Consonant Opposition

Asian Locations: Romance of the Three Kingdoms & Dynasty Warriors

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

The Three Kingdoms period takes place at the end of the Han Dynasty. From 184 AD to 280 AD, China experiences a period of civil unrest as the the Imperial Court is weakened from both within as well as several powerful warlords and nobles that would eventually consolidate power as the Kingdoms of Shu, Wei, and Wu.

Trouble started early on with a number of rebellions, one of them growing from the Five Pecks of Rice rebellion decades earlier. The Yellow Turban Rebellion as it came to be known as, lasted from 184-215 AD. It was a religious movement and a response to the state's abuses of its' peasants and farmer class, as well as the corruption by the 10 Eunuchs within the court of Empress He. For some time, 189-199 AD 10 Eunuchs were known to abusive their stations of power. Both Noble to peasant were at the whims of these individuals and seemed to have the complete protection of Empress He. Internal struggles years earlier had caused the future Emperors Shao and and Xian to flee the court and go on the run.

Shao and Xian found an ally and protector under a northern Warlord known as Dong Zhou.
He used the two nobles to his own ends until a rebellion occurred within his own domain in which a band of Nobles rescued the future Emperors. With all this strife, the Han Dynasty began to fracture. A long period of battles occurred as the nobles started squabbling over areas. It didn't climax until 208 when the division of Three Kingdoms began. The Kingdom of Wei to the North who held the last Emperor of the Han Dynasty, the Kingdom of Shu to the east who managed to have held the Imperial Seal, and the Kingdom of Wu to the West.

This period of the The Three Kingdoms is a popular setting for several video game franchises. Koei has capitalized on this with its game series "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and "Dynasty Warriors". In both of these series you play out one of the three major faction who attempt to unify China. This historical period makes a wonderful RPG setting as their is much battlefield action and political intrigue going on.

Dungeons and Dragon 5E

2012-01-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

As many of you know by now, the death of 4E reigns has tolled....it ends this year. For what ever reasons
that 4E has been back shelved....a new versions of Dungeons and Dragons is coming 2/2013.
It promises to incorporate any style of game play (rules systems) and support the many editions of D&D.
As many of you may have come to know that 4E split the Dungeons and Dragon fan based down the line, where many people where upset that the D20 and 3E were being canceled. There had always been hold outs, keeping the previous editions alive... but 3ED&D may have succeeded to well in convincing and producing the ultimate compatible game system in RPGs.

5E glimpses are appearing all around the web, most you can see here at the official message board for WOTC.
They are promising that all ages of the timeline will be available for play and the first campaign setting supported will be the Realms aka Faerun. Although each edition had its flagship Campaign Setting.....

D&D : Mystara
AD&D: World of Greyhawk
2ED&D: Forgotten Realms
3ED&D: Eberron/Pathfinder
D20 System: Everything and Anything
4ED&D: Conquest of Nerath

It would be great for them to final flesh out areas of these campaign worlds. Oearth stills has the western half of the continent to be filled out... Chainmail did a wonderful job setting the stage for a new Campaign Setting based on Greyhawk. The Forgotten Realms still have to address Osse and update some of the other continents before the odd shift to 4E. Dragonlance needs a Taladas Update.... Mystara need more in depth exploration of the other continents beside the info from the Voyage of the Princess Ark...even Ravenloft has a few more domains to shed light upon..... even bring back Star Frontiers! Heck perhaps finally do what people what.... make the 5E Official Campaign Setting,,, Magic the Gathering!

There is so much I hope for.....yet... at this point... they are only dreams..

Salvaging 4E Dungeons & Dragons: Spells

2011-11-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here are two adaptions of spells (Wizard Powers) from 4E Dungeons & Dragons for use in 3d Edition.
The spells are basically an adaption of existing effects found in a four groups of spells. For "Evard's Wrenching Darkness" it was a combination of Dimension Door and Fear spells, since wrenching darkness is more of a controlled fear effect level three would be appropriate. "Evard's Black Gate" is a combination of Evard's Black Tentacles and Wall of Limbs Spell. It captures the deadly evocative effects described in the text, and thus given a level 9. These spells were adapted from the book "Heroes of Shadows" in the Nethermancy School section of Wizard Powers.

Evard's Wrenching DarknessNecromancy, Illusion (Shadow)
Level: Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: 30ft
Effect: Target + Enemies with 20ft
Duration: 1 round
Saving Throw: Will Partial
Spell Resistance: Yes

Inky darkness envelops an enemy and begins drag them away, spreading fear among your other
foes. The darkness suddenly appears around one target and begins to move your enemy away in a direction of your choosing unless it succeeds on a Will save. You can choose to move a
a target up to 25 feet in any direction (not into the air) where it is held for 1 round. Those enemies within 20 feet witnessing the event, must also make a Will save or become frightened. If the enemies succeeds on their save, the target will become frightened and/or enemies will be shaken for 1 round by the event.
Material Components: Tar Coal, Chicken Feather

Evard's Black GateConjuration (Creation), Necromancy
Level: Sor/Wiz 9
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 Full Round
Range: 100ft + 10ft/level
Effect: Wall of Shadowy Tentacles 20ft long/caster level or 5ft/two caster levels, both 20ft High
Duration: 1 round/Level (D)
Saving Throw: Reflex negates or Fortitude half
Spell Resistance: Yes

A black pin point expands widely, which spills forth a mass of dark writhing tentacles which ensure your foes and bringing the, into the darkness from which they came. The spell brings forth a wall or ring as mentioned above that has 15 foot long tentacles. Any creature within 10 feet of the wall must make a grapple check, or otherwise will be attacked by a tentacles which will entwine and drag them into the wall.
Treat these Tentacles as you would for the "Evard's Black Tentacles" spell, thus each tentacle has a base attack strength bonus as if it had a Strength score of 19 as a large creature. Thus, it grapple check modifier is equal to the caster level + 8. furthermore the tentacles are immune to all types of damage. Movement within the field of tentacles is reduced to 1/2 the normal movement speed. Once the tentacles grapple and opponent they are immediate dragged within the wall. Any creature within the wall takes 1d6 points of negative energy damage per level of the caster (maximum 15d6), Fortitude save for half. The tentacles will hold the victim there until they break free.
If the spell was cast atop of creatures, they may make a Reflex save to avoid being in the wall, however they may be subject to attack if they are unable to move more than 15ft away from the tentacles.
Evard's Black Gate provides one-half cover (+4 AC, +2 Reflex saves against attacks made through it.
Material Components: Black Opal (1,000gp), Zombie Ichor, Dried Tentacle

Famous Spellcasters: Crown Prince Myrkul Bey al-Kursi

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Name: Crown Prince Myrkul Bey al-Kursi
World: Abeir-Toril
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Crown of Horns.

Myrkul Bey al-Kursi was born as a Crown Prince of Murghom centuries ago. He was a powerful Necromancer and ruled the city for a time. He eventually became associated with two other powerful adventurers who invited him on a grand quest to obtain divinity for themselves.Along the way they traveled across many planes and worlds, causing strife in eastern Faerun, and subjugating various primordials. Eventually they had enough power to challenge a god and decided to attack Jergal, the Lord of Death. However, their conquest easily gave up and would gift them with his powers. Jergal sought to pit Myrkul and the other against themselves. However when Malar jumped at the chance to attain power the three united and drove off the god-beast. They then decided to split Jergal's power amongst them. Bane and Bhaal took their powers, while Myrkul became the new Lord of the Dead.

During his reign as the god of the Dead, Jergal served him as an adviser to help him dealing with his duties as Lord of the Dead. He inhabited Jergal realm known as Bone Castle. There he continued his necromantic experiments and toyed with the souls of the unfaithful. He relished in his position among as the god of the Dead.
However, knowing full well that gods could die....he planned a few contingencies in case that may happen. First he did his best to cement himself in history by performing foul and cruel deeds that would never be forgotten, the very fear of his presence would be imbedded in all mortals in a sense making him truly immortal as long as people remembered. He even orchestrated a plan along with Bane and Bhaal to take over all of creation by stealing the "Tablets of Fate", which caused the "Time of Troubles" He was bested by "Midnight" who knew of his plans and his essence took refuge in an artifact called the Crown of Horns. The crown itself was broken years earlier by Khelban Blackstaff in a battle with a Netherese lich named Aumvor. Myrkul reformed the crown is his last dying act as a vessel for his soul.

Since then Myrkul's position as Lord of the Dead passed was appointed into Cyric who already absorbed Bhaal. When Cyric was cast out as Lord of the Dead the title passed to Kelemvor. However, no one noticed that Myrkul's essence was ever passed on. He awaits in the Crown of Horns, waiting for a suitable champion to come forth and possess him to bring himself back. Many powerful spellcaster's have been tricked over the years into wearing the crown, but none have managed to revive Myrkul fully.

Famous Spellcasters: Pflarr

2011-10-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Name: Pflarr
World: Mystara
Spells: Unknown
Magical Items: Unknown

Pflarr was created by a powerful Nithian wizard, and would serve as a guardian and bodyguard. Unfortunately before Pflarr could be used, a rival wizard killed his master. Fufilling his purpose, he tracked down this wizard and slew him. He inherited both wizard's domain, and began to study magic. He soon became an accomplished wizard in his own right, and also discovered a clue about the immortals. Soon he would ask Rathanos to be his patron in the quest for immortality.

He soon helped mold what would become the Nithian Empire, he along with his sponsor affixed themselves as gods and nurtured their peoples. Pflarr himself established several great artifact and fonts of power such as; the Monoliths and Puissant Pyramid. He then went on to create being in his own image, who were given magical prowess like himself. He named this new race the Hutakaa.

Although the Nithian Empire was banished from the surface world, it exists alongside many of the other "dead" kingdoms within the Hollow World. Among the Nithians, he is a god of magic and the creator deity of the Hutakka. He has begun to attract other worshipers such as the Lupin, in which he hopes to spread his message on the surface world.

Famous Spellcasters: Fistandantilus

2011-10-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

Name: Fistandantilus
World: Krynn aka "Dragonlance"
Spells: Portal.
Magical Items: Bloodstone of Fistandantilus.

Fistandantilus is one of the oldest wizard of Krynn. No one knows exactly when he was born, but it is recorded that he passed the Test of High Sorcery when only the Tower of Wayreth existed. He took the robes of a red wizard and pursued magic with a passion. To him magic was his only companion he needed.Sadly he realized that no matter how much power he would gain he would eventually die. He asked for Gilean for assistance, but the god relayed that all things must die.Anger with that response he turned to the Dark Queen. She provided him with Bloodstone, an artifact that allowed him to extend his life while condemning those souls to the Dark Queen.

For the next couple of years he was one of the the most trusted wizards of the Conclave. He traveled and made arrangements with local lords of the benefits of constructing the Towers of High Sorcery. As his power an influence grew he even managed to persuade the Conclave to allow him to take Zhaman Fortress of Malock. He even joined Vinas Solamnus for a time to aid the Emperor of Ergoth for his own reasons. It was sometime after this he was appointed as the Master of the Tower of High Sorcery of Palanthus. With the rise of Istar, the Conclave became concerned with their power and asked Fistandantilus to monitor the situation. He managed to cement himself within the Istarian court and began to manipulate events to his advantage. He orchestrated the "Lost Battles" as magic became outlawed, keeping the Kingpriest under his influence. Ultimately it was his goal to secure magical artifacts from the towers and "heretic" gods, bringing him the "Abyssal Portal" in which he planned to challenge the Queen of Darkness for power. Knowing full well what would come with the Cataclysm, he save one true priest and journeyed forward in time where he could utilize the Portal. However a mishap in his calculations caused an explosion at Zhaman Keep which killed him.

His spirit though lingered on within the Towers of High Sorcery. His phantom would approach potential candidates who would take there test, and managed to persuade a few. Those that denied him often did not survive the test. It wasn't until centuries later that he found his ideal host, Raistlin Majere. Raistlin was a chosen champion of Lunitari who made a bargain with the spirit during the test. The spirit mentored Raistlin with secrets that he needed to accomplish his task of thwarting the Dark Queens return. They both even managed to defeat one of his own phantoms in Zhaman Keep. However in the end, he decided to betray Raistlin at the last moment beneath the Temple of Istar when she made her return. Both he and Raistlin struggled in a battle attempting to absorb each other with the Bloodstone. Raistlin managed to help drive back the Dark Queen with his companions. With the knowledge of Fistandantilus, Raistlin completed a prophecy which made him the Master of the Past of the Present by taking control of the Tower of Palanthus.

Although he had been destroyed in the Future, he never imagined that Raistlin would travel back and time and become his apprentice. Raistlin again challenged Fistandantilus, and assumed his role in history as the Black Wizard had. Raistlin had affected the timeline, thus diverging much of Fistandantilus plans and creating several temporal paradoxes. Despite this, his spirit still endured in a variety of ways. Eventually one his plans finally came to fruition when a red robe wizard discovered one of his trapped spellbooks. He now bides his time in the body of Eltam whose whereabouts are unknown.

He has had several residences such as Castle, a hidden lair known as Ulgaard in Garnet, Zhaman Keep, and was once the Master of the Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthus. He also had personal apartments within Istar and the Tower of High Sorcery of Wayreth. Some of his last known apprentices (whom he did not absorb) were Andras, Whastryk Kite, Akar, and Raistlin Majere. He was even contacted once by both Mordenkainen of Oerth and Elminster of Abeir-Toril, but refused to here them out.

In addition he created several contingency item that would ensure his life would endure in the form of a Spellbook, his own Skull, a Silver Belt Buckle, the Bloodstone, and Mirror. These items would possess the owner, allowing Fistandantilus to live once more. A Mirror was created that hosted his spirit and it was lost somewhere in Qualnesti. Gantor Blacksword was one of the first ones to succumb to his Bloodstone, it drove him made until another component of his soul came forth. This was Kelryn Darewind, who was corrupted by the silver belt buckle that Whastryk Kite had a hand in creating. Kelryn killed Gantor and fled back to Haven were he founded a cult based upon Fistandantilus. A kender, Emilio Haversack, came across the Skull when he was in Zhaman Keep...which soon possessed him as well. Soon these three items came into conflict, where several phantoms of the Archmage came into being and fought amongst themselves. Years later a Red Wizard named Eltam discovered a spellbook which possessed him as well.

Spell Casting 102: Magic of Khemet

2011-10-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

Individuals who lived in the lands of ancient Egypt knew that the power to do miraculous things dwelt within the power of he gods themselves.Many such individuals sought knowledge and petitioned certain deities such as Thoth, Isis, Ptah, or Set for this power. Thoth was the God of Scribes, and new a great deal of secrets from the knowledge he gathered. Isis was the goddess of magic, she knew many mysteries about the universe.
Ptah the creator was a being of immense power, one that many could tap into. Set was a god of power, he was a god who could bring strength at a price. Although these gods were often petitioned by arcane spellcasters, magic was an essence that can be tapped into called "Heku". It permeated existance and could be pooled, collected, and stored in a variety of ways. More often than Shabuti (small idols), jars, scrolls or small amulets often held Heka as reservoirs needed for spellcastings. Large structures such as pentacles, obelisks, and pyramids could be used to gather and pool this energy as well.

Most respected of the arcane spellcasters were the Kheri-Heb, individuals who were a master of Heka magics through the use of scrolls. Many were well studied scribes who worked for the nobility, and well well versed in the secrets and mysteries of the gods. They often worked hand in hand with priests, usually as a vessel of power for powerful Heku rituals that needed to be performed.

Hekai on the other hand were often commoners who had the innate ability to harness heku for their own use.
They often learned on their own and went by instincts on how Heku works. Most knowing of the gods often petitioned guidance from one of the patron deities of magic. Even non-spellcasters could gain some mastery over Heku with pact made to Seth.

Traveler's Note:
Visiting spellcasters can learn about ambient magic and it's ability to be stored and gathered. Such practices can help arcane spellcaster build up reservoirs of spell power. However, most Kheri-Heb guards there secrets jealously. Ever practitioner of Heku is a potential rival.

Those that travel from Mulhurond and Thay of Abeir-Toril, Erypt of Oerth, Egypt of Aerth, Empire of Senpet of Ningen-Do, and Nithia of Mystara will notice some familiarity with Heku magical practices.

Famous Spellcasters: Syous and D'Raven

2011-10-27T04:47:00.000-07:00

Name: Syous of Karameikos and D'Raven of Glantri
World: Mystara
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Unknown.

Syous the Blue is a powerful wizard from the kingdom of Darokin. He was contacted by a group of adventurers who barely managed to defeat the Lich Deimos in his Tower of Doom. Lucia, a dabbler in magic herself, was aware of a wizard she came to know probably join them on there next quest. Syous was soon contacted by the party and accepted as this would give him opportunity to explore the rest of Mystara. Crassus, their warrior suggested that they might as well find a sixth member who was skilled at thievery. Greldon, a cleric of the Immortals, knew of one such individual by the name of Moriah. Dimsdale, a dwarf, though that both additions would bring nothing but trouble and more mouths to feed. To build up the team they accepted a small quest to the Broken Lands to test how they worked as a team, However they soon became involved in a bigger quest which threatened the safety of Mystara once more.

Yet over in Glantri, they had noticed some odd movements across the Broken Lands and heard rumors that a great evil was afoot. A young and talented wizard by the name of D'Raven was charged with forming a scouting party and sent to Village of Trintan.He soon called upon old colleges and associates he knew within the city such as; Jarred a local guard, Miles a cleric from the Temple District, Kayla a fellow student at the Great School of Magic and an elf. Jarred bought along his friends, Hendel the Dward and Shannon the Rogue They soon set off and found that attacks have been increasing, and a coordinated attacks from the Broken Lands recently occurred.Luckily a group of adventurers had save them from this menace.However, reports that a Juggernaut was used in the battle alerted D'Raven that this was more than just an attack. The other adventurers thought the same an journeyed onward. Yet is was soon discovered that a complicated plot was brewing and all path led to a powerful wizardress named Synn who had dealings with the fallen Lich Deimos. They were alerted by the adventuring party of the location of the foul temptress and was asked to get re-enforcements. Luckily D'Raven and his group had gathered enough evidence to convince Prince Malachie du Marais of Glantri to send a fleet of skyships. They arrived just in time to disrupt Synn's plot to release a fiend of Entropy into this world and rescued Syous and his band of adventurers who had warned them and delayed Synn long enough for the fleet to arrive.

Asian Locations: 7th Sea

2011-10-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

On the world of Theah, in the far east several Asian nations exist. They are located along Ussura's eastern coast, separated by the are behind a natural border of the Eastern Great River which connects the Mirror Sea with the eastern ocean known as "Corridors of Flames". Furthermore, the Corridors of Flame and the Great River are itself part of the Wall of Fire.

Cathay is one of the earliest civilization on Theah, and influenced the development of the Crescent Empire and had frequent contact with Ussura. Although around 760 AV, a massive wall of flames appeared along the great river that separated Cathay from Ussura. These magical flames trapped some of the natives of Cathay outside their homelands. Most attempted to return across the Mirror Sea, but any travel was harsh.

Cathay is unusual as an Asian location, as it incorporates the peoples from the middle east as well. The nations of Tashil and Tiakhar are reminiscent of India and Sir Lanka. Although these are not true Asian locations, they are mentioned since they pay tribute to Han Hua.

Cathay is made up of several nations, some of them mirror many cultures of Earth. Each nation owes allegiance to the nation of Han Hua, who has collectively kept Cathay together over the centuries. Although there have been internal conflicts, Han Hua has maintained peace over the centuries and its' rulers are responsible of creation of the Wall of Fire.

Han Hua
The largest nation of Cathay, is currently ruled by the Celestial Empress Wu Shang Fon. The nation is much like China. It's people are lucky to live in area of great fertile plains and sweeping forests, feed by the Huang He river. Much of the land is used to feed the many citizens of the Empire. It also boasts rich fishing villages and maintains a large supply of ships since it touches both the Mirror Sea and the Corridors of Flame. Although many have not sailed beyond the flames, they ship are used to sail to the southern nations as needed.
Han Hua is one of the most influential centers of Cathy.

Khimal
The northernmost point of Cathay is home to some of the highest mountains in the world.
Here the kingdom is ruled by their spiritual leader, High Lama Kunchan Choden. The people of Khimal are similar to that of Tibet and Nepal.

Koryo
This kingdom is located in the forested areas between Khimal and Xian Bei. It's ruler is
King Kyu Hwang Bae. The people and lands here are similar to that of ancient Korea.

Xian Bei
These plains and deserts are home to the horselands, and is found north of Han Hua. The people and cultures here are similar to that of Mongolia. Before the Wall of Fire sprang, the Xian Bei were some of the first people to explore the western half of Theah. Many of their tribe were left to wander Ussura and Crescent Empire after the Wall of Flame was erected. Even within Cathay, Xian Bei has proven a tough nation to tame. Their current ruler is Khan Dalan-Tai.

Lanna
The small nation of south of Han Hua, is ruled by King Suraphand and Queen Vidura. The nation was once one of the largest explorers, sailing as far as the Crescent Empire. Their lands are filled with rain forests, feed by two great rivers from the mountain to the south.They are reminiscent of ancient Siam.

Tashil and the Island nation of Tiakhar are located at the tip of southern Cathay.
As described, the people and cultures of this land are very similar to that of India and will be covered in another article.

Famous Spellcasters: Finder Wyvernspur

2011-10-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Name: Finder Wyvernspur aka "The Nameless Bard"
World: Abeir-Toril aka "Forgotten Realms"
Spells: Blue Splash, Holy Flame, Holy Lightning, Jagged earth, and Gale Force.
Magical Items: Sword of Songs Finder's Stone, Wyvernspur.

Finder Wyvernspur was once a human bard of superb talent that surpassed many for some one of his young age. Being so talented he attracted the attention of the Harpers who invited him to join. Finder was a perfectionist, and bit of an egoist knowing his suburb talent. He was never satisfied and always pursued his craft. He was often frustrated with reproduction of his works, since no one could come close to his greatness. However, his arrogance and ego lead him down a path when he created a clone of himself known as Flattery Wyvernspur. He had hoped a clone of himself would due his art justice, but he was hampered by the fact that although the clone was identical it did not capture his talent for music right away. He treated the clone like a dim-witted animal whom he trained harshly and eventually the clone fought back. The clone attempted to kill Finder and robbed his lab.During the attempt, his apprentice was killed. When all this was found out his reputation was ruined. The Harpers punished him by exiling him to a prison in the elemental planes and striking his name from the realms.

However centuries later, a sorceress broke him out. She had found his notes and was intrigued by his attempt at creating a clone. With his cooperation, the adventuress Alias was born. He journeyed with her for sometime, and was intrigued with her adaptions to his music. The Harpers realizing he had escaped, again put him on trial. Somehow he also get entangled with Olav Rustkettle, who lead him on an adventure which lead to Finder confronting the god Moander and freeing the race of Saurials who were under its' influence.

Instead of being corrupted and destroyed by Moander's power, he absorbed it through the luck of Tymora.
Ascended as a god he found himself in the plane of Arborea, with Fermata as his domain. The Saurials has been staunch worshipers of his since he freed them from Moander, and has managed to gain a degree of followers from artists and other share his vision.

Famous Spellcasters: Rand al'Thor

2011-10-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

Name: Rand al'Thor
Titles: The Dragon reborn, Car'a'carn, Atha'an Miere, Shadowkiller, Lord of Morning, Prince of Dawn, True Defender of the Light, King of Illian.
World: The World aka Wheel of Time
Spells: None
Magical and Wondrous Items: Tam's Sword, Callandor, Buddha Angreal, Choedan Kal Sa'angreal, Laman's Sword, dragon Sword, and Crown of Swords.

