VAULTS OF PANDIUS
The Hidden Treasure of Ghyr
An Unofficial Game Accessory
“Once upon a time, lay a mythic kingdom beyond the ends of the world. It was a realm of virtuous paladins and truculent enchantresses, knights and knaves – a land where each soul chose between the good and the bad.
This has ever been the Kingdom of Ghyr.”
This is the fourth product in a series of unofficial Gazetteer gaming aids designed by and for enthusiasts of the world of Mystara. This work covers the Kingdom of Ghyr, a country west of the Icereach Mountains that define Norwold’s limits. It also covers the neighboring nations of Greendale and Deep Hollow.
“The Hidden Treasure of Ghyr” provides descriptions of the history, nations, races, and personalities of a land where men and women take up arms in the cause of valor and justice, where temptresses seek to pull away the righteous, and unclear hearts can destroy all that is held dear.
This product ties together the Idrisian storylines presented in the previous three gazetteers. It also provides new rules for jousting and extended guidelines for playing paladins, avengers, and knights.
[Links now to the Vaults]
Gazetteer
Map
1) The name of southern Province/River of Ghyr is Temaraire not Temararie (map is incorrect)
2) I failed to give proper contributor credit to James Ruhland, who created the original version of the Thyatian officer and future Emperor Giovanni Augustus (then Giovanni Porpora).
Corrections will be made at a later date.
-OldDawg
The link to the gazetteer doesn't work properly.
You need to copy the link into a new browser.
OldDawg: OMG!!!!
Håvard
Nice work.
The Hidden Treasure of Ghyr
An Unofficial Game Accessory
Nice book, expecially the focus on knightly matters and war campaigns.
Errata: the name of the Thyatian town in Glantri, Sirecchia, is misspelt as "Serrecchia" in the history section.
Geoff
-OldDawg
The jousting system was pretty cool.
I just finished reading the first 5 gazeteers this weekend. The first three and the western alliance all had pretty clear themes running through them, but this one was sort of lacking... was it knights and courtly behavior?
In general, these are fantastic products. However, some of the writing is a bit clumsy. I'd be willing to edit the gazeteers to clean up some of the language if it's necessary.
I didn't really get the theme here...
I just finished reading the first 5 gazeteers this weekend. The first three and the western alliance all had pretty clear themes running through them, but this one was sort of lacking... was it knights and courtly behavior?
The theme of this gazetteer was indeed knight, avenger- and paladinhood as interpreted for Arthurian legendry - specifically the version presented in Mallory's Le Morte D'Arthur.
It was also a partial showcase for the old LJN product line (Strongheart, Warduke, etc), beginning just before the Quest of the Heartstone tore the companions asunder.
In terms of the Idrisian Sphere cycle, the setting plays out in far greater relief the philosophical pull of good and self-sacrifice on one hand and evil and self-indulgence on the other. This is represented via He Who Watches and the Cult of Idris, respectively. For Mystara writ large, Ghyr answers in full or part questions concerning the Master's Set map, why Thyatians might be unofficial allies to Wendarians, and routes of humanoids into Norwold.
Sorry you didn't like it. Oh well, can't please everyone every time. I'm glad you enjoyed the first three and the Western Alliance. (4/5 ain't bad ;) ) Be sure to check out Littonia by Geoff Gander and the Heldannic Order by myself, Colin Wilson, and the archival wisdom of Bruce Heard :D
-OldDawg
The theme of this gazetteer was indeed knight, avenger- and paladinhood as interpreted for Arthurian legendry - specifically the version presented in Mallory's Le Morte D'Arthur.
It was also a partial showcase for the old LJN product line (Strongheart, Warduke, etc), beginning just before the Quest of the Heartstone tore the companions asunder.
In terms of the Idrisian Sphere cycle, the setting plays out in far greater relief the philosophical pull of good and self-sacrifice on one hand and evil and self-indulgence on the other. This is represented via He Who Watches and the Cult of Idris, respectively. For Mystara writ large, Ghyr answers in full or part questions concerning the Master's Set map, why Thyatians might be unofficial allies to Wendarians, and routes of humanoids into Norwold.
Sorry you didn't like it. Oh well, can't please everyone every time. I'm glad you enjoyed the first three and the Western Alliance. (4/5 ain't bad ;) ) Be sure to check out Littonia by Geoff Gander and the Heldannic Order by myself, Colin Wilson, and the archival wisdom of Bruce Heard :D
-OldDawg
Well, I didn't quite say that I was not pleased--quite the opposite really. I think that Ghyr is a great place to adventure--especially into Alinor in the North, as a base for excursions into the Western Alliance, and for the classic "The Orcs are Coming!" adventures.
The Heartstone and the personality rules were interesting as well--as were the knight rules. the Heartstone in particular is something that I'm definitely going to incorporate into a future campaign. However, the various elements could've been tied together better, especially in the proposed campaign at the end.
So, it's definitely 5/5 ;)