Famous Spellcasters: Boccob

Name: Boccob aka Al-Zarad
World: Oerth
Pantheon: Oerdian
Spells: None.
Magical Items: Staff of the Magi, Boccob's Blessed Book, and the Tome of Ancient Lore.

   Boccob's origins are shrouded in mystery. Some say he was a gifted servant of Istus who excelled at magic, but that is only speculation. It is known that Boccob first came to Oerth and walked the world at the dawn of its creation. His sole goal was to spread magical lore and influence the intelligent beings of the with the ways of magic Not only is he the master of mortal magics, but also the magic of deities as well. His interest are focus at the refinement, exploration, study, and mastery of all arcane magics. His intense focus on magics has earned him the title "The Uncaring", but this is far from the truth since he is also called the "Archmage of the Gods". He has casual relations with most deities of magic, and has yet to meet one who rivals his power.
On Oerth though, he has sponsored a champion who has proven his worth in becoming a deity. Zagig Yragerne was once the mayor and Archmage of Greyhawk, and managed to create a great many things during his time as a mortal. Zagig was once of the few mortals that cleverly found a way to ascended to godhood, and for that Boccob has taken the eccentric wizard under his wing.

Boccob is also one of the few gods who realizes the nature of the multiverse. It is said he has traveled to every plane in existence, visited parallel universe, and has traveled all across space and time. He is also known on every variation of Oerth to some extent as well. This is reflected in his realm in the Outlands, the Library of Lore. Those who have been allowed accessed to the place have said that his realm contains all the magical knowledge of the universe. His library appear as a great citadel, where few are allowed save for his mortal worshipers.Theses petitioners ensure that the library is maintained and assist is very areas of research or craft.   

Titan: Advanced Fighting Fantasy

   According to the creation myths of the world, the universe was created by the gods. The leader of the gods, Titan, created the world. The other gods out of curiosity and play were invited to help customize and developed the world. For the most part the gods were generous and kind, inspired to create things and concepts that worked in harmony. The sentient race of man was created by Logaan. This new creature mimicked the gods in the sense it could create and alter the world as well. Fascinated, the gods Titan created giants, Throff created the dwarves, and Galana created the elves. The gods created a perfect world and were content.

However several of their godly numbers were not satisfied. Death, Disease, Decay, Slaang, and Tanit bought forth abominations and evil to the world. Chaos was let loose and suffering came to pass for those on Titans. When the gods discovered what Death had done they were poised to make him pay, but stayed their hands as he had one of their own hostage. Logaan was captured and forced to find something/someone the gods had not known. They managed to find "Time", a being who bought with it the natural flow of entropy. Death threatened that if the attacked he would end their immortality. Since then the gods have fought.

Originally the world itself boasted only one continent, Irritaria. For centuries the dwarves built their home in the mountains, and elves retreated to the forests. Humans had traveled the lands in small tribes, eventually becoming kingdoms. One  such nation, Atlantis, was graced by the gods with magic. The civilization was the most advanced of its time, but sadly was corrupted by a demonic presence. The gods quickly destroyed them, and in that act the world was split.

   The world itself is now has three continents since the destruction of Atlantis. Allansia, the Old World, and Khul are all that is left of Irritari. Allansia is continent of untamed people with great swaths of wilderness. It is mostly dominated by great plains, deserts, and moorlands. The north is dominated by ice and snow. Mortals have carved out various city-states throughout the land, and constantly have to deal with the forces and hordes of evils that gather in the wilderness to topple them. The Old World is surprising different, as the mortals there managed to tame he land. Nations flourish here and civilization is found almost everywhere. The only real threat on here is fro he various nations themselves. The continent of Khul though, is a ruined mess. It unfortunately bears the brunt of the battles of the gods and mortals. It is dominated by the Wastes of Chaos, a huge area of land rendered lifeless. What mortal there are are spread around the coastal land in various city-states. Despite the very threat of Evil and Chaos which has crushed the land, there is one place where mortal have done well. The isolated kingdom of Hachiman has flourished. They lived in a highly organized feudal society (Japanese) which is prosperous and pleasant. The remainder of the world is dominated by small islands within the Western Ocean, the largest body of saltwater on the planet. The Ocean of Tempest and the Ocean of Serpents dominated the area between the continents, while the Black Ocean is found east of Khul. 

The Outer planes seem to be divided into three parts. The Celestial Palace is homes to the benign gods. The Elemental planes are the middle ground. The Demonic Plane, which is divided into the layers of Steel, Rust, Platinum, Blood, Ichor, Bile, and Obsidian, all seemed to be influence by the elemental chaos.

Titan: Advanced Fighting Fantasy originally started off as a series of adventure books created by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone. Eventually it became its own Role-playing system, branched off into video games, and even published a few D20 friendly adventures. There is a system friendly sourcebook that can be used for any rule system needed.

Spellcasting 101: Rituals & Incantations

As discussed in a previous article about Cantrips, there are many ways in which spell can be cast.
Cantrips are just at the threshold of were true magic takes over. Professional spellcasters such as Wizards and Clerics move onto the next level in which they practice the art of magic as it is known commonly. Through their study, practice, and/or devotion they are able to perform a variety of mystical feats.

However, that is not the only way. Rituals and Incarnations are a form of older magic that forms the base of modern magic. This path of magic allows the trained and untrained to perform mystical feats without expending their own personal energy, though other means of cost may be applied. Unlike regular spells, these version take longer to cast and their is a percentage of spell failure. It is even cautioned, that these spell also may backfire upon the casters. However these versions of spells come in handy when standard spells are low, or you are without the aid of a spellcaster.

Incantations were first mentioned in 3E D&D in Unearthed Arcana, pg 174. The rules regarding Incantations are presented here. As mentioned Incantations can be cast by anyone and require a roll(s) to determine the chance of success. Incantations can vary from creator to creator; as difficulty checks, backlash, failure penalties differ. So one Incantation can have multiple versions. Incantations are best used when desperate measures are needed and there are no spellcasters around. Incantations are more common on world were there is little to know magic. However, a standard spellcaster with Knowledge (Arcana) should be aware of Incantations.

The second type options are rituals. This is a variation on incantations, but instead of freestyle casting, these are closely aligned with preexisting spells. Rituals are an option which appeared in 4E D&D Player's Handbook, which standardize Incantations. For the most part Spellcaster automatically gain access to rituals. They can learn and perform rituals alongside their normal spellcasting. Furthermore, anyone who takes time to learn (Feat) this method can perform rituals. Rituals take longer to cast than spell, may incur backlash, and likewise have a chance of failure. Rituals for the most part are non-combative spells, which greatly free up a spellcaster decision on what spell are necessary to memorize. In addition the spell components have been simplified as well. Alchemical items, mystic salves, rare herbs, sanctified incense, and residuum can be used.
Residuum is the residue from Disenchant Item Ritual which creates a golden magical dust that can be used as a universal ritual component. Unlike Incantations, rituals can be inscribed unto scrolls which allows anyone to use them!

So if your looking for more ways to utilize magic, incantations and rituals might be something you may want to add to your campaign. 

Arda: Lord of the Rings

The world of Arda is the setting of J.R.R. Tolkien's series of Middle-Earth, most notably the "Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings".

Eru Illuvater is the creator of Ea, the universe. In this universe he created the Ainur, who were is children. The most powerful 15 were known as the Valar, and all the others were known as Maiar. He bid them to sing of his glory and all was in harmony save one, Melkor bought discord. The creator fashioned a world in which eEves and Dwarves could live in. The creator sent the Ainur to Arda to shape the world. Over the course of centuries they would maintain Arda, as their brother Melkor caused everlasting strife.

Arda itself was considered to be a flat disk, with three great continents. Valinor, Hitherlands and the Dark Lands. They were surrounded by an ocean called Ekkaia. After the second age with Downfall of Numenor, the world became spherical. Aman was made hidden, and Middle-Earth came to be. Aman became the haven for the elves, and was called the Undying lands. The rest of the races lived on Middle-Earth

The mortal races are divided between the champions of the Valar and those of Melkor.
The Dwarves, Elves, hobbits, Human, Ents and Eagles would champion the Valar in the world.
While Dragons, Wargs, Werewolves, Trolls, Goblin, Orcs, and Spiders served Melkor.

Unlike most fantasy games, this world is its current age is very low magic. The elves are leaving, the Dwarves are all but forgotten, the Ents have lost themselves, and its is the age of man. Magic is a thing of the elder ages, and only a few know of its secrets. Also clerics are unheard of as only a select few know of the Valar, let alone Ere Illuvater. Man is faced with fighting against the champions of Melkor, unaided and alone with a few champions of light left.

This campaign setting has been supported by several role playing systems and an MMORPG.
Tolkein himself left so much great detail to this world! He even developed several languages and alphabets in the process. As with any campaign setting, you can use the Themes and history that Tolkein has set up, and as the MMORPG did breathe new life into it with keeping it as Tolkeinish as possible.

Famous Spellcasters: Perf

Perf and the Sword of Fighting

Name: Perf
World: Gamers/JourneyQuest Universe
Spells: Conjure Milk and Vague.
Magical Items: Sword of Fighting.

Perf is a highly skilled wizard with a great deal of knowledge. He is has shown his skill with magical knowledge, ancient history, and arcane lore. Sadly he suffers from arcane dyslexia and often miscasts spell. The only spells he has been able to cast successfully are the cantrips; knot, summon milk, and vague. It was recently discovered that he is one of the rarest number of wizards who can invert spells, a Retromancer who performs retro-spellcasting.

Perf is a wizard who joined an adventuring party in a quest to find the legendary "Sword of Fighting". An artifact that countless adventurers have sought. For over a year Perf has adventured with his companions; Nara the elf, Carrow the priest of Vieris, and Glorion "Orcslayer" the knight. Perf has a not-so-secret crush on Nara, and Glorion has a nasty habit of bullying him. They have been assigned a bard, Wren, who has been chronicling the adventure so far incognito.

After the slaughter of a countless number of orcs, they discover that they are close to the Temple of ALL Dooms where the legendary "Sword of Fighting" is said to be. The part had split up. The knight heading off to fight a river so he could uncover the entrance to the Temple, while the elf and cleric headed off to retrieve Perf as he ran away yet again.Perf and Carrow were ambushed by orcs, with only here and Nara narrowly escaping. As they ran both accidentally fell into and discovered the Chamber of the "Sword of Fighting" in the Temple of ALL Dooms. When Perf touched it, he was informed that he was the "Chosen One" destined to wield the sword. The Sword of Fighting was an intelligent, both maniacal and rather egotistical to boot. The Sword was not to happy with Perf being the Chosen One, often calling him limp-wristed and such.

As they left they chamber, the group of orcs captured them. They managed to escape once again after Perf challenge their shaman to a magic duel and Carrow returned. Carrow was killed in the initial ambush, and when Per tried to heal him the spell miscast. The spell had managed to raise the priest as some sort of intelligent undead a few minutes afterward. As they head out in search of Glorion, they were captured by an agent of "THE SHADOW". She informed them that other were hired as well to ensure that the Chosen and the Sword be destroyed.

Eventually they managed to escape and have decided to make their way to an Oracle in hopes of finding answers to what the Chosen One needs to do and perhaps find a way to cure Carrow. Meanwhile Glorion managed to conquer the Temple of All Dooms solo, but was angered when the Chamber of the Sword of Fighting was empty. He soon discovered evidence that Perf had been there and most like took off with the Sword!

Character Portraits

   One of the best thing about our digital age is that there are many creative people out there. Not only in the sense of geniuses, programers, designer, and artists, but also those of us that scour the web for utilities and programs that can be used in innovative ways. One of these involves how we illustrate or present our player characters. Now not everyone has a natural talent for artistic rendering or may have the time to develop such a skill. That is why I am every so thankful to our digital age and creative free spirits.... cause thanks to these great people you can find a program anywhere that can help you with what you want to accomplish!

Easy Method
Doll Makers, Dress Up, Character Portraits, Character Creation, Avatar Makers..... there are tons of free programs on the web that can help you create you character portrait. It may be frustrating at first (mostly oriented for girls), but are tons of programs out there and you need to be patient. You will eventually find an art style and genre that will fight your needs, and hopefully have enough options for you. Either 2D or 3D models are available!

DollDivine.com
This site has many genres and artistic styles. Although the site is targeted to girls, there are some options for guys there too! The Avatar: Last Airbender, Hogwatrts, and Game of Thrones programs have option for both male and female characters. Also there are some that even allow you to create animal and anthropomorphic characters too!

Dress Up Games
Another website with many options. Here you can create your own Pokemon Trainers!
 Meez.com
This website has 3D Models and a ton of character options. It is originally intended to be an Online Interactive Social Space, but the avatar creation is an invaluable tool. It is a paid site if you wish to join the community, but it does allow you to try out the character creation... in which creative individuals can find away to preview and customize there own Avatar! I only wish they made this program available to download and purchase, as this is one of the best model character creation kits out there!

Advanced Methods
This will cover the topic of more advance methods. As with Meez.com, there are tons of games that have a whole character creation suite. That means that you have the ability to make some awesome portraits by just playing the On-line games you have. There are many older Video and PC games to which have some amazing "editors" included as well that you can utilize to create backdrops and other character to portraits too! 

Character Creation Screen
The easiest method for this, but somewhat limited is to find a MMORPG, that will give you the basics of what you need to create a basic character. If you actually play one of these games, you will have access most of the time for alternate character slots, which means you can play the game and create secondary characters just for dress up purposes. Zu online, DC Online, Heroes Online, World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, Everquest, etc are some options. Just pick the character style you like.

Model Viewers
Now if you want total customization, there are many model viewers that allow you to access the game files stored on you PC. With the rise of Machinma, many individuals have created model viewers for various games which allow you to not only create a custom and detailed character portrait, but even full flown videos! Now you are not hacking or messing with the program itself, you are just accessing the file usually through a third party model viewer program. One program that I can recommend is Machinima Studio. This program is not only free (paid version gives you tons of extras!), but has managed to allow you to pull model creation from such games as Aion, Allods Online, fallout 3, Runes of Magic, Starcraft II, Warhammer Online, World of Warcraft. Remember you actually have to have the game installed first in order to access.
Again creative people will figure out how to utilize these programs fully and freely (download the game and keep it updated...many offer free trials)

Game Editors
This method is for those games that came before the age of the internet. There are many PC games that come with Level Editors or Character Editors added in. This will allow you to create custom portraits and avatars.

Sims by Electronic Arts
The "Sims" have a multitude of options. The online community has created thousand of customs items for your scenes and character. The game also encourages you to create your own items as well. You can create Adults, Teens, Children, Pets in Sims 3, but in Sims 2 & 3 there are options to create scenes and location from almost every culture and time. It has a great level editor, and there are codes you can access if you rathr create scenes that play the game.
The Game itself has has gone through three editions, and I would highly recommend Sims 2 or 3. Sims 2 has an extensive catalog of items and really cheap. Remember not only can you create multitudes of characters and animals, but whole scenes too!

 Vampire: Redemption by Activision
At the time this game was greatly overlooked, and sadly support from both Activision and White Wolf were lacking. Thanks in part to online community, there has been ton of add-ons to the game that cover the rest of White Wolf's World of Darkness line. You can purchase this game for $5 considering it has one of the most powerful editors I have seen! You can create 3D portraits of characters suitable for either the European Dark Ages of the Modern Age. You can also create a number of custom settings as we well too, and this was a godsend because you could make your own scenes just as we do with machinma today.

Miniatures
Since most of have access to 2D printers...(3D Printers may be commercially affordable soon!), don;t forget you can create tokens, minis, and standees as well. Ever PC has MS Paint, also if you have access to other photo editors (Adobe Photoshop) or art programs, which will allow you not only to make some customization of your own, but you can make paper models and tokens. With any of the above methods, you can print out a small portraits sized for most grid maps. Check out this simple how to guide.

As a child of the 70's there were tons of paper standees you could make, and I am glad that this art is not lost. There are tons of template you can get to make towns and settings for you games. As mentioned above, creative and cunning individuals will realize you can make many of these on your own for free, but you can also purchase said paper models from a variety of companies at RPGNOW.com.

Famous Spellcasters: Tessa

Name: Tessa
World: Red Earth aka "Capcom Universe"
Spells: Mystical Force, Shield Wall, Magic Shield, Sigil Shield, Glace Cannon, Electron Canon, Fiamma Cannon, Hyper Cannon, Astron Cannon, Jamming Ghost, Death Phenomenon, Meteo Fall, Dark Hadou, Dragon Apocalypse, and Untouchable Force.
Magical Items: Dragon Cape, Magic Hat, Feline Staff, Wand, Reverie Sword, Tricicle Flask, and Djinn Lamp.

Tessa is a Sorcerologist, a Magelord from Icelarn. She is a highly knowledgeable individual in both arcane and scientific studies. She has the natural ability to see into creature souls, seeing how they balance the forces of good and evil. She lives in her tower along with four cats. Al and Ivan are her closest familiars and often journey with her. She also has a bird named Hato and a frog named Kaeru. She is also fond of penguins.

  She also owns an arsenal of magical items, her most powerful is the Dragon Cape. This purple dragon scale cape still hold the spirit of the dragon, Manot, which will protect the wearer by manifesting. She even developed a spell known as "Dragon Apocalypse" to assume the form of said dragon. Not only does she rely on her mystical know how, but she also has managed to construct a Golem as well. When she needs to travel she often flies around on her Feline Staff.

  Hundreds of years ago she joined together with a group of adventurer to save the World. She met a ninja named Kenji from Zipang, Mai-Lung a martial artist from Gora, and the warrior King of Savalia named Leo. Together they battle various minions of the evil wizard Scion. Together they managed to defeat him in his home of Darminor and bring peace to the world. She also confiscated all of Scion's knowledge, but has yet to utilize any of his magics; Diminution Curse, Earth Serpents, Magic Beam, Meteor Storm, Stun Specter, Swords of Sorcery, and Warp. She is currently seeking a magical stick of transformation that once belonged to the Shou Family, it hints that Hsien-Ko, a Jiang Shi "Chinese Vampire" may know its whereabouts.