Kelfour Edition volume II number I
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
_______________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
| | Filled with Fiction and Fun |
@_/_____________________________________________________________________/
| |
| GemStone III's |
| _ _ _ ___ |
| / ) / ) / ) / __) June 1991 |
| / /_/ / ____ / / _/ ( ____ __ __ ___ Vol.2, No.1 |
| / __/ / __ ) / / ( __) / _ ) / / / / / __) |
| / /\ \ / ___/ / / / / / (/ / / (_/ / / / |
| (_/ \_) (____) (_( (_( (____/ (_____( (_( |
| _____ _ _ _ _ _______________________
| / ____) / ) (/ _/ ) (/ ) ~~~~~~~ / ~~~~~~~~ ~)
| / (__ ___/ / _ ( _) _ ____ ___/ ~~~~~~ / ~~~~~~~~ /
| / ____) / _ / / ) / / / ) / _ ) / / ~~~~ / ~~~~~~~~~ /|
| / (__ / (/ / / / / / / / / (/ / / // ______ / ~~~~~~~~~~ / |
| (_____) (____( (_( (_( (_( (____/ (_(/ / | ) ~~~~~~~~~~ / |
| / / / / ~~~~~~~~~ / |
| / / / / ~~~~~~~~~~/ |
| The Kronicles of Kulthea / /=======@\ ~~~~~~ / |
| / / / / ( \ / |
|______________________________________(_// \\ \/__ ) )_______(_______|
|_______________________________________(((@)))/__ ( ( _______________|
| \\_// _)_) |
| |
| Local News .......................................... 1 |
| Holy Wars!! ............................ Henna Harper 2 |
| Takeover ..................... by Wisraith Winterwind 5 |
| Easy as Skinning a Tork .............. Dagmar Istarii 6 |
| For You ............................. Kalagay Halatil 8 |
| A-Hunting We Shall Go ................. Dane RedLance 9 |
| Hall of Fame ........................................ 10 |
| What GSIII Means to Me ............... Inyigo Montoya 11 |
| The Great Kitten Quest .............. Elwyn Moonstorm 12 |
| Hint for Beginners No. 1 ......... Samwell Hawkholder 13 |
| Shopping at Sen's ............... Lady Kayla Kyndhart 14 |
| News of Kulthea .................... Alton Alianthas 16 |
| Heraldry Tutor .................. Delvian Kel'Bathian 18 |
| Tales of the Unknown ................ Flint Thalassar 19 |
| Wanted: Dead or Alive .............................. 21 |
| Kalagay and the Pickpocket .......... Kalagay Halatil 22 |
| Dream Weaver ................... Balladeer Carpentere 24 |
| The Defensive Method ................. Inyigo Montoya 25 |
| Letters Home ...................... Belladonna Atropa 28 |
| |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
| |
| Kelfour Edition of the Kronicles of Kulthea is devoted to the multi-|
| player roleplaying game GemStone III on GEnie Information Network. |
| Submissions may be edited for space, accuracy and readability. |
| Contact news stringers Samwell Hawkholder and Lythe L'Green, or |
|_Publisher Phaedra Bleu by GE Mail to P.HERRINGTON for details. |
/ Banner letters by Yonah; Art by Taarna |
| __________________________________________________________________|___
| / /
\_/_____________________________________________________________________/
Local News
""""""""""
Auction Raises ___________________________________
3.5 Million Silvers //+ +\
""""""""""""""""""" || KELFOUR EDITION |
KE has been informed that last || ================= |
month's auction, which took place || |
in brightly colored tents just off || Publisher Phaedra Bleu |
Town Square, raised an excess of || |
3.5 million silvers. Among dozens || Serving the Citizens of Kulthea |
of special items posted in the || |
Tomes were three kittens, stolen || This plaque commemorates the |
fiendishly by minions of the || First Anniversary of the |
Unlife moments before the auction || Kelfour Edition |
began. The first part of the || |
story of their rescue (held in the || For information on submissions to |
MPGRT conference area) is pub- || the monthly publication, send |
lished in this edition. || GE Mail to the Publisher |
||+ at P.HERRINGTON +|
Magical Sword Found \\___________________________________/
"""""""""""""""""""
A new, mystical weapon recently ap- Plaque Awarded Kelfour Edition
peared in the lands. Hidden by a """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
playful god, Lord Talon Elessidil Officially commemorating its first
stumbled upon it after a hectic year of publication, local gods
search, and is now the proud owner. recently presented KE Publisher
Similar to the Drake Falchion, this Phaedra Blue with the above shown
unique weapon is called an Ice plaque now mounted in the Newsroom
Blade. On occasion it produces a of the new KE Building situated just
cold attack, with resultant damages south of the General Store.
coming from the cold critical table.
Advertisers and residents are invit-
Unfortunately, the Ice Blade is more ed to visit KE's offices where, on
breakable than most, but is nonethe- occasion, they will meet some of the
less effective against Steel Golems. contributors whose works have made
KE an award-winning publication.
Outlaws Propose Government
"""""""""""""""""""""""""" An Index to KE's first 12 editions,
Formation of a local government was cross-referenced by subject and
proposed at a hastily convened town author, is available in the MPGames
meeting last month, presided over by Library, file #248.
Thief Allanon deLion and the mad
Mage, Lord Lythe L'Green. Spells Available
""""""""""""""""
Soundly scoffed by those attendees As local Sorcerers anxiously await
aware of the pair's backgrounds, availability of their spell list
residents pockets were picked while (which we understand will be Real
they listened to them generously Soon Now), other professions are
offer to rule the lands whilst draw- casting about anew. Healers, in
ing up a body of laws, after which particular, are enjoying use of
they would ostensibly rescind lead- Shockbolt (spell 207 from the Closed
ership to duely elected officials Channeling list) while Rangers are
whose powers would be backed up by hiding more efficiently with use of
unknown means. their Hues spell.
-1-
Holy Wars!!
"""""""""""
By Henna Harper
______________
/ \ ____ ___ \
\@| ~|~| /~/~ |ulthea stands div- struck down by Cearnach who claims
| |~|_/~/ | ided as it prepares he then conversed with L'Green's
_| |~|~\~\ | to enter into what ghost. "He [L'Green] told me he
/@| _|~| \~\_ | may well become the would have to deal with me in a
\_/ ~~~~ ~~~~ / bloodiest civil war "permanent manner". Despite this
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ in its history. On threat I did not interfere with his
one side stand those shrouded by resurrection by Sindar although I
allegiance to the unlife, on the knew precisely when it was being
other, those who have vowed to drive effected and still had my ring set
all unlife from Kulthea. to the location. It would have been
a simple task but I stayed my hand."
It started innocently enough, with a Cearnach said.
letter being nailed to the oak tree
in Kelfour's Landing Town Square. A confidential source told Kelfour
This letter began: Edition that L'Green was, on another
________________________________________________________
/ \
| "Wake up Kulthea!! Members of the Council of Light |
| do not serve the undead unwittingly. We are not so |
| thickheaded. We know our services will aid the cause |
| of the undead. We also know that our services will |
| ultimately be rewarded... In the end we will all die." |
\_________________________________________________________/
Laeg Cearnach, professional thief occasion, slain by famous thief,
and admitted author of this missive Lady Valeria Deering. Deering
states, "Because of the publication apparently claimed vengeance for the
of this letter Lythe [Lord L'Green] murder of Cearnach as her motive.
murdered me in the Claedesbrim Unfortunately, this event is unsub-
dungeon without warning or provi- stantiated and Lady Deering could
cation. He then proceeded to drag not be reached for comment.
my still warm corpse about the
dungeon to prevent a cleric who was In yet another battle, Lythe
trailing behind from providing aid." L'Green's younger brother, Lerek,
struck Cearnach approximately eight
Kelfour Edition spoke with accused times with a wand, only to be
murderer, Lord Lythe L'Green. "I himself viciously slain by the angry
slew Laeg because he embraced the thief. "I hewed him down with one
Shadow, stated he would work to swipe of my dark laen broadsword,"
further the Unlife and that he would Cearnach said.
corrupt others if he could," L'Green
said. "I do not believe that I have In his justification of the murder
committed murder; I believe what I of Laeg Cearnach, Lythe L'Green has
have done is right and just, and said, "This is not murder. This is
that all who wish Life to prosper on war, and a primal struggle between
Kulthea must join in the battle the most basic choice: Life, or
against the Unlife and those who Unlife. Those who league themselves
serve it." with the Lord of the Grave shall
fall before the Light as wheat
Shortly after the murder of Laeg before the scythe."
Cearnach, L'Green, on a hunting
expedition in Upper Kaldsfang, was Under pressure, L'Green and Cearnach
More...
-2-
drew up a treaty which would serve "I had no desire to kill Rune, for I
as a token of peace. Said treaty, know that she suffers from bouts of
however, was ultimately rejected by what seem as madness to me, though
both sides, and Kulthea hurtled ever she would ever claim otherwise. I
closer towards Civil War. could see no other explanation for
this attack, and she offered no
Renowned ranger Martin Kinzan was other one as replacement. None-
overheard saying, "Is it possible we theless, with her summoning of the
may be on the brink of civil war powers of Shadow, my life was at
here?? Will it no longer be safe to risk, and defensive measures were
walk the streets of Kelfour???" called for." Winterwind told KE. "I
destroyed her weapon to try and
Hasty meetings were called on both prevent her doing me harm. This I
sides. Lady Wisraith Winterwind, did three times, after three sep-
Chairperson of The House of the arate attacks, one of which did me
Rising Phoenix issued a public hurt."
statement: "At this point I would
like to say that all of the talk of Arundel's attack on Winterwind is
'war' I have heard, and all the believed to have been a personal
warnings that 'war' is going to vendetta with no relation to an
break out have NOT come from the organized group. However, sources
House of the Rising Phoenix." reveal that Arundel stated before
the attack: "[Winterwind] has
Lady Valeria Deering, spokesperson called me evil once too often. I
for one group, said in response to alone take full responsibility for
that statement: "If Wisraith my actions in an effort to quell the
shields Lythe behind the mantle of vicious tongue of the Phoenix and
the Rising Phoenix, then the Phoenix its chairperson."
protects a murderer and it is the
Phoenix who will begin the final Winterwind stated, "Arundel has
confrontation." publicly apologized to me for the
attack, and I hold no particular
"The confrontation draws near," Lord animosity towards her, even if, to
Maruko Ashimine, member of the House this day, I still totally fail to
of the Rising Phoenix, is reported understand her motives or what
to have said. benefits she believed would surface
as a result of my death. I consider
Events took a turn for the worse the matter entirely closed."
shortly thereafter when notorious
ranger Rune Arundel was overheard The attempted assassination of the
saying, "I'd like to throw preaching Chairperson of the House of the
Wisraith in the bottomless well." Rising Phoenix may have been
Following this statement, Arundel interpreted as a gesture of war if
attempted to murder Winterwind while not for the statement issued by the
on an excursion in Upper Kaldsfang. young ranger, Arborious Dragonson.
Says Winterwind: "She [Arundel] "Rune's attack on Wisraith was of
said before she struck that she HER own feelings at the time. We
thought Kelfour's would be best had no hand in it. Rune's attack
served by having me slain." Events MAY NOT be used by the House of the
leading up to the assassination Rising Phoenix as an excuse to
attempt on Winterwind are unclear. pursue all out war."
KE spoke with Arundel about the
situation. "Wisraith Winterwind is It appears that many of the events
a spineless coward," was Arundel's have been carried out under the
comment. guise of "sudden madness." Is there
More...
-3-
some plague raging through Kulthea As KE went to press, a seemingly
that affects personages at different unrelated incident occurred in which
times? KE spoke with noted healer two more Kelfourians lost their
and psychoanalyst, Surtey Akrash. lives. Whether this new rash of
"There is indeed a madness in the murders signifies discontent within
land and I am growing rich on the the ranks of the Council of Light,
payment for services required or is just another example of the
because of this madness," Akrash madness that has struck Kulthea
said. "There is no cure, except remains to be seen. Allanon DeLion,
perhaps the execution of those who younger brother of Lord Riverwind
appear to have been overcome by it." Entreri, challenged Alhana Way-
finder, sister of noted cleric, Lady
Both sides appear to be doing Taarna Wayfinder, to a duel to the
everything diplomatically possible death. Wayfinder accepted only to
to avert what could become a recoil in shock as DeLion struck
massacre. Sources claim the down first Garette Dayne, a young
respected House of Argent Aspis will bard, then slew Mikhail Minnehan, a
perhaps enter into the war. fellow thief. As Minnehan fell,
Strategists have determined that DeLion snatched his valuable
even the powerful House of the scimitar and made away with it.
Rising Phoenix cannot stand against
the combined forces of the DeLion met his death at the hands of
opposition. Lady Wayfinder shortly thereafter
and his gruesome mace and shield
Respected healer, Rhys Corwinson, were taken as bargaining tools. At
stated the supposed position of almost the same moment, Lady Deering
Kelfour's other clerics and healers. (again?) slew Lord L'Green in the
"I would strongly ask those of you town square. All parties were later
preparing to engage in warfare to resurrected, weapons were returned
consider the effect of the joint to their rightful owners, and peace
withdrawal for a time of all the appeared to have been restored. The
lifegiving Clerics and Healers from patronage of Eissa's Temple grows
the land." ever greater as those who leave this
place of sanctuary do so in fear for
Brother against brother, friends their very lives.
destroying friends - Kulthea is
indeed on the brink of a holy war to The boundaries dim, enemies fight
end all wars. Who will triumph, the side by side, and friends have slain
forces that declare themselves to friends. The crusade continues as
follow the path of 'evil' or those darkness descends on fair Kulthea.
who stand in defense of the forces A final plea from one who wishes to
of 'good'? The very fact that anonymity: "Will there ever be an
residents of Kelfour's Landing must end to this madness? How many more
live in fear of assassinations, senseless murders must occur before
retributions, robbery and torture we realize we are heading for anarchy
because of their religious beliefs and the total annihilation of that
bodes ill indeed. is dear to us? In the name of Eissa
let this madness end."
Diplomatic negotiations are in __ art by
progress. Duels have been announced (__) Taarna
although whether they will be fought ||
is unknown. Meanwhile, subterfuge ||
continues and those in power on both %%%%%%%% %
sides have been warned to be alert / ~* ~ \ % %
to assassination attempts. / *~ ~ ~ * \ % %
( *~ * ~* ~ ) % %
(%%%%%%%%%%%%) % %
(%%%%%%%%%%%%)
-4- \%%%%%%%%%%/
Takeover
""""""""
by Wisraith Winterwind
_____________
/ \ _________ \
\@| ||=|=|=|| |he large man seated to the floor around her, Wisraith
| ~~ |_| ~~ | at the mahogany desk watched the dazed figure of the
_| |_| | glanced up as the leader of the Council of Light slump
/@| _|_|_ | woman in white came to the floor.
\_/__________/ through the door of
his office. Head bowed, she spoke "Nice work," said the Ranger at the
before he could utter a word. "My door. "Tie him up quickly and don't
Lord, with time and thought I have let him up. I'm weak now; I'll be
come to realize that ever were you back in a few minutes after I get
right. My attempts to fight you back some power."
have been in vain. Please, I beg of
you, let me join your ranks." She set to work as the Ranger
departed. While binding his wrists
His impenetrable eyes registered and ankles as tightly as she might,
what might have been surprise but he hatred was plain on her face.
smiled broadly, his studied expres- "Murdering your predecessor wasn't
sion calculated to set her ease. "I enough. You can believe I won't
knew, my dear, that you would come stop fighting the Unlife that
to me someday. Your lack of power destroyed Quellbourne and everything
frustrates you, doesn't it? Those of my family stood for, and which has
fewer years and less training wield- ensnared and transformed good and
ing more powerful magic than your noble folk. I will stop challenging
own. Well, now can you put them in only when you and your putrid ilk
their places." Chuckling softly, he are gone from Kulthea, or breath and
added, "Quite the best spy I could heartbeat forever leave this body.
find in the House of the Rising My magic may no longer work here,
Phoenix, the Chairman herself, your masters learned that lesson the
Wisraith Winterwind." hard way too, but I can hold you,
prevent your saving yourself, until
He stood and, stepping closer, he who's magic you overlooked
forced her to retreat until she was returns."
nearly pinned against his desk. As
he reached toward her, his face Wisraith frowned that the man did
assumed a darkness that belied his not struggle. Then, as the Ranger
earlier joviality. "Come closer, my slipped back into the office, she
dear, that I may administer your bent and hissed into the bound man's
oath to me." ear, "For my family's sake, and for
slaughtered and enslaved innocents,
As she faced him rigidly she saw, I will gladly watch you die."
from the edge of her vision, the Returning to the Ranger's side, her
door slowly open. "My Lord, I have pale face was cold and stern as
first for you a surprise." She sculpted ice.
glanced over his shoulder, "Look..."
Fireball after fireball struck the
As he turned, the elven woman threw prone man, yet he did not die.
herself over the desk, praying it Flames burnt his arms, legs and
would shield her from the barrage of back, until he was engulfed in fire.
fire she knew was at that instant Still he lived, ever that impene-
flying from the fingers of the man trable gaze unwavering from his
who had quietly entered moments assailants. The heat charred his
before. A weight hit the desk, and face, distorting it beyond recog-
as smoldering papers finally settled nition. At last, a powerfully
Continued on Page 8
-5-
Easy as Skinning a Tork
"""""""""""""""""""""""
By Dagmar Istarii
____________
/ \ ____ \
\@| /~/~~\\ |etting started in Gem- GemStone game mechanics are based on
||~| ~~ |Stone III can be easy. I.C.E. Role Master RPG game system.
_||~| |==| |Roll a character and Buying Role Master Character Law
/@| \~\__// |take a look around. from your local hobby store is
\_/ ~~~~~ / Don't spend a lot of recommended. I.C.E. also has
~~~~~~~~~~~ time getting good publishes other books, Spell Law and
stats for your first character. various modules like Shadow World as
Just try to have at least a 90 or well. If you really want the most
higher in ST and QU. ST bonus is accurate info on critical tables,
added to your weapons training and damage tables etc., then get the
affects your ability to hit monsters series of Role Master Companions.
with your weapon. QU bonus is added Simutronics uses the tables from the
to your defensive bonus which Companion series.
affects your ability to avoid
getting hit by a monsters. Once you The Characters
get equipped with heavy hide armor, """"""""""""""
shield, helm, greaves, avental, There are 8 professions and 8 races
weapon and a backpack, go to the to choose from. Until the racial
main gate or the temple. Ask if stat bonus are adjusted, the
anyone could show a newbie a good half-elf race has the best set of
place to hunt. After a few sessions stat bonus. A halfling Mage or
of this, you probably want to Sorcerer would be awesome once he
reroll. Before you do get as much gets past level 10 or so but the
information on rolling and dev- halfling has a ST penalty of -20.
eloping a character as you can. Very difficult to develop a halfling
and a new player should stick with a
Background Materials half-elf or one of the other tall
"""""""""""""""""""" races. Fighters and Thieves are the
The Multiplayer Games RoundTable on most powerful weapon users and both
Page 1045 is a must-read for all are good at opening chests. Rangers
serious GemStone players, Categories and Bards are almost as good at
17 through 20. Players and GMs talk weapons and can learn magic spells
about various aspects of the game easier than Fighters and Thieves.
there, from the mechanics to Mages have the most interesting
roleplaying. You can also download spells, including those which pro-
maps of Kulthea and informative tect and enhance a hunting party's
guides dealing on rolling and capabilities. Sorcerers have power-
developing characters. Past Kelfour ful spells of destruction. If you
Editions, the players newsletter, like destroying monsters with
are also in the Libraries. They powerful magic, then a sorcerer is
have articles touching on most your choice. Clerics have spells to
aspects of rolling and developing a battle the undead and resurrect
character as well. The April issue fallen comrades. Healers are the
has a couple articles on getting hardest profession to play and it
started, plus a map of the forest takes a truly special person to
and grasslands just outside of town stick with it for more than a few
where a new player can taste levels.
adventure by battling kobolds and
torkaans. Run from any other All professions can learn spells.
monster you may see until you gain Pure spell users like Mages and
some experience and skill! Clerics can learn a spell per level
More...
-6-
by putting 10 development points in this example, you hit it. If you
the spell list. Its harder for a had a d100 roll of 59 or lower you
fighter to learn a spell. If a would have missed.
fighter puts 20 development points
in his spell list he will need a A Wolverine claws at you
roll of at least 91 on his spell OB:50 vs DB:60 = -10
gain roll to learn the spell. THT 66, d100 roll: 96, modified: 86
Rangers and Bards can learn spells ...and hits for 7 concusion points
easier than Fighters but not as easy of damage
as pure magic users. If you fail ...a slashing blow to your neck
the spell gain roll then your severing your spine
investment is carried over to the ...an extra 3 concussion points of
next training session until you get damage
the spell. To cast a spell you have
to prep <spell number> then cast it *Dartaghan bites the dust*
at a target or just cast if it is an
area affect spell. Dart had a -10 modifer to the d100
roll, but because the THT was only
Tactics 66, he bit the dust. Be very
""""""" careful against monsters using claw,
GemStone III is a magical but stinger or other non-weapon attacks;
violent world. Eventually you will the THT for claw attack versus hide
go out into the wilds and have to armor is much lower than if the
battle monsters. So what do those monster were using a weapon.
numbers mean when you attack or get
attacked? When you attack a kobold Critical Hits
you will see a display like this: """""""""""""
There are two extra lines in the
You swing a sword at a kobold above example that weren't in the
OB:30 vs DB:10 = +20 first. They are there because the
THT 79, d100 roll:65, modified:85 modified roll was 20 greater than
...and hits for 3 concussion points the THT. If you are wearing heavy
hide and a monster gets a modified
OB = Offensive bonus, DB = Defensive roll of 11 or greater than your THT
bonus, THT = To Hit Threshold. OB there is another d100 roll. Its
is the total of your ST bonus and called a critical roll. The result
your skill at using that weapon. of that d100 roll is compared to a
The monster's DB varies as it gets critical table to determine the kind
hurt and the THT is determined by of critical damage Dartaghan suf-
the weapon and the armor worn by fered. The D100 roll must have been
the target. In the above example a high one cause Dart's spine was
the kobold is wearing hide and a severed, an instant death critical.
short sword has a THT of 79 on it. Wearing armor like leather breast
If you were using a broadsword the plate and ring mail gives you more
THT would be 84 or so. d100 roll is protection from criticals but you
the roll you get from a 100 sided also have to train in that skill and
dice. The results of most (but not in most cases suffer OB and DB
all) actions are determined by a penalties.
d100 roll. In the above example you
had a d100 roll of 65. To that is Parry Tag
added the difference of your OB and """""""""
the kob's DB, which is +20. That You can berserk at Parry 0 when
gets you to the last number on the battling kobs and torks but when
third line, the modified roll. Then hunting more dangerous monsters you
that modified roll is compared to must adjust your parry to the
the THT. If the modified roll is situation. The basic tactic is
greater then the THT as it is in referred to as Parry Tag. When you
More...
-7-
set parry to 100 you are using all Takeover
you offensive skill (OB) to parry Continued from Page 5
the monsters attack. When you set
your OB to 0, you are using all your accurate blast separated the head
offensive skill to hit the monster. from the shoulders; little remained
If parry is set to 50 then half your but swirling smoke and acrid fumes.
OB is used to hit the monster and
half to parry the monsters attack. The tension eased as the two sighed
When you attack you normally have a with relief; the decapitated body
Round Time of 5 secs. Some (but lay at their feet. Telepathically,
again, not all) monsters have a they announced that the the Grand
greater Round Time than that, and Poohbah was dead. The Ranger smiled
when that happens we Parry Tag. and spoke for the first time since
That means we initially have our reentering the office, "Now I, Fxg
parry set to 100. We find a Lyon, will rule in his place."
monster. Wait for monster to attack Wisraith turned to him, alarmed.
and then quicky set Parry to 0 and Meeting her gaze, he shrugged, "I
attack the monster. Count five will no longer take orders from
seconds and parry 100. Then wait anyone here. I am my own Master and
for the monster to attack again and none can tell me what I can or can't
repeat the sequence until it's do. My rule will be benign, my
defeated. followers able to choose their own
paths. Besides, what matter is it
Parry tag works for most monsters, to you? You wanted him dead didn't
and the ability to embed a Carriage you?"
Return in your macro is a big
advantage since there's only a few Still concerned at Fxg's words, but
seconds difference between your moreso at the consequences of being
Round Time and the monster's. Some found with the dead body, Wisraith
monsters are too fast for this. For turned to go with Fxg behind her,
them, you must adjust your parry so but could not see the door through
that while you can hit the monster the pall. If anything the smoke
the monster cannot get a critical seemed denser. Soon they could see
hit on you. As the monster weakens nothing at all through the haze;
you adjust your parry, lowering it most particularly, they could not
until you finally ease it to 0 and see the glint in the eyes of the
can kill the monster. Of course as head that was without a body.
you reach higher levels, monsters
get more interesting and more Disoriented and nearly blind, the
intelligent and you have to use more two choking allies found the smoke
sophisticated tactics. Hmmm, wonder beginning to thin, though the sight
how you kill a Red Dragon? :) that greeted their streaming eyes
was not at all what they expected.
_________________________________ (Conclusion in the next Edition)
/ \\
| DIRections and ADVice || For You
| """"""""""""""""""""" || """""""
| Two important new commands for || by Kalagay Halatil
| Level 1 players are DIRections ||
| and ADVice. || You sing to me in moonlight.
| || Your strength is my protection.
| The first guides you around || In silver shadows of the night,
| town, currently providing DIR- || Defender, sweet perfection.
| ections to 15 important places ||
| while ADVice offers just that || Now stay and I will with you bide
| for everything from amulets to || All dazzled with your shine,
| wealth. || Till Eissa bid me to her side,
\________________________________// Oh, eog broadsword mine.
-8-
RedLance Ruminations
A-Hunting We Shall Go
"""""""""""""""""""""
by Dane RedLance
____________
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\~\ |ver the course of the friend to aid you in your training.
||~| |~||past few editions, I As a personal aside, I have learned
_||~| |~||have concentrated on what little skill I have in the art
/@| \~\__/~/ |the fascinating people of fighting from a kind few who were
\_/ ~~~~~~ /and places of Kelfours gracious enough to spend a few
~~~~~~~~~~~ Landing. But newly moments helping find my way. My
welcomed visitors to Kulthea should first journey here, Lord Talon
take note: The pubs and shops of the Ellessidil literally grabbed me by
Landing are fine places to spend an the hand and led me through my first
eve or two, but for many of us, battle scenes, waiting to come to my
especially vagabond sword-swingers aid if need be. So, if you are
such as myself, the true import of inexperienced, find someone above
this area are the exciting and you and group with him on a short
dangerous wilds surrounding the jaunt into the woods.
township. This month, I'd like to
indulge in a few hints to the There comes a time as you near
uninitiated about the dark forests completion of your first level of
and grassy plains. training that it seems faster and
more productive to venture out on
I've noticed that for every success- your own. There is no harm in this,
ful hunt, a four part equation must of course, and I rather enjoy solo
be completed. Sleep not, my friend, hunting late at night, just myself
for I speak not of the science of and the call of the wolverines
mathematics! Nay, I mean to say behind me as I run silently (and
that there are four decisions to be quickly) away. Just make sure to
made each and every time to insure a ask around in the Temple for an
rewarding foray. extra amulet in case your 'sparring'
partner becomes a little excited.
First: Before setting out, or
anytime your chance upon a fellow Second, decide where to go. For
adventurer in the wilds, a choice first level adventurers, the choice
must be made: Group or Solo? Each is both limited and easy. I would
has its benefits and drawbacks. For advise all first time visitors to
less-experienced fighters, surely venture only in the Wooded areas
the best way to learn the nuances of just southwest of town. In these
battle here in Quellborne is to woods are plenty of kobolds and
study another pioneer and his/her torkaani who will dance with you; no
techniques. The best advice anyone need to look for werebears and such
can give on your very first hunt is just yet. In fact, the best advice
to locate a mentor (as they are here is to stay off the trail/path
called), a higher-ranked fighter who that you will happen across at the
will show you the proper ways to very southern tip of the forest.
attack and skin a kobold. Pass that way, and death will be
quick and sure! Another tip is to
Yes, I know you trained galore back search the library back at the
in your small town, but this is the Landing for any maps of the area.
real thing, man! Lest you forget, They make it easier to learn the lay
there is no 'armsman' watching your out of this part of the land.
every move and calling off the dogs
unless you have a more experienced Third, is of course that stage where
-9- More...
one shouts out, "There it is!!" Many and skins together are worth more,
articles published earlier in we sometimes made a mess out of
Kelfour Edition can give you far skinning the creatures and thus
better help than I could. Articles ruined the pelts, while every kobold
by Synyster and Lord Kirc to name a known to me has carried at least a
few will show you the ropes of both short sword. Choose your own
beginning and advanced combat I variation of that theme, but try to
would center this discussion instead maintain some semblance of fairness.
on who to kill! Remember, don't
even go near wolverines, karnelins Lastly, with your pack full, and
or werebears. These creatures get a your head spinning from all of the
thrill out of tearing young fighters brawling, head home. You now have a
limb from limb; it must be so, two-part mission: Sell, sell, sell,
because on any given night there are and then rest, rest, rest. First, a
what seems like millions of them in quick trip to the furrier (just
the region known as Kobland. But we inside the gates on North Ring Road)
are fighters, not librarians, so we to sell the hides, and then a dash
mustn't complain no matter how for the Pawn Shop where you can
grossly unfair it may seem ;) unload weapons, shields, etc. Count
your coins, and then head off to one
As for divvying up treasure between of the three hot spots I mentioned
members of your group, I do have a in KE12. Remember to put away your
few suggestions. An effective shield and sword, and sit/lay down
technique that I have done with in wherever you are, because your mind
groups is to pick a certain item to rests much quicker that way. By all
collect and have each member gather means, catch up with your buddies
that one up at every kill. For around the fire at the Inn, around a
example, Darien and I went hunting table in the back of Helga's with a
once, and while he took all of the cold mug of ale, or laying down
skins, pelts and coins, I grabbed watching the monks in the Temple.
the short swords. Though the coins For isn't this what we actually have
come to the Landing for?
________________________________________________________________________
/ \ HALL OF FAME \
|@/______________________________________________________________________/
| Congratulations to Lady Wisraith Winterwind, Lord Enegue Caretaker, |
| Lord Karel Tasavalta, Lord Maruko Ashimine, Lord Nastorm Trevin |
|_ and Lord Strom O'Berin for achieving Noble Rank! |
/---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Bard Enegue LionHeart 20 | High Human Benar Stormarm 18 |
| Ranger Fxg Lyon 22 | Common Man Beolost Lamontt 19 |
| Mage Dagmar Istarii 24 | Dwarf Vesitsa Talchild 16 |
| Fighter Kirc Bloodguard 20 | Halfling Xura Viirkort 15 |
| Thief Valeria Deering 22 | Wood Elf Zhuge Liang 12 |
| Cleric Sindar d'Clairique 21 | High Elf Strom O'Berin 21 |
| Sorceror Xura Viirkort 15 | Half Elf Kayla Kyndhart 26 |
| Healer Kayla Kyndhart 26 | Fair Elf Valeria Deering 22 |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
/@| Current GSIII Fame Rankings by Profession and Race - June 6, 1991 |
\_/______________________________________________________________________/
-10-
What GSIII Means to Me
""""""""""""""""""""""
by Inyigo Montoya
____________
/ \ ________ \
\@| ~|~|~~|| | unny thought. I know I guess another reason this game has
| |~|_ ~~ | GemStone is a game, affected me is the fact that I
_| |~|-| | and a good game, but willingly let myself get carried
/@| |~| | there are lessons to away with my character. Great
\_/ ~~~~~ / be learned here that actors achieve credibility the same
~~~~~~~~~~~ don't apply to the way with their roles, so why not me?
real world, yet have a remarkable When Inyigo receives a critical hit,
impact on how you deal with reality. I grit my teeth in anguish. When he
comes across a life or death sit-
Confused? Hope not. I think that a uation, my blood rushes with adren-
major lesson I've learned here aline. You may feel the same, or
(aside from realizing that I like you may scorn this as lousy "role-
playing with numbers) is tolerance. playing." Try it out, though. Try
Tolerance, humility, control, pride, feeling Rune's pain as she faces her
patience, trust... and friendship. emotions, Lythe's grim nature,
No, I'm not a tyrant in real life. Laeg's idealism. It's fascinating
I just seem to have expanded these just getting into another char-
aspects of myself because of Inyigo. acter's head. Sometimes insults are
We each have our own reasons why we directed to the actual person who
love this world within a world. pulls his/her character's strings,
Some like the release they feel when and sometimes it isn't although it's
they slaughter hobgoblins, and misconstrued that way; then again
others like the way people deal with sometimes insults are taken only
situations, thus creating storylines from one character to another.
for aspiring writers. Some people Whatever the case, that is the
see it purely as a role-playing game nature of life. One cannot have one
with some hand/eye coordination or another. We have to deal with
thrown in. I've seen it in a way this as just one of those "things."
that has evolved.
I just want to say that, even if I
I've come across different char- haven't met you in GemStone, you
acters, people who breathe life into have changed the way I see life, and
their personas making them as in a very positive way. In life, we
individual as their creators. With shouldn't take anything for granted.
that naturally comes conflict. We should breathe every breath,
Conflict can be constructive pro- cherishing it as if it were to be
vided you're willing to learn from our last. Live our days to the
it. The friends I have made fullest as if there were no more.
(Arborius, Joquain, Fenris, Bobus,
Shayna, Zepath, Jaraxx, etc.) I feel I'm saddened by the departure of
I know personally, yet actually friends here of late (Greyhawk in
(with one exception) I really know particular), to some of whom I never
nothing about them. There are some got the chance to express my
I've wanted to kill, and have on gratitude. Yes, life goes on, but
occasion been too close for comfort before ours take us down different
to doing so, yet I realize that trails, I'd just like to say thanks
killing is not within my con- for being you. You've given me a
science's grasp, unless I had no chance to know myself better, and
choice. provided memories I'll never forget.
-11-
The Great Kitten Quest
""""""""""""""""""""""
Condensed Version of the Accounting
by Elwyn Moonstorm
_______________
/ \ ____ ____\
\@| +|~| __ |~|+|hen it was learned distance from our arrival point. It
| |~|/~~\|~| |that Fluffy, Frisky seemed in rather poor condition, but
_| |~/~/\~\~| |and Selene, the a sense of indefinable evil hung
/@| _|__/ \__|_|three kittens which about it. The walls and battlements
\_/_____________/ were to have been were adorned with carven figures of
auctioned off by the gypsy traders hideous monstrosities. The moat
who so recently visited our town, which surrounded it was overgrown
had, in fact, been captured and sent with water plants and pond scum; the
to distant Castle Melvehn for evil drawbridge was down.
experimentation by minions of the
Unlife, it was only natural that a We faced our first opponent as we
call should go out for valiant approached the drawbridge. One of
adventurers to rescue them. the statues, a sort of horned devil,
suddenly animated and dropped to the
I don't know that I qualify as a far side, hefting a huge falchion.
valiant adventurer, but I do rather Arborius attacked first, loosing an
like cats, and so I decided to arrow at it; the missile flew far
answer that call. The others who off target though, ricocheting off
joined me that morning to meet with of one of the immobile statues atop
Miss Sue-Ellen Cowslip of the the wall.
Kelfour's Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals were Alton His second arrow nearly hit, even as
Alianthas, Arborius Dragonson, Glorfindel threw a water bolt at the
Glorfindel Yen-Soron and Bobus gargoyle which struck it squarely in
Windshadow. We chose Alton, the the shoulder and spun it about. As
most experienced warrior among us, it reeled back behind the gateway,
as our leader, and dedicated our- the rest of us quickly crossed the
selves to the rescue. Thus was the bridge to take advantage of its
Kitten Liberation Force born. temporary disorientation. A few
more skillful strikes finished it
We received some special equipment off, and the creature shattered into
-- catnip, a bag of marbles and a thousands of tiny bits of stone.
ball of yarn, as well as a number of
more practical items -- from the Somehow, during that first battle,
KSPCA. Arborius was quite pleased Rhys Corwinson, the healer, had
to be given a longbow that had been joined us. I had no idea how, but
imported from Jaiman. The rest of had neither time nor inclination to
us were somewhat concerned, as he ponder the mystery. Beyond the gate
freely admitted how little real was a cobblestoned courtyard sur-
skill he had in using it, but there rounded by low buildings. Behind
was no disuading him. them stood our destination, the tall
keep tower.
Miss Cowslip then summoned Raemond,
the Navigator who had been hired for A search of the buildings revealed
our trip, and he teleported us to nothing of note; however, in the
our distant destination. After courtyard, we found the huge corpses
explaining to us how to summon him of several animals which fit des-
for the return trip, he vanished, criptions I have read of creatures
leaving us to our task. from distant lands known as
"elephants." What was worrisome was
The castle keep was but a short the condition of the corpses. They
More...
-12-
seemed to have been ripped and guardroom beyond the door, a
mauled, as though even larger beasts tactical blunder of which we were
had been feeding upon them. more than happy to take advantage.
Bobus tossed in a flask of oil,
We had scarely noted this, though, which was ignited when Glorfindel
when we began to hear a high- cast a fireball into the room. When
pitched squeaking sound from behind the flames, screams, and stench
one of the buildings. Alton and I, began to die down, Rhys and
investigating, soon found ourselves Glorfindel both cast coldballs into
face-to-snout with the largest rats the room to put out the remaining
we had ever seen. We had apparently flames, and we proceeded onward.
found the predators which had killed
the elephants; now we had to defeat We had gained entrance into the very
them. stronghold of the enemy. But what
horrors still awaited us in our
Alton had fair luck with his. After attempt to free the kittens from
Glorfindel distracted it momentarily Melvehn's evil clutches we could
with a shockbolt that singed off its only imagine.
whiskers, he managed a masterful
stroke, nearly severing the rat's Final Confrontation Next Edition
neck and killing it instantly. I
was not quite so lucky. I got in
one good strike, damaging a forepaw,
but the rat responded by taking a Hint for Beginners No. 1
large bite out of my side. The """""""""""""""""""""""""
others closed in on it as I from Samwell Hawkholder
retreated to tend my bleeding; the
rat did not last long. When starting a hunting trip, get in
the habit of doing two things. Stop
As we finished our search of the outside the main gate and type in
courtyard area, I found, behind the INVentory. This will save you from
building from whence the rats had the danger and embarrassment of
come, a Swiss cheese easily the size getting attacked without a weapon
of Surtey's healing tent. I was and shield readied. While you're at
tempted to search it, for the gods it, type in PARRY, to double-check
only know what treasures may have that you're at full Parry.
been hidden in its many holes and
tunnels, but the others were anxious
to resume our quest. * * * *
____ * * * * *
We were unable to gain entrance to / /,,,\ \ * *||| ** *
the keep through the stout oaken / / ,, | | * \) / ** *
doors on the ground level, those / /| - - \ \ * | | *
being securely barred from the | /,,\ | / | * | | *
inside, but upon climbing the |/'''' \_~_/ /____*_ /\ / *
ivy-covered walls, we discovered a \ '''/\___|/ | * \ \ *
secondary entrance from the battle- \/ \ / * \ \ *
ment walkway. Our suspicions that / \ / * | | *
our arrival was not unexpected were / \ | / * | | *
confirmed when, after I unlocked and / -- * -- * | | *
carefully opened this door, a volley / ) / | \ * | | *
of arrows greeted us. / / | * | | *
| |\ \ | & * | | *
It is a fair bet that this battle | | \ \| &__________*________*___
did not go as our opponents had | | <==)))==&______________________/
intended. There were a large number \ \ | & | |
of them in the relatively small | | | & art by Taarna | |
-13-
Shopping at Sen's
"""""""""""""""""
______________ by Lady Kayla Kyndhart
/ \ ____ ____ \
\@| ~| | | |~ |ere you are, a newly arrived adventurer looking for herbs
| |~|--|~| | before heading into the wilds. You arrive at the local
_| |~|--|~| | alchemist only to find a huge, puzzling display. Which do
/@| _|~| |~|_ | you need and how do you use them? This guide's for you:
\_/ ~~~~ ~~~~ /
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Name What it Heals Eat/Drink/Doses
"""" """"""""""""" """""""""""""""
Akbutege Leaf Restores 10 concussion pts. Eat/10
Wifurwif Lichen Twitching Eat/4
Belrama Potion Sporadic & Uncontrollable Convulsions Drink/4
Terbas Leaf Slurred Speech Eat/3
Yuth Flower Constant Spasms & Difficult Eat/2
Time Controlling Muscles
Arnuminas Leaf Minor Bruises & Laceration on Limbs Eat/4
Edram Moss Fractured & Bleeding Limbs Eat/4
Dagmather Spine Old Battle Scars On Limbs Eat/4
Curfalaka Fruit Mangled Limbs Eat/2
Rewk Potion Bruises On Head and Neck Drink/4
Arfandas Stem Bleeding From the Ears, Snapped Bones, Eat/2
Lacerations and Mild Concussion
Hegheg Root Scar Across Face or Neck Eat/4
Bursthelas Potion Several Facial Scars, Old Neck Wounds Drink/2
Terrible Mutilated Wounds
Berterin Moss Bruises & Laceration on Chest, Abdomen Eat/4
and Back. Irritation Of the Eye
Pasamar Grass Deep Gashes, Serious Bleeding, Deep Eat/2
Laceration of the Chest, Back and
Abdomen. Blinded and Swollen Eyes.
