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Latest revision as of 11:59, 31 December 2014
_______________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
| | Special Ranger Section |
@_/_____________________________________________________________________/
| |
| |
| GemStone III's August 1991 |
| Vol.2, No.3 |
| _ _ _ ___ |
| / ) / ) / ) / __) |
| / /_/ / ____ / / _/ ( ____ __ __ ____ |
| / __/ / __ ) / / ( __) / _ ) / / / / / ___) |
| / /\ \ / ___/ / / / / / (/ / / (_/ / / / |
| /~~~\ %%%/ \_) (____) (_( (_( (____/ (_____( (_( |
| ~~~\ ~~~^~~\ _____ _ _ _ _ |
| | \. / ____) / ) (/ _/ ) (/ |
| : ~~\ / (__ ___/ / _ ( _) _ ____ ____ |
| \ %% %% |~\ \/ ___) / _ / / ) / / / ) / _ ) / ) |
| |## ## | \/ (_ / (/ / / / / / / / / (/ / / /) / |
| | | (_____) (____( (_( (_( (_( (____/ (_((_( |
| \ / |
| | & & | The Kronicles of Kulthea |
| \& &/ |
|______ \__/ ________________________________________________________|
|_____________________________________________________________________|
| |
| Local News ................................................. 1 |
| Editorial: Conflict ...................... Lady Rune Arundel 2 |
| Bird's Eye View of Kulthea .................... Phaedra Bleu 3 |
| The Question of Earth ...................... Flint Thalassar 4 |
| Special Things ................................... Anonymous 5 |
| Special Section: By and About Rangers |
| Building a Better Range ....................... Kenner Boh 6 |
| Forest Trails ...................... Cameron SilverMask II 8 |
| Of Mice and Half-Elves, Pt.1 .......... Gallenod Varynesti 10 |
| Pools of Healing ............. Nastorm Trevin and A. Otter 12 |
| Findings From the Arcane Ranger Masters.. Landreth deLorde 15 |
| The Abandoned Inn ........................ Melda Farthrimnur 16 |
| What To Hunt ............................ Michaelos Duradero 17 |
| The Sword Bearer's Tale ................. Gilthor In'Glorion 19 |
| Deadly Game ................................. Twyndle Majeer 22 |
| Ode to a Spectre ......................... Amelda Heronheart 23 |
| Pwyll, Prince of Annwfn, Conclusion ............ Eron Kulsen 24 |
| Song for Rhys ............................ Amelda Heronheart 25 |
| Letters Home ............................. Belladonna Atropa 26 |
| The Bearer of Tales ................. Miss Louvella Parsnips 27 |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
| |
| Kelfour Edition of the Kronicles of Kulthea is devoted to the multi-|
| player roleplaying game GemStone III on GEnie Information Network. |
| Submissions may be edited for space, accuracy and readability. |
| Contact Editor Lady Wisraith Winterwind, Assistant Editor Rune |
| Arundel, Stringer Samwell Hawkholder, or Publisher Phaedra Bleu by |
| GE Mail to P.HERRINGTON for details. Banner art by Yonah |
| __________________________________________________________________|___
| / /
\_/_____________________________________________________________________/
Local News
_____________ """"""""""
/ \ ____ ___\
\@| ~|~| /~/~ | Topics for MPGRT August Conferences:
| |~|_/~/ |ulthea's August Fes- ________________________________
_| |~|~\~\ | tival was beginning // \
/@| _|~| \~\_ | just as we went to || August 6th topic: |
\_/ ~~~~ ~~~~/ press. KE will have || August Festival |
~~~~~~~~~~~~ coverage of many of || August 13th topic: |
the forthcoming events next month, || Level Bonuses/Level Balancing |
but we couldn't resist teasing you || August 20th topic: |
with this list from the First Annual || PC Scenario Development |
Scavenger Hunt which was underway as || August 27th topic: |
passed through the square on our way || Beginners: Build a character |
to the KE Building. \\_______________________________/
______
When we scanned it, here's what /~/~~\~\
we saw. None of the items was Xed on |~| ~~
it as being found at this point. SORCERERS \~\____
_______________________ """"""""" ~~~~\~\
/ \ \ Resident sorcerers are |~| |~|
|@/_____________________/ sporting six new spells, \~\__/~/
| | a result of the implemen- ~~~~~~
| some gnollish runes | tation of the first part ________
| a wooden stake | of their list. See the ~|_|~~|~|
| a giant cheese | Tomes or MPGRT BB for de- |~| |~|
| a Kraalish coin | ailed information, or any |~|==//
| an oar | any sorcerer. |~|
| some tergon teeth | |~|
| a bookmark | 701 Limb Pain ~~~~
| a silver ring | 702 Touch of Disruption _________
| some crisp parchment| 703 Word of Bleeding ~|_|~~~||
| a hawk's egg | 704 Forget |~|__ ~~
| a bloody dagger | 705 Lock Joint |~|--|
| a quill pen | 706 Mind Jolt |~| __
| a wooden bucket | |~|___||
_| an opal ring | ~~~~~~~~~
/@| a dwarf's beard | We understand _____
\_/____________________/ ~|_|~
* * |~|
Three clever winners will walk \ / |~|
away from this Scavenger Hunt richer *--- RANGER ---* |~| __
and wiser. First place prizes in- / SPELLS \ |~|___||
clude an item from I.C.E plus 5,000 * * ~~~~~~~~
Experience Points and 5,000 Fame, _____
second place gets 3,000 each with are next! ~|_|~
third place winner taking home 1,000 |~|
point of each type. |~|
___________________________________________________________ |~| __
// \ |~|___||
|| * * * BULLETIN * * * | ~~~~~~~~
|| Wedar Trevize, Strom O'Berin and Airioch Ramthanodox | ______
|| won the Scavenger Hunt on its second day of operation. | /~/~~\~\
|| C'mon, GMs! Gotta be more clever than that. | |~| ~~
|| | \~\____
|| Hall of Fame will appear in the next issue of KE. | ~~~~\~\
\\__________________________________________________________/ |~| |~|
\~\__/~/
-1- ~~~~~~
Editorial:
Conflict
""""""""
by Lady Rune Arundel
___________ Asst. Editor, Kelfour Edition
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\_\ |
| \~\____~ |itting here at this have the murders of Lythe and Laeg
_| _~~~~\~\ | lump of wood they to keep us entertained. And there
/@| \~\__/~/ | call a desk in the would be others. If this were all
\_/ ~~~~~~ / overheated newsroom private, things would be decidedly
~~~~~~~~~~ of the KE Building, it boring. Yes, controversy is good.
occurs to me that this month has
been one of the most wretched I can Furthermore, members of a certain
recall. controversial group may be in for a
surprise as an opposing force is
Perhaps the fact that I'm stuck here apparently making its way toward
with Louvella Parsnips breathing Kulthea. Eyebrows will go up when
down my neck and Wisraith expounding it hits town. Now THAT's conflict.
her virtues from the next room has
something to do with it. Wisraith, misguided as she is, seems
to feel that conflict is bad and
Last month I had to suffer through denying your beliefs and walking
Wisraith babbling about the nature away is an act of strength, whereas
of peace, what disrupts it and how I find it an act of weakness. A
to regain it. She can't seem to sense of honor, moral conviction and
write without bellowing at the top integrity would surely prevent me
of her lungs and I didn't get a from walking away from an argument
single thing done. if I truly believed I was right.
"Unrest arises when an individual or Aye, conflict is good. Conflict is
group demonstrates - by word or exciting, stimulating, educational
deed - that which diverges from the even. Without conflict, life would
ideas of someone else," said become mundane and no one would be
Wisraith from the lofty height of able to argue good and evil as there
her soapbox. would not BE any good or evil. We
would all be the same. How boring.
To give her credit, she's right Because we -are- different, because
about that. Differences of opinion our opinions differ, we have
(which is what she said, but in a conflict and I feel our lives are
lot more words) are more than common that much richer for it.
in Kelfour's Landing, and the Gods
know I've had my share. So what's my point? I wrote this
purposely to infuriate Wisraith.
If everyone thought alike and acted That, of course, will result in a
alike, then we would all BE alike. bloody conflict in which I will
Which means I would be just like likely be vaporized, (who said
Wisraith, perish the thought. Con- good?) but my death will have served
flict is good. Conflict is neces- a purpose: when Wisraith sees her
sary, and public conflict is best of sworn mortal enemy (me) is
all. destroyed, then mayhaps she will
realize this simple truth, the point
What would Kulthea be without the I have been trying to make all
battles between the Dagmar clan and along. Conflict is good. It gets
Valeria? Peaceful? Maybe, but we'd you what you want.
-2-
Birds's Eye View of Kulthea
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Phaedra Bleu
_______________________________________________
/ \ \
|@/______________________________________________/ This is not a road
| ... . . ............ | map, but if you've ever
| ~~\ ~ Cladesbrim Bay ~ /~~~~~~~~~~~ | wondered about an area
| \.. ../ ___ Ocean | people are talking about,
| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | \ View | or become separated from
| Coastal Cliffs Tree | your hunting party in the
| \ | Rockslide | wilds, you'll be glad to
| \ \ / \ | have it in your backpack.
| \ __Dinghy |M Valley | This map in hand, you
| ______. .______ |I / | can even adventure out on
| / / / \ |N Mines | your own, especially if
| Lower / | | Kelfour's | |E | you have a gold ring set
| Kaldsfang | | Landing | / | to teleport you back to
| Forest | |(Catacombs)| |R Spider | safety in case of emer-
|Storm ___| | \_________/ |D___Temple | gency. But take care:
|Giant / | | / | Even at full parry,
|Cave / | | Climb Bank/ Graveyard | monsters abound which can
| \| | / \ | / | kill anyone at one swipe.
| | | | \___Bridge___Maze | The prime hunting grounds
| Castle | Grass- | below are listed VERY
|Cladesbrim | lands ^ ^ | GENERALLY in order of
| Ruins | | Hobgoblins ^ Blototh ^ | danger.
| |Iorak's |\ Mountain |
| | Reach | | | | Primary Hunting Areas
| \__| | + Danjir- | ^ | """""""""""""""""""""
| \ / land Trunk | Coastal Cliffs
| \/ & Tower | | Loop around Grasslands &
| __/\ Old \*/ | | Lower Kaldsfang Forest
| | \ Inn | | | Hobgoblins
| Upper | \___|_____|/\Rocks/ | Catacombs (in town)
| Kaldsfang| | | Mine Road
| Forest | | Upper Kaldsfang (G'Orcs)
| _| / | Old Inn (Hill Trolls)
| | +\ Bridge | Castle Cladesbrim Ruins
| | \/ \ | Danjirland
| Tree _|_ | Mines
| |_Swamp / | | Blototh Mountain
| | \| |____Stonehold * | Smatoth
| | | (Crevice) | Spider Temple
| | _____/ | Graveyard (Unlife)
| |_____/ | | Stonehold (Dwarves)
_| Smatoth * | Storm Giants' Cave
/@| (Clearing) Cottage | (No Man's Land)
\_/_____________________________________________/ ______
//-----\
Drink from pool to stop bleeding [*] || N |
Shortcut: Hidden connections [+] || W + E |
Jousting Arena & Wedding Glade just outside town gates || S |
Old Inn: Crystal to check magical charges \\_____/
Recharge magic items on Iorak's Reach )))|((
Earth Nodes: Temple, Helga's Tavern & Wayside Inn __//__|__\__
-3-
The Question of Earth
"""""""""""""""""""""
_____________ by Flint Thalassar
/ \ ____ ___\
\@| ~|~| /~/~|
| |~|_/~/ |ulthean philosophers recent events on 'Earth.' These ale-
_| |~|~\~\ | have long been vex- swilling degenerates, who spend
/@| _|~| \~\_| xed by the so-called leisure time at Cheldar's Bath House
\_/ ~~~~ ~~~~/ "alternate dimension and earn their livings through
~~~~~~~~~~~~ issue." This con- murder and scavenging, are not what
sists of the claim that another we can consider reliable witnesses
world, in some respects similar to in any event."
our own, exists in some parallel Local healer Surtey Akrash has
dimension, and that some Kultheans his own doubts. "I just don't
actually travel back and forth know," he says. "Things that happen
between the two. Even skeptics must here on Kulthea at least can be
admit that the idea, while strange, verified. If a man claims to have
cannot really be disproved. slain a troll, he can produce the
It is significant that those skin, and produce witnesses who have
who make this claim come pre- seen the actual deed. Earth? Well,
dominantly from the ranks of the if you ask somebody about what one
"adventurer types." The lifestyle of his fellows did on 'Earth' last
associated with such persons may night -- to see if the stories
cause their claims to be dismissed match, you know -- you're likely to
out of hand by serious scholars. get some excuse about living in
Some of those who have listened different cities. Right."
theorize that adventurers, subjected Still, the alternate dimension
to the constant trauma of danger and phenomena are too pervasive to
death, are actually suffering from a ignore entirely. I would suggest
stress-induced psychological dis- that there may be different kinds of
order. E. Borlees, in his "Alter- reality. Though we do not have
nate Dimension Psychosis: A Case evidence to say that Earth is as
Study," explains: "It is natural real as Kulthea, certainly it is
that an individual exposed, both as very real in the minds of some of
witness and participant, to repeated our citizens. Are not experiences
violent acts would develop a need of Earth -- regardless of their
for an escape mechanism. In this source -- just as valid and meaning-
case, the subject has conjured up a ful as our experiences here in
fantasy world in which life is safe, Kelfour's Landing? As someone once
secure, and predictable." said, "there are a lot of realities
In terms of evidence sub- going around these days."
stantiating the belief in "Earth,"
we can look to the mysterious dis- __________________________________
appearances of adventurers, some of | |
whom go missing for weeks on end. | Visit Us For All Your |
Admittedly, such evidence is peri- | Carbohydrate Needs! |
pheral and circumstantial. Santrip | |
Ralkar, in his scathing report "The | KELFOUR TEA ROOM & BAKERY |
Earth Hoax," writes: "Just because | ************************* |
someone cannot be located scarcely | Stop in for fresh donuts, |
proves that they have flown off to | cookies & other tasty treats! |
some alternate dimension. I have no | |
doubt that these pranksters have | Don't forget to try our world |
simply taken unannounced vacations, | famous KULTHEAN COFFEE! |
or (more likely) are deliberately | |
hiding -- all the while laughing at | Birthday cakes our speciality! |
serious society and arranging to get |__________________________________|
their stories straight concerning
-4-
Special Things
""""""""""""""
_________ Anonymous: Inspired by Kyanna
/ \ _____ \
\@| ~|_|~ |
_| |~| |if you are new to GemStone, you should know what items do what.
/@| _|~|_ | Here is a description of rare and common treasures that can be
\_/ ~~~~~ / found on your adventures. Bartered and sometimes sold by resi-
~~~~~~~~ dents, these items are often carried by monsters. They may be
obtained by slaying and SEARCHing dead beasts.
Crystal A crystal amulet expands the mental awareness of its owner when
Amulet: worn and rubbed. You will be able to send and receive thoughts
""""""" to and from others who also happen to be using it.
Usage: WEAR CRYSTAL AMULET, RUB CRYSTAL AMULET, THINK <Message>.
When the effects wear off, rub again. Has 40 charges (rubs).
Ruby So called because of its deep red color, the ruby amulet is
Amulet: similar to the crystal amulet only in terms of weight and size.
""""""" When worn and rubbed, it surrounds the owner with a magical
wall of force which is highly impervious to all forms of attacks
for a brief period of time.
Usage: WEAR RUBY AMULET, RUB RUBY AMULET. Gives +100 DB.
Has 2 charges, each of which lasts for 5 seconds per level.
Gold Ring: An intricate gold ring which, when worn, transports you from one
""""""""" point to another in the blink of an eye. First, you turn the
ring at a designated place of return, then when the need arises,
simply remove and wear it for transport to take place. There
should be caution involved when using rings as they are said to
belong to the Navigators who will not hesitate to repossess the
rings (along with whatever silvers you are carrying) if you are
unfortunate enough to be caught by them.
Usage: To set the ring, WEAR RING, TURN RING. To go back to the place
where you set the ring, REMOVE RING, then WEAR RING.
Small This statue resembles that of a powerful figure, possibly a
Statue: deity of some sort. When held and rubbed, it surrounds the per-
""""""" son with an aura that makes him look a lot more powerful than
s/he is, giving extra protection temporarily.
Usage: You must be holding the statue then RUB STATUE for +25 DB that
lasts for 30 seconds per level. Has 4 charges.
Drake Once in a while these strange weapons are found. They are much
Falchion: like normal falchions but are they flare up every now and then
""""""""" inflict nasty burns on your opponent.
Usage: Just like any other weapon; cannot be edged nor blessed.
White Little is known about these weapons but it is rumored that it
Blade: will strike your opponent with coldness in a manner similar to
"""""" the Drake Falchion.
Usage: Similar to the Drake Falchion.
-5- Continued on Page 11
Building a Better Ranger
""""""""""""""""""""""""
___________ by Kenner Boh
/ \ ____ \
\@| /~/~~\\ |
| |~| ~ |onsidering becoming a runes, and activating staves/wands.
_| |~| _ | Ranger? Good for you! Put your 4th lowest roll here.
/@| \~\__// | The path of a Ranger
\_/ ~~~~~ / is not the easiest to The next 5 stats are your Develop-
~~~~~~~~~~ tread, but in exchange ment stats. The higher these are,
our versatility is unmatched by any the more development points you get,
profession in Kulthea. However, to and the more skills you can train
take advantage of this versatility, in.
the prospective Ranger must know
which abilities and skills are most COnstitution: Aids in body develop-
important. With that in mind, let ment. Put your second lowest roll
me share my thoughts with you on here and take the automatic 90.
creating a good Ranger.
EloQuence: One of the most
STATS and the Character Manager important development stats, EQ
determines the amount of experience
The first five stats are the primary you can accumulate before rest
stats. They do not affect develop- becomes necessary.
ment points, but rather influence
many of your skills and activities. REasoning: As important as EQ, RE
determines how quickly field
STrength & QUickness: These are experience is converted to real
probably the two most important experience. If you have low stats
stats for a Ranger. The ST bonus is here, you'll get to know the Temple
added to your OB and the QU bonus to very well.
your DB. You should have potentials
of at least 90 in these stats. Self Discipline: The bonus here
applies to Hiding maneuvers. It
INtuition: This determines the num- also adds (or subtracts) to your
ber of power points you receive ability to resist some spells (fear,
every level. Also, the bonus from immobilize, etc.) and special
this stat is applied to attempts at attacks (gaze).
disarming traps, picking locks,
perception and (maybe) channeling. AGility: AG may aid in climbing,
I suggest putting your lowest roll swimming and stalking maeuvers. It
here and accepting the automatic 90 will also be your DB against
the Character Manager gives you. directed spell attacks unless you
This probably won't give you many get some directed spell training.
power points so you may want to
reconsider if you plan on After you've chosen what roll to put
specializing in spells. However, with what stat, the Character
many Rangers don't have a lot of Manager displays your stat scores,
expensive, high-level spells to along with their potentials. The
worry about. potentials are more important than
the current stat scores for they
PResence: Helps in your dealings represent the best a character's
with merchants, but other than that, stats will ever be. The current
I have no idea what it does. Put stats, unless they match the
your third lowest roll here. potentials, are only temporary and
will increase to match potentials as
EMpathy: The least necessary stat you advance in levels.
for a Ranger, next to PR. The EM
bonus is applied to riding, reading RACE: Certain races are better
-6- More...
suited to be Rangers than others due maneuvers in the swamp.
to distribution of racial bonuses
and penalties. Most Rangers are Riding: So far, Riding is only used
Half-Elves, Fair Elves or High Men. in the jousting tournaments which
I would not recommend Common Man, don't happen that often.
Wood Elf, High Elf, Dwarf or
Halfling because their racial Disarm Traps: A recent innovation
bonuses are not as suited toward the in trap technology has added Stun
ranger profession as the others. Of Clouds to the the battery of chest
course, if you have your heart set traps, turning a minor nuisance into
on playing a particular race, the a major one, and making this skill
disadvantages add challenge; they do more useful. A good complement to
not make the task impossible. In my lockpicking skill.
opinion, the Half-Elf is the best
overall. Pick Locks: This skill is useful
when you want to open a simple chest
SKILLS: and don't want to go to the trouble
of finding a thief. On the other
Maneuvering in Armor: The only armor hand, why spend precious development
category that is worth training in points learning this if you can get
at this time is Rigid Leather. a thief to do it for you? You might
Leather breastplates offer some prefer to save your points for the
protection against clawed and spell lists.
toothed attacks and you may be able
to purchase AT10 armor later on. Stalk & Hide: A semi-useful skill.
Any other armor in this category When used in conjunction with Am-
carries maneuvering and QU penalties bush, this can be an effective
which negate their advantages. I weapon against your foes. However,
suggest training once per level in it can be difficult to hide or stalk
this, until you acquire 12 ranks. in the presence of characters with
training in perception. Speaking of
Weapon Skills: One-handed edged which...
should be the only skill you train
in here. This weapon type includes Perception: Perception will help
broadswords, falchions, handaxes, you find hidden objects when search-
etc. The other weapon skills cannot ing, protect you from pickpockets
be developed enough to be useful. and, more importantly, annoy people
Train in this twice per level. who are attempting to stalk or hide.
Brawling: Related to weapon skills, Spell Lists: If you are serious
brawling is useful for self defense about learning spells, then you are
since it allows you to parry non- going to have to pour the majority
magical attacks without having a of your points into this skill.
weapon in hand. Fairly expensive, After training in One-handed Edged
however. weapons and Body Development, most
of your points should go here.
Climbing: Train in this once per There are two different spell lists
level. After 6 ranks, you may want to learn from: Open Channeling and
to stop. In the other hand, having Ranger Base. Right now, only the
a lot of climbing can be convenient. first three spells in the Ranger
A very skilled climber can, for base are functional, so you might
example, scale the graveyard gate want to switch to Open Channeling
without getting killed. after you learn those. On the other
hand, when the Ranger Base list is
Swimming: Currently, there is no implemented, it may be the superior
place where swimming is needed. It list.
is rumored that it may aid in
reducing the round time for Runes: No runes have appeared in
-7- Continued on Page 9
Forest Trails
"""""""""""""
___________ by Cameron SilverMask II
/ \ ______ \
\@| ~|_|~\\ |
| |~| |||ecided to make your skills you must WORK at in order to
_| |~| ||| home in the forest, excel and survive in the wilderness.
/@| |~|_// | eh? Well, I can't let I will break these into primary
\_/ ~~~~~~ / let you loose to wreak skills and optional skills. Some of
~~~~~~~~~~ havoc on my wilderness these skills are common sense and
so I have decided to make available really do not need to be mentioned
this guide on how a proper Ranger but for the sake of thoroughness I
should develop his skills. If I will add them. As one of the
feel you have an aptitude and are Warrior class, you must learn to use
deserving, I might be tempted to a weapon. Many are the choices but
instruct you on the proper codes and the easiest and most effective by
behavior a Ranger should exhibit, far is the Edged weapon. I myself
but that must wait until I am sure train as much as I am able to and
you are ready. can boast a considerable skill with
these weapons.
Basic Stats and Race
You should maintain a rigorous
For now let us start with the system of exercises so as to develop
training you must undergo to be your Body to it's fullest. You
ready to be a guide to others should also learn how to maneuver
through Kulthea. First off, you must and wear armor properly so as not to
be Quick and Strong, these are the restrict your movements. Although
most important of your vital stats how much work you put into it and
if you wish to be an effective what types you learn is up to you, I
fighter/protector. Next you must be will say that I only train in the
Agile so you can pass through the more Rigid types of leather armor.
foliage with ease. It is natural I would also recommend that you
for Rangers to have a strong Consti- train in the arts of stalking/hiding
tution and and keen Intuition. They and ambush as that is part of being
must develop their ability to Reason a Ranger. Rangers also have the
and act Eloquently. Develop you ability to cast spells which should
other abilities as you will but be developed but I will devote more
these I have listed are the most attention to that later. You should
important. also study the Channeling of power
as you will undoubtedly need it.
You must realize that not all of
the races have an aptitude for for- For those optional skills I men-
estry. One of the best Rangers I tioned earlier, I find lock picking
know of is a Fair elf. I, myself, useful for those chests you happen
am a Half elf, the most able of the upon now and then. The ability to
races for this line of work. Still render first aid is useful, as is
others are High men and other skill to bargain with the merchants.
varieties of Elf. Hobbits lack the You must be able to find what you
strength needed, Dwarves lack a love seek and so must sharpen your sense
of the forest which comes from liv- of perception. The last two I re-
ing underground. You may try other commend are swimming and climbing.
races, of course, but it is a toss
of the dice as to whether you will Spells
have the necessary ability.
As yet, the gods have not seen
Rangerly Skills fit to release all the spells we
Rangers are capable of casting.
There are a number of specific We have hopes of seeing them soon. I
-8- More...
recommend studying the first three hide as well. If you don't train in
spells on Open Channeling: Level 1, this just about every level, you
Protection 1: adds to your magical probably shouldn't train in it at
defenses; Level 2, Air Wall: Adds all.
50 to your defense but subtracts 50
from your offensive skills; and Trading: This skill allows you to
Level 3, Aura: +10 to your defense bargain with vendors with less
without an offensive skills penalty. chance of making them angry at you.
After that study the Ranger list as Extensive training is probably not
they are designed just for us. worth it.
Three are available now: Level 1,
Hues: Adds 15 to your defense for a Pick Pockets: If willing to spend
short time; Level 2, Cold Resis- the development points, a Ranger can
tance: Makes you withstand cold become very good at this.
based attacks better; Level 3,
Resistance 1: Adds 10 to your Body Development: This skill deter-
defense for a greater amount of time mines your Concussion Points, or how
than Hues does. much damage you can take before you
bite the dust. You should train in
Do you have what it takes to be a this twice per level until your BHPT
Ranger? I cannot give you the ans- approaches its maximum, when you
wer. Look within yourself. Should should train once per level. The
you decide this path then what is maximum BHPTs are:
written within these pages will
offer you considerable help. High Man...150 Common Man.120
Fair Elf...120 Dwarf......120
High Elf...110 Halfling....80
Kenner's Ranger Continued from P. 7 Half Elf...150 Wood Elf...100
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
the land yet. Development points
would probably be better spent There are a dozen or so maps of town
elsewhere. in the MPGames Library. Downloading
one of these will make your life a
Staves & Wands: There just aren't lot easier.
enough development points to go
around to make it worthwhile for a The first thing you should do is go
Ranger to train in these. Leave to Tyron's Arms and buy a weapon.
them to the pure spellcasters. The handaxe is the best against
heavily armored opponents, a rapier
Channeling: This allows you to is best against non-armored
transfer power points to and from opponents (although rapiers break
your person. It is a difficult easily) while a broadsword is
skill to master; you'll need around probably the best all around weapon
15 ranks in this before you become in terms of versatility and damage.
proficient at it.
Next, go to the General Store and
Directed Spells: With this skill, buy a backpack. Then head over to
you can increase your DB against Anzell's Armoury and buy heavy hide,
elemental attack spells. Also, if a reinforced shield, arm greaves,
you ever get the Open Channeling leg greaves, an aventail and a helm.
spell Flare, this plus your AG bonus
will equal your OB with it. Finally, go to the Temple and ask
Unfortunately, this skill also costs about hunting parties needing
15 points/rank. members. There are often people who
will take you around and show you
Ambush increases the severity of the ropes. Once in the wilderness,
critical hits when you use it on an REMEMBER TO HOLD YOUR WEAPON IN YOUR
opponent. If you train in this, RIGHT HAND AND YOUR SHIELD IN YOUR
keep in mind that you need stalk & LEFT! Good Hunting!
-9-
Of Mice and Half-Elves, Part I
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
_________ by Gallenod Varynesti
/ \ _____ \
\@| ~|_|~ |
_| |~| |am a lone wolf by nature. they were attacked by an orc raiding
/@| _|~|_ | I prefer hunting alone, party. She barely had time to cry
\_/ ~~~~~ / trusting to my skill as out and reach for a wand when an orc
~~~~~~~~ a Ranger to keep me safe stunned her. Other orcs surrounded
in the wilds. I am much like my the children, preparing to net them.
father in that respect. It's diffi- You are assuming, of course, what
cult to break the habits of a life- happens next: My father rushes in
time, but I have learned a great and saves the day. Well, almost.
deal about the value of friendship, There was a loud CRACK -- the sound
teamwork and loyalty since coming to of a limb being broken from a tree.
Kelfour's Landing. There is no My father, who had been stalking the
greater joy than finding that spe- school group unbeknownst to them,
cial someone roaming the wilds of sprang from cover and -- using this
Kulthea, whether they be combat crude cudgel -- nailed the orc
shield-mate or the love of your threatening my mother to the ground.
life. Or, better yet, both. Let me Quickly snatching its sword and
tell you of how my parents met, and shield, he turned to do battle with
how I came to be. the three others. That's when he
I was born, much to my surprise, tripped over my mother.
some 33 years ago, child of a high Although he had never spoken in
elven mother and high man father. her presence, they had met before.
