The process of healing.

Shock and blood loss will lead to death or incapacitation based upon the damage of the wound.  Unless otherwise noted on the description of a Technique, such as Subdual, the wounded individual will remain unconscious or die of shock/blood loss in the Maximum Stamina Roll Potential in phases. 
Treatment or stabilization of the wound must happen before this time runs out or the character will die.

For example, STA 1=6 phases, STA 2=12, etc.  

A proper roll of First Aid will add Phases to the time allowed before shock or blood loss time kills the character.  A roll of at least one level higher on the chart will Stabilize the wound (if possible per Arbitrator’s discretion) and stop the countdown.    

A voyage began

Voyage of the Polyidus

Welcome to the Stratuship Polyidus, you have been selected from from over 100 potentials. You are among scholars, chroniclers, mercenaries, artists and explorers who will serve us on this voyage.  Know this, you will be expected to work for the better interests of all of this crew.  Selfish, blatantly criminal and any other activity that endangers this ship or others in this crew will result in immediate expulsion from this crew with extreme prejudice. 

We are committed to reward each of you with a stipend of 50 Letcher per week.  We will also give proper accommodation to your living and personal goals while you serve aboard this ship.   You do for us, we do for you.

We will travel the world, we will seek and discover, we will face danger- and we will achieve rewards. 

The Engineering Lodge is happy to see you all joining our cause.  Captain Sitamun will meet with each of you as needed. This is a small ship, don’t expect too much privacy.  She will be fair to you but will not tolerate unnecessary hassles.  There are only two decks on this ship, you will sleep on bunks. You are granted one 4x2 foot locked chest for your personal gear.  Weight will be a factor, but we will get into that more later. 

Again, welcome to the Stratuship Polyidus.  It will be one hell of a trip!  Remember our motto “exspectare quid!”

Who would need such a weapon?

The one who owns this flintlock has seen true evil…

Teaser from the next Guild Book: SPOILER ALERT

Coming Soon: A sample of what is on the way.

Mounted Techniques

Mounted Lance Rush

Requires Riding 2, 1 level of Mounted Combat per level purchased 

Pole: Lance or Spear

• By cradling the weapon in the elbow, the rider uses the momentum of the horse to increase damage to the target.

1. 1+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move Through

2. 2+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move Through

3. 3+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move Through

4. 4+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move Through

5. 5+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move Through

6. 6+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move Through

Mounted Strafe

Requires Riding 2, 1 level of Mounted Combat per level purchased 

Shield or Single Sword

• Riding past the target and striking with the weapon is compounded by the rider uses the momentum of the horse to increase damage to the target. Random strike to zones above the waist.

1. 1+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move By

2. 2+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move By

3. 4+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move By

4. 5+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move By

5. 6+ Mounted Combat to O and D, Mount’s movement as Move By

Mounted Bow Strafe

Requires Riding 3, Mounted Combat 3, 1 level of Mounted Combat per level purchased 

Bow

• Riding in a circle wide around the enemy, draw the bow and fire at the target from safety. Targets Ranged Random.

1. 1+ Mounted Combat + AGIL to O and D, add any excess value of Style Roll to STR

2. 2+ Mounted Combat + AGIL to O and D, add any excess value of Style Roll to STR

3. 3+ Mounted Combat + AGIL to O and D, add any excess value of Style Roll to STR

4. 4+ Mounted Combat + AGIL to O and D, add any excess value of Style Roll to STR

5. 5+ Mounted Combat + AGIL to O and D, add any excess value of Style Roll to STR

6. 6+ Mounted Combat + AGIL to O and D, add any excess value of Style Roll to STR

A letter intercepted.

To the Bankers of the Sutton House of the Talbots,

My brothers, I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and good health.

I am writing to you on the concerns of what can possibly be a profitable venture.   Inspired by the town of Cormick I have decided to build a place in the Kalynn Swamps that can function as a small outpost of sorts for those of my kind.  Though I come from humble stock, I well make up for it in my plethorah of talents.  In the end, after many recent events that I am sure you are well aware of, it would prove beneficial.

First I intend to establish myself as Lord of the Kalynn Swamps so I can watch over the vast wilderness that borders many villages and cities along the east.  It is no secret I have raised many undead and can do so again in time, however in my current state I am far to weak.  However, I know the location to a shade realm portal I can eventually tap into and expand much like scholomance so that I can provide some measure of protection.

With that stated, I have many resources to help back up the need for the money to build a fortress to house them.

• First my mother Sharri Mendoza, though a small time bandit, she has at her disposal werewolves that walk among the populace to keep an eye on the warward vampires that joined Mamuwalde.

• Second I have at last count nearly 150 zombies, 40 ghouls, and 40 constructs.  Gathering spirits is a difficult matter however, once a permanent residence is established Things should change.

• Third I am an engineer, a chemist, and a master of the occult.  Combining both science and sorcery can allow us to move beyond the ideas of Schwergwerfer's Children.  With proper laboratories my research can sky rocket.

• Once the base has been built, many will flock to the location and become a second Cormick, and under the Talbot rule it will allow for the house to gain more control over the area.

The blueprints I have been sketching have come from my tour of the shade realm, drawn from various racial architecture which should confuse some of the factions of the land.  

• The base of the fortress is 400ftx400ft, built near the edge of the hell mouth it will force the enemy to attack from only 1 direction.   The outer walls will be 90ft high with 6 corner towers 130ft high.

• The ground floor is mostly housing for merchants, inns, a chapel, Barracks, Kitchen. and waiting hall.  

• The next floor is for the throne room and ready rooms for guests and war preparations.

• The next floor is the sleeping quarters and dinning hall for guests which also include a dance hall for celebrations.

• Next is the sleeping quarters for myself, treasure vault, and the entrance to the high tower.

• Part way up the tower is the magic hall where the spells shall be prepares, also providing plenty of view of oncoming enemies.

• At the very top of the tower hitting 350ft up to the top of the tower is where the rituals will be conducted.  Through my various explorations I have found an anomoly in the sky that should be studied and explored, this is my sole reason for such a high tower.

• The building also provides some underground features as well.  50Ft below the ground is a shelter for civilians to hide during battles, this shall also house emergency provisions and weapons not held within the barracks.

• 80ft below the ground floor is inspired by the remains of Doolin's keep.  This is a wide underground city designed to house the undead and keep them out of sunlight.  Here the zombies and ghouls shall be housed in special cells, those that do not need to be fed regularly can be made to wait till it is time to march them to the surface.  I have in count 40 cells needed for my numbers.  I also plan on crafting two prisons that are runic in design to hold vampires in.   One for my wayward daughter and one for mamuwalde.  There is a third prison for myself should I go beyond self control and never comeback from it, this shall go 30ft below this level and designed to hold me in a triple vault.

• The fortress shall be built around the portal, to insure that no one can escape through it or come here to this realm uninvited.

In the end this can only help you.  It would add more numbers to the talbot line, a tower outpost, an army to keep the threat of invasion at bay, and also builds something that will draw the attention of many lords and princes that will give them pause for thought should they think they are beyond any reproach.  Any financial aid you can provide me will be of great help, with the forces I have I fear this wont be finished for nearly 40 decades, with the finances for building materials it will go much faster since the labor force doesnt need much.

I hope we can come to a mutual agreement and build a strong future for both kinds.

My best wishes and regards,

Raziel Mendoza.

The Watchtower of Breccenaeire

In the days following the last Shade Realm Wars, when the keys locked the doors and cairns were toppled, the people lived in relative security.  Outside of the isolated incursion from a random encounter, the monsters of the Dark Land were mostly forgotten.   Still, the memories remained and some sought to court heresy in hope to gain power.  One such incident involved the Crane Family and what the chroniclers referred to as the Dark Winds of Baal. 

The Crane brothers Zero and Alucard travelled into Azara and were seduced by the locals and the legends of the old god Baal who brought prosperity to the people of Munroville.  Believing worship of Baal would bring them great power, they performed dark rituals designed to summon the demon into this world from the realm of hell.  Luckily the Crane Brothers were defeated and imprisoned, but not before the trickster imp Pugnatia was released from his realm. Pugnatia had deceived the Cranes in the guise of Baal.  

The reign of terror Pugnatia was short, but led to another minor Shade Realm war but the Chroniclers and a coalition of allies gathered together to banish the imp into a prison. 

A powerful ritual was cast by unnamed mystics.  The imp was bound to a ritual device known as a dybbuk box and hidden away in an old watchtower in the region of the Shade Realm north of the human town of Breccenaerie.  The box was hidden away and forgotten for cycles. 

It was said that one day the trickster imp would find a way out of his prison.  Pugnatia cast a curse that one day a thief would come to free him from the dybbuk box and he would have his vengeance on the world by bringing about a world of pain and horror.  Luck was with the Praelians however as the mystics ensured that the box would have to be opened in the Shade Realm and also a sympathetically linked replica would need to be opened in Alluvium afterward.  To add to the protection, a glamour that made the box appear as a worthless, broken old crate. The chances that two different thieves would find the box and even consider disturbing it seem astronomical. 

Unfortunately the imp was stronger than the mystics knew and was capable of projecting a part of his psyche just outside of the box. A joker like Pugnatia is capable of projecting his form in such a way as to trick those foolish enough to enter the old watchtower.  May there never be one so catastrophically unfortunate as to free Pugnatia and his wrath. 

learning Aptitudes, Techniques and Procedures.

The advancement of a character’s aptitude, technique or procedure rating is as simple as spending experience. Of course that expenditure must be justified by training or learning the skills at a proper level to advance.  There are several ways to do this in the game world, all of which are subject to the Arbitrator’s approval.   

Levels may only be increased by one per training session.  It is a good rule of thumb that the time between learning one level and the next should be equal to 6 weeks minus INT level of the character in weeks of moderate study. 

The first and most common method is to find a trainer.  Trainers are other characters or NPCs who possess at least one level higher than the desired level to be learned.  Any trainer can teach a character up to one level below their current level.   The character must roll INT vs the Victory Chart with each grade of success determining successful learning.   Apprentice for level 1, Average for 2, Journeyman for 3, Master for 4 and Phenomenal for 5. Rank 6 is beyond training. 

Trainers with the Instruction Aptitude may add their Instruction level as an exchange to the trainee’s roll to boost their chances.   Additionally, a trainer who rolls an Ultimate can teach up to their own level.   

Characters can also learn from items such as books, scrolls, and other tomes.  This is much harder than learning from another person and will double the time to learn for each failure rolled. Such items are created by someone, and should be given a level based upon the creator’s understanding and ability to express it effectively.  Language and cultural barriers make this method of self teaching more difficult. The item’s level works just as the Instruction level of a trainer. 

Finally, some stubborn or shy characters may attempt to learn something by imitation alone. This method is tricky as it bestows a false sense of security with the learner.  While they will learn if they practice and have a good Imitation roll instead of INT, levels learned in this fashion may not rise above 1 and are accompanied by a Forced Exchange Low. 

In the end it is hard work and practice that will improve levels in Aptitudes, Techniques and Procedures. While Benefits such as “Fast Learner” may help reduce time or increase chances of success, nothing teaches like skill and patience. 

Sadness in the Capital

Mobs of dragons and a hoard of their minions have surrounded Nicholshire for some time. Dukes and Princes from all across the kingdom made it to the Capital to discuss the situation with devils and dragons plaguing the land. Chroniclers are given little word about the progress and what it is that these creatures want. Several homes have been incinerated in the wake of this threat.
here we see an artist depiction of a knight of the white Talbot comforting a now orphaned child, her parents lost in an immolation that decimated Council Hills.

Nemea Day and Toy Drive 37 ACI

Season’s Greetings folks. This year proves to be challenging to all of us yet we still manage to hold on to the oldest traditions. One such tradition is our annual Toy Drive. Nobles and Citizens from all across the land came together to donate some toys to the good children of the land. Even with the plagues that have ravaged the land this year, we still brought in well over $100 worth of donations for the children. A hearty thanks to all of those who donated this year. The highest donors were Duke Aiken of Breitenburg, Duke Vanguard Gunnarson of Valenheim and Lord Sorin Hraldr of Nicholshire.

In addition to the annual toy drive, we also witnessed the 20th Anniversary of the Barony of Nemea. Back in 17 ACI, the foundation of the faction that would grow to become one of the most prominent in the history of the Kingdom was established. Over the years the faction became a House and Barony, became Faction of the Year, boasted the greatest number of Dukes to take the crown from any Faction, and stood to provide the land with guidance to build the Kingdom into heights none have seen before. The faction toasted with the traditional Oi chant as they celebrated 20 cycles of tradition, strength and honor.

A highlight of the event was the ceremony in which Rowan Drake swore his fealty to the Barony. One of the newest recruits, Rowan was elevated beyond the seeker status and taken into the ranks of the Red Army being bestowed the Red Kyrtle worn by the ranking members of the Household. Duke Ramon Kalivantes, Sir Steven Dunbar and Baron Boltac Lowleaves were on hand as Rowan took his oath, witnessed by many others including Duke Aiken of Breitenburg and Lord Raziel of Shadehaven. Rowan was instrumental in bringing the Nemean Wardens of Azara - the southern defense force protecting the interests of the Barony and Kingdom in the vast principality.

The battles were fierce as usual. Warriors fought hard and proved their might against old and new. Lord Baba Malik had some choice words after the ceremony inducting Rowan. No sooner had the Kyrtle been unfolded then Baba stepped onto the field and offered Rowan a place within the Brotherhood of Balor. Verbal barbs were thrown between the Baron and the Marauder, with Malik accusing the Nemeans of becoming soft with age and losing their edge. He remarked that the lion sat while other factions worked. Sir Dunbar stepped up to defend his House with a response and Duke Kalivantes gave a piercing glare toward his Guardsman.

When asked “I thought you were one of the good ones?” by Lowleaves, Malik responded “There is no good or bad, nor is there neutrality, no magical alignment that dictates your behavior. No, this is all about the outlook on life. The Lion is content to let others become what they were once charged to be. They were old, fat and sloppy. The new age was upon them and the Brotherhood would show them all.

Rowan simply smiled at Baba and said “I’ve made my choice, I know where my destiny is.” Baba’s response before leaving was equally short, “When you want more… we are here.”

Will there be a schism between two of the stronger allies? Is Baba correct in his claim that the lion sits idle while the world moves on around them? Perhaps the pride of Nemea was struck this day. Time will tell.