Famous Folk
What world would be complete without its heroes and villains. Or more importantly, the bartenders who serve your ales and the wealthy merchants who pay you the rewards. This section deals with some of the most renowned people on the face of Mystara, whether for their heroic quests, beautiful voices, or depraved deeds.
SINGERS, POETS, AND SCRIBES
The following people are famous artists and entertainers whose songs and poems are renowned throughout the world.
Akatrina (human, female, T2)
Akatrina is a Traladaran painter who has earned some fame at painting nobility and other famous folk. To date, her most impressive painting is of Count Anaxibius Torion of Redstone; a painting of him when he was still a gladiator training Thyatian soldiers during the war between Thyatis and Alphatia in the Wrath of the Immortals.
Akatrina is an attractive young woman in her early twenties. Standing exactly 5 feet tall, her long black hair is tied back in a tail. She loves to wear revealing clothing, as it draws attention to her, and hence her work. She also has blue eyes, an unusual and believed to be lucky trait among the Traladarans.
Berthog the Mighty (human, male, F7)
Berthog is a proud warrior from Ostland who participates regularly in the World Games. Since AC 1012, he has won several competitions, including wrestling, weight lifting, and discus throwing, and many believe that he may just be the strongest man alive. Between World Games, he travels through Darokin and Thyatis, putting on displays of his strength in numerous villages. Many children love to watch him lift wagons with his bare hands, and his tales of pirate raids are also entertaining.
Berthog is an extremely muscle-bound human with pale blond hair, a full beard, and a scar running down his right cheek. His bright blue eyes show a merriment and zest for life, while the battle axe he always carries on his belt says he's ready for anything.
Emilio the Great (human, male, no class)
Emilio is a Darokinian who has travelled the Old World, performing shows in almost every major city. The thespian has written several successful plays (such as The Goblin and the Knight), and several flops (notably The Sinking of Alphatia). Despite his uneven performances, Emilio continues to receive much sponsoring by wealthy Darokinians. His favourite cities are Selenica and Mirros, although the eccentric actor can be found in virtually any civilised city of the Old World.
Emilio is a tall man in his mid fifties. He tries to hide his age by dying his hair black and wearing a thin moustache. His eyes are brown. He dresses in high-quality clothing and is never seen without his silver-headed cane; except when performing, that is.
Falinost (elf, male, F3/M3)
Falinost is a Shiye Elf from Shiye-Lawr who was adventuring on the continent of Skothar when his homeland sank beneath the waves. Upon returning home and hearing of the fate of his kindred, Falinost was struck with such grief that he often contemplated suicide. Instead, he turned to writing, and his poems and short-stories are some of the saddest anyone can bear. Beneath the Waves is his most touching tale, in which he describes all that was dear to him and now lost beneath the Alphatian Sea. Falinost's current whereabouts are unknown, and many believe that he has tried to reach the Hollow World upon learning that Alphatia might still exist deep beneath his feet.
Falinost has pure silver hair and bright amber eyes. He was always well dressed, and easily became upset when adoring fans accidentally wrinkled his clothing.
Yolanda of Luln (human, female, no class)
Yolanda of Luln is a famous Traladaran singer in her mid thirties. Famous for her songs on love, heartbreak, and tragedies, Yolanda has a beautiful voice that has regaled even the Royal Family of Karameikos. Her most impressive song is The Black Tyranny, which talks about the suffering of the people of Luln during the reign of Ludwig von Hendriks in the nearby Fort Doom. Yolanda rarely travels outside Karameikos, and can usually be found at the Black-Heart Lily in Mirros.
Yolanda is slender and of medium height. She has waist-length straight black hair, and large brown eyes. Although almost always wearing brightly coloured dresses and several pieces of jewellery, it is usually of little worth.
ADVENTURERS, MAGES, AND HEROES
The following people are heroes and adventurers who have risked their lives to save others, earning their gratitude, adoration, and respect.
