Kelfour Edition volume I number XI
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_______________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
| | How to START playing SMART! Page 6 |
@_/_____________________________________________________________________/
| |
| |
| GemStone III's April 1991 |
| Vol.1, No.11 |
| _ _ _ ___ |
| / ) / ) / ) / __) |
| / /_/ / ____ / / _/ ( ____ __ __ ____ |
| / __/ / __ ) / / ( __) / _ ) / / / / / ___) |
| / /\ \ / ___/ / / / / / (/ / / (_/ / / / |
| (_/ \_) (____) (_( (_( (____/ (_____( (_( |
| _____ _ _ _ _ |
|_ ___ / ____) / ) (/ _/ ) (/ |
/ \_/ / (__ ___/ / _ ( _) _ ____ ____ |
| _(~)_ / ____) / _ / / ) / / / ) / _ ) / ) |
| (/ : \) / (__ / (/ / / / / / / / / (/ / / /) / |
| |\___/| (_____) (____( (_( (_( (_( (____/ (_((_( |
| \/ \/ |
| \ : / The Kronicles of Kulthea |
| |:| |
|______|:|____________________________________________________________|
|_____________________________________________________________________|
| |
| Open Wide! ................. Editorial by Usul Lu'Nak 1 |
| So You Want to be a Mage ............. Dagmar Istarii 2 |
| KE Back Issues and Forthcoming Index ................ 3 |
| Mathematical Parry ................... Viszier Wazara 4 |
| Starting Out Smart with *MAP* ...... Torgas Thonteros 6 |
| To Be An Adventurer ........... Aeeirnell L'aerlaneir 11 |
| Critical Hits: Spells ............... Valeria Deering 13 |
| Weapons of Power ...................... Lythe L'Green 15 |
| BIG Like Everyone Else ...... Avondale de|{nightSaber 18 |
| Ode to Healers ......................... Jochme Ytier 20 |
| KE Contributors Earn FREE WEEKENDS in GemStone III .. 20 |
| GSIII is ............................................ 21 |
| Hall of FAME ........................................ 21 |
| Understanding the Silence ............... Chad Eberle 22 |
| Pwyll, Prince of Annwfn, Part II ........ Eron Kulsen 24 _|
| Klassifieds ......................................... 27 \
| The Malevolent Meddler ....... Miss Louvella Parsnips 28 |
| |
| \\_________________________________ |
| (ZZZZZZZZZI________________________________/ |
| // |
|_____________________________________________________________________|
| |
| The Kelfour Edition of the Kronicles of Kulthea is devoted to the |
| multiplayer roleplaying game GemStone III on the GEnie Information |
| Network. Submissions are welcome and may be edited for space, |
|_ accuracy and readability. Contact Editor-in-Chief Usul Lu'Nak, |
/ or Publisher Phaedra Bleu via GEMail to P.HERRINGTON for details. |
| Banner art by Yonah |
| __________________________________________________________________|___
| / /
\_/_____________________________________________________________________/
_____________ Open Wide!
/ \ _________ \ """""""""""
\@| ||-|-|-|| | Usul Lu'Nak
_| ~~ |~| ~~ |
/@| |~| |here is no point in First lesson: she LOOKS at things.
\_/ ~~~~~ / skirting the issue: She swallows them whole, eyes open
~~~~~~~~~~~~ I've found a Guru! wide as can be, looking at the world
After a year of playing GSIII with as intensely and perfectly as if just
carefully tended skepticism & strict looking were enough for life, with
avoidance of membership in any orga- nothing else needed. Tis a look that
nized Society, House, or Lord-of-the sees everything fresh, even those
Month Club -- a year in which I have things it is beginning to recognize.
been content to preach from my Ivory Tis a look allowing all possibilities
Tower, priding myself on having been and passing no immediate judgements.
raised right-smackdab-inna-middle of When her eyes lock onto something, I
the Roleplay/Rollplay line in a Show- can feel the raw blaze of discovery
Me- But-At-A-Safe-Distance- State-of- like electricity in the air. When she
Mind, today I stand revealed before locks onto ME, it...well... it seemed
you, an unashamedly dazzled convert. possible for a moment to throw out
the old cast iron familiarity, to
I am now a Newbist. Or maybe the cor- forget everything known, to fill that
rect term is "Newbite." I'm not sure yawning gap with something wholly
which tag is better. One is informal new. It _is_ a wonderful look, with
and a tad dry, the other respectful every second of it full of wonder.
but punchy. As a proper follower of
the Way, I should cede this sort of The second lesson I learned from my
PR decision to a higher authority but Newbie Guru has to do with ratios.
at the moment, I'm my Guru's only Right now everything she learns is a
avowed follower. For although while Really Big Concept. Each new spell &
clear on many things, my Guru has skill, each new command or act, while
not yet gotten the point that she disguised within simple patterns of
_can_ make her presence known. perception and response, is a step
that takes her leagues. On its own,
I mean, she _is_ only a newbie. the difference between parry-tag &
berzerk is a tiny fact. Compared to
Okay, okay. So call me development- her total collection of knowledge, it
ally deprived. Until recently, the is an immense paradigm, and when she
last extensive truck I had with acquires it she advances accordingly.
newbies was when I was a newbie At tenth level her understanding will
myself, and recollections of those be many magnitudes greater, and that
times are necessarily scattered. Then fact will be so small it will hardly
as now, newbies were other people's register, and learning it will not
business; save for brief encounters- move her nearly as far. So Ratios:
mostly involving queries about deeds maybe we don't actually stop learning
in the temple, or at the merchants- as we advance in levels. It just may
they were not _my_ responsibility. seem that way, because we measure the
depth of the pool instead of the
But when I met her, she captured me width and speed of the stream that
with her open gaze and smile. And feeds it.
suddenly, I had a Guru.(And I'm not
talking about an AMIGA here, though Real Soon Now, my Guru will be ready
she _is_ my friend!) <g> to face the Real World outside the
Landing. I hope I can help her stay
Not that she knows it, of course. But on the path she is already on and not
that doesn't matter. I've been Guru'd deflect her, cause watching her watch
all the same. And, I wish to share the world (and thereby watching ME),
with you two of her valuable lessons. I'm moved. And I learn. So open wide!
-1-
So You Want To Be a Mage
""""""""""""""""""""""""
___________ by Dagmar Istarii
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\_\ | o you want to be a especially if you plan to go to Lord
| \~\____ | mage. Good choice. level. A potential of at least 95
_| ~~~~\~\ | Mages have a nice is recommended for AG and QU. 90 or
/@| \~\__/~/ | blend of offensive so for ST, 80 or more for EQ and CO.
\_/ ~~~~~~ / and defensive spells Be flexible, if you get a second 100
~~~~~~~~~~ and spells like Call in AG then you might want to accept
Familiar (my favorite) that make a stat lower then 95 for QU.
playing a lot of fun. Before you go
to the character manager you need to So you got decent potential rolls
think about your goals and re- and have about 33 or so DEV points
sources. How you roll and develop a to start with and perhaps a
mage depends on a number of potential around 40, so which race
variables such as: Do you plan to is best for you. If you plan to
take your mage to Lord level and take your mage to Lord level and can
beyond, or just want to have fun for afford a slow rate of advancement
a few levels and then reroll? when young, the halfling is by far
the best race for all magic users
"Playing the Mage" by Lythe in the except healers. Not only is the
9th issue of Kelfour's Edition is a halfling AG bonus +15, his bonus
good starting point. I agree with against non-elemental magic attacks
most of Lythe's points and his is +50. That +50 is very important
article has useful information like at higher levels when monsters cast
the spell list and what Stats are spells like weapons fire or boil
important to a mage. The following earth. A half-elf has an AG bonus of
guide to rolling and developing a +5 a racial stat penalty of -5 for
mage is meant to complement "Playing resisting spells like boil earth!
the Mage" so read Lythe's article. If you cannot afford the extra hours
getting to level 7 or 8 or plan to
You can spend a week in the reroll after a few levels, then the
character manager and get killer half-elf is best.
stats but with some luck and finesse
you can get very good if not superb Which spell list to learn and where
set of stats in less than 3 hours. to invest the DEV points depend on a
The trick is to only rearrange the number of factors including role-
rolls if you get a 100 and two other playing. If you plan to go to Lord
numbers that are 90+. Otherwise use level then you should distribute
a macro or quick fingers to get a your DEV points to maximize your
new set of D100 rolls. When you get abilities once you reach Lord level.
the 100 and the 90+s put the 100 in If roleplaying is more important to
EM, next highest in AG, then QU and you then you should learn the spells
in descending order put the rest of that fit your persona. Train in 1H
the numbers in ST, EQ, CO, SD, IN, edged weapons at each level. Train
PR and the lowest number in RE. 2 times in directed spells at every
Some may want to reversed the order level and only 1 time in staves and
of AG and QU and also EQ and CO. wands. If you plan to go to Lord
But after a mage gets a few spells level its a waste of 4 DEV points to
like blur and deflection, DB is not train the second time in staves and
a problem. So put the second wands. If you have enough DEV points
highest number in AG. EQ along with to train in all the essential skills
RE determines rate of experience and have 4 DEV points left over then
absorption. Since it costs $6 an you might want to double train in
hour whether you are in the temple staves and wands a few times.
or out adventuring a good EQ is a
must. Keep in mind the potential Try to develop your body each level
stats are the ones that count, until you get about 80 or 90
-2- More...
concussion points if you're a KE Back Issues and Index
halfling, and at least a 100 if a """"""""""""""""""""""""
half-elf. I have skipped body Back issues of Kelfour Edition are
development a couple times when very available in GEnie's MPGames Round-
young but try to avoid doing so. If Table Library on Page 1046. Except
possible put 10 in spell list but for files with .TXT name extensions
now and then you may forced to risk (which can be read by all PCs), they
it and put 8 or 9 in it. I are compressed for faster down-
recommend putting 10 in spell list. loading, and MUST be decompressed
If you have some Dev points left, with the appropriate utility before
investing in climbing, perception, you can read them. ARC files are
runes, channeling, first aid and for Amiga and IBM-compatibles, BXY
trading is recommended. As you for Apple, SIT & CPT for Macintosh.
approach Lord level stop training in
1-handed edge. Instead train in To download the back issues you're
brawling. A Lord level mage will missing, select item #6 on page 1046
have no need for a sword, he will and simply enter the appropriate
rely solely on wands and magic. You file numbers as shown below:
can parry weapon and claw attacks
with your brawling skill. After March 1991 February 1991
reaching level 19, Dagmar stopped """""""""" """""""""""""
carrying a sword. 166 KEDITION10.SIT 36 KEDITION9.SIT
165 KEDITION10.BXY 19 KEDITION9.ARC
Learn shockbolt first. Then get the 164 KEDITION10.ARC 18 KEDITION9.TXT
first 3 spells in Closed Essence. 163 KEDITION10.TXT
Go back to Mages list and get magic December 1990
edge. Then stay in Closed Essence January 1991 """""""""""""
till you learn the 12th spell, Slow """""""""""" 17 KEDITION7.BXY
II. Then go back to mages and stay 31 KEDITION8.CPT 16 KEDITION7.TXT
there. Of course if you really must 30 KEDITION8.TXT 15 KEDITION7.ARC
have a familiar as soon as possible 28 KEDITION8.BXY 14 KEDITION7.SIT
then just go to Haste I in Closed 26 KEDITION8.ARC
Essence and then stay in Mages list. October 1990
Having those 12 spells in closed November 1990 """"""""""""
essence will not only make """"""""""""" 65 KEDITION5.SIT
advancement easier, you will be able 29 KEDITION6.SIT 64 KEDITION5.ARC
to do more for your hunting party. 27 KEDITION6.ARC 63 KEDITION5.TXT
25 KEDITION6.BXY
In time, implementation of the August 1990
engagement combat system may require September 1990 """""""""""
some adjustments to this guide. """""""""""""" 50 KEDITION3.SIT
Hopefully the multi-spell gain 47 KEDITION4.SIT 49 KEDITION3.TXT
system and the racial Stat 46 KEDITION4.ARC 48 KEDITION3.ARC
Bonus/Penalty Table proposed and 45 KEDITION4.TXT
posted by Riverwind last April will June 1990
also be implemented at that time. July 1990 """""""""
In any case, we will have to adjust """"""""" 52 KEDITION1.TXT
our combat tactics once the engage- 57 KEDITION2.SIT
ment combat system is implemented. 55 KEDITION2.ARC
I suspect this will rival the inter- 54 KEDITION2.TXT !!! INDEX !!!
esting and challenging time we had """""""""""""
last summer when we had to discard KE plans to publish an index of our
the combat tactics revolving around first year's contents next month,
a mage casting Sleep. I did like cross-referrenced by topic and
the way we tended to hunt in large author. Anyone interested in work-
parties back then. Lately I have ing on this project should send
seen a trend toward larger parties GEMail to Publisher Phaedra Bleu
again, and I hope it continues. (P.HERRINGTON) before April 30th.
-3-
Mathematical Parry
""""""""""""""""""
By Viszier Wazara
_______________
/ \ ____ ____\
\@| +|~| __ |~|+| hen I began playing GemStone, I did what everyone does,
| |~|/~~\|~| | hunt kobolds. But they don't have much treasure. It's
_| |~/~/\~\~| | the tougher monsters like hobgoblins which have fair
/@| _|__/ \__|_| amounts of treasure, and I was told they were very tough.
\_/_____________/ After reading several articles on monsters, I figured they
couldn't be THAT bad, so I took my short sword out to Hobland and found
that, although I could easily hit one, it had a 20% chance of hitting me.
And of that 20%, half of it will be a critical hit! I then began playing
with parry, but couldn't get it down because I was missing some info. Soon
came KE8 and Yashantre's article providing, among other things, what I
needed on weapon ToHit numbers. I also discovered that using a handaxe
against hobs increases my chance to hit and allows me to do more damage. I
copied the combat reports and began tweaking numbers.
What I came up with is worksheet that allows you to compute several parry
levels, determining which is best for you and what monsters to avoid. I
find that allowing them to score basic hits just short of what they need for
a critical hit allows the greatest attack ability with minimal risk. This
worksheet will show you:
1. What parry 0% will allow.
2. What you need to use as parry so you cannot be hit.
3. What parry setting will allow only minimal hits to occur.
It can easily be modified to any monster's scores. If the monster has two
or more attack types, it's best to set your parry so you won't get hurt by
the attack that has the easiest chance to hit you.
In this example I'm using my Ranger's 1st level stats vs. a hobgoblin
wielding a battleaxe. I'm wearing heavy hide armor and using a handaxe.
The numbers in [ ] are mine and the hob's figures. But before you can do
this, you must determine the following about yourself and your prey:
Your OB & DB at Parry 0 [44,45]
THT (the number your weapon needs to hit target's armor) [54]
The number when your armor receives criticals [10/50]
Your target's OB and DB [50,25]
MTHT (the number the monster needs to hit your armor) [79]
The number when your prey's armor receives criticals [20/74]
The worksheet on the next page is divided in two: half for You vs. The Hob
and half for The Hob vs. You. Computation starts on the hobgoblin's side
since defense is a better offense. In each half there are four sections:
Section 1: OB vs DB = the bonus or penalty ToHit Mod,
Parry Percentage or Amount of OB used for DB
Has 3 lines Parry 0: a full out attack
Parry so it cannot hit you
Parry so it can only score minor hits
Section 2: THT is the number you have to score or higher ToHit.
Mod is the bonus/penalty added to a d100 roll.
Hits on>## is the D100 roll or greater that will
actually be a hit
-4- More...
Section 3: Score 20 or 74 higher than what you need ToHit and
you will score a critical on the Hobgoblin
If it scores 10 or 50 higher than what he needs ToHit
the hobgoblin will score a critical on you.
Numbers in ( ) are the d100 roll you need to score the
critical for each parry type. If it is over 100 then
the critical can't be scored.
Section 4: Shows Minimum and Maximum "Modified" rolls
Computing and using the worksheet:
1. Find out what the monster needs to hit your armor. [79]
2. Subtract this from 100 if you don't want it to hit you, [-21]
or from 92 if you want him to have a slim chance to hit you.
(Why? So you can have 8 more points to hit with!) [-13]
3. This number will help you find what your DB needs to be so
that you can determine what to set your parry to.
Original DB[45] - this DB requirement [71 or 63] will give you
[26 or 18] which is the # of OB points that need to be used for DB.
4. Your original OB [44] - [26 or 18] = New OB [18 or 26]
5. New OB / Old OB = % of parry needed for these results
As you can see on the left side of the worksheet, parrying this way gives
the monster a disadvantage but leaves you with a large margin for hitting
and scoring basic criticals.
----------------------------------------+-----------------------------------
You vs. a Hobgoblin | Hobgoblin vs. You
""""""""""""""""""" | """""""""""""""""
OB DB Parry: % |OB DB Parry: DB+OB
44 - 25 = Mod+19 Parry: 0 |50 - 45 = Mod+ 5 + 0 OB
18 - 25 = Mod- 7 Parry: 60 Him-miss |50 - 71 = Mod-21 +26 OB
26 - 25 = Mod+ 1 Parry: 40 Him-hitlow |50 - 63 = Mod-13 +18 OB
|
THT54 / Mod+19 = Hits on>35 d100 roll |THT79 / Mod+ 5 = Hits on>74
/ Mod- 7 = Hits on>61 | / Mod-21 = Hits on>100
/ Mod+ 1 = Hits on>53 | / Mod-13 = Hits on>92
|
Hit >20 = Critical1 ( 55)( 81)( 73) |Hit >10 = Critical1 (84)(110)(102)
Hit >74 = Critical2 (109)(135)(127) |Hit >50 = Critical2 (134)(150)(142)
|
Min: 20(- 6)( 2) |Min: 6(-20)(-12)
Max:119( 93)(101) |Max:105( 79)( 87)
---------------------------------------+-----------------------------------
Thanks to:
Monster Statistics & Listings
A Beastiary Of Kelfour's by Lythe L'Green(KE7)
Weapon vs. Armor ToHit Numbers
Everything About Weapons & Armor by Yashantre Spleenbender(KE8)
Monster's claw and spell to hit numbers.
Spells and Armors by Yashantre Spleenbender(KE9)
-5-
Starting Out Smart!
"""""""""""""""""""
by Torgas Thonteros
_____________
/ \ _________ \
\@| ||-|-|-|| |his article provides The first five of these are
| ~~ |~| ~~ |information essential "Development Stats"; i.e. your
_| |~| |to getting started numbers here also determine how many
/@| _|_|_ |smoothly and effici- development points you get for your
\_/___________/ently in GemStone. It training (see below: II.Training).
touches on several areas that often For extensive discussion of the ten
concern and puzzle new players. stats and their characteristics and
While it is impossible to explain skills training, you must read "How
fully here all that you will need to to Design a Better Character" by
know, I hope to provide a basic Lythe L'Green, KE5, p.18. Consider
foundation on which you can start it required, co-requisite reading
out on a strong footing. for this section and the next.
I.Rolling Your Character You should go through the whole
"""""""""""""""""""""" character generation process at
Rolling a good character is least once before seriously rolling
important for short term survival as a character, noting the various
well as accession of levels later in professions' Realms and Prime
your character's life. Quick-Gen Requisites, and also the stat
characters are practically worthless bonuses for different races on the
unless you simply plan on killing a Race Selection Table. A Prime
little time (and yourself!) in Requisite stat will be an automatic
Kulthea, so choose Full Character 90 (potentials can still be higher)
Generation. unless the roll you assign there is
greater. As you select your
Ten rolls of a 100-sided die will character's race, consider a
provide the numbers for your ten particular race's advantages and
stats. I recommend rerolling until disadvantages to the stats important
at least 3 or 4 of the ten rolls are to both your survival and your
in the high 90's. This may take a chosen profession.
while, but consider the time you
spend rerolling will save you much Following are some suggestions on
more time as your character assigning rolls. These are BASIC
develops. Also, do NOT settle for guidelines, and you may want to
the computer's random organization deviate from them depending on what
of your rolls. you want to develop in your
character. Basically, put your best
Later in the Full Character rolls in stats important to your
Generation another d100 will be survival and profession. Potentials
rolled for each to determine how are worth waiting for, so if you
much greater the potential is for have extremely high potentials in
each (at each level stats may be your important stats and overall,
randomly increased until their stick with it. STrength Bonus is
potentials are fulfilled). Don't applied to your physical Offensive
give up on a character-generation Bonus (OB) and QUickness bonus to
attempt until after you have seen your Defensive Bonus (DB) (see
the potentials, unless the original below: III. Fighting), so it is
d100 rolls were horrendous. The ten important to assign excellent rolls
stats are COnstitution, AGility, there, particularly if you will rely
Self Discipline, EloQuence, on physical offense. If your
REasoning, STrength, QUickness, profession has Constitution,
PResence, INtuition, and EMpathy. Reasoning, or Eloquence as a prime
-6- More...
requisite, assign your lowest roll skills, and are awarded based on the
there. If not, PResence is not value of your development stats.
particularly important currently, so The highest award is 10 development
put your lowest roll there. Self points for a stat of 100; thereafter
Discipline is also not that useful as the stats decrease the
(bonus against fear spells and gaze development points decrease in a
attacks which you won't encounter smoothed distribution. Th chart
often). Consider the chart show below shows distribution for the
here as a general overview of where range 100-41, which should cover
to put your rolls. most players' stats. For stats of
100-96, development points decrease
II. Training Your Character by .2 from 10 for each point below
""""""""""""""""""""""" 100; and for stats of 95-91,
A. You train your character three development points decrease by .1
times when you start. The first and from 9.0 for each point below 95:
second represent your training in
your adolescence and apprenticeship, B. What follows is basic advice on
respectively. You will see the what to train in. For full
results of these trainings when you explanations of the skills and more
first get into GemStone. The third comprehensive advice on training,
time represents the skills you will again consult Lythe L'Green's
receive upon attaining second level. article in KE5, p.18. You should
Upon attaining second level, and at train in the same weapon throughout
each accession thereafter, you will every chance you get, at least
be able to train again. through the first several levels.
If you have the option, train in the
Development points are the means weapon you can learn twice per level
with which you "pay" for training in every chance you get. Each training
____________________________________________________________________
| |
| KEY: br=best rolls 97+ hr=high rolls 95+ lr=low roll |
| au=use automatic 90 (put lowest roll) |
| Where nothing is denoted, next highest rolls available are okay |
| |
| STATS |
| """"" |
| Prfssion: CO AG SD EQ RE ST QU PR IN EM |
| |
| Fighter au hr lr br br lr lr |
| Thief hr lr br br lr hr lr |
| Mage br lr au hr br lr br |
| Cleric lr au br br lr br lr |
| Healer hr lr au br br lr br lr |
| Sorceror hr lr hr br lr br br |
| Ranger au lr br br lr hr lr |
| Bard lr au br br lr hr |
|____________________________________________________________________|
| |
| STAT Point conversion to DEV Points |
| """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" |
| STAT PTS:|100-96 | 95-91 | 90 | 89-87 | 86-84 | 83-81 | 80-78 |
| DEV PTS: | 10-9.2| 9.0-8.6| 8.4 | 8.2 | 8.0 | 7.7 | 7.4 |
| |
| STAT PTS:| 77-75 | 74-72 | 71-68 | 67-64 | 63-60 | 59-41 |
| DEV PTS: | 7.0 | 6.8 | 6.6 | 6.3 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
|____________________________________________________________________|
-7- More...
(for the first ten times) will realm should also train in Directed
provide +5 to your Offensive Bonus. Spells every chance possible, as
Two-handed weapons do devastating Directed Spells training increases
damage, but wielders must forego the the OB on essence spell (and wand)
use of a shield. One-handed attacks.
crushing weapons generally have
better THT (To HiT) against targets Staves and Wands is an excellent
and inflict more damage and better skill to learn if you can afford
criticals than one-handed edged both this skill and Directed Spells,
weapons. One-handed edged weapons as wands can be potent weapons. See
training, however, costs fewer "The Delicate Art of Waving" by Twie
development points. Bows and Thrown Montecristo, KE9, p.10 for a
weapons are not implemented so avoid comprehensive discussion on wands.
them for now.
Skills not particularly useful,
Training in Body Development every because they're not implemented at
chance you can through lower levels this time, are Swimming, Riding and
will give you the concussion points Runes. You should avoid spending
("cps") you need to help withstand your points here. First Aid, aside
attacks that hit you. When your from allowing you to skin animals
concussion points remaining reaches better, helps you temporarily
zero, you die. The more you have staunch the flow of blood from
the longer you may live; it's as certain wounds; healers do a much
simple as that. Also, if you lose better job of dealing with the
too many cps, you will experience a wounded so I usually avoid first
negative modification of your OB and aid. Trading is not necessary
DB, from -10 to -30. Unless you are (allows you to get better prices
a healer (who needs cps to restore from town merchants). Another skill
cps to other players) or plan on which you may wish to avoid is Pick
wearing heavier armor (see Armor Pockets lest it cause you more grief
below) 100 cps or so is enough. than good; offenders have been
strictly punished in the past, and
Pick Locks, Disarm Traps, Percep- many characters I know consider it
tion, Stalk/Hide, Climbing, Ambush akin to an attack.
and Brawling are excellent skills to
learn if they're not too expensive Armor training, if you have the
for your profession. Channeling is spare points, can be a good
also a good skill for spellcasters, investment. Rigid Leather and Chain
if not too expensive, in that it Mail are the most popular choices,
allows the transfer of power points respectively. The advantage of
needed for spell-casting to and from better armor is that it reduces the
others trained in channeling. chance of "criticals" -- blows that
Important for healers and clerics, stun, maim, or kill you outright.
who go through power points quickly. However, the higher the AT armor
within each class of armor, the
Pure Spellcasters should train in greater the restriction on mobility
Spell Lists ten times per level to with its better THT (To HiT) on you
be sure of learning a spell. Each for the attacker AND greater loss to
train gives you a ten percent chance your OB and DB. Training in armor
of learning a spell upon accession serves to reduce the penalty of the
of the next level. Semispellcasters higher AT armor to specific
should weigh their desire to learn minimums, which you will not be able
spells against their desire to learn to avoid. What all this means is
other skills. Spell List training that while you are wearing armor,
is cumulative, so if you fail a you will be easier to hit; but
learning attempt, the training instead of receiving critical blows
carries over to the attempt at next you may simply lose more concussion
level. Spellcasters of the essence points. Therefore, you will not be
-8- More...
able to use armor effectively until Defensive Bonus (DB). In combat,
you can withstand the loss to your the DB of the target is subtracted
OB and DB AND endure the loss of from the OB of the attacker to
concussion points (translation: arrive at a positive or negative
many levels later). If you are modifier on a roll of 100. The
interested in armor, enter the Tomes modified roll is then compared to
on page 931, query "armor" then the THT of the target; if the
choose # 3. You will find a list of modified d100 roll is GREATER than
the armor types and their respective the THT of the target, the target
characteristics/penalties. In the will be hit. The extent of the
armor table the left column "cps" damage and/or incidence of
represents a penalty to your DB via "criticals" is dependent on how much
your quickness bonus. This penalty the THT was exceeded by the modified
applies only to your bonus: you roll. For example:
will not receive a negative
quickness "bonus" if your bonus is You swing a falchion at a karnelin!
less than the penalty. The middle OB: 100 vs DB: 45 = +55
column represents the maximum THT 80, d100 roll: 73, modified: 128
penalty to your DB and OB for lack ...and hit for 20 concussion points
of training: each train will reduce of damage! Extra 3 hits!
the penalty to DB and OB by 5 until [extra cps damage, for a good hit]
you reach the minimums in the left
and right columns. The right column Basically, OB is composed of your
represents a maneuver penalty to STrength bonus and weapon skill or
your DB and OB. You should also see brawling skill for physical attacks,
Yashantre Spellbinder's extremely and Agility Bonus and Directed
helpful articles on armor in KE8 and Spells skill for elemental attack
KE9 for armor performance vs. spells. Your DB is your QUickness
weapons, attacks and spells. bonus plus shield bonus (+20 for
ordinary shield against physical
You should start out with heavy attacks) minus the armor penalties
hide. You do NOT need training to if any. Magic items/spells can also
use heavy hide AT 4 armor, and it is increase OB and DB. More important,
so effective many high levelers DB is increased by any percentage of
continue to use it. Also, use your OB that you assign to your DB.
greaves, helm, aventail, and a By typing "parry <# from 0-100>" you
shield if you can. They help reduce assign that percentage of your OB to
the severity of injuries to their your DB. So if your OB is 100 and
respective locations. your DB by itself is 50, by parrying
100 (applying 100% of your OB to
III. Fighting your DB) your DB will be 150.
"""""""" Sounds great, huh? "Where's the
A. Before you leave town make sure catch?" you may be asking. The
your weapon is in your RIGHT hand trade-off is that you can't use the
and your shield, if you have one, is OB assigned to your DB in an attack.
in your LEFT hand. Type INV In our example above, if you
(INVentory) to check. If they are attacked the karnelin while parrying
not in the correct hands, you will 100, your OB would be 0! Needless
NOT get their bonuses in offense or to say, you will not be able to hit
defense! Type SWAP to swap items in much that way, much less kill
your hands. anything. Successful fighting
requires smart (sometimes quick)
B. Offensive Bonus/Defensive Bonus manipulation of the parrying system.
An integral part of combat is It is a good idea to play "parry
effective use of the parrying tag" at lower levels, until you are
system. First, you need to know more comfortable with the parrying
about Offensive Bonus (OB) and system. Before you encounter a
-9- More...
monster, make sure you are at PARRY to...leg" (2-3 rounds), and
100, parrying with 100% of your OB "crushing blow to...head", "slash
to your DB. Type PAR (parry) to across...eye", and "severed [limb]"
check where your parry is set. Type (10 round stuns). Parry 0 and
PAR 100 if you are not parrying 100. attack a stunned monster while
When you encounter a monster, wait keeping track of your attacks.
for it to attack you, then Parry 100 when it is about to come
immediately type PAR 0 and attack. out of the stun.
Then immediately PAR 100 again and
wait for the next attack, and so on. Where an attack is particularly
While at parry 0 you are using all vicious (where THT is exceeded by a
of your OB for the attack. The certain number, and dependent on
objective of this procedure is to victim's armor) death may be
give you maximum defense while you instantaneous!
are being attacked and maximum
offense when you are attacking. IV. Death and Resurrection
Some monsters are faster than """"""""""""""""""""""
others, but for most you will At first level you are allowed nine
initially encounter you will be able deaths. If you die ten times your
to get in one swing safely each character is vaporized (gone for-
time. When you are more comfortable ever, seeya!). If you die, ask a
with parrying, try adjusting your companion to get your stuff, then
parrying while waiting for the type DEPART. You will be returned
attack so as to allow the monster to the temple in a considerably
between -5 and +5 above the THT to weakened state. Do NOT leave the
hit you. This will often prevent temple until you are back to normal,
the monster from running (some would as you will have but a tiny fraction
rather run than fight an unhittable of your OB and DB; type HEAL
target!) while you still can avoid (health) to check on your "mod" and
critical hits that will stun you. do not venture out again until it
says 0. Note also that if you die
Another fighting tactic is to fight more than five times at first level,
with your parry set at some you will need deeds (see below) to
percentage that allows you a make up the difference before you
sufficient OB to hit the target claim second level, else you will be
frequently while increasing your DB vaporized. Deeds won't prevent you
to the point where you are from being vaporized at first level
relatively safe. This tactic at the tenth death, so be careful if
requires strong OB and/or DB you're close.
figures, so you may not be able to
fight this way effectively when you At and after second level you have
are starting out. no "free deaths," but you may donate
alexandrite agates in the temple to
C. Criticals get deeds which are essentially
""""""""" credits against death. However, if
In battle you will eventually stun a you use a deed, you may experience a
monster or (ack!) be stunned stat loss upon attaining the next
yourself. A stun normally drops the level (potentials are never
victims's DB by at least 20 (depends affected), as well as lose any
on the nature of the injury) and, carried silvers, carried posses-
more importantly, prevents it from sions and stored experience gained
attacking or running. You will not on the trip. The BETTER alternative
be told specifically how long a is to have a cleric resurrect you.
monster is stunned. You must pay At most you will lose items held in
attention to the type of injury you your hands (which are dropped upon
inflict: some of the more common death). Do NOT type DEPART!
are "painful blow to the...arm" (1 Instead have a friend call for a
round stun), "crushing blow cleric, type QUIT and go to the
-10- More...
MPGames RTC on p.1045 and wait. But your mind, before being converted to
don't wait long before typing QUIT; actual experience points. Type
you have only FOUR MINUTES before EXPerience and check on the state of
you are AUTOMATICALLY departed! your mind. When you see the message
"Your mind can't take much more of
If alone when killed, you can post a this! You must rest!", your mind is
note describing your location and holding all the experience it can.
how to coordinate the time of This is frequently called being
resurrection on the MPGames Bulletin "fried", "maxxed" or "blown". The
Board, p. 1045, Category 17, Topic EQ stat dictates how much experience
9 (for 911) or try to have someone your mind can hold. You will get
arrange for a cleric help you if you much less experience for kills made
are at least second level. You will during this state of mind; at this
be very weak after a resurrection, point you should rest to absorb this
so get to the temple the fastest way stored experience into actual
possible to recuperate. numerical experience. The best way
to absorb experience is to put your
V. Experience weapon and shield away and lie down,
"""""""""" at the temple (where you absorb
You get experience points for the twice as fast and are safe). When
monsters you kill. If you are your mind is back to clear or fresh
hunting in a group, EACH attacker and clear, you should head back out
will get FULL experience for the again. The RE stat controls how
monster provided each does fast you convert stored experience
approximately equal damage, so don't into experience points. You need
be greedy! The equation for 10,000 experience points to advance
computing experience is: EXP = 100 each level up to and including 5th.
+ (25*[monster level - your level
]). Experience is first stored in More next page...
------------------------------------------------------------
To Be An Adventurer
"""""""""""""""""""
by Aeeirnell "The Poet" L'aerlaneir
To be an Adventurer is the life for me,
To roam the lands so wild and free,
Relying on sword and skill alone,
With a little luck to see me home.
To be an Adventurer and set the pace,
For the thrill of the hunt and need for the chase,
The gleam of steel, the glory of battle,
The vanquished foes in my cold, dark shadow.
To be an Adventurer in a quest for fun,
To do what I can 'fore my time is done,
To seek out a foe in his darkest nest,
And in mortal combat I hope to best.
To travel, to seek, to quest, and to find,
To strengthen the body, to broaden the mind,
In my heart of hearts, what else could there be,
But to be an Adventurer and to see what's to see.
-11-
VI. What and Where to Hunt If you find yourself accidentally
"""""""""""""""""""""" in the werebear area get out as
You should stick to torkaans and quickly as you can. Below is a map
kobolds when you are starting out. of the hunting areas around town
Karnelins are a lot tougher, so it with their usual monsters, listed in
may be best to stay away from them order of frequency. Also included
for a while. You should definitely is a direct route to the temple in
avoid wolverines as their razor case you need help or rest, or just
sharp teeth and claws have made want to hang out and talk.
short work of many unwary Remember, feel free to ask questions
adventurers! Werebears are much of other players. Most will be
worse: besides having savage happy to help you if you ask
attacks, they are of the Unlife and politely. Good luck, good hunting,
cannot be hit by ordinary weapons. and have fun!
Temple to Torkaans, Kobolds, and Karnelins
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
a-a: go gate
N a-b,b-a: go path
W + E c-c: go path
S [ ] d-e: west from D,1-way
\ T: go temple
[c]
/ \
[c] [a]
Karnelins, | / \
Kobolds, [ ] [b] [a] <--Gate
Wolverines, / | |
[ ] Torkaans [e]--[ ] -[d] [ ]-[ ]
/ \ | / | |
[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
\ | / | |
| [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
\ / |up/dn | | \
[ ] [ ]--[ ]--[ ] [ ] [ ]--[ ]--[ ]--[ ]
\ | | |
[ ] [ ] [ ]
| / |
[ ] [ ] [ ]--[ ]
/ | | \
[ ] [ ] [ ] Torkaans,
| | \ / Kobolds,
[f]--[g] [ ] occasional Wolverine!
\ / |
w: Werebear *[w]*_ [ ]
area! * \ \
| [ ]
w-f,f-w: go trail | |
w-g,g-w: go path | [ ] Torkaans, Kobolds,
w-h: go clearing | | occasional Wolverine!
| [ ]
| |
| [ ]
| /
| [ ]
| |
\ [ ]
\ |
-------- [h]�
Critical Hits: Spells
"""""""""""""""""""""
by Valeria Deering
___________
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\_\ |ince I am not a spellcaster, I haven't personally witnessed
| \~\____~ | all of these crits, and your mileage may vary. Note that
_| _~~~~\~\ | most high level/large type monsters are immune to stun.
/@| \~\__/~/ | Being vaporized, while painful, is not quite as bad as it
\_/ ~~~~~~ / sounds. Certain weapons (maces, etc.) use the Impact Crit
~~~~~~~~~~ Table. Severity of critical (A,B,... E) is determined identi-
cally for spells as for weapon attacks, based on how much the To Hit
Threshold is exceeded. THTs for spells, however, differ wildly from THTs
for weapons. See last month's KE for a full explanation of Critical Hits.
HEAT CRITICAL HITS COLD CRITICAL HITS
"""""""""""""""""" """"""""""""""""""
< 05 Hot air (no effect) < 05 Cool breeze (no effect)
06-20 Strong heat (+3 hits) 06-20 Cold blast (+3 hits)
21-35 Minor burns (+8 hits) 21-35 Frosty burn to chest (+7
36-50 Blinded by smoke (+12 hits, hits)
1rd stun) 36-50 Mild frostbite (+5 hits)
51-65 Clothing catches on fire (+12 51-65 Cold strike to back (+9
hits, 3rd stun, knocked down) hits, 2rd stun)
66-79 Knocked down by fiery blast 66-79 Low blast (1rd stun)
(+10 hits, knocked down) 80 Icy blast to head(20rd stun)
80 Blast to head (+15 hits) 81-86 Strike to leg (3rd stun,
81-86 Fire engulfs back (1rd stun, knocked down)
knocked down) 87-89 Strike to neck and collar(w/
87-89 Strike to head (6rd stun) (aventail,10rd stun; death)
90 Head becomes charred stump 90 Blast freeze-dries head
(death) (death)
91-96 Shield arm fried (5rd stun) 91-96 Thigh iced (4rd stun)
97-99 Upper leg burn (6rd stun) 97-99 Side strike freezes, shat-
100 Blast to neck fuses vertebrae ters pelvis (ouch, death)
(death) 100 Head strike, eyes frozen
101-106 Blast to leg (20rd stun)
107-109 Head strike (with helm: 101-106 Blast freezes both hands
20rd stun; without: death) (5rd stun)
110 Midsection vaporized (death) 107-109 Heart and lungs frozen
111-116 Blast to chest (+12 hits, (death)
3rd stun, knocked down) 110 Shatters chest, freezes
117-119 Fire engulfs body (+25 hits) bodily fluids (death)
>120 All that remains are charred 111-116 Icy blast to chest (10rd
bits of teeth and bone (vaporized) stun, knocked down)
117-119 Frozen into lifeless statue
IMPACT CRITICAL HITS (death)
"""""""""""""""""""" 120 Frozen solid, then shatters
<05 Not even a scratch (no effect) into thousands of pieces (vaporized)
06-20 Grazing shot (+5 hits)
21-35 Staggered by strike to side ELECTRICITY CRITICAL HITS
(+10 hits, 1rd stun) """""""""""""""""""""""""
36-50 Strike to shoulder, spun about <05 Hair stands up (no effect)
51-65 Strike to leg (+8 hits, 06-20 Light charge (+3 hits, 1 stn)
knocked down) 21-35 Explosion of light(1rdstun)
66-79 Blast toshield arm (+10 hits 36-50 Medium charge (+6 hits,2rstn)
no shield, broken arm, 3rd stun) 51-65 Heavy charge (+9 hits, 3 stn)
80 Strike to head (+12 hits; 66-79 Strike to shield arm
if no helm, death) -13- (+12 hits) More...
81-86 Blow to upper leg, muscles 80 Strike to side devastates
torn (+15 hits) nervous system (death)
87-89 Blast to collar (+12 hits, 5stn) 81-86 Strike to weapon arm, 6r stn
90 Strike to neck (+20 hits) 87-89 Permeated by electricity,
91-96 Blow to knee, knee dis- nervous system rearranged (death)
located (+15 hits, 9rd stun) 90 Head strike (w/helm 20 rd
97-99 Strike abdomen (+18 hits,10 stn) stun, without death)
100 Blast tohead fractures skull 91-96 Chest strike (10rd stun)
(w/helm: 20rd stun; w/o death) 97-99 Electrifying experience,
101-106 Blow to jaw (+15 hits, 7rd st) massive shock to brain (death)
107-109 Blow to side, bone driven 100 Nervous system acts as super
into kidneys (death) conductor, fine light show (death)
110 Disrupt chest, lungs and 101-106 Strike to face (8rd stun,
heart explode, very messy (death) if no helm: knocked down)
111-116 Spun by blow (3rd stun, 107-109 Chest strike destroys heart
knocked down) and lungs (death)
117-119 Blast shatters skull into 110 Head no longer available for
thousands of particles (death) use, smoke and ozone (death)
>120 Blast annihilates entire 111-116 Abdomen strike (7rd stun)
skeleton, reduced to a gelatinous 117-119 Chest strike destroys both
pulp, try a spatula (vaporized) lungs, cut in half (death)
>120 Charge disrupts cell struc-
GRAPPLING CRITICAL HITS ture, body turned to dust (vaporized)
"""""""""""""""""""""""
<05 An opportunity lost LARGE (SPELL) CRITICAL HITS
06-20 Passing strike (+2 hits) """""""""""""""""""""""""""
21-35 Attack fended off (+3 hits, <05 Size of creature awes you
1rd stun) (no effect)
36-50 Attack to upper leg, spun 06-20 +5 hits
about (1rd stun) 21-35 +8 hits
51-65 Shield arm entangled 36-50 +10 hits
(drop shield) 51-65 +12 hits
66-79 Weapon arm grasped (2rd 66-79 +15 hits
stun, drop weapon) 80 Unbalanced by blast (+15
80 Both legs entangled (+9 hits, 2rd stun)
hits, 10rd stun, knocked down) 81-86 Staggered by strong blast
81-86 Weapon arm grappled (3rd (+20 hits, 1rd stun)
stun, drop weapon) 87-89 Strike to leg (+15 hits,
87-89 Completely entangled 2rd stun)
(knocked down) 90 Blast into mouth (+30 hits,
90 Vicious hold around neck knocked down)
(10rd stun) 91-96 Spun by blast (+18 hits,
91-96 Head grappled (9rd stun) 1rd stun)
97-99 Both arms entangled 97-99 Side strike (+25 hits, 3 st)
100 Neck grappled (with aventail 100 Strike to midsection (death)
3rd stun; without: death) 101-106 Head strike, momentarily
101-106 Chest grasped, ribs broken confused (+20 hits, 2rd stun)
(5rd stun) 107-109 Blast buckles left leg
107-109 Legs entangled, fall and (+25 hits)
break weapon arm (+20 hits, 110 Vicious blast, neck crunched
10rdstun, knocked down, drop weapon) spine severed (death)
110 Neck grappled (with aventail 111-116 Strike to eyes (+15 hits,
drop weapon, 5rd stun; w/o: death) 2rd stun)
111-116 Foot entangled, stumble, 117-119 Strike to body destroys
fall (2rd stun, drop weapon) variety of organs (death)
117-119 Both legs wrapped up (+20 >120 Superb strike drives rib
hits, 10rd stun, knocked down) through heart (death)
120 Windpipe crushed (death)
-14-
Kelfour's Weapons of Power
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Lythe L'Green
_____________
/ \ _________ \
\@| ||=|=|=|| |he weapon shop offers wicked critical injuries to an
_| ~~ |_| ~~ | a variety of well- opponent. Unfortunately, even
/@| _|_|_ | crafted weapons, those skilled in the use of two-
\_/__________/ forged from the fin- handed weapons will find the
est materials in Kul- claidhmore to be a slow and
thea. However, these weapons aren't difficult weapon to wield.
the only ones to be found: More
powerful weapons, some unique, DRAKE FALCHION: This weapon could
circulate the land in the hands of be mistaken for a normal falchion if
monsters and fellow adventurers. it weren't for the hilt shaped much
like the jaws of a dragon. When
I. Rare Weapons of Kelfour wielded in combat, it will
""""""""""""""""""""""" occasionally flare up with eldritch
ANCIENT EOG: Once, there was a day flames, inflicting terrible burns on
when the eog mined was purer. This an opponent. These old, magical
eog was forged into mighty weapons blades are found on rare occasion
that were receptive to magic; mages in the treasure hordes of the
could enchant such eog blades to monsters which inhabit the wilds of
swing with even greater might and Kulthea.
strength. Some of these ancient
weapons still circulate the land, FALCHION: Long ago, the falchion
and are highly valued. Alas, this was the favored weapon of the great
ancient eog cannot easily be lords of Castle Claedesbrim.
distinguished from the modern, more Unfortunately, the delicate forging
crude variety -- only an attempt at of this deadly, curved sword has
enchantment will reveal its true been lost to the smiths of Kelfour.
nature. Should such a weapon come Today, most of the falchions that
into your possession, keep it well. are found must be claimed from the
ancient warriors of Claedesbrim that
BATTLE AXE and FLAIL: Too often, now haunt the depths of its dungeon
the goblinoid races are regarded as as hideous wight lords.
stupid by the other races. However,
this is simply not true -- they are MORNING STAR: The masters of
often regarded by experts as master Claedesbrim certainly knew how to
weaponsmiths. Though their weapons create deadly weapons. The morning
all appear crude, their deadliness' star, a deadly spike-laden ball at
is all too real. Orc-crafted flails the end of a chain is the crushing
are wielded by many goblins weapon of choice for the crystal
(especially the clan which frequents golems that are still used to guard
the graveyard) and some hobgoblins the upper reaches of the dungeons
favor the battle axe. Neither beneath Castle Claedesbrim.
weapon can be purchased in town.
Both of these two-handed weapons are NAGINATA: This pole-arm has been
more deadly against heavy armor than imported by Tyron's Arms from a
the two-handed sword, and both offer distant seafaring nation far across
a variety that the discerning the ocean to the east. Its blade is
fighter should know better than to terribly sharp and strong, piercing
pass up. armor and flesh alike. The blade is
also fine enough for the delicate
CLAIDHMORE: Another import, this extraction of arteries and organs
weapon is a massive two-handed from a foe. Even those who know
sword. This weapon will deal out little about pole arms quickly find
huge amounts of damage and deliver that the naginata is easy to use.
-15- More...
WAR MATTOCK: This massive two- BLADE OF THE EASTERN LORDS. Almost
handed weapon resembles a pickaxe, certainly from the same lands from
with blades on either side. Its which the naginata originates,
effectiveness against heavy armor is Maruko Ashimine purchased a finely
known by the true experts of combat: made katana from a band of gypsies.
Although it cannot be used very well In the lands it is said to come
against lightly armored opponents from, this deadly sword is said to
(who jump out of the way from this be used by nobility only. However
ponderously slow weapon) it can it fell out of a nobles possession
cleave through metal breastplates and travelled the long distance to
easily, dealing out far greater Kelfour is something only the
wounds than even two-handed swords gypsies who found it might know.
of superior materials.
CRYSTALLINE AXE: An axe of finest
II. Contemporary Artifacts and purest laen is the prized
"""""""""""""""""""""" possession of Erebor Bordeaux. The
Across Kelfour may be found the most transparent laen axe serves as a
prized weapons of all: Those normal weapon crafted of the laen
weapons which are unique in some available at the shops, except that
way. Such weapons often have special this one is tremendously strong. It
powers or a story behind them. is whispered that this weapon was
"found" as a result of the stealth
ANCIENT SHAALK. One day, a wood of a local fighter named Jamel
elfin Ranger by the name of Celeborn Kaili.
was travelling through the Upper
Kaldsfang, when a hobgoblin JEWELED DEATH: Yet another weapon
approached him wielding a weapon of sold in the town of Kelfour by the
immense power. How this creature gypsies, a flashing jeweled scimitar
located a magical shaalk broadsword is now wielded by Martin. It is
of the quality it did will always be crafted of the finest materials and
a mystery. In any event, Celeborn can deal out greater damage than any
used his superior skill to slay the standard scimitar. Since its quality
hobgoblin, and claimed the sword as comes from the craftsmanship, not
his own. The shaalk broadsword the type of material, this weapon
proved to be three times as powerful can have enchantments placed on it.
as any other contemporary shaalk
weapon. SWORD IN THE STONE: One day, as all
was going as usual in the town of
A SWORD FOR A KING: Surely a weapon Kelfour, a mysterious block of laen
from the troves of a king robbed by appeared at the town square. Within
the gypsies he purchased it from, this block was a strange blue
Gilthor wields a beautiful jeweled mithril broadsword which challenged
two-handed sword of fine craftsman- all who approached to free it. None
ship and exceptionally well-forged were able, yet a hint was inscribed
steel. on the blade, indicating that only
he who carried the dragonscale
BLACK SWORD: A sword of antiquity, shield could release it. After a
forged of hardened black eog is now short adventure, Lythe and his wife
born by Lythe L'Green. The origins Maia found the aforementioned shield
of this hellblade are shrouded in and claimed the sword in the stone
mystery; all that is known is rumor. as theirs. It proved to be a weapon
The black eog broadsword is recep- of ancient quality, and unlike the
tive to magic, and often has mithril used today, was receptive to
enchantments placed on it by its enchantment. This weapon was later
owner so that it might be wielded sold to Karel Tasavalta for a
with even greater might and respectable sum, though the shield
precision. was kept by Lythe.
-16- More...
III. Lost Artifacts LORE SWORD: This great weapon was
"""""""""""""" claimed by Josh de Sacro after a
Lastly, many weapons have come confrontation with the evil war-
through Kelfour that were used, lock, Melgorehn in a quest which
served their time, and then were took place many years ago. Its
either destroyed or simply lost. enchantments allowed Josh to use it
with effectiveness against every foe
ADAMANTINE FALCHION: This mighty he met, yet one day, a war troll
falchion, made of the legendary and surprised him in Danjirland and
all but unbreakable substance known stole it. It has not been seen since.
as adamantite, was once wielded by
Sly Thayer. One day, it was lost in RUNIC BLADE: Another broadsword
battle when Sly dropped the weapon purchased from the gypsies, this one
while confronting a barrow wight. bore runes which enchanted it to
Valuing his life more than his slay trolls. The mighty weapon was
blade, Sly fled, losing the weapon lost one day when its owner,
forever. Though he attempted to Landreth deLorde, broke it in combat
trick the gods themselves into re- with a wight beneath the barrow
turning it, he was never successful. mound of Bandur Etrevion.
BEJEWELLED DAGGER: A beautiful, TRUE MITHRIL RAPIER: Another great
well-crafted dagger once owned by weapon taken from the horde of
Kirc Bloodguard, this weapon was a Melgorehn, this rapier could strike
deadly and effective parrying tool with terrible precision into the
despite the fact that it wasn't even vital parts of any foe its wielder,
magical. Yet due to this fact, it Tulkas, could find. Tulkas left the
could be inlaid with enchantments to Kelfour's soon after acquiring the
make it even more powerful. It was rapier, and has not been seen since.
lost when the altruistic Kirc loaned
it to Phaedra, who was slain by a VORPAL RAPIER: Perhaps the most
cruel mountain ogre and later deadly weapon Kelfour has ever
immortalized it poetically in KE4. known, the vorpal rapier struck
deadly blows when it was unleashed
BRILLIANT FALCHION: A weapon on an enemy by its owner, Talon
wielded by Valeria, this light and Elessidil. One day it was wielded
deadly falchion has apparently in an attempt to defeat a dragon.
disappeared without a trace. Some Talon was slain, and the rapier was
say it now rests on a wall in lost forever.
Valeria's trophy room. In any case,
it has not been seen in years. WONDROUS GREATSWORD: This two-handed
sword was once owned by Kirc. So
ENGRAVED BROADSWORD: This broad- light that it could be wielded in
sword was once possessed by the only one hand, it could deal deves-
magess, Krystal. It was inscribed tating damage to an opponent while a
with magical symbols which caused it shield was used in the other hand.
to swing true, yet it was not a Unfortunately, this mighty weapon
strong blade -- for one day, a hill was lost when it was loaned to
troll broke this lovely weapon in Daelis and he was slain by an orc.
twain with a mighty blow of its two- ________________________________
handed sword. /********************************\
| Tyron's Arms |
LIGHTNING WHIP: Purchased from a | ************ |
band of gypsies that visited Kelfour | For the BEST ARMS in Kulthea, |
many years ago, Dismis found that | standard or custom crafting!! |
the ordinary bullwhip he had bought | |
unleashed terrible shocks when it | At the NW Corner of Town Square |
struck. \_________________________________/
-17-
To be BIG Like Everyone Else
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
by Avondale de|{nightSaber
____________ From the Junior Question Scroll Collection
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\~\ | h yes, those were the to count, grampy. All you old
||~| |~|| good days. I remember people are all alike saying we
_||~| |~|| all the fun we had should be older and stuff, I'm
/@| \~\__/~/ | and the people who getting tired of it."
\_/ ~~~~~~ / visited us. It was "Well, you see, Smelly..."
~~~~~~~~~~~ like we were kings and "Where do babies come from, huh,
queens. Grampy, how come no one grampy?"
comes by my house no more?" asked Grandpa gasps. (How did he
big-eyed Smelly, the baby-aged, change his mind so fast? I hate it
little fighting gnome. when they ask that question. Why do
"Well Smelly, for one thing, those they always have to ask me that?
worms scare everyone off and that's What should I say?)
why no one comes anymore." "Bumblefoot says we find babies
"Oh, how do they scare 'em off, in the mines on the steps. Can you
huh, huh? Do they growl and scrape really, grampy? I really think
the walls with their pinchers, huh, Bumblefoot is lying and I told him
do they?" so and he hit me in my rear, but how
"Well, Smelly it's been so long." can you get babies, huh gramps? I
"Or do they just poke them with mean, I don't think you can just
their pinchers and then eat them? find them on the steps because Mr.
Bumblefoot says that's how the world Troll will just step on them. Mr.
runs. He says everything has a Troll is sure big, how'd they get so
place and everything we do is big? Can we have tea with them
watched by the gods and our des- again? Can we grampy, can we?"
tinies are all laid out for us. He "Smelly, you talk too much."
says all we have to do is just wake "Bumblefoot says I don't talk
up and we will follow this path and enough and even Ms. Nelson says I'm
stuff. We also are rated on how we shy. Anyways, we were arguing, me
live our lives so I'm gonna be the and Bumblefoot, about how babies are
best warrior of the village!" made and everyone laughed at me at
"That's nice, Smelly, but those school so that's why I asked you.
worms are really dangerous and it's No one believed me that you had to
better not to think of them." grow them with water and stuff and
"Oh, golly gee willakers grampy, they made me cry. That's why they
you're just scared. I mean, if I have that green soft slimy stuff
saw one now, I'd squash him and outside right, grampy, right?"
slice him up with my trusty "What? How do you know there is
uniulator axe here." Smelly helfs up soil outside?"
an itty bitty wooden axe in a "What soil? The green slimy
menacing way. "Anyways, grampy, stuff? I don't know about green
where do we go when we die? Do we slimy stuff. I mean, I'd never go
see the high score table and do we outside through the black door that
get to save our name in the record we are not supposed to go through,
books like in all those games we or read that funny sign with those
have? Huh, do we, do we?" squigles and that circle of trees.
"You see, Smelly, life is not as Hmm... How DO they get trees like
easy as you think. When you get that?"
older you'll understand." "You've been outside."
"Older! I'm already a good 35 "What's outside? Me? No, I
years old." wouldn't dare. Mommy says it's bad
"You're only 34." to go to outside because these big
"Naw, nuh huh, No, I'm not! funny looking things float around on
You're just too old to remember how chairs, looking at this pool of
-18- More...
water screen hitting this funny it, you got too much stuff in that
machine that makes clicking noises. bag of yours. Drop some of it."
That poor animal thing with all "Never! I need these things for
these veins and a tail and stuff adventuring. Let's see," Smelly
will eat you if you go outside." opens his backpack up and begins to
"Hah, I've got you now, Smelly! rummage through it. "Geepers,
You just talked about things that what's all this stuff doing in here?
are outside!" All these little sticks are so
"No, I didn't. Grampy, you just useless. They look nice but I'd
forgot again! You are really getting never kill anything with this funny
old! Yeah, you are, look at all looking metal branch. You can have
that hair, you're a good 147 year it, Grampy.
old bucket of goop (35 at max in "What? What'd I do with a use-
Kulthean Humanoid years) so you less thing like that? You wanna
forget everything now." give me something, gimme that gold
Grandpa sighs. "Kids, totally ring and the iron stick..."
worthless. Can't talk to them, "Nah, I like this stuff. This
can't eat them. They are just no ring thing always slides off my
fun at all. I guess that's why we toes, but I think it's magic! I'll
let a few outside in the mine every eat this shiny apple soon, I've been
once in a while. Helps with the saving it."
population problem. And it still "Who wants that useless trash? A
let's us have our fun." real adventurer never carries that
"What fun, grampy? What are you rubbish and muck. What's the use of
saying about kids? I knew it! You that dark, long knife? They call it
old maggots get all the fun making shaalk but it's totally useless and
kids. You get to go outside and get we can't even use it to mine stuff!
the stuff from the cracks and the Hit it against a wall and kablooey.
water bottle to plant them! I knew C'mon, Smelly, down this rockslide."
I was right! You get to see Mr. "I'm tired, grampy. Are we there
Yellow and everything! Grampy, can yet? Can't we just make kids here?"
I make some babies, too? I'm old "Of course not! You need good
enough now, I really am, and I'm a soil to make good kids."
good kid. I can make a big humongous "What's this, grampy? Looks like
warrior! I wanna plant them and footprints.
prove to everyone in class I was "Footprints? Hmm... Let's head
right so I can get them for saying I back to the mines."
was wrong." "Aw, gramps, nothing can happen
"Well, Smelly, you got me. Next here. Who'd wanna eat something
time I make a kid, I'll let you that smells like me?"
watch." Suddenly, there's a crash and a
"Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Munga, greater orc steps in, crushing a few
munga, cowabunga! I'll get my trees in the process.
trusty Devustator and my stuff and "Hi there, sir! Wanna help make
let's go! I'll brb." some babies?" Smelly asks.
"Brb? Hey, none of that language "Babies? Don't be gross, kid, all
in this house! Who taught you those I'm gonna do is get some experience
vulgar words?" and supplies, and you're it!"
"Bumblefoot says it means be "Run, Smelly, run!" cries Grandpa.
right back." "Why? All he wants is experience
"Hrrmph. Don't tell me you've and supplies."
fallen down and can't get up again. Grampy begins scrambling back up
the rockslide, murmuring prayers he
"Ahh, fresh air again. Feels good, won't get eaten.
eh, Smelly?" "You're hungry?" asks Smelly of
"Uh huh. Let's look around. Help, the orc. "I got some food here.
grampy! I'm stuck in a black hole!" Wait, I know. Here's the best thing
"Sheesh, how can?... So, that's I can give you." He begins pawing
-19- More...
through his backpack. Ode to Healers
"You stupid little twerp! Now """"""""""""""
you die!" cries Arkquis, the greater by Jochme Ytier
orc (probably one of the best orc
warriors, at that). He unslings an There I was wandering,
eog mace and eyes Smelly. "I'll through forest and field;
make you pay!" Looking for treasure,
Wanting only to get his axe, my sword did I wield.
Smelly, however, takes loads of
equipment from his bulging backpack, When to my surprise,
all of it tumbling to the ground. an orc with a sword;
"Make me pay, huh? Hah, that's a Severed my neck,
good one. Last time someone said like an old, rotten cord.
that was six feet under. Sure, he
was my tax collector and we just had As I lay there,
to meet in my cavern, but hey, I broken and bleeding;
still have an image to maintain. What was that,
Who would look up to me if anyone I thought I was dreaming.
found out I actually obey the law?"
"Time to die, little one," says An appearing figure,
Arkquis, raising his mace. in shimmering light;
Fear suddenly creeps over Smelly A beautiful lady,
as he realizes life is not so simple Who'll put things right.
and easy. He stares at his stuff
and begins wondering what his dieing She gestured and she waved,
wish should be. Since food has been Her magic, it was poured;
on his mind since he was a baby, he My body, it is mended,
reaches for what looks to him like a My soul, it is restored.
shiny red apple on a chain and prays
for the best, even though he knows My thanks is immeasurable,
that nothing can save him now. She has but to ask;
For her, this bright healer,
(To be continued) I'll do any task.
___ ___
/ \ / \ (Thanks to the clerics and healers
( o |--| o ) who've helped me, especially Taarna
\___/ \___/ when the orc in question hit me with
(..) a lucky shot.)
_____________________________________________________________
/ \
| Kelfour Edition rewards contributors to its pages with |
| --------> FREE WEEKENDS in GemStone III <--------- |
| Talented adventurers who have earned these rewards include: |
| |
| Rune Arundel Kalagay Halatil |
| Kirc Bloodguard Eron Kulsen |
| Delphinia delAssandro Lythe L'Green |
| Landreth deLorde Angelique Lovelin |
| Rhys Corwinson Mauk Mey |
| Valeria Deering Elor Once-Dark |
| Avondale de|{nightSaber Airioch Ramthanodox |
| Synyster DIAMOND-NINJA Nastorm Trevin |
| Vlad Drakulya Wisraith Winterwind |
| Caliban Eilorn |
| Send GEMail to Publisher Phaedra Blue (P.HERRINGTON) |
| for complete details on how YOU can join them. |
\_____________________________________________________________/
-20-
__ GSIII is...
/~~| """""""""""
//|~|
//_|~| tranquil life is not for me! What I need is... GSIII!
//~~|~| So if you want to see me flip, hit me... with a Type E crit!
// |~| 'Fraid I'm the kind of guy that beserks all the time!
~~~ ~~~ But my DB is such that I end up on my behind!... Oh!
The same old life is not for me! What I need is... GSIII!
Chests and quests! Fortune and fame! My Mastercard will never be the same!
But don't forget that to get a deed, it's Eissa you must please!
Unless you satisfy her greed, you'll soon be history!... Oh!
A routine life is not for me! What I need is... GSIII!
I guess I'm one to take a chance! For me... it's a Sweet Romance!
One time, with all my might I swung, my rapier at some kobs!
Right thru the heart! Skillfully done! Wow! Instant SHISKAKOB!... Oh!
A boring life is not for me! GSIII is... electricity!
Do wands & skill provide that thrill? Not fer me, I must a penalty kill!
So I put the wand back in the bag, and sang a calm song to a troll.
But, By Kieron! What a drag! Seems he DON'T dig rock and roll!... Oh!
A loner's life is not for me! GSIII is... camaraderie!
Take TimeOut & chat with friends! Be someone else! Tis means not an end!
While poetry's _my_ bread and butter, and Hack'n'slash's my bane,
Each of us is like no other! So rollplay, ROLEPLAY. What a game!... Oh!
A GM's life is not for me! They need... peace, not controversy!
Sometimes we see them getting peeved at directed spells on Ye Ole RT!
We really don't mean to be crass, but our shockbolts get them fumin'.
I guess they're so much fun to razz, we just forget they're human!
by Usul (a nod's as good as a wink to a blind Troll) Lu'nak
________________________________________________________________________
/ \ HALL OF FAME \
|@/______________________________________________________________________/
| |
| Congratulations to Lady Taarna Wayfinder, Lady Valeria Deering, |
| Lord Moonpie legend, Lord Corwin D'Amber and Lord Talon Elessidil! |
|_ |
/---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Bard Enegue LionHeart 16 | High Human Benar Stormarm 16 |
| Ranger Fxg Lyon 22 | Common Man Beolost Lamontt 18 |
| Mage Dagmar Istarii 23 | Dwarf Vesitsa Talchild 16 |
| Fighter Kirc Bloodguard 17 | Halfling Whittle Boysenberry 11 |
| Thief Valeria Deering 22 | Wood Elf Zhuge Liang 11 |
| Cleric Erebor Bordeaux 24 | High Elf Strom O'Berin 18 |
| Sorceror Airioch Ramthanodox 13 | Half Elf Kayla Kyndhart 24 |
| Healer Kayla Kyndhart 24 | Fair Elf Erebor Bordeaux 24 |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
/@| Belated GSIII Fame Rankings by Profession and Race - March 20, 1991 |
\_/______________________________________________________________________/
-21-
Understanding the Silence
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
By Chad Eberle
_______________
/ \ ____ ____\
\@| +|~~\ /~~|+|auk! How are you, my "Two tankards of Golden Fox
| |~\~\/~/~| | friend?" Miriel mead," Miriel said to the large woman
_| |~|\~~/|~| | reached over and behind the bar. Helga poured two
/@| _|~| ~~ |~|_| gave a big hug to tankards and slammed them down before
\_/ ~~~~ ~~~~/ Mauk Mey, who was her patrons. Miriel placed the
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ sitting by himself proper coinage in her chubby,
in a dark corner of the temple. out-stretched palm, and heard her
A flurry of hand signals and a grunt in satisfaction as she bustled
bright smile replied, "I do fine. away.
Are you good?" "That's Helga," Miriel whispered
Miriel giggled. "Fine, as usual, to Mauk, who nodded. Miriel lifted
you know me!" Then she paused, her tankard and took a few swallows
studying Mauk's face. "Why are you while Mauk watched. Smiling, she
here in a corner? Are you sulking?" motioned for him to do the same.
Mauk wrinkled his nose a little, "What is it taste?" signed Mauk.
and signed again. "Soaking? I am "Try it," she urged.
not soaking. What you mean?" Mauk drank a bit of his mead, sat
Miriel giggled again. "No, motionless for a bit, then nodded
silly, SULKING! You don't seem to be with satisfaction. "Good." he
having much fun by yourself." She signed, taking another few gulps.
plopped down beside him, shifting her "Now are you going to tell me
dark laen shield in order to sit more what's bothering you?" Miriel asked
comfortably. while looking at Mauk earnestly.
"I do not know. I just dreaming Just then, several local
more, that is all." dockworkers piled in noisily, crowd-
"More about your parents, eh?" ing up to the counter. Mauk looked
"Yes." A swelling of tears formed about uneasily as the big men with
in his eyes. big mouths pressed about him and
"Well, instead of sitting here Miriel. Noting the change, Miriel
'soaking' you should do something gently grasped his hand to lead him
about it! Why don't you tell me away from the counter. She glanced
what's troubling that head of yours?" about the room until her eyes settled
Mauk looked startled by the on an empty table in the corner.
suggestion. He stood up, stumbled a "Let's sit over there." she said,
little and shook his head vehemently, motioning to the table. Once they
mumbling something in wood elven. were seated, she started where she'd
Miriel gently pulled him back to left off. "Mauk, does this have to
his seat. "What you need is some- do with why you hardly ever talk?"
thing to relax your nerves. Come to Mauk looked at her forlornly,
Helga's for a drink with me?" then nodded, resting his chin on his
Mauk looked even more confused. chest.
"h-e-l-g-u-z?" he spelled the letters "I see." Miriel said in a quiet
out individually. tone. She drank the rest of her
"No! H-e-l-g-a! That's the name tankard, watching as Mauk did the
of the lady who runs the place. It's same. Then she motioned to Helga for
a tavern." a refill. They sat in silence a
"T-a-v U-r-n?" he signed the moment, drinking their mead, when
letters individually again. Mauk scooted his chair closer to the
"No. T-a-v-e-r-n. It's a place table. He leaned over and blew out
that you can ... well, come and I'll the candle sitting in its clay
show you." Miriel rose and took holder, then slowly turned his gaze
Mauk's hand, leading him around the to Miriel.
temple's visitors, to the doors. In a quiet whisper, slurred by
-22- More...
drunkeness and his poor grasp of the pain of emotion away, Mauk lay in a
common tongue, Mauk began to tell her bit of his own vomit, nursing a
the story of the brutal slaying of massive hangover. He sat up to see
his family, his discovery by his where he had 'crashed' this time, but
cousin Tii, and their trip to the the sights were not familiar. He
temple which provided the means of could hear dishes being gently
bringing him to this land. knocked together, in the way they do
Finished, his last few words when you wash them. Then he realized
trailed off in the whisps of smoke he was sitting behind some stairs,
still rising from the extinguished and judging from the noises, he was
candle. Miriel, who had been holding at Helga's again. Sunlight streamed
his hand for moral support, released through open slits of stairs, just as
it and slumped back in her chair. it does every morning, but today it
"Well," she murmured, shaking her brought no warmth. Mauk grasped his
head. "No wonder you never talk." head and moaned, fainted, and slept
Mauk slouched in his chair, as if again.
he was worn out from so many words
after such a long time of silence. He awoke to the sight of a
He wiped his eyes with his sleeves, ghastly spectre. Before him stood a
and shuddered, sighing. Then he wraith of a man, pale white skin
signed, "I am afraid that I talk, under a dark blowing cloak, the hood
someone die." of it seeming to engulf the man's
"NO, no! Mauk. That isn't true head. It appeared if the man was
-- not true!" Miriel leaned onto the seeping into the very fibers of the
table again. "You were so young, how cloak itself.
could you have known what he was Mauk shut his eyes, hoping to
going to do? It would have happened block the sight. When he opened them
whether or not you made any noise. again, the man was standing directly
You can't blame yourself!" above him, the sun blazing around the
Mauk stared at her steadily, but void of his cloak. The only hope of
did not reply. A few silent moments avoiding its glare was to look at
passed, then a strange expression this dark visionage before him. Mauk
crossed Miriel's face as she absent shivered involuntarily. He tried to
mindedly touched a crystal amulet make the sign against evil, but his
hanging from her neck. As if she had hands were shaking from the weakness
been enlightened, she spoke again. caused by lack of nourishment. He
"Oh, Mauk, I want to stay longer could only pull his limbs together
but Yuri just came through the gates, and shiver.
and I promised to meet him there." The man released the clasp on his
Her voice rang with true dissap- cloak, removed it, then spread it
pointment. "I'll have to talk to you over the fetal Mauk. Mauk watched
some other time, all right?" intently as he stretched out his bony
Mauk nodded morosely. hand and touched Mauk's forehead.
Miriel smiled at Mauk one last Mauk didn't resist, or retreat, for
time, then gathered her things and there was no where to go. Instead he
stood. She gave him the sign for shut his eyes, hoping for it to all
farewell, which she had been prac- go away.
ticing for weeks, and left through "... the dreams..." he heard the
the swinging doors. rasping of the man's voice. Then he
Mauk gestured to Helga to bring felt a soothing calm rush through his
another pitcher of mead. body, a peace replacing the anxiety.
He slept, again, dreamlessly.
Weeks went by, during which Mauk
overindulged in the spirits offered "Mauk?" somebody was gently
at Helga's. His funds gone, his rousing him. Opening his eyes, he
means of livelyhood sold to buy the was startled by another figure. This
one thing he hoped would take all one lacked the malevolence of the
-23- Continued on Page 26
Pwyll, Prince of Annwfn
"""""""""""""""""""""""
_____________ Part II by Eron Kulsen
/ \ _________ \
\@| ||=|=|=|| |his is a continuation When the time came to go to bed, to
_| ~~ |_| ~~ | of a story to be bed they went, Pwyll and the queen.
/@| _|_|_ | sung by all bards in As soon as they were in bed, how-
\_/__________/ the lands of Kulthea ever, Pwyll turned his face to the
from this time forth. It tells of a wall and went to sleep with his back
time before the great lords of the toward her. So it was each night
undead had let loose all of their from then on to the end of the year.
mignions and evil creatures. It is The next day there was tenderness
a story of bravery and magic, best and affection between them. But no
told from the strings of a harp. matter how affectionate and loving
Hear then, if you will, the second might be their words to one another
part of the story of Pwyll, Prince by day, there was not one single
of Annwfn... night different from the first.
Pwyll spent the year in festivity
After the two kings Pwyll and Arawn and hunting and ruling Arawn's realm
had been transfigured into each fairly, until the night of the
others form by Arawn, they both set foresworn encounter with Grudlwyn
off. Pwyll rode deep into Arawn's Gorr, a night remembered well by
realm and came at last to Arawn's even the most remote inhabitant of
court, dwellings, halls, chambers, the kingdom. He conducted himself
and buildings -- all the most beau- to the appointed place accompanied
tiful he had ever seen. Attendants by the nobles of his realm.
greeted him and helped him remove
his hunting gear, whereupon they The moment they arrived at the ford,
dressed him in the finest silk and a horseman arose and called in a
conducted him to a great hall where loud voice: "Men, listen well!
he could see entering a great war- This encounter is between two kings
band, the most splendid and best and between their bodies alone.
equipped he had ever seen. To each Each of them claims the lands of the
was owned a great shaalk broad- other; therefore, let us all stand
sword, and a seamless shaalk shield. aside and leave the fight between
All wore shimmering hooded cloaks, the two.
which held their treasures found,
and also a few had earned the right The two kings made for the middle of
to wear their lord's inscription on the ford to clash. Pwyll thrust his
their shields. spear and struck Grudylwn Gorr in
the middle of the boss of this
And the queen was with them, the shield so that it split in half, and
fairest woman of any in her day, Grudlwyn tumbled the length of his
dressed in a robe of glittering arm and spear over the rump of his
gold, her hair shining like bright horse to the ground, a deep wound in
sunlight on a summer's morn. The his chest.
queen took her place at Pwylls right
hand, and they began to converse. "Lord, " cried Grudlwyn, "I know no
Pwyll found her to be the gentlest, reason why you should wish to slay
most considerate, kindly and amiable me but as you have started, please,
of companions. His heart melted for the love of Eissa, finish me
toward her, and he wished with all off!"
his heart that he had a queen even
half so noble. They passed the time "Lord Grudlwyn," answered Pwyll, "I
with pleasant discourse, good food have come to regret doing what I did
and drink, songs, and entertainments to you. Find someone else to kill
of all kinds. you; I will not."
-24- More...
"Trusted lords," cried Grudlwyn to that for a year and thought to
the assembly," take me hence; my herself, "Upon my word! What a
death is assured now, and I will no different mind he has tonight from
longer be able to support you." what he has had in the past year!"
The man who was in Arawn's place And she thought about this for a
turned to the noble assembly and long time, and was still thinking
said, "My men, take accounts among when Arawn awoke and spoke to her.
you and discover who owes allegiance When she did not answer, he spoke to
to me." her again and a third time, saying,
"Woman, why do you not speak to me?"
And then he received homage of all
present and took possession of the "I tell the truth," she answered.
disputed lands. By noon the next "I have not spoken this much for a
day the two realms were in his year under these circumstances!"
power, and so he set out to keep his
tryst with Arawn at the appointed "My lady," he said, "I believe we
place. When he came to Glyn Cuch have talked continually."
again he found Arawn, King of
Annwfn, waiting for him. And they "Shame on men," the queen replied,
rejoiced to see each other. "If from the moment we went between
the sheets there was either pleasure
"May the gods repay your friendship or talk between us, or even you
to me," said Arawn, "I have heard facing me -- much less anything more
all about your success." than that! -- for the past year."
"Yes," replied Pwyll, "When you "Gods in heaven and earth," thought
reach your dominions you will see Arawn, "what a unique man I found to
what I have done for you." befriend me. Such strong and
unwavering friendship shall be
"Hear me then," said Arawn. "By way rewarded." And he explained all that
of gratitude, anything you may have had happened to his wife, telling
wished for in my kingdom will be her the entire adventure.
yours."
"I confess," she said when he had
Then Arawn uttered strange and finished. "When it comes to fight-
mysterious words once more and each ing temptation and keeping true to
king was restored to his own shape you, you had a solid hold on a
and semblance, and each took himself fellow."
once more to his own kingdom. When
Arawn arrived at his own court, it
gave him great pleasure to see his Meanwhile, Pwyll came to his own
own retinue and warband and his fair realm and began to query his nobles
queen since he had not seen them for about how their fortunes had fared
a year. But for their part, they during the last year. "Lord and
had not felt his loss, so there was king, " they said, "your discernment
nothing extraordinary about his has never been so good, never have
presence. you been so kind and amiable, and
never more ready to spend your gain
He passed the day in pleasure and for the good of your people. In
joy, conversing with his wife and truth, your rule has never been
lords. And after dining and the better than this past year. There-
evening's entertainment when it was fore, we thank you most heartily."
time to go to bed, to bed they went.
Arawn got into bed and his wife with "Oh, do not thank me," replied
him. First he talked to her, then Pwyll, "rather thank the man who has
caressed her affectionatly and loved accomplished these things in my
her. She had not been accustomed to place." He saw their astonished
-25- More...
Understanding the Silence, from P. 23 Pwyll, Prince of Annwfn, from P. 25
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
former visitor. The face of this one looks and he began to tell them the
was deeply shadowed, light from the entire story, saying, "Here it is,
torch causing them to jump mali- just as it happened!"
ciously. Yet beyond the menace was
an expression of concern, a familiar- And thus, because of his living in
ity he couldn't place. the Otherworld for a year and ruling
"Mauk! What happened to you?" it so successfully, and bringing the
Miriel asked as she brushed a few two realms together by virtue of
stray strands of her dark hair. bravery and valor, he came to be
Mauk now realized who it was, called Pwyll Pen Annwfn, that is
then signed with the difficulty of Pwyll, Head of the Otherworld,
his cold fingers, "I dig nop meen thenceforth.
too." He blushed with shame. "It
madk thu dreems go way." Yet, though he was a young and
"Oh, Mauk, I should have warned comely king he had no queen. And he
you that you shouldn't get carried remembered the beautiful lady who
away with that stuff." Miriel looked had been his queen in the Otherworld
at him with pity. and he longed for her, taking long
"I do not see the evil if it walks in the lonely hill around his
takes away his nightmares," a third, court.
stoic voice said. It was the spectre
from Mauk's first visit. One night just after twilight he was
Noting Mauk's confused stare she standing atop a mound gazing out
introduced the man. "Mauk, this is over his realm when a man appeared
Deacon Blues, the man who helped you to him and said, "It is peculiar to
earlier." this place that whosoever should sit
Mauk, his hands beginning to on this mound shall undertake one of
warm, signed a greeting. "Thank you two things: Either he will receive
sery much, Deacon." a grevious wound and die, or he will
Deacon dismissed the gesture with see a wonder.
a nod and the hint of a smile. He
helped Miriel pull Mauk into a "Well, in my present state," thought
sitting position. "So. What's a nice Pwyll, "I care not whether I live or
wood-elf like you doing in a place die, but it might cheer me to see a
like this?" wonder. Therefore, I will sit upon
"That's a long story, Deacon," this mound, and come what may..."
Miriel giggled, relieved to find a
lighter subject. "Let's take him (To be continued)
somewhere warm and stay him with, _________________________________
all right?" / \
The two friends helped Mauk to | Are YOU lost in Kulthea? |
his feet, each taking an arm | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
supportively. "You are almost as | Quit stumbling around and find |
heavy to bear as your dreams," said | yourself in the weekly Monday |
Deacon, pretending to groan under | and Tuesday night GemStone III |
Mauk's weight. | |
The three of them left the tavern, | LIVE CONFERENCES |
hobbling away down cobbled Jarkart | |
Street. Beneath the stairs, beside | in the MPGames RoundTable at |
the imprint left by Mauk's body, was | page 1045. Lythe has details. |
a full tankard of mead, touched by \_________________________________/
none.
-26-
__________________________________________________________________________
/ \ \
| | Kelfour's Klassifieds Korner |
@/________________________________________________________________________/
|==========================================================================|
| CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: | WANT ADS |
|=====================================|====================================|
| MAKE MONEY WHILE YOU TRAVEL! | Need your Torkaans skinned? Do it |
| EARN FAME AND SELF-SATISFACTION! | yourself, you LAZY BUM! |
| ----- | Jarlik the Furrier |
| Adventure! Exploration! Train for a |------------------------------------|
| rewarding career as an adventurer |DESPERATELY NEEDED! Four more hours |
| in the wilds of Kelfours Landing. |in the day for the Simutronics Core |
| Choose from an exciting selection |Operations Dept........... |
| of professions including Fighter, | Relativity experience required. |
| Thief, Ranger, and for especially |Send Immediately to: BOX 1, Kelfours|
| astute individuals...Bard! |------------------------------------|
| ----- | WANTED BADLY: A "SLAP" command |
| **ADVENTURER'S TRAINING CENTER** | -Les Violent Femmes- |
| provides ALL the skills necessary |====================================|
| to survive and profit in the cut- | LOST AND FOUND |
| throat environment outside the |====================================|
| landing. 100% guaranteed placement |REWARD: 1000 silvers for the capture|
| after apprenticeship! Due to high |and scalping of anyone seen messing |
| turnover, no application refused. |with the Easter Bunny! |
| ----- | The Constabulary |
| No role-playing experience required.|------------------------------------|
| ----- |FOUND: 500 copies of Kelfour Edition|
| Send for your application today! |V1N3.PLEASE CLAIM! Will pay shipping|
| Please include 5000 Silvers tuition | The Scrivener, Kelfours |
| deposit & S.A.S.E. to: ATC c/o Usul |====================================|
| Lu'Nak, 15 Grimseer Lane, Kelfours | PERSONALS |
| ----- |====================================|
| *TAX-DEDUCTABLE* *NON-REFUNDABLE* |Destiny, thou most cuddly creature, |
|-------------------------------------|where art thou? I'm sorry we missed |
| The Social Services Department of |our date! I SHAAL seek thee anon... |
| Kelfour's Landing seeks adventurous | The MONKey SEEr |
| individuals with devious minds who |------------------------------------|
| enjoy working long hours under very |R U Feeling lonely? depressed? Get a|
| strenuous conditions in return for |life! Feeling rich/schizo? Get a few|
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| DIE-HARD HELPER TYPES | Eog and Mithril chains available. |
| SEND RESUME TO: | Positively *NO* questions asked! |
| GameMaster's Guild c/o SSD |See the High Priestess, Orhan Square|
| 12 W.Ring Rd, Kelfours |------------------------------------|
| --------- |Kelfour Edition is NOW ACCEPTING ADS|
| THIS AD PAID FOR BY THE CITIZENS | & PERSONALS! The lack of arrows |
|OF KELFOURS PROGRESS AWARENESS LEAGUE|won't stop *US* from playing CUPID!!|
|==========================================================================|
| MEETINGS |
|==========================================================================|
| DUE TO THE UNDERWHELMING RESPONSE TO THE MEETINGS OF THE PAC, THE P.A.L. |
| MOVED THEM FROM THE STABLES AT THE MEWS TO BURDOS' OUTHOUSE 2B IGN PERM! |
|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Rolemaster book burning tomorrow; |*Mondays: Newbie Nites at Lythe's* |
|Main Square-Bring your Dragon's tooth! 9pm EST Type: M 1045;2 ROOM NO.8 |
|==========================================================================|_
\_/------------------------------------------------------------------------/
The Malevolent Meddler
""""""""""""""""""""""
by Miss Louvella Parsnips
___________
/ \ ______ \
\@| /~/~~\_\ | hocking goings on in having been more than a little
| \~\____~ | Kelfour's Landing of curious in the past as to why they
_| _~~~~\~\ | late. We're delighted wore such well-padded armor.
/@| \~\__/~/ | to inform you of a
\_/ ~~~~~~ / very public feud be- While we are on the subject of these
~~~~~~~~~~ tween a common man diminutively endowed lads, we regret
ranger and one of the members of the to inform you (in our usual gleeful
family of a certain lordly mage. It manner) that the nuptials which were
seems that this pusillanimous ranger to occur between a certain
and his consort, a silver haired lascivious healer and a certain lady
lady thief, cold bloodily murdered a ranger were abruptly and myster-
rather small and quite obnoxious iously called off. Of course, we
sorcerer. After this charming have our eager eye on the situation
display, the odious pair then made and will report further on the
off with the little fellow's laen circumstances as they develop.
shield.
Our mailbox contained a delicious
Adding fuel to the fire, the big and piece of information this month. It
powerful mage swore to avenge his seems that a rather long winded
brother's death and threw his weight lordly thief has blown some trouble
around in an exceedingly disagree- into paradise recently. Apparently,
able manner. Our timorous ranger this noxious fellow is earning
and artless thief were trembling in himself quite a good living catering
their boots, which of course, did to some of Kulthea's more robust and
not stop them from enjoying sequestered ladies. Of course, he
themselves immensely behind the has adopted the creed of love them
ornate door at Threk's Inn. and leave them, and the spurned
Unfortunately, and we are most ladies are fleeing Kulthea in
disappointed to announce, the droves. Hell hath no fury like a
vendetta apparently ended with very woman scorned, they say, and we are
little bloodshed. The shield was eagerly awaiting the day when we
returned and peace appears to have shall see his head on the end of a
been restored. We wonder how long rather pointed spike.
*that* will last.
Now remember, dear readers, keep
We were scandalized to overhear some your eyes open and your ears to the
exceedingly crass comments made by wall and send any rumors, hearsay
several of Kelfour's so called "good and prattle to MISS.SNOOP (via
girls," although we most certainly GEmail) where it will immediately
have our doubts as to if any of reach our avid eyes and most
those still remain. It appears that certainly provide for delectable
a certain high man lady sorcerer, a exposition.
mystical lady healer and an inimical
red-haired lady ranger, were not Until next month, happy calumny-
adverse to publicly discussing the chasing and tra-la for now!
attributes of some of Kelfour's more _____________________
bombastic men. The word "weenie" / \
was used in regard to a certain | We want |
sinister fighter and a particular | creepy, crawly |
half-elf ranger. We do offer our | |
most scurrilous sympathies to these | SPIDERS! |
poorly endowed fellows and admit to \_____________________/
-28- [end]
KE V1N11
See Also: