Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.misc
From: [p--e--x] at [mentor.cc.purdue.edu] (Neale Davidson)
Subject: AQ Zine #02
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 1994 14:50:34 GMT
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Issue #2 AQZine July 1994
The Only Magazine Dedicated to Adventure Quest
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[ 1] Editing Away Again on the Keyboard - Neale Davidson
News of the first two issues.
[ 1] RPG Rumor Mill - Neale Davidson
Hot Topics of conversation in the RPG world.
[ 2] AQDry Gulch - Neale Davidson
Part two of a five part series on AQ adventures in the old
American West.
[ 7] Beasts and Denizens - Neale Davidson
The ship's sinking and - hey what's that chewing sound?
[ 9] There Always be Alternatives - Neale Davidson
Stacked skill rolls.
[10] Myths and Legends - Neale Davidson
A regular series of religions and lore for AQJearn and
other fantasy campaigns. The God of Venegence is highlighted
this month.
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Adventure Quest, AQ, and related items are Copyright (c)1994 by
Lafayette Simulations. AQZine is an independent periodical and is
not affiliated with Lafayette Simulations, Incorporated.
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AQZine #2 1
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Editing Away Again on the Keyboard
by Neale Davidson
--------------=====---------------
Wow, second issue. It seems like only a month ago when I was
writing up the material for the first issue. My how time flies.
Anyway, on the first point of order, I want to aplogize to everyone
who read AQZine #1 electronically on a non-IBM system. I used some of
the extended characters for nice formatting and some parts of the
Zine went kinda wacko. We'll be avoiding those problems in the
future, and sticking into characters that most everyone understands.
As for going to actual print, there aren't any current plans
yet, but that is definately something I'm looking at doing in the
future. At the current rate, probably somewhere around issue four or
five. But, again, there are no definate plans.
This issue also sees the continuation of the AQ/Dry Gulch game
(I am told that the '/' is required between the AQ title and any games
in the line.) Fortunately, this is the last issue of the basic rule
repeats from AQ/Jearn (there's that slash again). The upcoming issues
will be all new material on AQ/Dry Gulch, starting with the Indian
spirits in issue three, the town of Dry Gulch and the basic setting in
issue four, and the GM's section in issue five.
The most commonly asked question this far has been, "Is AQ/Dry
Gulch going to be released as a full-fledged game?" Well, don't hold
your breath for it. I'll not say one way or the other. Certainly, if
there is enough interest in it, perhaps LSI may be interested in
releasing it, but that's not a decision that I have a hand in, and you
probably don't want to bother LSI about it either. At least not until
issue five.
If you've got some material you'ld like to share with others,
simply mail it AQZine, PO BOX 187, West Lafayette IN, 47906. If you've
got a computer, and would like to submit your work on disk, please
make the submission in plain text with no special formatting
characters.
Also, please keep in mind that this material is all freely
distributed, and we cannot make any promises on future payment. Maybe,
if this magazine expands somewhat, maybe then we'll talk money, but
until then, we don't got it, so don't ask for it.
RPG Rumor Mill
By Neale Davidson
-----------------
Mayfair games has apparently lost the license for DC comics.
While this news isn't altogether stunning, it does seem that Mayfair
is going ahead with its focus on non-RPG material. This comes after
news that Mayfair will not be doing a new Star Trek RPG as believed.
TSR is indeed ditching the Basic D&D line this year. The main
Basic D&D setting, Mystara, has already been converted into an AD&D
setting, and the old D&D line will officially be dropped after a new
boxed set and supplement set is released.
Other news at TSR, Buck Rogers is getting yet another rewrite.
Third Edition is supposed to be such a simplistic system that it makes
the old MSH game seem infinity complex by comparision. Personally,
after two false starts, I'd put my money back on the old Star
Frontiers line from a few years back.
AQZine #2 2
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AQDry Gulch / Adventures in the Old West
Playing an Adventurer - By Neale Davidson
-----------------------------------------
An Adventure Quest game session revolves around the
interaction between you, other players, actos, and your Game
Master as events unfold during play. This chapter presents some of
the rules you and the GM need for a smooth running game.
Your job as Player
You must bear one thought in mind when playing Adventure
Quest: your GM has gone to much effort to learn and adjudicate the
adventure. All his decisions are final and should not be
challenged during the game. If you disagree with any of these
decisions, take the GM aside after the game and talk it over. He may
have acted upon information that you don't know, or slightly changed
some rules to make the game different, more exciting, or less
predictable. Your GM is under no obligation to explain any result,
as the explanation could reveal information that your adventurer
should not have.
Use of Dice
Dice with different numbers of sides are required to play AQ.
At a minimum, you'll need to d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and a d20.
Percentile rolls can be rolled with two ten-sided dice, with one dice
representing the tens digit and one the one's digit. Usually,
when you roll percentile, the darker die is the ten's digit.
Playing Modes
Play occurs in one of three modes, which are mainly
defined by their time-keeping requirements during play.
SUMMARIZED ACTIONS MODE. When adventurers must perform a
series of mundane actions that are not pertinent to the plot or
enjoyment of the adventure, the GM may simply state these things are
occuring, thus briefly summarizing a long time passsage. If a player
feels it's important to clarify an action during this time, the GM
may switch to Free Action Mode.
FREE ACTIONS MODE. For most of an adventure session you will
play in near real time. The GM freely accepts actions stated by the
players and gives the results of those actions. This mode of play is
suspended only when a GM decides to summarize a long time period or
when melee is initiated.
MELEE ACTIONS MODE. When adventurers, creatures, and
actors come into conflict with each-other, the GM places the game into
melee mode. Time is broken down into four second combat rounds.
Each round, the GM hands out information about the combat, asks
for adventurer actions, and reports the results. This cycle is
repeated until the melee ends, at which point the GM switches to
Free Action Mode.
AQZine #2 3
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Combat
DISTANCE. When the opportunity exists for adventurers to
encounter other creatures or actors, your GM will determine at
what distance you are from them. You adventurer must have Line of
Sight (LOS), an unobstructed viewing path, to see his opponents.
Indoors or underground, this generally means he must be in the same
room or corridor. Outdoors, the prevailing light conditions, the type
of plant life, and the general terrain are all factors that the GM
must consider.
ORDER OF MELEE. A Round is an exchange of blows between two or
more opponents. A round lasts four seconds, 15 rounds per minute, and
is the time unit of combat. The following Order of Actions imposes
order on an inherently chaotic situation:
1) Determine Initiative. Initiative indicates the order in
which each side plans and performs its actions. A representative from
each group rolls 2d6 and the results determine the order, highest to
lowest, in which actions are taken. If a tie results, the players (not
the GM) always wins.
2) Informational Questions. The GM takes questions from the
players about the current situation and answers them according to the
adventurer's knowledge at the time. Players may talk with each-other
about the situation, about playing style and rules questions, but may
not talk to each-other about their next actions.
3) Action Preparation. The GM asks all players to prepare
their actions. Each player must decide what his adventurer will do
during the upcoming round. Players may not talk to each other during
this time.
4) Statements of Actions. One at a time, the GM asks each
player what his adventurer's actions are for the round. Since these
actions are occuring simultaneously, the order of the call is
unimportant. As each action is revealed, the GM asks the player to
make any needed rolls. The player should roll the requested dice and
announce the results.
5) Results. After all actions have been stated and resolved,
the GM announces the results of the actions phase. This includes
people or creatures falling to the ground, incidental noise, movement,
or visions. The players may ask questions here if the results are
unclear, but the GM may refuse to answers those questions for whatever
reasons.
6) Outcome Phase. After all actions have been stated and
resolved, the GM also announces the outcome of any occurances that are
not the direct result of adventurers, actors, or creatures involved in
the combat. This includes things like large falling objects,
explosions, and other disasters.
SURPRISE. When two groups meet, they may not notice
one-another immediately. If this is true, and the non-surprise groups
attempts a combat action, the GM will allow the surprisers a free
round of action. When the surprised party does notice, the GM will
start the combat as normal.
Actions
Of course, there are many different actions an adventurer may
take during a round, but they usually fall into one of a few different
classes. Each of these is described below to give you and idea of what
your adventurer may do during melee.
AQZine #2 4
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MOVEMENT. It is often neccessary to maneuver during combat.
Each adventurer has a Movement Rate that is the distance he may move
in a round when not in direct melee. Normal movement rates for people
in clothes is 45 feet per round. This can be modified by your GM
according to terrain, obstacles, or circumstances.
STRIKING. When two opponents are within five feet of
each-other, they are considered "in melee", trading attacks with
intent to harm. To determine if a hand-to-hand attack is successful,
the attacker rolls 1d20, adds his Combat Modifier, plus any other
appropriate bonuses, to the result, and compares that total to the
Combat Defense Value of the opponent. The total must equal or exceed
the CDV to score a hit.
HITTING. Missile weapons, such as bows, are used very much
like HTH weapons, except that you use the Missile Modifier against the
Defender's Missile Defense Value.
SHOOTING. Projectile guns, such as shotguns or pistols, use
the Projectile Modifier against the Defender's Projectile Defense
Value.
DAMAGE. If a hit has been scored, either by Hitting, Striking,
or Shooting, then damage will result. The Attacker rolls the die
indicated by his weapon and then the Defender subtracts that amount
from his running DP total.
GRAPPLING. Whenever an adventurer is within melee range of an
opponent, he may attempt to grapple rather than strike at the opponent
with a weapon. The adventurer must drop anything he is holding at the
beginning of the round so that both hands are free. The Attacker then
rolls 1d20 and adds his Grapple Modifier against the Defender's
Grapple Defense Value.
If the grapple succeeds, the defender is held. The Defender
cannot act until he breaks free of this hold (a 4d6 STR check.) Each
additional person adds one die to this check. If this check fails,
each additional attempt to break free is made at one additional die
harder.
The attacker may grapple-to-throw, if he so desires. To do
this, the attacker first grapples his opponent. The thrower then
determines which direction he is throwing the victim. The GM
determines how much damage occurs and how far the victim was thrown.
Using Skills in AQ
When your adventurer must perform a specific task during play,
success or failure is determined by a skill check or a stat check,
Having an applicable skill gives him a better chance of succeeding,
and the higher the skill value, the greater the chance for success.
To check skill use, your GM will ask you to roll some
six-sided dice. If you roll your adventurer's skill value or less, he
has successfully applied that skill.
Simple tasks require a roll of 1d6. Moderately difficult tasks
will require 2d6, and difficult tasks will require 3d6 or more. The GM
is the final authority on needed rolls and can apply any modifiers he
feels appropriate.
Defaulting a Skill
If your adventurer attemps to use a skill he doesn't have, or
fails at an acquired skill, he may skill try, but the check is against
that skill's associated stat. This is called defaulting. The total
number of d6 to be rolled is that given by the GM, plus the number of
extra dice shown for that skill.
AQZine #2 5
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Resistance Checks
Resistance Checks (RC) are a measure of your adventurer's
resistance to various effects. When you are subject to such an effect,
your GM will state what the effect is, which stat to check against,
and how strong the effect is by announcing how many dice you need to
roll to resist that effect. Roll that many dice, and if you roll equal
to or lower than your rank in the appropriate stat, you succeed the
resistance check and the effect is weakened or negated.
Dying and Falling Unconscious
If you fight you are very likely to get hurt! When an
adventurer is damaged he must temporarily subtract that number of
damage points from his damage point total. If the total goes below
zero, the adventurer dies immediately.
If an adventurer's DP total is between zero and five, the
player must roll his current DP total or more to remain conscious. If
he fails this roll, the adventurer immediately falls unconscious.
When, and if, an unconscious adventurer recovers DP through natural or
mystical healing, he may reroll to wake up. This is automatic once six
DP is reached.
Weapons and Their Effects
Adventurers may employ many different weapons in combat. Each
weapon is unique in the amount of damage it can do. Weapon Type is the
broad class of each weapon as Edged, Pointed, Blunt, or Defensive. The
Range column indicates the weapon's maximum range, if there is any.
The damage column indicates the amount of damage which is inflicted on
the target. The style of weapon indicates whether CDV, MDV, or PDV is
used for this weapon.
Weapon Type Range Damage Style
Bow/Arrow Pierce 160' 1d8 MDV
Cannon Pierce 500' 5d10 PDV
Club Blunt - 1d6 CDV
Knife (held) Edged - 1d4 CDV
Knife (thrown) Edged 25' 1d2 MDV
Pistol Pierce 100' 1d10 PDV
Rifle Pierce 200' 1d8 PDV
Critical Hits
On any attack roll, a roll of one will always miss, and a roll
of twenty will always hit for double the stated damage. A natural
twenty is referred to as a 'critical hit'.
Weapon Specialization Skills
You may increase your adventurer's ability to use specific
weapons by buying the appropriate weapon specialization skill. You buy
this skill seperately for each weapon you wish to specialize in. Skill
in any weapon gives you additional options during combat for multiple
attacks, better accuracy, and higher damage. Generally, a bonus of
plus one is provided for each dice sucessfully rolled under a skill.
AQZine #2 6
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Stressing Stats
If desired, adventurers can push themselves beyond the normal
limits of their stats by stressing. This means that one point of the
stressed stat is permanently expended to gain some effect. A single
stat may not be stressed more than once in a melee, and two stats may
not be stressed at the same time. Stressing may be done at any time,
but is mostly done during melee and does not count as an action.
Stressing cannot not be used for any skill checks, even for
default rolls. To stress a stat, state to the GM that your adventurer
is stressing this round.
STRENGTH. Stressing STR during a combat round means your
adventurer is making a heroic effoert against his opponent. He gains a
+10 modifier to both his to-strike and damage rolls for that round.
HEALTH. Stressing HEA will enable the adventurer to
automatically remain conscious when he is between zero and five DP.
All statistics except for Comeliness may be stressed to
improve Resistance Checks by two dice.
Between Adventures
Your adventurer does not disappear from existance at the end
of an adventure, and the reappear at the beginning of the next. While
there are many things he may do which are of little consequence to the
ongoing adventures, your GM may allow you to specify some ofhis
actions between adventures. Here are a few of the activities in which
he may be involved.
EMPLOYMENT. Your adventurer may pick a particular skill, such
as barber, to be his profession. He can earn money in this employment
which both pays for living expenses and provides him some extra cash.
To be hired on a skill, that skill must first be at rank seven. From
then on, each game week between adventures, he profits his rank in
cents, multiplied by one tenth of the base cost of that skill.
STUDYING. Your adventurer may also want to study certain
skills while not adventuring, such as cartography. Adventurers in
study gain 1d6 times 100 experience points per game month he is out of
play.
Next Month
Next issue will provide details on the Indian Tribes and their
spritual powers. Future installments will see the town of Dry Gulch
explained in detail, along with its surroundings, and GM's rules for
running Western-style adventures.
AQZine #2 7
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Beasts and Denizens
Creatures of the Deep - By Neale Davidson
-----------------------------------------
Sailing along, innocently, on the seas of Jearn is not a
simple thing to do. You see, there's life under the waves, and not all
of its is friendly. As your neighbouring Lizardman can tell you, some
things that are down there just aren't worth meeting, though they can
be tasty on a plate.
PIRANHA
Size 8" to 10" long
Weight 2 pounds
Move Land none / Air none / Sea 50'
DP 2
MOD CM 10 / MM 0 / GM 0
DV CDV 6 / MDV 9 / GDV 15
DMG 1d6
Habitat Tropical Waters, usually rivers
Skills Frequent Eating 5
Tracking (Blood) 10
Multiple Attacks 5
Piranha are nasty creatures which do only one thing, and do it
quite well. They eat, quickly, efficiently. Pirhana are amoung
the most feared predators of warm water climates. There have
been several instances of humans unfortunate enough to be
caught in Piranha infested waters being eaten alive and
stripped to the bone in minutes. While individual Piranha do
little damage in one strike, they strike often and usually in
numbers of twenty or more. Piranha are basically stupid
creatures and will act only to eat or track blood. They enter
feeding frenzies when in contact with blood. Piranha in frenzy
will attack one-another as well as the victim.
GIANT SQUID
Size 60'
Weight 2 tons
Move Land none / Air none / Sea 20'
DP 48
MOD CM 4 / MM 0 / GM 8
DV CDV 3 / MDV 3 / GDV 15
DMG 2d10 (Teeth), 1d6 (Tentacle)
Habitat Any Deep Waters
Skills Constricting 3
Ink Jet 4
Multiple Attacks 12 (Tentacle)
Mostly a predator of giant fish, Giant Squid have been known
to attack large game, such as humans, who are unfortunate
enough to venture near them. Giant Squids generally use their
tentacles to subdue its prey, before taking it into their
mouths. Each of a Squid's tentacles can act independantly, but
do so usually only to constrict a large object, such as a
ship. A Tentacle of a Giant Squid can be removed once it has
suffered 10 points of damage. Once the Giant Squid has lost a
tentacle, or has suffered great damage from its intended prey,
it will project a strong masking cloud of ink and jet away to
its home. Because of their sheer size, Squids make easy
targets for both combat and missile weapons.
AQZine #2 8
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URCHIN
Size 3'
Weight 25 pounds
Move Land 35' / Air none / Sea 35'
DP 8
MOD CM 3 / MM 3 / GM 0
DV CDV 6 / MDV 6 / GDV 15
DMG 1d4 (up to 30' range)
Habitat Warm Coastlines, shallow waters
Skills Multiple Attacks 8
Lethal Poison 3
Urchins, like oysters, have the ability to create pearls. That
said, it is understanable why some adventurers make it a habit
of hunting down these rather dangerous creatures. Urchins are
covered in a number of spines which generally carry a strong,
often lethal poision. The poison lowers the victim's HEA by
one point per round unless an antidote is given. HEA lost in
this way is recovered at one point per day. Once the
victim's HEA reaches zero, they are dead. A 3d6 save
against HEA will negate the effect of the poison. Urchins are
most dangerous because of their ability to launch their
spines up to thirty feet away at an attacker, and have
a virutally unlimited supply of ammo. Urchins, fortunately,
are largely scavengers and seldom strike out against a large
being unless threatened.
JELLYFISH
Size 2'
Weight Ounces
Move Land None / Air none / Sea 25'
DP 1
MOD CM 0 / MM 0 / GM 0
DV CDV 6 / MDV 6 / GDV 6
DMG 1d2
Habitat Tropical shallow waters
Skills Rash Poision 5 (or Lethal Poison 5)
Stealth 10
Jellyfish are simple creatures, and a wonder to behold. Their
beautiful forms bring a majesty to the seas as they gently
guide on the currents, eating plankton. The are, in general,
harmless creatures, unless attacked or accidently run into.
Jellyfish are nearly invisible from a distance, and if they
are approached from any speed. This is most unfortunate for
the poisons of the Jellyfish are quite strong, and more than
one person has died due to an accidental collision. Most
Jellyfish have an irratant poison, which will simply cause the
victim to suffer one die penalties on his actions for one
hour. A 5d6 roll against HEA will negate this effect. Some
Jellyfish, however, have a much stronger posion, which is very
quick to act. This poison will halve the target's HEA per
round until it reaches zero, at which point the target dies.
Each round, the target must roll 5d6 against his HEA to negate
this poison, which obviously gets harder as time passes. Cures
to this poison do exist. Jellyfish are normally docile
creates, and can be best be slain at a distance with spells
such as lightning bolt (for schools) or minibolt (for a single
target).
AQZine #2 9
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ELECTRIC EEL
Size 2' long
Weight 2 pounds
Move Land none / Air none / Sea 70'
DP 4
MOD CM 5 / MM 0 / GM 0
DV CDV 6 / MDV 9 / GDV 15
DMG 1d10
Habitat Deep Waters
Skills None
Electric Eels are more impressive to look at than anything
else. By their nature, these eels generate a strong electric
current which sometimes causes their bodies to glow with a
soft pale light. Their usual prey is smaller fish, though they
have been known to attack larger creatures. The attack of the
electric eel is its shock, which it can generate at will when
it strikes an opponent. The shock causes some damage, which
can be halved by a 3d6 resistance check against HEA. Electric
eels care little about their prey, and will eat whatever is
easiest to defeat, as such, it will leave larger prey alone if
something smaller is in the area.
There Always be Alternatives
Stacked Skill Rolls - By Neale Davidson
---------------------------------------
There has been the argument placed, by several people, that
the skill system should work more like R Talisoran's Cyberpunk game.
What it means is this, the skills should directly modify their base
stats, and skill rolls should be made in one roll, instead of
potentially two.
There is a relatively easy mechanic to use for this case, it
is called (at least, by me,) stacked skills.
Basically, stacked skill rolls work like this, add the stat
and the skill together, then roll the number of dice indicated by the
GM. If the die roll is lower than or equal to the stat plus skill, the
roll is successful.
With this rule, all stat and skill checks are made the same
way, with no need for defaulting or extra dice. Default rolls are stat
checks with no modifiers. Skills which cannot be defaulted cannot be
rolled against since some knowledge of the skill is needed for the
attempt.
The only major change the DM has to use is that his skill
checks will need to be made from one to two dice harder than before.
For convience sake, a small chart of dice and difficulty is presented
here.
Trivial - 1d6 Medium - 3d6 Hard - 5d6
Easy - 2d6 Difficult - 4d6 "Impossible" - 6d6
The system works, and its fairly easy. It will, however, shift
the way some of the default works as compared to 'canon' AQ. Skills
with several extra-dice (like three or four) will be much easier to
default upon than before. The GM, as always, has final say on the
rolls.
AQZine #2 10
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Myths and Legends
Tost, God of Vengence - By Neale Davidson
-----------------------------------------
Domain
Tost stands for justice taken to the extreme. Law has been
forgotten in his eyes, and compassion is spent on the weak. Vengence
is an ice-cold hand which is hard as iron and as sharp as a razor.
History
Tost, according to legend, was once a high-ranking priest of
T'or. He had conquered several lands, defeated some of the most
powerful constructs of Rudri, and had fast grown to be one of the most
powerful mortals on Jearn.
But Tost has made many enemies along the way, from both those
he fought actively, and some of the more jealous members of his own
church. As news of Tost's victories reached home, his very brothers
plotted against him. As he defeated his known enemies, his secret foes
had stolen his lands, and usurped his power.
Tost returned to Karfelon to find his position in the
priesthood stolen by a rival. Tost merely drew in a deep breath and
looked upon the treacherous one with disdain. Enraged, the betrayer
went to Tost's home with the intent to kill him. Tost himself was not
there, but his family died in the assault.
When Tost learned of the attack, he demanded that the
treacherous one reveal himself. But the corruption of the church kept
the murderer's identity hidden. Enraged beyond comparison, Tost cursed
the Priests of T'or, whom had secretly already lost their power, and
swore that he would never again serve a god who would allow such vile
men to serve him.
Tost began serious and grim, exactly justice swiftly and
coldly, striking terror into his enemies. Justice alone was not
enough. The guilty, in his eyes, must be made to suffer. Tost's thrist
for vengence became legendary. Tost's quests gave him more power, and
in a short time he no longer needed the powers and discipline of T'or.
Tost honed his new abilities and became powerful enough to
challenge even T'or. When battle ensued, Tost's rage shook the very
planet. It is believed that T'or won the battle, because T'or's
prominance did not diminish, but that Tost had, as a result of the
battle, ascended to godhood himself.
Now Tost serves as a constant reminder to those who defy T'or.
Where T'or shows mercy, Tost does not. He has become the ultimate
punisher, and the deliverer of death.
Motivation
Tost's motto is "On the wicked, kindness is no virtue, and
cruelty is no vice!". In essence, that is what all of his minions
believe. The wicked should be punished, severely, for their crimes.
While the minions of Tost only hunt down what they consider as evil,
their actions upon that evil are vicious and cruel. In their view, the
wicked deserve to learn the pain of hell before they are sent there.
AQZine #2 11
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Structure
Each priest is represented within the temple by a following of
other priests or 'civilians'. These followers swear loyalty and
obedience to their master and will follow his orders strictly to the
letter. The priest with the most followers in the Citadel is called
the Grand Master.
ORGANIZATION. The Grand Master is the sole ruler of the
Citadel. He is chosen by his followers in a ceremony where Tost
himself is said to show his favor. The Grand Master commands the
Generals, who then command the lower ranks. Actual rankings of the
priesthood are shown by the color of the gloves and cape. Initiatives
wear white, captains wear beige, majors wear tan, generals wear brown,
and the Grand Master himself wears red.
REQUIREMENTS. Those aspiring to be priests of any rank in the
Citadel of Tost must be both strong and hearty (a STR and HEA of 15
will suffice). They must be shown to be honorable and obedient. They
are then tested by dispensing justice on a captured criminal. The
handling of the dispatchment of vengence will determine the
eligibility of the would-be priest.
DUTIES. The single purpose for all priests of Tost is to hunt
down and slay (if the condemned is lucky enough) criminals. In
particular, Tost priests will hunt down any construct of Rudri. Tost
priests have also sworn to aid Anubis by sending his followers to him.
Priests are also expected to aid other followers and to obey the
commands of their superiors.
Advancement
Advancement comes to the priest when his superior considers
him an equal. This is generally measure in skills, but can also mean
in manner and presence. An intelligent and honorable priest is more
likely to advance than a merely powerful one. An honorable and
powerful priest is likely to go far. The position of Grand Master is
only replaced upon his death.
Traditions
Order is, if possible, even more important to the Tost Priests
than it is to the T'orites. The Tost Priests have view laws, and they
are strictly obeyed.
The condemned deserve no mercy, and should be given no
quarter. If you must choose between slaying the condemned, and saving
an innocent, then slay the condemned so that no more innocents need
suffer. The condemned should suffer for every sin he has commited, and
for every victim he has tortured.
The Priests of Tost will use whatever means neccessary to
defeat the condemned, so long as no other persons are involved. There
should be no needless complexities in their duty, and the cold hand
should strike firmly.
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CLOTHING. Priests of Tost almost always wear armor, usually of
leather and plate. The armor is generally adorned with the traditional
ranking marks of the gloves and cape. The cape itself is optional, as
it tends to get in the way at times. These Priests can use any weapon,
though long swords are preferred.
Worship
Worshiping ceremonies are generally brief and very profound.
Simple prayers to watch over the innocent and to punish the condemned
are offered at morning-rise.
DONATIONS. Some donations are accepted to maintain the Citadel
itself, but it is hardly lavish. Most funds are kept by the Priests to
maintain their gear and rations. Avarice is frowned upon.
OBLIGATIONS. All priests are expected to answer to the Grand
Master when needed. Generally, priests will remain with their smaller
groups, with one higher ranking preist, and perform their duties and
hunts on their own.
PENANCE. Those Tost Priests found to be one of the condemned
are tortured for days on end, sent to hell a bit at a time, to atone
for the shame he has brought on his Citadel. This act of penance has
rarely happened.
HOLIDAYS AND CEREMONIES. The Priests have only one holdiay and
formal ceremony, and that is when a new Grand Master must be chosen.
This is a somber occaision, filled with mourning Priests. The end of
the ceremony sees the sword of the Grand Master pointing to his
successor.
Spells
The main distinguishing mark between T'or and Tost is that the
priests of Tost use spells. They are limited in their spell selection,
however, having access to only three groups, and then only to rank ten
in each. Those spells in the Penance group are at double cost.
SWORD. These are the weapon (offensive) spells of the Priest.
Each of these spells manifest through the weapon of the priest, so
he must have a weapon to cast them.
1) Hone
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Self DUR : 4 R EFF : Bonus to Strike
Upon casting this spell, the caster's weapon will
strike for one additional point of damage per round
and will have a +1 on all to-hit rolls. The weapon
must be a combat weapon and must remain in the
caster's hands for the duration.
2) Disrupt
CT : 1 R RC : 3d6 HEA AREA : 1 Target
TGT : Touch DUR : 4 R EFF : Disrupt SU
When this spell is cast, the caster's weapon will
disrupt the spell energy of the opponent, as well as
cause damage. When the weapon strikes, it will cause
equal damage to the target's SU as the DP. The weapon
must remain in the caster's hands for the duration.
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3) Flame Blade
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : Flaming Weapon
The caster's weapon, with this spell, becomes encased
in red hot flame for the duration of the spell. While
the caster himself suffers no damage, when the weapon
strikes, it will cause an additional 2d6 damage from
flame. The weapon must remain in the caster's hands
for the duration.
4) Razor
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : Double Damage
When this spell is cast upon his weapon, all
successful strikes with it will cause double the
indicated damage for the duration. The weapon must
remain in the caster's hands for the duration.
5) Scramble
CT : 1 R RC : 3d6 WIL AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Touch DUR : 8 R EFF : Reduce WIL, PWR
When this spell is cast upon his weapon, any
strike with the weapon will reduce the target's WIL
and PWR by one point. (A 3d6 RC against WIL will
negate this effect.) WIL and PWR lost in this way can
be regained one point per day of rest. If WIL or PWR
reach zero, the victim dies. The weapon must remain
in the caster's hands for the duration.
6) Eldritch Bolt
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Touch DUR : 8 R EFF : Fire Shards
The caster's weapon, with this spell, becomes encased
in red hot flame as per Flame Blade. The blade can
also shoot forth 1d10 energy bolts at a range of 60'
for the duration of the spell. To-hit rolls are needed
for the energy bolts to strike their taget. The
weapon must remain in the caster's hands for the
duration.
7) Sleepbringer
CT : 1 R RC : 4d6 HEA AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Touch DUR : 8 R EFF : Unconsciousness
This spell will temporarily enchant the caster's
weapon so that each hit with it will force the target
to succeed a 4d6 RC against their HEA or fall
unconscious from the sheer pain. The weapon will
otherwise cause normal damage and must be in the
caster's hands for the duration.
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8) Dispel Magic
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : Nulls Magic
This spell will temporarily grant the caster's weapon
with the ability to destroy any magical effects with 8
SU or lesser on contact with the weapon. If striking a
person, 8 SU from that person are lost. The weapon
will otherwise cause normal damage and must be
in the caster's hands for the duration.
9) Firebringer
CT : 1 R RC : 4d6 HEA AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : Intense Flame
This spell acts much the same as Eldritch Bolt, but
the weapon is encased in white hot flame. Combat
strikes cause 3d10 damage from flame, and the energy
bolts strike for 2d10 damage for the duration of the
spell. No to-hit rolls are needed for the energy
bolts to strike their taget, but the target can
roll a 4d6 HEA RC to halve the damage from the bolts.
The weapon must remain in the caster's hands for the
duration.
10) Deathbringer
CT : 1 R RC : 5d6 HEA AREA : 1 Weapon
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : Death Blow
A frieghtining spell, this will enchant the caster's
weapon so that each hit with it could kill the target
if he fails a 5d6 RC against his HEA. The weapon will
otherwise cause normal damage and must be in the
caster's hands for the duration.
SHIELD. These are the defensive spells of the Priest. Each
of these spells manifest through the shield of the priest, so he
must have a shield readied to cast them.
1) Aura
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 10 R EFF : Weak Force Field
The caster, through his sheild, can generate an energy
Aura for the duration of this spell. On the first
round, this aura can absorb ten points of damage. On
the second round, nine points, and so on, until it
fades to nothingness. The caster must be holding on
to his shield for the duration of the spell.
2) Defender
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : +3 to DVs
This spell will enchant the caster's sheild natural
ability to protect the caster from damage. When cast,
the caster's CDV, MDV, and GDV all increase by three
point, making him harder to hit. The caster must be
holding on to his shield for the duration of the
spell.
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3) Deflect
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : Deflect Attacks
The caster, with this spell, can deflect any oncoming
combat and missile attacks. To do this, he needs to
roll higher on a d20 than his attacker. The deflected
attack causes no damage. The caster must be holding
on to his shield for the duration of the spell.
4) Flame Shield
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 8 R EFF : Fire Shield
Through his sheild, the caster generates a swirling
flame sheild around him. Persons striking this sheild
will suffer the full damage from their own attacks
while the caster suffers only half damage. This does
not protect against magical effects. The caster must
be holding on to his shield for the duration of the
spell.
5) Force Wall
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 8 R EFF : +5 to DVs
This spell will enchant the caster's sheild natural
ability to protect the caster from damage. The CDV and
MDV of the caster are raised by five points and the
caster cannot be grappled. The caster must be holding
on to his shield for the duration of the spell.
6) Improved Aura
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 10 R EFF : Force Field
Simliar to the Aura spell, except that the spell
starts with twenty points of abosorption power and
reduces at a rate of two per round. The caster must
be holding on to his shield for the duration of the
spell.
7) Reflection
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 8 R EFF : Bounce Attacks
Through his sheild, the caster generates a swirling
mist sheild around him. Any physical attack striking
during this time will be reversed on the attacker.
Magical attacks of less than 7 SU will be turned back
upon the attack. Greater magical attacks will either
be halved in damaged or resisted at two die easier
than normal. The caster must be holding on to his
shield for the duration of the spell.
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8) Energy Shield
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 8 R EFF : Force Field
This spell will create a force field which surrounds
the caster and an area of 30' radius around him. The
force field can absorb 10 points of damage for the
duration of the spell. Persons outside of the sheild
must cut through by causing more than ten points of
damage at the shield's radius. The caster must be
holding on to his shield for the duration of the
spell.
9) Absorption
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : Absorp SU
This spell will enable the caster to absorb an
recharge from any magical attack directed against him
of 9 SU or lesser. The spell aimed at him will not
manifest, and will instead go to recharge the priest's
SU points. The caster must be holding on to his
shield for the duration of the spell.
10) Invulnerability
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Shield
TGT : Touch DUR : 6 R EFF : Protection
The casting of this spell will enable the caster to be
completely immune to all physical attacks for the
duration of the spell. In addition, a magical attacks
designed to cause damage are automatically halved.
Other magical attacks can be resisted at two dice
easier than normal. The caster must be holding on to
his shield for the duration of the spell.
PENANCE. The Penance group represents the abilities of the
preist to detect and conquer evil and the unjust. All spells manifest
with line of sight, and cause the victim to fear some degree of fear,
regardless of his power.
1) Chill
CT : 1 R RC : 3d6 WIL AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : 6 R EFF : Mild Fear
With this spell, the victim will become flustered and
nervous in battle against the caster. All of the
victim's combat rolls against the priest are made at a
negative five penalty for the duration of the spell.
3d6 against WIL negates.
2) Know Patron
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : Instant EFF : Detect Religion
With this spell, the caster can 'sense' which deity
the victim worships. This effect is visible only to
the caster and does not tell the power of the victim.
The target may roll a 4d6 WIL RC to resist the effect
of this spell, but doing so usually tips off the
priest that something is amiss.
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3) Pain Strike
CT : 1 R RC : 3d6 HEA AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : Instant EFF : Cause Pain
The caster, by staring at his opponent, can cause 3d6
damage in pure pain. This effect can be halved by the
victim passing a 3d6 HEA RC.
4) Cold Spine
CT : 1 R RC : 3d6 WIL AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : 8 R EFF : Fear
With this spell, the victim will succumb to
overwhelming fear. All of the actions of the victim
are either at -10 (for d20 rolls), or at a penality of
two dice on any skill checks (this does not affect
future RCs). 3d6 against WIL negates this effect.
5) Agony
CT : 1 R RC : 4d6 HEA AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : Instant EFF : Cause Pain
The caster, by staring at his opponent, can cause 5d6
damage in pure pain. In addition, the victim will lose
one point of HEA. This HEA is regained at the rate of
one point per day of rest. The effects of this spell
can be avoided by the victim passing a 4d6 HEA RC.
6) Know Spirit
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : Instant EFF : Detect Backgrnd
With this spell, the caster can 'sense' if the victim
is a warrior, priest, mage, or other background. He
will also get a vague idea of the power of the victim.
The more powerful, the brighter the glow. The target
may roll a 4d6 WIL RC to resist the effect of this
spell, but doing so usually tips off the priest that
something is amiss.
7) Fear
CT : 1 R RC : 3d6 WIL AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : 8 R EFF : Massive Fear
The victim of this spell will feel the overriding urge
to run as far from the caster as possible. The victim
cannot take any other action except for run away.
Cornered victims will become catatonic. 3d6 against
WIL RC will reduce this effect to that of a Cold Spine
spell.
8) Penance Stare
CT : 1 R RC : 4d6 HEA AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : Instant EFF : Unconsciousness
The caster, by staring at his opponent, can cause the
victim to pass out from pain, reducing the victim's DP
to zerp in the process. The victim can avoid this fate
altogethre by passing a 4d6 HEA RC.
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9) Know Comdemned
CT : 1 R RC : None AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : Instant EFF : See Stats
With this spell, the caster will know everything about
the victim he needs, such as exact stat values, DP and
SU, which spells are known, what deity he worships,
skills known, and other such information. The caster
will not learn the history or motives of the victim,
but will know effectively everything statistically
relavent. The target may roll a 4d6 WIL RC to
resist the effect of this spell.
10) Destruction
CT : 1 R RC : 5d6 WIL AREA : 1 Person
TGT : 60' LOS DUR : Instant EFF : Destroy Soul
With this spell, the victim's soul will be permanently
removed from his body, killing it. A successful RC
will negate this effect. Adventurers killed in this
manner may never be resurrected in any form.