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_______________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
| | Playing the Sorcerer on Page 7 |
@_/_____________________________________________________________________/
| |
| GemStone III's December 1991 |
| Vol.2, No.7 |
| _ _ _ ___ |
| ___ ___ / ) / ) / ) / __) |
| / \\_// \ / /_/ / ____ / / _/ ( ____ __ __ ____ |
| _( <> (_) <> ) / _/ / __ ) / / ( __) / _ ) / / / / / ___) |
| |\ \__// \\__/\/ /\ \ / ___/ / / / / / (/ / / (_/ / / / |
| | \ / /\\ \ (_/ \_) (____) (_( (_( (____/ (_____( (_( |
| | \/ /__\\ \___\ _____ _ _ _ _ |
| | |\/ | \/ | / ____) / ) (/ _/ ) (/ |
| | | | | | / (__ ___/ / _ ( _) _ ____ ____ |
| | | | | |/ ____) / _ / / ) / / / ) / _ ) / ) |
| \ | | | / (__ / (/ / / / / / / / / (/ / / /) / |
| \|_____|_|____(_____) (____( (_( (_( (_( (____/ (_((_( |
| |
| The Kronicles of Kulthea \ | / |
|________________________________________________________ __\|/__ ____|
|__________________________________________________________ /|\ ______|
| / | \ |
| The New Age of GemStone III ...................... Simutronics 1 |
| History o' the World, Part I ................... Szandor LaVey 2 |
| Items of Power ......................... Elminester Silvanisty 3 |
| Lands of the Rich and Famous ................. Elzbeth Collins 6 |
| Playing the Sorcerer ....................... Celestin Drowstar 7 |
| The Gathering ................................ Flint Thalassar 10 |
| Cheers .................... Amelda Heronheart & Inyigo Montoya 13 |
| Of Mice and Half-Elves, Part 4 ............ Gallenod Varynesti 14 |
| The Science Corner ................................ Nightshade 17 |
| In Truth, Is There No Beauty? ................ Elzbeth Collins 18 |
| The Armor of the Keep, Part 2 ......... Lord Whilder Planrathe 20 |
| The Mage ........................... Art from Kelfour's Museum 27 |
| The Beastly Blatherskite ............. Miss Louvella Parsnips 28 |
| |
| /`\ |
| /`\ HAPPY ) ( |
| ) ( \\o///////////////_ |
| \\o///////// \\\\\\\\ooo\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ |
| _\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ooo\\\\\\\\ /////////o\\ |
| /////////////////o\\ ) ( |
| ) ( HOLIDAYS \,/ |
|_______________________ \,/ _________________________________________|
| |
| Kelfour Edition of the Kronicles of Kulthea is devoted to the multi-|
| player roleplaying game GemStone III on GEnie Information Network. |
| Submissions will be edited for space, accuracy and readability. |
| Contact Editor Lady Wisraith Winterwind, Assist. Editor Lady Rune |
| Arundel or Publisher Lady Phaedra Bleu by GE Mail to P.HERRINGTON |
| for details on submissions. Banner letters by Yonah |
| __________________________________________________________________|___
| / /
\_/_____________________________________________________________________/
The New Age of GemStone III
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As we enter the new year of 1992, Furthermore, you'll also be seeing
it is time to look ahead at what more impromptu events occurring at
GemStone III will be offering its anytime. Some of you have seen such
loyal citizens of Kelfour's Landing. "events" in the past few weeks --
First, and most importantly, is everything from a Hunt, to the
our increase in customer service. We sudden animation of the Elves and
recently announced the addition of a Monks in the Temple, to rolling
new Full GameMaster and an Assistant thunderstorms drenching the land and
GameMaster. Two MORE Assistants have those are only the tip of the Clae-
been chosen and are now undergoing desbrim Bay icebergs in wintertime!
training and orientation in the hec- The talents of our newly-increased
tic "backend" world of the GM. We Staff will be sure to entertain you
will reveal their identities soon in in the days to come. Be wary...
the GemStone Staff Announcement To- you never know what may happen!
pic on the Multiplayer Games Round- Will this detract from the needed
Table Bulletin Board. We just want additions to the mechanics of GSIII?
to give them time to become accus- Not at all. Particular GameMasters
tomed to their surroundings before are assigned those duties and
we throw them into their preliminary continue with them at the quickest
duties. We hope you'll agree that speed possible. We have certainly
we have made some good choices. not forgotten those of you who are
Basically, this brings our staf- expecting them and have waited
fing up to an unprecedented level (sometimes impatiently) for them.
and you'll soon be noticing the GemStone is now two years old and
difference that this extra help will it isn't complete. Then again, will
lend to your satisfaction in the it ever be? The world continues to
game. Additionally, the rest of our grow, new mechanics are being added,
fine old GameMasters [creak!] are software changes (many never seen by
turning with renewed enthusiasm to players) are being made, and more
GemStone. Personally, I've never special touches will make it a more
seen the level of GM morale higher comfortable and wondrous place.
than it is right now and this is With this new age of GemStone
only the beginning. You will indeed III, I hope all of you will view our
be seeing the fruits of their labors world as being a glass that is half
at a pace that we have only pre- full instead of half empty. Let's
viously dreamed of and hoped for. join together in a new approach to
Second, you will be seeing an something that continues to evolve
increase in special events. They and grow. We want you there with us
will vary in sophistication depend- to experience the new magic that is
ing upon the premise but all of them GemStone III. In my experience of
will bring you the sort of "color multiplayer games, even with the
and magic" that some say has been fact that the rest of the glass
missing in Kulthea. In that sense, needs to be filled, GSIII is still a
we never intended for GSIII to be wonderful place to be. Come join us
strictly a hack-and-slash product, in the magic in the weeks and months
but more of a place where you can to come. You won't be disappointed.
meet friends, adventure, maybe pick All of us on the GemStone team
up a little experience and an item wish happiness and prosperity to you
or two, and basically experience an and yours in 1992. On behalf of
environment that will hopefully make GEnie, Simutronics and our Staff, we
you smile and have fun. Following sincerely thank you for visiting our
the Winter Solstice event held the world. The best is yet to come.
weekend of December 28th, our next
event is the long-awaited return of Most Sincerely,
the Gladiator Games on Sunday, -- Tom Zelinski (TOMAS)
January 26th. Mark your calendars! Simutronics Corp.
-1-
History O' the World, Part I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Szandor LaVey
.
| \
Kobolds have always been at the \ \
bottom of the heap. All other \ \
(semi-) intelligent humanoids __ \ \
consider themselves several \.\ \ \
steps above the lowly Kobold, |'|__ _\ \
even the goblin. This attitude / \/._\ \
began a long time past, in some ________ / o\ __ ./ \ \
forgotten era, but the Kobolds //''''''_\_/ / ... o | \ \ \
know, aye, they KNOW the day // _/ | ,O: / \ \ ||
will come when it is their turn // _/ / / \_'/ \ \//
to rule the world! || _/ / \_ \//\
|| / / \_ \_ \_//;;\
Aye, humans may be top now; And, || | \/ \_ \__ -/;;;/
aye, elves and dwarves and half- || | / \__ """;;;;/ \\
lings could come next. And then || \>====---___ / \________;;/ ++
the giants, and the golems, \\ / """---<<
probably. Then the ogres, the \V {"}\\_
trolls, and the centaurs. Then / _/| | \_
perhaps troglodytes, basilisks, | /_ | | \__
cockatrices, and spiders. And, | / /##\| | \_
most likely, will come the age \____/|/ ###| |_ \_
of the orcs, goblins, threks, |'''' ' ####| |#\__ \
hobgoblins, karnelins, manti- / /####| | \__ \\
cores, and the werebears. / / ''''| | \ |
/ / | | | |
/ / | | <====>
<====> | | |;;;|
/;;;/ | | |;;;|
/|;;;> V |;;;'\_
//;;;;| \;;;;;===\
======= / ==========\
_______________________________________________/
/
The worms, the wolverines, the sea elves, dwarves and halflings), the
nymphs, and the hosts of unlife. women, and their children!
The wisplings, and (possibly) the
guardians. And the moray eels and After the skies clear of the smoke
the rabid Torkaans. Aye, could be. that represents the last vestiges of
humanity and civilization, the
BUT STILL!! The Kobolds' time WILL, Kobolds will claim the land that
say, WILL come!! And, on that rightfully belongs to them, and a
fateful day, great hosts of Kobolds Great New Age will fall on the
will assemble and march on the world, bringing peace, prosperity,
unsuspecting (to say the least) and justice for all Kobolds!
population of the world to burn
their cities and to kill men (and Or, then again... maybe not.
__________________________________________________________
/_________________________________________________________/|
| It's true! Kelfour Edition pays contributors with ||
| *** FREE WEEKENDS in GemStone III. *** ||
| Contact a GM or newsletter staff member for details. ||
|_________________________________________________________|/
-2-
Items of Power
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
__________ by Elminester Silvanisty
/ \ __ \
\@| / "| | fter acquiring exper- the shops can special order. It adds
| //|"| | ience, treasure is the +20 to your offensive bonus. Two of
_| //=|"| | most important part of these items exist and were obtained
/@| // |"| | adventuring in the as prizes for a quest. Lord Rhys
\_/~~ ~~~ / world of GemStone. As Corwinson owns one and Lord Yuri
~~~~~~~~~~ you advance in levels Hanbidt owns the other.
your need for special items in-
creases because better weapons and Shimmering Blade: This weapon does
armor help tremendously in combat not have a true form. When rubbed
with higher level creatures. The it transforms itself into a dagger,
only way to obtain such items until rapier, broadsword, short sword or
now (besides those in the shops) was greatsword. It's +20 OB, was pur-
to get them from a quest or auction. chased at the third auction, and is
Bids for items at auctions often go now owned by Yuri Hanbidt.
to hundreds of thousands of silvers,
a price none but a few wealthy Black Shaalk Claidhmore: Much like
citizens can afford. a normal Claidhmore, this blade adds
But the Gods have changed this +20 to the OB. Found in a chest, it
state of affairs. Now powerful and is owned by Airioch Ramthanodox.
unique items are found in chests
carried by monsters. These items do Pure Falchion: This is a perm-
not necessarily cast spells or en- anently blessed falchion and allows
hance your abilities; you can find the wielder to combat Unlife with-
anything from a piece of wire which out the blessing of a cleric. It is
does nothing to armor that increases owned by Lord Lythe L'GREEN.
your defense and is as easy to wear
as heavy hide. Ice Blade: This is like a drake
Similar items already existed but falchion but instead of causing heat
were mostly in the hands of the criticals, it causes cold ones. It
rich. Now, everyone has a chance to was found in the spider temple. The
find them. There are restrictions. item was cursed but the curse was
You must be lower or equal in level removed by Lady Taarna Wayfinder.
to the monster you SEARCH for the Its current ownership is unknown.
chest and you may have to get around
difficult traps, but these are minor Vorpal Sword: This powerful weapon
details. is a +11 one handed sword that
I have polled players about items inflicts damage as a two-handed
they have. This list contains exam- sword and can be edged by a mage
ples of what you might expect to making it a +26. Found in a chest,
find in a chest although some items it was bought by Gallenod Varynesty.
are from past quests and auctions.
Such items can be weapons, wands, Thunder Blade: This two-handed sword
staves, rings, jewelry, armor and can be wielded with one hand, al-
others. Some of the items are just lowing the owner to use a shield at
unique and others have powers. Some the same time. Training in two-
have been lost or broken. The list handed weapons is needed. It is
includes all items I could account rumored that it can inflict elec-
for, yet every day more are found. tricity criticals as a drake fal-
chion causes heat criticals. It is
WEAPONS owned by Melda Farthrimnur.
~~~~~~~
Shaalk Falchion: This more powerful Burnished Blade: This weapon has
version of a falchion is made of the the same characteristics as a fal-
precious and magical clothlike metal chion. This +15, non-edgable weapon
-3- More...
is owned by Mmorfo Chapster. Stout Oaken Wand: Casts the open
channeling spell alkar. Owned by
Grand Rapier: This is the same as a Lord Lose Soulblaster.
normal rapier but of better make and
adding +10 to the offensive bonus of Glittering Metal Staff: This staff
the wielder. The weapon is not is much like a metal wand in that it
magic in origin and can be edged by too casts the mage spell coldball.
a mage giving a total of +25 to the Owned by Lord Lose Soulblaster.
owner. It is owned by Drachen.
Black Onyx Wand: Casts the cleric
Enhanced Short Sword: This +10 spell repell undead II and was found
edgeable sword was found in a chest in a chest by Drachen.
by Althea. It is currently in
possession of Lord Lose Soulblaster. Spirit Wand: Casts the cleric spell
lifekeeping.
Long Rusty Dagger: This +15 long
dagger can inflict electricity crit- Sun Wand: Casts the open channeling
icals. It is magic and can't be spell herb production.
edged. Owned by Joqain Denark.
Oak Staff: Casts invisibility.
Saber: This +5 edgeble weapon adds Owned by Lord Dagamr Istarii.
+15 to any criticals it inflicts.
Willow Staff: This staff casts the
You may have noticed a number of closed essence spell floating disk.
weapons that have a natural +10 and Found in chests, Zhuge Liang owns
are not magical. These are better one and Griffin has another.
weapons that can be edged giving
them a +25 bonus. It is rumored MISCELLANEOUS MAGIC ITEMS
that the Enchantment True spell will ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
grant these weapons a +35 bonus. Sapphire Ring (rub): These rings
cast the closed essence spell rapid
WANDS AND STAVES fire. Owned by Dartaghan Darkstar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ and Lord Xura Viirkort.
Black Crystal Rod: This rod casts
the fear spell which causes the Emerald Ring (rub): Casts unpoison
victim to drop all items in hand and and was a gift from Lord Kirc Blood-
run in panic to the next room. guard to Lady Wisraith Winterwind.
These rods were found in the spider
temple. Lord Lythe L'Green and Lord Mystic Sphere (rub): Casts rapidfire
Dagmar Istarii each own one. Owned by Lord Lose Soulblaster.
Red Wand: Casts the fireball spell. Moss Covered Ring (rub):Casts the
Owned by Lord Dagamr Istarii and open channelling spell Airwall.
perhaps others. Owned by Drachen, it was found in a
chest.
Blue Crystal Wand: This wand casts
mage spell lightningbolt and has Ruby Slippers(rub): Also casts Air-
been found in chests. Owners are wall. Owned by Lady Phaedra Bleu.
Lord Dagamr Istarii, Dec Carfa'shon
and others. Mother of Pearl Necklace (rub):
Casts the closed essence spell Haste
Crystal Wand: Casts the mage spell II. Dec Carfa'shon received this as
waterbolt. Found in a chest, it is a prize during a quest. It is now
owned by Dec Carfa'shon. owned by Lord FXG Lyon.
Green Glass Wand: Casts the open Intricate Bracers (rub): Casts the
essence spell Protection II and is closed essence spell strength. One
owned by Lord Lose Soulblaster. of many items found in the first
-4- More...
Dragon-ship quest, a pair are owned White Lacquered Armor: Adds +15 to
by both Lord FXG Lyon and Lady the defensive bonus and is like
Wisraith Winterwind. One pair was heavy hide. Owned by Lord FXG Lyon.
also owned by Lord Erebor Bordeaux.
Diaphanous Robe: Adds +15 to DB of
Ruby Amulet (rub): Casts wall of the wearer. Owned by Lord FXG Lyon.
force adding +100 to the defensive
bonus for ten seconds/level of its CURIOUS AND UNIQUE ITEMS
wearer. Now found in chests. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plumed Silver Helm: Owned by Lord
Scarlet Amulet (rub): Same as a Corwin D'AMBER.
ruby amulet. Found in chests.
Shimmering Hooded Cloak: Acts as a
Iron Amulet(rub): Casts strength. backpack. Owned by Dartaghan Dark-
A number of citizens now own these. star and others.
Jeweled Music Box: When the golden Black Blood-splattered Greaves:
canary sings, everyone and every- Normal greaves with a nice des-
thing in the room is calmed. Owned cription. Owned by Lord FXG Lyon.
by Lady Wisraith Winterwind.
Velvet Robes: Same armor character-
Golem Fragment(wave): Casts Wizard istics as heavy hide. Owned by
shield. Owned by Artemis Al~Anhir. Althea and Pterelas.
Black Pearl necklace (rub): Casts Protective Cassock: Same armor
heal II. Owned by Gilthor In'Glorion characteristics as heavy hide.
Owned by Lohann Mcloud.
Marble Statue(rub): Casts Alkar.
It is rumored to have ten charges. Diamond Tip Lockpick: Same as laen.
Owned by Griffun Skyborne, but now
ARMOR AND DEFENSE ENHANCERS broken.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shimmering Translucent Cloak: Once Shrunken Head: Owned by Lord Xura
owned by Dagmar Istarii but since Viirkort.
lost, added +25 to defensive bonus.
Arbiter's Coin: Can be flipped.
Embroidered Black Cape: Adds +15 to Owned by Benei.
the defensive bonus of the wearer.
Owned by Dartaghan Darkstar. Dice: Owned by Melda Farthrimnur.
Golden Torque: Adds +10 to the Box of Popcorn: Owned by Lady
defensive bonus of the wearer. Phaedra Bleu.
Owned by Dartaghan Darkstar.
Snack Bag: One owned by Dec Carfa'
Gleaming Steel Helm: Adds +30 to shon, another by Annastasia.
defensive bonus of the wearer. It
was bought at the first auction and Unique items are more common than
owned by Lady Wisraith Winterwind. they once were but acquiring them is
not without risk. Their introduc-
Shaded Eyewear: Adds +10 to DB of tion was accompanied by improved
the wearer. Owned by Lord FXG Lyon. trap technology and chests are now
dangerous. Items listed are indica-
Mystic Diadem: Adds +15 to the tive of what is available. Whether
defensive bonus of the wearer. Was you want enhanced weaponry or
bought at the first auction. Owned handsome attire, what you seek may
by Lord FXG Lyon. be in the next chest you find.
-5-
Lands of the Rich and Famous
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Elzbeth Collins
Looking across the hard grey valiantly to hold the foe at the
waters of the bay, the flame of line of the tide. The surf ran red
hatred burning at my soul does with the blood of my friends and
little to warm the cold of winter. companions. Even now, that beach
Just three days past, should any bears blackened, blood stained sand.
have said I could harbor such ill The village and docks lie in
intent as this toward man or beast, ruin, burned out and empty shells
I would have laughed and bespake for homes, charred timbers marking
them of the benefits of kindness and the remains of our proud shipyard.
forgiveness. But now, grave dirt of Not one in ten of man, woman, or
my beloved on my hands, my thoughts child remains. Many speak of a
are of hate and vengeance. sojourn to Quellburn, before the
This dusk, three days since it winter worsens and starvation sets
was that the evil Ice Kraal fell in. But for me, this is home. I
upon us. Striking across the water fear my years could not carry me
from their home on Trelkinaark, a through the mountains to that far
raiding party of a hundred or more city of hope. And someone must re-
stormed the beach. The watch tower, main to tend the graves, and hate.
true to its purpose, sounded alarm, ...Excerpt from a journal found amid
and the men of the village fought the ruins of the coastal village.
:::::::::::::::::::::
To The :: MAP THREE: ::
Old Dock Yard ::THE VILLAGE RUINS::
| 0-0-0 :: AND ::
| / \ :: COASTAL CLIFFS ::
0-0-0 | 0-0-0-0 0 :::::::::::::::::::::
\ | / | \
0-0-0 0 0-0-0-0
| / / \ The Old Merchant's Road
0 0 0-0-0 0 0-0-0--------------->
\ | / \ | Back to Kelfour's Landing
0-0-0 0-0 0 0 (MAP ONE)
A-Go Path A B \ \ /<---Go Gap
B-Go Trail 0 0 0-0
/ / / \ Here you will find the ruins of
0 0 0 0 an old village, long abandoned.
/ \ | / | Wild beasts such as Bounders and
#-0 0 0 0 0 foul Carrion Worms have moved in
An Old | \ \ | but you can also find alluring
Mausoleum 0 0 0 0 Sea Nymphs, dreadful Ghosts, and
| |S / terrifying Dark Wisplings.
0 |T 0 The village lies in ruin, not a
/ |A building left whole. Even the
0 |I once proud Lords Mannor has been
|R leveled, leaving but a few
0 0 underground chambers.
| /
0 0 +----------------------------------
/|\ / | I have presented each map in this
0-0-0 0 0---0 | series in a different format. The
Beware that which | /| | best way for you to learn your
is hidden, and seek 0-0 0 0 | way around is to select the style
that which is not | | you like best, and redraw all of
here revealed! 0 -6-| the maps using that style.
Playing the Sorcerer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Celestin Drowstar
___________
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\_\ |orcerers are spell lowest amount of power points each
| \~\____~ |users who concentrate level then you will have to either
_| _~~~~\~\ |on spells of disrup- put higher values in these stats, or
/@| \~\__/~/ |ption and destruction. hope that you are lucky enough to
\_/ ~~~~~~ / Playing a sorcerer is roll high potentials. Power points
~~~~~~~~~~ not for the weak of are determined by taking the average
heart or stomach! Spells available of your EMpathy and INtuition power
to the sorcerer can be graphic and point factors, multiplying times
are sometimes gruesome. Unlike the your level and rounding off to the
spell for other professions, the nearest integer. Power points are
sorcerer spell list has no defensive factored are as follows:
spells and this can make playing the
sorcerer a real challenge. If you 100 = 3.0 99 = 2.8 98 = 2.6
are new to GemStone you may wish to 97 = 2.4 96 = 2.2 95 = 2.0
try another profession to learn what 94 = 1.9 93 = 1.8 92 = 1.7
the game is like before playing a 91 = 1.6 90 = 1.5
sorcerer. Isei's article "Overview
of Professions" in KE2-5 is a good If you had an EMpathy of 100 with
place to get info on different types INtuition of 96 then your power
of characters you may want to try. points would be as follows: ((3.0 +
If you have your heart set on being 2.2) / 2 * 1) = 2.6 which would be 3
a sorcerer, then read on... points at 1st level, ((3.0 + 2.2) /
2 * 2) = 5.2 which is 5 points at
Rolling the Sorcerer 2nd level, and so on. If you plan
on playing a sorcerer that will be
The relative importance of the six casting spells a lot then both these
ability stats should be decided upon stats are important. A high EMpathy
before rolling up a sorcerer because also helps with using wands, which
it all depends on how you wish to is discussed later.
play. You can play your sorcerer by
depending entirely upon the spells At higher levels, your defensive
from the sorcerer list to earn a bonus becomes increasingly impor-
living, or you can augment your tant. Since sorcerers can only
spells by becoming a sword swinger, train in weapon use once per level
a wand waver, or both. The and since there are no defensive
following are suggestions on how to spells on the base list, a high
rate the importance of different QUickness bonus is the easiest way
abilities based on how you wish to to boost your DB. I strongly
play your sorcerer. recommend a high QUickness stat.
Sorcerers are hybrid spell users Your AGility stat is factored into
which means that they draw power your magical offensive and defensive
from both the Essence and Channeling bonuses. Sorcerers have no intrin-
realms. A sorcerer's primary attri- sic elemental attack spells, but
butes are EMpathy and INtuition. they can use wands with elemental
You get an automatic 90 in both of attack spells. I would recommend a
these attributes unless you put high AGility stat if you plan on
something higher there. If you put using wands and if you ever plan on
your lowest values there, and settle going up against spell casting
for the automatic 90's then you critters since it will also increase
won't have too many power points. your magical defensive bonus.
If you do not want to settle for the Your STrength stat is factored into
-7- More...
your weapon offensive bonus (and when you use a wand.
your weapon defensive bonus when you
parry). A minimum of 41 here will Body Development is important since
insure that you don't get any it is the only way to increase the
penalty but I would recommend a number of hit points that you have.
higher score if you plan on sword The more hit points you have, the
swinging, and/or if the race of your better your chances are for sur-
character has STrength penalties. viving when you do get hit.
COnstitution, Self Disipline, Elo- The most important training for a
Quence and REasoning are development sorcerer is spells. At the time of
stats and should be as high as this writing there are fewer spells
possible. Training for a sorcerer available to sorcerers than there
is not cheap, so the higher these are for other spell-using classes.
scores are the better. The chart on the next page shows
spells as they are now.
After arranging your stats you will
need to select a race. High Elves Investing development points in the
have a bonus for EMpathy. Fair sorcerer spell list is an investment
Elves have the best bonus for in the future :). The descriptions
QUickness, and Wood Elves have an of the spells are listed in the
excellent AGility. Half Elves have Tomes of Kulthea, and if you haven't
decent bonuses for AGility, QUick- seen them I'd recommend checking
ness and STrength along with the them out. The sorcerer spells, when
highest basic hit points among the implemented, look as though they
elves. Halflings have the highest should be quite fun to play with. I
AGility bonus of all the races along recommend studying Protection I from
with a very good QUickness but they the Open Channeling list, and Limb
also have the biggest penalty to Pain from the Sorcerer list at 1st
STrength. Halflings also have the level. I'd then stick to the
best resistance mods against spell sorcerer list the rest of the time.
attacks. Select a race that will
augment your stats for the way you Other skills, such as Channeling and
wish to play your sorcerer. First Aid, are available but you may
not have any development points
Training the Sorcerer left. Almost everything else is
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ prohibitively expensive. As you
Training a sorcerer can be very increase in level, you will get more
expensive in development points. development points until your stats
Training in single handed edged reach their maximum potentials.
weapons is expensive, but not as
much as other weapon types, and you Fighting with the Sorcerer
will need weapons training to defend
yourself against most opponents. As with all pure spell-casters,
Train in this every level. hybrid sorcerers can fight with
weapons, but not as well as semi
If you plan on waving wands you will spell-users, thieves or fighters.
need training in both Wands/Staves Sorcerers cannot train twice per
and Directed Spells. Train as much level with a weapon, nor do they
as possible in Wands/Staves until have any spells to improve their
you get to where you can activate a offensive bonus, but I have seen
wand half the time, and then only several who are good with weapons.
train in it once per level from then One sorcerer I know uses Mind Jolt
on. You should train in Directed to stun his opponents before
Spells twice every level since this finishing them off with his sword.
will help to defend you against At first level your offensive bonus
magical attacks, as well as increase won't be anything special unless
your directed spell offensive bonus your STrength bonus is high.
-8- More...
_________________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
|@/ Spells available to the Sorcerer profession by list /
|------------------------------------------------------------------------'
| Level| Sorcerer | Open Channeling | Open Essence |
|------+---------------------+----------------------+-------------------|
| 1 | Limb Pain | Protection I | Protection I |
| 2 | Touch of Disruption | Air Wall | Presence |
| 3 | Word of Bleeding | Aura | Lock Lore |
| 4 | Forget | Disease Resistance | Open I (*) |
| 5 | Lock Joint | Poison Resistance | Trap Lore (*) |
| 6 | Mind Jolt | Fog Call | ? |
| 7 | Eye Spy | Protection II | ? |
| 8 | Major Pain | Stun Relief | ? |
| 9 | Quake (*) | Dispell Invisibility | ? |
| 10 | Mind Shock (*) | Unbalance | ? |
| 11 | Shatter (*) | Flare | ? |
| 12 | Word of Pain (*) | Waterwalking | ? |
| 13 | Word of Panic (*) | Undisease | ? |
| 14 | Demonic Attack (*) | Unpoison | ? |
| 15 | Creeping Death (*) | Word of Stun | ? |
| 16 | Vacuum (*) | Locate Person | ? |
| 17 | Ice Blade (*) | Guidance | ? |
| 18 | Destroy Body (*) | Thought Projection | ? |
| 19 | Torment (*) | Herb Production | ? |
| 20 | Demonic Assassin (*)| Alkar | ? |
| 25 | Disruption True (*) | Lightning Call | ? |
| 30 | Absolution (*) | Word of Return | ? |
| 50 | Demonic Control (*) | Wall of Force | ? |
| ____________________________________________________________________|__
\_/______________________________________________________________________/
? = Spell unknown * = Spell unimplemented
One of the quickest ways to advance bonus or penalty for realm since
as a sorcerer is to use wands. sorcerers are from both the realms
There are currently four types of of Essence and Channeling, and no
wands that contain elemental attack bonus for knowing the spell since
spells - iron wands and silver wands they are mage spells.
(ShockBolt), metal wands (ColdBall)
and golden wands (FireBolt). How Offensive spells from the sorcerer
wands are used is explained in great list are not elemental attack
detail in Lythe's article "Playing spells. They are base attack spells
the Mage" in KE1-9. The only real and are determined using the Base
difference for sorcerers is the Attack Roll, the level of the
bonuses that apply to activating a sorcerer and the Resistance of the
wand. Only the sorcerer's EMpathy target. Shown in the box is an
bonus, along with your Wand/Stave example of base attack spell Word of
skill are factored in. There is no Bleeding in action.
_________________________________________________________________________
/ \
| You gesture at a goblin. |
| BAR: D100 88 + 4 = 92, general RRMOD: -50 |
| Target RR threshold: 60, d100 23 + -50 = -27, resistance failed! |
| A ragged wound rips open a goblin's jugular, which begins spurting blood. |
\_________________________________________________________________________/
-9- Continued on page 12
The Gathering
_____________ by Flint Thalassar
/ \ _________ \
\@| ||=|=|=|| |he cards hit the edge of the shimmering black card
| ~~ |_| ~~ | table with a pleasing nearest him. "The void," he said.
_| |_| | sound as Flint dealt "Everyone loses."
/@| _|_|_ | them in turn to each
\_/__________/ of his companions. Amelda giggled and nudged Naxxixx.
His form silhouetted against the "What kind of a game is this, where
light from the fireplace, he rested everyone loses? Ilmir must be quite
against the table and smiled. Winter a place, if this is any indication."
had arrived in Kelfour's Landing,
leading some inhabitants to start "We only lose the first hand, of
searching for a new kind of treasure: course," said Flint. "But in a sense
firewood, like that now stacked in Plover isn't exactly a game. It was
neat rows by the hearth. originally a series of rituals,
which supposedly led to the dis-
"Everyone ready?" asked Flint. The covery of the magical arts as we
large table had been pulled out into know them today."
the center of the House of Paupers'
common room, and gathered around it "I heard a rumor," said Gremlyn,
were some of the familiar faces of rubbing the cat behind the ears,
Kelfour's Landing. At Flint's left "that you were working on a new
were Artemis and Snow, who picked up spell, Flint."
the red-backed cards and arranged
them thoughtfully. Naxxixx and Amelda "Or that it was working on him," said
contrived to sit as close as possible Artemis.
to each other without revealing their
hands, an endeavor which brought Flint shook his head in mock sadness.
Flint considerable amusement. Grem- "Hobbit, you steal all my best
lyn, at his right, serene and still, lines." He reached over to pet the
watched the grey cat on her lap cat himself, liberating a few wisps
stretch and then return to its nap. of grey-white fur which floated to
the floor.
"I suppose," said Naxxixx, "though I
barely grasp the rules -- it seemed "The way I heard it," said Amelda,
to take the better part of an hour "you were negotiating with the Poo-
just to explain them all." bah, selling your soul to the Unlife
in exchange for a 'summon Jaezila'
"Ah, but I was eating and drinking spell."
and being distracted. If I tried, I
could explain them in twenty min- "Heh," said Flint, pointing to the
utes." table. He identified the formation as
'The Lovers,' a hand eventually won
"Speaking of explaining, Flint, you by Amelda. "Actually, that isn't
promised to tell me the story of how quite the spell I had in mind, though
you came to Kelfour's Landing," said an excellent suggestion. As we all
Snow. know, the sorcerers have recently
come up with several new incanta-
"That I did, Snow, and I will. I'm no tions."
bard, like Amelda, but I'll do my
best. Think of the cards as part of "Eye Spy," said Gremlyn, nodding, and
the story, in fact -- the game of Major Pain."
Plover originates in my homeland of
Ilmir, and says much about its Flint shuffled again, making rather
character." melodramatic single-handed cuts, and
passed out the cards. "Well, I was
The players each cast one card into a inspired by these to embark upon some
rough circle. Flint tapped at the research of my own. For a spell I
find only logical... a spell tenta- "Right. Plover encompasses other
tively titled Major Pleasure." games, and (some would have it) all
of life as well. As Illik put it,
Artemis tapped Flint on the shoulder. 'Plover / supped at like soup on a
"Now," he said, "is the part where winter's night / bathed in like moon-
you are supposed to go 'mwahahahaha' beams.'" The cat rose from Gremlyn's
in the grand tradition of deranged lap to seat itself by the fire. Its
alchemists." resemblance to the familiar of Lady
Gira had not gone unnoticed. Now that
"No, I mean it," replied Flint. the secret of the Call Familiar spell
"Think, for example, of how much more had been uncovered, Kelfour's citi-
humane it would be to immobilize zens found themselves viewing common
an enemy with uncontrollable plea- animals in a different light. No
sure." doubt the non-magical animals in town
were pleased with the new, more
"Think, on the other hand," said respectful, treatment they were
Naxxixx, "of the fun at parties." starting to receive.
Snow and Amelda remarked that Flint's "Now not all artists in town were
desire for the spell probably owed wealthy, but we were. And as you may
little to any plans to cast it at have heard it said that youth is was-
enemies, which drew immediate agree- ted on the young, then certainly
ment from the rest of the table. "You money is wasted on the rich. For
don't even have any enemies, Flint," rarely did I find myself having to
said Gremlyn. "But let us know when actually buy anything."
the spell is ready, so we can start
picking your pockets." Gremlyn, winning the hand, gathered
the cards together and prepared her
Flint, blushing, lost the next two next play. "Because you were a thief,
hands. "Well, on with the story. I Flint?" Prior to studying magic,
was the eldest son in a family of Flint had been an apprentice footpad
artists in Ilmir. My father's work under the tutelage of Fenris Nacht.
was wildly popular among the aristo- His friendship with Gremlyn had begun
cracy, and they paid him ludicrous in the days when they prowled Upper
sums for it. We lived like kings." Kaldsfang together as fellow thieves.
Naxxixx's gaze wandered to a point on "Bec...heh, I didn't learn that trade
the ceiling above Flint's head. "Art- until I came to Kelfour's. No, be-
ists living like kings...when do you cause people were always buying me
get to the part about rivers running dinner, giving me gifts, taking me on
uphill?" vacations. I was rich and knew the
right people; I rarely needed money."
Artemis interrupted, gesturing at the
table. "This formation is the 'duel "Ah, is that why you never have any
of the Tyrant and the Jester,'" he of it now?" asked Artemis, nudging
said. "Snow and Amelda play for the Flint with his elbow.
hand."
"Could be. But to this atmosphere of
"Which one of us is the tyrant?" wealth the city brought a unique
asked Amelda. fund-raising scheme: the anti-
lottery."
"I pass no judgement," said Flint,
"but I will say the two of you use Snow identified the next two hands as
your remaining cards to play at 'The Tides' and won them both. She
Threks to decide the winner." looked up at Flint to see if he was
joking. "Anti-lottery?"
Snow smiled. "We jump into a whole
different game!" "Well in a normal lottery, you pay to
-11- enter, with money or prizes bestowed
upon the winner. In the anti-lottery, "Given that choice, I'd take the name
you pay not to enter, and the winner change," said Snow. She lost the hand
meets with some unpleasant fate." to Artemis, but played into the
'Emergence' formation next, and
"That's terrible," said Amelda. recaptured the cards lost earlier to
the void.
"What lunatic came up with that
idea?" asked Naxxixx. Flint smiled. "Many of my countrymen
took great pride in their family
Flint blushed, started to speak, then name. Almost a toss-up as to which
stopped again. would be worse. In my case, though,
the prize was permanent exile."
"No...," said Snow.
"You mean you won this anti-lottery?"
"It was a joke, a silly suggestion," asked Amelda.
said Flint. "How was I to know they'd
actually go and do it?" Artemis patted Flint on the back.
"Sounds more like he lost to me."
Naxxixx tossed his final card into
the center with a sigh. "Bad things "Well, my name was drawn. That might
like what? Death?" be considered a win or a loss, depen-
ding on your point of view. Forced
"No, strange things, annoying things. from my home, I made up my mind to
Like having to wear a heavy weight on journey to the most obscure, that is,
your left leg for two months, or the most exotic place I could think
having your name legally changed to of. And so it was that I arrived in
something extremely long and silly. Kelfour's. To the silly lottery I owe
It varied from contest to contest." all that I have found here: adventure
Flint frowned at his few remaining and magic, friendship..." He glanced
cards. "High card takes this one." around the table. "And people who
can beat me at card games that they
"Finally a rule that can be explained have only just learned. Heh, I think
in one sentence," said Naxxixx. "And I'd call it winning after all."
I win, too."
_____________________________________
Playing the Sorcerer from Page 9
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's how it works. First, the Base and the threshold is modified down in
Attack Roll (BAR) is determined by this event. Finally a 100 sided die
rolling a 100 sided die. If the roll is rolled for the target, and this is
is 1 or 2, the spell automatically added to your general RRmod. If the
fails. If greater than 2 then your result is lower than the target's RR
level is added to the roll and the threshold then the caster's spell
resulting value is looked up on a takes effect! Since no offensive
table based on the target's armor bonus figured into the attack you can
type to determine the general Resis- cast Base spells while at full parry.
tance roll (RR) modifier. The higher
your BAR the lower your general The number of new sorcerers is con-
RRmod, and the lower your RRmod the stantly on the rise. The Profession
more likely the spell is to succeed. allows flexibility and provides many
The target's unmodified RR threshold options for hunting. As more spells
is dependent on its level versus the are implemented, this flexibility
caster's; the higher the caster's will increase and sorcerers will
level compared to the target's, the become ever more formidable oppo-
higher the threshold and the greater nents. As a profession, sorcerers
the chance the spell will take are on the way up and have the
effect. Some creatures and races are potential to number among the most
less susceptible to magic than others powerful of characters.
-12-
___ ___ ___ ._ ____
| | | | | | \ |
| |==| |== |== |=/ \==
|__ | | |__ |__ | \ /
' ,/
A PERSONAL EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNT OF A MOST ~~ AMAZING EVENT
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Poem and layout by Amelda Heronheart ASCII art by Inyigo Montoya
===========================================================================
| [~] |
| _ | | ...... |
| | \ | | ______________________.::::::::::::::. _____________ |
| | XXXXXXX(~~~>___________________.::::::::::::::::::::. __________\ |
| | XXXXXXX(___>_________________.::::::::::::::::::::::::._________/ |
| |_/ | | .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::. |
| | | .::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::. |
| [_] :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: |
| ______________________ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: |
| / \ \ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: |
| |@/____________________/ `::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::' |
| | | `::::::::::[=========]:::::::' |
| | | `::::::::(XXXXXXXXX):::::' |
| | One day while | `:::::::(XXXXXXX)::::' |
| | hunting hobgoblins | `:::::(XXXXX)::' |
| | with Miko, and | o `(XXXXX) |
| | finding very few | o (XXXXXXX) |
| | about, he taught | o (XXXXXXXXX) |
| | me a method of | o (XXXXXXXXXXX) |
| | tricking them to | o (XXXXXXXXXXXXX) |
| | come to us. He | _________(XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) |
| | said he had heard | | |XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) |
| | it from Celegrin, | |888888888|=.XXXXXXXXXXXXX) |
| | and in fact we | |888888888|(\\XXXXXXXXXXX) |
| | found that it was | | | ())XXXXXXXXX) |
| | often successful. | | | //==========] |
| | We began to sing | | |=' |
| | songs offering | |_________| |
| | free beer to the | |
| | hobs, and they | ONE LAST PICNIC |
| | were indeed fooled.| |
| | Later I found this | Hunting in the Kaldsfang |
| | ploy to work with | One weary, dreary day |
| | the greater orc as | I chanced to see an orc and troll |
| | well, but with the | Setting out to play |
| | orc one must sing | |
| | out the name of | They heeded not my creeping up |
| | one of the more | Nor noticed as I slunk |
| | expensive brands | Upon them, slinging falchion high |
| | of beer, or else | For both of them were drunk! |
| | tempt them with a | |
| | refined selection | I've heard that hobs do like their beer |
| | from the bar.... | And gorcs prefer smooth whiskey |
| | ____________________! But I conclude this sporting pair |
| |@\ \ Will never more be frisky |
| \_/____________________/ |
| |
===========================================================================
-13-
Of Mice and Half-Elves, Part 4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
____________ By Gallenod Varynesti
/ \ ____ \
\@| /~/~~\\ | reetings, my friends, gather the children and get them to
||~| ~~ | and welcome to the safety. Play your part, as I must
||~| |==| | conclusion of the play mine." Then he rushed out into
/@| \~\__// | second Mouse Tale. the deepening twilight.
\_/ ~~~~~ / I took a few moments to gather my
~~~~~~~~~~~ When last we met, I resolve, and followed. The village
told you how the Master came to the was in chaos. The Unlife attacking
village of Glynvaryn, and how the were not the weak ghouls and skelet-
villagers thought him their last ons we had been seeing of late, but
hope. In a way, he was. Let us now other dark things, some too terrible
speak of a mouse who was caught to describe. One I must describe,
between mastiffs. I mentioned a however: the octoghoul, the crea-
discovery. ture that had killed Gilthorien, and
As a statistical exercise, I had Mouse's parents. A great, many
been cataloging the achievements of tentacled creature that resembled
our war parties. Though the the legendary octopus, it seemed to
Master's signs increased their move partially by levitation. Its
combat prowess and gave them useful first tactic was to spring and
skills, I saw a disturbing trend. envelop its prey. Then it would
Over some months, I observed that bite through our warriors relatively
the number of Unlife were actually light armor with its beak. The
increasing, and that our patrols third attack, however, was the final
were only fighting the weaker types. one. The octoghoul would literally
Where were the wraiths, barrow suck its victim's insides and life
wights, and spectres? Just hundreds force out through the wound, reduc-
of relatively weak ghouls, zombies ing the body to a lifeless husk.
and skeletons. Somewhere, the Then, dropping the carcass, it would
Unlife were gathering. I mentioned move on to its next hapless victim.
this to my father; it seemed to I saw all this as I tried to gather
catch him off guard. "Gallenod, the terrified children and send them
what are you saying? That all our with other teachers to safe havens.
victories have meant nothing?" he As I was about to leave with the
asked. I showed him my evidence, last group, I saw two sights that
and he was convinced. made my heart stop. First, I saw my
"My son," he said, "you know I father standing at the head of the
was disappointed when you chose to last group of resistance: Lord
become a teacher, But only a scholar Azreal, Andralon, Mouse, my mother
could have identified this. and about half a dozen warriors.
"I have always believed that this Facing them was the octoghoul.
"Master" was leading us down a Then, I saw the Master ride
primrose path, and this is the first through the gate on his wagon,
evidence anyone has found to support cackling with evil glee.
that. I'm proud of you, son; you've Surrounding his wagon were his
performed a great service." It was "graduates," walking like zombies.
the proudest moment of my life. A Poor Fariel was at their head. I
pity it was so short-lived. could see from her expression that
Screams from outside the house her mind was her own, but nothing
caught our attention. An elf rushed else; she had no control over her
in, yelling "Oakhand, the Unlife are body. The Master held all their
at the gates, and the Master is strings like a puppeteer.
missing!" Lord Azreal was down, stunned and
My father grabbed his sword, bleeding. My mother was doing all
shield and ring mail, pausing just she could for him, but it wasn't
long enough to instruct: "Gallenod, going to be enough. His wounds were
-14- More...
severe, he was ancient, and his will unnoticed. What could I do? I was
to live was fading fast. Andralon not a warrior. A direct attack
was the first to react. He conjured would be suicide. There was a way,
a spell, and attempted to blind the however. Using all the stealth I
Master. His spell struck the Master could muster, I crept beneath the
and dissolved with no effect. "Try Master's wagon. I was not a war-
this one, oh faithful cleric!" rior but I had my father's strength.
taunted the Master, as he gestured, With one mighty heave, I overturned
sending a column of flames roaring the Master's wagon, throwing him to
towards the cleric. Andralon didn't the ground and stunning him.
have a prayer. As his charred body Several things happened at once.
hit the ground, the Master gestured The zombies stopped in their tracks
again, and the octoghoul moved to- and dropped lifeless to the ground.
wards the little group. "Come, Oak- The "graduates" were freed from
hand," he sneered at my father, their enthrallment, but were stunned
"dance with my little pet!" Then, and unable to move. Both acolytes
the octoghoul leapt and enveloped my confronted me, snarling. The acol-
father's body. ytes seemed to be measuring me for
My father's preference for ring something, probably a coffin. Then
mail over lighter armor saved his their forms shifted, and I realized
life and soul. The creature I was facing Unlife! I made my
couldn't seem to penetrate the peace with the Lords of Orhan at
armor. But my father, having only a that moment, as I had no defense.
normal sword, could not damage the Then, a figure hurtled into view:
ghoul. Mouse. He disintegrated one acolyte
Mouse ran forward. "Gifford, with a spell, and yelled, "Run,
your sword! Drop it!" My blood ran Gall, you can't fight these! Go to
cold as I watched my father wre- your parents!"
stling with the creature with his I should not have left my friend,
bare hands while Mouse blessed the but he was right. I rounded the
sword. I could almost see the beak wagon to see my father engaged in
tearing away at the armor, and knew combat with the Master himself. A
it was only a matter of time before mighty blow from my father's sword,
it penetrated. and the Master was bleeding and
My father retrieved his sword and wounded. "Surrender, fiend, you're
deliberately drove the blessed beaten," snarled my father.
weapon deep between the creature's "Fool!" screamed the Master, "I
eyes with both hands. The ghoul still have resources!"
convulsed and released my father, Before my father could react, the
who cut the creature in half with Master gestured again, and all of
one more swipe. It had been a very his "graduates" began to shiver un-
near thing; his armor was almost controllably. Then, they screamed
completely eaten through. The as one as the Master ripped the life
Master screamed his rage. "You'll force from their bodies and absorbed
pay for that, Oakhand! The Master it. More lifeless husks littered
gestured again, and the bodies of the village green.
the octoghoul's victims jerked into The rejuvenated Master loosed a
unlife around the little group, fireball of tremendous power at my
zombies at the Master's command! father. It blew him across the
"Die, by the hands of those you village green into the side of a
loved!" screamed the Master, as the building.
horrid army advanced on my father's Heedless of the danger, I ran to
little band. his prone form. He lived, but
I had been ignored through all barely. My mother, seeing her
this, by life and unlife alike; like beloved fall, rushed the Master in a
a mouse along the floorboards when blind rage and was literally vapor-
mastiffs clash. But I saw my chance. ized by another massive fireball.
I was behind the Master's wagon, Suddenly, I was alone with my
-15- More...
wounded father and the greatest no other choice, I drove the sword
agent of evil I was ever likely to deep into Mouse's body.
face. The Master sneered at me. The acolyte had made a fatal mis-
"Nice try, stripling, but not good calculation; Mouse himself had
enough." He regarded me as a cat blessed this sword for my father,
might a mouse. "You're a bright and the blessing was still effect-
boy, but not that bright. Should've ive. As the sword entered the body,
run while you had the chance." the acolyte screamed in agony, its
As the Master readied a spell, dark soul shredded. Mouse fell to
Lord Azreal, weak and dying, roused the ground, free of the demon, but
himself to cast his last miracle. mortally wounded by my own hand. I
He opened a gate to another dimen- dropped the sword, and knelt by his
sion right on top of the Master, side. He looked up at me weakly and
which sucked the fiend's body whispered, "Thank you. Better to
through in a blazing display of die by your hand than suffer an
light. The ancient elf closed the eternity of torment as that thing's
gate and expired, falling to the --" He was gone. I stood and howled
ground like an old sack. The world at the night.
narrowed to me, and my dying father. More Unlife were coming out of
I gently pried the sword from his the woods towards the village, and
charred hands. He was in shock, and shadowy forms were gathering around
fading fast. He gasped weakly, me. Well, my father had said to use
"Son, your mother, where is she?" the ring if the need was dire. Not
"Safely away from here, Father," knowing or caring what it would do,
I said, unwilling to tell him where. I placed it on my finger as the
He nodded. I don't know if he saw shadows closed in. My surroundings
through it, but the answer seemed to shifted, and I found myself standing
satisfy him. "Gallenod," he inside the gates of Kelfour's
whispered, coughing, "the ring in my Landing, with only the clothes on my
belt pouch. It is all I have to back, and the ring.
offer you from my life before Glyn- Disoriented, I took the ring off,
varyn. Take it. Use it when the and dropped it when someone jostled
need is dire." He convulsed and me. I heard, "Oh, pardon me, young
groaned. Looking past me he said, man," as I watched the ring roll
"Son, I thought you said your mother into a storm drain. It seemed that
was gone. She's right behind you. my entire life went down the drain
Yes, dear, I'm coming." Then my with it. I turned to see a con-
father passed into Eissa's care. fused looking old man standing
I wept then, over the body of my there. "Have you seen my dog?" he
father. I found the ring in his asked.
pouch, a plain gold band. Then, I
saw a familiar figure come around Thus ends the second Mouse Tale,
the corner of the building. with my arrival in Kelfour's
"Mouse," I cried, "you're alive!" Landing. I am the last survivor,
But something was horribly wrong. that I know of, of the line of
His motions were stiff and jerky, Oakhand, and the elvish clan of
and he said nothing. As he drew Varyn, or Varynesti. I never knew
closer, I realized he had not my human relatives, so I chose the
defeated the second acolyte; it pos- elven clan name as my family name.
sessed him. As I picked up my If the children of our clan escaped
father's sword, the acolyte laughed that fateful day, my two younger
through Mouse's mouth. "You can't brothers may still live. But I know
hurt me with that, whelp! All not where to look for them, as I
you'll do is carve up your friend cannot find Glynvaryn on any map in
here without touching my spirit. this town. Some day, I may leave to
When he dies, I shall take you!" search. For now, though, my place
"At least," I replied, "he will is here in Kelfour's Landing.
be free of you." Knowing that I had
-16-
The Science Corner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Nightshade
____________
/ \ ____ \
\@| /~/~~\\ | ot a tough science people in the room wearing something
||~| ~~ | question? Need some other than heavy hide? Does that
_||~| |==| | advice of a technical answer your question? If so, see
/@| \~\__// | nature? Send your your local loan shark, borrow about
\_/ ~~~~~ / questions to Night- a million silver, and spend it all
~~~~~~~~~~~shade, the answer lady. on a suit of armor. I guarantee it's
She'll answer as many as she has the best protection available, no
room for each month. Let's look at matter who you are. (memo: ask
this month's toughest questions: Nightshade for her source on that.)
Dear Nightshade, I've been stuck in Dear Nightshade, why are there al-
a blind alleyway since I first ways so many people lying around in
logged on a month and a half ago. the temple?
There are people in the game, but I
never see any of them, and when I A: It's a glitch in the program. If
do see someone they disappear be- fewer than ten people are sitting in
fore I can ask for help. It says the the temple, the game automatically
only obvious exit is out, but when generates phantom adventurers to
I try to go out, nothing happens. keep the room full. This way, it
How do I get out of this alleyway? looks like some people in the game
actually worship there, as opposed
A: Type "quit" <when Nightshade says to using it for a place to hide from
to type "xxxx", only type what pickpockets, etc. (TOMAS: Phaedra,
appears between the quotation marks. I don't care if it IS a player-run
In this case, you would type xxxx publication. If she's going to keep
and then hit carriage return. making up all her information,
you're going to have to let her go.)
Wait for the "Enter #, P<revious>,
or H<elp>?" prompt, then type "Bye". OK, all right. I can take a hint.
(What we said about her typing inst- There are always lots of people in
ructions goes for her prompts, too. the temple because the place is like
There won't be quotes around the a giant battery charger. Spell cast-
Enter #, etc.) Leave the room, and ers who run short on power go there
find someone to help you switch off. 'cause they recover faster. Others
Never play with the computer again. hang around in the temple because
Of course, you could type "help" they've just died, and if they leave
in the alley and you might get some. the city they'll be torn into very
little pieces by mutant sheep.
Dear Nightshade, how can I decide (TOMAS: Nightshade...) Ok, well,
the best kind of armor to wear, if it's something like that anyway.
I'm a first level fair elven mage? It's a great place for putting
My QU is 94, my AG is- recent events into the proper persp-
ective, in game language you convert
A: not especially relevant. Look, if field experience into real exper-
you can find the place, go sit in ience faster in the temple.
the temple. Ok, good, now, you're
sitting in the temple. Take a good That's all we have room for this
look around you. There's usually month, folks! Send your science
about twenty people doing the same questions to Nightshade, the answer
thing. Of everyone in the room at lady, care of anybody you know who
that very moment, can you count knows somebody at the Kelfour
(MEMO: ask Phaedra if we can still Edition. And remember, when you ask
cut Nightshade's salary in half) the Nightshade, you've asked for it!
-17-
In Truth, Is There No Beauty?
___________ by Elzbeth Collins
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\_\ |he lay quite still for ness and helped her down from the
| \~\____~ | some time, not truly stone table that she had been lying
_| _~~~~\~\ | aware of her sur- on. She realized where she was and
/@| \~\__/~/ | roundings. Slowly was was startled, but not shocked. They
\_/ ~~~~~~ / consciousness return- lead her to a small bench and sat her
~~~~~~~~~~ ing. She realized down facing the altar from which she
that she was lying on something hard had just come. They took a moment to
and cold, some sort of smooth stone make sure that she was calm and com-
surface. Her arms and legs felt fortable and then departed, leaving
like lead, and her hands and feet her in silence.
tingled as numbness withdrew, a
sensation which grew as feeling She sat, overwhelmed by the sense of
crept back into her body. She still what had happened, but fearing to
could not move, but by concentrating bring the memory out and look at it
with great effort she finally man- again. She was torn between the peace
aged to open her eyes. of the Temple and the torment of her
own despair. Soon another figure came
Her vision was clouded with a blue- before her. She glanced up and was
grey mist, and all she could do was shocked to see who stood there. Not
stare straight forward. She could not one of the faithful acolytes as she
seem to manage moving her eyes, much had expected, but before her stood
less turning her head to look around. the High Priestess of Eissa. Dressed
Thoughts began to percolate in her in a simple white robe with a fine
mind. Where was she? What had trans- gold belt, the High Priestess needed
pired to bring her to this place? no other trappings or badges of off-
Fear gripped her as she realized that ice to identify her. She seemed to
she had no identity, no sense of who glow with a pulsing blue aura that
or what she was. She struggled to attested to her power.
calm herself and to remember some-
thing, anything. Then, in an instant "My child," She spoke, her voice
of intense pain, it returned to her. smooth and melodious. "Eissa has been
Her vision cleared and she seemed to true to the bond She formed with you
leap to meet the bright light that when you completed the deeds neces-
rushed toward her and into her. sary to gain her favor. You are yet
among the living, though Fate had it
Every nerve wakened and cried out to otherwise for you."
her at once. She took a deep breath
-- and remembered. The young woman looked up at the High
Priestess and gazed into her eyes.
She screamed and sat up, clutching
at her stomach and drawing her knees "Hear now the words of Eissa for She
up in a reflex motion to protect would speak to your very soul."
herself. Pain tore through her and
she screamed and remembered. A subtle transformation came over the
High Priestess. The muscles in her
Acolytes rushed to her side to aid face relaxed, and her shoulders
her. Their gentle touch brought inst- stooped slightly for a moment. Then
ant calm and comfort, yet she con- the High Priestess stood tall and
tinued to shake uncontrollably for straight and once again opened her
a few moments and then collapsed in eyes. An intense golden light seemed
on herself, hugging her knees and to shine from her eyes and she fixed
sobbing her relief from the pain and her stare on the younger woman, open-
terror. ing her mouth to speak.
Wordlessly, they brought her a plain "That dark stain is known to me, for
soft white robe to cover her naked- many times have I seen it before.
Know now my child that you cannot The vines that bore the valuable
serve two Masters. A choice you must flower grew best in the random copses
make. Look deep into your soul and of trees that spotted the hills. The
seek your own truth." vines were sensitive to sunlight and
grew on the trees as a parasite. It
The High Priestess again closed her was ironic that such a vivacious
eyes, and a bright white light seemed flower was born on a parasitic vine
to rush away from her. Without which sapped the very strength and
another word, she turned and left the life of the host plant.
young woman to reflect upon what had
happened. The day grew on, long and hot under
the summer sun. The young woman made
The young woman sat for some time, her way through the hills, pausing at
afraid to open her mind to the memor- each stand of trees to search for the
ies that had caused her such pain. elusive flower. She found many
She was torn between the desire to occurrences of the wild vine, but in
know herself and fear of that same each instance the vine had ceased to
unknown. flower and immature fruit hung from
the foliage. She noted the locations
She took a deep breath and with of these fruited vines, intending to
uncertain resolution opened her mind return when the fruit ripened. That
to the memories that pressed for her fruit also had great healing worth,
attention. Once again pain wracked but for now it was the flower that
her unsteady body. She doubled over was her quest.
in agony but controlled her raging
emotions, knowing that this was just The isolated stands of trees were
a memory. thick with heavy underbrush. She was
glad that she had donned the protect-
* * * * * ive heavy hide before leaving town,
but still the long sharp thorns of
She had come to the hills in search the vines found their way through to
of the rare Yuth Flower that was said score shallow scratches on her arms
to bloom here in the summer. Sen and legs, scratches that burned and
Dalatin had become irritable and dif- stung. To get free of a particularly
ficult to deal with. Perhaps she had stubborn tangle of vines, she had
dickered with the old man once too drawn the beautiful blue laen broad-
often, and he was angry at being sword that she sported to hack her
bested in so many trade relations. way through the vines. A few strong
She would have to address that matter swings and she stumbled out of the
also and find some way to smooth the trees, back into the open hills and
man's ruffled feelings. He was, right into the lap of trouble.
after all, the only one in Kelfour's
Landing that seemed to have an inex- Apparently the huge troll had heard
haustible supply of the much-needed the sounds of her struggle, and come
healing herbs. to investigate. When she stumbled
free of the thicket of vines it
The hills were a dangerous place to loomed up, and with a gruesome growl,
wander, but she felt somewhat secure swung the huge two-handed sword that
in her hard earned weapon skills and it bore. The attack was aimed to
there were several powerful wands cleave the young woman's head, but
that she could resort to in a pinch. her reaction had been to jump to one
She remained alert for any of the side and roll away from the attack.
huge lumbering trolls that claimed She rose from her prone position just
this area as their home territory. in time to parry another strong
Such beasts were apt to strike first attack from the troll.
and question intruders after, by
searching through the belongings left She called up all of her skill and
on the dead body. parried off blow after blow. Try as
-19- More...
she might, she could not counter the In one swift stroke, the troll landed
troll's mighty attack and stayed on a heavy blow, stunning the young
the defensive. She knew it was just a woman and knocking her to the ground.
matter of time before the beast Before she could gather her senses
struck through her defenses. She the troll landed one final cruel
lunged in an all-out desperate attack stroke, slicing deep into the woman's
and managed to knock the great beast abdomen and eviscerating her.
off its feet. She took advantage of
the pause in the attack to sling her The world darkened. She could feel
shield over her shoulder and fumble her life's blood seeping out onto the
in her sack for one of the powerful ground. She was dimly aware of the
wands. troll, roaring word of its victory
through the echoing hills. All faded
Her blood suddenly ran cold as she into blackness.
realized that there was only one wand
in her sack. She was sure that she * * * * *
had packed several of them. She
wrenched the only wand from her sack She was standing on a wide plain.
and oriented on the rising troll. She Everything was in shades of black and
reached down and out with her mind, grey. She wandered aimlessly at
into the wand to call out its power first; then she saw a huge gate in
and release its fury on the great the distance, the only feature on the
beast. lifeless plain. She started toward it
and found herself struggling against
Empty! The wand was void of all some unseen force. The closer she
power. Had she truly used up the approached the gate, the stronger the
dweomer of the silver rod? In des- opposing force became. A voice began
peration she flung the useless stick to echo through her.
aside. She delved deep down into
herself to reach the power that lay "Return to plains. Seek not to enter
in her being. With a burning wrench, here. You are marked by the power
she brought the power out and applied which you have embraced..."
it in ways that she had just recently
learned. She opened her mouth and The young woman glanced down to look
uttered strange harsh sounds. She at herself. Indeed, her body was
moved her hand through the air as if tinged with a dark grey that seemed
scrawling some strange symbol in the to clash somehow with the greys
air, and indeed the glowing lines surrounding her. She struggled to
left by the passage of her fingers continue towards the gate that stood
formed strange glowing glyphs, sus- still in the far distance, but try as
pended in the air. she might she could advance no
farther.
The troll struck again, its huge
sword striking downward toward the In deep despair, she nearly turned
young woman. It struck one of the from that path and resumed wandering
glowing symbols, stopping the stroke across that vast plain but suddenly a
in mid-swing. It was evident that the bright shining figure appeared, sus-
troll was momentarily unbalanced by pended in the grey sky. The figure
the bone-jolting shock of meeting the reached down, and lifted her up from
unexpected resistance. The troll the endless plain.
quickly regained its composure and
pressed the attack once more. Blow * * * * *
after blow landed. Try as she might,
the young woman was unable to strike The young woman heaved a sigh. How
back through the troll's strong def- had it started? At what point had she
ense. The powerful defense that the wandered from the true path of en-
woman had erected quickly faded, lightenment into this pit of despair?
draining her of much needed vitality.
-20- (To Be Continued)
The Armor of the Keep, Part 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Lord Whilder Planrathe
____________
/ \ ________ \
\@| ~|_|~~|| |rtrewior returned to slip, any tome or scroll of any
| |~|_|~~ | the Keep with the language. All the guardsmen had to
_| |~|-|__ | other guardsmen. They do was follow the instructions and
/@| |~|__|| | had not been back for read out loud the proper formulae at
\_/ ~~~~~~~~ / more than an hour the proper time."
~~~~~~~~~~~when he discovered that "Such enchantments are impossible!"
the elder guardsmen had "departed "They are now," he replied. "But
the Keep for good." Ertrewior knew much was lost during the time be-
better, the Mad One had obviously tween the last age and now. Some of
killed the missing dwarf and dis- the most powerful spell users in the
posed of the body. Ertrewior knew lands today would have been
sooner or later the Mad One would considered novices in times before."
dispose of him, just as he disposed I hesitated. It was possible.
of all the guards who were able to Scraps of knowledge found still sur-
resist the strange mind control used viving. Stories of the Great Age of
on them. Ertrewior decided to use Magic from before the Final Battle.
the spell scroll as soon as he It was possible. I relaxed. "Let us
could, then he would simply run. say this was possible. I still
His friends might be able to hide cannot believe that the guardsmen
him for a short time. Maybe even had the power of essence to operate
spirit him far enough away that the these spells, or the channeling that
Mad One would not bother hunting him may have been required."
down. His friends were his only "True, they did not. But there
hope, his only way out. were ways of storing power, and
The days dragged on. A replace- Anrelus had enchantments that would
ment for the retired guardsman (for cause it to release when called by
he had retired, and not been killed the reciting of the spells by anyone
by Anrelus) was hired. A new steel within the room. That is why he
block had been cast and set in the protected the room with guards and
Grand Hall. But there was not suf- spells. He did not want the secrets
ficient potions to do the spells, nor the power stolen." He pushed his
and a new Armor would be ready in a mug, now empty, to the side. Maybe,
matter of days. Anrelus had discov- I thought, he is a Bard. He can
ered that the armor did not require drink like one. I ordered another
a "sympathetic bonding" to its wear- one for him, as my own was still
er, hence all could help in creating full. He took a drink and continued.
it. Ertrewior knew his chance had Ertrewior began work in the
come and quickly. He volunteered to combination lab/kitchen. He had
prepare the potions needed. almost finished preparing the last
I slapped my mug down on the of the potions. Now is the time, he
table. "Your story goes beyond my thought. If the Mad One were spying
ability to believe," I said to the on him, surely he would have grown
Tinkerer. "You said Anrelus hired tired and ceased. The other guards-
only arms wielders, not magic users men were busy with their own tasks,
or those skilled in other arts." or relaxing until their shifts.
"True, Young Mage" He replied. He would never have a better chance.
"However, Anrelus was himself a Carefully, he removed the scroll
master of many skills, and he had secreted in his boot and began his
placed enchantments on areas and the preparations.
very rooms themselves. In his al- Ertrewior hesitated. His friends
chemical lab, he had placed an ench- had told him that the spell would
antment that allowed any to read out create a small "window" with which
loud, without the slightest error or they could observe and listen. He
-21- More...
wanted to place this "window" in the the steel walls, and they squared
right place, but where? He tried to off for another bout...
picture looking in through the var- The rest of the guards, 10 in
ious walls. The space above the all, were sleeping in the quarters
stove would be best, he decided. assigned them, oblivious to the
They could observe mixing and cook- death that was coming...
ing of the potions and also still Ertrewior finished reading the
see the scrolls as they were laid scroll. Suddenly it burst into a
out. Also, the guardsmen all read flame, reaching out for the spot
the scrolls out loud at the potion selected by him. The strange flame
that was presently being mixed, so spread across the wall, growing
his friends would be able to hear larger and larger, covering the
every word. Yes, above the stove entire wall...
would be best. Carefully opening Anrelus was paging through a
the small scroll, Ertrewior began... second tome when he sensed something
In his library, Anrelus carefully wrong. He stood, carefully placing
sealed back the cover of the tome the volume back on the shelf. There
and placed it back in its place on was no hurry, for nothing could
the shelf... enter the Keep without his allowing
Seated around the rectangular it. Must be that simpleton guards-
table, three of the guardsmen were man had fouled up the potion he was
instructing the new guardsman on how working on...
badly Anrelus treated them and the The flame required power. It
nasty things he had done to them. drew forth from the stored essence.
"I remember the time he turned me But there was too much power, coming
into a slug. Just because I had not too fast...
moved a large steel block fast Ertrewior tried to run. He
enough to satisfy him." "That is couldn't move. He tried to scream.
nothing" said the second one, "I Not a sound issued from his throat.
remember when he teleported me into He wanted to close his eyes. But he
the heart of this very volcano..." wanted to see death when it came for
The third guard was biting his him.
tongue. The first man to smile or And it did, and he did.
laugh would lose a months pay to The flame seemed to melt away
each of the others, and unfor- from the center. A strange black-
tunately the look on the new elf's ness taking its place. A claw, like
face was almost too much... none ever seen before, reached out
Three of the guards were in the of the expanding black circle. An
storeroom rearranging and readying impossibly long arm reached for
materials and supplies. Since the Ertrewior, reached into him, touched
Keep was inside of a mountain there his soul. And fed...
were no real duties for a guard The essence energy, raging free,
unless they were attacked. And this was absorbed by the potion on the
beat sitting around being bored... stove. The potion grew hotter,
The two female guards were in the absorbed its limit and beyond. And
corridor near the great steel door exploded...
which guarded the entrance to the The four guardsmen at the table
Keep. They were practicing their were knocked over by the shockwave
unarmed combat, their arms and hands from the blast. They quickly re-
covered with a thick, padded sleeve covered and ran toward the lab,
to imitate the effect of being in afraid their fellow guardsman had
the armor. "I still don't under- been injured, or worse...
stand why he does not make hands for Anrelus stopped at the door of
the things and give us weapons" the library. The spells around the
panted one as they rested for a Keep seemed in place. No breaches
moment. "Ask Anrelus next time he could be detected. Yet the presence
is in a good mood" answered her of annihilation was within his Keep.
opponent. Their laughter echoed off He began preparing battle spells...
-22- More...
The three guardsmen in the it, it took a quick look and then
storeroom quickly dropped what they set itself in motion. Grabbing two
were doing and ran out into the of the nearest warriors it propelled
hall. They were not sure where the them down the southwest hall. Two
explosion had occurred,and the first more went sailing through the left
thought was to get to the Grand Hall arch. Two more went through the
and their armor... right arch. The remaining Unlife
The two guardswomen first looked warriors understood and began run-
at the steel door, not understanding ning through the various exits...
why the explosion had come from deep Anrelus opened the library door
inside the keep itself. If it had and stepped into the corridor. He
been an attack, the door was the spotted three guardsmen coming
only way in. Recognizing the bad toward him. As the reached him the
defensive position they were in, door to the south opened and a
they started toward the Grand Hall guardsman stepped into the corridor,
and their armor, cursing the armed. Anrelus waited and let the
sparring gloves as they went... four guardsmen precede him...
The remaining guardsmen were The eleven guardsmen had no
awakened by the explosion. Habit sooner turned when two Unlife
took over immediately, and they ran warriors came sliding into the room,
out toward the Grand Hall and their propelled by the immense strength of
armor... the shadowed one. The ensuing con-
The entire wall of the lab was fusion kept all the guardsmen from
now a black square, neither solid leaving as they defended themselves
nor empty. Through the blackness as best they could. The two Unlife
charged various creatures, living warriors ceased to exist, but the
and not, weak and powerful, armed noise of the battle had drawn the
with magical and natural weapons. others to the guardsmen. Weapons
Into the lab they came, into the air and claws slashed through the flesh
filled with many mixtures of of the defenders, and spells of fear
potions, chemicals, powders. Some and holding kept them from defending
died immediately, some stopped in a themselves. A fear spell struck one
rapture, and some continued on, of the rearmost guardsmen. In ter-
unaffected by the various mixtures. ror he turned and fled, knocking one
Ran on through the only door and of the guardswomen into the corridor
into the Grand Hall... and out of sight of the spellcasting
The four guardsmen knocked down Unlife warriors. Quickly she stood
by the blast ran into the Grand Hall and ran down the corridor after the
and saw the horrors boiling out from retreating guardsman, thinking only
the lab. Unarmed, they stood no of hiding and getting to the armor.
chance against the Unlife warriors. The remaining were slaughtered with
They died quickly... contemptuous ease...
The guardsmen came up the eastern Anrelus and the four guardsmen
corridor, stopping in the room just arrived as the two Unlife warriors
southeast of the Grand Hall. The were getting back to their feet.
odors and sounds coming from the The distant screams of terror and
Grand Hall were enough to shake the dying told him that the Keep would
soul of the most veteran fighter fall soon unless he could destroy
among them. Nine guardsmen and two the entrance they were using. With-
guardswomen realized two things im- out a thought, Anrelus cast a spell
mediately. They were unarmed. They at each Unlife warrior, destroying
were cutoff from the armor... both where they stood. The guards-
The Unlife warriors milled around men, emboldened by this, ran across
the Grand Hall. With four ways out the room and into a larger group.
they were unsure of the location of The guardsmen fell back into the
the defenders. Through the lab door room, and only the armed guardsman
came a tall, heavy set being. was still alive...
Shrouded in shadows that moved with She watched the guardsman running
-23- More...
down the corridor smash into the far to beat it open. He silently began
wall, get up, and continue running. praying to the Gods, praying that he
She stopped, realizing that he was would be saved, that the Unlife
not going for weapons but was would not destroy his soul. He was
running in terror. She ran through praying when the Unlife Itself
the door on her left, into the bunk smashed the steel door. He never
room shared by eight of the least knew he had died under the massive
ranking guardsmen. She quickly weight...
found a sword and shield then hid. Anrelus saw a shadow move in the
If she could get into the armor, she room. He sensed the door smashed
could come back and guard the door, and realized that time had run out.
protect her body against anything. He began a spell. Untried, un-
Anrelus would just have to clear the tested, unsure of the exact results.
Keep himself. She forced herself to Yet he knew that this was his last
relax in the cramped hiding place chance. His spell drew power, the
and began to slip into the armor... power of the essence within the
Anrelus cast several spells mountain, the essence that had ever
toward the Grand Hall. The screams existed in time, the essence that
and explosions told him that the existed in the myriad realities of
corridor was crowded, that he did that space...
not need to see to hit something. She continued trying to break
Area spells were taking a great toll out, swinging her arms and a leg in
on the invaders but still they came. the restricted space. Why didn't
He needed to fall back, determine Anrelus open the damn door! Every
their entry and seal it. Cleaning second brought her closer to being
the keep would then be no problem. killed away from her body, of not
He was going to tell the guardsman taking some of her enemies to Eissa
to fall back with him when several with her! She realized something
undead warriors came in the doorway was happening when Anrelus began his
behind him, having made their way spell, for the armor had better and
through the arch and down the different senses than living flesh.
corridor. Several attacked him but Better to go back and at least die
missed, his defensive spells being fighting, die like a warrior, she
too powerful for them. Two quickly thought. She began the trance,
sped past, striking the guardsman slipping off the armor...
from behind, killing him... Outside the niche, the Unlife
She made it! She had reached her warriors took up defensive posi-
armor! But Anrelus had enchanted tions. Something was inside the
the niches and doors against forced doors, trying to get out. They
entry, and there wasn't enough room would wait, and they would kill...
for her to swing her arms and Throughout the corridors ran the
possibly smash through. Anrelus had Unlife warriors. Searching for more
to open the doors with his spells. guardsmen to kill. One warrior
No! She couldn't wait. She didn't walked into a bunk room and sensed
dare to wait. If they found her that there was something living. It
defenseless body now... immediately sent out an alarm, and
Outside the Keep a force seemed the room was filled with Unlife
to solidify. The Unlife Itself had warriors, destroying the room,
decided to join the battle. Only It killing the strange faced guards-
would be strong enough to capture woman hidden within...
Anrelus, and wrest his secrets from The Unlife Itself flew through
him. The force of the Unlife formed the corridor, drawn by the spell,
itself into a giant ram, and sent repelled by the force of essence.
itself flying at the entrance... It entered the room and was pulled
The guardsman had begun to shake directly into the force taking shape
the effects of the fear spell. He in the center of the room. Pulled
had smashed his hands into useless in, and made a part of...
pulps against the steel door, trying Anrelus finished his casting.
-24- More...
Before him stood a man-shaped being alive.
of pure, solid essence. Anrelus And it had instructions.
smiled in triumph. It had worked! Destroy the invaders.
The power of the essence had been It lashed out at the nearest
packed until it had become actual, Unlife warriors. The Unlife Golem
solid matter! A thing impossible destroyed it. And the body of
had been done, and he had done it! essence suddenly returned to its
Anrelus looked around the room. proper state of existence. The
"Kill all invaders" he ordered his Unlife Itself, in sudden pain from
creation. the essence, fled the Keep.
"I think not" it answered. And the spell creating the steel
Anrelus was stunned. Before he replicas, the steel golems, had
could react one of the Unlife become self-generating. Another and
warriors lept forward, burying his yet another golem appeared.
weapon into Anrelus. Destroy the invaders.
"He drew all essence into this The Unlife warriors fled, unable
creation, even that which powered to stop creation of the golems, un-
his spells," mused the Unlife Golem. able to fight an enemy that con-
Still, essence was the barrier, the tinually renewed itself. Their gate-
thing which blocked the Unlife. It way was collapsed to prevent the
could not understand how it could steel golems from following. They
exist in a body composed of pure did not know that the steel golems
essence. It did not care. Turning, would never leave the Keep.
the Unlife Golem walked back into
the Grand Hall. "A fascinating tale, but how is
The Unlife Golem immediately this story to help me?" I asked.
issued orders. "Destroy nothing. "I do not know, truthfully," he
The secret of creating this body said. "Perhaps it will not. Still,
must be mine." It heard a report on it is fascinating, don't you agree?"
the noises which came from one of I nodded and stood. The sun was
the niches. It tapped on the steel up and I was restless though I
block, leaving a hammer shaped im- should have been exhausted.
pression. "Impressive strength," It Thanking him, I walked out of Helgas
mused. It walked over to the niche and began wandering through town.
the Unlife warriors indicated, drew
back its arm, and drove its fist I spend the better part of the
through the door and into the armor morning wandering when I finally
behind. It waited, wanting to test stop at the Temple of Eissa. Per-
the defense of its new body, yet the haps my answer is here.
statue never moved. The temple is almost deserted.
Alone. Dying. My Keep in the Only a monk, seated in the far
hands of the Unlife. Anrelus spoke corner, is present. I walk to the
one last spell. And he finally went altar and kneel, forming my prayer
to the judgement of Eissa. carefully. I wait, but no answer
The Unlife Golem screamed. Its springs forth. No vision. No sleep.
new body slowly dispersing, return- "Something troubles your soul,
ing to the essence it was. NO! It young elf," says the monk from
called upon its own power, and the behind me. I wonder if perhaps he
bits of the spell that it had heard. was at one time a thief, for I never
Nothing. It tried again, but this heard him move from his spot.
time to create a new body, not stop I nod to him. "I cannot sleep,
the destruction of the one it had. but I know not why."
Something formed. The Unlife "Sleep is the realm of Reann." A
Golem cast more spells, mixing in puzzled look crosses his face. "And
the strange words of Anrelus' spell. yet, I... feel... that you are
Incomplete words. correct in coming here. The trouble
Slowly a new shape took place. is within your soul." His eyes seem
But not essence. Steel. And it was to look far beyond the room. "Your
-25- More...
answers must be found by you. The "Fare you well."
key has been provided." I watch as the ship leaves the
"What key? How can I find an harbor. The sun has set and still I
answer when I don't even know the fear sleep. Or I cannot. I know
question?" not which it is, so I wander the
The monks eyes clear. "I have no streets some more.
answers for you. And Eissa will I near the gates and stop.
tell you no more." He returns to his "Think," I mutter to myself. It all
corner and resumes his prayers. started when? I think back several
Eissa? Or a trick to get me to days. It started after my first
drop more silver in the poor box? visit to the ruins. The Keep.
It was a foolish to come here, to Then that is where I'll find the
ask of the Gods for help. I stand answer. Simple.
and leave the temple. Nowhere to But should I wait until daylight?
go, no ideas. I wander again. No. Each hour that passes causes me
The sun is low in the sky, to grow more befuddled. By morning
another day almost over. I find I may cast a fireball at myself
myself at the docks watching as thinking I had conjured up the
several ships prepare to sail with displacement spell.
the evening tide. Besides, I may get to meet Eissa
"Hail, Master of Essence" rings a face to face and she can tell me
familiar voice. The tinkerer, I what her cryptic message meant.
think to myself. Resolved, I prepare myself and go
"The politician," mumbles that out, the guard opening for me a
voice in the back of my head. small door as the gates have been
"You seem as sad, if not sadder, closed for the night. I turn down
than when last we met," he observes. the nearest path and begin the long
"No answers to your problems?" journey to Blototh.
"None. Not even the Goddess will A long and, as it turned out,
help, as far as I can tell." uneventful journey. Not one crea-
"Sad indeed. Still, there is ture did I see. Not one attack did
another night followed by another I suffer. I hesitated at the en-
dawn. More adventures await you, I trance to the ruins. Maybe I was
am sure." He smiles the sincerest wrong? Maybe I was wasting my time?
smile I ever remember seeing, as But I was here. No use turning
though he knows a future I cannot around now. I pulled the hood on my
see. cloak up around my head and entered
I realize he is carrying a large the ruins....
bag in addition to the sack he had
with him earlier. "Leaving the Land- I stand in what seems to be a
ing? I thought you just arrived." Grand Hall, located in some ruins
"Sadly, yes. It seems that the near the peak of Blototh. Twenty
silver runs freely here. No one niches are set along the wall I
will pay to have something fixed face. The door set into the niche
when they can just buy a replace- closest to me has collapsed,
ment. I will seek my fortune in a revealing a lifesized steel statue.
less fortunate clime." Though its face is devoid of
"Safe journey," I tell him. features, it is as though it is
"Perhaps you shall come this way staring at me, awaiting some word or
again." action on my part.
"I may," he says. "I travel much I stand straight. Proud. I keep
for I enjoy seeing much of the world my face turned away from the statue,
and all that happens. And my pro- though I know it cannot see me.
fession is less hazardous than most "Guardsman!" I jump from the
who travel the many lands." We shake loudness of my own voice. "Your
hands and he quickly turns and duties here are finished. You are
boards the nearest ship. "Fare you dismissed."
well, Master of Essence." Nothing. It was but a foolish
-26- More...
notion. An idea born of a tired Use the Essence to detect what is
brain, fed by a story I had recently there, and what is not."
heard. I realize the presence which
And the voice in the back of my touched my soul is gone. I am very
mind says, "Remember your lessons." tired, and I can sleep.
Lessons? My magic lessons? Why... Fumbling, I sling my shield over
And I hear my mother's voice. my shoulder and evoke the power of
"Reach out to the Essence. Sense the teleportation ring I wear.
it. Feel it. Gather it to you. Use Eissa met the soul of a guards-
your ability to become one with it. woman, and opened the gate.
Continued in the Next KE
Mage From Kelfour's Museum...
___________________________________________________________________________
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-27-
The Beastly Blatherskite
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Miss Louvella Parsnips
______________
/ \ ____ ___ \
\@| ~|~| /~/~ |elfour's mad mage substantial fees for the resurrect-
| |~|_/~/ | has finally gotten ion of the hapless few that become
_| |~|~\~\ | his come-uppance. victims of the unlife. The operative
/@| _|~| \~\_ | We were delighted words seem to be, if you don't pay
\_/ ~~~~ ~~~~ / to discover that he you don't live.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ went one step too
far and has finally paid the price We find it despicable, to say the
for his indiscriminate murders. least, that these once upstanding
citizens have chosen an avaricious
Our friend, the constable, spotted and mercenary life over the pious
the insane one wandering aimlessly existence they were once determined
through the streets of Kelfour's to maintain.
Landing, brandishing a black wand
and mumbling to himself. The While on the subject, we have
constable was quick to apprehend the noticed that these new items have
subject, on suspicion of 'intent to brought out the worst in everyone
commit dastardly deeds' and and we have never heard such
subsequently threw the scurrilous arguing, carrying on and blatant
mage in jail. offering of favors as in the last
several weeks. For shame, Kulthea.
Without further ado, the mage was For shame.
given a stiff fine and released. We
are not sorry to learn that part of Once again, we remind our readers
his fine included the fear wand of that gossip and everything else can
which he was so fond. It seems that be sent to our attention at
our mage, deprived of his nasty MISS.SNOOP (by GE Mail) where we may
means of destruction, has fled or may not pay attention to it,
Kulthea in shame and disgrace. depending on our mood.
Of course, extenuating circumstances Until next time, happy nosing around
include the fact that his wife, a and tra la for now!
coyote faced thief of questionable __________________________________
morals, was spotted au natural at | |
Frick's Inn with a rather odious | SPECIAL OFFER |
sorcerer fellow. |----------------------------------|
| Are you sick and tired |
We have no doubt that as soon as the | of decadence, immorality and |
citizens of Kelfour's Landing find | despicable deeds in Kulthea? |
it safe to walk the streets again | If so, you might be a candidate |
(although quite a number of our | for the |
damsels have been doing that all | |
along), our mage and his odious wife | KULTHEAN MORALITY SOCIETY |
will return to wreak more havoc. | |
| dedicated to the preservation |
Greed seems to be the operative word | of morality and spinsterhood |
in Kelfour's Landing as more and | in Kulthea. |
more residents have been finding | |
unique items during forages outside. | Membership 50,000 silvers. |
| See Miss Louvella Parsnips, |
It appears that even the clerics, | President. |
the most impoverished and frugal of | |
them all, have decided to charge |__________________________________|
-28-
V2N7
[END]
See Also: