FAMOUS PEOPLE
Though conversion guidelines for reformatting your Mystara campaigns for use with the new 3rd Edition D&D game are not quite complete, here is a taste of what some famous NPCs in and on Mystara might look like under the new rules system. Two of these characters partake of a brand new Prestige format class-the buraiya-, which can be found exclusively in this year's almanac as well!
Note: Skills and feats do not include bonuses or penalties due to ability scores, armour, equipment, or feats.
Distinguished Dead
Alebane, Ogre King of Xorg in Orcland.
Alebane, the notorious and self-styled "king" of ogres, plagued the nations of the Old World for many years. Once a vassal of the orc-king Thar, Alebane subsequently formed armies of his own on several occasions and harassed civilised lands. He was finally laid low by the dwarven hero Norred Blackbeard, on Klarmont 9 of last year. Remnants of his goblinoid army are still roaming in Rockhome territory, and his holding of Xorg has been annexed by the ruler of Orcland, Governor-General Tlatepetl. Alebane was reportedly 40 years old.
Catherine, Queen of Bellayne.
The ruler of the rakasta nation of Bellayne was laid to rest on Flaurmont 22, following her death five days earlier. The cause of her death is not known, but it is suspected to be natural in origin (she had been ill for some time). Queen Catherine ruled for nearly two decades, and was much beloved by all her subjects.
Deguerrand, Gerard, Seneschal of Morlay-Malinbois in Glantri.
Deguerrand was given the position of seneschal in Prince Malachie du Marais' household shortly after the death of his brother, Claude. Claude Deguerrand was also an employee of Prince du Marais in previous days. Gerard, evidently secretly a werewolf, was slain while assisting the terrorist group known as Les Loups de la Guerre on Flaurmont 20, AC 1016. His death has brought much unwanted attention to the lycanthropic residents of Morlay-Malinbois.
Draeh, Rebel Jennite Leader of Verdan in Esterhold.
Draeh, leader of secessionist Jennites in Esterhold, was slain Kaldmont 13, while leading an attack on the city of Faraway. It is feared that his death may further harm relations between Jennites and Alphatians in Esterhold.
Dromedon, King of Aegos in Nayce.
In one of the truly epic battles of recent history, King Dromedon slew a powerful magical beast called by some a burrower. The creature had been wreaking tremendous havoc in the Sea of Dawn ever since being dredged up beneath the depths of Pittston on Aegos, and Dromedon had clashed with it several times. During the final conflict on Fyrmont 9, Dromedon was slain by the tremendous energies the fight generated. He was 51 years old.
Grimm, Stellmann, Norwold Scholar.
Grimm was one of two sages who undertook a search for the crown of the first emperor of Thyatis in AC 1013. His body was discovered in an inn in Port Hatti in Thyatis on Ambyrmont 22, AC 1016. Witnesses at the inn prior to his death report he claimed to have finally found what he had sought for years.
Gylharen, King of Wendar.
The sorcerer-king of the northern realm of Wendar was treacherously slain by the clanmaster of the Long Runner clan of elves. On Fyrmont 7, AC 1016, Clanmaster Beasthunter slew the king of Wendar during celebrations of a national festival. Beasthunter's subsequent whereabouts are not precisely known. We at the Mystaran Almanac have not been able to accurately ascertain King Gylharen's age at the time of his death, due to conflicting reports.
Kadan, Khan of the Kiyats in Ethengar.
The 63 year old khan of the Kiyat tribe died of natural causes on Flaurmont 11 of last year. Before his death, he passed on the rulership of the Kiyats to Manghai Khan, husband to Kadan's eldest daughter. With this decree, the existence of the Kiyat tribe was effectively ended as they were merged with the Murkit tribe of Manghai Khan.
Linton, Lucius, Astinius, and Calen, of Linton House in Darokin.
On Vatermont 25, AC 1016, Lucius Linton and his two eldest sons were assassinated by agents in the employ of prominent Minrothaddan guild masters. Linton's youngest son, Corwyn, narrowly avoided a similar fate. The loss of several of its most important members and the opportunistic tactics of Minrothaddan merchants have caused Linton house to drop from the number two ranking in Darokin to number four. Lucius was 83, Astinius was 59, and Calen was 56 years old.
Nordenshield, Thrais, Clan Head of Skarrad in Rockhome.
Evedotar Nordenshield was executed on Vatermont 5, 1016 by goblinoids and renegade dwarves under orders of Bifia Lyrrast. Lyrrast and her husband, Duric were cast out of the Hurwarf clan and exiled from Rockhome in 1011, after an unsuccessful bid for rulership of the nation. Thrais Nordenshield was 74 years old.
Oaxapotli and Tlachtatlatlan, Imperial Heirs to the Azcan Throne.
The only surviving sons of the deceased Emperor Moctitlapac and brother to his similarly deceased successor, Emperor Azcotica, were slain on Thaumont 10, AC 1016. Both men were ritually sacrificed to Atzanteotl on the orders of His High Priest Chupicuaro. Chupicuaro subsequently attempted to install himself as emperor, but was defeated by the forces of Otziltipac. The high priest of Atzanteotl is still at large.
Ranalfir of Halfanel's Haulage Co. in the City of Stars.
Ranalfir was the youngest son of the shadowelf Halfanel, founder of the haulage company of the same name. In Aengmor following his escort of a merchant from the underground to the surface, Ranalfir was killed under mysterious circumstances. Authorities in Aengmor are offering a reward of 500 brights for information leading to the capture of his killers; his father Halfanel is offering 1,200 brights for same.
Stepanov, Dimitri, Hard-ball Player of Karameikos.
The Karameikan youth was killed, apparently a victim of the terrorist group known as the Alfheim Avengers, on Fyrmont 17 of last year. He was a rising star in the hard-ball arena, and had a brilliant future ahead of him. He was 19 years old.
Zuberi, Slagovich Naval Commander.
The Yavdlom native, who was commissioned to lead the navies of Slagovich by that nation's margrave, was found dead in his bed on Eirmont 9, AC 1016. Hojahan mercenaries are suspected, though rumours persist that Zuberi may have somehow escaped his fate.
Adventurers, Mages, and Priests
Ioannes Rosattas, Lord of Verge.
Ioannes was a successful officer of the Thyatian Ministry of Trade for many years, before overzealous investigators wrongfully seized his properties and imprisoned him and members of his family. The corrupt officials were eventually caught by Emperor Eusebius, and Rosattas exonerated, but not before he managed to escape Thyatis and claim asylum in Karameikos. Since then, the disaffected Rosattas has elected to stay in the kingdom, and was recently granted the dominion of Verge. Born: AC 975. Hair: Blond, now grey. Height: 5' 3". Eyes: Green. A childhood bout of kobold flu has left Rosattas with severe arthritis.
Male human Ari5: HD 5d8+5; hp 24; Init -3; Spd 30; AC 8 (Dexterity penalty, ring of protection +1); Atks +3 melee (1d4/crit 19-20, dagger); SV Fort +2, Ref -2, Will +8; AL LN; Str 10, Dex 5, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 16.
Languages: Thyatian (Karameikan dialect), Traladaran, Elvish (Vyalia dialect).
Equipment: Ring of protection +1, cloak of elvenkind.
Skills: Appraise +8, Bluff +5, Diplomacy +8, Gather Information +7, Innuendo +5, Listen +6, Read Lips +6, Ride +4, Sense Motive +7.
Feats: Iron Will, Skill Focus: Diplomacy, Skill Focus: Appraise.
Feldian Lehenard, Officer in the Grand Army of Glantri.
Feldian is a mundaner-a person with no magical aptitude-, which makes him a second-class citizen in Glantri. Nevertheless, he managed to win the heart of Princess Juliana Vlaardoen many years ago. Though the Black Eagle has also taken an interest in her, Feldian is determined to fight for his love. Born: AC 983. Hair: Brown. Height: 5' 11". Eyes: Green. A handsome man, but completely unaware of the fact. When not in uniform, he dresses very simply.
Male human Ftr7: HD 7d10+7; hp 53; Init +1; Spd 30/20; AC 11 (Dexterity bonus) or 21 (full plate, large shield, Dexterity bonus); Atks +11/+6 melee (1d8+2/crit x2, masterwork long sword) or +12/+7 melee (1d8+6/crit x3, heavy lance +2); SV Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +2; AL LG; Str 15, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Languages: Thyatian (Glantrian dialect).
Equipment: Heavy lance +2, horseshoes of speed, potion of aid.
Skills: Climb +2, Craft: Carpentry +4, Handle Animal +4, Jump +2, Ride +10, Spot +4.
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Mounted Combat, Ride-by Attack, Spirited Charge, Trample, Weapon Focus: Heavy Lance, Weapon Focus: Long Sword, Weapon Specialisation: Heavy Lance.
Vincienzo di Randazzi, Baron of Ylourgne.
Vincienzo is the consummate gamesman-he will place bets on the slightest whim, and he wins more often than not. He is particularly adept at games involving his summoned creatures, and he was the champion dart-thrower at the Great School of Magic. Now he has turned his attentions to the greatest game in Glantri-politics. Born: AC 979. Hair: Black. Height: 5' 9". Eyes: Brown. Vincienzo always has a twinkle in his eye, and his money pouch close at hand.
Male human Wiz/Conj10: HD 10d4; hp 31; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (Dexterity bonus); Atks +5 melee (1d4/crit 19-20/x2, dagger) or +10 ranged (1d4+1/crit x2, dart +1 of returning); SV Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +6; AL NG; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 17, Wis 13, Cha 17.
Languages: Averoignian, Thyatian (Glantrian dialect).
Equipment: Bag of tricks (rust coloured), dart +1 of returning (x2), deck of illusions, rod of wonder.
Skills: Alchemy +2, Bluff +5, Concentration +10, Craft (Woodworking) +3, Diplomacy +2, Knowledge (Arcana) +4, Pick Pocket +4, Profession (Gambler) +13, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +3.
Feats: Craft Wondrous Item, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quicken Spell, Rapid Shot, Scribe Scroll, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Weapon Focus: Dart.
Most Wanted Infamous Villains
Basileios Zarides, Lord of Krakov.
Basileios was a corrupt Thyatian official who was forced to flee during Emperor Eusebius' governmental purges of AC 1013. Just before his illegal activities were exposed, he sought political asylum in Karameikos, posing as a wrongly persecuted noble. Since then, he has managed to bribe and connive his way into the ranks of Karameikan nobility. Born: AC 979. Hair: Black. Height: 6' 4". Eyes: Blue. Zarides is a tall rail of a man, constantly pale from lack of exposure to the sun and illness.
Human male Ftr1/Rog3: hp 18; Init -1; Spd 30; AC 9 (Dexterity penalty); Atks +3 melee (1d6/crit x2, short sword); SA Sneak attack +1d6; SD Uncanny dodge, Evasion; SV Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +2; AL LE; Str 11, Dex 9, Con 7, Int 16, Wis 13, Cha 15.
Languages: Alasiyan, Ochalean, Thyatian (Thyatian dialect).
Equipment: Circlet of persuasion.
Skills: Bluff +6, Climb +4, Decipher Script +2, Diplomacy +3, Forgery +2, Gather Information +3, Handle Animal +4, Hide +2, Innuendo +3, Jump +4, Listen +2, Move Silently +2, Open Lock +2, Read Lips +2, Ride +4, Search +2, Sense Motive +2, Swim +4.
Feats: Alertness, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus: Bluff, Weapon Focus: Short Sword.
Hara Rudraksha, Maharajah of Peshmir.
Eldest son of the Maharajah of Kadesh, Hara was groomed nearly from birth to join the ranks of the buraiyas. Keenly aware of his father's coldly pragmatic interests in his son, Hara grew to be a bitter, cruel man. Since the birth of his daughter in AC 1010, Hara's spirit has begun to lighten. Though he is still far from benevolent, his cruelty has tempered somewhat. His change of attitude, however, has put him at odds with his father and the cult of the buraiyas. Born: AC 980. Hair: Black. Height: 5' 11". Eyes: Green. Hara wears his dark hair short, and keeps a trim moustache. His right cheek bears a severe burn mark, legacy of a childhood punishment by his father.
Male human Ftr9/Bur3/Rog1: HD 9d10+4d6+26; hp 89; Init +3; Spd 20 ft.; AC 16 (Dexterity penalty, scale mail +1, ring of protection +2); Atks +17/+12/+7 melee (1d6+7/crit 18-20 x2, unholy scimitar +2), or +16/+11/+6 melee (1d4+4/crit 15-20 x2, kukri +1 of wounding); SA Sneak attack +1d6; SV Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +4; AL CN (E tendencies); Str 16, Dex 9, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 11, Cha 16.
Languages: Sindhi, Thyatian (Darokinian dialect).
Equipment: Amulet of proof against detection and location, kukri +1 of wounding, ring of protection +2, scale mail +1, unholy scimitar +2.
Skills: Climb +5, Disguise +3, Gather Information +3, Handle Animal +3, Hide +10, Intimidate +8, Jump +4, Knowledge (Nobility) +2, Knowledge (Religion) +4, Move Silently +10, Ride +4, Sense Motive +3.
Feats: Blind-Fight, Death Blow, Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Kukri, Improved Critical: Kukri, Improved Initiative, Improved Unarmed Strike, Point Blank Shot, Two Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus: Scimitar, Weapon Focus: Kukri, Weapon Specialisation: Scimitar.
Spells: Currently, Hara Rudraksha does not receive spells from Kala. If his alignment should ever return to CE, he will cast spells as a 3rd level buraiya (-/1).
Kabir Rudraksha, Maharajah of Kadesh.
The maharajah once hoped to expand his dominion by marrying his son off to the daughter of the Maharajah of Peshmir and then assassinating him. Unfortunately, son Hara didn't play along with the plan. The two men are now bitter enemies, and their dominions are embroiled in vicious civil war. Kabir is secretly the patron and leader of the buraiyas. Born: AC 957. Hair: Black, shaved bald. Height: 6' 1". Eyes: Grey. Though aging, Rudraksha's dark eyebrows and short beard continue to give him a sinister look that is effective in intimidating his underlings.
Male human Bur10/Rog7: HD 17d6-7; hp 54; Init +5; Spd 30; AC 19 (Dexterity bonus, amulet of natural armour +4, padded armour +3); Atks +16/+11/+6 melee (1d4+1/crit 18-20, assassin's kukri +2), or +15/+10/+5 ranged (1d8/crit 19-20, light crossbow +2 of distance); SA sneak attack +9d6, death attack (DC 22), Spells; SD Uncanny Dodge, Evasion; SV Fort +4, Ref +13, Will +10; AL LE; Str 9, Dex 13, Con 8, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 16.
Languages: Sindhi, Thyatian (Darokinian dialect), Hulean.
Equipment: Amulet of natural armour +4, assassin's kukri +2, light crossbow +2 of distance, padded armour +3, ring of mind shielding, ring of regeneration.
Skills: Balance +4, Bluff +8, Climb +3, Concentration +2, Decipher Script +2, Diplomacy +4, Disable Device +4, Disguise +7, Escape Artist +6, Forgery +6, Gather Information +12, Hide +12, Innuendo +5, Intimidate +8, Knowledge (Nobility) +3, Knowledge (Religion) +15, Listen +5, Move Silently +12, Open Lock +3, Read Lips +4, Search +3, Sense Motive +7, Spot +3, Tumble +2, Use Rope +2.
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Point Blank Shot, Silent Spell, Still Spell, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus: Kukri.
Spells: -/4/3/3/2.