Erian (shadow elf, male, no class)
Erian is the son of King Telemon of the shadow elves. This young prince boldly marched into the mist of the civil war and demanded that his people stop fighting amongst themselves. The prince was then hit by a stray arrow; an event which caused the nearby elves to stop their battles. The respect they have for their youngest prince, risking his own life for his people, was enough to cause a cease-fire. Erian ended the civil war, and many believe it is only the first step on his way to greatness.
Ghazan Khan (human, male, F7)
Son of the late Oktai, Ghazan has risen to become the newest khan of the Taijits. He publicly denounced his father after proof of Oktai's treachery surfaced, and swore his allegiance to the Great Khan of Ethengar. He is a tormented young man, torn between his hatred over his father's treason, and his loyalty to the man. Born: AC 994. Hair: Black, shaved on top. Eyes: Brown. Height: 5' 5". Appearance: Wiry build; long moustache. In the Taijit tradition, Ghazan always wears some sort of head covering. Combat Notes: AL LN; AC 3 (banded mail); MV 12; F7; hp 41; THAC0 14; #AT 3/2 sabre or 2 composite short bow; Dmg 1d6+3 or 1d6; Save F7; S14 D15 C11 I12 W10 Ch13; ML 14. Weapon Specialisation: Composite short bow. Magical Items: Sabre +2.
Jemugu Khan (human, male, F13)
Son of Chagatai, Jemugu rose to take his father's place as khan of the Yakkas upon his father's death (of natural causes) early last year. He shares his father's vision of an Ethengarian Empire, and is utterly loyal to the Great Khan. He was overjoyed to be able to attack the hated Taijit clan last year, and has been instrumental in aiding Moglai in keeping down groups of Taijit rebels. Born: AC 968. Hair: Black, shaved on top. He wears a topknot. Eyes: Brown. Height: 6'. Appearance: Jemugu is a massive figure for an Ethengarian. Tall and imposing, he still manages a commanding presence even though he is getting on in years; his tendency to wear gaudy clothing only draws further attention to him. Combat Notes: AL LN; AC 3 (banded mail); MV 12; F13; hp 80; THAC0 8; #AT 5/2 sabre or 2 composite short bow; Dmg 1d6+6 or 1d6; Save F13; S18/34 D12 C16 I9 W13 Ch10; ML 16. Weapon Specialisation: Sabre. Magical items: Banded mail +1, Ring of Spell Turning.
Ludwig "Black Eagle" von Hendriks (human, male, F13)
Ludwig von Hendriks in an evil man who was once known as the Black Eagle Baron in the nation of Karameikos. His title was removed by his cousin - King Stefan Karameikos - for the cruel and inhuman treatment he gave the inhabitants of his land. Halflings of the Five Shires soon kidnapped the former baron. But the Black Eagle was rescued by the forces of Prince Kol of Glantri, and he has been a guest of New Kolland ever since. Ludwig became a Glantrian hero upon slaying the Golden Khan, hence saving the nation of Glantri from the Ethengarians. Warriors of the magocracy now look up to the most popular man in the nation - a man who isn't a mage!
Ludwig is a handsome man who dresses entirely in black, which fits in perfectly with Glantri's current fashion. Though nearly in his sixties, he only appears to be in his early forties thanks to his continuous training and excellent health. His hair is, fittingly enough, completely black with no traces of grey. He wears a well trimmed beard and moustache.
McDuff, Angus (human, male, M15)
During a raid into Glantri early in his career, Thar the orc-king kidnapped a minor noble, Lady Myra McDuff, and forced her to bear him a son; Angus McDuff is the product of that union. The infant Angus was rescued from Thar's clutches when forces from Fort Nordling drove the orc and his legions out of Glantri. He was raised by teachers at the Great School of Magic, under the name Angus McClintock, and rose to become a Professor Emeritus. Always shunned for his hideous looks, Angus left Glantri to explore the world, and eventually stumbled onto the lost city of Oenkmar. He remained in the ancient city for years, until he was forced to flee during the Shadow Elf invasion of AC 1012, whereupon he returned to the Great School of Magic, bringing a wealth of information about the ancient city and its people with him. Born: AC 970; Hair: White; Eyes: Grey; Height: 5' 6". Appearance: Angus' orcish heritage is evident to any who see him. From his porcine nose to his rotten teeth, he is truly an ugly sight to behold. He has long since given up any hope of attempting to disguise his appearance in public. Combat Notes: AL LG; AC 7 (ring of protection +3); MV 12; M15; hp 28; THAC0 16; #AT 1 spell; Dmg By spell; Save M15; S9 D14 C11 I18 W12 Ch6; ML 10. Magical Items: Ring of Protection +3, Boccob's Blessed Book.
Thunder (human, male, T11)
Born to one of the premiere noble families in Bluenose, Arogansa (Alphatia), Thunder grew accustomed to the good life at an early age. Upon reaching adolescence, his family was scandalised to learn that their only son (he has two older sisters) was unable to utilise magic. His family allowed him enough money to become Gentry - the highest status a non-magic user can attain in Alphatia. He quickly tired of his lesser status and journeyed to Thyatis, where he quickly rose through the social ranks due to his good looks and foppish charm, and his antics with one of the premiere adventuring companies of Thyatis. He disappeared from the social scene during the Great War, but returned a few years back to become one of the most publicly admired members of the Empire - the fact that his adventuring companions are influential military and governmental figures didn't hurt any, either. Born: AC 976; Hair: Blond, tied in a ponytail; Eyes: Amber; Height: 5'9". Appearance: Thunder is a strikingly handsome man with a wiry build. He dresses in the latest fashions and always carries his jewelled rapier and stiletto at his side. Combat Notes: AL NG; AC 5 (ring of protection +2); MV 12; T11; hp 46; THAC0 15; #AT 1 rapier or stiletto; Dmg 1d6+1 rapier or 1d3+2 stiletto; Save T11; S15 D17 C12 I12 W13 Ch16; ML 12. Magical Items: Ring of Protection +2, Stiletto +2.
MOST WANTED INFAMOUS VILLAINS
The following people are wanted in various nations of the world, often with large rewards for their capture.
Blackguard (human, male, T11)
This notorious thief first made his appearance in the nation of Arogansa in Alphatia many years ago. He gained fame through his dazzling burglaries on noble's houses - made all the more unbelievable due to the fact that there was no evidence that he possessed any magical abilities of his own to foil the magic users' precautions! He, or someone claiming his name, eventually resurfaced in the city of Thyatis, where he once again performed some amazing burglaries - most notably on the homes of visiting Alphatian dignitaries. Though he disappeared for a time during the Great War, recent thefts in the city of Thyatis on the homes of expatriate Alphatians bear his calling card - a black velvet domino mask. There is a 5,000 Lucin reward for his capture, alive. Born: Unknown; Hair: Unknown; Eyes: Unknown. Appearance: One unconfirmed sighting noted a figure dressed entirely in black, bearing a vast assortment of tools and carrying a long sword. Combat Notes: AL NG; AC 5 (ring of protection +2); MV 12; T11; hp 46; THAC0 15; #AT 1 longsword +1; Dmg 1d8+1; Save T11; S15 D17 C12 I12 W13 Ch16; ML 12. Magical Items: Ring of Protection +2, Longsword +1 (Luckblade), possibly other assorted items to aid in theft.
Hoolg Red Mane (red orc, male, C9)
A direct descendant of the orcish hero Big Chief Sitting Drool, Hoolg Red Mane was well bred to become chieftain of Red Orcland. He studied with the tribal shamans at an early age, and eventually turned his sights to tribal politics, quickly rising to leadership of his people. He is rather unusual for an orc, in that he prefers to study a foe before battle, in order to learn all his secrets. It is partially for this reason that he was chosen by his patron Immortal, Wogar, to lead the latest Great Goblinoid Migration to find the lost Blue Knife. Born: AC 976; Hair: Long, shaggy red hair. Eyes: Blue. Height: 6'. Appearance: Reddish skin; vaguely simian facial features. Hool often wears tribal facial paints and feathers. Combat Notes: AL LN; AC 5 (leather armour and headband); MV 12; C9 (of Wogar); hp 40; THAC0 16; #AT 1 hand axe or spell; Dmg 1d6+1 or by spell; Save C9; S16 D15 C11 I14 W14 Ch12(15 to other orcs); ML 15. Magical Items: Head Band of Protection +2.
Hutai-Khan (hobgoblin, male, F11)
Hutai-Khan was captured by Oenkmarians and sent into slavery at a young age. He eventually escaped, after learning much from the Oenkmarians, and returned to take over as khan (chieftain) of Hobgobland. He finally returned to Oenkmar in AC 1012, to get his revenge on his former master Xilochtli, only to learn the orcish priest had already fled the city. Together with Alebane and Tlatepetl, Hutai-Khan managed to survive the Shadow Elf takeover of Oenkmar and return to the surface world. Born: AC 968; Hair: Rusty brown. Eyes: Red. Height: 6' 7". Appearance: Pale orange skin; vaguely oriental facial features. Dresses like an Ethengarian warrior. Combat Notes: AL LE; AC 4 (chain mail and shield); MV 12; F11; hp 55; THAC0 10; #AT2/1; Dmg 1d8+4; Save F11; S13 D14 C12 I12 W14 Ch14; ML 14. Weapon Specialisation: Scimitar. Magical Items: Scimitar +2.
Moghul-Khan (devil swine, male, F9)
Born a normal Yellow Orc of the Broken Lands, Moghul-Khan rose to become a clan chieftain. During a raid into New Averoigne, he was inflicted with lycanthropy, and was transformed into a Devil Swine - an evil lycanthrope with the abilities to turn into a hog and to Charm others. Doubtless it was these abilities that allowed him to become the khan (chieftain) of Yellow Orkia. He didn't join in Thar's ill-fated assault on Glantri in 1006, preferring to stay in the Broken Lands. He was driven out of Yellow Orkia by the Shadow Elves, and is currently staying in Orcland, where he raids the Ethengar Khanates. The Great Khan will pay a hefty bounty for him, dead or alive. Born: AC 970; Hair: Dusty brown hair, knotted in a pigtail. Eyes: Cold, icy blue. Height: 5' 5". Appearance: Dull yellow skin; overweight with ugly Pekingese facial features. Combat Notes: AL CE; AC 10 (3); MV 12; F9; hp 50; THAC0 12; #AT 2 hand (1 tusk) or Charm; Dmg Special (as per martial arts table +3) (2d6) or Charm; Save F9; S16 (18) D14(13) C13 I15(16) W9 Ch11(9) (stats in parentheses are scores for Devil Swine form); ML 12. Weapon Specialisation: Martial arts, 2 slots (+2 to hit and damage; +2 chart bonus). Magical Items: Nosering of Invisibility.
Nizam (gnoll, male, F11)
Gnollish pasha (chieftain), Nizam distinguished himself at an early age with his holy crusades against gnollish heretics of northern Ylaruam. Upon his return to the Broken Lands, he was quickly placed on the South Gnollistani throne as tribal chieftain. Nizam suffers from multiple personalities - a sign of favour of his patron Immortal, Ranivorus - which served him well in his early political career. Now, as he enters old age, however, he is little more than a babbling madman, useful only as a tool of Ranivorus, who has his own plans for the legendary Blue Knife and the Great Migration. Born: AC 977; Hair: Tan mohawk, mostly grey. Eyes: Grey. Height: 6' 9". Appearance: Light brown hair with black spots. Nizam's normal tendency to hunch over is greatly exaggerated with his age. He wears puffy pants in the Ylari style and a long, black cloak. Combat Notes: AL CE; AC 10; MV 12; F11; hp 54; THAC0 10; #AT 2/1; Dmg 1d6+4; Save F11; S17 D13 C12 I14 W9 Ch14 (16 to other gnolls); ML 16. Weapon Specialisation: Sabre. Magical Items: None.
Tlatepetl (red orc, male, F10)
Born ? in the orcish city of Oenkmar, this red orc grew up into a life of slavery and was sent off to the tlachtli pits at an early age. There he blossomed into a great tlachtli player and team leader, the idol of the masses. As must inevitably happen, his team eventually lost to another, and were sent to the temple of Atzanteotl to be sacrificed. He was rescued from certain death by Lord Zotl Tehuantipoca, the general of the Oenkmarian army, as much for his demonstrated leadership abilities as to pull one over on Xilochtli, the high priest of Atzanteotl. Renamed Tlatepetl, to hide him from the clergy, he quickly rose in the ranks of the Oenkmarian army, eventually taking over as General upon the death of Lord Zotl in 1012 AC. He bears a strong hatred of priests and shamans to this day. Born: AC 990; Hair: Bright orange. Eyes: Blue. Height: 5' 11". Appearance: Dull reddish hide; simian facial features. Tlatepetl's body is covered with numerous scars, testimony to his days as a Tlachtli player and prisoner of the Oenkmarian clergy. Combat Notes: AL LE; AC 3 (scale mail); MV 12; F10; hp 70; THAC0 11; #AT 2/1; Dmg 1d6+5; Save F10; S14 D17 C16 I13 W10 Ch12 (15 to other orcs); ML 16. Weapon Specialisation: Footman's mace. Magical Items: Mace +2, Periapt of Wound Closure.
DISTINGUISHED DEAD
The following distinguished people are reported to have met their demise in AC 1014.
Chagatai
Khan of the Yakkas in Ethengar. Chagatai had been the khan of the Yakkas for 39 years. He died of natural causes on Flaurmont 5 of last year, and was replaced by his eldest son as khan of the tribe. Chagatai had just turned 69.
Mikhaelevich, Davinos
A young Traladaran man from Kelven, Davinos had approached King Stefan Karameikos about reparations for Thyatian transgressions against his people. He was killed on Felmont 3 by agents of the Veiled Society, a hate organisation based in Mirros, who were hoping to stir up anti-Thyatian sentiment in Karameikos. Davinos had recently turned 19.
Doverson, Lenard
A cleric of Vanya, Lenard Doverson had the misfortune of being caught up in the Inquisition taking place in the Heldannic Territories last year. He was put on trial for heresy, and executed before a court of his peers on Yarthmont 14. Perhaps not coincidentally, the very next day, all Heldannic Knights reportedly lost their clerical powers. Lenard was 20 years old.
al-Kalim, Mohammed
Sultan of the Emirates of Ylaruam. The former Sultan was a direct descendant of the legendary Ylari hero, Suleiman al-Kalim. He was executed, along with his Council of Preceptors, on Kaldmont 21, following a civil war in the Emirates. Mohammed al-Kalim was 57 years old.
Oktai Khan
Khan of the Taijits in Ethengar. Oktai was executed by the Great Khan on Ambyrmont 8 of last year. He was revealed to have betrayed the khanates through his dealings with Glantrians and goblinoids. Oktai was 40 years old.
Ragnisdottir, Astrid
We are sad to report that Astrid Ragnisdottir, a Mystaran Almanac Correspondent and cleric of Odin, was killed last year during the Battle of Falun Caverns. She had sustained serious injuries during the final battle against a horde of fiends on Klarmont 25, and was unable to recover. Her contributions to the Almanac, and her presence, will be sorely missed. We hope that she has found peace in the halls of Valhalla. Astrid was 45 years old.
Rhoona, Stephan
Duke Stephan Rhoona, of Vestland, was killed on Fyrmont 10 of last year, during an invasion of his dominion by goblinoid forces. A strong supporter of King Harald Gudmundson, Duke Stephan's rule was plagued by tragedies, such as the time he was placed under a curse by an Ethengarian cleric and his northmen allies. Duke Stephan was 67 years old.
Thra'gh The shaman of the Hardanger kobolds and personal aide to the kobold leader Psa'gh, Thra'gh was slain on Klarmont 23
by his own missummoned fiends. The kobold was reportedly 78 years old.
Xanthus
There have been unconfirmed reports
that Xanthus, the former king of Blackrock in Esterhold was slain
when his skyship crashed on Thaumont 25 of last year, during an
attack on the Kingdom of Verdan by NACE forces. Xanthus was 65
years old, and was renowned for his cruel treatment of Jennite
slaves in his kingdom.