My father was a human Ranger some How surprised and embarrassed he
elven scouts had found mortally must have been to find himself
wounded amid the corpses of four spread-eagled on top of one of the
grey orcs. They kept him alive long loveliest females in the village.
enough for a healer to tend his Completely forgetting the desper-
wounds but not soon enough to ation of their situation, he dropped
prevent horrible, permanent scarring the sword and shield, went to his
of his face. He was many months re- knees, and said fervently, "I beg
covering, and was so ill he suffered your pardon, m'lady, we haven't been
from an almost complete loss of properly introduced. My name is
memory. The elves despaired of him Gifford Oakhand." Then his eyes went
ever regaining his full mind. He wide, as the realization hit him.
would wander in the woods for days "My name!" he cried, "My name! I
on end living off the land, and remember my name!"
rarely talked to or showed awareness The orcs stood there in awe.
of anyone except the village child- They'd been counting their chickens
ren, whom he adored. After over- (or elves, as the case may be) only
coming their fear of the "great, to be rudely interrupted by this
ugly man," the children returned his meddling wild-man who now seemed to
affection, treating him like a big, have lost all sense of proper com-
cuddly toy. He was only truly happy bat. What really unnerved them,
when buried under a pile of young though, was when he ran up to the
elves pretending they were wrestling biggest of them, grabbed its hand,
a bear to the ground. and pumped it furiously. "Hi there!"
One day my mother, a healer of he shouted. "I'm Gifford Oakhand.
moderate skill and headmistress of Pleased to make your acquaintance!"
the village school, took an outing That was too much for orcs. Con-
with some of the children. She vinced they'd met a madman with a
planned a short nature walk close to curse or a god, they broke and ran.
the village, so she didn't think Alone and unarmed, my father
they needed an escort. Ah, how stood there in that clearing sur-
wrong she was. Half a mile away rounded by the elvish children and
-10- More...
with my mother still lying on the spur her on. In desperation, my
ground. He told me all his memories father finally headed out into the
rushed back in that one instant; his wilds, determined to escape her. In
life literally passed before his determination, my mother headed out
eyes. As he slowly realized where he into the woods to deal with my
was, what he had done, and how he father's desperation.
had come to this place and time, he No one but them knows what hap-
touched his maimed face and quietly pened out there, but two weeks later
said, "I'm Gifford Oakhand. My com- they came back arm in arm. My
rades are dead. I am the last of my mother had a scar running the length
line and family, and I am alone." of the left side of her face, my
Then, he collapsed to the ground. father had acquired leather armor
My mother said she fell in love and a battle axe from somewhere, and
with him at that very moment. With a they stared lovingly into each
twinkle in her eye, she'd say, "Any other's eyes like courting basi-
man so unfailingly courteous that he lisks. I was born nine months later.
introduces himself in the midst of a You may have noticed, however,
life and death struggle is a rare that I carry Varynesti as my family
being indeed!" She also occasionally name, rather than Oakhand. It is not
referred to him as "the only man on that I do not honor the memory of my
Kulthea who can scare away orcs by father. I loved my father dearly.
shaking their hands." He taught me honor, as well as love,
She took charge of him from that courage, and how to fight and live
time on, despite pleas to leave him in the wilds. No, there is a tragic
to his misery, that he was ugly, reason for my choice of name, but
clumsy, and completely unworthy of that is another story, best left for
her attention. That just seemed to another time.
================================\\==================================
Special Things Continued from P.5
Iron Wand: This magical implement casts shockbolts at who(what)ever it is
"""""""""" aimed at. Like all wands, the iron wand requires training to
operate correctly. Those who generally learn to control wands
are the magic using professions.
Usage: Hold the wand in hand (left, usually) and WAVE WAND AT <target>.
Has 10 charges. ALL WANDS ARE USED IN THIS MANNER.
Silver Identical to the iron wand in all but appearance, the silver
Wand: wand also casts shockbolt. These two wands require the least
""""" skill to use, but still may be ineffective in the hands of inex-
perienced magic users.
Gold Wand: Though a few rare wands exist which are more powerful, the gold
"""""""""" wand is the most potent of the commonly found wands. Casting
firebolt at the target, these wands can spell the quick end of
foes. More difficult to use than iron or silver wands, it may
take several levels before magic users can consistently get
results from this wand.
Metal Doing less concussion damage than a gold wand, the metal wand is
Wand: the most likely to kill an opponent outright. The coldballs it
""""" produces are more likely to hit the target, especially armored
ones, making it even more deadly. This is the most difficult
wand to master.
Oaken Oaken wands relieve stuns. Simply wave it at the stunned person.
Wand:
""""
-11-
The Pools of Healing
""""""""""""""""""""
___________ by Nastorm Trevin and A. Otter
/ \ __ \
\@| | \ |
| |~|~\ | small spring joyfully impression, this is the place for
| |~|\~\ | bubbles into the tiny it. And if you're a newcomer, get
_| |~|=\~\ | rock-lined pool. It ready for some tall tales.
/@| |~| \~\ | gently caresses the "Speaking of tales reminds me of
\_/ ~~~ ~~/ rocks before sloshing a story. But, mind you, this one is
~~~~~~~~~~ over a ledge where it absolute truth," Nastorm smiles.
seems to dangle in mid-air before The Lords and Ladies grimace at the
plunging down the embankment, dis- thought of another of his whoppers,
appearing into the misty haze of the but no one objects.
tree-shrouded darkness. "I had tracked and hunted Greater
This restful sound of running Orcs all day," Nastorm continues,
water attracts the attention of a glancing around with mock indig-
passing Ranger. He approaches the nation as someone chimes in. "More
pool (an obscure virtue beckoning likely they were hunting you." Soft
him) and notices something gleaming giggles fill the room as he pauses.
in the water. "You're right," he mutters. "Before
He reaches in and fishes out a I regale you with my tale, suffer me
small object. The touch of the to say what springs and pools do,
water is refreshing. The air above and provide directions to them."
the spring is sweetly scented, He flourishes a map from his
driving the oppressive odor of the pocket, advising newcomers to take
surrounding forest from his memory note as they gather round him.
as his mind is filled with visions "Drinking from one of these pools
of love and caring. stops blood loss," he says, pointing
Suddenly, a hideous gnashing of to the map. "Even if you are
teeth, followed by a burst of rush- bleeding severely you can perma-
ing feet and the clank of armor nently stop the blood from leaving
echos around the spring. An Orc your body. All you have to do is
crashes through the undergrowth, its get there and DRINK POOL."
face twisted with rage. Its red "Directions from inside the town
eyes fill with malice as it spies gates the pool by the cottage in
the Ranger. "DIE, Ranger, DIE!" it Greater Orc Land are:
shrieks. "I have come to cleave thy
head from thy body and hack thee to GO GATE, GO PATH, S, S, S, S, S, SW,
bits for my stew." With lightning S, SE, S, SE, S, S, S, SW, S, S, SE,
quickness it falls upon the Ranger. SE, SW, W, S, S, S, S, SE, SE, NE,
NE, E, E, GO BRIDGE, SE, S, SE, S,
The Ranger reaches out to block S, S, SW, SW, W, W, SW, NW, DRINK
the mace as it whisks through the POOL. TOUCH POOL.
air, but the shaft cracks solidly
against his arm. Bone shatters and "Another pool is in Danjirland.
the Ranger howls in pain, blood
seeping from his wounds. Maddened GO GATE, GO PATH, S, S, S, S, S, SW,
by the smell, the Orc frantically S, SE, S, SE, S, S, S, SW, S, S, SE,
swings its mace again... SE, SE, SE, SE, E, E, NE, E, E, E,
GO PATH, NE, N, NE, RINK POOL.
TOUCH POOL.
"The temple makes any storyteller
glad," says Nastorm, his voice "And a third pool is located in
echoing through the halls. "Indeed, Stonehold. If you can get there, I
a captive audience is almost always presume you can find it.
present. Lords and Ladies gather
here, so if you want to make an "Now, where was I?" he asks. "Ahh,
-12- More...
yes. I had tracked Greater Orcs all The Otter gives a jolt, as though
day when I found a spring, one I someone had snuck up on it.
must have passed a hundred times "HMMPFF!" it replies. "What do you
before. Perhaps it was a small think I am, blind?"
noise that drew my attention..." The Ranger holds up the glisten-
ing object he had fished from the
pool earlier, and waves it towards
The Orc's dark, pasty skin the Otter. "You wouldn't by chance
glistens where small droplets of the be the owner of these fine spec-
Ranger's blood have splattered on tacles, would you?"
it. Its fierce red eyes gleam as it The Otter turns, squinting.
raises its mace and steps forward to "Come now," says the Ranger, "you
deliver the final blow. have nothing to fear. I skin only
But as swings, its foot comes vile creatures, not Otters." He sets
down in the water of the spring. the glasses on the grass near the
Shock and pain shoot across its face pool and steps back.
as steam hisses from the water and, "Well, I never," mutters the
with an anguished scream of pain, it Otter, moving forward. It grasps
limps quickly back into the the glasses and places them squarely
underbrush. Whimpering cries slowly on its nose, finally peering up at
recede into the distance. the Ranger.
The Ranger breathes a sigh of "Hmphff," it says. "I see you
relief and immediately begins tend- really fought that Orc off. You're
ing his broken arm. He wonders what bleeding all over my grass." It
hurt the Orc, and then realizes the sniffs the ground, obviously
pool is magical. bemoaning the mess, and peers at the
He looks up in surprise moments Ranger over the top of its glasses.
later to see an Otter roll out from "Drink from the pool and the
the tall grass. It hits the water bleeding will stop," it says indif-
with a loud splash. ferently.
Watching in amazement, the Ranger The Ranger remembers the agony of
sees it spew a jet of water towards the Orc as it touched the pool.
a nearby clump of rocks. "Come now, you have nothing to
A few choking sounds and obvi- fear," the Otter mimics. "The spring
ous attempts to clear its throat only poisons vile creatures, not
later, the Otter places its hands on MOST rangers." The Otter pauses,
its hips, looks sternly at the rocks "Maybe I SHOULD talk to rocks. They
and begins a lecture. are about as fast as rangers."
"Silly rangers, always mucking The Ranger chuckles and takes a
about and attracting Orcs. Why careful sip from the pool. As he
don't you leave well enough alone swallows, his arm stops bleeding and
and stay away? Hmmpff!" It glares his mind again vaguely fills with
at the rocks and stomps its foot. distant memories of love.
"Psst, over here," the Ranger "What is this place and why did
grins. my arm stop bleeding?" he asks.
The Otter sighs, "I suppose you
______________________________ won't leave until I tell you. It's
// \ an old story and everyone knows it.
|| File #248 in the MPGRT | Hmppff, everyone but rangers."
|| is an INDEX of all articles | Then, clearing its throat again,
|| in KE Volume 1, Issues 1 | the Otter begins to sing in a
|| through 12. Crossreferenced | surprisingly sweet voice.
|| by topic and article, every |
|| GemStone III player needs | "Once when the world was young,
|| this valuable refercence. | The world heard only sweet songs sung
\\_____________________________/ Sorrow was unknown.
Evil had no place to roam.
More...
-13-
"Once in a kingdom far far away,
Did live a people whose hearts ne'er betrayed
The love of another, the kindness of friend,
With true love their lives would begin and end.
"Their King and Queen fair beyond any means.
Happiness to all their love did bring.
The Queen was a healer powerful and true
No wound could she not undo.
Beautiful she was with stately grace,
A light of love shown cross her face.
The King stood proud, with a shimmering gem across his brow,
Burning sword in hand, which no evil could withstand.
"The darkest of demons did arise and from his pale cast forth his eyes,
Upon the living he despised.
In darkest cold the eyes did rove, dank and deep its cold
Heart steeped an anger of life that could not be quailed,
So the demon cast himself from his pale.
Creating a shadow across the land where his dark minions did stand.
As endless dark waves they did mass
Before the kingdom's gate on the great plains of grass.
"The darkest demon did bond with cold forged flames of hate,
And rendered a part of his being to make, a sword of deadly fate.
From those flames a blade he made to slay
And raze all that barred the way.
At the kingdom's gate the darkest demon
Welded his sword of fate and smote the gate asunder,
Across the plains rolled great thunder,
Inviting the dark minions to enter and plunder.
"But barring the way strong as the day
Stood the King and Queen without sway.
The King's brow burned a light so bright
That it drove the darkness from the night.
All wounds the King endured the Queen did quickly cure.
Then at last the king did cast a spell
That shook the earth and split it deep
And wide beneath the demons feet.
The demon just before he teetered and fell, swung his great black tail
And did impale and drag the King into the deep;
Leaving the Queen stricken with grief.
"Forever, far, the Queen did wander in search of her King and lover.
But the King's body she never found,
And in the places her tears touched the ground
A spring bubbled forth, giving comfort to all that drink from its course..."
Snoring erupts from the Temple. his bear skin rug onto the floor he
Not one to be put off by those who snuggles his head against his back-
fall asleep during carefully crafted pack. Drifting off, he mumbles, "Bet
tales, Nastorm looks around, they can't wait til tomorrow when I
bemused. "Hmm.." he remarks. "Must finish it." Soon his note is added
be later than I thought." Rolling to the chorus of snores.
-14-
Findings from the Arcane Ranger Masters (tm)
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
___________ by Landreth deLorde
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\_\ |
| \~\____~ |ometimes you're satis- your right produces a high pure
_| _~~~~\~\ |fied with your origin- note. Everything worked well as we
/@| \~\__/~/ | al results. In the tested non-magickal items but later
\_/ ~~~~~~ / cast of the strange that same sash produced a shrill
~~~~~~~~~~ blue crystal in the note. We, as Arcane Ranger Masters
old abandoned Inn just before (tm), just muttered obscenities and
Danjirland, I was satisfied until formulated some hypotheses.
Sauren asked me to demonstrate it.
I obliged, being a polite ranger, (1) The crystal has some technical
having no idea it would change my difficulties and wasn't fully
perfected theories. prepared for some items.
My underlying principles remained (2) The crystal works fine, it's
the same; the crystal is a measuring just every item we touched it
device. Hold an item in your left with doesn't work.
hand, keep your right hand free, and
touch the crystal. The higher the This wasn't for us. We concluded
note it produces, the more charges that while it functions well for the
left in that item. It's an most part as a measuring device, its
excellent source for seeing how many best use is as a musical instrument.
uses are left in your amulets,
wands, statues, etc. That's right, by assembling a
harmonious group (special thanks to
But there's more! Weary from the dark orcs who participated) with
travelling the lands widely, Sauren each of us holding a differently
always packs some stout on his charged item and touching the
journeys. Yes, this amazing crystal crystal at the proper time, we were
will also tell you how many sips are able to play THE KULTHEAN NATIONAL
left in your drink, and probably ANTHEM! I guess you had to be
how many bites left in what you may there. It was a blast. <grin>
be eating. The higher the note, the
more sips/bites left, the lower the Minor notes, errrr.. problems
note and it's time to hit the aside, however, the crystal is as
refreshment stand again. stated: It is a magickal measuring
device. It measures how many uses
However, we did find some dis- are left in wands, amulets, statues
crepancies with other items mea- and other objects of that nature.
sured. We tested an edged scimitar, Yes, even food and drink.
and from the first swing to the __________________________________
last, the note was high and pure. | |
| Surtey Akrash, Renowned Healer |
Sauren and I went further. | and Nutritionist Presents |
We wanted to know what caused the | |
colors of the beams, why some items | SWEATIN' WITH SURTEY |
that had no magickal qualities made | ******************** |
high notes, and why we didn't bring | |
enough liquor to finish the exper- | Overweight? Out of Shape? |
iments with. Liquor aside, we dis- | Surtey's new "Mangle That Fat" |
covered some items, such as a gold | program can help YOU! |
doeskin sash, variate the notes. | |
| Visit the tent for information. |
Holding the sash in your left | Not responsible for major damage |
hand while touching the crystal with |__________________________________|
-15-
The Abandoned Inn
"""""""""""""""""
____________ by Melda Farthrimnur
/ \ __ \
\@| / "| |
| //|"| |s summer reaches its peak and the sweltering heat, hot even
_| //=|"| | for Quellbourne, makes journeying the lands yet more weary-
/@| // |"| | ing, you might seek an inn in which to spend an evening.
\_/ ~~ ~~~ / There is one such inn, however, that none should dare enter
~~~~~~~~~~~ lest they be prepared to test their steel against giant mar-
mots, dark orcs and wraiths. "The Hanging Inn" is now a mouldering ruin,
overrun by hostile monsters. It is located on the north trail where the
hill trolls roam, just before the well-known "Danjir" sign.
Ye Olde Map of The Hanging Inn:
Entry Level Cellar Level
""""""""""" """"""""""""
[ ]---------[ ]------door-----[b] [d]--[ ]--[c]
| | / | |
[ ]-curtain-[a]--windak door--[ ] / [ ] [ ]
| /
battered door trapdoor Creatures:
| Creatures: / Giant Marmots, Dark Orcs
[wilderness] Giant Marmots [e]
Second Floor Attic
"""""""""""" """""
[ ]--[ ]--[h] [j]
\ |
door [ ] passage
\ [ ] [ ] | |
\ | | [i]--[ ]
[g]--[f] |
| | [ ]
[ ] [ ] | Creatures:
| mirror Giant Marmots, wraiths
[ ] Creatures: |
Giant Marmots [k]
Ye Olde Map Key
"""""""""""""""
a: Entrance area from the hill troll wilderness; stair up to second floor
b: Trapdoor to cellar level
c: Trapdoor up to entrance level
d: Trapdoor to magical workshop; openable only from within.
e: Magical workshop (see below)
f: Stair back to entrance level
g: Stair up to attic
h: An old map of an ancient land called "Elanthia" is here
i: Stair down to second floor
j: Trysting Room
k: Mirror Room (see below)
Continued on P.21
-16-
What to Hunt
"""""""""""""
____________ by Michealos Duradero
/ \ ___ ___\
\@| \~\ /~/ |
| \ ~ / |ou have arrived in I shall refer here to all sword
_| |~| | Kelfour's Landing, swingers as fighters, including
/@| |~| | bought your equipment Thieves, Bards and Rangers. These
\_/ ~~~ / and figure you're Fighters can move to the Level 4 to
~~~~~~~~~~~ ready to hunt. While 6 section below when they reach
you can use the ADVICE and Level 2 because they can train twice
DIRECTIONS commands, they only work in weapons, which gives them an
while you are Level 1, and there's a advantage in OB over other players.
little more to this game than that. Torkaans have a low OB, but be
Before you go out you should com- careful as they also have a claw and
pute your Offensive and Defensive bite attack. Kobolds use short
Bonuses (OB and DB). Look at your swords and have an OB of 10 but
stats (enter INFO) and write down their DB is also 10 so you should be
your bonuses for STrength, QUickness able to kill them easily. Next
and AGility. If you are a fighter- comes rats with their OB of 30 plus
type and trained twice in weapons, claw and bite attacks. They are
you should have an OB of 20 plus more difficult because they have a
your STrength bonus; non-sword DB of 30, so wait till you get to
swingers should have an OB of 10 Level 2 or 3 to hunt them.
plus your STrength bonus. Some monsters are about just to
Next comes your DB; here you will make your life more exciting, but
add your QUickness bonus to your you should avoid them. Wolverines
shield DB which should be +20. probably account for 2/3 of all the
If you are a Mage you can train deaths of starting hunters. Run
twice in directed spells and wands away from them! Next come the
while Clerics, Healers and Sorcerers karnelins which are level one and
can train only once. As a Mage you can be hunted if you have a mage or
should have a directed spell OB of a big DB and OB. They use a stomp
20 plus your AGility bonus. At attack, I recommend leaving them
Level 1, the only spells you should alone, too.
have are Sleep1 and Shockbolt, and
they work differently from each Levels 3 to 6
other. Shockbolt uses your directed
spell OB while Sleep uses the Re- Once you reach Level 3 you can
sistance Roll table. Resistance hunt hobgoblins and goblins. They
Rolls (RR) are calculated by com- live in an area SE of the town.
paring your level versus the They are not the only things there,
monster's. More information on this however, so you will have to deal
available in KE7 and KE9. with Lesser Orcs and Forest Trolls
as well. Here is where you are
Levels 1 and 2 going to get most of your money.
Hobgoblins have lots of treasure;
At Level 1, you should begin by they carry chests, cash and wands.
hunting torkaans, rats, kobolds and Hobs come in three types, and you
nymphs. Nymphs can be found in the will find some with metal breastplate
Coastal Cliffs NW of town (Map in you can sell in the pawnshop for 166
KE2-2), torkaans in the grasslands coins. Others have leather breast-
and forest around town. Kobolds plate which is worth 66 coins. They
live in the forest along Mine Road. have an OB of 50 and a DB of 25, and
See the Bird's Eye View of Kulthea are not too dangerous. You can
Map in this issue for these areas. fight them at lower levels if you
More...
-17-
use parry tag. Fighters can hunt coins a pound, so a Laen shield or
them solo without much problem, and broadsword costs 33,000 silver.
mages can slay those wearing metal Shaalk is a clothlike material
breastplate with sleep and shockbolt. giving +20 to the item. It is used
Orcs are a little tougher. They mostly for weapons. (Shields breaks
have an OB of 60 and DB of 60, and too easily.) Costs is 6600 a pound,
you shouldn't fight them alone if thus 66000 for a Shaalk broadsword.
you are not a fighter until you have Back to greater orcs, you should
more OB. Mages can cast sleep on parry so your DB doesn't fall below
them and their OB goes to 0 if they 81 and they won't have chance of
fail the resistance roll. Sometimes hitting you with a critical. You
they fail it so badly their OB goes can parry tag them. GOrcs have an
to -50. Lesser Orcs don't carry OB of 80 with a mace, short sword
much treasure and are mostly hunted or scimitar. Some wear chain hauberk
for experience. that can be pawned for over 200
Forest trolls have a DB of 25 and silvers. Their DB is 50 and they
OB of 40. They carry cudgels and are can kill with one blow. They carry
not dangerous until their cudgel chests, many of which are trapped.
breaks, when their OB will jump from Like trolls, once you hurt one badly
40 to 60 and they can claw and bite it will "turtle" so if you don't
you. Sometimes you will hurt them have a high OB you will be swinging
so badly they will parry 100. This at it for a while. It might run and
is what is called a "turtled" troll, sit so just wait for about ten
and the only way to kill it is with seconds and go after it. If you are
the help of a mage. If you don't not a fighter you should use magical
have an OB of 80 or more they are weapons and armor here. You will
almost impossible to kill. Look and also find goblins, hill trolls and
see if it is bleeding or let it run wolverines in the area.
to the next room and wait till it
sits, when its OB will plummet. Levels 8 and above
They often carry cash, treasures and
chests. Just be careful when trying The last monster to be discussed
to open chests, as many are trapped here is the cave troll. It has an
with stun clouds. OB of 127 with a mace and 160 with
claw or bite attack. Cave trolls
Levels 6 to 8 are slow with a Round Time of 12
seconds; their DB is 37. They
It's time for big game now, and I turtle, and if their maces break be
am talking about greater orcs. You ready to run. They carry good
should have made enough money to buy treasure but the chests are often
yourself new equipment that will add Trapped with stun clouds. Parry tag
to your prowess. Weapons and shields and swing only once if you have a
made from special materials can be low DB. If you are a fighter you
purchased from the town's merchants. should have enough OB to parry and
Mythryl is a hard material which still hit them hard enough. These
adds +5 to the item. Eog gives +10 trolls live in the dungeons of the
and is good for weapons but shields Castle, and the caves in Danjirland,
break too easily. It costs 2200 SW of the forest. There is a fog
silvers per pound, so an eog shield area in this cave where you can see
or broadsword runs 22000 coins. your DB go up by 30; unfortunately
Laen gives the item +15; it, too, is the troll's does, too. Other cave
a hard material and makes the best trolls live in the mines but they
shields, although it is occasionally are a bit much for most players at
used for weapons, too. Cost is 3300 this level.
-18-
The Sword Bearer's Tale
"""""""""""""""""""""""
_____________ by Gilthor In'Glorion
/ \ _________ \
\@| ||=|=|=|| |he white robed man The man rolled to the side as the
| ~~ |_| ~~ |crossed the room from blade descended again, smashing into
_| |_| |doorway to bedside in the ground where he had been just a
/@| _|_|_ |the blink of an eye, moment before. Quickly, he swung
\_/__________/ yet never seemed to his sword at the unbalanced creat-
have moved. He looked down at the ure. It sensed the blow, turning to
sleeping man. "So, you're the sword avoid it. The glowing sword missed
bearer now," he asked quietly. He the creature's mid-section, but str-
leaned over and gently placed his uck a glancing blow to its arm.
hand on the sleeping figure's fore-
head. The man stirred, then settled The creature howled in agony as its
back into a deep sleep. Suddenly flesh smoked and burned where the
their surroundings changed and the glowing sword had struck, then it
sleeping man lay on hard, blackened recovered and attacked. The man
ground. The white robed man started raised his sword in defense, but the
with surprise, then whirled around howling creature beat it aside.
in a defensive posture, peering into
the blackness around him, a black- Chanting could be heard as the
ness darker than night can be. creature swung a killing blow
towards the man's unprotected neck.
A raucous laugh echoed around them; A bright light suddenly surrounded
a dark form separated from the the creature and it vanished, its
blackness and moved towards the odd sword falling harmlessly to the
pair. A look of fear crossed the ground, only an outraged bellow left
white robed man's face and he shout- to linger in the man's ears.
ed: "sword bearer, awaken!"
The sword bearer turned to the white
The man awoke and leapt to his feet, robed man who said: "I banished it,
a sword in his hands. His warrior but I have used too much power. I
instincts took over and he immediat- must go. Come to me, sword bearer, I
ely sensed the danger approaching. need you. I have shown you the way."
Gesturing slightly, he vanished.
The white robed figure quickly mutt-
ered a chant and touched the man's The world spun and Gilthor sat up in
sword. The blade blazed with a white his bed, drenched in sweat. In his
glow that pushed the darkness back. hands he held his jewelled two-
The dark form paused for a moment handed sword, and in his mind,
then charged the two with a howl. images of a road he must travel.
"Protect me, sword bearer, or we are Gilthor sat alone in the back room
both lost," said the man in white. of Helga's Tavern. It was dark
The sword bearer never hesitated, he inside, all the lamps and lanterns
stepped towards the charging creat- having long since burned out.
ure. It raised a dark blade over its Gilthor sighed and sat back in his
head and suddenly swung it down. chair, moving his body for the first
The sword bearer lifted his own time in hours. He reached for his
blade and barely managed to parry goblet, holding it up and looking at
the fearsome strike. The blades the last swallow of ale left at its
crashed together, the force of the bottom. "A final toast then," he
blow knocking the man to his knees. said quietly to the empty room.
"Fare well, Kelfour's Landing.
The creature howled in triumph and I wish you the best."
raised its blade for a second blow. More...
-19-
With that, he drained the goblet, what? By whom?" he asked. "Good,
letting the last of its contents evil, who knows what?"
drain down his throat, then eased
out of his chair and stood staring "That's what we journey to dis-
across the empty room. cover," Eowynn replied, then she
laughed. "Gil, we had this exact
Gilthor turned towards the door as same discussion last night, except
he heard light footsteps coming up we've traded lines now."
the stairs. A small smile crept
across his face and he whispered, Gilthor pulled Eowynn into his arms.
"no, I'm not alone now and I never "Is it any wonder I love you so?"
will be again."
"I don't wonder about it at all,"
The door opened inward and a woman she said.
in a blue tunic with a silver corded
belt around her slim waist stepped Gilthor embraced her a moment longer
through. The sun's morning rays then released her, though he still
sparkled through her long, golden clasped her hand tightly. "Well,
blonde hair. it's easy for me to go. Kelfour's
Landing won't miss a simple fighter
"Gilthor?" the woman called out. much, but you - many count on your
healing magic."
"Over here, Eowynn," he said softly.
"Don't worry, dear, though it pains
She searched the shadows of the room me to go when there is such need for
from where she had heard his voice. my skills, I have spoken with others
"Oh, there you are, love." She of my order and they have assured me
walked towards him with a concerned that all will be well here."
expression on her face. "Have you
been here all night?" "Can you be so sure with that Spider
Temple they discovered? Having such
Gilthor sighed and nodded his head a powerful enemy so close to Kel-
slowly. Taking her hand in his, he four's worries me. I seriously doubt
sighed, "yes, love, all night. I sat all the combined forces in Kel-
here thinking. It's harder to say four's could rebuff that evil force
goodbye than I imagined. For all of if it chose to attack."
its wildness and sometimes harsh-
ness, this little village is the "If that's true, then our presence
only home I've ever had." would make little difference. In
fact, we may be better off leaving."
"I know, love, that's true for me as
well, but we'll return before long." Gilthor's face hardened and his body
tensed. "I do not run from a fight."
"Now you're trying to reassure me,
after it took hours to convince you Eowynn laughed. "Look at yourself,
we must depart for a time." Gil, hand on your sword, your face
set, your body as tense as a bow
Eowynn smiled. "You convince well, I string. You look as if you're ready
guess...Not to mention your dreams." to go charging off and tear the
Spider Temple down single handedly!"
The smile left his face."Nightmares,
more like," he sullenly muttered. Gilthor's face flushed crimson as
his stance relaxed. "I guess I do
Eowynn sighed. "Now Gil, we've dis- look rather foolish," he said, then
cussed this. Your dreams about the smiled ruefully, "it's not as if I
sword are a calling." could take on even the weakest
denizen of the place and expect to
"Yes, but a calling to what? For come out victorious."
-20-
"Oh dear, are they really as tough wilderness that surrounded the small
as everyone says?" Eowynn asked. frontier village.
"Tougher," Gil replied with a grunt, Making it outside the gates without
"but let's not dwell on it." He meeting a soul, Gilthor led Eowynn
looked out the doorway. "It's full down a little side path beyond the
sunrise. Are you ready?" gates where he had stashed their
horses and packs the night before.
Gilthor led her out the door.
"Let's hurry. I hate goodbyes." After helping Eowynn into her
saddle, Gilthor mounted his horse
Keeping pace with Gilthor's long and let his hand rest on the pommel
strides, Eowynn asked, "Are you sure of his two-handed sword. Thoughts of
they won't wonder what happened to the white robed man spun through his
us?" mind. Gilthor shook his head to rid
himself of the unbidden thoughts,
"Our friends will, but I've told then without a glance back at the
were thinking of taking a trip. little village that was his home, he
They'll figure it out." rode off with only a vague notion of
where he was heading, but with a
The pair walked briskly through the determination to follow the dream's
streets of Kelfour's Landing and path to its end.
approached the gates that led to the To Be Continued
=================================\\================================
The Magical Workshop: Continued from P.16
""""""""""""""""""""
This chamber contains an odd crystal with strange magical properties.
After much study it was determined by ranger Landreth deLorde that by
holding a magic item in your left hand and touching the crystal with your
right, it would emit a tone which varies based on how many charges remain in
the item. The higher the tone, the more filled up with charges the item is.
(See Landreth's story elsewhere in this issue.)
The Mirror Room
"""""""""""""""
Here one can find a crystal sphere which appears to be some sort of
scrying device. If one looks into it, you will see the trysting room.
Apparently the owner of this inn was a sophisticated voyeur.
The Innkeeper's Treasure
""""""""""""""""""""""""
The night that this inn was discovered, a note was found telling of a
great treasure hidden somewhere in the inn. The adventurer Fnord was
skilled enough to find that by following a series of hidden notes, each of
which he had to read in order before he could lay his hands upon the cache
of silver, jewels and magic trinkets. A separate treasure, a lovely piece
of jade, was found hidden in the magical workshop by Wedar.
The Creatures
"""""""""""""
Dark Orc: 85 OB scimitar, DB 95, wear studded leather, level 11.
Skinning yields an orc ear.
Marmot: 65 OB claw, DB 70, disease, animal intelligence, level 10.
Skinn is a marmot pelt.
Wraith: 90 OB short sword, 80 OB pound, 90 OB cold ball and lightning bolt
85 DB; also casts word of stun and demonic fear. When its
talon is extended, a strike from the wraith will result in a life
level drain. Unlife, level 14. Skin is a wraith talon.
-21-
Deadly Game
_________ """""""""""
/ \ _____ \ by Twyndle Majeer
\@| ~|_|~ |
| |~| |t was a lovely morning sipping a brew and spinning a tale.
_| |~| | as I awoke from a less I clambered down the hill and
/@| _|~|_ | than fulfilling night at there it was, sitting in the grass
\_/ ~~~~~ / Threk's Inn and, with my tending its wound. I howled in glee
~~~~~~~~ trusty drake falchion at and drew my weapon for a mighty
my side, stepped out into the morn- blow, but I hesitated - I wanted to
ing sun. I felt the hunt call to me toy with the beast, to play a game
and my elven blood tingle, for in with it.
the distance I heard the howl of my Seeing its chance, the creature
most feared enemy, the Karnelain. leapt up and scrambled up the hill
The game was afoot! towards the wooded hillside. I fol-
I strode down the path leading lowed quickly for I was not about to
from the gates of Kelfour's Landing let my hunt escape. I was enjoying
and all too soon the forest began to this game. I soon caught up to it,
loom over me. I hesitated - was I for with its injured leg, it was not
up to tackle this Karn? I felt moving with much speed.
myself take a step back. But no, I With one fierce blow, I finished
would strive forward! My sense of the little game we had been playing.
honor bade me take this challenge. It let out a horrible scream, then
Quickly I drew my falchion and fell to the ground, dead.
readied my shield. My plans were to I sat down to catch my breath, my
run into the forest, attack and head sword leaning at my side. Suddenly,
south to ready my defense. I took a I heard noises from above and looked
deep breath then tore into the woods up to see two bloody Karnelians come
and soon spotted the creature. With charging down the hill towards me!
a vicious swing, I brought my falch- I was on my feet in seconds, sword
ion down upon it. My blow struck in hand, ready for the battle that
and the creature reared in pain, was sure to follow.
licking its left leg. It was wound- The Karns sniffed at their fallen
ed, but certainly not vanquished. comrade, then turned to face me. I
The Karnelian quickly overcame had successfully vanquished one of
its surprise and made ready to these evil creatures, but two were
strike. I sped down the path - not beyond me. I turned to run, but one
to escape, but to prepare myself. I of the Karns leapt at me and clawed
took a hasty breath then spun about a gash in my shield arm. I could no
ready to parry a vicious attack, but longer hold onto my prized shield
none came. Where had it gone? and dropped it in pain. Luckily I
Something was wrong. Karn's were was not stunned and able to retreat.
not that intelligent and usually The other Karn followed me,
chased their prey relentlessly. I planning to finish the job. It
slowly began to make my way back up attacked, its claws tearing open my
the path. Had I injured it that torso. I fell to the ground,
badly? As I reached the fork where stunned and could only lay there
the road branched off towards the helplessly as the other Karn came
hills, I paused. Which way was the running. Both looked me over,
Karn? Had it stayed north of here licking their lips in anticipation
where I had first attacked it, or of the final blow. For they too
had it sought refuge in its retreat were playing a game with me.
in the hills? That split second was enough. I
I sniffed the wind, my keen sprang to my feet. Running was out
senses picking up a familiar scent: of the question; I had to make my
Karn - and blood. I smiled, this stand here at the base of the hills.
kill would be easy and I would soon My left arm was bleeding and my
be sitting by the fire at Helga's, chest was all but crushed. Although
-22- More...
my strength was gone, I reached in- but with it came pain and I knew my
side for that extra something. time was short. My eyes saw only
With new power, I swung my fal- the precious falchion and I leapt
chion. It struck! And what a hit for my blade. The Karn pounced, but
it was! The sword slashed into the I had my falchion in hand and the
Karn's neck and it died instantly. creature leapt onto it. A burst of
I smiled, forgetting the other flame from my falchion struck the
Karn for a moment. It struck at me Karn and in moments it lay dead.
in a rage but I defended the attack My lungs were on fire, I was
with ease. I brought my falchion dying. I had one thought - my ring!
down with all my strength once and I fumbled at my finger and finally
again the gods guided my blow. managed to slide it off. As I
Unfortunately, I was too weak to replaced it, a flash of light trans-
deliver a critical hit and the ported me to the Temple. There my
vicious Karn remained a very real friends were quick to tend my wounds
threat. It lunged and tore open my and call a healer.
leg. I fell to the ground holding I survived that day, but also
my thigh in pain and something in me learned a valuable lesson. Making
snapped. I lost all control and hunting a game was a sure way to
pounced at the beast. lose it all, and that was a game I
I felt reason starting to return, no longer wished to play.
===========================================================================
._. ._ ___ _____ ._. ^ ____ ._ ___ ___ _____ ._ ___
| | | \ | | | | / \ | | \ | | | | \ |
| | | ||== | | | /===\ \== |=/ |== | | |=/ |==
|_| !_/ |__ | |_| / \ / | |__ |__ | | \ |__..
/ '
A LEGEND OF THE ~~ DRAGONSFANG
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Amelda Heronheart
%%% * *
/~~~\ %%% *
~~~\ ~~~^~~\ *
| \. *
: ~~\ * *
\ %% %% |~\ \ * *
|## ## | \/ *
| | * * * *
\ / * * Beware
| & & | * * Oh, loathsome killer sheep
\& &/ * * Safe in your lair
\__/ / * * Ye think ye sleep
### =.i_ / But halt thy dreaming
### / .) / Test the air
### /_ > / The Spectral Mage
### /~ ;~-----/) From his hearthside creeps
##% /| |~~~~/ To meet thee in thy slumbers
#%% /*/; |
%%% / )===) Have care
%%%/ / " \ Within thy briary keep
%%% /[ | No more will fair
%%% / ( .) Adventurers weep
%%%" .{ \. For companions lost
%%% ./ \ To thy noxious scheming
%%% / \ With spell prepared
%%% / / | His skill engaged
!!!!\\\\%%%|. //; \|///!!!!AH! The Midnight Mage
--^-^^!!//\\\\/////!!!^---^--^ Toward thy haven sneaks
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& To lessen thy vile numbers
====================================-23-===================================
Pwyll, Prince of Annwfn
"""""""""""""""""""""""
_____________ by Eron Kulsen (Conclusion)
/ \ _________ \
\@| ||=|=|=|| |
| ~~ |_| ~~ |his is a story to be "Lady," cried Pwyll piteously, "I
_| |_| | sung by all bards in did not know who he was."
/@| _|_|_ | the lands from this "He is the man to whom they
\_/__________/ time forth. It tells wanted to give me against my will,"
of a time before the great lords of she said. "His name is Gwawl, son of
the undead had let loose all their Clud, and now you must honor your
mignions and evil creatures. It was word lest some worse misfortune
a time of peace, which in turn was befall you."
only granted from war. It is a "How can I honor my word when it
story of bravery and magic, best will kill me?"
told from the strings of a harp. "Perhaps there is a way," she
Hear then, if you will, the story of said and bent to whisper to his ear.
Pwyll, Prince of Annwfn... "I am growing old with waiting,"
bellowed Gwawl.
Pwyll's countenance brightened
No sooner had Pwyll and his and he said, "Wait no longer.
lovely wife Rhiannon sat down for Though it grieves me deeply, you
their wedding feast than a large, shall have what you ask." And he got
noble looking man walked down the up and left the hall with his host.
hall. He came directly to Pwyll and Gwawl laughed loudly and bragged,
saluted him; Pwyll said to him, "Surely, never has a man been more
"Welcome to you friend, find a place feeble-witted than him." And he took
to sit." Pwyll's place beside Rhiannon say-
"I cannot," replied the man. "I ing, "Let my wedding feast be
am suppliant and must do my business served. Tonight I sleep with my
first." bride."
"You had better do it then." But before the feast could be
"As you say, lord, my business is served, a commotion arose in the
with you; I have come for a re- back of the hall. "Who is making
quest." such a disturbance?" Demanded Gwawl.
"Ask it then, and if it is in my "Bring him here so that I may deal
power I will grant it gladly, for with him." And a man dressed all in
this is a joyous day for me." wretched rags was dragged forward.
"No!" shouted Rhiannon. "Oh, why "Ha! Look at him," said Gwawl.
did you respond so?" "What are you doing here beggar?"
"Och, he has already done so, and "If it pleases you lord, I have
is the presence of the whole court," business with you," replied the
said the stranger. "He is unfortunate one.
honor-bound to grant my request." "What business can you have with
"Friend, if friend you are, tell me that the toe of my boot cannot
me your request," said Pwyll, discharge?"
feeling sick at heart. "It is a reasonable request,"
"You, sire, are sleeping tonight replied the ragged man, "and one you
with the woman I love most, and I can easily grant if you will: one
ask for her to be my wife and for small bag of food. I ask only from
this feast to be my wedding feast!" want."
Pwyll fell silent. There was no "You shall have it," replied
answer he could give that would not Gwawl haughtily. And he spied a
break his heart. small leather bag at Rhiannon's belt
"Be silent as long as you like my and snatched it up. "Here is the
lord," snapped Rhiannon angrily, bag," he laughed, "fill is as you
"there is only one answer to be will."
given." The beggar took the bag and
-24- More...
began to fill it. But no matter how when it cam time to go to sleep
much he put into the bag it grew no Pwyll and Rhiannon went to the
fuller than before. Gwawl signalled bridal bed and spent the night in
impatiently to his servers, who pleasure and contentment.
arose and began stuffing food into The next morning they returned to
the little bag, but it remained just Pwyll's realm where the feast
as empty. continued for seven days with the
"Beggar, will you bag never be best men and women in all the realm
full?" asked Gwawl angrily. in attendance. And no one went away
"Never, until a lord rises up and from the feast without being given
tramples it down saying, 'Enough!'" some special gift, either a brooch
"Do it Gwawl, and you will be or a ring, or even a precious
finished with this business," said stone...
Rhiannon. "So began the reign of Pwyll Pen
"Gladly, if it will rid me of Annwfn and Rhiannon, fairest of the
him." Gwawl rose up and put his feet fair, and so ends this branch of the
into the bag, and the beggar twisted Mabinogi." The last notes of the
it so that Gwawl fell head over harp died away on the night air, and
heels into the bag, then closed it the bard bowed his head. The fires
and tied up the strings. Then from had dwindled and the torches burned
beneath his rags he produced a horn low. And the bard stood up and
which he blew. Instantly the hall removed himself from the spellbound
was filled with a fierce warband. crowd.
The beggar threw off his rags and The End
there stood Pwyll Pen Annwfn. ______________________________
"Help me!" cried the man in the
bag. "What is this game you are Song for Rhys
playing?" """""""""""""
"The game of badger-in-the-bag," by Amelda Heronheart
said Pwyll, whereupon his men began
striking the bag with kicks and There's a healer who has a
blows. wondrous way
"Lord," said Gwawl, "if you would Of keeping telltale scars at bay.
listen to me, killing me inside this It's Rhys, our friend (and, too
bag is no death for me." a Lord)
A man stepped forward much Whose curing potion be a sword.
chagrined and said, "He speaks the For "terrible permanent
truth, lord; killing him inside a mutillations"
bag is no death for a man. Listen He'll save the cost of
to him." preparations
"I am listening," said Pwyll. (Of that shocking Alchemist's
"Then allow me sue for peace," libations).
said Gwawl. "State your terms and I
will agree." Watch Rhys's practiced hand and
"Very well, pledge to me that eye
there shall never be redress nor As he lets his faithful falchion
vengence for what has befallen you fly.
and your punishment shall end." Plastic surgeon extraordinaire,
"You have my pledge," said the His sword arcs flashing through
man within the bag. the air
"I accept it," replied Pwyll and Depending on a perfect crit
called to his men, "Let him out." (It *REALLY* doesn't hurt a bit.)
Thereupon Gwawl was released from And then he does his healer stuff
the bag and he departed to his own "WHAT scars?" says he.
realm. The hall was then prepared "They weren't so tough!"
for Pwyll as before, and they all
sat down to a wonderful wedding ______________________________
feast. They ate and reveled, and
-25-
_________________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
|@/________________________________________________________________________/
| |
| Dear Dad, |
| |
| I was beginning to wonder if my letter got through when I yours |
| arrived. What a relief, but I am sorry about Mom. She signed the |
| contract and I never read it, so how was I to know she would have to |
| fulfill it when I left the caravan? If she'd been so worried, she |
| shouldn't have signed me up for a twelve-year deal. Besides, I'd have |
| written earlier if I'd had any idea the dwarves were going to let the |
| ox tender go, but as it was I only heard they didn't still have him |
| the same week I got your letter. This won't surprise you, but |
| dwarves aren't as regular with their correspondence as we might wish. |
| |
| How is Mom holding up, or have you heard from her? I remember my |
| first few months on that job, and you don't have much time for |
| writing. But oxen aren't very communicative, of course, so when she |
| does get time, I imagine she'll be ready to write to everyone she |
| knows. I'll let you know when I hear from her. |
| |
| Remember that fair elf I mentioned in my last letter? I know you |
| would not have approved of him, Dad, since he didn't ask your |
| permission or anything but you wouldn't have seen him recently, would |
| you? I know it's hard to single out one elf, what with the entire |
| village being of the same family, but you'd know him because he wears |
| brown. He hasn't been seen around Kelfour's Landing in a while. |
| Don't worry, Dad. There's no special reason I'm asking. I'm just |
| concerned because he's been gone so long. |
| |
| Things around here have been pretty slow. I haven't found a job yet |
| since I lost track of the caravan, and you're right about magic. Most |
| of these yokels don't understand how easy it is. Even that shock bolt |
| spell you taught me impresses them more than if you made the sun |
| disappear. At least if that happened, they'd have no idea what was |
| going on, but it would never occur to them to blame you. They'd say |
| one of the moons was jealous and was blocking the sun, or something |
| silly like that. Anyway, I'm earning a pretty steady income keeping |
| the subhuman hordes away from the city. Hobgoblins are always a |
| problem, but they're more easily confused than some people I know. |
| Magic frightens them worse than it would a normal fighter (if there |
| is such a thing.) |
| |
| Anyway, I have to run. The debt collectors around here are kind of |
| annoying, and someone's always providing you with service they don't |
| get around to telling you till afterwards they're expecting you to |
| pay for. You know how it goes. Write me if you hear from Mom, and if |
| that ox-tender comes looking, send him my way. Helga is still waiting |
| to collect on his bar tab. |
| |
| Your loving daughter, |
_| Belladonna |
/@| |
\_/________________________________________________________________________/
-26-
The Bearer of Tales
"""""""""""""""""""
_______________ by Miss Louvella Parsnips
/ \ ____ ____\
\@| +|~| __ |~|+|e have been keep- Naturally, both parties deny any
| |~|/~~\|~| | ing our eyes open type of relationship, but -we- know
_| |~/~/\~\~| | and our ears to better, having spotted them locked
/@| _|__/ \__|_| the walls this mo- in a passionate embrace behind the
\_/_____________/ nth, and have dis- arch in the Cladesbrim dungeon.
covered some deplorable doings in
Kelfour's Landing. Following this clandestine meeting,
our thief went running off to a
A certain wood-elf lady thief has clandestine tryst with our wraith-
earned herself the title "Tramp of like lady mage, who is, of course,
Kulthea." It appears this coyote rumored to be vying for sainthood.
faced harlot has been getting
around, to say the least. Her first We find this peculiar, to say the
victim, er..betrothed, was a young least, being that the pair have
ranger with a strange accent, maybe hurled public slurs at each other on
Spanish? It seems that this ranger numerous occasions. We wonder which
did not have the stamina to handle of the two was seeking the perfect
our newest trollop and she threw him opportunity to stab a dagger in the
aside in favor of Kelfour's favorite other's back. Which indeed.
mad mage, whom she actually married.
A quick glance through Kelfour's
Naturally, this strumpet does not records department showed us that a
confine herself to any one fellow, certain ranger may be filing divorce
regardless of how virile he may be, papers against his wife, a certain
but she has also been seen entering bleu robed lady mage. The grounds
Frick's Inn with all sorts of odd given: Numerous affairs and refusal
companions, among them a muscular to wear a certain kind of belt.
lordly fighter of half-elf origin. There was, of course, much more, but
we are not so callous as to reveal
While we are on the subject of these personal items to you, much
strumpets, we are delighted to in- much as we would relish the idea.
form you that a young thief who just
happens to be the sister of our lady We have received word that our kind-
cleric of the olde speeche has been hearted lady healer has forced her
seen in the company of a grumpy betrothed, Kulthea's most famous
dwarf fighter. We would not be the lordly mage, to wear a certain belt
ones to ruin the surprise by saying himself. This follows our announce-
that this unlikely couple has become ment last month of our mage's liason
betrothed, but we may be hearing with a manly fighter type. Perhaps
wedding bells in the near future. we were mistaken and she isn't as
blind as we once thought.
For those who were wondering about
the mechanics of such a relation- Remember that hearsay, gossip and
ship, we are under the impression tattle can all be sent to MISS.SNOOP
that he stands on a chair. (via GEmail) where it will reach our
eager eyes and will certainly be
Another odd couple is that of a lady spread all over next month's column.
ranger who is always jolly and gay
and an outspoken thief who has ties Until next month, gentle readers,
with a secret evil organization. happy snooping and tra-la for now!
-27-
[end]
KE V2N3
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