The Wild Hunt of Mystara
by HåvardWe have talked about this before, but I figured it deserves its own thread.
BACKGROUND
The Wild Hunt is of course a phenomenon from real world mythology. Britain, Scandinavia and many parts of Europe have their own variant of these legends. In more recent times, the Wild Hunt has also been popularised in such things as the Witcher series.
THE WILD HUNT OF MYSTARA
The Wild Hunt is probably best compared to a cosmic force of nature. Like a storm, it sweeps across the planes of the multiverse.Those observe it compare it to a group of huntsmen mounted on horses with fierce hounds. The riders ofte have bestial features as their mounts thunder through the wilderness or even flying across the skies of any plane of existence. Wherever they go, those who observe them shiver.
The Wild Hunt can disappear as quickly as it appears. Some believe that it was Odin who lead the first Wild Hunt. Others have lead the Hunt over the aeons, both Immortals and other powerful figures such as the horned creature Herne the Hunter (X2 illustration), King Gwynn ap Nudd of the Fairy Kingdom of Annwn (PC1) and others. It is said that anyone who knows the secrets of the Wild Hunt can summon it. But doing so always involves a risk, as it means unleashing a poweful force that is very difficult to control. Spectral Hounds will always be part of the Wild Hunt. Similarly, fairy creatures who observe the Wild Hunt will be compelled to join the hunt, often involuntarily being transformed into huntsmen or hunting beasts themselves. The Hunt usually starts out on the Plane of Faerie (The Feywood) or in a location connected to it. Sometimes the Hunt chases the powerful magical White Stags, but others can also become their chosen prey.
ECHOES OF THE HUNT
André-David D'Ambreville was once transformed into part of a group resembling the Wild Hunt, It is believed that this was the result of the real Wild Hunt sending magical echoes across the multiverse, forming lesser copies of itself. Similarly, the phenomenon known as the Ghostly Horde (B8, AC9) is believed to be such an echo of the hunt. If the real Wild Hunt passes through an area where such an echo has been formed, the echo will join with the Main Hunt.
DRUIDS AND SHAMANS AND THE WILD HUNT
Druids of Mystara, using their great Stone Circles are sometimes able to predict the coming of a Wild Hunt. In some cases they have been able to calm the huntsmen from their rage. Shamans of Ethengar and the Shamani of Atruaghin are believed to have mastered similar abilities.
THE FAIRY CONNECTION
Noone knows why the Wild Hunt as such a profound effect on fairies. But faires feel compelled to join the hunt if they observe it. Fair Folk PCs must make a Saving Throw vs. Death Ray or fall under the control of the Wild Hunt until the Hunt is over. It is believed that the Wild Hunt invokes ancient fairy magic, perhaps going back to the pact between the fairies and the Immortals of Mystara.
IN MYSTARA PUBLISHED MATERIAL
In Mystara lore, there are several connections that I can think of:
- In IM3 The Best of Intentions, the Immortal PCs are tasked with taking upon the role of the Wild Hunt, tame Spectral Hounds and hunt for Immortal Avatars in the shape of White Stags as they ride across the Prime Plane (Mystara).
- In X2 Castle Amber, André-David D'Ambreville has created an indoor forest in which he takes the role of the leader of the Wild Hunt with Lupin and Rakasta joining his hunt.
- Leaders of the Wild Hunt in the real myths have been Odin (an Immortal in Mystara), Gwynn Ap Nudd (mentioned in PC1 as the King of Annwn.
- The Ghostly Horde (B8, AC9) invokes a similar feel as the Wild Hunt
- The Midnight Hunt from the d20 Blackmoor Players Guide fills a similar niche, although not strictly canonical to Mystara.
Have I missed anything? What are some ways this can be used in a campaign? :)