Volume #2, Issue #1. (Nov 1, 1993)

Genesis Man/Founder:digdug@iastate.edu
Hack and Slash Man/Editor:msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu

World Index

1. Forgotten Realms
   
2. Greyhawk
   
3. Dragonlance
   
4. Dark Sun
   
5. Ravenloft
   
6. Mystara
   
7. Thunder Rift
   
8. Ærth
   
9. Original
   
   1. Unknown
      
   2. Myrth
      
   3. Entara
      

Other Interesting Stuff

1. Reader's Corner
   
2. Instant (N)PC'S!
   
3. The Adventurer's Guide to Daggerford
   

Reporters this issue:
    Pat Ellis (io11330@maine.maine.edu)
    Mike Phillips (msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu)
    Eric F Schetley (onestar+@pitt.edu)
    Michael A. Masten (deadlock@apache.dtcc.edu)
    Brother Tyrus Hellbane (c9108613@cc.newcastle.edu.au)
    EVIL WADE, (c2mxblue@fre.fsu.umd.edu)
    SEM (io01092@maine.edu)
    Sandy Maple (smaple@terra.colostate.edu)
    Andy Merritt (amerritt@armltd.co.uk)
    Kyriakos Sgarbas (HA+3) (sgarbas@grpatvx1.bitnet)
    Eric Rossing (rossing@cs.hope.edu)
    Brian Librandi (libran18@kepler.poly.edu)
    mcssenct@cluster.cc.dundee-tech.ac.uk
    Eric Boyd (boyd@eecs.umich.edu)
    Chris Herr (crherr@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu)

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:
Welcome to the second year of FNN! Normally, a magazine passing a landmark such as this would offer a retrospective of things that had happened, and a hint of what is yet to come. Since all back issues are available upon request, there's no point in a retrospective, and since everything comes from the readers, I can't very well predict what will show up in my mailbox to be included!
I will offer, however, thanks to each and every one of you for helping keep this useful journal alive. The first two issues came close together, actually on time (although not by much), the third was delayed almost two months, and the fourth wasn't published until nearly 6 months later. I would like to offer an apology to those readers who were with us then, as it was partly my fault that happened. On the other hand, I think we have managed a singularly fantastic comeback, and things are only looking up.
We have added to the store of worlds that have regular news (Ærth, Dark Sun, Thunder Rift, and Ravenloft have taken their place beside such old friends as the Forgotten Realms, Krynn, Greyhawk, and Mystara, and news from DM-created worlds continues to pour in), and various columns have made sporadic appearances. We attempted a PostScript version, with mixed success. I am continuing to publish the PostScript version, but only via FTP. Unfortunately, not all systems are able to print the PS files I generate.
And oh yes, as always, the success of this Journal is owed completely to your cooperation and assistance. Without you, this would not be the success it has been!

                                       -- Mike, msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu

Forgotten Realms

This community was built upon the blood, sweat, and tears of those who have gathered here with their families and friends, hopes and dreams, fears and doubts. This community will hereby grow and prosper due to its willingness to accept others regardless of cultural, economic, or social diversity.

The Wood of Sharp Teeth, Nexus (Original): 7 Hammer 9PR (7 Hammer 1368 DR):
MERCHANT CARAVAN AMBUSHED
A merchant caravan returning from the High Elven town of Hightree was ambushed by an orc hunting party numbering between 30 and 40 members. According to a surviving passenger, the force of 24 guards that accompanied the caravan were able to inflict considerable damage against the orcs until a second sizable force of orc warriors arrived. The orc were able to steal a large portion of the shipment, kidnap two woman and one male guard, and a magical sword, surnamed Daybreaker, to be displayed at Timeless Treasures in the town of Nexus.

The Wood of Sharp Teeth, Nexus (Original): 9 Hammer 9PR (9 Hammer 1368DR):
ADVENTURERS HIRED
Drocca, Curator of Timeless Treasures, has hired a band of seven adventurers calling themselves Warrant to retrieve a magical sword named Daybreaker from a tribe of Orcs residing in an abandoned Drow Elf town. The sword was stolen in an ambush two days ago by this tribe of Orcs and Drocca hopes that they are not smart enough or by accident discover the magical properties of the blade.

The Wood of Sharp Teeth, Nexus (Original): 15 Hammer 9PR (15 Hammer 1368DR):
THE COMING STORM
Within the next two days, The Storm, a group of adventurers that was once led by the founder of the town of Nexus, will be reformed by Tempest, Master of the Storm, Son of the Founder and Councilmember Ukea. At the time of this writing, Tempest said the purpose of the group was to gain experience through adventuring so that they could weather the upcoming storm that would sweep violently across the known lands of the realm.

CAPTURED CLERIC ESCAPES THE DUKE'S DUNGEONS
An evil cleric who was captured during the raid on the Lizard Mine recently is believed to have escaped. Although the Duke's spokesman refuses to comment, it is believed that the evil cleric managed to escape from the Duke's highly secure cell block - an unprecedented act. It is suspected that he had considerable external help.

Waterdeep
WORSHIPPERS OF FOREIGN GOD SEEM UNUSUALLY ACTIVE
Worshippers of the little known god, Ukko, supposedly a major power in other realms, have rallied to their temple in Waterdeep. It is believed that there may some theological crisis going on. However, the temple's spokesmen refused to acknowledge that this was the case, but emphasised that many more services were planned than in the past, and that new converts to Ukko the Almighty were being made in ever increasing numbers.

MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER
In slightly related news, an adventurer, one of the original party sent to remove the Necromancer was arrested for attempting to murder a Dwarven armourer over his ownership of a shield made of Black Dragon Scales. It is rumoured that the man peculiarly worships all dragons and took violent exception to the shield. The man is now being held in the dungeons of one of the town's towers.

Greyhawk

See of Medegia (former... ): FREE LAND OFFERED FOR SMALL TITHE!
Rumors abound that a new kingdom has been established where none had existed. This new land (called the Free Coast) is located south of the Thelly river, and to the east of the Hestmark Highlands (the middle of them...). Rumors report that the rulers there are offering Free land, with seed, cattle, chickens, a house, and a barn. All that must be done is a give a tithe of 25% of the crop to the "owners".
Some have come back to report that these rumors are true, free land, a place to call your own in a land ruled by just and noble men, NOT ANIMUS...

All Over...
NEW CREATURE DISCOVERED!
A man going by the name Pheregas, the Ogre slayer, has been traveling the world since the end of the war, warning governments about a new species, the Darmok. These creatures are able to shift their shape at will, but, unlike simple dopplegangers, they appear to be extremely intelligent. He reports that he has gathered information from the countries of the Iron League and has concluded the following. These creatures are obviously from another plane. They are in the employ of the Scarlet Brotherhood, and they are known to kill people within governments and assume their places. When discovered, they have fought with various magical abilities, but without the use of spell components or somatic gestures. He is warning governments to be wary and to check magically the nature of any person in high authority, to insure that they are who they say they are.

(DM's note: These creatures have the statistics of an Ogre Mage. More than likely they were brought over at the same time that the outsiders came (see WG8 Fate of Istus...))

Game stats for the Center for Monster Control
ORGANIZATION: Center for Monster Control
MEMBERSHIP: All wizards who have first-hand knowledge of magical monsters are eligible.
NEW MEMBER REQUIREMENTS: A new member must pay an entrance fee of 500 sp. Additionally, the prospective member must have first-hand knowledge of a magical monster or a monster wielding magical powers. The board of magocratics votes on whether the prospective member's knowledge is of sufficient usefulness to the organization to allow him membership.
ANNUAL DUES: No dues are collected if the bi-monthly meetings are attended. The member may be assessed a fine if too many meetings are missed without good reason.
Although it is not required, members should continue to contribute knowledge of magical monsters to the organization, so as to maintain good relations.
BENEFITS: The organization supplies information to its members about magical monsters, including their abilities, their weaknesses, and suggested strategies for defeating or avoiding them. The center has laboratories for the study of monsters, which are available for its members. Also, the center has a large library available. The bi- monthly meetings have guest speakers, special auctions, monster displays, classes, symposiums, and other interesting monster-related events that could be quite beneficial to a magic-user.
New members receive an introductory kit. First, the new member gets an official membership card. This card allows its members free access to the center or any of its many franchises located throughout the continent. The kit also contains a book, The Official Center for Monster Control Text, which contains an introduction to the organization (history, purpose, alumni, etc.), rules of the organization (membership, dues, meetings, board, etc.), and samples of its knowledge (information on monsters, facilities available, etc.). The new member also receives a blank notebook to record information on new monsters met, and a jar of ink to accompany the notebook.

Dragonlance

Dark Sun

Tyr: SUDDEN WATERFLOW SPARKS RIOTS!
Shortly after templars, acting in the name of King Kalak, siezed the estate of Agathorius Trimaleon, a mysterious trickle of water began seeping from under the gates of the estate. The trickle soon became a small stream, and thirsty citizens immediately noticed. The control over the area by the templars was nearly broken when they prevented access to the water.
The city is said to be quiet, with the templars investigating the source of the water, and the citizens nervous that this new source of water may be kept from them. Travellers have commented that the quiet in the town is similar to the lull just before one of the feared duststorms of the desert strikes.

Ravenloft

Mystara

The Republic of Darokin, Selenica: BATTALION DEPARTS FOR ARMSTEAD
One of the battalions of pikemen stationed in Selenica left today, heading for the town of Armstead, said to be besieged by humanoids. They have been briefed with what little information is available, and they are prepared to be there for quite some time.
The office of the Chancellor indicated that this was ordered to make good on the promise to aid Armstead in the middle of the village's current troubles.

The Republic of Darokin, Athenos, Athenos Canal: BARGE DEPARTS FOR AKORROS
The merchant Bancohr, having found guards for his barge, saw the vessel off earlier. He was worried about the possibility that the increasing activity of bandits might impact on his shipments, so he refused to allow the merchandise to leave until he had found suitable protection for it.
The guards are said to include an alchemist, a couple of fighters, a singer of some sort, and a scholar, as well as two sailors to make certain nothing happens to the barge. They were last seen headed into the Malpheggi Swamp.

Glantri, Viscompty de Malinbois: HEAD GUARD'S FAMILY DISAPPEARS!
The family of the head of the Viscomptess' personal guard disappeared suddenly, under mysterious circumstances, shortly after the head of the guard was exposed as a werewolf. No one has seen the rest of the family since then, and attempts to find them have been unsuccessful, at least so far.
It is feared that if the tensions in the area, brought about over the discovery of a silver-rich lode beneath the castle of the Viscomptess, continue to mount, a war shall be started between the humans and the apparently large werewolf populations.

Alfheim, Outskirts of Alfheim City: PATROL DISCOVERS TUNNEL
A routine patrol of the City discovered a tunnel entrance near Alfheim City when they tailed a merchant who was acting suspiciously. A brief investigation of the tunnel showed that it ran fairly deep, and the elves are preparing an expedition to see just how deep the tunnel runs.

The Grand Duchy of Karameikos, Threshold: RIOT SPARKED BY LOAF OF BREAD!
Rioting was touched off in this tension-filled city last week when, on the heels of an attack by orcs that was repulsed by a Traladaran paladin and an apparently racially-motivated murder on Skodor Isle, a Thyatian baker sold a maggot-infested loaf of bread to a Traladaran citizen of Threshold. The Traladaran immediately demanded a new loaf, only to be spurned by the baker, and the story quickly spread.
Several Thyatians have been injured in the rioting so far, and the looting continues as the troops under the command of Patriarch Sherlane attempt to re-establish order in this once very lawful town.

Sind, Mahasabad: FAMINE AVERTED!
Officials breathed a sigh of relief when the food caravan arrived two weeks late, and the food was immediately dispersed as needed. Those who have looked into the story of why the caravan was late have been perplexed by reports of a land with people like Sind's, but different geography, and also strange man-shaped metal creatures that spurted fire from their hands. The official story is that they were overcome by delusions sparked by being overlong in the desert.

Hollow World, Tanagoro: MILENIANS AND NITHIANS CLASH IN FOREST!
A force of Milenians headed for Nithia ran into a force of Nithians headed for Milenia in the middle of the forests of the Tanagoro. The resulting fight was bloody and short, with both sides limping off and claiming victory. Word has already come from some of the Tanagoro tribes that these troops are fair game, as part of the reason the Tanagoro continue to allow the troops passage through the forest is in exchange for no fighting amongst the trees. Neither force is expected to make it out of the forest.

Thunder Rift

Ærth

Albion, London: THEATRICAL SCENE UNDERGOES MORE CONFUSION AND RIVALRY
After the accidental destruction of the Orb during the showing of a play, producers have been justifiably cautious in considering the performance of Sir Andru, Lord Weber's latest work, the tragic tale of a vampiric love pentacle called "Aspects of Blood".
Critics have already spent a fair amount of parchment panning the production, which is currently without a stage for regular performances. The few people who have been willing to back the production to this point are counting on the attraction to Lord Weber's work that the average citizen seems to have.
The theatre scene is confused even more by the recent opening of a new opera Fidchell, based on the popular Avillonian game of the same name. The opera has taken off quite well, although the content seems to be specific only to the current political scene and popularity may decline if the current situation is changed.

