Editorial: Constructing the Future, by Erik Mona - Erik talks about how the variety of golems helps DMs surprise players. He also drops bits about what will be in the June issue of Dragon (the 30th anniversary) - a new "The Wizards Three" article by Ed Greenwood, another "Voyage of the Princess Ark" by Bruce Heard, a new "Gord the Rogue" story by E. Gary Gygax himself. Erik also drops hints in regards to a special limited edition miniature that is, in his words, "going to be Huge."
I hope in Davania... Pelatan (one of my favourites)
Well, maybe it's better to hope that the Princess Ark will fly over Mystara and not over another campaign world...
Well, maybe it's better to hope that the Princess Ark will fly over Mystara and not over another campaign world...
LOL! But yes, that would be a first step.
:OMG! :invasion:
Ike, tell me this is not a joke!
The Princess Ark back in Dragon Magazine? Written by Bruce Heard once again?
This is too good to be true. Heck, even if the Ark does decide to go out and explore other worlds (which I hope it doesn't), it will still be our Ark with Haldemar and the rest. Plus, we know Bruce's love for Mystara and I'm sure he wont accept just anything just to be accepted back into Dragon.
I am also wondering if part of this could be a result of our little campaign last year for a collected VotPA to be published by paizo. That could have been what pushed Mona to accept the article, or it could even be his test to see if something bigger could be viable.
I hope Bruce will return from out of the shadows again too and let us know what he has been up to all this time...
Håvard
Well, maybe it's better to hope that the Princess Ark will fly over Mystara and not over another campaign world...
I would be rally disgusted to se our beautiful Princess Ark flying over... Eberron or the Forgotten Realms...
Should it be another world... let's it be Patera and his honorable Myoshima!!!!!! ;)
OMG!!!!!
Ike, tell me this is not a joke!
The Princess Ark back in Dragon Magazine? Written by Bruce Heard once again?
It's no joke, Erik has been talking about the 30th anniversary issue (ie June '06). He's said nothing ABOUT it, just that it's in there (supposedly w/ a new Gord story by Gygax as well).
I am also wondering if part of this could be a result of our little campaign last year for a collected VotPA to be published by paizo. That could have been what pushed Mona to accept the article, or it could even be his test to see if something bigger could be viable.
I'm sure it is. I recall Mike McArtor saying that there was something coming down the line in Dragon that we Mystara-philes would absolutely love. (Hopefully he'll weigh in here soon!)
I'm sure it is. I recall Mike McArtor saying that there was something coming down the line in Dragon that we Mystara-philes would absolutely love. (Hopefully he'll weigh in here soon!)
Good recollection CD, I'm sure he was referring to this, as KW fans all seemed to love VotPA.
I'm sure it is. I recall Mike McArtor saying that there was something coming down the line in Dragon that we Mystara-philes would absolutely love. (Hopefully he'll weigh in here soon!)
*weighs in*
The Bruce Heard article actually takes place in Freeport. Getting the rights to do that was a pain, but I think you'll agree that it was worthwhile.
...
...
:D
No, of course I'm kidding. It's all Mystara.
No, of course I'm kidding. It's all Mystara.
Mike, you almost had me there for a sec!
Actually, Freeport might have been the one setting I would have found somewhat acceptable for a VotPA article. Afterall, Freeport fits very well into Mystara, and even is the home of one D'Ambreville character.
But this is terrific news. This is one Mystara article I know I will not be disappointed by. Having VotPA set in Greyhawk would have been painful. Much worse than the Isle of Dread thing, where the GH references could be ignored easily enough. A real Mystara article!
I wonder what Bruce has planned for us...Thanks for the inside info Mike. Have I mentioned how much we love having you here?
Håvard
No, of course I'm kidding. It's all Mystara.
Thanks for the inside info Mike. Have I mentioned how much we love having you here?
Havard wants to have your magazine babies.
:D
Havard wants to have your magazine babies.
:D
:heehee
Allright, so I got a little carried away there, but hey, this is like Christmas all over again!
Håvard
Havard wants to have your magazine babies.
Havard! Are you pregos again! What are you going to name the little Paizo?
:D
--Ray.
Havard! Are you pregos again! What are you going to name the little Paizo?
hmmm...how about Etienne? Or Aleena? :P
Håvard
PS: Again?
Allright, so I got a little carried away there, but hey, this is like Christmas all over again!
Hey, my grandfather played Santa Claus at school, it's in the family to come bearing gifts. :D
*weighs in*
The Bruce Heard article actually takes place in Freeport. Getting the rights to do that was a pain, but I think you'll agree that it was worthwhile.
My blood freezed here...
But I'm glad to see it's Mystara!!!!!
Bruce...
Any chance you can tease us with a bit more information, Mike?
Any chance you can tease us with a bit more information, Mike?
Let's see... more information, eh? Well the draft I saw was about two months ago and I understand it's been reworked since. From what I can remember about what I read, though, there was a flying ship, a captain of said ship, and I think a rakasta... or maybe a lupin. Tortle, perhaps? Did we mention it's by Bruce Heard?
From what I can remember about what I read, though, there was a flying ship, a captain of said ship, and I think a rakasta... or maybe a lupin. Tortle, perhaps? Did we mention it's by Bruce Heard?
With stats or just descriptive text?
I'm so excited that I could wet myself! Alright. I admit it. I just lied.
--Ray.
...Ugh. Feels like a mummy crawling out of an ancient, forgotten tomb (dusting off some dirt and cobwebs...)
OK, yes, there is a Princess Ark journey on the way. Just to dispell a few rumors, this is specifically for the Dragon Magazine's 30th Anniversary. It takes place in Mystara unless Immortals of Entropy have anything to do with my submission. Naturally, it will tend to be non-specific as far as game mechanics are concerned simply because many present readers are unaware of the OD&D system... and of course this writer remains 100% clueless about version 3.75 or 3.99-1/2, whatever is current these days.
Hope you'll enjoy that latest event!
Bruce
The Princess Ark back in Dragon Magazine? Written by Bruce Heard once again?
This is too good to be true. Heck, even if the Ark does decide to go out and explore other worlds (which I hope it doesn't), it will still be our Ark with Haldemar and the rest. Plus, we know Bruce's love for Mystara and I'm sure he wont accept just anything just to be accepted back into Dragon.
I am also wondering if part of this could be a result of our little campaign last year for a collected VotPA to be published by paizo. That could have been what pushed Mona to accept the article, or it could even be his test to see if something bigger could be viable.
Greetings Folks!
...Ugh. Feels like a mummy crawling out of an ancient, forgotten tomb (dusting off some dirt and cobwebs...)
OK, yes, there is a Princess Ark journey on the way. Just to dispell a few rumors, this is specifically for the Dragon Magazine's 30th Anniversary. It takes place in Mystara unless Immortals of Entropy have anything to do with my submission. Naturally, it will tend to be non-specific as far as game mechanics are concerned simply because many present readers are unaware of the OD&D system... and of course this writer remains 100% clueless about version 3.75 or 3.99-1/2, whatever is current these days.
Hope you'll enjoy that latest event!
Bruce
:inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove: :inlove:
OK, yes, there is a Princess Ark journey on the way. Just to dispell a few rumors, this is specifically for the Dragon Magazine's 30th Anniversary. It takes place in Mystara unless Immortals of Entropy have anything to do with my submission. Naturally, it will tend to be non-specific as far as game mechanics are concerned simply because many present readers are unaware of the OD&D system... and of course this writer remains 100% clueless about version 3.75 or 3.99-1/2, whatever is current these days.
WOW, this goes well beyond my highest expectations!
Thanks!
GP
OK, yes, there is a Princess Ark journey on the way. Just to dispell a few rumors, this is specifically for the Dragon Magazine's 30th Anniversary.
Bruce,
Is it going to be a series of articles again or just a single article for the June issue?
--Ray.
Bruce
Is it going to be a series of articles again or just a single article for the June issue?
Greetings Folks!
Hope you'll enjoy that latest event!
Bruce
What a wonderful surprise to cheer me up from my flu-ridden week. I never could have imagined that the surprise would be a new episode of the Princess Ark!
Bruce, it's great that you are getting the platform to write some Mystara once again, too. We've missed you around here the last few years. Thank you so much for dropping in. :D
Just the one article. Now, if we could have all issues for the "year of the 30th Anniversary" with a VotPA article, that would be nice, but I doubt that'll happen. Besides it would be really tough for me to manage as well.
