Quoth The Raven 02

Quoth the Raven
The World’s Most Unofficial Ravenloft Netzine
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Quoth the Raven: Issue 2
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A Wild Stab in the Mist

Salutations
If you are reading this, chances are that you have decided to download the second
issue of Quoth the Raven, the world’s most unofficial Ravenloft netzine. The first issue
was quite the learning experience for myself and the other editors, though we were still
hoping to lean a little more than we did. There were a lot of questions floating out there,
but not a lot of answers to be had. The community wasn’t shy to express dissatisfaction,
but there was no clear voice concerning suggestions for the future. In a lot of ways, this
second issue is another first.
This issue is a second probing stab into the mists. We’ve made a few changes and
we’re hoping to get a clear response from the audience. Readers from the first issue will
note that the netzine has changed in format, but not in content. The three-column format
is out and the typical two-column style is back in. Furthermore, the intro fiction has been
abandoned for the most part. This is the first issue featuring Fan Fiction, which we hope
will be a common occurrence.
More importantly, the content is becoming much more focused to a particular theme.
This issue includes the Shining Bay, a cluster of advanced domains, The March of
Progress, an examination of cultural levels, and other material geared to an advanced
cultural level. It is important for readers to know that this is the theme of this issue, not
the theme for the entire magazine. In future there will be issues on other themes. For
example, there are works in progress for an entirely medieval themed issue, as well as an
issue based on the infamous Carnival.
I would like to take this space to remind our readers that this magazine depends upon
them for both content and for feedback. The editors of Quoth the Raven want to produce
a useful product, but we need help to do that. Feel free to share with us your feelings
about this magazine and make suggestions for the future. Tell us how you feel about the
length of the magazine, the size of the articles, the themes or anything else. We can’t
make this magazine better without your help.
In any case, enjoy the issue and let’s all hope this second stab hits something.
ScS.
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Quoth the Raven®
Quoth the Raven is a registered trademark of The Fraternity of Shadows.

Any unauthorized duplication of this document will result in a public burning.
Ste. Ronges, Richemulot

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Café Du Nuit
Stephen@fraternityofshadows.com
In no event is the Fraternity of Shadows liable for damages caused by the misuse of its
products.
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Table of Contents
Features
The Rat 7 Growls in the Night 111
Original Fiction A Watcher in the Woods
By Sean Poindexter By Stephen “ScS” Sutton
The Shining Bay 13 Gregori Ambermist 113
Nosos, Paridon, and Timor Fruit from the Seed of Evil
By Stephen “ScS” Sutton By Shane Glodoski
From the Lab 41 Okraina 117
Diseases of Malus Sceleris As Cold as a Witche’s Heart
By Stephen “ScS” Sutton By Dmitri Zorin
Extraordinary Expertise 43
Masterwork Firearms Masque of the Red Death
By Stephen “ScS” Sutton
Crossroads of Gothic Earth 123
Whispers in the Dark 51
Mining the Demon Ore
Blackpowder Magic
Secrets and Sorcery 125
Children of the Night 53
The Brotherhood of Alchemy
The Invisible Man
By David “Jester” Gibson
Knowledge is Power 129
The March of Progress 59
Science in Gothic Earth
Cultural Levels in Ravenloft
Tactics and Techniques 141
Character Development 87
Scientific Feats
The Thrillseeker
Perilous Pursuits 143
Dr. Rudolph van Richten 91
The Mad Scientist
A hero through the Ages
By David “Jester” Gibson
Heinrich’s Curiosities 95
Van Richten’s Lost Arsenal Credits
By David “Jester” Gibson Contributors 147
Corners of the Core 105 Editors 148
Missaconic Univeristy
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6
The Rat
Original Fan Fiction
By Sean “The_God_Brain” Poindexter
prozac_god@hotmail.com
It was raining when the rat woke up from his brief and fitful slumber. This wasn’t
anything new, it always seemed to be raining, and when it wasn’t raining, a pale mist
choked the horizon. The rat didn’t consider such things, the world only existed in so far
as he could feel, see and smell. At that moment all he could feel was hunger, not an
unusual sensation for a rodent…but he while he couldn’t see anything to eat, he could
smell it.
There were others about him, rats like him with mangy black fur and wiry, whip like
tails. He didn’t bother them, and they didn’t bother him, but they were his competitors in
this life. The rat twitched its nose to pick up the scent of what he could eat, and he found
two trails. Following the first, the closest, he found he brethren swarming the soft
swollen earth…the body of a black flyer had fallen here.
The rat sat up on his haunches and licked his front toes, his way of keeping himself
busy while he examined the scene. There were at least twenty of his siblings here,
chewing on bits and pieces of the dead flyer. It was hardly worth his effort to fight past
them for what was left, most of what he smelled was already being eaten. He nodded his
head in frustration, then fell to all fours and scurried away before any of the others took
notice of him.
The rat took his time in finding the other scent. It was difficult for the rain; the
musky stench of the earth and bits of past meals on his own coat distracted him. He took
to compulsively licking his fur several times, having to consciously stop to focus on
finding the scent again. When he found it, he would trample over the soggy weeds and
grass until he lost it again, and then go through the frustrating procedure of finding it
once more.
In about an hour or so, as rats measure these things, he found himself in the tall
weeds. The rat remembered why he didn’t go into the tall weeds, why there weren’t
other rats here right now following this scent. The rat realized that he would have been
better off fighting with his siblings for scraps of the flyer. It was too late now; the rat was
in the hunter’s land. It was bad enough that the hunter came stalking the rats in their own
home when it got bored or hungry, but to be so brazen as to actually go to the hunter…he
shouldn’t have let his stomach control him so much.
The rat realized he was licking his fur again, and he stopped abruptly in frustrations.
Concentrate, he thought to himself, concentrate and you might live another night. The
hunter wouldn’t expect any of us to come up here, so maybe there is a chance…then he
smelled it again. Oh my…so much of it…so much stronger than before. He was close,
so close to it…so close to a meal that was all for him. None of the other rats would dare
crossing the hunter to get to it…at any other time he would have remembered what a rat
looked like after the hunter finished with it, finished tearing its fur open with its shiny
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white teeth and claws the size of a rat’s leg…but tonight all he could think of was the
scent of food.
He was already on his way when he finally decided to go forth. The scent was vivid
now, constant and unwavering. This seemed meant to be, he though…this was a meal he
was supposed to have, even though it would likely be his last. He’d had a long life
though; survived many things and he would likely survive this as well.
Past the weeds he came to a gate. Lightening flashed and lit up the sky, and the rat
recoiled as its sensitive ears twitched from the thunderclap that followed. In the brief
flash of illumination, the rat saw a house past the gate, up a stone path at the top of a hill.
He’d never journeyed this far into the land of the Hunter before, perhaps this was where
the hunter lived? No, far too large for the Hunter, this was a home of the Giants. Was
something the Giants had worthy of a rat to eat? The scent seemed to be saying yes, and
when the pumping of his little heart lessened he scurried through the gate and into the
yard.
The scent took him behind some giant buildings, where the earth was muddy and wet
again. In his entire racing about he hadn’t noticed that it had stopped raining, and the
unearthly mist was rising up from the earth again. In the distance, towards the source of
the mouth-watering scent, the rat now heard something that the rainfall had muffled
before. It was a chopping sound, like something hard and metal hitting something soft. It
was rhythmic, like the rat’s heart, though occasionally broken by the sound of dragging.
The rat advanced, until in the mists ahead he could see the breathtaking sight of a giant,
its shadowy silhouette stabbing the earth with a spade. So powerful were the giants, the
rat thought to himself, that they reshape the very earth beneath them! Surely, there would
be something this giant would have that he could eat.
He watched intently as the giant finished his work, finally drawing close enough that
it was more than a shadowy figure, he was a bearded giant with grey hair and filthy
clothes. He was surrounded by other piles of soggy earth, and before him lay a shallow
hole, the bottom of which was filled with a brown pool of dirty rainwater. The rat
twitched its nose and raised its head up to get a stronger taste of the scent, and found that
it was all around him! The very earth was full of it, and the strongest point of it was
coming from a large black bag that the giant had with him.
The rat was just about to advance on the bag, when the giant threw his digging spade
to the earth. It almost struck the rat, which instinctively dived out of the way only to lose
his footing and fall into the hole. He hit the pool with a splash, and closed his eyes as
water surrounded him. Panic took his body and he scrambled to bring his face up from
the murky fluid, then he gained a tentative hold on the muddy wall of the pit and pulled
himself up into the air. The giant then hurled the pack into the pit with him, once again
knocking the rat into the water. This time though, he was able to pull himself to the top
of the bag and avoid the risk of drowning. Now the questioned remained: would he be
able to get out of this hold before the giant threw something else at him?
The answer was no, but it didn’t matter because when the rat realized that his meal
was under his feet, he elected to stay in the hole. He made his way into one of the
openings of the bag and found his toes touching something cold and firm. The giant was
hurling earth back into the hole, but it didn’t matter to the rat. He’d dug himself out of
worse, and the hunter didn’t dig, so he would be safe with his meal.
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Long before the earth was packed, the rat was chewing on the soft, cold flesh of his
meal. He pulled bits of flesh from bone, swallowing it greedily then moving on to
another fresh piece of the prize. It wasn’t until his hunger was abated, and he began to
look for a warm place to rest, that he realized what he’d been feeding on: the body of a
giant.
Awe took him for a moment, the moment when he found the hand. It was like his,
but obviously larger and furless. His wormy tail lashed about nervously and he examined
the fingers, feeling each of them and sniffing the skin gently. He found that it was
smaller than the hand of the giant who had buried this one, and on its finger it bore a
shiny new treasure, a ring!
Some of his siblings had taken treasures from the giants before, but nothing this
shiny or delicate! It was perfect, he could take this with him and show it to the others so
that they would know that he had been in the land of the hunter and the land of the
giants…but no, then they would covet it and a cleverer rat would steal it, and he’d never
be able to enjoy its glitter and shine again. No, he though, this would be his prize alone.
He would keep it himself and never let any of the others see it.
It took him a while to gnaw the finger from the hand, but it came off with a little
fight. Less simple was removing the ring from the flesh, but this could be accomplished
later. Besides, he would likely become hungry again before he got home, and this meat
would serve his belly well. With the prize in his teeth, he set to the task of digging
himself out of this hole, and once he’d accomplished that it would be back to the land of
the rats. The earth was still moist and malleable, and before long the rat’s filthy head
poked through the earth and he was facing the cool embrace of night again.
The mists were thicker than before, and they obscured his passage. He’d been down
there for at least an hour or so, as rats measure these things. The scent of other meals to
be surrounded him, rising up from older, less defined mounds of earth that encircled the
one from which he’d come. What treasures, either shiny or chewable, lay buried in
those? It was too risky to try, and the rat was no longer hungry so he could focus on his
survival more easily; though that didn’t stop him from compulsively licking the bits of
his last mean from his fur every few minutes.
He left the scents behind him, and scurried across the law in the direction he thought
he’d come. He was almost to the gate, when he heard the hunter. Had it been a clearer
night, the hunter would have already taken him. But the earth was wet and the hunter
hated the wet, so his movements were awkward and clumsy by comparison. The hunter’s
eyes gleamed in the night, and his mouth opened to reveal those dreaded teeth. He was
far from the rat, but he could still smell the scent of one of his fallen siblings on the
hunter’s breath. The rat was confident that the hunter had not noticed him, at least until
the hunter began to creep towards him.
Think, focus…the rat though as he stopped licking his fur and glanced about. Pick
up your prize, he thought to himself as he took it into his teeth and looked for an escape.
There was a house, the giant’s house not far from here. The rat had gotten mixed up in
the rain, the mist was too thick and it had confused him, drawing him closer the house
than he intended to go. He might make his escape, but if he were to run now the cat
would take to pursuit, and he would become a meal.
Salvation came when the great metal gate swung open and a team of four-legged
giants came storming in, dragging a wheeled box behind it. The hunter, startled by the
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sound more so than the rat, was distracted for but a second, and the rat took his leave. He
scurried up through the moist grass into the house, running under a door. The hunter was
behind him, but the rat had sufficient lead and agility to escape. He was in the house
now, safe at last from the hunter…but not from the giants.
The ground here was hard and bare, and there was a pleasing warmth that rose up
from a cackling fire in the distance. The rat carried his treasure to the fire and curled up
next to it on a row of stone, letting the heat dry the caked mud to his mangy fur. What he
enjoyed most was the shine and sparkle on his treasure, the red and yellow flames
reflecting in the shiny glow of the metal surrounding the pale, cold flesh of a giant’s
finger.
Such luxury was not to last, however…then a door swung open and several giants
filed into the room. The rat scurried away frantically, finding a bookshelf to hide behind
as he watched nervously for any signs of the hunter coming in with them. No hunter, but
he did see the giant from before, in cleaner clothing, talking to three other giants. One of
them, the one being talked to, was older than the others, and bore a look of worry or
concern. The giant the rat recognized was explaining to him something, and the two
other giants stood back away as though they weren’t sure what was going on. The elder
giant then broke into tears, shaking his head and looking about the room, while the
familiar giant placed his hand on his shoulder and offered some sign of condolence.
It was then that the rat remembered that he’d left his treasure by the fire! Looking
across the room, he saw it there as plain as day, resting on the giant’s finger. Nervously,
he rubbed his hands and whipped his tail, then with a sharp bite of his lip departed from
the safety of his hiding place and advanced upon his treasure. The giants seemed too
distracted to care about him anyway, and with any luck he’d have his treasure and be out
of there before they even noticed.
No such luck, it would seem…for just as he was within an inch of his prize one of
the giants let forth a scream. The rat froze, then looked up to see all five of them
advancing upon him. The rat took one last look at his treasure, the glittering sparkle in
the firelight and the musty scent of the flesh, and darted back to his hiding place. He
peered over his shoulder once he was there to make sure that the giants weren’t about to
catch him, when he saw a curious thing: they weren’t interested in him at all…
The elder giant looked intently at the rat’s treasure, then reached forth slowly with a
quivering hand. He took the prize into his fingers and raised it to his face, wiping the
tears from his eyes and examining it closely. The shaking subsided, and was replaced by
a tremble of grief, followed by an explosion of rage. The familiar giant attempted to flee,
but the others grabbed him. The older giant was screaming so loud it made the rat turn
down his ears, and the other giants we striking the familiar one with pieces of wood to
subdue him.
From here, the rat followed the giants out into the yard. HE knew that being close to
the giants should dissuade the cat. He followed them only because the elder giant still
had his treasure, and perhaps when he wasn’t paying attention he would drop it and the
rat could reclaim his prize. This didn’t happen, however. Instead, one of the giants threw
the familiar one to the earth next to the mounds he had been digging in earlier that night.
The familiar one seemed to protest, but the elder giant struck him in the face with his
boot. With that, the familiar giant retrieved his spade and began to dig; until the earth
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was opened again and there before them lay the remains of the giant the rat had fed upon
earlier that night.
The next few minutes, as rats measure these things, were a clamor of frustration and
fear for the rat. The giants took to beating the familiar one again, but at no point did they
ever relinquish his prize. They made him dig more, until upwards of twenty mounds in
the earth were opened and the bodies of a smaller giant revealed within. Sometime
during all this it had begun to rain, and the mists enshrouded the scene like a garden wall.
The rat shivered in frustration, watching the giants stomp about the defiled earth,
frantically going from one hole to the next, then recoiling in disgust and anger at the
contents therein. When the last hole was overturned, the elder giant pointed at the
familiar one, now covered once again in mud and filth. He screamed as the two men took
him away, dragging him out of the yard and into the forest behind them. The rat, his
mind still obsessesed with his prize, followed the group.
They moved faster than he, and by the time he’d caught up with them they were
holding the familiar one to a tree. He struggled in vain, as the two stronger giants pulled
his arm back and held it to a branch. The elder giant drew forth from his coat a hammer
and a long, slender, rusty nail, which he drove into the flesh of the familiar giant’s hand,
securing him to this tree. He screamed and begged, but that didn’t stop the elder giant
from driving a nail into the other hand, then into each foot…until the familiar giant was
secured to the trunk and branches. To further dissolve his chance of escape, they
wrapped a rope around his waist and the body of the tree, and then left him there in the
rain, screaming.
Thoughts of the prize were gone now, as the rat had found something even shinier to
adore. Before him, writhing in pain and agony was warm food. The rat drew close, not
yet confident that the giant couldn’t hurt him. When he was sure of it, he took a few
cautionary sniffs and found himself becoming drunk on the aroma of blood. Then he
scurried away, back to the land of rats. He would alert them all, and they would follow.
Tonight there would be a great feast, as every rat in the countryside would descend upon
the giant and finally taste the luxury of warm food! Better than any prize, the rat would
be a hero, the champion who had braved than land of the hunter and the land of the giant,
and brought his siblings the most beautiful prize of all.
The mists parted way before him, almost tunneling his advance and he scampered
thoughtlessly through the mud and grass, his wormy tail whipping behind.
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12
The Shining Bay

Evil Walks Foggy Streets
The fog was rolling across the whistle, but before he bring it to his lips
streets of the city and steam was rising he could hear the sounds of other
from the sewers. The white light of the whistles singing their shrill cries
street lamps was swallowed up in the through the fog. In a second Parker had
vapors, illuminating the mist and reached the source of the scream. He
obscuring all that lay beneath its shroud. stood before an alleyway, strewn with
Constable Parker sniffed the air and was garbage and litter. At the center of the
pleased when he didn’t gag. That storm of rubbish lay a woman. Parker
afternoon the wind had changed and the didn’t have to look twice to be sure; he
fumes from Nosos had spilled across the knew she was dead.
whole island. The stink had only begun The young constable was running
to dissipate. before he could string together a
In the distance the foghorns coherent thought. There was a trail of
sounded from the Queen Mary Bridge. blood, dripping away from the body. He
Even from his spot in the center of the bolted down the alleyway, almost
West End, Parker could see the slipping on some rubbish as he turned
marvelous structure. Miles long and the corner. His eyes caught a glimpse of
taller than any tower, the Queen Mary movement around the corner; he
Bridge spanned the amazing gap followed after. Like a run away freight
between the sister cities. The ancient train, Parker charged through the black
steel structure was a lit up with lantern, maze of filth that was the West End. In
just as it was every night. The bridge the dark they were unfamiliar ways, a
was buried in evening fog, but in his labyrinth of crumbling bricks and gloom.
mind Parker could remember the huge Yet he refused to slow down for a
bridge, linking the tiny islands of the second.
Shining Bay into a line of stone and Now he could sense his quarry, see
steel, connecting Timor to its ruler the invisible cape flapping in the
Paridon. To the East the great clock blackness, hear the sounds of the racing
tower of Buckminster Abby was striking footsteps over his thundering strides, feel
twelve. The sounds of the huge iron the hot breath of the murderer. Turn
bells rang out in their booming bass toll, after turn, the murderer tried to lose
ringing out over the sleeping city. As the him. Parker was too quick, to agile to
bells rang from afar, the sounds of a be lost. The young man gripped his
scream pealed out. baton so tightly it hurt. His heart was
Parker bolted down the sidewalk. exploding with each beat; the vein
The source of the scream was close by, behind his eyes bulged horribly. Each
so parker moved with as much haste as step brought him closer and closer; he
possible. He tried to reach for his patrol could almost reach the flapping cloak.
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Now they neared the edge of the alleys, of a daze to have anything better to do.
Parker could see the light of the Thus occupied, Parker wasn’t watching
lanterns. With a final burst of speed, he when the gray haired constable reached
over took his target. down to the corpse and carefully
Arms interlocked, pumping legs removed the ring on its middle finger; a
tripped one another. Both bodies ring inscribed with a triangle and an
collapsed onto the cold hard concrete eye, a ring identical to the one on the
and rolled painfully from the alley and constable’s own finger.
into the street beyond. Parker kicked
hard into the other man’s body, eliciting The Shining Bay
a tortured cry. His throat ached with
pain, his heart struggled against the Geography
adrenaline, but still Parker forced The Shining Bay, also known as
himself up and brought his foot down. Zherisia, is a new cluster with a long
The cloaked murderer screamed in history. The Shining Bay was forged
agony, dropped the bloody scalpel he from a false history; a past that did not
held and brought his hands up to block exist several decades previously, though
the incoming blow. Parker was is as real to the denizens of that domain
swimming in a sea of rage; in his few as any history is to the people affected
years on the force he had seen too many by it.
bloodied bodies. He wasn’t going to let The Shining Bay is an island several
this animal escape. miles east of Nova Vaasa and south of
The baton fell again and again, Graben Island. The island is dominated
cracking bone and splitting flesh, and by the city state of Paridon, a massive
again and again his foot dug deep into and sprawling metropolis greater than
the cloaked man’s side. The murderer any city on the Core. Flanking the state
was dead twenty strikes before Parker of Paridon is its allied nation Nosos.
stopped. Exactly how long Parker stood Nosos is a barren waste, choked with
aghast, staring down on the body, he fumes and black slag. The two lands
could not tell. It wasn’t long before the nearly encircle the body of water from
sounds of whistles caught up with him. which the island gets its name, the
The first constable on the scene was Shining Bay.
someone Parker had never seen before, In the middle of the Bay stands
an old, gray haired man in uniform. The Paridon’s sister city, Timor. Timor is a
man said something, but Parker didn’t tiny but densely populated city, built
hear him. More constables arrived after upon an island and connected to Paridon
a while. Most of them were older, fatter by a massive bridge of steel and stone
men, out of breath. Each one gave the that straddles the tiny string of islands
corpse a kick, whistling with approval. between the cities. A ring of black rock
“Good job, kid,” was the most surrounds the island of the Shining Bay.
common statement. “You got the West The island gains its name from the only
Borough Butcher!” Parker didn’t hear natural usable harbor completely
much more than that. He was still encompassed by Paridon city, where the
coming down from the adrenaline high. water and river eroded the rock.
The other men ushered him away from
the scene, he followed, still in too much
14
History nobility overthrew the Zherisian
The people of the Shining Bay share Monarchy in a bloodless coup. The city-
a common lineage, they all belong to the state was made into a republic, ruled by
ethnic group known as the Zherisians. an oligarchy of nobles. Yet as time
Their tiny island evolved from an passed the aristocracy became decadent
original city-state, which stood where and corrupt. The need for science and
Paridon now exists. A hereditary advancement petered out and the two
monarchy ruled the city-state for cities began to decline. Tight
centuries, fostering the growth of culture restrictions were placed upon learning,
and science. It was in this early time allowing the oligarchy to control the
that Timor was colonized. The flow of ideas and advancement. The
Zherisians were reluctant to expand into knowledge of Paridon’s golden age
the city, for legends foretold that it was disappeared within only a generation.
built upon a nest of horrible monsters, The land fell into corruption and
monsters that eventually devoured the immorality. So great was the decline,
people that first colonized Timor. that the people scarcely realized that
Nonetheless Timor was colonized and their island had left their native ocean
built into a sister city for Paridon, ruled and emerged in a strange world of mist
by its own aristocratic council. and shadows.
Timor was nearly impossible to Despite the rampant corruption and
reach by sea, for the island is lifted free immorality, there remained a hidden
of the bay by a wall of sharp rocks, force at work, secretly fostering ethics
making any attempt to dock nearly and morality. The Celebrants of
impossible and terribly hazardous. To Humanity was founded to preach the
facilitate the colonization, subterranean ethics of Humanism to the masses. With
tunnels were engineered. From both the support of the commoners, a popular
sides, cavernous tunnels were dug revolt brought the royal line back to
through the soft rock beneath the bay, power under a constitution that divided
allowing the tunnels to emerge inside of power between the royalty and nobles.
the island, breaking through the weak By 745, the Monarchy and its
stone the made up the interior of the Parliamentarian supporters took power
island, far away from the unbreakable for its own.
rock of the shore. The pneumatic Timor remained the sanctuary for
tunnels allowed steam-powered the Oligarchy and a war arose between
locomotives to pass between the cities the two states. Timor was battered, but
under the Bay. However, as the its position was solidly defended. In the
centuries of prosperity passed, traffic end, Timor was starved into submission.
between the island and the mainland Rather than retake the city, Paridon
expanded beyond the bounds of the decided to exploit the populous. The
tunnels. The mighty Queen Mary, a monarchy exchanged food for
massive bridge of steel and stone was manufactured goods, at a rate of
constructed from Paridon to Timor, exchange that favored Paridon
spanning over a number of small atolls immensely. Timor declined and many
in the bay. of the buildings decayed, the stores and
As time passed, so to did this golden shops of Timor were converted into
age. After centuries of rule, the wealthy urban factories and textile mills where
15
the population laboured to make enough celebrants, the Celebrants of Humanity
goods to afford to eat. mostly remains a monastic order,
Nosos was colonized shortly after instructing Celebrants in the art of self-
the suppression of Timor in 747. The perfection by training them as monks.
area had once existed as an impenetrable Also at work in the Shining Bay is
forest, guarded by barbaric druids. The the gentleman’s club known as the
people of Paridon ignored the forests of Divinity of Mankind. This organization
Nosos, though they secretly hungered for is known as a popular philosophical
the riches of the area. When Malus society, an exclusive club where men of
Scelerius appeared, the city of Paridon wealth and power can meet and privately
saw a great economic boom. The vast discuss matters of business, politics,
forests were converted into charcoal and science and spiritualism. These clubs
sold at high prices to the lands on the meet at lodges, which are located all
Core. After the forests came the mines over the Shining Bay.
and the metals they carved from the Magic is a mysterious force at work
earth. Nosos was made into an in the world, one that defies reason and
independent state in a joint agreement rationality. As a consequence,
between Paridon and Nosos’ House advancement in magical knowledge is
Councilors. The city of Paridon lost severely lacking in the Shining Bay.
nothing by granting Nosos its freedom, Wizards and sorcerers are extremely
for it allowed the city to levy hefty taxes rare, looked at more as a novelty than a
upon goods transported from Nosos, to serious profession. The priests of
other domains, by way of Paridon’s foreign gods are looked down upon with
ports. pity. Faiths that profess rational ideals
are viewed favorably, while those that
Politics and Religion stress blind devotion and tradition are
The island of the Shining Bay is shunned. Psionics are so rare in
ruled by the Zherisian Monarchin Ravenloft that they are completely
conjunction with a body of appointed unknown in the Shining Bay.
lords. The official religion of the
Shining Bay is a highly sophisticated Advanced Cultural Level
faith, based upon the underlying The domains in the Shining Bay are
philosophy that becoming more human much more advanced than those of other
is the only manner in which a being may areas in the demiplane. Rifles are
attain perfection. considered to be martial weapons and
The Celebrants of Humanity have pistols are simple weapons.
recently begun to tap into the divine Furthermore, characters and non-player
force of perfection, issued forth by the characters with the classes aristocrat or
General Will of Man. This General Will expert should be granted the class
serves as a “moral judge”, acting in the alterations as prescribed for those classes
same role normally filled by a God. The in the Gothic Earth conversion, detailed
domains of this faith are knowledge, law in the article Those Who Delve the Dark
and strength and the underlying found in Quoth the Raven Issue 1.
alignment is lawful neutral. Despite the
recent appearance of spell casting
16
Figure 1: The Shining Bay - Island in the Nocturnal Sea

refineries of the domain. Every drop of
Nosos water is infested with a variety of
Cultural level: Industrial (12) organisms, most of which are
Landscape: Sparse ecology debilitating if not fatal parasites.
(despoiled wasteland). The land of Nosos is permanently shrouded in
Nosos is a blasted wasteland, dominated an awful acidic stench and the skies are
by endless hills of slag and gaping pits always blackened with the fumes that
into the earth. The land is devoid of any belch from the domains metal refineries
animal life, except for the flocks of and coal furnaces. Rainstorms are
pigeons and seagulls migrating between frequent in Nosos, each deluge brings a
townships. The earth of Nosos is flood of acrid water that corrodes metal
scorched by the sun and devoid of any and burns the rock black. Seasons are
plants, leaving the land a desert even on all but indistinguishable since the black
the shores of the Yellow River. The smog traps heat in the domain. Winter is
river gains its name from the sulfur in the only noticeable season; it can be
the water, spewed forth by the metal identified by the noticeably colder
climate and the fall of ashen snow. At
17
all other times the temperature is high experience at the sides of their parents.
and the air is humid. Periodically the The members of the upper class are
domain is smothered in a fog of fumes cynical and without scruples. Success is
coming from the “roasting yards”. This measured by how much one can exploit
smog reduces visibility to zero, though it the impoverished people directly beneath
causes no immediate harm to anyone one’s self. The members of the upper
who is forced to breath it in. class are highly competitive between
The cities of Nosos team with life, each other; murders, conspiracies and
though it is a life choked by equal parts theft are well-established social
misery and fumes. Every building in the institutions. The upper class maintains a
is covered in a layer of black soot, and council, under the guidance of the
the streets reek of sewage, for few council’s chairman, Malus Sceleris.
homes posses plumbing. After a rain, the This council oversees the common
waste seeps into the ground and interest of all members of the upper
accumulates in the basements of class, maintaining the status quo.
buildings at the bottom of hills. The renters are the lower class of
Rats and scavenging insects thrive Nosos. They are a downtrodden lot;
in these conditions, as do a plethora of their suffering is the foundation upon
diseases. Where Nosos meets the which Nosos was built. The renters are
Nocturnal Sea the land becomes hard hopelessly poor and indebted; they and
jagged rock. These rocks are very their children labor without end in the
resistant to any attempt to hew them, so mines and refineries of Nosos, earning
no true harbors exist. Just off the coast only enough to feed their families until
of Nosos is Garbage Island, the storage they grow old, are injured, or become
dump for all of the domain’s excess debilitated by a disease. The renters live
materials. Garbage Island is a thriving in terror of exile to Garbage Island, the
ecosystem for seagulls, pigeons, feral punishment that befalls anyone who
cats, rats, mongrel dogs and diseased cannot afford to rent land in the cities.
humans. The only established religion in
Settlements: Copperpit (pop 657), Nosos is the Celebrants of Humanity.
Garbage Island (pop 112), Nicklebelt These missionaries are struggling to gain
(pop 894), Northton (pop 545), Nosos the trust of the people. Little success has
Proper (pop 2700) been made amongst the upper class of
The Folk: Population 4950; Nosos, for many of these nobles have
Humans 99%, other 1%. Languages – been lured into the gentleman’s club
Zherisian. known as the Divinity of Mankind.
The folk of Nosos divide into two Even those not of that society resist the
classes, the owners and the renters. The Celebrants, for the aristocrats fear that
owners are the elite of Nosos; they are the church will unite the people against
the rail barons, the slumlords, the their oppressors.
company directors and the storeowners. The Law: The House of Councilors
These people live lives of relative luxury writes the laws of Nosos and oversees
in rich estates on the high ground on the the enforcement of its Charter. The
edges of the cities. This upper class is Chief Executive, Malus Sceleris, leads
fairly well educated, though most of the House. This governing body meets
their experience is gained from hands-on infrequently, most of its duties are to
18
approve new taxes to be placed on the the payment of an expensive “green
impoverished poor of Nosos or pass new tax”, roughly one gold piece each month
laws to oppress them. for every cubic foot of flora. Only the
The individual aristocrats enforce wealthy nobles of the domain can afford
laws in Nosos, each of who maintains a to pay it, which makes gardens around
small force of personal thugs. These their manors a status symbol of the
thugs are a critical component in the highest caliber. Of course the poor of
laws of Nosos, for they are the only the domain cannot afford to pay the fee,
force keeping the downtrodden poor in so many of them have never so much as
line. The assembly of workers is always seen a living plant. Trees are completely
considered unlawful. The upper class is forbidden by law.
terrified by the prospect of organized Trade and Diplomacy: Resources
laborers, so they do anything to keep that – Coal, copper, gold, iron, metallurgic
from occurring. There is an unofficial knowledge, nickel, silver, steel. Coinage
reward offered for any information – pound (gp), shilling (sp), pence (cp).
leading to the arrest of labor organizers. Nosos is built on trade. Nosos has
There are few places where the workers no harbors of their own, so they rely
are not so desperate as to pass up an upon the exchange of goods through
opportunity to earn a hand full of Paridon’s ports. The railroads of Nosos
coppers by betraying their friends. are critical for this purpose; the massive
The greatest offences in Nosos are beasts of black steel haul the refined
theft, murder and unlawful assembly. metal ore to the factories of Paridon
Crimes are prosecuted in the courts where they are turned into finished
controlled by the House of Councilors, goods. Nosos is filled with shops selling
obviously there is a powerful bias in goods purchased from Paridon. Though
these courts against the poor laborers the people of the domain are
brought to trial. Sharp minded barristers impoverished, they do enjoy many
and stern Justices of the Peace ensure benefits from the miracle of metallurgy.
that the courts never fail to place poor Were it not for metal stoves, glass plates,
criminals in prison and rescue wealthy woven clothing, cheap bread and cast
aristocrats from injustice. iron pots, the people of Nosos would
Punishment for minor offences is never be able to endure the unhealthy
usually a hefty fine, though the more conditions under which they live.
serious crimes are resolves by There is no natural source of food in
incarceration into the Nosos Jail. For Nosos, so it depends on the purchase of
important offences, such as the murder bread, grains and meat from Paridon.
of an aristocrat or unlawful assembly, Native sources for meat are all but
the sentence is usually permanent exile nonexistent. There is a steady trade in
on Garbage Island. Prisoners sent to that pigeon meat, and an unofficial trade in
horrible place are never seen or heard of rat, cat and dog meat substituted for
again. For cases like murder the imported beef and pork. The
sentence is almost always death by impoverished customers know the truth,
hanging. though pretending that it is proper fare is
Of the laws in Nosos, the most the only thing allowing them to enjoy
perplexing is the “green tax”. The their meal.
possession of any kind of plant requires
19
Characters: Classes – aristocrats, Mackie dueling pistol, silk top hat, white
experts, fighters, rogues. Skills – bluff, gloves.
1
craft (clock making, gunsmith, From “Those who Delve the
locksmith), diplomacy, Profession Darkness”, Quoth the Raven Issue #1
(engineer, locomotive engineer, miner).
Feats – toughness, great fortitude, jaded,
Background
skill focus (bluff) Malus Sceleris began life as the
Characters native to Nosos may use neglected son of a widower druid.
firearms as though they were not exotic Malus’ father never recovered from the
weapons. Any form of pistol is a simple loss of his wife and subconsciously
weapon and rifles are martial weapons. blamed the child for her death in
childbirth, as a result he never able to
Malus Sceleris give his son love or affection. Instead he
became a pure disciplinarian, lecturing
Darklord of Nosos the young boy without end. At an early
Male human aristocrat 4 expert 2 age Malus learned to resent his father,
manipulator 2: CR 8; SZ M Humanoid for while the man tended lovingly to
(5ft 8in. tall); HD 8D6 +18; hp 42; Inn trees and animals, he showed nothing
+1; Spd 30; AC 11 (+1 dex); Atk: +5, +8 but scorn for his own flesh and blood.
melee (dagger 1D4+3), +7 ranged The old man continuously lectured the
(dueling pistol 1D10, *3, 50 ft.); SA boy in the ways of the great circle, trying
diseases, spells, trickster; SQ Curse, to teach the boy to listen to the voices of
Immunities; AL LE; SV Fort +4, Ref +7, the forest and the spirits of the departed
Will +10; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 16, druids who still dwelled within. Yet
Wiz 13, Cha 20. Malus was deaf to the voices, and for
Skills and Feats: bluff +21, that, his father ignored him.
diplomacy +19, gather information +17, Malus became a resentful teen;
innuendo +11, intimidate +13, though he was apt at hiding his true
knowledge (chemistry) +12, knowledge emotions, he learned that he needed to
(pathology) +12, perform +9, read lips release his anger. He accomplished this
+10, sense motive +14; machiavellian, by striking at everything for which his
skill focus (gather information), father stood. Malus became the opposite
lightening reflexes, logical mind, skill of his father; he became light hearted
focus (bluff), skill focus (diplomacy); and out going, a charming young man
Class Abilities1: Discretion, with a quick smile and a quicker tongue.
Expertise, Noble tongue, Power is With his charms, he inspired a
Knowledge, Renown, Stiff Upper Lip, group of villagers to settle in the forests
compelling conversationalist, world of Nosos. He knew that the villagers
wise. would instantly come into conflict with
Spells Memorized: Charm his father. From the shadows, he played
Spells Known: cause fear, charm both groups against each other. As the
Languages: Zherisian, Vassi, conflict escalated Malus experimented
Darkonese, Grabenite with the best ways to defile the forests
Signature Possessions: black cape, his father loved. Uncontrolled fires and
designer shoes, expensive cane, fine silk clear-cutting quickly proved too boring
suit, gold watch, jeweled dagger +3, to satisfy his needs, so Malus looked into
chemicals and diseases. In these
20
sciences he found the best means by sadistic entertainment until the sun
which he could plague life and despoil began to drop behind the trees. In the
the land. With a means of revenge at red light of dusk the forest was bathed in
hand, all that stood in his way was his orange light.
father. Malus tried unsuccessfully to Malus buried his father amongst the
secretly poison the old man, earning trees for he wanted his father’s spirit to
nothing for his attempts but stern feel the same agony he would visit upon
scolding for using dangerous herbs. The the forest. As Malus dropped the last
old druid might have suspected his spade of earth upon the grave, something
danger had Malus not been such an tugged at the edge of his consciousness.
accomplished liar. After the failure, At first he dismissed it as the buzzing of
Malus turned to disease. One day he a fly or a trick of the mind, yet as the
road out to the city beyond the forest and night grew around him the voice became
carefully gathered fouled water as well clear. It was the sounds of the forest, the
as blood, pus, sweat and other fluids whispers of the trees and the echoes of
from those dying of diseases. With his the druids. Malus was horrified, for in
vile mixture of toxins he returned home his father’s death he had gained the
and polluted his father’s bed. abilities that he had always reviled.
The old druid returned that night, Somewhere in the chorus he heard a
exhausted from a physical confrontation sound that struck his very soul, a voice
with the villagers. Finding his son there, that pierced his heart and unleashed a
something overcame him and the old torrent of misery. It was the voice of his
man embraced his son for the first time. father, whispering the words that he had
After so many fights with ignorant never uttered in life:
outsiders, the old druid had finally come “I love you, son.”
to appreciate the son who had never left Malus shrieked in horror and pain.
his side, the only other being with whom The old man had been ignorant to the
he could share his feelings, the only very end, never doubting his son’s
person who would be left after himself loyalty for a moment. It was then that
to carry on the struggle. For once, Malus understood love, just as he came
Malus was at a loss for words. The to understand true sorrow. In a fit of
young man knew that he was feeling a futile rage, Malus set the forest ablaze.
sensation he had never felt before, Desperate to silence the voices, he
something very unusual and alien. Yet scorched the woods, stamped upon the
the feeling passed too quickly, whatever grasses and defiled the groves. The next
part of Malus that might have wanted to day Malus retreated to the village and
explore that feeling was long atrophied. took refuge in the structures of stone. In
Malus covered his face with a fake smile the safety of the manmade houses he
and told his father to rest. plotted the destruction of the forest. He
By the coming of the dawn the druid knew that only by exterminating all of
was wracked with agony. His body was nature could he silence the voices and
being assaulted by countless parasites, quell the guilt gnawing at his soul.
each releasing toxins into every organ in
his body. Malus watched as his father’s
Current Sketch
body seized and shivered. The tough old Malus is a man of only 30 years. He
priest lasted for hours, offering Malus is a handsome specimen, always
outgoing and spirited. His face is never
21
absent of his shining smile, which varies Falconovia. Malus drives the workers of
between a trustworthy grin to a fiendish Nosos like a cruel slave master and
sneer. Malus never leaves his home manipulates the other aristocrats of
wearing anything but the most expensive Nosos to do the same. He is terrified
fashions from Paridon or the Core. In that should the ceaseless industry of
public Malus is witty and extremely Nosos come to a halt, nature will reassert
charming, but in private, to his enemies, itself and he will again face the forgotten
he is diabolically ruthless and smug. horror that lurks in his nightmares.
Alone, Malus could never have To ensure that it never happens,
destroyed Nosos. However, finding Malus has made it his business to keep
people willing to help him was a simple the workers at their labors. Malus baits
matter. Malus used his charms to the people of Nosos, keeps them chasing
convince the village folk to recklessly after wealth and material gain. The
scour the land while he arranged a laborers are kept downtrodden; the
lucrative trade agreement between Nosos crushing load of debts and injustices
and Paridon. The city of Paridon had no dashes their hopes and dreams, keeping
shortage of men willing to defile nature them in their place. Malus enjoys
for a profit. Malus lured the most oppressing the poor and helpless, there is
ravenous businessmen to Nosos and no form of entertainment more enjoyable
convinced them to assist him in opening to him than watching his thugs pummel
mines, mills and smelters. those who can’t pay their rent. The
In his efforts to silence the voice of young man knows that he cannot treat
the forests, Malus has scorched the land the aristocrats in the same manner, so
of Nosos. The trees have been harvested instead he manipulates these nobles into
and carried away, the earth has been corruption and evil, and taking vicarious
sundered and the air poisoned with toxic joy from the malice they sew.
chemicals. He has made the land into a
barren waste, buried its life beneath
Combat
dunes of lifeless sand and mountains of Malus despises combat; he feels that
slag. Yet the scouring of life from it is beneath a man of his abilities. Yet
Nosos is incomplete. Each morning he is not so naive as to believe that his
Malus can hear the hum of life growing bodyguards would always be able to
deep beneath the layers of soot and slag. protect him. Malus always carries a
Deep in the crevices of his mind, he dagger, an heirloom he stole from a
knows that he can never truly destroy family exiled to Garbage Island.
nature. Yet Malus will not give up his Complimenting the dagger is a dueling
quest. pistol. Malus never leaves his home
He has blocked out the traumatic without at least one bodyguard, most of
memories of the night of his father’s whom are third level warriors.
death, yet he fears to hear the voice of When faced with a threat, Malus
nature again. Malus has decided that the usually lets his natural charms do his
best manner in which he can stomp out work for him. His skill as a manipulator
life is to encourage mankind to wage an allows him to fascinate and even make
unending battle against it. He has made suggestions to opponents who might
himself into a robber baron, a slumlord otherwise have been hostile.
and the harshest taskmaster east of Curse: Malus is haunted by the half
forgotten horrors of the night he buried
22
his father. Malus has been granted the damage and life-drain. Malus does need
supernatural druidic sense of his parents; to eat, drink and breath, but no amount
he is able to speak with trees at will and of toxicity in food, liquid or air can harm
can sense their presence within a mile him. Malus can use his own body as a
radius. However, the presence of trees vector for diseases and poisons. Usually
horrifies Malus, for every tree within the he carries a debilitating disease or
domain whispers with the voice of the poisonous chemical on his hands,
extinct forest. When Malus senses such wearing his signature white gloves to
a plant in his domain, he suffers from the prevent accidental contact.
effects of a failed fear check. Trickster: Malus possesses an
Immediately Malus sends his minions to inhuman charisma, a force of will that
stamp out the offending flora. His inspires trust in even the most wise and
abilities allow him to pin point the wary. Normally player characters
location of the plant within an area of ten cannot be influenced by diplomacy or
yards. Malus is loath to bear the intimidation attempts made by NPCs.
presence of any plant, be it the shrubs of Whenever Malus uses his skills to
a garden or a single flower in a vase. intimidate, or negotiate or use his
However, these puny plants cannot manipulator abilities upon player
speak to him, they merely buzz with the characters they must make an opposed
hum of life. As a result, Malus allows sense motive check. If the check fails,
the wealthy aristocrats of Nosos to then they play into Malus’ hands.
possess gardens around their mansions, Characters engaged in combat or who
if they pay the “green tax”. possess prior knowledge of Malus’
Diseases: Malus maintains a staff machinations gain a +4 circumstantial
of scientists who are experts in the bonus to their opposed check.
creation of diseases. Malus himself is
well versed in diseases, so he proposes
Lair
most of the theories to the creation of the Malus Sceleris dwells in Sceleris
pathogens. In his laboratories Malus Manor, positioned on the top of “Snob
keeps a vast store of lethal and parasitic Hill” in the center of Nosos Proper.
creations. With his immunities to Sceleris Manor is home to a dozen
disease, Malus can smear these servants, half a dozen guards and
compounds on his hands and deliver Malus’s pathogen laboratory. The
them to a victim with a touch. Of the building is made of blackened wood and
plethora of diseases at his command, he built into the shape of a diamond. The
is known to have at least one disease three-story structure features servant
designed to debilitate his enemies, one quarters, guest rooms, a dining hall, a
that creates a catatonic state and at least ballroom and a rock garden built in the
one capable of inducing madness. These center. Like most mansions in Nosos, a
diseases are always of the highest tall stone fence protects Sceleris Manor.
virulence. The difficulty class for the Guards patrol the barren grounds of the
fortitude check is usually 20 and the manor, protecting its owner form
incubation time is never more than a assassins and would be thieves.
single day. Mechanical traps protect certain rooms
Immunities: Malus is immune to within the manor house are protected by,
all forms of diseases, poisons, ability including Malus’s bedroom and
laboratory.
23
Closing the Borders in a curve down from the southeast,
When Malus wills that the borders through the moors, into Lake Rhastik
close, huge mountains of slag rise up and down to the Nocturnal Sea. The
from the ground. The slag neat the top is land of Paridon receives a huge amount
molten, causing damage as magma. The of rain for a domain of its size, so the
skies become thick with choking fumes River is almost always full. There are
and a storm of acid rain throws back any numerous moors and peat bogs in the
fliers or anyone foolish enough to slog domain, mostly in the East of the
through the molten slag. On the coast of domain, though a few tiny swamps can
Nosos, the waters become extremely be found in the lower grasslands. These
fierce with the approach of a storm. No bogs are dismal places where the trees
swimmer or sea craft can avoid being block out the sun and no light can escape
dashed upon the rocks, nor can any flier the muddy, brackish waters.
escape the tempest. The most important area of Paridon
is the metropolis of the same name. Seat
Paridon of the monarchy of the Shining Bay,
Paridon is a living artwork
Cultural level: Industrial (12) commemorating the glory of reason.
Landscape: Paridon is home to the The city is a sprawling jungle of stone
largest, most populous city in the entire and mortar. The Rhastik River feeds the
known demiplane. Paridon makes up city with water, and the countless ships
the majority of the Shining Bay; the from Darkon, Graben Island, Liffe, and
domain contains the island’s only usable Nova Vaasa feed it with foodstuffs. The
port. The harbor is located in the south city is devoid of any greenery; say that
west of the domain, and is covered in of Queen Mary Park, located in the
ports and docks. The rest of the domain center of the city. The city is known to
is encircles by the impenetrable black foreigners as the city of lights, for the
rocks that line the coast. In the Northern streets are always illuminated by oil
corners of the land these rocks are a lanterns. Beneath the city is an
shear cliff face, separating the land from expansive system of sewers and tunnels.
the Nocturnal Sea by a deadly drop into Abandoned by man, these cavernous
the foaming surf. The land around the shafts were once a magnificent
city of Paridon is dominated by rolling pneumatic train tunnel, facilitating trade
grassy hills. These grasslands are between Paridon and the sister city of
divided up by highways of worn earth Timor. Now the need for those tunnels
made by the shepherds who graze their is gone, all that travels through them are
flocks on the land. Beyond the the rats and other fell things.
grasslands are the domain’s only forests. Settlements: Barrington (pop 82),
These are thin woodlands, populated Chattem (121), Diblum (54), Melbrook
with a plethora of wild birds and the (75), Groening (62), Paridon (pop 39
foxes that prey upon Paridon’s sheep. 245), Sheffield (pop 65), Slymouth (pop
The forests are made upon of mostly 245), Yorkville (pop 60)
deciduous trees, though the fumes from The Folk: Population 40 050;
Nosos are giving pines and other Humans 99%, other 1%. Languages –
evergreen trees a competitive edge. Zherisian.
The Rhastik River splits the domain
and the city of Paridon. This river runs
24
The people of Paridon are divided city of Paridon, a bootblack’s son could
into the upper, middle and lower classes. become a doctor, if he can afford to pay
The lower class represents the for the education. Indeed, such a doctor
uneducated labourers of Paridon society. might even be able to wriggle his way
They work in the countless factories and into high society and marry his way into
docks, as well as bakeries, farms, the upper class. The middleclass men
fisheries and slaughterhouses. These commonly dress in black business attire,
people are a slovenly folk; their speech the women wear modest dresses.
is peppered with slang, have little The upper class of Paridon is made
appreciation for art or science and they up of the wealthiest members of society.
live in squalor. The lower class dwells They are the landowners, owners of
in the gloomy slums, both in the successful businesses, partners in
Westborough (the North West Corner) prestigious law firms, members of
and Bay Side (the dock area). They Parliament and highborn nobles. The
make little money for their efforts and upper class is an exclusive society of
partake of few of the advantages of their refined gentlemen and delicate ladies.
society. The lower class of Paridon has The upper class is very discerning in its
privilege that no peasant or serf in the members, money and marriage is never a
Core possesses, the ability to move up in guarantee of entry. Without exception,
social class. If they can save enough the members of the upper class are elitist
money to have their children educated or and self-superior. They enjoy a standard
apprenticed to a craftsman, then the of living beyond that of the richest
whole family can benefit from the nobles of the Core and have access to all
presence of a middleclass relative. of the greatest luxuries known to man.
Despite this, many of the poor folk Wealthy men tend to dress in black coats
squander their money on the cheap beer and trousers; women prefer bonnets as
manufactured in Paridon’s breweries. well as long dresses of any colour.
Alcoholism and domestic abuse is The people of Paridon value reason
universally abhorred, but it is also a fact and intellect over any other trait.
of life in the city. These impoverished Though birthright is respected, it is
labourers wear simple, grey clothing. never an excuse for a lack of manners or
The next class is the middleclass, a dull wit. The people of Paridon
made up of educated professionals and worship no Gods and partake in no
craftsmen. Everyone from the superstitions. Their only religion is the
shopkeepers to the doctors and barristers Celebrants of Humanity, a religion
of Paridon are considered middleclass. governed by the “General Will”, the
The members of the middleclass invent, collective unconsciousness of all
market and sell the manufactured goods humans. This General Will is the spirit
that drive the economy of Paridon. It is of all human morals and ethics; it is the
impossible to overlook the influence of source of all intuition and the ultimate
capitalism in the middle class. Outsiders destination of the deceased. Beyond this
might mistake this drive for simple belief, the folk of Paridon put their faith
greed, and although avarice does play a in science and logic.
role, the industriousness of the Paridon The Celebrants preach a harsh breed
middleclass is driven by the of puritanical morals, emphasising
opportunities available to them. In the modesty and chastity above all else.
25
While the lower class has mostly ignored offenses are often fines, whose proceeds
this view of sex, the middleclass and go to the victim.
upper class are socially bound show the The Paridon Constabulary enforces
same aversion as the Celebrants. Both Law and order. The constabulary is a
women and men dress in conservative professional police force based in
and concealing clothing. Rotterdam Yard in the Eastern half of
The Law: Paridon is a the city. Ignorance of the law is not
constitutional monarchy. The official considered an excuse for an offense, so
head of state is Queen Anne, heir to the outsiders are encouraged to be on their
ancestral crown. The head of best behavior. Criminal offenses are
government, however, is the Prime punished by imprisonment in the
Minister Sir Winston Chapelmount, Regional Jail, located on the
leader of the House of Commons. Northwestern corner of the city. The jail
The House of Commons, a body of is a cesspool of criminals and other
professional politicians elected every scum, though it is many times more
four years, writes the laws. These civilized than any dungeon in the Core.
parliamentarians meet for ten months Trade and Diplomacy: Resources
each year at the building from which – beer, cast iron, ceramics, culture,
they derive their name. Laws are designer clothing, furniture, glassware,
debated and if passed then sent to the jeweler, manufactured goods, scientific
House of Lords, a body of aristocrats knowledge, shipping, usury, steel goods,
appointed for life by the ruling monarch. textiles, and wool. Coinage – pound
This house either accepts or rejects new (gp), shilling (sp), pence (cp).
laws or taxes, though they have no direct The booming economy of Paridon is
control in the creation of a budget. dependent upon foreign trade. Paridon
Should a law or form of tax be approved, maintains massive fleets of merchant
it goes to the monarch, who may or may vessels that buy raw materials like
not accept it. lumber from neighboring domains and
Laws in Paridon are based on a long bring them to Paridon. These raw
series of precedent, though there is a materials are then sent to factories either
significant movement calling for a in Paridon or sent over the Queen Mary
simple codified system. Criminal law is Bridge for manufacture in Timor. The
not unlike that of any other domain. finished goods are sent out to Nova
Assault, fraud, murder, rape, and theft Vassa, Graben Island, Liffe or Darkon,
are all serious crimes, punishable by where they fetch a hefty price. The
imprisonment or in some cases death. outside Domains depend upon Paridon
The civil law of Paridon is extremely to manufacture products like cheap
extensive, encompassing business textiles or delicate metalwork, so they
practices, contract law, labor rights, have a vested interest in maintaining
libel, medical malpractice, negligence good relations with the Shining Bay.
and slander. Punishments for civil
26
Figure 2; Brick Street - Commerce center of Pariodon
Paridon is highly dependant on The countryside around Paridon is

Nosos and Timor. Nosos is the source filled with farmers and shepherds. Most
of all of Paridon’s metal and coal, of the food in Paridon is imported from
allowing the domain to keep shipping Darkon and Nova Vaasa, but a good
and heating costs down. Paridon has a amount of vegetables are grown in the
vested interest in the exploitation of the domain. The main use of the
workers in Nosos, so the government of countryside is for sheep grazing. Sheep
Paridon has never spoken out against the are the domains main source of meat as
brutality in that domain. Timor is the well as the only stable source of wool.
other critical cog in Paridon’s The wool from sheep are processed and
machinery. Timor is kept is submission turned into finished products in the
by a series of tariffs on foodstuffs, which textile mills and sweatshops of Timor,
make food so expensive that the only to be sold in Paridon to merchants,
Timorese are forced to labor ceaselessly and from there shipped to domains on
in order to survive. the Nocturnal Sea.
Paridon uses a complex form of Lamb meat and beer are the last two
economic management. “Shares” in a significant items in the economy. Lamb
business are exchanged at the Currency is so expensive that most families can
Exchange on Brick Street, just north of only afford to eat the organ meat. There
the House of Commons. There are a are a wide variety of dishes served from
great number of banks in Paridon, which the lesser meats of lamb, including a
loan money to the merchants who ship mishmash of internal organs called
the goods of the Shining Bay throughout haggis. Beer is a watery ale brewed
the Nocturnal Sea. from foreign grains. This beer is both a
cheap and fine tasting beverage, popular
27
amongst everyone in the domain, even Background
though the upper classes express a token More than a century ago, Sodo lived
disdain for the brew. amongst a tribe of doppelgangers in the
Characters: Classes – aristocrats, city of Paridon. These shape shifters
clerics (the Church of Mankind), lived lives of comfort and ease as
experts, fighters, monks, rogues. Skills immortal parasites upon society. Unlike
– bluff, craft (clock making, gunsmith, normal members of their race, these
haberdasher, locksmith, tailor, tanner, doppelgangers were kept immortal by
weaver), diplomacy, knowledge (history, the use of an alchemical formula, held
economy, royalty, politics), Profession by their clan elders. More than his kin,
(banker, constable, driver, engineer, Sodo desired constant admiration and
lawyer, merchant, sailor, shepherd). glorification, and sought it out in his
Feats – logical mind, Machiavellian, false identities. He basked in fawning
skill focus (bluff, craft skills, profession and pampering, and used his tribe of
skills) doppelgangers to manipulate the society
of the city so that his guise might be
Sodo constantly bombarded with the attention
Darklord of Paridon he so craved.
Dread Doppelganger aristocrat 6: Yet Sodo’s selfish machinations led
CR 10; SZ M Shape changer; HD 4D8 + him into conflict with the rest of his
6D6; hp 44; Inn -1; Spd 30; AC 15 (-1 clan. The elders disapproved of all of
Dex, +6 natural); Atk: +5 (2 slams +9, the attention focused on one of their
1d6); SA Detect thoughts; SQ curse, members; as well they were envious of
immunities; AL LE; SV Fort +6, Ref +5, his charismatic leadership. As a means
Will +12; Str 10, Dex 9, Con 10, Int 18, of punishing the upstart, they ordered
Wiz 16, Cha 16. him to leave his current guise and
Skills and Feats: bluff +24, surrender it to one of the senior
diplomacy +18, disguise +22, gather doppelgangers.
information +14, listen +13, innuendo Sodo was livid, but like a skillful
+14, intimidate +10, knowledge (local) chameleon, he never showed the
+8, knowledge (history) +8, knowledge slightest anger. Instead, he prepared to
(arcana) +9, sense motive +22, spot +9; strike at his enemies from the shadows.
alertness, dodge, machiavellian, skill He mingled with unwitting humans
focus: bluff, skill focus: diplomacy, skill dupes and created the Divinity of
focus: sense motive Mankind. To its human members it
Class Abilities1: Discretion, appeared to be a gentleman’s club,
Expertise, Noble tongue, Power is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and to
Knowledge, Renown, Stiff Upper Lip. concealing the debauchery of its
Languages: Zherisian, Darkonese, members. To Sodo it was a weapon by
Grabenite, Sithican, Vassi. which he could strike at the Elders.
Signature Possessions: Crown of Sodo skimmed money and human
Queen Anne, exquisite dress, gown or members from the Divinity to form the
robe of office, golden scepter, royal “Bilderbergers”. These “Bilderbergers”
signet ring, royal jewels. were devoted to two tasks, assassinating
1
From “Those who Delve the the elder doppelgangers and creating a
Darkness”, Quoth the Raven Issue #1 powerful magical item, the Fog Crown.
28
To remove the doppelganger elders, restraint. The city-state steadily lost its
Sodo initiated a revolution to overthrow amazing scientific marvels, as well as
the Zherisian Monarchy. In this second the ethics and morals that held it
civil war, Sodo could mask the deaths of together. Sodo made a token effort to
the Clan Elders as typical political stem the senseless loss, but his disability
assassination of Republicans and made him the subject of scorn rather
Royalists. In the meantime, Sodo than of the respect due to an elder.
constructed a fiendish device that would These younger doppelgangers had
bind the doppelgangers to his will. The reason for their cruelty to their lord.
Fog Crown would give him the ability to Since Paridon first appeared in
assume the appearance of a Ravenloft, in the year 586, the remaining
Doppelganger Elder, a feat normally doppelgangers faced the horrible
impossible. He used this ability to issue prospect of aging and dying. Without
orders to his doppelganger clan, using the alchemical knowledge held by the
them to create the oligarchy that would deceased Doppelganger elders, the
rule Paridon. remaining creatures began to age. To
Even in his inhuman heart, he knew stave off the terrifying prospect of death,
that it was an abominable act. For they had used an item known as the Fang
though the doppelgangers were a society of the Nosferatu as a means of collecting
of shallow immortals, the Elders of the human life force and transferring it to
clan were the very progenitors of their themselves. Every twenty years they
race and the only source of guidance for struck, slaying thirteen humans with an
these evil beings. More importantly, enchanted blade. These killing became
these elders held the alchemical formula attributed to the serial murderer Bloody
that allowed doppelgangers to stave off Jack.
age. The destruction of the elders had Abandoned by his immortal kin,
doomed their race to inevitable age and Sodo appealed to humans. With great
death. For that act of ultimate treachery, effort, he was able to convince the last
Sodo befell an awful curse. Just as his remaining men of the “Bilderbergers” to
plans came to fruition, a gray fog rolled act as his proxies in the Divinity of
forth from the streets of Paridon, Mankind. The Divinity had become a
covered the whole of the Shining Bay, secretive society; dedicated to the rebirth
and lifted it from its ancestral ocean to of the ethics and morals they once
the cold waters of the Nocturnal Sea. corrupted, as well as the preservation of
For his evil, Sodo was given that for science and reason. Under Sodo’s
which he had sacrificed so much, the guidance, the Divinity was largely
shape of a doppelganger elder. He was responsible for the uniting of numerous
bound into the gangly shape of an small religious sects into the Celebrants
ancient monster, greatly weakened and of Humanity in the year 690. Through
slowed by the geriatric body. No this religious organization, the Divinity
artificial magic or makeup could hide his fostered the growing Royalist
hideous gaze, so he was forced to hide in movement, which brought about the
the sewers and live in filth, while his return of the Monarchy.
fellow doppelgangers lived in luxury. In The Constitutional Monarchy drove
the absence of true elders, the unguided out most of the doppelganger clan, who
doppelgangers exploited Paridon without were masquerading as the majority of
29
the aristocratic oligarchy. With the the glory he always craved. As the
doppelgangers in disarray, Sodo’s mighty Queen Anne II, Sodo reigns over
henchmen seized the Fang of the the wealthiest city in all of Ravenloft,
Nosferatu. The divinity of mankind then enjoying amazing wealth and prestige.
obtained the Fog Crown, which had been Yet Sodo is unable to enjoy the fruits of
spirited away by the mists and been his machinations.
renamed as the Crown of Queen Anne. The courtiers around him are all
With both relics, Sodo’s conniving schemers, as Sodo can readily
Bilderbergers enacted a ritual to claim detect from their thoughts if not from his
the life force of human victims, just as own expertise. Indeed, he can sense that
the doppelgangers had done. Yet instead every word of praise, every sycophantic
of transferring the life force to the sentence, is a bold faced lie, masking
doppelgangers, they channeled it into the their own desires for wealth and
Crown. With the power stored in the privilege. From his own minions, he can
Crown, Sodo was able to change his sense endless resentment from the power
appearance to that of a single person, the he has over them. Indeed, faced with the
monarch of the Shining Bay, Queen endless storm of lies and the deception
Anne the Second. So he ended the Sodo prefers to sulk in solitude.
torment of his monstrous visage, and With his fantasy turned to dust,
finally seized power over his kin. Sodo mostly ignores the world around
him. The House of Commons and the
Current Sketch House of Lords look after the governing
With the power inside of the Crown, of Paridon, leaving Sodo to concentrate
Sodo cowed the doppelgangers. The his waning attention upon the Divinity of
crown allowed Sodo to issue out the Mankind and the Bilderbergers. Sodo
precious life force as he saw fit. Those knows he can’t enjoy the attention and
doppelgangers that displeased him were glory he craves, so instead he makes due
stricken with mortality, while those with depravity.
doppelgangers and humans that pleased While the Celebrants of Humanity
him were blessed with youth and vigor. preaches a puritan ethic of morals, Sodo
Sodo created a web of minions, all kept encourages secrete debauchery. The
loyal with the threat of age. only pleasure he can enjoy is the
The gathering of life force became humiliation and debasement of everyone
much more difficult a task than had been around him. Indeed, he takes a perverse
for the doppelgangers. Maintaining pleasure in using proxies to tempt nobles
Sodo’s form drains the energies in the into foul acts, and then blackmailing
crown, as well, the increased number of those aristocrats with scandalous
humans involved in the life-giving ritual information, forcing them to plead, beg
required more energy than could be and prostrate themselves before their
produced from the “Bloody Jack” queen.
murder sprees. To compensate, the Beyond his sick and twisted
Bilderbergers have arranged for many hobbies, Sodo’s only concern is
more murders, using a variety of continuing the murders that feed the
different tools to gather life force. Crown. Sodo leaves that to the immortal
Though Sodo can only assume the Bilderbergers and their servants in the
form of the Queen, it is more than Divinity of Mankind.
enough to ensure him the comfort and
30
Combat Closing the Borders
Despite his natural weapons, Sodo When Sodo wishes to close the
hates combat. His doppelganger form is boarders the domain becomes enveloped
that of an elder, which is physically in a blanket of thick fog. Any person or
decrepit and slow. More over, Sodo is sea going vessel that attempts to pass
loath to leave the shape of Queen Anne through the fog finds itself traveling
the Second. The Darklord surrounds back towards the center of Paridon.
himself with the Royal Guard, an elite
private army of fifty so warriors ranging Timor
from 1st to 4th level. Sodo also relies
Cultural level: Enlightenment (11)
upon the Bilderbergers, and their
Landscape: Sparse ecology (city).
servants in the Divinity of Mankind, to
The city of Timor is a festering urban
enforce his will. At his disposal are a
jungle, the rotting corpse of a once
number of monks, rogues and assassins.
prosperous city. There are numerous
Curse: Sodo lacks many of the
towering buildings that teeter on the
abilities of a doppelganger. He no loner
verge of collapse, and there are countless
possesses the ability to change self or
cavernous edifices that remain
apply a glamour to his possessions. So
abandoned and empty. The streets
long as he possesses the Crown of
remain clean for the most past, for they
Queen Anne he may appear as his guise
are still heavily trafficked by the horse
to Queen Anne the Second, but should it
carts pulling food from Paridon and
be removed he instantly reverts to his
goods from the numerous textile and
monstrous doppelganger form.
metal factories that make up Timor’s
Detect Thoughts (Su): At will
industry.
Sodo can detect thoughts as the spell
There are no indigenous plants in
cast by an 18th level sorcerer (save DC
Timor, say a few sickly flowers in a
14). Sodo can activate and suppress this
rooftop garden. Rats, dogs and other
ability at will.
urban pests scrounge out a living in the
Immunities (Ex): Sodo is immune
rubble of the past, while the humans of
to sleep and charm effects.
Timor live in the crumbling apartment
Lair complexes and factories. The only
Sodo rarely leaves the safety of proper food stuffs available to the people
Westingham Palace, a luxurious castle of Timor is the expensive grains and
on the North Eastern corner of Paridon. meats imported from Paridon
The Royal Guard fiercely patrols the The island of Timor rises about ten
castle, arresting any unwanted intruders feet from the ocean, held aloft by a ring
and turning them over directly to the of impenetrable black rock. The interior
Paridon Jail. The palace itself is a of the island is made of softer rock, and
marvel of architecture and opulence. is porous with the countless tunnels and
Amongst the 100 rooms in the palace are pipelines carved into the island. Indeed,
a nearly thirty guest rooms, a dozen below the surface of Timor lies a
studies, the most extensive library East sprawling network of subterranean
of Dementlieu, and the grandest tunnels more complex than any mine on
ballroom in the entire Core. the Core.
Directly beneath the streets is the
intricate sewer system, a series of pipes
31
that flush sewage waste into the ocean. The train tunnels team with rats and
The sewers are mainly black iron pipes other fell things. The pneumatic tunnels
no larger in diameter than a few inches; were once a major trade artery, so the
however there are several maintenance connections between the tunnels and the
tunnels running through the tangled surface are numerous. Old, barricaded
mess. These sewers link to the many stairways still link the streets to the
basements dug beneath almost every tunnels, and several abandoned buildings
building. are known to hold ancient lift shafts.
Just beneath these sewers is the Finally, below the old pneumatic
cistern, the holding space for Timor’s tunnels is the “Hive”. Aptly named, the
fresh water. The cistern is similar to a Hive is a series of ancient lava tubes
subterranean lake, fed by the storm carved into the soft rock. Many of the
drains in the city streets. The cistern tunnels are high enough for a grown man
also is home to a massive steam driven to walk upright. The hive is rumored to
pump, which is the beating heart of be an ancient den of sleeping horrors,
Timor, sending fresh water back to the though man alive has ever entered them.
surface. The different levels of the
Further down are the old pneumatic underground environment are actually
train tunnels, which extend beneath the linked to one another by a series of
Shining Bay and lead into an identical malignance tunnels. These tunnels lead
system beneath Paridon. Since the to the surface, usually emerging in
Timorese no longer possess the technical buildings that have been converted into
knowledge to repair the crumbling factories. Such shafts are often boarded
tunnels, the passages are abandoned. up and barricaded.
Figure 3: Timor - Cross-section of the island
32
Settlements: Timor (10, 000) down to take back the tunnels. That day
The Folk: Population 10 000; the city came to a halt as the populous
Humans 100%. Languages – Zherisian. listened to the screams of the men
The people of Timor are a fighting and dying below. That night
downtrodden lot, for they are slaves to was even worse. The ancient plumbing
Paridon in everything but name. The throughout Timor was rocked by a
price of food and fuel is kept horrible tremor, and when the pipes
ridiculously high, so the people of Timor burst they sprayed forth a shower of
must labour ceaselessly to afford the blood and gore. The toilets and bathtubs
commodities sent over the Queen Mary backed up and vomited a spray of
Bridge. As such, their lives are centred crimson, as well torn bits of human
on the factories and textile mills where flesh.
they work. These impoverished folk Needless to say, the City Council of
dress in uniformly drab, conservative Timor has forbidden anyone to enter the
clothing. Grey’s and blacks are the most sewers. At night, the doors of Timor are
common colours. barricaded shut. The only people
The people of Timor have forsaken allowed to descend into the depths are
all forms of spirituality. They are, the courageous civil engineers who
however, a very superstitious lot. The maintain the Cistern. Even then only a
people of Timor are terrified of the pair of men are allowed down at a single
night, as well as the maze of tunnels time. Anyone caught outside in the
beneath their city. Shortly after the war night will never be allowed inside, at
with Paridon a band of men tried to least not until daybreak. Since the
reopen the pneumatic tunnels and of the enacting of these policies, Timor has
dozen so explorers, only one returned become more peaceful. Disappearances
alive, mad with terror. The sole survivor are now rare, but the remain a terrifying
claimed that they had awakened an army possibility. The people live in constant
of horrors, monsters who had swarmed fear of their own lives, so heroism is a
up from the “Hive” and infested the foreign concept.
pneumatic tunnels, the Cistern and the The Law: The laws of Timor are
sewers. written by the City Council, which are
Since that dreadful day the people of the last remains of the Aristocratic
Timor have been plagued by the Oligarchy that once ruled Paridon. The
predations of the monsters of the deep. council oversees the factories and textile
At first people disappeared off of the mills of Timor, ensuring that the people
streets at night, and a curfew was set. produce enough goods to make the
Soon afterwards the homes and factories quotas.
of Timor proved futile to block out the The Timorese constabulary enforces
monsters. Whole families vanished over laws, which is nothing more than a few
night, leaving only pools of blood and dozen men with clubs. The Constables
wet trails leading from the bathroom or spend most of their time bullying the
from small holes in the wall or floor. laborers of Timor, ensuring that they
Factory workers left alone, even for only produce enough goods for the factory
a minute, disappeared without a trace. owners.
An effort was made to take back the Punishments for most offenses are
sewers, a posses was formed and sent the same; forced labor without pay.
33
Serious offenses are punished by either poison); SA Acid blood, Poison; SQ
hanging, or exile to the sewers. The Curse, Darkvision 120 ft, hive mind,
Council tries criminal offenders, and is light sensitivity; AL NE; SV Fort +8,
quick to rule against the defendant. Ref +4, Will +9; Str 27, Dex 12, Con 20,
Officially Timor lives under the same Int 14, Wiz 14, Cha 14.
laws as Paridon, though the council is Skills and Feats: balance +8, hide
horribly corrupt and is willing to ignore +5, listen +10, move silently +7, search
any offence for a bribe. +3, spot +8; Improved Grab, Multi-
Trade and Diplomacy: Resources attack.
– furniture, manufactured goods,
scientific knowledge, textiles. Coinage – The Hive Queen is a disgusting
pound (gp), shilling (sp), pence (cp). aberration, with the torso of a woman
The economy of Timor depends on and the bloated body of an ant queen.
the factories and textile mills. The only Her face is a twisted horror, dominated
food and fuel available to the Timorese by huge red eyes. Her body is covered
is the expensive imports from Paridon. in a rubbery black hide, as thick as an
As such, the Timorerse are practically elephant’s. She has six insectoid legs,
slaves to Paridon. The laborers of Timor large clawed arms and a bulbous,
work in the mills and factories. Among transparent abdomen that constantly
their many functions, they turn wool into pulsates with the writhing of the
cloth, carve furniture, and forge gelatinous horrors within.
Paridon’s steel into finished goods.
The only trading partner of Timor is
Background
the tyrant city Paridon. Everything that The Hive Queen was not always a
enters or leaves Timor crosses over the hideous abomination; untold centuries
Queen Mary Bridge. The amazing ago she was a human princess gifted
bridge is fiercely guarded by Paridon’s with astounding beauty. Sadly, her
only soldiers, who stop any unauthorized appearance hid her monstrous ambition.
traffic on the bridge. She coveted her mother’s crown and
Characters: Classes – aristocrats, sought a way to remove the Queen from
experts, fighters, rogues. Skills – bluff, the thrown.
craft (clock making, gunsmith, The princess learned that horrible
haberdasher, locksmith, tailor, tanner, monsters known as markith once
weaver), diplomacy, knowledge (history, plagued the kingdom. Decades ago, the
local), Profession (engineer, merchant). Queen ordered a campaign to drive the
Feats – logical mind, skill focus (bluff, abominable creatures back into the caves
craft skills, profession skills) that spawned them. The Queen had even
constructed her castle and the city
Hive Queen around it over the extinct hive of the
markith. Despite the conquest, the aging
Darklord of Timor Queen periodically ordered men to
Female Markith Queen: CR 12; SZ explore the empty hive, to ensure that no
H, Abberation (10ft by 20ft/10 ft); HD markith haunted the depths. With that
10D8 +50; hp 100; Inn +1; Spd 30, knowledge the princess prepared a
climb 20 ft; AC 19 (-2 size, +1 dex, +10 scheme to frighten the old Queen to
natural); Atk: 4 claws +13 melee death with the image of a markith.
(2D4+8), bite +11 melee (2D8+4 and
34
The princess sought out a reclusive through the castle and forced her way
wizard and seduced him. The conniving into the abandoned hive beneath. There
woman promised her wizard lover she brooded in the shadows, miserable
wealth and influence over the kingdom over the loss of both her kingdom and
once it became hers and in return, the her beauty. In time she came to hate the
wizard was to use his eldritch magic to surface people and desired to
transform the princess into the exterminate them.
nightmarish image of a Markith Queen. For years she fostered an army of
All the while, she plotted with her pawn, markith, rebuilding the hive her mother
the Captain of the Guard to assassinate once destroyed. She struck the city,
the wizard once his role was completed. washing away the humans of the surface
The conspiracy seemed complete, in a black tide of gibbering monsters.
and for weeks the princess made the With their prey exterminated, the
preparations to lure her mother into a markith drones began to dissolve away
place no one else could witness the from hunger. The Hive Queen bitterly
transformation. Yet while the girl retired to the innermost depth of the hive
maneuvered her victim, the wizard and placed herself into hibernation.
investigated the faithfulness of his For eons the Hive Queen slumbered,
murderous lover. It took him only a dreaming of her lost beauty. As she
short while to discover her infidelities, slept, the Zherisians colonized the ruins
as well as her intentions towards of her kingdom, creating the city of
himself. Timor. In the aftermath of the war
One moonlit night the princess led between Paridona and Timor, a party of
her elderly mother into the castle explorers blundered into the Queens
gardens. On cue, the wizard cast a spell brood chamber and awoke her.
to transform the princess into the bloated
beast, and as planned, the queen died of
Current Sketch
pure terror. The princess screeched in Calm and rational after her rest, the
triumph, and bid the wizard to remove Hive Queen understood the danger of
the illusion. Her joy turned to horror as exhausting her human prey. She
the wizard laughed in her hideous face, discovered that her inhuman body fed as
and explained that he had cast no easily on the essence of fear and terror as
illusion, that she had been transformed on flesh. The Queen sustains her markith
into the hideous markith queen. and herself by harvesting horror from the
Yet in that same moment, the human cattle above, taking lives only to
Captain of the Guard struck. The soldier ensure a constant flow of fear.
had lain in wait on the castle parapet, The Queen despises her hideous
watching for the queen to die and for the subjects, as well as her own aberrant
wizard to appear. Before the princess form. She longs for the humanity and the
could beg the wizard to undue his spell, kingdom that once were hers. Still
the captain fired a poisoned bolt from his possessed by human desires, she
crossbow, slaying the enchanter even as occasionally sends her hunters to abduct
he laughed. human companions for her
Trapped in her hideous form, the entertainment. These guests rarely live
princess was overcome with inhuman long, though their screams echo in the
rage. The monstrous markith rampaged tunnels for years afterwards.
35
Combat to slay their mother and seize the Hive
In combat the Hive Queen is a fore their own.
nightmare made flesh. When pressed Light Sensitivity: The Hive Queen
into melee she rises up on her back legs suffers a –1 penalty to all attacks in light
and rends flesh with both pairs of equal to a candle or starlight. In the
forelegs. The Queen lacks the stinger brighter illumination of a torch or a
normally possessed by markith queens, lantern the penalty increases to –2, and
so she relies even more heavily upon her in daylight or in an area affected by
claws and her poisonous bite. daylight spell the penalty raises to –4.
Acid Blood: The blood of the Hive Hive Mind: The Hive Queen can
Queen is a concentrated acid. Each time telepathically communicate to all
she is struck with a slashing weapon the markith hunters under her control.
wound vomits a spray of green Should a markith under her command
luminescent acid. Anyone within ten slay a markith queen, all markith
feet of the Queen must make a reflex spawned by the deceased queen come
save against a DC 15 to avoid being under the Hive Queen’s control. This
struck by the spray. On a failed save the extends over a radius of five miles.
acid deals 1D4 points of damage on the Lair
first round and another 1D4 points of The Hive Queen spends her time
damage on the following round. brooding in the depths of the ancient
Markith hunters are naturally immune to Hive. A huge complex of tunnels carved
this particular acid. by lava many millennia ago, the Hive is
Poison: The bite of the Hive Queen shaped like an inverted pyramid.
carries a lethal toxin. The poison has a The circular walls of the hive are
fortitude save DC 20, the primary covered in a thick mucous excreted by
damage is 2D6 temporary constitution, the hunters. The Hive is crawling with
and the secondary damage is 1D6 markith hunters, who burry themselves
temporary constitution damage. in the walls and lie dormant until
Curse: As part of her curse, the activated by the Queen. The Queen’s
Queen lacks the stinger of a Markith chamber is located at the very bottom of
Queen. Instead, she bears the horrible the Hive. This cavernous chamber is
weight of her bulbous abdomen. Inside encircled by a moat of acid, which is
this transparent sack, horrible mutants crossed by a single bridge of bone and
writhe as they are birthed. Once each
mucous.
day she gives birth to a new child.
These creatures begin life as formless Closing the Borders
ooze, which evades all of the Queen’s The borders of Timor are presently
attempt to destroy it. After a few hours closed. The rocks around the island are
it takes the shape of a carrion stalker, impenetrable, they have lifted the whole
impersonator, reaver or even a markith island up out of the ocean and make any
queen. attempt to enter or leave by sea
These spawn naturally despise their impossible. The Queen Mary Bridge
mother. In the case of the male and the old pneumatic tunnels have
abominations, they ignore their mother circumvented the borders.
and prey on the people of Timor.
Markith Queens however, are compelled
36
Tome of the Guardians

The Crown of Queen Anne
Picture by Bobby Storey
purity of the monarchy. It is believed

The Crown of Queen Anne that since the return of the Crown
heralds the return of the Golden Age.
The Crown of Queen Anne is an
Only the Queen and her minions
exquisite headpiece made of white gold,
know the true nature of the crown. The
red velvet and adorned with countless
true Crown of Queen Anne has never
white diamonds. The crown is a
and will been recovered, since it
breathtaking specimen of craftsmanship,
remained on the world from which
made by the jewelers of the long past
Paridon was taken. The doppelganger
golden age of Paridon. Despite its
Sodo commissioned the creation of the
namesake, the crown appears to be a
crown by his minions in the Divinity of
fitting piece for both male and female
Mankind. The crown was created as a
monarchs. The crown is shorter than
magical item to give Sodo the power to
most crowns, made of a golden circlet
assume the shape of a doppelganger
supporting four arches that link together
elder. The elders themselves were the
above the velvet top. Diamonds run the
first of their race, the keepers of the
diameter of the golden circlet and the
secret of immortality. With the crown in
supported arches. A single ruby sits on
his position, Sodo felt free to
the very top of the crown. This gem is
exterminate the elders and assume
said to glow with a crimson nimbus.
leadership over the clan, even though he
History damned himself and the others to
The history of the crown is mortality.
extensive, dating back to the ancient The crown was lost to the mists for
golden age of Paridon and the absolutist a time, while the doppelgangers set
monarchy that presided over that age. about a new method of keeping
The crown is reported to have been themselves immortal. The shape shifters
commissioned by the semi mythological discovered an enchanted dagger known
founder of Paridon, Queen Anne the as the Fang of the Nosferatu, a blade that
First. Historians of that golden age could draw life force from humans and
claimed that the crown was lost to the bestow it to themselves. For centuries
aristocratic revolutionaries, who sold the the doppelgangers used the dagger to
crown to foreign buyers. However, the murder humans under the guise of
administration of Queen Anne the Bloody Jack and maintain their own
Second recovered the crown and brought existences.
it back to Paridon. The crown is a In the year 690 Sodo’s minions, the
celebrated symbol of the strength and Bilderbergers, recovered the Fog Crown
and stole the Fang of the Nosferatu.
37
Sodo used both items to create The age of so many minions requires almost
Crown of Queen Anne, an item that constant sacrifices. The Bloody Jack
combined the power of both. The power murders have continued, occurring once
of the Crown allows Sodo to harness the every twenty years, slaying thirteen
life draining power of the Fang and individuals. However this bloodletting
bestow its ability onto other weapons. proved insufficient to provide the crown
When these weapons are used to murder with enough life force. To supplement
humans, the life force is transmitted to the drain, the Bilderbergers used their
the Crown. Sodo uses this life force to connections in the Divinity of Mankind
circumvent his curse and appear in the to arrange for more murders.
form of a human, the Queen. As well, The final power of the Crown is to
he uses the life force to bestow enchant weapons. Weapons thus
immortality on his human and enchanted become artifacts with a
doppelganger minions. chaotic evil alignment, an intelligence of
12, and wisdom of 14 and a charisma
Powers score of 14. Artifacts enchanted in this
The Crown is inextricably linked to manner gain a +1 enhancement bonus.
Sodo. While it can be removed, its Anyone slain by such a weapon cannot
powers cannot be utilized by anyone but be resurrected except by a wish or a
Sodo. Should the crown be removed miracle spell.
from Sodo he will lose the ability to The weapons are distributed to
appear in human form and in one hour murderers who are trained and
revert to the shape of a doppelganger conditioned by the Bilderbergers.
elder. So long as it is on his head Sodo Currently there are half a dozen of these
is affected with a change self spell as if Stalkers committing murders to fuel the
cast by an 18th level sorcerer. This Crown. Each of these killers operates
effect can only disguise Sodo as Queen with a different method and targets a
Anne. particular type of prey.
The Crown also has the ability to
remove one year of age from a
humanoid or shape shifter character.
This reversal of age removes the
physical ability penalties derived from
old age, but it does not remove the
bonuses to mental abilities. However,
should a character use the crowns age
reversal, he will not gain benefits from
aging unless he first ages to the required
age normally. A single humanoid or
shape shifter can only benefit from this
aging reversal once in a year. Sodo uses
this power to keep the Bilderbergers and
his doppelganger minions dependant
upon him. The life force within the
Crown of Queen Anne is constantly
drained by Sodo’s use of its change self
ability, as well, the cost of reversing the
38
The Stalkers The Hook is the terror of the young
The Axe Monkey is perhaps the people of the suburbs surrounding
most horrific of the murderers unleashed Paridon. The Hook is described a man
upon Paridon. The beastly murderer obscured by a dark, hooded coat with
strikes three or four times a year, usually one hand. Where his left hand might
older men, who are slain in their own have been is a gleaming metal hook.
homes with an axe. The murderer The Hook slays at irregular intervals,
scrawls grotesque lymrics in blood never striking more than two or three
beside the body. The constabulary is times in a year and never in the same
under the impression that the Axe place twice. He usually strikes in the
Monkey is a master burglar, since there summer months when young people are
are no signs of his entrance or exit. The about at night. Most of the young
Axe Monkey is in truth an ape, people of Paridon refuse to believe in the
conditioned by the Bilderbergers to Hook. It is a common belief that the
murder. Hook is a fairytale devised to keep them
The Dangler stalks the East side of from engaging in mischief and other
the River, preying on foreign merchants, youthful recreational activities.
and immigrant store clerks. Victims are Pride, say the Celebrants, is a deadly
usually attacked in their place of sin – especially when Scalper prowls the
business, just after sundown. Signs, streets. Known also as the Demon
such as a lack of a struggle, seem to Barber, this mad man stalks Paridon’s
suggest that the dangler was known to citizens, taking hair as his grisly
the victim or at least not considered a trophies. Scalper is in fact a mad
threat. The weapon of choice for the Celebrant monk, who wears beneath his
dangler is a noose, which is used to vestments, a coat of human hair. Scalper
garrote the victim from behind. The prefers unescorted ladies, or gentlemen
victim is then hung from an elevated with thick beards.
position, allowing the body to dangle. Finally, the Mangler is the bane of
The dangler strikes once every three or the sailors who frequent the docks of
four months. Paridon. Described as a hulking brute,
Every so many months, the people more than seven feet tall the Mangler
of Paridon discover the body of a haunts the shadowy piers. The weapon
prostitute washed up on the river used by the brute is a pair of blood
Rhastik. Though these deaths are stained gloves, which cover hands that
largely ignored by the callous can break bones and rend flash. The
constabulary, a few investigators search Mangler has never been caught since he
for the culprit. These alienists have vanishes in the maze of buildings on the
devised an extensive profile of the docks. The broken bodies of sailors are
suspect they call “River Man”, and found of the piers often, with perhaps as
though he eludes capture each murder many as a dozen victims in a given year.
sheds more light on his identity.
39
40
From the Lab

Diseases of Malus Sceleris
Most nobles have a hobby with the infection is made against a DC of 16.
which to occupy their free hours. Some The disease incubates for 1D6 days and
men pursue books, other collect works then strikes.
of art and some play games. Yet the lord Dum Dum fever attacks a victim’s
of Nosos, Malus Sceleris, pursues a very metal capacity. Each day the victim
different past time. Obsessed with must make a successful fortitude save
disease, Sceleris has gathered together against the disease or take 1 point of
an assortment of amoral biologists and temporary intelligence, wisdom and
set them to the task of creating new charisma damage. The disease
plagues with which he afflicts Nosos. progresses in this manner until the
In the laboratories of Sceleris abilities of the victim are reduced by a
manor, these scientists experiment with total of five points. Afterwards, the
new pathogens. Inside the laboratory victim begins to suffer from the same
they have discovered amazing insights symptoms of a randomly determined
into the nature of sickness and disease, moderate madness effect. This madness
revelations that could be used to save does not incur ability damage, nor can it
countless lives, but are instead used to be removed by psychological therapy.
end them. It is Malus’ belief that disease The madness effect remains on the
is critical to keeping the poor laborers of victim until the disease is removed. The
his domain weakened, to prevent them victim continues to make fortitude saves
from rising against the upper class. The each day to attempt to throw off the
diseases concocted in the lab also allow effect.
Malus a means by which he can murder, The disease carries a number of
debilitate or discredit his political rivals. different symptoms including fever and
These diseases represent futuristic profuse sweating. As the victim loses
technology for Nosos. The theories and his mental faculties he begins to slur his
designs for these diseases are contained speech, forget important details, and
in the records concealed in Sceleris behave erratically. Furthermore, Malus
manor. The secretes of the disease has seen to it that rumors attribute Dum
culture are known only to Malus’s team Dum fever as a disease carried by
of pathologists. prostitutes. This combination assault
upon the intellect and reputation is more
Dum-Dum Fever than enough to permanently remove any
rival.
Dum-Dum fever is a pox designed
by Malus to discredit his rivals. The
disease is spread by contact, usually
delivered by Malus himself with a
handshake. The fortitude save to resist
41
Elevens poison them with the concentrated

version of the disease.
The poor of Nosos are known to Concentrated Elevens infects a body
carry many diseases, though they are through ingestion. The fortitude save to
rarely educated enough to draw the resist the concentrated disease is 18,
distinction between them. There is only elevens has an incubation time of 1D4
one scourge that stands out in the minds days. Each day the character must pass
of the urban poor, the elevens. The the fortitude save or he begins to suffer
elevens is the most dreaded ailment, for from the lethal effects. After failing this
it is universally fatal. The disease is save the character begin takes 2 points of
known for its only symptom, two temporary constitution damage. The
muscles on the back of the neck standing character suffers another 2 points of
erect, forming two parallel lines running ability damage every two hours
up from the shoulders to the head. afterwards until death. Death is
Those who show this symptom are inevitable unless the character can
surely doomed, for no one has survived receive magical assistance, or the
“having his eleven’s up”. antidote.
The disease is spread by ingestion. The antidote is a tightly kept secret,
Malus Sceleris sends agents to pour the but rumors of it have spread throughout
disease in the river. In this form the Nosos. Malus actively denies any
disease is somewhat mild. The pathogen involvement with the disease, as well as
rarely takes root in a healthy body, so any knowledge of the cure. This is
the wealthy elite of Nosos has nothing to merely a subtle way of suggesting to the
fear. Even the urban poor are somewhat upper class that Malus has some
resistant to the parasite, though the virus connection to the disease and does
can accumulate in the body and cause indeed possess the antidote. This
actual harm. Merely drinking the antidote is an elixir that immediately
polluted water of Nosos has little chance ends the progression of the disease and
of hurting a player character. When allows the character to naturally heal the
Malus desires to quietly eliminate a damage taken.
troublesome pauper he has his agents
42
Extraordinary Expertise
Masterwork Firearms
Wilson was waiting in the branches Yet as the carriage crashed into the side
of a pine tree, his legs shivering in the of the trench the guards were thrown to
cold of the early winter mourning. He the ground while the horses reared. One
shifted his hands underneath his coat, man fell to the side, while the other
trying to keep them as warm as possible. sailed into the ditch and was trampled
The wind was as gentle as a whisper, but beneath the horses’ panicked hooves.
still it robbed his skin of precious Wilson stepped over to the fallen
warmth. man, aimed his belt pistol into the
The highway was silent, with remaining guard’s face, only to realize
nothing more to disturb the fresh snow that the man’s double barreled rifle was
than a freezing gust of wind. Wilson in his hands, pointed into Wilson’s gut.
sighed out loud, not caring if anyone “Okay slow poke,” Snarled Wilson.
heard him. “Drop the pea shooter and I’ll let you
“Shhh!” Hissed Roberts. Wilson live”. The guard just laughed.
just gave him a nasty look. “To hell with you,” he retorted,
“Where the hell is that caravan?” “This is a Weston Thunder Stick. It’ll
Whispered Wilson, “I’m freezing my blow a hole in you the size of a
stones off.” grapefruit.”
“Shut up,” replied the other “Weston?” Replied Wilson, “That
highwayman, “It’ll be here any minute,” dwarven garbage? You couldn’t hit the
Wilson didn’t respond, but instead road with that cheap trash.”
caressed the pistol shoved into his belt. “And what do you have?” Retorted
As if on cue, the silence of the mourning the wounded guard, “That’s a Mackie
was broken by the clip clop sound of a musket. It’ll blow up right in your face.”
shod horse trotting up the cobblestone “That’s a load of turkey shot!”
road. Shot back Wilson, “Just the kind of
The carriage slowly approached. garbage a race traitor would spout off!”
Two guards sat atop the coach, on either “Eat me, you dumb ass bigot!”
side of the driver and scanned the road Snarled the guard. Meanwhile, a
ahead, oblivious to the danger in the disgusted Roberts grew impatient.
woods. As they neared the two robbers, “Kill the fool, you moron.” He
Roberts aimed his rifle. shouted. Wilson turned to reply. He
The firearm spat fire and thunder opened his mouth but was cut off by the
and the carriage driver collapsed from sound of a rifle. The guard rolled over
his seat. As he fell the horses charged onto his belly as the bandit fell. As the
forward, oblivious to the ditch dug into other robber fled, the guard cocked the
the road and concealed by the snow. second barrel and fired. The man
The guards took aim with their rifles. collapsed face first into the bloodied
43
snow. The wounded guard slowly rose to expanded outwards like a weed, choking
his feet. the market dry of customers.
“Couldn’t hit the road, huh?” He Robert Mackie died a wealthy man
sneered. “Mackie trash,” He hissed as in 703 and left his company to his son
he spat on Wilson’s corpse, while George Mackie. George was even more
cradling his beloved gun. driven than his father and he vigorously
campaigned in Darkon to “modernize”
History Darkonian warfare. George Mackie
found few men he could rely upon to run
For as long as there have been
satellite shops and even fewer men who
firearms in Ravenloft two names have
could be trained to craft guns on their
dominated the market; Weston and
own.
Mackie. These two firearm companies
Rather than dealing with humans,
have expanded across the core and even
Mackie turned to the gnomes and to the
into lands beyond, hoping to out do one
dwarves of Darkon. The Darkon people
another and conquer the firearms trade.
marginalized these poor people; they
Mackie were forbidden by law to own farmland
Robert Mackie founded The Mackie and worked for noble lords as miners,
Company in the year 663 in Lamordia. blacksmiths or merchants. Mackie
Bob Mackie was a simple gunsmith with found that the dwarves had a keen mind
a poor aptitude for his own craft. Yet for firearms and their natural
what Mackie lacked in skill he more craftsmanship abilities allowed them to
than made up for in salesmanship. learn the gun craft with ease. The
Mackie focused his efforts on selling his gnomes with their alchemical skills
poor merchandise to travelers, preaching made excellent powder smiths. A dwarf
to them the power of the gun over all merchant named Weston was chosen to
other weapons. Mackie relied heavily head this organization of demihumans
upon these naive travelers, for without and in 710 Mackie and Weston opened
them it is unlikely that he would have up a shop in Il Aluk to bring guns into
sold even a single rifle to the discerning the heart of Darkon.
customers of Lamordia. The Mackie organization reached
Mackie’s business thrived. He the pinnacle of its power, with a stake in
offered merchants free training in the use every shop in the Core; say a few hold
of firearms and free gunpowder on the outs in Lamordia. Every case of powder
provision that they would spread and every pistol had Mackie’s name
pamphlets in their own lands, advertising burned upon it. Even though records
Mackie’s guns. Though Mackie never from the time show that the company
did learn to build a decent weapon he was not making as great a profit as it
had seized the international firearm trade would in latter decades, it still cannot be
for his own. He drained the land of denied that the Mackie Company had
apprentice gunsmiths and left his reached the peak of its power and
competitors in the dust. By the year 700 influence.
the true master gunsmiths of Lamordia
were confined to small family shops in
Lamordia, while the Mackie Company
44
Weston The Gun Battle
George Mackie retired early in 724, Right from the start Mackie and
leaving his spoiled son Harold Mackie in Weston were at each other’s throats.
charge. Weston the dwarf had already Weston had drawn first blood; the
been under great strain from George Mackie Company was severely wounded
Mackie, since the massive profits the from the loss of the dwarven gunsmiths
merchant made were not reaching the and was hemorrhaging profits in the
gnomes and dwarves who labored to North and East. Harold Mackie resigned
make the company productive. Giving as owner and pawned the company off
the company to Harold was an even on his sister Catherine Mackie. The
greater blow, for the young man was an Mackie Empire was quickly crumbling
inept businessman and flagrantly wasted into dust and it looked as though it might
money. By 728, Weston had had be the beginning of the end.
enough of Harold’s incompetence and Yet Catherine was not as shaken as
started his own company. her little brother for she envisioned a
Weston led an exodus of dwarves new financial empire, a pure monopoly
from the Mackie Company, stealing the cleansed of the taint of demihuman
majority of the gunsmiths the company blood. The first step in her plans was to
had in its employ. Mackie was furious eliminate the competition from Weston’s
with the loss, but there was nothing he company. As the Dwarf Weston was
could do to stem the tide of revolt. traveling through Nova Vassa to the
Instead, he instituted a vengeful policy company headquarters he was felled by a
that forbade dwarves to work within the sniper’s bullet.
Company. Many of the employees The dwarf employees of the Weston
considered it to be a boneheaded Company were furious but unshaken.
decision that might latter come back to The independent dwarves quickly
haunt them. reorganized under the leadership of a
Weston’s Company “bought out” council of elder merchants, known as the
many of the dwarf owned shops in Board of Directors. These directors sent
Darkon and Nova Vaasa. Though assassins after the Mackie family, and
Mackie attempted to pursue legal action though they slew the elder George and
against the theft of his businesses, he his son Harold, Catherine was too wily
found that there was nothing he could to be caught.
do. The Darkonese government had The battle was joined, and it would
never enjoyed the idea of their military be fierce. Catherine was not content to
becoming dependant on a foreign let the Weston Company make a
business, so the courts were paid a visit monopoly over Darkon, Nova Vaasa and
by the Kargat and a favorable verdict the Nocturnal Sea; Mackie shops sprung
was achieved. Similarly, in Nova Vassa up and began to challenge the Westons
Weston bribed the right judges to secure for dominance in the trade. The Board
an amicable ruling. The Mackie shops of Directors retaliated by sending their
in the North and East corners of the Core own feelers into Borca, Richemulot and
were bought for a pittance and the Dementlieu. Violence sparked between
Weston Company was born. the two rivals, urging the shops to hire
on thugs and criminals to wage the war.
45
Yet the true war was waged in the The Mutual Defense Organization
workshop. The real power lay in the between Borca, Dementlieu, Richmulot
ability to capture the market for and Mordent has purchased countless
firearms. Since 736 the two companies weapons from either company. The
have battled to devise the perfect militaries of these nations plays either
firearm. The human scientists of the company off against each other, keeping
Mackie Company are constantly quality up and costs down. Artillery
reinventing the firearm. It is their work weapons called cannons have begun to
that spawned the wheel lock, which show themselves, and though these
superceded the matchlock, and latter the mammoth contraptions are
flint lock which has come to dominate unimpressive, both companies swear that
the market. they will become critical weapons in the
Yet while Mackie is always looking future.
to the future, the dwarves perfect the
present. The Weston Company focuses Penetration
upon improving older designs and
There is an important distinction
perfecting a single weapon. Their slow,
between the primitive matchlocks and
organic approach has allowed them to
wheel locks of the first few firearms and
build much more powerful and reliable
the quality weapons made by the Mackie
weapons than their opponents.
and Weston companies. These firearms
The Mackie Company focuses upon
project bullets with such force that the
the human market for guns, using their
metal bullets can tear through metal,
human-only hiring policy to an
bone and the thickest hide.
advantage. Mackie weapons are simple
All of the firearms described below
to maintain, slow to break down, and
are capable of negating some of the
emphasize accuracy and range. This has
armor class bonus granted by natural
made them popular to the soldiers of the
armor and mundane forms of armor.
Mutual Defense Alliance as well as to
Whenever a character makes an
the farmers and commoners of the Core.
attack with a firearm, the target of the
Weston, on the other hand, builds
attack only receives a bonus equal to
weapons for the discerning consumer
half of that that should have been
and the firearm fanatics. Their weapons
granted by natural armor or by mundane
are harder to maintain and generally
forms of armor. The enhancement
have a shorter range. However their
bonuses from magical effects, dexterity
power and penetration is unrivaled by
bonuses, deflection bonuses, bonuses
any weapon on the Core.
from cover and circumstantial bonuses
The real winner of the battle
are not halved in this manner.
between the companies is the consumer.
For example, a Borcan rifleman
Both companies have kept prices down
takes aim at a Falconovian knight,
and improved the quality of firearms
dismounted. The knight has a total AC
exponentially. Some scholars believe
of 19, with a bonus of 8 from his full
that if as much effort was put into
plate armor and +1 from dexterity.
medicine was in weapons, mankind
However, in regards to the rifleman’s
might be immortal. It is true that firearm
attack the knight has only an AC of 15.
technology is much more advanced than
might otherwise have been.
46
Prototypes deals 1D10 points of damage on a

successful hit and threatens a critical
The design of weapons is an range of 20/*3. The dueling pistol is
ongoing process. Both companies are in built for increased accuracy but only
a tight competition to devise new within a short range, hence the range
weapons. Both companies compete with increment is only 50 ft.
each other for the same market, yet they
try to attract the same market by Belt Pistol
focusing on a different angle. The Firearms are a valuable tool to
Mackie plays up the race angle; they pirates, brigands, highwaymen and the
design their weapons for humans and men who would try to stop them. These
advertise their products to the common men respect the great power of a pistol,
man. Consequently, these guns are yet they need weapons that are ready to
designed for simplicity. The Weston use at a moment’s notice. The master
Company focuses on the gun craftsmen of the Weston Company took
aficionados, men who appreciate a this need to mind when they built the
powerful firearm no matter how belt pistol.
complex it might be to maintain. The belt pistol features a recessed
The following is a list of the powder chamber, which can hold a
prototype firearms appearing all over the bullet, wadding and powder safely in
Core. They represent the latest advances place. Belt pistols can be jammed into
in firearm technology. belts, thrown back and forth and even
operated in the rain without reducing
Mackie Dueling Pistol
their effectiveness. Most importantly,
This weapon was designed to appeal the belt pistol features a snub nosed
to the nobility of Borca, Dementlieu and barrel and a specially designed pistol
Richmulot. The Dueling pistol is a long grip.
and elegant weapon, the barrel and stock When placed in a holster or jammed
are decorated with gold plate and the into a belt or bandolier a belt pistol can
barrel is polished to a shine. The striker be drawn as a free action. A character
is made of brass, except on the nose of may only draw one belt pistol as a free
the hammer and the wood of the stock is action in a single turn. Belt pistols deal
always of a fine, dark maple. 1D10 points of piercing damage on a
The dueling pistol has a very long successful hit and threaten a critical
barrel, designed for maximum accuracy. range of 20/*3. Belt pistols are short
Attacks made with the pistol gain a +1 ranged weapons; they use a range
masterwork bonus. Furthermore, a man increment of 30 ft. Belt pistols are sold
who bears an elegant weapon of this cheaply and the price is generally kept
variety gains a temporary +1 bonus to constant. Except in extenuating
charisma based skill checks while circumstances, a belt pistol costs 50 gold
interacting with individuals who pieces.
appreciate firearms.
Dueling pistols like this are costly; Mackie Rifle
they cost twice as much as conventional The Mackie Company has invested
pistols. In a CL 9 domain a Mackie a great deal of its energy to take over the
Dueling pistol can command as much as hunting market. Traditional muskets are
100 gold pieces. The dueling pistol too inaccurate and short ranged for
47
effective use as a hunting tool. The capable of compressing the explosion of
master gunsmiths of the Mackie powder and adding extra force into the
Company spent years developing a way shot. The result is a weapon with
to make bullets move in a straighter path unsurpassed “stopping power”. The
for a greater distance. A “rifled” barrel mighty force of the charge makes the
proved to be the most effective method. bullet tumble through the air. While this
Groves cut into the barrel cause the allows the bullet to deal more lacerating
bullet to spin as it leaves the barrel, damage, it makes the shot less accurate
causing the motion of the projectile to be at long ranges. In the more advanced
a tight spiral that causes it to move in a areas, the Weston Company adds a
straighter line. second barrel to the rifle. This allows
Since its release the rifle has the Thunder Stick twice the firepower of
fulfilled the greatest desires of the another rifle, making it the most
Mackie Company. The Mackie rifle has powerful handheld weapon to be bought
become extremely popular amongst the at any price. Each barrel must be
peasant farmers of Borca, Mordent and loaded, as if a separate rifle. Both
Dementlieu. The Weston Company has barrels can be fired as a single attack, or
since created a cheaper clone of the rifle, as two separate attacks.
but it is much less popular amongst the A Thunder Stick deals 1D12+2
human peasants, and such was never piercing/slashing damage on a successful
produced in significant numbers. hit. The Thunder Stick threatens a
A Mackie rifle deals 1D12 points critical range of 20/*3 and has a range
of damage with each successful hit and increment of 100 feet. The Weston
threatens a critical range of 19-20/*3. Company is attempting to sell their
The rifle uses a range increment of 200 Thunder Sticks to a market that has very
feet and weighs 10 pounds. The Mackie little confidence. Thus, the price is kept
Rifle is exceptionally accurate; all attack at a paltry 60 gold pieces, though in
rolls made with the rifle are made with a more advanced domains the price jumps
+1 masterwork bonus. The Mackie rifle to a respectable 70 gold pieces. The
is only sold in Borca, Mordent and double-barreled thunder stick is only
Dementlieu, where is costs only fifty sold in the most advanced domains, and
gold pieces. there they fetch the princely sum of 80
gold pieces.
Weston Thunder Stick
The Weston Company found that Cannon
penetrating the markets of foreign lands Cannons were developed by the
was difficult. Many of the primitive Mackie Company mainly as a method of
peoples beyond the core had never heard arming ships on the Sea of Sorrows.
of a firearm and were ignorant of its They were adapted for use in ground
power. The Weston Company built the warfare as a means of destroying
Thunder Stick to emphasize the fortifications and striking large groups of
usefulness of a firearm in placing infantry. The nations of the Mutual
massive amounts of power into a single, Defense Pact arm their fortresses and
unstoppable blow. castles with these cannons, making them
The Thunder Stick is an advanced almost impossible to assail.
form of musket. It uses state of the art A cannon is a large sized weapon,
metallurgy to create a powder chamber weighing five hundred pounds at the
48
least. The cannon fires an explosive ball 15 allows a character caught in the blast
at great velocity. Each shot requires to take only half damage. Reloading a
nearly thirty times the amount of cannon requires at least three rounds and
gunpowder used in a pistol. The cannon a crew of at least two men. Firing a
is fired by making an attack roll against loaded cannon requires only an attack
an AC of fifteen, modified by range. On action. Cannons have a range increment
a miss the cannon ball veers off from the of 200 feet and they do not threaten any
target by 10 feet for each point by which critical range. Cannons are expensive
the attack roll missed. weapons; a single cannon costs at least
When a cannon ball lands it three hundred gold pieces. Actually
explodes, dealing 4D6 points of fire, obtaining a cannon is more than a matter
piercing and slashing damage to of money since both the Mackie and the
everything within a fifteen-foot radius. Weston Company have signed exclusive
A successful reflex save against a DC of rights to cannon weapons to the MDP.
49
50
Whispers in the Dark

Black-Powder Magic
firearm. With the casting of this spell all

Arcane Accuracy bullets fired from the target firearm
penetrate through any armor. Attacks
Alteration
made with the enchanted pistol are made
Level: sorcerer/wizard 3
as ranged touch attacks, thus ignoring
Components: V, S
any deflection or natural armor bonuses
Casting Time: 3
to the target’s armor class
Range: Touch
Target: One light firearm
Duration: 1 round per level Reload
The firearm has long been a favorite Conjuration
amongst mages who prefer the massive Level: sorcerer/wizard 2
power and penetration of a firearm to Components: V, S, M
traditional missile weapons. However, Casting Time: 3
few classic spells can augment the power Range: Touch
of a rifle or pistol. To address this Target: One firearm
problem several wizards in the Core Duration: 1 round per level
devised a spell to turn mundane bullets Wizards and sorcerers prefer the
into lethal magical missiles. firearm to regular missile weapons,
This spell allows an arcane spell however during a combat situation
caster to temporarily enhance the reloading a cumbersome rifle or pistol is
accuracy of a firearm. So long as the difficult. A mage in Borca was the first
firearm is enchanted thusly, the range to address this problem.
increment is increased by 50%, the For the duration of this spell the
threat range of the weapon is doubled firearm does not need to be reloaded. At
and the bullets gain a +2 magical the beginning of each round a quantity
enhancement bonus to hit and damage. of powder and one bullet is conjured into
the chamber, where it may be fired.
Penetration Only one quantity is conjured each
round.
Alteration
The material component for this
Level: sorcerer/wizard 1
spell is the quantity of gunpowder and
Components: V, S, M
bullets to be used through the spell. The
Casting Time: 2
spell only lasts a number of rounds equal
Range: Touch
to the quantities of gunpowder and
Target: One firearm
bullets used up in the spell. Powder and
Duration: 1 round per level
bullets not used by the end of the spell
This spell is designed to augment
are not returned.
the natural penetrating power of a
51
52
Children of the Night

The Invisible Man
By David Gibson aka the Jester
jester_canuk@hotmail.com
When I first conceiver of this I was avoiding my tormentors. Then things

unsure why I should write this, or more grew worse.
accurately for whom. It is unlikely I will I was still young when it happened
ever show this small tome to anyone, no that the incident is a blur in my young
more than I would speak aloud the memory, but still old enough to
contents. It is not for myself that I put remember the shaking of the earth, the
quill to paper. So it is for prosperity that blackness of the sky and the rise and fall
I write. For someone to read after I am of the thick, cool mist. My young arms
dead so my actions and deeds will not be wrapped tight in ignorant fear around
forgotten. Yes, for if there is one thing my mother’s legs as I buried my face in
that sends a dark chill up my spine it is her rough skirt. When it ended two of the
the thought of vanishing without a trace. neighboring lands were gone, seemingly
I have been forgotten enough in my wrenched from the ground. The
life… simplistic folk blamed magic and like the
My tale begins many years ago in a frightened sheep they were lashed out at
land some leagues away in the realm anything they saw as different, things
known as Tempest, in the very Core of such as a inhumanly pale child.
this land. For me it was never a happy They did not come right away. I still
land, for I was born different. My skin remember that. They talked about it first
and hair were pale and white while my for a long time. Looking back my parents
eyes were a dark pink in hue. Later I had ample time to pack and leave, but
would learn I was named an albino, but they did not believe the villagers would
at the time I only knew myself as a freak. really turn on them. But they did. They
At first the people of the town ignored came with torches and farm tools with
me. If they did glance in my direction I the priest urging the crowd forward. He
could feel them looking down on me. didn’t lead himself but gestured the way
Judging my appearance as some form behind the safety of several of the larger
divine punishment for some unknown sin villagers. In a panic my parents turned
of my parents. There was no pity from to their last hope, the Vistani.
their harsh accusing eyes. The children The vagabonds were camped nearby
were worse. When they saw me they and my parents fled to them with what
would throw stones at me while shouting little savings they had. They handed me
taunts and insults. I cannot remember over without a thought and paid the clan
which stung more. It did not take me to take me past the borders into another
long to learn it was better to hide than realm. My parents then left me alone and
face them. I sometimes spent hours returned home confident that they would
crouched in the sharp underbrush be unmolested now they had disposed of
me. Their house was burnt to the
53
foundation during the night killing both. experiments. I write experiments but to
As for myself the gypsies kept their word my younger self they were torture
and carried me away, smuggled in one sessions. I was subjected to all manner
of the wagons. of tests and examinations. I was
Once we crossed over into Darkon electrocuted and bled, forced to imbibe
they declared they had fulfilled their end numerous foul tasting chemical
of the bargain and the treacherous folk cocktails, all in the name of science.
immediately sold me to the nearest I had been in the service of Doctor
buyer. I gain a sliver of satisfaction from Carradine, for that was his name, for the
the knowledge that they did not receive better part of two years before the
too large of a sum for my bondage as I pharmacist announced he had realized
was ‘flawed goods’. My condition left that my condition had to do with light, or
me sensitive to the burning glare of the rather how my skin reacted to it. He
sun; the rays of which could leave me announced that it would not be hard for
with burns and horrid growths over my him to cause my skin to react as a
body with too much exposure. Given my normal person’s would. He was also
little usefulness I passed from employer convinced that it could aid someone who
to employer for a number of months was normal in avoiding burns and
before landing in the employment of one cancers from the sun. He carefully tested
Captain Peck, a sailor on the Nocturnal his chemicals on a few samples patches
Sea. The dark and overcast sky that of my skin before forcing the burning
clings to that forsaken body of water chemicals over my body. He rubbed it
proved to be a blessing for me. I was into my hair and dripped it into my eyes.
able to earn a worthwhile living without I cannot describe the sensation; there
suffering burns to my sensitive flesh from are not the words to express the pain.
the sun. The work was hard and I will My body felt as it were on fire. I was
not repeat in writing the many cruelties paralyzed with the intense pain that
inflicted on me during my stay on that wracked my thin frame. I could not even
vessel, but for the first time in my life I truly scream for the extra suffering it
felt like I was not a useless being. My inflicted on the flesh of my poor neck
stay was not permanent and I was soon and face.
sold to a scientist who made his home in It took hours for the agonizing
the land of Zherisia. This was how I burning to stop, or at least decrease to
came to reside in the city of Paridon. tolerable levels. But the joy I felt the first
The alchemist who was fascinated time I looked in the mirror. The light
by my condition paid the captain in full pink or my skin and the blonde locks of
for me. He was curious on why I was my hair. The light gray shade of my eyes.
different and the mysteries I might hold I stepped out into the sun, my body still
the answers to. He put me to work in his tingling for the doctor’s treatment, and
shop where I spent many long hours let the warmth of the sun roll over me. I
pasting labels on bottles of walked through the crowd and felt
pharmaceuticals. The work was long and accepted. No, more than that, I felt
I received but a few farthings in desired. I was not average, I was better,
payment. During my stay the doctor a handsome young man. The pain that
gave me a rudimentary education so I had tortured my body only a day earlier
could better serve him in his studies and
54
seemed to have been worth it. But my joy I would normally hesitate to do I did
was short lived. anyway without regret. I stole and
I spent much time in front of a burgled repeatedly. I laughingly
looking glass. In all honesty I still do. tormented others. Later the doctor would
Touching my face to test if it was real discover why. In the meantime I also
and not some beatific dream. But joy enjoyed the benefits of my charming new
gave way to horror when the paleness human face with the handsome and
returned. Slowly my face lightened to its charismatic appearance that won the
past whiteness then grew even more pale hearts of many a young maiden that I by
and transparent. So pale that I could see chance I encountered in the streets. A
through my skin as if it were the finest few soft words and a gently offered
crystal. But it was not just my skin. I flower and how they swooned for me.
watched as my muscles and sinews and Ecstasy! They consumed my thoughts
bones faded one after the other and and how I could not follow through with
before long I was looking at nothing. In my early attempts at wooing due to my
a rage I shattered the mirror and being held prisoner to the waxing and
attacked the traitorous chemicals that waning of the sun.
had removed me from the world. Doctor The doctor quickly became secretive
Carradine hid in fear until my rage and ignored my queries on his progress.
subsided. He was shocked to witness the Eventually, fearing the worse, I crept
once docile servant of his explode. The into his study and read through his
rage of years of abuse matched with a notes. To my horror I discovered the
stolen dream pushed my young mind doctor was working not on a way to
beyond the limit. It was not the last time. make me visible but a way to return me
I sat in silence attempting to look at to my previous condition, the pitiful half-
my nonexistent hands for hours. I was life I had led. The pale youth, the albino,
oblivious to the inevitable passing of the forgettable freak! It also described
time and did not notice the moonset and the potential side effects the chemicals
the sun gradually begin to rise. I did, might have had on my mind. He was
however, notice my hand become flesh questioning my very sanity! What little
and bone again instead of a transparent humanity his foul concoctions had left
ether. The doctor later explained it to me me with! After meticulously copying his
but I had already surmised what was notes over a fortnight I confronted the
happening. As long as the sun was in the doctor with my knowledge and accused
sky I was a ruddy flesh and blood man, him of withholding from his aid. He
but once it set I would fade into a solid retaliated by accusing me of spying and
phantom. I begged the doctor to finish treachery. Before I knew it we were
his experiment and find a way to make literally at each other’s throats.
me normal permanently and he agreed. I sometimes wonder if the potion
But he lied. that cursed my being really did impair
I began to experiment with my my judgment. My faculties are
newfound bodies. At first with the unseen unhindered and my mind is as sharp and
one I discovered the privilege of quick as ever, however the lingering
observing other and how people act doubt remains. My actions give me
when they think they are alone. I reason to pause and reflect, reflect of
surprised myself with my actions, things such times as the struggle. We thrashed
55
senselessly around his laboratory Evasion, Invisibility (see below), Low-
upturning tables and chemicals. Soon Light Vision, Immunities, Sneak attack:
the room was ablaze in fire that had +3d6, Uncanny Dodge; AL NE; SV Fort
ignited by some unknown means. +4, Ref +8, Will +7; Str 15, Dex 17, Con
Flammable chemicals spread the blaze 15, Int 15, Wis 11, Cha 17
quickly throughout the building as I Skills and Feats: Alchemy +11 (13),
quickly fled as fast as I could. I leapt Appraise +4 (6), Bluff +11 (14),
through a window cutting my arms and Diplomacy +5 (8), Disguise +5 (8),
sides in the process. Looking behind me Forgery +6 (8), Gather Information +3
I could not see the doctor through the (6), Hide +11 (14), Innuendo +3 (3),
smoke of the raging inferno. Later I Jump +4 (6), Listen +5 (5), Move
would return and poke through the ashes Silently +11 (14) Search +4 (6), Sense
for remains for naught. All his Motive +5 (5), Spot +5 (5), Swim +3 (5),
equipment and notes had been consumed Tumble +4 (6); Blind Fighting,
leaving only my protected copies. Expertise, Iron Will, Power Attack.
Incomplete at best and lacking the Languages: Darkonese, Tempesti,
knowledge Carradine committed only to Zherision.
his innermost thoughts. Equipment: Backpack, noble’s
Freed from responsibility I took outfit, alchemy kit.
what valuables remains and sold them to
start a new life. I discarded my old name
Current Sketch
and took up a new name, one for the new Gryphon continues to live life in as
person I was. It did not take long to grandiose a manner as he can while
establish myself through careful perusing a permanent cure for his
blackmailing and theft. In the right condition. Or at least a way to control
hands information is power beyond his invisibility. The few notes that he
reason. And I had the means to procure recovered are woefully incomplete and
it. I wasted no time setting myself up in only offer a fragment of the procedure
respectable society, buying all the proper that gifted him with invisibility. He has
clothing and a nice estate. Building an performed a few crude tests on subjects;
identity as a old relative of a respected mostly stray animals, to test his progress
family who had only just recently with no positive results as of yet. His
returned from foreign lands where I had skills as an alchemist are highly
been receiving the education deserving inadequate and he is seeking someone
of me. Now I just have to claim who can aid in his research. Willingly or
everything else that I deserve. not.
Gryphon is also heavily concerned
Raine Gryphon, the with his businesses and day-to-day
affairs. He owns several smaller
Invisible Man businesses and some minor property that
Male human Rog6/Exp2: CR 9; he leases out. Currently Gryphon is
Medium-size Humanoid (human); HD primarily interested in expanding his
8d6+16; hp 65; Init +3; Spd 30 ft; AC 13 holdings and portfolio.
(+3 Dex); Atk: +7 Melee (1d6+2; crit Gryphon is a bright, intelligent
18-20/x2, rapier) or +8 Ranged (1d10; individual that has devoted himself to
crit 19-20/x2, heavy crossbow); SQ become a public figure and the center of
attention. During the majority of his life
56
he has been ignored and feared and if these tales are true, but unwilling to
labeled an outsider for being different. take the chance.
Now he considers himself normal for the
first time in his life, at least during the
Combat
day. He despises being ignored or being Gryphon prefers to strike quickly
treated as if he does not matter, despite and suddenly in the dark before his
the power and potential his invisibility victims know they are even under attack.
offers he hates the anonymity of it. He then waits until they light a torch or
Nevertheless he continues to use it to get candle and are assured their attacker has
whatever her desires. He does not view fled before striking again. Given he
his actions as wrong; he is merely cannot carry or hide a weapon he has to
making up for an inequality in nature. resort to using whatever is handy to
Gryphon is fond of parties and strike, he does prefer using the victim’s
social events and often throws large own weapon against them. If possible he
balls. Over the years he has been slowly will use poison or drugs to make the
improving his social standing and death seem natural or sabotage the area
reputation throughout the domain. for an accidental death.
However, Gryphon’s ambitions are If faced by powerful foes with area-
hindered by the fact that all his events effect spells or powerful magic Gryphon
have to end before night falls and his is more likely to flee and attack when he
secret is revealed. This is coupled with has the advantage. He knows that he
the fact that Gryphon is often associated cannot wear amour while invisible and is
with ‘new money’ in the elite circles of venerable to being struck by a lucky
society and labeled a young upstart. His blow.
claims to ‘old blood’ and a rich heritage While not invisible Gryphon avoids
are still questionable and tentative, combat directly. He is more likely to
something he is trying to fix. summon the town constabulary or
During his life Gryphon sees servants than fight directly. However, if
himself as having been repeatedly pressed into a fight, such as through a
betrayed; in his mind his parents, the duel, he will equip himself with the
villagers, the Vistani, and doctor appropriate armor and weapons.
Carradine all stabbed him in the back. Invisibility (special): Gryphon’s
As a result Gryphon is paranoid of being invisibility is a chemically induced
double-crossed. He uses his power to supernatural ability and is unaffected by
ensure the loyalty of his associates and such spells as dispel magic. At sundown
habitually spies on his allies. Due in of every day Gryphon slowly fades away
part to his upbringing and also to its and is undetectable within ten minutes.
ability to discover him Gryphon fears The reverse happens every dawn. The
and distrusts magic. Given the rarity of invisibility only affects Gryphon and not
mages in Paridon he does not encounter his clothes or any items he happens to be
them often, but has heard tales of other carrying of pick up. However Gryohon’s
lands where they are common. Likewise invisibility is not dispelled if he makes
Gryphon is distrustful of demihumans. attacks.
He has heard tales that seem see heat and As his invisibility is not truly
fears that they may be able to see him magical in nature and manipulates the
even in the dark. He still does not know very light around him, spells that detect
invisibility do not function as efficiently
57
against him. See Invisible only shows a Throw (at a DC of 15) or be blinded for
misty outline of a figure and likewise 1d4+1 rounds. While blinded he suffers
True Seeing only reveals a cloudy a –2 to attack rolls, saving throws, skill
humanoid figure. This lowers Gryphon’s and ability checks. During the day the
concealment to nine tenths or one-half sensitivity is lessened but Gryphon is
cover respectively. Neither spell offers still wary of the light. During
enough detail for an identification to be particularly bright days he has taken to
made other than such broad descriptions wearing darkened glasses while outside.
as humanoid. The potion that gave Gryphon his
Gryphon’s body is photosensitive powers did not actually have any mental
and partially absorbs and responds to the side effects. The change in his
amount of light around him. When there personality was a result only of the
is an unlimited amount of light he sudden lack on inhibitions and the
becomes visible and as the light dims he removal of the possibility of being
vanishes. Unnatural sources of light such caught. The sudden freedom and power
as candles and lanterns off too limited a affected the reserved and repressed
source of light to cause a reaction. Even individual more than he realized. This
the Daylight spell proves ineffective in has worsened since he discovered the
making Gryphon visible. This potential of the treatment affecting his
photosensitivity also grants Gryphon mind, he know has an excuse to blame
another added ability in that his eyes his questionable actions on. The more
absorb more light while in darkness foul deeds he commits the less
giving him low-light vision. He can see responsible he feels.
twice as far than normal under dim Immunities: Due to his unique
conditions. A side effect of this is a mild condition, Gryphon is immune to any
light sensitivity. As he partially absorbs attempt to magically discern his location,
available light a sudden change in scrying, and any attempt to detect his
brightness may blind him. The casting of thoughts or discern his alignment. No
Light of a similar spell is too gradual but magical divination can detect his
a large spark or explosion is painful. presence, whether in the present, past or
Gryphon must make a Reflex Saving future.
58
The March of Progress

Cultural levels in Ravenloft
The world is an ever-changing The lands of the Demiplane of

place, caught in the ceaseless march of Dread represent areas taken from a
progress. The land and the people are multitude of worlds. Each of these areas
never static, for forces of advancement special and unique, they contain
and decay are relentless in pulling a societies at different stages of
society in either direction. As each sophistication. In the years after their
generation comes ascendant, they bring incorporation into Ravenloft, these
with them the lessons learned from their societies have interacted with one
forefathers, gaining and losing the another, becoming more and less
wisdom of those who came before them. advanced in certain areas. These
As the years pass the old are replaced by domains still vary from one another, and
the young, the mind controlling the flow can be distinguished by their cultural
of society are ever changing. As a levels. While domains are meant to be
generation ages and becomes more the representation of their Lord’s
experienced their views and philosophies torment, it cannot be denied that there
change, altering their behavior. are living people within the domain. So
The interactions between primitive long as there is time and a number of
and advanced societies stimulate change, sentient beings within a domain, change
for good and for ill. Wars, trade, is inevitable.
entertainment and art cause changes in Cultural levels represent the themes
societies, either by making institutions at work in a domain, not merely the level
stronger or weaker. Society can never of technology. A domain of high
remain static; it is always changing; technological sophistication is not
becoming simplified or complex, open plagued by the same problems that
or conservative, intellectual or hinder life in primitive domains, nor are
emotional. primitive domains vexed by the ethical
A cultural level is a snap shot in and moral dilemmas arising in more
time, a measure of the advancement that advanced domains. This article we will
a society has reached. They are a series explore the different cultural levels of a
of generalizations used to describe a society, as they relate to the people and
society, to sum up the philosophy ruling places in that domain. Given the themes
a society and the sophistication of described in this article, a Dungeon
science and technology. Civilizations at Master might decide to alter the cultural
the same cultural level may still vary, levels of his campaign, either rising or
there plateaus of advancement within lowering the level, to fit the atmosphere
each level and often a given society that he wishes to create.
straddles two or more different levels in
different areas of development.
59
Signs of the Times communication, the manner in which

members of society express and
Cultural levels can be differentiated communicate thoughts and feelings.
by a number of criteria. These areas of
development represent the most
important and most visible differences Diversity
that separate one society from another. Some societies do not follow the
The first area in which domains very is general path of cultural evolution. A
in thought. Thought represents the given culture might never have left the
theories governing the actions in the Stone Age, but rather increased the
domain, the beliefs held by the people sophistication of their primitive
within. Thought encompasses several technology to accomplish goals deemed
topics; the first is political theory, the impossible by more advanced societies
method by which leaders are chosen and Some societies may posses only
the justification that those leaders use for stone and wood as tools, yet organize
governing their people. The next is themselves with the sophistication of a
religious theory, the spiritual beliefs of Bronze Age people. If a culture is at a
the people and the application of those given level but does not exhibit the same
beliefs to real life. themes and ideologies of that level then
Following this is the guiding the DM must decide which he feels is
principles of morals, ethics and laws more important in deciding the CL,
held by society. The next topic is technological sophistication or the
science and education, the methods by theme.
which people investigate the world
around them and the manner in which Savage Culture: CL 0
they instruct others in that knowledge. This is the most basic stage in
The final area of thought is economy, the cultural advancement, the very bottom.
underlying principles by which people At this stage in development there is no
make their economic decisions. form of life that can be considered
After thought comes the second sentient. While their may be animals
means of distinction for a cultural level, that are intelligent, perhaps even capable
technology. Technology is expressed by of being civilized or domesticated they
a number of different means. First and are still trapped in the mindset of an
most notably is the level of armor and animal. There is no mode of thought in
weapon technology; the armor that this cultural level, evolution is the only
protects a culture’s warriors and the law and those who refuse to change will
weapons those warriors wield. The next inevitably vanish from the earth. The
area of technological development is strong eat and the weak starve, the
equipment, the sophistication of the tools foolish are killed and the clever survive.
society uses to accomplish its goals. The This is the most simple and basic level,
third area is architecture, the manner in and for that reason it can continue to
which structures are designed and built. exist for countless millennia until
The fourth level is that of circumstance causes some intelligent
transportation, the method of moving species to evolve and shatter the
people or objects from one location to monotony.
another. The fifth and final area of
technological development is art and
60
Domain experiences. There is no economy in a
There is no domain in the demiplane Stone Age culture, trade is accomplished
that represents this level of with barter and exchange rates are set by
advancement. The Wild Lands are the the current need for the item.
closest approximation, though since the Technology
animals of this domain are capable of Weapons are extremely primitive in
speech and rational thought, they can early Stone Age cultures, but war like
hardly be considered mindless beasts.
cultures quickly develop sophisticated
weapons. Arrows, clubs, daggers, darts,
Stone Age: CL 1 javelins, sling stones and spears can be
This is the first true stage of cultural made from bone, flint and wood. Armor
advancement. In this stage, sentient life is limited to leather, hide and small
has gained self-awareness, the ability to wooden shields.
make complex plans as well as the Equipment is significantly primitive.
intelligence to implement those plans. Metal is completely unavailable, so
This results in the birth of society, and anything that cannot be made of bone,
from that, a new culture. Stone age leather, stone or wood is unavailable.
cultures are governed by primary Items like flint weapons and rope require
philosophy, survival. a great effort by the culture to create, as
such rope is a precious commodity with
Thought which Stone Age societies are reluctant
Individuals and families group to part. Architecture is very primitive;
together to form tribes. Within these homes are made in natural caves, piles of
tribes individuals take on roles that insulating snow, trees or in primitive
reflect their abilities, together they huts.
accomplish the numerous tasks required Transportation is limited to tamed
to gather food and water, raise their animals or rafts. Artistic impulses are
young and defend themselves against channeled into a wide variety of crafts,
hazards. Leaders are chosen from those ranging from wood and stone carvings,
men and women who are best able to to cave paintings, to songs and rhythmic
lead the tribe. music. Language develops quickly in a
Spiritualism is a natural occurrence, Stone Age culture, though no form of
intelligent beings yearn to give order to writing has been developed.
the universe as well as communicate
with nature. At this stage of Domain
development spiritualism is limited to An example of a Stone Age culture
primitive spirits. is the goblins living in the forests of
Morals and ethics are directly linked Tepest. These goblins live in tribes deep
to the need to survive, whatever benefits in the shadowy forests, struggling to
the tribe is considered good and what survive. These stoic creatures have
ever harms the tribe is considered honed their mastery of flint weapons to
wrong. an art, an art unappreciated by the
Science and education are woefully humans who find themselves on the
undeveloped. Science is limited to receiving end.
experiments with wheels, mud and fire
and education is limited to shared
61
Bronze Age: CL 2 Morality, ethics and laws become

codified by the ruling religion. The
The Bronze Age is the dawn of true Gods also have a temporal role, for the
civilization. In this stage a society has ruler usually justifies his power by
left the forests and jungles and begins to associating himself with the will of the
reshape the land to better suit its own Gods. Obedience to the ruler and to
needs. In the safety of the first cities, Gods is considered good, while dissent
Bronze Age people are finally able to and heresy is wrong. Punishments for
focus all of their efforts on cultivating a the breaking of laws can range from
select few skills. This specialization will slavery, to mutilation to death. Slavery
cause their society to be much more is a brutal institution in the Bronze Age,
efficient at providing for itself, though it slaves have no rights and may be slain
will generate a rift between those who’s by their masters without reason.
specialty is to lead and those who’s role Scientific development is painfully
is to serve. slow. Medical knowledge advances
Though society is more efficient, beyond simple herbalists; in fact
survival is a struggle. Life is very primitive surgery can be accomplished.
uncertain and there is but a fine line Metallurgy is still beyond a Bronze Age
separating feast from famine. As a civilization; they treasure items such as
result, the people are very fatalistic and copper for its hardness and gold for its
concerned with death. malleability. Astronomy is of great
Thought value to the people of the Bronze Age,
The guiding political theory of the and it is believed that through the
Bronze Age is the rule of a single, understanding of the stars one can
hereditary leader. This ruler guides the predict the future. Economy develops in
efforts of a small number of people. the Bronze Age; a single important
Life is still simple in the Bronze Age, so commodity is used as a standard for
this ruler can make all of the important trade in the earlier period and the first
decisions by himself. The ruler is served coins are created in the latter periods.
by a number of personal guards and Technology
advisors, who ensure that his decrees are Weapon technology is a low priority
carried throughout society. for a Bronze Age culture. Combat is
Religion is advancing beyond the ritualistic, mostly comprised of a loose
worship of spirits. Bronze Age cultures confederation of men meeting at an
worship a plethora of Gods, sometimes agreed place and attacking one another
paying homage to as many a single God until one group yields. It is only at the
for each individual person. In the latter part of the Bronze Age where true
Bronze Age man has become separate armies evolve and the need for superior
from nature, and it is believed that this weapons and armor arises. Axes,
separation is reflected in the afterlife. daggers, flails, hammers, maces, scythes,
The aforementioned Gods usually take sickles and whips can be made, though
the role of administering this afterlife. the most advanced material available for
To ensure passage into death, elaborate these weapons is bronze. Armor is
tombs are devised. The body of the mainly ceremonial, the advances in
deceased is considered sacred as is the technology have allowed for the creation
property placed within a tomb.
62
of padded armor and the small shields muddy plots along the banks struggle to
known as bucklers. produce enough to support the
Since the move to civilization, the population. As a result, everyone in
level of sophistication in tools has Har’Akir understands the proximity of
increased substantially. Copper and death. Death is naturally sacred to these
bronze are used to create hardened tools, people; the dead and their bodies are
capable of breaking stone. Oils can be respected and protected. The people are
extracted from plants and animals and very concerned with the afterlife, so they
kilns can be used to make decorated obey their priestly leaders without
bowls and pots. Architecture has question for fear of damnation.
advanced to mud brick houses, walls and
huts. It is this advance that allowed the Iron Age: CL 3
society to leave the caves and forests
The Iron Age evolves from the
that once sheltered them from the
Bronze Age, only after several
elements. Transportation now includes
millennia. This is an exciting age, the
well-made rafts, boats powered by
struggle for survival is over and mankind
paddles, chariots and large carts pulled
has won. Advances in agriculture have
by animals.
made life more stable, the folk no longer
Art is developing to express the
fear starvation of drought, so now they
growing religious feelings of the people,
can turn their attention to other matters.
as well as glorifying the society’s rulers.
The people concern themselves with
This art is usually very conservative,
changing the world around them, the
static and unchanging throughout great
conquest of nature and the civilization of
stretches of time. The first written
the savage. The people of the Iron Age
languages appear, though these are
are obsessed with heroic individuals,
usually hieroglyphs that are often
those who use human qualities like
stylized drawings of the object to be
bravery, logic and reason to overcome
described. This simple format makes
nature. Indeed, this is the era of heroes,
reading simple, which is an important
where mortal legends walk the earth.
consideration since the citizens of the
society are too busy with their work to Thought
spend time learning to read and write. The god-kings of the Bronze Age
Communications are tightly controlled have disappeared and been replaced by
by the ruler for parchment, papyrus, relatively more humble kings. These
stone walls and clay tablets are the only kings are vibrant individuals that lead
tools for recording words and they are city-states. These kings hope to earn
all too expensive for commoners to buy their people’s love and respect and are
for themselves. happy to associate with men and women
Domains of great renown. In the Iron Age, kings,
who are assisted by numerous advisors,
An example of a Bronze Age culture
rule the government. These kings are
is the people of Har’Akir. The people of
absolute in their power; no one who may
this land live under a theocracy, which
question their decrees and no law binds
fills the gap left by the absent God-
them. They are responsible only to the
Kings. The people of Har’Akir lead
Gods.
very uncertain lives; the waters of their
Oasis are fickle and unstable, so the
63
At this cultural level religion is Technology
becoming more refined. Gods are much With so much money flowing in and
more human than the Gods of old, for out of an Iron Age civilization, greed is
they are motivated by human needs and bound to lead to war. Iron Age weapons
human emotions. Gods take on much are not much more advanced than those
more defined domains, such as war or of the Bronze Age; the main difference
wisdom or nature. The priests of these between the two is the use of superior
Gods oversee sacrifices, rituals and iron as opposed to brittle bronze.
festivals held in these Gods names. Relatively light iron is being used to
Since life is so much more stable, the create large sized shields and tower
public concerns for death and the dead shields, as well as breast plates and
become much less pressing. Tombs are helmets. New tools can be made with
still well designed, but they are much iron and a variety of other metals now
less conspicuous and much less purified by the same processes used to
important to the spiritual afterlife. refine iron.
The laws of this age are codified Canals, dams, and aqueducts allow
and published in public. Punishments the farmers of the Iron Age to bring
run from death to slavery. Slavery in water and nutrients to more land than
this form is different from the slavery of before, allowing them to grow much
the Bronze Age. Slaves have a few legal more food than was ever possible.
rights and are treated as an indentured Architecture is making bold new leaps
servant rather than actual property. forward, stone is carved into ornate
Slaves often become friends with their columns to support huge structures
masters and most eventually earn their above them. Carpentry is becoming
freedom. much more important, with iron tools to
In this stable and secure culture, cut lumber elaborate homes can be
scientific thought blossoms. Now that constructed from wood. Land
man has free time, he can pursue transportation is still limited to carts and
intellectual pursuits. Logic is being animals, but sea travel has expanded into
perfected as are mathematics. sailed boats called triremes and massive
Philosophers use both logic and math to seagoing crafts called galleys.
create a theoretical picture of the world, Marble busts are appearing, as are
skillfully approximating fundamental statues of bronze. The walls of homes
scientific constants without the use of and tombs are painted in slavish detail,
experiments. Metallurgy is the hallmark mimicking the real image of the subject
of this age, the ability to purify iron matter. The pottery that facilitates trade
allows civilization to create the tools it becomes the medium for art; they are
needs to remake the land and ensure a finely decorated with images of
stable flow of food and water. Advances mythology and history. Plays and
in sailed boats and clay pottery allow stories told in the form of prose are
Iron Age cultures to send foods and appearing as well. Written
other goods over long distance to trade communication is blossoming with the
with other civilizations. As a result, the creation of an alphabet. Not everyone in
economy is vibrant. Precious metals are society can spend the time to learn to
exchanged as currency, which greatly read, so those with the ability to read and
speeds the exchange of goods. write are in high demand.
64
Domains As time passes the civilization will
The Iron Age is a short-lived period, fall into unimaginable decadence,
for its progressive attitudes quickly lead depravity and decay. The age of heroes
the people into the Classical Age. The has long past; morals and ethics are
only domain possessing an Iron Age meaningless and physical prowess is all
culture is the city of Necropolis. that is respected. The decadent people
Necropolis has not lost their ability to enjoy nothing so much as seeing a
forge iron, though other advances have champion fall to the next. This is an age
been lost. The undead of Necropolis where civilization places its trust
lead a parody of an Iron Age existence. completely into the wisdom of mortal
These creatures lack the vocal spirit men.
of living Iron Age peoples, but they Thought
share the same feelings. The people of Republics are born in this age, free
Necropolis are driven to expand the men are given the ability to “vote” to
realm of the dead; they feel that their either directly make decisions or elect
undead existence is the first sign of the representatives to government. This is
hour of ascension. They have thrown the age of the first politicians, as well as
themselves into the role and seek to the first bureaucrats. Towards the end of
claim all of Darkon for the dead. Their the Age ambitious despots replace the
hero is none other than Death, the one republics. These despots usually
creature who exemplifies all of the accommodate some limited democracy,
qualities of the dead. The denizens of as well as the institutions of the former
Necropolis dream of “civilizing” the part of the Age. The culture of the
chaotic life around them. Classical Age is organized into a nation
or an empire.
Classical Age: CL 4 Religion is in a serious decline. The
The Classical Age is the next step human champions of this culture take
beyond the Iron Age. The Classical Age greater precedence than the gods of old.
is the zenith of civilization, a time of Clerics of the old gods are respected; the
unprecedented confidence where common man has no use for religion.
civilization has become more than was Cults arise in isolated areas, heralding
ever dreamed possible. Humanity has the beginning of newer, more powerful
elevated itself to unprecedented glory, gods. More often than not these cults
filling his civilization with wonderful are persecuted and ridiculed by the
beauty. The people of this culture are mainstream culture. Laws and justice in
proud of their society and never restrain these cultures are becoming very
themselves from expressing the glory of advanced. Courts are now being used to
their culture. Yet when a society has try criminals, rather than sending men
reached its peak, it must by definition before nobles. At this age slavery is still
face a future decline. The people of this an integral part of civilization, though as
culture have lost the sense of survival society decays the respect for slaves
that drove their Iron Age ancestors, and diminishes.
as such, they will not be able to Science is advancing at a much
recognize the dangers that will befall slower rate than in the Iron Age.
them. Medicine is advancing to service the
ruling classes of society, allowing these
65
corpulent degenerates to indulge in Art has expanded in small
hedonism for decades longer than they increments. Colorful arrangements of
might have lived. The economy has hundreds of tiny stones, known as
grown considerably since the Iron Age; mosaics are used to illustrate scenes
trade can be accomplished across oceans from life on any surface.
and continents. The self-indulgent Communications have not expanded
despots will bankrupt the nation to much, despite the introduction of paper.
immortalize their glory, after which the The written word is used almost
whole economy begins to collapse. exclusively as a means of disseminating
political propaganda.
Technology
Warfare is very advanced at this Domains
period. Huge armies are organized and There are several domains at the
equipped with steel arms and armor. same level of technology as a Classical
Cavalry are being perfected; saddles and Age culture, yet few represent the all of
stirrups compliment riders with long the cultural traits. Shri Raji is the best
swords. The first professional soldiers example of a Classical domain, for it
are begging to appear, men who dedicate represents a civilization just after its
their lives to fighting for the glory of peak. Society is extraordinarily
their civilization. Chain mail makes its sophisticated, but it is decaying.
first appearance, though in very limited There are no republics in this
quantities. The rank and file soldiers are domain, but the people view religion in
equipped with short swords and spears, the same light. The cults of Kali have
pikes, or javelins. taken power, yet the people of Shri Raji
Steel is replacing iron as the metal have no more respect for the Gods than
of choice for tools, allowing them last any other classical culture. Natives of
much longer. As a consequence, they this domain despise the evil around
are a much wiser investment and are them, but they are too apathetic to strike
wider spread throughout the nation. back. The people are losing faith in
Architecture is an integral part of the humanity, yet they have nothing better in
glorification of the state, so naturally it which to place their trust, at least for the
advances. Ornate columns and moment.
statuesque carvings adorn every
building. The arc and dome make the Dark Age: CL 5
construction of massive structures
The Dark Age comes after the fall
possible. The use of bricks in place of
of a classical civilization. Civilization
stone blocks allows for the creation of
placed all of its trust in humanity, and
huge walls and elaborate fortresses.
for its faith it has been rewarded with
Large mansions can be built for the
destruction. Natural disasters cut off
wealthy; the commoners live in
travel and trade, barbaric invasion
communal urban buildings.
demolish the civilization or perhaps civil
Transportation has not expanded, though
insurrections. Whatever the cause, the
the galleys of the Iron Age have been
corrupt Classical civilization is too weak
improved upon. Roads and bridges
to survive the challenge. The economy
make land travel easier; as well they
collapses leaving individual regions to
allow the state to erect toll stations.
fend for themselves. The militaries that
66
once kept law and order vanish, leaving of learning left; all knowledge is passed
civilization under the law of the jungle. from parent to child. The economy of
The cities begin to decay, and while the culture has collapsed, and the
they remain civilized they degrade back majority of trade is accomplished
to a more primitive state. The people of through barter. Crops are grown and
the Dark Age retain some of the most sent directly to the ruler, with the farmer
practical advances in science and skimming his meager share. Slaves, also
culture, forsaking the decadence that known as serfs, own nothing and earn
plagued their ancestors. A Dark Age nothing.
culture is a stoic culture; the people are
interested only in practicality. Steel is
Technology
still widespread, as are many of the Technology has not decayed to
advances in weapons, riding equipment same extent as civilization, but the
and architecture. stifled economy makes arms and armor
A true Dark Age culture has lost terribly expensive. In a land few useable
faith with weak humans and placed its roads cavalry become much more
faith in the hands of gods. Cults that important. Tools have barely changed
once were ridiculed and persecuted gain since the classical age, though they are
power in the dark corners of the nation. harder to come by. Only a ruler can
New religions form, creating strange and afford to purchase metal implements for
exotic pagan pantheons. Throughout the use by his slaves.
Dark Age these faiths battle for The architecture of the cities is in
supremacy. decay and the rural structures are
primitive. This is not due to a lack of
Thought knowledge; rather the poor economy
Politics have become extremely makes stone and brick to expensive for
simple in the Dark Ages. The strong common use. Primitive motte-and-
lead and the weak serve. Kings, thanes bailey castles are the structure of choice
and random despots unite warriors for the rulers of the rural areas. Homes
beneath them and carve random spheres are either small huts or large communal
of influence. These rulers administer long houses. Galleys are no longer
over peasants, who are treated as nothing practical, since it is nearly impossible to
more than slaves. There are no constants gather a number of rowers to power the
in religious thought in a Dark Age vessel. Instead, smaller long ships
culture. Some areas may believe dominate trade. Barbarians in Dark Age
strongly in a monotheistic religion, cultures perfect the shallow bottomed
others may partake of a cult, and still long boat making transportation quick
others may have degenerated into the and easy by ocean and by river.
worship of nature. These faiths are a Art initially declines due to the
serious issue, for faith alone drives the impracticality of the past time.
barbaric Dark Age people to civilization. Communications are at an all time low;
Law and justice is a simple affair, the for with so much chaos and confusion
will of a ruler is law. The only way of over the land it is nearly impossible to
enforcing the law is by the sword. send messages over great distances.
Punishments are typically brutal.
Science and learning is stagnant in
the Dark Age. There are no institutions
67
Domains feudalism, a system where rulers trade
The cruel weather and the land to other nobles in exchange for
surrounding cliffs isolate the domain military service. This creates a complex
from more civilized cultures, making and convoluted web of loyalties between
Vorostokov a perfect example of a Dark vassals, which results in confusion and
Age culture. The boyar Gregor Zolnik divided loyalties.
and his brutal minions rule this land. Nobles are associated with ruling
The people of this land are ignorant of religion; in theory monarchs derive their
science and technology, though they authority by the will of the dominant
possess the secret of steel and many god. The dominant church owns its own
other advances. Faith in the domain is land and its own serfs. More over, the
no issue for there are no other competing church is the official leader of the entire
religions. Without another religion to empire, serving as the only intermediary
offer contrast, the true theology of between mortals and Gods. Theology is
Vorostokov is undefined and slaved to the doctrine of the ancient past,
unimportant. though religious leaders have a limited
ability to set new doctrine. It cannot be
Early Medieval: CL 6 overstressed how tenuous are the secular
bonds between early medieval
Though the Dark Age represents a kingdoms. It is the church that mediates
tremendous fall, it is a temporary set disputes, encourages trade and organizes
back. The Medieval Age arises from the efforts between individual rulers.
labors of the stoic Dark Age people. Of Without the church, the society is no
the faiths battling in the Dark Age, one more organized than its Dark Age
religion eventually finds a method of predecessor. Religious leaders tightly
civilizing the culture again. This control the flow of theological
religion then becomes a supreme, information, since this information is the
universal religion. basis for all laws. The church has a
Indeed, this universal religion unites court system separate from those used by
the rulers and transforms the barbaric the nobles, though both are unfairly
peoples into a semi-organized empire of biased against the poor serfs. Heresy
kingdoms. The most influential leader against the dominant religion is never
in this Age is the chief religious leader tolerated and always severely punished.
of the dominant religion. The dominant Scientific advancement is greatly
church wipes away all other religions, retarded by the collapse of trade and
offering minimal tolerance for other communications. Learned scholars still
faiths. labor in the cities but religious
Thought organizations are the main source of
learning. Science is mostly ignored,
The major political theory
replaced with alchemy and superstition.
governing the Early Medieval Age is a
Craftsmen have too little free time to
dual government. The nobles and
explore new ideas and technology; as a
monarchs take on the military
result new products must come from an
responsibilities of government, an
outside source. Apothecaries, herbalists
important role since religious wars and
and midwives dominate medicine. In
forced conversion are extremely
truth, these people are amateurs, relying
common. These nobles live under
68
completely upon experience, superstition need for victory outstrips antiquated
and good judgment. ideals.
The economy is ruled by Steel tools are cheap enough for
Manorialism, a socio-economic system lords to give them to their subjects.
under which peasants are bound to the Smithies can create any tool that is not
land of nobles. In truth, this is a standard, but they charge high prices as
formalization of the same quasi-slavery well as collecting their Lord’s cut of the
under which the Dark Age peasants profits. The spinning wheel allows for
lived. Serfs are bound to a low level the creation of a weaving cottage
nobleman called a lord and may never industry, where peasants convert raw
leave the land that they are allotted. wool into thread, and thread into
Peasants pay taxes to their lord, rent the finished goods. This allows serfs to
land they farm, tithe to the church and make more money by which they may
are charged for the use of mills, bridges, support themselves while making
smithies and any other service offered. clothing and textiles much cheaper and
As well, each serf is required to work a more readily available.
number of days on the lands of the lord Architecture is advancing to meet
and may be conscripted into military the needs of society. The high
service. importance of religion is reflected in
This is harsh deal for the serf, but in architecture. Pointed “gothic” arches
this arrangement he is guaranteed a safe appear everywhere and flying buttresses
and stable life. Lords make only a little allow structures to become huge man-
profit from Manorialism, though they made caverns. The small temples of the
still live lives of luxury. Nobles, who Dark Age are replaced with inspiring
use a terribly complex system of churches. Castles are built of stone,
individual privileges to skim off of the allowing the lords within to fortify their
top, carry out all taxation. This makes lands. Homes are made of wood, a far
taxation very inefficient and keeps the improvement over the huts of their Dark
nation poor. Taxes are usually collected Age forefathers. Transportation is still
in the form of grain, which is later limited to the level of the dark ages.
bartered for gold or goods by nobles. Small improvements have been made to
long ships, which can now carry much
Technology more goods and many more soldiers.
Arms and armor have advanced due The best means of land transportation
to their increased importance to violent remains man’s reliable servant, the
medieval culture. Chain mail armor horse.
becomes wide spread, as does heavier, As religions become ascendant art
and more rare forms of armor such as becomes a growing outlet for faith. In
scale mail and banded mail. Long these cases, art usually portrays Gods
swords and lances appear to arm and their servants as mighty conquerors,
mounted warriors called “knights”. brining order to a chaotic land. Art
Infantry are armed with pole arms and seeks to illustrate real life, but images
armor piercing swords to counteract the tend to be flat. Nonetheless, they
mounted legions. Bows and crossbows portray more emotions than were seen in
are appearing, though the nobility as a the ages long past.
cowardly scorns them. It will only be at
the very end of this period where the
69
Domains The ruling religion is losing some
There are only a few domains that power, since it is no longer necessary to
can retain this instable state, one of unite the culture and must now contend
which is Tepest. Tepest is a land with the ambitions of kings.
without nobles; it is merely a collection Nonetheless, the church serves as the
of independent settlements united only chief advisor to nobles, holds land,
by the Church of Belenus. retains legal authority and is the single
The church oversees all matters that most important body in all the
lie beyond the scope of a village elder, civilization. The religion is similar to a
and retains authority within villages as step in the noble hierarchy, albeit the
well. Faith is the focus of all artistic highest such step. Theology is focused
endeavors in Tepest; active belief in the upon offering morals and ethics to the
church is required of all Tepestians. people, offering a guide for life as well
Deviation from the norm is not accepted, as a vision of the afterlife.
nor is anything that can be construed as Monasteries dedicated to theology
heresy. The pitiful economy of the appear and the men and women within
domain is strangled by the tithes of the steadily expand their studies of their god
church, used to fund the expensive and the world he or she created. This
inquisition against the fey. creates a scholarly atmosphere of
learning, making these monasteries
Late Medieval Age: CL7 islands of learning on a sea of ignorance
and superstition. Despite the
The differences between the Early professional attitude, these monks are
Medieval Age and the Late Medieval little more than historians. They do not
Age are subtle but important. The late conduct their own experiments but rather
medieval age is the perfected version of memorize the knowledge of ancient
the early medieval age. The institutions peoples and regurgitate the
that were created in the early medieval presuppositions of their extinct
age have been shaped into efficient predecessors.
organizations. Life in this period is very Manorialism remains unchanged,
stable, and though there is still war, though certain advances make the
starvation, and plagues, society has the system less effective. In some cases the
ability to adapt and survive. taxes imposed upon peasants is
Thought converted from amounts of grain into
coinage, which may backfire upon the
Feudalism remains the reining
nobles should the value of the coins
political system, however by the late
drop. Monarchs enforce written
medieval Age it is a much more polished
agreements between peasants and
version. Monarchs sit at the head of
nobles, entrapping short-sighted lords in
intricate hierarchies of vassals. The
a permanent and unprofitable agreement.
nobles are ranked by their importance,
with each noble being directly overseen Technology
by another noble of the next higher rank. The late medieval age is
This system is much more efficient and characterized by the appearance of
gives the Medieval society a line of longbow and crossbows. The longbow
succession. will remain the weapon of choice for
hunters, though its role as a weapon of
70
war has not yet been realized. Long Paper is becoming wide spread, proving
composite bows are also making their to be an excellent material upon which
debut, though they are viewed more as the scholarly monasteries may record
an experimental weapon than as a their theological and scientific
finished product. The crossbow, discoveries. Indeed, these monks are
however, is an immediate hit among reproducing countless volumes of holy
mercenaries and any lord wealthy texts.
enough to outfit a unit with the
expensive weapon. The crossbow
Domains
remains a rare and expensive item, but A late medieval civilization is a very
its ability to pierce solid armor and stable society, capable of remaining in
deliver massive force becomes the stuff that state for several centuries. There are
of legend. many domains that remain at this stage
Armor is advancing to meet the of cultural evolution. Nova Vaasa is one
challenges of warfare. Half plate mail is such domain, though it must be
invented, giving knights a heavy armor recognized that the Church of the
that offers almost complete mobility. Lawgiver has much less influence than a
The craftsmen of the late medieval age traditional medieval church.
are privilege to technology of which The people of Nova Vaasa are
their forefathers could only have dreamt. beaten down beneath the oppressive
Mechanical gears power the first clocks, hand of the nobles, who have a
though these are huge clocks powered by stranglehold on the economy. Noble
large gears. Glasswork is advanced to privileges allow these aristocrats to drain
an art, and block printing appears to the life from trade, harshly taxing the
facilitate the faster production of bound movement of goods and making
books, replacing the scribes of the early themselves wealthy in the process. The
medieval age and giving the wealthy Church of the Lawgiver maintains a
nobles an amazing new luxury upon number of Cathedrals, taking an active
which they squander their fortunes. role in stamping out political dissent and
Architecture advances to service the maintaining order.
needs nobles and churchmen. The
simple churches of the early medieval Chivalric Age: CL 8
age are replaced with great cathedrals. The chivalric age is a period of
Huge spires and towers appear with unprecedented glory and nobility. The
increasing frequency, serving as civilization has refined the institutions of
towering metaphors for man’s efforts to the late medieval world to create a much
reach the heavens. Stained glass appears more efficient and powerful civilization.
in the windows of cathedrals, giving the Like both medieval eras, the chivalric
parishioners an inspiring vision of the era is time of faith and devotion to the
glory of their god. church. While the people are much
Men and women that fail to fall into more confident in the strength of
the mould of Manorialism might become humanity, they remain humble before
wandering minstrels and poets. These their gods. Despite its devotion, society
“bards” sing the glory of the medieval cannot hide its ambition. This is a
world, intermixing the concepts of faith period where society is driven to expand
and “perfect love” into tales of chivalry.
71
and conquer, crushing heathens and Middle Age counterparts and intermix
believers alike. faith with scientific reason, creating a
The knight is the main military unit method of applying logic to problems of
of this era. These horse-mounted philosophy, theology and science. This
warriors bear enough weapons and method is known as scholasticism and it
armor to make them into unstoppable Scholasticism is the mode of all
terrors upon the field of battle. It is only scientific thought in the late medieval
after the evolution of huge units of world. Scholasticism allows the church
bowmen that the knights are finally to create institutes of education, which
curbed. Knights hone their art through binds society’s intellectuals to the
elaborate tournaments that feature jousts, church through indoctrination. As a
sword duels, and many other forms of consequence, science is supported by the
mock combat. church, but is bound by religious ideals.
Monks, priests and church educated
Thought laymen conduct real experiments, trying
In the chivalric age Monarchs are to reveal their god’s hand in the
absolute rulers. To best take advantage perfection of the natural world. The first
of the expanding economy, the chivalric doctors begin to appear; defeating
age requires a strong leader. The apothecaries, herbalists, and midwives
monarchs seize the reins of power and with their church sanctioned degrees in
take a much more active role in medicine.
governing, taking on many of the roles The economy of the Chivalric
traditionally left to nobles. Though the culture falls under the control of guilds.
feudalist hierarchy remains in place, they Craft and professional guilds are formed;
have drawn all the authority from the creating an organization that sets the
system and focused it upon themselves. price of goods and labor. Members of
The nobles derive their power from the this guild include apprentices,
king; serfs are the property of the king, journeymen and the master craftsmen.
and all land in the nation is the property Master craftsmen train apprentices to
of the king. become journeymen, who then travel to
The kings of the chivalric age are other masters to learn the craft. The
free to break and rewrite law as is their guild requires journey men to create a
will. The nobles of this time period are “master work”, an item of amazing
still powerful in their own right, but the quality before they themselves can
hand of the monarch is an ever-present become masters and set up their own
challenge to their authority. The ruling business.
church may be the only body untouched Guilds allow monarchs, nobles and
by the king. This church allows the king the church to influence the population
to gain power equal to its own. The with minimal effort. To fund the many
church loses some of its temporal power, wars fought in this time, money lending
its lands and serfs, but it retains the same is invented. Lending money for profit,
influence it once had over monarchs and or usury, becomes an extremely
nobles. The church remains the one profitable venture. This is the dawn of
institution the monarch cannot banking, and though it is slow to expand
intimidate. in the Chivalric age, it will explode in
The monasteries of the Chivalric the Renaissance.
age take the curiosities of their Late
72
Technology cathedrals of the church become ornate
This is a particularly violent period structures. Castles develop the classic
of time, where kings vie with one appearance, with moats, drawbridges,
another for power. The mounted warrior and multiple defense walls protecting a
is perfected in this age, producing the keep.
chivalric knights for whom the age gains Cities are growing to serve the
its name. These knights are protected by needs of the wealthy nobles; a bustling
full plate, an armor that completely town, filled with craftsmen, services
protects the warrior but conserving most castles. The carpentry of these
freedom of movement. Heavy lances cities is amazing to behold, applying
and bastard swords appear, allowing advanced ideas of mathematics into the
these mounted warriors to pierce the structures and shaming the architects of
armor of their enemies and deliver less advanced cultures. Transportation
massive damage upon their foes. Long has seen a few modest advances. There
bows and crossbows finally gain the are slight improvements on horse carts
popularity they deserve. When in the and sleighs, allowing farmers and
hands of an expert, these long-range merchants to move their wares further
weapons are lethal, even to knights. with greater speed and efficiency. Long
The first matchlock rifles appear, ships are becoming larger, allowing
giving even the most inexperienced kingdoms to ship more goods through
warrior the ability to penetrate armor and rivers and over seas. Sailing ships
strike the vulnerable humans within. appear, allowing civilization to traverse
These weapons take a full round action the expanses of oceans, though these
to load however, like all firearms, their ships are extremely expensive.
bullets ignore half of the armor class Art is still a major outlet for faith,
bonus applied by mundane and natural however it reflects a different view of
armor. Tool craft is highly advanced; faith. The Chivalric world is much more
small tools can be created to facilitate stable than the earlier ages, the need for
intricate work. Clockwork is appearing a powerful orderly god has past. Gods
with greater frequency; in fact a and their servants are portrayed as more
household clock is a common feature in human, either more loving or just more
the house of a noble or aristocrat. merciful. While these religious figures
Compasses appear, allowing for better are still infallible, they are more closely
navigation. associated with human emotions and
The architecture of the Chivalric needs.
Age resembles that of the medieval age, Poetry becomes popular even
however society finds itself creating amongst the amateur nobles. In this age,
more and more elaborate structures. worship and love become intermingled
Bridges, aqueducts and dams are made in art, making love poetry and religious
into grand edifices of stone brick. poetry indistinguishable. Paintings and
Religious buildings are the focus of portraits are becoming extremely
amazing architectural advances, huge popular, since the artistic community has
domes and ornate arches support abandoned the antiquated ideas of flat 2
breathtaking cathedrals. The homes of dimensional form and replaced it with a
rural peasants remain almost unchanged, three dimensional mimicry of reality.
but the castles of nobles and the
73
Domains power and the source of prestige, and are
Borca is a fine example of a thus in high demand. This is the driving
chivalric culture. Ivana Boristi is the force behind the Renaissance.
absolute authority of Borca. The nobles The Renaissance is the rebirth of
and churchmen derive all of their power civilization. Indeed, humanity has
from Ivana, all of Borca’s land is her reversed all of the damage caused by the
property to be distributed by her will. fall of the Classical civilization and
Under her singular guidance Borca’s created a new golden age of art, culture
economy is consistently expanding, and science. Like the classical culture
utilizing the advances in technology to before it, a Renaissance culture puts its
create manufactures products for sale in faith in humanity. Yet unlike the fallen
other domains. The crafts of Borca are classical civilization, the Renaissance
run by the highly organized guilds, tempers its confidence with faith in a
which allow Ivana and her minions to God. Faith in religion is intermixed with
enforce policy throughout Borca’s humanism, a liberating philosophy that,
industries. to a limited extent, frees mankind from
the religious dogma of the medieval age.
The Renaissance: CL 9 This is an important feature, for this is
an age where the growing tide of
The Renaissance is entirely an urban capitalism is working its way into
movement. The advances in the religion.
chivalric age allow the population to Despite the confidence of the
soar, which in turn generates a massive renaissance age, it is a time of death and
population explosion is cities. Advances disease. The urban centers that birthed
in banking and money lending draw the Renaissance are havens of death and
craftspeople and merchants into the disease. While the wealthy live long,
cities, turning them into crowded city- healthy lives, the urban poor wallow in
states. These city-states are easily as filth and infections. Indeed, the only
wealthy as large kingdoms, and with the thing supporting the population is the
use of professional mercenaries, equally constant influx of rural peasants seeking
as dangerous. a better life in the city.
The Renaissance cities are thriving
metropolises built entirely upon trade, Thought
whether that is usury or the exploitation To enter the Renaissance age a city
of trade routs. Merchant families control must be both huge, and enjoy autonomy.
the cities; they exercise more political Most often this means that the city is an
and economic influence than most independent city-state, though the capital
monarchs. These families compete city of a kingdom might also enjoy this
fiercely for control, and though they are status. The management of such a city is
exceptionally wealthy they are a task far too complex to be left up to a
constantly struggling to turn a profit. monarch, even one as powerful as a
This is the age of “conspicuous Chivalric monarch. Indeed, the needs of
consumption”, where the rich middle the city state give rise to the two political
class of non-noble merchants buy items theories of the Renaissance: Republics
of art, fashion and literature to increase and Despots.
their social status. Philosophy, science In the republic system a quasi-
and works of literature are signs of democratic council of men is organized
74
to set all of the laws, policies and It is this corruption that has
regulations to support the city. This weakened the oppressive hand of the
“commune” is made up of wealthy church and freed culture from antiquated
merchants, men elected to their position doctrine. Indeed, in the depths of
by land owning citizens, rather than decadence, the church sponsors the very
hereditary nobles. These men are culture that undermines its power. The
chosen for their skills, ensuring that church becomes the main patron of the
qualified leaders fill the important Renaissance, commissioning works that
offices of the commune. In truth, these glorify mankind with lip service to
communes are gatherings of the leaders religious undertones.
of the wealthiest merchant families. The Renaissance is a golden age of
The next theory is despotism. In scientific discovery. The wealthy
this case, the head of the single most nobles, churchmen and merchants fund
powerful merchant family rules as an learned men with incurable curiosity.
absolute dictator. This patriarch, or These scientists may be amateurs or
matriarch, makes all laws and policies, scholars trained in scholasticism, they
and pays lip service to a figurehead may be logical and methodical or they
republic. might be eccentric and irrepressible.
Both forms of government fulfill the Whatever their personality, these
needs of the ultra-dense cities of the scientists are free of most of the barriers
Renaissance. They give citizens a that held their forefathers. While they
chance to observe government in action must be cautious not to openly challenge
as well as participate in that governing. Church doctrine, they are free to explore
The renaissance rulers are many times almost every topic under the sun.
more efficient than typical hereditary Doctors open large medical schools,
monarchs, for they could neither have producing large numbers of educated
reached nor maintained their position men to service the growing population of
without extensive expertise in wealthy patients.
diplomacy, economics and politics. Massive trade drives the
The Renaissance is an age where the Renaissance economy. Banks and
religion from the medieval age becomes private usurers offer loans to merchants,
arrogant and corrupt. No religion, no explorers and warlords, allowing them to
matter how devout, can help but become undertake grand endeavors. The need to
arrogant after so many centuries of stimulate the economy forces explorers
absolute power over civilization. The to drive further into the world beyond
unique nature of Ravenloft cuts off the city, to discover new resources and
communication between clerics and the new customers.
deities they worship. This allows priests Inevitably, the Renaissance culture
to become self-assured and conceited. sets up colonies outside of its own lands.
Inevitably, these priests become so self- These colonies are designed to extract
assured that they succumb to some form natural resources like gold and send
of avarice. These churchmen become them back to the mother civilization,
more like nobles than like priests, they where they are bought for a pittance and
seek personal wealth and power as well greatly enrich the mother civilization.
as the luxuries that those bring. These colonies are the first of their kind,
and as such they are primitive,
75
inefficient and entirely dependant on the can be mass-produced at a cost low
mother country for support and enough for anyone to buy.
leadership. Usually these colonies are Architecture in the Renaissance is as
formed through the settlement of rich and elaborate as an artist’s dreams.
unoccupied lands, though subjugating an With the unlimited wealth at the hands
indigenous people to the will of the of patrons architects are allowed to run
mother country could also create such a wild and create masterpieces of marble
colony. and granite. Domes and arches are used
frequently, as are giant vaulted ceilings.
Technology Columns similar to those from the
The renaissance is the age where Classical age make an appearance as
armor becomes obsolete. Though well. Renaissance cities are wild jungles
breastplates and other forms of of brick and stone. The population of
protection will still be in use, they are no these cities is so dense that almost every
longer considered to be practical. building is some form of a residence.
Indeed, the Chivalric age has shown that Apartment buildings allow dozens upon
armor is no match for arrows or dozens of families coexist within one
crossbow bolts, let alone the bullet. huge structure, utilizing the same
Firearms, for the simple reason of pluming fixtures. The Renaissance age
logistics, dominate warfare in this age. heralds the return of plumbing, the
Bullets and powder are much easier to transportation of water to and from
transport than bulky arrows and quarrels, buildings through pipes. Not since the
making an army outfitted with muskets classical age has civilization enjoyed the
much easier to move than bowmen. benefits of plumbing, though even in the
Matchlocks still make up the bulk of the Renaissance only the urban apartments
firearms in the culture, though expensive and wealth manor houses can afford this
wheel lock cavalry pistols begin to luxury.
appear. Horsemen are still critical to a Transportation goes hand in hand
renaissance army, though these men with trade. By the renaissance age the
rarely wear more than breastplates and sailing ship is perfected, resulting in
carry blades called sabers. Pikes and massive vessels capable of moving
pole arms remain extremely popular as a hundreds of men, or many tones of
cheap way to arm ground forces for goods over huge distances. This is a
battle against both infantry and cavalry. critical advance, since this bulk
The first pocket sized watches transportation is crucial to the trade that
appear, allowing everyone from the powers the Renaissance.
middle class to nobles to own a piece of Free of many of the religious
time. Telescopes and microscopes begin controls of the past, and sponsored by
to appear as well. Diamond cutting the permissive middle class and
technology increases, as does sewing decadent churchmen, art explodes in the
and weaving. In fact, huge spinning and Renaissance. Art is everywhere in a
weaving machines appear, making the Renaissance city, it is so prolific that
process of turning raw wool into a textile even a commoner can afford to purchase
product a much faster process. Most a small trinket or two. The human form
importantly, the first movable type becomes the subject of intense study;
printers appear. For the first time, books human bodies are rendered in lifelike
76
detail in paintings, drawings, stone and merchants and their loose money
metal sculpture. Portraits and other abundant.
paintings are created with beautiful oil Art and culture in Dementlieu is
paints and preserved by exciting new unbound and flourishing beneath the
methods, which promise to keep permissive aristocracy. Science and
Renaissance artworks nearly immortal. medicine are similarly advanced.
The interior walls and ceilings of Indeed, Dementlieu is the envy of the
buildings are often decorated with core.
original artworks. Writing and poetry The government of the domain is
are not idle in this period, indeed great neither despotic nor truly democratic,
works of poetry are being sponsored and but a hybrid between the two systems.
written by the wealthy elite of society. This unique position gives Dementlieu
Communications are exploding with an amazingly efficient and reactive
the invention of the printing press. The government, capable of passing laws and
printed word is as cheap as water and policies to counteract the quickest crisis.
almost as prolific. Pamphlets regarding
philosophy, politics and religion
Game Modifications
circulate on the streets, causing It should be recognized that by the
Renaissance leaders to pass laws to limit Renaissance period certain elements in
and, to an extent, protect freedom of the society have changed significantly. It
press. More importantly, books are might be prudent for Dungeon Masters
being published at an astounding rate. to offer players the ability to use the
Books are written on every subject, aristocrat or expert as a basic player
disseminating Renaissance ideas at an character class. Furthermore, the DM
astounding rate. Indeed, holy books are might consider using the modifications
now copied and sold, allowing anyone to to these classes proposed in Quoth the
read the words of their God. No one can Raven: Issue #1 in the article “Those
foresee the conflicts that will arise when Who Delve the Dark”.
nearly every commoner has access to the Next, in the Renaissance setting the
holy texts and can interpret the word of use of the firearm has become much
God for themselves. more common than that of more
primitive weapons. Indeed, though the
Domains complicated matchlocks of the Chivalric
The best example of a Renaissance period were unwieldy and exotic, the
culture in Ravenloft is Dementilieu. much more reliable wheel locks of the
Dementlieu is essentially two cities; Port Renaissance are many times more easy
a-Lucine and Chateaufaux, and the to use. Dungeon Masters should be
inconsequential rural areas divided up encouraged to give characters native to a
between the two. Renaissance culture proficiency in rifles
The cities are free from the tyranny though they were martial weapons and
of religion; indeed the local church of pistols as though they were simple
Ezra behaves as a patron of the arts. The weapons.
wealth of Dementlieu is fluid; the nation
is based upon trade rather than
agriculture. The constant ebb and flow
of money enriched the middle class of
the domain, making spendthrift
77
Age of Absolutism: CL 10 commoners, can meet and advise the

king.
While the Renaissance was a The importance of religion resurges
movement of freedom, the age of in the Absolutist regime. Indeed, the
absolutism is an age of oppression. The justification for absolutism lies in the
freedoms of a Renaissance city divine right of the monarch. For this
eventually end in chaos and reason, absolute monarchs become
governmental impotence. Independent enforcers of the dominant religion. The
city-states inevitably prove inferior to religion prospers from the power of the
their enemies, massive kingdoms. monarch, though they technically have
The nation state truly takes shape in lost power.
this era, as the land is divided between Early in this period, monarchs
the families of kings, rather than by embroil their nations in wars of religion.
nobles who’s allegiance might shift. Since the crown is attempting to win the
The age of absolutism is an age of trust of the church, it finds itself driven
constant warfare. The imperialistic to do battle with other kingdoms over
desires of the monarch, coupled with the religious matters. However, as the age
obligations to the dominant church progresses monarchs lose this
create a drive for conquest. Absolutist dependence, and so religion eventually
nation states will throw themselves into becomes a political non-issue.
the bloody fray, risking everything for Scientific development is
the possibility of gaining precious land. maintained at a level almost equal to that
Thought of the Renaissance. The economy of the
The political system of the time is culture is booming, so there is pressure
absolutist monarchy. This monarchy on scientists to discover new
differs greatly from monarchies of the technologies to be exploited. Science
past because of its emphasis on the conflicts with the blind religious faith
individual power of a single monarch, that has characterized society for
rather than a hierarchy of nobles. millennia. Logic, reason, and
Absolute monarchs assume all authority experimentation conflict strongly with
in their kingdom; they delegate as little superstition and spirituality. Though
power as possible and involve science is struggling against the yolk of
themselves in every matter of state. This religious doctrine, the necessity of
creates an atmosphere where common scientific discovery prevails. The
born officials can advance above nobles. eccentric curiosity of renaissance
Indeed, the Monarch is so confident that scientists is replaced with the rigid
he can afford to appoint officials scientific method, a mode of analytical
according to ability, rather than loyalty. thought that eliminates personal bias and
Independent city-states and stresses experimentation.
principalities are cowed to the monarch, With the increase in the monarch’s
and the kingdom becomes a true nation power, so does his share in the wealth of
state. To keep the people placated and the nation. The king focuses much of
to further undermine the power of his attention on the economy, and the
nobles, the monarch sets up a parliament nation naturally benefits. The nation
where representatives from the three becomes specialized to produce
estates, the church, the nobility and the profitable products.
78
The exploitation of colonies in the rotation and planting techniques. These
Renaissance is replaced with the new procedures have necessitated the
superior Mercantilist system. In this advancement of farming and
system the colonies become more self construction tools. Even a simple farmer
sufficient, yet treaties with the mother makes use out of the tools of an architect
country bind them. The colony is forced or an artisan.
to send raw materials to the mother Now that cannons have made castle
country at a cheap cost, and those walls useless, the homes of noblemen
materials are transformed by the mother become monuments of decadence and
country into finished goods, which are opulence. Pointed towers, adorn many
sold back to the colony or other nations castles and manor houses, and huge
at an inflated cost. arches appear in bridges and other
buildings. On the more common end of
Technology the spectrum, buildings are becoming
Arms and armor make a small leap much more refined. The old peasant
in this age. Flintlock rifles begin to shacks and hovels are replaced with
appear towards the end of the Age of houses of wood or brick. Windmills
Absolutism, making the unwieldy appear in larger numbers, making grain
matchlocks obsolete. Bayonets appear milling much more common and
in massive numbers, allowing inexpensive.
musketeers to double as spearmen. As To facilitate trade dams, canals and
well, batteries of cannons appear in land locks have been built to allow merchant
warfare, making the castles of the barges to travel far up rivers and deliver
Chivalric age obsolete and nearly goods. Indeed, locks allow boats to
useless. Armor is vanishing from the travel into the highlands and lowlands of
battlefield. Shields are gone forever, and a kingdom. Ocean shipping is becoming
the breastplate is on its last leg. Aside even more advanced. Ships are
from their symbolic significance, armor becoming bigger, armed with cannons
is useless. Cavalry remains an important and even armored. Horse carriages are
unit, but the pikes and pole arms that becoming important for land travel,
once countered horsemen have been allowing nobles to travel in style.
discarded. Communications are expanding
Mercenary armies are found rapidly. Though the monarch might
throughout the absolutist society, desire to control the media more closely,
allowing a nation to gather large the proliferation of the printing press is
numbers of quality soldiers at a moments too powerful a force for even an absolute
notice. The trade ships crucial to monarch to control. The first
shipping are pressed into military service newspapers begin to appear, allowing
during times of war, allowing nations to current events and political commentary
gather a huge navy without suffering the to reach even the lowliest citizen.
burden of paying for a standing navy. Wealthy aristocrats, who intend to
The Agricultural Revolution immortalize themselves sponsor art.
characterizes the age of absolutism. These oil paint portraits give future
This is an exciting time for farmers, generations an idealized view of these
because new developments in science individuals, forsaking realism for beauty.
have revealed the usefulness in advanced
irrigation, land reclamation, crop
79
The Enlightenment: CL 11 comes to pass; either the monarch

willingly shares power with parliament
The scientists and philosophers of or the nation fails and a violent
the Age of Absolutism open a window revolution ensues. Either way, the
of thought and allow the light of reason nation stabilizes and becomes prepared
to penetrate society and banish the for the challenge of the enlightenment.
darkness of superstition and ignorance. In some enlightened societies the
The enlightenment is the triumph of absolutist monarch becomes an
reason and humanity; it produces a brave “Enlightened Despot”. In many ways,
new world filled with men and women this is nothing different from the
who can freely question anything and absolute monarchy; say that the mandate
everything in society. of power comes from the rational need
“Philosophs”, the new breed of for a powerful, educated ruler, rather
philosophers, preach enlightened ideas than divine right. The enlightened
in the cafes and salons of society. While despot tries to spread some, but not all
aristocrats and nobles struggle to stamp enlightened ideas. Amongst these ideas
out the enlightenment, the movement are codified laws, reforms to make a
remains popular with students, freer economy and increasing the legal
fashionable bourgeoisie and ambitious status of peasants. These despots are
monarchs. The new ideas of philosophy, assisted by parliaments, organized
art and politics flourish in cafes and bodies of representatives from the
fashionable salons. The cafes are the different areas of the kingdom. These
haunts of artists, radicals and university parliaments handle minor details and are
students, and as such they are hot beds still subject to dismissal at the monarch’s
of rebellious thought. The much more whim.
moderate and acceptable salons are Religious tolerance is the hallmark
maintained by wealthy women and of the Enlightenment. After the bloody
attended by the more moderate religious wars of the Age of Absolutism,
philosophs. the foolishness of intolerance is exposed.
One of the most important elements The dominant religion loses even more
of the enlightenment is the secular power; by the end of this age it
transformation of civilians into citizens. will be a purely spiritual organization
From the chaos of war and the economic with little or no political importance.
explosion, peasants are forced to become New modes of religious thought appear
motivated, independently minded in this atmosphere of tolerance.
workers and on occasion, militiamen. Science and religion fought one
With these skills comes the ambition to another in the Age of Absolutism, and
play a role in the governing of the by the Enlightenment science has
nation. emerged as the victor. Chemistry,
Thought mathematics, engineering and every
The Absolutist monarchs inevitably other science are advancing at an
disappear. With the amazing challenges amazing pace. Universities are infected
of a thriving economy, only the most with the scientific method and produce
outstanding monarch is fit for the countless scientists, who delve into the
challenge. Eventually a weak monarch secrets of the universe with limitless
comes to power, and one of two things courage and curiosity. Certain
80
enlightened despots experiment with timepieces inexpensive enough for even
cheap, state-run schools for the youth of common folk to own. Hand driven
the nation, creating the first “high machines allow tool and gun makers to
schools”. mass produce items, giving them a
Medicine is free of antiquated ideas; universal form that allows for the quick
autopsies, surgeries, transfusions, exchange of spare parts.
vaccines, pharmaceuticals and many Hot air balloons appear, giving
more miracles of scientific medicine mankind the first taste of flight. Slow
increase the length and quality of life. and clumsy, these behemoths will spark
Of the many discoveries made in the imagination and drive man towards
this time, electricity is the most the conquest of the air.
noticeable. The mystery of harnessed Communications are expanding as
lightening perplexes science, and goads newspapers and printed books
it forwards. proliferate. National postal services
The economy of an enlightened allow for cheap communication in cities
society is vastly superior to that of the and throughout the nation. Competing
previous ages. The old barriers of trade with these post offices are private
tariffs and noble privileges are under delivery services. These heavily armed
attack; new forms of taxation appear to riders carry letters, packages, cash and
increase efficiency. The mercantile anything else, for the right price.
colonies are more important than ever, The ideas of philosophs spread by
though the colonists themselves buck the way of the written word. Plays and
oppressive limits the mother country has other forms of drama entertain the elite
imposed upon them. and the masses alike. As well, new and
exciting ideas are being fostered in the
Technology medium of painting, though decadent
There is little change in the Rocco portraits are the most prolific.
technology of weapons in the
Enlightenment. Rifled barrels make an
appearance, allowing bullets to be fired
Industrial Revolution: CL 12
at greater distance and accuracy. The enlightenment transforms the
Cannons are becoming bigger and more minds of civilization, but it is the arrival
specialized, antipersonnel grapeshot of the steam engine that truly changes
appears as well. Armor has vanished the world. All societies require someone
completely from the field of battle, even to accomplish labor, but after the
as a ceremonial costume. The real Industrial Revolution that the burden of
advancement comes in organization. that labor is borne by a machine. The
Men appointed for their skill lead peasants from the enlightenment struggle
armies, and the promise of advancement to provide a better life for their children,
drives soldiers to be all that they can who themselves become the
become. Citizen militias supplement businessmen of the industrial revolution.
professional armies in times of crisis. The industrial revolution takes to heart
Tools have made only a scant few the theories of the enlightenment
advances since the age of absolutism. philosophs. Free economy, greater
Theories of mathematics and physics democracy and rational ideas are all
have allowed for the creation of incorporated into society.
pendulum-powered clocks, making
81
Thought industrial culture; it plays no part in
The changes of the enlightenment politics and has little sway over the
are taken to the next step. Scheming thought of the time. Though while
parliamentarians and silvered tongued religion has lost power, it has gained the
lords replace weak monarchs. While freedom to concentrate totally upon
monarchs remain as figureheads and offering moral guidance to society as
heads of state, the leaders in parliament well as food and shelter to the needy.
are the true head of government. This Though the battle between science and
atmosphere of freedom breeds amazing religion is decided, there will be
confidence in society. The economy numerous classes in the future.
soars with invested capital. The colonies Advancements in science are
of the nation, assuming they didn’t occurring at a tremendous rate.
revolt during the previous ages, are Universities are the source of every
important cogs in the nation’s advance. The term scientist becomes
machinery. An industrial revolution synonymous with an accredited degree.
society tries to advance preexisting The growing need for machines drives
colonies and exploit new lands. advances in metallurgy. As well,
The laws of an Industrial Revolution theories in chemistry, biology and
Age society are enforced by a publicly mathematics are occurring with each
funded police force, under the control of month. This age begins with the birth of
government. Judges, who oversee the steam engine, which powers machines
arguments made by opposing councils, capable of performing more work at a
conduct trials. The judicial system of faster rate than any human.
the Industrial Revolution is separate Many of the mysteries of electricity
from the monarchy and the government. have yet to be explained. However,
All citizens are, at least in theory, equal mankind has finally made the connection
before the law. between electricity and magnetism.
As the rural regions conflict with The economy of an industrial
urban industry, there are bound to be culture is booming. The appearance of
violent clashes. Civil disturbances, and steam driven machines has allowed a
even civil wars are not uncommon. As given nation the ability to produce much
most as a concession to the rural areas, more goods than it ever could have
power in parliament is divided up based produced with purely human labor. Raw
on region rather than population. The materials like wool or metal are turned
rural areas often have disproportionate into finished goods by machines.
power, creating “Rotten Boroughs”, Entrepreneurs and partnerships form
areas with little if any population that companies. Clever, self-motivated men
enjoy representation as great as whole can literal move from rags to riches in
cities. Corruption runs rampant in the their life times. Banking becomes a
Industrial Revolution parliament. Votes critical element to the economy, since it
are bought with bribes and threats, and is through bank loans that the businesses
power is brokered to the highest bidder. are created.
The disastrous conflict with science This booming economy has a darker
proves to be nothing more than the death side, however. The cost of the opulence
rattle of organized religion. Religion is of society is borne by the poorest
not an important part of the life in an citizens. This age is the death of the
82
manorialism economy. No longer do allowing for mining operations at great
laborers and employers meet face to depths as well as allowing greater
face. The factory owner and the factory sophistication in urban sewage systems.
worker are permanently separated, More importantly, these steam engines
resulting in disputes over hours, wages power human operated machines, which
and safety. Labor laws are nonexistent, can accomplish more work in a faster
as are the rights of laborers. Worse off time than any human.
are the rural peasants. The advances in Ships continue to grow larger and
agriculture allow a few small farms to more heavily armed and armored. The
produce the same amount of crops as the sailing ship remains the foundation of
huge farms of the past. As well, the most trade, but steam ships are steadily
industrial economy encourages overtaking them. The first, clumsy
landowners to focus efforts on the steam ships appear in the last years of
production of a single crop. This makes the Industrial culture. Horse drawn
thousands of peasants obsolete and in the buggies and carts are popular for both
way of profit. Owners enclose rural and urban transportation, though
farmlands and cast the tenant farmers for peasants the reliable foot, or a horse
into the streets. when possible, is the transport of choice.
As this ages goes on, some
Technology imaginative inventors experiment with a
Advances in firearm technology land based steam engine. These clunky,
occur quickly as gunsmiths devise more steam driven “locomotives” are slow and
efficient weapons. Rifles are much more ugly, but they can pull huge trains of
accurate, powerful and longer ranged carts along tracks of steel, making the ox
than their ancient flintlock predecessors. and horse carts of the past obsolete.
The invention of the “bullet” Indeed, by the end of the age, these
revolutionizes firearms, finally combing trains become very useful in moving
cumbersome powder, wadding and other people across long distances.
firing compounds into a single, easily Communications in the industrial
loaded cartridge. Repeating rifles age are critical for the economy.
appear, as do shotguns, capable of firing Newspapers are a critical tool for the
cones of lethal steel pellets. Pistols dissemination of news regarding politics,
known as revolves appear, allowing the economics, religion, science and any
wielder to rapidly fire bullet after bullet other subject under the sun. Books are
without reloading. However, due to cheaper and more readily available than
matters of cost, logistics and a lack of ever before. The first telegraphs appear
trust in the self-restraint of armed in this age, utilizing the relatively new
soldiers, armies of this cultural level still electromagnetic technology. Quick
utilize single fire muzzleloader muskets. communications can be made over huge
Artillery expands as well. Cannons distances, fostering democracy,
become more accurate and longer newspapers and all other forms of
ranged, and Gatling guns emerge. communication.
To service the wide variety of Art in the industrial age is bolstered
machine in existence, mechanical tools by the confidence of the age. Novels
have become much more common and appear as a method of pure
sophisticated. The first wood powered entertainment, as well as a medium for
steam engines appear as water pumps,
83
social commentary. Romanticism government serves the interests of both
appears as a reaction to the rational the wealthy captains of industry and the
enlightenment. Emphasizing emotion, masses, arousing the ire of neither group
the Romantic dramas and novels look and retaining support from both.
back to the simple passions of the past. Religion and science continue their
Nature becomes a popular subject eternal battle. Organized religion has
among artists, as does the simple become much more tolerant of other
lifestyle of farmers. Other artists take a faiths, it now focuses all of its efforts
more intellectual look towards art and upon setting morals standards for
begin pioneering new methods of society. Now that mankind has been
painting, abandoning the desire to paint elevated so highly above nature, the
realistically and experimenting with Victorian society is encouraged to
imagery. behave accordingly. Death, sex and
anything else beyond the grasp of pure
Victorian Age: CL 13 science are considered to be taboo.
Death is hidden away from society and
The Victorian Age is a glorious age,
wrapped in the last vestiges of
where the successes of the Industrial
mysticism. Sex and other biological
Revolution have made a nation into an
functions are condemned by religion and
empire and elevated the middleclass
polite society, hidden away from society.
citizens of the nation to a lifestyle
Science continues on in its golden
enviable by the aristocrats of more
age. Universities and colleges train
primitive cultures.
scientists and technologists, both of
Mankind marvels at its own glory,
which are in high demand. New theories
for no goal seems beyond its grasp.
emerge to describe the universe around
Steamships ply the oceans and coal-
mankind, theories which are put to the
burning locomotives crisscross the land
test and used to create new products.
on ribbons of steel. So proud is society,
The economy remains the most
that it is blind to the follies of its own
important issue to an industrial nation.
ambition. Sooner or latter a Victorian
The civilized nation continues to make
Age society goes to war with another. A
its profits by selling its manufactured
Victorian society easily crushes a
goods to less advanced nations, but a
primitive appointment, but against a
new emphasis is placed upon lending
technological equal the inevitable war
money. Victorian nations become
becomes long, drawn out and disastrous
embroiled in the disputes of smaller
for both sides.
nations, since the capital lent to these
Thought nations represent an investment of
The parliaments of the Industrial significant economic resources. The
Age are firmly entrenched in the corporate system becomes more and
Victorian Age. There are numerous more important to the Victorian culture,
token reforms to the ruling political these investments allow the middle class
system, and the most blatant corruption to save money, without draining the
from the Industrial Revolution is economy.
removed. Government settles into a Labor rights often conflict with the
moderate balance between idealistic needs of the economy. After the violent
honesty and cynical greed. The clashes in the Industrial Revolution
84
come the much more bloody battles wave of new inventions are offered to
between management and labor. Despite the public, including light bulbs and
the resistance of government and the even ammonia refrigerators.
upper class, labor either organizes and In this age, the first combustion
makes collective bargains, or forms a engines are devised. Land machines
socialist resistance. called automobiles are seen, though in
the beginning of the age they are nothing
Technology but novelty toys of rich men with too
Since the dawn of time man has little sense to purchase a horse cart.
invested his intellect to that most Towards the middle of the age the
pressing of goals: slaying his enemies. automobile gains more acceptance, and
The Victorian age sees the birth of the by the end of the Victorian age they are
most deadly weapons ever seen. appearing in every corner of the nation.
Advances in metallurgy and munitions Diesel engines also appear, allowing
allow for the creation of amazing new huge automobiles called trucks to lug
weapons of war. Most importantly are loads almost equal to that of a train car.
bolt-action rifles, efficient and long The sailing ships of the past remain
ranged weapons that replace the in the seas, though only as a novelty.
repeaters of the Industrial age. These Steamships grow to be huge vehicles,
rifles can be augmented with telescopic larger than most structures ever built by
sights, which allow snipers to strike man. These steam ships can even be
down victims like the hand of God. built into massive weapons of war.
Semiautomatic pistols appear as a side These battleships are not alone in the
arm, as do hand held explosives called waters. Towards the very end of this age
grenades. Artillery makes a huge leap the technology of batteries and diesel
forward with field guns, mortars and the engines, creating submersible attack
lethal machinegun. Barbed wire and boats. The U-boats terrorize the ocean,
landmines also make bloody debut. sinking enemy ships like the vengeful
Armor remains ineffective against hand of Neptune.
these horrible weapons of war. The Zeppelins replace hot air balloons as
cavalry of ages past begins to vanish. mankind’s leading method of air travel.
Replacing it are the armored vehicles of These great behemoths appear in the
all types. latter half of the age and grow in
Tools become many times more popularity both as a means of
sophisticated than they were in the past. transporting people and also as a weapon
In this age of machines man finds use for of war.
a plethora of wrenches, screwdrivers, The final advancement in
bolt cutters, and hundreds of other transportation is the airplane. In the
devices. Advances in chemistry produce middle of this age the airplane appears
electrical “batteries”, which can deliver as a synergy between aerodynamics and
electrical power. Towards the latter part internal combustion engines. These
of this age electrical power plants appear airplanes grow more and more
in cities. Most are powered by the sophisticated, though their very nature as
burning of coal in a steam engine, powered flying machines their size. In
though waterfalls power a few the latter part of this age the airplane
hydroelectric plants. With the becomes a lethal weapon of war,
appearance of cheap electricity comes a
85
deploying machineguns, rockets and out “radio waves”, which are detected by
even bombs. the mechanism and converts the signal
Communications are influenced into the same code as telegraphs. In the
greatly by the recent scientific very end of this age the wireless evolves
discoveries. In the early half of the age to the level of sophistication where
telegraph wires appear everywhere. By sound waves can be sent back and forth.
the middle of this age these telegraphs Literature and drama continue on
are replaced with a new invention known their way. As literacy increases through
as the telephone. To increase efficiency society, the market for novels and other
these machines use “party lines”, books increases. Paintings continue to
allowing a small community to share a become more and more abstract;
single line. eccentric artists explore the natures of
The telegraph is replaced with the form and imagery, creating strange
wireless telegraph, a device that sends works that forsake realism.
86
Character Development
Thrill Seeker
These thrill seekers travel extensively.

Character Archetype Their fortunes allow them to spend
The thrill seeker is an adventurer in money freely and move all over the
the classic sense. A free spirit by nature, world. The families of thrill seekers
a thrill seeker yearns to travel, to describe their black sheep as an
explore, and to learn. Thrill seekers “explorer”. This is semi-legitimate
chafe on the confines a day-to-day profession allows thrill seekers to be
existence, so they live every moment of accepted by the mainstream society that
their lives as though it were their last. looks down on such irresponsibility in
The thrill seeker ventures out into the the aristocracy.
world looking for excitement and Other thrill seekers are poor drifters.
adventure. They thirst desperately for Born in a less than wealthy family, they
sensation; they seek out strange new have no money to support their habits.
sights, sounds, tastes and smells. Yet rather than settle down and make a
Indeed, the thrill seeker is always on the living, they become drifters. These
move. In a world as rich and diverse as vagabonds are wanderers, trekking by
Ravenloft the thrill seeker is constantly foot from village to village. They make
bombarded with stimulation. Thrill their living however they can, often as
seekers sail the Nocturnal Sea, go on seasonal workers. Others become true
safari in Shri Raja, trek through the adventurers, joining others of like
wastes of the Frozen Reaches and interest and forming adventuring parties.
happily tell their tales to enthralled
audiences in Borcan cafes. Personality
Thrill seekers are full of energy;
Background every moment is like a crazy whirlwind.
Oddly enough, thrill seekers often These characters live for the moment
come from mundane backgrounds. They and throw caution to the wind. This
grow up in the heart of monotony and attitude is often associated with
are fed a diet of constancy. Sooner or carelessness, for thrill seekers are driven
latter they begin to gag on that diet. At to take unnecessary risks. These
first the thrill seeker explores his home. characters have little patience as well.
They climb trees, poke into cellars, and With so much curiosity pushing them
tramp through the swamps and forests forward, they rarely think before they
and any other place that no one else has act. Planning, research and calculations
seen. are foreign words to the Thrill Seeker,
Most thrill seekers are wealthy who would rather jump straight into the
people. Often they are noble children, fray.
born beneath an older sibling, and thus Actions speak louder than words,
blessed with both freedom and money. and thrill seekers say a great deal. When
87
they want to express a feeling, they do it places were few men have ever seen. In
through a grand gesture, the more public Ravenloft, this often draws the thrill
the better. They think with their hearts, seeker into conflict with creatures that
their stomachs, and other parts of their would rather have been found.
anatomy. They are almost always
joyful, glossing over sadness with a
Role-playing
hearty laugh and a stiff drink. Thrill seekers are almost always
joyful and outgoing. They enjoy taking
Psychology risks and bragging about their
Patience, good judgment and cool accomplishments. Sometimes these
heads are not to be found on a thrill people can be arrogant, the details of
seeker. Thrill seekers have a deep other people’s lives often seem boring
wanderlust; they hate to stay in one since they themselves lead such
place for too long a time. Ever since interesting lives. Thrill seekers hate
childhood the thrill seeker has been responsibility, so they avoid it at all
looking to escape the monotony of an costs.
ordinary life. The thrill seeker Thrill seekers are loath to research,
desperately wants to avoid the same fate calculate or plan ahead. This kind of
that befell his parents. Repression is the preparation takes far too long and tests
worst fate that can befall a thrill seeker their patience to the fullest. Forethought
because he wants to live passionately takes the fun out of life, as far as the
and to express all of the feelings within. thrill seeker is concerned. It is best to let
When a thrill seeker becomes trapped in the eggheads do all the thinking.
a mundane existence, he becomes Finally, thrill seekers hate to follow
morose and melancholy. orders. Its not that they mind sharing the
spot light, but rather, they don’t like
Patterns being told what to do. In any
Thrill seekers love to take risks. organization the thrill seeker is sure to
They see themselves as the ultimate make a bid for leadership. Thrill seekers
gamblers; they enjoy leaving everything like to be leaders, which comes naturally
to chance and reacting to the resulting to them since they are always charging
chaos. Wherever there is danger, thrill forward. They don’t actively undermine
seekers flock. They congregate on the the authority of others, but when the
frontiers of civilization, but also in the opportunity to take charge arises they
dark places where people fear to tread. pounce on it.
Thrill seekers love to experience
new sensations. They often experiment Classes and Prestige classes
with alcohol and drugs, but also with Thrill seekers are often members of
exotic foods and beverages. Thrill the aristocrat class, since they were
seekers like to take the back roads in raised as aristocrats. However, thrill
life. Always looking for the possibility seekers abandon this class almost
of adventure, they happily sacrifice immediately.
speed for the scenic route. Bards and rogues are common class
The thrill seeker joins adventuring choices for thrill seekers. These classes
parties to explore the world and find new give the thrill seeker the skills and
experiences. They like to travel to abilities that complement their style.
strange and exotic places and go to
88
Classes like cleric, monk and wizard possessed of the charisma that marks a
are very out of character for a thrill thrill seeker. As well, the thrill seeker’s
seeker. Praying to gods requires more exploration of his free spirit ties directly
devotion than a thrill seeker is willing to in with his exploration of his powers.
show, and studying musty spell books is
the most boring torture known to a thrill
Suggested feats
seeker. While the abilities of a monk are Courage, and Open Mind are
attractive to a thrill seeker, the harsh excellent feats for thrill seekers. The
discipline and lawfulness contrasts too feat improved initiative characterizes the
sharply with their personality. impulsiveness of a thrill seeker, as does
The sorcerer class is not uncommon, lightning reflexes. Thrill seekers make
since many sorcerers are homeless excellent muses, as described by the feat,
drifters. These sorcerers are already and often possess the feat nine lives.
89
90
Dr. Rudolph van Richten

A Hero through the Ages
By David Gibson aka Jester
David@fraternityofshadows.com
In all of the Demiplane of Dread, (6), Profession Apothecary +10 (12),

there is no hero as well known or Prof: Herbalist +8 (10), Wilderness Lore
respected than Doctor Rudolf Van +6 (8); Literacy, Skill Focus: Heal, Skill
Richten. No single adventurer has ever Focus: Profession: Apothecary,
brought so much hope to the land, or University Education
banished so much evil. His name is Languages: Balok, Darkonese,
synonymous with his three weapons: Draconic, Falkovian, Mordentish, Vaasi.
knowledge, wisdom and an indomitable Equipment: Backpack, traveler’s outfit,
will. holy symbol, wooden stakes (short
Yet heroes are not born, they are spears), and a healer’s kit.
made. Even the great van Richten began The statistics represent Rudolf Van
his career as a lesser man than he Richten just after he first started his
eventually would become. While van quest and adventures, in the period from
Richten might always have carried a around 706 in the Barovian Calendar.
brilliant mind, he earned his wisdom and He is almost middle aged, probably just
relentless spirit. The following statistics less than 35 years old since he was born
represent van Richten during the in 671 BC. His hair is blonde and neatly
different phases of his life: as an amateur trimmed, although it shows signs of
investigator, an expert hunter and, at the growing sparse on top. He is a small and
pinnacle of his career, the legend. thin man with a crooked smile and a
twinkle in his eye that still shines
Rudolph the Amateur through his burden of grief.
He still resides in the city of Corvia
Male human, Exp5/ Rog1: CR 6;
in central Darkon although he has not
Medium-sized Humanoid; HD 6d6+6;
lived there long. He moved from his
hp 33; Init +3; Spd 30ft; AC 16 (+2
ancestral home of Richten House in
studded leather, +4 Dex); Atk: +5 Melee
Rivalis after the death of his family.
(1d6+2; crit 19-20/x2, short sword) or
Van Richten is new to his role and
+7 Ranged (1d10; crit 19-20/x2, heavy
probably shows it. While still a force for
crossbow); SA Sneak attack: +1d6; AL
good he has not yet published any of his
LG; SV Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +6; Str 14,
guides, neither has he so much as
Dex 18, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 12
thought of recording his experiences or
Skills and Feats: Alchemy +8 (11),
methods. He is more of a doctor and a
Craft: books +8 (11), Gather Information
healer than the slayer of night stalkers,
+8 (7), Heal +10 (12), Hide +2 (6), Intuit
though he is driven to remedy that
Direction +6 (8), Knowledge: Nature +6
situation. In this period of his career, he
(9), Knowledge: Local History +8 (11),
is more likely to find himself in over his
Knowledge: Arcana +1 (4), Knowledge:
head than triumphant. In fact, he has yet
Monster Lore +2 (5), Move Silently +2
91
to even encounter a werewolf, a golem Equipment: Backpack, traveler’s
or anything other than the Vistani or outfit, holy symbol, a small mirror,
vampires. wooden stakes (short spears), holy water
Van Richten wages a war against vials, silver dagger, a healer’s kit. He
evil and self-doubt. He is neither as also has access to numerous books and
strong nor as young as the adventurers volumes of lore, very few of which he
he meets during this period. These are carries at any given time. He also carries
the formative years when van Richten whatever items are necessary for the
realizes he cannot simply charge into the hunt he may currently be on.
lair of the beast armed with a sword, he Van Richten currently has
must arm himself with something more possession of the Crimson Obsidian
powerful than bravado: knowledge. Ring, his magical saber Platocks’s
Legacy, an enchanted/cursed stake Vitae
Dr. Van Richten, The Expert Seeker, and just recently acquired the
Amulet of Anubis while researching his
Male human, Exp 5/Rog 3/Sch 2:
next book.
CR 10; Medium-sized Humanoid; HD
These statistics represent van
10d6; hp 45; Init +3; Spd 30ft; AC 15
Richten during the period just after the
(+2 studded leather, +3 Dex); Atk: +6
Grand Conjunction, around 740 BC. He
Melee (1d8; crit 19-20/x2, +1 saber) or
is a man in his old age; balding with
+9 Ranged (1d10; crit 19-20/x2, heavy
blonde-gray hair he allows to grow long
crossbow); SA Evasion, Sneak attack:
in the back. He has seen so much pain
+1d6, Uncanny Dodge; AL LG; SV Fort
and over the years lost everyone he has
+2, Ref +7, Will +11; Str 11; Dex 17;
ever grown close to, yet the sparkle in
Con 10; Int 18; Wis 16; Cha 14
his eye shines as brightly as ever. The
Skills and Feats: Alchemy +8 (12),
doctor currently resides in Mordentshire,
Climb +4 (4), Craft: books +8 (12),
the place to which he fled after
Decipher Script +4 (8), Gather
discovering the true nature of Azalin
Information +10 (10), Heal +10 (13),
Rex. When not investigating evil, he
Hide +4 (7), Intuit Direction +6 (9),
maintains a herbalist shop.
Knowledge: Nature +6 (10), Know:
Van Richten survived his early
Local History +10 (14), Knowledge:
years and inspired a new generation of
Arcana +11 (15), Knowledge: Planes +5
monster hunters. His first text on the
(9), Knowledge: Monster Lore +10 (14),
subject monsters, Van Richten's Guide to
Know: Ravenloft +5 (9), Listen +4 (7),
Vampires, has been continuously
Move Silently +4 (7), Open Locks +4
published since 735. Since that time he
(7), Profession: Apothecary +10 (13),
has done four more, regarding the topics
Prof: Herbalist +8 (11), Ride +2 (5),
of ghosts, liches, lycanthropes and the
Search +9 (13), Sense Motive +5 (8),
created. The guides to the ancient dead
Spell craft +4 (8), Spot +6 (9), Use
and fiends have yet to see publication.
Magical Device +5 (7), Wilderness Lore
The reputation and legacy of the good
+9 (12); Literacy, Skill Focus: Heal,
doctor will be cemented through the
Skill Focus: (Knowledge: Monster
publication of his guides.
Lore), Skill Focus: (Profession:
Apothecary), University Education
Languages: Balok, Darkonese,
Draconic, Falkovian, Mordentish, Vaasi.
92
Rudolf Van Richten, The vials, silver dagger, a healer’s kit. He

also has access to numerous books and
Legend volumes of lore, very few of which he
Male human, Exp5, Rog5, Sch5: carries at any given time. He also carries
CR 15; Medium-sized Humanoid; HD whatever items are necessary for the
15d6-30; hp 31; Init +2; Spd 30ft; AC 14 hunt he may currently be on.
(+2 studded leather, +2 Dex);); Atk: Van Richten owns the Crimson
+8/+3 Melee (1d8-1; crit 19-20/x2, +1 Obsidian Ring, his magical saber
saber) or +11/+6 Ranged (1d10; crit 19- Platocks’s Legacy, an enchanted/cursed
20/x2, heavy crossbow); SA Eldetic stake Vitae Seeker, the foreign Amulet of
Memory, Evasion, Sneak attack: +3d6, Anubis, and the doctor also took
True Scholar, Uncanny Dodge; AL LG; possession of the Pocket watch of
SV Fort +1, Ref +8, Will +12; Str 8, Dex Jugend some years ago.
14, Con 7, Int 20, Wis 17, Cha 15 This is the elder van Richten, from
Skills and Feats: Alchemy +8 (13), the period of 750BC, just before his
Appraise +2 (7), Climb +4 (3), Craft: disappearance. Age is creeping up on
books +8 (13), Decipher Script +4 (9), the renowned slayer. He is weak and
Gather Information +15 (15), Heal +11 lacking much of the vigor of his youth
(14), Hide +4 (6), Intuit Direction +6 and middle years. His health has
(9), Knowledge: Nature +8 (13), Know: recently taken a turn for the worse and
Local History +12 (17), Know: Arcana his own treatments are proving
+20 (15). Know: Planes +7 (12), Know: ineffective. He has lost most of his
Monster Lore +21 (26), Know: friends and his eyes carry the deep
Ravenloft +14 (19), Listen +7 (10), burden of sadness and survivor’s guilt.
Move Silently +4 (6), Open Locks +4 His face is heavily lined with both years
(6), Profession: Apothecary +11 (14), and the remainders of many battles and
Prof: Herbalist +8 (11), Ride +2 (4), roads. His thinning gray hair is once
Search +11 (16), Sense Motive +5 (8), again trimmed. If amused he still
Spell craft +5 (10), Spot +8 (11), Use demonstrates his lopsided grin although
Magical Device +5 (7), Wilderness Lore much melancholy lurks in the
+9 (12); Library: (Know: Arcana, expression.
Monster Lore), Literacy, Skill Focus: He has published all of his guides
Heal, Skill Focus: (Know: Monster and has been working on-and-off on
Lore), Skill Focus (Prof: other projects. He has been attempting
Apothecary), Track, University to maintain some semblance of a
Education retirement for many years and he has
Note: Monster Lore and Arcana get made peace with both life and the
a +2 when Van Richten uses his Library. Radanavich clan. However there are still
Languages: Balok, Darkonese, monsters to be vanquished and research
Draconic, Falkovian, Mordentish, Vaasi. to be accomplished. If asked for help
Equipment: Backpack, traveler’s the good doctor still might offer his aid,
outfit, holy symbol, a small mirror, if only in the capacity of an advisor.
wooden stakes (short spears), holy water
93
94
Heinrich’s Curiosities
Van Richten’s Lost Arsenal
By David Gibson aka Jester
David@fraternityofshadows.com
The golden rays of dusk filtered the item was perfect. Heinrich smiled
through the clouds on the horizon. With back with rotten, yellow teeth.
night falling the streets were being “How much did you say?” Inquired
emptied. The shopping crowd was the collector. From the tone it was
disintegrating as the dinner hour obvious that he already knew the price.
approached and the trendy streets of This was the first move in haggling.
Port-a-Lucine were being steadily Heinrich glared back.
evacuated. As the sun slowly fell only “Vive hundred corona,” He spat
one store remained open; a quaint little back, his accent as thick as the smoke
hovel surrounded by fancy boutiques that filled the room. There would be no
and salons. haggling this evening.
In the shade of the taller buildings, “Five hundred?” Repeated the
this edifice had rotted. The remains of a dementlieuse collector, emphasizing the
once fine boutique, the paint adorning F. “That’s outrageous,” He laid the
the store was pealed with age and the triangular pendant upon the counter,
windows were boarded up. Light feigning indifference. “ I won’t pay it.”
filtered through the spaces between the The second attempt to negotiate roused
boards, blocked by the occasional Heinrich’s ire. The old man reached out
movement in the store. with his twisted claw and retrieved the
The collector frowned as he amulet.
examined the item. From behind thick “Stupid boy,” he scolded as he put
spectacles, two eyes scanned the amulet. the item back in its place beneath the
The collector has the sharp eyes of an glass counter. “Don’t you know who last
eagle, searching for even the minutest owned this amulet?” The aristocrat
sign of prey. But it was not field mice or stifled a condescending chuckle.
sparrows those eyes sought, it was “Who could make that bauble worth
imperfection. five hundred corona?” The old man
From the other side of the counter, didn’t bother to hold in his mirth. He
Heinrich glowered. His Borcan pride laughed out loud, hacking and wheezing
was severely hurt by the man’s scrutiny. when his ancient lungs ran out of breath.
Impatiently the gnarled old man butted
out his crude cigarillo into a gorilla- Crimson Obsidian Ring
hand ashtray. The primate paw was
This is a small ring carved from
steadily filling with white ash. The
unusually red obsidian. The naturally
collector looked up from the amulet for a
produced glass is typically formed from
moment, a look of displeasure carved
volcanoes or lightning strikes, similar in
into his face. There was only one thing
texture to the much more common black
that could make a collector that sour;
obsidian. The ring has carefully been
95
polished and smoothed to prevent cuts Powers
but has numerous scratches and scrapes The wearer of the Crimson Ring is
from years of use. defended against the powers of undead
History and their negative energies. Every month
the ring defends the wearer against
There were only a handful of these
losing a maximum of 1d4 levels and 1d8
rings crafted and only one has been
permanent ability score points. If the
known to survive the ravages of time.
wearer chooses he can sacrifice the
Legend tells that more than a century
remaining protection of the month,
ago a brave party of adventurers was
provided that at least half is left, to cast
engaged in pitch battle with a powerful
Negative Energy Protection as a fifth
undead being. The melee raged for hours
level sorcerer. Undead suffer no ill
as the heroes’ weapons all proved
effects from casually touching the ring,
useless against their powerful foe. One
but if such a creature were to wear the
by one they slowly fell to their lifeless
ring, it prevents the use of its energy
foe.
draining attacks. The ring is not cursed
At last, only two men stood to fight
and can be removed at any time.
the lich. The party’s wizard gathered the
last of his energy for one final spell; he Van Richten’s History
knew it would be wasted against the Long after those that had crafted the
deathless fiend for the foe was already ring all retired or passed on, the ring was
preparing a counter-spell. Seeing the passed to other crusaders of light.
dilemma, the group’s fighter tackled his Sometimes from a retiring hero to a
enemy and pinned him to the ground younger one, while other were pulled
even as the lich drew the mortal’s life from the dead hands of less successful
from his body. The magic user took the adventurers.
opportunity to cast the conjuration and In the year 736, just after the
brought a powerful lightning storm publication of his guide to vampires, a
down on top of both the hero and retired adventurer showed up at Doctor
monster. Lightning hailed down from van Richten’s home. The maimed hero
the heavens and obliterated them both. presented van Richten with a small ring
When the smoke and debris cleared wrapped protectively in a rag as a gift.
the survivors examined the crater and For many years the old adventurer had
found the two mangled corpses. After been looking for some worthy hero who
disposing of the bodies, one of the group needed the ring. The old hero explained
noticed the bottom of the crater where the powers and creation of the ring in
the bodies had lain was covered in large great detail, along with the warning that
shards of dark red colored glass. being a champion was not the
Obsidian formed in the storm and occupation for the faint of heart. The
permanently stained by the mixing blood doctor graciously, if suspiciously,
of the two fallen. Cursed with the accepted the gift. The former hero
twisted ichor of the damned but blessed limped away slowly into the parting
with the valiant blood of the heroic. The mist, never to be heard of again. Since
glass was carefully harvested and crafted then the ring has proven useful on
into jewellery and the magic user several occasions and even saved the
carefully brought out the inherent power good doctor from almost certain death.
trapped inside.
96
Platocks’s Legacy enough for Platock to develop a firm

respect for the middle aged human. The
+1 Magical saber young elf respected the doctor as a
An ornate and functional weapon fellow educated adventurer and scholar
forged in the style used by the elves of and they stayed up late in the nights
Sithicus. The long curved blade is discussing matters pertaining to magic
stylized with leaves and vines inscribed and the arcane as well as the forces they
into the blade, a closer examination will fought against. When the doctor returned
show the leaves to be wolfs bane and home to Mordentshire the pair continued
mistletoe. Platlock’s Legacy does the their talks through written
standard 1d8 damage and has a threat correspondence.
range of 19-20 (x2). It weighs only 3 lbs, One night tales reached the pointed
a pound less than standard sabers, given ears of the Forsaken of a large pack of
the high quality of the metal and ghouls infesting a local slaughterhouse.
featherweight elven make. As with all There was talk that the butcher was
sabers it gives a +1 circumstance bonus insane and raising them to use against
to attack rolls while mounted during his enemies or anyone he thought had
combat. wronged him. Platlock, despite the
advice of Jameld, snuck into the shop
History: Platlock the Forsaken was a solo to investigate and slay the ghouls.
scholar and wizard in Sithicus. He was Platlock trusted in his elven blood to
orphaned at a young age when both his defend against paralysis and his magical
elf parents were devoured by ghouls. skills to release the cursed souls. He was
Platlock himself was mauled and bore mistaken. To this day Platlock is still
the scars of their attack on his face for unsure if the butcher was a ghoul lord, a
years afterwards. At an early age the twisted necromancer, or something else.
youthful elf dedicated himself to the Yet whatever its true nature might have
magic arts as a means to exact revenge been, Platock was sure that the supposed
against the undead that plagued his ghouls were in reality, ghasts, and
people. powerful ghasts at that.
Over the years he grew skilled He quickly felt his flesh harden
with the art and was responsible for and stiffen with their blows and
saving many lives while also sending collapsed rigidly to the ground, all too
many undead to the world beyond. He conscious and alive as they fell hungrily
met up with several other champions and on him. Eventually help arrived in the
joined with them in several crusades form of Jameld and several torch
against the living dead. Once such hero wielding guardsmen. Platlock’s life was
was the elven ranger Jameld of Hroth. saved but it was too late for his legs. He
The two did not see eye-to-eye and both would remain crippled and injured for
thought the other to be arrogant and the rest of his days. The damage done
cocky. Platlock often ignored the elder had weakened his health and Platlock
elf’s advice on preparation and was in a constant state of illness and
forethought. After years of a loose infirmity. He would often disintegrate
companionship Jameld introduced into prolonged coughing spasms or
Platlock to one Rudolph van Richten, a seizures.
scholar associate. Together the three
journeyed for a brief time, but long
97
The elf resigned himself to
research and training the young children
Vitae Seeker
of rich families. Mostly in the art of +1 Mutated Heart-seeker Short Spear
reading and writing acting as a private Vitae Seeker is a long ash short
tutor, but occasionally in some of the spear with a fire hardened and blackened
simpler magical skills. The elf grew tip. The tip shows wear and use but is as
bitter and angry at his fate and longed to sharp and deadly as ever. It was carved
once again fight the good fight. He did from a single long branch or trunk of a
his best to train new heroes and tree and polished smooth. The spear
champions but longed to be personally used to be longer but was cut to a
responsible for dispatching undead manageable size and a leather and bone
again. He would never avenge his family grip added to the lower half.
in a chair. History
Platlock poured himself into The elite Talons of the Falkovnian
magical research and had a special army are ever vigilant against infiltrating
sword crafted. It cost much of his life Kargat spies or agents. Especially
savings to pay for the ornate and delicate undead ones. Knowing the fondness
weapon. Over a period of months the Azalin has for the undead and the fact
wizard labored placing incantations and that members of the Kargat at higher
enchantments on the blade, devoting his echelons are often vampires (revealed
energy and what little power he had left after numerous grisly torture sessions),
into the blade. The final part of the spell Drakov is often less than civil to any
proved too much for his weakened frame vampires who make a nuisance of
and he expired with the casting. He was themselves in his realm. Many are
found the next day slumped over his accused on the spot of being agents of
legacy. Detailed instructions told that it the Kargat, brutally tortured, and
was to be delivered to Rudolph van summarily executed. In keeping with
Richten in Mordentshire. Drakov’s preferred form of execution
Van Richten whole-heartedly they are impaled on large stakes and left
accepted the weapon; it was the only outside, luckily (or unfortunately) for the
way for Platlock to ever avenge his vampires they are instantly immobilized
family and any other family. It serves as and only suffer for a single night before
constant reminder to the doctor of what the sun rises and the burst into flames.
is worth fighting for but also the price of In order to assure the death of the
revenge and rashness. captured vampires, several pikes were
enchanted as heart-seekers. Several of
Powers: In addition to the standard +1 these spears were used repeatedly and
enchantment bonus to attack and over the course of a few decades began
damage, Platlock’s Legacy grants the to change. The magical blood of the
wielder lowlight vision when undead empowered the wood; the
unsheathed. The saber is also able to inherent power of the blood strengthened
inflict critical hits upon undead, which the already enchanted weapon.
are normally immune to critical hits. The Several of the pikes were lent out
sword also bestows a +2 enchantment during vampire hunts over the years. In
bonus to fortitude saving throws to the event that the blood suckers were
resists a ghoul’s paralyzing touch. revealed to be undead under the thrall of
98
Azalin. The Lich quickly stopped been quickly sired to slow him down
sending high members of the Kargat to from his prey, but the doctor could still
spy, if he ever did, but vampire spawn not let the pack continue to exist. He
were easy enough to dominate and create turned around and headed back.
and if any survived to bring back The scholar arrived at the lair
information they would have proved several hours after an squadron of
their resourcefulness and skill. The soldiers. Cautiously investigating van
Falkovnian army still continues these Richten found the two forces had
vampire hunts, but not every group crippled each other leaving several
returns. warriors barely clinging to life and
several vampires retreated to their
Powers coffins to heal. In one room was a
Vitae Seeker is treated as a normal soldier gripping a short spear tightly in
+1 Heart-seeking short spear unless it is his dead hand where it was plunged into
used against a vampire. When it is held the cold breast of a bloodsucker. The
against its desired foe it becomes a +2 pale undead hands tightly gripped the
Keen weapon (double the threat range, neck of the throttled and energy-drained
19-20/x3). Even if the spear fails to soldier. The doctor dispatched the
pierce the heart of a vampire, it still remaining vampires and prepared the
debilitates the undead by soaking up corpses of the soldiers to prevent their
some of the vampire’s blood. After as resurrection. On leaving he took the
successful strike the vampire suffers spear the soldier had used.
effects as if it had not fed that day. Its Vitae Seeker posed a conundrum to
powers are reduced as if it had lost an the scholar once he unearthed its nature
age category and suffers one negative and history. He was worried about the
level. The effects are immediately lifted continued exposure of it to vampire
if the vampire manages to consume 4 blood and possible further change or
points of constitution (a day’s worth of corruption. He was also worried about it
blood). After feeding the spear turns a falling into the wrong hands if he
dark ruddy red color for twenty-four discarded it. Destroying it would also
hours, during this period its thirst is prove to be difficult. Instead he decided
satiated and it cannot drain another day’s to continue to use it. If it changed at all
worth of blood from a vampire. he could dispose of it then and at least he
The enchantment on Vitae Seeker would know what to look for if he
also renders it immune to non-magical encountered something similar, and it
fires. Even against magical fires it would be useful and save many lives in
proves resistant and its saving throws are the meantime.
made with a +4. See VRA for
information on the Heart Seeker
enchantment.
Amulet of Anubis
Magical Amulet
Van Richten’s History The Amulet of Anubis is a small
While on the trail of a powerful bronze triangular pendant on a brass
elder vampire, van Richten encountered chain with a small silver ankh in the
rumors of a small pack of fledgling center of the triangle. The amulet is of a
vampires outside the Falkovnian town of style found primarily in the Amber
Stangengrad. He suspected they had Wastes, particularly Har'Akir and Sebua.
99
The main triangle is three inches on each across of the the rare surviving tailsmins.
side and less than a quarter on an inch The amulets were designed as a defense
thick. Its apperances dates it as centuries against the servants of the old pharohs.
old, if not more, but remarkably well As they were still honored dead it would
preserved. be unthinkable to harm them or think of
harming them so the tailsmen was
History simply used to prevent any incidents.
In the ancient religion of the Amber
Wasters life does not end with death, the Powers
soul leaves for the life after. However, a When worn by living creature the
spirit may chose to return to the mortal tailsmen shields the wearer from being
plane if it so choses and requires a body detected by undead creatures. As long as
to inhabit. To make sure the spirits of the wearer remains almost completely
kings and nobels will find a vessel to motionless the amulet acts as the spell
inhabit if the soul requires there is an Invisibility to Undead cast by a tenth
elaborate prepration made of the body, level sorcerer. Free willed undead gain
mummification. The king or nobel may the standard save to resist the effects of
also require retainers and servants in the the amulet. If the wearer moves the
next life so his court is often to be amulet simply grants a +15 enchantment
entombed beside him, they are given the bonus to the hide and move silently
great honor traveling onward to the next skills against undead. Free willed and
life with their lord and master. Some are inteligent undead gain a saving throw to
less than willing to make the trip. negate the bonus as above, but also add
Construction of tombs worthy of any bonuses gained from a high
high kings and great monarchs are often inteligence to their roll. The Amulet was
unconstructable within the lifetime of designed to work on servants, not
the king. He might commison the project masters.
to commence and oversee the If any hostile actions or motions are
construction, but there is no guarantee made the enchantment is broken. Even
that he will live to see its construction. as simple an act as drawing a sword
The grandest of tombs require immediately cancels out the effects of
generations of labour after the king’s the amulet. Once a month the amulet
passing to complete. As a result workers can, as a special ability, turn or rebuke
and slaves are often required to work (depending on wearer’s alignment)
around the resting place of their departed undead as a cleric of half the bearer of
lord and his servants. Sometimes for the amulet’s level.
many years. Occasionally the occupents There is a hidden side to the
are less than pleased with the amulet’s power that few alive know
disturbance, and have been know to kill about, even van Richten has yet to
or assault workers. In order to protect dicover this enchantment. The ahnk, the
valuable workers and eingineers the amulet’s symbol, represents both life and
church had several of these amulets death. If the Amulet of Anubis is worn
crafted. by an undead its powers are reversed.
Since that day the secrets of making The wearer effectively benefits from
the pendants has been lost, as have all Invisibility to Living and can once a
the people who owned one. Except for month Turn Living!
the few traders and explorers who come
100
The final power of the amulet, for help as he closed his eyes and held
useable by living or dead, is that it acts his ears tightly. The torches went out as
as a holy (or unholy) symbol of he huddled in the darkness, wedged
whatever alignment the wielder is. This tightly into a corner, until the screams of
effect works only if the wielder truly his friends and the movement of the
believes in a higher power and has faith unseen stopped. When all was still the
in a deity. The belief does not have to be youth rose in a delayed panic and ran for
for a benevolent or even a real god, as the door hoping he would be freed now.
long as the faith is present. Attracted back by his motion the
creatures in the tomb moved for him and
Van Richten’s History finished their task. Centuries later van
During his research for his book on Richten found the youth, the amulet still
Ancient Dead the doctor began a brief clutched tightly in the skeletal hand, as if
excursion to the desert domains in search it could protect him from the end itself.
of first hand documentation and
witnesses, if not actual ancient dead.
During an exploratory trip into a large
Pocket Watch of Jugend
tomb van Richten and his guide Enchanted timepiece
discovered a secret passage that had This is a large silver watch with a
previously been missed. The well- polished silver chain. The face is made
disguised trapdoor led into a lower level of crystal and platinum with gold hands.
of the catacomb. The numbers themselves are inlaid with
Cautiously they proceeded and gold. It fits easily into the palm of the
found a small party of workers and hand and it requires winding once a day,
slaves who had been slain centuries ago but after being wound it keeps perfect
by creatures unknown. They had been time. The outer cover is decorated with a
finishing the construction of the room carving of the three fates: the maiden,
when something awoke and investigated the mother, and the crone. Each of the
them. three figures holds an hourglass, all at
Partially for fear of letting varying times.
something out that was supposed to stay History
in and partially keep the rest of the
During his time, Hans Jugend was a
slaves from panicking the section was
rich man in Lamordia who owned many
quickly sealed off. Most of the group did
of the larger breweries in the land. His
not last long enough to asphyxiate in the
wealth helped him acquire shares in
chamber. One of the people trapped
various shipping companies and farms.
inside was the young son of the engineer
His beer and rye is still shipped to
in charge of continuing the construction.
nearby domains and fetches a notable
Although it broke his heart to do so the
price. His home in Ludendorf was
engineer had no choice but to seal his
opulent and one of the largest in the city
only child in, as a final desperate act the
and there was little that he could not
father slid the amulet in a slim hope that
acquire if he desired. He was a happy
its magic would protect his son.
and boisterous man, until his fortieth
Realizing what he had the young
birthday that is. He reflected that there
adult slid the warding talisman on and
were now fewer days ahead than behind
hid in the corner as the fate befell his
companions. Franticly they cried to him
101
and that most likely he would soon be beyond to craft a replica of the
dead. timepiece. One designed specifically for
He was a rich and powerful man but him. Meanwhile his Adversary, as
like every wealthy individual discovers Jugend named him, continued to thwart
there is no way to pay-off the Reaper. his efforts. It appeared as if incidents
But Jugend would be damned if he was involving the Adversary were growing
not going to look. He poured much of nearer and nearer Lamordia, as if he
his wealth into cures and potions and were tracking down Jugend. The
attempts at immortality. All in vain. His aristocrat ignored that and continued
traders were told to inquire for anything with his obsession. The years weighed
that could be of use while in the foreign heavily on him and he felt few were left.
lands. The years flickered by. Eventually Finally his own timepiece had been
Jugend was forced to sell many of his built. Jugend hired magicians and
side businesses to a rivals to continue his wizards to work their enchantments on
quest. There was no lead so insubstantial the timepiece. He kept it continually on
that Jugend would not investigate. him, repeatedly pulling it out to examine
It was the patron of a run down bar it and observe the ticking of the hands.
in Mortigny that offered the most This just drove him further into his
tantalizing information. The patron obsession as the seconds continued to
claimed to be a retired adventurer who tick past. But he could not help to watch
had once encountered a mystic watch the small hands flicker past. To make
that could slow or even stop time itself, matters worse his timepiece did not work
for a price. It was known as the in the way he expected, it did not
Timepiece of Klorr. Jugend then devoted permanently stop his aging. It merely
much of his remaining resources, which masked the signs of his age. In
were still quite vast, into procuring and desperation hired more and more
learning all there was to know about the wizards and brought his coffers closer to
Timepiece of Klorr. emptiness.
It was not long before rumors of the The watch was agonizingly close to
watch reached Jugend’s ears and the completeness when the Adversary
aristocrat sent out minions to retrieve it. finally tightened the noose around
Anyone that got in his way was Jugend. Impotently the aristocrat
eliminated. The longer they took the watched as the public was turned against
more impatient he grew. However, every him and his remaining businesses seized.
time his employees grew close the watch Facing numerous charges from the local
vanished without a trace or someone Baron and law enforcement Jugend fled
beat them to the scene. The hunters were from the domain. But his Adversary
repeatedly blocked and slowed down at anticipated his moves and pursued. He
every turn, it appeared as if someone was waiting for Jugend who walked
else was hunting the Timepiece through right into his trap. There was a struggle
the mists, and attempting to prevent and the former rich man barely escaped
Jugend for getting it. with his life. Upon pausing he realized
Infuriated Jugend split his attention. that during the melee the unfinished
He continued to have his men hunt for watch had been left behind in his
the watch but he also hired skilled forgotten jacket. In horror Jugend
craftsmen from across the core and realized that all the works of his life had
102
one by one been lost or ruined. individual uses it for a second time that
Everything he had was gone except for year after the effects wear off it
what little valuables he had left. The permanently ages the user a year! This
ruined man impotently rode into the sudden aging also doubles the length of
misty night and realized he did have one the debilitation period. The debilitation
more thing left, the desire for revenge. period has to have expired for the watch
to be useable again.
Powers The watch is unfinished and
The Pocket watch of Jugend incomplete. The vital final incantations
reverses the ravages of time for a limited and spells were never cast on the
duration. The watch requires repeated timepiece. If it is finished the watch
winding but if it is wound backwards it functions as above but has the option to
begins to literally turn back the clock on transfer the extra years from repeated
the winder. The negative effects of aging use to someone else. The user simple has
to the physical stats are removed for a to hold the watch with someone else
period of twelve hours. A middle-aged when the time period expires and the
individual gains +1 to strength, victim suffers both the aging and
constitution, and dexterity, an old debilitation in the user’s stead. However
individual gains +3, etc. The individual the user still returns to their normal age.
does not visibly change with the It will never completely and
exception of the renewed vigor. permanently reverses the aging process!
Negative effects to the body such as the
loss of sight or hearing are also reversed. Van Richten’s History
If after the effects take over the Not every case Doctor van Richten
watch is turned back again the user works on involves a monster or creature.
regresses physically to as they were This is one such case. During a peculiar
during their prime, the late teens to mid rash of murders and assaults in a nearby
twenties. The change is seamless and city the doctor noted a pattern to the
restores all minor visible physical eyewitnesses’ reports and the use of
disabilities, but not severe damage such powers that could be deigned
as the loss of a limb. However the cost supernatural. The doctor decided to
of this regression is a reduced duration, investigate but by the time he arrived the
it lasts for but six hours. attacks had ceased. No sooner had be
After the time has elapsed the years begun to pack to return home than they
catch up to the user in seconds. The began anew, only with different style,
sudden aging leaves the user debilitated targets, and modus operandi.
for one full day for every age category After several false starts and
reversed. A middle-aged individual repetitions to the pattern of the murders
suffers for a single day while an old stopping only to begin again the doctor
individual suffers for two, and so on. began to speculate he was dealing with a
During this time the person receives a –2 new race or category of villain instead of
penalty to attack rolls, saving throws, the single entity he had previously
and physical skills and heals at only half assumed. After much research the doctor
the normal rate! continued to be confused. The final
There is a limit to this power death of every string almost always
however. The watch can only safely involved a victim that matched some of
perform this once every year. If an the descriptions of the killer.
103
Investigation into that individual often murders and disappearances as he could.
proved connections to several of the When the doctor tied Jugend to the death
previous targets. But then the murders of the local mayor’s son. The soldiers
would start up again in a different style quickly moved in and seized his assets
altogether. and stormed the aristocrat’s house. But
It was only after comparing Jugend slipped away.
interviews with the final victims’ Van Richten knew that the Beer
associates that the pieces fell into place Baron would not let his obsession go so
and van Richten realized the thing that easily and guessed that Jugend would
he had been hunting was quite literally head for the place of the last know
that. A thing. A cursed object. The sighting of the Timepiece of Klorr.
doctor sighed and discarded his notes on Quickly heading to the nearest inn on the
a time manipulating vampire or route he prepared an ambush with
disturbed body hopper and instead several companions in wait for Jugend.
researched the Timepiece of Klorr. After a brief conflict with Jugend’s
The doctor began following the trail bodyguards the scoundrel made a break
of the watch as it bounced from hand to for the door. Van Richten quickly
hand and pocket to pouch. But often as tackled the fleeing villain an firmly
he grew close he noticed other travelers gripped onto his jacket. Jugend simply
asking about it; strangers that slid out of the garment and ran away as
interviewed people violently or fast as his weakened frame could carry
destroyed evidence after they had seen him. Before van Richten could catch up
it. The doctor redoubled his efforts to Jugend made it to his carriage and rode
find the timepiece before them and off.
encouraged people to stay with family Inside one of the pockets of the
for their own safety after he had received dropped jacket van Richten found the
useful information from them. Noticing pocket watch. Given Jugend’s obsession
the continued attempts of the strangers it was not hard to surmise its purpose
van Richten began to track them and later investigation confirmed it.
backwards while still investigating the Van Richten still keeps and wears
timepiece. It took much time but Jugend’s pocket watch. He knows that it
eventually the good doctor traced them is incomplete and by keeping it close he
back to Lamordia and the ‘Beer Baron’ hopes to prevent its conclusion. He
Hans Jugend. seldom uses it knowing full well the
Heading to Ludendorf, van Richten dangers, and saves its enchantment for
found out as many dirty secrets as he desperate situations when his plans
could on Jugend and proceeded to unravel and he need his youthful speed
implicate the aristocrat in as many and endurance to survive or save lives.
104
Corners of the Core

Missaconic University
the University. Just on the edge of the

Missaconic University cliffs, overlooking the boathouse is the
two-story home of the dock master and
Two miles North of Mordenshire
his family.
stands Missaconic University, the
On the south side of the property
foremost institution of learning in the
stand the homes of the professors. These
land of Mordent. The campus is an acre
houses are fine, two stories tall
cut out of the forests on the coast of the
dwellings, except for the Dean’s house
Sea of Sorrows. A single road of beaten
that is much bigger and contains a
earth divides the property in two, linking
separate dwelling for servants. The
the highway to the University.
groundskeeper, stable master and their
The grasses on the property are
families reside in smaller homes, on the
always kept neatly manicured and free of
other side of the road.
weeds. The estate also features
The University itself is made of
numerous garden arrangements of local
three buildings, the Desmarais Library,
and exotic flowers. The gardens are
Thorneloe Hall and the Fraser building.
maintained with great care and due to
The Desmarais library is a three story
careful selection they are always in
tall building, adorned with windows on
bloom, except for the winter season.
every side.
Well-manicured shrubs border the
The bright red brick of the building
gardens and the roadway. There is a
is showing some signs of graying with
deep pond in the Northwest corner of the
age. A thin covering of ivy is crawling
property, which is a common hang-out
up the South wall. The gardening staff
for students. A few groves of apple trees
has kept the ivy away from the main
make up the last remains of the orchard
entrance on that side, as well as the
that once stood on the property.
windows. The library is a quiet
In the Northwest corner of the
building, with fine plaster walls to
property is the gardening shed and the
absorb sound. The floor is made of hard
huge glass green house that holds
wood, but the second and third floors are
growing flowers and plants of all types.
carpeted. The first and second floor are
The cliffs on the edge of the sea are
filled with bookshelves, reference files
no more than a stone’s throw West of the
and reading cubicles. On the second
property. Built into the cliff face is a
floor is a student reading room, outfitted
staircase, which leads down onto a sandy
with leather chairs and fine tables. The
beach. This long stretch of beach is
third floor is taken up by the Museum, a
mostly empty, except for the large
collection of various artifacts collected
boathouse at the bottom of the stairs.
by the University. The basement is a
This boathouse holds a number of small
cool, dry, and stone structure, broken up
sailing vessels, which are the property of
105
by support columns. The basement is Fraser Building contains classrooms on
used both for storage of artifacts, as well the first and second floors, and
as old records. laboratories on the third floor. The
Thorneloe hall is the student Fraser building is built into the hill, so
dormitory building. The three-story there are two floors beneath the first.
edifice is made of white stone bricks and The first “basement” emerges out of the
can hold almost five hundred students, hill underneath the first floor. This floor
with two to a room. The building contains the University infirmary, the
contains a small library, a commons surgical theater, and the Fraser
room, six classrooms, state of the art Auditorium, a huge room built big
plumbing, a kitchen, an extensive enough to hold an audience of five
storeroom and dining hall. The building hundred for a lecture, a presentation or
is divided into two wings. The North any other function. Beneath this floor is
wing is the men’s dormitory, while the the sub basement. The sub-basement
south wing contains the kitchen, dining contains the furnace room and extensive
room, residences for the university staff, storage rooms.
and the dormitories for the twenty so Further down the road are half a
female students. A series of dumbwaiter dozen houses. These are fraternity
elevators are built into the Hall, as is a houses, sponsored by wealthy families.
state of the art heating system. Beside These houses are home to roughly a
Thorneloe hall is a small chapel to Ezra. hundred students in total. The buildings
A Chaplin who preaches from the lawful are mostly new, built in various years
good sect services this chapel and after 730. The houses are maintained by
lectures in the University’s limited the fraternity organizations and
theology department. membership is very exclusive
The Fraser Building is a massive
four-floor edifice of red brick. The
Figure 4: Missaconic University
106
dissection of human corpses. The

History villagers of Mordenshire have a respect
The Missaconic family first moved for the University, but also a healthy
from Darkon to Mordent in the year 650, dose of mistrust. In the 75 years it has
fleeing persecution by the cult of the stood, the University has suffered a
Overseer. Walter Missaconic first disproportionate share of scandals.
bought the property from a destitute Murders, suicides and issues of human
merchant and used the land to plant an experimentation haunt the history of the
orchard. The orchard made little money, campus.
but Walter was still wealthy enough to The Missaconic family has passed
build a fine home and send his son the University through marriage to the
Harold to the university of Il Aluk. current Dean, Edward Thorneloe, in the
Harold was little more than an year 730. Dean Thorneloe has invested
intellectual dilettante, but he was a his time into increasing the prestige of
charismatic young man and made many Missaconic University. Unlike his
connections in the academic world of the Missaconic in-laws, his family is native
Core. to Mordent, and so is more trusted by the
Harold Missaconic inherited the people of Mordenshire. In 735
orchard after a scourge of woodworms Thorneloe invited an anchorite of Ezra to
had swept the field in 679. Rather than found a chapel on the campus, both to
undertake the tedious task of replanting, service the spiritual needs of the students
Harold decided to build a University. In and to lecture in the faculty of theology.
the following years the land around This token gesture has helped to allay
Mordent changed rapidly. Lands like some of the fears of the superstitious
Lamordia and Borca emerged from the villagers and foreign intellectuals of
mists, showering the demiplane with academia.
educated aristocrats and intellectuals. Thorneloe has seen to it that old,
Harold gathered a number of investors unflattering records of the University
and three partners to oversee the have disappeared and old grievances
University. Three businessmen, Francis settled quietly. The scandals of the past
Desmarais, Ian Fraser, and Patrick have been covered up with bribes,
Thorneloe, put forward money and their extortion and lies. For the most part the
own services as the Deans of the strategy has worked. Already
faculties. Missaconic University has become third
Never reaching the same level of amongst all of the institutions of learning
prestige as the universities at Il Aluk or in Ravenloft. The surviving faculty
Dementlieu, Missaconic University from Il Aluk’s university has mostly
languished in relative obscurity. The overlooked Missaconic University, but
University has been a haven for less than the flood of Darkonian scholars
reputable professors and less than superb displaced many lesser scholars, who
students. Periodically there have been found their way to the Missaconic
murders or other scandals at the campus.
university. The controversial faculty of
Medicine has always conflicted with the
superstitious views of the Mordentish
people, especially concerning the
107
Present Carne operates the biology department.

Carne’s department shares a close
A new class of students is being relation to the School of Medicine, run
admitted. Wealthy young people from by the Lamordian Doctor Bradshaw. An
the southern Core, who might have elderly alienist from Dementlieu, Dr.
traveled to Dementlieu, are heading Francis Mesmer, runs the growing
straight for Missaconic University. Most psychology department. Finally, the
of these students are bright and curious anchorite Father Gladcow lectures in the
people, overwhelmed by the academic theology department.
environment. Freed from the The staff of the university is
superstition that binds their people, they extensive, including the grounds keeper
plunge headlong into science, exploring William Edborough, his brother Shamus
the secretes of the natural world with the stable master and smith, the Dock
impunity. This bold attitude can lead the Master Jameson Blithe. The wives and
occasional student into danger; the mist children of these men work as servants
holds secrets that are best left in the homes of the professors and the
undiscovered. fraternities. An elderly Borcan janitor
and several maids from Dementlieu and
The Faculty Mordent service the campus buildings.
The Dean of the University is An fairly elderly Invidian woman named
Edward Thorneloe, a white haired man Margery Grinka runs the library with a
passing into old age. Thorneloe is a tyranny that rivals the Dukkar’s.
fiercely conservative man, bent on The staff positions of the University
maintaining his University’s reputation. are filled with many of the people
He despises the careless scientific brought in by Thorneloe since 735. As
curiosity that once characterized such, they know very little about
Missaconic, and works hard to keep the Missaconic’s long history of scandal and
students and faculty grounded in reason. secrets. The groundskeeper, the maids
A pious man by nature, he has tried to and the other staff keep there suspicions
turn Missaconic into a theological to themselves, but if pressed they will
academy. However, the church of Ezra share some of the stories they have
has never forgotten the old horror heard. There are rooms in Thorneloe
stories, so they are cautious in their hall where the maids refuse to enter after
investment. In an attempt to attract more sundown, and the groundskeeper knows
anchorites to the campus, Thorneloe is of some spots of earth on the property
cracking down on “immoral” behavior that must never be dug up. Thorneloe
on campus. has threatened the staff into silence, but
The University has many different even he can’t keep them from grumbling
faculties. A professor from Darkon, now and then.
Bunsen Honeydew, runs the Chemistry
department with the help of his assistant
known only as Beaker. Professor Hubert
J. Farnsworth runs both the faculty of
physics and mathematics, teaching the
advanced knowledge from his native
Paridon. The Borcan scholar Doctor
108
Adventure Hooks rely on less than reputable means to

obtain a suitable subject.
Professor Carne has been planning to
mount an specimen finding Dr. Bradshaw, like most physicians
expedition to an exotic land beyond from Lamordia, is concerned with
Mordent. His primary desire is to the lack of ethics in the medical
travel to the fabled Wildlands, but he profession. Despite his attempts to
might also sail to the exotic instill caution in his students, more
Markovia. Neither cheap nor naive, than one young man has been caught
Carne is looking for some performing experiments in the nature
experienced hunters and some sell of life and the reanimation of dead
swords to add security. tissues. Recently, pieces of corpses
have been vanishing from cold
Dr. Mesmer is desperate to prove his storage. Loath to worry the Dean
theories regarding hypnotherapy, and the students, Bradshaw looks for
particularly his studies of the some outsiders to help him discern
hypnotic state in dying patients. the identity and the intentions of the
Without the support of Dean thief.
Thorneloe, Mesmer might have to
109
110
Growls in the Night

A Watcher in the Woods
The wood between Mordent and themselves. Their skeletons had been
Richemulot is a place forsaken by man. stripped of flesh, the bones gnawed upon
The wilderness once bore the name of and their house torn apart.
Jersey, an extensive clan of simple folk In the rubble he had found the
who eked out a meager existence in the journal of one of the Jersey women, a
depths of the woods. As the tale goes, poorly written series of scribbles that
the Jerseys were a solitary clan. They told a story of corruption and decay.
were a queer folk, as the Mordentish The Jersey’s had indeed fallen into
people would describe them, given to paganism, for after a series of poor
violent bouts of heavy drinking and crops, plagues and cold winters they had
possessed of the poorest manners. resorted to devil worship to save them.
Occasionally one of their numbers As insane as it seemed, it had worked.
would enter Mordenshire trading pelts, The family had survived, disease was
herbs and other oddities for strong staved off, and one of the women was
alcohol and gunpowder. even blessed with a child. Though, as
It was clear to the Mordentish the journal went on it became clear that
people that since the Jersey’s never the child was no blessing. The ultimate
married into any other family, they must price for the family’s survival was the
have been inbreeding. As well, there birth of a child of evil.
were rumors that the Jersey family had An evil spawn of darkness was
descended into devil worship. birthed to the Jerseys. A hideous
Enlightened folk claimed that these abomination, neither man nor beast. The
rumors were baseless, though some folk Jerseys had locked the child in the root
claimed they saw strange things moving cellar, but one night it escaped. Over the
on the edge of the forest. years it preyed upon the members of the
After a few decades, the problem Jersey clan, until it had scoured the
solved itself; the Jersey family woods of human life.
disappeared altogether. No one bothered The poor traveler babbled his own
to look for the family, though travelers part in the story. For after he discovered
passing through the forest kept an eye the ruins, he was beset upon by the devil.
out for any signs of the old Jersey The hideous creature had chased him
farmsteads, purely out of curiosity. through the forest, sweeping at him with
One day a traveler emerged out of its claws and harrying him with its
the Jersey Forest, pale as a ghost and ungodly howl. Only by the greatest of
shaken to the core of his being. The luck did he evade the creature.
poor merchant babbled a terrifying story, Since then, no Mordentish man has
that he had found the remains of a Jersey dared to set foot in the Jersey Forest for
farmstead, and the remains of the Jerseys fear of meeting the Jersey Devil.
111
Jersey Devil
Medium sized outsider Combat
Hit Dice 7d8 (49) The devil does not need to eat, but it
Initiative +3
Speed 20 ft, flight 50ft
enjoys slaying humans. The creature
AC 17 (+4 natural, +3 dex) usually shadows a lone traveler, using
Attacks 2 claws +7/+7 bite +5 different methods to build up fear. Often
Damage 1D4+4 claw, 1D4+4 bite this means making obvious noises in the
Face/Reach 5 ft night, arranging rocks and sticks in
Special Attacks Unholy screech
Special Quality Low light vision
patters around the traveler's camp sight
Saves Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +7 at night, or leaving the remains of former
Abilities Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int victims to be found.
12, Wiz 14, Cha 9 When the devil is satisfied with the
Skills Balance +10, Hide +10, victim's terror, he attacks and devours
Move silently +10,
wilderness lore +8, Listen
the hapless human. The devil is loath to
+8, Spot +8, Search +8, attack wild animals. For reasons
swim +11, animal empathy unknown it has some empathy with these
+6 creatures. The creature attacks animals
Feats Fly by attack, multiattack only in response to an attack.
Climate/Terrain Lake sides, rivers and
swamps
The devil prefers to swoop down,
Organization Solitary make an attack and then rise just out of
Challenge Rating 7 the opponents reach. If the devil stalks a
Treasure None group, he tries to use terror tactics and
Alignment Chaotic evil his unholy screech to break the group up,
Advancement By class
then tracking each one down and slaying
The Jersey Devil is an unholy
them.
hybrid of a fiend and a human woman.
Low light vision (ex): The devil
The creature was designed by its
can see twice as far as a human in the
progenitor as a parody of a civilized
dark, and distinguish colors. Scent (ex):
man, though its chaotic nature makes it
The devil can track by scent, and sense
more like a true fiend than any cambion.
enemies within 30 ft.
The jersey devil appears as a
Scent (ex): The Jersey Devil has
grotesque chimera. The creature has a
the ability to track by scent.
head similar to that of bighorn sheep,
Unholy Screech (su): As a full
including goatee and curling horns. The
round action the Jersey devil throws
creature sprouts huge membranous
back its head an issues a hideous cry,
wings from its back, and its feet are
while stamping its hooves into the
cloven. The devil bears claws and fangs
ground. The sound has been described
made of black iron. The entire creature
as similar to the whistle of a demonic
is covered in a thick black fur.
kettle, as human is boiled alive within.
Anyone within 50 ft hearing the scream
must make a fear check against a DC 17.
112
Gregori Ambermist
Bitter Fruit from the Seed of Evil
By Shane Glodoski
bookwyrms@yahoo.com
If a tree falls in the forest, loincloth around his waist, made from
and no one is around, his old leather armor. Gregori is always
does it make a sound? armed with two throwing axes and caries
Ask the tree yourself. a sickle, which he hangs from his belt.
-Old Mordentish saying
Background
Gregori Ambermist Born an only child in a small town
CR 5; Size M Human/Plant (5 ft., 5 of foresters, Gregori grew to appreciate
in. tall) Rgr4; HD 4d10+4 plus 2d8+4; the forests. He was at odds with many
hp 51; Init +3 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 17 of the townsfolk, including his father, for
(+2 Dex, +5 natural armor); Attack their practice of logging. He was apt to
+4/+4 melee (1d4+1, diseased talon, run away into the forest and sabotaging
right hand) and (1d6+1, sickle, left the logging effort in a vain attempt to
hand), or +7 ranged (1d6, throwing axe, save the wildlife.
Range 10 ft.); SA disease; SQ bark skin, Upon reaching adulthood, he joined
plant, favored enemy (beasts), fire a small sect of druids in their sacred
vulnerability, half damage from piercing, grove some days travel into the woods.
spells; SV Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +3; AL There he came to worship the land and
CG; Str 13, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 8, Wis learned how best to nourish it. Yet
14, Cha 7. despite his devotion he failed to attain
Skills and Feats: Climb +5, Hide +5, the gifts of the druids. Knowing his
Knowledge [Nature] +2, Knowledge calling must be elsewhere, he headed
[Religion] +2, Listen +5, Move Silently into the forest for comfort. Over the
+5, Spot +5, Wilderness Lore +7; years of Gregori’s absence the town had
Ambidexterity, Dodge, Power Attack, grown and with it so to did the
Track, Two-Weapon Fighting. devastation to the forest. Despite the
Spells per day: (1/0/0/0) druids and his best efforts to prevent it,
Possessions: Silver sickle, 2 the forest was being mercilessly
throwing axes, 4 belt pouches harvested. One night the villagers
Gregori appears as a squat, dark awoke to find their homes ablaze.
skinned man. He has long bushy brown Gregori saw the smoke from his
hair and a goatee, which are actually tiny camp in the woods and he ran to the
roots that sprout from his skin. These town only to find his father trapped in
roots absorb moisture from the air as his burning home. Rushing in to save
wells as sunlight for nourishment. him, Gregori tried desperately to pull his
Gregori’s right arm is covered in bark father from the blaze, only to find his
that ends with a hand that has sharp strength and endurance insufficient. The
gnarled talons. He wears a simple smoke had nearly brought them both to
113
death’s door, when Gregori’s father contact. Gregori is also haunted by the
choked his last words, commanding his ability to hear animals and plants,
son to leave him and save the town. though he cannot speak to them without
Escaping the blaze, Gregori found magic. This interaction with nature
his right arm was horribly burned and gives him no comfort, for every plant
useless. After the fire, the villagers and animal taunts him with deeds of his
wasted no time in blaming the druids for past and for his failures.
the fire. Gregori had his doubts but the Gregori has isolated himself from
pain in his body and soul was greater. the world around him, he is as unfeeling
As the villagers stormed toward the to the outside as an oak, though his heart
grove, he followed without the slightest beats with a pain that only a human
intent of interfering. could feel. When confronted with
In truth, the druids had not caused someone wielding the powers of a druid
the blaze. A inebriated ale merchant, does become much more animated.
having dropped his lantern pole upon his Druids of any kind arose his deepest
own wares, had both started and anger. Ironically, only by conquering
perished in the fire. The druids pleaded these challenges can he alleviate his
their innocence, begging the mob to curse. To remove the curse, Gregori
disperse. Gregori shouted back at the need only to assist a druid in some
druids, retorting that they had done significant manner and embrace the
nothing to save it either. With that, the ways of nature once more. On some
town people flew into a violent frenzy level of awareness Gregori knows that
and attacked, burning the sacred grove this is the only way to end his suffering.
and slaying the priests as they begged However his hatred is greater than his
for mercy. reason and he refuses to accept this
As the last druid lay dying, he solution.
pointed at Gregori and cursed him, “As
you were blind to our faith, and now Combat
accept theirs, so shall you embrace both,
Gregori has most of the abilities of a
in body and soul!”
ranger, as well as those from his plant-
like gifts. In combat, he initially attacks
Current Sketch with his throwing axes to keep enemies
Gregori’s curse has manifested itself far enough away so that he will not
in two ways, that of his appearance and infect them. When he is forced to enter
in his ability to interact with plants and melee he attacks with the talon from his
people. Any person he touches will right hand and the silver sickle in his left
slowly change into a shambling mound, hand.
given enough time and a significant Disease (Ex): Upon a successful
degree of contact. While any non- strike from his right hand, Gregori
intelligent plants he touches shall slowly transfers a terrible disease. Those who
wither and die. He brings misery to all fail a fortitude save against a DC of 14
he touches and has become as horrible a begin to sprout vegetation from their
blight as any fire or reckless flesh. For one round afterwards, for
deforestation. Gregori has dedicated his each point of damage suffered from the
efforts to protect nature from himself, as talon attack, the victim will sprout vines
well as anyone with which he comes in and branches from the infected area.
114
This has the same effect as the spell stunning, and polymorphing. Not subject
entangle cast by a 4th level sorcerer to critical hits.
centered upon the victim. The only way Fire Vulnerability (Ex): Gregori
to keep these vines and branches at bay takes double damage from fire attacks
is to burn the infected area. unless the attack allows a save, in which
After an incubation period of 1-3 case he takes double damage on a failure
days the victim changes into a shambling and no damage on a success.
mound. When used upon non-intelligent Gregori also can be turned by the
plant life the disease merely slays the presence of fire. For this event, the
plant. wielder of the fire is treated as a cleric
Bark skin (Ex): Gregori’s dark for determining level. Gregori cannot be
tanned skin has the texture of bark, controlled or destroyed by this
giving him a natural armor class bonus vulnerability.
of +5. Half Damage from Piercing (Ex):
Plant: Immune to mind-influencing Piercing weapons deal only half damage
effects, poison, sleep, paralysis, to Gregori, with a minimum of 1 point of
damage with each successful attack.
115
116
Okraina
As Cold as a Witch’s Heart
By Dmitri Zorin
MalVil@rambler.ru
Cultural Level: Chivalric (8). the cold death. The climate of Okraina
Landscape: Full Ecology ranges in temperature from 30 degrees
(Temperate Forests and Hills). The Celsius in summer to -30 degrees in
domain of Okraina (O-KRAI-na) is a winter. Thunderstorms are common
region of rolling hills, pristine evergreen during the spring thaw and snow can
forests, small springs and the large river descend even in October. Blizzards are
Volra. The animals of the domain are commonplace, so much so that they are
varied and numerous and many forests believed to be sent by Chort, a fiend
remain untouched by any man’s axe. from local tales.
Large packs of wolves, ferocious bears Buildings in Okraina are made of
and mystical “feys” keep people at bay. whitewashed bricks with thatched roofs
The job of a lumberjack is considered and gaily-colored shutters. The houses of
rather dangerous indeed. Nonetheless, middle-class sport slanted roofs of wood
the forests boast a huge variety of trees as well as beautiful wooden figurines
including birches, willows, ashes, oaks, placed over the entryway. The homes of
spruces, maples, and pines. the nobility are less houses than they are
The Volra River is the only route for palaces. Built of red brick, with slanted
trade. Its lazy waters carry barges with roofs of green or blue tile, these
goods from the principality’s towns mansions feature personal shrines,
Yargorod and Gzhansk to the three small stables and baths. The villages are
villages on its banks, Dikanka, centered around churches, usually on the
Sorochinka, and Vlasinovka. Farmers hill overlooking the river. Townsfolk
often open up trenches into the river, are crowded behind the thick walls of
forming ponds near the fields. There is a white stone, dwelling in houses built
pond system along all the length of the wall-to-the-wall along narrow streets.
Volra. Small and large, overgrown with At the heart of either town there is an
lilies these ponds make the perfect spots inner fortress, called a “Kremlin”. It
for locals to bathe and wash clothing. contains the palace of the local ruler as
The river itself is deemed too dangerous well as churches and barracks of town
for those activities, with all the tales militia.
regarding “vodyanois” and “rusalkas”. Major Settlements: Yargorod (pop.
More dangerous than myth, whirlpools 12,000), Gzhansk (pop. 3,000), Dikanka
sporadically appear on the river’s (pop. 300), Sorochinka (pop. 500),
surface and drag unwary swimmers to Vlasinovka (pop. 250).
117
Figure 5: Okraina
The Folk: Population – 17,500. show herself in public with her head
Humans 93%. Half-elves 4%. Elves 2%. bare. The nobles always dress in
Other 1%. Languages – Vaasi*. splendid finery, be it holiday or not, for
Religions – Yarilo (a.k.a. Belenus)*. no purpose greater than impressing
Okranians tend to be of average commoners. The style is generally the
stature, with wide hips and large breasts same, although the materials vary. Silk,
among women. The hair ranges from satin and finely cured leather are
black to light brown and eyes are usually preferred. Boyars, as local nobles are
the shades of gray or blue. The clothes known, tend to dress in long robes that
among commoners tend to be simple and reach to the floor.
practical. Men wear leather trousers and The people of Okraina are perfectly
jackets and women wear long skirts and adapted to the cold climate. In fact, they
blouses. On holidays white shirts with enjoy the cold winters. When the river
bright red embroidery are worn, as well and its satellite ponds freeze over, young
as loose trousers with red lines on the and old alike enjoy skating and playing
sides and bright, multicolored skirts. with snowballs on the ice-covered Volra.
Kerchiefs are common, for custom The folk are never afraid to brave the
dictates that a married woman cannot night, though they only do so when it is
118
necessary. A peculiar custom amongst The Law: A hereditary aristocracy,
the locals is to maintain a sweathouse. led by Prince Vasili the Cruel, rules
In these saunas men and women alike Okraina. Vasili resides in his palace in
wash at the same time, without the Yargorod and is known, as it is reflected
slightest discomfort. Bathing in the in its name, for the severe punishments
sweathouse is the most common form of he issues to disobedient boyars and
hygiene practiced by the peasantry. commoners alike. He has also enforced
The natives view half-elves as large taxes to strengthen his military, as
people “blessed by feys”. These people he hopes to bully the church into
are believed to be lucky and are blessed releasing some of its power. In truth, a
with many traits, such as the ability to civil war is slowly brewing, as his policy
discover hidden treasure. Natives rarely met with dissent among the clerics, the
encounter pureblooded elves, since the boyars, and the commoners alike. Vasili
sylvians prefer living in secluded himself is not evil or ruthless, though,
communities deep in the forests. Half- for he has been caught in the sway of his
elves are friendly towards strangers and councilor. Little is known of this
possess amazing patience but once advisor, but it is whispered that he is a
roused to anger they are as cold and powerful enchanter.
merciless as a winter blizzard. Pure The law is enforced by the local
blood elves are much less tolerant of boyars and the principality’s militia
humans; they dislike any visitors to their backs each boyar. The boyars are
communities although they won’t attack forbidden to retain a personal army, for
outright. Preserving the culture and lore ambitious boyars of the past were
of their declining race is the chief responsible for multiple coup-d’etats.
concern of the elves, though they do not Peasants who can’t pay rent are used as
think humans or even half-elves are house slaves by boyars. This indentured
capable students. servitude is less harsh than true slavery,
Society varies greatly in Okraina. for the slaves are provided with decent
There is no limit to the depths of poverty food and lodging and are even paid a
that the peasants can befall, while the wage. As soon as one has saved enough
middle class and the nobles are endlessly to pay the original debt he is freed.
rich. Naturally, this breeds enmity Bands of rebellious peasants,
between the social classes in the highway robbers and barbaric goblins
principality. Drunkenness in the pose a serious threat outside the town
peasantry is common as are civil walls. The clashes between them and
disturbances. With nothing in their militiamen occur with an alarming rate.
future, peasants find solace in a powerful Deeper in the forests, no law is enforced.
liquor called vodka. The only god Beasts, both magical and natural, occupy
venerated in the Okraina is Yarilo, the the forest depths. Hags, goblins,
same God worshiped under the name arayashkas, leshiys (as treants are
Belenus. His church maintains a strong known) occupy the woods, while feys
grip on the populace minds and like nochnicas, polevicks and poludnices
occasionally clashes with boyars and dwell in hills and plains. The river and
prince for the control over lands. ponds hide vodianoys, aquatic remnants
and drownlings, which are known to the
locals as rusalkas.
119
Trade and Diplomacy: Resources –
wheat, corn, millet, barley, cabbage,
Anna Sparatoga
potatoes, apples, water-melons, melons, Darklord of Okraina
sunflowers, oat, beet, hemp, chickens, Female human Sor 10: CR10; SZ M
cattle, fish, wine, limestone, leather (5ft. 8in. tall); HD 10d4+10; hp 32; Init
goods, parchment, books, powder. +7(Dex & Improved Init); Spd. 30; AC
Coinage – ruble (gp), polushka (sp), 14 (touch 14, flatfooted 11); Atk +5
kopeika (cp). melee touch (by spell) or +8 ranged
As the residents have only recently touch (by spell); SA spells; AL NE; SV
discovered that they are cut off from the Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +10; Str 10, Dex
other parts of their former world, the 17, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 17, Cha 20.
domain has no trade or diplomacy Skills and Feats: Concentration +14,
connections with other nations. The Diplomacy +12, Hide +3, Listen +3,
natural resources of the domain allow it Spot +3, Spell craft +12; Great
to sustain itself indefinitely. If no trade Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Spell
route is discovered soon the nobles are Focus (Enchantment), Spell Focus
likely to mourn the loss of their precious (Necromancy), Spell Penetration;
silks and satins since they can’t be Sorcerer Spells per day: 6/8/7/7/6/3.
manufactured in the Okraina itself. Base DC= 15 +spell level, 17 + spell
Characters: Classes – Cleric, level for Enchantment and Necromancy
Druid, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, spells.
Sorcerer, and Wizard. Skills – Sorcerer Spells known: 0- ray of
Diplomacy, Intuit Direction, Perform frost, detect poison, daze, light, disrupt
(singing, balalaika), Ride, Swim, undead, detect magic, read magic,
Wilderness Lore. Feats – Toughness, prestidigitation, resistance; 1- charm
Endurance, Exotic Weapon Proficiency person, cause fear, ray of enfeeblement,
(firearms). shield, magic missile; 2- Tasha's hideous
Adventure Hooks: The PCs enter laughter, see invisibility, spectral hand,
the village Sorochinka and encounter a invisibility; 3- hold person, suggestion,
funeral procession. A ruckus ensues halt undead 4- charm monster,
when it is discovered that the village's polymorph self; 5- summon monster V;
only priest lies in the coffin. The coffin Possessions: Chort's phylactery,
had belonged to the body of the mayor’s kerchief of charisma +3(as cloak), ring
daughter, who was lain within the casket of protection +1, ring of wizardry I.
that mourning. The young girl herself Anna is a woman in her mid 20’s,
had died under mysterious circumstances her hair is raven black and her eyes as
only a few days previously. The priest green as a cat’s. Anna prefers large skirts
was new to the village and had been sent and loose blouses, usually wearing a
here by the Yargorod Cathedral. black jacket over the latter. She never
Strangely, the young cleric’s hair is forgets her make-up, considering the
completely white. Stranger still, the issue of looks to be of paramount
mayor’s daughter's body is missing. importance.
120
Background love. Yet with one act of murder
Long ago on a distant world, a fiend committed, it was an easy task to plan
known as Chort delighted in playing another. One evening on the eve of Ivan
cruel tricks on people. This fiend Cupala Day, an ancient pagan holiday,
eventually heard of an unfortunate when his first wife was away in the
young girl who lived with her father the forest the sorceress and her lover were
village blacksmith in abject poverty. enjoying each other’s affections in the
Eager to corrupt the innocent, Chort elder’s house. At this very moment fey
set off to the remote village. He tempted creatures executed the witch’s orders to
the girl with promises of wealth, power find and lure her rival to the riverbank
and the influence over men she secretly and drown her. All went according to
craved and the two managed to strike a plan and the elder gladly married Anna.
bargain. In return for magical powers, However it soon became apparent that
he would have possession over her soul his previous wife’s soul did not find rest
after death. Chort thought he had gotten in the afterlife, her spirit returned as
the best of the foolish girl but he would ghost and haunted the couple. After the
soon come to regret his bargain. first few incidents, the witch took it upon
The girl was given power over herself to protect her recently acquired
magic arts and eagerly put them to her position of power and, using arcane
service. She began by establishing rituals, managed to keep the ghost at
control over her father, then improving bay. This ritual was required to be
her already pretty and delicate features. repeated everyday to prevent ghost from
During one of their frequent journeys to manifesting, and Anna guaranteed the
the regional festival, where all local loyalty of her husband.
merchants and craftsmen were eager to Then an unforeseen happened. The
participate, she and her father elder’s daughter from his first wife
encountered a village elder and the returned from her studies in the distant
elder’s wife. This meeting pushed the capital. The young lady was as old as
ambitious witch’s plans further, she her new stepmother, so tension arose
understood her next step should be to quickly between them. Anna began to
make this authority figure merry her, slowly poison the girl’s life, first she
whatever the cost. Her father was against ordered her to perform an unimaginable
his daughter’s frequent travels to the number of difficult household chores,
nearby village, so after an evening of having fired the serving maid. Then she
loud and violent confrontation she started to bully the pure young lady, who
summoned a fey creature from a nearby was still ignorant of her stepmother’s
river to murder the unfortunate man and evil nature. As soon as the witch
disposed of the body. The following day understood she couldn’t bully the girl
she set off to the village of her chosen into leaving her father’s house, she
would-be spouse. For several weeks staged a chance encounter with her
thereafter she bided her time but stepdaughter during the elder’s absence.
eventually, using her natural and magical The young girl, considering herself
charms, she bound the elder to herself. alone and deciding to alleviate her
However, though the elder was suspicions of her mother’s intents,
careful to conceal his adultery from his sneaked into her parents’ room and
wife, he was reluctant to marry his new started searching for anything that could
121
tip the scales in the favor of her theory, the first rays of sun. Since finding fresh
that her stepmother was taking youngsters poses a serious problem,
advantage of her father’s sickness and Anna periodically endures some
grief and slowly poisoning him to take cosmetic damage. She can hide her
his title for herself. deformities with mundane cosmetics, but
Suddenly, she noticed a big black these are a short-term solution.
cat, staring at her intently from an open In her secluded village she can
door to the room. Never having avoid unwanted attention, attention
encountering a cat, the girl started to which she is sure to draw were she
back off towards the wall as it lunged at relocated to one of the cities. Since she
her. At the last moment the girl depends on the ignorance of the
snatched her father’s scimitar form the villagers, the fear of others discoveriy
wall and scored a glancing blow on the can make her desperate. It is at these
cat’s left paw. The cat, screeching times that she is most dangerous.
horribly from pain, scrambled from the The fiend Chort is unable to leave
room. the secluded land in the mists. Incapable
The next day, when the family to bring woe to others, he is cursed to
gathered around the table, the lass made play out his frustration on the few
a terrible discovery: her stepmother’s denizens of the domain. He hates Anna
left arm was bandaged and the blood for ensnaring him but he can do her no
already gathered at the edges of the cloth harm since she possesses his phylactery.
in some places. Not certain what to Anna is aware of the phylactery in her
think, the girl left her home to wander in possession, but she has never revealed to
solitude on the banks of a nearby river. Chort in which item his life force
So great was her boggle that she didn’t resides. Since Anna’s arcane abilities
notice the coming of twilight. In this depend upon Chort, and since he is much
magical hour, when she came across a more powerful than she, the witch is
small pond near her village, she noticed content to keep the phylactery a secret.
several young girls playing in the water. Thus far this blackmail has kept Chort
Thinking them to be locals, she waded bound to her in an uneasy truce.
into the pool to join them. The feys
dragged her underwater, where she was
Combat
drowned. The last thing the unfortunate Anna avoids combat at all costs; she
elder’s daughter saw was her fears even the slightest harm to her face.
stepmother’s cruel smile from the other When confronted with a threat she uses
side of the water. That night the mists her spells to dominate the minds of her
enveloped the region, taking the village enemies and turn them against one
and the surrounding area into Domains another. At first opportunity she flees,
of Dread. and summons fey creatures to do her evil
bidding. These murders are coordinated
Current Sketch so that while the creatures are dealing
Each week she loses one point of with her enemies she is elsewhere,
charisma if she doesn't perform certain creating a perfect alibi for her were
ritual. The ritual requires that she something to go wrong.
seduce a young man then ride on his
back until the dawn and slay him with
122
Crossroads of Gothic Earth

Mining the Demon Ore
scoured Sudbury of native plant life; say

Sudbury birch trees that thrive in the acidic soil.
The people of Sudbury are a diverse
Hidden deep within the thick forests
folk; the major ethnicities include
of the Canadian north is the growing
Finnish, Italian, Ukrainian, German and
mining community of Sudbury. Sudbury
Irish immigrants. While these
is roughly two hundred miles northwest
immigrant communities have integrated
of Toronto, located in “the Sudbury
seamlessly into society, they still
Basin”, a huge valley cut out of the
congregate into ethnic areas. Exclusive
earth. The region is serviced by the
social clubs like the Ukrainian Hall and
Canadian Pacific Railway and is
the Caruso Club unite these communities
surrounded by countless lakes and
and promote their culture.
creeks. The population is small,
The Sudbury region is sustained
numbering only around 3000
completely by mining. The two major
individuals. New immigrants are
Mining companies are Falcon Bridge
arriving every day to work in the rapidly
and the International Copper Company,
expanding mines.
Inco for short. Like any industrial
In the sea of lush woodland Sudbury
company, both corporations are often at
stands as a barren island of black rock
odds with the miners and their attempts
and mounds of slag. The township is
to organize labour. Conflicts are
supported by the growing mining
frequent, but are kept peaceful by the
operations exploiting the amazing wealth
Sudbury Regional Police.
of minerals beneath the earth. Ore is
drawn from the earth and brought to the History
area known as Copper Cliff, where it is The Sudbury region was first used
smelted. The smelting procedures are as the site for a massive lumber
devastating to the environment. Huge operation. The timber felled in the
tracts of forests are clear cut and piled Sudbury Basin was sent down into the
into a trench known as a roasting yard. United States to rebuild Chicago after
Raw ore is deposited over the wood, and the disastrous fire there. Surveys
the entire mix is set ablaze for days on carried out in 1883 by the Canadian
end. The rock of the Sudbury area is so Pacific Railway discovered the presence
rich in sulfur that the smelted ore of copper in the rock. Initial tests
releases noxious fumes as it melts. The confirmed copper, but the first mineshaft
resulting cloud blankets the entire sunk found a much greater abundance of
Copper Cliff area for days, leaving the nickel. This proved disastrous, for
rest of the Sudbury area relatively nickel was a nearly worthless metal with
unharmed. Though the fumes dissipate, few applications. This “demon ore”
they generate acid rain, which has slowly rose in value as the world turned
123
to mechanization. The nickel mined in
As the mines sunk deeper and
Sudbury makes up four fifths of all of
deeper into the earth the miners began to
the nickel used in the creation of
uncover deposits of a strange mineral.
machines. In 1892 the region of
Though the unusual metal baffled
Sudbury became an official township.
assayers, the Fellowship immediately
recognized the mineral as mithral. Since
then the Fellowship has taken an
obsessive interest in the mines of
Forbidden Lore Sudbury. Mithral is a precious tool to
the Fellowship of the Crimson Dawn and
Sudbury is located in the depths of
they do not wish to let so much as a
North Ontario, so it seems an unlikely
sliver escape their grasp.
location for a cell of the Fellowship of
Sudbury is an isolated town in the
the Crimson Dawn. The Fellowship
middle of the forests of Northern
took an interest in the town early in
Ontario. In the deep shadows of the
1889. The qabal of wizard had difficulty
forests dark things lurk. Like most areas
in forging the magical items they needed
of Canada, Sudbury’s winters are fierce.
for arcane research. The extreme
Blizzards and flurries cut off all escape
temperatures needed to in the creation
from the town by mid December, ending
process were difficult to produce by
the siege only in March. Townsfolk are
normal means so locating their operation
known to go missing in the winter white
near the Sudbury roasting yards was a
outs and few bodies are to be found in
matter of convenience. The qabal owns
the thaw. Some people whisper that
a stake in both mining companies,
dark shapes move about in the midnight
allowing it unlimited access to the
snow, calling out with voices that sound
smelting facilities.
like the whipping wind.
124
Secrets and Sorcery

The Brotherhood of Alchamae
The members of the Brotherhood of

Alchamae are on a quest for knowledge. Activities
The goal of the brotherhood is to
The primary activity of the qabal is
facilitate the expansion of mankind’s
research and experimentation. The
understanding of the universe. To this
individual members of the qabal often
end, the brotherhood believes that there
work alone on their own projects. The
are no secrets that mankind does not
qabal itself is mainly seen as a method of
deserve to know and that no knowledge,
sharing knowledge, obtaining funding,
no matter how profound, can be allowed
materials and assistance. The
to stay hidden. The Brotherhood is
Brotherhood often organizes the creation
undisturbed by such frivolous ideas like
of new scientific institutions in the hopes
culture or religion, for such concepts
of training and recruiting new members.
only serve to cloud the mind. As well,
The construction of laboratories,
the Brotherhood is unconcerned with
both scientific and magical is another
educating the rest of mankind, for most
major activity of the qabal. These
members view the rest of their species as
laboratories are often hidden in rural
an ignorant swarm of primates. They
settings, where members are free to
believe that knowledge belongs only to a
come and go without the fear of scrutiny.
select few, those who are prepared to
The Brotherhood possesses the most
make sacrifices.
extensive libraries of magical knowledge
in the entire world, though these libraries
History are scattered across the world. The
While the members of the qabal occasionally organizes the creation
brotherhood are meticulous in recording of a scientific device or the crafting of a
their scientific and arcane knowledge, magical item. Such enterprises always
they are less than diligent in recording create items of exceptional power.
their own history. The records of the Finally, the brotherhood maintains a
Brotherhood only date back to thirteenth network of warehouses for all manner of
century Persia, though there are allusions equipment, ranging from electrical
to a connection to the ancient qabal “The components to magic potions.
Stone”, founded by the legendary
Merlin. Throughout history the qabal Membership and
has influenced the advance of science
around the world. The qabal has had its Organization
difficulties; many senseless tragedies in The brotherhood is made up of men
history can be traced to a failed and women who are dedicated to the
experiment in science or magic. pursuit of knowledge. Members are
chosen from the most dedicated scholars
125
and occultists. High intelligence is the
major requirement, though creativity and
Resources
meticulousness are also critical qualities The Brotherhood of Alchamae
in recruits. Once in the Brotherhood maintains the world’s biggest stockpiles
members are sworn to obedience to the of chemical compounds, electronic
qabal. This obedience takes the form of components, manufactured goods, and
an oath, which requires members to scientific devices. These stockpiles are
share all knowledge discovered by them located in urban warehouses across the
after their admittance into the qabal and world and are accessible to all members.
to contribute a small percentage of their With a single telegraph, a member of the
income. Qabal members are often called qabal could have anything from a vat of
upon to consult with other members on sulfuric acid to a steam driven walking
projects and to assist in the procurement machine sent by train or boat to his
of special materials. location.
The Brotherhood of Alchamae is led The Brotherhood also maintains
by a council of ten learned scholars, huge libraries of scientific data, which
elected by their colleagues to the council are accessible to members and even the
for life. These leaders serve as educated public. In addition, the
administrators for the qabal and are Brotherhood also possesses a series of
responsible for collecting dues, magical laboratories, warehouses of
organizing group projects and minor magical items, and libraries of
maintaining the libraries, laboratories arcane knowledge. These labs,
and stockpiles of materials. Needless to warehouses and libraries are well
say it is an unpopular job for all but the guarded but made accessible to most full
most ambitious members. members.
Beneath this council is a collection Through the cooperation of loyal
of retired scientists and occultists who members, the brotherhood controls a
assist each council member in the lengthy list of patents, including the
execution of their duties. These patent for the light bulb. The
assistants are the connection between the Brotherhood owns and operates a
Council and the individual cells. Cells handful of factories and universities.
are often made up of a single qabal Finally, the brotherhood is well funded
member and his or her friends and from the dues of its members. Requests
henchmen. These cells pursue for funds require some diplomacy (DC
individual projects and report their check 20), as do requisitions for magical
findings to the qabal. items (base DC 22). Scientific
The brotherhood also maintains a equipment is often shared freely, though
handful of enforcer cells. These cells are any equipment lost or used up must be
made up of one full member and a group replaced.
of loyal henchmen trained to use
intimidation, violence and even murder Adventure Hooks
to maintain secrecy and loyalty in the The Brotherhood of Alchamae is an
qabal. excellent patron for a group of
adventurers. A single member of the
qabal might be in contact with the party,
sending them on all manner of missions
126
without ever explaining the true nature mage hand, mending, open/close, arcane
of the party’s work. Members of the mark, detect magic, read magic. 1st
brotherhood make poor villains, since level spells; alarm, endure element, hold
they are usually peaceful people portal, shield, grease, mage armor,
possessed of good intentions. There are unseen servant, comprehend language,
those jaded scientists who have divested identify, magic missile, animate rope,
themselves of human emotion, but they enlarge, erase, feather fall, magic
are in the minority. weapon, shocking grasp. 2nd level
With a single connection to the spells; arcane lock, obscure object,
Brotherhood, a party of adventurers Melfs acid arrow, locate object, see
might be privilege to vast stores of invisibility, flaming sphere, shatter, alter
scientific devices and magical self, cat’s grace, knock, pyrotechnics.
knowledge. Of course, the price for 3rd level spells; dispel magic, explosive
such assistance usually involves runes, nondetection, flame arrow, sleet
procuring exotic items for the qabal. storm, clairaudience/clairvoyance,
tongues, gust of wind, lighting bolt,
Thomas Alva Edison illusionary script, blink, fly, greater
magic weapon, haste, keen edge, shrink
Male human, 6th level expert/6th
item, and slow.
level qabalist: CR 12, SZ M humanoid;
HD 12D6+12, HP 54; Inn 1; Spd 30; AC
By 1890, Thomas Alva Edison is a
10; Atk 7/2; SA none, SQ none; AL LN;
man of thirty-three. In that short time he
SV: fort 5, Reflex 5, Will 10; Str 11,
has invented the stock ticker, the light
Dex 12, Con 12, Int 17, Wiz 14, Chr 12.
bulb, the phonograph and a plethora of
Skills and Feats: alchemy 10,
other inventions. Despite the lack of
appraise 5, bluff 8, craft: invention 20,
formal education, Edison is an
concentration 5, diplomacy 7, forbidden
accomplished inventor and is part owner
lore 8, knowledge: applied physics 20,
of the General Electric manufacturing
knowledge: chemistry 9, knowledge:
corporation. The extraordinary inventor
mechanical physics 9, profession:
has not limited himself to the world of
engineer 10, profession: telegraph
science; he has also delved deeply into
operator 5, research 12, sense motive 5,
to supernatural. Edison is one of the
spell craft 13, spot 5. Skill focus:
most prominent members of the qabal
(knowledge: applied physics), Skill
known as The Brotherhood of
focus: (knowledge: chemistry), skill
Alchamae. Edison is an accomplished
focus (craft: invention), Skill focus:
mage, and has created a number of
(bluff), Skill focus: (diplomacy), Skill
useful magical items for the
focus: (spell craft), Skill focus:
brotherhood. There may be no one else
(forbidden lore), Scribe scroll, craft
upon Gothic Earth who so naturally
wondrous item, brew potion, craft
mixes magic with science.
magical arms and armor,
Edison has developed a number of
Languages: English, Latin, Greek,
devices that combine the power of
Arabic
futuristic science with magical spells.
Qabalist spells per day: 4/4/4/3;
Edison has never risen to a position of
Base DC=15 + level
leadership in the qabal; between
Spell Book: 0 level spells;
managing his investments and furthering
resistance, ray of frost, detect poison,
127
both his scientific and magical research, discover that Edison has a habit of
Edison has no time to manage a secret stealing their ideas and taking the credit
society. Edison enjoys his status as a for himself. At the same time, junior
celebrity within the qabal; he is fed with members of the brotherhood have much
a steady flow of information and to learn from the master inventor.
supplies at the cost of lending out his Edison’s voice pulls great weight in
inventions. the Brotherhood; he has contributed
When faced with a problem, Edison huge amounts of cash from his
calls upon his own henchmen. As a co- corporation, designed dozens of devices
owner of General Electric, Edison is free and crafted countless magical items.
to maintain a staff of security officers The full resources of the Brotherhood
whom he uses as muscle when the need are at Edison’s disposal, which makes
arises. Edison works with a small staff him a powerful ally and a dangerous foe.
of apprentice experts and qabalists. Edison is well aware of the horrors of
These apprentices perform most of the the Red Death and will not expose the
odd jobs, creating mundane magical Brotherhood. If necessary, he will call
items or devices needed in the upon the enforcers of the brotherhood to
construction of larger inventions. eliminate anyone who threatens the
Edison’s staff is in constant flux. As the secrecy of the qabal.
apprentices grow in ability they often
128
Knowledge is Power
Science in Gothic Earth
Science is not just a skill for strange that were previously unavailable. NPCs,
men in white coats; it is a mode of villains and player characters have the
thought that governs everything in the ability to create items that can
modern world. When an individual accomplish feats that were impossible
encounters a problem that he cannot before, even by magic. Some Dungeon
resolve by conventional means, one Masters may decide to completely
solution may be to use the scientific ignore these rules, especially since few
method to invent a tool to accomplish Gothic Earth campaigns stray into such
the task. The 1890’s were a time of science fiction. However, DMs should
advanced scientific breakthroughs and be encouraged to keep these rules in
marvelous inventions and these new mind when incorporating scientific
advances in technology are useful tools devices into their campaigns, even as
to the heroes and villains of gothic earth. background material. If an NPC created
Scientific skills allow characters to a device, then he or she should possess
create inventions, real items that they the level of skill to have accomplished
can use to accomplish their goals. the task. The DM must take an active
The following rules summarize the role in any design process. The
procedures for creating a scientific Dungeon Master must be sure that the
device. Each device requires a unique difficulty in creating the device is
process to create it, but the process of proportional to the power offered by the
the creation scientific devices always invention. Furthermore, the Dungeon
follows some given guidelines. Devices Master must be sure that no character
take all manner of shapes and forms. creates a device that interferes with the
Scientific devices can be machines, a campaign.
chemical compound, a specially bred
plant, a mathematical formula or even a Designing Devices
kind of medical procedure. Characters
Designing a scientific device is the
can create scientific devices by using
process of a character imaging an
character skills to create a theory, a
invention and using his or her skills to
design and finally construct the device.
make it a reality. Any character of any
There is no limit to the power that can be
character class can undertake this
harnessed by science, though the level of
process.
power is proportional to the difficulty in
creating the device. Skill Checks
It is obvious that these rules will Skill checks are the mechanism for
change the balance of the campaign. the design process. The design process
Characters with many craft, knowledge is not without its pitfalls, for when one
and profession skills will gain options makes a mistake one hardly is aware that
129
a mistake has been made. Even a simple nerve impulses. A successful theory
error early in the design process can check using the knowledge skill
doom the whole project to failure. When knowledge: applied physics would allow
a character makes a check that fails to Westhouse to imagine a way to
reach the DC by more than five points, artificially transmit sound into electrical
he or she has failed but does not realize nerve impulses. In addition, a theory
their failure. The character continues on check using knowledge: medicine is
from that point, unaware that their required to determine the manner in
attempts are doomed to failure. At every which the ear will interact with Chew-
other point in the process, such as related chew’s body.
knowledge or profession checks, the
character may make another skill check
Design
for the failed skill, at the same DC of the Once the theory has been developed
check that was previously failed. If that it is time to design the actual device.
roll succeeds then the character realizes Designing a device involves determining
his error and can begin again. the material needed, drawing diagrams
The exact consequences of a failed of the finished device as well as any
skill check are left to the DM. other tasks involved in the proper
Sometimes the error is correctable, with planning of the project. Designing a
simple adjustments to the project. In device requires another related
other cases the error is realized too late knowledge check, though there is a
and the entire process must be started possibility that it may be a different
again from scratch. knowledge skill than the skill used to
develop the theory. Furthermore, it is
Theory possible that a device that uses more
To create a device, a character must than one discipline in its theory check
have a general idea of how it will may require more than one designing
function and what it will accomplish. check. A design check is made against a
This part of the design phase is the base DC of 20.
“theory” check, which represents the For example, Professor Plumworth
formulation of a sensible theory. In this is attempting to devise an antidote to
check a character calls upon his or her scorpion venom. He will use the
knowledge of the subject and determines knowledge: toxicology check to theorize
the various qualities that his device must an antidote. The actual design check,
possess to accomplish the desired task. however, is knowledge: chemistry
The theory check is made by a related check. For though the theory by which
knowledge check against a base DC of the antidote works is derived from
20. Some times a single invention toxicology, the actual synthesis of the
covers two or more areas of science. In antidote requires extensive knowledge of
these cases, the device will require more chemistry. This relates to the required
one theory check for each discipline of knowledge of the chemical properties at
science. work, such as creating a compound that
For example, the mad Doctor will neutralize the poison and sweep it
Westhouse wants to create an artificial out of the blood system. Just as
ear for his minion, Chew-Chew. This Plumworth would never have know how
artificial ear must be able to detect sound the chemical works without knowledge
and transform the sonic energy into of toxicology, so too would he have no
130
clue as how to create the antidote require the invention of a mathematic
without knowledge in chemistry. equation.
The design phase ends with the
construction of a blueprint, a series of
Construction
plans, a chemical equation or a proposal The construction of a device is the
for an experiment. final phase in the design process. It is a
complicated affair. The DM, based on
Materials applicable factors, should determine the
The construction of a new device amount of time that would be required
requires the proper materials. The actual for the construction of the device.
collection of the materials may be Certain rules should guide this decision.
difficult, since many of the materials A device the size of a house should
may be expensive, exotic, or perhaps probably take longer to build than a
illegal to procure. The actual materials handheld instrument, furthermore a
needed are determined by the design device of many intricate parts should
check, and are left up to the DM as to require more time to construct than a
how they should be collected. Often simple solid piece.
new technologies require components Construction requires the successful
that have never before been built. In use of a related skill. Many skills are
these cases the character must theorize, used in construction checks. The
design and construct these parts, or synthesis of a chemical compound
contact another individual to have such requires the use of the skill profession:
an item created. chemist, the building of a small
For example, the creation of a phonograph device would require the
massive digging machine requires at use of the craft: invention skill, the
least three separate components. The construction of a structure would require
machine requires a power source, an the use of a profession: engineer check.
apparatus for both drilling and Just as with the theory and design
movement and finally a life support processes, devices that cover more than
system. Without these three one discipline may require more than
components, the machine cannot be one skill check in construction. For
completed. If the three cannot be example, Westhouse’s artificial ear
obtained, they must be designed from would require a craft: invention to
scratch. actually build the ear, followed by a
Dungeon Masters should remember surgery check made with the skill
that very powerful or very complex profession: medicine to install the device
inventions might require the creations of in his minion’s head. The base difficulty
other inventions. One common way in class for a construction check is 20.
which the Dungeon Master may increase Not all devices need be constructed.
the difficulty of creating a device is to Mathematic equations skip this phase, as
require the creation of a mathematic does any “device” which is not an actual
equation. Indeed, mathematics is the object. This includes medical
language of the universe. It is procedures and psychological
mathematic equations that show treatments.
inventors the finer details of the finished
product. A Dungeon Master should feel
free to require that a complex invention
131
Collaboration Cutting Edge technology
It is rare that any one individual There are often problems when a
completes every phase of the scientist tries to use “cutting edge
construction process without outside technology”. When a character makes a
help. Sometimes one individual check involving technology or
completes the theory phase and knowledge that is new to the 1890’s but
publishes this theory. Another is still based upon well-established
individual may take this theory and then knowledge, the DC increases by 5. An
complete the design phase. That example of this would be devising anti-
character could send the blueprints on to venom, which was new to Gothic Earth
others whom collect the materials and in 1890. The DM may decide that such
then send them to a final individual a device would require the successful
whom actually constructs the device. In creation of a new mathematic equation
these cases, each character involved before the character can attempt the
makes his own skill checks. In the event theory or design checks. Such an
that any roll fails by five, no one is equation would be considered cutting
aware that an error was made, unless the edge technology for the purposes of its
next individual in line automatically DC modifier.
attempts the check to realize the error.
Futuristic Technology
Modifiers “Futuristic technology” is nearly
impossible to work with. This scientific
There are a variety of modifiers that knowledge often exceeds the rules of
apply to knowledge checks and to the conventional knowledge. When a
process of designing and building character makes a check involving
devices. The constraints of modern science that is based upon knowledge as
knowledge make skill checks more yet unknown, the DC increases by 10.
difficult. An example of this would be the
Obsolete Technology creation of an electro-cathode ray or a
submersible steamship.
When a character makes a skill
A DM may further rule that the
check to work with “obsolete
character must devise an original
technology”, such as the outdated
mathematic equation, using the skill
phrenology, the DC of profession checks
knowledge: mathematics before they can
and knowledge checks are increased by
even begin making knowledge checks or
2.
profession checks regarding the theory
Modern technology check and design check in the creation
Modern technology is simple to use of such advanced devices. Such an
for a trained scientist. When working equation is considered futuristic
with technology that is in common use technology for the purposes of Difficulty
during the 1890’s or with knowledge class modifiers.
that is well established in the 1890’s, the Improbable Technology
DC remains unmodified. Steam engines
“Improbable Technology” breaks
and telegraphs are examples of modern
the rules of modern knowledge. This
technology.
classification covers technology and
science that would be impossible under
132
the known rules of science. Working
with “Improbable technology” increases
Disciplines of Knowledge
the DC of skill checks by 15. Examples For the purposes of skill checks,
of such technology would be anti-gravity science is divided up amongst as series
ships, digging machines, invisibility of disciplines. This reflects the nature if
serums, mechanical automatons or even a character’s knowledge and education.
sentient electrical thinking machines. The disciplines of chemistry are a
As with futuristic technology, the formality. The same rules that govern
DM may rule that an original chemistry also govern biology and
mathematic equation is necessary before physics, mathematics apply to nearly
attempting the theory and design checks. discipline of learning. The separate
Such an equation would be considered disciplines are merely convenient ways
Improbable technology for the purposes to divide up the massive amount of
of difficulty class modifiers. knowledge mankind has amassed. It is
easiest to study the disciplines
Fantastic Technology separately, and learning the individual
While improbably technology may applications of universal principles.
confound modern science, fantastic
Biology
technology drives it to madness.
Fantastic technology contradicts logic Biology is quite literally the study of
itself. Fantastic technology is beyond life. This discipline is further divided
human understanding, only a few people into several knowledge skills.
of a genius intellect can grasp fantastic The skill knowledge: botany gives a
technology, and even they cannot claim character to use extensive knowledge of
to understand the forces at work. These plants, covering a variety of species,
geniuses work as if on instinct, never plant anatomy, plant diseases, plant
consciously understanding the science at byproducts and so on.
work, yet still producing fantastic The skill knowledge: medicine gives
technology. Fantastic technology a character expertise in modern medical
includes such things as time machines, knowledge. A character with this skill
inter-dimensional gateways, perpetual has an extensive understanding of the
motion, and light-speed engines. functions of a living body as well as the
Working with fantastic technology modern methods of treating the body.
modified the DC of any skill check by Knowledge: pathology is the
+20. Furthermore, fantastic technology focused understanding of diseases. This
is a nerve-wracking experience. The skill can be used to identify certain rare
human mind is stretched beyond its diseases, techniques in breeding
limit; the power of the brain takes the microorganisms, and even methods of
mind beyond the realms of nature and treating all manner of diseases, in
opens it to infinite possibilities, many of animals, humans and plant.
which shatter man’s concept of space, The skill knowledge: toxicology
time and reality. Whenever a character covers the wide variety of poisonous
makes a check to work with fantastic materials known to man. This skill
technology he must make a madness allows characters to identify poisons by
check against a DC 15. various physical properties and the
symptoms the cause. This skill also
covers knowledge of antidotes and anti-
133
venoms, which are a relatively new field Mathematics
in Gothic Earth. Mathematics is perhaps the most
Finally, the skill knowledge: important discipline. To put it
zoology gives a character an advanced poetically, mathematics is the language
understanding of the known species of of the universe. Utilizing algebra,
animals in the world. This skill allows a trigonometry and calculus, a
character to identify animals and to mathematician might be able to define
recall pertinent information regarding nearly any phenomena in mathematic
habitats, behavior and the anatomy of terms. The skill Knowledge:
animals. Mathematics is a very useful tool to any
As a baseline, most knowledge scientist. Any character with five or
checks from this discipline should be more ranks in knowledge: mathematics
against a DC of 15. For further note, gains a synergetic +2 bonus to any
since all of these separate skills are knowledge or profession checks in any
covered within the same discipline, the scientific discipline other than
feat educational degree grants its bonus mathematics.
to all of these skills. A successful use of the Knowledge:
Chemistry mathematics skill allows a character to
It could be said that everything develop a new and original equation or
larger than an atom and smaller than a to learn a new equation. Such equations
come into play in the design of devices.
star falls within the rules of chemistry.
Designing a new equation is the same as
From predicting the melting point of
steel, to estimating the acidity of a the construction of a device. In these
raindrop, the skill knowledge: chemistry cases, the skill knowledge: mathematics
covers a huge range of subjects. Though is used for each check. When
chemistry covers a wide variety of developing a new mathematic equation,
it should be considered cutting edge
phenomena, the skill knowledge:
chemistry gives the character sufficient technology or even futuristic technology.
In rare circumstances, a new equation
knowledge to understand the underlying
rules of nearly every chemical property. may indeed be fantastic technology.
From boiling points, to heats of Sometimes, when a character is cut off
from scientific texts, isolated from
combustion, to the rates of reactions, the
outside knowledge, the character must
skill knowledge: chemistry allows a
devise equations that are considered
chemist to recall these properties with a
“Modern technology”.
successful check against DC 10. This
skill also allows characters to make Physics, Applied
estimations. For example, by noticing If chemistry covers everything
the greenish rust like substance on the larger than an atom and smaller than a
bars of a prison, a character could star, then everything beyond those
determine that the bars contain large boundaries are the sole property of the
amounts of copper. Estimating the discipline of physics. Physics covers a
composition of a substance usually staggering array of phenomena, too
requires a laboratory, chemicals, many for one skill. For the purposes of
equipment and intensive tests, with a DC game play, physics is divided between
to the knowledge: chemistry check 15. two disciplines.
Without these materials, the DC is 25.
134
The first discipline, applied physics design a psychological “device”. Such a
will include some of the newest device would be a form of therapy with
discoveries of science in the 1890’s. would assist in the recovery of patients,
The growing field of electricity, induce madness or bring about some
molecular and atomic theory, and other psychological effect.
radiation all fall within this field, as does
light theory (which is a form of Scientific Professions
radiation), magnetism and
There are two aspects of science, the
electromagnetism. The skill knowledge:
theoretical and the practical. Though the
applied physics allows a player to
theoretical aspects are a pure intellectual
identify the underlying principles of
exercise, the practical portion requires
these phenomena. A character with this
intuition, experience and
skill could identify the effects of an
professionalism. The individual
electromagnet, or of radiation. The DC
divisions of the profession skills
of such a check would be only 20 if the
characterize the practical aspects of
character had access to a lab, proper
science. Though it is not required,
equipment and eight uninterrupted
educational degrees are very important
hours. Without all of these factors, the
to the use of these professions.
physicist must make a risky guess,
making the check DC 30.
Profession: Biologist: This profession
Physics, Mechanical is simply the profession of a biologist.
This is the second discipline of A biologist usually focuses upon one of
physics. This discipline covers the the separate biological skills. This skill
better-known areas of physics. has little effect for game play. It covers
Hydrodynamics, gravity, momentum, the ability of a character to write
these are all covered in mechanical scientific reports and to conduct
physics. Like applied physics, the biological experiments.
primary use of the skill knowledge:
mechanical physics is to identify the Profession: Chemist: This skill
forces at work in a given phenomena. represents the characters ability to write
Since mechanical physics works with formal laboratory reports, to prepare
more visible phenomena than applied equipment and to synthesize chemical
physics, the DC to the check is 15 with a compounds. A character uses this skill
proper lab and 20 without. in the creation of devices. As well, the
character can create items such as acid
Psychology and alchemist’s fire using the same DC
Even by the 1890’s, psychology was as alchemists would use, as described in
not an exact science. In many cases, the Player’s Handbook.
psychologists were forced to work by
trial an error in an attempt to determine Profession: Engineer: This is the skill
what techniques were capable of curing of applying mechanical physics to the
dementia. The skill knowledge: construction of structures and large
psychology represents a character’s devices. Though skills such as craft and
understanding of the human mind and knowledge can be used to devise the
the techniques of curing madness. Using blueprints for large devices and
this skill, characters can theorize and
135
structures, it requires the engineer madness checks. This skill can also be
profession to actually build the object. used to utilize psychological “devices”.
Profession: Medicine: This is the skill Using Devices

of healing. The actual use of this
The rules that govern the use of a
profession is described in the document
device vary with the type of device. A
“Gothic Earth Enhancements” and will
vehicle requires the use of a skill such as
not be repeated here as well. The skill
pilot: automobile. A device that is fired
profession: medicine is also use to finish
like a gun would require an attack roll
the construction of medical related
and a proficiency in a similar type of
devices, to install such devices, and to
weapon. For example, an electro-
utilize medical procedures created by the
cathode ray would require an attack roll
rules for constructing devices.
as made with a rifle. A surgical
procedure or a psychological technique
Profession: Physics, Applied: Like the
would require the use of a skill such as
other professions, this skill allows the
profession: medicine or profession:
character to create formal scientific
psychology. When a character must use
reports, and operate equipment related to
a device as a weapon, the weapon might
applied physics. This is quite
be considered an exotic weapon if it is
significant, because the skill profession:
exceedingly strange, such as a
applied physics covers the growing
mechanical tentacle.
science of electricity. A character with
this profession can work with electrical
circuits, devising them, building them Sample Devices
and repairing them.
Edison’s Ethereal Disruptor
Profession: Physics, Mechanical: This Background
skill allows a character to write formal Thomas Edison is known to be the
scientific reports and operate equipment most prolific inventor in the world by
related to mechanical physics. This skill 1890. What is not generally known is
does not allow characters to repair a that Edison is also one of the most
mechanical device, that skill is covered prominent members of the cabal the
by the skill craft: repair. Brotherhood of Alchamae. Edison splits
his energy between scientific and arcane
Profession: Psychology: Though research, though he tries to combine
psychology is not the most scientific these two discipline as often as possible.
areas of knowledge, that profession does The Ether Disrupter is one of the
fit within the realm of science because of products of such a combination. As the
the scientific process upon which Brotherhood researched the paranormal,
modern psychology is based. The skill it discovered a link between ethereal
Profession: psychology works in the resonance and the behavior of certain
same manner as described in the types of charged particles. Edison
Ravenloft Core rules. Using this explored this phenomenon and began to
profession, a character can help others formulate a hypothesis; if he could
recover from failed fear, horror and disrupt the behavior of the charged
particles, he believed he could also
136
disrupt the ethereal resonance in the Using the Device
general area. The device has enough batteries to
Edison then set about creating a be activated for a total of twelve hours.
device that could rapidly produce The device can be recharged using an
powerful electromagnetic fields of alternating current generator, which
varying strength and intensity. This should be readily available in a city.
effect would continuously shake the Alternately, the device can be run strait
particles, thus keeping the particles in from a generator for an indefinite period
the ether unstable. Edison built the of time. The device is activated with a
device in 1885 and successfully tested it single switch. Once activated, the
in several different locations. The ether disruptor creates a magnetic field in a
disruptor was not only able to disrupt the radius of two hundred and fifty feet.
ethereal resonance but also the This field passes through wood, glass
magnitude of ghosts in the area. High- and steel. Only lead, concrete, or rock
ranking members of the Brotherhood barriers of more than four inches
and close friends of Edison know about thickness stop the disruptor.
the Disruptor, though only Edison Once activated, the ethereal
possesses the designs or the theoretical resonance of area within the radius
notes. There are three ethereal begins to drop by one rank for every
disruptors in the world, each being held hour. The rank continues to drop until it
by a cell of the Brotherhood in London, has dropped a total of four ranks,
New York and Germany. dropping to a minimum of first rank. As
The Device the ethereal resonance of the area drops,
so too does the rank of any ghost within
Edison’s Ethereal Disruptor stands
the area. Any incorporeal undead lose
four feet tall, two feet wide and one foot
one hit dice per hour within the diameter
deep. The device weighs more than two
of the Disruptor; to a minimum loss of
hundred pounds and contains a large
four hit dice. These hit dice return as
number of copper coils, batteries,
soon as the incorporeal undead leave the
capacitators and other electrical
area of effect or the disruptor is
components. Each of the components
deactivated. Undead killed by the loss
must be custom built for a disruptor.
of hit dice are permanently destroyed.
The total cost of the parts is a little more
than two hundred dollars. As well, the Side Effects
purchasing of such materials may even The device has no real side effects
draw the attention of the Brotherhood. to the living. Edison is reluctant to lend
The construction of the disruptor his notes or designs to anyone not of the
requires a successful profession: applied Brotherhood. The Brotherhood will
physics check for cutting edge pursue anyone whom steals the notes,
technology. Edison’s notes constitute a designs or one of the disruptors.
successful theory for cutting edge
technology; as well his designs contain
enough information to constitute a
successful design check for cutting edge
technology.
137
Professor Griffon’s Invisibility bludgeoned to death, stabbed and even
Formula shot. Many of the events not far from
eyewitnesses, sometimes even in locked
Background rooms. Though the police grilled
In the year 1884, an American countless witnesses, they discovered that
scientist by the name of Professor no one had seen the murder. The terror
Richard Griffon began a series of increased within Boston until one night,
fantastic experiments. Griffon had been when the home of the Dean of Physics at
a chemist with a significant background Harvard University burnt down. The
in applied physics. His early work Dean and his family narrowly escaped,
involved the creation of a material that after the dean awoke in the night,
would emit light of the exact frequency, discovered the fire and shot at an unseen
wavelength and angle of any incident intruder lurking in the shadows. The
light that struck it from the opposite end. body of the intruder was not recovered
Light particles would be propagated from the rubble, and the remains of the
through matter; in essence it would house were carted away.
appear that light would travel right The lab of Richard Griffon was
through the compound. In his early never discovered. The scientist’s former
years, Griffon attempted to generate abode was never discovered in the urban
funding for his research, but because his maze of decay. Whatever discoveries
work was still in the theoretical stage, he made by the tragic genius, remain to be
failed. In near poverty, Griffon unearthed.
continued his work in the slums of The Device
Boston, hoping to create an isolate the
The Invisibility Formula may no
elusive compound. In the year 1888,
longer exist, but surely Griffon’s notes
Griffon succeeded in creating and
remain. With one of Griffon’s three
isolating the compound, which he dryly
personal notebooks, a character has
dubbed “refractive serum 8”.
access to a successful “theory” for an
Though he had succeeded in
improbable technology. If a character
creating his compound, further funding
possesses all three, he or she has access
proved impossible. Critics dubbed it an
to enough information to constitute a
absurd novelty, an impractical curiosity.
successful “design” for an improbable
Despite his years of labor, his efforts
technology. Anything that remains of
were lauded and ridiculed. Griffon
the actual compound is most likely
watched as his hopes vanished like so
decayed and decomposed beyond all use.
much refractive serum. It was then that
The formula is successfully constructed
Griffon retired to his lab within the
with a profession: chemist check.
slums and was never seen again.
The compound itself is a silvery
In the weeks that followed, many of
organic liquid. The formula does not
the intellectual elite of Boston began to
evaporate at room temperature, but
suffer mysterious accidents. At first the
decays into an inert compound after a
phenomena were subtle, such as
day of exposure to air or water. With the
unexplained falls and horse carriages
original design from all three of
that ran amok. Afterwards the
Griffon’s notes, the time required to
circumstances became more deadly.
synthesize a single dose of the formula is
Notable scientists were found
only an hour. To construct on dose of
138
the formula, a character requires a liter Roentgen’s Electrical Projector
of alcohol, forty grams of silver, ten
grams of mercury, a Bunsen burner Background
costing 10 dollars and a set of glassware In 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
costing at least 50 dollars. The discovered the X-ray, a form of radiation
glassware and the burner can be reused, unknown to man. Not long afterwards, a
the alcohol can be distilled from regular man whom identified himself as an
spirits with a profession: chemist check official of the German Military
against DC 10. approached Roentgen and commissioned
him to build a device that could project a
Using the Device powerful stream of electricity. Not long
A living organism must ingest the after Roentgen completed his electrical
formula. The bloodstream actually projector, his laboratory was burglarized.
circulates the inert compound throughout The device and many of the notes within
the body, where it begins to take effect. the lab were stolen. The only item that
Once ingested, the effects of the formula remains is the project book that
are slow to occur. From the inside out, Roentgen had taken to his home the
the formula is distributed. After an hour, night before.
the character becomes completely When Roentgen reported the
invisible. This invisibility confers all of robbery to the military, he was informed
the benefits associated with invisibility. that the military knew nothing of the
The formula remains in effect for 36 electrical projector. Roentgen remains
hours. After that, the user’s immune in the dark as to who stole the projector,
system begins to destroy the invisibility. though he believes that the unidentified
At this point, the user’s body fades in man whom commissioned its
and out of visibility over the course of an construction must have been connected
hour. During this period, the character to the robbery. The true culprits remain
receives a +10 bonus to hide checks. unknown. Whether it was a cabal, the
After the hour, the user is completely German government, or a foreign
visible until the next use of the formula. military, none can say.
Side Effects The Device
The inert matter of the invisibility Roentgen no longer possesses his
formula hinders the functions of nerve projector, but he still possesses his
cells. Though the effects end when the notebook and the original designs in his
immune system begins to remove the project-book. The notes consist of
formula, they remain strong throughout enough information to constitute a
the course of the serum. The moment successful theory for a futuristic
the character ingests the formula, he or technology. Further more, both the
she makes a madness check against DC notes and the project book together
25. A failed check indicates that the contain enough information to constitute
character suffers from the effects of a successful design for a futuristic
paranoia. These effects might even technology. Only one projector has ever
persist after the formula is done, if the been built, though Roentgen is very
DM chooses. reluctant to build another.
Once built, Roentgen’s electrical
projector looks similar to a scattergun
139
with a bulky box running the length of becomes accustomed to the device and
the barrel. The box constitutes a can use it in the same manner as a
primitive electrical battery, containing regular rifle. A successful hit from the
concentrated acid. This battery supplies projector causes 3D8 electrical damage.
the power for the projector. The The range increment for the
construction of the projector requires a projector is only fifteen feet, with a
battery, which is expensive and must be maximum range forty-five feet. Each
custom built, a series of copper coils, battery holds enough charge for fifteen
specially cut glass lenses, a huge shots. Replacing the battery requires a
capacitator and assorted pieces of wood successful profession: applied physics
and metal. Designing the projector from check against DC 15. Fortunately, the
the theoretical notes requires a batteries can be recharged while still
successful knowledge: applied physics installed, requiring an alternating current
check. The construction of the projector generator. Recharging the battery
requires a successful profession: applied requires no check, needing only a few
physics check. instructions.
Using the Device Side Effects
Roentgen designed his electrical There are no side effects to the use
projector to be used as a weapon. The of the electrical projector. The battery
projector is fired in the same manner as a upon the devise is fragile and contains
rifle, though it requires practice to be concentrated acid under pressure. The
used effectively. A character must make battery has a hardness of only 2, and is
a wisdom check against DC 15 after destroyed after 6 points of damage.
using the projector. If the check fails, Once destroyed, the battery sprays the
the projector remains an exotic weapon, acid in a ten-foot burst.
but if the check succeeds a character
140
Tactics and Techniques

Feats of Science
official degree also confers other

Ahead of the Times bonuses. The degree will allow a +2
bonus on charisma-based checks to
The character is possessed of a far
interaction with educated individuals
thinking mind, capable of making huge
whom hold degrees in the same subjects.
leaps of logic. In short, the character is
Although an officer could possess a
ahead of the times.
degree in tactics, this degree does not
Prerequisites: Minimum
actually assist that officer in tactics
intelligence modifier +1.
checks. Strategy and leadership cannot
Benefit: Designing or working with
be taught from textbooks and lecture,
“cutting edge” technology carries no
they must be learned by experience.
modifier for advanced technology.
Special: This bonus stacks with
bonuses from the skill focus feat.
Educational Degree
The character possesses an official First Approximation
degree from an accredited institute of
The PC has acquired the ability to
higher learning.
make quick calculations by making
Prerequisite: The PC must have
quick and easy approximations of
attended an accredited institute of higher
values. This allows the PC to make
learning for a number of years. This
accurate estimates without difficulty.
period of learning takes up eight months
Prerequisite: The PC must have
of the year, and at least eight hours of
minimum intelligence and wisdom
work each day of those months. An
bonuses of +1.
intelligence of 12 is also required, as is
Benefit: The PC can make
wisdom of at least 9. Except in special
calculations without the need for
circumstances, a significant cost must
calculating tools. These calculations are
also be paid for tuition, as well as books,
accurate to a significant degree and can
room and board.
be made in a short period of time. The
Benefit: Each time the PC acquires
feat gives allows a player to take ten on
this feat, he/she must choose and area of
any knowledge or profession check
knowledge such as archeology, applied
where calculations are necessary, even
physics (electronics), biology, botany,
when the situation is stressful.
chemistry, engineering, history, law,
medicine, physics, or any other subject
at the DM’s discretion. Speed Reader
This feat adds a +2 bonus to craft, The PC has the ability to read
knowledge, profession or research skill written text at an amazing speed. This is
checks based upon that subject. An an amazing skill that anyone might
141
develop with a little practice. The real much as glimpses written text he may
trick to speed reading is not reading make an intelligence check against a DC
quickly, but rather instantly of 15. If the check is successful then the
understanding written text. character has read and comprehended
Prerequisite: There are no the entire page in only a split second. A
prerequisites for this feat. PC with this ability takes only half the
Benefit: A PC with this ability may normal time to make a research check.
read and retain knowledge from written Also the PC may take 10 on a research
text with an amazing speed. If the PC so check even during stressful conditions.
142
Perilous Pursuits
Mad Scientist
“Knowledge Brings Fear!” all barriers and ignore all risks in a blind
-School Motto of Mars University pursuit of knowledge. Mad scientists
hold nothing beyond the reach of
Science more than a mode of science, everything from doorstops to
rational thought, it is a lifestyle. To the deities are subject to a Mad Scientist’s
educated men and women of the world, investigations. More often than not, a
science is an obsession. More than any Mad Scientist holds a deep grudge for
philosophy, than any religion, science society. Sometimes mad scientists turn
allows mere mortals to gaze in wonder at their amazing intellect against society, in
the beauty of the cosmos and learn the a petty attempt to strike back. Other
secret laws that bind reality into a mad scientists try to convert modern
coherent continuum. The thrill of society to their way of thinking, either
discovery can be as intoxicating as wine, through friendly persuasion or by force.
and many times more addictive. The devotion of a Mad Scientist to
There are a few men and women his field of study is rewarded with
who become overcome by science. knowledge beyond that of his more
They fall into obsession and eccentricity orthodox kin. His understanding of his
as science devours their life one day at a discipline is unmatched by conventional
time. These are the movers and shakers scientists, some would say decades
of the scientific community, the blessed ahead of his time. Mad scientists are
scientists who divine the laws of the often recruited by organizations, both
universe and bring them back to the heroic and villainous, and given the
world of men. opportunity to prove their theories.
Yet science is not a benign force. Other mad scientists are loners and
Science violently conflicts with religion, eccentric inventors, who tinker in poorly
superstition and tradition. Often this lit labs, seeking answers to questions no
confrontation is a minor disagreement, one asked.
but it can escalate. The machinist view
of the universe inherent in science
conflicts with traditional conservative
Mad Scientist (MadS)
thought. Sometimes these conflicts can Hit Die: d6.
consume the unstable scientific mind. Requirements: 8 ranks in any
When a scientist becomes frustrated scientific knowledge skill and the feat
with conservative, contemporary society, “skill focus” taken for any scientific
he stands of chance of abandoning all skill. Non-lawful alignment.
ties to society and becoming a mad Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier.
scientist. Mad scientists are reckless Class Skills: Alchemy,
rogue scholars, people who would break Concentration, Craft (any), Gather
143
Information, Knowledge (any), Spot, level than any other human being’s.
and Profession (any). Indeed, the mind of a Mad Scientist is
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: filled with infinite knowledge. Though
A mad scientist gains no proficiency in this knowledge is beyond human
weapons or armor. comprehension, the Mad Scientist is
slowly learning to tap that cosmic
Class Abilities awareness on the subconscious level. A
Adaptive Mind: At fourth level a Mad Scientist with this ability is never
Mad Scientist gains the ability to required to devise a mathematical
flawlessly utilize his own devices. The equation to create a device.
Mad Scientist gains proficiency in any When creating a device, a Mad
weapon or armor he personally designs. Scientist with this ability can choose to
As well, when making skill checks to tap into his infinite knowledge and skip
use deices he has personally designed he the design check. A mad scientist who
gains a competency bonus to the check skips a check taps into his cosmic
equal to his levels in the Mad Scientist unconsciousness and instantly derives
prestige class. the necessary design and incorporates it
Field of Expertise: At first level a seamlessly into the construction of a
Mad Scientist may choose a scientific device or records it upon paper.
discipline as his field of expertise. Naturally, the use of this infinite
When making craft, knowledge or knowledge is extremely risky to the
profession checks that apply directly to characters sanity. For each check that a
this field the Mad Scientist gains a +2 Mad Scientist chooses to skip he must
competence bonus. At third level and make a madness check against a base
fifth level a mad scientist may choose DC of 5, increased by the modifier for
another field of expertise. Possible the technological level.
fields of expertise include biology, As a Mad Scientist becomes more
chemistry, mathematics, applied physics experienced with the inner workings of
(electricity and electronics), mechanical his cosmic unconsciousness, the risk to
physics and psychology. A Mad his sanity diminishes. At fifth level a
scientist may choose a given field only Mad Scientist may use this ability to
once. In cases where more than one skip the “theory” check in the design
scientific discipline is required, the phase. A Mad Scientist may then decide
bonus is not granted unless both to skip either check or both checks,
disciplines are “fields of expertise”. making a madness check for each check
Illogical Mind: A Mad Scientist is skipped.
defined by his irrational faith in his own Obsessive Focus: The devotion
genius. A character that becomes lawful of a Mad Scientist to his work is nothing
in alignment cannot take levels in this less than obsession. This obsession
class. Furthermore, a Mad Scientist makes a Mad Scientist more than a little
cannot take the feat Logical Mind. If a unhinged. The Mad Scientist suffers a
character with the feat “Logical Mind” penalty to charisma-based checks equal
takes a level in Mad Scientist, the feat to his level in the Mad Scientist class.
“Logical Mind” is removed and replaced Yet this unbalanced state makes the
with the feat “Open Mind”. brilliant mind of a Mad Scientist
Mad Genius: The intellect of a radically different than that of a normal
Mad Scientist works on a very different
144
human. The Mad Scientist gains a bonus scientific devices using a wide variety of
to resist mind-influencing and mind unorthodox materials. When
reading effects equal to his Obsessive determining the materials needed to
Focus score. As well, the Mad Scientist construct a device, a Mad Scientist may
gains a bonus to concentration checks decide to improvise. The cost for
and all fear and horror checks equal to instruments, lab equipment and other
his score in obsessive focus. components is halved, or, with the DM’s
Unorthodox Materials: Naturally approval, removed completely.
eccentric, a Mad Scientist never frets However, should a Mad Scientist
about the little details in the design improvise materials, the construction
process. A Mad Scientist can build check required is increased by 10.
The Mad Scientist

Level Base Attack Fort Ref Will Special
Bonus Save Save Save
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 Field of Expertise, Obsessive Focus +1, Illogical Mind
2nd +1 +1 +1 +3 Obsessive Focus +2, Mad Genius, Unorthodox Materials
3rd +1 +1 +1 +3 Field of Expertise, Obsessive Focus +3
4th +2 +1 +1 +4 Adaptive Mind, Obsessive Focus +4
5th +2 +2 +2 +4 Field of Expertise, Mad Genius (theory), Obsessive Focus +5
145
146
Credits
social activism. I live in a ridiculously
Contributors small apartment with my girlfriend
Amanda, and my cat Odin. I've been
Bobby S. Storey playing DnD for 12 years, and I've been
bobby_s_123@hotmail.com. into in Ravenloft since the premiere of
Artist for “Jack the Ripper” and the Ravenloft Boxed Set. I'm also well
“Pistol Dwarf”. known (and loved?) on the Malodorous
He has been role-playing for a Goat Tavern message board as The God
number of years now, integrating his Brain: the lovable vegetarian illithid
pictures into games to give a visual enthusiast geek.
image of the fantasy worlds and its Shane Glodoski
inhabitants. For more art check out bookwyrms@yahoo.com
http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/loth/s/i/silve
Creator of Gregori Ambermist
rhertz/silverhertz.html and if you have
I have always been a fan of
any requests or commissions just send
Ravenloft, ever since the black box set
me a mail or leave a comment.
fell in my hands; I was forever drawn to
David “The Jester” Gibson the lands of mist. When not working in a
jester_canuk@hotmail.com most vile domain known as the real
Creator of D20 van Richten, Van world, I am an avid reader and writer of
Richten’s Forgotten Arsenal and The fantasy and especially gothic horror.
Invisible Man among other things. Course I would greatly like to dedicate
Repeatedly the token Canadian and this to my brother Aaron, who bought
Ravenloft fan since the Red Box (which me the basic red box set and showed me
was bought less than a year after being that I didn't have to take the dice out of
introduced to gaming in general). It's the family board games to play games of
been a long road filled with many, many my own creation, there already was
crappy ideas and bad adventures. something like that. Thanks Aaron.
Hopefully there have been a few Zorin, Dmitri
improvements. The 3E van Richten is MalVil@rambler.ru
dedicated to anyone who has spent the
Creator of Okraina
better part of a week updating a
Born in 1983, Moscow, Russia.
character over and over, fixing
Student of Moscow Institute of Radio,
uncountable mistakes and errors.
Electronics and Automatics (MIREA).
Sean “The Godbrain” Poindexter Been playing D&D since approximately
prozac_god@hotmail.com 1996-97, entered the mists in 1998.
Author of The Rat. Enjoy gothic fiction, movies... jungle
I'm a Sociology student at MSSC music and aggressive skating. Favourite
College in Joplin Missouri. In addition writers: J.R.R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft,
to Ravenloft and 3rd Edition DnD, my B. Stoker, and Ed Greenwodd (yes, I
interests include writing, movies, and play Forgotten Realms too).
147
Editors fiancée, Renee, who has been both

patient and understanding of all my role-
Jason “Javier” True playing interests.
xaos313@hotmail.com Stephen “ScS” Sutton
With the possible exception of Stephen@fraternityofshadows.com
Planescape, Ravenloft has been my This issue is the second in our line
favorite setting to both play in and DM. of Reloaded issues, though it was the
These particular tastes in campaign first issue to set the guidelines for future
settings probably explain why I have a issues. For a number of reasons, this
tendency to use various fiends in issue remains one of my favourites. It
Ravenloft and have a gothic mood in reall gave me a chance to put some of
many of my Planescape adventures. my greatest ideas on paper for every one
When I'm not brainstorming for new to see. As always I would like to thank
adventure ideas, my time is typically all of our contributors, and our readers
spent between finishing my medical for supporting QtR.
degree and helping plan my wedding. In
fact, I would like to dedicate this to my
148

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Quoth the Raven

The World’s Most Unofficial Ravenloft Netzine

A Wild Stab in the Mist

Quoth the Raven®

Quoth the Raven is a registered trademark of The Fraternity of Shadows.

Ste. Ronges, Richemulot

The Shining Bay

Figure 1: The Shining Bay - Island in the Nocturnal Sea

Figure 2; Brick Street - Commerce center of Pariodon

Paridon is highly dependant on The countryside around Paridon is

Figure 3: Timor - Cross-section of the island

Tome of the Guardians

purity of the monarchy. It is believed

From the Lab

Elevens poison them with the concentrated

Prototypes deals 1D10 points of damage on a

Whispers in the Dark

firearm. With the casting of this spell all

Children of the Night

When I first conceiver of this I was avoiding my tormentors. Then things

The March of Progress

The world is an ever-changing The lands of the Demiplane of

Signs of the Times communication, the manner in which

Bronze Age: CL 2 Morality, ethics and laws become

Age of Absolutism: CL 10 commoners, can meet and advise the

The Enlightenment: CL 11 comes to pass; either the monarch

These thrill seekers travel extensively.

Dr. Rudolph van Richten

In all of the Demiplane of Dread, (6), Profession Apothecary +10 (12),

Rudolf Van Richten, The vials, silver dagger, a healer’s kit. He

Platocks’s Legacy enough for Platock to develop a firm

Corners of the Core

the University. Just on the edge of the

Figure 4: Missaconic University

dissection of human corpses. The

Present Carne operates the biology department.

Adventure Hooks rely on less than reputable means to

Growls in the Night

Crossroads of Gothic Earth

scoured Sudbury of native plant life; say

Secrets and Sorcery

The members of the Brotherhood of

Profession: Medicine: This is the skill Using Devices

Tactics and Techniques

official degree also confers other

The Mad Scientist

Editors fiancée, Renee, who has been both

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