Kelfour Edition volume IV number III
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_______________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
| | Hot Summer Nights are Here! See Page 2 |
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| _ _ _ ___ |
| / ) / ) / ) / __) |
| / /_/ / ____ / /_/ ( ____ __ __ ____ |
| / __/ / __ )/ /( __)/ _ )/ / / // ___) August 1993 |
| / /\ \ / ___// / / / / (/ // (_/ // / Vol.4, No.3 |
| (_/ \_)(____)(_( (_( (____/(_____((_( |
| _______ |
|_ / _____\ |
/ __ / * | |
| // \----------\___ /----------------------------- \ |
| || | | | | | |___|---------------------------------> |
| \\\_//----------/ \----------------------------- / |
| \ * |_____ The Kronicles of Kulthea |
| \ ______ / _|
| _____ _ _ _ _ \
| / ____) / ) (/ _/ ) (/ |
| GemStone III(tm) / (__ ___/ / _ ( _)_ ____ ____ |
| / ___)/ _ / / ) / / / )/ _ )/ ) |
| / (_ / (/ / / / / / / // (/ // /) / |
| (_____)(____( (_( (_( (_((____/(_((_( |
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|_____________________________________________________________________|
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| |
| ............... Kelfour's Landing Local News ............... 1 |
| ........... August Hot Summer Nights Activities ............ 2 |
| Minerals and Gems Lecture ................. Manfred Graupmann 3 |
| What Are You Going to Hunt Now? ............. Loque Windsfoot 5 |
| To Deed or Not to Deed ....................... Rask X-ForTran 7 |
| Good Roleplaying ................................. Amber Kari 8 |
| The House of Argent Aspis .......Alagar Darkstalker, Chairman 9 |
|_ A Matter of Honor (Part III) .................... Sean2 Lladd 11 |
/ Art & Poetry Corner |
| Untitled Poem ................................ Voltaren Xanax 15 |
| Untitled Limerick .......................... Mikhail Minnehan 15 |
| The ABC's of Kulthea ......................... Ram Youngblood 16 |
| Berek the Lost .............................. Berek Bloodbane 17 |
| Rodders ....................................... Bugg Hornwort 17 _|
| \
| RoboMagess ................................ Belladonna Atropa 18 |
| Monster Chronicles: Steel Golems ............. Jarran Terraxx 22 |
| Wish List ..................................... Baphomet Eris 24 |
| Riddle Me This ................................. Glynn Nebula 26 |
| The Other Side of Glory ....................... Warlok T'lark 27 |
| When the Sun Shines: Blight ................ Lloyd Llowd, PhD 29 |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
| Kelfour Edition of the Kronicles of Kulthea is devoted to the multi |
| player role-playing game GemStone III on GEnie. Submissions may be |
| edited for space, accuracy and readability. Contact Editor Rasputin |
| Santare, Asst. Editors Kalagay Hallatil or Jarran Terraxx, or Pub- |
| lisher Lady Phaedra Bleu by GE Mail to P.HERRINGTON for details. |
| __________________________________________________________________|__
| ) )
\_/____________________________________________________________________/
__________________________
Real Gems During HSN // \ penalty, the bank
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ || + Kelfour Edition + | will soon be offering
Money may not grow || | banknotes in exchange
on trees, but real || L O C A L N E W S | for large amounts of
gems are everywhere. || + + | silver. You can get
During Hot Summer \\__________________________/ them from the bank, or
Nights Simutronics will be hiding NPC moneychangers, (at a one percent
lots of REAL GEMS around the lands. commission), and exchange them back
These gems are redeemable for the into silvers when you want to make a
REAL things, which will be mailed to purchase or deposit.
players once their find has been
verified. All of the merchants will continue
to accept silver, but some
Gems are being hidden in many spots merchants and other NPCs (such as
around the land, so use your wits, the flower girl and fortune teller)
look carefully and patiently, and will not accept the bank notes.
perhaps you will find what you seek. They'll want cold, hard coinage.
GMs cannot help or give hints as to
gem whereabouts. Type GEM for more New Chests in the Land
info. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are many different kinds of
New Version in Full Swing chests showing up around the Landing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ now: wooden boxes, dented coffers,
Work on the new version of the and many other distinctive contain-
GemStone software continues, but ers. This should help when more than
the majority of it deals with one container or chest is around.
"behind the scenes" changes to Larton's Lockpicking Service has
make the software run more also been expanded, so he will be
efficiently, and handle a larger able to open all containers -- for
user load. One major change is the a fee, of course.
virtual elimination of delays
caused by other people logging on Treasure System Changes
and off the system. Another is the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
elimination of the "GemStone is A major overhaul of the treasure
Full, try again later" messages. generation system has taken place,
The old version of the software which has affected ALL monsters.
could handle a maximum of 65 users Some critters, which never used to
at any one time. Version 2.0 has carry any treasure at all, may carry
handled over 90 so far, and can go quite a bit now, and some which used
much higher. to be wealthy may seem to have run
their tribe into bankruptcy. The
Be sure to read the new version important thing to remember here is
notes for information on Version 2.0 that further changes will be taking
and watch for announcements of up- place on a routine basis.
coming changes. Go to Page 931;2 and
type L NEWEST. Just because those mummies had a
lot of gems last week doesn't mean
New Banking System you will continue to find such
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ wealthy ones in the future. And just
Both of the town's banks have been because pickings were kind of slim
merged into one, and can now be in the Upper Kaldsfang yesterday
accessed at the bank on the Town doesn't mean it'll forever be poor.
Square. This new system is much
faster, and does away with the In general, the more difficult crea-
occasional "missing account" bug. tures will probably have accumulated
more wealth, while those wimps which
In order to allow you to carry are easy to kill probably won't have
around a lot of silvers without much.
-=1=-
___________________________________________________________________
__\ ____\ \
/ / \__| August Hot Summer Nights Activities! |
| | | ____________________________________________________/
|__ \___/_________/ \
/ |
\ Sunday, Aug 1 - Opening Ceremony _|
\ Monday, Aug 2 - GM Dunking \
| Tuesday, Aug 3 - New Player Night |
| Sponsoring House: Arcane Masters |
| Wednesday, Aug 4 - Town Forum |
| Topic: Meet the Designer - Bardon |
| Thursday, Aug 5 - Merchant Event |
| Saturday, Aug 7 - Torkaan Skinning Contest _|
| Sunday, Aug 8 - Water Tunnel Races \
| |
| Tuesday, Aug 10 - New Player Night |
| Sponsoring House: Argent Aspis |
| Wednesday, Aug 11 - Town Forum |
| Topic: HSN Report - Elvanion |
| Saturday, Aug 14 - Lockpicking Contest |
| Sunday, Aug 15 - Gladiatorial Games |
| _|
| Tuesday, Aug 17 - New Player Night \
| Sponsoring House: Silver Gate Inn |
| Wednesday, Aug 18 - Town Forum |
| Topic: KE (Great Stories & Earn Free |
| GemStone Weekends) - Phaedra & Gira |
| Thursday, Aug 19 - Dragging Races |
| Friday, Aug 20 - Scavenger Hunt (Begins) |
| Saturday, Aug 21 - Scavenger Hunt (Ends) |
| Sunday, Aug 22 - Bardic Arts Contest _|
| Singing, Poetry, Stories \
| |
| Monday, Aug 23 - ASCII Art Contest & Auction |
| Tuesday, Aug 24 - New Player Night |
| Sponsoring House: Paupers |
| Wednesday, Aug 25 - Vaar Wey |
| Thursday, Aug 26 - Vaar Wey |
| Friday, Aug 27 - Vaar Wey |
| Saturday, Aug 28 - Auction _|
| Sunday, Aug 29 - Player Item Auction \
| |
| Tuesday, Aug 31 - New Player Night |
| Sponsoring House: Phoenix |
| |
| September Closing Ceremonies |
| **************************** |
| Look for daily updates as we confirm more events |
| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ _|
| In addition to announced events there will be special happenings \
| all month long, including REAL semi-precious gems stashed around |
| the lands for you to discover; surprise occurrences; visitations |
| and other things too horri...umm, numerous to mention! |
/_________________ |
||\ \___________________________________________________
||_| \
| | |
\/______________________________-=2=-_________________________________ /
Minerals and Gems Lecture
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Manfred Graupmann
________________________________
/ \ TONIGHT at 7:00 ! \ the average price, second column is
|@/______________________________/ range of prices, and the last column
| Meeting in Moot Hall 7:00 | is the number of each specimen col-
| | lected, so you can make some sort of
| Lecturer: Master Rockhead, | judgement as to the accuracy of the
| Manfred Graupmann | first two columns.
| |
| Assistant: Loque Windsfoot | ITEM AVG SP RANGE #
| |
| Topic: Values of Minerals | Almandine Garnet.... 49 43- 90 4
| & Gems Native to Lands | Amethyst............ 144 93-198 5
/@| Surrounding Kelfour's Landing | Aquamarine Gem...... 935 915-965 3
\/_______________________________/ Banded Sardonyx St.. 65 41- 98 6
Black Jasper........ 52 26- 90 5
Come in! I did not realize we would Black Tourmaline.... 127 67-187 2
have so many people. We do not have Blue Coral.......... 89 81- 97 2
enough chairs. I do apologize, but Blue Cordierite..... 62 35- 92 5
some will have to stand. Loque! Give Blue Lapis Lazuli... 635 405-865 2
your chair to the lovely lady. (Mut- Blue Spinel......... 180 168-198 3
tering) Stupid fool. Blue Topaz.......... 13 6- 17 5
Blue Tourmaline..... 184 184 1
Ok, let's get moving, lots of infor- Bright Chrysoberyl.. 163 163 1
mation and so little time. (Sigh.) Brown Zircon........ 15 9- 19 4
now for the introductions. I am Man- Carnelian Quartz.... 36 33- 40 2
fred Graupmann, Master Rockhead. My Cat's Eye Quartz.... 55 39- 87 3
friends call me "Man." You folks can Citrine Quartz...... 135 85-185 2
just call me "Master." I won't even Clear Sapphire...... 16 15- 17 2
bother introducing Loque. He didn't Clear Topaz......... 12 7- 17 6
do much anyway. (Frowns at Loque). Clear Tourmaline.... 106 71-167 3
Clear Zircon........ 14 6- 19 10
To the topic at hand -- shh, we are Dark Red-Green Blood Stone..........
coming to the good stuff (cold stare 89 79- 97 4
at nameless person). Until recently, Fire Opal........... 76 68- 84 2
the only gems anyone could identify Golden Beryl Gem.... 130 80-173 5
were the Alexandrite Agate and the Golden Topaz........ 676 335-900 3
Tourmaline Stone. Then a learned few Green Aventurine Stone .............
pointed out a variety of valuable 50 50 1
minerals and stones that have evaded Green Garnet........ 292 285-300 2
our eyes until now. Green Malachite St.. 635 480-790 2
Green Tourmaline.... 171 171 1
I hope my lecture will shed light on Green Zircon........ 171 171 1
what's trash and what's -- LOQUE! Iridescent Labradorite Stone........
DON'T TOUCH THOSE! Get away from the 45 29- 89 6
exhibits (mumble). Now, where was I? Lt. Pink Morganite.. 154 154 1
Oh yes,--and what's worth carrying. Piece of Amber...... 69 69 1
Pink Rhodocrosite Stone.............
On with the chart--(looks at Loque). 548 350-920 3
Loque, bring me the chart. Not the Pink Topaz.......... 782 765-805 4
stone case, the flat thing with the Pink Tourmaline..... 71 67- 78 3
writing on one side--thank you. Polished Black Coral 48 29- 89 4
Polished Blue Coral. 59 27- 89 5
How to read the chart: First are the Polished Pink Coral. 788 325-930 7
gems in alphabetical order, to the Polished Red Coral.. 755 755 1
right of which there are three col- Quartz Crystal...... 13 7- 19 5
umns of information. First column is Red Jasper.......... 89 79- 97 4
-=3=-
ITEM AVG SP RANGE # This list has over 150 pieces. It
~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~ took Loque and me a total of 10 man-
Red Spinel.......... 162 162 1 levels to get this far (Loque's were
Rock Crystal........ 18 17- 18 2 between 7th and 12th). I will keep
Rose Quartz......... 114 82-198 4 adding to the list as I go. All of
Smoky Topaz......... 907 820-995 2 these gems came from holders of
Star Diopside....... 14 10- 18 2 level 1 chests. It appears that gems
Turquoise Stone..... 598 325-995 5 have the same silver restriction as
Violet Spinel....... 162 162 1 chests do. I have yet to uncover one
Yellow Jasper....... 71 42- 99 5 above 1,000 silvers in value.
Yellow Zircon....... 55 54- 55 2
If you get some use from this table,
let me know. We would both love to
(Whew.) Well, that's the list. Now hear that it is getting used. If you
you have graduated to Junior Rock- think you've found a mistake in our
heads. chart, or if you have a wild value
that doesn't fit, let me know so I
My original goal was to get five can try to keep the list accurate.
of each gem for a good cross-section
of each type. But when I started I will keep adding to this list and
recording them, I realized how long eventually publish my book, _Man-
that would take. With over 50 gems fred's Mineral Compendium for Junior
listed (times five per entry), that Rockheads_. Until then, good col-
would total 250 samples! lecting!
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======================================================================
"The Gates of Kelfour's" By: Cassius Weiser
-=4=-
____________ What Are You Going to Hunt Now?
/ \ __ \ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\@| / "| | by Loque Windsfoot
| //|"| |
_| //=|"| |
/@| // |"| |s you may or may not he will turtle and become extremely
\_/ ~~ ~~~ / know, a couple months difficult for them to hit. That is
~~~~~~~~~~~ back I wrote about a when you come in and fry him into
few of the places that mages could troll jerky.
hunt. I mentioned hobs, orcs up on
the mine road, mummies in the crypt, For the benefit of the whole party,
and spectral fishermen down in the a few basic guidelines should still
old sailors haven. be followed. First, remember that
your power points are limited, DO
Both of the latter are critters with NOT cast anything at the troll until
a level six ranking, which could his OB (offensive bonus) drops below
easily get you to your sixth year of 90, assuming you are hunting with a
experience. However, as it is common party. If you do, you will be out of
practice, most of us will hunt that power points and your sword swinging
which is beyond our abilities. friends will be displeased. Let them
beat him down until they have some
Now, in order to make this as easy trouble hitting him, even until he
as possible, I will state all of my turtles, then you finish him off.
suggestions as if you had at least
six years of experience. I will also By this time, you may even be able
assume that you know shockbolt and to use a wand without there being
can cast it effectively. Other than any danger (even less if you are a
that particular spell, I will not brawling type). Your friends will
mention any other spells that *I* get full experience for dispatching
think you should research. with most of the trolls concussion
points, and you will as well for the
Perhaps the first area one can hunt kill. With a little cooperation,
and dispatch with but a couple foes, cavers can be a great place to gain
yet still easily fry your noodle, is lots of experience, fast.
cavers. Not only are cave trolls
great for experience, but they are Now for the numbers..Cavers have 127
also very easy to hit, especially OB. So you need to generate about a
for mages. 140 DB at parry 100 to be safe from
a critical strike, you may also want
This is because cavers only have a to wear those greaves here if you
DB (defensive bonus) of 37, which have taken them off. Cavers are slow
makes them barely more difficult to and easily double casted on, even
hit, than a hobgoblin. double tagged with a sword when
things are running decent.
When you use spells against cavers,
then keep in mind, that when the Cavers can be hunted alone, I did,
caver begins to turtle (which is the but few things are more frustrating
equivalent of the caver parrying at than only being able to kill one at
100) his effective DB against spells a time.... possibly two if you get
WILL NOT CHANGE. Only those critters good hits. So, ask around for a
that can cast directed spells can companion or two.
turtle against them, the cave troll
is not one of them. After a few levels in cavers, you
may be ready for fireguardians. To
This fact will make you a valuable even consider hunting here, your
companion to the caver expeditions, MAGIC DB must be at least 192 at
especially to those that are lower parry 100 to survive the fireballs
in experience. The reason being is, they throw around.
when sword swingers beat on a troll,
-=5=-
The easiest way to test your magic will mention grey orcs here quick.
DB is to set yourself up like you
were going to hunt, DB spells and Grey orcs do carry level II's, they
all. Then prepare a shockbolt, be also generate like mad. They are not
sure you are at parry 100, then just very dangerous to a mage at all, but
CAST. You will shoot at yourself, they are rather difficult for a mage
but you will see your magic DB :). to kill compared to a caver. They
One thing to remember, your magic DB have 90 DB which makes them more
will work regardless of what is in difficult right off the bat, they
your weapon hand. So if you are a are also fast, and when they turtle,
sword swinging mage but can generate their magic DB goes up as well.
a PHYSICAL DB of anywhere from 75-80
without parrying at all, then use a Grey orcs have few concussion points
wand if you want. and you can death crit them. So it
is up to you, they are only level 10
The best way to hunt these guys is creatures, compared to level 12 for
to just cast, wave, or swing away at a caver and level 16 for a guardian.
them until they BRIGHTEN. This means Money does talk though, just be very
they are preparing a spell, so by careful of the stun clouds that they
all means parry up. They also cast can cast. These clouds LOVE to move
firebolts which are less dangerous around and follow you, although, I
than a fireball, and firestorms. have yet to see a firestorm move.
Firestorms are nasty clouds that can If you crave diversity or maybe just
rain liquid fire down on you, so the smell of critters wearing metal
needless to say, if you see a dark armor, go find a war troll up in
cloud forming above you, then you Danjirland. Their chain hauberk make
have about 3 rounds to get the heck them an easy target, but the cavers
out of there. here have no weapon, which makes YOU
an easy target. Also, be careful of
Fireguardians have 70 DB, so even us the mountain ogres. If you thought a
mages can hit them with a rapier forest troll was mean when he broke
sometimes, plus they can not turtle his cudgel... try a mountain ogre.
on you. They do not call it Danjirland for
nothing.
Perhaps the best reason for hunting
them is the fact that there is a Lizard men can be interesting for a
safe node room in the middle of the bit. They only have a 40 DB but they
area, the arch. With a node being are quite fast. They also have a
readily available, it is rather easy habit of swinging tridents around
to average 1500-2000 experience per with an OB of 80, and ever since one
hour here. of them broke my laen shield, I have
taken great delight in shattering
Just a last couple tidbits of info.. their skulls when I have the chance.
Fireguardians are highly susceptible
to cold ball, so save those metal The chieftains that run around are a
wands! Also, they are level 16, this little more dangerous. They have 65
means you can have several levels of DB, and 95 Ob with a morning star.
excitement here. Lastly, death crits They also cast tremors, but do not
against them are unfortunately few attack immediately after casting it,
and far between. so just stand back up. Lizardmen are
level 7 and chieftains are 11th.
Neither cavers nor fireguardians can
carry level II chests (1000-2000 The possibilities are many, you just
coins). My emphasis in adventuring need to choose the areas that you
has always been experience first and want to hunt. In my opinion, hunting
the money will follow. I know this cavers until you are able to hunt
is not the case for everyone, maybe guardians is the best way to go.
not even for ANYONE else :), so I Guardians can keep you busy for many
-=6=- (Cont'd on Page 7)
____________ To Deed or Not to Deed
/ \ ____ \ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\@| /~/~~\\ | by Rask X-ForTran
||~| ~~ |
_||~| |==| |
/@| \~\__// |ems can be extremely filled up rather fast, then you end
\_/ ~~~~~ / valuable, plus a very up having nothing to show for your
~~~~~~~~~~~ nice way of obtaining time and effort.
large amounts of cash. As most know,
gems can also be used to gain Deeds If you do not care to 'waste' a gem
from Eissa. Much to my horror, I that is worth a lot, you may use in
have seen (heard about really) many its place several gems together from
other people drop a couple of gems 'Category 2: Good For Pocket Cash'
down for Eissa and then another one (worth between 100 and 300 silvers).
or two gems for good measure. These gems should NOT be overlooked!
Although, it takes several of them,
You see, death has played a LARGE you are much more likely to find a
part in my life, just ask any cleric gem of this quality. I was able to
or healer (Lord Strom, Lady Sydna, use two (2) Clear Tourmaline gems to
Lord Tory, etc). Because I do die a obtain a Deed when I was at level
lot, I need to get the most that I nine (9) and needed a Deed.
can from any gems I find no careless
offering of gems from me! In closing, I would like to point
out several things. One, I am not
Originally I was going to figure out very young, Eissa expects expensive
what each gem was worth to Eissa, gifts from me - those who are much
but due to a number of circumstances younger than me may be able to use
I have been unable to do that. What the gems that are not worth as much,
I have been able to do, is keep a or use fewer gems to obtain Deeds.
careful record of what gems I offer
to Eissa, my level, current number Two, from what I have seen, good
of Deeds at the time of offering and quality gems are not being found as
the number of gems I offered at the often as they used to be, thus you
same time. should use your gems wisely, obtain
Deeds while you can. (I have gone
If you look at "Alyssya's Guide to from having 9 Deeds to having none
Gems-The Basics", the best category in a VERY short period of time - let
is 'Category 3: Its Worth How Much?' it be a warning to you).
(worth 300 silvers or more). Single
gems of this quality is good enough Three, as of yet, I have not been
for Eissa to reward me with a Deed rejected once when offering Eissa a
when I was of the 8th level and I true gemstone.
already had eight (8) Deeds! This is ------------------------------------
where most of my information was What Are You -- Cont'd from Page 6
centered. ____________________________________
As time progressed on, I tried other years, but that would get boring. So
gems and many various combinations keep your eyes open for my next
of gems. For myself, now at level installment. I will talk about areas
nine (but the same was true at level for mages with around 12 years of
7), gems in 'Category 1: Not Worth experience or more.
Carrying' (which means worth less @
than 100 silvers) are not even worth @*@
bothering with. I have offered up to @@***@@
6 gems at a time from this Category @@@ @*@ @@@
and have always been rejected. Not *@@@@ @@@ @@@@*
only that, carrying around a large *@@ @@*@@ @@*
number of gems to obtain a Deed is a @@@@@@***@@@@@@
BIG pain, your locker tends to get @@@@@@@*@@@@@@@
-=7=-
_________ Good Roleplaying
/ \ _____ \ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\@| ~|_|~ | by Amber Kari
| |~| |
_| |~| | have been roleplaying You could be a vegetarian or a non-
/@| _|~|_ | for quite some time now alcoholic, some things like that.
\_/ ~~~~~ / and have a few pointers
~~~~~~~~ for those of you that Background: Where did your character
might be less experienced at it. grow up? In a rich family, a poor
family, or by the sea? What has
First, try to stay in character as your family taught you? Were you an
often as you can. If you do not have orphan? A person on the street (if
much of a character yet, think one you were a thief)? Whether you know
up. Take Amber, for example. anyone else in town comes in here.
It helps to have a background for
Prejudices: Amber might think that your character for reference.
Dwarves are disgusting, small putrid
things, unfit for the presence of Demeanor: What is your personality?
elves. She makes jokes about Hobbits Arrogant, hearty, quick-witted, very
being too small to do much, but it's serious, completely non-serious, or
nothing serious. She looks down on maybe berserk? Being a turncoat can
Wood Elves as being unworthy. These fit in here. You might also give up
examples are from the point of view easily or never give up. You could
of a Fair Elf. be stubborn or not speak for your-
self. Demeanor makes roleplay much
Prejudices will most likely also easier. It will help you know what
include creatures such as trolls, to say in a situation.
orcs, torkaans, and other monsters.
Say Amber's family was captured by Likes and dislikes: What is your
orcs or maybe a band of Dwarven ban- favorite food? What is your favorite
dits. In the latter case, she might color? Can you NOT eat spinach? When
might be VERY suspicious of Dwarves you ask your character questions
and take any chance to kill them. like these, you will be prepared for
She may not travel with them at all situations where you have a choice.
or let them fight by her side. It adds more flavor to your charac-
ter and is something to do when you
If orcs caught a member of her fam- are bored.
ily or caused her grief somehow, she
would not retreat in fighting them, What would you do if...:
and she would hunt them more often
than other creatures. Here are some more questions to ask
yourself. What would you say to
Using all these examples at once someone who asked you out on a date?
would probably be too much, so you What would you say to someone who
might just want to have a slight offered you money? Would your char-
prejudice or none at all. acter refuse? (That could be part of
your demeanor, too.) Would you give
Special Characteristics: Say Amber someone money if they needed it?
had an incident with squirrels some
time in her life and catches one for Some closing comments: You do not
a pet or tries to keep squirrels as have to do any of this. If you load
safe as possible. In a case like your character with too much person-
this, Amber might leave battle just ality, he or she might not be as
to catch a squirrel or to save one exciting to play as you thought.
from an untimely death. In another
situation, Amber walks into Helga's Choose a few details and try not to
and sees someone eating a squirrel. make your character TOO strong. Just
She is horrified and never speaks to be a normal person most of the time.
that person again. The same thing goes for prejudices.
-=8=- (Cont'd on Page 14)
____________ The House of Argent Aspis
/ \ _________\ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\@| ||=|=|=|| | by Alagar Darkstalker, Chairman
| ~~ |_| ~~ |
_| |_| |
/@| _|_|_ |he House of Argent leave items in for other members, ie
\_/__________/ Aspis is located on amulets, gold rings, drake falchions
East Ring Road in a quiet, secluded can be left for a few days. Although
section of town. The House can be more special items have a tendency
found by travelling east on Windak to vanish sooner.
across the bridge, go to the end of
the road, turn south and continue We currently have 35 active members,
south until you see the entrance on 6 prospects awaiting acceptance and
the left. one honorary member. 19 members are
on the inactive list.
The Council records confirm that The
House of Argent Aspis was the first The House of Argent Aspis is highly
chartered House in Kulthea and was dedicated to the philosophy of doing
built by a group of some of the very its best to helping newcomers in the
first residents and adventurers in land. Extending help and assistance
Kelfour's landing. through advice, coins, items and of
course guidance when the opportunity
_________________________________ presents itself. Our history tells
/ \ \ us that the House of Argent Aspis
\@| Current House Executives: | started the first Newbie Nights and
| | had in fact a monopoly on the event
| Chairman: Alagar | for some time!
| Past Chairman: Lord Llorien|
| Secretary: Lyrista | We have also taken on activities to
| Treasurer: Jarran | make membership in the House both
| | more enjoyable and more unique, we
| Project and Event Coordinators:| also stress good role-playing and
| | character acting.
| Hunt Master: Kyreth |
| Renovations: Heron | The House schedules 4 members to aid
| BB Leader: Lyrista | on our House sponsored Newbie Nights
_| Glad Games Coor: Jarran | held approximately every 6 weeks.
/@| Newbie Night Coor: Lyrista | Those members working are given a
\_/_______________________________/ free flag from 6pm to 8am the next
day. We solicit for workers and look
The House has three floors with the to share participation in this event
top two floors having private rooms with all interested members.
of some of these now long vanished
adventurers. The main floor has a We are working on a major renovation
lounge where members gather for the of our House and have been trying to
meetings and organize for the House raise funds to allow renovations and
Hunts. set up an endowment fund to resource
the features we would like to see.
We have a kitchen and formal dining Heron is our chief planner for the
room as well and a library. Several renovations and he is taking any
artifacts of the heroes of long ago suggestions from the membership for
are displayed in the House including all the renovations.
an ancient banner and a painting of
the House founders. We have agreed on an arboretum, a
sunlight plant filled room with a
The lower levels, accessible only by pool of some type and a mobile bar,
members, includes an informal lounge great for relaxing after a very hard
and the house 40 item lockers. There fight or while recuperating after
is also a permachest that one can being rezzed.
-=9=- More...
We are currently checking into the a strong say in any town politics.
reorganization of the private rooms,
so as to allocate them to currently The House has a Private Category on
active members who will be able to the Bulletin Board that is lead by
decorate them with their own private Lyrista, our able secretary. There
touches. I myself have an ancient are more than a dozen topics in the
yew longbow left to me by my father category for communicating the House
that gleams with ancient power, I am business, for coordinating events,
told it is very accurate, that would passing information and posting the
hold a place of honor in my room. results of events. Once a new member
has gained admission, Lyrista will
In the mean time, you may have heard admit members to the category.
or witnessed one of our House Hunts,
where Aspis members get together for Interested adventurers can ask for a
two hours of party hunting and all tour of the House with a current
treasure is donated to the house member, who can take you in and show
renovation fund. Kyreth is our Hunt you about or you can either see one
Master and coordinates the time and of the executives while they are in
place for the Hunt, establishes all town or by sending an Email to me.
the parties, quarry and treasure
gathers. Alagar Darkstalker, E-Mail A.LUBIMIV
Our first Hunt netted us 75000 coins Leave me your Email address in which
and is to date, our record to beat! to contact you with and set up a
This activity is usually attended by time for a meeting.
10 to 12 members with two parties
hunting. We have a great time on Any member can propose a person as
these hunts. We have also allowed an applicant for acceptance into the
prospects and friends to attend the House. This is normally done through
Hunts, we find that it is a good way the BB. A unanimous vote is required
to meet interested adventurers in for any new prospective members to
joining our fine House and letting be accepted. All members will have
them meet the other members. an opportunity to vote over the next
week. Should all votes be positive,
We just completed the houses first then the applicant is accepted to
Gladiatorial Games on the weekend of the House.
June 26 and 27 that was organized by
Jarran. Many members, most notably The initiation fee is 10000 coins,
Llorien, Cray, Odds, Gilthor, and to be remitted at the time of the
Jarran donated many of the items initiation. The initiation requires
needed to award as prizes. The games two members of the executive to be
were run rather well for it being a present and the applicant. Getting
first time for our house and I am our schedules together sometimes is
sure that we will only get better difficult and patience is needed at
with each consecutive game. times.
The House members are fiercely loyal We do not have a monthly or yearly
towards each other, as readers will fee beyond the initiation fee, but
surely recognize this aspect of the we do ask that members to actively
house after having seen the actions participate in House Events, where
of members of the House of Aspis in they are able.
defending Lyrista during her plight
against the Dreamer. All can see The criteria for acceptance is that
what price we may pay for this, as the adventurer have the spirit of
it is rather evident on our gate. helpfulness, enjoy the camaraderie
of others, be of good character, and
The House can act as a mediator in want to more fully join into the
disputes according to the Charters adventure and excitement of Kulthea.
granted by the Council and will have
-=10=-
_________ A Matter of Honor Part III
/ \ _____ \ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\@| ~|_|~ | by Sean2 Lladd
| | | |
_| |~| |
/@| _|~|_ | was walking down the peculiar way.
\_/ ~~~~~ / hall of my grandfather's
~~~~~~~~ castle. Actually, I was Another one, this time a young girl,
to find out later that it was only said quietly, "Leave him alone, he
one of many places my grandfather is just a child."
owned, but this was his favorite and
the only place I had ever lived. To "A child!" the first one exclaimed
a five year old boy on his first big angrily. "Aye, it is just a child, a
adventure, away from his nurse, it child which caused the death of my
was a grand castle, enemy fortress, cousin; a child which brought shame
shadowy den of thieves, and abode of and dishonor to my house; a child
the gods all rolled into one. which proved exactly how stupid and
worthless that snivelling mass that
Today was my birthday. I was five calls itself humanity really is!"
years old -- that magical age where
the years of your life are equal to "Where is your mother, little ape?"
the number of fingers on one hand. he sneered, turning back towards me,
Certainly old by anyone's standards, staring angrily.
and surely old enough to show my as
yet unseen grandfather my new suit, I stood there completely speechless,
without the aid and protection of my suddenly a frightened and scared
nurse. little boy again. No matter what, I
was not going to let him, or any of
Here I was, by turns stalking that the rest of them, know that. I too
greatest of all thieves -- Malgenon was a Son of The House T'Maerionnal.
the Merciless; then striding forth
as the savior of the world, going to "I will tell you where she is!" he
meet his reward at the hands of the continued, anger and hatred plainly
gods themselves. In effect, doing on his face. "You killed her! You,
what every five year old boy has and that piece of human trash that
done on his first real "adventure", spawned you. You killed her, so that
exercising my imagination fully. when she died, little ape, so did
the family's chances at the throne.
"Well, well, well," came a jeering All because some feckless piece of
voice, waking me from my reverie. I human dung could not control his
was just about to receive my reward animal urges."
from the goddess Mellonolliar and
was somewhat surprised to find that "Leave him alone, Cal," the one who
I was surrounded by a number of had spoken earlier said again.
young men and women instead.
Before she could say anything more,
By their clothing and carriage, I the one she called Cal wheeled on
surmised that they were my cousins, her and spat, "I suppose you think
I was about to greet them properly that this worthless animal is better
when the one who had spoken earlier alive than my cousin!?"
continued.
As soon as his gaze left me, I could
"What have we here? Mayhap one of feel the tears starting. I thrust
the T'Maerionnal's trained apes? He my way through the gathered figures,
is definitely some kind of animal, my only thought being to get away
dressed up to mimic its betters." before the one called Cal could see
my tears. For some reason it was
With the last, he gave me a slight very important that he not know that
push and smiled at me in the most his words had caused me to cry.
-=11=- More...
I brushed through them, running back Finally, the mage simply shrugged
the way I had come, tears streaming his shoulders and stated coldly, "I
down my face. Tears for my dead have real students to teach. I must
mother, and tears for me... ask you to leave my classroom. Or
must I compel you?"
"Aye, run little ape!" Cal yelled
after me. "Run like the cowards that The last was stated with a hint of a
all humans are! Run like the coward threat in it, but Grandmother Nolly
your father is! Run little ape!!" just continued to stare at him.
I ran... "Do you think you can, you wicked
little man?" she asked abruptly. The
----------- tone of her voice was neutral and
very soft. "He himself could was not
"I am NOT an animal trainer!" the able to compel me almost thirteen
elderly man exclaimed. "I do not years ago. What makes you think YOUR
take animals to be apprentices." power and skill is greater?"
"But he is not an animal," my nurse She added something in a language
countered with some asperity. "He that I did not understand. From the
IS a 'tek T'Maerionnal. He deserves looks on the faces that I could see,
the same treatment that all other neither did any of the others in the
members of the house receive." room. The mage evidently did. A
strange look crossed his face and he
The argument had been going on for a made a quick gesture with his right
good ten minutes, it appeared to me hand. My nurse smiled frostily and
that neither side was going to give nodded at him.
in. I was acutely conscious of the
stares and smirks from the students "Come Sean," my nurse said flatly,
scattered around the room. However, as she turned to go. "I doubt that
as usual, such minor inconveniences you would learn anything useful here
rolled right off my nurse like water anyway."
off an oil-cloth.
As we left, I caught the faces of
The two were starting in all over some of my "cousins". There was a
again. "...is a human. As far as I mixture of hatred, and some fear, in
am concerned, he is no better than all of them. Whether it was for me,
any other animal. But, before we or my nurse, I was not able to tell.
start this argument all over again, I could feel their eyes watching us
the answer is no. That is final." as we left the room.
"I am not constrained to honor your ----------
request," the mage continued, riding
right over my nurse's attempt at a I had been sitting within the small
reply. "I serve the T'Maerionnal. If garden next to our quarters for over
he comes to me and personally, I say an hour. Grandmother Nolly brought
personally, commands me to attempt out some luncheon a little earlier
to teach that animal magic, then I and was sitting quietly to one side,
will attempt to do so. Not before!" mending one of my tunics. I often
wondered why my nurse did all of our
The mage drew himself up and stared cooking and cleaning, not to mention
haughtily at my nurse. My nurse, or why she insisted on being the only
as I knew her, Grandmother Nolly, one to mend and sew my clothing, but
merely stood there, staring back at whenever I broached the subject, she
my grandfather's senior mage as if would just smile and say "Because."
he were a dirt smudge on one of my Which answer left me no wiser than
dress tunics. The pause lengthened, when I started.
no-one in the entire room so much as
twitched. The rejection by my grandfather's
-=12=- More...
mage, although not unexpected, was could. "How may the House be served,
still a raw wound for a thirteen uh, Captain?"
year old boy to deal with. I had not
said anything to Grandmother Nolly The last was something of a guess,
about it, she was letting me deal mostly because I had little contact
with it in my own way, so things had with any of my grandfather's troops
been fairly quiet the last few days. up until now. He just stood there,
To a thirteen year old boy, moping expectantly.
in martyrdom was almost as good as
being in love. "Oh," I said quickly blushing again.
"Please be at ease. It is Captain,
"Ahem!" is it not?"
The voice broke into my reveries. I "Yes Sean, it is," he replied as he
had been so caught up in my own self relaxed. "But I would prefer it if
pity that I had completely failed to you call me Callin. That is short
note the entrance of another person for Callinthaerion. Callin's easier
into the garden. To be honest, no to use on the training field than
one ever came into this garden with Callinthaerion."
the exception of either myself or
Grandmother Nolly. I had just started to relax when the
implication of his last statement
I looked up to see who would dare to stunned me all over again. Callin
consort with an animal such as I and smiled at my dazed look and waited
nearly died of shame. It was one of patiently for me to recover. Again.
my grandfather's weapon-masters, he
was standing rigidly at presentation "Captain," my nurse spoke from where
holding a perfect salute. For a few she was sitting. "Just what exactly,
moments I could only stare in utter are your intentions towards Sean,
disbelief. I had never been saluted and by whose authority?"
by anyone, although I should have
been, but to have this weapon-master Callin cast a startled glance in
standing in front of me doing just Grandmother Nolly's direction.
that thing, was more than I could
assimilate. "Your pardon Lady, I did not see you
sitting there," Callin said. Yet,
The look on my face must have been there was a hint of question in his
too much for even a veteran such as voice, although his face betrayed no
he, because the muscles on one side outward emotion.
of his face started to twitch and
his eyes suddenly became full of "Indeed," she replied frostily. "Are
laughter. The twitching acted like a you often in the habit of NOT taking
release, I quickly jumped to my feet notice of things? Also, you have not
and nearly going over backwards in answered the questions."
my haste.
If it had not been for the fact that
He reached out quickly and steadied protocol forbade me to turn from a
me with surprising gentleness. After request for service, I would have
holding me for a couple of seconds turned and stared at my nurse. I had
to be sure I was not going to fall never heard her use that tone of
over again, he winked, returning to voice on anyone. Oh, she had come
presentation and snapped out another close to it when she was addressing
crisp salute. my grandfather's senior mage, but
this was entirely different.
In a low voice, he stated, "My honor
to serve, 'tek T'Maerionnal." The Captain stiffened slightly under
her tone, and I saw the muscles of
"My honor to be served and for the his jaw begin to tense up. Then he
service," I replied as smoothly as I relaxed, and gave Grandmother Nolly
-=13=- More...
a brief salute, as if acknowledging accept me as your teacher?"
a successful hit by an opponent.
"Do I accept..teacher..you mean..?!"
"Your concern for the boy is highly
admirable, Lady," he said with a "Yes Sean, that IS exactly what I
smile. "But your fears are, in this mean," he said, quickly matching my
case, without foundation." burgeoning smile with his own. "I
will teach you weapons skills."
"My authority is my own. I am under
contract, but not sworn to the 'tek "I mean after all," he continued. "A
T'Maerionnal. I am not O'lan, merely fighter should fight not make shoes,
O'lun. The T'Maerionnal commands my or so I have been told."
sword, I command my honor. By my
honor, I swear that I mean no harm, [To be continued]
nor dishonor, to Sean."
I was totally at sea. This entire
conversation had totally escaped me, Good Roleplaying - Cont. from Page 8
I felt as if they were discussing me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
in another language, the only thing
that was recognizable was my name. I One is probably enough. Two is good
became even more confused when my too, but there aren't enough races
nurse came over from where she had to have too many prejudices.
been sitting and placed three of her
fingers lightly upon the Captain's Remember to have fun. This article
forehead. They looked at each other is designed to help you to have more
for a few seconds, then Grandmother more fun, but you need not feel
Nolly withdrew her hand and nodded obliged to restrict your character
to Callin. or do any of this, if you will not
have fun doing it.
"So that is why you had stayed," she
said quietly. "I wish you had come Try to do more than just what bene-
sooner. But, what is past is past," fits you. If you are truly being in
she continued in a more normal tone. character, you will have fun. Stay
"You two will have much to discuss. in character as often as you can.
Sean, invite the Captain to join us For new players, do not worry too
for luncheon. I will bring us fresh much about this yet. Figure out the
servings." game first. But you can if you want,
of course!
The last was said as she gathered up
my untouched luncheon and headed GameMasters are watching, and some-
back into our quarters. I was left times if they see you being a good
standing with my mouth hanging open roleplayer, they can as much as
yet again. DOUBLE how fast you absorb experi-
ence. Some good incentive, huh?
Callin watched Grandmother Nolly as
she left, then turned to me with a
rueful grin on his face. CATRISSA
~~~~~~~~
"That, young Sean, is one amazing by Bugg Hornwort
woman!" he exclaimed with a shake of
his head. "Well, I suggest we do as Catrissa, with magic replete,
she says and sit down. We DO have a Is trying to master a new feat.
number of items to discuss." She casts a spell like the rest,
To pop open a chest,
"The first thing we must discuss," Then catches the acid vials
he continued after we had both taken in her teeth.
a seat. "The first thing we have to
discuss is whether or not you will @---'---,---'---,---@
-=14=-
___________________________________________________________________
__\ ____\ \
/ / \__| ****** Kelfour Edition -- Art & Poetry Corner ********** |
| | | ____________________________________________________/
|__ \___/_________/ \
/ |
\ Voltaren Xanax, a curious name, _|
\ did once attempt to achieve fleeting fame. \
| To the woods he set out, alone yet brave |
| fearing he'd Eissa in a dank old cave. |
| |
| Trudging along, wearing out his boots |
| he was all too easily startled by the owl and it's hoots |
| Scouting past wolverines and branches of life, _|
| he spied a young kobold wielding a knife. \
| |
| Unsheathing his gladius and holding his shield, |
| he crept quietly forward to ambush his foe. |
| A twig underfoot his presence did signal |
| and forward he rushed, lest all be lost |
| |
| Sword against knife, shield against shield. |
| Fetid breath, a stench; he gagged. _|
| Recovering his wits, his sword he did swing, \
| the poison green cloud towards his foe did wing. |
| |
| The billowing green cloud cast forth by his sword |
| had caused the foul kobold to utter his last word. |
| Yet death had not claimed him for he staggered away |
| and Voltaren did follow him to end the fray. |
| |
| The kobold collapsed, the poison had worked. _|
| Young Voltaren knelt down and searched the corpse. \
| A few coins, a knife and the foul stench again. |
| Voltaren wrinkled his nose and stood back up. |
| |
| As he stood, pain careered through his body, |
| blood poured down his face. He toppled face down. |
| The karnelin attacked from behind again, |
| crushing his skull this time. |
| Farewell Voltaren Xanax. Fleeting fame indeed. _|
| \
| - Voltaren Xanax |
| |
| |
| |
| A halfling cleric named Bugg |
| Was once confused with a thug |
| Crying out "There he be!" |
| The constable arrested him with glee _|
| And bashed him on the head with a mug. \
| |
| - Mikhail Minnehan |
| |
/_________________ |
||\ \___________________________________________________
||_| \
| | ********** Kelfour Edition -- Art & Poetry Corner ********** |
\/____________________________________________________________________ /
-=15=-
___________________________________________________________________
__\ ____\ \
/ / \__| ****** Kelfour Edition -- Art & Poetry Corner ********** |
| | | ____________________________________________________/
|__ \___/_________/ The ABC's of Kulthea \
/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
\ by Ram Youngblood _|
\ \
| A is for the Alchemist, who sells us our potions |
| B is for Bards, and their singing devotion |
| C if for chests, coins galore |
| D is for delving into magical lore |
| E is for elves, a hobbit's enemy |
| F is for fighters, and their courage and bravery _|
| G is for goodbyes, a time for tears \
| H is for Helga's, yell 'Cheers!' |
| I is for imagination, makes the world go 'round |
| J is for Jarlik, furrier of the town |
| K is for the killing, you see it everyday |
| L is for the love, nights by Claedesbrim Bay |
| M is for the mystic, Council of Light |
| N is for our nemeses, show us your might! |
| O is for ogres, take their treasure! _|
| P is for everyday Town Square pleasure \
| Q is for quarrels, they're unavoidable |
| R is for virtual Knights of the Roundtable |
| S is for the sunny days in town |
| T is for tall tales thrown around |
| U is for Unlife, bound to doom |
| V is for vermin, they infest the tombs |
| W is for weddings, a joyous event |
| X is for eXcitement! Party in the tent! _|
| Y is for yarns of ages old tales \
| Z is for zealous searches of legendary trails |
| / | |
| _____________|_________________________\|/_____________________|
| | | ----O---- |
| | |_________________________/|\_____________________|
| |_____________|__________________________|______________________|
| | |
| /\ /\ /\ /\ \ |
| |()|()|()|()| |
| | | | | | |
| |==|==|==|==| |
| | | | | | _ The Near Side |
| | | | | | //| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
| |==|==|==|==|/ || ASCII Art by |
| \ / Ram Youngblood |
| | / |
| | | _|
| | ________ | \
| |/ / / / /\| The Mystic had bugged me one too many times... |
| | / / / / /| |
| |/ / / / / | |
/_________________ |
||\ \___________________________________________________
||_| \
| | *********** Kelfour Edition -- Art & Poetry Corner ********** |
\/____________________________________________________________________ /
-=16=-
___________________________________________________________________
__\ ____\ \
/ / \__| ****** Kelfour Edition -- Art & Poetry Corner ********** |
| | | ____________________________________________________/
|__ \___/_________/ \
/ Berek the lost |
\ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ _|
\ by Berek Bloodbane \
| |
| Berek lead a party |
| a hunting they did go. |
| To hobland they did travel. |
| himself, Zenjie and Akido. |
| _|
| Many hobs did they kill. \
| lorcs and even a Forest troll. |
| Fate on them was smiling. |
| They were on a roll. |
| |
| But the forest grew too dark. |
| The animals had all gone still. |
| The party's mood grew somber. |
| The hand of death they began to feel. _|
| \
| To home they all started. |
| But destiny's dice had been tossed. |
| No sooner had they departed. |
| That Berek noticed they were lost! |
| |
| Zenjie became quite fearful. |
| For he was newly come. |
| The party panic grew. _|
| As they begain to run. \
| |
| Berek stopped for a moment. |
| From his backpack some papers he withdrew |
| "How could i have been so stupid." |
| "Zepath's maps will see us through!" |
| |
| Soon their course was righted. |
| Kelfour's landing was soon sighted. _|
| The party became delighted. \
| Berek vowed never to be so shortsighted. |
| |
| |
| RODDERS |
| ~~~~~~~ |
| by Bugg Hornwort |
| |
| It's quite easy to miss, don't you see, _|
| And the bane of disarming rookies. \
| Iliana found out, |
| As have others no doubt, |
| That rod traps can fry your cookies. |
/_________________ |
||\ \___________________________________________________
||_| \
| | ********** Kelfour Edition -- Art & Poetry Corner ********** |
\/____________________________________________________________________ /
-=17=-
_______________ RoboMagess
/ \ ____ ____\ ~~~~~~~~~~
\@| +|~| __ |~|+| by Belladonna Atropa
| |~|/~~\|~| |
_| |~/~/\~\~| |
/@| _|__/ \__|_|ith as often as I stopped to stare at us for a second,
\_/_____________/ have been knocked which was long enough to give the
down by golems and landed on a pouch other golem a chance to step past.
full of wands, I suppose it is not It did not, of course. It did step
much of a surprise that I finally to the side, but then turned to see
started having nightmares about the what the other golem was looking at.
experience...
I stopped laughing in a hurry and
"Nice shot!" I cried, thumping our yelled, "Doubles, we are leaving."
stalwart ranger soundly on the back.
I spoke too late. The ranger had
I had not realized golems had ears already charged the one golem facing
or brains that mattered, but then us, and the swordsman was trying to
rapiers never lie, I could not argue maneuver behind the golem we had
with the thing lying dead at our almost run into. I began preparing a
feet. We searched its chest cavity, blur spell, suspecting we would need
but found no coins, no gems and no extra protection long before this
chests. fight was even over, but just that
quickly, the fight was over.
"What is the point of building a
golem if you are not going to put One of the golems stomped, shaking
anything in it?" I sulked, but the the ground violently and sending us
ranger and swordsman, in my company all to the floor.
that day, had no answers.
I jumped up, shouting, "Up! Up!",
I had noticed that the swordsman, as and noticed that the swordsman was
he called himself, was rather handy on his feet again, still trying to
with a lockpick, but I refrained position himself behind one of the
from drawing any conclusions. On the incarnations. The ranger was still
other hand, I made a note to myself, lying down, I fired the blur spell
that we would let him search the at him in a panic.
next golem we found, in case his
keen locksmith's eyes might be able It was the wrong thing to do. The
to spot something I or the ranger ranger, who had been having trouble
might miss. finding the ground, now had problems
seeing his own feet as well. Looking
The rusting remains of this golem like a fish trying to fly, he was
were no longer of any interest to flailing about helplessly on the
us, though I had always been curious ground for a second or two.
if the things that built golems ever
tried to recycle the mess we left Quite suddenly, a third golem came
behind. stomping around the bend behind us,
literally, of course. The two of us
With my two companions close behind, who had regained our feet, fell once
I took a wide turn around the next again.
corner and almost bumped into one of
two steel golems. They were doing a Things seemed to start moving in
sidestep dance, each trying to step slow motion. I was trying to stand
around the other and continue their again, but my body would not listen.
patrols, but being blocked every The swordsman was up once again, but
time by the other golem making the seemingly frozen in the middle of
opposite move. It would have been a attacking one of the golems. The
great show if they'd kept it up, but ranger was still sprawled out on the
naturally the one facing towards us ground, facing me, his mouth open as
-=18=- More...
though he was trying to talk, but no could only mean...
sound came out.
Noticing my downward gaze, Surtey
Then my observations was interrupted announced with satisfaction, "Your
quite suddenly, when one of the two new heart. There was enough of the
golems we had originally run into old one left, that all I had to do
stomped again, his steel foot coming was find some way to plug the holes
down on my outflung hands, that was your ribcage made."
the last thing I remembered until I
woke up... I looked at the ranger, bewilderment
crossing my face. "You got stepped
I woke up in Surtey's tent. I should on twice," he explained. "The first
have known better than to go golem one stepped on your hands, while the
hunting when the healers were all second one stepped on your chest.
asleep. Looking infuriatingly proud You were wearing an amulet..."
of himself, the malpractice expert
was beaming at me. "Surtey, what did you use to 'plug
the holes?'" I croaked.
"See? I told you she would be fine,"
Surtey said happily. "Well, there were quite a few good
sized pieces of that amulet left."
I recognized the voice of the ranger
before I spotted him sitting in the I rubbed at a pain in my chest that
corner of the tent. "Fine? She is I half suspected existed only in my
awake. I do not know how 'fine' she mind. There was suddenly a buzz of
is going to be when you get through thoughts filling my head.
explaining all the little short cuts
you took." With an ache of resentment growing
by the second in my chest, I pointed
Short cuts?! What was he talking an inflexible digit at Surtey and
about? What had the butcher done demanded, "Just what the hell did
this time? I looked around for the you do to me, anyways?"
swordsman, but if he had a hand in
the end of the battle, I suspected "Well," he sputtered, seemingly very
he had, then he left before seeing surprised by my displeasure, "you
me through to recovery. I made a were bleeding. You were practically
note to check my pockets, as soon as crushed to death, I needed to do
I felt up to moving again. something to keep you from bleeding
to death."
I tried to rub some of the sleep out
of my eyes, that was when I noticed Noticing the look on my face, he
the first of the short cuts that had continued on, "You were wearing some
been mentioned. kind of hide armor with metal worked
into it, that had gotten smashed
My hands! Instead of fingers, each into your chest pretty good, it was
hand was now tipped with four wands, a steel golem that did the smashing.
and an opposable lockpick. I groaned I should mention that the golem was
in terror and dismay, then opened my pretty nearly destroyed when that
eyes to look again. Instead of index amulet you were wearing exploded,
and middle fingers, each hand had which may explain how parts of the
two golden wands. A metal wand had golem ended up fused into the mix."
replaced each ring finger, two iron
wands took the place of my pinkies, "The amulet exploded?" I asked in
and a xeno lockpick provided what shock.
meager grip I had in either hand.
Surtey nodded slightly.
For a moment, I thought my heart had
stopped. Then I suddenly realized "Then how do you explain the fact
that strange feeling inside my chest that when I rub my chest, I can pick
-=19=- More...
up the amulet?" He was back to beaming again. "We
succeeded."
"Well, it is rather complicated." He
seemed glad that the discussion had I did not feel like such a success,
taken a more technical turn. but I did not feel up to arguing
with him any more. I stood up and
"You see, I had to several powerful glanced down to make sure my legs
healing herbs, not to mention my own were still my own, and started to
surgical skill, to use what pieces leave the tent.
of the amulet there were imbedded in
you to repair your heart. When I As I was leaving, Surtey's assistant
realized that your heart would not approached me and mentioned the cost
beat properly unless all parts of it for the healer's services which came
were working, we had to find some to 1,400 silvers.
way to get the pieces of the amulet
working as well. So we..." As his I fixed Surtey with a hard look.
voice trailed off, he looked to the "Did my purse come through this
ranger for help. intact or shall I just drop my liver
in the collection plate?"
"We had to take you up to the moon
chamber on Iorak's Reach, and put "No, no!" he exclaimed. "I checked
you on the altar to recharge you." that right after he brought you in,"
He paused for a second, and seemed
"Sorry?" I asked in disbelief. to be gathering his thoughts. "Your
liver, I mean. It is fine. I did not
"You should consider the benefits. find any traces of silvers or a coin
As long as you keep recharging that purse in the damaged areas."
amulet, it can not blow up. It did
that once already. You just have to I looked over at the ranger. "Do not
make sure that it never runs out of worry," he said. "I caught the, uh,
charges completely. With the wands, 'swordsman' before he disentangled
it is not such a big deal. Surtey your purse entirely. Where did you
figures the worst that can happen, think your new thumbs came from?" he
if they run completely dry, is that asked, grinning.
you might not be able to move that
'finger' till you recharge it." He gave Surtey's assistant a couple
of gems, then handed the rather
"You will probably be the very first depleted coin purse back to me. I
magess in Kulthea to use metal armor hefted it carefully and quietly went
and still be able to move." he added outside.
quickly.
The ranger followed, and I gave him
"Metal armor?!" my evaluation. "It is pretty light,
but I think it ought to hold out at
"Well, sort of both, really. There Helga's, for a while at least."
is metal and hide sort of all fused
together. It should protect you as He grinned in agreement and we made
well as both, I am hoping." our way slowly over to the rickety
stairway. Fortunately, I had been up
"Right. Because if it does not, it those stairs enough times that I
will leave me as vulnerable as both. never even glanced at the handrail,
Why not just let me die and hope but I made a note to keep drinking
Eissa can straighten things out?" to a minimum. I did not want to find
out on the way down the stairs just
"You were basically dead already. how weak my new grip was.
This friend of yours convinced me I
should try to revive you. He seemed "So, tell me," I said as we settled
to think it was important to at at a table as far from the counter
least try. We did better than that." as possible, "what happened up there
-=20=- More...
after I blacked out? After the thing had kept the thief's laen shield,
stepped on my hands?" since he doubted the thief would be
needing it any more. It was not my
"Well, I am not quite sure, but I color, but I figured for now it was
would say there were probably some better than a kobold special. When I
pretty confused navigators at that tried to hold it, though, I found it
point." almost impossible to keep the thing
facing in the right direction. My
I fixed him with a blank look. fingers were too inflexible to grip
it by themselves and my thumb was
"Well, you were wearing a gold ring, too short to control it.
if you remember. Anyways, when he
stepped on your hands, the golem The falchion was the same problem,
disappeared about the same time that only worse. Trying to actually swing
ring did." that thing with straight fingers,
was like trying to tie a knot using
I looked down at my "hands." He was chopsticks.
right, of course. I had no ring
left, not that I would have had much After a few visits to both Tyron and
luck using it anyways, especially Aznell, we were able to find ways
with no fingers. around the problems. We managed to
work out a kind of cup hilt for the
"Then the other golem stepped on you falchion that fitted fairly well to
and died when the amulet exploded, the back of my hand. I could bring
which left me and the thief against it around almost entirely with my
the third golem. He did a good job xeno thumb.
for a while, hiding, and jumping out
to attack, then hiding again. After The shield straps were modified into
a while though, he just hid and then longer, straighter sheaths that I
stayed hidden. It was not until could slide my "fingers" into, which
after I finally finished the golem gave me much better stability than I
off that I noticed what he was up to had with my regular hand. Of course,
with your purse. Oh, and thanks for learning to fight this way was a new
the blur, by the way. Every little challenge, so I had to spend a few
bit helped." weeks fighting kobolds and orcs just
to get the hang of things.
I smiled. It occurred to me that was
my first smile since I had opened my To my surprise, spellcasting had not
eyes. "Thank you for helping me." changed much. The same hand gestures
seemed to work, even if I could no
"I know it did not turn out quite longer bend my fingers into the
the way you would have liked..." right shapes. My aim with bolts and
blurs was actually better than it
"Well, that is not your fault. I had been before.
will burn Surtey down for it later,
at least as soon as I get all my Eating, counting coins, retrieving
fingers fully charged." items from my backpack were all but
impossible, I nearly starved before
He laughed, which was nice. The I finally figured out to just stick
longer we sat and talked, the less I with pasta and skip the fork. That
felt like a failed lab experiment. introduced the problem of keeping my
hands clean, but that was far from
As far as experiments go, there were the hardest thing I ever learned.
a few drawbacks. My fingers were
much longer than my thumbs, which Waving at friends was a habit I got
caused all kinds of problems when I out of in a hurry. I settled for a
tried picking things up. smile and hugs for close friends.
The ranger had saved my falchion and After a couple of months, I settled
-=21=- (Cont'd on Page 23)
____________ Monster Chronicles: Steel Golems
/ \ ______ \ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\@| /~/~~\~\ | by Jarran Terraxx
||~| |~||
_||~| |~||
/@| \~\__/~/ |f all the creatures around a corner and whammo, a golem
\_/ ~~~~~~ / in the lands that any hit me right square in the chest.
~~~~~~~~~~~ have ever faced, none Naturally, this did not do me any
is more frightening than a creation. good, as I quickly discovered that
When I say creation, I am referring it is impossible to breath with a
to the constructs known as Steel completely crushed chest cavity.
Golems, are more commonly known as
Steelies. The cleric who came to my aid could
have stuck his whole head in the
Fearing these constructs is rather hole in my chest. That gives you an
understanding. These huge metallic idea just how big these walking tin
construct were specifically made for cans really are.
people to fear it, though their main
purpose is to carry the treasure of Now that you have an idea of what
those that made them. Though these they can do, lets go over their OB
days they seem to be carrying less and DB, (more commonly known as the
and less treasure. Offensive and Defensive Bonus).
Enough about their reason for their Golems are one of the most feared
existence, let us turn our attention fighters around. The reason for this
to what these powerful creatures can is their incredible power. Their DB
do. They are not known to have any alone is 105, and it is very hard to
brain, however, they are capable of hit them with almost any weapon.
carrying out simple commands. One of However, it is rumored that rapiers
those commands being, to kill any have the best to hit against them.
any adventurers they see. Believe me
when I say they do it rather well. Their DB, however, is not what makes
them so formidable, instead, it is
I am presently in my 16th year of the various forms of attacks they
training and I still will not hunt can effectively use. More often than
these metal monstrosities by myself. not, I have found myself with some
Usually it is not wise for anyone to serious bodily harm because I made a
hunt Golems by themselves, as I will mistake in figuring that because I
explain why. was safe from one form of attack,
that I was also safe from the others
As I mentioned, Golems are made of as well. That error has cost me a
steel, entirely, from the top of few deeds, not to mention a few body
their heads, right down to the tip parts that were necessary to live.
of their toes. This metal makes them
very hard to hit and do any real So here is a quick run down on the
damage to. They also have no need various attacks they can use. They
for weapons, in fact, they are the have two weaker forms of attacks,
weapon. Getting pounded by a steel one being a normal swing at you and
fist from one of these behemoths can the other a pounding fist, usually
really ruin your day. at your head. Both of these attacks
give the golem a 90 OB. There is
Let me tell you about my last run in very little to worry about these
with Golems so you can get an idea attacks usually. Unfortunately, this
just how nasty these guys can be. I is where most people make their big
was walking around up in the steel mistake. They think that if they can
halls where Golems hang out, just keep from getting hit by these two
kind of minding my own business. attacks, that they are completely
Well, I must have been making some safe. This is completely FALSE! As
noise or something, because I came I stated before, that is only two of
-=22=- More...
the attacks they can use. of stuff. Also, be careful when
handling these chests they are level
The other two, more lethal forms of two chests, and are usually trapped.
attacks the golems use, are their So keep caution when opening one.
fists as hammers, and they can try
to ensnare you. From my experiences So if you are ever out there hunting
with golems, I quickly discovered, steelies alone, and they turn you in
much to the loss of my life and a to a giant pancake, then do not say
deed, that their most dangerous form I did not warn you. However, if you
of attack, is the ensnare. I found ever see me hanging out in the Town
out just how dangerous, when I let Square, and want to go out steelie
my parry down to 10 so I could get a hunting, then ask me, I will be more
better hit on a golem, and found out than happy to join you.