Tarnas Potion Old Battle Scars on Chest, Back and Drink/4
Abdomen. Black and Blue eye.
Wekwek Potion Permanent Mutilated and Painful Looking Drink/2
scars on Chest, Back & Abdomen. Severe
swelling and Bruises of the Eye.
Baldakur Potion Restores Blinded Eye after Surtey treats Drink/1
Siran Clove Restores a Missing Limb Eat/1
-14- More...
That's just half of the puzzle. Knowing how to use the herbs is equally as
important. Following are examples are of cures for injuries that have NOT
been treated by Surety, the Quack in the tent on North Ring Road. He leaves
scars and charges lots of coins, but it's better than dieing if a Healer
isn't available. Remember that eating these herbs will put you in Round
Time, so make sure you are safe. USE THE HERBS IN THE ORDER GIVE HERE:
A Severed Limb: Edram Moss 2 bites
Includes arms, Arnuminas Leaf 1 bite
legs and hands Siran Clove 1 bite
Fractured Limbs Edram Moss 1 bite
Includes arms, Arnuminas Leaf 1 bite
legs and hands Curfalaka Fruit 1 bite
Dagmather Spine 1 bite
Deep Gashes: Pasamar Grass 2 bites
Includes chest, Berterin Moss 1 bite
back and abdomen Wekwek Potion 2 drinks
Tarnas Potion 1 drink
Deep Lacerations: Pasamar Grass 1 bite
Includes chest, Berterin Moss 1 bite
back and abdomen Wekwek Potion 1 drink
Tarnas Potion 1 drink
Twitching: Wifurwif Lichen 1 bite
Terbas Leaf 1 bite
Sporadic Belrama Potion 1 drink
Convulsions Wifurwif Lichen 1 bite
Yuth Flower 1 bite
Terbas Leaf 1 bite
Uncontrollable Belrama Potion 2 drinks
Convulsions Wifurwif Lichen 1 bite
Yuth Flower 2 bites
Terbas Leaf 1 bite
Snapped Bones and Arfandas Stem 2 bites
Bleeding from Ears Rewk Potion 1 drink
Includes neck Bursthelas Potion 2 drinks
and head Hegheg Root 1 bite
Mild Concussion Arfandas Stem 1 bite
and Lacerations Rewk Potion 1 drink
Includes neck Bursthelas Potion 1 drink
and head Hegheg Root 1 bite
Blinded Eye Pasamar Grass 2 bites
Berterin Moss 1 bite
Baldakur Potion 1 drink
Find a Healer to purchase herbs for you; We can buy them cheaper. Carrying
herbs as a first-aid kit can save your life. A Healer is your best choice,
of course, because we leave NO scars. There are seven healers available on
a regular basis: Caretaker D'BoldHome, Elandred Evergreane, Elzbeth
Collins, Rhys Corwinson, Silicon Nemisis, Lord Strom O'Berin and Myself.
-15-
News of Kulthea
"""""""""""""""
by Alton Alianthas
"...land of beauty, land of riches.
"Come one, come all. Fortunes to be made,
"Heroes will stand tall in the Land of the
"Silver Mist. Come they did, one and all,
"and in the light of the sinking sun,
"with an ale in hand, they still remember,
"the one who stood tallest of all.
"A name known far and wide, the first to walk
"in the land of mist.
"Rame Kelfour, a hero known to all..."
____________
/ \ __ \
\@| / "| |s the last lyrical factory, my lords and ladies," said
| //|"| | note drifted across Manthon as he shook hands and ex-
_| //=|"| | the warm spring night changed hugs all around.
/@| // |"| | the crowd burst into
\_/ ~~ ~~~ / spontaneous applause. "As always, Manthon, your voice
~~~~~~~~~~~ brings us great joy and happiness,"
The bard, while making grandiose noted one of the more powerful mages
bows to each segment of the in Kelfours, and also one of the
appreciative crowd in Kelfour's town's most beautiful ladies.
square, thought that only in
Quellbourne would the Ballad of Rame "Ahh, my dear, thank you. Of course
Kelfour be so appreciated. my songs cannot match the beauty of
you nor any of the fairer denizens
Manthon Kari was his name. He was a of this town." Manthon smiled at the
small, wiry man with distinctive ladies in the group, and noted with
gold hair and a voice that many said satisfaction that most of them
could lull ferocious trolls into an blushed prettily.
peaceful bliss. Many of his
contemporaries did not enjoy "Hmmm, yes, of course, Manthon your
traveling to the wilds of talents are without peer," said a
Quellbourne, but Manthon liked and tall fighter as he moved closer to
enjoyed being around the rough, his lady, noticing the looks she was
friendly populace of Kelfours giving Manthon. "But could we
Landing, and thus made it an point impose upon you for news of
to visit the town each spring. happenings outside our hamlet?"
The crowd began to disperse as "Of course, my lord.", replied
Manthon signaled the performance was Manthon as he sat himself upon an
over by packing up his instruments. obliging barrel.
He tied the straps on his carrying
case and straightened as he felt the The crowd found seats upon benches
presence of a someone behind him. and the ground. An ale keg was
brought forth and tapped. After
Turning with a smile, Manthon saw everyone received a tankard they
that the group consisted of some of quieted to wait for him to begin.
Kelfour's more notable citizens. He
knew all of them, and knew what they They are even quieter than when I
wanted. While they enjoy my music, sing, mused Manthon. "What news
he thought wryly to himself, they would you hear, ladies and gents?"
hunger for my knowledge of events
occurring in other parts of Kulthea. "Tell us of the situation in
"I hope the performance was satis- Rhakhaan."
-16- More...
A grim look passed over Manthon's "The Dragonlords are beings that
face. "The Usurper, Frelik, has lust for material things, wealth,
defeated a large portion of Duke power, dominion. They are evil,
Kalen's army at the border. Duke this is true, but they seek not the
Kalen is trying to organize remnants destruction of life as the Unlife
of his scattered army while calling does. While both are evil, they
for help from Emperor Jerrin. have different goals. One can only
Emperor Jerrin, despite the hope that they destroy each other."
misgivings of those nobles who covet
Duke Kalen's land, has authorized "These are dark tidings that you
the sending of four cohorts to the bring, Manthon," muttered the lordly
north. They may be too late as fighter. "Is there no good news you
Frelik is moving with the speed of could impart? I, for one, would
lightning, some even say the like to go to sleep knowing there is
Magician rides with him." some chance for our world."
"The Magician?" "Ahhh, my friend, do not despair,"
smiled Manthon, "Let your sleep
"Yes, the Magician," another frown tonight be filled with dreams of
fell upon Manthon's face. "A being, Legion's of Cloudlords filling the
who has inveigled himself into Royal sky, sallying forth against evil."
courts in Jaiman for nigh onto 4500
years Everytime he appears trouble "What? The Cloudlords of Tanara?"
soon follows. He has great interest queried the fighter with a puzzled
in the Six Crowns of Jaiman. One look. "Were they not decimated by
can only hope that Loremaster the Unlife many years ago?"
Andraax can hold him at bay."
Manthon nodded to the fighter before
Manthon let the murmurs fade before continuing, "Yes, that is what was
he continued. "There are dark believed, but there are many
tidings from the east as well. Just confirmed reports from Tanara that
oer the mountains the Dragonlord, the Cloudlords have ridden into
Sulthon Ni'Shaang, has launched his battle against the Yinka peoples, a
Lugroki armies into Lu'Nak. He is barbaric race that seeks dominion
bent on conquest, and so far has over the three other cultures
vanquished many small communities of residing in Tanara.
human settlers there. He seems
unstoppable unless some of the "If reports are true, and I have no
rumors I have heard are true." reason to believe they are not, it
can be assumed that the Cloudlords
"Of what rumors do you speak?" will drive the evil from Tanara and
make it a powerful force for good on
"It seems that the Unlife also has Jaiman once again."
an stake in Lu'Nak," a wry smirk
crossed Manthon's face, "And they As he finished relating his news and
are actively resisting the Dragon- the crowd began to disperse,
lord and his armies." Manthon, acting on some impulse,
raised his voice in song. As the
"I thought the Dragonlords were his pleasant voice floated through
agents of the Unlife?" said Kelfours the streets and homes of Kelfour's
most notable rogue. "Why would they Landing, the residents of the tiny
fight each other?" hamlet laid their heads upon their
pillows and slept a little easier.
"A common misconception, my friend," __________________________________
responded Manthon. "There are many / GemStone III Categories on the \
sides to evil, just because someone | MPGRT bulletin board on page |
acts with evil intent does not mean | 1045 of GEnie are #17 through 20. |
that he or she serves the Unlife." \__________________________________/
-17-
Heraldry Tutor: The Origin of Armory
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Delvian Kel'Bathian
_____________
/ \ _________ \
\@| ||=|=|=|| |his is the first in a moved into warmer climates. The
| ~~ |_| ~~ | series of articles cloth coat of arms covered metal
_| |_| | that will attempt to armor, protecting it from moisture
/@| _|_|_ | explain some of the and dust, and protecting the wearer
\_/__________/ history, theory and from the effects of the sun.
rules governing the art and living
history of heraldry. Although I am Once the feudal system became fully
by no means an expert in the field, established the right to bear arms
I will use my knowledge and a was established. This right was
variety of source material to give granted by the ruler of the
you a start in creating your own territory to those who were loyal to
arms and devices for Houses. All of him. This award of arms entitled
this information is from recognized him to rule or govern an area in the
authorities in the art of heraldry. name of the sovereign, to manage the
Anyone interested in obtaining my finances and farms of the land, to
references has but to ask. Perhaps uphold the laws and most importantly
once the Engraver is in operation, to pay a tithe of the land to the
GameMasters may incorporate some of sovereign in goods or coin. A
what I say into their world. We all separate fee was collected from the
have our dreams. holder as essentially a display fee
for the award of arms.
The origin of armory lies in the
desire for distinction in hunting or When the territories became so large
battle. Proud warriors would adorn that the sovereign could not be
themselves with the prizes of their bothered with the collection of
conflicts. These prizes could be these fees, a King of Arms was
the skins cave bears or wolves, and established with Heralds under him.
adornment of dwellings with antlers, These Heralds would collect the fees
for example, was a sign of mastery as well as serve as ambassadors for
over nature. the sovereign. They were to create
local officers for the collection of
This symbolism was further extended monies, organize the census,
to associating oneself with the establish treaties of matrimony and
characteristics of the hunter. You peace between princes of the realm
were sly as a fox, strong as a bear and record the events at martial
or ran swiftly as a deer, to name tournaments or conflicts. The
but a few associations. Naturally Pursuivant or junior officer under a
the sons of such hunter/warriors Herald officiated at small
would want to follow in the festivals, funerals, marriages and
traditional patterns of their court celebrations. Fees were paid
fathers. Thus symbols and relics to these officers as their presence
would be passed from generation to was a high honor.
generation. The father's weapons,
armor and possessions became a Heraldry Tutor II
source of pride to the family. Once The Achievement
the closed helm was invented,
heraldry became the principle manner An achievement is a complete award
to identify your enemy in conflict. of arms consisting, in its simplist
It also served as a symbol for form, of a crest and a shield,
troops to rally around. The Coat of but there are many highly prized
Arms was developed as heavier armor options which can be added. By
became more popular and warfare law, a crest cannot be transferred
Continued on page 27
-18-
Tales of the Unknown
""""""""""""""""""""
by Flint Thalassar
____________
/ \ ________ \
\@| ~|~|~~|| |lint heard footsteps confused, my friend!"
| |~|_ ~~ | approaching purpose- "Am I?"
_| |~|-| | fully from behind him "Doubtless you intended to
/@| |~| | on the pier, but he refer to Tales of the Unknown: True
\_/ ~~~~~ / made no move to turn. incidents of Bravery and Adventure,
~~~~~~~~~~~ He sat crosslegged, told in the finest oral traditions
looking out over Claedesbrim Bay. of antiquity."
The sun had just crept in over the "Exactly what I meant to say."
horizon like a guilty schoolboy Flint rose. "But we are climb-
arriving late to class, thus re- ing this morning, are we not? Come
sembling Flint himself in his on, I'll tell you on the way." They
earlier years. The cool fog that lay started on their walk toward the
over the water writhed and twisted, town gates.
and Flint imagined the white misty Tess asked if Flint was cold.
creature taking sustenance from the He replied that, no, actually it was
steam rising off the rim of his looking to be a great day, but still
coffee mug. The footsteps halted he tugged at the sleeve of his
and a soft, clear voice called out. purple tunic as if the words
"Hey, aren't you supposed to be themselves had sent a chill through
a Dwarf?" him. Tess found herself imitating
Flint smiled at the familiar his motions, then felt self-
joke. His name had been quite a conscious and stopped. She tried to
source of amusement to his childhood gauge, glancing at Flint, whether he
peers, and even now he never went was up early or had simply not
long without hearing the old slept.
refrain. He turned to see Tess, the Hard to tell. His hair, short
teenage daughter of a local mer- but nearly as blond as her own,
chant. Like Flint, she was a Half- seemed neatly arranged. His violet
Elf. Flint offered her a sip of eyes gave little hint of fatigue. A
coffee. short but satisfying night's sleep,
"I was once, but I outgrew it." she surmised. But where had the
They both chuckled. Seeing Tess coffee come from? Shops were not
raise the mug to her lips, Flint let open this early. A mystery. She
his gaze trace the outlines of her listened while Flint related his
body, thinking -- quite wrongly -- latest misadventure. He had found a
that she would not notice. The soft magic wand, and with typical
contours of her face, the blond eagerness, rushed off to show it to
curls rippling over her shoulders to some of his friends. As he made a
splash against the wool of the dark grand gesture with the artifact, it
cloak, even the detail of her newly had discharged, singeing his hair
polished boots all sent their own with a flashing bolt of energy.
messages to Flint. He filed them "Nice way to make an entrance,
away under "danger." How could m'Lord," said Tess.
anyone look like that at this hour? "It was indeed dramatic."
Some pact with the forces of evil, Passing through the gates, they fol-
no doubt. And in exchange for never lowed a well-trodden trail and appro
looking sleepy or rumpled, I offer ached a bubbling stream in Upper
my soul... If only it were that Kaldsfang. The rising sun cast an
simple. orange glow throughout the forest.
"So Flint, any new stupid thief "Look, we're almost there,"
stories for me?" said Flint. "You're going to like
Flint paused. "You must be this one."
More...
-19-
Tess peered down the stream Flint, still attached to the
bank at the rock formation in rock wall, twisted his head around
question. A very nice dihedral, to look. Seeing the Orc, he froze.
about 25 feet high, starting at His sword and backpack lay in the
near-vertical and then arcing out to grass at the base of the climb. A
form a challenging overhang. The trembling in his forearms told him
crack looked hand-width, finger- that he had to make a decision very
width in places. Coming closer, she soon. He hoped it would be the
saw that the surrounding face was right one.
strewn with tiny ledges and pockets. Tess grabbed for Flint's sword.
A perfect climb. It felt heavy, useless. The Orc
"This is going to be fun, made a low growling sound and
Flint!" lurched toward her, teeth bared.
"I'll put on my other shoes and She saw its hand grip the spiked
give it a try. You can spot me. hilt of its own weapon. Don't see
Then we'll switch off, ok?" Flint him, she thought. Look at me look
sat down and removed his backpack at me don't see him I'm right here
and sword, then took out a pair of come closer. Absurdly, it occurred
soft leather shoes. He had these to her that Flint might fall. The
made to order by Sarii. A few sizes Orc unsheathed its sword. It was
smaller than he normally wore, the close now, only a few steps away.
shoes would hold his toes tightly Trusting his handholds, Flint
together for greater strength, and swung his right leg up past his
the thin leather would allow him a shoulder and hooked his heel behind
good feel for the rock. an outcropping at the top of the
Finished lacing the shoes, he formation. He levered his body up
sprang up and approached the rock. onto the ledge in a single fluid
Wedging hands and feet into the motion, his hands aching and nearly
crack, he slithered up the first 10 losing their grip. He turned and
feet of the wall. Tess stood below, prepared to leap down onto the Orc.
prepared to break his fall should Flint knew, somehow, that this
the need arise. Flint moved out wasn't a great idea. His climbing
onto the face, his body kept close buddies often measured their alti-
to the rock to put the maximum tude by what sort of injury would be
amount of weight over his feet. inflicted in a fall. "This is an
Soon he was near the most difficult ankle," they would say, or "now I'm
section of the overhang. He paused at a leg." Of course, the scale
to rest and plan his final moves. became meaningless after a certain
Once at the top, he could rest a height, and at that point they would
while on a small ledge, then scamper switch to estimating the size and
down the other side where the climb- shape of the crater. He was
ing was easier. His concentration definitely at around a leg right
was interrupted by a strained now, and unsure of what he hoped to
whisper. accomplish. Maybe he could supply
"Flint!" Tess with a chance to run. His
The Orc moved deliberately down muscles tensed to jump.
the trail. Tess could see its The next moments seemed to pass
breath steaming in the morning with infinite slowness. He noticed
sunlight. Maybe it wouldn't notice the grainy texture of the Orc's
them. After all, they were in the leather armor, mottled with ancient
shade, hidden away in the rocky bloodstains, the footprints it had
corner by the stream's edge. She left in the river sand. A puzzled
stood still. The creature kept expression crossed its face as it
lumbering forward, then came to an looked up to find the source of the
abrupt halt and sniffed the air. It sudden noise from above. Tess held
turned to look directly at her. the blade out in front of her with
"Flint!" both hands, arms outstretched. She
More...
-20-
did not bother to swing the sword, For a brief moment Tess
but simply lunged forward fero- wondered if her friend had sustained
ciously. The attack would have a blow to the head in the course of
looked foolish had it not been so his fall. Then she laughed. Flint
effective. The Orc stared up at grinned at her. The two made their
Flint, bewildered, almost innocent, way back to town, Flint leaning on
until the sword point glided through his companion and limping. Surtey
its soft neck and into the brain. would be glad to see him. How was
The need to jump, Flint he going to explain this one,
noticed, was now past. It was time though? You fell on that easy
to cancel the urgent message he had climb? No, I jumped on purpose.
sent to his legs, to regain his Right, Flint. But a dead Orc broke
balance. He attempted to step back my fall. Of course it did, Flint.
onto the ledge and then realized How was I to know Tess would kill it
this was impossible, for he was in a single blow? Boy, Flint,
airborne. that's a tough one alright.
Flint crashed into the Orc, Flint sniffed. "You know,
adding momentum to its collapse, and Tess, if nothing else, this morning
hit the ground rolling. He came to has all the makings of a stupid
rest in the sand next to the stream. th... a Tale of the Unknown."
Tess was standing over the fallen Tess smiled. They would be
Orc, a blank expression on her face. back, one day soon, to climb again.
She started over to Flint. Amazing.
He seemed to have escaped unharmed. ************************************
It was a good thing that luck like * *
that accompanied his attraction to * Wanted: Dead or Alive *
danger. Flint stood, smiling, took * ________ *
a step toward Tess, and fell back * |--------| *
into the sand with a thud. * | EDITOR | *
So much for appearing heroic. * |--------| *
Strange, Flint thought. His left * ~~~~~~~~ *
leg was no longer a leg. It looked * for Kelfour Edition *
like a leg, alright, but turned out * *
to be a loose, spongy thing that * Interested applicants send *
could support no weight. Who had * GE Mail to P.HERRINGTON with *
stolen his leg and put this cheap * qualifications. Salary is *
imitation here in its place? As * practically non-existent but *
Tess arrived at his side, he began * the rewards are priceless. *
to notice an unpleasant sensation * *
burning its way through his ************************************
adrenalin rush. His left ankle was
singing to him, something high and
shrill. He could not make out the * *
words, but they were no doubt of the * *
"you done me wrong and now you gonna * _|_ *
pay" variety. * __|__ | *
"Flint, are you ok?" Tess no * | __|__ *
longer held the sword. Her look of * | | *
shock was gradually giving way to * | *
one of concern. "What you did, I * * *
mean trying to save me, it was... _\==================/_
well, it was crazy, but it was... ( _\ __ __ /_ )
well, thank you." ( \ (_ \/ _) / )
"Heh. Truth is, I was _) \_/||\_/ (_
attempting to save the Orc from / || \
you." He looked over at the lifeless art by / || \
body and shook his head sadly. "But Taarna
was too late."
-21-
Kalagay and the Pickpocket
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Kalagay Halatil
____________
/ \____ ____\
\@|~|~~\ |~|~|o question about it. Kalagay reviewed her grievance,
| |~\~\|~| | Kalagay's heart had examining again the events of one
_| |~|\~\~| | been broken by the agitated weekend. The elf began by
/@|_|~| \~~|_| bard Tuilin L'Oiseau, picking her pocket, using the cir-
\_/~~~~ ~~~~/ the most notorious cumstance to talk her into dinner.
~~~~~~~~~~~ flirt to come through He then paid for the dinner with the
Kelfour's gates in months. True, proceeds of his theft. He flattered
she felt more like cursing than and cajoled and sighed. Kalagay,
crying. True, she felt more like courting-wise as she thought she
cutting the impudent cur's elegant was, finally agreed to a rendezvous.
throat than like cutting her own. It was not without incident, and she
She had to compose a ballad to was feeling pleasantly tormented
persuade herself into the proper upon retiring to her rest. Her
frame of mind. reveries featured a wedding of the
most refined nature. In this melt-
A prowl in the general store yielded ing frame of mind, she sent out a
a small harp with but one gap in its tender mental call.
twelve-string span. She sat on an
empty barrel in the sun and worked There was no answer.
out a simple melody to set the words
of her lament. Finally, she shook Immediately she was assailed by hid-
her hair back, lifted her chin, and eous fears for his safety. Some-
began to sing "Kalagay's Lament." where out there was _her_ bard, yet
he did not answer. Therefore, he was
Yon is the Kobold Forest dead or nearly so. Feverishly she
With firepit black and old. sent her thought: "Who is with
We had a midnight picnic there... Tuilin? Who knows where he is? Is he
Today the coals are cold. all right?"
Yes, that had a properly gloomy ring Replies began to come: "He was okay
to it. She went on: a minute ago." "He is on the cliff
over Claedesbrim Bay." A kindly soul
You sang me many merry songs, then inserted the knife. "It's all
You jested and you teased. right, Kal, he's with Eleni." And
You swore you loved but said not another, kinder soul said, "Shut up,
who... you cretin..." Kalagay needed no
I thought 'twas I who pleased. further information. All her ten-
derness turned to bitter ice, and
And then the really pathetic part: this is how the warrior Erkasse
Berrylip found her.
Now stand I in eternal dusk
And for your footfall listen. "What's up?" Erkasse asked, shrug-
My tongue is still, my heart a ging out of her leather pack. So
husk, Kalagay told her friend the story...
On my blade heart's blood will
glisten. The spring day's weather had run its
course, chilly and fickle, into twi-
It needed work. Two 'hearts' in as light. Kalagay's enthusiasm for the
many lines wouldn't do, and besides hunt waned as her sack grew heavier
the whole last verse now sounded as and her broadsword dragged at her
though she were waiting in ambush arm. Dinner of a roast beast sand-
for the faithless rake, rather than wich and a draught of dark ale
contemplating suicide. seemed like quite a good idea; she
-22- More...
turned toward Helga's directly upon friend was in such pain, so she
leaving Dernick's pawnshop. The offered her favorite solution.
silvers she had obtained were a "Y'know, I think it's time to perma-
satisfying weight in her wallet, and nently reform this jerk and feed the
she felt quite grown up and inde- bits to the orcs."
pendent.
An image rose in Kalagay's mind of
A slight jostle from a passerby drew the handsome fellow in tatters of
her attention. She stared as an lace and soft leather being distri-
elegant elf made her a graceful bow, buted piecemeal to the denizens of
one hand on a stiletto and the other The Wild. She restrained her imagin-
disposed amid the foam of lace at ation and her bloodthirsty friend.
his throat. She hadn't seen anyone It was time to consult Amaryllis
so arrogantly gorgeous in her whole Firehand, a friendly mage of much
stay in Kelfour's Landing. "Your subtlety, for a plan of retribution.
pardon, my lady," he smiled, and
walked off. Something, a slight "As I see it," Amaryllis said, sort-
smirk, the hint of swagger as he ing through her wands while they sat
turned away, made her uneasy. A in the temple, "what we want here is
quick touch told her that her that abject humiliation, agreed? Some-
her wallet was woefully less thing really beastly that will make
substantial than it had been. Most him burn inside when he remembers."
of her silver had been taken by the
light-fingered dandy. There was not Erkasse licked her teeth and grin-
even enough left for dinner. ned. "A trap...He doesn't know you,
'Ryllis. You can be the decoy."
Her first reaction was of utter
astonishment. As the daughter of a "I love it! Now what would a heart-
well-to-do merchant, she had always less flirt wear? Something gauzy
been accompanied by three household and Pre-Raphaelite, don't you think,
servants, and at least one was large Kal? Kal, honey?"
and well-armed. She never consid-
ered pickpockets, somehow. Then "Hm? Oh, anything. If you're in a
fury overtook her, taking her breath dress he'll be after you like a duck
and leaving her eyes stinging with on a June bug. I don't want to talk
angry tears. The thief had taken about it anymore."
something much more important than
silvers. Where had that joyful Still, the whispering and giggling
feeling of competence and indepen went on around her for some time.
-dence gone? He had no right to Finally they decided on the perfect
take that, however gorgeous he might spot for the assignation/ambush,
be. She ran after him without ano- Tuilin's favorite overlook onto the
ther thought, determined to confront bay. There need be little con-
him. triving; he would do all the work
toward his own comeuppance.
One thing led to another, and...
. . . . . . . . .
"I will never trust another male!"
Kalagay wailed. "I will never, ever Amaryllis wandered into the temple
love again!" looking ethereal in floating layers
of tissue silk, and quite wonder-
Erkasse had little patience for ills fully clueless. She swanned over to
she could not cure with her claidh- the bard and smiled straight into
mor. "Jiminy, Kal, you sure let his eyes. "I'd love to look at the
yourself get suckered," she lectured ocean," she cooed, "but I'm scared
tactfully. "Everyone knows what to go all alone. Don't you find the
bards are like, and Tuilin L'Oiseau, ocean...exciting?"
well!" Still, she was sorry that her More...
-23-
Precisely on schedule, the pair left cinder. Kalagay gently let him sink
the temple and arrived at the cliff- to the ground and tended the slash.
top overlook with dizzying speed. 'Idiot..idiot..idiot," she muttered.
Indeed, it seemed very much as if he "Why did you _do_ that? We could
was in the habit of coming here. In have kept that disgusting creature
her hiding place, Kalagay winced and from cutting you. But no! You had
looked away as Tuilin whispered to to do something really stupid and..
the mage, then kissed her right on silly.. and gallant."
the mouth. Amaryllis nervously rol-
led her eyes around looking for her Tuilin looked up with his ingenuous
friends, and said in a muffled smile and replied, "I couldn't help
mumble, "Um..I have something for it. You know what bards are like."
you dear." The bard looked eager.
She pulled out a brown and green
striped wand and passed it quickly
in front of him. "That is 'Earth- ---===* Dream Weaver *===---
fast,' dear, to cool you off a
little. And this...'" she drew out by Balladeer Carpentere
a black wand, "...is 'Fear'!"
In Kelfour's, near the market stalls,
The spells took effect at once. His A magic place exists.
feet were rooted to the ground, so A place of yarn and flax and wool,
he could not flee when Fear was All spun, in endless twists.
cast. Rapier and shield fell to the
ground and the bard looked white and An aged weaver works his trade,
ill. He looked near to fainting as His carpets, deep and soft.
Kalagay and Erkasse came out of And each one holds his magic spell,
hiding and walked deliberately to- To dance in flight, aloft.
ward him, grim as wolverines.
Kalagay drew out her skean dhu and He's spun his wool, for many years,
her eyes were yellow with devils. He's spun his flax, for more.
She saw him begin to shift and real- His yarn is made of finest silk,
ized that Earthfast was wearing off. Not found, in any store.
The speech she had prepared was
on her tongue, bitter and honed to His carpets, each, hold endless hours,
laen sharpness. She was ready to From fingers, tired and old.
pursue him and pour the poison of it But never does he pause to rest,
into his ears if he fled. He never sleeps, we're told.
The orc was a nasty surprise. To those, in love, who buy his rugs,
And sleep on them, at night.
The mocking smile froze on Kalagay's A special gift they both shall find,
lips. Without hesitation Tuilin As rug, and love, take flight.
leaped, unarmed and unshielded,
between Kalagay and the orc's But when he's asked just how it's done,
scimitar. Lace and soft leather He smiles a silent grin.
parted across his chest and an The secret way he casts his spells,
alarming quantity of blood poured He keeps secure, within.
from the ugly gash. "Fool!" hissed
Amaryllis. Erkasse said, "I can't But every night, midst minarets,
believe you did that..." And Kalagay A chosen few can fly.
held him when he began to topple. Upon his carpets, intertwined,
In love, aloft, so high.
In rapid order Erkasse grabbed
bitter leaf from her sack and forced
him to chew and swallow it while ------====****====------
Amaryllis reduced the orc to a
-24-
The Defensive Method
""""""""""""""""""""
by Inyigo Montoya
_________
/ \ _____ \
\@| ~|_|~ | was tooling around my PC one day and realized that I could
| |~| | write a program to help newer players understand the numbers
_| |~| | generated by GSIII. If a BASIC program could be written
/@| _|~|_ | that had no randomizers in it (just a d100 roll of 100),
\_/ ~~~~~ / parrying, OB, and DB could be better understood. This is in
~~~~~~~~ Microsoft BASIC for the IBM PC, so it should be simple enough.
3 SUGG=100:OPT=100
5 CLS
10 INPUT"What is your base OB ";OB
20 INPUT"What is your base DB ";DB
40 INPUT"What is your THT (i.e. what does the creature need to hit
you) ";THT
50 INPUT"What do you need to roll to hit the creature ";CTHT
60 INPUT"What is the creature's OB ";COB
70 INPUT"What is the creature's DB ";CDB
140 INPUT"What are you parrying at ";P
150 INPUT"What is the creature parrying at (0 on first encounter) ";CP
160 MOB=INT(OB*((100-P)/100)):MDB=DB+(OB-MOB)
170 MCOB=INT(COB*((100-CP)/100)):MCDB=CDB+(COB-MCOB)
200 PRINT"Assuming a d100 roll for both"
210 PRINT"You make an attack for the creature"
220 RM=MOB-MCDB
230 PRINT"OB: ";MOB;" vs DB ";MCDB;" = ";RM
240 MODR=100+RM
250 PRINT"THT ";CTHT;", d100 roll: 100, modified";MODR
260 IF MODR>=CTHT THEN GOTO 290
270 PRINT"no hit is scored"
280 GOTO 295
290 PRINT"you have hit"
295 PRINT
300 PRINT"The creature attacks you"
310 CRM=INT(MCOB-MDB)
320 PRINT"OB: ";MCOB;" vs DB ";MDB;" = ";CRM
330 CMOD=100+CRM
340 PRINT"THT ";THT;", d100 roll: 100, modified";CMOD
350 IF CMOD>=THT THEN GOTO 380
360 PRINT"no hit is scored"
370 GOTO 390
380 PRINT"the creature has hit"
385 PRINT
390 FOR I=100 TO 1 STEP -1
400 MOB=INT(OB*((100-I)/100)):MDB=DB+(OB-MOB)
410 CMOD=100+INT(MCOB-MDB)
420 IF CMOD<THT THEN OPT=I
425 IF CMOD=THT+9 THEN SUGG=I
430 NEXT I
432 IF OPT=1 THEN OPT=0
435 IF SUGG=100 AND OPT<100 THEN SUGG=0
440 PRINT"Optimum = ";OPT
445 PRINT"Suggested = ";SUGG
450 IF SUGG=100 AND OPT=100 THEN PRINT"Dangerous!"
-25-
460 SUGG=100:OPT=100
500 INPUT"Again (Y/N) ";A$
510 IF A$="N" THEN END ELSE GOTO 530
520 END
530 CLS
540 PRINT"Your base OB = ";OB
550 PRINT"Your base DB = ";DB
560 GOTO 40
As a reference, I include the THT and OB as well as DB of some creatures you
might encounter (using a broadsword).
THT OB DB Notes:
Torkaan 80 20 0 bite and claw
Karnelin 80 see notes 45 stomp 32; bite 41; charge 38
Kobold 80 10 10 short sword
Wolverine 80 45 50 bite and claw - dangerous
Lesser Orc 84 60 60 cudgel, short sword, mace
Goblin 76 40 30 swing
Hobgoblin
(lea bre) 57 50 25 battle axe
(met bre) 31 50 25 short sword
Forest Troll 84 36 25 cudgel and claw
Now, for them to hit you wearing heavy hide:
Weapon THT
Bite 69
Claw 66
Stomp 49 -- watch out for this one!
Charge 94
Sh. Sword 79
Cudgel 99
Mace 89
Swing 99
Battle axe 84
This is by no means foolproof. It is only a guide to what you can and
cannot handle, as well as the parries necessary to not be hit and not be
criticalled.
Notes: - If you wear heavy hide the crit threshold is 10, change line 425
to another number if you're armor is different (i.e. ring mail
is 20, hence replace 9 with 19).
- Refer to KE8 page 9, Yashantre's article on Weapon and Armor
to get the values of THT of different combinations, as well as
his article on Spells and Armor (KE9, page 8)
- Refer to KE7 page 21, Lythe's Beastiary article to get the OB
and DB values of the different creatures.
- For a clearer explanation of the mechanics of parry refer to
Viszier's article on Mathematical parry, KE11 page 4.
- Remember that DB changes drastically on magical attacks, ask a
magic user exactly what this encompasses. I usually just pray
and hope for the best.
-26-
- My thanks to Kirc's article on strategies KE5, page 3.
- I still do a parry tag despite this tool, because this is for the
patient and for someone who does not want to take chances.
- When a monster "turtles" (i.e. parries at 100) the numbers go out
the window because IT is under a DBmodifier since some injuries
have already taken place by then. Be warned though that as you
parry lower and lower for a turtled creature, it notices this, and
can immediately parry 0 itself and critical you (I know from expe-
rience with a cave troll).
- Last but not least, thanx to Grump for his patience and his
assistance. (Dwarves aren't so bad :)
My usual strategy for fast creatures is to stay at suggested until it starts
to turtle. For slow and medium speed I do the same until I can time a tag
properly so it hits me, I parry 0, hit the creature, parry so it can't score
a critical on me, and continue to strike the creature until it attacks, then
do the cycle over again.
The line numbers are in a strange progression because my program has a lot
of beasts loaded into small sub-routines, creating a huge monster of a
program! As you progress within the game, this kind of number crunching
will become second nature. Trust me. If you have suggestions, opinions,
feedback or comments, feel free to send me GE Mail at M.HERRANZ.
Heraldry Tutor: Continued from Page 18
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
without an associated shield, nor can women transfer achievements to their
offspring. (So much for the male chauvinistic attitude; this rule obviously
does not apply in Kulthea.)
The crest has a mantling and a motto. A helmet is on option but is not
required. It is usually added by right of inheritance. For example, an
official knight may have a visor, a prince a coronet, the monarch a crown.
In fact many of the achievements in history have lacked one or more of these
options. (After all it might be hard to think up a motto.) Additions may be
made to the achievements when special awards are granted. This might
correspond to a special mantling which surrounds the original achievement
for, say, membership in the Mages Guild. In addition, a special badge may
be added for membership in a highly selective order or for performance of a
special deed. Similar to the Medal of Honor, special order of knighthood or
a specific office (Baron of the Kaldsflag Mountains). Finally there may be
decorative elements associated with the offices of knights, bishops, or
other nobility called escutcheons. Additional components of achievements are
banners and standards, and they will be discussed later.
If it seems that many of these decorative components overlap in form and
function you are correct. If you want to add a heraldic option which
someone else has claimed, the best way to alter the situation is to think up
a new term. If you don't, you might end up at war with the offended party.
There are literally hundreds of people in England who devote their lives to
the study of heraldry so that such conflicts do not arise.
-27-
________________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
@_/______________________________________________________________________/
| |
| Dear Mother, _|
| \
| Thanks afterall for getting me that job as assistant ox-tender with |
| the caravan. The travel was exciting, and the regular ox-tender was |
| a dear man as long as he slept, which was most of the time. |
| |
| We reached the city of Kelfour's Landing some time ago. The |
| ox-tender who took such good care of me on the road proved his |
| judgement once again immediately upon our arrival. He introduced me |
| to a charming local establishment known as Helga's, where he entered |
| into a drinking contest with some local dwarves. I'm sorry to say |
| the poor man lost, and the dwarves proceeded to stuff him into a |
| large sack, all doubled up with his feet and hands sticking out. |
| They bought him from the caravan leader, and plan to give him to |
| their king as a gag gift. Evidently, dwarves aren't all bad, though |
|_I have been out of a regular job ever since. _|
/ \
| It's a shame about that. I learned more about tending oxen than you |
| can imagine! As you know, I'm only thirty one, young as fair elves |
| go, and should I ever marry I know I'll wish I had learned all I |
| could from that job. |
| |
| Speaking of men, there's a local who's been kind and attentive so |
| far. I wonder what you'd think of him. He wears an earring, and |
| when I met him his feet were wrapped in muddy silk rags he claimed |
| were boots. Brown, apparently, is his favorite color, though it has |
| occurred to me that whatever color garments he attires himself in |
| will quite likely end up brown anyway. It's not his fault, Mother. |
| He seems to have grown up without many advantages I've been |
| accustomed to. But he did give me a lovely rose, and just recently |
|_gave me with an emerald ring. I wonder what you would think I |
/should do -- you know how I love green. Besides, all the really |
| good ones here are taken, and he IS a fair elf. And Mother, he has |
| kept his promise not to steal from people any more while I'm in the |
| same room. |
| |
| I know you don't think men can change, Mother, and with what the |
| disappointment Daddy was, who could blame you? But this one is so |
| promising. I've only known him three weeks and already he's |
| resigned his membership in a secret organization dedicated to the |
| UnLife. Oh, Mother, if you could meet him I know you'd approve, but |
| it's hard to find people heading back that way (which is one reason |
| I haven't sent word since the caravan left two years ago) and what |
| with trolls and orcs and such on the roads, it's hardly safe for him _|
| to travel all that way alone. \
| |
| I hope to hear from you soon. Please tell me what you think I |
| should do, Mother. If you wait too long, I'll have to stall him, |
| and you know how men hate that! |
| Your loving daughter, |
| Belladonna |
| _____________________________________________________________________|_
\/______________________________________________________________________/
-28-
end
KE:V2N1
See Also: