Re: Greytalk Cooperative Project

Re: [greytalk] Re: Greytalk Cooperative Project
Monday, November 27, 2006 4:13 PM
From: "LASSEK,CHRISTINA/J TEMPLE"
To: "Scott"

I'm still game, just been working on my current campaign.

That sounds good...maybe throw in some Crimson Deaths. :-) Since we're in the neighborhood, we could even involve some elements of Blackmoor...

~Jim

On Mon, 27 Nov 2006 07:47:11 -0800 (PST)
Scott wrote:
> Hi all,
> Public interest in the new cooperative project seems to have died off already, or at least publicly. Still...
> "Aeolius" wrote:
> >In BPAA, I devised the Covyn; three hag coveys, one epic-level covey, and one leader - 13 hags in all.
>
>> As far as other hags go I've been working on a few, starting with
> the squalus. Much as a winter hag is the offspring of a greenhag and ice troll and the dune hag is born of the union between wasteland troll and greenhag, the shoal hag or squalus is parented by a greenhag and scrag.
>
>> I'm also revamping my Blackwater (new domain from Stormwrack)
> hags. Envision the remains of a slain sea hag covey, animated into a single undead creature by Blackwater. I got my inspiration for the three-made-one from this: http://www.designtoscano.com/images/us/ local/products/viewlarger/DB51037_vl.jpg Considering how many hags I am likely to unleash upon Turucambi, I think the Blackwater Hag will be [expletive deleted]-bent upon slaying her living sisters.<
> Perhaps one of these coven of hags has come to Furyondy to kidnap someone important (the Viscount of the March? his wife?) and take him deep into Iuz's territory. Everyone will assume this is Iuz's plot, but Iuz's forces are after the hags too to get their hands on their prisoner. The hags are actually delivering a sacrifice to a blackwater hag in the Cold Marshes. In exchange for the sacrifice, the blackwater hag will stop trying to kill the other hags. Anyone interested in working on that?
> ~Scott "-enkainen" Casper
> Yak-Men are interested in the Viscount of the March's wife too...

Re: Infamy of Iuz (was 20 most well - known deities.)

Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2000 14:57:45 -0800
From: Marc Tizoc Gonzalez
Subject: Re: Infamy of Iuz (was 20 most well - known deities.)

MM invited:
> I would actually like my argument refuted here. Please reason well

IMC, the peasants of and low-level PCs in northwestern Furyondy referred to the leader of Iuz as the Old One. For the peasants, this being had ruled the lands beyond the Whyestil since before their grandparents' youth. For the PCs, this was the name that they were taught. Iuz was the name of the land that the Old One ruled. After a couple of levels, when a fool-hardy set of the PCs attempted to infiltrate the armies massing across the Veng river (in early 583 CY), then they learned from a particularly vicious man that he was a priest of the _god_, Iuz the Old. The PCs did _not_ know that Iuz was the Old One or a god before they listened to that priest's diatribe. IMO, Such specificity of information represents special knowledge.

Before the Invasion of Iuz, most Furyondians, Rovers of the Barrens, Shield Landers, or Wolf Nomads had heard that something named the Old One had once ruled the land called bounded by Whyestil Lake and the Howling Hills. Yet even by 576 CY, the fact that this Old One was the demonic "god" Iuz was _not_ popular knowledge. (Some folk tales from the beginning of the sixth Common century may have even included both characters in the same story.) It took the efforts of heroes in the service of the Wise to learn this secret, and the knowledge that Iuz was a cambion of Grazz'zt (sp?) and the witch-queen Igwiilv was known by even fewer people, such as the Circle of Eight or the individuals responsible for the sundering of the Old One's
imprisonment. We should remember that Iuz was only freed in 570 CY, so even by the eve of the GH Wars (582 CY), there are only a dozen years for the infamy of Iuz to be spread. The Flanaess lacks the Internet!

Of course, some people in the CoG learned about the power and identity of Iuz just before the war due to the activity of his Spurned Cult, but even in the Gem of the Flanaess, this knowledge is not known by every last beggar, bard, or apprentice.

The post-war situation is drastically different. At every Godsday sermon the churches of Heironeous, Mayaheine, St. Cuthbert, and Trithereon harangue against that powerful demonic despot of the north, Iuz. These declamations are especially intense just before (and during) the Great Northern Crusade. This is partially due to the subtle influence (strategy) of the churches of Rao and Delleb (or the Church of Voll), which decided that the public naming of Iuz (the Old) as a powerful demon was important to limit his power and the hysterical fear that his name could cause.

Similarly, the shamans of the Rovers or Wolf Nomads have named Iuz a powerful demon, one of a long line of bestial gods that dominate the legends of the north (a la Rip Van Wormer's Madlander gods). Of course, if we obey canon, then the remnant of Rovers may well believe that Iuz represents their teleology.

In the Empire of Iuz, the clergy have constantly proselytized the power of their god. Thus by 591 CY even on the eastern periphery of the empire, in the Bandit Kingdoms or occupied Tenha, almost everyone has repeatedly heard that Iuz the Old is a demon-god walking the Flanaess and seated at his throne in Dorakaa and seen demonstrations of the god's brutal power.

His priests have had at least twenty-one years since his freedom to establish their churches and cults. I say "at least" because I wonder whether there were priests devoted to Iuz during his imprisonment, such as High Priests Patch or Althea. When did he become a true demi-god? Was the faith of some cult partially responsible for his apotheosis? Did their sacrifices penetrate the demon-dreams of the Old One's imprisonment?

Marc Tizoc

Fords, and Fords on the Veng

Date sent: Mon, 6 Oct 1997 17:59:16 +0100
Send reply to: The GREYtalk Discussion List GREYTALK@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
From: Patrice Forno froon@HOT.FR
Subject: [GREYTALK] Fords, and Fords on the Veng
To: GREYTALK@MITVMA.MIT.EDU

Hello from France,

About Fords on the Veng River (and the WGR4 map):

In Artifact of Evil page 138, Gary Gygax states that the Panggate (Boulder Ford if I understood the novel correctly) is the sole crossing of the Veng River.

First, where would you place Panggate?

Reading the description in AoE, I would place it right between Barduk (WGM1) (where Crystal River joins the Veng) and Eyberen (WGR4).

But reading WGM1 who states that there is a ford on the Veng at Barduk, I would assume that both fords are the same, and I would place the Panggate at Barduk. That’s “only” 40 miles north west of the first supposed place.

If I remember correctly, Castle Hart is also placed where the Crystal joins the Veng, so IMO that would make sense to place the **only** ford on the Veng near Castle Hart (I don’t have the Castles Boxed set, but I have a file giving details about merging Castle Hart with WGM1 and FtA). The Castle would be defending the Ford.

Comments ?

The only problem I see is that in the novel, the ford seems unguarded by Furyondy’s forces. If I read correctly, in the novel a Horned Army is on the Veng, with a reco force + Nerull + Daemon that crosses the Veng unmolested into Furyondy.

My question is (Gary?): How Furyondy could leave the **only** ford on the Veng unguarded?

[For your information, in my campaign the Panggate is not the only crossing of the Veng. There is another Ford at Grabford (given the city’s name, that seems evident to me that there is a ford here). IMC there is also a bridge south west of Critwall (Critwall’s Bridge), and another bridge north east of Eyberen (Eyeberen’s Bridge).]

Another question for the assembly :
How can a **navigable** river be fordable ?
If the boats can sail, how can a man or a horse walk through ?
(There is a good example in AoE page 168 – Broad Ford – but it is quite special)
I speak of rivers navigable to standard vessels, not only to barges. The Veng is said to be navigable on its whole length for any vessel. If so, how can it be fordable ?

Can someone versed in the Rivers knowledge help ?

Alain, spécialiste de la mécanique des fluids, qu’en dis tu?

Thanks for your time

Regards

Patrice Forno – Marseille – France
froon@hot.fr

Home Page : http://wwwperso.hol.fr/~froon/
Thin Greyhawk Page : http://wwwperso.hol.fr/~froon/GH/FrGRey.htm
French WiF Page : http://wwwperso.hol.fr/~froon/WiF/wif.htm

Jacques Villeneuve Champion du Monde !!!

PS : I look for a Honda 600 V Transalp.
Contact me if you sell one in France!

Re: Why there's no Furyluna

Date: Wed, 3 Sep 1997 13:25:12 +0200
Reply-To: gratrul@sud005.ericsson.se
From: Truls Pdrsson gratrul@SUD005.ERICSSON.SE
Subject: Re: [GREYTALK] Why there’s no Furyluna
To: GREYTALK@MITVMA.MIT.EDU

John Argenziano wrote:
--->>
This is a good question. I’m interested to see how others handled the situation. Here’s what’s happening in my (Pre-War) campaign:

The PCs are from the C of Ulek, and don’t know too much about Furyondish high politics. They free Thrommel from TOEE, and travel with him to Verbobonc. There they learn that two years ago, King Belvor (a widower) married Lady Jolene himself in order to preserve the Furyondy-Velunic political alliance. [This type of behavior was not uncommon in real-world medieval courts.]

[Snip]

This has left the PCs in the middle of a potential civil war between two largely-LG and well-meaning factions. [Note to DMs: You should see them squirm.]

And all the while, Iuz sits laughing on his seat of bone.

Thoughts?
----<<<
I like this a lot. A good way to show how good can end up fighting good. My mind directly turns to the possible reactions by other nations. Like the Shield Lands and Highfolk.
Now the Shield Lands would probably try to remain neutral but active somehow trying to negotiate, they don’t want a shattered Furyondy as their own position is rather perilous. But a strong Furyondy wich is in debt to them would be ideal.
As for Highfolk it becomes a tough choice. They need a strong Furyondy to protect them against Iuz, but should they really get involved. What about the elven knights of the Hart will they side with there human brothers or sit it out. Should they aim for a position as mediators?

What of Dyvers, would they be pressed to choose side and economically support one side. If they choose wisely they would secure their independence for the future, if not they could risk an attack by the winner. Though it would be best to avoid taking sides, that might not be an option due to inner pressure, (Belvor is the rightful king or Thrommel has promised us increased trade). Or maybe one of the southern nobles are pressing them trying to get at their lucrative trade position in one way or another.

And what about Verbobonc, and the general populace of Veluna and Furyondy could they be made to take sides. Both Thrommel and Belvor would think twice before attacking their own peasants.

Iuz is not to be forgotten he would not only laugh but he would actively sow dissent among the factions, and spread lies something he is very good at.

And all this because a bunch of PCs happened to find and free a prisoner in a temple. Hmmm maybe lawful PCs should get a xp penalty for causing this chaos :-)

Comments?

-Truls

Oh by the way:

Ronald Melvin Gaw wrote:

>Is anyone interested in seeing material related to the original ‘Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh’ series?
---snip---
>Most importantly, does anyone care if I do this?

Yes we do care! And I personally would love to see this. My players finished U1 but blew it in U2. Being captured by the Lizard Men before even getting into the caves.

One day they will learn not to camp close to the monster lair. I would say once in blue moon, but in greyhawk that is quite often.

--

Truls Parsson Ericsson Radio Systems
Tel. +46 8 7573909 Sundbyberg
Fax +4684043990 ERA/LZ/LI

NAME : Gunthar duGascoigne, Baron of Hommlet

[Beginning of post missing]
rescued and married to Jolena (more on that in a moment). These two PCs have been very active politically, and count Thrommel and Gladwell Solan (of Castle Hart, IMC he's a duke, and an on-the-edge member of the Royal Family) as their confidantes.

Gunthar, as you can see, is actually Baron of Hommlet, which was annexed by Furyondy during the Greyhawk Wars. A largish area of the Kron Hills has been declared the Barony (though most of the gnomes there ignore the proclamation, most of the local humans welcome it, seeing it as a measure of protection from the increasingly aggressive Welkwood & Gnarley Forest humanoids).

=== PLAYER INFORMATION ===
Players Name : Paul Sweeney
Player email : N/A
=== CHARACTER INFORMATION ===
(Characters developed using Complete fighters & Complete Paladins handbooks)

NAME : Gunthar duGascoigne, Baron of Hommlet
RACE : Human
SEX : Male
AGE : 32
CLASS : Paladin
LEVEL : 8
XP's : 227 768
ALIGN: LG
HP : 69
AC : -1 (plate mail +3, shield & dex adj.)
THAC0: Base 13 (with “Shadowbane” 6)(+5 magic bonus, +1 str, +1 spec)

Ability Scores
18/27 Strength
15 Dexterity
17 Constitution
12 Intelligence
14 Wisdom
17 Charisma
11 Comeliness

Weapon Proriciency: Blades, heavy lance, light crossbow, horse mace, claymore (2-handed) sword (spec.)

Non-Weapon Proriciency: Horse riding, etiquette, heraldry, swimming, law

MAGIC ITEMS:
Armor : Plate mail +3
Weapons : “Shadowbane” +5 Purifier (Pal. Handbook; turns undead at Pal.'s level, +2 vs undead, +2 to saves regarding undead)
Misc :

EQUIPMENT:
Armor : see above
Weapons : sword (see above), dagger, light crossbow, heavy lance
Misc :

NOTES/ABILITIES:
Special Skills: All Paladin abilities
Languages: Common (literate), Velondi (illiterate)

APPERANCE :
Description: Tall & heavily built, with short cropped hair. Wears a beard. Always has Pelor's symbol somewhere on his person.
Height: 6'3”
Weight: 220 lbs.
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Other: Gunthar carries himself tall and regally, with a spring in his step when happy. When tired, or saddened, he will often unconsciously cover his lower face with a hand, or collar, or whatever is around. Nothing overt, mind you, just a left-over from his experiences (see below).

PERSONALITY: Gunthar is a true paladin of Pelor. He is dedicated to bringing light, strength and healing to the people of Hommlet, and has made a name for himself as a wise & just lord. He brings light in the form of truth, attempting to teach his people the ways of Pelor and the Church of Veluna and dispelling superstitions and fears. He brings strength by protecting them from harm. During the Greyhawk Wars, when Hommlet fell under the attack of humanoids from the Gnarley, and evil humans from Nulb banded together to attack, Gunthar led the defence of the village when Rufus was killed by an assassin. Healing is brought by the priests of Pelor Gunthar has encouraged with his building of a chapel and monastery as part of Hommlet Keep.
He is dedicated, too, to protecting Furyondy from harm, and this has recently led him into a dilemma which is currently unresolved. Gunthar is easy-going and cheerful, enjoying the company of Kings and Commoners equally, and able to mingle with both without appearing out-of-place. He is devoted to helping those in need, and a good part of his fortune has gone to the Church of Pelor in Greyhawk to buy food and shelter for refugees from the wars.

HISTORY: Hailing from Verbobonc, originally, Gunthar was blooded in battle in his teens as a banner bearer for a Knight of the Hart during the Battle of Emridy Meadows. From here he entered the order of Pelor's Faithful Sword, or the “Fidellian Knights” as they are more commonly known...a small fighting order of the Church of Veluna. He traveled to Hommlet some years ago, where he met Urath, a young magician from Greyhawk whose master had been killed by bandits in the ruined moathouse north of Hommlet. The two of them teamed up with others and followed the course of the ToEE module, and following that, the Scourge of the Slave Lords module. After rescuing Thrommel, they traveled to Mitrik for the pledging of Thrommel & Jolena. Here, Gunthar swore allegiance to Thrommel, and received a boon from Archcleric Hazen. You see, Gunthar has been hideously scarred by smallpox as a child (original comeliness was 4), but as a reward for rescuing his future son-in-law, Hazen used his clerical abilities to heal the scars, returning Gunthar to normal.
The Greyhawk Wars came in between the modules, during which time they served in the south, fighting for the survival of the good human settlements on the frontier of the Gnarley Forest. As a precaution against further incursions from the south (and also so that Thrommel, as king, would have at least one noble in the south who supported him), Gunthar was made Baron of Hommlet at the end of the war.
Currently, Gunthar is in a quandry. Jolena, it seems, is unable to bear children. Thrommel refuses to take a concubine, as he loves Jolena. Now not many people know this yet, but if it gets out that the future king will not have an heir, all hell will break loose. The southern nobles, already twitchy at the high taxes they've been paying to pay for the war which hardly touched them, would use it as an excuse to push for another to take the throne. The northern nobles, loyal to Belvor and Thrommel, would resist this.
In other words, should this become known, it could precipitate a civil war in Furyondy/Veluna.
Gunthar is unsure of what to do; he is loyal to Thrommel, but he knows that supporting Thrommel as king could well lead to a split kingdom, ripe for Iuz to sweep in and conquer. But he can't bear the thought of betraying his friend and liege...
(God I'm nasty to PCs, aren't I? )

Phil O'Neill

“May I find you with peace and leave you with hope.”