One of the most power channelers of the One Power is Rand al'Thor. He is the prophesied savior of the world who will save it from the forces and the Dark One. He was just a simple farmer from Edmond's field who got caught up in the War of Power between the creator and the Dark One. For every so often the prophesied one is born as the world is shattered and remade.

Rand is the son of Janduin and Tigraine Mantear (Shaiel), and was born on the slope of the Dragonmount at the end of the Aiel War. The child was found by Tam al'Thor, who was at the battle, and took the child to raise as his own with his wife Kari. They headed home to the Two River's Territory and lived a quiet life in Edmond's field. Rand group up as a farmer and woodsman, living a simple life. It wasn't until his 20th year that he and a group of friends were swept up into the prophecies.

The Aes Sedai had been on the hunt for the Dragon Reborn, for all the signs pointed to his return. A member of the Blue Ajah, Moiraine Damodred Sedai, had suspected that he might be born in the TWo Rivers area for she had assessed that three ta'veren lived within Edmond's field. She had pin pointed three young men; rand al'Thor, Matrim cauthon, and Perrin Aybara. Unfortunately the Dark One was aware too and his forces soon came down on them. They along with several other fled Edmond's Field and headed to the safety of Tar Varlon. It was soon apparent that the Dragon reborn was Rand. His ability to channel began to further manifest itself, and was now hunted by the Aes Sedai. Attempting to flee he and his friends soon ran from their very lives from the Tower and the grip of the Aes Sedain. Yet he could not escape his fate. No matter where he turned, he was marked and fulfilled the destiny that was thrust upon him.

Although he had ideas of his own. He used one of the Forsaken, Asmodean, to instruct him in channeling the one power. He even soon gained some of the other "alleged" Dragon Reborn to his side and formed the Black Tower. This was an order similar to the White Tower, but was for those men who could channel Saidin. Males who channeled were often hunted and killed, and he wanted to provided a safe haven and a place to instruct males. Sadly though in the last war the Dark One had tainted and corrupted Saidin, the male half of the one power, that drove male channelers mad. Ambitious, he did something that was unexpected.... he cleansed Saidin of the taint.

Salvaging 4E Dungeons & Dragons: 4E Pantheon

2011-10-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

When 4E came out it introduced a number of new deities, as well as some familiar favorites. Unfortunately at the time there was no default Campaign Setting for 4E. Instead we saw that Forgotten Realms in 4E merged momentarily with Abeir it's planetary twin, Eberron was mentioned with no significant changes, and references to Greyhawk were mentioned here and there. Recently the default 4E Campaign Setting appeared as "Conquest to Nerath", and was quickly apparent to be one of Oerth's Alternate planets. Thus we have a great idea where these new deities come from.

For 3E Greyhawk, there is a well established list of gods and goddess known in Eastern Oerth. The Pantheons of the Suel and Flan are well known and cemented in Greyhawk myth and cultures. The new pantheon can be introduced within the Shattered Empires of western Oerth, which has some early inklings of 4E. The "Shattered Empires" Campaign Setting was designed for the 3E miniatures and was set in western Oerth introducing new kingdoms. Although, the Campaign Setting was never fully fleshed out other than in Dragon Magazine ...this give a great place to plop the 4E Pantheon, especially when we know they are from an alternate Oerth.

Aurom (Goddess of Life): Ancient goddess of the Cycle of Life that was worshipped by the humans of the "Shattered Empire". She was killed by Nerull.
Achra (God of War and Domination): Also known as "Bane", has worshipper in the Free States, Thalos, and among Drazen's Horde. He seeks to claim Stratis power and has fueled the conflict that has been going on in this region for generations.
Avandra (Goddess of Change): She is mostly worshiped in the Free States. Her church is not accepted in Thalos, as her ethos conflicts with Stern Alia.
Bahamut (God of Good Dragons): He is worshiped in Ravilla, thanks to his aid in the Demon Wars. He is responisble for the creation of the Dragonborn in this region.
Corellon (God of the Elves): Chief Patron of the Elven Pantheon, he is worshiped in Ravilla.
Erathis (Goddess of Civilization): She is worshiped in the Free States, and in Thalos. She is on very good terms with the Church of Stern Alia.
Haramathur (God of Guardians): Temples within the deserts of the Southlands mention this slumbering god.
Ioun (Goddess of Knowledge): This goddess is worshiped throughout the Free States, Thalos, and as far as the Southlands.
Kord (God of Strength and Battles): One of the few male deities worshiped within the Shattered Empires.
Laeris (God of Trickery): He is known throughout the Shattered Empires, but has been silent for the past few decades after the events of Vecna's rise to full godhood in the east.
Melora (Goddess of the Sea): Another close ally to the church of Stern Alia, she is worshiped within the Free States and Thalos.
Nusemnee (Goddess of Redemption): A daughter of Zehir who betrayed her father. She was killed, but gained status as a demi-god.
Raven Queen (Goddess of Death): Within the Shattered Empires, this is just another name for Wee Jas.
Sagawehn (Goddess of Insects): Within the Shattered Empires, this is just another name for Bralm. Although she is thought to be dead due to the very few worshipers known.
Torog (God of Underdark): His name is whispered by most, and is well known to have cults everywhere. He has started a small following in Mordengard and many worshipers among the exiled Drow of House Kilsek.
Tuern (God of Pain): The dead brother of Kord and Achra, not much is known of him.
Zehir (God Darkness, Poison): Within the Shattered Empires, this is just another name for Pyremius.

Famous Spellcasters: Stellerex

2011-10-22T01:51:00.000-07:00

Name: Stellerex
World: Unknown, but currently in Ravenloft
Spells: None
Magical Items: Belt of Levitation

Stellerex is a wizard of some power that was drawn into the mists of Ravenloft.
As an apprentice, he served under a greedy magician of moderate skill, Stellerex absorbed all that the man could teach. His intellect was far superior to that of most men, and he was able to master the complexity of the black arts with surprising ease.He realized that his master was a handicap and so turned on him by burning him alive with a spell of his own creation.

Since the, he has trained with magicians and then destroying them whenever they’ve taught him all they could. This has been Stellerex’s pattern ever since and his dark genius guides him through his life.His brilliance and discipline have saved him many times from beings far more powerful than he. Cold, calculating and ruthless, Stellerex is a very dangerous foe.

However the circle of spellcasters grew small of whom he could be apprenticed and allied to. He had made many enemies and had no allies, with no options left he attempted a planar travel spell. At first he thought he was simply passing through the ethereal plane until he set foot within Ravenloft. He quickly soon discovered that this world sadly lacked other spellcasters of any true potential, plus the realm itself was peculiar toward magics. His ears caught wind that the lord of the realm of Sithicus, needed skilled mercenaries and was offering substantial payment. He soon found himself amidst a group of villains and scoundrels in the Throne Room of Lord Soth. He task was to eliminate Lord Stahd Von Zarovich of Barovia. Lord Soth had confirmed that Strahd was a powerful vampire lord which was beyond his abilities to defeat. Yet he saw opportunities to exploit his fellow mercenaries, for surely some of these simple minded fodder could be used allowing him to learn more about the land and receive the spoils of victory.

Famous Spellcasters: Med'an

2011-10-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Name: Med'an
World: Azeroth aka "World of Warcraft"
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Atiesh-The Great Staff of the Gaurdian.

Med'an is an individual who shares the bloodline of humans, Draenei, and orcs. His mother was the Garona Halforcan, an assassin in the employ of Gul'dan, and Medivh, the Last Guardian who was possessed by Sagaras. While their plans for the First War were being layed, Garona was used by Sagaras in his wonton desires as he loved to torture Medivh's mind of what he could never have. Unbeknownst to all, she had hid on Azeroth after she assassinated King Llane of Stormwind and gave birth to a male child. She encountered a powerful undead mage named Meryl Winterstorm, for circumstance unknowns he promised to care for the child and keep him hidden in Brightwood Grove.

It wasn't until Med'an was a young adult that fate re-united the boy was his mother. It was soon discovered that his mere existence was part of a prophecy known to the Twilight's Hammer, one that was believed to empower the old gods with the child of three bloodlines. Yet Med'an proved to be more trouble than they would think, for Meryl and others had fought to free Garona of the Twilight's Hammer influence. Soon his true heritage would be know that would bring Aegwynn, a former Guardian, into the fold. Since he was the soon of Medivh, the bloodline of arcane magics flowed within him, from his mother he inherited the legacy of Shamanism and the Power of the Light. Although Garona herself weilded none of those power, some of her ancestors did.
The soon decided to begin to teach Med'an in the ways of magic, finding suitable teachers in Arcane Studies, Shamanism, and Priestly devotion. They even went so far as to re-form the Counsel of Tirisfal, composed of a representatives from one devotion of magic.

Currently Med'an whereabouts are unknown as he is fulfilling his role as the Guardian and continuing training in the various forms of magic he can wield.

Famous Spellcasters: Galan Dracos

2011-10-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Name: Galan Dracos
World: Krynn aka Dragonlance
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Emerald Orb of Chaos.

Galan Dracos was born long ago in the province of Culthairais in Istar. Decades before Third Dragon war (1018 PC), he was apprenticed to Sagathanus the Black Robe who found the promising boy with great magical talent. No one knows why, but he came to be the leader of the Dragon Armies of the Queen of Darkness. However, it was apparent that he turned his back on the Orders of High Sorcery and went so far as to establish his on order dedicated to Darkness and Chaos. His order wore brown robes and were considered deadly renegade.

He did not mind the price he had to pay for his blasphemous power, as he mutated into something reptilian and human. Yet the power he wielded was great, but in his ambition to take over the world with his armies and the chromatic dragons he wanted something more. He secretly began developing the creation of a new race, one that was a humanoid dragon. His research seeded spells that eventually was developed into a ritual centuries later that created the ace of Draconians. His magical knowledge was so impressive, that the green dragon known as Cyan Bloodbane was apprenticed to him.

Yet as the Third Dragon War lingered on he became to reckless, and was defeated by Huma Dragonbane and the Spirit of Magius. His plans at world conquest and betrayal of the dark Queen cost him his life, yet his soul lingered on thanks to careful preparations. An emerald orb which he used to enhance his spellcasting was ties to his very spirit. When Huma shattered the orb, not only did it weaken Dracos, but it also allowed him to escape death and the vengeance of the Dark Queen. He hid secretly hid the soul in the remains of the gem.

It wasn't until a few years later that Argaen Raveshadow was follish enough to seek out Dracos' legacy. Like all curious wizards the quest fro knowledge was to inviting. Something that Dracos had hoped upon, for when Argaen touched the shard he soon feel under the influence of Galan Dracos who urged him to complete the Emerald Orb. When Argaen completed the orb, he was possessed by Darcos' spirit. However before he could once again terrorize Krynn, he was slain by Huma's companion Khaz the minotaur.

Spellcasting 101: Practitioners of Arcane Magic (Part 3)

2011-10-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Depending on the culture and level a technology, this can influence an arcane spellcaster's path.Although most may not recognize some of these beings as true spellcasters, they do gain a measure of power from the arcane arts. Alchemist, Bards, Shi'ar, Witches, and Wu Jens or just some of the additional spellcasters that can be encountered or learned from.

Alchemist
An alchemist is a learned individuals who know that everyday materials and objects have the potential to become something wondrous. They spend their time going over materials and attempting to unlock their essences to bring about some sort of reaction. They know a lot of fundamental scientific facts, but also understand the logical points of magic.They use their knowledge to enhance their understand of the natural world.

An arcane alchemist is an individual who can repeat most spell effects through the use of potions, powders, oils, and alchemical implements. There one of the few beings who begin to bridge the gap between science and magic.
Bard
Bard are individuals who art artists, usually known for their silver tongues are dashing looks. They know how to magically influence a crowd through the power of song or movement. They also have a knack for picking up spell-casting abilities, either arcane or divine. Most true spellcasters consider bards dabblers and not a true practitioner of the arts.However, it is important to note that several unique types of spellcaster harness thee use of music or dance to enhance their abilities.
Shi'ar
The Shi'ar is a type of spellcaster usually found in Arabic/Persian type cultures which are influenced by genies. A Shi'ar is an individual who is well versed in the arcane arts, but have made pact with fledgeling genies who provided access to magical knowledge and power. The reasons for these could be many, as some may not want be known as spellcasters or wish to show that they are indeed worthy of greatness by having a fledgling genie in their care.Over the course of time, much knowledge is gained of about genies which some use as leverage to gain even more power.

Witch
Much like a sorcerer, this being who is usually a female is born with innate power of magic. Depending on their upbringing they either view these powers as a curse or a blessing. Regardless their powers are tied to he natural and supernatural worlds in which they can influence things to happen. With their natural affinity for magic, most are often ushered into wizardry without knowing their full potentials.

Wu Jen
In Asiatic settings, the Wu Jen is standard practitioner of magic.Unlike their westernized counterparts who follow Hermatic structures or ancient arcane rituals, Wu Jen are very similar to elementalist spellcasters who draw powers based up the elements found in nature. In Asiatic lore this often includes the elements of wood and metal, with the absence of air or sometimes with lightning replace air. Although there approach to magic seems basic, it can become as complex as western magic as they realize the balance and cost of magic.In order to maintain their powers, many of them follow certain taboos for as their price for the power of the arcane.

Famous Spellcasters: Evard the Black

2011-10-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Name: Evard the Black
World: Oerth aka "Greyhawk"
Spells: All Seeing Worm, Black Gate, Black Tentacles, Dreadful Mist, Ebon Bindings, Menacing Tentacles, and Wrenching Darkness.
Magical Items: None.

Evard was born to a household of minor nobles in the March of Bissel. From there he has traveled abroad making many contacts with various residents of Oerth and beyond. A was a skilled conjurer of some renown and spent many years on the Plane of Shadow. Upon his return, he soon become known as a reliable sage and information broker, and was even on friendly terms with Mordenkainen at one time. However, for some unknown reason they had a falling out. Evard maintains a vast network of spies and adventures, and has contacts amongst many notable sages, lore masters, and wizards.

No one knows his age, but despite his appearance he is indeed very old. Evard had discovered many secrets of the Plane of Shadows, and it is believed learned how to extend his life. He is considered one of the most knowledgeable authorities of the Shadow Plane known on Oerth. Nowadays he is known to operate in the Sheldomar Valley. He can easily be located in any city, as he maintains his networks and contacts.

Often the reports of his death are exaggerated. Once he was said to have died in the village of Duponde during a spellbattle with his rival Vontarin. It was even said that he was defeated with a group of Necromancers who attempted to conquer all of Bissel. However unknown to most he has several contingency spells and back-up plans to insure his survival. One of his biggest secrets was discovered as in the Manor of Vontarin, as he had separated himself from his own shadow. The Shadow Evard existed within the reflection of the Manor on the Shadow Plane.

Famous Spellcasters: Azuth

2011-10-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

Name: Azuth aka "The Magister"
World: Abeir-Toril
Spells: Exalted Triad, Spell Shield.
Magical Items: Old Staff.

Azuth was a mortal wizard who ascended to godhood at the end of the Dawn Cataclysm. When Netheril fell, many of the magics that sustained the great Empire was lost when Karsus attempted to steal the powers of Mystral, the goddess of Magic. Since the very gods were assaulted many of the deities renamed themselves.

The mortal Azuth caught the attention of Mystral, who now called herself Mystra. He gathered much of the magical lore that was scattered and lost. Impressed with his thirst for knowledge of the Arcane Arts, Mystra accepted him as her pupil. Soon she appointed him "Magister", a title going to her chosen of the realms. Soon she and Azuth became lovers. Yet he was spurred on to become much more, and challenged Savras the All-Seeing who was a demi-god. He was able to steal his power and sealed the demi-god in a Scepter he constructed.

From then on he served Mystra and lived with her in her realms of Dweomerheart for many centuries. Sadly this came to a tragic end when Mystra in mortal form was killed by Helm during the Time of Troubles. Her powers was passed to "Midnight" who took on the mantle of the goddess. Once these were restored, Azuth served the new goddess as an adviser and mentor. Realizing he and she needed help, he freed Savras from the scepter, who swore to serve the Mystra as he had foretold. Decades later Azuth would be cast out from Dweomerheart when Mystra was assassinated by Cyric and Shar. That act destroyed the Weave and sent Azuth into Asmodeus's realm. The weakened demi-god was no much for the Archdevil who consumed his essence.

Famous Spellcasters: Ursula and Morgana

2011-10-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Name: Ursula aka "The Sea Witch" and "Vanessa", Morgana
World: Earth aka "Disney's Little Mermaid"
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Shell Amulet (Ursula).

Ursula and Morgana are the daughters of the Lady Cecailia (Human-Octopus Hybrid) and Lord Neptune. Ursula was the favorite of the two. Ursula was smart, ambitious, and gifted in the magical arts. When Ursula was old enough she went to go live in Atlantica and soon became a powerful member of the Royal Court, where her half-brother King Triton ruled. However, she longed to become Queen of Atlantica. Using her dark arts she attempted to take King Triton's place and failed against his might with his Magical Trident of the Seven Seas. Unwilling to kill his half-sister, she was banished from the kingdom.

Alone with her pets eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, she soon found a home in the outskirts of Triton's Kingdom. Within a dark undersea trench she made a home within the bones of a Leviathan. There she plotted her revenge and slowly devising ways of ruing Triton's Atlantica.Her pets helped by luring poor unfortunate souls in desperate need of magic to her. She would bargain with them, assisting them in there wishes but at a terrible price most did not know. Soon her home was surrounded by the cursed Atlanticans who made pacts with her, in there new form as withered anemone. She finally saw her chance when one of Triton's daughter foolishly made a bargain with her. She almost gained control of the Sevens Seas and Atlantica, but the courage of Ariel's true love Prince Eric put an end to this when he impaled her bloated form on the bow of a ship.
Although she was killed, rumors persist that she may have escaped death.

Morgana on the other finally grew tired of her mother and ran away from home shortly after Ursula had become a member of the Royal Court. She headed far away too the north and made her home within the Arctic. Although never good with traditional magic, she did discover that she had a special ability which tapped into the powers of darkness and shadow. She soon hard her own minions, a vicious shark named Undertow, and two Manta's named Cloak and Dagger. However she never got the change to show Ursula since she was killed by Prince Eric.Furious she attacked the couple at the their daughter's presentation. Luckily King Triton was there to thwart her plans.

Years later she had her chance for revenge, as the young Melody was curious about her heritage. Like her mother Ariel, she was curious and headstrong and soon met Morgana. She tricked Melody into stealing the Trident of the Seven Seas from Atlantica. She almost succeeded where her sister had failed, but Ariel and her grand-father managed to defeat her. Again unwilling to harm his family, King Triton imprisoned her within an ice block in her Arctic lair.

Famous Spellcasters: Magius of Solamnia

2011-10-15T21:50:00.000-07:00

Name: Magius of Solamnia
World: Krynn aka Dragonlance
Spells: Light of Truth.
Magical Items: Staff of Magius

Magius was a young man of noble beginnings who was raised in Solamnia. He was a close childhood friend of Huma Dragonbane. As a young man he was gifted in the arcane arts and hope someday to become a War Wizard fighting side by side with his friend Huma who was training to become a knight. However the Knighthood called Huma one way, and the Test of High Sorcery beckoned Magius away.

When Magius took the Test of High Sorcery, he passed it with ease. However the test showed him something that he couldn't handle: his own death. Having all this power and knowing that mortality would easily be his downfall. Magius was charismatic and witty, but very prideful of his magical abilities and the test hoped to have taught in humility. Yet the Test failed, and drove him to feed off his own insecurities about mortality. He choose the Black Robes, in hopes that the order would help him prolong and secure his life. He did attract the attention of Fistandantilas for a time and learned of the many secret locations the archmage had built. Yet before even the great mage could use him, Magius switched his allegiance to the Red Robes escaping his grasp. He felt the Black Robes had to many restrictions, were treacherous, and disliked the bargains they had to endure in their lust for power. The red robes he had hoped with their freedom to explore magic would provide him what he would need. Sadly, even they too proved too restrictive as death is the part of the natural order of things. Feed up with this, he left the orders and became a renegade.

Knowing full well the penalty for going rogue, he quickly allied himself with a powerful Wizard who also went rogue and created his own Order. For a time Magius was apprenticed to Galan Dracos and became his personal assistant and second in command of his armies. Galan Dracos had also promised to help Magius achieve his quest. Magius saw that in staying with Galan Dracos, he would fall along with him as Dracos was doomed to failure as any would be tyrant. So he defected.

However, one does not turn down the most powerful wizard on Krynn. Dracos sent his dreadwolves after him. However, Magius was clever enough to remember a long abandoned tower that Fistandantilas created on the isle of Cristyne. He hid their for some time making it his home, whether or not the great Archmage knew of the intruder we do not know. Eventually during the Third Dragon War he ran into his old friend Huma Dragonbane. He planned ti use Huma as a decoy and bait, for during his time in exile he realized that his vision during the test of high sorcery lay in the Last Gaard Mountains. There here was a rift in which a great treasure lay that Paladine had created, and that treasure would allow him to live on. However, when he realized that Rift only took Huma and he could not follow, he was remorseful that he had betrayed his only true friend. He pledged his loyalty to his friend and ask for forgiveness.

However, as they made their way to the Solamnic Army with the Dragonlance Huma had discovered they were attacked. They all fought valiantly, but Magius was captured and brought before Galan Dracos. Their he was tortured and broken for betraying Dracos. Furthermore he sent a vision to Huma showing Magius death.
He wracked body was sent dressed in white robes to Huma to further taunt and discourage the Solamnic Army. Magius spirit lingered in death, knowing full well what he predicted would be Draco's fall. At the right moment his spirits appeared with his staff and told Huma to smash the Emerald Orb of Chaos, ending Dracos' reign.

His legacy would live on and Magius would be remembered as one of the most intriguing wizards of the Order. His staff was kept in the vaults of the Tower of High Sorcery, until Lunitari gifted Raistlin Majere with the staff.

Spell Casting 102: Magic of Krynn

2011-10-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

One the world of Krynn, primal magic followed through the bloodlines of certain creatures such as elves, titans, scions, and dragons. The Dragons who were the children of Paladine and Tiamat were the most blessed, and were free to use these powers as they saw fit. Takhisis children were showered with gifts and amazing abilities. They used magic for their own amusement and dominance among themselves. The Scions, who Reorx blessed used their powers to continue the work of the Great Smith. The elves, favored of Paladine used their magics in harmony with the world around.

Yet as the centuries come and go, this primal magic bought down the Titans, released chaos on the world at the hands of scion, and was unchecked source of power. The gods came together and gave birth to the gods of magic who would tame the primal magics of the world. From the Pantheon of Light, Paladine and Mishakal had a son known as Solinari. From the Pantheon of Balance Gilean created Lunitari from his own essence. From the Pantheon of Darkness Takhisis and Sargonnas had a son known as Nuitari. Although the respective Pantheons had their designs on who primal magic should be tamed, the three cousins came together instead and formed a pact.The three young gods dedicated their existence to magic itself and decided to dwell within the heavens of Krynn literally. They each created a moon which orbited Krynn; the white moon of Solinari, the red moon of Lunitari, and the black moon of Nuitari. They managed to regulate the power of primal magic with the phases of their moons.This would influence magic users on Krynn depending on.their affinity to magic.
Those that used magic for the good of other and in harmony with the world are tied to the white moon, those that used magic for the sake of study and research are tied to the red moon, while those that used magic for their own selfish purpose and to dominate the world were influenced by the black moon.