It's good to see you back in here Bruce!
I am really looking forward to seeing the article, and even more after the details you revealed earlier on. A non-rules approach will mean more pages for story/setting material, which I think is the one thing all Mystara fans are hungering for right now.
I'm guessing you dont want to give out too many details before the article is published, but I hope you will come here and discuss it with us once we've all had a chance to read it.
I'm not sure if you are aware of it, but last year we had a bit of a campaign to make paizo republish the VotPA series as a collected work in a hard cover book. It was also suggested that it would have been cool to have you involved, perhaps even with a new story or something like that. Eric Mona from paizo said he would consider this depending on sales of similar releases this year, though it would have to be a 3E version. This is the discussion I am talking about:
http://paizo.com/dragon/messageboards/generalDiscussion/archives/collectingTheVoyageOfThePrincessArk
Would you be interested in such a project if paizo were into it?
Håvard
I disappear for a few days and Paradise returns to earth!! (er... Mystara!) A new VotPA article, Bruce on the boards; how good does it get?
Any chance you might be delving back into writing again, otherwise?
Glad to see the Princess Ark series again. If the fanatics here in
Mystara-land have anything to do about it, they'll be pestering poor
Erik to make the Ark a regular article.
Thanks for the visit Bruce.
Glad to see the Princess Ark series again. If the fanatics here in
Mystara-land have anything to do about it, they'll be pestering poor
Erik to make the Ark a regular article.
Give me his e-mail address
On another subject: I was totally unaware of the VotPA campaign (hey, all of you -- nice going!) That was a surprise. I figured all you original and loyal readers of the series had grabbed a copy of Champions of Mystara when it came out. Granted it did not have all the side pieces published with the adventures, it did offer the information specific to the ship and its journeys. Of course, it's now out of print (is it time to play the eBay jingle yet?).
I don't see any reason why I could not be involved with a repackaging project, especially if new material is needed. Is there really enough original material to warrant a hard cover? In order to support solid initial sales needed to validate the project commercially in the first place, I also suspect it should be presented as a brand new product. As such, one wonders what would happen to VotPA's basis in Mystara.
Another reality check comes up: my busy schedule at this point ensures that writing will remain an occasional endeavor, either that or it will require gobs of lead time. We do have challenges, don't we? On the other hand, where challenges stand, opportunities abound. I must admit, I did enjoy writing the new adventure tremendously. It was definitely a refreshing blast from the past. How long as it been since the last adventure? Nearly ten years?
Bruce
I'm guessing you dont want to give out too many details before the article is published, but I hope you will come here and discuss it with us once we've all had a chance to read it.
I'm not sure if you are aware of it, but last year we had a bit of a campaign to make paizo republish the VotPA series as a collected work in a hard cover book. It was also suggested that it would have been cool to have you involved, perhaps even with a new story or something like that. [...]
Would you be interested in such a project if paizo were into it?
Good to see ya back, Bruce! It's been too long. Can't wait to read your new story!
Thanks! Can't wait to see it in print! :D
Another reality check comes up: my busy schedule at this point ensures that writing will remain an occasional endeavor, either that or it will require gobs of lead time. We do have challenges, don't we? On the other hand, where challenges stand, opportunities abound. I must admit, I did enjoy writing the new adventure tremendously. It was definitely a refreshing blast from the past. How long as it been since the last adventure? Nearly ten years?
I think it's more like 12 or 13 years since the Princess Ark sailed off into the sunset. But it's great to hear you enjoyed writing this new episode.
So, if you don't mind me asking, what have you been up to these past few years? It seems a lot of the great writers from TSR's heyday have left the industry for greener pastures - you too?
So, if you don't mind me asking, what have you been up to these past few years? It seems a lot of the great writers from TSR's heyday have left the industry for greener pastures - you too?
Yup. I lingered with the publishing industry for some time and then moved to the airlines industry (which is where I was before TSR). That career change took off, levelled, and nose-dived to a point I got really fed up with corporate America. Now I am building my own business, helping people with their finance and retirement planning. A far cry from writing Princess Ark adventures but a good place to be these days.
Bruce
Now I am building my own business, helping people with their finance and retirement planning. A far cry from writing Princess Ark adventures but a good place to be these days.
Bruce
Sounds very familiar to me! ;)
It's great to have you on these boards. I discovered this place, and the MML, shortly after you left (from what I gathered, anyway) and I always thought it would be so interesting to have someone of your influence involved in our community discussions. Well, I hope you continue to pop in now and then to add your own comments to our ramblings.
Have a peek around; the stuff these guys come up with is fanastic, top notch stuff. Then there's the host of great discussions on just about everthing. (And should you want to talk about 'whatever', post on one of the "Think We'll Ever Catch-up with..." threads; they have evolved into a kind of 'offical off-topic' thread.)
I never got any of the Dragon Magazines when VotPA came out, but I did get the Champions of Mystara set when I saw that, and really enjoyed. Can't wait to read the new installment.
Freeport was apparently too easy. I should have said Birthright.
Mike! You still scared me for a few seconds! So how hard was it for you to give us a little tid-bit a while ago and not give any more away the whole time? I know you wanted to! (I'd have wanted to let everybody know!)
Yup. I lingered with the publishing industry for some time and then moved to the airlines industry (which is where I was before TSR). That career change took off, levelled, and nose-dived to a point I got really fed up with corporate America. Now I am building my own business, helping people with their finance and retirement planning. A far cry from writing Princess Ark adventures but a good place to be these days.
Bruce
Welcome to the boards, Bruce! Wow, I can't help feeling like I stumbled into a celebrity at the local coffee shop :embarrass
Just wanted to say: great to have you with us. I hope you'll lurk around for a while. We have SO many questions and discussions where we end up saying "...if only Bruce were here, he could explain to us what..."
I'm feeling really exited about posting a new thread specifically for questions for the "Old Master" but I don't want to scare you away with such a huge extra workload :D
I just hope you stick around.
:-) Jesper
Bruce, if you're still around, are you free to tell us when the coming article is set? Is it after the VotPA series that we've already seen, after Known World Grimoire, or does it slot into the exosting timeline somewhere?
Bruce, if you're still around, are you free to tell us when the coming article is set? Is it after the VotPA series that we've already seen, after Known World Grimoire, or does it slot into the exosting timeline somewhere?
The latest adventure picks up exactly where the last one ended. It casts a new light on the relationship of Haldemar with key people in Alphatia... and of course also helps explain why Haldemar and his crew enjoy remaining so far away and for so long from the empire.
Bruce
The latest adventure picks up exactly where the last one ended. It casts a new light on the relationship of Haldemar with key people in Alphatia... and of course also helps explain why Haldemar and his crew enjoy remaining so far away and for so long from the empire.
Sounds great! Anything that goes into more depth about Alphatia is all right with me!
(BTW, welcome back, and looking forward to the new article... and hopefully more, "if the stars are right".)
The latest adventure picks up exactly where the last one ended. It casts a new light on the relationship of Haldemar with key people in Alphatia... and of course also helps explain why Haldemar and his crew enjoy remaining so far away and for so long from the empire.
Bruce
It's great to hear from you again, Bruce! Looking forward to seeing that article!
Geoff
By the way, I feel really honored to share the same forum topic with Heard. And I will surely appreciate a lot the new Ark episode in Alphatia.
The latest adventure picks up exactly where the last one ended. It casts a new light on the relationship of Haldemar with key people in Alphatia... and of course also helps explain why Haldemar and his crew enjoy remaining so far away and for so long from the empire.
Interesting! I would love to hear more about Alphatia and Haldemar's dealings with the individuals in charge there.
I noticed from the reference guide that one of the old plans was to eventually have Haldemar working for the Thyatians. Perhaps that is something that will be more closely examined here?
Oh, and I am really curious about what illustrations Dragon will provide for this article!
Håvard
I noticed from the reference guide that one of the old plans was to eventually have Haldemar working for the Thyatians. Perhaps that is something that will be more closely examined here?
Oh, and I am really curious about what illustrations Dragon will provide for this article!
Hi there
I'm not familiar with any plans to have Haldemar deal with Thyatians. If I came up with that one, I certainly do not remember anything about it. That's it... here go my memory cells.
