate this power at request. The reverse of this spell, Baptism, welcomes into the caster's faith a being previosuly put outside the love and support of the caster's deity. Thus a baptised Entropic monster or a sentient Undead could be baptised under unusual circumstances so that henceforth Turning would not affect them BUT normal healing and other benevolent "magic" conferred by Lawful or Neutral deities or "Good" deities could assist them. The other effect of Baptism is to deprive a monster or undead of its special abilities and powers. Most fervent converts see this as small sacrifice to regain the oneness with a previosuly forbidden Sphere their accursed prior existence cost them. Any Undead so baptised, may at its own option, instantly cease to exist - find its final rest. Baptism will not work on an unwilling target. Excommunication is used for effect at times - excommunication of a worshipper of a similaely aligned religion, or the cleric of another god, is more for show and to emphasize a divide than to genuinely deny unction that the target would in any event already reject. The political effects of excommunication can certainly cause loss of morale and civil disorder, whether intended or not... ... "...And now, I suppose," he said, seeing his friend's face still thoughtful and undismayed, "you will tell me roundly that God's reach is longer than man's." "It had better be," said Brother Cadfael very solemnly, "otherwise we are all lost." - Ellis Peters, 'The Sanctuary Sparrow' *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 01:58:05 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? What would a child born half immortal be like? What type of powers and such? Sorry about so many questions, but You guys do a good job answering them. Thanks Nurvel *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 02:02:42 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... In a message dated 2/11/99 4:51:11 PM Central Standard Time, eand@WPI.EDU writes: << > Can they wear armor and cast spells at the same time? AFAIK, Yes. >> Can they employ shields too...and cast? *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 02:09:35 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about OD&D Elves.... In a message dated 2/12/99 2:03:42 AM Eastern Standard Time, Nurvel@aol.com writes: << Can they employ shields too...and cast? >> I don't allow my players to get away with that. Their elf spellcasters have to put their shields down and sheath weapons so both hands are free to do their casting thing. Jim OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft now available!!! *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 02:14:09 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn In a message dated 2/11/99 3:15:35 AM Central Standard Time, jsmill@wans.net writes: << (How's all that? If you couldn't tell, I've been giving this a lot of thought recently...) Andrew "Cthulhudrew" Theisen >> Thanks......I will send you guys the end result of some of your help...... *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 00:31:53 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror >Well, and I thought that all of those islanders were >eurosceptics. God no. But the British are conservative - the electorate dont want a rapid change. And we like being different :) >OTOH, you're nearly surrounded by Euro countries on >all sides. Lucky we have our moat :) (lol, check out the subject) Cheerz Rob (maybe i should talk about the NACE or something, as thats based on the EU) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 18:59:22 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? On Fri, 12 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > What would a child born half immortal be like? What type of powers and such? > Sorry about so many questions, but You guys do a good job answering them. > > Thanks Nurvel I let the player roll a Prodigy result (Glantri KOM) AND a Legacy power OR a Wild Talent. Stats as normal. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 08:02:09 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? >What would a child born half immortal be like? What type of powers and such? >Sorry about so many questions, but You guys do a good job answering them. Well, depends on the Immortal. As an example, I ran the adventure "The Milenian Sceptre" for a gang of PCs who were somewhat higher level than the adventure was designed for, so the bad guys got amped in power, basically. One of the aforementioned bad guys was Vix, daughter of the Immortal Nyx, patron of darkness/undead. Vix is a woman of average height and weight, except her skin is black and shiny, like obsidian, and her eyes burn red. The adventure was fairly low level, so her canon stats arent truly Herculean, but she was somewhat more powerful after she was amped (very good physical stats etc.). I also gave her the ability to Shadow Walk at will, be able to see perfectly in darkness, whether normal or magical, and command undead as a cleric of equal level. (she herself was a fighter-avenger, ie AD&D antipaladin). And in addition, she is kitted out with all sorts of nifty items given to her by her Immortal mother. (The Milenian Empire is cool!) Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 19:05:12 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Path of Conqueror One could do all sorts of different UK/England - EU stuff in Mystara: "Christendom"/EU type unification of Thyatian-speakers Rabies-type disease spreads to Undersea realms from domed cities after relaxation of quarantines Baldies - Mystaran Skinheads - savaging demihuman/foreign communities in KW or just in one xenophobic place say Glantri City *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 06:10:17 -0500 From: jdaly Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Nithia Tim wrote: > DM wrote: > > > > Allow me to dissent here: Nithia WAS the real name since that's how it's > > called by its inhabitants in the Hollow World and by the writers in the > > DM's synopsis in so many gazetteers, and certainly they know what they're > > talking about ;) > > But then that would suggest they didn't wipe Nithia's memory from > Mystara. Not if its actual name is still known. But how is its name known, besides as an impovershed, backward emirate in Ylaruam? The very presence of that emirate makes people laugh. It would be like suggesting some pitiful, rarely even heard of, village was once the seat of the world. Heck, the Immortals probably left the emirate there just so it would have that effect. Any scholar who happens to guess at the truth will be ridiculed. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 06:26:46 -0500 From: jdaly Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? If you are talking about an npc, then whatever powers you wish to give him. Think of Aeneas, Hercules, Gilgamesh, and others. Usually great strength, physical beauty, sometimes other powers... There were half immortal creatures too, like the 3rd gorgon (Named, "Medusa"), although I can't recall her origin as being specifically described, she was the only one of the 3 gorgons who was part mortal, and therefore could be killed. The main thing was, in the old gold box set, that the Immortals were interested in the continuance of themselves. Pairing together produced no children, and pairing with mortals produced flawed children, often very dangerous to surrounding mortals. Half Immortal children could in some rare instances win immortality, but their progress was hindered... Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA wrote: > On Fri, 12 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > > > What would a child born half immortal be like? What type of powers and such? > > Sorry about so many questions, but You guys do a good job answering them. > > > > Thanks Nurvel *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 22:56:02 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - RULES: "MYSTARA" / D&D SPELL Oaksteel spell, as listed, for the OD&D grimoire... - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Originaly posted on the TSR online message board (www.tsr.com) by Bruce Heard on 10 August 1998. For those of you who want to use the oaksteel spell. Here's a proposed spell description. Oaksteel Spell Level: 4th (wizard), 3rd (druidic) Range: 10' Area of Effect: 100cn (10 Lb) per level of the caster Duration: Permanent Save: None (except magical objects) Oaksteel magic turns non-living wood material into steel, giving it the normal weight and resistance of steel. It is in every other respect hard wood. Enchanted objects made of wood are immune to this spell. Transformed objects give off no magical aura and the effects cannot be dispelled. The number of items and their nature have an effect on the complexity of the magic and therefore level requirements for the caster. As a fourth level spell, the basic oaksteel spell requires a 7th level caster, with the following adjustments: Single Item: no change Multiple Items: +2 Exp. Levels -- All Items are Identical: -1 Exp. Level -- Half or less are different: no change -- More than half are different: +1 Exp. Level No Complexity: no change Average Complexity: +1 Exp. Level High Complexity: +2 Exp. Level Moving Parts: +1 Exp. Level No Complexity: simple items and their variations like mostly featureless cubes, cylinders, disks, spherical objects, rings, or any rough, unworked wood. This includes simple construction material such as planks, beams, doors, slats, etc. Average Complexity: Items like the ones described above, but with special features like holes, notches, surface carvings, etc. A wood panel with some carvings, a chest plate with some decorative features, a typical coin, a sword of simple design and its hilt, and so forth, would fit in this category. The natural grain of the wood itself or its original leaves do not count as an intricate design pattern because of the nature of the spell, and therefore can fit in this category. High Complexity: Includes items with complicated shapes such as keys, gears, a helmet, three-dimensional sculptures of animals or persons, and any item with unusually intricate decoration patterns. Use your best judgement for anything else. Moving parts: This would include items intended to be part of some mechanism (a lock, a clock, articulated armor parts like knees, elbows, skirt, etc. Comments: To transform a stack of average coins, one would need to be 9th level (multiple items, all identical, and average complexity). That wizard could affect 900 coins with one spell. One the other hand, the Wendarian coins feature unusually intricate carvings, which then bumps the spellcasting experience to 10th level (but 1,000 coins are then affected). A set of three unusually ornate, automatons -- if made of wood in the first place -- would require a 13th level wizard, assuming each automaton weighed no more than 43 1/3 pounds each. Now, how much does that weigh in Wendarian terms? Lessee... A total of two logs and thirty baskets, or three times forty three baskets, a fruit, a pinch, and just under a sigh! :o) *** Comments regarding levels are welcome since I adlibbed this entirely. I'm assuming Robrenn druids could cast oaksteel as a 3rd level druidic spell (so could Wendar druids). Using special woods is of course a very good suggestion. This means that these precious trees are growing in various areas of the nation. They would have to be protected by druids, and only dead wood would be harvested. Druids may be willing to help out with the oaksteel spells, in exchange for protection of these woods and removal of the dead trees. The location of these woods would be kept secret from the population. This also reminds me of an event described in AC1013 Almanac (Joshuan's) about a fire breaking out in one of Wendar's forests. This could be a problem! It's obvioulsy a good idea to dip the coins into some unique finish that would both protect the coins (not much could affect them anyway) and give them special coloration. Hope this helps Bruce Heard - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- *mystara grimoire now online at: www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~ksimpson/netbooks.html *mystara adventure, netbook of humanoids and netbook of magical tech too! - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #77 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Friday, February 12 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 078 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: [MYSTARA] - RULES: spells from Barry Clarke Idiot Gazette 3 (5.99) (fwd) Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: New Spheres / Havoc in Heaven Was: Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: spells from Barry Clarke Idiot Gazette 3 (5.99) (fwd) Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 00:29:39 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - RULES: spells from Barry Clarke Idiot Gazette 3 (5.99) (fwd) Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 22:30:20 CST From: Bazza Clarke To: geckoes@ozemail.com.au Subject: Idiot Gazette 3 (5.99) The Idiot Gazette EXTRA This issue now 2cp Hand delivered email No. 5.99 To Jon and Trudi [new] got mystaran spellbook :) New Mystaran Organisation: WAR RACISM ANGER TERROR HATREDŞ = wrathŞ Suggestion of Variation regarding Schools/Specialists of Magic Note: This is based on the Wizards Compendium/Players Option Spells and Magic systems and expanded schools. You like it you can modify it, your choice, your Mystara.) Table 1: General/Philosophy 1 Any spell a Mage can use. 2 Abjuration 3 Alteration 4 Conjuration/Summoning 5 Divination 6 Enchantment/Charm 7 Illusion/Phantasm 8 Invocation/Evocation 9 Necromancy 10 Roll on table 2 Table 2: Uncommon Specialities 1 Dimension 2 Elemental Magic (1 Air, 2 Earth, 3 Fire, 4 Water) 3 Force 4 Mentalism 5 Shadow 6 Alchemy 7 Artifice 8 Geometry 9 Song 10 Wild Magic 11 Campaign Specific (Al Qadim) 12 Reroll Table 1 or DM's Option Note: if want to use this table as 1d10 is reccomended for those with PO:S&M. Also item "12" can be used for specific specialists such as nature mages, storm mages, weather mages, chronomancers etc, see back of Spellbook Compendium. Spell Research, Laws of Spell Design from D#242 and Chromatic Orb/Magic Missile The Spell Idiot would like from the Guildmaster is Chromatic Orb. He would like to combine it with magic missile in various ways according to the Laws of Spell design. Your adjudication is needed and helpful. Some of possible spells are below. Note CO = Chromatic Orb and MM = Magic Missile and alternative names are given brackets after discription. 1) Chromatic Missile (L2?) Combining MM and CO as they appear in published material into one spell. The orb turns into a magic missile that automatically hits the opponent but they get a saving throw to avoid the special effect from chromatic orb. Material components as per CO, 50gp gem of hue needed or diamond (per missile?). Damage is as magic missile (1d4 per missile) and range as well. I have selected 1d4 because it is easier to remember than the scaling system of CO, even though damage is greater - it will come back to haunt me but ow well. Anything that blocks Advantage for MM: gain new special powers from CO for each missiles. Advantages for CO 1) Multiple "orbs" as they are now missiles 2) Orbs automatically hit instead of being thrown with a chance of missing. 2) Improved Chromatic Missile (L4) As Chromatic Missile but no save for special powers. [Chromatic Missile w/no save] 3) Superior Magic Missile (L2) In the article (D#242) under "General Parameters" modifing MM to one missile per level is +1 to level of MM so it is now L2. I have called it Superior Magic Missile. [Magic Missile per level] 4) Superior Chromatic Missile (L3?). Combination of Chromatic Missile and Superior Magic Missile. Basically one Chromatic Missile per level. [Chromatic Missile per level] 5) Improved Superior Chromatic Missile (L5?) Combination of Superior Chromatic Missile and Improved Chromatic Missile. Same as Superior Chromatic Missile with no save. [Chromatic Missile per level w/no save] 6) Improved Chromatic Orb (L3) As CO, no save. [Chromatic Orb w/no save] 7) Damage could be added to each missile causing eg 1d6 per missile but at higher levels various Chromatic Missile "family" of spells can potentially kill and actually kill with no saving throw. Damage is this case is irrelevant. Also death can be individually targeted. After reading the description of the spell death, the example says that the lowest HD creatures die first. If you can target the Chromatic Missiles with special power death, you can pick the highest HD and let the rest make a morale check or retreat. This is one potential greater benefit than the Death Spell even though 12 creatures die with Chromatic Missile and lots die with the Death Spell. By those who witnessed it (on the receiving end, ie the goblins) Chromatic Missiles with special power death is "greater magic" than the Death Spell. 8) I have found a spell in Wizard Spell Compendium called Delayed Magic Missile (told you before), damage is 1d6 per missile but from what I've outlined above at higher levels damage is not really needed, in some versions. 9) After My character Idiot has understood Chromatic Orb he will suggest to the Guildmaster would they together like to research the spells outlined above. Some of them L2 Magic Missile could be a unique spell to the Guild (marketing opportunities :-) and the other spells might be of use in defending the Guild from others...do I dare suggest...devils :-) *** quite a few spells there..! ;@ - -JPN *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 09:19:59 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Andrew Toth wrote: > > I really hate to bring this more off-topic than normal.. Oh well, lets look > at some examples. Satan was a perfect angel, who desire for the worship of > humans caused him to rebel. Likewise the other angels he mislead in > pre-Deluge > times. Now if they were all the same, either all of them would have > rebelled, > or all of them would have remained loyal, so there are obviously > differences in > personality. Now as to how exactly that works out, I don't know, > partially, due > to my lack of first-hand experience on the subject. Always one of my problems when you consider what made man different than the angels was free will. Then, poof, we see an angel with free will :) Any way, I think there's a flaw in something somewhere but that was the only thing I could think of to illustrate acheiving Entropy's goal doesn't necessarily mean destruction. Another that has come to mind is the Borg in Star Trek. The old hive mind mentality. If you watched any of the recent goings on in USA politics, you can see some of that. Where people are voting along their party's lines (I find it hard to believe that every Democrat and Republican think alike). Coming together with a common goal can be very beneficial. Entropy takes it a step further. Takes is so far that individual thought and desires are placed farther and farther behind until you end up with a group that thinks so much alike, creativity is destroyed. Once creativity is ended, the status quo remains unchanged. I will admit Entropy involves some type of death (of the individual) and destruction (of creativity) but not the physical death and destruction that is currently associated with it. So how to bring this in gameplay. Cults is one way. Most religions started out as cults. To go back to religion we can see Entropy at work. The Roman church became dominate. The entropy increased in that organization to such a degree that when Martin Luther spoke out, a new religion is formed. Then the same happened with it. And on and on it went so that we have hundreds of individual religions (if you count their laws as what makes them a religion) all under one name. That's about how I see entropy working. It brings the chaos closer and closer to order. At a certain point, chaos will erupt again sparking a new wave of individuality. Now I apply that to the universe itself. With each Big Bang the eruption of chaos from entropy :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 10:44:38 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft The Book of Spellcraft Version 1.0 is available! Any requests by direct email please have the 'subject' line say "Book of Spellcraft" or something similar. If I get any emails that say "hey there", or "could you help me" I might just delete them, thinking it's spam if I don't know the sender! Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 11:21:59 -0500 (EST) From: SteelAngel Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: New Spheres / Havoc in Heaven Was: Who Serves Entropy? On Fri, 12 Feb 1999, Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA wrote: > Could there be some cosmic anti-competition power that stops new Spheres > forming? The big 5 spheres only exist because they are intrinsically tied to the 4 elemental planes: Earth/air/fire/water (matter/thought/time/energy) and the "force" of disruption: entropy. Creating a new sphere would completely destroy the dominance/balance charts. Ethan - -- Ethan Deneault - PH/MU '99 www.wpi.edu/~eand - wpi.flame Quote Archive. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 11:27:53 -0500 (EST) From: SteelAngel Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? On Fri, 12 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > What would a child born half immortal be like? What type of powers and such? > Sorry about so many questions, but You guys do a good job answering them. It's not half immortal.. It's FULLY mortal, but with beefed up abilities and scores. Optional rules (what we used): Roll 6d6 for one ability score, and 4d6 for the others, ignoring mortal's 18 limitation. Choose 2 powers (protection from normal missiles, base 7 AC, or whatnot (DM's take note to not make things TOOOOO powerful)) Finish the character normally. Ethan - -- Ethan Deneault - PH/MU '99 www.wpi.edu/~eand - wpi.flame Quote Archive. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:04:08 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Outer Beings eh? Well I've got the Old Deities & Demigods book with the Chthulu stuff in and I'm using them IMC, boy are my adventurers going to get a shock! - -----Original Message----- From: Geoff Gander To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Date: 12 February 1999 00:34 Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic >Sharon wrote: > >>Incidentally, are the "Outer Beings" mentioned in the Immortals boxed >>set...? I'd assumed that the idea for Cthulhu-type oogey boogeys in the >>Mystaran multiverse came from module M3; but now I've found a copy of that >>one, and it doesn't say anywhere what the Carnifex worship.... > >>Or are the Outer Beings not really a "canon" (i.e. mentioned in TSR text) >>idea, but something that's been extrapolated from the Averoigne/CAS >>connection? >> >>Just wondering. :-) > >Actually, I created the Outer Beings at the same time that I wrote that >(now venerable) tract on Y'hog, waaaaay back in '97. :) As a bit of >pointless trivia, Lhomarr, Y'hog, and the Outer Beings were products of >some dreams I had, most likely inspired by readings of H.P. Lovecraft, >August Derleth, Brian Lumley, and the like. > >I was having too much fun detailling the Y'hog Carnifex, which then led me >to develop Lhomarr a bit, when then developed into the Selhomarr Gaz (all >in '97). During this time, the Outer Beings existed in name, and I had a >rough idea as to how powerful they were, but nothing on who served them, >or anything like that. > >Then through all of '98 I turned my attention to these guys, which >resulted in my creating those three servitor races (more on the way!), the >rules for becoming an Outer Being cultist, and some of the magic items now >gracing Geoff's Book of Unspeakable Outer Being Lore (available on Shawn's >site, as well as my own - shameless plug). Other people, such as Andrew, >John Hare, Jeff, Marco, and others, have added their own elements to the >Outer Beings mythos, to make it a truly living and breathing thing. > >Sorry for being long winded, but I hope this explains where the Outer >Beings come from originally. :) > >Geoff > >-- >Geoff Gander, BA 97 >Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon >Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog >au998@freenet.carleton.ca >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 11:43:06 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > Oh, I do believe the spheres are intriguing and different. Just not > well explained. Didn't someone mention that Entropy was tacked on > later? > Someone may have mentioned that (I don't recall it, but I may have missed it). If they did, though, it isn't true as far as I know. > > > Entropy is both a plot device *and* a source of enemies. > > Now, say that for the other spheres and really mean it. > Ok, I will. If I were playing an Immortal, there would be plenty of non-Entropic Immortals who I would consider opponents, foes, etc. However, I think at the base of our disagreement is the issue that you want to create a moral equivilance between the Entropic Immortals and the non-Entropics, and probably between (as I alluded to) the Paladin who enters the dongeon to rescue the Prince and his orc and "evil high priest" victims. If that's the case, then IMO you're not so much arguing against Entropy as a "bad guy" per se, but against the very concept of a game of heroic fantasy, a game where the "heros" as played by the participants can consider themselves morally justified in killing their victims and opposing the plans of, for example, the Shadow Lord of Denagoth or Hosadus, or Atzanteotl or Hel. If my interpretation is correct, your arguments about the in-game failings of Entropy are just a part of an argument against the game concept itself. That's why in my opinion (and the opinion of some others) the dialogue about alignments was germaine to the discussion of Entropy. > > Just examples off the top of my head. I haven't really made Entropy > that broad since I still see it as the stepchild of the spheres. > Yes, well as I pointed out, the examples off the top of your head could be used by a player to ligitimately argue for virtually any and all sorts of benifits to accrue to his Entropy-aligned character (and I assume from your position on "benign entropy" that Entropy characters would not be limited merely to NPCs). > > Okay, I have to ask this because you've referred to it several times. > How does the spheres (especially associating evil with Entropy) improve > the game system or balance? I've stayed away from talking in > 'rulespeak' since I've always found it boring beyond Q&A. But I really > can't recall when the spheres really mattered (except in Immortal level > games). > See, it's your caviat which is the important thing: the Spheres are somewhat useful guidelines at all levels of play, but don't really start to make a strong impact until the higher levels (Champion slightly, Master significantly more, Immortal definately). The Spheres were designed with gameplay in mind, not to convince you to adopt them as a philosophical model of the universe that you find compelling. The Spheres were constructed precisely for gameplay. In most games, players are limited to playing Fighters, Clerics, Mages, Thieves, and related subclasses. Few argue that every type of "monster" should be opened to play by players. At the Immortal level of play players are limited to running Immortals of Thought, Matter, Energy, and Time. And yes, Immortals of Entropy are then analogous to (but not the same as) monsters at lower levels of play (this is partly because in the original set the Entropics were given a variety of advantages not available to the other Spheres, but more importantly because of the very philosophy of the game of D&D that you are arguing in opposition to. That game philosophy requires the availability of opponents that the players can always feel good about thwarting, even if each and every adventure doesn't involve clear struggles between "good" and "evil". Members of the other 4 Spheres are *always* available for campaigns and adventures where ambiguity over who is in the right and wrong or whether each side is just defending their own interests in an almost "geopolitical" sense. But conversely members of the Sphere of Entropy are *always* available when clarity in the strife between good and evil, in a setting of heroic fantasy, is desired.) I pitty the poor Nightshades, for they don't have you arguing on their behalf. As for other arguments pertaining to the role of Entropy within the structure of the game as a whole, see my preceeding post. > the game system or balance? I've stayed away from talking in > 'rulespeak' since I've always found it boring beyond Q&A. But I really > That's a problem, though, because IMO (and correct me if I'm wrong), you are almost arguing that the most important thing is that the case for any aspect of the game (Entropy, the Spheres as a whole, the Alignments) be logically and philosophically compelling, and that suitability for gameplay should take a back seat to that. That seems to be why you dismiss as unimportant discourse about how these things affect (or don't affect) game play or fit within the game as a whole (and the underlying philosophy of D&D as a game of heroic fantasy). I can see why with that perspective you would find "rulespeak" boring. However, I think you're just plain wrong. It's like the arguments that popped up in TD a decade ago that dragons shouldn't fly because they are too heavy and their wings too small and that the various Giants aren't possible because they aren't strong enough to support their physiology. Your argument doesn't seem to be against Entropy as defined by the D&D game per se, but against the very conceptualization of the game as a place where it is *possible* for the participants to play on the side of an abstract game construction defined as "good" and oppose theirby forces that are, within the philosophical construction of the game, defined as "evil". This would be a fundamental alteration of the very game itself. What you desire to play wouldn't be D&D (an argument I rarely make, but which applys in this instance). "The D&D system exists as a game because thousands of people enjoy playing it. Since the game was specifically designed to be fun and enjoyable, and the consensus of opinion is that it is so, does it need to have logical justification of any or all of its rules? Because logic does not necessarily create an enjoyable game form, the reply to this must be generally negative. Logic, even game logic, must be transcended in the interest of the overall game. If an illogical or inconsistent part fits within the others to form a superior whole, then its very illogicalness and inconsistency are logical and consistent within the framework of the game. The rules exist for the play of the game." -- "Realism vs game logic", TD #16, Gary Gygax, reprinted in BotD p. 28 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 11:48:36 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > Well, I am perhaps getting near to heresy step by step, but precisely what > I meant in my earlier posts was to CHANGE the concept of Spheres in the > game and that implies, > How (and this is a real, not a snippy rhetorical question) would re-defining the Spheres as you propose improve the playability of the game, rather than just create a definition that you find more suited to your IRL outlook? *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:56:43 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: spells from Barry Clarke Idiot Gazette 3 (5.99) (fwd) >3) Superior Magic Missile (L2) In the article (D#242) under "General >Parameters" modifing MM to one missile per level is +1 to level of MM so >it is now L2. I have called it Superior Magic Missile. [Magic Missile >per level] Hmm. I loved this one. That modification is an absolute gamebuster :) we used it at level 3 for a little while, before it got banned :) Have you considered just how much damage that spell inflicts? With no save, and virtually nothing is immune to magic missile :) And compare it to Melfs Acid Arrow... Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 18:03:24 +0000 From: gordon@ucd.ie Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Date sent: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 17:57:36 +0000 From: Rob Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Send reply to: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > >attached is a textfile of my proposal. nothing would make me happier than > >to have my fellow editors on the list ie all of you totally replace my > >suggestions with your own. let's collaborate and get this thing up and > >away! :) > > > Excellent!!!!! > > Only a couple of points... > > 1) (most important) Make it available in the UK :) > 2) see the above > > (thought it was so important, i should mention it twice) you forgot 3) Make it available in the UK 4) Make it available in Ireland 5) Make it available in Norway 6) Make it available in Italy 7) Make it available in the UK :) gordon Gordon McCormick, System Management UCD Computing Services,Belfield, Dublin 4 ph. +353 1 7062017 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 13:28:51 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? In a message dated 2/12/99 1:58:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, Nurvel@aol.com writes: << What would a child born half immortal be like? What type of powers and such? Sorry about so many questions, but You guys do a good job answering them. >> If you play AD&D then get the Monstrous Compendium Planescape Appendix Volume 2. A race called Aasimar are in it and are described as the children of cretures of the upper planes and mortals, plus a small section of rules to create PC Aasimar. IMCs I use them as children of Immortals and mortals. Dragon Magazine Annual #2 has the Aasimar PC race for PO:S&P, I highly recommend it! Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 13:57:04 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? On Fri, 12 Feb 1999, James Ruhland wrote: > > Your argument doesn't seem to be against Entropy as defined by the D&D > game per se, but against the very conceptualization of the game as a place > where it is *possible* for the participants to play on the side of an > abstract game construction defined as "good" and oppose theirby forces that > are, within the philosophical construction of the game, defined as "evil". > This would be a fundamental alteration of the very game itself. What you > desire to play wouldn't be D&D (an argument I rarely make, but which applys > in this instance). That was an extremely well-thought out, well-documented, and well-spoken rebuttal...Did you ever participate in formal debates? If not, you missed your calling in life. Besides, I happen to agree with you. :) - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 21:04:09 +0200 (EET) From: Markus Olavi Montola Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? > > What would a child born half immortal be like? What type of powers > It's not half immortal.. It's FULLY mortal, but with beefed up abilities > and scores. I would say that the child is Exalted like Lesser Fiends. More than mortal, less than immortal. - Markus ----------------------------------------------------------------- W A R I S P E A C E F R E E D O M I S S L A V E R Y I G N O R A N C E I S S T R E N G T H ----------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 15:01:41 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? In a message dated 2/12/99 2:04:53 AM Central Standard Time, rmunch@easynet.co.uk writes: << And in addition, she is kitted out with all sorts of nifty items given to her by her Immortal mother. (The Milenian Empire is cool!) Cheerz Rob >> Sounds cool. Thanks for the tips. I guess then it is possible for female immortals to yield mortal (or semi- mortal) children. i was thinking about making one pc a son of Vanya or Tarastia. He wouldnt really have any extras powers...just some faith on his side. Nurvel *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 14:02:09 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? James Ruhland wrote: > > If I were playing an Immortal, there would be plenty of non-Entropic > Immortals who I would consider opponents, foes, etc. I need to relate the spheres to non-Immortal games. That's the level I play :) > However, I think at the base of our disagreement is the issue that you > want to create a moral equivilance between the Entropic Immortals and the > non-Entropics, and probably between (as I alluded to) the Paladin who > enters the dongeon to rescue the Prince and his orc and "evil high priest" > victims. You're losing me here. What I want to see is the concept of morality removed from the spheres. Is that what you mean? There's no question if a paladin is in the right when rescuing a prince. What is in question, does the game provide answers to the paladin slaughtering orcs when there is no threat. How far does his alignment go in 'caring for all life'? > See, it's your caviat which is the important thing: the Spheres are > somewhat useful guidelines at all levels of play, but don't really start to > make a strong impact until the higher levels (Champion slightly, Master > significantly more, Immortal definately). The Spheres were designed with > gameplay in mind, not to convince you to adopt them as a philosophical > model of the universe that you find compelling. Then the spheres are essentially a pointless addition until those levels are reached? What I'm looking for is structure for the Immortals. Something that trickles down all the way to a 1st level campaign. That's what I thought the spheres could be used for. > That game philosophy requires the > availability of opponents that the players can always feel good about > thwarting, even if each and every adventure doesn't involve clear struggles > between "good" and "evil". So the question of this thread has no answer. Since Entropy Immortals are essentially goblins in an Immortal level game. > I pitty the poor > Nightshades, for they don't have you arguing on their behalf. Give me a few and I might could come up with something :) > As for other arguments pertaining to the role of Entropy within the > structure of the game as a whole, see my preceeding post. >From your answers, I think you said Entropy has no role in the game as a whole (all levels of play). > That's a problem, though, because IMO (and correct me if I'm wrong), you > are almost arguing that the most important thing is that the case for any > aspect of the game (Entropy, the Spheres as a whole, the Alignments) be > logically and philosophically compelling, and that suitability for gameplay > should take a back seat to that. That seems to be why you dismiss as > unimportant discourse about how these things affect (or don't affect) game > play or fit within the game as a whole (and the underlying philosophy of > D&D as a game of heroic fantasy). I can see why with that perspective you > would find "rulespeak" boring. So, essential elements that would make Mystara a seemingly real world are sacrificed for gameplay. What you seem to be saying is to give Entropy its real world definition would cut out some of the combat of the D&D system. > However, I think you're just plain wrong. It's like the arguments that > popped up in TD a decade ago that dragons shouldn't fly because they are > too heavy and their wings too small and that the various Giants aren't > possible because they aren't strong enough to support their physiology. Well, I can't be wrong since this is my opinion :) As for dragons and giants, can you show me any? No. But I can show you endless streams of good and evil in the world. I don't have to let my imagination loose to imagine it. Those exist. The idea of dragons and giants not existing is pointless because there nothing no way for me to prove to you they don't exist or you to prove they do. Morality is tangable in ways that fantasy creatures are not. We don't have to imagine it. That's why there are no lions that fly. We think of them too much as being unable to fly that they have to create a new creature that resembles a lion so we can let our imagination take over. And why dinosaurs are looked at with disbelief. We've experienced them in some way before that the idea of a giant lizard does not shock us out of the fantasy. > Your argument doesn't seem to be against Entropy as defined by the D&D > game per se, but against the very conceptualization of the game as a place > where it is *possible* for the participants to play on the side of an > abstract game construction defined as "good" and oppose theirby forces that > are, within the philosophical construction of the game, defined as "evil". > This would be a fundamental alteration of the very game itself. What you > desire to play wouldn't be D&D (an argument I rarely make, but which applys > in this instance). Again, I bring my little wizard that is defined in a game as what I would call a warrior. How do I make use of a game that goes against my fundamental belief that a wizard uses magic not weapons. Its fine for the game to define what is good and what is evil but it can't just stop half way in its definition. If we're not suppose to bring our own knowledge into game play of these things then the game is flawed by not covering all its bases. The game too often relies on steroetyping and prejudice to prove its points. All humaoids are evil therefore its okay to kill humanoids. To bring a good goblin into this mix is destroying gameplay since all humanoids are evil. That would require players to make a personal judgement call instead of a game call. Personal judgement has no place in the game. I think personal judgement is required in play and what the game offers is very simplistic views of a world for us to take and shape into something we can use. Therefore, the description of Entropy is only a simplistic approach for us to branch off from and expand. Not the be all and end all of what it is in the game. > "The D&D system exists as a game because thousands of people > enjoy playing it. Since the game was specifically designed to be fun and > enjoyable, and the consensus of opinion is that it is so, does it need to > have logical justification of any or all of its rules? Because logic does > not necessarily create an enjoyable game form, the reply to this must be > generally negative. Logic, even game logic, must be transcended in the > interest of the overall game. If an illogical or inconsistent part fits > within the others to form a superior whole, then its very illogicalness and > inconsistency are logical and consistent within the framework of the game. > The rules exist for the play of the game." Ah, this says the game is a superior design and the only problems within it are actually brought by those too lowly to understand its perfection. Okay :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #78 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Friday, February 12 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 079 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - grimoire on the web (fwd) Re: [MYSTARA] - ELVES: Elf Magic as a school Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA: adventure set in Karameikos/Darokin northern borderl... Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: New L7 Priest Spell Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - grimoire on the web (fwd) Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 14:57:09 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? On Fri, 12 Feb 1999, Markus Olavi Montola wrote: > I would say that the child is Exalted like Lesser Fiends. More than > mortal, less than immortal. > > > - Markus > "More human than human?" (Blade Runner) - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 15:05:11 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Sounds liike a cool thing In a message dated 2/12/99 10:29:08 AM Central Standard Time, eand@WPI.EDU writes: << It's not half immortal.. It's FULLY mortal, but with beefed up abilities and scores. Optional rules (what we used): Roll 6d6 for one ability score, and 4d6 for the others, ignoring mortal's 18 limitation. Choose 2 powers (protection from normal missiles, base 7 AC, or whatnot (DM's take note to not make things TOOOOO powerful)) Finish the character normally. Ethan >> *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 15:09:13 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? In a message dated 2/12/99 12:37:03 PM Central Standard Time, Arminath@aol.com writes: << If you play AD&D then get the Monstrous Compendium Planescape Appendix Volume 2. A race called Aasimar are in it and are described as the children of cretures of the upper planes and mortals, plus a small section of rules to create PC Aasimar. IMCs I use them as children of Immortals and mortals. Dragon Magazine Annual #2 has the Aasimar PC race for PO:S&P, I highly recommend it! Jim >> Thanks Jim......Do you know if this article is online on TSR's website.......????? *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 13:50:21 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? > > << What would a child born half immortal be like? What type of powers and > such? > The D&D rules really leave that up to the DM. It can be anywhere from just "normal" adventurers (perhaps with someone looking out for them for time to time, but perhaps not) to a hurculean campaign where such characters have powers (a la Greek myths) related to their Immortal parent's. But the details are really left up to the DM. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 15:17:29 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - grimoire on the web (fwd) Was i too late to get my spell in your book.....Zemus' Missle of Slaying........ Nurvel *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 15:20:42 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - ELVES: Elf Magic as a school In a message dated 2/9/99 2:21:09 PM Central Standard Time, anpro@accesocero.es writes: << The idea of "Elven spells" also passed through my mind when I was designing an original AD&D campaign world. The system I am now (at a very SLOW rate) trying to convert to Mystara. I do not like the concept of new schools (anyway, they do not fit into OD&D, which is what I try to use), so I took a blend of systems: >> Most of the OD&D spells have probably already been reprinted in the Wizards Spell Compendiums........Just guessing though... Nurvel *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 15:30:03 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA: adventure set in Karameikos/Darokin northern borderl... Thats a cool adventure..I downloaded it from your site *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 15:32:15 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: New L7 Priest Spell That spell is a bit harsh...don't ya think *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 14:52:00 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > I need to relate the spheres to non-Immortal games. That's the level I > play :) > Well, in that it would depend on how you want to impliment that kind of thing into your gameplay. For example, by associating certain spells with the different Spheres and the like (but then you're getting into AD&D Schools and priestly Spheres, and assigning them appropriately). Fact is, and this might be the main drawback, is neither the Spheres nor Immortals were really created with low to mid level ("normal" level) play in mind. You can run whole campaigns at Basic, Expert, and even Champion level of play and never once make reference to either the Spheres or to the Immortals (as was done for a long time in fact). I just haven't seen any proposals from anyone that would make the Spheres more relivant to play at such levels than they are now. I've seen proposals to re-define the role of the Spheres based on people's personal preferences about what they think they "ought" to mean, but these proposals don't really adress your expressed desire to make them more relivant at all levels of play. Perhaps the best way to do so would be to look at the things associated with each Sphere according to the definitions used by the rules, and then affiliate NPCs and PCs with them accordingly (though not always). For example, Mystaran thieves might be (as a group) more cerebral than the thugs found on other worlds. > > You're losing me here. What I want to see is the concept of morality > removed from the spheres. Is that what you mean? > Essentially. For example, some of the suggested "redefinitions" I've seen would change Entropy from its current role into something more like "Progressive Liberalism" (Entropy fighting the good fight against the outworn traditions and corruption of Ixion and his cronies). Originally all the Spheres were associated with both a character class and an Alignment (tellingly, "None" in both catagories for Entropy). I think perhaps part of your struggle is that in the conversion from the original gold box set to the revised materiel on Immortals in WotI, much of the detail was changed and simplified but a lot of vestigal remnants were carried over, things that perhaps you see as no longer having any purpose. Since I use both sets that might be why I'm having a hard time understanding how your point of view would improve how Immortals and the Spheres are used in gameplay. > > Then the spheres are essentially a pointless addition until those levels > are reached? What I'm looking for is structure for the Immortals. > Something that trickles down all the way to a 1st level campaign. > That's what I thought the spheres could be used for. > They should be, I actually agree. But it is also true that they don't, and that they weren't initially created with that in mind. Nor have later rules sets (like WotI) really addressed that either. On the other hand, I don't see how what you've said up till now has addressed that problem either (not that I've been better, but I'm more or less satisfied with the D&D game as it is. When I want to play a game where a Priest's spells are tied to Spheres based on the divinity that Priest worships and other related matters, I reach for AD&D). > > So the question of this thread has no answer. > It doesn't have the answer that you'd prefer (that thouse who serve Entropy are progressives, essentially the Bobby Kennedys of Mystara). But that doesn't mean that the thread has no answer. > > From your answers, I think you said Entropy has no role in the game as a > whole (all levels of play). > Then you're mischaracterizing, or misreading, my answers. I'll have to refer you (again) to the rulebooks and other TSR materiels refering to Entropy, because I can't articulate it better than I already have. > > So, essential elements that would make Mystara a seemingly real world > are sacrificed for gameplay. What you seem to be saying is to give > Entropy its real world definition would cut out some of the combat of > the D&D system. > No. Combat doesn't matter. Making Mystara more "real" has no relivance to gameplay. Realism is at its base a pointless, almost worthless argument. This is a game, the purpose of which is not to reflect reality, but to provide enjoyment to its participants. "Realism" does not always, or even usually, help in that regard. D&D is not, nor is it intended to be, a model for real-world results. You could make the game more real by removing magic, since no one sees fireballs in the real world either. Mystara is "seemingly real" to many people, as well as being different/unique from other AD&D gamewords because of its differences from thouse gameworlds, which includes the system of Immortals rather than Gods and Spheres rather than the Outer Planes. Many find Mystara to be a place of moral complexity (rather than steriotypically "good" nations like Cormyr and "evil" ones like Thay, though with noitable exceptions). Eliminating forces (Spheres like Entropy, nations like Hule, etc) dedicated to evil narrows rather than expands the attractiveness of the world. Sometimes knowing that you're facing a great, Sauron-like evil is cool (an identifiable force of evil, like Entropy, fills an appropriate role). Other times folks want complexity, where no one can be easily pigeonholed (that Kobold Kol, Limn, etc) provides oportunities for that. You are proposing a world where one type of gameplay would be declared illigitimate (easily identified diferentiation bettween evil and good). I'm not sure that's an improvement. > > Well, I can't be wrong since this is my opinion :) As for dragons and > giants, can you show me any? No. But I can show you endless streams of > good and evil in the world. > Then I don't understand why you are arguing, in effect, that evil creatures, organizations, and concepts (like the concept of a destructive Sphere) be extracted from the game. > > Again, I bring my little wizard that is defined in a game as what I > would call a warrior. How do I make use of a game that goes against my > fundamental belief that a wizard uses magic not weapons. > I have no idea what you're talking about here, sorry. > Its fine for > the game to define what is good and what is evil but it can't just stop > half way in its definition. > On this we agree (see, I told you alignment pertained to this discussion). I've already said that IMO the alignment system fails in its goal/purpose of providing effective guidelines for gameplay, and all to easily can be used to force people into cookie cutter behavior if "consistant alignment play" is insisted upon by people who, for example, think that Lawful behavior implies that every Lawful person reach the same conclusions on a given issue. > If we're not suppose to bring our own > knowledge into game play of these things then the game is flawed by not > covering all its bases. The game too often relies on steroetyping and > prejudice to prove its points. > Sometimes true, but almost irrelivant. Some times some players just want to enter the dongeon and know that the dudes they are hacking deserve the death they are giving them. Other times perhaps these very same players want more nuance and ambiguity (and for them there is Limn). > All humaoids are evil therefore its okay > to kill humanoids. To bring a good goblin into this mix is destroying > gameplay since all humanoids are evil. > Hmpf. You're becoming as extreme and distortive and making your points as I am generally guilty of. 8-)~ > > That would require players to > make a personal judgement call instead of a game call. Personal > judgement has no place in the game. > Anyone who's played the game with a good DM for long enough (and only thouse who have played with a good DM would bother to play long enough) knows how inane and false that statement is. I guess when you play AD&D you object to "steryotyping" all the Baatezu as evil as well (because I'm sure you're consistant in your critiques), and "prejudicing" the Abyss as a place of foul evil and disordered chaos. > > Therefore, > the description of Entropy is only a simplistic approach for us to > branch off from and expand. Not the be all and end all of what it is in > the game. > Ok, lets here some things that would actually expand on (rather than invalidate and reject) what is in the game. Lets here something that would actually improve gameplay within the structure of D&D. As I've said repetedly, I for one would be open to any new, constructive ideas, were anyone to put any forward. > > Ah, this says the game is a superior design and the only problems within > it are actually brought by those too lowly to understand its > perfection. Okay :) > Well, that's Gary for you. 8-) But, seriously, and asside from his own personal pride/arrogance in being a part of creating a popular game and hobby, his general point that any proposed "improvements" should not be viewed in isolation but rather in how they affect the game as a whole, is sound. You'd prefer a re-defined Entropy that fits within your own conception of it as the best force ever, and regard any objection that your redefinition doesn't really do anything to improve the game as illigitimate and beyond the pale. Asking people that their proposed changes, re-definitions and "improvements" actually make the game more enjoyable isn't, in my non-humble opinion, illigitimate. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 14:56:17 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > That was an extremely well-thought out, well-documented, and well-spoken > rebuttal...Did you ever participate in formal debates? If not, you > missed your calling in life. > No, I'm just naturally belligerent and combative. 8-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 21:34:28 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? More human than human?" Oh yes indeed, most of us of are just potential humans (Me included as I never did try the Gom Jabar). - -----Original Message----- From: Kevin Turner To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Date: 12 February 1999 20:03 Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? > > >On Fri, 12 Feb 1999, Markus Olavi Montola wrote: > >> I would say that the child is Exalted like Lesser Fiends. More than >> mortal, less than immortal. >> >> >> - Markus >> > >"More human than human?" >(Blade Runner) > >--Frobozz-- > >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 16:05:11 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? I didn't think it could happen bu I'm about out of steam on this one :) James Ruhland wrote: > > I just haven't seen any proposals from anyone that would make the Spheres > more relivant to play at such levels than they are now. I've seen proposals > to re-define the role of the Spheres based on people's personal preferences > about what they think they "ought" to mean, but these proposals don't > really adress your expressed desire to make them more relivant at all > levels of play. I think part of the problem is the spheres currently don't give themselves to becoming relivant at all levels. So, we don't get pass this discussion of the spheres themselves. I'm sitting here discussing them instead of actually making them relivant myself, for example :) > Essentially. For example, some of the suggested "redefinitions" I've seen > would change Entropy from its current role into something more like > "Progressive Liberalism" (Entropy fighting the good fight against the > outworn traditions and corruption of Ixion and his cronies). Originally all > the Spheres were associated with both a character class and an Alignment > (tellingly, "None" in both catagories for Entropy). Oh, I don't mean to make entropy the 'good guy' at all. That's the mentality I'm wanting to get away from. All the spheres just are forces of the universe certain Immortals have chosen to align themselves with. Their reasons are the dynamics of the spheres, not the spheres themselves. > They should be, I actually agree. But it is also true that they don't, and > that they weren't initially created with that in mind. Nor have later rules > sets (like WotI) really addressed that either. On the other hand, I don't > see how what you've said up till now has addressed that problem either (not > that I've been better, but I'm more or less satisfied with the D&D game as > it is. Well, I'm actually using you in this instance to get a clearer definition of the spheres to find ways to bring them more into play at all levels > Many find Mystara to be a place of moral complexity That's one trait I find lacking. The moral complexity has been added over time but initially, that didn't exist. The spheres seem to have been skipped. Rad was the first example I can remember of an Immortal not from Entropy acting in an evil matter (they still tried to cover that up with the idea of his 'accidentally' destroying Alphatia). The D&D alignment system of law/chaos should have permitted that much earlier. But we still had examples of only one set of Immortals doing evil. Nithia could have easily been corrupted through another sphere (and you could still say it was destroyed because the other Immortals were jealous over Entropy's success with that nation). Another question that bugs me is why doesn't Entropy, the sphere of destruction, just destroy everything? There doesn't seem to be a cap to the other Immortals doing so. What looks like has happened is that evil Entropy is created then castrated so that it can't do what it was created for. > You are proposing a world where one type of gameplay would be declared > illigitimate (easily identified diferentiation bettween evil and good). I'm > not sure that's an improvement. No. You're misunderstanding. I don't want to remove anything. Only add. Good and evil still can be determined but also the gray areas. > Then I don't understand why you are arguing, in effect, that evil > creatures, organizations, and concepts (like the concept of a destructive > Sphere) be extracted from the game. Again, a misunderstanding. I want good in entropy, that's true. But I want evil in the others also. > Hmpf. You're becoming as extreme and distortive and making your points as I > am generally guilty of. 8-)~ Hehe. I'm learning > Anyone who's played the game with a good DM for long enough (and only > thouse who have played with a good DM would bother to play long enough) > knows how inane and false that statement is. I guess when you play AD&D you > object to "steryotyping" all the Baatezu as evil as well (because I'm sure > you're consistant in your critiques), and "prejudicing" the Abyss as a > place of foul evil and disordered chaos. Well, we better not get into my views of the Baatezu. They give me the feeling that their creators never saw what absolute evil is beyond a Superman comic from the 40s :) > Ok, lets here some things that would actually expand on (rather than > invalidate and reject) what is in the game. Lets here something that would > actually improve gameplay within the structure of D&D. As I've said > repetedly, I for one would be open to any new, constructive ideas, were > anyone to put any forward. I wish I could give some but I'm still trying to wrap my mind of the idea of the spheres themselves. > Asking people that their proposed changes, re-definitions and > "improvements" actually make the game more enjoyable isn't, in my > non-humble opinion, illigitimate. Well, I hope any improvements I come up with do that but bringing the spheres into play may upset them in Immortal levels. At the moment, I don't think they work well at low levels but are an interesting concept that I'd like to have in play. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 16:07:17 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? James Ruhland wrote: > > No, I'm just naturally belligerent and combative. 8-) Well, after talking about how combat heavy D&D is, I assume this is due to the D&D game system - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:26:39 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic >Actually, I created the Outer Beings at the same time that I wrote that >(now venerable) tract on Y'hog, waaaaay back in '97. :) As a bit of >pointless trivia, Lhomarr, Y'hog, and the Outer Beings were products of >some dreams I had, most likely inspired by readings of H.P. Lovecraft, >August Derleth, Brian Lumley, and the like. Brrrr.... guess I wouldn't want to have your kinds of dreams, Geoff! ;-) >I was having too much fun detailling the Y'hog Carnifex, which then led me >to develop Lhomarr a bit, when then developed into the Selhomarr Gaz (all >in '97). During this time, the Outer Beings existed in name, and I had a >rough idea as to how powerful they were, but nothing on who served them, >or anything like that. > >Then through all of '98 I turned my attention to these guys, which >resulted in my creating those three servitor races (more on the way!), the >rules for becoming an Outer Being cultist, and some of the magic items now >gracing Geoff's Book of Unspeakable Outer Being Lore (available on Shawn's >site, as well as my own - shameless plug). Other people, such as Andrew, >John Hare, Jeff, Marco, and others, have added their own elements to the >Outer Beings mythos, to make it a truly living and breathing thing. > >Sorry for being long winded, but I hope this explains where the Outer >Beings come from originally. :) > >Geoff Sure does! I'd just wondered if I was missing a big chunk of nifty O.B. info, not having a copy of the old Immortals boxed set, that's all. :-) Nice synopsis of their history, BTW: thanks! *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:48:36 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? >Andrew Toth wrote: >> >> Still, the personalities would probably be different. They would to some >> extent remember their previous lives, and this would affect their >> personaliies. > >But can you describe a personality that is perfect, genderless, and has >no desires beyond singing praises to God? And how would they be >distinguished from one another when even their sadness from their >pervious lives is removed? > >-- >Timothy R. Haney You both seem to be confusing "heaven" -- i.e. a continued, transcendent existence after one's death -- and "oblivion", i.e. the TOTAL extinction of one's consciousness. Remember, the Sphere of Entropy isn't just out to snuff out material existence in the flesh ... it's out to eliminate EVERY plane in the multiverse, Limbo and the various realms of the afterlife, included! "Oblivion" means that there's NOTHING left -- no personality, no perfection, no singing praises to God/the gods/whoever. It's not Heaven, it's not Hell. It's not even Nirvana, because there's no presumption of "enlightenment" associated with such a complete annihilation: you're just dead, gone, OVER. That's what Entropy is REALLY out to establish, for sentient beings, whenever the product-text babbles on about its goal of "extinguishing Thought". My guess would be Entropic philosophy preaches NON-existence is the ideal to strive for ... perhaps, because the study of Entropy promotes absolute pessimism: a view that the ONLY way to keep things from going wrong for you, is if you're not there to experience it when it happens! Oblivion's neither reward nor punishment, and it's not SUPPOSED to have a meaning ... it's just "The End". Pretty grim, huh? Nobody -- not even those of us who consider it a force of nature -- ever said Entropy was a barrel of laughs. ;-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:53:10 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - grimoire on the web (fwd) In a message dated 2/12/99 3:19:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, Nurvel@aol.com writes: << Was i too late to get my spell in your book.....Zemus' Missle of Slaying........ >> Ack, repost it or send it to me and I'll put it in for the next update! Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 18:28:04 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? >> suicide. People who sincerely want to die -- a necessary prerequisite, >for >> a person to be both "Lawful", AND devoted to Entropy -- just go ahead and >> do it; they CAN'T become Entropic Immortals, because they wouldn't seek >or >> desire Immortality, in the first place! >> > While highly likely, even this isn't nessisarily true if you adopt a >"benign" view of Entropy and its important role. For one thing, if you >adopt the view of some, Entropy isn't at a unique disadvantage, because >thouse people consider all the Immortals hypocrites at heart. Of course, many Immortals are hypocrites! But the other Spheres, at least, have a chance to recruit a few people who are genuinely devoted to their goals. With Entropy that's not an option: it's stuck with the dregs of the multiverse, because the "creme de la creme" who aren't hypocrites see the inherent conflict between Immortality and Entropic philosophy. Hypothetically you could have a Lawful Entropic, but in a practical sense you can't get one ... except, possibly, by accident. Hmmmm..... maybe THAT'S what the Old One had in mind, when s/he altered the NoS: If it's linked up to Entropy now, maybe it's opened up the first-ever avenue for a Lawful magic-user (who doesn't know any better) to enter the Entropy Sphere! Boy, will Thanatos ever be pissed.... ;-D > One could spin a tale whereby some uniquely blessed people, the >"vanguard" >if you will, realize the important role of Entropy, and also realize that >the "Immortals" aren't really as enduring as they claim to be! Thus, >seeking "Immortality" under these conditions really isn't seeking eternal >existance: it is the end (the annihilation) of one stage of one's life >(existance as a "mortal", commonly for members of this "vanguard" late in >their life, at the peak of their power, they are Liches, Vampires, and >other undead which are essentially ageless) and moving into another >long-lived but ultimately "temporary" stage of existance (so-called >"Immortality" as defined by the rules). Such folk are likely to make a >clean break with their past existances, unlike many other Immortals which >still cling to aspects of their mortal lives (anyone who's run a campaign >where PCs have accended to Immortality likely has experienced how reluctant >they typically are in surrendering their former position, affiliations, and >the like which were trappings of their mortal persona). "Change" and "end" aren't the same thing. The changing phases of existence is Time's area of interest; to go from one state of existence (temporary or otherwise) to another can't be construed as an achievement for Entropy, any more than turning one form of matter into another is a "gain" for Matter. Even Entropy as a non-evil (notice that I never said "good"!) force is still about extinguishing what exists, not merely about making it into something different... which, after all, always creates something new, even as it "un-creates" something old. > The members of this "enlightened vanguard" are thus less hypocritical >(there's that ultimate sin again) than the other Immortals, who portray >their existance as truely "eternal", or at the least just one stage on the >road to existance as an Old One for all of time and beyond. Less hypocritical, yes ... but not really "true" to Entropy's spirit, in the way that accepting one's death as something natural/normal for mortals would be. Nyx, as I mentioned, could get around the incompatibility of Entropy with Immortality -- she was going to survive indefinitely, Immortal or otherwise -- but her ascension still didn't ADVANCE the wider Entropic cause, the way dying would have! That's why she's a Neutral Entropic, not a Lawful one, IMHO. > Also, even with your own arguments, Hel is neither more nor less >hypocritical than the other Entropic Immortals. Why? Well, if she's as old >and enduring as you say, then why is she still around? Why hasn't she seen >the need for her own personal destruction, since by enduring for such a >long time she is an affront to her own Sphere, a slap in its face and a >symbol of the possibility for longevity (in a rather unchanged state, too, >if your theory is accepted). Presumably she's still alive, because she's still useful to Entropy's larger purpose, as a counterbalance for the other Spheres' Immortals. While the Codex implies that Odin stole her idea of reincarnating souls on Mystara, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the other way around: he started sending good mortals back to the mortal world in order to improve Mystarans' lives, so she sent the evil ones to try and undo what Odin's meddling had already started. Entropy's got no problem with sponsoring Immortals, or with having them hang around for eons ... it just disagrees with the idea that "Immortal" should be taken literally. In the end, Hel will go the way of all else; there's still so much else to eliminate, first, that snuffing her is hardly a priority. As for Hel's serving as an example of the potential for longevity, in existing as an Immortal so long, my guess is that that's why she projects such a cold, joyless, unfeeling image: she's demonstrating to mortal beings that "eternity" ISN'T all its cracked up to be! While mortals instinctively fear death, there's also FAR worse fates to be had; and Entropy likes having Hel around, because death-fearing mortals need to be shown that an Immortality without joy or satisfaction is unfulfilling and futile. Like the colorless lives of Hades, Arawn, or every other archetypal "god of the underworld", Hel's role is FAR from enviable, and her clergy make sure that people know how gray and cheerless her day-to-day existence is. Would YOU want to be Immortal, if you thought it meant spending the rest of forever sitting alone in a drab, harsh, loveless plane of the damned...? Some movie-trailer I can't recall precisely had a line in it: "I'd like to live forever.... but only for a little while." Another quote in a similar vein goes: "Millions wish for immortality, who know not what to do with themselves on a Sunday afternoon." Hel's an everpresent reminder that being Immortal can be worse than being dead, because it even outlasts the person's ability to cope with the drudgery of existence. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #79 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Saturday, February 13 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 080 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? [MYSTARA] - Sweet Karameikos [was Re: Who Serves Entropy?] Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft [MYSTARA] - GAZ1 Karameikos Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Radiance Re: [MYSTARA] - Elves for AD&D Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - grimoire on the web (fwd) Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: New L7 Priest Spell Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - grimoire on the web (fwd) [MYSTARA] - Spell-AD&D-Zemus' Missile of Slaying ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:54:51 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > Well, after talking about how combat heavy D&D is, I assume this is due > to the D&D game system > I don't think I specifically mentioned how combat heavy it is, but you have to admit that for a lot of people, if not most of them, combat is a very important aspect of the game. Otherwise one may as well just play thouse boxed Mystery games (I forget their name. I've played through a couple with a friend and they're very fun. What they aren't is D&D. I'm not asking that everything be D&D. But neither am I open to the idea that D&D should be something it isn't. There are a lot of different games. D&D isn't them, it is itself). *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 18:13:09 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > I think part of the problem is the spheres currently don't give > themselves to becoming relivant at all levels. So, we don't get pass > this discussion of the spheres themselves. I'm sitting here discussing > them instead of actually making them relivant myself, for example :) > Well, there isn't any arguing against that. Harumpf. > > Oh, I don't mean to make entropy the 'good guy' at all. That's the > mentality I'm wanting to get away from. > Well that's why I didn't highlight your re-definition as being one of thouse. However, perhaps in a sense you're right on one thing: if you want to eliminate Entropy as a Sphere of (to reduce the argument to its crudest level) "bad guys," then Entropy as a Sphere becomes superfluous to the game. It's role then (as you suggest) can be filled by the other 4 Spheres, all which have the moral ambiguity you seek. > > That's one trait I find lacking. The moral complexity has been added > over time but initially, that didn't exist. > Mystara itself didn't initially exist (yes, that's a banal statement, but bear with me). Then it existed only in a very rough form. Then the first kingdom/nation which was added was intended precisely to be a "steriotypical" fantasy nation with a "Good King" (or, in this case, "Good Grand Duke") against what you might characterize as cardboard-cut out villians. This is partly because of the state of the D&D game at the time, and partly because this place (Karameikos) was created with beginner players in mind. Subsiquent additions (Glantri, added shortly theirafter) introduced more complex and nuanced portrayals. But yes, at its base, this "black and white" was (and is) always present (Norwold, created for Champion and Master level play, reproduced most of the dynamics of Karameikos). > Another question > that bugs me is why doesn't Entropy, the sphere of destruction, just > destroy everything? > Presumably because other Immortals (Alphatia, the immortal not the nation, counteracting Alphaks, for example) and heros prevent that from happening ("another question that bugs me is why didn't the Black Eagle simply take over Karameikos and depose Stefan?" Similar answer). > > No. You're misunderstanding. I don't want to remove anything. Only > add. Good and evil still can be determined but also the gray areas. > I think grey areas already exist. It is just that I don't demand that grey areas exist everywhere in every component of the game (oh, and one of the things about WotI: though you, and I, might see Rad as being "the first example of an evil immortal not from Entropy" [with the caviat that I wouldn't say he's the first such], others think that Rad was the "good guy" in that, and Ixion and pals were the "bad guys.") In other words, I don't demand that Mystara be grey everywhere. > > Then I don't understand why you are arguing, in effect, that evil > > creatures, organizations, and concepts (like the concept of a destructive > > Sphere) be extracted from the game. > > Again, a misunderstanding. I want good in entropy, that's true. But I > want evil in the others also. > No, I'm not misunderstanding, at least not in part: by arguing that Entropy as a concept and Sphere should contain good, you're arguing that there should be no evil concepts organizations, or "Spheres" in the game. That's why I still think you're arguing in effect against the concept of a game of heroic fantasy. You don't reject evil per se as part of the game, but seem to want to add grey to every part of it (by allowing for evil in all organizations as an accepted component, and good in all of them as well). I'm babbling more incoherently now than usual, but I guess I'm as exausted as you are. > > I wish I could give some but I'm still trying to wrap my mind of the > idea of the spheres themselves. > Ok. "Strong Letter to Follow" I guess. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 18:25:09 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > Of course, many Immortals are hypocrites! But the other Spheres, at least, > have a chance to recruit a few people who are genuinely devoted to their > goals. With Entropy that's not an option: it's stuck with the dregs of the > multiverse, > First, even accepting that, I don't see how it puts Entropy (a sphere of corruption being served by the corrupt) at any disadvantage. After all, such people are willing to do anything, aren't bound by any rules of behavior, and we see how far such people advance in real life relative to their more honorable counterparts every day. It might even be said that, in a pragmatic sense, a Sphere that consists of these people is at an *advantage* over Spheres which contain principled people (who are thus limited in the behavior they're willing to accept and adopt by virtue of having principles). > > > One could spin a tale whereby some uniquely blessed people, the > > "Change" and "end" aren't the same thing. > Oh, I agree. I was simply adopting the mistaken views of some, and arguing theirby on their behalf. Anyhow "Vanguards" (see all revolutionary movements since the French one down to the present) always exempt themselves from the very behaviors and mores they want everyone else to adopt, and they never consider themselves (nor are they considered by their admirers or followers) to be hypocrites. They're merely (in Lenin's famous phrase) breaking a few eggs to make (or unmake) the omelet. A nessisary undertaking. > > Presumably she's still alive, because she's still useful to Entropy's > larger purpose, as a counterbalance for the other Spheres' Immortals. > But she's a personal hypocrite by the arguments you yourself make. Why, the temerity of existing for such a long time! It is an affront to her Sphere's sensibilities. Even evidence that her Sphere won't nessisarily triumph. Surely, were she principled, she'd cack off and then some other would take her place (or not, as the case may be). > > As for Hel's serving as an example of the potential for longevity, in > existing as an Immortal so long, my guess is that that's why she projects > such a cold, joyless, unfeeling image: she's demonstrating to mortal > beings that "eternity" ISN'T all its cracked up to be! > Yah, but at least now days most mortals admire and try to adopt such a jaded, aloof "cold" and unfeeling image (it's cool. Or at least it was not long ago). She's encouraging them to emulate her (by playing V:tM for example). > > vein goes: "Millions wish for immortality, who know not what to do with > themselves on a Sunday afternoon." > Hmmmn. . .I've read that one, but forgotten who said it. I think it was another one of thouse dudes who likes to look down his nose on everyone else (save himself) as unworthy, but exempts himself from his own critiques (ahh, a member of the "vanguard"!) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 18:51:03 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? James Ruhland wrote: > > I don't think I specifically mentioned how combat heavy it is, but you have > to admit that for a lot of people, if not most of them, combat is a very > important aspect of the game. James! It was a joke! :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 18:54:09 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > "steriotypical" fantasy nation with a "Good King" (or, in this case, "Good > Grand Duke") against what you might characterize as cardboard-cut out > villians. This is partly because of the state of the D&D game at the time, > and partly because this place (Karameikos) > Oh, one more thing: notice how this place and its various NPCs are still beloved by many players, and how many more still look back on their experiences in this setting with fondness. > But yes, at its base, this "black and white" was (and is) always present > (Norwold, created for Champion and Master level play, reproduced most of > the dynamics of Karameikos). > I had intended to make some kind of point here but I just. . .petered out. Now I can't rembmber what I was gonna say next. Oh well. Lots of folks (me included) still look upon playing in Norwold with fondness, too. A place of (to adapt one of your statements) comic-book heros and cartoonish villians (guys with names like "Max I"), but still one of the best damned set of module-inspired adventures I've ever had the enjoyment of playing. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 19:07:09 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? James Ruhland wrote: > > First, even accepting that, I don't see how it puts Entropy (a sphere of > corruption being served by the corrupt) at any disadvantage. Just one more thing as I'm winding down off this. I still don't see Entropy as a sphere of corruption only. Just going back to that definition I found, the formation of nations is a form of entropy. It brings differences together and snuffs individual freedoms (to a certain extent). Anarchy wouldn't be a part of entropy. Order would be especially strict order. But we associate chaos with entropy when I feel it represents the worse order can bring. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 19:20:10 -0600 From: Tim Subject: [MYSTARA] - Sweet Karameikos [was Re: Who Serves Entropy?] James Ruhland wrote: > > Oh, one more thing: notice how this place and its various NPCs are still > beloved by many players, and how many more still look back on their > experiences in this setting with fondness. One thing I'm doing with my vision of Karameikos is playing with its darker aspects. Such as Stefan taking over the land and installing his own nobles. Its only been recently that he has made strives to make ammends to the Traladarans for his earlier actions. Maybe his declaration of independence from Thyatis was seen as this invasion of Traladaran lands lay at the feet of Thyatis itself not their king. This fondness for the king was due to he didn't make himself seem Thyatian to many of the Traladaran. His declaration was just another step in their belief of future greatness. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:12:16 -0800 From: "Jenni A. M. Merrifield" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft On Thu, 11 Feb 1999 20:26:43 EST Arminath@aol.com said >Well, Jenni, thanks for all the advice! I've been gaming for a few years now >(wink) and have a pretty good idea on the power levels of most of the basic >spells presented in the rules. However, most campaigns have different power >levels that vary with the styles of the DM and players so I'm trying to keep >the spells mostly unchanged. Well, I suppose that's a good enough reason to do so.... BTW, I know you winked, but wanted to make a comment any way -- I didn't make the suggestion to use "The Color of Magic" because I thought you wouldn't have an idea of the relative level of existing spells, but more because that's one of the biggest problems I've often found in trying to use spells created by other gammers. I've often found that they are often very un-balancing to the game. I even had difficulty inventing reasonable spells in the past, which is why I became so fond of that particular Dragon article. As that article points out, the existing spells and spell efects have been play-tested for years, so they pretty much have to be 'balanced' for the game. Thus, new spells at a given level should have the same kind of end-results. It really shouldn't matter what sort of "power level" a personal DM believes in -- one third level spell shouldn't do the same kind of damage or effect the same volume or individuals as a fifth level spell. Just my 2 passems worth on the matter though -- it is your Tome ;-) > I'd include the 'official' spells preesnted in >the Gazateers, but I'd like to collect the spells of the players own devising. >Maybe later I'll round out the Gazateer spells when I have more time and such. >I'm always accepting contributions of original spells, so send yours if you'd >like me to include them! ;-) I'll do that after this message goes off. As for my comment on 'official' spells, I only mentioned them with respect to having an eye towards the effects of new spells. :-) >BTW, there was a fairly recent article in Dragon called "The Laws of Spell >Design" that I tinkered with that produces good spells that are fairly >compatible with the power of the "basic" spells. Do you remember which issue? I'd like to check and see if it's online... It sounds like it might refine on the details on "The Color of Magic". Jenni - -=> strawberryJAMM <=- - -- Jenni A. M. Merrifield <==> strawberryJAMM Designs strawberry@jamm.com <==> http://www.jamm.com/jamm/ <------------------------------------------------------------------> God created Light. Then Earth, Vegetables, Animals, Man and Woman. Then God started to think: "I should create things I *like*!" And God said: "Let There Be Strawberries!" *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 17:42:10 -0800 From: "Harvey, Michael" Subject: [MYSTARA] - GAZ1 Karameikos I recently was able to purchase GAZ 1-3; however my copy of GAZ1 did not include the fold-out map. Since I already have the trail maps I don't need the wilderness map... but I know it had some other stuff like town maps and I'm wondering what I missed? Did it include anything really worthwhile? Was it double-sided like the one in GAZ3? BTW I got the maps of Kelvin, Specularum, and Threshold from http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/2967/maps.html. Unfortunately they are in Italian. Can anyone point me to good scanned copies of these maps in English? Also were there any other town maps that were included? Thanks, Mike *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 01:57:32 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? >You both seem to be confusing "heaven" -- i.e. a continued, transcendent >existence after one's death -- and "oblivion", i.e. the TOTAL extinction of >one's consciousness. Remember, the Sphere of Entropy isn't just out to Nihilism/fatalism. Such beliefs could be made into a kewl mystic sect (like Thothia). The samurai of Japan had a very fatalistic attitude to life (ok, maybe not nihilism)... Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 16:17:38 -0500 From: Sean Curtin Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Radiance Kaviyd@aol.com wrote: > Better than that -- the entire Shadow Elf gazetteer was uploaded for free > distribution. I am not sure of the current URL, if any. All available products for campaign settings not currently in print can be found at the following URL: http://www.tsr.com/ADnD/Downloads Page down to the Mystara section. The Shadow Elf Gaz is there, unless they've changed things since I last checked. Sean Curtin *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 09:51:19 -0500 From: Sean Curtin Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Elves for AD&D Mystara Arminath@aol.com wrote: > flwakefield@email.msn.com writes: >> And the High Level Campaign book pushed max level to 40 > > No, it moved the overall level limit to 30. In the Arcane Age setting, you can go up to 45th level as a mage. But in module H4 Throne of Bloodstone, you can go up to 100th level. Both of these take place in the Forgoten Realms. :) Sean Curtin *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 21:32:43 EST From: Kaviyd@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin In a message dated 1999-02-12 00:16:26 Eastern Standard Time, galwylin@airnet.net writes: > How the old dwarves differ from the new dwarves isn't > something I know. Only that they completely died out. Technically they did not die out -- they were transported to the Hollow World and became the Kogolor dwarves. As to how they differed from the new dwarves, I would give the "old" dwarves a longer life span (400 years vs. 200 years) but deny them that half damage from spells ability at high levels. If characters are ever exposed to harmful radiation, the newer race of dwarves should have a much higher resistance to its effects than other races. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 14:06:24 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? At 09:19 AM 2/12/99 -0600, you wrote: >Andrew Toth wrote: >> >Always one of my problems when you consider what made man different than >the angels was free will. Then, poof, we see an angel with free will >:) Not sure what your saying here, they all angels have free will, just like humans have free will. >Another that has come to mind is >the Borg in Star Trek. The old hive mind mentality.... ...The entropy >increased in that organization to such a degree that when Martin Luther >spoke out, a new religion is formed. Then the same happened with it. >And on and on it went so that we have hundreds of individual religions >(if you count their laws as what makes them a religion) all under one >name. That's about how I see entropy working. It brings the chaos >closer and closer to order. At a certain point, chaos will erupt again >sparking a new wave of individuality. Now I apply that to the universe >itself. With each Big Bang the eruption of chaos from entropy :) Funny you should mention the two in the same paragraph. As time went on, the Roman church assimilated many of the ideas of the other religions, and incorporated them into itself. Because of many of these new ideas wound up contradicting themselves and the Bible, the reformation was formed in response to this, though I think Martin Luther was concerned mainly with the selling of indulgences and the overall corruption among the clergy, but a few other religions attempted to return to Christianity's old ways, such as the Socinians in Poland and the Poor Men of Wallenses(sp?). So as I see it, first there was chaos, and then at a certain point when it became intolerable, order crept back in with the reforms. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 14:04:17 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Look at the five Spheres as job descriptions. Entropy attracts destructive people, and once they start joining, non-destructive people won't want to join an increasingly crowded room full of killers, maimers and loonies. The few "good" or "neutral" Chaotics of the Entropy Sphere would take themselves off elsewhere, to avoid entanglements with the baddies, which would still leave the Sphere largely CN/CE/C(NE)/etc.etc. So for Energy, similarly, you get creators, preservers and world-shakers, most of whom are vibrant, alive and therefore "good" or at least "neutral" but without overwhelming destructive impulses. There will still be pyromaniacs, homicidal maniacs and schizoid freaks amongst them, but being a more tolerant and generally redemtpive sphere the nutters of Energy can be turned around eventually, or like Loki kept at arm's length until the next Ragnarok of the cycle. Entropy in Mystara lacks the redemptive aspect, because of those who fill its ranks, not becuase of some inherent flaw in it as a Sphere. HOWEVER, since Entropy also smacks of some long-destined 'heat death' of the cosmos, the cancer in the cell, the worm in the flower, etc.etc. there will always be those who not only do evil in the name of the Sphere of Entropy because it's their 'job' but also Entropic Immortals who actively enjoy the destruction that it is their job to cause. They LIKE clearign away the deadwood, extinctions and forest fires. It requires the long-term cosmic strategic view, as one player calls it, on the part of the other Spheres, to see Entropy as part of the whole. There are other similar Ionian Greek models of Spheres, they chose one of them for D&D but the others have between 4 and 17 Spheres, eg Love-Hate-Fire-Air-Water-Earth Love-Fire + Chaos-Strife + Earth-Air + Ocean/Water etc.etc. "Love, and War; what else is there? Love is the more dangerous of the two. I wear the other face..." - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 14:09:15 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - grimoire on the web (fwd) Nurvel: Zemus' Missile of Slaying is IN! (and cool) Also the senseless number of missile spells donated has prompted me to do a separate "Medley of Missiles of Magic" article-netbook. That will be posted shortly... :) - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 14:11:20 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - RULES: New L7 Priest Spell On Fri, 12 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > That spell is a bit harsh...don't ya think can be. depends on the type of campaign I guess.... :) "absorb what is useful, disregard what is useless" Bruce Lee, 'Jeet Kune Do' *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 14:22:51 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > "steriotypical" fantasy nation with a "Good King" (or, in this case, > "Good > > Grand Duke") Of course, lots of Traladarans may disagree - he came and conquered their land after all, 'Halav' nonsense notwithstanding against what you might characterize as cardboard-cut out > > villians. 'Iron Ring' slavers - all too realistic. Plots and tricks including getting the players to rescue a Thief disguised as an old woman to trap the heroes in a deathtrap abandoned pub - happens to drug snouts all the time (or similar traps) This is partly because of the state of the D&D game at the > time, There is some sophisitication there. And the underlying themes don't patronise - there are nearly extinct races, their very memory distorted into childhood bogeymen, trade in human flesh - good stuff. If you want 2-D, try the FR sometime! *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 12 Feb 1999 22:29:21 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > Of course, lots of Traladarans may disagree - he came and conquered their > land after all, 'Halav' nonsense notwithstanding > I was talking about the players, who tend not to care a rats ass that the Traladarans were disposessed by Stefan's mob. > against what you might characterize as cardboard-cut out > > > villians. > > 'Iron Ring' slavers - all too realistic. > Black Eagle Baron, Bargle, et al. Actually, we really agree though. There's both in Karameikos (both steriotypical villians and heros and more complex ones), just as there are in Mystara and D&D as a whole. > > There is some sophisitication there. And the underlying themes don't > patronise - there are nearly extinct races, their very memory distorted > into childhood bogeymen, trade in human flesh - good stuff. > My main point, actually. > If you want 2-D, try the FR sometime! > Don't get me started again. Solmyr may smack me. 8-) Lets just say "been there, done that" *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 02:52:23 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - grimoire on the web (fwd) In a message dated 2/12/99 4:54:28 PM Central Standard Time, Arminath@aol.com writes: << Ack, repost it or send it to me and I'll put it in for the next update! >> No problamo...........I will post it *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 02:54:46 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Spell-AD&D-Zemus' Missile of Slaying Zemus' Missile of Slaying 9th Level Wizard Spell Invocation/Evocation Range: 10 Yards/level Components: V,S Duration: Permanent Casting Time: 9 Area of Effect: 1 creature Saving Throw: Neg./Special In essence, this spell functions similiar to the magical item arrow of slaying. The caster causes a magical arrow to project from in front of him to the target as if fired from the bow of a fighter of the same level as the wizard. There are no modifiers for range, non-proficiency, or specialization used, and the arrow has no attack bonus. If the caster successfully hits the target, target is slain or killed if he/she/it fails a saving throw vs. spell. The saving throw for this spell is modified by the level of the caster and the level of the target (for monsters use hit dice instead). For every three levels, rounding down, the caster is over the target (and vice versa), the saving throw is modified by a -1. For example, if the wizard is 19th level and the target is 5th level, then the modifier would be -4. But if the target were a creature with 22 hit dice and the caster were the same, then the modifier would actually be a +1. The wizard must know the exact nature of the target casted upon, i.e. caster must know class for a pc or npc or creature name for a monster. For example, if this spell is cast at a fighter, then the wizard must know that this character, regardless of race, is a fighter, or if cast at a beholder, caster must basically know that it is a beholder (DM may require caster to know about the creature as well). DM should limit what creatures that can be affected by this spell according to their individual liking. Note, if this spell is used for OD&D, then use this according to OD&D rules, such as if a missle of slaying were cast at an elf, the wizard would just have to know that the target were an elf, but if the target was actually a shadow elf, then caster would have to know that for the spell to function. Created by Nurvel, Mike Novy 2/9/99 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #80 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Saturday, February 13 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 081 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: [MYSTARA] - Question about becoming an Immortal? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about becoming an Immortal? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question RE: [MYSTARA] - Wrath of the Immortals Re: [MYSTARA] - Almanac 1015 Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question Re: [MYSTARA] - General Questions Re: [MYSTARA] - Alignment Debates Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic [MYSTARA] - RULES: sea wizard spells from Mystara Grimoire Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? [MYSTARA] - Tome of Spellcraft Submissoins Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 02:57:56 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Question about becoming an Immortal? Which path would it be to follow if a Necromancer wanted to become an Immortal through more or less, conquer a land and its people with an undead army. His sponser is Thanatos. Or...to make it simple....can someone just list a few things about each path to follow. It would be hard for me to explain myself without explaining everything. Thanks, Mike *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 00:42:23 +0200 From: "Solmyr of the Azure Star" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? >I didn't think it could happen bu I'm about out of steam on this one :) > You better give up while you still can. *Nobody* can out-argue James. I couldn't, and I'm his DM even :) ****************** Aleksei Andrievski aka Solmyr, Archmage of the Azure Star aka Azure Star Dragon solmyr@kolumbus.fi http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Fortress/2198/index.html *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 11:33:00 -0000 From: "Rob" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about becoming an Immortal? >Which path would it be to follow if a Necromancer wanted to become an Immortal >through more or less, conquer a land and its people with an undead army. His >sponser is Thanatos. Or...to make it simple....can someone just list a few >things about each path to follow. It would be hard for me to explain myself >without explaining everything. IIRC the Path of the Fiend, a rather kewl Entropic quest, is available on Shawn Stanleys website... Have a look at that... Cheerz Rob *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 07:58:03 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Children of Immortals? In a message dated 2/12/99 3:11:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, Nurvel@aol.com writes: << Thanks Jim......Do you know if this article is online on TSR's website.......????? >> Sorry, I don't know. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 08:15:04 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - OD&D Mystara Tome of Spellcraft In a message dated 2/12/99 8:30:12 PM Eastern Standard Time, strawberry@jamm.com writes: << >BTW, there was a fairly recent article in Dragon called "The Laws of Spell >Design" that I tinkered with that produces good spells that are fairly >compatible with the power of the "basic" spells. Do you remember which issue? I'd like to check and see if it's online... It sounds like it might refine on the details on "The Color of Magic". >> Don't quote me but I think it was #242....I need to shave down my collection or organize it someday..... Any, about the power levels of these spells: if you see something that doesn't fit IYC, then change it and email the creator of the spell after you've tested it out and find out their reasoning for the spell's level or amount of power. I did some minor editing to the Tome so the spells did fall close to the "core" OD&D spell's levels of power, but at the same time I tried to respect the originality of each spell because I'm working with the creativity of another person. I just hope everyone is at least a little pleased at my efforts and continues to contribute. And thanks for all the advice, it shows y'all care at least a little about your hobby. ;-) Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 12:10:00 +0100 From: Fabrizio Paoli Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question At 15.54 08/02/99 -0800, Dave Keyser wrote: >That just gave me some inspiration...What if the tilting on the axis wasn'tthe >whole planet shifting, but instead was the outer crust rotating along the >World Shield? Granted, the World Shield isn't a frictionless surface, but >perhaps the energies involved(pseudo science warning) with the explosion >caused the WS to generate enough force to counter it(it already generates >gravity). This keeps the Hollow World safe. One could then further >extrapolate that the WS somehow redistributed the blow so that the axis >shift was gradual, occuring over a few years. This could solve the problem >of why everything wasn't hurled off the planet upon a sudden shift. Yes. That's more or less what I meant in my previous message. ************** Fabrizio Paoli brizio@gdr.net Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/4560 ************** *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 12:22:32 +0100 From: Fabrizio Paoli Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Wrath of the Immortals At 12.17 08/02/99 PST, Giggles P. wrote: >The shadowy brethern of the much hated surface race, however >seem to be much loved and admired by the members of this list. >Now I don't have either the elf or the shadow gaz so I'm just >going off what I've heard, but didn't the shadow elves attack >Alfheim a few hundred years back when the surface elves said >that they wouldn't let the shadow elves into Canolbarth but >they would agree to talk about it? Didn't the shadow elves >answer by invading Alfheim and Darokin? Have the shadow elves >ever been anything but the agressor? It depends on which of history you consider as truthful :-) >Can anyone give me a reason why the MMLers seem to prefer the shadow >elves and their dying twisted Aegmore to the surface elves and their >living beautiful forest? Probably beacuse Gaz13 is cool. Gaz5 is not bad either, but after reading it I wasn't eager of running an Alfheim campaign, as I did with SE after reading Gaz13. I currently run a campaign of 3 Shadow Elf PCs centered in City of the Stars and I'm in charge of the Shadow Elf events for the Net Almanac... I guess I'm not the right person to answer your question :-) Anyway my favourite race are gnomes. ************** Fabrizio Paoli brizio@lunet.it rafiel@geocities.com brizio@gdr.net DM in City Of The Stars - Mystaran Almanac Assistant Student of Aerospace Enginnering - ICQ #1688817 Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/4560 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 11:25:59 +0100 From: Fabrizio Paoli Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Almanac 1015 At 15.12 07/02/99 GMT, Doug Weller wrote: >Is there any way I can get this as just 1 file to download? >Thanks. You can find a version 1.1 of the 1015 Net Almanac at the Net Almanac home page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/9037/ Note however that version 1.1 is not complete, because it lacks some "Text of the Month" and the whole HW events, as well as some other things. Version 1.2 (with "Text of the Month" and HW events) is currently available only on my HD :-) I hope to upload it soon. Bye. ************** Fabrizio Paoli brizio@lunet.it rafiel@geocities.com brizio@gdr.net DM in City Of The Stars - Mystaran Almanac Assistant Student of Aerospace Enginnering - ICQ #1688817 Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/4560 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 13:54:46 +0100 From: Fabrizio Paoli Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question At 12.29 09/02/99 -0500, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: >If, on the other hand, we assume the interior of Mystara stayed in place >while only the outer world changed its angle, that means that any old >Burrower-holes dug by the original Great Annelids, back in 5500 BC, will be >long gone -- cut off, halfway down, when the two layers of planet moved >against each other. It also means that the old polar openings would've >connected to the Hollow World in regions we know very little about: Since we're assuming that only the outer layer of Mystara moved, then the old polar openings probably become dead end holes, sort of a very deep well ending in the World Shield fluid. Unless the Immortals decided to either open another hole in the HW or close the old openings forever. ************** Fabrizio Paoli brizio@gdr.net Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/4560 ************** *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 12:08:48 +0100 From: Fabrizio Paoli Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question At 16.42 08/02/99 -0500, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > >For a real GRoF-related puzzler, here's one I thought Geoff might want to >think about for his Selhomarr project: If Mystara's axis shifted during >Blackmoor's demise, does that mean the INSIDE of the planet got skewed, >also? If so, did the Hollow World used to have one-day "seasons", since >the internal sun shines a bit cooler in the (present-day) arctic and >montane/equatorial zones, and hotter in the "tropic bands" on either side >of the World's Spine? Try applying the same "skew" to the HW global map, >as is shown on the pre-Blackmoor map for the outer world -- but without >rotating the inner sun's several climate-zones -- and I think you'll see This quest about the polar opening has been alredy debated several months ago. Ath that time I proposed a theory in which the World Shield acts as lubricant, so that the Outer World hollow sphere can slide over the HW one, without the latter one moving. Well, it's just a theory. ************** Fabrizio Paoli brizio@gdr.net Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/4560 ************** *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 14:06:45 +0100 From: Fabrizio Paoli Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - General Questions At 20.41 09/02/99 -0000, Hoddie wrote: >After ploughing through this mailing list for the last couple of nights, I have >noticed that most people are playing at the high-level end of the game - a lot >even using immortal characters. Are there many who still play using a set of >low(ish) level characters, roaming around dungeons ?? Well, IMC the PC with more PX is level 5. And I've never had PCs with level higher than 9. Anyway I don't like dungeons very much, I prefer wilderness adventures or city ones. ************** Fabrizio Paoli brizio@lunet.it rafiel@geocities.com brizio@gdr.net DM in City Of The Stars - Mystaran Almanac Assistant Student of Aerospace Enginnering - ICQ #1688817 Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/4560 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 14:44:05 +0100 From: Fabrizio Paoli Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Alignment Debates At 20.26 09/02/99 -0600, James Ruhland wrote: >'81 version, under Chaos: "They cannot be trusted, and their behavior is >hard to predict" And this way insane characters can be easily portrayed as Chaotic, because their behaviour is hard to predict, but this is not my point. > Flash forward almost another decade, to 1999. Now the argument is >that Law and Chaos have no relationship to ethical concerns at all, and >that >furthermore any definition that might be applied should be considered >subjective rather than objective (which, again, privileges the Chaotic >viewpoint). Why is this reckless with respect to the game? Well, in my >opinion, which in this case is clearly correct (which is not something I >say about all my opinions), this would make the entire structure of >alignments absurd. Agreed. IMC don't give much importance to alignments, preferring a good background and a description of the character, but I use alignment in the way you define as wrong. IMC the alignment is relative to your culture, i.e. to the laws of the nation where you were born (or were you usually live). A lawful PC will then strive to follow the laws that are similar to those of his native country. This way, using your example, we can have a Lawful Denagothian and a Chaotic Wendarian sharing the same social norm and behaviours. What are then alignments of use for? Nothing, in fact I consider them almost useless :-) ************* Fabrizio Paoli Chaotic Neutral (i.e. insane) member of the MML *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 16:48:36 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - More from the Heretic On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Geoff Gander wrote: > I think Mystaros and Andrew had similar elements in play at the time > that I originally created the Outer Beings; the only thing I'm pretty sure > of is that I was the one who coined the term "Outer Beings". Not that > this is a big deal, anyway. It's pretty safe to say that we all came up > with it around the same time. :) Whoopsie! Youve earned the credits. Sorry about that slight misinformation. > >anyway, i've decided that they are cool and here to stay in my campaign! > Thanks! :) No. Thank you :) Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 02:55:17 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - RULES: sea wizard spells from Mystara Grimoire SEA SPELLS Level Spell Name School(s) Range Area Save CT VSM Duration 1 Affect Normal Alter/Sea 5yds/lvl 10-ft R none 1 VSM 2rds/lvl Water Affects normal water in same quantities and analogous method as Affect Normal Fires. Does not change irrigation effects of water. Reusable material component is a clear crystal. 1 Anchor Evoc/Conj/Sea Touch 1 boat Neg 1 VS 1turn/lvl Anchor creates a telekinetic version of a normal anchor for any standard vessel from boat to ship size. The anchor functions identically to a real one except that it is only controllable and useable by the caster. A boat whose controllers are unwilling targets of the spell are allowed a save - the Captain of the targetted vessel must save versus spells to resist successfully. 1 Burnishing Hand Sea/Alter Touch Special Nil 1 VS 1turn/lvl This is a specialised spell used for removing caked debris, corrosion and even barnacles from items found under the sea. For the duration, any metal or ceramic object touched by the caster is cleaned and polished to an attractive sheen. Any structural damage or pitting remains but the surface is cleaned. 1 Compass Divin / Sea Special Special N/A 1 VSM 1turn/level This spell creates a magical compass from a metal bowl, iron needle set into a cork and water. The components are so arranged that the cork and needle floats in the bowl of water. When cast, the caster nominates one compass direction, item or mortal being to detect. The compass needle will then infallibly point to the nominated target for the duration of the spell. Physical destruction of the material components wreck the spell. At the DM's option, a variety of effects can disrupt the spell's readings depending on what is being detected in a manner analogous to the effects and drawbacks of an earthly magnetic compass. 1 Porpoise Swim Sea / Alter Touch Self N/A 1 VSM 1rd/lvl Allows the caster to swim through saltwater at their normal movement rate with no penalties other than a requirement to breathe. Travel through fresh water or other liquids is not possible with this spell. Material component is a silver dolphin charm which is worn to activate the spell. 2 Bubble Screen Alteration 0 30ft sphere Nil 2 VSM 1rd/lvl Upon casting this spell, the wizard fills the area with bubbles. The sphere of bubbles is so thick and active that it seriously restricts vision, giving all within it a -4 to-hit. The action of the bubbles will also disrupt spellcasting unless the caster makes a Constitution check. The caster is not immune to the effects of the spell, and will suffer the same restrictions. Most sea life will avoid the sphere of bubbles when possible. The material component of this spell is a small tube, which the caster blows bubbles through while casting. 3 Amuua's Detect Divin 0 1mile R Nil 1rd VSM 1turn/lvl Reefs & Shallows This spell will make known to the spell caster all reefs, shallows, and other navigational hazards in the area of effect. It reveals no information on tides, currents, or living creatures. Material components are a clear crystal of 10gp value or more and a spiral seashell. 3 Strawberryjamm's Summ/Conj Touch Special N/A 3 VS Permanent Ropeform This spell creates quantities of hemp rope up to 100' long and 1/2" wide. The rope created by a single spell must appear in one piece. Unlike many creation-type spells, this one creates rope that is non-magical and cannot be dispelled. Note that it is possible for the spell caster to create longer rope at the expense of making it thinner and weaker. If the campaign uses the optional general skills and the caster has an appropriate Craft skill, he may shape the rope into two dimensional shapes, such as nets or rope ladders. The maximum size of such a 2 dimensional object is 100' square. If the campaign doesn't use the skills rules, the character could have been defined earlier as one who knows how to work with rope and twine in order for him to do this. Naturally, unshaped rope created by this spell can later be cut, knotted, tied and otherwise fashioned into such objects. The rope so created is plain, boring hemp rope - tough, serviceable and fairly unglamorous. A caster can create his rope with an unfinished end, and later he or another caster can use another ropeform to create rope joined to the first on that end - - and there will be no seam or weakness at the joining. When created, the rope extrudes from the caster's hands and out along the ground. If there are obstacles, it piles up against them but does not shove them back. The rope, when created, may not be attached to anything except to another expanse of ropeform rope, as described above. The rope cannot be cast in a space occupied by another object. This spell is also made available to the Minrothad Merchant Princes, as it is very useful on board a ship. 3 Wrath of the Sea/Alter/Conj 18'+1/lvl special Nil 1 VM Instant Black Pearl This spell is the same as magic missile (W1), except that it fires small black pearls doing 1d10 damage per pearl. The caster gains an additional dart for every two extra levels gained. 4 Aqueous Column Alter/Evoc 10ft/lvl 10ft cyl Nil 20 VSM 10rd/lv *10ft long/lvl This spell creates a stable column of water of the caster's choice out of freshwater or sea-water. In either case the water is hydrostatically stable and does not have any pressure effects other than those that allow water creatures to exist within the column. Material components for this spell are a hair and a drop of water. 4 Ship Invisibility Illus/Phantasm Touch 1 Ship Nil 2rds VSM 24hours By means of this spell, a wizard can cause the ship he is aboard to become invisibile along with all its onboard equipment and creatures. While the spell is in effect, creatures aboard ship can see and hear each other and the ship itself, but creatures not aboard can see or hear nothing. The ship still produces a wake, disruption of the waters by invisible oars, and so on. Anything falling off the ship becomes visible and the spell is disrupted if the ship travels at ramming speed for more than 2 rounds continuously. This is a treasured spell and knowledge of it is closely guarded by Sea Wizards. Material components of this spell are a splinter of wood from the ship to rendered invisible and the translucent tentacle of a jellyfish. 7 Minrothad Pea Soup Ench/Sea Special Special Nil 7 VS Special This spell alters the weather of the coastline of a single island or a similar area of no more than 4 square nautical miles so that the local conditions at sea become a murky fog with choppy waters beneath it. All sailing rolls and similar proficiencies, Special Abilities and seaworthiness rolls are made at -5 / -25% to difficulty as conditions worsen over a period into the equivalent of an Earthly mid-Atlantic fog bank. The spell effect lasts until the natural weather is indicated to be clear on whatever weather matrix or random chart the DM uses. If the DM does not use such a chart the spell lasts for a number of turns equal to the caster's level. ...-...-... -.*.- - -=-for full details on who made what spell, see the Mystara Grimoire at www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~ksimpson/netbooks.html Mystara fthagn! - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 16:57:16 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin On Thu, 11 Feb 1999, Andrew Toth wrote: > At 10:14 PM 2/11/99 +0100, you wrote: > Exotic yes, but lets not go overboard like was done with elves(Snow Elves, > Forest Elves, Desert Elves, City Elves, etc, ad nauseum) What I mean is > while elves may adapt to their environment, a dwarf is more likely to > change his envirenment, or rather bring his envirenment along with him > when he settles elsewhere. I agree. I'm not a big fan of the "subraces"-thing. But still, different cultures of dwarves could be interesting. > I could see a race of desert dwarves. Expert glass-blowers and traders, > though I simply can't see sea dwarves, unless perhaps they were on a ship. There are actually desert dwarves in Ylaruam. Maybe some were placed in the desert of Arypt as well? As for sea-dwarves there are some sailor-dwarves in Minrothad..or was that Ierendi, i always mix up the two. Known Dwarf holds in Mystara: Black Mountains Rockhome Northern Reaches Highforge, Karameikos Savage Baronies Possible Dwarf holds: Aryptian Desert Thonian mountains Wyrmsteeth Range Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 03:03:32 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine This is sort of an advert, albeit for a not-for-profit Mystara Fanzine which everyone is welcome to help with... - -=-We are seeking submissions! =-=Please email me with maps (GIF format s.v.p. if possible) articles (1-3 pages preferred) artwork (GIF) adventures (if maps, GIF [surprise]) :) The consensus so far is that no one version of Mystara will predominate at all so whatever the continuity of your own campaign, and whether or not particular versions of the history of Mystara are used by you or your group, send us the stuff! All contributors receive a copy of the issue they appear in. According to the current plan of the issue, we particularly need colour artwork of herladic shields of known and unknown realms of Mystara, maps of the world, especially obscure parts of it that everyone can use, two excellent adventures, and for articles and survey inclusion, comprehensive lists of favourite Mystara / recommended Mystara items, lead and other miniatures, and where on Mystara you place non-Mystara modules as that is a talking point on some other lists around the place... I emphasize, NO ONE VERSION OF MYSTARA IS GOSPEL FOR THIS PROJECT. From the original wooden D&D / Chain mail set to the latest release 2.1 of AD&D, if you play in Blackmoor / Mystara / Known World or beyond, send us your contributions..! A recent request was also for all current Mystara links on the net with valuable free stuff, so if you are aware of any of them email us so they can be added to the 'Web of Rad' page... Thanx in advance! :) - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- "let justice be done though the heavens fall" *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 13:12:35 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Isle of Dawn i am looking for all the possible canon stuff on the Isle of Dawn....especially Thothia and the Great Escarpment. The DotE doesnt have enough info. I would thank anyone that can point me in the direction of some stuff online(if there is any). Thanks, Nurvel P.S. I missed that posting for the undate one of the Almanacs. Thanks again *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 13:16:32 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Does anyone think it would be inappropriate for a lawful good Thyatian fighter to venerate Vanya?......He is supposed to be a decendant of her...which could add to it.....In which case, would she like a lawful good fighter to venerate her/ her favor? Probably not....so I was thinking about Halav. Or maybe even Tarastia......(maybe far fetched for LG huh) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 12:21:24 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? > > Does anyone think it would be inappropriate for a lawful good Thyatian fighter > to venerate Vanya?......He is supposed to be a decendant of her...which could > add to it.....In which case, would she like a lawful good fighter to venerate > her/ her favor? > Well if you go with B. Heard's info on Vanya & the HKs (and he probably knows the most about both), especially some of the latest stuff, then that wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. > Tarastia......(maybe far fetched for LG huh) > I don't think Tarastia would be that far fetched for Lawful Good. Remember that Paladins for example aren't pacifists. Such a LG fighter who venerates Tarastia would dedicate themselves to "avenging thouse who cannot avenge themselves," seeking justice, and that kind of thing. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 17:55:51 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Tome of Spellcraft Submissoins I'd like to thank everyone for their submissions for the Tome of Spellcraft! I hope the initial release of it sits well with everyone and I continue to get more submissions. Feedback is greatly appreciated, because without y'all there wouldn't *be* a Tome! I have just one request though - please do not send me AD&D spells that are huge and/or complicated. Editing spells takes a fair bit of time as is, and having to reassign levels of power and figure out conversions and edit everything on top of that would make the task alot longer. I think the Mystaran Grimiore is better suited to handle AD&D stuff. Short AD&D spells or ones that have conversions for both systems are the easiest to work with. I'll accept the former, but it'll take longer to add them to the Tome. So if you make a submission and it doesn't appear in the next edition, be patient, I'll not turn away your creations! Jim Arminath Wynter, "Old Man" of the North *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 18:50:49 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? i liked the idea of Vanya because she is more or less the Patron of Thyatis, maybe not everything she is interested in is war? I agree with the part about Tarastia, that could work too. Thanks *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 18:51:39 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? In a message dated 2/13/99 12:27:38 PM Central Standard Time, jruhlconob@sprynet.com writes: << don't think Tarastia would be that far fetched for Lawful Good. Remember that Paladins for example aren't pacifists. Such a LG fighter who venerates Tarastia would dedicate themselves to "avenging thouse who cannot avenge themselves," seeking justice, and that kind of thing. >> Yeah but isnt avenging/revenge sort of non-good in alignment...too an extent anyway *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #81 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Sunday, February 14 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 082 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 01:04:58 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? On Sat, 13 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > Does anyone think it would be inappropriate for a lawful good Thyatian fighter > to venerate Vanya?......He is supposed to be a decendant of her...which could > add to it.....In which case, would she like a lawful good fighter to venerate > her/ her favor? I think it is a very suitable choice. Vanya is the first choice of any Thyatian Fighter. Ofcourse, there are some nasty people worshipping Vanya, but that doesnt mean there arent any nice ones who do it aswell. If the two groups meet, there should be some interesting theological debates. Ofcourse, being fighters, the whole thing would probably end in a duel and with someone getting their head chopped off. > Probably not....so I was thinking about Halav. Or maybe even > Tarastia......(maybe far fetched for LG huh) Both could work. Hĺvard *** Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 17:59:44 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? > Yeah but isnt avenging/revenge sort of non-good in alignment...too an extent > anyway > If you believe that then you should hand all Good characters knitting needles and instruct them to stay out of dungeons and put their swords away. But I don't really think you believe that. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 19:31:00 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Thanks for the advice.....how would this individual tend to act if he venerated Vanya being LG and all(he is not a fanantic though). The premise for the pc is that he is a direct descendant of her( he doesn't know) and his character was orphaned and for some reason started worshipping her. She probably helped him out is some way....clerics or something. He is favored by her (HERO Kit from Age of Heroes Supplement...Greek) and he doesn't yet know that either. I was thinking about going with Tarastia because she is at least Lawful in nature. In a message dated 2/13/99 6:06:08 PM Central Standard Time, hoc@nvg.ntnu.no writes: << On Sat, 13 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > Does anyone think it would be inappropriate for a lawful good Thyatian fighter > to venerate Vanya?......He is supposed to be a decendant of her...which could > add to it.....In which case, would she like a lawful good fighter to venerate > her/ her favor? I think it is a very suitable choice. Vanya is the first choice of any Thyatian Fighter. Ofcourse, there are some nasty people worshipping Vanya, but that doesnt mean there arent any nice ones who do it aswell. If the two groups meet, there should be some interesting theological debates. Ofcourse, being fighters, the whole thing would probably end in a duel and with someone getting their head chopped off. > Probably not....so I was thinking about Halav. Or maybe even > Tarastia......(maybe far fetched for LG huh) Both could work. Hĺvard >> *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 19:32:11 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? In a message dated 2/13/99 6:06:16 PM Central Standard Time, jruhlconob@sprynet.com writes: << If you believe that then you should hand all Good characters knitting needles and instruct them to stay out of dungeons and put their swords away. But I don't really think you believe that. >> I guess you made your point....it was just a mere speculation. I was going more along the lines of one living for revenge, get the idea *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 20:11:27 -0500 From: Jerry Hovenanian Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > Does anyone think it would be inappropriate for a lawful good Thyatian fighter > to venerate Vanya?......He is supposed to be a decendant of her...which could > add to it.....In which case, would she like a lawful good fighter to venerate > her/ her favor? > Probably not....so I was thinking about Halav. Or maybe even > Tarastia......(maybe far fetched for LG huh) Maybe the fighter starts out with Vanya but is never satisfied with the religon, or some of the people in it....and as he wanders the world he finds a better Immortal to venerate. Good choices include: Halav, Odin, Frey, Freyja, Diulanna, and a realy good choice...Thor. - -- Jerry Hovenanian clumsydwarf@hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 02:04:54 +0100 From: "=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Andr=E9s_Piquer_Otero?=" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? James Ruhland wrote: > > > Well, I am perhaps getting near to heresy step by step, but precisely > what > > I meant in my earlier posts was to CHANGE the concept of Spheres in the > > game and that implies, > > > How (and this is a real, not a snippy rhetorical question) would > re-defining the Spheres as you propose improve the playability of the game, > rather than just create a definition that you find more suited to your IRL > outlook? Well, I think that is that reshaping of the interpretation of one element of the campaign (like the Spheres) in the favour of taste of DM and players (most of my players just love metaphysical debating) can favour the most important side of the game: DEVELOPMENT OF PLOTS AND ATHMOSPHERE. It is just like your own excellent variation of the "canon" Thyatis into a Byzantium-like culture: it is not vital for playing and it may imply the change or sacrifice of certain game elements which the "standard Thyatis" takes for grantes, but, doubtlessly, you have found an athmosphere which suits your own way of developing adventures, historical events, NPCs, etc. I have found that my players (when reaching high levels and getting to know a bit about the Multiverse) found the "standard" Sphere theory quite simplistic, organized according to a manichean pattern. This is logical, as D&D is labelled "11 years and up", but my group is between late teens and thirty-something and they do not like a vision of the world which is "black and white". By turning the metaphysics of Mystara into a grayer terrain of speculation in which one is never too sure about which option is the right one (or the less bad), I am just giving my players a campign interpretation which may interest them; so you are right in something: making the campaign interesting according to our IRL outlook (and that of our party) is vital for gaming. The contrary would be the same thing that forcing a player to run a PC which he does not like (like a wizard-loving player forced to roleplay an aggresive and superstitious barbarian): it is nice for a brief experiment, but it will not produce any longlasting and creative campaign. If you in the list are interested in my interpretation of the Spheres, I can post it later on. Andrés *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 20:12:44 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > thirty-something and they do not like a vision of the world which is "black > and white". By turning the metaphysics of Mystara into a grayer terrain of > speculation in which one is never too sure about which option is the right > one (or the less bad), > While that's all well and good, I do see a difference between altering the setting of the game in order to create a different atmosphere and altering the rules themselves for no other reason than to change the atmosphere. Now, what I say next may shock some of you, so hold onto your seats, and you may want to usher small children out of the room: D&D doesn't even nessisarily have to be played on Mystara! Now that you've recovered (some of you are having fainting spells. I encourage the rest of you to help 'em out with smelling salts), let me go on: at least to me, with this in mind there is a difference between adapting parts of the game world to greater suit a desired atmosphere and making alterations to the rules for no other reason than that. I rarely change the rules only to produce a different atmosphere. Not that there is nessisarily anything reprehensable about doing so, I guess. However, just one further point: in producing a situation where it's never sure what is right and what is wrong, IMO it could tend to encourage an atmosphere where *nothing* is nessissarily right or wrong, and players are merely encouraged to excersise their rhetorical skills to justify whatever behavior and choices they make (when we all know that the D&D game is not the place for that, the MML is). This doesn't nessisarily create a place of superior philosophical depth. IMO, it tends more towards a place of nihilsm, where what counts isn't what is honorable (since anything or nothing can be so defined in a world ruled entirely by greys, where no one could guess which option is the right one), but who is the best fast talker. I do think (as argued elsewhere) that this goes against some of the key philosophical underpinnings of the game. And, as I said elsewhere, this is not to say that D&D is or should be a game entirely ruled by a simplistic model of morality. What it *is* to say, though, is that the richness of the game as it exists under the published rules allows for *both* "epic heroism" against clear evils *and* more murky situations (the WotI set up pops up a lot, and IMO for good reason: this is such a case. Each faction, Rads and Ixion's, has its proponents on the MML; this points out that far from a game system that creates only simplistic situations and in effect outlaws judgement on the part of players and their characters, it is open to the very thing you seek). Another analogy, though: Many people, adults as well as children, enjoyed and still enjoy J.R.R. Tolkien's Ring saga, dispite the fact that it sets up what you might call a "simplistic morality play" of the good underdogs (various hobbits, dwarves, and other petty trash) against the evil overlord. Anyhow, far from advocating that D&D open itself to the possibility of "grey areas" and player judgement, I think you're advocating that it *narrow* its scope so that *only* that type of situation is possible. The game already allows for such play, for that kind of adventure. The 4 main spheres are almost premised on it (is Air in the right? is Energy in the right? Which faction of Energy is right and which is wrong?) The "nasty" Entropy Sphere is created to allow for the possibility of "epic heroism," a struggle between (perhaps flawed) good and an ultimate evil. It does not, in my arrogant opinion, improve the game's range to re-define Entropy as just another Sphere among the others. > > If you in the list are interested in my interpretation of the Spheres, I > can post it later on. > However, all that said, I'm sure that we'd be interested in seeing your interpretation of the Spheres. That might help Tim in his own project if nothing else. And just because I'm adamantly opposed to narrowing the range of possiblities within the game, that doesn't mean others aren't. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 23:07:26 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? >> Of course, many Immortals are hypocrites! But the other Spheres, at >>least, have a chance to recruit a few people who are genuinely devoted to >>their goals. With Entropy that's not an option: it's stuck with the >>dregs of the multiverse, >> >First, even accepting that, I don't see how it puts Entropy (a sphere of >corruption being served by the corrupt) at any disadvantage. Only if you equate moral corruption with physical corruption and dissolution. They're not really the same thing, at all; an evil and self-serving leader can still be a force for order and constructive activity. Look at the pyramids, either Nithian or IRL: they're massive works of constructive labor, yet they're hardly the products of a benign, well-meaning leadership! While MOST of the Entropics are sickos who'd love to see morally-corrupt people in charge -- mostly because it amuses them, not because Entropy's goals are necessarily advanced by such rulers -- the Sphere of Entropy, itself, needn't actually CARE who's good or bad: it only cares who's dead (i.e. everybody, if it gets its way)! >After all, >such people are willing to do anything, aren't bound by any rules of >behavior, and we see how far such people advance in real life relative to >their more honorable counterparts every day. It might even be said that, in >a pragmatic sense, a Sphere that consists of these people is at an >*advantage* over Spheres which contain principled people (who are thus >limited in the behavior they're willing to accept and adopt by virtue of >having principles). As I'd already mentioned, the Entropics -- with a few possible exceptions, like Hel -- AREN'T willing to die for their cause. (There's Immortals in other Spheres -- Halav, for one -- who've already proven they've got the commitment to go that far.) Since Entropy's the only Sphere that actually NEEDS for its adherents to die (!), for its ultimate purpose to be attained, their total unwillingness to do so is, indeed, an obstacle ... as much so, as would be a Thought-Immortal's refusal to think, or an Energy-Immortal's refusal to do anything but laze around the house. You have to consider, not whether the Entropics' self-serving nature lets them employ tactics that other Spheres' Immortals might spurn, but whether that underlying selfishness interferes with the fulfilment of Entropy's purpose. Which it will, the minute Entropy tells them: "Okay, the multiverse is history; now it's your turn to die," and Thanatos and his fellows all reply: "Say WHAT...!?!" >> "Change" and "end" aren't the same thing. >> Presumably she's still alive, because she's still useful to Entropy's >> larger purpose, as a counterbalance for the other Spheres' Immortals. >> >But she's a personal hypocrite by the arguments you yourself make. Why, the >temerity of existing for such a long time! It is an affront to her Sphere's >sensibilities. Even evidence that her Sphere won't nessisarily triumph. >Surely, were she principled, she'd cack off and then some other would take >her place (or not, as the case may be). "Long time", by whose reckoning? Maybe Hel's not really all that old, by Entropy's standards ... which, after all, is measured in the lifespan of multiverses, not mortals! Or maybe the Hel who exists today is just one of a whole series of Immortals who have fulfilled her role: each exists for a time, then expires and is replaced by a new manifestation or avatar. Such successor underworld-figures could be recruited from the other Spheres, from the ranks of chronically-depressed Immortals who've decided they loathe the drudgery of their existence as eternal beings, and so join Entropy in despondent rejection of their own "everlasting" lives. >Yah, but at least now days most mortals admire and try to adopt such a >jaded, aloof "cold" and unfeeling image (it's cool. Or at least it was not >long ago). She's encouraging them to emulate her (by playing V:tM for >example). Yeah, but that's a conceit of IRL teenagers -- who, at that age, figure they're immortal already! -- NOT a Mystaran's view on eternal life. If anything, a familiarity with "genuine" undead (most of whom are ugly, rotting monstrosities everyone's afraid of, Prince Morphail and his fellow-snobs nonwithstanding) would make Mystarans even LESS likely to glamorize an "immortality" that's devoid of joy or satisfaction. How many of those liches or nosferatu whom the average Mystaran has heard tell of, will have been portrayed as being truly HAPPY with their undead status? "None" seems like the only conceivable answer, whether or not it's entirely true for undead IYC. And the idea that Immortality is a "cushy job" that's easy to cope with is even disproven, quite openly, in the canon material. One of Ka the Preserver's first acts, in his Immortal career, was to develop mental techniques to help Immortals handle the vast burdens of memory which they have to deal with! Clearly, one DOESN'T automatically acclimate to an eternal life, when one's Path to Immortality is finished; facing up to seeing everyone you've ever known grow old and die, for example, is only one of the deep emotional hardships a new Immortal is doomed to face. Etienne d'Ambreville's refusal to leave his family dead -- not even his murderous brother and wife! -- after returning from his long extraplanar exile in X2, and his (rather childish) clinging to his mortal identity afterward, is another indication that there's psychological constraints and dependencies among Immortals that get carried over from mortal life. And you never did answer my question, BTW: Would YOU be so eager to seek Immortality, if you knew what Hel's Immortal life is like...? >> vein goes: "Millions wish for immortality, who know not what to do with >> themselves on a Sunday afternoon." >> > Hmmmn. . .I've read that one, but forgotten who said it. I think it was >another one of thouse dudes who likes to look down his nose on everyone >else I think it was a woman who said it, actually. ;-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 23:14:04 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? >>You both seem to be confusing "heaven" -- i.e. a continued, transcendent >>existence after one's death -- and "oblivion", i.e. the TOTAL extinction of >>one's consciousness. Remember, the Sphere of Entropy isn't just out to > > >Nihilism/fatalism. Such beliefs could be made into a kewl mystic sect (like >Thothia). The samurai of Japan had a very fatalistic attitude to life (ok, >maybe not nihilism)... > >Cheerz > >Rob The Japanese samurai still believed in some form of afterlife, IIRC, as did the Vikings and other fatalistic IRL warrior-societies. So being resigned to the death of your body -- knowing you'll get a new "life" in the next world -- isn't really the same as resigning yourself to total oblivion. Athiests are probably the only IRL people I can think of, who actively advocate that kind of belief. And I don't think the Thothians gave up their faith in the persistance of soul/spirits after death, when they turned to mysticism. AFAIK, Thothians still mummify their dead ... which would be pretty darned stupid, if they didn't believe in an afterlife anymore! ;-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 23:53:41 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? In a message dated 2/13/99 7:13:03 PM Central Standard Time, clumsydwarf@hotmail.com writes: << Maybe the fighter starts out with Vanya but is never satisfied with the religon, or some of the people in it....and as he wanders the world he finds a better Immortal to venerate. Good choices include: Halav, Odin, Frey, Freyja, Diulanna, and a realy good choice...Thor. >> That might be a possibility........ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 23:17:46 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? > > And you never did answer my question, BTW: Would YOU be so eager to seek > Immortality, if you knew what Hel's Immortal life is like...? > I'm going to let the rest go because I'd rather someone who actually believed what I was arguing in this part of the thread make the arguments if they choose to. I'm tired of advocating on their behalf (I'll just stick with my own position, which mirrors while not being completely identical to Sharon's). But I will answer that question. . .sort of. I didn't answer that question because I assumed it was rhetorical. I still think it's rhetorical. But irregardless, it is also apparent that Hel is not the only immortal persona available for people to evaluate. Folks seeking Immortality under the rules can easily see a variety of different personality types among the existing Immortals, even the ones who are attributed to having the greatest ages, and thus might be forgiven for deciding that her gloomy gus personality is more on account of her individual character rather than an expression of what Immortality does to its "victims". > > I think it was a woman who said it, actually. ;-) > Be that as it may, it doesn't alter my slanderous remarks regarding the mindset of the person who said it, which remain accurate regardless of which gender you attribute the statement (and the mindset that spawned it) to. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 00:33:19 EST From: Nurvel@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List But I need to know a good free email address that can receive attachments and has a good amount of storage *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 10:01:28 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin > Kagyar could have placed dwarves elsewhere too even though it hasnt been > mentioned in any timeline. Or Sea Dwarves could have colonized some > strange shore. Any cool ideas for exotic dwarven cultures? Oh, I have an idea why the bay north of the Esterhold Peninsula is called "Bay of Thorin". I have placed some dwarves in the mountains where they commit the usual dwarven businesses. To protect their investments and to haul goods to the human civilizations the dwarves maintain a harbour at the bay and a fleet of longboats. Well, I must admit that this makes the dwarves a smaller version of the northmen from Brun, but it's unusual, at least. Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 10:03:48 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE > > BTW, subscribing to a quarterly fanzine of this quality shouldn't be too > > expensive. I would estimate given the costing here that US $10.00 - $20.00 > > yearly should do it. But don't quote me yet. :) > > Put me on the subscription list NOW, please :) > > Hĺvard Hm, how should this hypothetical US $10.00 - $20.00 be paid? By credit card or by other means? (I don't have the first one!) Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 10:54:48 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE > > Excellent!!!!! > > > > Only a couple of points... > > > > 1) (most important) Make it available in the UK :) > > 2) see the above > > > > (thought it was so important, i should mention it twice) > > you forgot > > 3) Make it available in the UK > 4) Make it available in Ireland > 5) Make it available in Norway > 6) Make it available in Italy > 7) Make it available in the UK > > :) > > gordon And YOU forgot: 3.5) Make it available in Germany :-) Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 11:42:17 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List On Sun, 14 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > But I need to know a good free email address that can receive attachments and > has a good amount of storage www.hotmail.com is the only free one I know about. Don't know how much storage you get there though. Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 13:17:37 +0100 From: Fabrizio Paoli Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Who Serves Entropy? At 15.15 11/02/99 -0500, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: >However, any person who would seek Immortality in the Sphere of Entropy, >must -- BY DEFINITION -- be a hypocrite at heart ... because the concept of >"Immortality", itself, is opposed to Entropy! The prospect of someone's >existing forever -- the very definition of "immortal", and the thing most >mortals desire about such status -- is innately incompatible with the >objectives of the Sphere in question: that is, to destroy EVERYTHING ... >even the Entropic Immortals, themselves! > >This means that, while Entropy might theoretically open itself to all >alignments, it's generally limited to recruiting those who aren't sincere, >in their desire to destroy EVERYTHING ... at least, not to the point of >suicide. People who sincerely want to die -- a necessary prerequisite, for >a person to be both "Lawful", AND devoted to Entropy -- just go ahead and >do it; they CAN'T become Entropic Immortals, because they wouldn't seek or >desire Immortality, in the first place! The beings who DO join Entropy as >Immortals are, by their very act of joining, proving themselves unfaithful >to its ultimate objective. That's not necessarily true. An Entropic Immortal may truly desire to destroy everything, even himself. It's just that he/she decided to destroy himself only after having destroyed everything else, so that he can be utterly certain that he/she has accomplished his/her entropic mission. It's something along the lines of the Path of the Conqueror, i.e. create something (a non-entropic action) in order to destroy everything (the true entropic goal). In this case a human elevates himself to the status of Immortal, so that he can later further the cause of Entropy until he's destroyed everything, himself included. My 2 Tangs (since someone doesn't accept Euros :) ************** Fabrizio Paoli brizio@gdr.net Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/4560 ************** *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 07:42:55 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List I don't know, what for? *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 10:38:15 -0600 From: Aaron E Nowack Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine >This is sort of an advert, albeit for a not-for-profit Mystara Fanzine >which everyone is welcome to help with... BTW, could you send me the proposal message as plain text instead of an attachment, since Juno dosen't support attachments. Thanks. Aaron Nowack "Never let reality get in the way of a good hypothesis." http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/5930/ ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 10:45:02 -0600 From: Tim Subject: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora I found a reference in PC3 The Sea People of the humans known as the Taymora being absorded by the Traldar in pre-Traladara/Karameikos. Is this all that's known of them? I couldn't find any mention of them in the Ierendi, Minrothad Guilds gazetteers, or the Hollow World. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 09:21:32 PST From: "Jennifer Favia" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora >I found a reference in PC3 The Sea People of the humans known as the >Taymora being absorded by the Traldar in pre-Traladara/Karameikos. Is >this all that's known of them? I couldn't find any mention of them in >the Ierendi, Minrothad Guilds gazetteers, or the Hollow World. Someone shoot me if I'm totaly wrong here ;-) , but I seem to recall tha someone developed them as the precursors of the Nithians. (??) You might want to run a search on stan's page. Jenn Explore Dark Myst Manor! http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Chasm/4270/ ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #82 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Sunday, February 14 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 083 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies [MYSTARA] - Ok...everyone........ Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Re: [MYSTARA] - Ok...everyone........ Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 17:52:33 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora They were heavily in Lyncanthropy & Necromancy, supposedly the master of Hule is some form of Taymoran Witch-King. - -----Original Message----- From: Jennifer Favia To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Date: 14 February 1999 17:21 Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora > > >>I found a reference in PC3 The Sea People of the >humans known as the >>Taymora being absorded by the Traldar in >pre-Traladara/Karameikos. Is >>this all that's known of them? I couldn't find any >mention of them in >>the Ierendi, Minrothad Guilds gazetteers, or the >Hollow World. > >Someone shoot me if I'm totaly wrong here ;-) , but I >seem to recall tha someone developed them as the >precursors of the Nithians. (??) You might want to run >a search on stan's page. > >Jenn > > >Explore Dark Myst Manor! > http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Chasm/4270/ > > > >______________________________________________________ >Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 12:14:04 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Jennifer Favia wrote: > > Someone shoot me if I'm totaly wrong here ;-) , but I > seem to recall tha someone developed them as the > precursors of the Nithians. (??) You might want to run > a search on stan's page. Well, I don't know if you're totally wrong but nothing I've been able to find mention the Taymora until the formation of the Ierendi and Minrothad isles. Since the Traldar are a Nithian tribe, I didn't think the Taymorans were the proto-Nithians and suspect they are related to the Makai of Ierendi (who I've not quite figured out where they came from). Taymorans only pop up to explain the ruins under the Sea of Dread. From what I've been able to peice together, the Traldars settled along the rivers in the northern part of pre-Karameikos and never to the shore line where elves and Taymorans settled. When Minrothad was formed, the elves were separated but the Tymorans were completely destroyed except for a few northern survivors that moved inward. There they met the Traldar and became part of that culture. This fits in with my idea that it was the interior of pre-Karameikos that was settled by Nithia and not the shoreline (making Penhaligon or Kelvin some of the oldest settlements since the Traldar seem to have crossed the Altan Tepes Mountains. Though that's not accounting for river bed changes). Now if I can figure out who it was that became the Makai and Taymorans :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 12:16:16 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Edward Phillips wrote: > > They were heavily in Lyncanthropy & Necromancy, supposedly the master of > Hule is some form of Taymoran Witch-King. Could you tell me where you found that at? I'm actually trying to piece together Karameikos's history by canon :) - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 18:29:45 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Try here! Mystaros's Home Page a lot is still under construction but the Lycnathropic Magic is pretty cool. http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Castle/1437/index.html - -----Original Message----- From: Tim To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Date: 14 February 1999 18:16 Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora >Edward Phillips wrote: >> >> They were heavily in Lyncanthropy & Necromancy, supposedly the master of >> Hule is some form of Taymoran Witch-King. > >Could you tell me where you found that at? I'm actually trying to piece >together Karameikos's history by canon :) > >-- >Timothy R. Haney >galwylin@airnet.net > >The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ >Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 18:30:33 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Also http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/5304/ but you'll have to dig around. - -----Original Message----- From: Tim To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Date: 14 February 1999 18:16 Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora >Edward Phillips wrote: >> >> They were heavily in Lyncanthropy & Necromancy, supposedly the master of >> Hule is some form of Taymoran Witch-King. > >Could you tell me where you found that at? I'm actually trying to piece >together Karameikos's history by canon :) > >-- >Timothy R. Haney >galwylin@airnet.net > >The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ >Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 18:37:41 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Sorry if this isn't about Mystara, but does somebody have the Stats for Vecna? Also the abilites of a Vampire, from Ravenloft, as it gets older? Cheers. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 10:48:55 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: [MYSTARA] - Ok...everyone........ Just for those who care......This is the same Nurvel...just a different email address............ Nurvel ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 12:07:34 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List i am going to switch servers and i have to set up a good stable address......basically for the list though >From: Arminath@aol.com >Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 07:42:55 EST >To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM >Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List >Reply-To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > >I don't know, what for? > >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. > ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 12:11:42 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Sorry if this isn't about Mystara, but does somebody have the Stats forVecna? Also the abilites of a Vampire, from Ravenloft, as it gets older?Cheers. I think there is something you might be able to find about Vampires of Ravenloft on TSR.....but I sold Vecna Lives along time ago.....sorry ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 23:01:52 +0200 (EET) From: Katri Wallenius-m{ki Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? On Sat, 13 Feb 1999 Nurvel@aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 2/13/99 7:13:03 PM Central Standard Time, > clumsydwarf@hotmail.com writes: > > << Maybe the fighter starts out with Vanya but is never satisfied with the > religon, or some of the people in it....and as he wanders the world he finds > a > better Immortal to venerate. Good choices include: Halav, Odin, Frey, Freyja, > Diulanna, and a realy good choice...Thor. >> > That might be a possibility........ I´ll vote for Thor. Followers of Thor gain extra +1 bonus in combat when blessed by a cleric of Thor. On the other hand they are NOT known of good table manners or human decency... - -- ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ If it was so, it might be; and if it were so, ¤ Katri ¤ it would be: but as it isn't, it ain't. ¤ kw50538@uta.fi ¤ That's logic. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ -Tweedledee- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 13:05:17 -0800 From: "Jenni A. M. Merrifield" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine On Sun, 14 Feb 1999 10:38:15 -0600 Aaron E Nowack said: >>This is sort of an advert, albeit for a not-for-profit Mystara Fanzine >>which everyone is welcome to help with... > >BTW, could you send me the proposal message as plain text instead of an >attachment, since Juno dosen't support attachments. Thanks. Ditto here on the text version, since your attachement appeared as gobble-de-gook for those of us on the digest version. In fact, since sending attachments to the list is actually against list rules (check out the FAQ) you should probably consider re-sending your proposal message, to the list as plain text. Thanks, in advance Jenni - -=> strawberryJAMM <=- - -- Jenni A. M. Merrifield <==> strawberryJAMM Designs strawberry@jamm.com <==> http://www.jamm.com/jamm/ <------------------------------------------------------------------> God created Light. Then Earth, Vegetables, Animals, Man and Woman. Then God started to think: "I should create things I *like*!" And God said: "Let There Be Strawberries!" *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 16:28:41 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora >>Edward Phillips wrote: >>Could you tell me where you found that at? I'm actually trying to piece >>together Karameikos's history by canon :) "By canon", AFAIK, there's nothing whatsoever known about the Taymorans except what's in PC3 ... and, perhaps, what-little might be extrapolated from the underwater module "War Rafts of Kron" (ruin maps, etc). Mystaros' ideas about their culture are quite good, however, and I think most of the MML-crowd has incorporated his version into their home campaigns' history. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 16:37:01 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Haavard said: >There are actually desert dwarves in Ylaruam. Maybe some were placed in >the desert of Arypt as well? As for sea-dwarves there are some >sailor-dwarves in Minrothad..or was that Ierendi, i always mix up the two. > >Known Dwarf holds in Mystara: >Black Mountains >Rockhome >Northern Reaches >Highforge, Karameikos >Savage Baronies >Possible Dwarf holds: >Aryptian Desert >Thonian mountains Working on this one... :) >Wyrmsteeth Range I was certain that, somewhere it was officially written that there were some in the Wyrmsteeth. Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 11:27:39 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories > Probably beacuse Gaz13 is cool. Gaz5 is not bad either, but after reading > it I wasn't eager of running an Alfheim campaign, as I did with SE after > reading Gaz13. > > I currently run a campaign of 3 Shadow Elf PCs centered in City of the > Stars and I'm in charge of the Shadow Elf events for the Net Almanac... I > guess I'm not the right person to answer your question :-) > > Anyway my favourite race are gnomes. Have you introduced other intelligent races on the map, possibly a city of gnomes, or so? And, IIRC, there's the "Illith Mountains" in the south. Are there possibly living Illithids (aka Mindflayers)? Or have we discussed this matter before? I can't remember... Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 15:45:36 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? > << don't think Tarastia would be that far fetched for Lawful Good. Remember > that Paladins for example aren't pacifists. Such a LG fighter who venerates > Tarastia would dedicate themselves to "avenging thouse who cannot avenge > themselves," seeking justice, and that kind of thing. >> > Yeah but isnt avenging/revenge sort of non-good in alignment...too an extent > anyway The paladin could deliver all captured delinquents to a regular court - DEAD OR ALIVE! Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 17:03:22 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Sharon wrote: >"By canon", AFAIK, there's nothing whatsoever known about the Taymorans >except what's in PC3 ... and, perhaps, what-little might be extrapolated >from the underwater module "War Rafts of Kron" (ruin maps, etc). Mystaros' >ideas about their culture are quite good, however, and I think most of the >MML-crowd has incorporated his version into their home campaigns' history. I'll second Sharon here. When I tried to piece together a decent history of Colhador using PC3 and X7 (War Rafts of Kron), I found quite a few contradictions and gaping holes. AFAIK those two works are the only ones containing any decent amount of info on the Taymorans. Mystaros' work on Taymor appears to be very consistent and well-written, and goes a long way towards filling in some gaps in history. There could very well be something in there that may be useful to you, if you are willing to bridge the gaps in TSR-released work with homemade material. Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 17:07:24 EST From: Mystaros@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora In a message dated 99-02-14 16:29:39 EST, dornhoff@bio.umass.edu writes: << >>Edward Phillips wrote: >>Could you tell me where you found that at? I'm actually trying to piece >>together Karameikos's history by canon :) "By canon", AFAIK, there's nothing whatsoever known about the Taymorans except what's in PC3 ... and, perhaps, what-little might be extrapolated from the underwater module "War Rafts of Kron" (ruin maps, etc). Mystaros' ideas about their culture are quite good, however, and I think most of the MML-crowd has incorporated his version into their home campaigns' history. >> Indeed, the ONLY Canonical reference to the Taymorans is the small blurb found in PC3... and the related material in War Rafts of Kron. I took that material and created the Taymoran Empire of my own campaign; all the stuff about it being a Babylonian-style Empire ruled by Nosferatu and being the precursors of the Nithians is my own... not Canon by any means. I'm pretty sure that there is some of my Taymoran history on the net somewhere, with the description of my Stone Folk race, and there is also an article on the origins of the Nithian Empire in my campaign (I think they are both on Shawn's site). Someday I'll get around to doing that Taymoran gazeteer I've always talked about... But then that would all be IMC; Mystara is open to many interpretations, none of which is true or false, right or wrong... except in the individual campaigns of each and every one of us... Mystaros *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 17:08:07 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Jamuga Khan wrote: >Oh, I have an idea why the bay north of the Esterhold Peninsula is >called "Bay of Thorin". I have placed some dwarves in the mountains >where they commit the usual dwarven businesses. To protect their >investments and to haul goods to the human civilizations the dwarves >maintain a harbour at the bay and a fleet of longboats. This is a really good idea! Goes a long way towards explaining the name (which sounds dwarvish to me). >Well, I must admit that this makes the dwarves a smaller version >of the northmen from Brun, but it's unusual, at least. Zounds! It appears that the Mighty Khan hath beaten me to this idea! :) Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 16:19:46 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Geoff Gander wrote: > > Mystaros' work on Taymor appears to be very consistent and well-written, > and goes a long way towards filling in some gaps in history. There could > very well be something in there that may be useful to you, if you are > willing to bridge the gaps in TSR-released work with homemade material. Oh, I hadn't meant that Mystaros's work wasn't acceptable. Only I wanted to see everything there was available about the Taymora in published works before writing my own (I'm trying not to copy others). The Taymorans themselves aren't exactly what I'm interested in but the reference looked like something I could use to explain the later distinction between the Traldar and the Nithias. While Nithia stood, I didn't see a reason why any contact between them and the Traldar would have been broken (so little cultural change as I think the Nithian Empire was a bit larger than just the region of Ylaruam). My thoughts were that the Taymorans brought the cultural change even though as a people they died out. BTW, has anyone thought that the local cataclysm in 1700 BC no only changed the shorelines but increased the mountain ranges (or created a few of them)? - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 17:21:56 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Sharon wrote: >That's a nifty idea to account for the various stone circles on Brun. (I >think there's some in the Shires, too ... naturally, since Ed Greenwood >wrote the halflings' Gaz!) None of the products seem to offer a backstory >for such megaliths -- apart from them being SO old, even ancient peoples >like the Cynidiceans haven't a clue where they came from -- so calling them >lost gates to other worlds is probably as good an explanation as any. Definitely something to fit into those "tales told around the fire at night", as in: "When the mountains were tall and steep, where now they are old and worn, it is said that great powers walked the voids 'tween the stars by aid of celestial byways. Where the vortices of their power gathered, so they built yon henges of stone, as repository for their might. Here also could those among them depart this world for others undreamed of." >Perhaps they could date back to the era of Brute-men, seeing as how Brun >was an arctic continent at the time they must've been erected. Powerful >wokani might have constructed them back in Paleolithic times, during an >interglacial warm period prior to the current one. After Ka-gar moved his >dwindling people to the HW, the stones would remain as the only lasting >evidence of the Neanderthals' presense on the surface before the rise of >anatomically-modern humans. This would explain why they're so widely >distributed, as even the Nithians didn't live in as many parts of Mystara >as where such standing stones exist. This is a perfectly plausible explanation. >Later on, when modern races' magic became equal to the task of opening >these henge-gates, fairies of the Good Kingdom or druidic orders might have >assumed responsibility for guarding them, against foolhardy adventurers and >other meddlers. This leaves only the Broken Lands' gate accessible to PCs >-- there being no guardians, on the Mystaran side, whom the local humanoids >haven't killed -- so maybe M3 uses that specific doorway by default. > >OTOH, this does make for an AWFUL lot of potential gateways to the PoB, >leaving open the question of why the Carnifex didn't get released centuries >ago.... I always figured that it would take more than an active henge to free them. You'd need either a powerful invocation (ie: lost "10th level spells"), a whole pile of sacrifices to release a sufficient amount of raw life energy to punch a hole in the Prime (and even then you'd need some artifact or other instrument to focus that power before it dissipated), or some other material component that is suitably rare to make obtaining it a quest in itself. Either the Immortals made these extra requirements in order to make freeing the Carnifex all the more difficult, or it simply reflects one of those "rules" - just as you need command words to activate certain magic items; it just "is". All the above is, of course, my own speculation. Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 17:23:13 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Blackmoor Question Andrew wrote: >In fact, there are many similar planar gates- the Stones of Sky in >Vestland could be one; there is, I believe, a "stonehenge" like fixture >mentioned in the underground realm of Cynidicea (I seem to recall our talks >about this Cynidicean brethren?). Robrenn probably has a few, etc. That's true - the Isle of Death in B4 was described as being there long before the Cynidiceans showed up. Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 17:44:46 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies On Sun, 14 Feb 1999, Edward Phillips wrote: > Sorry if this isn't about Mystara, but does somebody have the Stats for > Vecna? I don't recall ever having seen Vecna's stats. All I remember is his Hand and Eye floating about. I'd sure love to see them, though - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 17:45:30 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Ok...everyone........ On Sun, 14 Feb 1999, Mike Novy wrote: > Just for those who care......This is the same Nurvel...just a different > email address............ > > Nurvel Of course we care :) - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 18:02:36 -0500 From: Jerry Hovenanian Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Katri Wallenius-m{ki wrote: > I´ll vote for Thor. Followers of Thor gain extra +1 bonus in combat when > blessed by a cleric of Thor. On the other hand they are NOT known of good > table manners or human decency... Thor's sphere of influence is the warriors code of honor that makes a good choice for a LG fighter. Table manners aside of course. :) - -- Jerry Hovenanian clumsydwarf@hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #83 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Monday, February 15 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 084 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - GAZ1 Karameikos Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? [MYSTARA] - Aghh...umm, help please :-) Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories [MYSTARA] - Question about Church of Thyatis Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories RE: [MYSTARA] - Re: OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn, part 3 RE: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? RE: [MYSTARA] - GAZ1 Karameikos ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 18:45:54 -0500 (EST) From: SteelAngel Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - GAZ1 Karameikos On Fri, 12 Feb 1999, Harvey, Michael wrote: > I recently was able to purchase GAZ 1-3; however my copy of GAZ1 did not Agh! Why is it that everyone else can find Gaz 3!! Lucky dog :) Ethan - -- Ethan Deneault - PH/MU '99 www.wpi.edu/~eand - wpi.flame Quote Archive. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 16:17:41 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories Have you introduced other intelligent races on the map, possibly a city of gnomes, or so? And, IIRC, there's the "Illith Mountains" in the south. Are there possibly living Illithids (aka Mindflayers)? Or have we discussed this matter before? I can't remember... Jamuga Khan I would be interested in knowing more about these Mountains myself. And what does IIRC mean...sorry..if it's a dumb question Nurvel ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 16:28:11 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Sun, 14 Feb 1999, Edward Phillips wrote: > >> Sorry if this isn't about Mystara, but does somebody have the Stats for >> Vecna? > >I don't recall ever having seen Vecna's stats. All I remember is his >Hand and Eye floating about. I'd sure love to see them, though > >--Frobozz-- I think that his stats are in the new Ravenloft Hardback Campaign Book......but they are obviously modified for Ravenloft :) Nurvel ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 16:30:21 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? I think we decided that he will revere Tarastia.......best suited....and besides...His characters name is Judge....:)(of course named before hand...) Nurvel >Katri Wallenius-m{ki wrote: > >> I=B4ll vote for Thor. Followers of Thor gain extra +1 bonus in combat w= >hen >> blessed by a cleric of Thor. On the other hand they are NOT known of go= >od >> table manners or human decency... > > Thor's sphere of influence is the warriors code of honor that makes a = >good choice >for a LG fighter. Table manners aside of course. :) > >-- >Jerry Hovenanian clumsydwarf@hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 01:48:48 +0000 From: Michael Jones Subject: [MYSTARA] - Aghh...umm, help please :-) Hi ppl My computer died the other day and I lost everything on the hard drive including bookmarks, things made by me etc. The point being..... Does anyone have the 'address' of the Mystra Bulatin Board? Cheers Flossy *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 21:19:37 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories On Sun, 14 Feb 1999, Mike Novy wrote: > And what does IIRC mean...sorry..if it's a dumb question > > Nurvel No, it's not a dumb question. Some of these acronyms are very difficult to figure out. I believe IIRC stands for "If I Recall Correctly." Hope this helps. - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 13:47:02 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine NOTE some advances have already been made on the proposal. To join the Fanzine discussion list please email me privately. Thanx. grand gazette of mystara project [fanzine or whatever] TITLE: ?who knows? some suggestions are below SAGA OF THE LOST WORLD Unofficial and Unauthorized Mystara Fanzine - -MYSTARA-FANZINE- UNKNOWN WORLD MYSTARA! Unofficial and Unauthorized JOURNAL OF THE MYSTARAN ADVENTURERS' GUILD Unofficial and Unauthorized THE TOME OF MYSTARA MYSTARA-ZINE Unofficial and Unauthorized MYSTIC FOOTNOTE MYSTIC! Unofficial and Unauthorized distribution: mail order and direct sales from comics shops / game shops [non-TSR zombie ones of course] proposed format: A4 (A3 fold) glossy stock 150gsm paper, full colour covers, full colour centrespread, grey or colour interior artwork softcover centre stapled OR stitched (up to bookbinders on that one) proposed size: 72 pages plus cover, maximum possible is 96 pages plus cover. proposed contents: the proposed contents is just a proposal. everyone will have much more interesting stuff to put in than some of this, I am betting. PAGE: CONTENT: - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Cover Grokky picture Inside cover colour map of gameworld painted 1 Contents & legal blurbs, editorial credits and contribution info. 2 Biographies of Mystara game designers, boxed sidebar of short history of Mystara the game 3 MML - summarised timelines of Mystara, page 1 with Blackmoor picture 4 MML - summarised timelines of Mystara, page 2 with HW picture 5 MML - summarised timelines of Mystara, page 3 with KW picture 6 Nonhuman PCs - top 10 new races people play, with stats, page 1 7 Nonhuman PCs - top 10 new races people play, with stats, page 1 8 Dragons of Mystara! 9 Clark Ashton Smith feature with short story following 10 Clark Ashton Smith short story with APPROPRIATE artwork, page 1 11 Clark Ashton Smith short story with APPROPRIATE artwork, page 2 11 Clark Ashton Smith short story with APPROPRIATE artwork, page 3 13 GURPS Mystara - conversions and advice 14 OD&D Feature - rules addons, items, spells, monsters, page 1 15 OD&D Feature - rules addons, items, spells, monsters, page 2 16 A D&D / Mystara Bibliography - recommended fact & fiction reading 17 Humor - roleplaying game humor 18 Miniatures - reviews, collectors' series, suitable modern figures 19 Computer games 20 Cartoon strips / 1 panel joke comics 21 Adventure module, page 1 22 Adventure module, page 2 23 Adventure module, page 3 24 Adventure module, page 4 - maps (B/W) 25 Gamemastery - how to run a Mystara game 26 The Path Not Taken - alternative endings to the D&D Modules 27 Monster Profiles: 28 Otherworld Atlas - where to place non-Mystaran module locations 29 Monster Profiles: 30 Monster Profiles: 31 Elves, Shadow Elves, Schattenalfen, Dark Elves and Drow, page 1 32 Roads to Immortality - complete list compatible with D&D and AD&D 33 Elves, Shadow Elves, Schattenalfen, Dark Elves and Drow, page 2 34 Player artwork - PCs 35 Mystara product list for collectors 36 Cartoon strip 37 Cartoon strip 38 Clark Ashton Smith short story, page 4 39 Web of Mystara - Mystara on the WWW 40 Cartoon strip 41 Spellbook: Wizard Spells 42 Spellbook: Wizard Spells 43 Spellbook: Wizard Spells 44 Spellbook: Priest Spells 45 Spellbook: Priest Spells 46 Adventure module, page 1 47 Adventure module, page 2 48 Adventure module, page 3 49 Adventure module, page 4 - maps (B/W) 50 Contribution guidelines & editorial comments 51 Inn Generator 52 Urban Landscape Generator 53 Humanoid Races - Hutaakans, Lupins & Rakasta 54 Floorplans - mapping complex buildings (DMing article) 55 Floorplans - Roman buildings, temples & palaces (non copyright material) 56 Random Dungeon Generator - detailed 57 TSR shopping list - non-Mystara products that fit right in! 58 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 1 59 Humanoid Races - Beastmen 60 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 2 61 Illustrated summary of coins of Mystara 62 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 3 63 Quotable Quotes - "When you gotta go..." 64 Arena combats and Gladiator specialist rules, page 1 65 Arena combats and Gladiator specialist rules, page 2 66 Mind Flayers and Beholders in Mystara 67 Editors Pick - Top 10 out-of-print Mystaran resources 68 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 4 69 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 5 - maps 70 The Dwarf Armory, page 1 ) illustrated with scans of public domain 71 The Dwarf Armory, page 2 ) appropriate medieval/renaissance weapons pix 72 Unknown Immortals Inside Back Cover Back Cover Each and every TSR thing such as Races and all the rest of it will require a TM after it OR a large acknowledgement and a footnoted summary. Which is easily done. - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 02:22:11 -0000 From: "Hoddie" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories |No, it's not a dumb question. Some of these acronyms are very |difficult to figure out. I believe IIRC stands for "If I Recall |Correctly." I'm just glad somebody else asked !! ;) Hoddie *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 20:25:31 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: [MYSTARA] - Question about Church of Thyatis Where can i find some info on the Church of Thyatis? Do they worship a grouping of Immortals or what? I thought that Vanya was there chief Patron Deity? Thanks Nurvel ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 16:03:10 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine things have moved on a fiar bit since this first draft. anyone interested in joining the fanzine editorial team should email me directly offlist. grand gazette of mystara project [fanzine or whatever] TITLE: ?who knows? some suggestions are below SAGA OF THE LOST WORLD Unofficial and Unauthorized Mystara Fanzine - -MYSTARA-FANZINE- UNKNOWN WORLD MYSTARA! Unofficial and Unauthorized JOURNAL OF THE MYSTARAN ADVENTURERS' GUILD Unofficial and Unauthorized THE TOME OF MYSTARA MYSTARA-ZINE Unofficial and Unauthorized MYSTIC FOOTNOTE MYSTIC! Unofficial and Unauthorized distribution: mail order and direct sales from comics shops / game shops [non-TSR zombie ones of course] proposed format: A4 (A3 fold) glossy stock 150gsm paper, full colour covers, full colour centrespread, grey or colour interior artwork softcover centre stapled OR stitched (up to bookbinders on that one) proposed size: 72 pages plus cover, maximum possible is 96 pages plus cover. proposed contents: the proposed contents is just a proposal. everyone will have much more interesting stuff to put in than some of this, I am betting. PAGE: CONTENT: - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Cover Grokky picture Inside cover colour map of gameworld painted 1 Contents & legal blurbs, editorial credits and contribution info. 2 Biographies of Mystara game designers, boxed sidebar of short history of Mystara the game 3 MML - summarised timelines of Mystara, page 1 with Blackmoor picture 4 MML - summarised timelines of Mystara, page 2 with HW picture 5 MML - summarised timelines of Mystara, page 3 with KW picture 6 Nonhuman PCs - top 10 new races people play, with stats, page 1 7 Nonhuman PCs - top 10 new races people play, with stats, page 1 8 Dragons of Mystara! 9 Clark Ashton Smith feature with short story following 10 Clark Ashton Smith short story with APPROPRIATE artwork, page 1 11 Clark Ashton Smith short story with APPROPRIATE artwork, page 2 11 Clark Ashton Smith short story with APPROPRIATE artwork, page 3 13 GURPS Mystara - conversions and advice 14 OD&D Feature - rules addons, items, spells, monsters, page 1 15 OD&D Feature - rules addons, items, spells, monsters, page 2 16 A D&D / Mystara Bibliography - recommended fact & fiction reading 17 Humor - roleplaying game humor 18 Miniatures - reviews, collectors' series, suitable modern figures 19 Computer games 20 Cartoon strips / 1 panel joke comics 21 Adventure module, page 1 22 Adventure module, page 2 23 Adventure module, page 3 24 Adventure module, page 4 - maps (B/W) 25 Gamemastery - how to run a Mystara game 26 The Path Not Taken - alternative endings to the D&D Modules 27 Monster Profiles: 28 Otherworld Atlas - where to place non-Mystaran module locations 29 Monster Profiles: 30 Monster Profiles: 31 Elves, Shadow Elves, Schattenalfen, Dark Elves and Drow, page 1 32 Roads to Immortality - complete list compatible with D&D and AD&D 33 Elves, Shadow Elves, Schattenalfen, Dark Elves and Drow, page 2 34 Player artwork - PCs 35 Mystara product list for collectors 36 Cartoon strip 37 Cartoon strip 38 Clark Ashton Smith short story, page 4 39 Web of Mystara - Mystara on the WWW 40 Cartoon strip 41 Spellbook: Wizard Spells 42 Spellbook: Wizard Spells 43 Spellbook: Wizard Spells 44 Spellbook: Priest Spells 45 Spellbook: Priest Spells 46 Adventure module, page 1 47 Adventure module, page 2 48 Adventure module, page 3 49 Adventure module, page 4 - maps (B/W) 50 Contribution guidelines & editorial comments 51 Inn Generator 52 Urban Landscape Generator 53 Humanoid Races - Hutaakans, Lupins & Rakasta 54 Floorplans - mapping complex buildings (DMing article) 55 Floorplans - Roman buildings, temples & palaces (non copyright material) 56 Random Dungeon Generator - detailed 57 TSR shopping list - non-Mystara products that fit right in! 58 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 1 59 Humanoid Races - Beastmen 60 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 2 61 Illustrated summary of coins of Mystara 62 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 3 63 Quotable Quotes - "When you gotta go..." 64 Arena combats and Gladiator specialist rules, page 1 65 Arena combats and Gladiator specialist rules, page 2 66 Mind Flayers and Beholders in Mystara 67 Editors Pick - Top 10 out-of-print Mystaran resources 68 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 4 69 Moons of Mystery - the Two Moons of Mystara, page 5 - maps 70 71 72 Unknown Immortals Inside Back Cover Back Cover Each and every TSR thing such as Races and all the rest of it will require a TM after it OR a large acknowledgement and a footnoted summary. Which is easily done. - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 21:13:05 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories No, it's not a dumb question. Some of these acronyms are very difficult to figure out. I believe IIRC stands for "If I Recall Correctly." Hope this helps.--Frobozz-- Thanks ...i kept trying to figure that out for a long time...... ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 09:52:58 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Re: OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft I got it! Mighty, mighty thnx and that sort of stuff. Good idea 'bout the other Netbook for Priestcraftspellsmagicthings (or whatever you're going to call it :) Kristian > -----Original Message----- > From: Arminath@aol.com [SMTP:Arminath@aol.com] > Sent: Thursday, February 11, 1999 9:44 PM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: [MYSTARA] - Re: OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft > > Did anyone get the Netbook of Mystara Spellcraft or did it get hung up > somehow? > > Jim > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 11:36:33 +0200 (EET) From: Harri M{ki Subject: [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn, part 3 Principality of Erewan The reason behind the creation of Principality of Erewan was not so much Charans work for it but the results of the investigations against the alleged misconducts of the ruling Belcadiz-elves against the Erewans. Chancellor Friedrich von Drachenfels appalled at the results. His support for the divison was decisive factor. Don Fernando de Belcadiz was of course most prominent opponent. So in the summer of 884 Charan Erewan found himself again after 96 years member of the ruling council. At first the Council was somewhat unsure what kind of a charge they should give to Charan. But then Bruce McGregor pointed that there was Fort Ylourgne, which was the only major fort in Glantri that was not in direct control of the Council. They should take its control from Etienne d'Ambreville and made Charan as Viceroy of Ylourgne. Most of the Princes agreed with this, they could give a snap to arrogant Etienne. Etienne of course was not happy with this, but Friedrich von Drachenfels reasoned personally with him and manage to calmed him. Charan was not happy at all with this because Ylourgne was so far away. He would have rather stayed without any charge. Council meetings were not so difficult to Charan as he had imagined beforehand. Don Fernando was mostly away tending his duties as the Chamberlain of the Land and they actually met only 5 times during the next 12 years. These were busy years for Charan. He had to divide his time between Council meetings, Fort Ylourgne and creating somekind of infrastructure to his Principality. These were also happy years because his son Celedrin was born in 893. New Charges Year 896 meant promotion also to Charan Erewan. That year was busy for Council. First died Supreme Judge Toktai Virayana I and then disappeared Castle d'Ambreville and all the d'Ambrevilles. Race for the two highest position was on. Charan watched the humans amazed, he was again disgusted at their power-hungriness. The choice of a new Grandmaster was easy, because everyone acknowledged that Don Fernando de Belcadiz was most able for that charge. But then nearly everyone else wanted to be new Supreme Judge; only Charan and Morphail Gorevitch-Woszlany refused to compete. After much behind-the-scenes discussions current Treasurer Kenneth McGregor was chosen. Charan's election as new Chamberlain of the Land after Don Fernando was nearly unanimous; for Charan's great dismay Don Fernando was against this. Charan was satisfied with his new charge. He haven't been content with his viceroyship, he didn't like stonecastles or any castles. Now he could done something more suitable for him. When he got engrossed in his duties he was surprised when realised just how good Don Fernando has been in that job. His respect for his brother-in-law was somewhat restored. Soon after becoming Chamberlain, 902 to be exact, Charan found the Radiance. He began to study this strange phenomena and become absorbed with it. He soon found the dangers of these studies, when in very short time his both feet got a withering disease and he lost his ability to walk normally. He continued to tend his duties as Chamberlain but for now on he always moved on horseback if outside or with levitate spell if inside. He continued to be Chamberlain until the crisis with Grandmaster Johann von Drachenfels in 957. When it was decided that the Council should remove Johann from the charge Charan immediately announced his candidacy. Charan had long gone realised that if he wanted to continue his studies with the Radiance, he must get rid of Chamberlainship and now he realised that as a Grandmaster he would have all the utilities of the School in his disposal. Charan was chosen because there was no better alternative. Of course Supreme Judge Don Alfonso de Belcadiz was most prominent opponent. As a Grandmaster Charan was mostly concentrated in studying the Radiance. He left administrative and teaching duties mostly to his aides. Students only saw him at the beginning and the end of the terms. During the years other personnel of the School saw his health gradually weakening, as his strange disease slowly spread. At last in 973 Charan delved too deep and he was turned a zombie-like creature by Radiance. Before he could flee from the School the other mages who didn'n recognize him anymore manage to destroy the unknown undead. At the age of 431 Charan Erewan had disappeared like his predecessor Johann von Drachenfels. Celedrin Erewan Celedrin was only 80-years old when he followed his father as a Prince of Erewan. He has seen his father's strange disease spreading and had been afraid that it would kill him, but this sudden disappearance totally unexpected. Celedrin was still young for elf, totally unexperienced in governing. Still he had some natural charisma and he was very likable. Some of the "older" princes liked his boyish manners. Celedrin was chosen as Viceroy of Ylourgne. He was at first delighted because he liked to do something new. He was however very soon bored with the fort and spend more time in Broken lands fighting with the humanoids there. So the 5 years Celedrin was Viceroy of Ylourgne went fast enough and 978 he was chosen as a new Chamberlain after Georg von Drachenfels. Celedrin find this charge more suitable for him because of the variance of the duties. Still he could enjoy the charge only for 5 years. In 983 Celedrin was killed by humanoid raiders in the age of only 90 years. Carlotina Erewan Celedrin's successor was his 72-years old wife Carlotina. Their two boys were still too young to become a Prince. Carlotina was chosen to continue his husbands duties as a Chamberlain. Summary Charan Erewan b.542 d.973 First Marquis of Ellerovyn First Prince of Erewan Viceroy of Ylourgne 884-896 Chamberlain of the Land 896-957 Grand master of the School of Magic 957-973 Celedrin Erewan b.893 d.983 Viceroy of Ylourgne 973-978 Chamberlain of the Land 978-983 Carlotina Erewan b.911 Chamberlain of the Land 983-1004 Harri Mäki hihama@uta.fi *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 12:05:22 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Preferably dead, makes 'em less probable to escape and resist. (And you don't have to stand their comments on table manners). :) > -----Original Message----- > From: JamugaKhan [SMTP:JamugaKhan@gmx.net] > Sent: Sunday, February 14, 1999 3:46 PM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? > > > << don't think Tarastia would be that far fetched for Lawful Good. > Remember > > that Paladins for example aren't pacifists. Such a LG fighter who > venerates > > Tarastia would dedicate themselves to "avenging thouse who cannot > avenge > > themselves," seeking justice, and that kind of thing. >> > > Yeah but isnt avenging/revenge sort of non-good in alignment...too an > extent > > anyway > > > The paladin could deliver all captured delinquents to a regular > court - DEAD OR ALIVE! > > > > > Jamuga Khan > > > > "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 12:06:30 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - GAZ1 Karameikos He's certainly lucky. Woof!! Kristian > -----Original Message----- > From: SteelAngel [SMTP:eand@WPI.EDU] > Sent: Monday, February 15, 1999 12:46 AM > To: 'mystara-l@MPGN.COM' > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - GAZ1 Karameikos > > On Fri, 12 Feb 1999, Harvey, Michael wrote: > > > I recently was able to purchase GAZ 1-3; however my copy of GAZ1 did not > > Agh! Why is it that everyone else can find Gaz 3!! > > > Lucky dog :) > > Ethan > > -- > Ethan Deneault - PH/MU '99 > www.wpi.edu/~eand - wpi.flame Quote Archive. > > > > > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #84 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Monday, February 15 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 085 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status [MYSTARA] - Guardian Mesa Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Re: OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive [MYSTARA] - The Skin Trade (Part 3) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 14:46:07 +0100 From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status On Thu, 11 Feb 1999 14:23:08 -0500, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: <> Remember that your place in the Upper Spheres is determined by the amount of Power Points you have upon ascension to Immortality (1 PP = 10,000 XP). Not all Immortals begin at 1st level (mostly former priests or thieves, I'd say), since they have got many Xps. Actually, some of them may even bypass the first seven levels and become an Immortal Celestial immediately. In Rad's case, it could be he became a Temporal and then attained Empyreal status in twenty years thanks to the study of the NoS and by augmenting its usage and the power of its users (the Brotherhood of the Radiance). DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 14:45:44 +0100 From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - Guardian Mesa On Thu, 11 Feb 1999 14:11:15 -0500, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: <> Well, I share your views regarding the location of the Guardian Mesa: the Broken Lands were chosen merely because they were assumed to be, by default, the most dangerous yet closest place for the PCs who lived in the Old World. However, M3 clearly states that the DM is free to choose another place, mentioning the Broken lands only as a possible staging. I for one would have liked to have it in Davania, and indeed I located it near Vulcania when I run M3, although this was by no means a problem for my players (writers underestimate the power of M-level adventurers: gee, never heard of Teleport Any Object spell??). Anyway, when I introduced the Guardian Mesa in this year's almanac (AC1015) I didn't specify where it was located, so if the DMs want to use my scenario (instead of the mean intro of M3) they can still place it wherever they want, even though its location has a relative importance to the adventure (which is played almost entirely in some outer planes). <> Why? Well, I tell you: there are not many PCs who would have been able to defeat all the seven lords and retrieve the keys AND pass thru the PoB safely.. Besides, the Carnifex' existance is a mystery to most Immortals, especially younger ones (like Alphaks, who's supposed to be the mastermind behind M3 - -my scenario is a bit different, and if you follow it thru the almanacs you'll understand), so not everyone can be aware of their presence, and also not all of those who know would like to set them free AGAIN after what they attempted (which is left vague in original M3, but has been the object of many speculations on the list in the past -see my Carnifex File on my site). PS: I think Andrew's explanation was a very plausible one to explain the existance of certain planar gateways in Mystara, anyway. DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 00:59:37 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status > < through the NoS, but to have bypassed the first three "stages" of Immortal > development! He's already an Empyreal in Gaz3 -- 1000 AC -- yet supposedly > he'd only completed his ascension in 979 AC. Somehow he either advanced > through the ranks of Initiate, Temporal, and Celestial in just 21 years > (which seems downright ridiculous, especially for an Immortal with no > clergy!), or he made it all the way from mortality to Empyreal-status in > one fell swoop.>> > > Remember that your place in the Upper Spheres is determined by the amount > of Power Points you have upon ascension to Immortality (1 PP = 10,000 XP). > Not all Immortals begin at 1st level (mostly former priests or thieves, I'd > say), since they have got many Xps. Actually, some of them may even bypass > the first seven levels and become an Immortal Celestial immediately. In > Rad's case, it could be he became a Temporal and then attained Empyreal > status in twenty years thanks to the study of the NoS and by augmenting its > usage and the power of its users (the Brotherhood of the Radiance). > DM The amazing aspect of Rad, and his return in Mark of Amber, is that the previous graven in stone paths to immortality have been superseded by the Radiance method. Implicit in the Etienne D'Amberville story is one of two propositions - either his particular method of attaining Immortality was via a secret sponsor and with some more or less unique spell, or else his apotheosis shows that immortality and its paths to ascension are not a set of closed categories at all, and that there must be other paths to immortality, and possibly other spheres. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 14:00:39 +0000 From: gordon@ucd.ie Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Nurvel@aol.com said: > In a message dated 2/13/99 12:27:38 PM Central Standard Time, > jruhlconob@sprynet.com writes: > > << don't think Tarastia would be that far fetched for Lawful Good. Remember > that Paladins for example aren't pacifists. Such a LG fighter who venerates > Tarastia would dedicate themselves to "avenging thouse who cannot avenge > themselves," seeking justice, and that kind of thing. >> > Yeah but isnt avenging/revenge sort of non-good in alignment...too an extent > anyway Tarastia is the immortal patron of Justice as well as Revenge. Vanya would be a good choice in Thyatis as well, she is a patron of that country afterall (despite her disagreements with Thincol...) The modules DDA1 and DDA2 (Arena of Thyatis and Legions of Thyatis) have lots of good info on immortals worshipped in Thyatis. gordon Gordon McCormick, System Management UCD Computing Services,Belfield, Dublin 4 ph. +353 1 7062017 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 14:00:41 +0000 From: gordon@ucd.ie Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA FANZINE The Great and Almighty Khan wrote: > > > Excellent!!!!! > > > > > > Only a couple of points... > > > > > > 1) (most important) Make it available in the UK :) > > > 2) see the above > > > > > > (thought it was so important, i should mention it twice) > > > > you forgot > > > > 3) Make it available in the UK > > 4) Make it available in Ireland > > 5) Make it available in Norway > > 6) Make it available in Italy > > 7) Make it available in the UK > > > > :) > > > > gordon > > And YOU forgot: > > 3.5) Make it available in Germany > > > :-) > Not at all, I knew that no-one could possibly forget to make it available in the residing country of the almighty and glorious khan :) :) gordon Gordon McCormick, System Management UCD Computing Services,Belfield, Dublin 4 ph. +353 1 7062017 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 14:00:42 +0000 From: gordon@ucd.ie Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies > > Sorry if this isn't about Mystara, but does somebody have the Stats for > > Vecna? > > I don't recall ever having seen Vecna's stats. All I remember is his > Hand and Eye floating about. I'd sure love to see them, though In one campaign I heard about, a group of PC's found the Head of Vecna and decapitated most of the party before giving up on it :) :) (Sometimes I worry about those people :) ) gordon Gordon McCormick, System Management UCD Computing Services,Belfield, Dublin 4 ph. +353 1 7062017 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 14:00:38 +0000 From: gordon@ucd.ie Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Nurvel said: > Thanks for the advice.....how would this individual tend to act if he > venerated Vanya being LG and all(he is not a fanantic though). The premise > for the pc is that he is a direct descendant of her( he doesn't know) and his > character was orphaned and for some reason started worshipping her. She > probably helped him out is some way....clerics or something. He is favored by > her (HERO Kit from Age of Heroes Supplement...Greek) and he doesn't yet know > that either. I was thinking about going with Tarastia because she is at least > Lawful in nature. If you follow Bruce Heards Heldannic Knights stuff, Vanya becomes more and more Lawful as time goes on (thanks to the Star of Vanya artifact), well at least for a hundred years or so until it all blows up in her face :) (I'm not sure where the whole lot is, but some of the Heldannic Knight stuff is at http://seija.ucd.ie/mmb/ and some older Message Board stuff) gordon Gordon McCormick, System Management UCD Computing Services,Belfield, Dublin 4 ph. +353 1 7062017 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 09:06:30 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Re: OD&D Mystara Netbook of Spellcraft In a message dated 2/15/99 3:51:52 AM Eastern Standard Time, Kristian.Kramer@comsys.nl writes: << I got it! Mighty, mighty thnx and that sort of stuff. Good idea 'bout the other Netbook for Priestcraftspellsmagicthings (or whatever you're going to call it :) Kristian >> Thanks! If I get enough general Clerical spells I'll make seperate Netbooks for Clerical and Druidical spells. So far though, most of the Clerical spells have been Faith spells that clerics of certain Immortals gain. I'm hoping to get some general spells that can be added to the list that every Cleric and/or Druid can gain access to. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 14:06:18 +0000 From: gordon@ucd.ie Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status DM said: > < through the NoS, but to have bypassed the first three "stages" of Immortal > development! He's already an Empyreal in Gaz3 -- 1000 AC -- yet supposedly > he'd only completed his ascension in 979 AC. Somehow he either advanced > through the ranks of Initiate, Temporal, and Celestial in just 21 years > (which seems downright ridiculous, especially for an Immortal with no > clergy!), or he made it all the way from mortality to Empyreal-status in > one fell swoop.>> > > Remember that your place in the Upper Spheres is determined by the amount > of Power Points you have upon ascension to Immortality (1 PP = 10,000 XP). > Not all Immortals begin at 1st level (mostly former priests or thieves, I'd > say), since they have got many Xps. Actually, some of them may even bypass > the first seven levels and become an Immortal Celestial immediately. In > Rad's case, it could be he became a Temporal and then attained Empyreal > status in twenty years thanks to the study of the NoS and by augmenting its > usage and the power of its users (the Brotherhood of the Radiance). > Didn't Etienne achieve immortality about 845 AC?!? I know he went missing for 80 years or so, but that's now 70 years to gain those levels rather than 20... (Ever since introducing Marco de la Monte as a recurring bad guy in my Darokin campaign, I get slightly worried reading DM's posts...I'm sure the real Marco isn't that bad though :) :) ) gordon Gordon McCormick, System Management UCD Computing Services,Belfield, Dublin 4 ph. +353 1 7062017 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 15:23:48 +0100 From: DM Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive Ok, since u seemed interested, here's my Furmenglaive stuff.. It's in "Almanac Format", and thus it lacks a bit of the "real history" (i.e. DM's notes) behind the tale. That will (may) come in the future and will deal with the first Count, Magnus, and his dark pacts with fiends of Entropy.. Enjoy! DM Furmenglaive (Province of) Location: Isle of Dawn Area: 38,410 sq. mi. (96,025 kmq) Population: 3,000 (including 600 in the community of Furmenglaive) Languages: Thyatian, Alphatian (not so widespread) Coinage: Emperor (5 gp), Lucin (1 gp), Asterius (1 sp), Denarius (1 cp). Alphatian coins are also accepted: Crown (1 gp), Mirror (1 sp), Judge (1 cp). Taxes: Citizens have their total worth assessed every year, and are taxed 20% of that amount. Government Type: Feudal (the Counts of Furmenglaive owe fealty to Thyatis) Industries: Agriculture, fishing, and sheep Important Figures: Count Phileus Furmenglaive (human male werewolf, F20), Countess Lyra Furmenglaive (human femal werewolf, Pr20) Flora and Fauna: Furmenglaive consists mostly of moors and rolling hills with scrubs and a few scattered woods of ashes, yews and the occasional pine tree. Small ponds also dot the countryside, where sheeps and goats are the most common sight. Wild goats and boars and packs of wolves are also common for the shepherds and farmers of the region, who use brave shepherd dogs to protect their cattle and farms. Many unpleasant creatures can be found in Furmenglaive (and in general throughout the Shadow Coast) due to the presence of the Thothian Plateau, which is a veritable nest of monsters. Lycanthropes are feared in the region (especially werewolves and wereboars), as well as undead and the so called "night demons", a term the Furmenglavians use to define any unpleasant creature that stalks the land by night (including goblins). Introduction by Shaun the Elfin Shadows stretch all across this tiny province in the south of the Isle of Dawn, shadows that belong to the night and to the other side of life, what is commonly called "fear" or "mystery" by most men. And truly Furmenglaive is "the Gateway to the Darkworld", as many of its inhabitants call it. The Land Rolling hills and great expanses of moors dominate the Province of Furmenglaive. Some patches of scrubtrees and gaunt isolated birches and ashes may be encountered up and down the hills of the region, but to call those real woods would be an insult to Mother Nature (especially for me). Moors are the common terrain here, and many people dedicate their lives to rise goats and sheeps that produce a fine quality of wool (similar to that produced in Klantyre). Others prefer to work the soil and so some cultivated fields can also be spotted in the area (especially near the capital), though not as often as sheperds tending cattle. A few fishermen also try to earn their living in the southern part of the dominion, but theirs is not a wealthy profession here. Many small ponds and a few bogs (especially in the southern tip of the dominion) can be encountered by the unexperienced traveler, and wild animals usually gather here to drink and rest during the day, while they take refuge in their lairs at night, like every other sane being would do here. The sky is an impressive sight in Furmenglaive, so near to the ground that sometimes it seems you could touch it with your own hands. Clouds roll by at incredible speeds during night and day due to the wind currents from the nearby Sea of Dawn, making the landscape a caleydoscope of colors, especially during daylight. Furmenglaive coasts are jagged and full of reefs in the northern part, while the southern ones are windswept and more shallow. The only good natural harbor here lies below Castle Furmenglaive, where the Counts have built the only existing port of the entire domain. A four yards wide street of milestones lead from the port 200 yards up to the fortified town of Furmenglaive, built around the imposing building known as Castle Furmenglaive, a gloomy old fortress erected on the cliffs above the harbor. The town consists mostly of wooden barracks and a few stone dwellings for the richer artisans and the town mayor (who also happens to be the Seneschal and the Chief Constable). The countryside of Furmenglaive is dotted with a handful of tiny hamlets and isolated huts of lone rangers and herders who don't trust wanderers, especially if they're strangers and come by nighttime.. as i've witnessed myself firsthand.. The People The people of Furmenglaive are a superstitious lot... or a wise one, i've not understood it yet. They believe in Things That Go Bump In The Night, in Witches' Covens, in the Beasts Within and in the Longfang Devils, to use the terms of those natives. They are of Kerendan stock, but strangely they are more similar to last century Traladarans than to the common Thyatian: i can only assume they changed their vision of the world when they came to live in Furmenglaive. And honestly i cannot blame them for their fears, for this is a land where even your own shadow seem to be alive... and out to harm you. The Furmenglaivians believe in the dark side of men and nature and are ready to defend themselves using wards and old traditional countermeasures that range from the simple cantrip and garlic necklace to the most complicated "formulae magicae" (ceremonies) to drive out devils and impure spirits from places and human beings. Normally, special people (ŕuguri -sing: augurus) who are held in high respect by all the villagers perform these rituals: they have the same importance of priests in the nations of the Known World (and some of them are indeed clerics), though their powers are not always real (but they do believe in them!). There is also a strange role assigned to some people i encoutered in these hamlets: the "Dhampirs". Apparently this is a tradition that could also be encountered in Traladara in the last centuries (though i admit i don't know if it's still in use today). According to legends, the dhampirs are half-humans and half-monsters, children of a human woman and a creature of darkness (commonly a vampire, a Longfang Devil) who can recognize and hunt down other monsters like their father because of their incredible (albeit fiendish) powers. Famous Dhampirs are always viewed with suspicion by people not only in Furmenglaive but also in all the dominions of the Isle of Dawn (where the knowledge of the existence of these beings is widespread). However, in Furmenglaive nobody can deny a dhampir shelter and a warm meal if he asks for it, because this could bring bad luck on him, or worse the dhampir's wrath. Dhampirs normally are loners who travel the land seeking evils to destroy, but i haven't understood the reason they do it even after speaking with a few of them: some do it for revenge, others for glory, others simply for sheer pleasure of killing... a strange lot indeed. Also, there is a common and renowned profession widespread in Furmenglaive and in all the provinces of the Shadow Coast: the Hunter. There are four types of Hunters in the Province of Furmenglaive (though others could exist in neabry domains): Vampire Hunters, Lycanthrope Hunters, Demon Hunters and Ghost Hunters. Each hunter is experienced with the tactiques, powers and weaknesses of his kind of prey and has special weapons and tricks he uses to identify and subsequently kill his foes, taught from generation to generation. I have encountered a few of them in my wanderings in the Isle of Dawn, and i must say they are really incredible people, extremely experienced and devout to their duty of freeing the world from the most hated creatures of darkness. The ones i spoke with were all utterly loyal to the cause of Good, but i know some have also a love for money and glory like every other hardened adventurer. The people of Furmenglaive also have their own particular celebrations during the year besides those commonly acknowledged in other thyatian dominions. The strangest two are the Awakening (also called "D" Day) and the Night of Whispered Curses. The first one (Eirmont 23rd) commemorates the first major victory of the forces of Goodness against the Prince of Darkness, which led to the end of the Shadow Years of Furmenglaive (AC 500-540) and to the formation of the first companies of Hunters. It is also called "D" Day because according to the ancient version of the legend, it was the famed dhampir "D" (the first of its kind) who was responsible for the defeat of the evil forces of Darkness. The Night of Whispered Curses (Kaldmont 13th) is said to be the moment of the year when the powers of the witches and of all the servants of the Prince of Darkness (or the Dark Mother according to others) are at their peak. For this reason people throughout Furmenglaive meet in large sanctified halls (temples or even blessed stables) and there they pray for the whole night to the good Immortals, trying to fend off the evil curses of the witches and protect themselves from the Darkness' powers. Recent History Furmenglaive is ruled by Count Phileus Furmenglaive and his wife Lyra, who managed to reclaim their dominion after the alphatians captured it during the war in AC 1006. The province itself is quite old, and was founded in AC 500 by the great grand-father of the current ruler, Magnus Furmenglaive, a powerful thyatian wizard. The dominion has always been ruled by the Furmenglaive family, even though the inhabitants of the region tell strange tales about the fate of the former rulers. In fact, many people here believe that the Furmenglaive family is cursed and that this legacy dates back to Magnus's time. Persistent rumors want the current rulers to be cursed too, even though nobody knows exactly what kind of affliction they're suffering. However, both Count Phileus and Countess Lyra fought valiantly against the Alphatian invaders and organized a secret resistance during the period of the occupation that was able to dispose of more than one hundred Alphatian soldiers who ventured too far in the moors of the domain. Of all the occupied provinces during the war, Furmenglaive was surely the one that gave less benefits to the Alphatians and the first one they left (some say in a hurry) after the end of the war. Don't Miss There aren't many things to visit in Furmenglaive, but if you are really brave and ambitious, you could try to get an audience with the Sybill. This woman lives in a hidden cave near the northern border of the dominion and is considered blessed by the Immortals: she is renowned for her prophetic abilities. She lives alone in her cave and apparently has no contact with the outside world. Many say that she's been living there for more than one hundred years, for they remember their grandparents talking about the Sybill, but nobody knows for sure who she really is or how she looks like. The Furmenglaivians are not even sure the Sybill is a female: they simply use the female pronoun because they heard others using it in the past. The truth is that nobody has ever seen the Sybill (according to my sources), so she's surrounded by an aura of great mystery. However, she still lives in her cave and offers omens and predictions to every person that can find her lair. The visitor must whisper his questions at the entrance of the cave and the Sybill simply whispers the answer after some time. The problem is that the cave distorces the voice, and considered that the Sybill also gives very obscure responses, most of the times the pilgrim cannot really understand the answer. However, as far as the rumours go, the Sybill's prophecies have always been right: she's the true mouth of the Immortals. Do Miss I'd say do miss the whole Shadow Coast altogether if you value your soul, but if you want me to be more eplicit, these are a few of the sites i would not venture too far when you are in Furmenglaive: the Blood Hill and the Tower of Magnus. The Blood Hill is a singular haunted place: theatre of one of the most bloody battles between Alphatians and Thyatians during the last century, it is now inhabited by the ghosts of all the soldiers who perished there. The hill itself is an eerie sight even during daylight, for it is still littered with bones and rusted armors and weapons belonging to the fallen fighters, and is normally avoided by men and animals alike. By night, the whole hill becomes alive with screams, sounds of clashing weapons and ghostly figures roaming around. Some people claim to have witnessed the events from a safe distance and report the sight of whole troops of shadows raising from the earth and marching against one another, repeating the same moves and suffering the same fate over and over again. Rumors also tell of unlucky travelers who were so moved by the scene that they tear themelseves apart crying in agony, while others joined the soldiers in their fray and became part of their macabre army. The Tower of Magnus is a strange and isolated tower built near the eastern border of the domain and shunned by the locals. The legend wants it to be Magnus' laboratory, where the first ruler of Furmenglaive researched arcane lore and made foul pacts with the Forces of Darkness dwelling on the Isle of Dawn. When Magnus disappeared some 450 years ago, his tower became unaccessible even to his relatives, and all the adventurers who have tried to unveil its secrets have never returned. Some say that Count Magnus still visits it during certain periods of the year, though nobody knows it for sure. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 15:29:31 +0100 From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - The Skin Trade (Part 3) And here we are, guys and gals! That's the third part of the mystery. The plot thickens, but some of you, the keenest ones, will now be able to glimpse a few clues that may reveal the nature of the murders plaguing Hendry. Read it carefully and enjoy! ;) PS: by the by, I've updated my site, just in case u're interested... :) DM www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/2967 The Skin Trade (by Marco Dalmonte) DAY 2 Bad News Runs Fast Early in the morning the Thuriman family is awakened by somebody who repeatedly knocks at the main door. It's Mikhail, one of Achen's friends and fellow guards. He has come to warn Achen that the "skinner" (as the constables nicknamed him) hit again (Achen previously asked him to keep him informed without telling his sister Antares). Obviously the PCs will overhear their conversation, no matter what precautions the two men take (either they spy on them or Achen decides to tell them the news in case he has decided to help his sister), getting the opportunity to follow Achen to the crime scene (he dons his uniform immediately after and runs to the place together with Mikhail). To the PCs' shock, it turns out that the two are going to Aretus Mansion. Bulging inside the house will prompt the guards who stand there to halt the party and ask many questions about their presence in the house. Fortunately the PCs can overcome this obstacle in two ways: either Lord Aretus spots the two male PC friends of his daughters and calls them to assist him, sharing his grim news with them, or Achen certifies for the PCs' presence and brings them with him to the upper floor, where the victim still lies. Eventually, the PCs discover that one of the two Aretus twins, namely Cassandra, has been skinned to death after being chained to her bed: the same modus operandi of the previous murder. Again, there are no signs of burglary in the house or in her bedroom, and in this case it seems the young Cassandra hasn't even had the chance of fighting against her aggressor, for the chamber is immaculated, apart from the blood soaked bed. Cassandra has been chained to the four corners of the bed with silver manacles which look exactly the same as those found in Lizzieni House and his murderer has skinned her slowly after cutting her tongue away. The most macabre thing is that she was probably alive and awake during the process, seeing everything that was happening to her body reflexed in the great mirror positioned on top of her tester bed. The windows as well as the door were closed when her twin entered the room and found her sister's corpse the morning after, and there were no footprints on the room's carpet. Also even though her sister, Angela, slept in the room nearby, she didn't hear any kind of noise the night before. The girl is now deeply shocked and lies babbling in her bed: the house maiden is trying to make her rest and relax, but she's been unsuccessful so far. If the PCs examine the corpse more closely, they can spot (Int check at -3) that the manacles have left deep scars in the ankles and wrists as if they had literally fused the skin and tendines exposing the bones. Yet, the manacles feel cold at touch... Lord Aretus will obviously ask the PC whom Angela seemed to sympathize with to try and becalm his daughter. If the PC is convincing and gentle enough, after a while Angela seems to relax a bit and then falls asleep holding the PC's hand in her own in a tight grip (which will obviously oblige the PC to remain next to her until she awakens again). When she awakens (1d4+1 hours later), if the PC is still by her side, she will feel a bit more relieved though still distressed for her sister's death. If the PC is able to question her about what she heard or saw the night before, she tells him that she only remembers having a horrible nightmare, where a creature made of shadow was chasing her all around a foggy place. She remembers well only two features of the monster: his eyes, which were devoid of life and glittered like two tiny silver coins, and his hands, which seemed to hold a set of deadly knives. Then she heard the voice of her sister calling her and the creature disappeared ending the nightmare, although she didn't wake up at that time. After searching the crime scene without finding any enlightening clues, the PCs are asked to leave by Lord Aretus, with the only exception of Angela's friend. He will be able to leave the house only after she wakes up, with the promise that he will be there again before dusk. What Next? At this point, the PCs will be almost clueless, although they might have some suspects. The murderer has obviously used magical means to enter and to escape, so they could look for a wizard who lives in town. Unfortunately, no mages dwell in town, as the guards can confirm, and none have been reported in the nearby countryside. Soon this turns out to be a dead end. Also, the PCs still lack the of the motive of the murders. The two victims have nothing in common -aside from being good looking- and don't live near to each other. The only possible sources of information for Antares remain Chief Urqvart and probably Bartholomeo Diaz, the only two known people who have access to confidential information. If hard pressed (or good payed in Diaz' case), this time they reveal that the guards are following a precise track: Rutger Helander is back in town (and this should bring back bad memories to Antares -see her background). Somebody saw him walking near his old house only two weeks ago and reported it to the guards after the first murder. Urqvart says that he has probably been freed because he expiated for his crime in all these years and now suspects he is back in town to finish what he became so long ago: "a madman remains a madman no matter the passing years." Antares knows well Rutger's story, for it is because of him that his father died. Shadows Of The Past About 20 years ago (more or less -adapt it to fit to your "Antares" history, if you are using a PC from your campaign), when Antares was only a six-years-old child, young children began to disappear from the town without leaving a trace. The town guards, and Antares's father among them, investigated on the case but couldn't find any concrete evidence explaining the disappearences and the fate of the children (all around the age of 6-7 and living in the poor side of the town). This all changed when Hanna Helander disappeared, and his older brother, Rutger, was found with his face, arms and clothes dripping with blood. Rutger (who at that time was 12) told the guards that he and his sister were walking through the woods when a big animal leaped out of the scrubs and grabbed his sister, taking her away in the woods in its jaws. The boy told the guards that the animal was a big grey wolf whose eyes gleamed with a fiery light. The constable didn't believe him, however. Rutger wasn't considered "normal" by his neighbours and the people who knew him. He was a brooding boy who liked to stay and play with younger children and who had a morbid attachment to his sister. He was the son of the slaughterhouse guardian and his family was not a real model of purity (his father was a drunkyard and a violent man). To many, Rutger seemed "mentally disturbed enough for and physically capable of" kidnapping six years old children for unspeakable motives, so the authorities blamed him for all the kidnappings. Rutger never admitted the guilt but he refused to talk anymore. And since he couldn't prove where he was at the time of the other children's disappearences (he had the habit of going in the woods and hide there for long periods of time), he was found guilty of the charges. However, since he was still quite young and there were no real proofs of the children's fate, the judge (a diplomat of the Regional Court) revoked the death sentence and sentenced him to twenty years of convict labors in another part of the country. The only one who never believed that Rutger was guilty was Antares's father. And indeed, one week after Rutger Helander had been sent away another girl disappeared. The guards didn't relate the event to the previous kidnappings, mainly because in this case the girl was a teenager, but Cort Thuriman was sure the cases were connected. One night he went out to meet somebody after receiving a mysterious scroll, and the morning after his corpse was found by the guards near the slaughterhouse. Apparently he had been mauled by feral beasts, probably a pack of wild dogs (since there hadn't been wolves around the city in forty years) attracted by the smell of blood in the slaughterhouse. The guards stopped all the investigations and classified the case as incident. Chasing The Shadows The first thing Antares should do is to find out if Rutger is really responsible for these deaths and what are his motives, and the first place to search is Helander House, an old one storey shackle near the now closed slaughterhouse. Traces of recent visits can be found here, but they have probably been left by guards searching for Rutger as well, so they may be misleading. There is nothing of importance in this run down building. After some thinking however (Int check at -3), Antares could remember that Rutger used to spend his time in the woods nearby, and once he told her (he used to play with younger children, so Antares and his brother knew him) that he had a secret hideout, inviting her to join him there (she was just about to follow him when his brother came and dragged her away, but not before threatening to beat him had he dared speak again with Antares). He referred to it as "the place where the rock has the color of shadow". This is the only clue left to the party, so they could start looking for such a place immediately, but it won't be easy to find it with only these indications. (Antares could unlock the mystery with an Int check at -8: if passed, she might remember that there is an old tower called Blackstone up the forested hill, near Armon Manor. If Antares doesn't solve the mystery, they have only 10% chance of discovering Blackstone for each hour they explore the hill -or at DM's call.) Outside Blackstone If the PCs are able to find somehow Blackstone at this point of the adventure (never underestimate the resources of the PCs!), they will be able to enter the fenced perimeter without much difficulty. Blackstone Tower (a circular tower) stands inside the Armons' holdings and it's the only building of the Old House still untouched by time (the attached house is an old ruined and burnt down complex with few walls not yet crumbled). Blackstone is roughly 40' high (diameter of 25') and is made of imposing volcanic stone blocks, carefully polished and still smooth and solid even though the entire building has been left untended for many years. It is surrounded by tall trees (mostly birches and pines) but has a clear opening above itself through which the sky is perfectly visible. It seems to have no entrances and no windows at first sight. If the PCs try to climb it to reach the top, they discover quickly that the outside walls are oily and too slippery even for a thief (all normal means of climbing are prevented), probably due to the nature of the rock or to some magical properties of the tower (which radiates magic if examined with a Detect Magic spell). If they are able to fly or levitate to the top, they discover that the roof is still intact and impenetrable (they could use a Disintegrate or a Dimension Door to enter, but it is better if the party hasn't got such spells). At this point, the PCs have three options: either search for a hidden door that gives access to the tower; or wait here hoping to catch Rutger Helander; or head home where they'll plan what to do next. The Secret Entrance It takes a PC about 1 turn to look for secret passages in a 10'x10' area and he has only 1 on d6 chances of finding it. Considering that the area to reconnoitre is about 100'x70', it would take 70 turns to a single man to explore it all (about 11 hours and a half), with only 1 on d6 to find it (1-2 for elves): a great deal of luck is thus involved. Of course, if there is more than one PC searching the area, the time diminishes, but it is still very unlikely that the PCs find the secret entrance located under the ruins of the Old House (concealed under a smashed barrel there is a hatch that gives access to a tunnel which leads to the basement of Blackstone tower. Here a winding staircase leads up to the three floors of the tower). So, unless the DM WANTS the PCs to find the secret door or they have some magical means of detecting secret passageways, they won't be able to discover it and will eventually be forced to return home. Waiting For Rutger Rutger Helander is already inside Blackstone Tower when the PCs arrive and will exit only when the night falls. If the PCs wait long enough (about until midnight), they will be able to see Rutger exiting from the secret entrance with a strange cloak wrapped around his neck and disappear in the woods (Int check at -6 will reveals that he is naked and the "cloak" is instead a human skin! But there is something weird about it, because it seems to be shifting shape from a human skin to a furry pelt under the moonbeams...). Now the PCs can choose either to follow Rutger into the woods or to enter his hideout and discover what lies inside the tower. If they chase him, they soon loose his tracks. If one of the PC has the Tracking skill, he can notice with a successfull check that his footprints at some point are replaced by wolvish footprints. However, no matter what they do to chase him, he will always be able to elude them and possibly to attack them in wolf form if they seem vulnerable enough, using hit and run tactics to divide them and catch them offguard. If he feels he's risking his life, he disappears into the night ad later returns to the hideout. If the PCs enter the secret passage, they have the chance to explore Blackstone freely (go to the section "Inside Blackstone" below). NIGHT 2 Night By Aretus Mansion If the PC who befriended Angela goes to her house before dusk, as Lord Aretus and Angela previously asked, he is invited to stay for the night by Lord Aretus on behalf of Angela's sake. The girl has repeatedly stated that she feels unprotected and that only with the PC at her side she feels safe and is able to sleep without nightmares, so his father humbly asks the PC (and his friends if they accompany him) to stay for the night. While he is there dining with the Aretus they receive the visit of Johann Armon who asks Augustus Aretus to speak with him privately; however, this time Augustus invites him to speak openly in front of both Angela and the PC(s). Armon says that he has heard of Cassandra's death and is there to convey his deepest sympathy to the whole family and also to offer his assistance and protection to them. He says that they could be safer in Armon Manor, where he has better wards and defenses against any intruder. Lord Aretus is about to reply but Angela surprisingly intervenes saying that she now feels safer than ever because the PC is there to protect her. At this, Armon frowns and coldly accepts the answer, biding everyone good night (with a last stern look towards Angela and his "protector"). It should be obvious to Angela's friend that he MUST remain for the night to protect the girl, and Lord Aretus will arrange for the PC to sleep just outside Angela's room, in the hallway, in order to be ready for any possible accident. However, this night will be a calm one in Aretus Mansion. Inside Blackstone Once found the secret entrance located in the Old House ruins, the PCs descend into a small earthen tunnel (7' high and 3' narrow) that leads to the tower basement. Here, in the middle of a circular cave made of the same volcanic stone of the tower, the PCs find a winding staircase that leads them through the four levels of the tower. * First Level: cobwebs and dust abund everywhere inside the tower. Only ruined wooden furnitures can be found in this level: a wrecked table, some chairs and some empty chests. No trace of vermins can be found (a common feature of the whole town), but in the dust on the floor there are clear footprints: somebody with a Tracking skill examining them (skill check) could be able to understand that there are two kinds of human footprints. There are some chandeliers with candles nailed to the walls and no windows. There is also a sort of bed prepared with sacks and some leaves on the floor, and next to it a few rations in a backpack. Near the rough bed there are also some poor ragged clothes (a linen blouse stained with blood, a pair of trousers and leather shoes -all belonging to Rutger). The winding staircase leads the PCs to the second level. * Second Level: what could have been a library occupies the second floor of the tower. Many books and scrolls lie sparse on the floor, on a small table and on some shelves still attached to the wall. Many of these books appear to be badly burnt, others crumble to dust when they are touched but some are readable. Also, if the PCs look closely they can see there are old signs of burning inside the room and even the iron staircase has been damaged: it seems the fire originated in the above room (Int check). The books in this room are written in many different languages: some deal with the history of the country where the town is located, others deal with legends about shapeshifters and their powers and others talk about outer planes and conjurations of outer planar creatures in general. There is a book concealed in a secret niche in this room: only an elf could find it searching the room in the common way. The book (which dates back to AC 445) is written in old Minrothaddan and describes the exact ritual to conjure and bind a creature called "Skinner" from a remote outer plane. It takes a minimum of eight hours to read the whole book and to understand how to do it right (it can be summoned by anyone, even by non spellcasters, provided the right items are used and the appropriate words are spoken). * Third Level: this room has suffered badly from a fire in the past and everything here has been charred or reduced to ashes. Once it was an alchemical laboratory but some 150 years ago Adrian Armon, Johann's uncle, caused a big explosion while experimenting some new potions and nearly blew up the tower (he didn't survive), which was then abandoned by the other members of the family who had already moved to the New House. There is nothing of importance here. * Fourth Level: there are 10 mirrors standing 6' tall attached to the wall of this room. Each one is fixed inside a carved arch which is decorated with many symbols (the PCs can observe that the pattern of symbols is the same on all arches). On top of the chamber, attached to the ceiling, there is a large crystal globe that reflects all around the room the moonlight penetrating from a few holes in the roof, filling the chamber with a supernatural silver light. There are also hooks protruding from the wall above each mirror, but nothing else is present. The floor is stained with blood near two of the mirrors and a disgusting animal smell lingers in the air. If the PCs wait for Rutger to return, they will wait in vain: Rutger won't return this night nor the following nights, and when the PCs exit and return to the town they will discover why. However, there is a chance that while they are waiting, they hear some noises coming from the ground level (a thief or somebody with Hear Noises can notice them). If they run downstairs immediately to see what's happening, they can spot an animal figure running in the dark tunnel towards the exit (if they hesitate, they won't see anyone). They can chase it, but will not be able to reach it since they are more encumbered and will eventually loose the animal in the darkest woods. At this point, they can only return home and maybe share their discoveries with Wilhelm or Achen, hoping they can shed some light on the matter. DM's Note: the figure who runs away is Stephan Armon changed into a wolf. He knows of Rutger's hideout and uses it as well. But when he arrived after his last foray in the woods, he smelled strangers inside the tower.. many strangers. When he heard them coming down he chose to escape and hid in the woods to elude his pursuers. He will return to the tower only when he is sure they have gone away or they have split, maybe assailling them one by one (DM's call, but it should be avoided for now). - --End of part 3-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #85 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Monday, February 15 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 086 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Church of Thyatis [MYSTARA] - Mark of Amber [MYSTARA] - De la Monte!!!!! [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - De la Monte!!!!! Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn, part 3 Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals Re: [MYSTARA] - Guardian Mesa Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 15:47:29 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Church of Thyatis On Sun, 14 Feb 1999, Mike Novy wrote: > Where can i find some info on the Church of Thyatis? Do they worship a > grouping of Immortals or what? I thought that Vanya was there chief > Patron Deity? The litle thats written about it is in Dawn of the Emperors. Immortals honoured and feared in Thyatis are: Vanya Khoronus Koryis Alphatia Ilsundal Mealiden Asterius Halav Petra Zirchev Thor Odin Protius Ilsundal Kagyar Korikotu Valerias Al-Kalim Thanatos Hel Orcus Alphaks Demogrogon Vanya is not the chief patron, but she is the most popular immortal. IMC I worked out the following Pantheon for Thyatis: Khoronus (leader) Ixion Protius Vanya Valerias Asterius Thanatos (enemy) Orcus (enemy) Demogorgon (enemy) The others mentioned in the first list are also honoured, but are imported from neighbouring cultures. sincerely, Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 15:55:41 +0100 From: Michele Vacchiano Subject: [MYSTARA] - Mark of Amber You are talking a lot about Etienne's return in "Mark of Amber". Since I don't have purchased that module, could you please tell me in a few words what's happened? Thanks a lot. Giorgio *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 16:24:54 +0100 From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - De la Monte!!!!! Gordon McCormick wrote: <<(Ever since introducing Marco de la Monte as a recurring bad guy in my Darokin campaign, I get slightly worried reading DM's posts...I'm sure the real Marco isn't that bad though :) :) )>> YOU DID WHAT????? ... Gee, now I'm flattered.. :) As for the depths of my evil, better for you not to probe them further... you might not like what u discover, muhuhauhauhauha.... ;) PS: tell me about this Marco de la Monte guy, Gordon. I may use this inspiration.. :) DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 10:28:51 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals Here's the OD&D monster entry for the Aasimar, an AD&D creature I use IMC as an example of what offspring of mortals and immortals are like. Aasimar Armor Class: 3 Hit Dice: 3+3*** (M) Move: 120' (40') Attacks: 1 weapon or spell Damage: by weapon or spell No. Appearing: 1 (1-6) Save As: Fighter 3 Morale: 8 Treasure Type: V (G) Intelligence: 13 Alignment: Any XP Value: 125 Monster Type: Humaniod (Very Rare) Aasimar are creatures that can't quite be called mortal. In their veins flows the blood of both mortals and Immortals. Aasimar are heautiful creatures, with calm, serene features and an inner radiance that shines from their faces. They've got long manes of white-gold hair and bright, piercing eyes that seem to look right though a person. It's easy to mistake an aasimar for a human of unnatural purity, a half-elf, or even an elf. Aasimar tend to be noble, honest, and courageous, but a person shouldn't always assume an aasimar means him well; there are a few cross-traders and mercenaries among the aasimar, despite their noble birth. Aasimar are scattered throughout the Multiverse, but naturally avoid prolonged stays on any of the Entropic Planes. They usually dress to fit in with the population's around them, so an aasimar living among the elven folk dresses like an elf and assumes many of his hosts' mannerisms. Where an aasimar's moved to great emotion, his heritage shines through his face like sunlight through clouds. There aren't many evil creatures who can look an angry aasimar in the eye. Aasimar are upright and fair warriors with deep reserves of strength and faith (17 strength and wisdom). Unfortunately, their mixed blood makes them somewhat frail (8 constitution). It's real hard to sneak up on an aasimar; they've got senses like a cat's it seems. All aasirnar have infravision to a range of 60' and are normally suprised only on a 1 due to their unnatural hearing and alertness. Aasimar suffer only half damage from fire and cold, and gain a +2 to saving throws versus any kind of mental influencing effect. Due to their immortal bloodline they enjoy a weak Anit-magic rating of 10%. The typical aasimar is a warrior. Most aasimar favor well-made heavy armor such as plate mail, banded mail or suit armor. They're likely to wear beautifully decorated suits, emblazoned with their coats-of:arms or other such finery; an aasimar likes to stand tall and proud, and doesn't care who knows it. Because aasimar seem to pick a lot of scraps with powerful evil crcatures, they are fond of large weapons that take advantage of their natural strength. An aasimar'll rarely be seen with an assassin's weapon like a hand crossbow or poisoned dagger; they like big two-handed swords, halberds, and maces, and mighty long bows. About 25% of all aasimar are clerics of 3rd-level. About 10% more are mages of 3rd to 7th level. Aasimar mages do not gain the 10% Anti-magic rating of the race. As noted ahove, aasimar prefer to blend in with their neighbors and form no indepenant societies. They tend to be great travelers and wanderers and can pass without noticc in most places. Some aasimar set themselves up as traders and merchants; these do a good business since everyone feels they're trustworthy. Aasimar's expertise at fitting in with their settings makes them model citizens. They are upright and honest in their dealings, live clean and moral lives, and aren't afraid to stand up for what's right. They've got an uncanny ability to ferret out underhanded schemes and put a stop to them. Terrain: Any; except aquatic. Enjoy! Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 18:57:27 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals On Mon, 15 Feb 1999 Arminath@aol.com wrote: > Here's the OD&D monster entry for the Aasimar, an AD&D creature I use IMC as > an example of what offspring of mortals and immortals are like. > > > Aasimar This looks good! However, wouldnt it be a good idea to have one type of Aasimar for each Sphere? The one you made seems to fit in with Thought IMO. For Energy, there would be someone more fiery and maybe violent. Matter would have someone more stable and stubborn. Entropy would have someone similar to fiends perhaps... Just a few thoughts Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 19:56:33 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) On Sun, 14 Feb 1999, Geoff Gander wrote: > Jamuga Khan wrote: > > >Oh, I have an idea why the bay north of the Esterhold Peninsula is > >called "Bay of Thorin". I have placed some dwarves in the mountains > >where they commit the usual dwarven businesses. To protect their > >investments and to haul goods to the human civilizations the dwarves > >maintain a harbour at the bay and a fleet of longboats. > > This is a really good idea! Goes a long way towards explaining the name > (which sounds dwarvish to me). I agree. This fits very well. Some ideas: These dwarves are probably more barbaric than the Rockmome dwarves. They live in small communities lead by chieftains. There is both war and trade between the communities. These dwarves probably live in longhouses rather than under the mountain. These dwarves have spiked hair and wear tatoos painted in intricate circular patterns. (just an idea to make em look different) They worship Kagyar, but also lesser deities of nature (spirits?) and the sea (protius?). This place also lays very close to old Blackmoor. I would find it quite likely if these dwarves have found some old artifacts. Maybe transformed to magical artifacts like the radience. Just my thoughts. Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 19:59:07 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin On Sun, 14 Feb 1999, Geoff Gander wrote: > >Wyrmsteeth Range > I was certain that, somewhere it was officially written that there were > some in the Wyrmsteeth. Maybe..not sure. I remember there was something about dwarves in this region according to Andrew Theissen's Denagoth Timeline.. Hĺvard *** Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 19:44:39 +0000 From: gordon@ucd.ie Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - De la Monte!!!!! DM wrote: > Gordon McCormick wrote: > > <<(Ever since introducing Marco de la Monte as a recurring bad guy in my > Darokin campaign, I get slightly worried reading DM's posts...I'm sure the > real > Marco isn't that bad though :) :) )>> > > YOU DID WHAT????? Ahem, well I kinda needed an italian name in a hurry and well, I had been reading your web site so.... > Gee, now I'm flattered.. :) He he :) Well I would have gone for Strawberry Jam, but that's just not as scary a name :) > As for the depths of my evil, better for you not to probe them further... > you might not like what u discover, muhuhauhauhauha.... ;) Those Old Beings get everywhere...to the Glantrian Mad House! > PS: tell me about this Marco de la Monte guy, Gordon. I may use this > inspiration.. :) Well, he's a Darokinian, rough looking guy, was a slaver working for various humanoids in the broken lands. When war broke out between Hule and Darokin he got involved and was actually made out to be some sort of war hero. He was introduced when he attempted to kidnap one of the PC's, and succeded in kidnapping another of the PC's godchildren and then ran off with them to the Broken Lands. He's in a couple of stories by one of my players... http://seija.ucd.ie/dnd/stories/baj/brook/waking.html and http://seija.ucd.ie/dnd/stories/baj/brook/false.html (see http://seija.ucd.ie/dnd/characters/brook.html for the context) Really need to update my notes on that game, my web page is a mess! And no need to mention the character Havard, a glantrian working to overthrow the magocracy, mainly because none of my players could pronounce the name, and he's ended up being called Harvard...ahem... ( http://seija.ucd.ie/dnd/stories/baj/mosdoc/ contains some with Harvard in them...) This advertisement for my web site was brought to you by the letters D and D gordon Gordon McCormick, System Management UCD Computing Services,Belfield, Dublin 4 ph. +353 1 7062017 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 12:41:54 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine And you guys are trying to charge how much for this? ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 12:50:56 PST From: "Mike Novy" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? http://seija.ucd.ie/mmb/ is this site on the Mystara Web Ring? ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:13:40 +0100 From: "JamugaKhan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List > www.hotmail.com is the only free one I know about. Don't know how much > storage you get there though. > > Hĺvard Not to forget Yahoo at http://mail.yahoo.com For those with knowledges about the German language there are http://www.gmx.de and http://www.yo-mail.de (Not quite sure about the last one.) Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:28:02 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora >Indeed, the ONLY Canonical reference to the Taymorans is the small blurb found >in PC3... and the related material in War Rafts of Kron. I took that material >and created the Taymoran Empire of my own campaign; all the stuff about it >being a Babylonian-style Empire ruled by Nosferatu and being the precursors of >the Nithians is my own... not Canon by any means. I'm pretty sure that there >is some of my Taymoran history on the net somewhere, with the description of >my Stone Folk race, and there is also an article on the origins of the Nithian >Empire in my campaign (I think they are both on Shawn's site). Someday I'll >get around to doing that Taymoran gazeteer I've always talked about... >Mystaros Any chance you could send us a little sample of your Taymora stuff -- like a character-description of the Eternal Emperor, for example -- as a preview of the gaz? ***beg, beg, beg*** :-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:39:52 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora > While Nithia stood, I >didn't see a reason why any contact between them and the Traldar would >have been broken (so little cultural change as I think the Nithian >Empire was a bit larger than just the region of Ylaruam). My thoughts >were that the Taymorans brought the cultural change even though as a >people they died out. Remember that the Traldar became a subject-race of the Hutaakans, shortly after their first colonization effort turned out to be a disaster. (Kind of like many settler-wannabees in colonial New England, they'd underestimated how tough it was to establish a community in the wilderness.) Given how the HW Nithians still live in awe of Pflarr's jackal-headed servitors, it could be that the KW Nithians considered the Cruth Mountains to be forbidden "sacred lands", and didn't dare intrude upon the Hutaakan culture. >BTW, has anyone thought that the local cataclysm >in 1700 BC no only changed the shorelines but increased the mountain >ranges (or created a few of them)? No, that's one I'd never thought of! I bet a lot of the modern-day extinct volcanoes would've been active back then too, since it was such a heyday for geological activity. Geoff's started working on that BC 2000 map I'd asked the list about, a few weeks ago. Maybe, if you've got suggestions on where and how the landscape would've been altered, that's another difference he could incorporate into it. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:42:49 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths >"When the mountains were tall and steep, where now they are old and worn, >it is said that great powers walked the voids 'tween the stars by aid of >celestial byways. Where the vortices of their power gathered, so they >built yon henges of stone, as repository for their might. Here also could >those among them depart this world for others undreamed of." > Careful, Geoff ... instead of Lovecraft, you're starting to sound like G'Kar on Babylon 5! :-D *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:45:00 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories >> Probably beacuse Gaz13 is cool. Gaz5 is not bad either, but after reading >> it I wasn't eager of running an Alfheim campaign, as I did with SE after >> reading Gaz13. The fact that Gaz5 includes bad knockoffs of Elfquest characters, among its roster of NPCs, probably also makes people less inclined to take it seriously. ;-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:48:16 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine >TITLE: ?who knows? >some suggestions are below > > SAGA OF THE LOST WORLD >Unofficial and Unauthorized > Mystara Fanzine > >-MYSTARA-FANZINE- > >UNKNOWN WORLD > > MYSTARA! >Unofficial and Unauthorized > >JOURNAL OF THE MYSTARAN ADVENTURERS' GUILD > Unofficial and Unauthorized > >THE TOME OF MYSTARA > > MYSTARA-ZINE >Unofficial and Unauthorized > >MYSTIC FOOTNOTE > > MYSTIC! >Unofficial and Unauthorized Personally, I'd suggest calling it "The Poor Wizard's" whatever! The idea being that, once he'd lost the Almanac to Joshuan, ol' Prospero went back into the publishing business again ... but on a smaller scale and lower budget. ;-D *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:55:08 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn, part 3 >Celedrin find this charge more suitable for him because of the variance of >the duties. Still he could enjoy the charge only for 5 years. In 983 >Celedrin was killed by humanoid raiders in the age of only 90 years. > > >Carlotina Erewan > >Celedrin's successor was his 72-years old wife Carlotina. Their two boys >were still too young to become a Prince. Carlotina was chosen to continue >his husbands duties as a Chamberlain. Don't the Glantrian princesses and their predecessors seem AWFULLY young, for elves... especially female elves with grown kids? (The shadow elf mother who's having her first baby, in Gaz13's "day-in-the-life" text, is nearly 150 years old, yet her husband worries because she's giving birth so young.) I think it'd make more sense, if we add 100 years to both princesses' ages. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:55:25 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals In a message dated 2/15/99 12:58:55 PM Eastern Standard Time, hoc@nvg.ntnu.no writes: << This looks good! However, wouldnt it be a good idea to have one type of Aasimar for each Sphere? The one you made seems to fit in with Thought IMO. For Energy, there would be someone more fiery and maybe violent. Matter would have someone more stable and stubborn. Entropy would have someone similar to fiends perhaps... Just a few thoughts Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) >> I pretty much translated it direct from its AD&D counterpart. IMC we also use Alu-fiends and Cambion (which I will be posting soon, if anyone would like me to). I have player's stastics for creating Aasimar characters if anyone would like me to post them. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 18:04:13 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Guardian Mesa ><leaving open the question of why the Carnifex didn't get released centuries >ago....>> > >Why? Well, I tell you: there are not many PCs who would have been able to >defeat all the seven lords and retrieve the keys AND pass thru the PoB >safely.. It's mostly the time frame of it all, that disturbs me. Even if there's only a few Master-level characters out there, in every generation, that means there've been THOUSANDS of such characters -- millions even, if you've set the Carnifex as far back in time as Mystaros has -- in the various (pre)historical periods since their original imprisonment. Claiming that NONE of those people has ever been powerful enough, and ignorant or foolish enough, to blunder across the means of freeing the carnosaur-folk -- at least, not until those boneheaded PCs come along! ;-) - -- just seems like too much of a stretch, to me. :-/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 18:05:55 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies >In one campaign I heard about, a group of PC's found the >Head of Vecna and decapitated most of the party before >giving up on it :) :) It wasn't a campaign, it was a (public) tournament at GenCon. And I don't think those players ever lived it down.... ;-D *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 18:13:47 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status >Didn't Etienne achieve immortality about 845 AC?!? I know he went missing for >80 years or so, but that's now 70 years to gain those levels rather than 20... He'd already started to become an Immortal back then, but the process of his ascension wasn't completed until he returned from extraplanar exile with his family, at the end of module X2's adventure. Only after his wife and brother murdered his mortal body, and he had to re-form himself from a disembodied consciousness -- with the PCs' indirect/unknowing help; that's what they're really doing, in "Castle Amber"'s scenario, is giving Etienne a wake-up call -- did he actually realize he was Immortal or gain control of his Immortal powers. (Hey, he didn't have a sponsor to guide him and wasn't even from a world with Immortals in it ... how was he supposed to know? ;-D) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 18:54:21 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Sharon wrote: >Careful, Geoff ... instead of Lovecraft, you're starting to sound like >G'Kar on Babylon 5! :-D :-) Well, not intentionally, at any rate. I figured a little bit of free verse/fireside chat would go well there, to describe the henges. In considering what's been said about why the Carnifex may not have been released earlier, I can only point to my earlier comments, but also to the point that, depending on the time period we're considering, those cultures in the distant past may have known a bit more about the big C's, and possibly have seen evidence of their fight against the Immortals (ie: melted mountain ranges, new seas, that sort of thing). Heck, maybe the Immortals even told their chosen clerics back then about what happened, and showed them the battle in its horror. That at least would have deterred the curious who weren't evil, for a while. After a few disasters and collapsings of civilization, such knowledge would fade, until we arrive at AC 1000, where the typical response to seeing an artifact that could release the Carnifex isn't "Oh, no!", but "Hmmm...I wonder what this engraving says...Better enunciate it clearly near this megalith of obvious power. Yeah, that's it!" ;-) Just some random thoughts, Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #86 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Tuesday, February 16 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 087 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 Re: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 [MYSTARA] - Mystara bulatin board Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora RE: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals RE: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals [MYSTARA] - Immortal Question for Frank Mentzer ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 18:59:52 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Haavard wrote: >Some ideas: >These dwarves are probably more barbaric than the Rockmome dwarves. They >live in small communities lead by chieftains. There is both war and trade >between the communities. These dwarves probably live in longhouses rather >than under the mountain. This is quite similar to what I'd worked out. The Thorinian dwarves are more warlike, doing battle with the free Jennites to the south, and goblinoid hordes to the north and northeast, not to mention a couple dozen red dragons (the Mountains of Thorin, and the whole Skotharian mountain chain in general, would be ideal for them - there could even be a whole draconic kingdom there). I had them arranged in loose kingdoms allied under a great overking. >These dwarves have spiked hair and wear tatoos painted in intricate circular patterns. (just an idea to make em look different) Why not? :) >They worship Kagyar, but also lesser deities of nature (spirits?) and the >sea (protius?). And maybe Tarastia (for revenge), and Thor. >This place also lays very close to old Blackmoor. I would find it quite >likely if these dwarves have found some old artifacts. Maybe transformed >to magical artifacts like the radience. Or remnants of old technology, scattered amidst the ruins of what was once Thonia in its greatness. All sorts of weird minerals could abound here, too. Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 08:12:29 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Heyhey everyone. I was just lucky enough to purchase a new Champions of Mystara Box. Unfortunately i seem to have recieved to of the same ship reference cards. Two Heldannic light warbirds. The others i have are Oosdock airship, Alphatian yaucht, alphatian galleon, elven airship, some dragon ship, and i cant remember the eight one off hand. Would someone who has or knows about this box set tell me what ships i have missed in the above list? Please, please please. :) Jason Murphy Software Engineer MITS Limited EMAIL: jason.murphy@mitswa.com.au PHONE: 08 9481 4066 FAX: 08 9481 4064 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 08:14:41 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 Also i have just purchased PWA3. And i noticed that it is in fact produced as an AD&D product. Not that this is a problem, but just out of interest when di the PWA's become AD&D, in 2 or 3. I dont actually have number 2, am still searching valiantly. Jason Murphy Software Engineer MITS Limited EMAIL: jason.murphy@mitswa.com.au PHONE: 08 9481 4066 FAX: 08 9481 4064 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:19:26 -0700 From: "Leroy Van Camp III" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 Murphy Jason meandered fecklessly... > Also i have just purchased PWA3. And i noticed that it is in fact produced > as an AD&D product. Not that this is a problem, but just out of interest > when di the PWA's become AD&D, in 2 or 3. > I dont actually have number 2, am still searching valiantly. In the 3rd. 1st and 2nd were OD&D/ Leroy Van Camp III malacoda@lesbois.com ICQ #20039817 "Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown." Dr. Venkmen, Ghostbusters *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 00:24:56 +0000 From: Michael K Jones Subject: [MYSTARA] - Mystara bulatin board > Hi ppl > > My computer died the other day and I lost everything on the hard drive including > bookmarks, things made by me etc. > > The point being..... > > Does anyone have the 'address' of the Mystra Bulatin Board? > > Cheers > > Flossy > > *************************************************************************** > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 01:26:21 +0100 From: "=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Andr=E9s_Piquer_Otero?=" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status >. (Hey, he didn't have a sponsor to guide him and > wasn't even from a world with Immortals in it ... how was he supposed to > know? ;-D) > Does Laterre lack Immortals? Simon d'Ambreville was supposed to be a cleric. Did he gain his powers from pure philosophical beliefs? Did he only become a cleric upon the family's arrival into Mystara? I think that Laterre would hold Immortals of its own (like Cypri and Old Alphatia did), just TSR did not make them appear from fear of meddling with RW belief (Laterre is based upon Clark A. Smith's "mythic France" after all). Andrés *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 19:27:29 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine On Mon, 15 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > Personally, I'd suggest calling it "The Poor Wizard's" whatever! The idea > being that, once he'd lost the Almanac to Joshuan, ol' Prospero went back > into the publishing business again ... but on a smaller scale and lower > budget. ;-D I like the idea, but unfortunately, I do believe there you're getting into the realms of copyright infringement, a realm even the hardiest of souls dare not venture into. - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 19:35:13 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 On Tue, 16 Feb 1999, Murphy Jason wrote: > Also i have just purchased PWA3. And i noticed that it is in fact produced > > Jason Murphy Um, not to sound utterly dense, but what does "PWA" stand for? - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 18:52:04 -0600 From: Tim Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > > Remember that the Traldar became a subject-race of the Hutaakans, shortly > after their first colonization effort turned out to be a disaster. (Kind > of like many settler-wannabees in colonial New England, they'd > underestimated how tough it was to establish a community in the > wilderness.) Given how the HW Nithians still live in awe of Pflarr's > jackal-headed servitors, it could be that the KW Nithians considered the > Cruth Mountains to be forbidden "sacred lands", and didn't dare intrude > upon the Hutaakan culture. Perhaps. But the servitude under the Hutaakans should have enforced that Nithia culture (remember Plfarr was a large supporter of pre-corrupted Nithia). What I'm think of going with is that after the gnoll invasion, the Traldar turned from Immortal worship until the coming of Halav (whose worship started between 1000 BC - 500 BC and not right after the invasion). Its that period of Immortal hatred that the culture turned away from Nithia's pro-clerical rule and adopted some cultural traits from the absorbed Taymorans. I'm also thinking of adopting Marwdyn, the Hanged Man rising as an Immortal during that period of transition. He needed a superstitious culture to hang him for witchcraft so a time of cultural upset should suffice. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 08:50:07 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 > On Tue, 16 Feb 1999, Murphy Jason wrote: > > > Also i have just purchased PWA3. And i noticed that it is in fact > produced > > > > Jason Murphy > > Um, not to sound utterly dense, but what does "PWA" stand for? > [MURPHY Jason] Dont worry i asked that question once myself :) PWA = Poor Wizards Almanac *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 19:06:18 -0800 From: Andrew Theisen Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths At 06:03 PM 2/14/99 -0500, au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) wrote: > >Sharon wrote: > >>Perhaps they could date back to the era of Brute-men, seeing as how Brun >>was an arctic continent at the time they must've been erected. Powerful >>wokani might have constructed them back in Paleolithic times, during an >>interglacial warm period prior to the current one. After Ka-gar moved his >>dwindling people to the HW, the stones would remain as the only lasting >>evidence of the Neanderthals' presense on the surface before the rise of >>anatomically-modern humans. This would explain why they're so widely >>distributed, as even the Nithians didn't live in as many parts of Mystara >>as where such standing stones exist. > >This is a perfectly plausible explanation. I was thinking that they might be older than that, even. If they are connected with the Carnifex, then they obviously go back to the Carnifex era (including the Lhomarrian people- who, I suppose, are technically post Brute-Men Neathar types). Possibly they have been around since long before the presence of most intelligent species on Mystara? Or, another option- they could have been erected by the "Easter Island" type people that Geoff mentions in his Isles of Steam entry on Shawn's page. Personally, I sort of like the theory that they predate most Immortal involvement with the tiny backwater planet of Mystara... but who put them there, and why? :) >>OTOH, this does make for an AWFUL lot of potential gateways to the PoB, >>leaving open the question of why the Carnifex didn't get released centuries >>ago.... > >I always figured that it would take more than an active henge to free >them. You'd need either a powerful invocation (ie: lost "10th level >spells"), a whole pile of sacrifices to release a sufficient amount of raw >life energy to punch a hole in the Prime (and even then you'd need some >artifact or other instrument to focus that power before it dissipated), or >some other material component that is suitably rare to make obtaining it a >quest in itself. Either the Immortals made these extra requirements in >order to make freeing the Carnifex all the more difficult, or it simply >reflects one of those "rules" - just as you need command words to activate >certain magic items; it just "is". That and, IMO, they don't all lead to the same place. The Prison Dimension of the Carnifex is a particularly difficult and nasty place to attempt to access, even for Immortals- and let's not even talk about the prison of the Outer Beings. Certain places would be easier to access than others- the portals used by the d'Ambrevilles and the McGregors were probably not very difficult to access (though it still took powerful sorcery). I'd posit that "alternate earths" are probably more easily accessible due to their similarity and proximity, than other more alien spaces. Laterre (as above), the "color worlds" seen in module CM7: Tree of Life (which can also be accessed via the rainbow) are probably similar. Aelos (from CM6: Where Chaos Reigns) is probably sufficiently similar that it can be accessed by most mortals with the knowledge. Transporting to wildly different spaces (other planes, for instance) or even times, is substantially more difficult. Vecna, to borrow the (possibly related) analogy of Tovag Baragu, was under considerable effort to open and maintain a portal to the past of Greyhawk. And he was in possession of both the Hand and Eye (powerful artifacts) and was of demigod powers- not a small amount of power to access that portal. IMO, both the prison of the Carnifex and the OB's prison are of this sort. It would take a lot of effort for a mortal to even begin to unravel and affect the opening of such a gateway (they are even assisted somewhat by Alphaks in M2: Twilight Calling). The OBs is even more impossible, because not only is it very distant and alien, very locked (behind a series of entrances- such as the Carnifex'), but anyone even attempting to open it will more than likely set off a number of alarms alerting the Immortal populace of their efforts. And unless they are *extremely* powerful, they are not likely to stand long against the concerted efforts of the Immortals to stop them. Andrew "Cthulhudrew" Theisen *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 12:45:15 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? At 05:59 PM 2/13/99 -0600, you wrote: > >> Yeah but isnt avenging/revenge sort of non-good in alignment...too an >extent >> anyway >> >If you believe that then you should hand all Good characters knitting >needles and instruct them to stay out of dungeons and put their swords >away. But I don't really think you believe that. Perhaps, but remember that there is a difference between justice and revenge. Revenge tends to go overboard. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 22:26:54 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) At 07:56 PM 2/15/99 +0100, you wrote: >On Sun, 14 Feb 1999, Geoff Gander wrote: > >I agree. This fits very well. >Some ideas: >These dwarves are probably more barbaric than the Rockmome dwarves. They >live in small communities lead by chieftains. There is both war and trade >between the communities. These dwarves probably live in longhouses rather >than under the mountain. > >These dwarves have spiked hair and wear tatoos painted in intricate >circular patterns. (just an idea to make em look different) Spiked hair and tattoos? Your average dwarf, IMHO, tends to be conservative. Maybe this way in battle, but in normal everyday life, nah, I just don't see it. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 22:42:21 EST From: Mystaros@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora In a message dated 99-02-15 17:29:27 EST, dornhoff@bio.umass.edu writes: << Any chance you could send us a little sample of your Taymora stuff -- like a character-description of the Eternal Emperor, for example -- as a preview of the gaz? ***beg, beg, beg*** :-) >> Welll... when you put it that way... there is the Taymoran Lycanthropic School of Magic, as well as the Known World Map circa 2500 BC on my site... and then there's my version of Hosadus, available on Shawn's site. I'll see what else I can put together... Also, if anyone wants to use the Lycanthropy spells in their various grimoires or on their sites, they are more than welcome... all I ask is in addition to my credit that the credit for Mike Nystul be given as well... Mystaros www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Castle/1437/index.html *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 15:06:09 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine > And you guys are trying to charge how much for this? We haven't decided yet, but probably $20.00 US for a year subscription. As far as I know, superior lifeforms who have no need of extra Mystara material are not legally obliged to purchase the fanzine. And much to our relief neither are they required to contribute to it. Since quite a few copies will be going out free (to editors, contributors, etc.) there will be no profit. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 22:01:22 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? > > Perhaps, but remember that there is a difference between justice and > revenge. Revenge tends to go overboard. > I don't know why I always have to do this, but it seems to be my lot: please read the description of Tarastia found on page 36 of the Codex of Immortals. Pay special attention to who Tarastia's enemies are. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 23:52:36 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? At 10:01 PM 2/15/99 -0600, you wrote: > >> >> Perhaps, but remember that there is a difference between justice and >> revenge. Revenge tends to go overboard. >> >I don't know why I always have to do this, but it seems to be my lot: > please read the description of Tarastia found on page 36 of the Codex of >Immortals. Pay special attention to who Tarastia's enemies are. > I would, but don't have it. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 15:46:42 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine > On Mon, 15 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > > > Personally, I'd suggest calling it "The Poor Wizard's" whatever! The idea > > being that, once he'd lost the Almanac to Joshuan, ol' Prospero went back > > into the publishing business again ... but on a smaller scale and lower > > budget. ;-D > > I like the idea, but unfortunately, I do believe there you're getting > into the realms of copyright infringement, a realm even the hardiest of > souls dare not venture into. > > --Frobozz-- Yeah, lawyer I may be but I prefer to win my court cases... :) However, it could be called 'Prospero's Book'... consensus of the editors seems to be something with Mystara in the title. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 00:46:11 -0500 From: Jerry Hovenanian Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals Arminath@aol.com wrote: > Aasimar > > Armor Class:3 > Hit Dice:3+3*** (M) > Move:120' (40') > Attacks:1 weapon or spell > Damage:by weapon or spell > No. Appearing:1 (1-6) > Save As:Fighter 3 > Morale:8 > Treasure Type:V (G) > Intelligence:13 > Alignment:Any > XP Value:125 > Then he wrote: > Terrain: Any; except aquatic. But what if Protius or Caliha had a half mortal child? Or if another immortal had a child with a member of an aquatic race? I think there is a good chance of finding the child in or very near water. - -- Jerry Hovenanian clumsydwarf@hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 09:38:24 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals Good post. But I think Haavard is right, the Aasimar as described is for one of the spheres, but you had a solution for that. We're all waiting in anticipation... Jerry is right in saying there should be aquatic Aasimar? There could be dwarven Aasimar or halfling Aasimar or any other. If my players wanted to play Aasimar, we would have a group of very similar beings and after a few adventures we wouldn't know who is who... they all look the same :-) But it's still very good, I think I will use an Aasimar NPC in my next Mystara campaign. Kristian > -----Original Message----- > From: Arminath@aol.com [SMTP:Arminath@aol.com] > Sent: Monday, February 15, 1999 4:29 PM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals > > Here's the OD&D monster entry for the Aasimar, an AD&D creature I use IMC > as > an example of what offspring of mortals and immortals are like. > > > Aasimar > > Armor Class: 3 > Hit Dice: 3+3*** (M) > Move: 120' (40') > Attacks: 1 weapon or spell > Damage: by weapon or spell > No. Appearing: 1 (1-6) > Save As: Fighter 3 > Morale: 8 > Treasure Type: V (G) > Intelligence: 13 > Alignment: Any > XP Value: 125 > > Monster Type: Humaniod (Very Rare) > Aasimar are creatures that can't quite be called mortal. In their veins > flows the blood of both mortals and Immortals. Aasimar are heautiful > creatures, with calm, serene features and an inner radiance that shines > from > their faces. They've got long manes of white-gold hair and bright, > piercing > eyes that seem to look right though a person. It's easy to mistake an > aasimar > for a human of unnatural purity, a half-elf, or even an elf. Aasimar tend > to > be noble, honest, and courageous, but a person shouldn't always assume an > aasimar means him well; there are a few cross-traders and mercenaries > among > the aasimar, despite their noble birth. > Aasimar are scattered throughout the Multiverse, but naturally avoid > prolonged stays on any of the Entropic Planes. They usually dress to fit > in > with the population's around them, so an aasimar living among the elven > folk > dresses like an elf and assumes many of his hosts' mannerisms. Where an > aasimar's moved to great emotion, his heritage shines through his face > like > sunlight through clouds. There aren't many evil creatures who can look an > angry aasimar in the eye. > Aasimar are upright and fair warriors with deep reserves of strength and > faith (17 strength and wisdom). Unfortunately, their mixed blood makes > them > somewhat frail (8 constitution). It's real hard to sneak up on an > aasimar; > they've got senses like a cat's it seems. All aasirnar have infravision > to a > range of 60' and are normally suprised only on a 1 due to their unnatural > hearing and alertness. Aasimar suffer only half damage from fire and > cold, > and gain a +2 to saving throws versus any kind of mental influencing > effect. > Due to their immortal bloodline they enjoy a weak Anit-magic rating of > 10%. > The typical aasimar is a warrior. Most aasimar favor well-made heavy > armor > such as plate mail, banded mail or suit armor. They're likely to wear > beautifully decorated suits, emblazoned with their coats-of:arms or other > such > finery; an aasimar likes to stand tall and proud, and doesn't care who > knows > it. Because aasimar seem to pick a lot of scraps with powerful evil > crcatures, they are fond of large weapons that take advantage of their > natural > strength. An aasimar'll rarely be seen with an assassin's weapon like a > hand > crossbow or poisoned dagger; they like big two-handed swords, halberds, > and > maces, and mighty long bows. > > About 25% of all aasimar are clerics of 3rd-level. About 10% more are > mages of 3rd to 7th level. Aasimar mages do not gain the 10% Anti-magic > rating of the race. > As noted ahove, aasimar prefer to blend in with their neighbors and form > no > indepenant societies. They tend to be great travelers and wanderers and > can > pass without noticc in most places. Some aasimar set themselves up as > traders > and merchants; these do a good business since everyone feels they're > trustworthy. Aasimar's expertise at fitting in with their settings makes > them > model citizens. They are upright and honest in their dealings, live clean > and > moral lives, and aren't afraid to stand up for what's right. They've got > an > uncanny ability to ferret out underhanded schemes and put a stop to them. > > Terrain: Any; except aquatic. > > Enjoy! > Jim > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 00:42:02 -0800 From: Andrew Theisen Subject: [MYSTARA] - Immortal Question for Frank Mentzer Not sure if Mr. Mentzer is still lurking about on the list, but I'll fire this one off anyway- I have been attempting to work out a new magical system for Mystara recently, one that will allow a bit more flexibility and work with a diceless roleplaying system. One of the big things about it is that I was hoping to divide the various magical spells between the spheres of Power (Time, Matter, etc.). Naturally, this led me back to the spell system presented in the Immortals rules, which so far seems to be on the right track of what I was looking for. Anyway, the question for Mr. Mentzer is: You had mentioned once that the Weapon Mastery rules you presented in the Masters set were eventually going to be worked to include Unarmed combat as well. At the time you designed the Immortals set, did you envision replacing (or altering) the existing magic memorization rules for clerics/mages with the Power Point system you designed for the Immortals? It seems like it would definitely be applicable, and would be an interesting alternative to the existing memorization rules. (Not exactly sure how you'd determine Spell Points for mortals, as it seems a bit unbalancing to force them to reach 10,000 xp before gaining a single point, but... :) Hope you're still out there, and am still amazed at the intricacies of the system you designed... Andrew "Cthulhudrew" Theisen *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #87 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. From: owner-mystara-l@ (mystara-digest) To: mystara-digest@lists.MPGN.COM Subject: mystara-digest V1999 #88 Reply-To: mystara@mpgn.com Sender: owner-mystara-l@ Errors-To: owner-mystara-l@ Precedence: bulk mystara-digest Tuesday, February 16 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 088 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories Re: [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn, part 3 RE: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 10:12:11 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) On Mon, 15 Feb 1999, Andrew Toth wrote: > Spiked hair and tattoos? Your average dwarf, IMHO, tends to be conservative. > Maybe this way in battle, but in normal everyday life, nah, I just don't > see it. Remember that these dwarves are of a completely different culture. Why would they be concervative? In fact i´d love to see some dwarven cultures that are altogether different from the standard dwarves. As for the tatoos; they are for life anyway... Hĺvard *** Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 10:24:44 +0100 (CET) From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?H=E5vard_R=F8nne_Faanes?= Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories On Mon, 15 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > The fact that Gaz5 includes bad knockoffs of Elfquest characters, among its > roster of NPCs, probably also makes people less inclined to take it > seriously. ;-) No way! I think a few comic details are okay, as long as they dont overdo it (Top Balista). Besides, I actually think "the Elves of Alfheim" is the best Gazetteer. It was after all written by Steve Perrin(!) Hĺvard Haavard R. Faanes (hoc@nvg.ntnu.no) http://www.nvg.ntnu.no/~hoc "Remember, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people." -Mr Garrison, South Park. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 11:41:15 +0200 (EET) From: Harri M{ki Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn, part 3 On Mon, 15 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > > >Celedrin find this charge more suitable for him because of the variance of > >the duties. Still he could enjoy the charge only for 5 years. In 983 > >Celedrin was killed by humanoid raiders in the age of only 90 years. > > > > > >Carlotina Erewan > > > >Celedrin's successor was his 72-years old wife Carlotina. Their two boys > >were still too young to become a Prince. Carlotina was chosen to continue > >his husbands duties as a Chamberlain. > > > Don't the Glantrian princesses and their predecessors seem AWFULLY young, > for elves... especially female elves with grown kids? (The shadow elf > mother who's having her first baby, in Gaz13's "day-in-the-life" text, is > nearly 150 years old, yet her husband worries because she's giving birth so > young.) I think it'd make more sense, if we add 100 years to both > princesses' ages. > I actually agree with you about their age. But anyhow I decided to maintain their ages as told in PWAs. I think that Carlotina is more problematic and actually it would not harm my history very much to make him a bit older. Maybe I write it again and make her older. Carnelia is in my version about 170-years old when his husband goes missing and he has three children. I think we may presume that Belcadiz-elves are also in this aspect somewhat different than the other elves: I mean more prolific and do their children younger. Harri Mäki hihama@uta.fi *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 11:05:23 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List Or those with knowledge about the Dutch language: http://www.freemail.nl http://www.dolfijn.nl Kristian > -----Original Message----- > From: JamugaKhan [SMTP:JamugaKhan@gmx.net] > Sent: Monday, February 15, 1999 5:14 PM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Sorry about no relation to List > > > www.hotmail.com is the only free one I know about. Don't know how much > > storage you get there though. > > > > Hĺvard > > > Not to forget Yahoo at > > http://mail.yahoo.com > > > For those with knowledges about the German language there are > > http://www.gmx.de > > and > > http://www.yo-mail.de > > (Not quite sure about the last one.) > > > > Jamuga Khan > > > > "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 12:05:59 +0200 (EET) From: Harri M{ki Subject: [MYSTARA] - House of Ellerovyn Here is whole history of House of Ellerovyn. I changed both Celedrin and Carlotina to be exactly one hundred years older. As Sharon wrote it would make more sense for them to be bit older when they have two children. House of Ellerovyn Split in Alfheim In AC 700 old king Celedryl had died in Alfheim. There was two prominent contender for the throne: Doriath and Charan, both former advisors of king Celedryl and both from the Erewan clan. Their own clan was evenly divided between their supporters, but among other clans Doriath was looked more favourably because of his more neutral attitude to different clans. So the result was a defeat for Charan. At first it seemed that he would accept the decision. He however bear a grudge not against Doriath but against the other clans who had refused to support him. His pride couldn't stand to stay in Alfheim as a "might-have-been-a-king". He search a place to go. At last he thought about the Highlands behind the Broken Lands. There were already elves, although not like the elves in Alfheim, but elves anyhow and they might need help fighting against humans in the area. Charan informed closest friends and relatives about his decision to go there. He was greatly surprised when they all said that they would come with him. At the end nearly all of his Erewan supporters left with him. It took nearly ten years for them all to get there with all the planning and fighting on the way. They left Alfheim at the fall of 700 and then they stayed over 2 years in the area of Corunglain before they made their first attempt in summer 703. They get through only at their third attempt in summer 709 and arrived to forests of Belcadiz-elves at the winter of 709-710. First Years In Highlands Those ten years changed Charan somewhat. He looked older than his 168 years would assume, he was more matured, determined and he was more modest, although his pride wouldn't have allowed him to recall the trip during the harsh years in Darokin. Charan contacted immediately Don Manuel de Belcadiz, leader of the local elves and acknowledged his authority and asked a permission to settle amongst his elves. The alliance between two elven clan was seal in AC 712 when Don Manuel's eldest son Don Fernando married Charan's younger sister Charlena. Two young elves had fell in love immediately after their first meeting two years earlier, but it had taken some time to convince the leaders of the desirability of this marriage. Charan had immediately liked don Fernando and his father, but there were other elves at both side who needed persuasion. Don Fernando's younger brother don Alfonso was one who they couldn't persuade to accept the marriage. Also for some reason both Charan and don Alfonso immediately disliked each other. At the same year Don Manuel and Charan decided that the area was too crowded for both elven groups. Don Manuel proposed that the Erewan elves would move to the woods between Vesubia and Red River were there was living only a few Flaemish woodcutters. Unfortunately Don Manuel didn't even thought about asking the Flaems what was their opinion. Immediately after the Erewan elves had moved there, the Flaemish lords declared that the truce was broken and began raiding again. Brunt of the raids were targeted towards the Belcadiz elves and in AC 717 Don Manuel fell defending newly established city of New Alvar. Skirmishing between the elves and the Flaemish continued for the 13 years. Erewans also get their part of raids but whereas Belcadiz-elves retaliated, Erewans usually only harassed the Flaems when they were returning and not followed them to their areas. Coming of the settlers from the Alasiayan land in 730 was a lucky strike for the elves. Charan realised immediately their value and supported Don Fernando against the other elven leaders, when Don Fernando had promised settlers a safe route through the elven lands. All skirmishes with the Flaems ended. During the next 56 years there was a peace in Erewan lands. There were some humanoid raids from Broken Lands, but nothing serious. Like Don Fernando Charan also refused to take any part in wars amongst humans. During those years there were build tower of Ellerovyn in AC 754 and town of Erendyl in AC 766. Charan also in AC 756 at last announced his marriage to his distant cousin, Meralia. They have been dating already over one hundred years and some elder relatives had already begun to worry if they would ever marry. War years When Joachim von Drachenfels approached personally Don Fernando de Belcadiz in 786, Don Fernando immediately called also Charan Erewan and other leaders of the Erewan-elves to negotiation. Charan realised soon that Don Fernando have to join with Joachim and his allies because of the pressure from Don Alfonso and younger generation. Charan had no desire for war or meddling with human affairs, but in the end he also decided that his elves would join the fight. He made this decision only because he wanted to reserve the elven solidarity. Charan decided to lead personally his troops. During the fighting in the next two years Charan and Don Alfonso de Belcadiz lead elven troops in the field. Whereas Belcadizian elves fighted in hand-to-hand with human troops, Erewan elves were used as longbowmen and in surprise attacks behind the enemy lines. During these years Charan and Don Alfonso developed reluctant respect for each others abilities as warleaders: Don Alfonso was great inspirational leader, who was always with his troops in the forefront, whereas Charan was more planner and strategist. After the Battle of Braastar and the death of Joachim von Drachenfels, Charan stayed in Braastar and take part in the negotiations of the future with Don Fernando. Charan was not very sorry about the death of Joachim, during the last two years he had seen through him and he hadn't liked what he saw. Charan was also very worried when Don Fernando told him during the negotiations that it was his opinion that the elves should join the humans in one state. Charan understood Don Fernandos reasoning, but he didn´t like the idea. He also realised that if Belcadiz-elves join the humans, Erewans couldn´t stay out. So in the end he had to agree with Don Fernando. So settler leaders were positively surprised when two elven leaders announced their willingness to join the Republic of Highlands. When the Republic was announced Charan took the other elven seat in the new Council of the State. After Halzunthram's coup Charan was imprisoned with Don Fernando and three Flaemish council members. Charan was furious of this and blamed partly Don Fernando of the happening. This would have never happened if they had stayed out of the affairs of the humans. This was first major friction between Charan and Don Fernando. After Don Alfonso had rescued them Charan's attitude had softened a bit towards Don Fernando, but anyhow he had decided that he don't want to have anymore dealings with humans. During the 40-years war rebel leaders knew the attitude of Charan, so they tried persuade only Belcadiz-elves to join them. Charan refused to join the fighting still when Don Fernando join the rebels in 806 because of the dwarven troops fighting at Halzunthram's side. Only after Don Fernando's personal appeal to him in AC Charan joined the fighting. He still keep his troops out of the major battles and concentrated only to defend Erewans own areas. Charan's attitude changed only in 819 after he had met first time the leader of the Humans, Lord Alexander Glantri. Like Don Fernando Charan saw immediately that there was a human he could trust, who had a right kind of ambitions and visions about the future. Before entering the war Charan mostly concentrated building defences against possible attack. Also in AC 793 his son Celedrin was born. Years after war This time when the negotiations begun after the war it was Charan who told to Don Fernando that he would join the state and this time it was Don Fernando who wanted to stay out of the human affairs. When the offer was made to the elves for 1 place in the new Council, Charan told directly to Don Fernando that it would be Don Fernandos place. Charan was happy with the place in the House of the Lords as a first Marquis of Ellerovyn. Next years were quiet for Charan and his elves. He was of course shocked when he heard about the death of Lord Alexander Glantri in 835. Charan withdrew from the House for 23 years because of that. He came back only after Light of Rad decision in 858. Charan was not happy with this decision like Don Fernando, because he had very great doubts about the state ruled by human magic-users. He saw them as a chaotic bunch of individuals who would probably quarrel with each other about every possible issue. He thought that now he must again take his seat in the House so that there would be at least one voice for some orderliness. He didn't also exactly like the decision to include most of the Erewan areas in the new Principality of Belcadiz. He was afraid that at the long run there would be difficulties between two elven groups. If you leave politics out everything seemed to be fine. But then came the dark clouds. Charan had been happy for his sister and Don Fernando when they had their child at last in 858. Dona Charlena told immediately to his brother about problems with Don Carlo when they become to show up. And after Don Fernando had announced that his son Don Carlo had died and Dona Charlena had told to Charan his suspicions about the death, Charan directly demanded Don Fernando to explain what had happened. This was last straw for Don Fernando, he refused to speak about the matter and two elven leaders never spoke to each other after this. And when Dona Charlena died in orc ambush in 869 all was lost. First Charan could only protest in the House about the treatment of his elves in the hands of Don Alfonso in elven Principality. Only after the enfiefment of Nouvelle Averoigne and Klantyre in 875 Charan realised what he must do. He began to lobby for an other elven Principality for Erewan elves. Principality of Erewan The reason behind the creation of Principality of Erewan was not so much Charans work for it but the results of the investigations against the alleged misconducts of the ruling Belcadiz-elves against the Erewans. Chancellor Friedrich von Drachenfels appalled at the results. His support for the divison was decisive factor. Don Fernando de Belcadiz was of course most prominent opponent. So in the summer of 884 Charan Erewan found himself again after 96 years member of the ruling council. At first the Council was somewhat unsure what kind of a charge they should give to Charan. But then Bruce McGregor pointed that there was Fort Ylourgne, which was the only major fort in Glantri that was not in direct control of the Council. They should take its control from Etienne d'Ambreville and made Charan as Viceroy of Ylourgne. Most of the Princes agreed with this, they could give a snap to arrogant Etienne. Etienne of course was not happy with this, but Friedrich von Drachenfels reasoned personally with him and manage to calmed him. Charan was not happy at all with this because Ylourgne was so far away. He would have rather stayed without any charge. Council meetings were not so difficult to Charan as he had imagined beforehand. Don Fernando was mostly away tending his duties as the Chamberlain of the Land and they actually met only 5 times during the next 12 years. These were busy years for Charan. He had to divide his time between Council meetings, Fort Ylourgne and creating somekind of infrastructure to his Principality. New Charges Year 896 meant promotion also to Charan Erewan. That year was busy for Council. First died Supreme Judge Toktai Virayana I and then disappeared Castle d'Ambreville and all the d'Ambrevilles. Race for the two highest position was on. Charan watched the humans amazed, he was again disgusted at their power-hungriness. The choice of a new Grandmaster was easy, because everyone acknowledged that Don Fernando de Belcadiz was most able for that charge. But then nearly everyone else wanted to be new Supreme Judge; only Charan and Morphail Gorevitch-Woszlany refused to compete. After much behind-the-scenes discussions current Treasurer Kenneth McGregor was chosen. Charan's election as new Chamberlain of the Land after Don Fernando was nearly unanimous; for Charan's great dismay Don Fernando was against this. Charan was satisfied with his new charge. He haven't been content with his viceroyship, he didn't like stonecastles or any castles. Now he could done something more suitable for him. When he got engrossed in his duties he was surprised when realised just how good Don Fernando has been in that job. His respect for his brother-in-law was somewhat restored. Soon after becoming Chamberlain, 902 to be exact, Charan found the Radiance. He began to study this strange phenomena and become absorbed with it. He soon found the dangers of these studies, when in very short time his both feet got a withering disease and he lost his ability to walk normally. He continued to tend his duties as Chamberlain but for now on he always moved on horseback if outside or with levitate spell if inside. He continued to be Chamberlain until the crisis with Grandmaster Johann von Drachenfels in 957. When it was decided that the Council should remove Johann from the charge Charan immediately announced his candidacy. Charan had long gone realised that if he wanted to continue his studies with the Radiance, he must get rid of Chamberlainship and now he realised that as a Grandmaster he would have all the utilities of the School in his disposal. Charan was chosen because there was no better alternative. Of course Supreme Judge Don Alfonso de Belcadiz was most prominent opponent. As a Grandmaster Charan was mostly concentrated in studying the Radiance. He left administrative and teaching duties mostly to his aides. Students only saw him at the beginning and the end of the terms. During the years other personnel of the School saw his health gradually weakening, as his strange disease slowly spread. At last in 973 Charan delved too deep and he was turned a zombie-like creature by Radiance. Before he could flee from the School the other mages who didn'n recognize him anymore manage to destroy the unknown undead. At the age of 431 Charan Erewan had disappeared like his predecessor Johann von Drachenfels. Celedrin Erewan Celedrin was 180-years old when he followed his father as a Prince of Erewan. He has seen his father's strange disease spreading and had been afraid that it would kill him, but this sudden disappearance was totally unexpected. Celedrin wasn't totally unexperienced in governing, although he hadn't shown any interest to it. Still he had some natural charisma and was very likable. Some of the "older" princes liked his boyish manners. Celedrin was chosen as Viceroy of Ylourgne. He was at first delighted because he liked to do something new. He was however very soon bored with the fort and spend more time in Broken lands fighting with the humanoids there. So the 5 years Celedrin was Viceroy of Ylourgne went fast enough and 978 he was chosen as a new Chamberlain after Georg von Drachenfels. Celedrin find this charge more suitable for him because of the variance of the duties. Still he could enjoy the charge only for 5 years. In 983 Celedrin was killed by humanoid raiders in the age of only 190 years. Carlotina Erewan Celedrin's successor was his 172-years old wife Carlotina. Their two boys were still too young to become a Prince. Carlotina was chosen to continue his husbands duties as a Chamberlain. Summary Charan Erewan b.542 d.973 First Marquis of Ellerovyn First Prince of Erewan Viceroy of Ylourgne 884-896 Chamberlain of the Land 896-957 Grand master of the School of Magic 957-973 Celedrin Erewan b.793 d.983 Viceroy of Ylourgne 973-978 Chamberlain of the Land 978-983 Carlotina Erewan b.811 Chamberlain of the Land 983-1004 Harri Mäki hihama@uta.fi *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 06:21:49 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals In a message dated 2/16/99 12:48:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, clumsydwarf@hotmail.com writes: << But what if Protius or Caliha had a half mortal child? Or if another immortal had a child with a member of an aquatic race? I think there is a good chance of finding the child in or very near water. >> Well, ya know, this never came up IMC. We tended to avoid water after a 3 month (real time) jaunt across the Sea of Dread. I suppose there could be aquatic races. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 06:29:22 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Children of the Immortals In a message dated 2/16/99 3:37:43 AM Eastern Standard Time, Kristian.Kramer@comsys.nl writes: << If my players wanted to play Aasimar, we would have a group of very similar beings and after a few adventures we wouldn't know who is who... they all look the same :-) >> The description was a generalization of the most typical members of the race as a whole. Not all drow are midnight black (at least not in my games) nor are all humans a single color, but a generalization is made to give the players and DM's an angle to work with. The Aasimar IMC were the union of human, elf and half-elf with immortal or exalted beings of a general good alignment. Jim *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 12:56:17 +0000 From: gordon@ucd.ie Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? > http://seija.ucd.ie/mmb/ > > is this site on the Mystara Web Ring? Umn, no, should it be? What needs to be done to put it on the web ring?!? gordon Gordon McCormick, System Management UCD Computing Services,Belfield, Dublin 4 ph. +353 1 7062017 *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 16:38:13 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive Sorry but a second rate Manga Cartoon doesn't make for a good history lesson. Copywright aside. Oh well back to the drawing board for me then. - -----Original Message----- From: DM To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Date: 15 February 1999 14:23 Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive Ok, since u seemed interested, here's my Furmenglaive stuff.. It's in "Almanac Format", and thus it lacks a bit of the "real history" (i.e. DM's notes) behind the tale. That will (may) come in the future and will deal with the first Count, Magnus, and his dark pacts with fiends of Entropy.. Enjoy! DM Furmenglaive (Province of) Location: Isle of Dawn Area: 38,410 sq. mi. (96,025 kmq) Population: 3,000 (including 600 in the community of Furmenglaive) Languages: Thyatian, Alphatian (not so widespread) Coinage: Emperor (5 gp), Lucin (1 gp), Asterius (1 sp), Denarius (1 cp). Alphatian coins are also accepted: Crown (1 gp), Mirror (1 sp), Judge (1 cp). Taxes: Citizens have their total worth assessed every year, and are taxed 20% of that amount. Government Type: Feudal (the Counts of Furmenglaive owe fealty to Thyatis) Industries: Agriculture, fishing, and sheep Important Figures: Count Phileus Furmenglaive (human male werewolf, F20), Countess Lyra Furmenglaive (human femal werewolf, Pr20) Flora and Fauna: Furmenglaive consists mostly of moors and rolling hills with scrubs and a few scattered woods of ashes, yews and the occasional pine tree. Small ponds also dot the countryside, where sheeps and goats are the most common sight. Wild goats and boars and packs of wolves are also common for the shepherds and farmers of the region, who use brave shepherd dogs to protect their cattle and farms. Many unpleasant creatures can be found in Furmenglaive (and in general throughout the Shadow Coast) due to the presence of the Thothian Plateau, which is a veritable nest of monsters. Lycanthropes are feared in the region (especially werewolves and wereboars), as well as undead and the so called "night demons", a term the Furmenglavians use to define any unpleasant creature that stalks the land by night (including goblins). Introduction by Shaun the Elfin Shadows stretch all across this tiny province in the south of the Isle of Dawn, shadows that belong to the night and to the other side of life, what is commonly called "fear" or "mystery" by most men. And truly Furmenglaive is "the Gateway to the Darkworld", as many of its inhabitants call it. The Land Rolling hills and great expanses of moors dominate the Province of Furmenglaive. Some patches of scrubtrees and gaunt isolated birches and ashes may be encountered up and down the hills of the region, but to call those real woods would be an insult to Mother Nature (especially for me). Moors are the common terrain here, and many people dedicate their lives to rise goats and sheeps that produce a fine quality of wool (similar to that produced in Klantyre). Others prefer to work the soil and so some cultivated fields can also be spotted in the area (especially near the capital), though not as often as sheperds tending cattle. A few fishermen also try to earn their living in the southern part of the dominion, but theirs is not a wealthy profession here. Many small ponds and a few bogs (especially in the southern tip of the dominion) can be encountered by the unexperienced traveler, and wild animals usually gather here to drink and rest during the day, while they take refuge in their lairs at night, like every other sane being would do here. The sky is an impressive sight in Furmenglaive, so near to the ground that sometimes it seems you could touch it with your own hands. Clouds roll by at incredible speeds during night and day due to the wind currents from the nearby Sea of Dawn, making the landscape a caleydoscope of colors, especially during daylight. Furmenglaive coasts are jagged and full of reefs in the northern part, while the southern ones are windswept and more shallow. The only good natural harbor here lies below Castle Furmenglaive, where the Counts have built the only existing port of the entire domain. A four yards wide street of milestones lead from the port 200 yards up to the fortified town of Furmenglaive, built around the imposing building known as Castle Furmenglaive, a gloomy old fortress erected on the cliffs above the harbor. The town consists mostly of wooden barracks and a few stone dwellings for the richer artisans and the town mayor (who also happens to be the Seneschal and the Chief Constable). The countryside of Furmenglaive is dotted with a handful of tiny hamlets and isolated huts of lone rangers and herders who don't trust wanderers, especially if they're strangers and come by nighttime.. as i've witnessed myself firsthand.. The People The people of Furmenglaive are a superstitious lot... or a wise one, i've not understood it yet. They believe in Things That Go Bump In The Night, in Witches' Covens, in the Beasts Within and in the Longfang Devils, to use the terms of those natives. They are of Kerendan stock, but strangely they are more similar to last century Traladarans than to the common Thyatian: i can only assume they changed their vision of the world when they came to live in Furmenglaive. And honestly i cannot blame them for their fears, for this is a land where even your own shadow seem to be alive... and out to harm you. The Furmenglaivians believe in the dark side of men and nature and are ready to defend themselves using wards and old traditional countermeasures that range from the simple cantrip and garlic necklace to the most complicated "formulae magicae" (ceremonies) to drive out devils and impure spirits from places and human beings. Normally, special people (ŕuguri -sing: augurus) who are held in high respect by all the villagers perform these rituals: they have the same importance of priests in the nations of the Known World (and some of them are indeed clerics), though their powers are not always real (but they do believe in them!). There is also a strange role assigned to some people i encoutered in these hamlets: the "Dhampirs". Apparently this is a tradition that could also be encountered in Traladara in the last centuries (though i admit i don't know if it's still in use today). According to legends, the dhampirs are half-humans and half-monsters, children of a human woman and a creature of darkness (commonly a vampire, a Longfang Devil) who can recognize and hunt down other monsters like their father because of their incredible (albeit fiendish) powers. Famous Dhampirs are always viewed with suspicion by people not only in Furmenglaive but also in all the dominions of the Isle of Dawn (where the knowledge of the existence of these beings is widespread). However, in Furmenglaive nobody can deny a dhampir shelter and a warm meal if he asks for it, because this could bring bad luck on him, or worse the dhampir's wrath. Dhampirs normally are loners who travel the land seeking evils to destroy, but i haven't understood the reason they do it even after speaking with a few of them: some do it for revenge, others for glory, others simply for sheer pleasure of killing... a strange lot indeed. Also, there is a common and renowned profession widespread in Furmenglaive and in all the provinces of the Shadow Coast: the Hunter. There are four types of Hunters in the Province of Furmenglaive (though others could exist in neabry domains): Vampire Hunters, Lycanthrope Hunters, Demon Hunters and Ghost Hunters. Each hunter is experienced with the tactiques, powers and weaknesses of his kind of prey and has special weapons and tricks he uses to identify and subsequently kill his foes, taught from generation to generation. I have encountered a few of them in my wanderings in the Isle of Dawn, and i must say they are really incredible people, extremely experienced and devout to their duty of freeing the world from the most hated creatures of darkness. The ones i spoke with were all utterly loyal to the cause of Good, but i know some have also a love for money and glory like every other hardened adventurer. The people of Furmenglaive also have their own particular celebrations during the year besides those commonly acknowledged in other thyatian dominions. The strangest two are the Awakening (also called "D" Day) and the Night of Whispered Curses. The first one (Eirmont 23rd) commemorates the first major victory of the forces of Goodness against the Prince of Darkness, which led to the end of the Shadow Years of Furmenglaive (AC 500-540) and to the formation of the first companies of Hunters. It is also called "D" Day because according to the ancient version of the legend, it was the famed dhampir "D" (the first of its kind) who was responsible for the defeat of the evil forces of Darkness. The Night of Whispered Curses (Kaldmont 13th) is said to be the moment of the year when the powers of the witches and of all the servants of the Prince of Darkness (or the Dark Mother according to others) are at their peak. For this reason people throughout Furmenglaive meet in large sanctified halls (temples or even blessed stables) and there they pray for the whole night to the good Immortals, trying to fend off the evil curses of the witches and protect themselves from the Darkness' powers. Recent History Furmenglaive is ruled by Count Phileus Furmenglaive and his wife Lyra, who managed to reclaim their dominion after the alphatians captured it during the war in AC 1006. The province itself is quite old, and was founded in AC 500 by the great grand-father of the current ruler, Magnus Furmenglaive, a powerful thyatian wizard. The dominion has always been ruled by the Furmenglaive family, even though the inhabitants of the region tell strange tales about the fate of the former rulers. In fact, many people here believe that the Furmenglaive family is cursed and that this legacy dates back to Magnus's time. Persistent rumors want the current rulers to be cursed too, even though nobody knows exactly what kind of affliction they're suffering. However, both Count Phileus and Countess Lyra fought valiantly against the Alphatian invaders and organized a secret resistance during the period of the occupation that was able to dispose of more than one hundred Alphatian soldiers who ventured too far in the moors of the domain. Of all the occupied provinces during the war, Furmenglaive was surely the one that gave less benefits to the Alphatians and the first one they left (some say in a hurry) after the end of the war. Don't Miss There aren't many things to visit in Furmenglaive, but if you are really brave and ambitious, you could try to get an audience with the Sybill. This woman lives in a hidden cave near the northern border of the dominion and is considered blessed by the Immortals: she is renowned for her prophetic abilities. She lives alone in her cave and apparently has no contact with the outside world. Many say that she's been living there for more than one hundred years, for they remember their grandparents talking about the Sybill, but nobody knows for sure who she really is or how she looks like. The Furmenglaivians are not even sure the Sybill is a female: they simply use the female pronoun because they heard others using it in the past. The truth is that nobody has ever seen the Sybill (according to my sources), so she's surrounded by an aura of great mystery. However, she still lives in her cave and offers omens and predictions to every person that can find her lair. The visitor must whisper his questions at the entrance of the cave and the Sybill simply whispers the answer after some time. The problem is that the cave distorces the voice, and considered that the Sybill also gives very obscure responses, most of the times the pilgrim cannot really understand the answer. However, as far as the rumours go, the Sybill's prophecies have always been right: she's the true mouth of the Immortals. Do Miss I'd say do miss the whole Shadow Coast altogether if you value your soul, but if you want me to be more eplicit, these are a few of the sites i would not venture too far when you are in Furmenglaive: the Blood Hill and the Tower of Magnus. The Blood Hill is a singular haunted place: theatre of one of the most bloody battles between Alphatians and Thyatians during the last century, it is now inhabited by the ghosts of all the soldiers who perished there. The hill itself is an eerie sight even during daylight, for it is still littered with bones and rusted armors and weapons belonging to the fallen fighters, and is normally avoided by men and animals alike. By night, the whole hill becomes alive with screams, sounds of clashing weapons and ghostly figures roaming around. Some people claim to have witnessed the events from a safe distance and report the sight of whole troops of shadows raising from the earth and marching against one another, repeating the same moves and suffering the same fate over and over again. Rumors also tell of unlucky travelers who were so moved by the scene that they tear themelseves apart crying in agony, while others joined the soldiers in their fray and became part of their macabre army. The Tower of Magnus is a strange and isolated tower built near the eastern border of the domain and shunned by the locals. The legend wants it to be Magnus' laboratory, where the first ruler of Furmenglaive researched arcane lore and made foul pacts with the Forces of Darkness dwelling on the Isle of Dawn. When Magnus disappeared some 450 years ago, his tower became unaccessible even to his relatives, and all the adventurers who have tried to unveil its secrets have never returned. Some say that Count Magnus still visits it during certain periods of the year, though nobody knows it for sure. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #88 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Tuesday, February 16 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 089 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara RE: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Re: [MYSTARA] - De la Monte!!!!! [MYSTARA] - Acronyms Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths [MYSTARA] - Grimoire of spells (long) [MYSTARA] - Re: [MYSTARA] Thonia Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 16:49:03 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Azlum Swifts Geodome. I'm wondering where the stats for the heavy Warbird is. PS: If anybody is interested in the Thyatian Imperial Sky Navy Vessels, I've designed a few, let me know if anybody wants to see them and save themselves a load of grief. - -----Original Message----- From: Murphy Jason To: 'mystara-l@MPGN.COM' Date: 16 February 1999 00:15 Subject: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara >Heyhey everyone. I was just lucky enough to purchase a new Champions of >Mystara Box. Unfortunately i seem to have recieved to of the same ship >reference cards. Two Heldannic light warbirds. The others i have are Oosdock >airship, Alphatian yaucht, alphatian galleon, elven airship, some dragon >ship, and i cant remember the eight one off hand. Would someone who has or >knows about this box set tell me what ships i have missed in the above list? >Please, please please. :) > > > >Jason Murphy >Software Engineer >MITS Limited >EMAIL: jason.murphy@mitswa.com.au >PHONE: 08 9481 4066 >FAX: 08 9481 4064 > > > >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 11:02:35 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara > > PS: If anybody is interested in the Thyatian Imperial Sky Navy Vessels, I've > designed a few, let me know if anybody wants to see them and save themselves > a load of grief. > I'd be curious. I doubt it will save myself from a load of grief, but I'd still be curious. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 11:04:24 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara > > Azlum Swifts Geodome. I'm wondering where the stats for the heavy Warbird > is. > They've gotta be on Stan's page somewhere, I'd think: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/5304/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 12:43:59 -0500 (EST) From: Kevin Turner Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - PWA 3 On Tue, 16 Feb 1999, Murphy Jason wrote: > [MURPHY Jason] > Dont worry i asked that question once myself :) > PWA = Poor Wizards Almanac Aha! Much obliged. - --Frobozz-- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 22:22:41 +0100 From: "Jamuga Khan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Shadow Elves Territories > I would be interested in knowing more about these Mountains myself. > And what does IIRC mean...sorry..if it's a dumb question > > Nurvel Well, that has to be determined... BY YOU! IIRC = If I Recall Correctly Likewise: AFAIK = As Far As I Know Hope this helps... Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 22:27:06 +0100 From: "Jamuga Khan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Question about Vanya? > Preferably dead, makes 'em less probable to escape and resist. (And you > don't have to stand their comments on table manners). > :) But it would be a real bad behaviour to start with a plan to kill the delinquents. It wouldn't be especially good, neither. Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 22:36:09 +0100 From: "Jamuga Khan" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin > Zounds! It appears that the Mighty Khan hath beaten me to this idea! :) > > Geoff I hope, it was not too painful for you? :-) Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 14:34:37 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Andrew Toth wrote: >Spiked hair and tattoos? Your average dwarf, IMHO, tends to be conservative. >Maybe this way in battle, but in normal everyday life, nah, I just don't >see it. The average dwarf of *Brun* (ie: the Known World) certainly fits your description, but what about a clan of dwarves who have had entirely different life experiences? Environment and history tend to have a big impact on how one behaves - just look at the differnt cultural traits and appearances of the different human nations. I don't think that even demihumans should be exempt from this idea. Besides - spiked haired and tattooed dwarves could be fun! :) Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 11:38:24 -0800 From: "Jenni A. M. Merrifield" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - De la Monte!!!!! On Mon, 15 Feb 1999 19:44:39 +0000 Gordon McCormick said: >DM wrote: >> Gee, now I'm flattered.. :) > >He he :) Well I would have gone for Strawberry Jam, but that's >just not as scary a name :) And now I'm flattered too. ;-) (It /is/ the thought that counts...) BTW: For a good female NPC name based on my handle, change the "jam" to "Confiture" and the "strawberry" to "Fraise" (both are French). This, of course, assumes that in your game you primarily speak some language other than French (like English) so that the name doesn't sound as silly as it actually is. You can also use the Scottish name "Fraiser", whose origins are from the French word "Fraise". And "Confitura", while technically an incorrect spelling, sounds more like a name. ;-) Jenni A. M. Merrifield - -=> strawberryJAMM <=- - -- Jenni A. M. Merrifield <==> strawberryJAMM Designs strawberry@jamm.com <==> http://www.jamm.com/jamm/ <------------------------------------------------------------------> God created Light. Then Earth, Vegetables, Animals, Man and Woman. Then God started to think: "I should create things I *like*!" And God said: "Let There Be Strawberries!" *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 14:39:50 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: [MYSTARA] - Acronyms Maybe it's time someone posted the official list of acronyms to the MML once more - as there appear to be several new members pondering what they all mean. Does anyone have a copy they can post? Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 14:56:44 -0500 From: Andrew Toth Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) At 10:12 AM 2/16/99 +0100, you wrote: >On Mon, 15 Feb 1999, Andrew Toth wrote: > >> Spiked hair and tattoos? Your average dwarf, IMHO, tends to be conservative. >> Maybe this way in battle, but in normal everyday life, nah, I just don't >> see it. > >Remember that these dwarves are of a completely different culture. Why >would they be concervative? In fact i´d love to see some dwarven cultures >that are altogether different from the standard dwarves. Dwarven conservatism, as I see it, is something inate, not tied to culture, and reflects a desire to not stand out in a crowd. >As for the tatoos; they are for life anyway... Actually, I was thinking something more along the lines of war paints. Beyowulf Steely Blue Dragon -==UDIC==- |/ "Ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die" -Ratrap, BeastWars *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 14:52:03 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Andrew said: >I was thinking that they might be older than that, even. If they are >connected with the Carnifex, then they obviously go back to the Carnifex >era (including the Lhomarrian people- who, I suppose, are technically post >Brute-Men Neathar types). You are correct on this point; they are post-Brute Men, but belonging to a (mostly disappeared) fourth "subrace" of humanity. But anyhow... >Possibly they have been around since long before the presence of most intelligent species on Mystara? I'd think so as well, or, as you also suggested, they could have been established by someone like the M'kar (those Easter Island people from the Isle of Steam article), but IIRC they weren't around long enough to build that many such henges, though they could easily have built quite a few in southeastern Brun. >Personally, I sort of like the theory that they predate most Immortal >involvement with the tiny backwater planet of Mystara... but who put them >there, and why? :) Either we try to flesh out an answer, or perhaps give the DM a range of suggestions to choose from. >That and, IMO, they don't all lead to the same place. The Prison Dimension >of the Carnifex is a particularly difficult and nasty place to attempt to >access, even for Immortals- and let's not even talk about the prison of the >Outer Beings. This is a good point. The Immortals would have a vested interest in ensuring that no one would be able to free the Carnifex or the Outer Beings from their prisons. How better to do so than to make the prisons either hard to reach, or just difficult to enter, period (ie: wards and the like). >IMO, both the prison of the Carnifex and the OB's prison are of this sort. >It would take a lot of effort for a mortal to even begin to unravel and >affect the opening of such a gateway (they are even assisted somewhat by >Alphaks in M2: Twilight Calling). The OBs is even more impossible, because >not only is it very distant and alien, very locked (behind a series of >entrances- such as the Carnifex'), but anyone even attempting to open it >will more than likely set off a number of alarms alerting the Immortal >populace of their efforts. And unless they are *extremely* powerful, they >are not likely to stand long against the concerted efforts of the Immortals >to stop them. That, and the fact that the Immortals have been trying to stamp out knowledge and worship of the Outer Beings for millennia, and not in a subtle manner, either. When the Immortals *actively* try to do something, well, I'd rather not be on the same plane when it happens. Add to this the fact that, because of this ongoing campaign, knowledge of the Outer Beings (outside of cults) is very sketchy at best - many sages would confuse them with demons, or "evil Immortals". If this is the case, findong out about their prisons, let alone researching a means to break them open, is nigh impossible - requiring decades of work. In all likelihood, the first active cultists in the modern era who gleaned some information about how to break open those prisons were demihuman, or prolonged humans; no one else could have lived long enough to do the work themselves. Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 21:01:44 +0200 From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?=E0=E9=EC=EF_=F9=E7=ED?= Subject: [MYSTARA] - Grimoire of spells (long) Hi all! I am WAAAYY behind on the posts from the MML and it seems I wont be able to catch up with all the digests (i am in digest 64 now...) anyway what I wanted to relate to was the project that started in the list about compsing a grimoire for Mystaran spells. I for one whould like to see "new" spells devised by my favorate NPC wizards and the most obviuos ones are of course the wizard-princes of glantri. I simply loved the "village magic" in Tim's post. (shame about the school closing though). I realy think each culture in Mystara should have its own unique group of spells. for example' I never cared much for the Merchant Class in GAZ11 so I made the spells from that class become (wizard) "Darokinian Caravan Magic" . the same can be done with the rune magic in GAZ 7. ^IMC of course^ well here are some spells I made: (I dont have the AD&D rule books so dont flame me if they resemble existing spells.) Morphail's Mundane Reflection (in AD&D schools- necromancy/illusion). level: 2 range: 30' (10 meters) duration : one night/on day (depending one when cast) AoE : every miror and shadow in range save: special - -this spell was devised by Morphail in AC834 and it is curently known only to him and the noble vampires of Boldavia who obey the "vampire law" and "play the masquarade". Mudane Reflection will cause all mirors in the 10m range to show the reflection of the vampire and create a shadow for the vampire as if he/she was mortal. This illusion is almost perfect but observers who have a reason to inspect the reflection may throw a wisdom check with a -5 penalty. those who succeed do not aoutomaticly understand the illusion but notice one or more suspicious facts: 1. the reflection doesnt smile when the vampire does... 2. the shadow is not always "attached" to the vampires feet. 3. when the vampire speaks the reflection moves its lips but if someone can read lips it can be noticed that the reflection always replaces "good words" (good, light, love, truth, etc'..) with "bad words" (bad, dark, lie, hate...) Morphail's Slowsnake ( ad&d- necromency/summoning) level: 4 range: 1m (when cast. the snake can be controled from up to 8 miles) duration: 1 week effect: 1 slowsnake save: paralysis - -this spell was researched by Morphail before he led his people to glantri. it is originaly a Nithian spell that became "anciant village magic" in traladara (see Morten greis peterson's wonderful "taraldaran Village Magic".) it's major use is spying and assasination. this spell creates a Slowsnake, a being from the nightmare dimension that eill serve the caster for one week. the caster can handle the snake without danger and can send simple commands to the snake for up to 14 km (8 milles/one typical hex) . the Slowsnake is totaly in visible but this is because its magic is suggestive (like hipnotism) those who know of the snowsnake or those who have a reason to look for something suspicious in thier surroundings would see a 3' long grey snake with red eyes. it can be disscovered with regular divination spells. the snake can be dispelled or dismissed magicaly but it cannot be turned as an undead. the snake cannot crose a body of water or a protection from evil spell. the caster can see and hear through the eyes of the Slowsnake as f it was a Familliar. the snake moves at the rate of 1 kmph (or less than a mile per hour) or 30' per minute (about ten times as slow as a human). the snake has 1 HP and an AC of 10. the snake is almost helpless in melee. a slowsnake can bite an unmoving opponent, no damage is done from the bite exept the target has to save against paralysis or be paralyzed for 3d4+3 hours. after paralizing a victim the (still invisible) slowsnake starts the long process of swallowing the victime whole. the snake can swallow even an ogre sized opponent. the process takes 12 hours that (if not interupted) at thier end both the slowsnake and the victims vnish never to be seen again. all thats left is the snakes skin. if the slowsnake is interupted during the swallowing ( by observing checking the victim causing the snake to appear to them) anyone seeing the growsome sight saves versus fear or run away refusing to approach the slosnake for the duration of the spell. the swallowed victim can be saved if anyone remains by simply killing the snake. at any stage the slowsnake lives behind it skin when killed. Morphail's Evil Coal (magical item) this is a small piece of black coal given to Morphail by alphaks himself. morphail has four of these ans there are propbably more held by preists of Alphaks around the world. the coals are part of a larger coal- an artifact located in Alphaks home plane. the stone causes all clerical spells of 3ed level or lower in a range of 20' from the coal to be auotomaticaly dispelled. only spells of non entropic immortals is affected. another power of the coal is that in the hands of an undead it recieaves a saving throw to negate any turning attempts. dame Camille's "S'occuper de Luop" (eye on wolf). (divination) level: 2 range: touch duration: 1 turn AoE: 1 round transpaerent object (like a monocole or spying glass). save: nil - -this spell was invented by Ettiene d'Amberville's ageless mother to help fight lycanthropy in the family. this spell cast on a transpaerent object will allow anyone looking throug it to see lycanthroups in thier other form (animal or human). the subject of the spell may not be aware that its identety has been discovered. Innocenti's "Bells of Alarm" level: 1 range: sight duration: 6 turns AoE: all living humanoids in range save: nil - -this spell was invented by Innocenti the Malapietra as a mean of defence against asassins. this weak version of ESP allerts the caster of any human or humanlike beings who think of killing him/her by a ringing sound heard only by the caster. ...........(dont show players the rest of the paragraph)............ the downside is that the spell does not discreminate between people who are about to assasin the caster and thosewho just think of killing him/her in a temporary rage or a passing thought. lots of members of house sierecchia were wrongfully killed for thier thoughts of Innocenti... thats all for now. more to come (if you like them too) Morphail (Ohad Shaham) "and all the while as vampires feed- I bleed..." /the Pixies *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 22:08:43 +0100 From: "Jamuga Khan" Subject: [MYSTARA] - Re: [MYSTARA] Thonia > Or remnants of old technology, scattered amidst the ruins of what was once > Thonia in its greatness. All sorts of weird minerals could abound here, > too. I've placed the City of Thonia, "capital" of the Thonian Marches, somewhere in the region north of the Bay of Thorin, and the so-called "City of Mercenaries" at the coast. Of course, there's an emperor in Thonia who claims to be the successor of the emperors of Thonia. He might even be true. And, of course, he has the claim to rule the world. In fact, he rules only one city, the City of Thonia. The Thonian marches are a wild mixture of small cities, villages and (semi-)nomadic clans. As the marches are a very poor country, many young men and some women decide to serve as mercenaries for everybody who can pay them. Before WotI these were mostly Alphatian nobles, after the war the business is a little bit low. The meeting places for all those willing to serve is the "City of Mercenaries" (in German: Soeldnerstadt). Nobody has ever invented a real name for the city as the current name is the best advertisement. The existence of this city originates from CM1/M2, where "Baron" (King) Norlan has hired Thonian mercenaries. Jamuga Khan "Hear and obey, because the Mighty Khan's word is law." *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 21:22:31 -0000 From: "Edward Phillips" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara I'll copy them up and post them then. PS: You the guy with the REALLY hard Thyatian army website? If you are I'd love to see the construction details for those phase ships. - -----Original Message----- From: James Ruhland To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM Date: 16 February 1999 17:08 Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara > >> >> PS: If anybody is interested in the Thyatian Imperial Sky Navy Vessels, >I've >> designed a few, let me know if anybody wants to see them and save >themselves >> a load of grief. >> >I'd be curious. > I doubt it will save myself from a load of grief, but I'd still be curious. >*************************************************************************** >To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line >'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 17:39:32 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths >In considering what's been said about why the Carnifex may not have been >released earlier, I can only point to my earlier comments, but also to the >point that, depending on the time period we're considering, those cultures >in the distant past may have known a bit more about the big C's, and >possibly have seen evidence of their fight against the Immortals (ie: >melted mountain ranges, new seas, that sort of thing). Heck, maybe the >Immortals even told their chosen clerics back then about what happened, >and showed them the battle in its horror. That at least would have >deterred the curious who weren't evil, for a while. I suppose that'd work for the Lhomarrians and other "Primal"-era cultures. It's more the Blackmoor and Nithian eras I'd been thinking of, as possible periods when they might've been released. Neither of these later civilizations could've known very much about the (loooong-vanished) Carnifex, and both would have produced loads of adventurers with the firepower -- be it magical or technological -- to bust through the gates. The Old Alphatians are another group that could have breached the PoB, assuming there's access to that dimension from planets other than Mystara. Certainly, judging by what they did to their own world and by their attitudes on Mystara, the OAs would've been curious/impious/foolish enough to poke their noses into "things better left alone", no matter WHAT their Immortals had to say about it ... and they wouldn't even have the melted mountains, etc, to warn them it might be a *bad* idea. Heck ... maybe the Carnifex DID break loose, during one of these eras! Either the pre-Landfall Alphatians, or Blackmoor's empire at its height, could probably have given those scaley so-and-sos from M3 a run for their money. ;-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 17:46:39 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status >Does Laterre lack Immortals? Simon d'Ambreville was supposed to be a >cleric. Did he gain his powers from pure philosophical beliefs? Did he only >become a cleric upon the family's arrival into Mystara? I think that >Laterre would hold Immortals of its own (like Cypri and Old Alphatia did), >just TSR did not make them appear from fear of meddling with RW belief >(Laterre is based upon Clark A. Smith's "mythic France" after all). Originally, when X2 was published, the idea of Immortals hadn't actually entered the oD&D rules yet. So even if TSR hadn't been sidestepping the issue, the writer would've assumed Simon worshipped a deity, rather than an Immortal ... probably (since he's evil/insane in the module) one of the "dark gods" vaguely mentioned as having connections to the d'Ambrevilles. I think "Mark of Amber" says that Simon became a cleric of Razud (an Alphatian deity -- a DOUBLE no-no, for Glantri! ;-D) after the family's immigration to Mystara. AFAIK, the NPC clergy who appear in module X2 have no spellcasting powers, and are Christians. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 17:51:23 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine >> Personally, I'd suggest calling it "The Poor Wizard's" whatever! The idea >> being that, once he'd lost the Almanac to Joshuan, ol' Prospero went back >> into the publishing business again ... but on a smaller scale and lower >> budget. ;-D > >I like the idea, but unfortunately, I do believe there you're getting >into the realms of copyright infringement, a realm even the hardiest of >souls dare not venture into. I thought you couldn't copyright titles ... just content/text. (Otherwise, authors would have run out of things to call their books, ages ago!) Besides, if you don't think TSR will object to your using "Mystara" in the title, why do you think they'd sue you for "Poor Wizard's"...? ***scratches head in confusion*** *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 18:08:55 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora >Perhaps. But the servitude under the Hutaakans should have enforced >that Nithia culture (remember Plfarr was a large supporter of >pre-corrupted Nithia). That doesn't mean Hutaakan culture and Nithian culture are necessarily much alike. While their system of writing is similar, there's plenty of things about these two groups that differ considerably: language, architecture, presence or absence of a Pharaoh, activity patterns (KW Hutaakans were nocturnal), types of agriculture they practice (flood-plain farming vs montane lizard-herding), and how warlike they are. If anything, it would have served the Hutaakans' purposes if their subject-race totally forgot their original, proud Nithian heritage; it'd humble the Traldar and make them easier to control. While Pflarr values the Nithians' worship as a source of his power, he probably sees many flaws in their ("merely" human, ergo inferior) society ... flaws, which he then "corrected" in his own peoples' culture. Otherwise, why would he have bothered to create the Hutaakans, in the first place...? >I'm also thinking of >adopting Marwdyn, the Hanged Man rising as an Immortal during that >period of transition. He needed a superstitious culture to hang him for >witchcraft so a time of cultural upset should suffice. Good idea about Marwdyn! Certainly, the post-war Traldar would've been superstitious -- probably even moreso than Traladarans -- enough to do that ... and they might've stayed that way, for centuries, after the gnoll invasion ended. The bald, squat "relict" Traldar in module B10 are downright paranoid, afraid to even step out the door after sundown lest the ghosts or zombies get 'em. ;-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 18:35:39 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths >>>Perhaps they could date back to the era of Brute-men, seeing as how Brun >>>was an arctic continent at the time they must've been erected. Powerful >>>wokani might have constructed them back in Paleolithic times, during an >>>interglacial warm period prior to the current one. > >I was thinking that they might be older than that, even. If they are >connected with the Carnifex, then they obviously go back to the Carnifex >era (including the Lhomarrian people- who, I suppose, are technically post >Brute-Men Neathar types). The gates would only have to be as old as the Carnifex, if you assume that's how the Immortals sent the carnosaur-folk to the Pits of Banishment in the first place! IIRC, Immortals "hijacked" the Carnifexes' own spell, by which the reptilians tried to become equal to the Immortals, so it plunked the sorry suckers into the PoB instead. Thus, no gateway -- at least, not a permanent one -- was involved in the race's original exiling. The Brute-men (or whoever) could easily have stumbled upon the PoB by chance, much later on, while they were opening gates to various other worlds. If this happened before the surviving Carnifex-in-exile could adapt to their nasty new plane, and before Castle Carnifex was built, then the carnosauroids might not have discovered this potential escape-route, until after the Brute-men -- not liking the looks of the PoB one bit! -- sealed it up again. The Immortals' guardians would've been installed at that stage, to seal up the "hole" the Neanderthals had inadvertantly created in the prison-dimension. If, OTOH, these gates to other worlds had existed when the Carnifex were still around, you'd think that such an aggressive and magically-powerful race would have used them to invade and colonize those other, vulnerable worlds. Since M3 implies that the ones in Castle Carnifex are all that's left of their species, anywhere in the multiverse, it's a fair guess that they never did so. (BTW, I think Geoff's "Y'hog" Carnifex are supposed to be a different group than the ones from "Twilight Calling": a minor subrace, that got left behind on Mystara when the module's "Greater" Carnifex were exiled. So the people of Lhomarr never actually met the "originals". :-D) >That and, IMO, they don't all lead to the same place. The Prison Dimension >of the Carnifex is a particularly difficult and nasty place to attempt to >access, even for Immortals- and let's not even talk about the prison of the >Outer Beings. True. This makes more sense than saying that it's just "blind luck" that some Lhomarrian or Thonian or Nithian adventurers didn't already make the same mistake the module's PCs do, ages ago. (OTOH, the M3 Carnifex DID have to learn how tasty we "anatomically-modern" humans were, at SOME point....! ;-D) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #89 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Wednesday, February 17 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 090 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Grimoire of spells (long) RE: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine RE: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara RE: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin [MYSTARA] - Dragonlord Chronicles Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies RE: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 18:39:11 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) >>These dwarves are probably more barbaric than the Rockmome dwarves. They >>live in small communities lead by chieftains. There is both war and trade >>between the communities. These dwarves probably live in longhouses rather >>than under the mountain. >> >>These dwarves have spiked hair and wear tatoos painted in intricate >>circular patterns. (just an idea to make em look different) Maybe they could be the M-Picts! Howling, woad-smeared dwarves charging their enemies in the buff, their unkempt beards flapping round their ankles as they run, would be amusing.... :-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 17:41:29 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara > > I'll copy them up and post them then. > Ok. > PS: You the guy with the REALLY hard Thyatian army website? If you are I'd > love to see the construction details for those phase ships. > Yes, I'm that dude. Firstly, wadda ya mean by hard? Hard as in difficult? I'm curious because if so then I might have to make it easier. As for the phase ships I haven't uploaded 'em yet. I've been busier lately than I was or thought I'd be, and I'm way behind my self-imposed schedule for uploading things. I'll let you know when I update the info though. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 18:50:38 -0500 From: Sharon Dornhoff Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Grimoire of spells (long) >Morphail's Mundane Reflection (in AD&D schools- necromancy/illusion). > >1. the reflection doesnt smile when the vampire does... >. >3. when the vampire speaks the reflection moves its lips but if someone >can read lips it can be noticed that the reflection always replaces "good >words" (good, light, love, truth, etc'..) with "bad words" (bad, dark, >lie, hate...) Ooooh, nifty "spoilers" for PCs to notice, here! I like it! :-) >Morphail's Slowsnake ( ad&d- necromency/summoning) > >this spell creates a Slowsnake, a being from the nightmare dimension that >eill serve the caster for one week. I'd bet a practitioner of the Secret Craft of Dream Mastery could conjure these things up, too! (A new skill-option for Dream Masters to choose from, maybe? If so, which "circle" would it be?) >dame Camille's "S'occuper de Luop" (eye on wolf). (divination) > >-this spell was invented by Ettiene d'Amberville's ageless mother to help >fight lycanthropy in the family. Hah! And I thought MY grandmother was nosy.... ;-D >Innocenti's "Bells of Alarm" > >-this spell was invented by Innocenti the Malapietra as a mean of defence >against asassins. > >this weak version of ESP allerts the caster of any human or humanlike >beings who think of killing him/her by a ringing sound heard only by the >caster. >...........(dont show players the rest of the paragraph)............ >the downside is that the spell does not discreminate between people who >are about to assasin the caster and thosewho just think of killing him/her >in a temporary rage or a passing thought. >lots of members of house sierecchia were wrongfully killed for thier >thoughts of Innocenti... This one really explains a lot; a GREAT spell, for any paranoid game-setting or NPC! (I might even drop a scroll with this spell on it into a Ravenloft game, sometime... heh heh heh.) Kudos, Ohad! Let us know, when you've got more spells for us to droll over. :-) *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 08:02:08 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Ahh. yup i have the geodome. So it looks like i am missing a Heavy Warbird. Yup that would sound logical. Having a light Warbird, the heavy variant would be a natural extension. :) Well then if any kind soul out there could scan me the Heavy Warbird card it would be much appreciated. Or possibly just email the stats? Thanks in advance Jason > Azlum Swifts Geodome. I'm wondering where the stats for the heavy Warbird > is. > > PS: If anybody is interested in the Thyatian Imperial Sky Navy Vessels, > I've > designed a few, let me know if anybody wants to see them and save > themselves > a load of grief. > -----Original Message----- > From: Murphy Jason > To: 'mystara-l@MPGN.COM' > Date: 16 February 1999 00:15 > Subject: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara > > > >Heyhey everyone. I was just lucky enough to purchase a new Champions of > >Mystara Box. Unfortunately i seem to have recieved to of the same ship > >reference cards. Two Heldannic light warbirds. The others i have are > Oosdock > >airship, Alphatian yaucht, alphatian galleon, elven airship, some dragon > >ship, and i cant remember the eight one off hand. Would someone who has > or > >knows about this box set tell me what ships i have missed in the above > list? > >Please, please please. :) > > > > > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 19:31:47 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Sharon wrote: >I suppose that'd work for the Lhomarrians and other "Primal"-era cultures. >It's more the Blackmoor and Nithian eras I'd been thinking of, as possible >periods when they might've been released. Neither of these later >civilizations could've known very much about the (loooong-vanished) >Carnifex, and both would have produced loads of adventurers with the >firepower -- be it magical or technological -- to bust through the gates. But then again, who's to say that some Carnifex *didn't* escape earlier? For all we know, some ancient fire mages on Old Alphatia may have accidentally contacted the Carnifex in their battles against the Followers of Air - who, in return for being guided to the location of Old Alphatia, were willing to trade some of their powerful magic (even by Alphatian standards) to the Followers of Fire. The Carnifex wouldn't tell their unwitting liberators who they were or why they were trapped, they would likely give the spells and leave - either in search of a new world or to Mystara once more to settle a score with the Immortals. These magics could ultimately have been used to destroy Old Alphatia once that war reached a fever point - a fitting gift from the Carnifex. In the meantime, those Carnifex either got lost in space, were re-imprisoned by the Immortals, or found a suitable world to rebuild their civilization, and even now they are researching their old knowledge, slowly building up to the point where they can challenge the Immortals once more.... Just a brainstorm, but I thought it would work. :) >Heck ... maybe the Carnifex DID break loose, during one of these eras! >Either the pre-Landfall Alphatians, or Blackmoor's empire at its height, >could probably have given those scaley so-and-sos from M3 a run for their >money. ;-) They certainly could! Maybe those "nightmarish horrors" hinted at in the DA-series modules were actually Carnifex and their servitors, freed once more to ravage Skothar after being accidentally freed by the Blackmoorians. Of course, the Blackmoorian wizards were able to regain control and kill off the escaped Carnifex, or chase them away, butthe battles would have been fierce, and would now only be those footnotes in modern history (ie: the cryptic references in the modules). As for the Nithians, well, after they were corrupted they certainly could have fallen prey to darker influences (read: open worship of Outer Beings in some cities). The Carnifex, ever eager to break free, could have insinuated themselves in this manner and arrived on Mystara, but they were likely destroyed by Nithian mages who realized what they had done, or by the Immortals in their clean-up effort in BC 500. How are these for explanations (or at least possible ones)? Should we clip 'n' save? :) Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 18:42:02 -0600 From: Aaron E Nowack Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara >Ahh. yup i have the geodome. So it looks like i am missing a Heavy >Warbird. >Yup that would sound logical. Having a light Warbird, the heavy >variant >would be a natural extension. :) > >Well then if any kind soul out there could scan me the Heavy Warbird >card it >would be much appreciated. Or possibly just email the stats? Actually, you're missing the Alphatian Man'O'War card. There is no Heavy Warbird card (IIRC). Aaron Nowack "Never let reality get in the way of a good hypothesis." http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/5930/ ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 11:37:50 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA - Mystara Fanzine > I thought you couldn't copyright titles ... just content/text. (Otherwise, > authors would have run out of things to call their books, ages ago!) > Besides, if you don't think TSR will object to your using "Mystara" in the > title, why do you think they'd sue you for "Poor Wizard's"...? > > ***scratches head in confusion*** > The poot wizard label is a trade mark / series mark not a copyright text, and it would also make the fanzine guilty of 'passing off'. The Mystara name is used for fair comment and is therefore, accompanied by 'unofficial and unauthorised', legitimate, just as a newspaper article about say Superman the comic character could use the name but would run into trouble having eg a 'DC Comics Page', which could cause confusion as to who owns the rights to the characters under that mark. The new voted-on name is Tome of Mystara now anyways. - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 08:37:28 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara oops...No i think i have the Alphatian Man-o-War, in my idiocy i wrote it down as galleon ..... i think Jason Murphy Software Engineer MITS Limited EMAIL: jason.murphy@mitswa.com.au PHONE: 08 9481 4066 FAX: 08 9481 4064 > -----Original Message----- > From: Aaron E Nowack [SMTP:anowack@juno.com] > Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 1999 8:42 AM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara > > > >Ahh. yup i have the geodome. So it looks like i am missing a Heavy > >Warbird. > >Yup that would sound logical. Having a light Warbird, the heavy > >variant > >would be a natural extension. :) > > > >Well then if any kind soul out there could scan me the Heavy Warbird > >card it > >would be much appreciated. Or possibly just email the stats? > > > Actually, you're missing the Alphatian Man'O'War card. There is no Heavy > Warbird card (IIRC). > > > Aaron Nowack > "Never let reality get in the way of a good hypothesis." > http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Dungeon/5930/ > > ___________________________________________________________________ > You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. > Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html > or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 16:41:05 -0800 From: "Harvey, Michael" Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies > Sorry if this isn't about Mystara, but does somebody have the > Stats for Vecna? Subject: Re: How Tough is Vecna Anyway? Date: 7 Jan 1999 17:37:27 GMT From: dalmayas@aol.comnojunk (Dalmayas) Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd > I've heard about the lich for years, but never got a chance to > see his stats(heard he is a God of Ravenloft now). Does anyone > know his level, hps, etc.... > Cywatt If anyone reads the above he asked for stats, I've read 27 postings with no stats. Just peoples opinions, some of them aren't even about Vecna. Here we go! Lord Vecna the Whipered One, the Master of the Spider Throne, the Undying King, the Lord of the Rotted Tower, the Maimed Lord, the Master of Secrets, the One Named Only in Whispers, the Dying King and most recently the Chained God (he is a prisoner in Ravenloft and very unhappy about it). (If you live for long enough you get a lot of titles.) Demi-god (Lich), Lawful Evil Armor Class: -10 Movement: 9 Level/Hit Dice: 30 Hit Point: 150 Thac0: 2 Number of Attacks: 2 Damage/Attacks: 2d10+14 (due to strength) Special Attacks: Paralysis, multi-tasking, spells. Special Defenses: Immortality, need +5 or better magical weapon to hit, paralysis. Magic Resistance: See Below All Stats (Str. Con. etc....) are at 25! Combat: Each attack with his withered hand does 2d10 life drain energy (no save or protection), and +14 from strength. Then you must save vs Paralysis or be frozen in place (elves whom are immune to ghoul type paralysis are not immune to this). It is permanent unless a "DISPEL EVIL" is used. "Dispel Magic" just won't cut it. Vecna is cloaked in an aura of pure evil. The exact effect depends on the level of the victim as indicated on the table below. (The effects below are for Ravenloft rules, I have taken the liberty of adding other options if you don't have access to those rules) Level/HD Effect - -------- ----------- 1-4 Madness check 5-8 Horror check 9-12 Fear check 17+ Morale check Varients: Madness check: Symbol of Insanity (8th level Wizard, Players Handbook) H.P. restrictions do not apply, it works on an unlimited amount of people. It is only restricted to affecting 1st to 4th level beings. No Save! Horror check: Symbol of Fear (8th level Wizard, Players Handbook) But the save is at -8, and the duration is doubled. Fear check: Fear (4th level Wizard, Players Handbook) Moral check: Scare (2nd level Wizard, Players Handbook) No Save and is not restricted to 6HD or less creatures. He is immune to harm from weapons of less than +5 magical bonus. The only exception to this rule is he may be affected by a Holy Avenger weapon of any magical bonus, when weilded by a paladin. He cannot be turned by priests of any level. He has a natural 70% magic resistance to all spells cast by mortal creatures, a 40% resistance to all cast by other Demi-gods, and a 20% resistance to Gods of greater stature. In addition, he is immune to all spells from the schools of enchantment/charm, illusion/phantasm, and necromancy, as well as those from the charm, healing, and chaos spheres. No manner of polymorph or similar spell can affect Vecna. Vecna has a saving throw of 4 at all times. No act of a mortal can reduce his chances of success when attempting a save. Vecna may cast any wizard or priest spell. He casts these by act of will, requiring no components. In addition, any spell has a casting time of 0. He is able to preform 2 tasks a round without penalty. Hit twice, hit and use a spell, use a spell and an item, use two items, use two spells, and so forth. Vecna automatically gains initiative when fighting mortals, there are NO exceptions, and no spell, item, or action by his victim can alter this. He can understand ANY form of communication. Foriegn language, code, sign language, color change, morse code, semaphore, sanscrit, pig latin, and so on. This also applies to written communications. No mortal creature or Demi-god can snuff out Vecna's life force. Due to his high constitution, he regenerates 1 hit point every turn. If he is somehow slain by such beings, his body will disintegrate; however, 1d100 days later, the lich god will rise again and seek out and destroy those who harmed him. Vecna is the god of secrets and magic. As such nothing can be kept from him. He knows instantly of everything that happens within the walls of his citadel. This ability also extends to his followers, so he knows everything they see or do. Now this isn't word for word, his entire entry takes up a few page, but you get the idea. He is a walking death machine, and oozes all kinds of evil.(Darth Vader eat your artificial heart out!) I also have an older list for him at 20th level, one where he is actually fightable and won't kill you quicker than two jiggles of a jack rabbit's ass. If you want that listing e-mail me and ask me for it and I will send you the info. I also have two sets of stats for Kas the Bloody-Handed, the Terrible, blah blah blah. Boy do these guys like titles! *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 11:41:12 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) > >>These dwarves have spiked hair and wear tatoos painted in intricate > >>circular patterns. (just an idea to make em look different) > > Maybe they could be the M-Picts! Howling, woad-smeared dwarves charging > their enemies in the buff, their unkempt beards flapping round their ankles > as they run, would be amusing.... :-) If you go to the Incomplete Netbook of Humanoids at www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~ksimpson/netbooks.html there are various 'SAVAGE SPECIES' listed including Wilderdwarves - same sort of thing, might provide further inspiration as to the ecology of the Dun Dwarves' lairs and wilderness setting.... - -Jonathan *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 19:44:43 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Megaliths Sharon wrote: >(BTW, I think Geoff's "Y'hog" Carnifex are supposed to be a different group >than the ones from "Twilight Calling": a minor subrace, that got left >behind on Mystara when the module's "Greater" Carnifex were exiled. So the >people of Lhomarr never actually met the "originals". :-D) Keerect! :) The way I worked it out, there are three (four, really) subgroups in the Carnifex race: Greater Carnifex - The dudes in "Twilight Calling", the most powerful in terms of magical might. Y'hog Carnifex - These guys are smaller, uglier (I do have a description of them at work), less proficient in magic, but slightly more prolific and definitely more spiteful and mean. They were considered by the Greater Carnifex to be the "poor country cousins", and treated as such. Since they were less powerful, they escaped the Immortals' notice, but they try to make up for their lesser power through sheer malice towards other races. In this sense, they are the most dangerous. Deep Carnifex - These are an offshoot of the Y'hog Carnifex. They moved into underground caverns beneath the Adakkian Mounts in Davania, and from there built a great subterranean realm. They are weak in magical powers, but they are the most prolific of the Carnifex subgroups. A lot of them worship Atzanteotl now (see the Y'hog timeline), and they are more low magic/mid-level fighter oriented. Ur-Carnifex - Sharon's creation! These boys started it all, waaay back when Mystara was a savage world of steaming fens and primordial seas. From what I've gathered from her writings (please correct me if I'm wrong, Sharon, or fill in the gaps), these guys are large, savage brutes - not far removed from their saurian ancestors. >True. This makes more sense than saying that it's just "blind luck" that >some Lhomarrian or Thonian or Nithian adventurers didn't already make the >same mistake the module's PCs do, ages ago. (OTOH, the M3 Carnifex DID >have to learn how tasty we "anatomically-modern" humans were, at SOME >point....! ;-D) Well, I made some suggestions for that last point in another post, but I do think that Andrew's idea of the relative inaccessibility of the PoB and the Outer Beings' prison is as good an explanation as we need. :) Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 19:47:59 -0500 (EST) From: au998@freenet.carleton.ca (Geoff Gander) Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Hin > >I hope, it was not too painful for you? :-) Not at all! :) Just you wait, o mighty Khan - your mingams cannot protect you forever. I hear that foul Glantrian spies are already infiltrating your lesser khans and hakomons.:) Geoff - -- Geoff Gander, BA 97 Cartographer/Game Designer/Government Peon Part-Time High Priest, Ottawa Chapter of the Church of Y'hog au998@freenet.carleton.ca *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 18:48:15 -0600 From: "Timothy R. Haney" Subject: [MYSTARA] - Dragonlord Chronicles I'm finally getting around to reading the second and third novels in this series. Does anyone know what years it takes place? I figured its somewhere between 450 AC and 788 AC. But seems before 585 AC would be best. Just wondering. I remember reading the first one when it first came out and liking it. The second part tends to rattle on without doing much. Rather boring. So, I'm starting the third tonight and hope it picks up. - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 18:53:16 -0600 From: "Timothy R. Haney" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Here's what my set contains: Azlum Swith's Geodome Airship Alphatian Man-of-War Light Heldannic Warbird Oberack's Dragon Prow Longship Oostdock Airship Elven Swan Ship Alphatian Yacht The Flying Barge of Sayr Ulan - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 19:56:44 EST From: Arminath@aol.com Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies A 25 in ALL stats??? He drains 2d10+14 levels with EACH touch??? His spells ALL have casting times of 0??? OMG, make him the Arch-diety of Mystara-space, because even all 5 Hierarchs couldn't touch him! *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 09:04:28 +0800 From: Murphy Jason Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Thats it...that one!!!!! Its the Flying Barge of Sayr Ulan that i havent got. :) Would it be too much of me to impose upon you for the stats? Or, if you have access to a scanner, a scan of the card? I promise your Karma would be multiplied three-fold and you position in the next life much elevated. :) Thanks Jason Murphy Software Engineer MITS Limited EMAIL: jason.murphy@mitswa.com.au PHONE: 08 9481 4066 FAX: 08 9481 4064 > Here's what my set contains: > > Azlum Swith's Geodome Airship > Alphatian Man-of-War > Light Heldannic Warbird > Oberack's Dragon Prow Longship > Oostdock Airship > Elven Swan Ship > Alphatian Yacht > The Flying Barge of Sayr Ulan > > -- > Timothy R. Haney > galwylin@airnet.net > > *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 21:10:16 -0600 From: "Timothy R. Haney" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Champions Of Mystara Murphy Jason wrote: > > Thats it...that one!!!!! > Its the Flying Barge of Sayr Ulan that i havent got. :) > Would it be too much of me to impose upon you for the stats? Or, if you have > access to a scanner, a scan of the card? Sorry. No scanner. The thing looks like a big flying carpet (complete with tents and railing!). You might try contacting TSR Customer Service to see if they can get a hold of the card for you. Here's the stats: Built By: Jarita Maruti of Sayr Ulan Used By: The Rajadhiraja of Sind Tonnage: 362 Hull Points: 173 Armor Class: 6 Lift Capacity: 563 tons Cargo Capacity: 120 tons Motive Power: Fly enchantment Air Speed: 360' (120') MF: 1/3 Length: 100' Beam: 60' Depth: 2' Hull: Wooden (Blue) > I promise your Karma would be multiplied three-fold and you position in the > next life much elevated. :) Next life?!? You mean I have to go through all that again?!? - -- Timothy R. Haney galwylin@airnet.net The Tome of Galwylin - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/ Galwylin's Bookshop - http://www.airnet.net/galwylin/bookshop/ *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 23:22:30 -0600 From: "James Ruhland" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies > Damage/Attacks: 2d10+14 (due to strength) > > Combat: Each attack with his withered hand does 2d10 life drain energy (no > save or protection), and +14 from strength. > See, this is how panics set in. Some slag read that and assumed that Vecna drained 2d10 + 14 levels with each hit. No, dude: it is 2d10 + 14 damage with each hit. Hit Points (life energy) not energy levels (sloppy phrasing, I admit. I assume it was TSR's phrasing). Most Immortals could do fine against Vecna. They produce magical effects and have immunities in similar ways. Any Hierarch could flip him into the trash with ease. Non-Immortal PCs on the other hand, should pursue the "Brave, Brave Sir Robin" strategy when dealing with Vecna. . . *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #90 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Wednesday, February 17 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 091 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA: CUSTOM: MYSTARA GRIMOIRE Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora Re: [MYSTARA] - Acronyms [MYSTARA] - Vecna Stats [MYSTARA] - Mystara Pseudobiblia ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 18:48:42 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA: CUSTOM: MYSTARA GRIMOIRE enclosed is the list of Spelcasters and variant Mystaras I have received for the netbook so far... the netbook is at www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~ksimpson/netbooks.html POWERS AND PERSONALITIES OF THE SPELLCASTERS: .o0o. NAMED WIZARDS AND SCHOOLS OF MAGIC .o0o. Each Wizard described herein is set out in this manner: * NAME SCHOOL Years of activity AC calendar [for use in campaigns] Homeland / Area normally encountered "Comments in their own words" Notes on Wizard and his or her spells * * ADMIRAL LUCIEN DeBONMARCHAIS IMORIEL ANKHIXION LaGLIEVE OF SEAHOME SEA WIZARD AC 1014 - 1068 Seahome in the Minrothad Isles / Minrothad trade routes and colonies "Calm seas and a star to guide ye, mates." LaGlieve's magics are those of a conventional Sea Wizard. As one of the strongest and craftiest Sea Wizards of his era he is likely to possess and use all available Sea Wizard spells and items, as well as the Salvager's Guld spells such as Burnishing Hand, if those rules are used. LaGlieve commonly writes his scrolls in a code intelligible only to him so Sea Wizardry spells written down by him will require Comprehend Languages or a Read Languages roll to be used by Wizards or high-level Bards. * DOCTOR FAUSTUS TRUE ELEMENTAL SCHOOL OF MAGIC [Founder] circa AC 990-1100 Glantri City / anywhere in the Known World "Mage Spells from a School of Magic that I invented for a campaign. The School is entitled 'Elemental, True' or just 'True Elemental.' It consists of the four 'True' Elemental forces: Strong Nuclear Force, Weak Nuclear Force, Electromagnetic Force, and Gravity. Some of these spells are interesting, some are kinda cheesy. Enjoy!" Doctor Faustus is the name of a mysterious wandering Wizard from Glantri. After several of his more ambitious experiments led to his censure by the Glantrian School of Magecraft, he has since wandered beyond the Principalities and can now be found either at one of the Temples to Rad outside Glantri's borders or else in the Borderlands somewhere, planning his next experiment. Spellbooks are known to exist with one or more of his spells scribed within. The Faustus Theorem is that Reality is comprised of four forces: Strong Nuclear, Electromagnetic,Weak Nuclear, and Gravitic. The Strong Nuclear Force is by far the strongest of the four forces. The Strong Force is responsible for holding protons and neutrons together. he electromagnetic force is the second strongest force. It is the force of attraction or repulsion between charged objects. The Weak force is the second weakest force. It is carried by W and Z particles, and affects quark color. Gravity is the weakest of the four force, but is the dominant one at long distances, since its range is infinite. A note on Radiance damage: Radiance can be either alpha, beta, or gamma. Alpha rays are stopped by skin, or even paper, but ingestion of an alpha emitter can cause severe internal damage, and even death. Beta particles can only be stopped magically or by a thick lead wall. A Wall of Force or similar barrier will do the trick. Gamma rays are virtually unstoppable. Radiance damage is extremely variable, but can range from increased chance of cancer to nausea and Radiance sickness to death. * DYRE MAGISTUS GENERALIST / UNIVERSALIST AC 1016 - 2099 and beyond City of Khosht on the continent of Ralph on the planet Khemion / Glantri City "Hiyah! Dyre Magistus is my name... Meddle not in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and swift to anger. Or something. Have a bad f[*]cken day, man! " Dyre Magistus is a human male of apparently young adulthood. He customarily wears bright silk shirts and trousers with oversize boots and gloves. He also wears a black and white faceplate and helm checkered and decorated with scrollwork, featureless but for a mouthslit and elongated eyeslits. He seems a powerful if rather chaotic individual who carouses more like a mercenary warrior than an average Wizard. He cultiavtes the company of various unsavoury (to Glantrians) foreigners and nonhumans. He is extremely generous to fellow adventurers who share his chaotic and drunken worldview. His favourite pub in Glantri City is the Red Boar. Dyre Magistus is actually a multiversal refugee from a parallel Prime Material plane, although his fugutive status hardly seems to concern him save when he lapses into melancholia over his lost love, Lorna Grey, left behind on his plane of origin. * HUSTYN TRANSMUTER / ENCHANTER 3129 - 3033 BC Blackmoor "Hustyn started as a hireling, but when everyone else got killed in the Blackmoorian 'Gulf War' Hustyn survived to become a noted Mage. He spent a lot of time amongst the Hutaakans, eventually becoming one of their only trusted nonHutaakan aides. He died attempting to defend the Hutaakans from the invasions of Reldrad of Brun." Hustyn's spells are often variants of PHB spells or strange ones with specific purposes. Hustyn spent his lower levels constantly striving to develop spells to help his group, so it is normally those spells that are found. * JENNAERE BROWNLEAVES ELF SCHOOL OF MAGIC [Founder] AC 881 - 1244 Alfheim / Alfheim and Hulean confederacy "Jennaere is a flighty Elf girl who normally dresses in whatever is hip for a human of Glantri City. After the death of her friend Zaldorin she dresses in darker clothes and more traditional Elf clothes and ornaments. She also wears a silver beetle brooch she was given by Wexley, a heroic Shadow Elf who fought with her against his misguided brethren. Her magic is based on the spells she researched herself and discovered in ancient ruins deep underground. The evil Necromancer is our enemy not because we are so different from him but because he carries out what we see as perversions of life magic. Shadow Elf mages who follow the evil and twisted path of their magic given to them by Aztlanteotl are also our blood enemies. These spellcasters are what we consider to be Black Magicians. A good Necromancer would not be a Black Magician unless he or she had turned to the darkside." The logic of the Elf School of Magic is that the Elves of Alfheim after their brief diaspora and their adventures agaisnt the Shadow Elves and Dark Elves evolved a secret and powerful set of spells based on reverence for life. Although they are not totally bound by their lore as is a Preserver of Athas they are at least as reverential to the land. Opposing them are the evil destructive Necromancers and the evil Shadow Elves. Shadow Elves who are not evil can and do practice Elf Magic of course, although even non-evil Necromancers are unable to access any Elf Magic spells. Elf Magic is contained in a series of jewelled tomes and scrolls held by the Lorekeeper of Elf Magic in the Elven School of Magic in Alfheim Town. During the diaspora these tomes and scrolls were kept by Zaldorin Korenn, Jennaere's fellow researcher into the newly codified Elf Magic. He was killed during a battle in Oenkmar but the books were saved by Jennaere and are used to start the new School. Prior to 10! 16 Jennaere and Zladorin are the only source of Elf Magic as defined anywhere on the planet. Spells shared between Elf Magic and other Schools maybe accessible through the other Schools. * SAREN OF MIRROS ABJURATION AC unknown Mirros / Known World "Saren of Mirros specializes in defensive magic (Abjuration, for those who prefer AD&D). He is somewhat of a pacifist, and prefers non-violent solutions to problems. Unfortunately, when dealing with wizards, violence is sometimes the first resort, and so one must protect oneself. Saren devised a few protective spells to enhance his chances of remaining alive in these situations. Here's one of his early efforts, and one he teaches to all his apprentices. Saren has a few other spells tucked away in his tomes of lore, and I'll try to convince him to share them with the rest of us. (He recently told me he's not Elminster, and I'm not Ed Greenwood, but I pointed out that Mystara is much more interesting than the Realms anyway. So we are making progress.) - Glen" As an Abjurer, Saren is undoubtedly a regular at the School of Magecraft in Krakatos as well as walking the pleasant streets of Mirros on warm afternoons. * SIRAH-DRAKIR COLOUR MAGIC circa 4240BC - AC 2099 and beyond ? / Blackmoor from 3500BC to fall, Glantri AC 800 to AC 907, after AC 909, Khanate of Prismia "Who, me?" Colour Magic is the focus and exploitation of the visible light spectrum and the essential fundamental properties of each of the colours of the rainbow. Sirah-Drakir originally appeared on Mystara during the Blackmoor era but has since been encountered in various times and places, most recently as the open ruler of a small principality known as the Khanate of Prismia, housing refugee spellcasters from Ethengar and Ylaruam as well as more mysterious students of Colour Magic from much further away. Prismia is notable for the large multi-coloured buildings and scupltures which dot its landscape. * ULAOEN OF ALFHEIM "GOLDEN DRAGON" MAGICIAN'S GUILD [Founder] / DRAGON MAGIC AC 1005 - 1344 Alfheim / anywhere on Mystara, AC 1102-1104 Hollow World esp. Milenian Empire "Golden Dragon Magic is a set of spells based on what Dragons are like, what they make us dream of and what powers they possess. I hope you all love them as much as me..!" Ulaoen is an Elf, believed to be a Wood Elf, whose mother was sister to one of the great Treekeepers of Alfheim and whose father was a puissant mage from the land of Wendar. After the invasion of Alfheim, Ulaeon wanders the world until Alfheim is liberated, after which she once more bases herself there. She takes frequent trips to other parts of the world and beyond. Dragon Magic is not generally useable by non-Dracologists or Dragon Mages. Scrolls are the most usual way of encountering any of Ulaoen's spells, especially the lower-level "Egg of..." and "Dragon-" spells. * ZYMANTHA CHRONOMANCY / COSMOMANCY AC 995 - 1056 Mirros / Mirros "Space is beautiful and infinite; Time is infinitely beautiful." Zymantha is an extremely Lawful Lady Chronomancer and Cosmomancer who polices Mystara and its local space for incursions by hostile alien presences. She is aided by adventurers and the remaining young Immortals who have not banished themselves. Most Immortals banished themselves in AC 1000 to allow mortals to develop and become truly Immortallike without interference from the Immortals. PRIESTS: Each Priest described herein is set out in this manner: * NAME PANTHEON / IMMORTAL SERVED Years of activity AC calendar [for use in campaigns] Homeland / Area normally encountered "Comments in their own words" Notes on Priest and his or her ministry * * BRISEL NATURE PANTHEON HIGH CLERIC AC 1004 - 1077 Darokin / The Broken Lands "Nature will not be toyed with, intruders." Brisel is the daughter of a Wendarian Elven scout and a Human Ranger from Darokin. She left her home at a young age to join a radical religious community of Druids, Rangers and Clerics of Nature Immortals. Brisel soon exceeded all expectations and became one of the chief spokespeople of the Immortals of her Pantheon. * FARSEER OF THE BROKEN LANDS PRIESTESS OF MIELIKKI AC 995 - 1128 Glantri / Known World "The Unicorn Goddess sees all." Farseer serves the alien goddess Mielikki. Like Odin and the Norse pantheon before her, Mielikki is a fugitive deity from another dimension. Farseer is a wild Druidess who wanders wherever the goddess commands her to go. She established a High Temple and Chapel of the Animals near Hightower, and her ritual altar and a monastery of Nature worshippers is also located in the settlement at Hightower. * HIGLEY HIGH PRIEST OF EVER-GLORIOUS WAR (THE IMMORTAL DIULANA) AC 976 - 1072 Thyatis City / Tel'Akbir and Ylaruam "Onward to victory!" Higley is a great proponent of using many and varied spells in a military situation. He is proud of never even once having performed any peaceful function of a Cleric. * MOKALI CLERIC circa AC 990-1080 (active period, born circa AC 980) Grand Duchy of Karameikos / Threshold, Verge and Rifflian "Mokali (pronounced mocha-lie) was a typical, male Cleric, we never bothered giving him a religion. He survived the D&D adventure Module series. His claim to fame was preferentially saving his all-female (apart from the obligatory male Fighter) group over and over again. The rest of the group was: Rahesia, a very wealthy human female Magic-User; Gwondolin, an Elf Princess from Alfheim;Remus the obligatory male Fighter (died fighting knee-high statuettes but got resurrected); and a female Halfling Thief who has now entered the Karameikan witness protection program; Reece the groom, a hireling. Uniquely in the list of notable Priest characters, Mokali not only never made any new spells he never founded a religion (how could he, we never picked him a faith). He just healed everyone." Mokali is now a wandering Healer. * REYAKIM CLERIC OF IXION, WIZARD PLENIPOTENTIARY AC 979 - 1050 Sablestone / Savage Baronies AC 1002 - 1004; else at large in the Northlands and the Utter West "Smoke gets in your eyes." Reyakim is both a retired Wizard and a convert to Ixion worship and Priest of that deity. He developed both clerical and wizardly spells in his youth and uses his own spells and fire and solar magics in preference to other sorts. * STHENOE CLERIC OF IXION AC 999 - 1085 Alfheim City / Dread Isles "Sthenoe was the obligatory Cleric for our group. She kept everyone alive but didn't have much luck herself. None of us ever wanted to play clerics but she eventually did really well, setting up temples on a couple of islands before retiring to Alfheim City to have children and settle down." Sthenoe is a matronly female Elf, with striking green eyes and an almost shaggy mane of blonde hair. She usually wore most of the party's treasure as jewellery, an easy device to smuggle loot through various borders. She carries a quarterstaff topped with an emerald carved to resemble a Pine Cone. * PARALLEL WORLDS: "If they give you lined paper, write the other way." Following are Mystara continuums where events have not taken place as written in the TSR published packages and books. These parallels are NOT parallel "Heisnberg Event" worlds, where the same timestream divides based on what a character or nation does; they are parallel multiversal dimensions where things have always been fundamentally different from the "official" Mystara. It is worth noting that a majority of responses to date have used the AD&D Outer Planes AND the Mystara multiverse as part of the same cosmos without distinguishing clearly between the two. MYSTARA-A: No Wrath of the Immortals "Well we just couldn't belive the f**king cr*p in WotI or the new 2 AD&D box sets so we just went on playing the old game. Stephan is Duke of the Duchy of Karameikos, most of our original characters that lived have their own areas on Alphatian islands or the mainland or on the Isle of Dawn, the DM has some master plan to spring on us but we've resisted the temptation to jump in and look for trouble. We have a fair bit of fun raiding each other and Thyatis and playing sports in Alphatia and Thyatis City in disguise. We use the CH of Gladiators and some GURPS and MERPS books." MYSTARA-B: No Wrath of the Immortals, No Savage Coast, No AD&D "We play D&D, always have, probably always will. It all makes sense and is very easy for new people to play. The campaign began in 1802 and is now at 1999 with lots of stressful end of the millenium stuff happening. We took over the Isle of Dread and that is now our secret base of operations for our attacks on various bad guys and undead strongholds." MYSTARA-C: Wishsong "Our DM runs Mystara but it is based much more on Terry Brooks and David Edings than on any of the TSR stuff but that's OK it's really fun. I wish he'd let me use Red Steel though - I would KICK ASS!" MYSTARA-D: Spelljammer [Michela Pavic's campaign as DM] "We play a space game with Mystara as the earth the players return to. The solar system is much as it is for earth but the Known World is surrounded by dozens of continents of mysterious lands. The world is a bit bigger than it "should be" but we don't care." MYSTARA-E: Sunken Thyatis, Alphatia squashed into where Thyatis used to be, Glantri in ruins "We went ape playing Immortals and Gods when we were younger and just wrecked the world. We went through Deities and Demigods and a book on Greek Myth and played all these insanely powerful characters to p*ss our DM off. We were amazed when WotI came out later and did sort of what we'd done! Since then David's elder brother has DMed for us, and we have agreed not to worry about the origins of the game world too much, just go adventuring across this wrecked landscape." MYSTARA-F: Forgotten Realms... of Mystara [Tim Fung's campaign as player] "We are the same up to Rahasia. After that adventure we ended up in like a Ravenloft type world which was actually the otherworlds or something and then when we came back to the prime material plane, the world was with pixies and fairy creatures. That followed into the Night's dark terrors adventure module then we skipped some and played Red Arrow Black Shield against Hule. That destroyed Karameikos because we fought the Master there and then the game went on with us playing heroes trying to repair the damage caused during the war and discovering Blackmoor was actually under our feet near Krakatos. The DM uses the OD&D rules with some of the charts and tables from First Edition AD&D plus some other rules from I think Pirates and Plunder. We are just about to go into a Nithian crypt in Yalruam to recover the soul gem of a demon that the Immortals need. The DM uses a lot of Forgotten Realms stuff. Waterdeep is a city in the Heldannic Territories, and the sea up there is called the Sword Coast. The maps are mirror image to the FR setting. Undermountain is in the broken lands somewhere, I didn't get to play there but the ones who did said it worked pretty well, better than in FR. It got blown to pieces in the end. Drizzt Do'Urden is the exiled Prince of the Dark Elves, cousins to the Shadow Elves. We had a big argument over the drow on the cover of the Elves of Alfheim." MYSTARA-G: Preservation and Defilement "After the events of Wrath of the Immortals we ended up with a world where the Hollow World was wrecked and full of weird energy. The Immortals were all fighting each other and being drained of energy by an interdimensional force from AD&D's multiverse called Ohm. After that only Elf Mage and Black Magician magic worked. Now have to keep the world going by establishing new forest areas. We wiped out the Shadow Elves using a Plague spell given to us by some evil Immortal of Entropy. The big turning point was whether we'd use this disease or not. The DM seemed pretty pissed that we didn't have to think long about it, just killed the Shadow Elves with it and became lords of the new Alfheim." MYSTARA-H: No level limits for humanoids, demihumans or monsters [Jacob Rasmussen's campaign as player] "Well after we started playing nonhumans, we pretty much took over the planet. Our group (of players, none of the characters are close together) consists of a Vampire Elf, a Sphinx, a Bugbear Druid, a Sea-Elf, a Troll and recently a Crabwoman after her Unicorn character died. Humans are irrelevant pawns in our power struggles." MYSTARA-I: Birthright powers in Mystara "The world is as in the second edition books but the campaign is set in 1500 AC and we are all Birthright holders with powers. The politics of the world started out about the same but now things are beginning to turn nasty because a Glantrian superpower is developing as leader of a Known World coalition." MYSTARA-J: Sisters doing it for themselves [Trudi Molenaar's campaign as DM] "My sisters and I just played all the original D&D modules we could find. I accept the events of Wrath of the Immortals but I ignore the rest of the mapped world beyond the Known World as I don't have any of the products and don't like the sound of them anyway. The whole world is very very low-powered, so much so that it really counts as a divergence." MYSTARA-K: Call of Cthulhu meets Graeco-Roman myth "We play in Norwold and the lands to the south are all ruled by Mindflayers. It's too bizarre to describe quickly but we are free humans and demihumans avoiding being enslaved by the Mind Flayers who are the original race of Mystara and who are taking it back off the current rulers. Everyone either worships Greek and Roman Immortals or the Cthulu Mythos." MYSTARA-L: Lankhmar is the capital of Karameikos "We play in Lankhmar, which is off the coast near Specularum. Specularum is another of the 8 cities of Nehwon. The world is called Nehwon but its Mystara except for the Lankhmar maps and adventures." MYSTARA-M: Off the edge of the Maps [Jonathan Nolan's campaign as DM & player] "Zakhara/Al-Qadim is in the Utter West, beyond Hule, sharing a barbarian problem with Hule. Arm of the Immortals is partly shattered and sunk. The Red Steel stuff is used sparingly and not at all as presented in the Savage Coast books. Wrath of the Immortals is acknowledged as having happened but its more incoherent bits have been quietly left to die a lonely death. Alphatia is sunk, but other than that the descriptions of the Isle of Dawn etc. have been ignored or changed wholesale. Lendore Isle, which was originally added to Greyhawk when published by TSR, has been put in the middle of the ocean on Mystara. There is an Oriental Adventures Taiwan-type island nation and Ochalea is a Japanese Oriental Adventures setting. All types of spellcaster are allowed including mismatched ones such as Wild Mages, Elf Mages and so on. Not all are in the same time period." MYSTARA-N: Ars Magica "We use the Ars Magica system and culture but the Known World as the setting. Excellent!" MYSTARA-O: Mystaraloft "After our DM got Ravenloft the Known World was a horror movie. We are trying to destroy the Red Death and free the Immortals from his clutches. Gunpowder is common, and we visit Blackmoor using a Time Machine quite often. " MYSTARA-P: Magic is fake "The game I am in has some strange stuff. Magic is not real so all the spells are actually illusion effects like David Copperfield or whatever. The only really cool magic is the Blackmoor technology. I don't always know what the technology is because it is described as my character would see it. Unless I get a picture or illustration from a module or done by the DM I never know what the item or spell effect is. There are no PC wizards or priests of religions that grant spells to priests." MYSTARA-Q: Twist of Fate [from Kaviyd@aol.com] As the point of departure for my variant WotI, I would suggest that the debate in Pandius between Rad and Ixion leads immediately to violence among the Immortals themselves. Rather than involve mortals in a bloody war to eliminate the followers of Rad, Ixion decides to eliminate Rad himself. He orders Ilsundal to dispose of Rad, and Ilsundal successfully does so. The only effect noticed by mortals is that Prince Etienne d'Ambreville disappears and is not seen again for many years, until he is brought back by intervention of the Old Ones as described in _Mark of Amber_. In this variant I will assume that Etienne is succeeded by his widow Catherine, and that she manages to hold the family together until Henri poisons her in AC 1009. This stroke so weakens the Fellowship of the Star that the Brotherhood of the Shadow throws their full support behind them. Emboldened, Vanya attempts to assassinate Ilsundal but is stopped by Mealiden, whom she successfully destroys. She then retreats to the protection of her allies in order to evade the wrath of Ilsundal. At this point the groups direct their attentions towards the lands that revere their foes. Since Ixion is revered in Sind, Darokin, and Ethengar and Ilsundal is revered in Alfheim, the Fellowship of the Star launches a threefold attack: 1) The Heldannic Territories (followers of Vanya) invade Ethengar. 2) The Shadow Elves (followers of Rafiel) intensify their campaign to conquer Alfheim. 3) The Master of Hule (a follower of the supposedly neutral Loki) gathers his forces for an attempt to conquer Sind and then Darokin after Loki is recruited into the Brotherhood of the Shadow. Meanwhile, the Ring of Fire directs their efforts against the followers of Vanya in Thyatis and the Heldannic Territories. Glantri is of little concern to them since Rad has already been destroyed. MYSTARA-R: Master of the Desert Nomads / War of the Immortals [Brenda Coulehan's campaign as player and DM] "The Master of Hule has used a technomantic item to kill some opposing Immortals. The we fought him using armies, etc. and then he fought back and flooded the Five Shires. Now there are Avatars and high-level characters fighting the Master and his chosen few in Sind, around a Tibet-type kingdom called Cho-Leng-Leng. Wrath of the Immortals was the beginning of our campain but I can see how some DMs might not be up to the task of making it interesting or handling the changes. Our favorite saying: "change is the only given"." - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * Netbooks: www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/~ksimpson/netbooks.html * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 08:56:43 +0100 (MET) From: Agathokles Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Etienne's Immortal status On Tue, 16 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > > > Originally, when X2 was published, the idea of Immortals hadn't actually > entered the oD&D rules yet. So even if TSR hadn't been sidestepping the > issue, the writer would've assumed Simon worshipped a deity, rather than an > Immortal ... probably (since he's evil/insane in the module) one of the > "dark gods" vaguely mentioned as having connections to the d'Ambrevilles. > > I think "Mark of Amber" says that Simon became a cleric of Razud (an > Alphatian deity -- a DOUBLE no-no, for Glantri! ;-D) after the family's > immigration to Mystara. AFAIK, the NPC clergy who appear in module X2 have > no spellcasting powers, and are Christians. > IIRC, Simon has spells in the X2 module, he bears a christian Holy Symbol, and X2 also says he is evil and corrupted. Clergy in Averoigne may not make open use of magic, but this seems to imply that they have spells. However, I do not remember any other cleric in the X2. Giampaolo Agosta *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 09:47:46 +0100 (MET) From: Agathokles Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - The Taymora On Tue, 16 Feb 1999, Sharon Dornhoff wrote: > > >Perhaps. But the servitude under the Hutaakans should have enforced > >that Nithia culture (remember Plfarr was a large supporter of > >pre-corrupted Nithia). > > That doesn't mean Hutaakan culture and Nithian culture are necessarily much > alike. While their system of writing is similar, there's plenty of things > about these two groups that differ considerably: language, architecture, > presence or absence of a Pharaoh, activity patterns (KW Hutaakans were > nocturnal), types of agriculture they practice (flood-plain farming vs > montane lizard-herding), and how warlike they are. Do Hutaakans herd lizards? I thought they relied on intensive farming, using slaves (the Traldars). Giampaolo Agosta *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 12:05:24 CET From: "Herve Musseau" Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Acronyms List of Mystara relevant acronyms version 1.1 by Hervé Musseau http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/8932/Mystara/acronyms.txt AA (1. Alphatian Artifact; 2. Alfheim Avengers). 1. Artifacts found only in the AS after Alphatia's sinking. 2. Young AE staging terrorist raids on SE after Alfheim's takeover. AC or A.C. (After Crowning of the first Emperor of Thyatis). To calculate dates according to the Thyatian calendar. AC# (Accessory #). Series of adventures and rule supplements(OD&D). The PWAs also have AC as a code (OD&D and AD&D). AE (Alfheim Elves). The main group of surface elves of the KW. AI or AoI (Arm of Immortals). Region linking western Brun and DV. AS (Alphatian Sea). Region east of the KW where Alphatia resides. AY or A.Y. (Alphatian Year). To calculate dates according to the Alphatian calendar. B# (Basic #). Series of adventures for basic level of play (OD&D). BC or B.C. (Before Crowning of the first Emperor of Thyatis). To calculates dates according to the Thyatian calendar. BoR (Brotherhood of Radiance). Clique of Immortals dedicated to pursue researches on the Radiance during WotI. BoS (Brotherhood of Shadow). Clique of Entropics dedicated to making WotI last as long as possible. CAS (Clark Ashton Smith). Author of short stories that have inspired Mystara's Nouvelle Averoigne. CM# (Companion #). Series of adventures for companion level of play (OD&D). CoK (Church of Karameikos). One of the two main churches of Karameikos. CoM (Champions of Mystara). Campaign extension describing the area between the KW and the SC, and skyships (OD&D). CoS (1. City of the Stars; also 2. Chamber of the Spheres). 1. Capital of the SE. 2. Rafiel's Reactor. CoT (1. Church of Traladara; 2. Church of Thyatis). 1. One of the two main churches of Karameikos. 2. The main church of Thyatis. DA# (Blackmoor #). Series of adventures set in the Blackmoor era (OD&D). DDA# (Challenger adventure #). Series of adventures set in the KW (OD&D). DDC (Darokin Diplomatic Corps). Darokin's network of diplomats and spies. DMR# (Challenger rules #). Series of rules supplements (OD&D). DotE (Dawn of the Empires). Campaign extension describing the empires of Thyatis and Alphatia (OD&D). DV (Davania). The southern continent. G:KoM (Glantri : Kingdom of Magic). Campaign setting (AD&D). GAZ# or Gaz# (Gazetteer #). Series of books describing the countries of the KW (OD&D). GC (Greater Carnifex). Beings that lived on Mystara long ago and challenged the Immortals; were banished to the PoB. GM (Great Migration). Humanoid migration questing for the Blue Knife in the MA. GRoF (Great Rain of Fire). Event that destroyed Blackmoor and altered the world axis. HK (Heldannic Knights). Knights of Vanya that rule in Heldann. HW (Hollow World). The inner world of Mystara. HWA# and HWQ1 (Hollow World Adventure #). Series of adventures (OD&D). HWR# (Hollow World Rule #). Series of campaign extension (OD&D). IM# (Immortal #). Series of adventures for immortal level of play (OD&D). IoD (Isle of Dawn). Region east of the KW. JA (Joshuan's Almanac). Book describing the KW and one year of events (AD&D) (AC 1013). JC (Jungle Coast). Region of DV. K:KoA (Karameikos : Kindom of Adventure). Campaign setting (AD&D). KPE (Karameikan Polar Expedition). Expedition that went to the HW and back. KW (Known World). In earlier OD&D products, the region of the world that had been mentioned in module X1. Later refers to the area described in the GAZs, or, more generally, the "civilized" area of the world (from a Thyatian PoV), ranging from the Sind Desert to Alphatia. M or M- (Mystara). Prefix commonly apposed to our real world names to make temporary equivalents for the world of Mystara until they get a new name (e.g. MOrient). M# (Master #). Series of adventures for master level of play (OD&D). MA or NA (Mystaran Almanac or Net Almanac). Series of electronic books describing the world and one year of events each (AC 1014 and beyond). MML or mml (Mystara Mailing List). Where Mystarans discuss the world. MoA (Mark of Amber). Adventure (AD&D). NACE (New Alphatian Confederate Empire). Name of the empire that succeeded the NAE. NAE (New Alphatian Empire). Name of the remains of the Alphatian Empire after Alphatia's sinking. NoS (Nucleus of Spheres). Artifact, source of the Radiance. O# (One-on-one #). Series of one-on-one adventures (OD&D). OB (Outer Beings). Powerful evil beings that warred against the Immortals long ago but are now imprisoned in an outer plane. OD&D or D&D (Original or Old D&D). Old D&D, as opposed to AD&D. OW (1. Old World; also 2. Outer World). 1. KW; also 2. surface world as opposed to HW. NW (Norwold). Region north of the KW. PoB (Pits of Banishment). Plane where the GC were confined to by the Immortals. PC# (Creature Crucible #). Series of campaign extensions for monster races as PCs (OD&D). PWA or PWA# (Poor Wizard's Almanac #). Series of books describing the world and one year of events each (OD&D and AD&D) (AC 1010-1012). RC (Rules Cyclopedia). Compilation of the old rules, with Mystara extension (OD&D). RoF (Ring of Fire). Clique of Immortals dedicated to stop researches on the Radiance during WotI. RS (Red Steel). Name of the setting describing the SC. Also, the name of a substance found only there (AD&D). SA (Schattenalfen). The underground elves of the HW. SC (Savage Coast). An area of Mystara west of the KW suffering from the Red Curse. SD or SoD (Sea of Dawn). Region east of the KW centered on the IoD. SE (Shadow Elves). The underground elves of the KW. TM# or ETM and WTM (Trail Map#). Trail maps of the Eastern and Western KW (OD&D). ToL (Tree of Life). Living artifacts of the elves of Alfheim, incarnations of Ilsundal. WDL (Western Defense League). Association of some states of the KW. WotI (Wrath of the Immortals). Adventure and campaign extension describing events from AC 1004 to AC 1010, and the Immortals (OD&D). X# and XL1 (Expert #). Series of adventures for expert level of play (OD&D). XS# and M# (Solo #). Series of solo adventures (OD&D). _____________________________________________________________ Herve Musseau Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/8932/ Net Almanac: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/9037/ ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 14:33:24 +0100 (MET) From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - Vecna Stats On Sun, 14 Feb 1999 18:37:41 -0000, "Edward Phillips" wrote: <> Hi Edward! Directly from Domains of Dread : Vecna (lich demigod) AC: -10 Str: 25 Mov: 9 Dex: 25 Lev/HD: 30 (!!) Con: 25 HP: 150 (!) Int: 25 THAC0: 2 Wis: 25 #Att: 2 Cha: guess what? Yes, 25 ;) Dam: 2d10+14 (Str bonus for AD&D) Special Att: Paralysis (Lich), double action, spells Special Def: Immortality, hit by +5 weapons These "toned-down" stats are the result of RL's Dark Powers who have trapped Vecna in this physical form. He's now unable to become incorporeal and to create an avatar.. (IN RAVENLOFT ONLY) Now may I ask you why you needed them? :) As a personal opinion, Vecna never struck me for being a particularly attractive character. I still prefer to use the Shadowlord: far more versatile, equally wicked and suitable for every campaign (mind you, he's not a demigod..). <> Wow, well, this is a bit tricky, since there are many abilities it could get. Just do yourself a favour and buy the newly released Van Richten's Compilation (Monster Hunter Compilation or something like that IIRC), it contains the updated Van Richten's Guide to Vampires (now OOP) and two other VR guides (probably Created and Werebeasts IIRC) in a single sourcebook!! All with rehashed style and format.. This is strongly advised to everyone who likes to use undead and golems in their campaigns!!! DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 14:34:06 +0100 (MET) From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - Mystara Pseudobiblia Hi everyone! Today I seem to be particularly inspired, so I'll propose another funny thing to enrich our beloved world: what about creating a Mystara Pseudobiblia, that's to say a list of fictional books and tomes to scatter around Mystara? Looking at some old modules (M modules in particular), there are many of such tomes mentioned. This is the list I've made so far (not a comprehensive one, I think): M5, Talons of Night All Mine, by unknown: an unathorized biography of Thincol I Torion; Bigelo's Book of Legend, by Bigelo: a scientific and accurate study of the truth behind the most famous legends of the Old World; History of the Known Lands (twenty volumes listed, probably forty or sixty in total): detailed history of the nations of the Known World; Legends of a Thousand Lands, by Whandar of Garth: collection of Mystaran legends; Mystic Canon (2 books listed): religious teachings of the Thothian mysticism (many references to spiders since they've been influenced by araneas); Popular Theories of Outer Plane Geography, by Issek Khafre: dissertation on planar geography and laws and Outer Planes' descriptions; Prophecies of St. Juilliard: prophecies about the future (St. Juilliard was probably a monk of the Church of Thyatis); The People from the Void, by Geshepsut: a chronicle detailing the history of Alphatia and Thyatis from the Thothian point of view; The Rise and Fall of the Dunadale Confederacy, by Corum E'liery: a treatise on the history of the Dunadale Confederacy; Thothian Annals (five volumes listed, probably ten in total): detail the history of Thothia as the Thothians remember it; Visitors from Beyond, by unknown: folklore about the origins of some civilizations of Mystara; M3, Twilight Calling Codex of the Planes (one volume listed, probably as many as twenty): description of Outer Planes' specifics; Charms of the Green Realm, by Etienne d'Ambreville: description of the Green Realm, one of the Seven Realms; Diary of a Time Traveler: exactly what the title explains, the diary of a Mystaran Chronomancer; Dreams and Nightmares (1 volume listed): probably a personal diary about oniric experiences (could have been a novel was it not for the fact it's kept in volumes); Encyclopedia of the Bards: collection of poems and songs; Essay on the Pourpose of Life: hermetic ramblings on the meaning of life; Exotic Interplanar Foods (23 tomes listed): list of interplanar foods and their tastes/properties; Glantrian Arcane Code: cryptic sayings and predictions; Life of a Castellan, by Hippolito de Belcadiz: ramblings on architecture kept in a diary; Life of Prince Moriem: auto-biography of a mad wizard; Lord McGregor's Teachings, by Brannart McGregor: teachings on the meaning of life engraved on skulls (27 skulls listed, probably a looot more..) Lore of the Seven Realms, by Vanserie Vlaardoen IX: a general description of the Seven Realms; Origins of Magic, by Morphail Gorevitch-Woszlany: treatise on the nature of magic and a list of the darkest magical items; Positive Thinking in Spell Research: a series of scrolls on the topic "magic" bound together and catalogued with four numbers and two letters for each scroll (ex: 3456-XZ); The Lost Worlds, by Aitch G. Wails: probably a fantasy novel (look at the author's name..); Thieves' Manual: advices to the perfect thief; Tome on Halfling Philosophy: halfling sayings; Tome on the Followers of Air, by Eriadna: treatise on air-based magics and the element of air; Treasure Hunter's Guide, by Jaggar von Drachenfels: personal diary of Prince Jaggar's deeds, probably a novelized biography; Treaty of Exploration, by Gunntarr Rolfsen: the personal diary of an explorer; Unearthed Fantasia, by a Guild of Wizards: cryptic verses about the Outer Planes; Wise Guide to Outer Planes Adventuring: a planewalker's compendium of wise sayings and good advices; So, these are the ones I've gathered so far. I've created many others, but for now I'd like you to list other titles and authors mentioned in official Mystara supplements that I have not listed above. This would be very kind of you, thanx. ;) DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #91 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message. mystara-digest Wednesday, February 17 1999 Volume 1999 : Number 092 Mystara is a trademark of TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. The following topics are covered in this digest: [MYSTARA] - NPC: Kurt Schneider (LONGish) [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA: CUSTOM: The darkness of mere being RE: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Re: [MYSTARA] - Immortal Question for Frank Mentzer Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive RE: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) RE: [MYSTARA] - Acronyms ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 14:36:54 +0100 (MET) From: DM Subject: [MYSTARA] - NPC: Kurt Schneider (LONGish) Okay, since we're talking about demigods and powerful villains, I just thought it could be the right opportunity to introduce you one of the best five villains I've ever created IMC. This guy was the focus of a major epic campaign just a few years before WotI (and it was tied to WotI), and its deeds have also caused another great campaign in those same years but with another group of players (the campaigns I play with different gaming groups tend to be all related). Do not be afraid (well, no, actually BE afraid ;)) of his stats and powers: there's a good story behind them. Up to now, my players still think he's the coolest villain they've ever battled. ;) Kurt Schneider (Exalted Demigod) [note: the numbers before the slash refer to Kurt's characteristics when he was still a mortal, the numbers after the slash refer to his demigod status] AC: -2 / -7 Str: 10 / 22 (+5) Lev: M23 / HD: 23+ Int: 18 / 29 (+7) Hp: 60 / 150 Wis: 12 / 26 (+6) THAC0:11 / 4 Dex: 17 / 28 (+7) ST: M23 / M23 Con: 15 / 27 (+5) Mv: 15(5)/ 60(20) Cha: 10 / 20 (+4) # Att: 1 / 2 fists or 1 spell Dam: var / 2d6+5 per fist or var. Power Points: 250 AL: Chaotic XP: 60,500 Special Defenses as mortal: Bracers of Defense AC3 Ring of Protection +3 Dex bonus as demigod: AC 0 + dex bonus Anti-Magic 70% Hit only by +3 weapons or better Hit only by those who are "hasted" twice Regenerates 10 hp/round Regenerates 25 Power Points/round Immune to normal cold, heat or electricity Special Attacks: Power Points & Spells Appearance: Kurt Schneider is a typical representative of the Schneider family of Aalban: tall, lean, with light blue eyes and once long blond hair which have now turned snowy white after the transformation. His gaze is piercing and somewhat mocking, often accompanied by a malicious grin that gives his pale visage a dangerous enough look. He's lean but well built, and when he enters physical combat (something he never liked in his mortal life), his body shows powerful muscles tightening under the skin, giving the opponent the impression of a titanic strength flowing in a human body. He always favours white garments, usually white long sleeved robes with a black belt and black boots, even though after his transformation he doesn't really care if he's dressed or naked, since he doesn't fear weather and doesn't care about others' moral opinions anymore. Now HE is the one telling them how to behave. History: Born in Leenz (Principality of Aalban, Glantri) in AC 960, Kurt was the first son of Dietrich Schneider, an important nobleman who served the House of Ritterburg in the military. The father decided from the beginning that his son would have followed a different path and at the age of six sent him away to Glantri City to attend the Great School of Magic and become a renowned mage. Indeed, Dietrich was a mere fighter and couldn't hope to gain more influence in the politics of the Principality than that which he already had. He knew that the only way to ascend the ranks of nobility was to be a magic-user, and so he wanted Kurt to become one, in order to have the opportunity to acquire a small dominion for the family in the future. During the school years, Kurt distinguished himself in the fields of alchemy and monster anatomy, earning the attention and the guidance of Herr Rolf Graustein, at those times teacher at the Great School and arcane researcher in his free time. Kurt assisted Herr Graustein in many experiments both inside and outside the school, and from him he inherited the passion for Alchemy (becoming an initiate in the Secret Craft of Alchemy) and for Creation of new species. His personal project for graduation was the creation of a stone golem, which he finally completed in AC 980. Despite the fact that he graduated a bit late in comparison to his classmates, he was never considered inferior to them by Herr Graustein, who understood the genious of his mind. The two continued to work together for a bit until AC 982, when Herr Graustein was called to Schloss Ritterburg by his old time friend Jaggar von Drachenfels, now the Prince of Aalban. The new Prince needed the genious and the experience of Herr Rolf to devise new plans to improve the army and his own dominion, and Kurt was thus forced to abandon his mentor and returned home. There he stayed for a few years, helping his father in daily administration of their land holdings. Dietrich steadily filled the youth's mind with visions of power and greatness about his future as a mage and landlord, and from his father Kurt also inherited the thirst for power as well as the love for his land, Glantri. In AC 985 he decided to travel the Principalities to wise up a bit on how the things worked in the other parts of Glantri and in the following five years he teamed up with his cousin, Ernst Jaeger, and his friends, accumulating knowledge and treasures during their adventures in Glantri, Wendar and Darokin. Kurt returned home in AC 990 and was greeted with honors by his family, but his return was somehow dulled by another event: the birth of his younger sister Heike Schneider. Seeing all the affections and attentions of their parents devoted to the child, Kurt retreated into his magical studies to find satisfaction and self-fulfillment. With his fortunes he built a lonely tower in a secluded valley between Graez and Morlay and began experimenting with magical brews and monsters. In all these years, he had been cherishing only one dream: the creation of an "Uebermensch", an exalted creature he will have used to lead Glantri to the conquest of the nearby lands, eradicating the humanoids and the Ethengars that threatened his country. In AC 993 he published an important essay ("De Arcana Combinatio") concerning the alteration of living tissues by magical crossbreeding, which prompted long accademic debates at the Great School of Magic. In AC 994, as a result of his work, Herr Graustein contacted him and proposed his former student to take part in a secret experiment under the direct supervision of Lord Jaggar von Drachenfels. Kurt immediately accepted, eager to work with his old mentor and to show his ability to the Prince. This way Kurt began to work on the so called "Project Eclipse" with a team of highly experienced scholars and wizards at Schloss Ritterburg: their ultimate goal was the creation of an army of nearly invincible demi-golems Jaggar wanted to use to exterminate the enemies of Glantri. The wizards had been working on this secret project, financed by the Prince of Aalban, since AC 985, but so far the samples produced had not met the requirements established by Prince Jaggar. Kurt took the opportunity to continue his studies and helped the other wizards to create new crossbreeds. But even though each new sample could be considered powerful and certainly had unique peculiarities, they didn't seem able to avoid certain vulnerabilities which made the demi-golem easily defeatable. Around AC 997 the guinea-pigs and the voluntaries for the experiments (captive humans, demi-humans and monsters) were alarmingly low in numbers, and so Jaggar, advised by Herr Doktor (as Rolf Graustein was called at Castle Ritterburg) hired a group of thieves and gypsies to travel around the Principalities and the free lands of Glantri and kidnap suitable victims, returning at the end of each semester to Schloss Ritterburg to deliver the prisoners. The victims should have been non spellcasters (since Jaggar resented using other arcanists) and possibly boast a good stamina to resist the experiments. Again on Herr Doktor's advice, Jaggar put at the head of this group Dervargas, a "human" being created in laboratory by Herr Doktor and utterly loyal to him, in order to prevent any treachery on the thieves' part. Thus the (in)famous Itinerant Carnival of Dervargas was created, and with his many attractions (some of which were in fact magical experiments of Herr Doktor gone awry) began to travel Glantri kidnapping people here and there on a regular basis. However, since they never kidnapped more than a person every six months in each village, the disappearences never worried the local authorities. In spring of AC 1001 Kurt Schneider made the discovery that literally changed his life. During the usual explorations near his tower (where he went back about once every three months to find new components and consult his library), inside a small cave he found a strange mineral that showed to have amazing properties. Indeed, once combined with specific alchemical substances and melted, it stimulated the cerebral cells to the point that the imbiber of this alchemical solution could shape the reality around himself without exploiting spells or usual spell-powers. After the first experiments with animals, Kurt was able to distillate a potion that would have rendered permanent the effects of the "Gottstein" (Godstone was the name he gave to the mineral), and he secretly tried it on a Boldavian girl, Tatyana Miroslavic, held prisoner in Schloss Ritterburg. However, the potion was still unstable despite Kurt's efforts to improve it, and the girl wasn't able to control the immense powers that she began to display. Alarmed and fearing the other wizards could discover his parallel experiments, Kurt tried to kill the girl to eliminate any proof against him. However, thanks to her mental powers Tatyana was able to escape the dungeon and reached Glantri City. There, she found refuge by some Darokinian mages members of the Dragon's Den [a renowned wizards' guild in Darokin IMC -DM], and they took the girl under their protective wing after discovering her mental powers. Then they helped Tatyana flee the Principalities hiding her in their caravan directed to Darokin City (apparently, she was impervious to any Teleporting attempt). Kurt Schneider was furious and determined to kill the girl, who could have caused him great troubles in the future. So he conjured up a creature of the Nightmare Dimension, a Kru'gar (Nightmare Stalker), and bound him, ordering him to kill Tatyana. The kru'gar soon located the girl and trapped her dream-self into a dreamscape where he slowly began to terrorize her (since he feeds on his victim's fears), killing her mind bit by bit. Seeing Tatyana's mental sanity fading away with each passing day, the wizards of the Dragon's Den contacted Stefanius of Thyatis (Demetrion Karagenteropulos) and asked his help to cure her and to teach her how to master her uncanny powers. A group of trusted adventurers (the Company of the Continual Light - my PCs, DM) was hired to transport Tatyana from Darokin to Thyatis City, where Stefanius was waiting for them. They had to carry her across Darokin and Karameikos by horse, since she could not be Teleported and feared both fying and the sea (and the wizards of Darokin clearly instructed the party not to scare her..). However, during the trip they were assaulted by a group of bandits hired by Kurt to dispose of them, but they managed to kill them off also thanks to Tatyana's mental powers. In Karameikos they discovered the nature of Tatyana's bad dreams (the kru'gar) and confronted the creature in their dreams, but they were able to defeat him only after one of them (Tatyana's lover) enlisted the help of a nightmare hag for a personal price [but that's part of yet another long campaign -DM]. When they arrived in Thyatis however, Tatyana's mental illness was far too bad to be cured, and she finally gave off to her powers while in the County of Vyalia, sowing destruction behind her. Only her lover's self sacrifice prevented her from annihilating herself as well as the whole group, trapping the two souls inside the girl's conscience. In the end, however, he too was saved by the direct intervention of his Immortal Patron, Korotiku, who put the girl into a cataleptic sleep before it was too late, laying her to rest in a crystal coffin in the Outer Plane of Mirage. [this was the first adventure of the campaign, "A Girl In Danger" - DM] Kurt thought to have eliminated the girl and so he proceeded with his plans, now working secretly on his parallel experiment without notifying the fellow wizards. However, he needed more wealth and resources to further his studies, and so began to steal gold and materials (and slaves) provided by the Prince of Aalban for his ultimate goal. After some years, his collegues began to notice the disappearence of components and guinea-pigs and after some investigations a couple of them discovered Kurt was behind the thefts. Kurt was near his long sought goal and couldn't allow the petty mages to hinder him or worse, to denounce him to the Prince, so he decided to kill them by making it look like an accident. At this time (AC 1003), the Company of the Continual Light was in Glantri investigating the mysterious disappearence of a priest of Ixion on behalf of the Patriarch of Corunglain. The priest was an infiltrate who migrated to Glenmoorloch in AC 1001 after experiencing a vision from his patron and was working under cover to convert followers to Ixion and discover information on Glantri's rulers for the church. He was reported missing at the beginnin of AC 1003, when his monthly report didn't arrive, and the Company (owing a debt to the Partiarch) was sent to investigate. The Company, after first suspecting the Lord of Klantyre for being behind the priest's disappearence, were finally led by a mysterious stranger on the right path and discovered that the Itinerant Carnival of Dervargas was behind the priest's and many other Glantrians' disappearence. They retraced the Carnival's trail and arrived in Graez, where they managed to capture Dervargas and forced him to tell the truth. When Kurt Schneider spotted their arrival at Schloss Ritterburg, he thought to use them as scapegoats: they were caught exploring the manor and immediately after the tower where all the wizards were conducting their experiments exploded. Only Herr Doktor managed to survive and the Company was captured. Kurt Schneider fled to his tower and went to work to complete the potion that would have made him an "Uebermensch". However, after interrogating the Company and thanks to Herr Doktor's testimony, Jaggar von Drachenfels was able to discover Kurt's treachery and marched towards his tower to kill the traitor, together with his army of demi-golems and followed by the Company. Kurt had not the time to test "der Götterblut" ("the Gods' Blood", his potion) and so he drank it just when the Prince's troops started attacking his tower. The Götterblut proved to be a veritable potion of immortality and Kurt was transformed into a powerful demi-god. After defeating the small army, Kurt and Jaggar engaged in personal combat, and the Prince was forced to Teleport to his castle when he saw his attacks easily absorbed by Kurt Schneider. Kurt soon followed, as did the Company. In the ensuing battle Schloss Ritterburg was destroyed by a massive wave of energy unleashed by the demigod, who thought to have killed all the members of the Company who were inside as well as Prince Jaggar. However, Rheddrian Benekander intervened with a Time Stop, rescuing the members of the party, while Herr Doktor teleported to Glantri City and there proceeded to Clone Jaggar following his Prince's orders. Kurt then flew southwards and began exterminating all the most famous companies of adventurers of the Known World to be sure that none would have challenged his power in the future. He wanted to show to the Old World his might and to unify all the countries under his rule: all the rulers who dared refuse his will would have been slain. In the meantime, Benekander (who turned out to be the mysterious stranger who helped the Company in Klantyre - by this time my PCs didn't know he was an immortal, for them he was only Rheddrian, DM) and the Company of the Continual Light tried to devise a plan to stop Kurt, and the party understood that only somebody with his powers could defeat him. So they went to Vyalia and Rheddrian created a Gate to Mirage to free Tatyana from her slumber. There the party (without Rheddrian) discovered that the curative powers of an artifact known as the Jewel of Roan could have helped them revive the girl, and they set forth to retrieve it. Traveling for days across a seemingly endless desert where their magic didn't function, two of them (the only survivors) finally arrived at the City of Brass, where the Jewel was said to be hold, and retrieved it after confronting its guardian. The Jewel was in fact blessed water, and with it they were able to raise their companions and Tatyana as well, curing her of her madness. The party returned to Mystara thanks to Tatyana's powers and tracked down Kurt, who in the meantime had killed all the most famous adventurers found in Darokin, Karameikos and Ierendi [the death of the Kia'i in Ierendi also caused a civil war between the wizards of Honor Island and the Council of Ierendi, but this is another group's campaign -DM]. They caught up with Kurt Schneider right after he had killed Thincol Torion and all the gladiators of Thyatis and engaged in a duel above Thyatis City. Caught by surprise by Tatyana's return, he teleported to Glantri hoping to elude the party and regain his powers, but she tracked him and followed him together with the Company. In the last battle, Kurt was finally killed while Tatyana was holding him still using her mental powers: he exploded in an immense wave of energy, and in that explosion Tatyana disappeared as well. [This was the end of the whole campaign titled "Man or Immortal?" -DM] The Truth Behind Actually, Kurt alone couldn't have created such a powerful Potion, and indeed were it not for Hel's secret intervention in the final preparation, the effects of the Götterblut would have been only temporary. But Hel was toying with Kurt ever since his discovery of the Gottstein and wanted to use him to cause further mischief inside the lines of the Fellowship of the Star. Indeed, by AC 1000 the funds given to the Project Eclipse were doubled due to Etienne's own meddling in the affaire. He had discovered Jaggar's military project and joined his secret efforts in prevision of a possible war with Alphatia and Ixion. On his part, Ixion was sending priests inside Glantri to monitor his rival's actions, and the poor priest kidnapped by the Carnival served to ignite the powderkeg. Benekander just happened to be monitoring the area when he saw the PCs investigating, and he threw himself in the thing as well. This whole fact also made the PCs suspect something was brewing in the years before the WotI. As for the Civil War in Ierendi and the consequences of Tatyana's lover's pact with a nightmare hag, well, these are different stories.. ;) Current Sketch Currently Kurt Schneider is only a soul without a body. Having been destroyed but not in the proper way (see below under Powers), he is now forced into incorporeal state in the (Border) Ethereal, while he regenerates his strengths to reform a new body. Currently he cannot be seen nor detected by anyone, and he himself is in suspended animation and has no power over himself. He is virtually inexistant in the Multiverse... but this is going to change in only 25 years. When he will reform by AC 1028, things are going to get really nasty for Mystara... again. Powers Kurt can use his Power Points to create every magical effect available to the Sphere of Entropy at the same Temporary PP costs (see old Immortal Rules Set). He is not aware of the other ways of using Power Points (i.e. Power Attacks, Probe, Immortal Spells of WotI rulebook, etc..), but this doesn't mean he cannot cast them once he learns how to do it. Also, he can use his PP in a very peculiar way, one the Immortals are not allowed to by their nature: to unleash waves of destructive energy. These waves are considered as a magical attack like the breath weapon of an Immortal Dragon, but they are subject to A-M areas. He can use all the PP he wants to create the wave (up to his maximum current PP), and all those caught in the wave must make a ST vs Spells to halve the damage. The wave may be directed at a single target (always hits) or be a cone of 27 mts maximum length and 9 mts wide at the outer rim. He can also project his PP wave around himself in a 27 mts radius, automatically hitting all those within this range. [Imagine a 250 hp wave.. my PCs have dealt with it.. - DM] If Kurt is reduced to 0 Hp but retains 100 PP or more, his body is disintegrated, causing an explosion in a range of 1 mt per PP left for 1d100 points of damage (save vs spells to halve). His soul is trapped into an incorporeal stasis in the Ethereal Plane while he gathers the strengths to reform a new body in 1 year for every 10 PP he possessed. If he's reduced to 0 Hp and has 99 PP or less remaining, then he's forever killed. - ---- PS: the characters of Kurt Schneider was inspired by main character of the manga "Bastard!" while Tatyana Miroslavic was mildly modeled after Tetsuo from the anime "Akira". It is interesting (to me at least) to note that I first created Tatyana and her adventure as a stand-alone, and then invented the whole story about Kurt and this campaign to explain her powers and background. Well, it turned out to be damn good, both from the DM's and the players' point of view. The trickies thing was on the PCs' part was understanding that they couldn't possibly win alone against Kurt and had to awaken Tatyana. I said this was tricky because the two adventures were played not one after the other, but with many others in the middle (2 gaming years passed between them) and their memories tend to be vague sometimes. Fortunately enough, this time they got the link. As usual, comments welcome ;=) DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 01:05:42 +1100 (EST) From: "Jonathan Nolan, Barrister & Solicitor, FTIA" Subject: [MYSTARA] - MYSTARA: CUSTOM: The darkness of mere being This is an adaptation of a Sumerian songprayer I use as the intro to the whole Etienne / Rad thing in the post-WotI world... It makes a nice change from the almanac type blurbs, which are not always appropriate. The confusion of rleationships is quite deliberate. I get a bit tired of characters manifestign player knowledge in all its intricacies so I emphasize sometimes how confused 'mere mortals' can be at the machinations of the 'Deathless Ones'. Accursed is Rad! Ixion made broad understanding perfect in Rad, to disclose the design of the land. To him he gave wisdom, but did not give eternal life. At that time, in those years, Rad was a Mage, son of Radiance. Ixion created him as a protecting spirit among mankind. A Mage whose word nobody rejects - clever, extra-wise, he was one of the Immortals, holy, pure of hands, the god-priest who always tends the rites. He does the baking with the bakers of Radiance, he tends the food and water of Radiance every day, sets up the offerings table with his pure hands, without him no offerings table is cleared away. He takes out the boat of a million years and goes fishing for Radiance. At that time Rad, son of Radiance, when he had got Ixion out of bed, used to feed the holy bolt of Radiance every day. At the holy quay called Karusakar he embarked in a sailing boat and without a rudder his boat would drift, without a steering-pole he would take his boat out into the broad sea. LEADER OF THE PRAYERS: ... East Wind... send him to live in the fishes home. PRIEST PLAYING RAD: East Wind, though you send your brothers against me, however many there are, I shall still break your wing! No sooner had he uttered these words than East Wind's wing was broken; for seven days East Wind did not blow towards the land. Alphatia's Son called out to his vizier Ankh-Alpha, Why hasn't East Wind blown towards the land for seven days? His vizier Ankh-Alpha answered him, My lord, Rad the son of Ixion has broken East Wind's wing. When Alphatia's Son heard this word, he cried The Spheres help him!; rose up from his throne. Send for him to be brought here! Ixion, aware of The Spheres's ways, touched him and ... made him wear his hair unkempt, clothed him in mourning garb, gave him instructions, Rad, you are to go before the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son. You will go up to The Spheres, and when you go up to The Spheres, when you approach the gate of the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son, Vanya and Alphaks will be standing in the gate with Alphatia's Son, will see you, will be asking you questions, Old man, on whose behalf do you wear mourning garb? You will make answer two gods have vanished from our country, and that is why I am behaving like this. Who are the two gods who have vanished from the country? They are Vanya and Alphaks. They will look at each other and laugh a lot, will speak a word in your favor to Alphatia's Son, will present you to the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son in a good mood. When you stand before the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son they will hold out for you bread of death, so you must not eat. They will hold out for you water of death, so you must not drink. They will hold out a garment for you, so put it on. They will hold out oil, so annoint yourself. You must not neglect the instructions I have given you: keep to the words I have told you. The envoy of the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son arrived. Send me to Rad, who broke East Wind's wing. He made him take the way of The Spheres and Rad went up to The Spheres. When he came up to The Spheres, when he appraoched the gate of the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son, Vanya and Alphaks were standing in the gate with Alphatia's Son. They saw Rad and cried The Spheres help him! Old man, on whose behalf do you look like this? Rad, on whose behalf do you wear mourning garb? Rad answered, two gods have vanished from the country, and that is why I am wearing mourning garb. Who are the two gods who have vanished from the country? Vanya and Alphaks They looked at each other and laughed a lot. When Rad drew near the presence of the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son, Alphatia's Son saw him and shouted, Come here, Rad! Why did you break East Wind's wing? Rad answered Alphatia's Son, My lord, I was catching fish in the middle of the sea for the house of my lord Ixion. But he inflated the sea in a storm and East Wind blew and sank me! I was forced to take up residence in the fishes' home. In my fury I cursed the East Wind. Vanya and Alphaks responded from beside him, Each spoke a word in his favor to Alphatia's Son. The hearts of the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son Were appeased and he grew quiet. Why did Ixion disclose to wretched mankind the ways of The Spheres and earth. give them a heavy heart? It was he who did it! What can we do for him? Fetch him the bread of life and let him eat! They fetched him the bread of life, but he would not eat. They fetched him the water of life, but he would not drink. They fetched him a garment, and he put it on himself. They fetched him oil, and he annointed himself. Alphatia's Son watched him and laughed at him. Come, Rad, why didn't you eat? Why didn't you drink? Don't you want to be immortal? Alas for downtrodden people! Rad told all, saying, but Ixion my lord told me:'You musn't eat! You musn't drink!' And the Immortals who answer Alphatia's Son said take him and send him back to his earth. He will not eat of the food and drink of the Immortals. His name will not be taken from the Book of Death. So did Ixion prevail over Rad the Son of Radiance and trick Rad into giving up his Immortality. Accursed is Rad! - -------------------------------------------------------------------- * * Jonathan Nolan FTIA - International Law practice call 618 89310176 * * - -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 15:16:05 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies Bravely bold Sir Robin Brought forth from Camelot. He was not afraid to die, Oh, brave Sir Robin! He was not at all afraid to be killed in nasty ways. Brave, brave, brave Sir Robin. He was not in the least bit scared to be mashed into a pulp. Or to have his eyes gouged out, and his elbows broken! To have his kneecaps split, and his body burned away And his limbs all hacked and mangled, brave Sir Robin. His head smashed in and his heart cut out, And his liver removed and his bowls unplugged, And his nostrils raked and his bottom burnt off, And his penis-- Brave Sir Robin ran away. Bravely ran away away.... When Danger reared its ugly head, He bravely turned his tail and fled Yes brave Sir Robin turned about And gallantly chickened out.. Bravely bravely bravely bravely Bravely bravely bravely bravely Bravely bravely brave Sir Robin! From: Monty Python and the Holy Grail Kristian > -----Original Message----- > From: James Ruhland [SMTP:jruhlconob@sprynet.com] > Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 1999 6:23 AM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Vecna - Apologies > > > > Damage/Attacks: 2d10+14 (due to strength) > > > > Combat: Each attack with his withered hand does 2d10 life drain energy > (no > > save or protection), and +14 from strength. > > > See, this is how panics set in. Some slag read that and assumed that Vecna > drained 2d10 + 14 levels with each hit. > No, dude: it is 2d10 + 14 damage with each hit. Hit Points (life > energy) > not energy levels (sloppy phrasing, I admit. I assume it was TSR's > phrasing). > Most Immortals could do fine against Vecna. They produce magical > effects > and have immunities in similar ways. Any Hierarch could flip him into the > trash with ease. Non-Immortal PCs on the other hand, should pursue the > "Brave, Brave Sir Robin" strategy when dealing with Vecna. . . > > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 15:21:07 +0100 (MET) From: DM Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Immortal Question for Frank Mentzer On Tue, 16 Feb 1999 00:42:02 -0800, Andrew Theisen wrote: <> Well, Andrew, I'm not Frank Mentzer, but I think I can help you on this one.. <> I DO use a new spell system invented by one of my players: it's based on Magic Points (similar to PP for Immortals) and gives much more flexibility to magic-users and clerics. The amount of MP each MU receives depends on his Intelligence (Wisdom for Clerics) and his level, and grow with experience. If you're interested, let me know (since it's written in italian..). We did assign each spell a MP value and also determined values cathegories for each level (say at level 1 the MP for each spell can range from 2 to 10, BUT a wizard with INT of 9 points will only be able to cast spells with 6 MP or lower!). DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 15:31:12 +0100 (MET) From: DM Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Furmenglaive On Tue, 16 Feb 1999 16:38:13 -0000, "Edward Phillips" wrote: <> Hey, Vampire Hunter D is not second rate! In Japan there are about 15 novels published starring D and they all sell damn good! anyway, sorry it wasn't what u were looking for... but maybe if you just change his name it might still work? After all, this D is not named after Dracula, but rather after his mother... guess who she is now.. :) DM *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 15:41:23 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) >Maybe they could be the M-Picts! Howling, woad-smeared dwarves charging >their enemies in the buff, their unkempt beards flapping round their ankles >as they run, would be amusing.... :-) Except to their enemies of course!! > -----Original Message----- > From: Sharon Dornhoff [SMTP:dornhoff@bio.umass.edu] > Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 1999 12:39 AM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - [MYSTARA] Dwarves of Thonia (was: - The Hin) > > >>These dwarves are probably more barbaric than the Rockmome dwarves. They > >>live in small communities lead by chieftains. There is both war and > trade > >>between the communities. These dwarves probably live in longhouses > rather > >>than under the mountain. > >> > >>These dwarves have spiked hair and wear tatoos painted in intricate > >>circular patterns. (just an idea to make em look different) > > Maybe they could be the M-Picts! Howling, woad-smeared dwarves charging > their enemies in the buff, their unkempt beards flapping round their > ankles > as they run, would be amusing.... :-) > > > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 15:57:42 +0100 From: Kristian Kramer Subject: RE: [MYSTARA] - Acronyms And OTOH? Can't seem to find that one... Kristian > -----Original Message----- > From: Herve Musseau [SMTP:herve@hotmail.com] > Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 1999 1:05 PM > To: mystara-l@MPGN.COM > Subject: Re: [MYSTARA] - Acronyms > > List of Mystara relevant acronyms > version 1.1 by Hervé Musseau > http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/8932/Mystara/acronyms.txt > > AA (1. Alphatian Artifact; 2. Alfheim Avengers). 1. Artifacts found only > in the AS after Alphatia's sinking. 2. Young AE staging terrorist raids > on SE after Alfheim's takeover. > AC or A.C. (After Crowning of the first Emperor of Thyatis). To > calculate dates according to the Thyatian calendar. > AC# (Accessory #). Series of adventures and rule supplements(OD&D). The > PWAs also have AC as a code (OD&D and AD&D). > AE (Alfheim Elves). The main group of surface elves of the KW. > AI or AoI (Arm of Immortals). Region linking western Brun and DV. > AS (Alphatian Sea). Region east of the KW where Alphatia resides. > AY or A.Y. (Alphatian Year). To calculate dates according to the > Alphatian calendar. > B# (Basic #). Series of adventures for basic level of play (OD&D). > BC or B.C. (Before Crowning of the first Emperor of Thyatis). To > calculates dates according to the Thyatian calendar. > BoR (Brotherhood of Radiance). Clique of Immortals dedicated to pursue > researches on the Radiance during WotI. > BoS (Brotherhood of Shadow). Clique of Entropics dedicated to making > WotI last as long as possible. > CAS (Clark Ashton Smith). Author of short stories that have inspired > Mystara's Nouvelle Averoigne. > CM# (Companion #). Series of adventures for companion level of play > (OD&D). > CoK (Church of Karameikos). One of the two main churches of Karameikos. > CoM (Champions of Mystara). Campaign extension describing the area > between the KW and the SC, and skyships (OD&D). > CoS (1. City of the Stars; also 2. Chamber of the Spheres). 1. Capital > of the SE. 2. Rafiel's Reactor. > CoT (1. Church of Traladara; 2. Church of Thyatis). 1. One of the two > main churches of Karameikos. 2. The main church of Thyatis. > DA# (Blackmoor #). Series of adventures set in the Blackmoor era (OD&D). > DDA# (Challenger adventure #). Series of adventures set in the KW > (OD&D). > DDC (Darokin Diplomatic Corps). Darokin's network of diplomats and > spies. > DMR# (Challenger rules #). Series of rules supplements (OD&D). > DotE (Dawn of the Empires). Campaign extension describing the empires of > Thyatis and Alphatia (OD&D). > DV (Davania). The southern continent. > G:KoM (Glantri : Kingdom of Magic). Campaign setting (AD&D). > GAZ# or Gaz# (Gazetteer #). Series of books describing the countries of > the KW (OD&D). > GC (Greater Carnifex). Beings that lived on Mystara long ago and > challenged the Immortals; were banished to the PoB. > GM (Great Migration). Humanoid migration questing for the Blue Knife in > the MA. > GRoF (Great Rain of Fire). Event that destroyed Blackmoor and altered > the world axis. > HK (Heldannic Knights). Knights of Vanya that rule in Heldann. > HW (Hollow World). The inner world of Mystara. > HWA# and HWQ1 (Hollow World Adventure #). Series of adventures (OD&D). > HWR# (Hollow World Rule #). Series of campaign extension (OD&D). > IM# (Immortal #). Series of adventures for immortal level of play > (OD&D). > IoD (Isle of Dawn). Region east of the KW. > JA (Joshuan's Almanac). Book describing the KW and one year of events > (AD&D) (AC 1013). > JC (Jungle Coast). Region of DV. > K:KoA (Karameikos : Kindom of Adventure). Campaign setting (AD&D). > KPE (Karameikan Polar Expedition). Expedition that went to the HW and > back. > KW (Known World). In earlier OD&D products, the region of the world that > had been mentioned in module X1. Later refers to the area described in > the GAZs, or, more generally, the "civilized" area of the world (from a > Thyatian PoV), ranging from the Sind Desert to Alphatia. > M or M- (Mystara). Prefix commonly apposed to our real world names to > make temporary equivalents for the world of Mystara until they get a new > name (e.g. MOrient). > M# (Master #). Series of adventures for master level of play (OD&D). > MA or NA (Mystaran Almanac or Net Almanac). Series of electronic books > describing the world and one year of events each (AC 1014 and beyond). > MML or mml (Mystara Mailing List). Where Mystarans discuss the world. > MoA (Mark of Amber). Adventure (AD&D). > NACE (New Alphatian Confederate Empire). Name of the empire that > succeeded the NAE. > NAE (New Alphatian Empire). Name of the remains of the Alphatian Empire > after Alphatia's sinking. > NoS (Nucleus of Spheres). Artifact, source of the Radiance. > O# (One-on-one #). Series of one-on-one adventures (OD&D). > OB (Outer Beings). Powerful evil beings that warred against the > Immortals long ago but are now imprisoned in an outer plane. > OD&D or D&D (Original or Old D&D). Old D&D, as opposed to AD&D. > OW (1. Old World; also 2. Outer World). 1. KW; also 2. surface world as > opposed to HW. > NW (Norwold). Region north of the KW. > PoB (Pits of Banishment). Plane where the GC were confined to by the > Immortals. > PC# (Creature Crucible #). Series of campaign extensions for monster > races as PCs (OD&D). > PWA or PWA# (Poor Wizard's Almanac #). Series of books describing the > world and one year of events each (OD&D and AD&D) (AC 1010-1012). > RC (Rules Cyclopedia). Compilation of the old rules, with Mystara > extension (OD&D). > RoF (Ring of Fire). Clique of Immortals dedicated to stop researches on > the Radiance during WotI. > RS (Red Steel). Name of the setting describing the SC. Also, the name of > a substance found only there (AD&D). > SA (Schattenalfen). The underground elves of the HW. > SC (Savage Coast). An area of Mystara west of the KW suffering from the > Red Curse. > SD or SoD (Sea of Dawn). Region east of the KW centered on the IoD. > SE (Shadow Elves). The underground elves of the KW. > TM# or ETM and WTM (Trail Map#). Trail maps of the Eastern and Western > KW (OD&D). > ToL (Tree of Life). Living artifacts of the elves of Alfheim, > incarnations of Ilsundal. > WDL (Western Defense League). Association of some states of the KW. > WotI (Wrath of the Immortals). Adventure and campaign extension > describing events from AC 1004 to AC 1010, and the Immortals (OD&D). > X# and XL1 (Expert #). Series of adventures for expert level of play > (OD&D). > XS# and M# (Solo #). Series of solo adventures (OD&D). > > > _____________________________________________________________ > Herve Musseau > Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/8932/ > Net Almanac: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/9037/ > > > ______________________________________________________ > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com > ************************************************************************** > * > To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the > line > 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara-l' as the body of the message. ------------------------------ End of mystara-digest V1999 #92 ******************************* *************************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list send mail to majordomo@mpgn.com with the line 'unsubscribe mystara' as the body of the message.