Reporters this issue:
Eric Boyd (boyd@eecs.umich.edu)
Andy Merritt (amerritt@armltd.co.uk)
kowa@informatik.uni-koblenz.de
Mike Phillips (msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu)
Martin Hicks (mdmnh@cc.newcastle.edu.au)
john@crete.ucdavis.edu.
Johanna Tunon (tunon@alpha.acast.nova.edu)
Chris Herr (crherr@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu)
Sandy E. Murphy (io01092@maine.maine.edu)
Cormyr, Eveningstar Region: SWORDS OF LIGHT REWARDED
An adventuring band based in Eveningstar known as the Swords of
Light has returned in triumph to a hero's welcome. The band had
successfully crippled a slaving operation preying on the Tyrluk region
and recovered a fortune in gold coins stolen from a dwarven caravan en
route to the Haunted Halls. Upon their return, one member of the band
- the half-elven bounty hunter Jaxx - prominently displayed the head
of a renegade War Wizard and agent of the Iron Throne named Hamadan
Byrlack.
The Swords of Light were also awarded silver medals by Baron
Thomdor, Warden of the Eastern Marches, for the recovery of his
niece's corpse. The young woman, subsequently resurrected, had been
kidnapped and ransomed by the rogue Ruathgrym, believed to be hiding
out in the Stonelands. The medals proclaim the band to be "(Serious)
Heroes of the Realm".
The band is believed to be preparing for another sortie into the
Stonelands, and rumors speak of their plans to investigate some wider
threat to the safety of northern Cormyr.
Cormyr, Haunted Halls: CARAVAN ARRIVED INTACT
The long awaited dwarven caravan from Easting has arrived intact
at the Haunted Halls. Locals in the Eveningstar claim the dwarves are
planning to establish a temple fortress dedicated to Gorm Gulthyn
known as Gormhold in the upper levels of the Halls. The dwarves
have been greeted warmly by the humans in the region, as the
Cormyrians hope the dwarves will suppress the numerous monsters and
beasts that perpetually arise from the depths.
Eric Boyd: boyd@eecs.umich.edu
Andy Merritt: amerritt@armltd.co.uk
Toril, Marsember: RUMORS OF A THIEVES GUILD
Most people do not know if there is a Thieves' Guild in Marsember.
The Harpers and War Wizards believe that they have kept the city free
of a large, organized Thieves' Priakos. But how then does one explain
the rumors that there was a failed attempt on the Guildmaster's life?
Well, at least it is rumored to be a failed attempt. Since most
people don't know if there is a guildmaster, or who he is, it's
difficult to find out if he has been seen or not. One thing is for
certain, there have been many sightings of Harpers and other
mysterious organizations questioning and attacking across the city.
It would make sense that the Harpers would go into over drive for a
chance to hunt and destroy the guild, if it exists. This could turn
Marsember into a volatile war zone...
Toril, Wood of Sharp Teeth: LEGEND OF NOT SO DESERTED CITY
Could it be that the fabled elven city of Askavar is not gone?
And that it has perhaps been thriving for the past 800 years sheltered
from society by the Wood of Sharp Teeth!
Askavar was thought to have been abandoned over 800 years ago when
the elves living there moved back to Evermeet, and there have always
been legends that there was a lost ruined city in the depths of the
Wood of Sharp Teeth. Regis Simbal, a half-elvin ranger who was
traveling from Sembia to Baldur's Gate, happened to notice that he was
following behind two travelers from Cormyr, Marsember he thinks, who
traveled into the woods. Out of curiosity he followed them the see
what they were up to. While they did have trouble going through the
wild Wood of Sharp Teeth, they seemed to travel through some kind
reasonable safe channel from the foul denizens of the forest. The
forest is savage enough that it discourages woodcutters and hunters
from Baldur's Gate. He says that as he followed, he could see spires
far ahead of him. He then turned and fled for he felt he could see
many eyes on him.
While we at FNN can not take one man's word as the truth, it is a
curiosity which certainly deserves a closer look. Think of how the
society could have advanced if the elves never left the area, but
simply wanted to be isolated from the rest of society and created the
stories of their exodus so people would leave them alone.
Already a team has been sent from Baldur's Gate, but they have not
yet returned...
Chris Herr, crherr@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu
Johanna Tunon, tunon@alpha.acast.nova.edu
Martin Hicks: mdmnh@cc.newcastle.edu.au
Chris Herr: crherr@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu
Desert south of Tyr: TEMPLARS FOUND SLAIN!
Ten templars, wearing the insignia of Tyr and King Kalak, as well
as nearly a score of gladiators and mercenaries were found slain by
wandering traders. The deaths were quickly reported to Tyrian
officials, and the reaction provoked by the news was a terrible one
indeed.
It is said that should any of the band suspected of perpetrating
this foul crime should ever show their faces in Tyr again, it will
spell their end.
Mike Phillips: msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu
Johanna Tunon: tunon@alpha.acast.nova.edu
Kartakass, Road from Skald to Teufeldorf: STRANGE MONSTER SEEN
A merchant travelling from Skald to Teufeldorf reported that he
saw a group of (demi)humans accompanied by a strange monster. The
group headed for Skald coming from the valley where Dr. Dominiani
lives. The monster was about 7 feet tall and winged, with pointed
ears and leathern skin. Fortunately the merchant could hide in the
brushwood so that he wasn't noticed by the monster.
kowa@informatik.uni-koblenz.de
The Republic of Darokin, Darokin City: CHANCELLOR AUTHORIZES FORCE IN ARMSTEAD
Following the report of a special investigator, the Chancellor of
Darokin, Corwyn Mauntea, authorized and ordered one batallion of
troops to be taken from Selenica and temporarily stationed in
Armstead. The office of the Chancellor released a statement
indicating that it is a response to the rise of humanoid agression in
the area.
Darokin, Athenos Canal: BARGE GUARDS SOUGHT!
The merchant Bancohr, a major shipper of fine porcelain, is
advertising for a few good barge guards to protect a barge heading
through the canal and up the Streel River to Darokin City and Akorros.
Pay is reported to be 10 daros per person, plus reasonable travel
expenses. Especially good work can lead to permanent employment.
Glantri, Glantri City: INVESTIGATOR TURNS UP NOTHING IN GLANTRI!
Despite being allowed to sift through the records of Glantri's
School of Magic, the Darokinian investigator was unable to
specifically locate Conor or Angus MacGregor, wizards laying waste to
parts of Darokin and rumored to be from Glantri. However, there were
a couple of possibilities, and the investigator is heading off to
follow up on these scant leads.
Glantri, Viscompty de Malinbois: HEAD OF GUARD EXPOSED AS WEREWOLF!
The head of the Viscomptess' guard and town guard was exposed as a
werewolf when accidental contact with the silver ore resulted in a
massive burn on his skin. In his rage, he shifted form and slew most
of those nearby before the were-hunters on the scene killed him. He
was beheaded, his head displayed on the silver tip of a pike. His
family is currently being tested for lycanthropy, as are most of his
close acquaintances. Tensions in the area continue to mount.
Glantri, Barony de Morlay: UNCLE OF THE BARON TO WED!
Jean-Pierre de Loup-Garou, uncle to the Baron de Morlay and a one-
time were-hunter known for his exquisite silver rapier, has announced
that he has found the woman he will marry, ending the bachelorhood of
the man once called the "most eligable male in northern Glantri." The
lucky woman is named Lisl Ferrinsdottir, and, though a stranger to
these parts, speculation has her hailing from either the lands of the
Heldannic knights or somewhere in Vestland or Soderfjord.
Preparations, while joyous, are muted due to the tension in the
neighboring Viscompty de Malinbois. It is hoped that there will be no
disturbances in the coming months.
Alfheim, Alfheim City: CHIEF OF POLICE FOUND MURDERED!
The chief of Alfheim's police force was discovered this morning, a
serpentine dagger buried in his heart. The dagger is described as a
silver weapon, two blades entwined like snakes, with a carved pommel
in the shape of a serpent's head. No assassin was apprehended, but
the chief's successor has publicly noted a probable link with the
recent investigation into Shadow Elven activities in Alfheim.
The Grand Duchy of Karameikos, Threshold: FIGHTING REPORTED ON SKODOR ISLE!
The night watch reports that a squad was dispatched to Skodor Isle
to investigate a mysterious disturbance. Though witnesses were hard
to find, as Skodor Isle is insular and said to be a base for illegal
activities, a survey of the damaged property yielded a few clues. One
wall of the house was destroyed, as if blown outwards, with some minor
charring. Several bodies, all Traladaran males, were found and are
currently being examined by a physician for other clues. Officials
seem divided on the significance of the incident, some proclaiming it
a division in the ranks of smugglers, others calling it an outbreak of
Thyatian-Traladaran hostility.
Atruaghin Clans, Children of the Elk: WAR PARTY FORMS!
The selected warriors from the Children of the Horse, chosen to
wage war on the Children of the Tiger, have spent recent weeks
training in these forests and joining with a similarly-sized group of
the Children of the Elk. The Horse and the Elk have already formed
the largest war-band seen since the legendary time of Atruaghin, and
it is said that the Children of the Bear and the Children of the
Turtle are also sending warriors to join the band.
Indications from the swamps of the Children of the Tiger are that
they have received no warning of upcoming events, though as the
warband grows, this is expected to change.
Empire of Thyatis, Thyatis City: AMBASSADOR FROM VYALIA ARRIVES
An elf, accompanied by 10 guards and assistants, arrived at the
court today. The elf announced himself as the ambassador from the
Kingdom of Vyalia, and he graciously and eloquently thanked the
Emperor for his support of the new nation.
Quarters for the elf and his entourage were immediately provided.
Sind, Road from Akesoli to Mahasabad: EXPECTED FOOD CARAVAN DISAPPEARS!
Officials in Mahasabad are nervous, as the expected food-laden
caravan from Darokin did not arrive. Although there is some suspicion
that bandits or rebels siezed it, a search turned up no evidence of
the caravan, and the trackers employed, though the traces were a
little stale, were unable to follow the tracks beyond a point just
inside the Sind border. As one commented, "It is like they just
disappeared". The investigators are perplexed, and officials have
sent word to Darokin that the caravan never arrived.
Hollow World, The Milenian Empire: ZARGOSIAN WIZARD THREATENS TOWN!
A black-robed man, claiming to be a follower of the mysterious
dark wizard Zargos, threatened the town of Tromeas, caused an
impenetrable cloud of blackness, and then disappeared into the
blackness. The local temple of Petra is on alert, and all of its Holy
Defenders are now patrolling the town, just in case the threat will be
fulfilled. Soldiers have been dispatched to the area by the Senate to
quell any disturbances and scout for possible attacks.
Mike Phillips: msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu
Mike Phillips: msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu
Ægypt, Tombs north of AEgypt-Keshu Border: MAGICKAL WARD RETURNED TO DESECRATED TOMB
The heroes who saved Fort Nefer-Khufu also returned a powerful
magickal neckpiece to a tomb that was desecrated a little while
earlier. In so doing, they returned a rather irate mummy to its final
rest, although they were ordered by the mummy to fetch the rest of its
funerary accoutrements. They speculate all are held by the same
raiders who stole the neckpiece.
They are hot on the trail of the raiders now.
Albion, London: MAJOR THEATRE BURNED DOWN DURING PERFORMANCE!
One of the city's most popular theatres, called the Orb, burned
down recently during the opening performance of a new play. The play
was the work of one Sir Andru, Lord Weber, and it involved some
special effects with a chandalier. Unfortunately, during the
performance, the lines holding the chandalier frayed and broke, and
the candles caused a fire in the theatre. The cast, crew, and
audience all escaped unharmed, though an era in London plays has just
ended. The play will be opening again in another theatre after the
set is reconstructed, and it is said that they will be using magickal
lighting for the next run.
Mike Phillips: msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu
Transylvania, Odorhe: WITCHES SPOTTED
Local peasants and woodsmen claim that they have seen witches
riding through the night sky at several times during the last few
months. These claims have been dispensed as mere superstition and the
work of idle minds. Local officials have ordered longer work hours for
all laborers as a result. For more information, seek just about any
hovel-dweller out in Odorhe and its immediate vicinity to the west,
near the woods (john@crete.ucdavis.edu).
Vlachia, Woods North of Craiova: GIANT STAGS HUNTED
Sir Gilbert, a notable land holder of Craiova, has put a reward
out for the head of a giant stag seen in the woods 25 miles north of
the city. The stag, a 20-pointer, stands over 8' high at the shoulder.
According to Sir Gilbert, hunting has been unsuccessful more than
several times, and the last time he went out with some of his men, two
of his mercenaries were laid to rest. Moribund S. Minesweeper, a
friend of the lord, offered to retrieve the stag's head for him, but
was also unsuccessful. According to Moribund and his associates, the
stag seems to be protected by the very forest itself. He has returned
north to Transylvania, but messages may be left for either Moribund or
Sir Gilbert at the lord's estate 10 miles north of Craiova
(john@crete.ucdavis.edu).
On a similar note, the apparent cause behind the disappearances of
several children from outlying villages of Craiova has been
discovered. Lurking within a ruined tower in the center of the forest
was found to be a small undead dragon. The beast is still there, as no
one yet has had the courage to deal with it.
Send any comments/questions regarding this stuff to, you guessed it:
john@crete.ucdavis.edu.
Here is something for FNN:
I am sure most of the readership of FNN is aware of the level
limit/game balance discussions on rec.games.frp.dnd. Here is what
I've been doing in my latest campaign with demi-humans:
Elves: -1 str, +1 dex
Dwarves: +1 con
Half-Elves, Humans, Orcs: No adjustments
Halflings: -2 str, +1 dex
I've done away with most of the special abilities of demi-humans,
replacing them with fairly detailed cultures. This seems to work in
my campaign (for me anyways) because instead of picking a race solely
on the merit of special abilities, players are choosing to play
characters of a certain race for the roleplaying possibilities.
Of course in doing away with demi-human special abilities, I've
done away with their level limits as well. Also, to compensate
dwarves and halflings for their 6" movement rate, the latter are still
resistant to poison while the latter are resistant to both poison and
magic. Most of the demi-humans continue to have their increased life-
spans as well. Not everything can be fair :).
Another effect this has had is a shake-up in what races are
allowed to be what. I've been fairly free to develop what races can
be from their cultural contexts rather than having to worry about
"balancing". Thus you have multi-classed humans (though they might
start out a bit older), and dwarven evokers (that con bonus and all),
etc.
I am interested in any comments, flames, etc. that the readership
might have to this. Thank you.
Sandy E. Murphy: IO01092@MAINE.maine.edu
This is a starting character that will be played this Saturday.
Kitiara of Argos (Kitti) 1st Level Fighter
St. 18/67 In 08 Wi 09 De 12 Co 13 Ap 14 Hits 10
She has other equipment but with her battle gear she can carry an
additional 122 lbs. before her movement is lessened.
[This character has not been played yet. I am looking forward to
seeing how she works out in play.]
Sandy E. Murphy: io01092@maine.maine.edu
jpembert@bribri.ci.ucr.ac.cr