that when they try to ensnare, they
only need a to hit of 40. Well, ________________________________
naturally, that left me completely / \
defenseless as the golem spun me | Steel Golem : |
around, causing me to lose my shield | |
and my footing. Then it followed up | Towering above even a High Man, |
with a crushing blow to my head, and | this evil mockery of mortal life |
I bit the dust. | is crafted from steel worthy of |
| the finest armor-maker. Given a |
However, to make things even more | foul semblance of existence and |
exciting, golems have discovered the | animated solely by a desire for |
art of stomping. Quite often, the | destruction this terror will not |
golem gets sneaky and literally | be stopped by the faint of heart.|
stomps his foot down. Well, being \________________________________/
the fact that they are so huge, the
whole room tends to shake from this
impact and unfortunately, the unwary Robo-Magess Cont'd from Page 21
adventurer usually finds themselves ~~~~~~~~~~~
lying on their backs. Which leaves into a fairly routine existence. I
them in a very bad position as the went up to Iorak's once a week and
golem comes stomping down on various rested on the altar while I slowly
parts of their bodies. It is usually recharged. I was careful to use all
not a very pretty sight. my finger wands equally and often,
so I never approached the altar
It is also not very smart to go out worrying about blowing up my hands
to steelies alone. I quickly found before my heart recharged.
this out, when I was facing off one
golem, and another one came around I had become fairly skillful at
the corner, first thing it did was stacking coins and could stack up to
stomp and send me falling face down thirty coins, or any multiple of ten
on the floor, just in time for its up to that, in a matter of seconds.
partner to clobber me a good one. So I had learned how to fight with
do not be fooled by them, golems are spells and with my modified weapons,
a lot smarter than we give credit to I had even started taking interest
them for. in lockpicking. My friends no longer
ducked out of sight when they saw me
As far as treasure goes, golems used enter a room.
to be very rich on treasure, always
keeping their masters treasure in I made it. I made the adjustment, I
their bodies. However, recently, I had survived my own transformation.
have found golems to be very poor
and if I find anything at all, it I was finally ready to go back to
is usually small trinkets of no real golems, but were golems ready for
value. Although, on the few times me? There was only one to find out.
that I have found chests, they have
been more often than not, quite full [To be Continued]
-=23=-
______________ Wish List
/ \ ____ ____ \ ~~~~~~~~~
\@| ~| | | |~ | by Baphomet Eris
| |~|--|~| |
_| |~|--|~| |ere are some places, [Kobold-Pitch, End of The Green]
/@| _|~| |~|_ | creatures, and
\_/ ~~~~ ~~~~ / things I think many You are standing at the end of a
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ of the adventurers well-manicured green that stretches
in Kelfour's Landing (including me) for some 75 feet to the south. Every
would like to see. five feet the green is marked with a
colorful flag. In several places
First, some Places: there are dents in the ground where
an over - zealous adventurer has
[Free Stuff, Main Showroom] pitched his kobold with too much
force and not enough grace. To the
The shelves filling this room are west side of the green is the pen
laden with a startling variety of where justifiably nervous kobolds
goods. Enchanted shaalk weapons sit mill around. To the east side sits a
next to laen shields that radiate table where the kobold-pitching har-
power. Staves of awesome might rest nesses are kept.
on the same shelves as potions of
untold wonder. Amulets, runes--it is Obvious exits: south
a virtual "What's What" of enchanted
items of Quellbourne. The incredible Next, Creatures:
thing is not the selection, though;
it is the price tags on the items -- [Lower Dragonsfang, Path]
all are free! The shopkeeper stands
ready to give you anything you want. A path runs through the grasslands
surrounded on either side by plastic
Obvious exits: out pink flamingos.
[Power-O-Rama, Main Room] Obvious exits: north, south
The only furnishing of this spartan A Snarg ambles in.
room is a sign. There are also a red
door, black door, and white door. >Describe Snarg
Obvious exits: out Standing about 3 feet tall, weighing
approximately 15 pounds, the Snarg
>Read sign is made entirely of tissue paper!
Blazoned across its chest are the
The sign reads: words, "Kill Me! I am worth 1,000
________________________________ experience points!" Obviously, this
// Welcome to Power-O-Rama! \ is a sought-after creature for many
|| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | adventurers.
|| Let us Electrify Your World! |
|| No CHARGE for our services | [Upper Kaldsfang, Forest]
|| in this non-profit organization |
|| | The trees here have been decorated
|| COMPLETE ITEM RECHARGING | ceremonially with liverwurst and
|| Use the Red Door | headcheese sandwiches tied up with
|| | leather thongs. Their aromatic smell
|| COMPLETE POWER POINT RESTORATION| brings joy to your nostrils.
|| Use the Black Door |
|| | Obvious exits: south, southeast
|| COMPLETE LIFE POINT RESTORATION |
|| Use the White Door | A Gofarth wanders in.
|| Have a Great Day! |
\\_______________________________/ >Describe Gofarth
-=24=- More...
This unusually strong creature seems cold backs. Their reason for carry-
to be wearing armor made exclusively ing the kegs is unknown; and people
from small chests. None of them are for the most part do not care, as
covering any vital organs, and their long as the Kegworms keep coming!
weight causes the Gofarth to move
extremely slowly. Finally, Things:
[Valley, Narrow Passage] You see a helm covered with strange
symbols. Closer inspection shows you
You work through a narrow passageway that these symbols are writing in
lined with crude and nasty drawings ancient common! They read, "My par-
obviously made by goblins. In some ents went to Kelfour's Landing and
places, wandering adventurers have all they got me was this helm."
left "contributions" as well.
>Search Orc
Obvious exits: out, up
The orc was wearing leather armor, a
A Kegworm slithers in. shield, and a t-shirt that reads,
"I'm with stupid."
>Describe Kegworm
Boxer Shorts of Power: When worn,
This creature is a constant source give the wearer a +25 to Defensive
of joy to the thirsty adventurer. Bonus against any attack involving
Relatively easy to kill, Kegworms melvins (known in some parts of Kul-
are known for the large kegs of ale thea as snuggies).
that they carry strapped to their
___________________________________________________________________
__\ ____\ \
/ / \__| |
| | | ____________________________________________________/
|__ \___/_________/ \
/ |
\ _|
\ /-=-=-=-Top Fame List for Race & Class-=-=-=-=\ \
| Fighter Waldo2 Ptolomy 26 HE |
| Thief Artuero Bresnahanini 34 FE |
| Ranger Fxg Lyon 29 HE |
| Bard Enegue LionHeart 34 HM |
| Cleric Lairaerrykthrok TykilVuul 32 HL |
| Healer Strom O'Berin 49 HI _|
| Mage Dartaghan Darkstar 33 HL \
| Sorcerer Nixie Trevize 27 HE |
| =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= |
| High Man Enegue LionHeart 34 BA |
| Common Man Dreamweaver Oenothara 17 BA |
| Half-Elf Fxg Lyon 29 RA |
| High Elf Strom O'Berin 49 HE |
| Fair Elf Artuero Bresnahanini 34 TH |
| Wood Elf Joquain Denark 20 MA _|
| Dwarf Aeklug Baeyenbreghaldt 28 CL \
| Halfling Dartaghan Darkstar 33 MA |
| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- |
| Note: 'HI' is High Elf and 'HE' is Half-Elf. |
| \=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=/ |
/_________________ |
||\ \___________________________________________________
||_| \
| | |
\/____________________________________________________________________ /
-=25=-
Riddle Me This
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Glynn Nebula
Below, are 5 riddles, read them, speak them, search them, seek them, then
tell me what they are.
_______________________________________________________________________
/ \
| 1) I am a foe you can not defeat with a sword, |
| But I can be conquered with a single word. |
| Yet, men and gods send me to oppose all foes. |
| Many will fall perplexed and bewildered as their woes. |
| My only weapon is but mere suggestion, |
| whereas yours lies before you as a question. |
\_______________________________________________________________________/
________________________________ __________________________________
/ \ / \
| 2) Men and their like, | | 3) |
| seek a splendor eons old. | | |
| Precious to many, | | A field of stones, |
| preferred by most. | | in memory of days all in the past.|
| It is treated harshly, | | Where all creatures are equal. |
| with knifes most sharp. | | Where many stop here to rest, |
| They seek not its skin, | | after the long day of tolling. |
| made of earth's bone, | | |
| but the rainbow within. | | |
| Its cold rigid heart. | | |
\________________________________/ \__________________________________/
_______________________________________________________________________
/ \
| 4) We live at the borders of kingdoms four. |
| Our blood is a balance from forces of lore. |
| One is used to build a wall. |
| One is destined to always fall. |
| One is found in an empty hall. |
| One is yearning to grow very tall. |
| Answer now and name them all. |
\_______________________________________________________________________/
_______________________________________________________________________
/ \
| 5) I am a chameleon with a silver shell. |
| I am often stared at yet rarely beheld. |
| I never lie, always telling truthfully what I see, |
| no matter how backwards and misplaced it may be. |
| My health is fragile and easily broken. |
| Reflect now, and let the answer be spoken. |
\_______________________________________________________________________/
_______________________________________________________________________
/ \
| Answers: 1) ??????? |
| 2) ????????, or ???, or ????? |
| 3) ????????? |
| 4) ?????, ?????, ???, ???? Answers will be published |
| 5) ?????? in the next Kelfour Edition |
\_______________________________________________________________________/
-=26=-
____________ The Other Side of Glory:
/ \ _________\ Thoughts Overheard in the Wild
\@| ||=|=|=|| | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| ~~ |_| ~~ | by Warlok T'lark
_| |_| |
/@| _|_|_ | houghts transcribed A mantle of sweat hangs in beads
\_/__________/ and re-written here from my forehead, constantly running
were originally those of common man, into them."
thus were in the simple and ungainly
common language. The notes taken at "How could just anyone write an epic
the time were then recorded, where story, having been in any type of
possible, with great difficulty and fight, how could they ignore it?"
forbearance in translating the more
coarse common tongue, to the fairer "If the only thing I had to deal
language of the Elves. Thus the with was sweat, perhaps it would not
crude vocabulary with which it was be so bad. If only.. there were not
originally made has been replaced the other things chiseling away at
for one of understandability. As a my attempts to blanket my conscious,
result this transcription reflects, freshly steamed cloth wound a bit to
even in its rendering back into the tightly around your head. Kind of
common language, some of the Elvish like men use after a shave, only
form and vocabulary. here its around my head, not face,
and is completely involuntary. The
"Sweat." constant pressure and heat from the
helm, the dampness from the lining,
"Funny, the Bards never sing of it its all getting to me. Tearing what
in their gossamer tales, braggers little is left of my will down piece
never talk of it.. What am I saying, by piece."
heck the braggers probably never
even knew about it." "Strange, I can perceive my thoughts
and responses skipping around in my
"Perspiration, as much as I hate to head, I know they ramble about the
be inflicted with it, I am stuck inconsequential, still I feel unable
without recourse. My body is coated to control or channel cover I have
with a fine sheen of this irritating enmeshed myself in.
concession to the physical morality
of the body. I can feel rivulets of The brush and branches of my cover
it cascading down my face, coursing so entwined around myself and my
along the surface of my insects. One head would create a sound, like a
of the insects, a gnat I think, in bear charging through the underbrush
its haste, makes a poor decision and a noise I am quite sure would rocket
sets down on my face. Before it can through the woods, giving away my
fly off again, it is swept away by a position to those who hunt us, me."
turbulent river of perspiration."
"Damn bugs."
"The insect goes almost unnoticed,
almost, amongst the parade of other "Oh Gods and Lords what are we doing
messages flung at me by my senses. here!"
My body and mind crying out for the
attention of my consciousness." "The desperation wells up inside me.
I so want to wipe my face. To get
"You know, it never occurred to me rid of the sting within my eyes, the
before, but no one ever thinks about itching sensation on my face, my
the sensation of simply sweating. A body, shield entwined around us so
talisy tossed aside." thickly is poised to betray. Simple
movements like breathing, could give
"This condition is more than a mere us away. Give me away."
mental impression, already it caused
my eyes to become a constant sting. "Breathing."
-=27=- More...
"Waging a battle, no more immense Jarak. Come back to me Jarak...."
than that of simple survival, I
struggle to keep my breath quiet. "Alone..."
After running as hard as we had to
reach this plant created asylum, my "Never again will there be an us."
lungs aching and throbbing, my basic
compulsion is to pull deeply within. "I wanna go home. Gods and Lords,
To lay panting on the ground like curse the unlife, curse the tales of
some sorrowful marooned fish." heroism. I wanna go home. Dad, I
should have listened up here. In my
"Often some tale we had listened to mind it all seems so cloudy and far
would mention in Have to push the away. Unreal. A life lived, but not
thoughts of sweat and noise from my my life. No, my entire life has been
concentration. Must try to maintain crouched here in the woods. Hiding.
my focus. Have to stay focused if I With the corpse of the only friend I
want to live. What can I focus on? ever had, sprawled at my feet."
Will no one help me...?"
"Those other memories can not be
"Help...." mine. They are not me. Still, if I
wish to survive this. I had better
"I am not supposed to be scared! The concentrate on that fog. Pull those
hero is never scared. The champion memories back in and make the past
is never so encumbered that simple life seem real. If...."
swallowing is like choking down a
whole dry biscuit in one go. Never "I see myself, I see us, Jarak and I
scared. Always bold and calm as ice sitting in my fathers shed, mugs sit
while the world erupts in chaos atop the oak mantle running all the
around him. way around, sit expectant of thirsty
customers. Around the pit the tables
That is the way it is in stories. are arranged, almost in militaristic
The supposed advice as to what I formation....Arranged that is until
should think about. No instructions the evening patrons arrive and scoot
or words on how to maintain calm. No them around for their own needs."
wisdom on what to do to control your
mind, yourself. No help." "We used to sit on the ledge around
the fire pit and listen to the men
"I have got to fight. Do not think who came in for meals or drink, or
about it." those who came just to lounge around
in the middle of the day. On special
"The contest is a losing struggle." occasions, that is where Lords sit.
What did I know. I had never even
"The past comes unbidden." travelled much outside the inn. True
Lords would never even come to such
"Jarak's foot is resting against my a simple place as this. At least
boot, I can feel him. Strange. So that is what I think now."
strange that I can feel the light
resting pressure of his foot through "Those false lordlings would sit and
the side of the thick leather boots talk for hours. Telling tales of how
that I wear. His foot...." they had killed some creature. Some
kind of fearsome battle with a horde
"Did you not say something you fool! of Manticores and Cockatrices, them
You Idiot! Oh Jarak...." alone against the odds. Destroying
all those arrayed against them. It
"It took so long. I tried so hard. I made our hearts pound and our dreams
could not stop the blood. Could not soar. We had wanted to be just like
keep the wound closed or hold your them.
insides within you when they started
to fold out. The blood. The smell. If they had struggled against what I
The flies buzzing everywhere. Jarak! had seen this day, and went back.
-=28=- More...
Awe is what I feel for them. Awe and "Howling in glee at the sight of
admiration. I wish now that I had blood, at the sight of victory, the
fallen in with a true Lord or Lady. orc did not see what happened next.
Someone who had seen the servants of Jarak's body blocked its line of
the unlife. Someone who could have sight."
trained me or warned me away. I wish
that had happened. I wish... "In the few seconds it took to howl
in glee, I threw the broken sword at
"No, my hatred is for those false it. I was lucky. The hilt hit him on
lords. Those cowards, things calling the exposed part of his face. Not a
themselves men. Making up stories of serious blow. But the impact between
their bravery, but in truth more his eyes stunned him for a second,
afraid of the cock crowing at dawn. caused his eyes to tear up, which
momentarily blinded him. I grabbed
Not on your body, on your thoughts. within him. The muscle wall, damaged
On hate. I wonder if talking to by the sword cut, gave way. I just
myself is a sign I am crazy? Is it watched as his insides slowly began
crazier to ask myself if I am crazy? spilling out, unraveling. Watched as
What if I answer yes? Concentrate." he panicked to stay alive. Watched
as he cried, then died."
"Where was I? oh yes the inn and the
tales, the hate." "A slow painful death. I would have
been sick, but my mind was numb with
"We saved the money my father gave the realness of the moment. Surely
to us each day for almost two years. this could not be happening. It is
Listening to the yarns the whole never this way in the stories. The
time. When we were ready, the men Hero gutted alive. The evil monster
took our money and bought us a few free."
pieces of cheap leather armor and
some old poorly wrought swords. None "Oh Lords and Gods. My Dad warned me
ever mentioned how to move quietly." there was nothing else. The heroism
coursing through my veins. I do not
"In the end I think, I think we were hear the sounds of glory trumpeting
lucky there was only one. We. I was in my ears. All I feel is the desire
lucky." to go home. To lie down and cry. To
wish with the very fiber of my being
"The Orc sprang out in front of us. that today had never happened....
Its body unfolding from within the
surroundings, as if the land itself "If I make it home, there is a thing
had spewed it out." I must do. Some men who need to be
repaid."
"Our training, which at the time was
very little, was brought into play "All in all, I just wanna go home.."
with all our concentration. Our very _ _
little training, so far it was just \@@\__/ @|
enough to keep us alive. Barely. |/ |@|\\
While the Orc continued to slowly /_ __ ||\__
hammer away and gain the advantage." | o/ / o> |@@\
/ /_ __/ | @@\
"We were no challenge to it." \_\/__ / | @@\
---- / \ | |
"Then the bottom dropped out of our /@@@@@@@@@@ | | |
chance for survival. My sword broke. |@@@@@@@@@@ | | | |
The cheap metal snapping like an | @@@@@@@@ / | | |
over dried stick under the force of \ @@@@ |__| / /
the Orcs blows. Jarak, seeing what / \ @@ / \ |
had happened, moved in front of me, | | /\ | | |
the fool, he never had a chance. Oh | | | | | |/
Jarak, I am so sorry...." | | | | | |
-=29=- (___)(___)
____________ When The Sun Shines: Blight
/ \ ___ ___\ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\@| \~\ /~/ | by Lloyd Llowd, PhD
| \ ~ / |
_| |~| |
/@| |~| |ou can tell that it is to strengthen my belief that he is
\_/ ~~~ / a hot summer day in completely illiterate.
~~~~~~~~~~~ Kelfour's Landing when
you see Lord Elvanion frying eggs on The "official" Gladiatorial Games
the stone benches in the Town Square returns once again, the ultimate in
to amuse the youngsters. Hot summer backstabbing and slaughter. At least
nights, on the other hand, seem to Lord Gallenod vetoed Kree's idea
be destined a never-ending plethora that the victors should skin and
of the bizarre and dangerous. search the losers in the arena. (The
rabid ranger just wants the loser's
Rumor has it, the torkaan skinning heads hung on posts on the gate.)
contest, usually the mass slaughter
and denuding of helpless sheep, will Hobbits are still barred from the
be made more interesting this year art contest, as crayon drawings and
by the introduction of some random finger-painting are not considered
monsters into the pens. One wonders art forms. A new twist in the water
if this year's winner will be the tunnel races: those taking a wrong
giant beetle that skins the most turn within the tunnels will find
adventurers. themselves deposited in Claedesbrim
Bay where a Kral raiding ship waits.
The Constable, ever-eager to shirk (They are expecting a few rangers.)
his appointed duties, was last seen
gleefully supervising the laying out All in all I think I shall entertain
of a fresh layer of gravel in the myself with a good book this month,
streets for the preparation of the rather than participate in the low
dragging contest. Wear thick armor brow entertainment that is available
for this one. to us. Of course there is a distinct
shortage of good literature in this
For those of you with insomnia there town. Lady Phaedra suggested I read
are the Bardic Arts contests. Of some back issues of the Kelfour's
particular note will be the annual Edition to, as she put it "gain some
recital of Lord Enegue, accompanied appreciation for the history of your
by Kelfour's Canine Chorus. Included new home."
in the performance will be J. Bock's
aria, "Watchout, Arf!," subtitled I reminded her this would not be my
"Let Sleeping Dogs Lie." home if she would only release my
family and grant safe passage over
Lock up your small pets and domestic the mountains.
animals for this; the Bland Bard's
voice has been known to inspire a Until then I remain your disobedient
mating frenzy in just about every and unwilling serpent.
species except humans and elves. * * *
(For some odd reason, his voice is ***-*-*
the most effective form of birth "Baaaaaaa?" _//* . . *\
control known to humanoids.) *| | *
*********** \ \//
There should be ample opportunity to **************** - *
sleep during the story contests, ************************
though. Lord Gallenod has once again **/_****** *** ***********
been threatening to tell stories in ****** *** ***** *** *
public, as well as print. Despite my ***** *** *** ** *
strongest pleas, the Constable does ) / / ( \ | | /
not consider this a threat to public ( \ \| |) || KEV4N3
sanity and safety, which only serves || || || || [end]
-=30=- ## ## ## ##
See Also: