Famous Spellcasters: Severus Snape

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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"

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

"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

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

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

  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

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

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

"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

Name: Al'kabor
World: Norrath aka "Everquest"
Pantheon: Norrath
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

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

   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

   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

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

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.