On the continent of Ansalon an arcane order was established to monitor the spellcasting community. The Orders of High Sorcery has lasted for centuries, composed of wizards of all types who where colored robes of the lunar patrons. Note only do they keep magical traditions alive, but they also hunt down renegades and primal magic users who live outside the law of the order. The other two continents never consolidated any orders are pretty much left individual spellcasters alone.

Other gods also granted magical abilities as well. Branchalla the Bard, is the god who provide bardic enchantment to music.Takhisis, from time to time, had her own spellcasters that were outside the influence of the moons. At one time she even managed to gain co-operation with the gods of magic to bless her Knight of the Thorn.Even when Krynn was ripped from the universe, Takhisis still managed to influence magic.She even managed to entrench herself as the Shadow Sorcerer, a being who helped the mortals of Krynn tap into the power of Primal Magic aka "Sorcery".However this only lasted a couple of decades before the return of the gods and the regulated use of magic returned.

Traveler's Note:
While own Krynn your spellcasting abilities while be influenced by the phases of the moon. Depending on your ethical alignment as a spellcaster, you magic will be enhanced during the full phases of the moon and decreased with eclipsed. Conjunctions between the moons will even boosts the effects of your spellcaster.
Each moon orbits around Krynn at different speeds; 36 days for Solinari, 28 days for Lunitari, 8 days for Nuitari.

Sorcerer's and off world wizards should be wary of Ansalon, as the Orders of High Sorcery do not look kindly upon them. The Order often forces individuals to join the order or face the consequences.

Famous Spellcasters: Dr. Fu Manchu

2011-10-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Name: Dr. Fu Manchu (Alias)
World: Earth
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Manchu's Elixir Vitae.

Fu Manchu was born sometime during the 1800's, and is believed to be related to one of the fallen nobles of the Manchu Dynasty.
His real name is unknown, and the alias he goes by is a title bestowed upon him by the Si-Fan. Somehow he had journeyed to the west and studied at several European universities such as; Heidelberg, Sorbonne, and Edinburgh. He received four doctorates during his studies. He has extensive knowledge of Ancient History, Anatomy, Archeology, Chinese Alchemy, Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Engineering & Architecture, Religion, Zoology, and several languages. He was mostly likely sponsored by the criminal orginization called the Si-Fan who he was an agent for. Although since it has been revealed that he had in his possession a formula for the "Elixir Vitae", his age is in question since this effectively restore his youth even 70 years or so.

For decades his organization terrorized the western powers (possibly for revenge against the Imperialist Powers of Europe who interfered with China). His organization employed arcane and unusual methods to their crimes; using rare poisons biological poisons (plants and animals), chemicals, ingenious mechanisms, animals, and archaic weapons and traps. He even used the Thugee as pawns. It is known that he fathered some children, the last known was Fay Lo Suee.

Marvel Universe: In this Universe, Dr. Fu Manchu aka "Zheng Zhu" was a sorcerer who discovered the secret of immortality centuries ago. Like his other history, he became a criminal mastermind and leader of the of many secret criminal organizations. In this universe, one of his many children, Shang-Chi rebelled against his father and vowed to thwart his organizations. With the years of training under his father minions, he was known as a master of kung fu, and became hero who is now currently a member of the "Secret Avengers".

Famous Spellcasters: Leon Mandrake

2011-10-12T01:41:00.000-07:00

Name: Leon Mandrake aka "The Magician"
World: Earth aka "DC Universe"
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Unknown.

Leon Mandrake, whom some just call "Mandrake the Magician", is a world renowned Illusionist who has traveled the globe entertaining thousand of people.He is an expert stage magician and hypnotist. He is a very dapper gentleman and witty, which usually leads him into the most bizarre cases.

As he has traveled the world, he has made a variety of companions. He usually travels with his companion "Lothar", who was known as the "Prince of the Seven Nations". Lothar often serves as Mandrake's bodyguard whom he met in Africa. He has even encountered extraterrestrials, met Flash Gordon, and has even crossed pass with the Phantom of few times. Inter-Intel, a super secret crime fighting organization has even had Mandrake as an agent from time to time.

Unbeknownst to most, his powers of illusion are indeed real. He was raised at the College of Magic, which is located somewhere in the Himalayas. His mother died at childbirth, and he was left with an identical twin brother named Derek. Sadly Derek's ethic are not as stellar as Mandrake's. Theron, who presided over the College of Magic, kept the fact that he was the twins' father. Theron himself guarded a powerful artifact known as the Mind Crystal. He kept this a secret becuase his eldest son Luciphor stole the one of the mind crystals, and did not want distracted by the bonds of family again. Luciphor would become one of Mandrake's most deadly enemies, known as the Cobra. Mandrake's activities even attracted the attention of a counterpart from the Mirror Universe known as Ekardnam, an evil version of himself.. Despite even these bothersome foes, he managed to travel the world without many none the wiser.

After years of traveling around the world, Mandrake settled in his home and adopted a young asian boy named Kshin. He would pass down his secrets and knowledge of the magic arts to him. It was during this time, that he would join some of his former colleagues and form a team known as "Defender of the Earth" who goal was to secure the planet from the force of Emperor Ming of Mongo.

Famous Spellcasters: Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander

2011-10-11T01:30:00.000-07:00

Name: Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander aka "The First Wizard" aka "The Wind of Death"
World: The New World aka "Sword of Truth"
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Wizard's Rock.

Zeddicus was born to two gifted wizards of the Midlands, and was a prodigy of the arcane arts. He was soon accepted in the Wizard's Keep and because of his power was able to enter many areas of the keep that was warded by ancient wizards. He soon became a talented wizard and married Erilyn Zorander, the love of his life and soon had a daughter they named Tarryln.

He was eventually named First Wizard, and a few years later a war with D'haran occurred Zeddicus was one of the most powerful players, protecting the Midlands from D'haran's and their dark magics. Although they could not harm Zeddicus directly they came after his wife and daughter. Sadly his wife was a casualty of war, while his daughter was threatened time and time again. It wasn't until a woman named Abby that asked for help, did Zeddicus come up with a plan to save the New World from D'hara. Like the Great Boundary that separated the Old World and New World, Zeddicus erected a barrier in the Westlands and Midlands that kept D'hara at bay. In a parting shot he sent Wizard's Fire over the barrier, killing Paris Rahl and ending the war. He had managed to fool the world into believing his daughter was dead and exiled himself to obscurity.

Years later, his daughter was kidnapped once again and this time was used by Darken Rahl to sire a gifted son. This tragedy combined with his frustrations with his students and the Council of the Midlands, he left to the Westlands to live in secret and beyond the reach of anymore horrors. She raised her son Richard with George Cypher, a man who she fell in love with. Yet eventually fate would have it that Richard would become destined to be "The Seeker". Once more Zeddicus would be drawn into a conflict with D'hara as the "Seeker's" role come into play. He would assist his grandson in a quest to rid D'hara of it evil rulers and defeat the forces of the Keeper.

Famous Spellcasters: Coryn Brinefolk

2011-10-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Name: Coryn Brinefolk aka "The White Witch"
World: Krynn aka "Dragonlance"
Spells: Unknown.
Magical Items: Unknown.

Coryn Brinefolk was born along the Plains of Dust in a region of Ansalon that borders Icereach. She lived there with her tribe in a fishing village, that carried with them some elven ancestry (Kerrick Fellabrine the Messenger of House Mariner).Coryn's grandmother Umma has also studied magic, but since the Chaos War like most wizards lost the ability to cast spells. Coryn herself, born in the Age of Mortals, new nothing of the gods of magic nor of the Towers of High Sorcery. Yet however, the spellbooks had always mesmerized her from a very early age in which she used to poor over despite their gibberish. It was known around the village that Coryn was "special", but it wasn't fully realized until she performed a spell that took very experienced wizards to perform. Her grandmother, recognizing her true potential arranged for her to travel to Palanthus and apprenticed to Jenna.

It was during this time that she became involved with Jenna and Dalamar's plan to restore the orders of the Towers of High Sorcery. They planned to find the Tower of Wayreth and call a Conclave. However, the tower eluded them all except of Coryn. She had been drawn to the Tower and discovered that it was in the thrall of of two other sorcerers who shared her abilities.With the help of the god Solinari, she tricked them and managed to pass the Test of High Sorcery. During her test, she discovered how to cast the spell of awakening which called forth the wizard of High Sorcery. With the Wizard's Conclave called, they retook the tower.At the Conclave, Jenna was appointed High Mage of the order, and her apprentice was granted her master's manor in Palanthus.During the Conclave the issue of "Wild Magic" aka Sorcery was voiced, in which many wizards were concerned with. As this magic was outside the normal realm of the order. Coryn being such a person who utilized wild magic showed that she and others were accepted by the Tower itself and were no different from them. She has been an example of those born with the natural talent affinity for wild magic

While in Palanthus she aided a small group of Knights of Solamnia who wanted to take the nation back from the Dark Knights of Takhisis.The Knights impressed with her power, were able to make a great ally of her and help rid the nation slowly of the Dark Knights and becoming known as the White Lady. She soon took up the mantle of being the leader of the White Robes sometime after that as a champion for justice.

Spellcasting 101: Practitioners of Arcane Magic (Part 2)

2011-10-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

Continuing on with the types of Arcane Spellcasters, several more unique variations to spellcasting are known to exist. Although not rare, these arcane practitioners follow unique paths in which they have learned to tap their magic from. Some of these forms border on the divine, but are they register as arcane enchantments. These schools are Incarnum, Pact, Shadow, and Truename.

Soulcaster
Is a sorcerer or a wizard who knows how to incorporate incarnum, which is measured as essentia, (soul energy) into their magics.The have the unique ability to enhance the level and difficulty of resisting them spell by 1, investing a point of essentia. This can be done for a single spell, but a wizard can enhance any number of spells equal to their level. Once the spell is cast it returns to the essentia pool so it can be reused as normal. They also perform Magical Distillation, gaining a number of points of a sacrificed spells level. Another important ability they have is that they can bind magical items and soulmelds to almost any chakra.

A Soulcaster is usually a member of the Last Watch. This of group of dedicated spellcaster, based upon the Positive Elemental Energy Plane, fight a clandestine battle against the Demon Prince of the Abyss.

Binder
This spellcaster has uncovered the secret of summoning powerful spirits known as Vestiges. These Vestiges range from the essence of fallen gods, powerful casters, abstract spirits, and mythical beings. A binder calls forth the power of a Vestige by using arcane seals, and once summoned will influence and grant the Binder a variety of special abilities. The simple price is allowing these beings to share their soul, as the vestige are beyond life and death. While empowered, a sliver of Vestige is allowed to act on the mortal plane...slowly influencing the Binder. Usually the Binder is smart enough to never allow a Vestige full access, yet this is enough to gain the attention of most these spirits.

Anima Mage
This arcane spellcaster uses their knowledge of the arcane arts to draw forth the raw power of a vestige. Instead of receiving the normal boons, they can simply channel that energy into additional spells or metamagic boosts, and even have the vestige act as a guardian sprirt.

Shadowcaster
This spellcaster has discovered how to draw forth power from Plane of Shadow. They have discovered a number of mysteries which allow them to draw power directly from the Plane of Shadow, in a sense their drawing upon the planes full might.Many of the powers they exhibit they learn to draw forth from the plane and appear as spell-like abilities. Many casters already do this, but this is considered a lesser form of shadow casting since they usually type into the plane of shadows essence to empower their spells.

In the World of Abeir-Toril, a group of wizards from the fallen empire of Netheril tap into a form of Shadowcasting.

Noctumancer
This arcane spellcaster has discovered how to interfere and capture spell and shadow mystery energies.They can manipulate the echoes of a spell or mystery to cause it to breakdown and capture some of that raw power to enhance their spells. As they advance, they can even cause a natural disturbance in the area that interferes with spellcasting and mystery usage.

Truenamer
This spellcaster has discovered the use of very primal magics that go back to the beginning of universe. The words of power that they learn allow them to reshape and bend reality to there will. All though the very words themselves are powerful, using them in the way one intends in entirely different.

Fiendbinder
The arcane spellcaster is usually an experience Conjurer or Summoner who is familiar with summoning lower planar creatures. Most know what words to place and what incentive to offer fiends for their services, but a fiendbinder can utterly control one with the usage of its Truename. Usually the discovery a fiend's truename is a monumental task which offers great power over it.The Fiendbinder, with their understanding of the arcane arts and truename magics are able to combine their knowledge in order to find such names easier.

Famous Spellcasters: Leomund the Red

2011-10-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

*TSR Trading Card '91 #265 "Korindell"

Name: Leomund the Red
World: Oerth aka "Greyhawk"
Spells: Hidden Lodge, Lamentable Belaborment, Lifeboat, Many Life Preservers, Secret Chest, Secure Shelter, Spacious Carriage, Tiny Hut, Tiny Igloo, and Trap.
Magical Items: Leomund's Plate and Cup.

Leomund is an venerable and wise archmage who once lived in Medegia. He is a rather practical and clever with his approach to magic, and rather an eccentric since he seems to travel around alot never really staying in the same place. This behavior can be seen in the spells he developed.

He likes to keep an aire of mystery about himself, and is rumored to have been associates with both the Circle of Eight and the Ring of Five. What is even more confusing, is that the identity of the wizard known as Leomund was in fact an imposter known as Guy Gus. This was uncovered by the Circle of Eight eventually.

Famous Spellcasters: Sypha Valnades

2011-10-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Name: Sypha Valnades-Belmont
World: Earth aka "Castlevania"
Spells: Blue Splash, Holy Flame, Holy Lightning, Jagged earth, and Gale Force.
Magical Items: Warakiya Staff, Book of Air, Book of Fire, Book of Water, and the Book of Binding.

Sypha was born into a family of witches. When she was very young, her parents were murdered along with many other spellcasters by during the 1400's. This was a result of the vampire Carmilla, who enticed many to take up arms against those who wielded magic. She was found wandering a nearby monastery and given shelter by the monks there. There she learned the ways of the Church and studied their arcane texts as well. When she was finally ready, she managed to contact the spirits of her kin. She vowed that she would avenged them and they opened up her innate abilities. For a period of time she hunted the undead and other creatures of the night, and gained notice by the church. They approved of her methods, as the spells she demonstrated were imbued with the power of god. However she was often chastised for being a heretic and woman.

However in 1476, Dracula had unleashed his minion's on the world after the death of his wife Lisa. The Church sent army to deal with the undead, but they were never heard from again. In desperation, they appointed Sypha to challenge Dracula. Knowing that many in the area were still persecuting witches, she disguised herself as male priest. On the way there within the Mad Forest she was attacked by a cyclops and turned to stone. Luckily she was freed sometime later by Trevor Belmont. Together they journeyed toward Dracula's Castle and made allies of the Cursed pirate Grant DaNasty and Alucard. When Dracula was "defeated", she and Trevor married.

Although she eventually passed, her bloodline lives on through the Belmont, Fernandez, Aulin, and Schnieder families. Her staff is a family heirloom as well, as well as her spellbooks. It is believed that she also created the"Book of Binding" which contains all sorts of spells consumed from vanquished evil beings: Acidic Bubbles, Bind Spell, Dark Inferno, Deathsycthe, Delta Spark, Demonseed, Energy Flow, Featherblades, Fireball, Flame Shot, Ghost Chaser, Greater Fireball, Greater Deathscythe, Greater Summon Skeleton, Heal, Hellfire, Ice Fang, Ice Needle, Nightmare, Piercing Beam, Poison Spores, Raging Fire, Sickle Moon, Splash Needle, Summon Gunman, Summon Skeleton, and Thunderbolt.
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Famous Spellcasters: Sun Wukong aka "The Monkey King"

2011-10-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Name: Sun Wukong
Titles: The Monkey King, Protector of Horses, Great Sage Equal to Heaven, and Patrolman of the Heavenly Peach Garden
World: Earth
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Golden Chain Mail Armor of the Dragon Kings, Ruyi Jingu Bang "13,500 Jin Staff", Cloud Walking Boots, Phoenix Feather Cap, and Magical Gourd.

Sun Wukong was a being that sprang from a mystical stone of pure Chaos. When he emerged from the stone, he took the form of a monkey on the island of Huaguo-shan. There he established himself as the bravest of all monkeys and became there king. It was the fact that one of his subject's died that spurred Sun Wukong on the path to discovers the secrets of life. He built a raft an journey to China to find those answers.

Eventually he found his way to a Taosist Master, Subhuti, who taught him the 72 earthly transformations. These 72 Taosist spells allowed Sun Wukong to perform a number magical transformations ranging from invisibility, polymorphing, flying, conjurations, etc. Armed with this knowledge he traveled back to his kingdom.

It was there that he found several demons had invaded his kingdom. He beat them severely, but for leniency they promised to tell him where he could go to get powerful armor and weapons. That lead him to the Dragon Kings, who in turn gave Sun Wukong armor and his 13,500 Jin Staff (which he was destined to have).
He then formed a coalition with several other Shen-Kings (Bull, Surial, Roc, Lion, Macaque, and Marmoset.), sealing this with a promise to marry the Bull Kings daughter. However, he died and was sent to Hell. There his spirit beat King Yen-Lo-Wang and wrote his name along with all the monkeys he knew out of the "Book of Life and Death" (so he can never be killed). However after being intimated, the Dragon Kings and the Hell Kings pleaded with the Celestial Emperor for help. The Emperor invited Sun Wukong to walk among the gods and appointed him the Protector of Horses. He soon however this was a ruse to keep him out of trouble. Angry, he soon ate the Peaches of Immortality and consumed three jar fulls of immortality pills.He soon fought all of heaven gods in a great battle, and would have won if not stopped. He was soon sentenced to death and put in a a magical furnace. However, not even that could kill him. After 49 days he broke free, and gained even more magical abilities as his skin was now impervious and had fiery eyes that could detect evil. The Celestial Emperor beaten called for the Great Budha to aid him. The Great Budha made a simple bet with "The Monkey King", if Sun Wukong could escape his grasp... then he would concede him as the Ruler of All Heaven. The Monkey ran to the farthest edge of existence and wrote his name on Five Pillars he discovered there as proof. When he came back to claim his prized... he was shock and outrage when he learned that those pillars were Budha's fingers. Protesting and being a poor loser, Budha imprisoned him under a mountain of stone for 500 years.

It wasn't until the behest of Guan Yin, that Sun Wukong was released. There he was to become the disciple and guardian of the monk Tripitaka who was tasked into retrieving the Buddhist Scriptures from India.Along the way they faced many demons who tried to prevent them from obtaining the scriptures. Along the way they met other disgraced immortals such as Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing. In the end for their quest they were forgiven for this misdeeds. Sun Wukong through this learned the concept of Buddhist restraint and granted Buddhahood.

He is an example of being who was formidable warrior, spellcaster, and an immortal that surpassed most gods. He has a festival on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month.

Asian Locations: Domains of Dread

2011-08-29T01:50:00.000-07:00

Ravenloft is the Domain of Dread, where hundreds of people have been taken from various cultures. The realm is filled with many Gothic Horror elements from various cultures, and over the years some Asian influences have appeared as Island of Terrors. Likewise a on a Gothic Earth, where the dark Powers have influenced history, an Asian theme supplement was also planned.

I'cath has been identified as an island of terror. It is a small forested domain in which travelers usually find themselves lost. The weather is usually heavy with thunderclouds, threatening a storm. As they wander some of the travelers encountered Chinese-like small mansions, inns, or beautiful tea shops often run by beautiful women. Travelers who stay at such places may find companions missing, structures disappeared, or worse decrepit structures.
The Truth behind this is the forest is cursed. On the world of Toril, a powerful sorceress known as Tsien Chiang from Kara-Tur and her daughters were taken by the Dark Powers for murdering one of their own. Tsien Chiang has a hatred of men, one which she passed on to all but one of her daughters. She had used her daughters beauty and charms to lure many men to their deaths and drain them for her own personal gain. Yet, her daughter Nightingale was appalled by her mother's plan. When she and her lover failed to stop her sister's and mother, Nightingale was killed. I'cath and her daughters continue to prey on travelers lost within their domain, and Nightingale resurrected does her best to be an obedient daughter by luring the wicked and letting the pure of heart go free.

The second such site is a larger domain found on a raised island chain in the Poisonous Sea. These island are known as Rokushima Taiyoo and are ruled by the Shujin, the son of Shinpi Haki a great Warlord who ruled over these islands. He was a ruthless and cunning warlord that tamed the islands by any means necessary. When Shinpi Haki died, his began fighting for control of the lands. It was then that the mists rolled in and a great earthquake happened. When the mists cleared the entire chain of islands were raised above the sea. It was soon discovered that the surrounding seas were toxic in nature, and that they were cut off from the rest of the world. Soon each brother began blaming one another and each went to war with each other. When one of the brothers fell in death, their island was pulled down into the sea. The island chains again experienced another great earthquake and adjusted itself. The people here a very Japanese like, during the feudal era. They are distrustful of outsiders, as it boggles them how some could have traversed the poisonous sea or managed to climb the deadly cliffs.
Like other domains, the truth of this curse is hidden. Shinpi Haki was a ruthless warlord who was without mercy or honor. He seized control of these islands. His only pride and joy were his children and the legacy that would live in. When he died, the Dark Powers confronted him, but Shinpi Haki was a stubborn should who accepted his fate for the life he lead and had no remorse. So the only way the Dark Powers could torture him was through his family. He children had learned and followed in their father's footsteps. They instigated the feuds between the brothers, and let them tear Shinpi Haki's legacy apart. Helpless to warn his children of save his legacy.

The last area of Ravenloft was to be Gothic Earth, and focusing on who the Dark Powers influenced parts of Asia. Dr. Fu Manchu was known as one of the agents of the Dark Powers, and his organization spread corruption and terror of the Asian Continent.

Asian Locations: Mystara

2011-08-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

Mystara is the oldest of the D&D Worlds. However, when it comes to an Oriental settings, Mystara provides few areas and what is provided the information is very scarce (except for the Ethengar). Mystara has showcased many cultures and themes, along with Pacific Islanders as well. Although many ancient and extinct cultures can be found in the hollow world, it is strangely absent.

The first introduction of can be found with the Ethengar Khanate. It is located in the eastern grasslands of the continent of Brun. It is bordered by a ring of mountains, in which the nations of Glantari, Wendar, and Rockhome lie. It does however stretch to the Western Sea of Dawn. The people here a very reminiscent of the Mongolians, and follow the same lifestyle and much of the people are scattered in a various collection of tribes. Currently these tribes have banded together under a Great Khan. Long ago most of the people where enslaved by various humanoid hordes, but when the Great Rain of Fire occurred it poisoned the land and killed many. The humanoids abandoned their slaves and retreated to safety of the mountains. The remaining humans eventually formed the Ethengar peoples.

The second area is a mixture of oriental cultures. The island kingdom of Ochalea is a combination of various oriental cultures mixed in with the Alphatian.The island nation lies south of the Isle of Dawn. Ochalea itself has a mixture of temperate forest and jungles, broken up by several small mountains chains. The land itself is one of the few areas of the world that are free from monsters and monstrous humanoids.
Long ago Ochalea was a tributary kingdom, but gained it's independence. The people here have rigid tradition, and strong concepts of family and duty. Because of the Alphatians, they have a strong distrust of arcane magic. Ochaleans are similar to mainland Asians (Chinese to Siamese) and their culture is a blend of all this.

Lastly on one of the moons, Patera, there is a kingdom known a Myoshima. This kindgom remains hidden behind a magical shield which keeps it safe and invisible. Here Rakastas (Feline Humanoids) live in a fashion similar to that of the japanese. Only a few beings from Mystara have visited Myoshima, but all information about the empire comes from the few Rakasta that have befriended some individuals. From these encounters with their warriors, these beings wield katanas and dress in similar fashion to samurai.

Asian Locations: Oerth

2011-08-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

One of the oldest campaign settings is Greyhawk, also known as the Oerth. Far to the west of the Flanaess lies two countries with cultures found in Asia. However these area have never been fully fleshed out. and much of the information comes from scattered adventures found within the original Oriental Adventures lines, the novels based upon Gord the Rogue, and what information was planned from the revival of Greyhawk.

The first to be encountered is the island kingdom of Nippon located just south of the Sea of Dust within the Pearl Sea. The land if Nippon is very similar to the feudal era of japan, and is a default location for the "1st Edition" Oriental Adventures book. Not many details were given about Nippon, and was largely left open for DM's and Player's to create. Likewise the Nippon have also expanded onto the mainland along the Peninsula, claiming an area known as the Geitsakuru Dominion, just south of Zindia and east of Erypt.

The second area lies directly west and past the kingdom of Zindia, north of Erypt, and situated between the Baklhaut and Dragonspine Mountains.The Celestial Imperium, also known as the Celestial Kingdom of Shaofeng "Sufang" is a large Chinese like empire made up of various smaller kingdoms. Their southern region is bordered by the Celestial Sea which separates them from Erypt. To their north the lands are harsh and cold, and ruled over by various barbarian tribes. Not only do they have to contend with the Mongol like tribes, but also with hords of Gnoll found near the Dragonspine Mountains and the hordes of Orcs from Darak Urtang near the Baklhaut Mountains. It is largely due to the orcish hordes, that the Great Wall of Tsian was built to stop these northern invaders.

It is believed that Shaofeng consists of the land of the Imperial Court ; to the east the Kindgoms of Tsian, Szian, and Tzong ; the Myrchang border kingdom near Zindia; Zhang-kiri border kingdom near Farak Utang ; Zhatana-kiri border kingdom near Erypt ; and the lands of Khanate's Nweng, Nwong, and Nwang along the Dragonspine Mountains.

Pirates of DarkWater: Mer

2011-06-30T03:25:00.000-07:00

The world of Mer is the setting for "The Pirates of DarkWater", a television series that came out during the 1990's by Hanna-Barbera. It follows the adventures of Prince Ren, heir to Octopon, who goes on a quest to restore the world of Mer from the influence of DarkWater. Some time ago, and entity known as the Dark Dweller was sealed beneath the Seas of Mer. Within the past few decades, the Dark Dweller seal has cracked, and it has release a substance into the world know as "DarkWatrer". This ooze like substance is poisonous and corrosive to life in general, and where it has seeped up it has destroyed and corrupted many animal and plants. King Primus of Octopon discovered that 13 artifacts were the key to fight back this substance. Unfortunately, he was hunted down by Pirates.

The World of Mer, is a water world with a few large land masses scattered across the globe. Some of the largest landmass are Octopon, Andorus, Janda and Pandawa. There are countless reefs, atols, and islands scattered across the globe yet to be explored. The vast majority of people are human, but there are other races like the Kree, Scon, and Antari. There are some intelligent non-humanoid species, such as Monkey-Birds that are found on Pandawa.

If you are look for a swashbuckling campaign, with an Arabic feel... the series gives a lot of feel for that.
You can gain a lot of information about the series as well as the old RPG from this site.

Asian Locations: Dragonlance

2011-06-28T01:55:00.000-07:00

On the world of Krynn "Dragonlance", there are no major Asian cultures found.However, a variant of the Mongolians can be found on the continent of Taladas. In Northern Hosk, among the Tamire.... there miles and miles of plains and steppe, broken up every once in awhile by mountain ranges that ring the Great Sea of Fire.
These people are wild and live off the land, a far different cry from most civilized Asian locations.

It is here that five tribes of people live their life with the land. The Uigan are the dominant Horselords controlling much of the Tamire. The two smaller tribes, the Purgi and Pureshk, live as allies to the Uigan.
To the far north, another tribe of fierce warrior known as the Kazar, a migratory people that spend there time among the borders of the Panak Desert and Il-quars during the seasonal months of summer and winter.
High in the mountain are the Alan-atu, a herding society that has little contact with the people of the Steppe.

The Uigan biggest rivals on the Steppes come from the Tamire Elves.Ulike the most known elves of Krynn, the Tamire behave in a very similar lifestyle to that of the Uigan and are fierce warriors. Even the Kagonesti would have trouble with identifying with them, since the cultures are so different. The Tamire and divided up into various tribes, each identified by a Spirit Totem (ex. Horse Clan, Tiger Clan, Wolf Clan).

The people of the northern steppe worship the same gods as most of Krynn. However, these deities are known by different names here. Chislev is called Jijin, Kiri-Jolith is called Qu'an the Warrior, Mishakal is called Mislaxa, Nuitari is called Ne'Ugiar, Solinari is called Toyaqual, and Takhisis called Erestem. Both shamans and priest respect these powerful beings, but as they have remained silent since the cataclysm most are venerated out of tradition more than anything else.

Asian Locations: Forgotten Realms

2011-06-26T14:49:00.000-07:00

On the world of Toril, the eastern side of the main continent is home to a large Asian population. It's representation of the east is found in kingdoms of Kara-Tur (Mainland Asia), the Plains of the Horselords (Mongolian Steppe), Tabot (Tibet),Ra-Khati (Nepal), Koryo (Korea), Laothan (Laos/Cambodia), Petan (Vietnam), Kuong (Siam), and the Island Nation of Koza-Kura and Wa (Japan). TSR has released a two box sets (Kara-Tur and The Horde) that have attempted to inject a healthy sense of an Asian Campaign setting for play. Various adventure modules have been created, but were not as popular as the core western settings. It even has some greater connection to the Spelljammer Campaign Setting as both Wa and Shou Lung have managed to position themselves in the Fantasy Space of the Forgotten Realms.

Chinese Flavor....
Kara-tur mimics mainland China, but separated into two kingdoms of Shou Lung (North) and T'u Lung (South). Like china it is home to a myriad of ethnic human cultures as well as some fantasy races.
All the court intrigues and wars are found here, as their is much tension between the Shou Lung, and within the Kingdoms that make up T'u Lung. The Shou Empire was first founded by Nung Fu, who received a divine mandate from Heaven, and was the first Emperor of the Li Dynasty. Since that time there have been several other Dynasties...ending with the Kuo Dynasty which was briefly taken over by the Tuigen of the Hordelands.
T'u Lung, in the south, broke away from the Shou Empire during the Lui Dynasty. Since then the country has been in constant conflict with the Shou and with each other. Each of the six provinces fight amongst themselves. Although currently overseen by the Empress, theses petty kings have sights on each other and the Throne. The Celestial Bureaucracy (Chinese Pantheon) is worshiped by many, and representation of some of the more popular philosophies are also found here.

The Hordelands are lime Mongolia... comprised of a vast steppe and desert that separate Kara-tur from Faerun. The Tuigen are skilled riders and feared by many as great warriors.
Tabot, similar to Tibet, is found high in the southwest mountains, and is a nation overseen by monks and the Master of Oceans. it is a spiritual nation and lies along the borders of Malatra and Zakhara.
Ra-Khati is a small valley nation, similar to Nepal found north of Tabot and close to the Hordelands. It isolate itself from the rest of the world.

Japanese Flavor....
The Islands of Wa and Koza-kura inject variations of imperial and feudal japan. Wa is very similar to Japan during the Edo period, where the Shogun hold true power and the Emperor is just an icon. Wa tends to be an isolationist country, although it has had it fair share of blows with the nation of Shou Lung during the Omi Wars. For a while it was a vassal state of Shou...as the Shou invaded Wa due to acts of piracy. An invasion from the Hordelands, and the untimely civil war within the Empire of Shou Lung (Lui Dynasty) lead Wa to become and independent nation once again.

To the east of Wa, the island of Koza-kura relfects Japan during the Warring States period. Many Fuedal lords and their Samurai fight amongst themselves in a bid for territory and resources. Many wandering Ronin can be found here. Like Wa the Yakuza has a strong presence. The only main difference is that the Korobokura (asian dwarf) were native and treated as lower class citizens by the populace.

Korean Flavor...
Not much is known about Koryo....but it is an analog of Korea.

Other Asian tastes....
Lastly it is believed that Laothan (Laos/Cambodia), Petan (Vietnam), and Kuong (Siam) fill in the gap for the rest of the Asian cultures found in the realms. Supplemental information on these place are far in few in between but you can always fill thins in!

Greyhawk: Conquest of Nerath

2011-06-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

The birth of 4E D&D heralded confusion in 2008 as it attempted to re-established the continuity of the D&D Universe. After sometime, the Core World of 4E was unknown and many thought it could be Abeir, the twin world of Toril (Forgotten Realms). Since the publication of the 4E D&D Comics and the Boardgame "Conquest of Nerath" the truth can finally be told. The world of Nerath is one of the many parallel worlds of Oerth (Greyhawk).

How can this be? Well the 4E Core book for one introduces many new gods, as well as several gods familiar with the Greyhawk Pantheon. Second, many of the adventures published tried to be as generic as possible.... but trying to capitalize on veterans players it made 4E versions of some classic modules. With the comics and new board game... it has cemented these revised classic module (Greyhawk) in the 4E World of Nerath. The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth, The Vault of the Drow, Whiteplume Mountain, and The Temple of Elemental Evil are some of the few iconic Oerthian places found in Nerath...ergo.... Nerath is 4E Oerth!!! Ironically even the kingdom of Sarthel of Nerath resembles the continent of the Flaness!!

So what do we know of Nerath? Well we know that there are presently two continents, divided by a sea with a large island in the middle. The Old Empire of Nerath is found on the western continent and this is where Nentir Vale is also located at. Just south of Nerath is the Iron Circle.... another kingdom. The eastern continent, hold both Karkoth and Vailin. The latest issue of the 4E Dragon and Dungeons Magazines have been giving historical information of the world of Nerath, fleshing it out bit by bit. Also it would be advisable to also check out the 4E D&D Comics as it follows the adventure of the iconic character of the 4E world in Nerath!.

Famous Spellcasters: Tula

2011-06-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

Name: Tula
World: Mer aka "Pirates of Darkwater"
Spells: None Named.
Magical Items: None

Tula is and Andorian whose family fled to nearby Octopon when the Black Wave of Black Death washed over Andorus. For much of her earlier life she worked in a tavern making ends meet. Like all Andorians she has an affinity with Ecomancy, a school magic of nature magic that can affects animals, plants, and the very elements themselves. Her skills as a warrior and mage come in very handy.

She further mastered he abilities as she sailed with Prince Ren in his quest to bring together the Thirteen Treasures of Rule. Their quest hopes to restore the world of Mer back to its former glory and banish the "Dark Water" that has sapped much of the life fore of the world.

Famous Spellcasters: "Uncle"

2011-05-26T23:37:00.000-07:00

Name: "Uncle" Chan
World: Earth aka San Francisco, CA, USA
Spells: All Purpose Chi Magic Spell.
Magical Items: Twelve's Talismans of Lo Pei, Pan'ku Box, and the Tarakudo Oni Masks..

"Uncle" happens to be Jackie Chan's uncle in the "Jackie Chan Adventures". Uncle currently runs an antique store in San Francisco, in which his nephew Jackie "acquires various objects of interest for his shop. During one of Jackie's Adventures, "Uncle" becomes involved in an adventure involving an ancient demon dragon sorcerer known as Shandu and other ancients entities that ruled the world in ages past..

When he was an adult, he learned Chi Magic from a Master Fong, whom he studied for 15 years. During his tutalegde he was taught Chi Magic and learned much lore of the mystical and ancient world. An all purpose incantation is used by benevolent Chi Wizards, "Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao", is often recited by Uncle as he creates magical effects and items for the group. He has repaired magical artifacts, created talisman of the eight fortunes, undid hexes, and many other things. His most common magical tools are a dried salamander or pufferfish. He has managed to many magical feats with his limited skill through sheer willpower and wile. He even manage to defeat on numerous occasion, Daolon Wong, the Dark Chi wizard who did away with Master Fong.

When he was younger, he was a member of the "Seven Little Fortunes" opera troupe where he learned the basics of gymnastics and some martial arts training. When he came to America, he became an accomplished Disco Dancer during the 70's. Later he settled in a life in which he eventually became a historian of sorts and led to him to become an Antique Store owner. Sometime during this time is when he delved into Chi Magic.

Famous Spellcasters: Homnibus

2011-04-07T02:30:00.000-07:00

Name: Homnibus the Enchanter
World: Earth aka France during the Middle Ages
Spells: Hypnokenesis.
Magical Items: Puppy's Magical Locket.

Homibus is an enchanter that lives close to the realms of Sir Johan's king, King Gerard's domain, and within distance of Smurf Village. He live is a simple home that contain his laboratory and library. He is a wizard of some power, yet the full extent and influence of his casting abilities have not been showcased. Like most wizards, he is has wealth of knowledge of the arcane and material world.

It is known that he is friends with another spellcaster, Papa Smurf who occasionally drops in. They have been friends for many decades. It is possible that Homnibus also has an association with the local wizard's academy and Witch Haven Conservatory. He may have also had interactions with other such spellcaster's as Lord Balthazar, Gargamel, and Chlorhydris.

Although getting on in years, he may have slowly been passing his magical powers into a special artifact that is currently being worn around "Puppy's" (aka Homni-One) neck. The locket is enchanted so only a worthy successor can open it, all other who dare try are shocked with lightning. His successor was found, as Baby Smurf managed to open the locket and gained magical powers... possibly being one of the first smurfs sorcerers.

2011-03-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Name: Ultimecia aka the Sorceress aka Edea Kramer
World: Unknown world aka Final Fantasy VIII
Spells: Apocalypse, Blizzard Palm, Great Attractor, Ice Strike, Knight's Axe, Knight's Arrow, Knight's Blade, Shockwave Pulsar.

Ulimcecia is a powerful sorceress with access to a number of powerful spells that allow her to manipulate time and space. She lives in one of the many aspects of the world within the final fantasy universe.

She has long for control over her world for centuries, both interfering with its Past, Present, and Future. She has manipulated many in order to achieve her goals, and has even further ambitions to ascend to full godhood itself by destroying both Chaos and Cosmos.

Within her own world it her origin is shrouded in mystery, as individuals do not know if she hails from the future or distant past. In various ages she often possess individuals such as Edea Karmer or Rinoa. Through these agents she often fights through them, staying behind the shadows as a puppet master with these proxies.
Within her world she was eventually defeated by heroes from the SeeD Academy who uncovered her devious schemes. However, although gone ... she still exists someone in the darkness as n agent of chaos that can be placed back anywhere in reality.

Famous Spellcasters: Syaoran Li

2011-03-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Syaoran Li "Litte Wolf"
World: Unknown world aka Card Captor Sakura
Spells: Unknown.
Artifacts: Lasin Board, Jian, Clow Cards.

Syaoran Li is a relative of Clow Reed, a powerful sorcerer who created an artifact of both western and eastern magics know as the Clow Cards. These cards like tarot cards, but are tied to certain elements and powers. The both have four guardians known as Ruby Moon and Spinel Sun, as well as Yue and Kerberos. This powerful artifact was sealed in the "Book of the Clow" at the time of Clow Reed's death.

However as fate would have it it was accidentally opened by a young girl named Sakura. She and Syaoran are on a mission to find all the clow cards to gain control of them. Syaoran is a powerful sorcerer familiar with Celestial Calligraphy, Taoist Mysticism, Feng Shui, and is also an excellent swordsman to boot! He can call on a variety of power to help him subdue the clow as well as many of the other parties interested in capturing the deck!

Each of the Cards of the Clow have mysterious powers and often have entities they embody.

Moon Cards
The Dark, The Watery, The Windy, The Erase, The Change, The Time, The Illusion, The Sleep,
The Silent, The Dream, The Mist, The Freeze, The Bubbles, The Wave, The Wood, The Snow, The Cloud, The Rain, The Fly, The Jump, The Storm, The Float, The Move, The Dash, The Voice, The Song.

Sun Cards
The Light, The Fiery, The Earthy, The Glow, The Shadow, The Big, The Little, The Create, The Return, The Sweet, The Power, The Thunder, The Fight, The Sword, The Arrow, The Shot, The Through, The Twin, The Maze, The Flower, The Shield, The Sand, The Libra, The Lock, The Loop, The Mirror.

Other Cards
The Nameless, The Hope, the Nothing.

Card Captor Sakura is an Anime from japan. Right now many people are suffering from a horrible disaster of epic proportions, "Earthquake, Tsunami, Nuclear Fallout, Volcano, and Snowstorm". If you can please donate to one of many relief funds out there! Japan has given us some great stuff from anime, video games, and manga.

Royal Mail: Wizards Stamp Collections.....

2011-03-14T01:20:00.000-07:00

In Great Britian, the Royal Mail will be releasing a "Magical Realms" stamp collection featuring some of Britian's famous fictional personas. If you are a stamp collector or someone who would love to give a unique gift, then look no further. These stamps feature personas from "The Chronicles of Narnia", "Discworld", "Harry Potter", and the "Arthurian Legends".

Spellcasting 101: Practitioners of Arcane Magic (Part 1)

2011-02-17T02:11:00.000-08:00

As noted there are various forms of magic, and likewise various forms of spellcasters.
Most notably the master of the arcane magics is the Wizard. Historically speaking though, the wizard is not the first practitioner of magic as that title most often falls to the Sorcerer.

The Wizard
A wizard is an individual, through study and research, who is able to unlock the secrets and practice of magic.
Such individuals are of a scholarly nature and follow a very analytic view of magic. They know that magic itself follows certain rules and thus through the manipulation of words of power, symbolic materials, and movements they are able to cast spells. They also have tendency to to be considered bookwise, as through the practice of magic requires learning of a variety of subject from basic alchemy, ancient history, reading & writing, art, herbal lore, cooking, geography, myths & legends, etc.
In most societies, an individual who is considered a person quick of wit and intelligence is most suited to become a wizard. Most are taken at a young age an entered in either a school of magic or apprenticed under an established wizard. Very few are self taught, sometimes having access to arcane documents or being coached by a spellcasting being.
Depending on how the wizard was taught; 1) They can memorize a certain number of spells per day (Standard D&D) that they can cast, 2) focus on an effect they want to cast (skill check), or 3) Cast a number of studied spells (spell points). It is a common misconception that wizard's forget the spells that they cast and must study them again. The main reason why a wizard must spend a number of hours to prepare their spells is mainly to refresh what selection of spells they can cast [The main benefit of being a wizard is the ability to learn and cast any number of spells!)

The Sorcerer
A Sorcerer is an individual who has a innate ability to cast magic. This is mostly likely due a biological influence such as familial bloodlines (magical/planar creature in their ancestor) or from exposure to some sort of magical/planar environment or creature. They can come from any walk of life an usually manifest their abilities at a young age. Usually they display powers that are categorized by ancestry or exposure (ability to cast fire spells may stem from the exposure to plane of fire or a set of spells cast by dragon may indicate a dragon ancestor). They usually discover their abilities on their own.
Sorcerers were mostly like one of the first to practice arcane magic, as it was an innate part of their nature.
As other saw their abilities, this most likely started the study on how to access that power and thus wizardry was born. Sadly most are shunned or feared, as individuals with strange powers. Most sorcerers usually keep their abilities hidden and attempt to use their powers in more subtle ways.

Unlike a wizard, a sorcerer is limited to the numbers of spells they are attuned too. Their one benefit is that they can cast spells more freely (in the sense of more spells per day). If they are fortunate enough, they can find other sorcerers who can help them discover spell they are attuned to. Some even go on a quest to discover their ancestral natures and learn from the creatures whom they share a blood bond with.

The Warlock
Some people want power quickly, others lack the innate ability to even practice magic, so the warlock offers those that path to attain powerful magics quickly (although there are a few rare individual who are born with natural ability). A warlock is an individual who has been infused with a magical abilities. They are living batteries of eldritch power who through the force of their will can achieve a number of mystical abilities.
Most notably, Warlocks have the ability to emanate eldritch bolts of power. This energy is often used to empower other abilities. Unlike wizards and sorcerers they can only achieve a minute number of effects, but can do so an unlimited amount of times.
Sadly Warlocks are dependent on their patrons for instruction, or must dig through magical research to find methods to access their power.

Famous Spellcasters: Watson Livingston

2011-02-04T00:04:00.000-08:00

Name: Watson Livingston
World: Unknown world aka Battle Fantasia
Spells: Platina Ball, Torabase Minore/Majore, Twinkle Dust.
Artifacts: Moonutts Wand, Stardust Hat and Cape, Books of Magic and Truth, Pocketwatch of Oblivion.

Watson Livingston is a Formosan, a rabbit like humanoid native to the world of Battle Fantasia. He was one of the many heroes, who in the past defeated a great evil and bought peace to the land. He nce journeyed with the knight Dyna, and Donvalve of the dwarves to stop the evil wizard Dokurod from bring forth the terrible incarnation of darkness. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed the head of the Royal Astronomical Observatory of Roselia for his bravery.

He has developed many spells that draw upon the powers of the stars. His Twinkle Dust and Platina Ball spells are surprisingly powerful . He also has a familiar, Torabase, an enchanted mechanical trap which he can summon to surprise foes. His wand (which is the size of a small staff) can also transform into a flying broom. Watson is a noble individual, who value patience and understanding before re-acting to a situation. Once committed though he will pursue his goal with efficiency.

(On a side note.... It is year 4707! The Year of the Rabbit for those celebrating the Chinese New Year. Gung Hay Fat Choi)

Spellcasting 101: Schools of Magic

2011-01-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

As a spellcaster, there are several main fields of study in which magic falls under (Using the definition familiar with the Dungeons and Dragons RPG. Note other RPG may categorize the fields differently). Most individuals will agree that there are some 8 major fields of magical disciplines, with the 9th being a universal school.

Abjuration: Magics are mostly concerned with protective spells. A spellcaster specialized in the field is an Abjurer.

Alteration/Transmutation: Magics that change the properties of an item, creature, or condition. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Transmuter.

Conjuration/Summoning: Conjuration magics bring forth non-living matter or effects forth which can also include healing forces and spirits. Summoning magics bring forth or the attention of living creature or powers. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Conjurer or Summoner.

Divination: Magics involving knowledge of the past, present, and future fall under this field of study. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Diviner.

Enchantment/Charm: Charm magics influence individuals through mind effecting compulsion. While Enchantments can imbue items or creatures with magics. A spellcaster specialized in the field is an Enchanter.

Evocation/Invocation: Magics that draw power of the natural energies and forces found in the universe (earth, fire, water, air, positive/negative energies, etc.). A spellcaster specialized in the field is an Evoker/Invoker.

Illusion/Phantasm: Magics that alter the perception of reality. It includes figments which create false sensation, Glamers which change sensory qualities, Phantasms which are mental impressions, and Shadows which are semi-real creations and effects. A spellcaster specialized in the field is an Illusionist.

Necromacny: Magics dealing with life, death, undeath. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Necromancer.

Universal: These spells contain one or more of the other fields.

Beyond these basic fields, there are hundreds of schools which group spell under their particular effects, cultural influences, spellcasting technique, themetic effects..

Blood Magic: Spells dealing with the inherent magical properties of blood.

Chronomancy: Spell dealing with time effects. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Chronomancer.

Elementalist: Spells dealing with
an natural elements. A spellcaster specialized in air magics are Aeromancers, earth magics are geomancers, fire magics are pyromancers, and water magics are hydromancers. Other variationa could include Storm,
Seas, Sand, Light, Darkness, Wood, Steel, Magma, Ooze, Ice, Minerals, etc.

Demonologist: Spells dealing mostly with calling forth forces and spirits and supernatural spirits. Usually known for trafficking with a variety of supernatural beings.

Digitologist: Spells cast using mathematical formulas.

Dragon Magic: Spells dealing with magics the emulate or associate themselves with the abilities of dragons.

Gem Magic: Spells dealing with the inherent magics properties of gems and precious stones.

Runic Magic: Spells using a certain number of glyphs that are associated with a number of supernatural effects.

Sonomancy: Magic dealing with sonic based effects. A spellcaster specialized in the field is a Sonomancer.

For Divine spellcasters the main eight disciplines do apply, but are usually organized by themes associated with their Divine Patrons. Such themes are Sun, Moon, Healing, Magic, Nature, Knowldege, Death, Creation, Weather, etc.

Spellcasting 101: Introduction to Magic

2011-01-23T14:46:00.000-08:00

If you have played a wizard, priest, bard, shaman, or sorcerer you are familiar with spellcasting. In the worlds of RPGs they are a myriad versions of spellcasting techniques, schools, studies, and disciplines. These range from spellcasters invoking spirits & powers, channeling the ambient magical force of the universe, fuel these effects with the use of their own person power, or tapping into the echoes of creation by rote & formulas.

So what is MAGIC? Defined it is simply "the use of means (spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces." It is the path in which magic is used that makes it very interesting to study, as well as the potential power it can bring.

First off magic itself can be divided into two major parts: Arcane or Divine.Arcane magic is the means in which am individual taps into these supernatural forces on their own. Divine magic is the ability to channel the power of a spirit or deity into a magical effect. The major negative factor with Divine magic is that you can be cut off from its source if you fall into disfavor of the spirit of deity you are channeling. Although there are some forces that do remain neutral, but they often come at a price.

Next we will go into the basic components of an actual spell: Verbal, Somatic, Material. If you are familiar with D&D, these are typical terms... although these terms extend from real world applications of spellcasting (ex. Bell = Somatic, Book = Verbal, and Candle = Material). Every spell uses one or more of these components in order to perform magic.
   The Verbal component itself are words of power, chants, incantations, prayers, hymns, or sound used in a spell. Dr. Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme of the marvel universe, is famous for saying the incantation such as "Let the vapors of the Vishanti drive you from the sight of man! Let the mystic Hosts of Hoggoth prevent you
from ever returning again!". Raistlin Majere uses these words of power from the Magius language "Ast tasark simiralan krynaw" for a sleep spell. . Ravens, a sorcerer for the DC universe, uses this mantra when casting a any spell "Azarath. Metrion. Zinthos". Also in the DC universe, Zatana is well known for her spells to be cast as she recites the intent backwards "emit pots". In Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place, many of the wizards use traditional words of power in conjunction with context sensitive phrase such as "Some are evil, some are kind, but now all must speak their mind". A bard musical song (sung, played, hummed, whistled, etc) is used. A priest while also often say "In the name of "power/spirit/deity" I ask that you allow me to...".

   The Somatic component are actions or gestures used in a spell. Dr. Strange of uses a variety of hand positions while invoking his spells . Raistlin Majere sleep spell requires the action of sprinkling the material components in the direction of the target. In Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place and the world of Harry Potter, specific wand gestures (flick, slash, dip, circling, etc) is used. The act of writing runes and glyphs, ringing a bell, dance movements, or even twitching one's nose or bobbing one's head can be enough to fulfill this requirement as well.
   Lastly are material components which are items which that support the effect the caste is trying to manifest. There are millions of variations of components, but most follow a common sense rules... spell designed with fire in mine might require a combustible or volatile material or a representation of fire itself. Usually components are consumed upon casting, but some items may be reused again and again. This also includes other categories as well.
-Power Components, which are items that tend to enhance a spellcasting effect (ex. a phoenix feather used in a healing spell may aid in greater healing or black dragon's blood for a more damaging acidic spell).
-Foci, non-consumable items that can be re-used... but traditional a thematic accessory that can be substituted for multiple components..... such as a wand, book, orb, holy symbol, amulet, top hat, staff, etc.

Now keep in mind, that spell can require a combination of any three of these items. Some spell just require a gesture, a magical word, or just the presence of an item to make an effect possible.

Founders of Roleplaying: John R. R. Tolkein

2011-01-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

J.R.R. Tolkein was born in Republic of the Orange Free State, in lived from 1892 to 1973. He is creditted with being the father of modern fantasy. Originally written between 1925-1928, he is best known for his work "The Hobbit" published in1936, and the "Lord of the Rings" in 1954. These books provided the ground work of high fantasy that would go on to inspire others in the world of fantasy.

He was a scholar, author, military man, and a linguist. He developed a rich history and myth that was the entire back story of the world of Middle-Earth. He also created several unique languages and writings systems for cultures of the world that our used and spoken by many. His has also posthumously published several books further detailing Middle Earth. Beyond that he has also contributed the European myths and legends, the Arthurian Cycle, poem, linguistics, and many other essays of academia.

His mythos has come to touch not only literary works, but also film, RPGs, and miniature games as well.

Famous Spellcasters: Ra's al Ghul

2010-12-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

Name: Ra's al Ghul "The Demon's Head"
World: Earth aka "DC Comics"

Some 700 years before the appearance of the "Dark Knight" of Gothom City, the man who would be known as "The Demon's Head" was born in the Arabian Peninsula. His tribe had journeyed from Chine to Aribia over generations. As a young man, he was a brilliant individual who became a talented healer and eventually left his tribe to live in a city to become a famous Physician.

During the course of his studies and explorations he discovers what is to become known as the "Lazarus Pit". The pits have he ability to heal severe wounds and diseases, bring back the dead, but with chance of madness. It was shortly after his discover, that he was betrayed by the Sultan of his city when his son slew Ra's wife.

After escaping and returning to his tribe, he enacted revenge on the Sultan and Prince, and then razed the city. Over the next several centuries who created a vast network of spies known as the "League of Assassins" as well and find and secure various "Lazarus Pits" found throughout the world. Sadly as an anti-hero he knows that humanity is slowly destroying the earth, and the masses have become a virus that infest the earth and slowly kill it. He finds that humanity and civilization must be curbed, and uses his network to shape and steer nations and people in the way he sees fit.

Although he is not a mystic per say, he is a renowned Sage and Tactician. He has studied numerous scientific practices, martial strategies, politics, and some mysticism. The one thing he has learned, is a rite that allows him to extend his life even further with the "Lazaras Pit", he can hold his spiritual essence within the pit if needed until a suitable host is found. Ironically he is very vain, and prefers a host who genetic linage is identical to himself. So far he has been able to inhabit a secondary body of his son, Dusan who is known as the "White Ghost", who was a poor choice due to be an albino

His ideal successor to his legacy was the "Batman", whom he even managed to manipulate into siring a son with his daughter Talia. This would be his ideal host, but Damian Wayne has proven to as willful as his grandsire and father and refuses to give up his individuality or to be manipulated.

Record of Lodoss War

2010-12-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

Record of Lodoss War

The world of Forceria contains Lodoss, Alecrast, Azarn Islands, Djana En, Crystania, the Chaos and Far lands. Within this world ages ago there was a great battle between the gods of light and darkness. The resulting catastrophe broke the world creating the various continents.This Anime captured the feel of Dungeons & Dragons. Many of the iconic artwork and stylings are patterned from some of the more iconics D&D games (Dragonlance for example...).

On Lodoss though is where much of the story takes place. Before the Saga even begins, we are told of another battle that took place ages ago, one in which the old generations of Heroes managed to defeat a great evil and sets the stage for the new Heroes. Unfortunately, due to real life issues with the producers.... there are two canon-version of the series; "The Record of Lodoss War" and "Chronicles of the Heroic Knight". Either way the Anime is rich with lovable characters, most famous is Deedlit the elf. Although where "Lodoss War" ends, the Legend of Crystannia begins as the tale of two the villains are continued there.

As a gaming world, you have Lodoss which has a simple history of gods and goddess of both light and the dark. Humans are the predominent race, while Dwarves are uncommon, and Elves seem far and few in between as they mainly dwell within the Faerie World. Orc, Goblins and other dark creatures usually stay hidden, but when great evil arises.... they become very active.

A campaigns setting published under the Fuzion system was published and the original fan made PDF can be found here.

Character Profile: Emperor Cao Cao of Wei

2010-12-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

"I'd rather betray the world than let the world betray me." -Cao Cao

Cao Cao was born in Qiao, China around 155 AD, and I would most likely have been born under the lunar sign of the "Wooden Ram".He was the son of Cao Song, and was related to the Xiahoa clan.

About his lunar sign.....Sheep are nurturers. They enjoy taking care of other people. Like their animal counterpart, Sheep people are pretty calm individuals. Their personalities are quiet, reserved and soothing. They like to be in the company of others but do not wish to be in the middle of everything. They like standing in the back, watching contently from the sidelines, as others dazzle the company. Sheep will generally do better than they are aware because they are so good at keeping the peace and accomplishing the tasks at hand.

Generally surrounded by a bevy of friends, these Sheep enjoy being in the midst of a crowd. People flock to these Sheep, possibly because they are so compassionate and helpful. Their sincerity can be taken advantage of and Wood Sheep may get their feelings hurt by undeserving sympathy seekers. Sometimes, Wood Sheep need to suppress their caring ways and take care of themselves.

Historically he is known best as one of the many of the many main political influence during final conflicts of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms Period (Wu, Wei, Shu) shortly there after.He was a brilliant tactician, poet, and warlord. He claimed the Title Duke of Wei by 213, sadly he died only seven years later.
Depending on who you speak too.... he is either an villain or a hero... he was a very honorable man was a sense of vision.At times he was ruthless, but with the purpose of uniting China under his rule.

I came to know Cao Cao, becuase of a game called "Destiny of an Emperor" and later a series games known as Dynasty Warriors. Something about the man always felt familiar. I would assume are outlooks on the world.are similar as well as tactics. We are both wood elements. I think becuase he was despised by many, yet perceived is one of the things I admire about him. He managed to do things his way despite any set backs. He also reminds me of some of the things I need to work on, becuase Rabbits can be lost in bureaucracy at times and have been known to be tyrants too in their burrows. The Great General Cao Cao is a man to be both respected and feared, a man with a guarded heat.

Founders of Roleplaying: Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

2010-12-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

My first introduction to the world of fantasy and role-playing was through Dragonlance. It was the first series to truly capture my imagination and heart, and it eventually opened up the greater world of literature to me.

Margaret Weis was born in Missouri in 1948 and Tracy Hickman was born Utah in 1955. They are the co-creators of the Dragonlance world. There first three books released in 1985, started a whole line of books and expanded by other authors. The campaign setting that they created grew and became the 4th Campaign Setting of the Dungeons and Dragons world. Since then they have collaborated many times expanding their original creations as well creating other worlds. The Deathgate Cycle, Starshield, Dark Sword, Rose of the Prophet, and the Dragonships of Vindras are another popular line of novels designed by them both. Together they also brought to life Larry Elmore's Sovereign Stone Trilogy and RPG.

Separately, Tracy Hickman and his wife Laura, created a few independent adventures for Dungeons and Dragons in the early 80's. In 1983 they created Ravenloft, which has been a beloved horror campaign setting that has touched almost every campaign world ever since! Tracy Hickman continues to create new worlds and continues to bring new ideas to fantasy ans sci-fiction literature.

Magaret Weis has continued to write in her own way and now owns a publishing company that produces some RPG systems for many popular TV Dramas such as; Battlestar Galactica, Leverage,Smallville, Serenity, and Supernatural.

I had the privilege of meeting them both back in 1996 at a booking signing in Brea, CA. It was one of the greatest moment of my life as I got to meet Mrs. Weis, Mr. Hickman, and Mr. Perrin.

An Hiatus: Death of a Loved One

2010-11-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

I am sorry to report that this blog will be on hiatus for a while. A very very good friends of six years has passed. You can read more at http://thelukeshow.blogspot.com/2010/11/patrick-berringer-2004-2010-we-love-you.html for more details.

In memory of Patrick Berringer, Aug 2004- Nov 2010

Final Fantasy

2010-11-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Final Fantasy series was created by Squaresoft in 1987. The games itself has already gone over 20 titles and several spin offs (Chocobo Racing was my favorite). This includes the flagship Final Fantasy titles, as well as the Crystal Chronicles, Mystic Quest, Lord of Vermillion, DQ vs FF Itadaki Street Special, Kingdom Hearts, Tactics, Dissidia, Blood of Bahamut, Bahamut Lagoon, , and Chocobo Dungeon games, and the party game ! Each game is a unique setting unto itself building on the mythos established in the first game. Some of the iconic features of the franchise are materia, chocobo, moggle, and espers

Final Fantasy: Remnants of the Lufenia civilization fight against Chaos/Garland and his elemental fiends.
Final Fantasy II: Firion and company go up against the Emperor of Palamecia.
Final Fantasy III: Luneth and company go against and entity known as the Cloud of Darkness.
Final Fantasy IV: Cecil Harvey and company most stop the Lunarian, Zemus.
Final Fantasy V: Bartz Klauser and his chocobo, Boko, go up against an evil mage known as Exdeath.

Final Fantasy VI: An esper named Celes Chere goes up against Kefka Palazzo who was driven insane by his magicite addiction.
Final Fantasy VII: Accent Core: Follow Zack Fair as the beginings of the Jenova Project begin.

Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis: Incidents before FFVII involving the Shinra Power Company, Avalanche terrorists, and Wutai army.

Final Fantasy VII: Cloud Strife a soldier of Migard must stop an alien meteor and its host Sephiroth.
Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerebus: Vincent Valentine history is revealed as goes up against the secret Omega.
Final Fantasy VIII: Squall Lionheart must stop an evil sorceress, Ultimacia, of time in the past, present and future.
Final Fantasy IX: Zidane Tribal, human with simian traits, must clear his name in Alexandria and stop Kuja.

Final Fantasy X: Eons ago Spira was destroyed and the last of their civilization was put into a dreamlike realm to survive. Tidus somehow manages to escape to the real world and must stop Sin who threaten to destroy the world.
Final Fantasy X-2: Yuna, Rikku, and Paine discover the origins of Spira.
Final Fantasy XI: An MMO RPG on the world of Vana'diel heroes fight in aftermath of the Great Crystal War.
Final Fantasy XII: From FF Tactics, the world of Ivalice and its war between nations.

Final Fantasy XIV: An MMO RPG on the world Hydaelyn.

A d20 version of the FF series was done and can be found here from Final Fantasy d20. Although another gaming system called Anima, really captures the feel and gameplay of Japanese RPGs.

Character Profile: Aesedai Wayfinder

2010-11-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

"I have found you traveler and you are now safe. No harm will come to pass."
                         -Aesedai Wayfinder, Eclipsed Priest of Malorne

   Just a few centuries before the War of the Ancients, Aesedai was born in western Kalimdor. As a child he was a skilled herbalist and alchemist, and had an aptitude for magic. Like so many others he would have become a mage, but the spirit of exploration of the natural always called him. Before long he finally found his calling within the priesthood of Malorne.
   Then the Burning Legion came and attacked the Kaldorei. When the news came he was far up north, visiting with the Furbolg. Likeso many other he headed the call to defend his homeland. However during the height of the war, he was cut of from his powers when his Patron fell.
His training as a Wayfinder and skill as an alchemist saved his life as well as many others, as this shock spread throughout his ranks. The Furbolgs likewise suffered a similar fate when one of the bear twins was laid low. When the dust settled, he was cut off from Kalimdor and was in the north.

For the next few centuries, he stayed with the Furbolg who shared his grief and healed with them. When the rest of the of his people finally searched north for survivors, he traveled back with them. He would wander the breadth of the continent searching for lore and hope that his beloved patron was still alive. It wasn't until he spent time among the Tauren that he realized that the Eternal's power was still their. Like the sun, it will be eclipsed by Elune at times.... but the power is still there hidden. It was then he realized that he could tap into that hidden power, albeit a darker nature than before.

   With his powers restored, he followed the Path of Malorne with a vengence. He soon became a bane of the Satyr that plague the forests of Ashenvale. After the Third War, he was part of a delegation to befriend Ogrimmar. He along with the Tauran would meet in Thunderbluff to discuss the logging issues within Ashenvale and Azshara. The Kaldorei hoped with the guidance and counsel of the Tauren, the orcs would grow to be peaceful neighbors. Sadly though, the human and their allies were irritants to the situation. Hoping to smooth things over, he became an ambassador to Ironforge. Here he befriended Helmackas. For the younger Earthen seemed to be more sensible than the humans. He was making some progress and he had hoped that full cooperation would come to pass as both the Horde and Alliance joined forces to combat the Silithid invasion and subsequent expedition into the broken realm of Dreanor. It was during this time he discovered and his great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grand nephew, Aeledai among the Sin'dorei Scryers. Since then he and the others, Aeledai, Helmackas, Kewn, and Duralas have journeyed throughout Azeroth to bring peace.

Alice in Wonderland

2010-11-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

Although originally conceived as a novel by Lewis Carol about a young girl strange journey to a nonsensical world known as Wonderland, this story has been the inspiration to of many spin offs and properties in the gaming and motion picture industry. Since then Wonderland series has made several appearance in the RPG genres. The first attempt to translate this story into a RPG experience was by none other than Gary Gygax himself in 1983 with "Dungeonland" and "The Land Beyond the Magic Mirror". Later on though it influenced the creation of a module known as "Castle Greyhawk" in which many believe the inhabitants pored forth from the Wonderland Realm. From time to time, monsters and race popular to the novel would appear such as the infamous Jabberwocky and and adaption of the chess pieces (Chaturan) Dragon Magazine 358. The world would once again be visited again in the most recent module "Return to Castle Greyhawk".

Beside the interest in RPG, a darker more sinister adaption for the action as Video Game was developed know as "American McGee's Alice" and its sequel "Alice: Madness Returns" in 2011.. It twists the the world into a slightly more darker version of itself which is a welcome change to the whimsical and childlike quality of the world. Since then other RPG companies have attempted to make adaptions as well (Savage Worlds, OGL D20, and Better Mouse Trap Games) .

Rings of Brass

2010-11-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

Gary Gygax is one the founding father of modern Roleplaying Games. His name is synonymous with Dungeons & Dragon, Greyhawk, Dangerous Journeys, Lejendary Journey, and Castles & Crusades. Under Troll Lord Games, he uses the C&C system to bring to life the world of Aihrde.

The All father first created world of Aihrde, a hollow world whose inner region is known as Inzaea.
Its is one of three planets in its system, the other two beings Illus and Nexus. Aihrde has only but one moon.

Sometime in this pre-history, Unklar the Dark, was responsible for igniting the Sun and also imprisoning the dragon Inazea within the interior of the planet. Being a divine being, the dragon presence warped the realm a more habitable domain and muck like the overworld. One of the first beings of creation were the dwarves, and they lived deep beneath the earth. They were the one that first fashioned tunnels between the two realms of the planet, they were blessed by the creator with the ability to invent and craft magnificent things. They created many wondrous objects, that are lost to the magical arts of today during their reign of 10,000 years. Over the centuries though some dwarves became corrupted and were twisted into goblin, and soon began a series of wars that escalated between them. In the 4th Great War, the All Father died as a goblin sorcerer worked a great spell to unmake the dwarves, the spell went awry and cause the death of the All-Father and creating the multi-verse in the process. In this absence, other things came... dark things such as orcs and demons, and elves.

For the next 800 years the Age of Man would be upon the world. First with the Aenochian Empire, and then with various smaller kingdoms. The Age was a golden age for humans, the dwarves and elves kept to themselves. Yet in the end, Unklar the Dark made his move. This time causing the Winterdark Wars. Fpr the next 240 some years, the dark god terrorized the world in black snow and ice. There was countless strife and wars, as mortal and gods alike rose up and attempted to defeat Unklar. The Battle of the Tree marked the end of the Winterdark as Unklar forces were defeated. New Kingdoms were made, new gods appeared and new religions, and peace would reign upon the world once more.

Mario World

2010-11-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

Nintendo's Flagship series has always been a favorite to play. Originally the franchise all started with his debut in the game Donkey Kong in 1981. In that game he had to save his girlfriend, Pauline, from and escaped Gorilla, Donkey Kong (aka Crankey Kong). Once he was captured, Mario put Donkey Kong in a circus, but in 1983 Donkey Jr (Donkey Kong) rescues him from Mario. After this defeat, he started a plumbing business with his brother Luigi in the game Mario Bros, in which their was some strange creatures coming up from the sewer.

Then in 1985 the entire Mushroom Kingdom came to be in Super Mario Bros. Bascially the pipes lead them to another world where the Princesses of the Mushroom and Sarasaland where captured by King Bowser Koopa and Tatanga. From their the adventures in the mushroom kingdom exploded, with King Koopa being a recurring villian. Mario has stayed within this world for years, exploring everything, and plus he and his brother are more than juts plumbers here! They are world heroes! Yet other menaces have followed them, such as Mario's long time rival Wario and his brother Waluigi. Since then Mario has appeared in over 20 games, ranging from testris like game to racing games. The world of the mushroom kingdom has contactly grown and we find more and more about it. Most of the inhabitant are anthropomorphic creatures such as mushrooms, beans, turtles, mice, bombs, etc. It is a very odd plus and much like Lewis Carol's Alice in Wonderland series.

If you are interested to play a Mario D20 game, a fansite has created a PDF which offers some guidelines.

Character Profile: Sun Wu Kong

2010-11-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

One of the most interesting individuals of chinese mythology is the Great Monkey, Sage who is Equal to Heaven, Sun Wu Kong.

He was a stone monkey born in ancient china. As he wandered the world he came upon other monkeys and so became their leader. He was saddened by the death of one of his subject and vowed to find a way to prevent death. He promised to travel the world and seek a way.

It was during this time he became a student of a great sage who taught him the 72 Earthly techniques of the Way of Sneaking and Transformation. A path of immortality that Sun Wu Kong was destined to learn. Here he gained great powers and abilities (invisibility, transformation into object and people, flight, teleporting, changing size, breath water, multiply himself, super strength etc). When he finally returned to his home, he had to defeat some demons that conquered his people. They convinced him, as a powerful immortal now, that he should look the part. So as instructed he demanded that the Dragon Kings gift him with magical armor and weapons. He even managed the impossible be gaining the 13,500 lbs Nail of Heaven. The Dragon Kings warned heaven about the Monkey King and he was sentenced to death. Yet even being sent to the Underworld did not quell him. There he defeated the forces of Yama and forced the Judge of the dead to give him the ledgers of Life and Death. The Monkey King simply rewrote his destiny and no longer could die.

During the next few years he became out of control as he was quite powerful and plagued heaven. It wasn;t until he lost a bet with Budha that he forced into submission for at least a 1,000 years. It was during this time that Sun Wu Kong was given a second chance by the goddess Kuan Yin. He was instructed to guard a Taoist priest that was destined to bring forth the Budhist scripture to China. To complete his task and ensure his behavior he was fitted with a headband of subjugation. Although at first he resented being used, he grew to care for his companions and protect them fiercely. During this time he also gained another very powerful item, known as the Gourd of King Silver Horn that could imprison anyone within it if they new there name.

One of the reason why I like Sun Wu Kong, is becuase deep down inside he is a caring and loving individual. He represents the greatness mankind can achieve, and the frailties we possess. Although he has made past mistakes he always tries to overcome them. He never shows fear and has an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and exploration, and in away represent the freedom of man from the divine (In the sense that we control our destiny)

72 Earthly transformation

Famous Spellcasters: Severus Snape

2010-10-31T04:07:00.000-07:00

Name: Prof. Severus Snape
World: Earth aka "Harry Potter"
Spells: Langlock, Muffliato, Sectumsempra, Vulnera Sanetur, and the non-verbal version of Levicorpus and its counter-curse.

Severvus Snape is a famous wizard in the Harry Potter universe who has some dubious alliances. He is Master Potioneer and Wand Duellist, and expert in Legilimency, and a master of the Dark Arts and Occlumency. He has taught at Hogwarts for many years as Potions Master and Head of the Slytherin House, then as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Instructor, and the then finally Headmaster of the school. He was also a founding member of the Order of the Phoenix. He claimed the title the "Half-Blood Prince"

What is known of his younger days, he was born to a full blooded witch and a muggle father who abused him. In the small town he lived in her happened to encounter Lily Evans. He recognized, like he had magic flowing within their veins and befriended her.
When he attended Hogwarts, he was sorted into the House of Slytherin. His friend Lily was sorted into House Gryffindor. While at Hogwarts he would be picked on and harassed by James Potter and Sirius Black. He was a very brilliant and talented student, and was recognized (feared) by many as a master of the dark arts at a very early age. It was during this time that the first Wizarding War broke out. He joined the Order of the Phoenix and worked as a double agent on behalf of Dumbdledorf and infiltrating the Death Eaters.

Over the course of the next few years, he was always doubted were his loyalties lie due to his time within the Death Eaters. The only one who had believed in him was Dumbledorf, and new truly where Snape's heart and loyalty lay. Sadly in the end as he did his best to follow Dumbledorf instructions, he was killed by the Dark Lord as it was beleived he was the master of the Elder Wand.

Third Dawn

2010-10-29T00:53:00.000-07:00

From Dreamscarred Press comes a campaign setting based upon their expansions in the realms of psionics for the d20 system. They originally started coming out with products that added new races, psionic abilities, classes, and other items supporting psionics. These products expanded upon the limited material that was made official by Dungeon & Dragons. The only such campaign setting to ever include psionics officially had first been Dark Sun (Athas), and then Eberron.

Third Dawn, joins these worlds with introducing Ksaren. The world had suffered from a catastrophe known as "The Impact". It shattered and created the numerous island in the Impact Sea, cut off the world from the outer and inner planes, and destroyed all traces of magic.With the gods and magic gone, a new form of power began to fill this vacuum. Psionics began to emerge with in the populace, and within a few centuries God-Minds made an appearance providing a familiar structure with the absence of the gods. Likewise the nature of the undead has also changed, for no longer is the power of the negative energy involved.... but instead some sort of disease known as "The Black Plague". A deadly terror, given the fact that most undead share some unique immunities with the powers of the mind.

The world of Ksaren has three continents, only Femon and Tion still exist. The third was smashed with "The Impact". Almost all the familiar races and creatures are found here, but only those that seem to thrive in a psionic world. Some of the major powers in the world are found in both Femon, with the remnants of the Alyrian Empire, and Tion, with the growing Ophid Protecrate. Between them are a number of smaller countries and city states that farewell so far. Oddly enough the Elan seem to pose some sort of threat, but no one truly knows the depths of their plans.

Eberron

2010-10-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Eberon is one of the newer world added during 3E D&D. It is a world of technology fueled by magic. The world itself is simply known as Eberron, a large planet with at least 5 known continants, and its underdark area is known as khyber. There are twelve moons (Daanui, Dal Quor, Dolurrh, Fenia, Irian, Kythri, Lammania, Mabar, Risia, Shavarath, Thalanis, Xorlat) that orbit around the planet, as well as a rather unique feature known as the Ring of Siberys. The Ring of Siberys itself is a golden ring of particles that orbit the planet, and is the source to many of the dragon shards. One unique feature of the world is the dragonmarks and dragonshards, that seem to tap into the primordial powers of the world. The moons themselves also play a signficant role, for each moon is named after one of the many planes that the world is closely connected to.
Every so often some of the planes bleed onto the world, and these can often be told through the orbit and phases of the many moons.

The deities worshipped on the world by most races are either of the small pantheon of the Sovereign Host or the the Dark Six. Besides these two major pantheons, there are a number of cults that many ascribe to; the Silver Flame, Blood of Vol, Undying Court, and the Path of Light. Many of the races of Eberron are found throughout the multiverse, but there are some that seem to be unique to this world. The Warforged (a group of sentient constructs), Shifters individuals with lycanthrope ancestors, changelings (individuals with doppleganger ancestry), and the Kalashtar (individuals that are host to entities from the plane of dreams). It is also important to mention that the Drow of this world are not beholden to Llolth, but have assumed a scorpion theme in place with one of the Dark Six.

Each of the continents are host to many of the races of the world. Khovaire by many is considered one of the most active continents as it is a mix of various peoples and beings. This land is has recovered from a great war in which the Warforged were the product from. Xen'drik is a wild continent which once hosted the great kingdom of giants. It has become overrun with the Drow who prowl its ruins. Sarlona is cradle of civilization. Currently the the Dal Quor, and many psionic beings make this land their home. The Argonnessen continent is the home of the dragons, much of the land unexplored. The northern icecap is where the Frostfell is, an icy wasteland. There is also the sub-continent of Aerenal, which is the ancestral home of the elves and home to the Undying Court.

One of the unique features of the world are Dragonmarks. Odd magical birthmarks that appears on certain individuals and great special powers. So far there are at least 12 unique varieties catalogued, each grouped to a clan.

Aliens Vs Predator

2010-10-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

This franchise originally started separately back in 1979 (Alien) and 1987 (Predator) as individual films concerning the sci-fiction genre. The Alien franchise focused in the far future where space travel was possible, and in order for earth to continue its way of life colonization and planetary mining began. As far as
the future history is concerned, no contact with any alien lifeforms have ever been established. In 2122 however, the Xenomorph is found on LV-426 and begins to directly plague earth.

Yet the contact with the Xenomorphs is really not anything new to earth, in earth ancient past as far as 1.6million years ago xenomorphs did roam the earth. Furthermore there was evidence alien activity that the government had been observing and research, that of a species dubbed "Predator". The possible influence and application of alien technology came to the attention of several corporations (Weyland and Yutani).
The Weyland corporation funded and tracked activity concerning the predator species and discovered an ancient temple under Antarctica contain both Predator and Xenomorph artifacts. In the coming years, Weyland and Yutani united combine their efforts and research, becoming a mega-corporation.

The series soon became intertwined with each other. The relationship between the Predators and Xenomorphs has been established, as one has the Ultimate Hunter and the Ultimate Prey. Humans just so happened to be a species in which bring about an optimum Xenomorph. Even humans themselves provide prey for the Predator species, as humans are often resourceful and rather inventive.

Already some fans have created D20 variants for each of these creatures. If you are interested in a Aliens D20 book click here, and Predator D20 series click here.

Character Profile: Crown Prince Iroh

2010-10-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

"There are reasons each of us are born. We have to find those reasons"
-Crown Prince Iroh

Iroh is one of the Crown Princes of the Fire Nation, former General of its force, and Grand Master of the White Lotus Society. He is also a fine connoisseur of teas. As a Crown Prince he was also blessed with the natural ability of fire bending in which he excelled at. He even honed his skill to bend lightning. He is the eldest son of Fire Lord Azulon and Fire Lady Ilah. His younger brother is Ozai.

When he was younger, he was a great general of the Fire Nation and almost conquered the Earth Kingdom and broke through the capital city of Ba Sing Se. He was nicked named the "Dragon of the West". Sadly though the news of the death of his son, Lu Ten, lost his spirit in fighting. At this time his father also passed under mysterious circumstances, and his younger brother was appointed as the new Fire Lord. His brother stricken with grief still did not challenge Ozai and retired as general.

He was a gentle soul, well cultured, and man with a large heart. Instead he had focused his time with the Imperial family treating his nephew and niece as his surrogate children. It was becuase of this, he had stayed with his nephew Zuko when he was banished. His nephew had questioned his father during a council meeting, and suggested a peaceful resolution rather than a confrontational one. His father was embarrassed, as he saw this is a sign of weakness and this banished Zuko. Fire Lord Ozai would only welcome the prince back of he did the impossible, which was to find the Avatar.

General Iroh accompanied his nephew, guiding and mentoring the young Prince. During this time he also used the opportunity to make many contacts with a society that wished to ensure peace during the absence of the avatar. The White Lotus Society was a secret organization which had contacts within each of the major nations, as well with several powerful benders. During the hunt for the Avatar, he actually managed to achieve his dream for awhile by opening up a tea ship in Ba Sing Se, which soon became one of the most popular tea shops. Sadly though, the Fire Nation's ambition and his niece ruthlessness bought all this to an end.
Although he attempted to aid the Avatar, it was a great effort to over through his brother and was a great sacrifice on the part of many. Yet good won that fateful day, and he was able to re-open his shop once more in Ba Sing Se. He now spends his days brewing excellent teas and playing Pai Sho.

So why him? He is a strong character and yet gentle. He is a powerful individual who hesitates to use that power. He is an excellent role model, for he shows endurance through hardship, wisdom and grace under pressure, and the courage to do what is right. Plus he his a depth of knowledge and love of tea.

Famous Spellcasters: High Councilor Profion of Izmer

2010-10-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

Name: Profion
World: Izmer aka "Dungeons & Dragons Movie"

Profion is a member of the High Council of Mages within the Empire of Izmer. He seems to be an very influential member, often acting as a major influential force within the council.

His main goal is to ensure that the mages stay in power within the Empire, as it has been established since its founding. However, the current Empress threatened his way of life. she believed that all citizens of Izmer, whether mage or commoner were equal. In order to ensure this Profion began research in creating an item of power that would give him some leverage against the Empress. This he began research on a rod of dragon control, one similar in possession of the Empress. However, time and time again his creations did not prove powerful enough. So he began searching for an artifact known as the Rod of Savrille.

When he finally managed to retrieve the artifact, he had the support of enough of the Council to challenge the Empress in open defiance. He wanted to ensure the status quo and warned the Empress that if she went through with her proclamation, he would not back down. She called his bluff and war was declared.
He used his rod to summon red dragons to attack the Imperial Palace of Sumdall, while the Empress used her rod to summon gold dragon to fight against the dragons.

High Councilor Profion and his forces loss due to the interference of a spell-thief named Ridley and his companions.

Oathbound

2010-10-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

Oathbound is a magnificent setting, like many of its predecessors its is a place where a variety of creatures from across the multiverse are pulled to. It is a world and a plane much like "Ravenloft" and "Ptolus", in the sense that you are pulled in and drawn to the plane by unknown circumstances and you cannot return home.

Oathbound concept is that long ago, a powerful deity was imprisoned by the others gods for some unknown crime. All records of its existence has been stricken from recorded history. The only ones who know of its true nature and place in reality are several of its servitors that were tasked to ensue the deity would never wake. These seven over the aeons grew bored with their tasks and accidentally created a world over their prison.
By drawing in bits and pieces from other place they created a planet, moons, and suns. They soon realized that they too could draw in life forms to populate the world. Through this form of diversion they accidentally discovered they weakened the locks, and the divine geas that they were under had loopholes.

The planet they created has become known as the Forge. Two suns and two moons orbit around the world.
The largest yellow sun is Crux, and Storm is the smaller red sun. Anahita is complete made of water, and appears a a luminescent blue orb, while Zadkiel appears as rust since it is made of metal and rock. The stars seen from Forge are portals to other worlds and planes located far away. Each time one of the Seven pulled something through it connected this plane with a permanent portal. Each of the Seven divided up the world, and the domain that they rule are directly where their locks are. Each domain is unique for each of them had a particular affinity for a certain type of terrain in mind. Anvil for example is a desert like domain, arid and hot, and ruled by Orif'elle Scourge of the Wind. The domain of Arena is a rocky and harsh wasteland overseen by Barbello the Mistress of War and Destruction. The mountainous regions of Kiln, is ruled by the most contemplative of the Seven, Bathkol the Unanswered Question. The plains of Penance is ruled by Israfel the Queen. The oldest of the Seven is Nemamiah the Leper, she rules the artic area of the Vault. The forest area of Wildwood is where Haiel the Hunter hold sway.

Lastly was the domain of Eclipse, once overseen by Annoxus, through some quirk of destiny or fate he was freed from his post. For you see each of the Seven can only be freed if someone defeats them and willing takes their place. A thief managed to pass through the ward and traps Annoxus had put and was defeated by a mortal human. Thus human soon took over the domain of the a dark underground and became known as Colopitiron. Annoxus now free, works to understand the Forge now and secretly hope to find away to unleash his master. In order to prepare for this... he has been careful cataloging every secret and piece of information for his master.

As to the mortal races, there are several new and exciting races to be found on Forge. Yet any creature, race, animal, can be drawn to the Forge. Usually those taken this way see a flock of Ravens surround them and they are deposited in one of the many areas of the forge. More often than not each is gifted with new equipment and abilities that give them an edge to survive by one of the Seven.

All Flesh Must Be Eaten

2010-10-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

From Eden Studios, comes one of the most prolific Zombie RPGs out there. AFMBE uses the Unisystem Rules to present it themed campaign settings on the Zombie Survival genre. The core book basically set up the way you play and offers a variety of options in the terms of various archetypes you play. You start off as one of three types; Norms, Inspired, and Survivors. These basic types describe your core type as if you were a normal personal, your a individual who doe what it takes to survive (physical), or someone who is very spiritual or highly intelligent (inspired). Once there, you can add the window dressing and tailor your character as an example your a scientists (inspired) who can create gizmos.

The systems also goes into the history and various types of zombies out there. From both mythology to literature & media, zombie and the walking dead have been there. The system does it best to explore the wide variety of zombies and provide rules to tailor make your zombies.... and with all sorts of abilities....there are many variations of zombies from the infectious undead.... to the magically re-animated corpse. You can always keep people on there two becuase you are never 100% sure on what type of zombie you may encounter.

The other concept that Eden came up with is the Dead Worlds. AFMBE does not have a set campaign setting, but instead provides various world and scenarios in which zombies have come to be.

Revised Core Book
-Dead World 1 "Rise of the Walking Dead": Zombies (animal and humans) created from radiation and wasting disease. Infectious.
-Dead World 2 "Phade to Black": Zombies created from a mutated AIDS virus and STD. Infectious.
-Dead World 3 "Grave Impact": Zombies and Humans infected by meteor contain necromantic waste from an alien world. Everyone Exposed (Rare unexposed victims).
-Dead World 4 "Sacred Soil": Plant-based animated corpses created from fertilizer by a communal plant mind. Animated by burial in fertilizer.
-Dead World 5 "They came from Beyond": Animated corpses created by an alien species called the "Race" that they uses as hosts. Animated by alien drones.
-Dead World 6 "Mein Zombie": WWII the German Army creates a serum that make the living dead. Zombie created only through the use of the serum.
-Dead World 7 "After the Bomb": WWIII occurs between China and America, 30 years after the war the Chinese nuke irradiated area produce mutants and zombies. Zombie created through Chinese nuke irradiated areas.
-Dead World 8 "Dead at a 1000": An Italian sorcerer, Lucius Mordecai, during the late 990's unleashed an "Eastern Ritual"' that bought the dead back to life thanks to a dark power. Zombies vulnerable to blessed objects and created magically a zombie kills a living being.
-Dead World 9 "Until the Ending of the World": "Book of Revelations" in which the dead rise and hell on earth. Zombies. Zombies vulnerable to blessed objects and created magically a zombie kills a living being.
-Dead World 10 "Dawn of the Zombie Lords": After some years after a Zombie Apocalypse, various individuals appear who have the ability to control zombies through use of magic, psychic powers, spiritual presence, etc. and control them through the use of seals. Zombies are created when anyone dies, but if killed by a "sealed" zombie they arise with that mark.
-Dead World 11 "Rebirth Into Death": Souls are re-incarnated into the dead bodies, although not hostile they act normally, but need flesh to consume (players can be zombies here). Zombie created by re-incarnation.

Those are just a sample of the many Dead Worlds available! In other books they expand on Dead Worlds and other abilities. The books mainly cover genres like "Pulp", "Eastern", "Wild West", "Space", "Pirates", and the "Fantasy" genre.What is great is that in the "Revised" core book, there is a D20 Modern conversion for AFMBE, sharing the unique game with the D20 system!

Street Fighter: The World Warrior

2010-10-22T00:54:00.000-07:00

Street Fighter is a series which was created by Capcom and has been around for 25 years. It has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, as well as branch out and encompassing other storylines (and crossover with other company properties such as Marvel's superheroes, SNK's King of Fighters, Namco's Tekken series, and japanese anime). An RPG was developed by White Wolf which allowed you to play as a World Warrior, a fighter immersed in the world of mixed martial arts and of course crossing paths with the mysterious organization of Shadoloo. You could either create a unique fighter, or play as one of the many iconic Street Fighter II or pre-generated characters available.

The rules systems, was even a precursor for White Wolf's own World of Darkness fighting system called "Comabat: The Big Book of Kicking Ass" which in a sense was a parody of the Capcom property of Darkstalkers. You could easily create crossover between the World of Darkness and Street Fighter if you wished.

During the Golden Age of third Edition, Living Room Games was attempting to develop a whole line of source books for a Street Fighter World Tournament that would encompass the worlds of Street Fighter, Final Fight, Rival Schools, and Darkstalkers. Sadly though there was an undisclosed dispute between Capcom and Living Room Games and the gaming systems vaporized.

Founders of Roleplaying: H.P. Lovecraft

2010-10-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

H.P. Lovecraft lived from August 20, 1890 to March 15, 1937, born on Providence, Rhode Island. He was an American author most noted for his fiction works in the genre of weird fantasy and horror. He developed the idea of "Cosmic Horror" that would shape many of his literary works. He believed that our existence was mere nothing to he multitude of time and space, and that humanity if exposed to the awful truth of this would be driven insane. After all he would seem to be quite correct, for his view was not geocentric at all. As humans how can we believe that we are the center of the cosmos? An interesting note is that he himself suffered as a child from night terrors.... some say it is a rare parasomnia disorder (although in modern times it is now uncommon and closely linked to Alien Abduction).

His works were oddly facilitating in retrospect, for he wrote that out there in the cosmos an ancient alien intelligence dwelt. That in the ancient past it has visited earth, and that records of their passing can be found in ancient civilizations that have been long lost. He wrote of people who had come across these things and events. People haunted and driven into insanity by things they could not truly comprehend or grasp. Throughout his writings, these events are shorts stories that are seemingly unrelated. Yet in the greater picture and expanded upon by other writers, became the Cthulhu Mythos.

Avatar the Last Airbender

2010-10-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite cartoon series aired on Nickelodeon was Avatar the Last Airbender. The series takes place in a world that is dominated by eastern cultures; namely the Chinese represented by the Earth Kingdom, the Japanese and Meso-Americans represented by the Fire Nation, the Tibetans and India by the air Nation, and the Inuit (Eskimos) and Pacific Islanders by the Water Tribes.

Each tribe is also closely in tune with an element, and certain individuals have the power to bend the elements. These individuals are called benders, and there is one for each element. Practitioners have also managed to create special techniques that have allowed them to perform feats such as metal, crystal, sand, lightning, plant, and blood bending. In order to ensure peace and spiritual balance on this world, the gods imbued an individual known as the Avatar with the power of the four elements. It is the avatar's duty to keep the world in balance, both between the people and world of the spirits.

The Avatar has been re-incarnated throughout the centuries, and within each life time is a strongly aligned to one of the four elements (water, earth, fire, or air). The current Avatar is a young boy named Ang of the Air nation. Previously Avatar Roku failed to stop his brother, who was ruler of the Fire Nation, into starting a war with the rest of the world. Thus the reason for the current state of things.

Since the Fire Nation has been left unchecked it has began a campaign to dominate the world. There first order of business was to destroy the Air Nation, for it was known that the next Avatar would be born unto them. From there they attack the Southern Water Tribe and the Earth Kingdom. The Earth Kingdom was a large nation and the only competition they had. However, the Earth Kingdom managed to fend off many of the attack and only losing a number of outlying settlements to the Fire Nation. forces.

Famous Spellcasters: The Magician

2010-10-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

Name: Magician
World: Cerilia aka "Birthright"

The being known as the Magician hails from across the Sea of Dragons. One day less than a decade ago he arrived in the land of Pipyet. Within a matter of months he toppled over the ruling regent and established complete control over the domain, now known as the Magician's Realm on the far east of Khourane.

Not much is known of his past, other than he arrived with a small band of 12 only known as the Riders. Likewise he keeps himself cloaked in shadows and disguises at all times. Many believe that Ahazarus is the Magician, for he is the one who seems to command the Riders. Perdue the Shadowborne, Breadthe the Deahknight, and Kevel the Lichlord each lead a group of riders (3 each) patroling the lands.

The truth of the matter is left to be quite obscure, for you see the Magician hides a terrible secret. He is an Aensheghlien. When or how this came to be is unknown, but those careful view that have pulled back the veil have discovered that the Magician was a powerful spellcaster who managed to extend his existence through undeath. He somehow though came into contact with the blood of Azarai which gave him immortality and the power he had always craved. However, even though viewed as a tyrant and warlord, the people of his land do revere him. The Magician seeks to bring order to the world, by conquering one nation at a time till all come under his control. With one leader, their will be no stride and no suffering.

Demon Wars

2010-10-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Based upon R.A. Salvatore's Demon Wars Saga, Fast Forward Entertainment made a d20 version campaign settings. The story revolves around demonic forces that have begun to threaten the world of Corona. It is believed because demon Dactyl, who was summoned to this world because of the evil of men's hearts.
He soon gather armies of foul humanoids (goblin, powries, and giants who have fallen under his influence) to attacks human settlements, as well as corrupt many in the human lands bringing chaos and destruction.

The largest human kingdom is Honce-the-Bear (Brits). this is the seat of the Abellican Order. Aplinador (celts) located just to the north, and is ruled by various clans. Behren (Arabic) and To-Gai (Nepal) are located to the south. Much of these nations keep to their own borders.
Unbeknownst to many though are two of the worlds demihimans populations. Powries (dwarves) live far off the coast on Julianthes islands. Like many dwarves they live in clans, but are a seafaring folk. The Touel'alfar are the elven people of Corona. They live in secluded forests scattered throughout the world. The fascinating and unique feature about them is that they have gossamer like wings. These wings are somewhat vestigial in the sense they can only be used to glide, slow a fall, hover for a bit, or to jump higher. This may be a tell tale sign that these elves have a close relation to the the fey.

One significant difference to the world is how magic works. The Touel'alfar for the most part know magic as most other worlds do. However it seems everyone else though is limited between to forms of magic that either come from the Ring Stones (Gem Magic) or the Demon Stones (Earth Magic). The rings stones are a number of magical gems that have been discovered by the Abellican Order that can be used to cause magical effects.
These gems are mostly under the control of the order, but the use and the gems themselves have been found in the possession of other owners. Earth Magic works very similarly to to the use of Rings Stones, however you are calling upon the very spirit of the earth (now corrupted by demons) to empower magical effect. From time to time most practitioners may come under the influence of a demon if they are not to careful. Some sages believe that Earth Magic is just as safe as Gem Magic, it is just that the current states of affairs with the Dactyl have added to the dangers of it.

Sovereign Stone

2010-10-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

The world of Soveriegn Stone was created by the famed artists Larry Elmore, and further developed by the team of Margaret Weis and tracy Hickman. It revolves around the continent of Loerem.
There are four main races on Loerem; Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Orks, Taan, and the Pecwae.
The humans are divided into several kingdoms; Karnuan (India), Dunkargan (Arabic), Nimran and Nimorean (African), and the Vinnegalean. The dwarves here are reminscent of the mongolian horse lords. While the elves take on some Japanese influence. The Taan are reptilian like creatures who live on another continent that are currently being used by the Dark Lord of the void in his conquest of New Vinnegal.

The history of Loerem is vast as each kingdom has it own epoch and legends to tell. The campaign though is centered around an event which shaped and influenced the current state of the world.
The Empire of Vinnegal at the time was one of the most powerful nations of the continent, and with the help of their gods they managed to create portals that would easily facilitate travel between nations. However, many of there neighbors feared invasion or war and protested about the portal creations. With the blessing of his god, the King presented several humans as Dominion Lords who would act as portal guardians. These individual were of sound mind and heart and would ensure the portals would not be abused. Yet the other races protested still, for their were none of their respective races represented. Again the king prayed, and this time the gods presented a powerful artifact called the Sovereign Stone. For Crystal Pyramids that had the power to create Dominion Lords. Each was gifted to the Dwarves, Elves, and Orks.

However one the sons of the King of Vingraal was none to happy. He craved more power and established himself as Lord of the Void. He marched on Vinnegal and a full war started out. He some how came into possession of an artifact that allowed him to creation champion known as the Vrykyl that were similar to the Dominion Lords. The other races stood by and watched the conflict, and soon the city of Vinnegal was destroyed and their Sovereign Stone lost. As the ages passed, the human were able to create Dominion Lords through the use of a miracle. It wouldn't be until centuries later that this initial conflict would be started again, for the Lord of the Void did not perish. He has appeared again, and this time with an army of Taan and seeks to conquer all of Loerem and wrest control of the remaining Sovereign Stones.

Arcanis: The World of Shattered Empires

2010-10-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

Created by Paradigm Conepts, the world of Arcanis is a place of Shattered Empires. Most of the campaign takes place on the continent of Onara. The planet has two moons, Aperio and Vvirdis, which have a monthly lunar cycle.In the ages past the world was controlled by the Ss'ressen, a race of serpent people who constructed genetically engineered the Ellorii from the elements (elves). The dwarves were once giants that were cursed by Illir for failing to protect mankind.. Gnomes are considered the offspring of humans and dwarves. Lastly the Assimar and Tiefling are found her as well (Val and Dark-kin respectively).

Eventually, the the serpent empire of Ssethregore was shattered. Humans from the east traveled to the new lands and grew numerous and founded their First Imperium. Eventually this great empire shatterede in the human nations of Coryani (like Western Rome), Canceri, Milandir (Holy Roman Empire), Altheri, and Ymandragore. An oriental group of human founded the Khitani Empire far to the west. Myrantian Hemogeny (egypt) also exist to the south.

As far the deities of this world, the Ss'ressen gods once controlled much of the world. Then Illir came and brought with him the Pantheon with him. The upset the natural order of things, they destroyed the elemental patrons of the Ellorii and brought with them the God Wars. With it came the creation of the dark-kin and soon a host of demons was set to invade Onara. However the gods intervened and trapped them far to the north. Other deities exist as well, but have had little contact with the rest of Onara. The Khitani and Myrantians have there own pantheon, which has not been fully explored.

It is note worthy to mention, that the Freeport exsist here as well.

Metroid

2010-10-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

Another great game series developed by Nintendo is Metroid. The series revolves around the main character Samus Aran, who is a bounty hunter from the Galactic Federation. Apparently she is tracking a group of Space Pirates and their leader Ridley, who seemed to have an operation on the Planet Zebes in the FS-176 system. Ridley came into contact with an aurora unit built by the Chozo, that acts as a super computer maintaining the planet Zebes. Somehow her programming became corrupt and she wished to bring order to the Universe and found the pirates as a useful tool. There she used her resources to defend the Space Pirates and Ridley. Being a great Bounty Hunter, Samus located what had been assisting the Space Pirates and a confrontation with Mother Brain.

She reported back to the Galactic Federation, and brought with her a number of specimens from Zebes. Of most interest was the Chozo bioweapon designated as a Metroid. They were first sighted on SR388, but thanks to Samus it could be safely studied. It was discovered that these bioweapons could mutate and were influenced by their environment. What was most interesting they also evolved from a jellyfish like form to an insect, and then into a reptilian.

Another legacy of the Chozo, was the deadly Phazon radiation that was semi-sentient. Phazon, appeared to be a highly mutagenic compound that could devastate an entire ecosystem and spread as a mass. It could also replicate biological entities if given suitable DNA. It is considered high dangerous. On the Aether it caused dimensional instability, opening a gateway into a parallel world.

The elder races of the galaxy are the Chozo (avians), Luminoth (insects), Bryyonian (reptillian), and the Alimbic (insects). They left a legacy of advanced technology on many of the planets explored by Samus.
Within the Galactic federation there are also a multitude of races such as; Humans, Enoema, Kriken (insects), Vhozon, Phyrigisians, Diamont (rock), Ing, Ylla, N'kren, Jovian, and the unnamed USR races (elf, simian, horned humaoinds). A number of star systems are traveled through; FS-176 (Zebes, Twin Tabula, Oormine II, Bilium, Talon IV), Alimbic cluster (Alinos, Arcterra), Dasha (Aether), Federation System (Bryyo, Elysia, Norion), SR388, Messina (Charybdis, Interia, Scylla), and other planets (Bes II, Daiban, Jamoru, Jatsuk, Jigrad, K-2L, Naishii, Phaaze, RX338, Solarion 12, Vho, 2466 URSA) .

Famous Spellcasters: Albert aka "Presto"

2010-10-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

Name: Albert aka "Presto"
World: Earth, The Realm aka "World of Dungeons & Dragons", Abeir-Toril aka "Forgotten Realms"
Artifacts: Hat of Many Spells.

Albert was part of a group of friends that went to an amusement park and went on the "Dungeons & Dragons" ride. During the ride, he and his friends were suddenly transported to another world. There clothes had suddenly changed and they came quickly under attack. A being known as the Dungeon Master, quickly favored them with magical artifacts. Presto was given a "Hat of Many Spells", which allowed him to cast spells.

Albert was nicked name Presto, because he was designated as the parties wizard. In school he was a bookish individual who preferred libraries and such and was a natural fit for the wizard. Sadly he suffers from poor eyesight, and he is in dire trouble if he loses his glasses.

During the course of his adventures, he does learn some magic as the power to levitate. Also he did find a soul mate in Varla, an illusionist. However, throughout the adventures he does suffer from many mishaps when attempting to use his hat. Like his companions he is constantly searching for a way home, but they never seem to find a permanent way out. However, in the end they managed to defeat Venger and earned their freedom from the realms.

However, the portal they stepped through sent them to somewhere in Kara-Tur, Abeir-Toril. The Dungeon Master had contacted a sorceress that would be their guide. Over the years they journeyed west and ended up in Faerun. By chance they meet up with Elminster in a tavern, and they attempted to get Presto an apprenticeship with the Great Mage of Shadowdale.

Character Profile: Lanthalas "Loup" Owayodatha

2010-10-13T00:50:00.000-07:00

"Tauras is my best friend over there, and you wouldn't want to make a minotaur angry."
-Lanthalas Owayodatha

Lanthalas was born in the Armach Confederation shortly after the Silvanaes landed on Taladas. His bloodline by Silvanesti standards was impure, it was mixed with the Kagonesti and that is why his grandparents left to journey to Qualinesti after the Kinslayer Wars.

He trained and served in the Armach guards for a few decades, and was trained as a youngster in the ways of sorcery since he had a natural aptitude for it. During one of the many border disputes with the Imperial League of Minotaurs, he befriended a soldier named Tauras who saved his life. Owing a life debt to the minotaur, he followed the soldier for a few years. During this time he earned a reputation and position as an ambassador on the behalf of the Armach Confederation. He eventually was a member of a party of Taurus' companions; a minotuar paladin of Kiri-Jolith, a half-elven priest of Blindel the Dolphin Lord, a Gully Dwarf known as Sklurn and his pet chicken, a Marak Kender, and a human wizard known as Ederick the Grey of Kristophan. Early on Lanthalas had a hawk and a warhound as companions, but since their death he vowed not to endanger any further animals since meeting the priest of Blindel.

After his adventures he retired to the Mountains west of Armach Bay and claimed a domain in the high mountains where he built a stronghold known as Winterhaven. This valley was enchanted to be in a state of perpetual winter. The stronghold itself was built into the side of a cliff where a waterfall hide the entrance.
Lanthalas has a flair for spells dealing with ice, air, and water.

Lanthalas was my first character I ever created in High School with my group of friends. We played in the world of Krynn. and through a modified version of the DLE series that was retcon'd for Taladas.

Call of Cthulhu

2010-10-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn

Based upon the works of H.P. Lovecraft comes a campaign setting about the Elder Gods of the Universe and their desire to reawaken from there eons of slumber. The campaign setting is uniquely horror based, and is infamous for it's involvement of sanity checks due to the exposure of dark and forbidden knowledge.

From what is explained, the universe was created by a single entity known as Azathoth. On outer god that is formless which rules over other outer gods that do its will. The outer gods and old ones have plagued the universe and dimension as playthings for eons. Alien races and cultures have been laid low or raise on high depending on their whims. On earth, the great Cthulhu was sent to prepare earth for the Outer Gods, but it has fallen into slumber deep beneath the oceans as the first stage was completed. as time past, other entities followed and begun their own campaigns. The Great Nyarlathotep begun his preparation in Egypt, while a similar entity named Hastur begun his cult in areas of Europe and Asia, and so forth. The intrusion however did not go unnoticed by a group of native entities around Earth. Deities such as Bast and Nodens have come to become entangled in the struggle to keep the Outer and Elder gods away.

In more recent times in the 1900s many artifacts and fringe cults pertaining to the elder gods begun to appears as the thirst for human exploration reached it early climax. Most of the discovers however, were never uncatalogued quite correctly or lost to some unfortunate incident. Other discovers happened as main knowledge of science evolved, for the higher level of mathematics are somehow tied the universal thoughts of Azathoth. For most, the knowledge of the elder gods and their activities is covered up since the truth would destroy most. In this world you are tormented by subtle horrors that suddenly become very real and at times back your hold on sanity and reality.

The Call of Cthuhlu game is being published by Chaosium, and a D20 version exists.

Weird West: Deadlands

2010-10-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

In an alternate timeline, sometime after the Civil War which ended in a stalemate, something went wrong. The manitous that were once held in check by the Native Americans were cut loss and started to wreak supernatural havoc all over the Americas. Weird things started happening, from things like the dead rising to unnatural creatures stalking the land. Far west in the Californian Territories,a great earthquake damaged much of the coast line. Those are just some of the few weird occurrences that took place.

Even stranger, it been reported that events from the future have echoed in the past.... as the problems will only get worse in the future and will bring "Hell on Earth" if not stopped now. There also seems to be a nexus somewhere out west, which can take people to another planet!

Dealing with railroad barons, pioneers, the Indian Nations, the Confederate States, and the Union are just some of the problems faces adventures in this version of the Wild West! The Campaign setting was originally developed by Pinnacle Entertainment, and then later converted to the D20 system, and finally exist in a format using the Savage Lands rule systems.

Rifts

2010-10-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Rifts is a a campaign settings that is made by Palladium books. It takes place on one of several variant earths. The Main campaign setting starts around 2098 AD, when a series of spectacular explosions occur all over the world. In various areas, a sudden influx of spiritual and magical energy is released around the world ley lines. These areas cause great geological upheavals that wipe out most of humanity within seconds. Earth basically become a trans-dimensional nexus point. The survivors are witness to some other disturbing things as creature of myth and legend come pouring forth through inter-dimensional portals. The continent of of Atlantis also reappears, as well as the ability to perform magic. Over the course of the next 200 years humanity struggles with aliens, demons, magic, technology, and its own political drama from the surviving nations that form the core of Rifts Earth. The initial 2098 cataclysm that occurs is form its an alternate earth as well known as "Chaos Earth".

Prior to these events several alternate versions of Earth also exist that follow a different chains of events. Heroes Unlimited, is a Rifts Earth were superhero and supervillians are common place. Dead Reign is a Rifts Earth were a Zombie plague was unleashed that has destroyed most of humanity. After the Bomb, is another rifts earth set in another post-apocalyptic settings were nuclear bombs have been detonated over most of the earth and mutated a number of humans. Supernatural, is another Rifts Earth were supernatural horrors are very real and a select few protect humanity for the dark entities that try to enter our world. Lastly there is Nightbane Earth, an alternate were such dark entities have already begun taking over the world!

Rifts offers a variety of classes and races, using its own rules system. Much of the game can be converted using the d20 Modern rule system. This variant of Earth has been richly detailed in over 30 books and offers players a wide variety of option and an in depth knowledge of the campaigns world.

Dragon Quest/ Dragon Warrior

2010-10-09T03:19:00.000-07:00

Known as Dragon Warrior in America, this game series was created by Enix back in 1986 and released in North America in 1989. Since then the saga has continued over 10 titles and multiple spin offs. The chief mascot of the series in Slib the Blue Slime. The first three games of the series are the Erdrick Trilogy. Chronologically the first game is Dragon Warrior III in which you play the Erdrick. The second part of the Game is Dragon Warrior, in which you are a hero destined to find Erdrick's legendary armaments. Lastly in Dragon Warrior II you finish one final adventure.

The world on which the game takes place has to areas. The Overworld looks very much like earth and has very similar continents. Located in the world is a Volcano which leads to the Underworld. There are a number of town and city states all over the world. The Overlord is plagued by the forces of Baramos.

The underworld is part of the Inner world, apparently the world is hollow. The inner area has two land masses, Alefgard and Torland. This world was plagued by Zoma, who was Baramos superior. It was here that Erdrick ended up. Centuries later the land of Alefgard would be plagued by the Dragonlord, who used Castle Charlock (Zoma's Castle) as his base of operations. In a few years time, a descendant of the Dragonord, Hargon would attempt to summon the god of destruction Sidoh to destory the world.

In subsequent games, the world does chain and takes place on different worlds. The second trilogy IV-VI, Zenithia chronicles are connected and a brief effort was made to attempt reconcile the two trilogies... by linking them by the bonus dungeons in the remake. Also it is believed that there is also another link between the Zenith in Dragon Quest III and Castle Zenithia in the second trilogy.

The series also went on to to have a short anime and cartoon series as well. The American version of the show is Dragon Warrior and the japanese version is Dragon Quest!

Founders of Roleplaying: E. Gary Gygax

2010-10-08T02:39:00.000-07:00

One of the co-creators of Dungeons & Dragons, E. Gary Gygax was born in Illinois and lived from 1938-2008. He along with Dave Arneson birthed a genre of Role Playing that has been alive and well since 1974, Dungeons and Dragons. Yet early one in his career, he had a love for minature wargames and was an avid player since 1967, especially with campaigns set during the medieval period. In 1972, he devloped his own rules set known as Chainmail. In the subsequent years that followed, he and Dave got together and used those rules with Dave's own setting Blackmoor. Thus, the world of Dungeons and Dragons was born.

By 1977 a new version of the game was developed and became the World of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. This new setting was part of Gary's own world, which would come to be known as Greyhawk that would be published in 1983. He also created a series of novels, the Gord the Rogue (Oerth), which detailed more of the world of Greyhawk. During this time, he also became producer of the Dungeons and Dragons cartoon show. Sadly though by 1985 due to some company wheeling and dealing between shareholders of the company, Gary was forced to leave TSR.

However, in 1986 he returned to the world of gaming with a new company and a campaign world related to Greyhawk. It would come to be known as Mythus, using his new Dangerous Journeys RPG system. It was on the world of Aerth which was one of five parallel worlds related to his original Greyhawk setting. He even wrote a line of novel supporting the world. He also continued writing the Gord series, which out of revenge... had the world of Oerth destroyed since being taken away from him back in 1985. Likewise he wrote another series, Sagard the Barbarian (Yarth). By 1999 he started another rule system and another campaign world, this time known as Lejendary Adventures.

Toward the end of his life, he worked closely with Troll Lords Games, writing a series of open source book (d20) on creating campaign worlds. He also attempted to bring to life his original version Castle Zagyg that was destroyed by TSR. This project was named Castle Yggsburgh, but sadly was never finished due to his death. E.G.G. was a beloved icon, and homages can be found in various media from video to literature.

Character Profile: Brock

2010-10-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

"Will you go out with me???!!!!"
-Brock

Brock was the Gym Leader of Pewter City. He is the son of Flint and Lola of, and has five brothers (Forest, Salvadore, Tommy, Timmy, and Billy) and four sisters (Yolande, Cindy. Suzie, and Tilly). For most of his early life he took care of his siblings, as both his mother and father just walked up and left one day to pursue becoming a pokemon trainer. Although seemingly abandoned by their parents, brock did his best to run the Pewter City Gym, as well as taking care of his younger brothers and sisters. He cooked, cleaned, and took care of them....by the parent that the kids needed.

After the his initial confrontation with Ash, his father resurfaced. He scolded his father for abandoning them and told him that it was high time for him to accept his responsibility. Although he would deeply miss his family, he could finally pursue his dream and journeyed with Ash. He always wanted to become a Pokemon Breeder, and his skills with taking care of his family came in handy both in the care of Pokemon and watching over Ash and company. Throughout the series, he is the steady rock that the team depends on.

The odd part of the series is that at various times, Brock is overly obsessed with Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny, and at time with other ladies with "romantic" and requited love. It as if he is trying to hard, covering something else up? Either way, as most can guess... something is up with Brock and there is plenty of fan fics that cough reveal the subtext of his behavior.

When you fold the scene, and interesting Pic emerges!

Either way Brock is a great individual for his qualities of compassion, responsibility, and deep dedication to his friends. Although things hold him back, he always tries and tries to find his dream... whether it is being a pokemon breeder/scientist or finding his place in the world. The sad thing is, that despite all these qualities, the only thing Brock wants desperately is acknowledgment and love from someone he deeply cares for, perhaps that why he feel most comfortable with Pokemon for they at least appreciate his efforts.Despite whatever things that comes his way he always takes things on with a passion and dedication.

Famous Spellcasters: Al'kabor

2010-10-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Name: Al'kabor
World: Norrath aka "Everquest"
Spells: Fire Spell, Force Spiral, Frost Spiral, Inferno, Retribution, Shock Spiral, Velium Chill, Vengence, and Wrath.
Magical Items: Cap of Binding, Fine Silken Cord, Impenetrable Mask, Pendant of Protection, Propylon of the Nexus, Ring of Truesight, Scepter, Rune, Thickener.

One of the greatest living wizards of Norrath is Al'kabor, an Erudite wizard of great renown. He is most famous for cataloging and putting together the most complete collection of spells and magical items known on Norrath. He has a personally quest for immortality, in which he hopes he can achieve.

Although he keeps to himself most of the time and consumed with research in his secret laboratory, he has a network of of associates who keep him informed of what goes on beyond his lab as well as providing him with materials and reagents he needs. He has also be known to accompany some of the most notable individuals on quests of great or scholarly importance to him (most of the time it will solely becuase a certain piece of lore or a rare component can be gathered by this). Al'kabor is like most wizards who spend far too much time in their labs and obsessed with their hunger for knowledge.

Planescape

2010-10-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

As one know the D&D worlds are all connected via the planes. Heroes who have challenged every mortal deed have a chance to go to the place where immortals dwell, they can take the fight to the infernal realms, and journey to the lands of the dead. Although Planescape is designed with an Epic feel in mind, it also allows basic campaigns to be done in a world of myth... where the very gods are real. You can either play a mortal or planar being.

The basic cosmology of the D&D universe is thus.... each campaign setting has its own world. These worlds are all connected to each other via Wildspace (Spelljammer). Yet the very nature of the universe, the prime material plane, is made up of the basic building blocks of creation from the Inner Planes... the elemental planes of air, earth, fire, and water. The inner planes also polarized by negative and positive energies, that in turn give rise to quasi-planes of each element, and as the main elements themselves border each other this gives birth to para-elemental planes. Lost among the Inner Planes are those of Metal, Wood, Blood, Bone, Flesh, and Spirit. On some worlds, these Inner Planes exist.

Surrounding the Prime Material plane and connecting to both the Inner and Outer Planes are the Transitives Planes .... Ethereal, Astral, Shadow, and Time. The Ethereal serves as a gateway toward the Inner Planes, and the Astral to the Outer Planes. The Plane of Shadows and Temporal Prime seem to be connected to all such planes. What makes things more interesting, is that the Ethereal Plane is a plane unto itself. The Deep Ethereal holds many Demi-planes which touch other planes. Demi-planes are peculiar unto themselves for they can connect anywhere and have there own set of rules.

The Outer Planes is usually the finally resting place for the spirits of mortals who believe in a particular power, and such the outer planes are the home of many gods and pantheons.The outer planes can either be divided between the ethos of Good vs. Evil or Law vs. Chaos. There is a constant struggle between pantheons, gods, and some of the planar races. Demons and Devil are constantly at war with one another, while the Celestials which to safeguard reality from the Infernals of the lower planes. Also the race of Modrons seeks to bring order to reality, while their counterparts the Slaadi seek to spread chaos. Most scholars view the planes as a Great Wheel, and at the center of this is the Outlands. Starting from the plane of absolute law, these groups of planes is usually considered the Celestial/Upper Planes (Mechanus, Arcadia, Celestia, Bytopia, Elysium, Beastlands, Arborea, and Ysgard). Starting from the plane of absolute chaos, these groups of planes is usually considered the Infernal/Lower Planes (Limbo, Pandemonium, Abyss, Carceri, Hades, Gehenna, Baator, and Acheron).

Fading Suns

2010-10-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Fading Suns campaign setting is a sci-fi setting that takes place in an alternate version of earth's history around 5005 AD. There are several key alien races that eventually come into contact, and form a interstellar nation that is ripe with mercantile and political conflict. In between this you also have various factions fighting amongst themselves, so for religious or cultural purposes.

In the ancient past it was believed that an alien race known as the Anunnaki created a series of "Jumpgates" to
assist with interstellar travel. These jumpgates are usually located just outside a solar system. As of to date there are approximately 200 known jumpgates connecting the Vau, Kurgan (Arabic), Vuldrok (Norse), and Imperial Interstellar nations. So far humanity has contact several alien races; Acorbite (insectoids), Eytri (avians), Gannok (simians), Hironem (reptiles), Oro'ym (aquatics), Shantor (horse-like), Symbiots (parasitic entities), Vau, and the Vorox (lupins). They also encountered to human like races as well; the Ur-Oban and Ur-Ukar.

In 2100AD, the earth become one world government known as the First Republic. In2305 they discover ajumpgate past Pluto's orbit which introduces them to interstellar travel. By 2500 AD they have discovered over 25 solar systems and seeded many colonies throughout the galaxy. It wasn't until 2682 that first contact with alien life was made. During the subsequent centuries of expansion, colonization, the and trade the First Empire finally encounter the Vau, a larger intersteller empire. Yet despite the large elements of sci-fi, there are still some interesting themes that familiar fantasy players would find. Most of them involve the use of psionic powers. Many of the races are gifted with the ability to use psionics. Another facet is the The Church of the Universal Sun, founded by the prophet Zebulon. Sathraism is an other group of religious devotee that delve into the pseudo-religious and addictive qualities of jumpgates. These two religious groups have interesting histories of there own that play a significant part within the galaxy. There is also the backdrop of some darker things, as demonology and necromancy are no strangers to many of the worlds here.

Map of the Known Star System and Jump-Gates

Everquest

2010-10-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

   Everquest is one of the first few MMORPG to be rather stable and successful. It has managed to stay afloat for some 15 years and is brought to you by Sony Entertainment Online. The game also made a successful transition to the d20 systems with the help of White Wolf. Everquest itself is divided between three campaigns; Everquest, Everquest II, and Everquest Frontiers. Everquest is the main campaign world, while Everquest II takes place sometime in the future in which he moons breaks up and crashes into the world. Everquest Frontiers takes place before Everquest, where Antonica is still in the hands of the elves.

   The world of Everquest is called Norrath. It has several continents; Atonica (Tunaria), Faydwer, Kunark, Odus, Taelosia, and Velious. There are two moons, named Drinal and Luclin. Drinal takes 24 hours to orbits Norrathas it travels from north to south. Luclin on the other hand is inhabitated, and is farther away showing only the light side of the moon at all time as it hangs in the sky. Within the Ro system, there are at least three other worlds known.... Anbeal, Cordan, and Trorsmang.
   The peoples of the world also worship varies gods who form one pantheon. The first creatures of the world were dragons, created by Veeshan. Soon the gods put their own creation on the world as well. The elves were created by Tunare, the dwarves by Brell Serillis, the ogres by Rallos Zek, and the kedge by Prexus. For centuries the Ogres ruled the lands, but heir empire was to large and soon collapsed under itself.

   As the giants fell a new race was born, created last by Mithanial Marr and Erollisi Marr. The barbarians would be he precursor to humans. Soon the barbarians spread, some became more civilized and begun to fill the void left by the ogres. They soon found the Combine Empire, during this time the Erudites came into being. Yet like the time before them, Empire soon feel, but the people still endured.

Castlevania

2010-10-02T01:35:00.000-07:00

One of Konami's biggest franchises is Castlevania, a game that debuted in 1986 about a hero who was destined to defeat Dracula. Castlevania has become a huge sensation stretching over 30 titles that deal with Dracula, which spans from 1000 AD to 2100 AD. The game is a standard action/adventure game were your hero is usally on a quest to ensure/defeat Dracula demise.

The entire saga begin after the Crusades, with a Mathias and Leon Belmont. Apparently an evil vampire lord had kidnapped Leon's wife and took her to his Castle in the Forest of Eternal Night. There he was given a whip known as "Vampire Killer" by Rinaldo Gandolfi, an Alchemist who was trapped in the forest as well. However, it was soon found out that Mathias had manipulated the chain of events that caused Leon's wife to to be taken by the vampire Walter. Leon managed to overcome Walter and his minions and destroyed the forest of Eternal Night. He vowed that day that he and his descendant would hunt down Mathias and bring him to justice for what he did.

Mathias, took on another name and traveled to Wallachia and take over the lands the belong to Vlad Tepes. Their he proclaimed himself Dracula, Lord of the Vampires and attempted to build an army to take over the world. During this time, Mathias allied himself with a number of demons and death itself and become much more than just a vampire.Yet he would be thwarted by Sonia Belmont.... centuries later he would rise again . . . . and be thwarted by Trevor Belmont. . . . then Simon Belmont. . . . then by Richter Belmont . . .and so forth. Besides the Belmonts other Bloodlines would come to be a bane in Dracula's side such as the Belnades, Morris, and the LeCarde. There are also a number of other vampire hunter that have been drawn into the mix as well.

What gives this series campaign potential, is that the Dracula's fortress, Castlevania, exists outside of time/space in a special domain all its own. The fortress itself will reappear ever few centuries in the mountains of Wallachia, plaguing the world with a number of horrors from beyond. Within the fortress it is a huge expanse, and one can get easily lost. What is worse is the very nature of the fortress can warp itself trapping individuals in various points in time of its history. There is even a secondary inverted castle above the uppermost spire where Dracula truly resides. When the Castlevania disappears from Earth either by phasing out or being destroyed...it return to a place that is reminiscent of Wallachia. This domain contains a number of manors and villages which are isolated from the rest of the world.

Founders of Roleplaying: Dave Arneson

2010-10-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

One of the co-creators of Dungeons & Dragons, Dave Arneson was born in Minnesota and lived from 1947-2009. He along with Gary Gygax birthed a genre of Role Playing that has been alive and well since 1974, Dungeons and Dragons.

Before D&D back in 1970, he created a campaign world known as Blackmoor. This campaign setting would lay the foundation of the world of Mystara which was known as the official World of Dungeons and Dragons. However, he left the company in 1976, and managed to keep the rights of his original material. For a time he did work with TSR and contributed to much of the developing campaign world.

With the advent of 3E Dave Arneson once again emerged, and brought Blackmoor back to the world of gaming. Much more detail to his original world was finally published and was well received by the Fans.

Famous Spellcasters: Dragon King Borys of Ebe

2010-09-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Name: Borys of Ebe
World: Athas aka "Dark Sun"
Spells: Dragon King Ritual
Artifacts: The Dark Lens, Psionic Orb.

Borys was one of many human students to study underthe First Sorcerer, Rajaat. Rajaat, was a pyreen who was the who discovered magic during the Green Age and founded the Pristine Tower. Borys was one of 15 students who were taught Defiling magic in addition to Preserver methods.

Borys, like the rest of 15 were powerful psionist in addition to sorcerers. Through a ritual at the Pristine Tower, Borys and the rest of the 15 became immortal by channeling the power of the sun. Rajaat commanded his champions to go forth and enact a cleansing war to restore Athas to the Blue Age, a period in which the world was covered mostly by water. Borys was the 13th Champion of Rajaat, and was tasked with being the butcher of dwarves.

However, the Champions were aware of Rajaat's madness and new of his duplicity when he wish to recreate the Blue Age. Halfling would remain the dominant species, and humans would serve them. Borys was the one who lead the revolt against Rajaat and imprisoned the mad Pyreen and his halfling guards deep with the Shadow Plane, in a place called the Hollow. There locked away by magic and psionics, the Cleansing Wars came to an end.

Borys then showed the remaining champions a ritual that would further elevate them to greater power. Each Champion was given a City-State to control within Borys new realm, and each Champion was taught a ritual to become a Dragon King. However, unlike the other Champions he sacrificed himself to become a power unto Athas itself, and completed the full transformation to a Dragon. He reasoned that the Dark Lens would need a powerful protector to guard it and to ensure Rajaat wound never return. Borys went east and created his own city of Uth Draxa. However, Borys was killed by a Mul Gladiator, Rkard.

Character Profile: Federal Agent Dale Cooper

2010-09-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

"Gentlemen, when two separate events occur simultaneously pertaining to the same object of inquiry, we must always pay strict attention."
-Dale Cooper

Federal Agent Dale Cooper is best known for his appearance on Twin Peaks. He is an FBI agent investigating the mysterious murder of Laura Palmer. Over the course of events as he is tracking down this serial killer it becomes apparent that the town is much more than it seems.

As the mystery unravels we find that to many conspiracies within the town tied to the Great Northern Hotel, the various residents of the Town, aliens, and the ancient supernatural forces. The investigation finally leads to a man known as Mike the one armed man, who is a vessel for the "Sorcerer". Apparently the "Sorcerer" had cast off his familiar who called itself "Bob". The entity "Bob" inhabited Leland Palmer, a lawyer and advisor to Benjamin Horne, who would commit murders on his behalf. Eventually this lead to the death of his daughter, Laura. During the investigation Agent Cooper linked Mike/Bob to the Black Lodge. These entities had a nexus nearby in the Ghostwoods, and used it to contact our world. Beside the supernatural element here, Agent Cooper was contacted by Aliens as well in the form of a Giant and Dwarf, who were somehow related to the Black Lodge. Eventually after the case was solved, an old nemesis by the name of Windom Earle. The serial killer somehow knows about the Black Lodge and drags Cooper directly into it. In the end, Dale Cooper and Windom Earle are trapped in the Lodge. Although, it appears that "Bob" used this opportunity as well, and took control of Dale Cooper's body.

What is interesting about Special Agent Dale Cooper is that almost everything amazes him. He can makes sense of even the most bizarre, and thinks outside the box. Highly intelligent and one who follows his own path. He balances reason with wisdom, and is highly intuitive. He is courageous, methodical, and logical in the face of danger. He also takes time and appreciates the simple pleasures in life, whether it be a great cherry pie and coffee or watching ducks on a pond. In away he also likes living in the past, in the ideal past where the Government looked out for people, the people were the salt of the earth, and things made sense for they were plain and true.

His resolve and quirkiness was something I admired. For despite the fact that the oddest things in the world kept happening around him..... he persevered to make sense of it all.

Spycraft: Shadowforce Archer

2010-09-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

If you want to play in a world of espionage and spies.... then Spycraft is for you. The game itself can be divided between our own modern world, or that of the alternate earth with Shadowforce Archer. Originally published under AEG, the setting is available from Crafty Games.

On this alternate earth there is a whole network of chains of spies, from governments to industries, seeking control of local economies, nations, and politics. The Archer Foundation is a neutral global spyforce that has its hands in everything. The group provides a consolidated spy network to insure global stability.
his network is challenge by other such groups (e.g. Pan-Asian Collective, European Commonwealth, and the African Alliance) that which to their own regional agenda. Adding into the mix our individual organization that seek total world dominance; the Shop and the Hand of Glory.

The action is designed to be fast paced, a reminiscent of the spy genre. It uses a variant of the D20 Modern rules systems and designed with a new set of character classes; Faceman, Fixer, Pointman, Snoop, Soldier, and Wheelman. Of course there options to add in FX abilities such as magic and psionics if you wish to introduce a bit of the macabre and unusual.

Stargate: SG-1

2010-09-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

Stargate SG-1 is a Sci-Fi series, that went from movie theaters into a TV series, which has created three spinoffs (SG: Infinity, SG: Atlantis, and SG: Universe).

The entire show is based around the concept of a device known as a Stargate which allows almost instantaneous interstellar and intergalactic travel. These gates were built thousand of years ago be race of beings known as the "Ancients" aka Alterans. The ancients were technological and ethically advanced, and created many wonderous objects. They also helped cultivate many of the early stellar races, and seeded planets in hopes that their race would not be gone. Humans are just one of the many descendants of the Ancients (If it sounds like Star Trek you are right folks! Stargate borrows many of the same formulas that Star Trek has used and blended it in with Star Wars action). However, the Alterans split....one group became the Ori... while the others left for the Milky Way and Pegasus Galaxies.

Eventually these Ancients ascended into higher forms, and left the technology in the hands oftheir descendants or lost to time. In the Pegasus Galaxy, a group of Alterans who did not ascend were almost destroyed by the Wraith, and their own creations known as the replicators. Within the Mikly Way galaxy the Alterans ascended, and various races took control of the Stargates. The Goa'uld created an Empire using the Stargates and enslaved many worlds. Their empire stretch and encompassed Earth at one time, until a great revolt took place and drove them away.

The Stargate wasn't discovered until sometime in the early 1900's in Egypt. It was activated by the US Air Force in the early 1990's and first contact was made with the people of Abydos and the Goa'uld. The US unofficially commissioned this in SGC (Star Gate Command), whose main goal was to explore and recover alien technology. Eventually this brought them into conflict with the Goa'uld once more, and the empire retaliated many times in bids to destory the earth. The SGC also encountered a number of Alien races, and made a strong ally in the Asgard. The Asgard had seen that the descents of the Altarans had mutured, and despite their concerns did their best to guide us (we would later find out that the race was dying out and humans were chosen to be their successors).
As theses interstellar conflicts threatened the world, the governments of China and the USSR became involved in the program. What was worse is that a shadow government began stealing technology and had infiltrated the SCG for their agenda of world control. Eventually, the SGC started to work more closely with the international community. This the Atlantis expedition marks the first true co-operative mission by earth.
Also during this time, the US and its allies began construction on Interstellar Vessels (yup Atlantis id DS-9 and SGC is another Federation).

In more recent times, SGC has discovered an unmanned Alteran vessel that has been traversing various galaxies. The SGC sent another group by the SGC, and they were trapped on the ship (ala Voyager and Enterprise series). It was discovered that this vessel was built before the Stargates, and had an early form of Stargate that could only make interplanetary travel possible between the ship and the closest Stargate. The crew is lost and is trying to unlock the secrets and steer the ship in an attempt to return home.

Dungeons & Dragons

2010-09-26T01:04:00.000-07:00

During the 1980's the world of Dungeons and Dragons became an animated series. In a demi-plane known as the Realm, some 2,000 years ago a Wizard son was corrupted by a force of evil and became an infernal wizard known as Venger. The wizard who would come to be known as "The Dungeon Master", locked his son on a demi-plane until a cure could be found. However, Venger began open portals to other worlds in hope to gain power and forces to break free of his prison. Over the course of centuries, he managed to fashion a world within the demi-plane that would come to be known as "The Realm". With hope, the Dungeon Master drew in heroes as well hoping they would defeat the evil within his son. Yet many of these heroes fell to Venger or the dangerous creatures within this world.

It is unknown whether Venger or the Dungeon Master drew in a group of children at an amusement park, but they would some come to be one of the most successful group of heroes that thwarted Venger's plan. The group consisted of .Hank who wielded a Magical Bow, Eric who was given a magical shield, Albert who was given a magical hat, Dianna and magical staff, Shelia a magical cloak, and her younger brother bobby a magical club. They soon discovered that like themselves there were many other people who were trapped from many worlds, some of them fellow earthlings. Although the Dungeon Master was their mentor and guide, they had their doubts about him since it seemed he always toyed with them in baiting them with a way home.

Eventually some iconic characters also appear in the realms, such as an aspect of Lolth and an avatar of Tiamat (who is Venger's Nemesis). This also encounter Warduke, a villian from the world of Oerth. Eventually the group of children manage to turn Venger and defeat the evil within him. This causes the entire "Realm" to destabilize, and begin open portals to various home worlds of the beings that were drawn in. The group of adventures chooses a portal which ends up taking them somewhere to the lands of Kara-Tur on the world of Abeir-Toril. In a later comic, it is confirmed that the group ended up there and has been there for quite some time.

Within the Complete animated series DVD collection shown above, a D20 sourcebook was made detailing some of the main characters and an adventure.

The Leged of Zelda

2010-09-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

One of Nintendo's biggest franchises is the Legend of Zelda series. As of to date there have been 16 games in the series, detailing the adventures of Link across the lands of Hyrule.
The main story revolves around the story of the Tri-Force, and the villian King Ganondorf of the Gerudo, Princess Zelda of Hyrule, and Link. For most of the series, Link the chosen hero is always destined to fight Ganon as he attempts to take over the Kingdom of Hyrule or breaking free from the Sacred Realm.

We do know that the land of Hyrule was created by the three Golden Goddesses; Din the goddess of Power, Nayru the goddess of Wisdom, and Farore the goddess of Courage. They all dwell within the sacred realm and created an artifact known as the Tri-Force. This powerful artifact helped keep peace within the kingdoms for centuries. When they left a host of other gods appeared to help guide the land. What is interesting though, is that the lands of Hyrule are tied with other worlds such as the Twilight Realm, the Sacred Realm, and Termina. The people of Hyrule though are varied, most though appear very elf like. The Hylian are the man people of the land of Hyrule and share it with, the Kokiri are more elven in appearance and live in the forest. The Gerudo and Shiekah live in the deserts, and are rather aggressive and war like. The Zora are aquatic beings who live in the seas and river, the Deku are plant like creature who share the forests with the Kokiri. Their are also the tiny Minch, fey like mice. The Gorons are huge being who live up in the mountains. Then there are the mysterious Twili of the Twilight Realms.

As of to date there is now PnP RPG, but there is a fansite with a conversion for your D20 games.

Famous Spellcasters: Tal Rasha

2010-09-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Name: Tal Rasha
World: Sanctuary aka "Diablo"
Artifacts: Tal Rasha's Adjudication amulet, Tal Rasha's Lidless Eye orb, Tal Rasha's Guardianship body armor, Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest helm, Tal Rasha's Fire-Spun Cloth belt.

Ages ago the Archangel Tyrael bought together the mages from the three great clans (Vizjerei, the Ennead and the Ammuit) to stop the Prime Evils. Together they for the Horadrim Brotherhood. Tal Rasha was chosen as their leader, and they began the hunt for the Prime Evils. Tyrael had given them each a sole stone to be used to bind and seal each one. They first defeated Mephisto. Then they tracked Baal to the deserts of Lut Gholein.

However in battle Baal, the soulstone was shattered. Under Tal Rasha instruction the constructed a binding stone and he sacrificed himself to contain the demon. He was buried in a Tomb long forgotten by many to wrestle with the Prime Evil that is Baal. Sadly though Baal was freed later by his brother Diablo, and planned to invade hell once again. Over the centuries, Baal had absorbed much of Tal Rasha's knowledge and his weakened spirit finally left his body.

Character Profile: Lt. Col. Maes Hughes

2010-09-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

"Lay off, I'm as normal as they come and this is a contest of freaks. What do you want me to do, fire my slingshot at him?"
-Lt Col. Maes Hughes

Lt. Col Maes Hughes is a high ranking officer of the Amestrian State Military. He is best friends with Roy Mustang whom he attended the academy with. Although not a State Alchemist, he is widely respected by his subordinates. As the series goes on, he realizes the conspiracy that Edward Elric has uncovered concerning the Homunculi. Sadly though during the course of the investigation he is killed by the homunculus "Envy". Although killed, on our parallel world of "Earth" he lives on in away as his counterpart serves as a police officer in Germany. Thanks to Ed he gains the courage to speak with Gracia (his wife in the world Full Metal Alchemist) and they manage to unite and leave Nazi Germany behind.

He is a charming and dashing man, who is caring and light hearted. He is high intelligent and is very perceptive. Although he seems very jovial on the outside, on the inside he is deadly serious about protecting those he loves and while holding his ideal to improve his country. He is fiercely loyal to his wife and child, something that he constantly expresses to everyone. His family is the mot important thing in life to him.
Like a couple of my other fictitious crushes, Maes Hughes, has those qualities everyone hopes to find in a guy. He is serious and smart, but with a kind a gentle heart. He is an idealist who will stand up for his principles.

Known Realms: World of Aereth

2010-09-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Known Realms was a campaign setting based upon the Dungeon Crawl Adventures published by Goodman Games. The planet is called Aereth, and it has just one moon that orbits around it. The world is filled with the standard typical races such as elves, dwarves, halfings, human, and gnomes. Human civilization is a mix between the northlanders (european), lost lands (arabic), Xanthous (asian), and xulmac (mayans). Magic is very previlant, and the world has been shaped by a very unique pantheon which has warred with eachother for countless centuries.

The developement of the world has each been shaped by an Age of Dragons, an Age of Sphinxes, an Age of Serpents (Yuan-ti), and lastly by an Age of Giants which gave way to the Age of Humans. The feel of this world is a mixing of cultures from the very ancient to those that are moving to an exploration period of science and arts. Many places exist as independent city states.

It is worth mentioning that a version of the City of Freeport, is found within the Known Realms. Although Freeport exisits on its own world . . .the mysterious pirate city has links to the World of Aerth as well.

Founders of Roleplaying: H.G. Wells

2010-09-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Many people know of H.G. Wells as one of the fathers of science-fiction. He was born in London, England and lived from 1866-1946. He has written a number of popular books dealing with Time Travel (The Time Machine), Alien Invasions (War of the Worlds), and horrors of science gone awry (Island of Dr. Moreau, Food of the Gods) are just to name a few. As a man, he deeply cared of humanity and was troubled by the political and socio-economical development of that time. Some of his other works go deeper into this new climate of change.

In 1914 he published a book called "Little Wars" which laid the foundation for tabletop RPGs. His game focused on re-enacting famous military battles through the use of miniatures, and seeing the outcomes changed by rules of chance and the players moves. As you can see this has inspired many of the other tabletop miniature games readily available on the market from Heroclix and Mage Knight to Warhammer Fantasy and Iron Kingdoms.
Dungeons and Dragons also at one point had it own miniatures line in Chainmail. It resurface twiced during the eras of 2nd and 3rd Edition. Today the use of minature are strongly incouraged in elements of RPGs

You can read his full result along with audio here, bought to you by Public Literature.org.

Dragon Fist

2010-09-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well just before the announcement of 3E, a free campaign setting was released by WotC call Dragon Fist.
It was a nod to the old Oriental Adventurers line, but concerning a more Chinese based theme rather than Japanese. We finally had a campaign world in which matched many of the kung fu and wuxia films that were being released.

Dragon Fist takes place in the lands of Tianguo, and its' nine provinces.The Kingdom is ruled by Emperor Jianmin, who is secretly in league with a demon who has helped the emperor exceed his lifespan. The Emperor know live out of the natural order, but is protected by scores of bureaucrats and demons who have their own interests for keeping him on the throne. The nine provinces deal with their own issues, from cults and bandits preying up its citizens, imbalances within the spirit world, and provincial political intrigue as bureaucrats and merchants try to climb the social-political ladders of the kingdom.

Ptolus

2010-09-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

   Monte Cook second campaign setting in Ptolus, set in the world of Praemal. An interesting note is that Ptolus bears a striking resemblance in away to the themes presented in the Oathbound Campaign settings. It the prehistory of the world, the god known as Praemus created a world which was designed to snare the Galchutt.
The Galchutt had plagued the multiverse, and he had hoped to trap a significant portion of that evil in a self contained world.

   However, the other gods who had worked with him to make the world were horrified that a world was created to entrap the foulest evil ever and that innocent mortals spirits were bound to a world in which was a prison. Many of the gods were angry at what had been done. Yet in the end they agreed to leave for various reasons after a conflict with Praemus. However, other gods have risen from mortal who have gone through trials or simply sprung into being. Many interloper gods have also taken interest, yet are careful to send powerful agents as representatives should their avatars become trapped. Beside the multitudes of these gods, there is also a strong presence of a mortal church based around the Prophet Lothian who managed to ascend to heaven.

   The world of Praemal has two continents, the first continent being Tarsis and the other has not been fully explored. There are two visible moons in the sky, Lunas and Rogue which orbit the world. A half of a third moon remains invisible. This moon known as Vallis is the home of several celestial heralds that guard severn golden chains which ensure that the Galchutt can never leave the world. There is a balance though, for every demon on the world, there is also a celestial agent of the Malkuth. The races of Praemal are similar to those found on other worlds. There are four great dwarven clans (Earthsingers, Grailwardens, Stonelost, and Stonemight). The Urthor Aedar (elves) are descended from the Lunas and Solaar elves, while Shoal elves are an aquatic offshoot. The Cherubim are winged elves as old as the Lunas and Solaar, that are somewhat reclusive. Yet there are also twisted variants of the elves known as Harrow and Dark Elves,.tainted by the Galchutt. Loresong Faen here are known as gnomes elsewhere, as well well as the Saelas Faen commonly called halflings. Among the races you can also find Assarai (Lizardfolk), Centaurs, and Litorians. As usual the most numerous races are the humans which have founded the great Empire of Tarsis (European). Humans have also traveled most of the world and have made contact with other cultures such as the Noll (Norse), Uraq & Kem (Arabic)