It's a bit early to decide what illustrations will go into the article. I'd guess a skyship chase between hi-rises through downtown Sundsvall might not be out of the question. Then again, there could be this oversized lupin character... hmmm.
Bruce
It's a bit early to decide what illustrations will go into the article. I'd guess a skyship chase between hi-rises through downtown Sundsvall might not be out of the question. Then again, there could be this oversized lupin character... hmmm.
Bruce
Mike McArtor, Associate Editor of Dragon Magazine, just asked here if Eriadna was ever pictured somewere...
It could be a clue that Dragon Magazine is searching for her's image to use it in some illustration inside magazine?
Hi there
I'm not familiar with any plans to have Haldemar deal with Thyatians. If I came up with that one, I certainly do not remember anything about it. That's it... here go my memory cells.
Hmmm...looking through the reference guide now, I can't even find the mention of it myself. Maybe I dreamt up the whole thing?
It's a bit early to decide what illustrations will go into the article. I'd guess a skyship chase between hi-rises through downtown Sundsvall might not be out of the question. Then again, there could be this oversized lupin character... hmmm.
I am very interested in seeing them whatever they end up being. I love the artwork from dragon, especially since paizo's takeover, and seeing more art depicting scenes or characters from Mystara will be truly inspirational.
Hmmm... I wonder if we could convince the paizo folk to do a poster sized map of Mystara like they did for GH and FR? Probably not for the PA issue, but maybe later. Mike?
Håvard
Hmmm...looking through the reference guide now, I can't even find the mention of it myself. Maybe I dreamt up the whole thing?
You didn't. Here is the quote:
AC 1014 Although no war is declared, Thyatis and the Heldannic Knights become hostile and compete in their endeavour to colonise distant lands. Synn names herself Queen of Darkness and becomes the Known World's major public enemy. Rumours fly of a secret pact between Synn and Heldannic Max der Stutz. Thincol the Brave dies of old age. Princess Stefania Torion becomes the Empress of Thyatis. Haldemar obtains a Letter of Marque from the new Empress to act as a corsair... and an explorer.
Hmmm...looking through the reference guide now, I can't even find the mention of it myself. Maybe I dreamt up the whole thing?
I think this is what you are looking for:
AC 1014 Although no war is declared, Thyatis and the Heldannic Knights become hostile and compete in their endeavour to colonise distant lands. Synn names herself Queen of Darkness and becomes the Known World's major public enemy. Rumours fly of a secret pact between Synn and Heldannic Max der Stutz. Thincol the Brave dies of old age. Princess Stefania Torion becomes the Empress of Thyatis. Haldemar obtains a Letter of Marque from the new Empress to act as a corsair... and an explorer.
Hmmm... I wonder if we could convince the paizo folk to do a poster sized map of Mystara like they did for GH and FR? Probably not for the PA issue, but maybe later. Mike?
That idea came up once but was rejected as too niche. I will bring it up again next meeting, though.
AC 1014 Although no war is declared, Thyatis and the Heldannic Knights become hostile and compete in their endeavour to colonise distant lands. Synn names herself Queen of Darkness and becomes the Known World's major public enemy. Rumours fly of a secret pact between Synn and Heldannic Max der Stutz. Thincol the Brave dies of old age. Princess Stefania Torion becomes the Empress of Thyatis. Haldemar obtains a Letter of Marque from the new Empress to act as a corsair... and an explorer.
Thanks guys! Thought I was going nuts there! :D
So, now I'm getting that whole bit about why Glantri is now the evil kingdom under the dominion of Synn according to the reference guide "timeline". I think I'm gonna steal some of these ideas!
Perhaps Stefania Torion becomes empress after Eusebius dies...?
Håvard
That idea came up once but was rejected as too niche. I will bring it up again next meeting, though.
Good man Mike!
I wouldn't expect it to be a mega map spread across four mag issues though, but perhaps a one issue thing? Maybe covering just The Known World, Norwold and Alphatia? (AC1000 ofcourse...) I'm thinking in the style of the GH one...that way we get a piece of art, but still get to keep the hexes. Just lovely! Or you could just hire Thorf...
Once the map is done and published, you can reuse it with the Princess Ark hardcover book.... :D
-Pushing my own agenda? What are you talking about? ;)
Håvard
I wouldn't expect it to be a mega map spread across four mag issues though, but perhaps a one issue thing? Maybe covering just The Known World, Norwold and Alphatia? (AC1000 ofcourse...) I'm thinking in the style of the GH one...that way we get a piece of art, but still get to keep the hexes. Just lovely! Or you could just hire Thorf...
I like both ideas! Couldn't we have a double sided map? :D ;)
Pushing my own agenda? What are you talking about? ;)
Nah, us Mystara fans would never do that... :P
(Though my wife would enjoy my mapping MUCH more if I got paid for it every now and then... I don't really mind either way, though I wouldn't say no!)
That idea came up once but was rejected as too niche. I will bring it up again next meeting, though.
If a mapped is produced, I suspect Mr McArtor would have a number of fans lining up to thank you and buy you a beer. :D
If a mapped is produced, I suspect Mr McArtor would have a number of fans lining up to thank you and buy you a beer. :D
Huzzah!
Huzzah!
A round for everyone in house!!
(MKMcArtor's paying ;) )
A round for everyone in house!!
(MKMcArtor's paying ;) )
Oh, I'm paying, eh? Well then, let's be extravagant! Bartender, a round of tap water for everyone! Wait, I've got some spare change... make it ICED tap water!
You didn't. Here is the quote:
AC 1014 Although no war is declared, Thyatis and the Heldannic Knights become hostile and compete in their endeavour to colonise distant lands. Synn names herself Queen of Darkness and becomes the Known World's major public enemy. Rumours fly of a secret pact between Synn and Heldannic Max der Stutz. Thincol the Brave dies of old age. Princess Stefania Torion becomes the Empress of Thyatis. Haldemar obtains a Letter of Marque from the new Empress to act as a corsair... and an explorer.
Forgot about that one... Sheesh. I suppose the upcoming adventure would make it a bit more plausible for Haldemar to moonlight as a Thyatian corsair. OK, ok, this need some kind of background story to work. Surely Haldemar wouldn't consort with "them" just for fun. Having an Alphatian admiral join up the local Thyatian rogues gallery might raise a few bushy eyebrows in Alphatia if it became known. Joint Thyato-Alphatian black ops could be in the cards given the right motivation for Haldemar (both personal and political). OK, I'm starting to twitch as I write this. Now... what in Mystara would get these two empires to be in cahoots for any length of time? A medieval "Anschluss" of the two empires perhaps? Yeah, that'd last really long. Su-u-ure.
OK -- plug you ideas here, folks. Let's have some fun! :D
Bruce
Maybe this union may not extend to all the Alphatian empire, but just to a single Alphatian kingdom. Maybe just to Floating Ar + Yannivey Chain - as the last events in Joshuan Almanac organized this kingdom.
Example: What about a former Thyatian noble, captured and stranded on the Yannivey Chain many years ago, with some degree of magical power, who manage to get his way inside post-WotI Floating Ar society and to marry the princess of this kingdom?
I was thinking about the biography of Emperor Charles V (the one whose empire did never see the sun in twilight) who was able to get together at least four (previous enemy) crowns by means of dynastical heritage. His empire was ephimerous at best, but during his reign we could have seen Spanish, Dutch, southern Germans and southern Italians acting under the same king.
My 2 cents, anyway. ;)
OK -- plug you ideas here, folks. Let's have some fun! :D
Bruce
Hmm... either a joint strike against a common enemy (Alphaks) or a joint expedition somewhere like the one outlined in the Dawn of the Emperors gaz?
:-) Jesper
OK -- plug you ideas here, folks. Let's have some fun! :D
Suppose the Master of Hule were to sweep through the Savage Baronies, extending his territories from Slagovich right through the Savage Coast. Suppose then that he threatened Darokin, not only with his own forces but with the entire might of a greater, expanded empire... Might Alphatia and Thyatis be united in their desire to keep him out of the Known World?
It isn't hard to see the two former enemies now having more in common than ever before; with no common borders, but a common interest in prosperity in there respective spheres of influence (spheres that have little direct contact), neither threatens the other any more.
Both might now realise that, all along, their enemies have been the same; the Master, Alphaks, Thanatos, dark shadowy forces in Denagoth... Take your pick. Perhaps the driving force in conflict in Mystara has been someone else all along.
OK, ok, this need some kind of background story to work. Surely Haldemar wouldn't consort with "them" just for fun. Having an Alphatian admiral join up the local Thyatian rogues gallery might raise a few bushy eyebrows in Alphatia if it became known. Joint Thyato-Alphatian black ops could be in the cards given the right motivation for Haldemar (both personal and political). OK, I'm starting to twitch as I write this. Now... what in Mystara would get these two empires to be in cahoots for any length of time? A medieval "Anschluss" of the two empires perhaps? Yeah, that'd last really long. Su-u-ure.
The motivation needs to be an incredible challenge: even an invasion of the Master of Hule would not warrant this kind of alliance -- why would Alphatia feel threatened by the distant Hule?
On the other hand, the connection between Hule and the Heldannic Knights via the Night Dragon, Synn, might require Alphatia's intervention.
Or some powerful enemy from the void -- the Myoshimans or maybe the gemstone dragons?
The motivation needs to be an incredible challenge: even an invasion of the Master of Hule would not warrant this kind of alliance -- why would Alphatia feel threatened by the distant Hule?
Hule hitting the Known World region means that there's another big war, and that isn't in her interests. Alphatia may be willing to work with Thyatis to prevent instability spreading across the whole region.
Hule hitting the Known World region means that there's another big war, and that isn't in her interests. Alphatia may be willing to work with Thyatis to prevent instability spreading across the whole region.
Certainly Alphatia has no interest in another war, and this would be a reason not to get dragged into a war with Hule!
Note that Alphatia has limited territorial interests in Brun (i.e., Norwold), and they would not be threatened by a Hule vs. Known World war.
Actually, Alphatia would likely benefit from such a war, since it would weaken Thyatis, and decrease the likelihood of further Thyatian expansion against Alphatia itself.
Certainly Alphatia has no interest in another war, and this would be a reason not to get dragged into a war with Hule!
Note that Alphatia has limited territorial interests in Brun (i.e., Norwold), and they would not be threatened by a Hule vs. Known World war.
Actually, Alphatia would likely benefit from such a war, since it would weaken Thyatis, and decrease the likelihood of further Thyatian expansion against Alphatia itself.
Yeah, maybe, but would Alphatia relish the prospect of staring over the Sea od Dawn at a Known World dominated by the Master?
Better to intervene early to prevent that from happening.
I think its important to differentiate between a post and pre WotI campaign; in the former, there's clearly a shared interest in preservation of cultures that separate Thyatis from Hule. In the latter (or a post WotI campaign in which Alphatia didn't sink) then Alphatia might see it being worth fighting a small conflict a long way away to prevent that from becoming a massive conflict on her own doorstep. Besides, with the re-established trade after the war there's a lot to be said for maintaining the known world as it is.
Yeah, maybe, but would Alphatia relish the prospect of staring over the Sea od Dawn at a Known World dominated by the Master?
Except for Haldemar and Eriadna, the Alphatians know near to nothing about the Master.
Even if the Master's armies are able to steamroll through Darokin, Thyatis is another matter -- the Alphatians would probably assume that the Empire is more than able to handle the threat on its own.
Add to this the fact that post-WotI, Alphatia has lost the entire Grand Council, and much of his land armies. Moreover, at least half of the Alphatians are now confined in a floating continent in the HW, where teleportation does not work.
With this reduced power, the Alphatian Empire will have a tough time trying to keep its colonies from splintering away or being taken over by other hostile powers (the HK), who will look to the Alphatians as much more direct threats to them.
OTOH, remember that in VotPA Haldemar witnesses an attempt from the HK to ally with the Master, and in WotI Hule acts against Ixion, just like the HK (and Thyatis, BTW).
Now, in a post-Wrath scenario, if Vanya's power in Thyatis is significantly reduced -- by the loss of direct influence on the Emperor, certainly, and maybe by a resurgence of Valerias/Ixion worship -- the conditions for a Thyatis-Alphatia alliance against a Hule-HK threat could arise.
As of AC1013 Thothia is the strongest Thyatis' enemy on the east. Thothia may show a loose alliance with its previous Alphatian masters, but this shouldn't be binding at all.
Most important of all, Thothians may be easily victim of ancient Nithian curses/entropic entities/undead nobles that may induct them to switch their former alliances and to try to re-estabilish the ancient Empire (or an empire of similar power).
Thyatians may find themselves in troubles in the IoD and in the western Alatians, and must ask for Bellissaria, Norwold, Esterhold and Floating Ar help (maybe with the promise of giving independence to some IoD conquered countries or of substancial commercial treaties) in order to contain Thothian's menace.
Once again (as in M5 module), the Periapt of Peace may prove critical in ending the war. This object may be hidden somewhere, or may be still in possession of Ramenhotep XXIV who leads the internal resistance against entropic forces in Thothia...
Bruce
here is another one I found:
Håvard
But of course the two you chose are also closely tied to Mystara, so the look fits.
This makes me think, I should make a logo for my OD&D Savage Coast project - in fact, for all my projects! I've been trying to find uses for the Font FAQ, and this should give me some things to play around with. (If only my students realised that their handouts are made in Basic Set Baskerville, with Cyclopedia Quorum headers... ;) )
Very nice. The first font is Vivaldi, right? And the second one looks like Baldur. I think if I was to make a logo for the Princess Ark series I would want to use Benguiat, since it was the logo used for the title panel for the vast majority of the series.
Thanks!
They are Vivaldi and Solemnity. (Close enough ;) )
I'll take a look at Benguiat, but at this time I wasn't trying to make it similar to the original VotPA logo as much as just experimenting with colors and effects. Still, it might be interesting having that approach too...
But of course the two you chose are also closely tied to Mystara, so the look fits.
This makes me think, I should make a logo for my OD&D Savage Coast project - in fact, for all my projects! I've been trying to find uses for the Font FAQ, and this should give me some things to play around with. (If only my students realised that their handouts are made in Basic Set Baskerville, with Cyclopedia Quorum headers... ;) )
The font FAQ has been really useful. Its cool to have logos for every project and campaign. My Thunder Rift project (Not dead, honestly!) should probably get a logo too. Any suggestions there?
The one used on the cover isnt too inspiring. Do you know which font it is?
Håvard
Thanks!
They are Vivaldi and Solemnity. (Close enough ;) )
Hehe, I almost said Solemnity, but I didn't have time to check - and they are so similar. :P
I'll take a look at Benguiat, but at this time I wasn't trying to make it similar to the original VotPA logo as much as just experimenting with colors and effects. Still, it might be interesting having that approach too...
I think there's a strange power of familiarity in using the original fonts. It's really quite strange to look at a sheet of paper and be hit with a feeling of D&D nostalgia.
The font FAQ has been really useful. Its cool to have logos for every project and campaign. My Thunder Rift project (Not dead, honestly!) should probably get a logo too. Any suggestions there?
I'm glad you've found the font FAQ useful. I was beginning to think perhaps no one but me would use it. ;) Anyway it's quite fun chasing up old fonts, which is why it has gotten so big despite the apparent lack of interest.
The one used on the cover isnt too inspiring. Do you know which font it is?
I did a quick investigation and found that it... is already on my FAQ!! Oops. It is in fact the same font as the one used for wine labels in B7 Rahasia, Schadow Antiqua. Thanks for getting me to chase this up - I had been meaning to check out the Thunder Rift font for quite a while.
Hehe, I almost said Solemnity, but I didn't have time to check - and they are so similar. :P
Yeah, since you posted the info on Solemnity, I decided not to get the Feinen font for now. I might get it later, but at the moment Solemnity does a good job. Another useful thing about your thread. Also, for a few logos, one doesnt really need the entire font sets, copying from the font images would probably work as well.
I think there's a strange power of familiarity in using the original fonts. It's really quite strange to look at a sheet of paper and be hit with a feeling of D&D nostalgia.
Agreed! Also, this provides a sense of officiality, or something close to it. Makes it seem like we are making things the way they would have been made, had the TSR folks thought of it back in the glory days of Mystara.
I did a quick investigation and found that it... is already on my FAQ!! Oops. It is in fact the same font as the one used for wine labels in B7 Rahasia, Schadow Antiqua. Thanks for getting me to chase this up - I had been meaning to check out the Thunder Rift font for quite a while.
Cool! I'll see if I can make some use of it for the TR project
Håvard