Hy Braseal, Lanaege: DEMIURGE PRESIDES OVER BIZARRE MARRIAGE
The Demiurge of Hy Braseal is said to have officiated for a marriage that has sparked many rumors. Invitations were accepted by the rulers of most nations of Ærth, including all five kings of Avillonia, most of Æropa, some places of Azir and Afrik, and even some of the colonies.
The marriage itself has been described as that of a cat and a mouse, a lord of Darkness and a lady of Underaerth, or even Rexfelis and the Shadowqueen. No one knows for certain.

Original

Original: Unknown

Original: Myrth

Far Golins: Saturnya, 2nd day of the Month of Anguish
ELVENHOME DESTROYED!
A rider arrived at the Duke's Palace this morning from the direction of Elvenhome with an urgent message for his lordship. Shortly thereafter, the messenger was thrown out of the palace to the accompanying laughter of the royal guard. He was later seen approaching mercenaries and adventures in most of the seedier local pubs apparently in an attempting to recruit fighting men for an assault on a Giant's stronghold somewhere in the Torgan Mountains. He claimed that giants had destroyed Elvenhome and that the mercenary group, know as The Fella's, was even now approaching the Torgan range. No giants have been seen in hundreds of years in the Torgan range. The messenger was positive giants had ravaged Elvenhome due to an 'unmistakable trail', although he had not actually seen any giants, nor would know a giant trail from a cobble stone street. As for his recruiting efforts, there were no takers. The messenger was last seen downing a pint of stout at the Whore's Breast tavern. The Duke has assured the city officials that the 'renegade giants' tale the rider is spreading is as substantial, and is to be taken as seriously as the vaporous 'Drow invasion' that The Fella's claimed was imminent last month. The messenger was last seen downing a pint of stout at the Troll's Lair tavern.

Far Golins: Wodinsday, 6th day of the Month of Anguish
"THE FELLA'S" WHEREABOUTS UNKOWN
The mercenary group known as The Fella's has not been heard from since leaving Far Golins for Elvenhome Freyasday last. Many speculate that they may have tripped on their egos and tumbled into the Great Gorge on their way to the Torgan range, or perhaps, having found no giants, have decided to travel to the southern shores of the inland sea rather than endure the good humoured jeering from the townsfolk of our fine city.
Other travellers have since visited Elvenhome and confirmed that it has in fact been sacked, the conquerers leaving nothing behind but the burned out shells of tree-homes and shattered timbers amidst, oddly enough in this dry season, mud puddles. None of the travellers could say who might have performed this monstrous act yet noted that two, wide, beaten down trails lead from Elvenhome to the Torgan Mountains. One trail seemed to lead across the northern end of the Great Gorge and hence to the Northern reaches of the Mountains while the other lead due East presumably to be block by the impassable Great Gorge. None of the travellers were inclined to follow the paths or investigate the fate of The Fella's.

Original: Entara

Reader's Corner

Instant (N)PC'S!

Evard Mulhanus (8th Level Mage)

Str. 09
Int. 15                          Prof Weapons
Wis. 12                          Staff, Dagger
Dex. 11                          Exp: 129,550
Con. 12
Chr. 08                          Spells
Hits: 22                         1st: 4    2nd: 3
                                 3rd: 3    4th: 2

Horsemanship 07         Spellcraft 13
R/W Own Language 16     Own Religion's Theology 04
Speak Elven 15          Farming 09
R/W Elven 16            Herbalism 13
Speak Dwarven 15        Ancient History 14
R/W Dwarven 16          Gem/Jewelry Appraisal 15
Merchant 03

Equipment                    Wt
Dagger
Misc minor spell comp
Riding Horse
  Saddle
  Saddle blanket
  Bit/Bridle
  Lrg Saddlebags
    Flint/Steel
    Extra clothes
    2 Wineskins
    First aid kit
    Cloak
    Wet weather clothes
    Pouch of silver and
    more spell comp.
  Gear + Rider
Horse Encum: 243 lbs (up to 270 lbs) = 16"
Rider Encum: 4 lbs (up to 35 lbs) = 12"

*In my campaign, original spells that the caster invents and researches do not count against his limit that he can put in his books.

His memorized spells generally emphasize personal and party defense, and then the other stuff. He will use the armor spell very liberally and stoneskin as well (depending on the house rules of course).

Character Development Sex: M Age: 38 Hei: 5'9" Wei: 170 lbs Hair color: Black
Eyes: Brown Race: Human

Distinguishing Features: He is an older man and a bit over-weight. He has short black hair with some gray and a little thinning on the top. He is tanned from traveling a lot and he has a few wrinkles and bags starting to form under his eyes. His nose is broad and a bit round while his lips are thin, which he often purses when he is concentrating.

Emotional Hang-ups: He is very resentful of the policy of the elven country to the south's attitude towards human mages and he thus dislikes elves in general, though he will usually keep it to himself.

Origins: He was not fit for the typical occupations of of station - warrior or priest - but he he met someone who noticed his aptitude for magic and offered to train him. His parents were greatly disappointed but in the end they relented, after several unproductive attempts to make a good priest out of him. he stayed with his master for 5 years as an apprentice and assisted him as an associate until his leige died when Evard was 30. His master's family inherited all of his possessions and kicked Evard out, selling most of the estate to people representing elven mages from the south. Since then, Evard has made his own way through the world and has done fairly well financially, though socially he is not particularly respected.

Work experience: Mages have a low station in Evard's homeland, considering their power. Magic is by no means outlawed but it is not trusted and not considered a proper pursuit for a citizen. Those who choose to practice magic are on the fringe of the social order though they may participate in the community - in fact they are expected to. Their services are sometimes purchased and sometimes required by the Church but they are more like mercenaries than anything else (in this regard). Needless to say, Evard has done this both for pay and to fulfill his citizenship requirments on many occasions. Mages who become too powerful generally hush it up since wizards are proportionally not trusted to the degree that they are a potential threat to the order of things, even if they are loyal citizens. Much of Evard's problems with his the order of things turns on this lack of acceptance. They seem to be willing to use his services when they need him but they don't wish to give him the rewards and respect that other people are given as a matter of course. He doesn't understand why magic is such a threat in the hands of loyal citizens and thus resents the treatment he receives. Evard is a wealthy man, through his use of magic outside of his country, but he also makes a tidy sum through his knowledge about and speculation of gems and jewelry with merchants amongst the elves, dwarves [to a lesser degree], and other human countries. But wealth is not that important to him for its own sake, but because it allows him to practice magic and live well.

Parents: His father and mother are rulers of a small village as Dominus and Domina. Thus he would generally be expected to be a warrior or priest. Even if he proved to have marginal skills in either profession then he could still excel in managin the family estates but he is not even particularly gifted (though his is competent - just not interested) in farming. What a disappointment! Since there are two older sons, his parents try not to remind him that he is not behaving correctly but it is obvious that they wish he would have a more acceptable career than money-grubber and magic-user. Thus he is not particularly close to his parents and only visits on certain holidays or when he hasn't seen them in a very long time. He does feel a sense of duty to do good by them and certainly he will try and do what is required to keep up at least a pretense of good will.

Character Traits: His strongest character traits are his work ethic and morality. His weakest traits are his poor social skills and the fact he tends to pre-judge individuals by the society in which they live. He also suffers from rather frequent bouts of depression where he immerses himself completely in his work. He can also be a bit cynical and even irritating.

Amibitions: His personal ambition is to become a powerful mage and transcend the needs of a religious savior - he wants to save his own soul. Though he has never run into such a thing, he would be very open to a religion that preaches universal love and tolerance, as opposed to the God of War (among other things) that is the focus of the religion of his home country.

Art, etc. Preferred: He has a grudging respect for elven culture. He doesn't like the culture of his own society, preoccupied as it is with violence, warfare and the primacy of its god over all others (though within a framework of what it considers to be "good"). He likes art and activities that are quiet and emphasize the natural world in an idyllic sort of way.

Favorite Color: Blue but he wears clothes that allow him to blend as a mundane traveler. He does not advertise that he is a mage.

There is more but I think this is enough to go on. As you can see, there are a number of things that might have to be changed, such as the fact he has no magic items (magic item poor world - at least non- burnables). Any comments are appreciated. Please direct them to io01092@maine.maine.edu

The Adventurer's Guide to Daggerford